The Catamount Special Senior 2017 Issue by Cougar Media

SENIORS 2017

Class of 2017

The Catamount

Friday, May 12, 2017

Ethan Cohen Assistant Sports Editor

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Sophia North Assistant Editor Basketball, like any team sport, places pressure on the players to succeed not just individually, but as a unit. Through playing basketball, Senior Rae Hughes has grown as both a leader and a play maker, learning not just how to improve her game but how to be openminded to improve relationships with her teamates. This division of individual and group success is what Hughes says she loves most about the game. “The way I play with the team but also challenge myself to achieve individual success for the team is what really made me want to continue playing,” Hughes said. Though she made the girls varsity basketball team as a freshman, Hughes struggled with being confident in herself. “I really had to gain some confidence freshman year, and I had to take the initiative to find that confidence in myself so I would not let the team down,” Hughes said. “If I am not putting in my all when I am on the court, then that is unfair to the people on the benches who would be willing to put in 110%.” Her parent’s unconditional love and support also helped her find the strength within herself to keep working hard and remaining confident in her abilities. “Every day my parents encourage me not only in school but in basketball, even

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if I don’t succeed every time,” Hughes said. “My mom and my dad will go to the end to see me be successful in basketball, so if they are willing to do that, I need to be willing to put my hardest into what I do too.” Hughes’ dedication to the team and confidence in herself have really shown through her accomplishments both inside and outside of basketball, such as TABC All Rergion Team, TABC Academic All-State Team, MVP for district 18-5A, THSCA 2nd Team Girls Basketball Academic All-State Team, TGCA All State and All Academic for 18-5A. At times, she admits that all the practices and games can be overwhelming, but she has accepted the expectations and meets them. “You choose to be a student athlete for a reason,” Hughes said. “You assume this responsibility of balancing school and a sport, and you have to take it on.” Despite the workload and time commitment, Hughes has managed to balance both school and sports through these last four years and now plans to do the same in college as her passion and love for the game takes her from the courts at College Station High School to the courts at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her enduing commitment and success, although not easy, she believes is worth the challenge. “If you succeed, you did that yourself, and that mentality really drives me to do my best in whatever I do,” she said.•

Few athletes are confronted with the challenge of helping build a program from the ground up, and establishing it as a powerhouse. Senior linebacker Mark Wagner embraced this challenge, spearheading a prolific defense that continuously held their own against some of the best teams in the state. His individual role as a leader and playmaker for the Cougars was clear, but for him, it’s all about the team. “It’s the lasting relationships with players and coaches that you never forget,” Wagner said. “That’s what you really take away from playing.” Wagner’s altruistic personality is prevalent in the way he conducts himself both on and off the field, as he prides himself on winning humbly. Although he may not be one to gloat about personal achievement, he greatly values his role as a leader. “I love being a leader,” Wagner said. “I find that when people are looking up to you, you have to push yourself that much harder to keep doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Guys are going to look up to you when times get tough, and I’d like to think of myself as one of those guys that someone can come to if they’re ever in a tough place.” Wagner had a storied career at CSHS taking part in the rise of the program

and helping it propel to new heights every year. His successes over the last years have been remarkable, and his fierce and aggressive playstyle lit up the crowd every Friday night. He was first team-all district his sophomore and junior season, and earned district defensive player of the year as well as all-state honors in his senior season. Wagner’s senior season was the best in school history, and defined the program as a new power. Wagner said he will look back and treasure the time he spent as a Cougar. “It was great to start a program,” Wagner said. “Getting to start a legacy and getting to know all these players and coaches, being a Cougar has been really awesome.” For a school that has had such a slew of successes in its short history, it may be difficult to leave a lasting legacy, but Wagner’s impact on the team and his teammates was special. His selflessness, competitive drive and desire to be great made him a great leader. Wagner was recently admitted into A&M and plans to walk on the football team as a linebacker. Though he has big plans ahead, it’s what he wants to leave behind that is truly special. “I want to be remembered as a guy who was always working hard,” Wagner said. “A guy who was always doing what he was supposed to be doing, a headhunter, and someone who had a positive impact on the football field, in the weight room and as a Cougar.”•

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Friday, May 12, 2017

The Catamount

Amelia Kurk Editor-in-Chief

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Emelie Gulde Executive Editor As a well-known and much loved public speaking mogul and Red Bull connoisseur, Phoebe Fu is off to create a voice of her own at George Washington University, in the International Politics Cohort of 20 other women. Throughout her high school career she has participated in debate and model UN, both to great success. Fu worked hard in her events, and that dedication is what has made her who she is today and gives her confidence going into this new life stage. Debate taught Fu how to lead others through differences, to lose and take pride in others’ success, Fu said. Being new to the country at the beginning of the year, Fu learned valuable education skills from debate, but also cultural cues and how to relax around others. “I learned how to not be so robotic and how to joke with others,” Fu said. “In the beginning I had a cultural and language barrier.” Facing difficult physical challenges her sophomore year did not stop Fu. However that year she competed and ended up placing district champion. “Lhermann had his arms crossed, his eyes were tearing up and he said I’m so proud of you all I didn’t realize how much he cared about all of us until that

point,” Fu said. Living without her parents, the ‘independent’ portion of the college experience will not be revolutionary, but the independence that she has experienced will help her focus on other priorities. Everyday activities like doing dishes and managing a schedule have been a part of her daily life for a while, as Fu learned to support herself both physically and mentally. “[My parents] have influenced me by pushing me away from them,” Fu said. Fu’s mother would pull an item out of the fridge and ask Phoebe to convince her to buy it. This simple exercise was is the root of her skills in debate and success in many areas. “My parents have a very different philosophy in education...my mom was very encouraging of critical thinking,” Fu said. As a junior, Fu’s mindset was very different. Unlike her older, wiser self, Fu was hyper-critical in many situations, from schoolwork to relationships with friends. “I wish I let myself balance things a little bit more instead of pressuring myself to study and work,” Fu said. Overall Fu’s dedication to becoming a better debater has helped her experience numerous accomplishments and disappointments. Like a debate, sometimes you can’t win them all.•

Like the quantum particles that fascinate him, unpredictability has marked senior Jason Tan’s academic and personal journeys. He admits that finding his way to a pursuit of the sciences was a happy accident that led to his success at the state and international levels in chemistry. As a kid, Tan believed he was on a determined path to a career in soccer. That path veered when he signed up to participate in the CSMS Science Bowl. This encounter led him to his life’s philosophy—meaning comes from pursuing an interest that leads to purpose driven by competition. “The biggest impact of enjoying the sciences was finding that there is some sort of application to everything we do,” Tan said. “It granted this greater purpose to high school. What we learn here does have relevance to what we do.” Tan’s high school career has been a study in finding relevance, and with an innate curiosity about the world, he finds relevancy in surprising places. “I’ve really taken my interest in science and broadened it in terms of enjoying language classes I take,” he said. Tan believes that high school offers two types of challenges for students willing to work hard. There are the publicly acclaimed achievements and the

Class of 2017

more personal achievements. “My flashiest honor would be my research being recognized and being able to compete at the international level,” he said. “But for personal achievements, I’d name auditioning for All-State on piano because of its endless pursuit of perfection.” Drawing on his well-rounded foundation in academics, Tan plans to pursue degrees that combine multiple fields. “I’m looking at biochemistry and bioengineering,” he said. “We have to find a purpose for what we do, and I think those would fulfill my purpose of being able to combine chemistry with some of the health sciences.” Regardless of his future specialization, there is no doubt that Tan will always maintain a thirst for knowledge. His current preoccupation lies in philosophy. “I’m gradually trying to reason through what it is that actually matters to me,” he said. “Both science and philosophy are very methodical, starting with a big question and whittling down what we know in pursuit of truth.” Ultimately, the beauty of Tan’s journey holds keys for others interested in the sciences. “If anyone stumbles onto my story and has any interest in science, I would say keep an open mind,” he said. “That’s the takeaway for how I fell into science.”•

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Class of 2017

The Catamount

Friday, May 12, 2017

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Kalindi Desai Managing Editor Senior Lauren Roe happened to join a theatre class her freshman year by accident, but that accident has proven to be a coincidence that has changed her in many different ways. “When I was a freshman, I was very quiet and like a little business woman. I was 100% a completely different person,” Roe said. “It was kind of a transformation where I couldn’t tell you why it happened or how it happened.” According to Roe, theatre has helped her realize what she likes to do and what makes her happy. She has broken out of her shell and flourished into the person she was meant to be because of the theatre program. “I started thinking that it was okay to be naturally who I was instead of fitting into a mold of what other people wanted to think I was,” Roe said. “Therefore, the weird outgoing Lauren we know today was born.” Roe’s passion for theatre arts has not only changed her personality, but it has also changed how she interacts with others, forming friendships that will last for a lifetime. “I’m a very relationship based person, where I used to be very lone-wolf,” Roe said. “Now I appreciate talking to

people and getting to know them.” As for the future, Roe will be attending Baylor University in the fall. While this was not her first choice, Roe expects amazing things to come from her time at the school. “I had these big plans to go to the big theatre schools like Carnegie Mellon, USC, all these places out of state,” Roe said, “but for my family’s financial and comfort’s sake, they had me stay in Texas.” The opportunities offered in theatre at the college level exceed just acting. There are many more ways to get involved and learn about theatre arts. “The cool thing about being a part of a college program is that there are a lot more opportunities to dip into professional work such as technical and directing work,” Roe said. “Things that are non-acting that could possibly show you all the different ways you are connecting in the industry” Overall, Roe is thankful for the theatre program and how it has shaped her into who is she is today and is thrilled for her future in the theatre industry. “I’m excited for the mystery of it all,” Roe said. “I’m choosing a career that is viewed kind of as the ‘unwise’ path of life. I might not make any money, and I might make some money, but that’s kind of cool to me. I like not knowing what’s going to happen.”•

Abby Hopkins Assistant Editor Lights hold the capacity to capture attention, to steal glances. Whether it be a light show or simply the screen of a phone glowing, the human eye is drawn to illumination. Senior Braedon Lawless is drawn to the other side: being able to control the lights that evoke this awe from an audience. “The lights on a stage can give a scene a different feel,” Lawless said. “During rehearsal I take notes of where the actors stand and walk. I read the play carefully to get a feel of the show. Then, I begin bringing lights on stage and recording cues. During the show, I make sure every single cue goes off.” Having been a part of the theatre program for four years, Lawless said he first joined because he liked the stage, thought acting was cool and wanted to help the department in any way possible. “I signed up for tech, and it was so amazing to see the world that happens beyond the stage,” Lawless said. Throughout high school, Lawless has earned multiple awards, including the “New Best Technician” and “Best Technician” from his student class, two best techs from UIL and three best tech crew awards from UIL. However, for him, the real prize is not found in his awards. “Honestly, the most rewarding part

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has to be when I try to do something cool with lighting, and my friends and directors think it’s cool,” Lawless said. “I always try to impress my cast and the people that have taught me so much.” Despite the appreciation from those in the theatre department, Lawless said the hardest part about tech theatre is the lack of recognition from the audience. “After the shows everyone runs up to the actors and tells them good job; tech doesn’t get that,” Lawless said. However, Lawless’s love for theatre has prompted him to continue pursuing it in college. Lawless will go to Blinn for two years and then he hopes to major in theatre education at another school. “I originally wanted to go into lighting, but my directors showed me how fun and rewarding being able to teach theatre was,” Lawless said. “I can’t wait to hopefully put on amazing shows like my directors have one day.” After college, Lawless said he hopes to get a job teaching students and put on shows that the school, the parents and even the students will be proud of. “I sat down and thought about what I wanted to do the rest of my life, and all the answers led me back to theatre,” Lawless said. “I love theatre so much. I love every piece of art that goes into it. I’ll always have these memories with my friends, and I’ll get better, and I’ll grow and be ready for that dream job.”•

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Friday, May 12, 2017

The Catamount

Alina Dhanani Opinions Editor

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Emelie Gulde Executive Editor Soon to be making new memories at MIT, Jeremy Dudo will be leaving to the beat of his own drum. He has contributed to College Station High School through his involvement in band and drumline, among other activities. The benefits of taking part in a student organization where dedication is so important have made a lasting impact on Dudo’s life and outlook on personal discipline. “I like to pretend that I have three strikes, if I get one or two mistakes early in the beginning it’s like I got them all out of the way, so from here on I’m just going to play it perfectly,” Dudo said. “I practice five days a week for at least an hour outside of the class period.” In order to have success in band, the class period is not enough time to master an instrument to the extent that is required. The time requirement is dependent on student dedication, and loyalty

to others in the program. “I practice five days a week for at least an hour outside of class,” Dudo said. “Playing is a lot more difficult [than listening] because when you are just listening you get to hear the final product, playing you have to put up with about 8 months of it sounding pretty horrible.” Part of participation in band is the emphasis of cooperation between groups and with others, highlighting coordination and respect. “ P e r forming in a concerto was my favorite part because it was eight months of practicing culminating into something really fun,” Dudo said. Inspiration and destiny shows itself in many forms and in Dudo’s case, appeared in front of him. “When I was younger I saw a kid on the bus playing with drumsticks,” Dudo said. Throughout time, band has often been said to hold importance in many ways, but in the case of Jeremy Dudo, he “just wanted to be able to rock out.”•

i practice five days a week for at least an hour outside of class. -jeremy dudo senior

Class of 2017

For senior Tess Teodoro, the progression of childhood scribbles has become her hobby. “I’ve been scribbling since forever, but that’s not unique. Every kid does that,” Teodoro said. “Unlike others though, I’ve never stopped from there because art is something magical only few understand.” A unique aspect in her art is her mission to tell a story, particularly this year, the story of the journeys of women in literature and lore. “I probably have spent way too much time researching these women’s stories as opposed to actually sketching and telling this history through my art is just such a unique experience,” Teodoro said. As a child, the first signs of Teodoro’s mission to create meaning was seen in her creative personality. “I was meticulous about telling stories through my art that I’d make my mom put a title pages for all my scribbles and they’d be ridiculously specific like, ‘Snake and Pigs Eating Cake’,” Teodoro said. “Art is fun like that and it’s important to treasure it.” In this new technological age, she praises social media outlets that allows for her progression in art and her techniques to further enhance. “Often times, I’ll see something that

I love on Instagram, and I’ll just direct message the artist to ask how they created it, and it’s little things like this that truly allow for us to branch out and learn new things,” Teodoro said. Though Teodoro does not plan on pursuing art, she knows it will continue to be a big part of her life as she double majors in visual arts and molecular engineering at the University of Chicago this fall. “I just wish everyone knew that it’s fine to enjoy things not because you want to be competitive or because you’d like to go into it your entire life, but simply because you enjoy something,” Teodoro said. This same passion for art has not only transformed Teodoro’s life, but has taken her vision and amplified it even more. “Art is the perfect one-way street in which it doesn’t define me, but rather I can define myself through it, and I love every second of showing people a piece of me,” Teodoro said. Collectively, it is these values that Teodoro holds that will continue to distinguish herself among her peers and inspire others. “Aside from pouring all my blood, sweat, and tears into my pieces, there’s something so gratifying in seeing your vision that you’ve held so vividly in your mind translate into real life art--a tangible piece right in front of you,” Teodoro said. “Gratefully, it’s something I’ll never have to forget.”•

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Class of 2017

The Catamount

Friday, May 12, 2017

Tiffany Ha News Editor

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n y l t y a k AJ Jones Senior Editor Senior Kaytlyn Livingston thinks to herself “you finally did it” as the judge shakes her hand to congratulate her on winning Grand Champion overall market at BCYLS 2017. “Winning grand champion at my last show meant all of my hard work over the years had finally been awarded,” Livingston said. Livingston started her journey in the FFA community in the fifth grade and continued throughout her high school career. “I decided to get involved with FFA to show pigs because that’s what my brother did and I wanted to be a part of that,” Livingston said. During Livingston’s eight years as an FFA member, she served as vice president and has competed in ag advocacy and farm business management in addition to raising and showing her pigs. “Competing on teams has made me realize not only what being a team means but what being a family means,” Livingston said. The sense of community stood out to her because of the support and family-like atmosphere throughout her years as a member. “The road trips, hotel rooms, competitions and conventions are all a part of it, and each time I was involved in

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those, I was adding a new member and memory to my FFA family,” Livingston said. “I met people from all over the state of Texas that have the same passion for this amazing organization.” Livingston has been able to experience friendship, sacrifice and love which ultimately helped her make the choice to stay involved in the agriculture community after high school, she said. “[The FFA family] all have each other’s backs and would drop anything just to help the other out,” Livingston said. Livingston has shown stellar leadership as Vice President, winning outstanding senior at the end of the year banquet. As she leaves she hopes to encourage underclassmen. “Don’t let yourself be afraid to try out for a team and compete. Don’t let your fears stand in your way,” Livingston said. Livingston’s love for agriculture has grown due to her involvement in ag classes, her leadership roles and the FFA organization. “I feel as though it will open new doors and opportunities for me in the agriculture world that I can’t wait to continue to be a part of,” Livingston said. Livingston plans to continue her passion for agriculture at Blinn College in the fall before transferring to Texas A&M as an Agriculture Leadership major.•

As new apps dominate minds of high schoolers, senior Pablo Villalobos views the games differently. To him, it is not merely pastime, but a collection of programming algorithms and design elements. Villalobos’s game design team has advanced to SkillsUSA nationals for three consecutive years. “Lots of people will play video games, and I can look at it and see what is going on behind the scenes,” Villalobos said. He began game designing after his mom suggested spending his summer before high school at an ID tech camp. “It was really based on luck,” he said. “It was sort of chance that I went to this game design camp, and [SkillsUSA] had their competition the first year. I learned from winning the first time, and I’m very grateful.” In a world of consumerism, Villalobos finds joy in creation. He applies creative skills to design games. “People consume a lot, but it feels really good to produce. I like that making games is so well-rounded, because it’s visual [and] auditory,” Villalobos said. It takes a mastery of three areas to advance to nationals. The team strives to go above expectations in each aspect. “I think of game design as the tech-

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nical, artistic and business,” he said.“You want to seem technically proficient, and we try to make our art pretty.” During the process of game designing, Villalobos has also adopted other skills that contributed to his games. “It’s a good blend of technology and art. I’ve learned so much about not just programming, but also the theory of game design,” he said. “I’ve made electronic music, so I’ve learned skills regarding technical stuff and networking.” Not only does Villalobos create games for competition, but he also experiments independently. “I’ll just experiment with certain mechanics that I want to understand, or I’ll be inspired by something I see,” Villalobos said. He hopes to apply skills he learned from game designing after high school. “Within my first week I’m going to go to Google and say, ‘Here’s my skill set. It’s pretty unique and well rounded,’” Villalobos said. His interest in computers derived from admiring characters on television, but it has now developed into more. “I’ve always been interested in hackers on TV, so I always wanted to learn how to program,” he said. “I like computer science. I’m not sure if I’m going to pursue it, but it comes pretty easily to me and it’s pretty fun, and it’s amazing what you could do with it.”•

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Friday, May 12, 2017

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Class of 2017

Senior Wills I, Aubrey Wynn, will leave my teal team legacy with Ryan Herriage to carry on for the next theatre retreat.

I, Ty Brock, leave my sacred number, 11, to Jordon Bellows. I, Emily Hammond, will leave Haley Szymanski my professional skills of wrapping ice bags.

I, Austin Hull, leave Josh McKinney with the responsibility of protecting the Star Wars figures in the Band Hall.

I, Meghan Schulien, leave Lillian Richter my Spotify procrastination playlist.

I, Gini Holtkamp, leave the underclassmen softball girls the advice to never let ANYONE ruin your love and respect of the game but remember nothing is given for free.

I, Brady Bullard, will leave my younger brother, Noah Bullard, one crisp dollar bill to spend in the cafeteria however he pleases.

I, Kyle Beasley, will leave Kelsey Beasley my legacy as the kid that played the ukulele in the halls.

I, Alicia Trimble, will leave Morgan Daughters my hard headedness and confidence.

I, Anjali Dhanani, will leave behind to Jenny Liu a bag full of feathers to punch when life gets rough. After all, you can always use them to soar high.

To my clarinet section, I, Emily Brown, would like to leave my abundance of weirdly colored pencils and half-broken tuners, as well as the sacred tradition of the clarinet reed wall test.

I, Brelynn Wagner, would like to leave my little brother Blaine Wagner absolutely nothing because he owes me about $150 in gas money.

I, Will Heye, will leave the cross country runners my kick at the end of a race.

I, Mallorie Hopkins, will leave Carsen Grom my overwhelming gratefulness for her unconditional love and friendship, and my hope that she will continue to spread her joy and love of God.

I, Lucas Chollett, will leave ***** ******** the Not CSHS parody twitter account.

Mrs. Parkersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

to the class of 2017

Dear CSHS Graduating Class of 2017, When we opened the doors to College Station High School,

As you move into the next phase of your life, the faculty

none of us could have anticipated all of the amazing accomplish-

and staff of College Station High School wish you the best of luck.

ments that lay ahead. In a relatively short amount of time, be-

Know that you are loved, and you are valued. You always have a

ing a CSHS Cougar has become synonymous with good character,

home at CSHS. Rest assured that in the pursuit of perfection, you

academic excellence, high expectations and a competitive spirit.

have certainly achieved excellence.

You, the Class of 2017, have been an integral part of building our culture of excellence both in the classroom and on the ďŹ eld of

As always, Cougar Pride!

competition.

Mrs. Parkerson

Class of 2017

The Catamount

Friday, May 12, 2017

ALABAMA

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Auburn, AL

Chattanooga, TN Bailey Bennett | Business

CALIFORNIA

TEXAS

Occidental College

Baylor University

Los Angeles, CA

Cayleigh Lekven | Psychology University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Sasha Poltoratski | Pure Mathematics

FLORIDA

University of Central Florida Orlando, FL Summer Adams | Biology

*Darker states represent a larger number of students

TENNESSEE

Auburn University

Austin Hull | Political Science

CLASS OF 2017 DEPARTS

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ILLINOIS

University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign Champaign, IL Emi Maren | Biology

IOWA

University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Allison Dohrman | Undecided

LOUISIANA

Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA Christopher Greening | Digital Filmmaking

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA Jeremy Dudo | Engineering Pablo Villalobos | Undecided

MISSISSIPPI

University of Mississippi Oxford, MI Brelynn Wagner | Undecided

MONTANA

Montana State University Bozeman, MT Ethan Clark | Earth Sciences-Paleontology

NEBRASKA

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Tegan Brooks | Undecided

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK Amelia Kurk | Psychology/Social Work Tulsa University Tulsa, OK Hannah Murphy | Nursing

Class of 2017

UTAH

Brigham Young University Provo, UT Jared Garlick | Applied Computational Mathematics with emphasis in Statistics Spencer Larson | Mechanical Engineering

VIRGINIA

College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA Elmira Adili | Neuroscience

WASHINGTON D.C.

The George Washington University Washington D.C. Pheobe Fu | Not declared until sophomore year

ARMED SERVICES

United States Air Force Sydnee Rogers Cristian Santiago Israeli Air Force Gavriel Pincus United States Marine Corps Nick James Bobby Seay

OTHER

Gap year Cecilia Cervantes Trade School Joseph Espinoza Joshua Ham Undecided QuayVon Jefferson Courtney Duong Gabrielle Baker Lucas Chollet Work Sheri Humphrey Dan Hung Katie Lollar

Information compiled from responses to a survey of seniors in April

Class of 2017

The Catamount

Friday, May 12, 2017

Amelia abby kurk hopkins

THe lloyd dobler effect Cameron Crowe, the director of the 80s cult movie “Say Anything” never meant to create a hero in Lloyd Dobler that generations of girls would fall for. What he meant to do, and what he did so flawlessly, was to show optimism as revolutionary, and to bring sincerity back to humanity. He elevated Dobler’s philosophy that holding onto hope can change our circumstances from mediocre to meaningful. After all, Dobler was the character always looking for a “dare-to-be-great situation.” Going into high school I made it a personal mission to seek out a Lloyd Dobler, befriend him and hopefully get to enjoy something like the famous boom box scene being recreated outside my window. Instead, I stumbled upon thirteen Doblers. At the beginning of my senior year, little did I know that these thirteen people, my fellow newspaper staffers, would teach me profound things about myself and the world around me by simply practicing sincerity. But just like that, my life was quickly transformed by these harbingers of soul who believe in lasting ideas like kindness, genuineness and hope. Each person opened my eyes to something new. From some I learned to stand firm in my beliefs, even if they were unpopular. Others called out my mistakes, giving me a reason to laugh at myself, then gladly told me about theirs so we could laugh together. I found myself watching with admiration as all thirteen eagerly dove into situa-

tions others would hide from. And I smiled when they all took pride in their unique personalities, respecting themselves and each other at the same time. I’m thankful for all the smiles, all the tears, all the meaning. I’m thankful for the community we’ve formed, a community so tight-knit that sometimes being with each other is all we needed. I’m thankful for that feeling we all share when we walk into the lab at the end of the day knowing we’ve made it to our safe haven amidst the turmoil of high school. Without the truthfulness, the heartfelt conversations and blunt statements of admiration, these thirteen people would have easily blended into the high school masses. But they never blended. They shared counter-cultural qualities that helped me up when I was down and gave me the courage to be myself, to love myself. Thanks to my Lloyd Doblers, I forged relationships that will be almost impossible to top in the future. As I look back over this year, the feeling that overwhelms me is one of gratitude—gratitude for the opportunity and gratitude for the relationships. It has been my honor to work with these friends and watch as each one found a niche, pursued a passion and recognized that newspaper was our dare-to-be-great situation. In the end, I didn’t get my boom box scene. I got so much more.● Senior Amelia Kurk is editor-in-chief and will be attending Oklahoma State University in the fall with plans to major in Psychology.

abandoning the comfort zone

Nearly 2,000 students in one building every single day. Crowded hallways, noisy lunchroom, packed classrooms. For four years, this is what you know. You do what is required, just hoping to get through. You know the people in your circle. You stop and talk to them in the hallways, sit with them at lunch and spend time with them on the weekends. The other students are nameless faces. You see them every day, but have no idea what their passions, dreams and plans are. Then, you graduate. Each face goes off in a different direction, and the only memories you have of high school are the ones you made with close friends. I have attended three different high schools. In each, I have been involved in different activities. However, this year was the first year I got the opportunity to join newspaper and yearbook. Though not widely recognized, these two extracurriculars have been the most beneficial and memorable because of one thing: the people I have been able to meet. From taking pictures at different events to interviewing complete strangers to catching someone in the hallway to get a last-minute poll question answered, I have had the privilege to see and learn about a variety of passions I would never have otherwise known. Passion is contagious, and each time someone shares even a small part of his or her story, it brings me joy. Though I may never participate in those activities, it is absolutely enthralling to experience them

through the eyes of people who pursue them wholeheartedly. The Cougars are not just the football team; they are not just the Student Council or the Strutters or the cheerleaders or the drumline. The Cougars are not just the students you recognize in the hallways. The Cougars are the entire student body and every passion, activity and belief that makes each student who they are. I had become comfortable in my circle of peers. But when newspaper and yearbook pushed me to get involved in the life of the school, it pushed me to get involved in the lives of the individuals in it. In short, I had to branch out. The experiences resulted in growth and allowed me to break through the shell that had previously prevented me from engaging in certain conversations and activities I deemed uncomfortable. I challenge you, underclassmen, to step beyond the restricting social boundaries you have in place for the remainder of your high school career. Find a way to encourage organizations you have only heard about once. Turn the nameless faces into friendly ones. Attend some events you have never had an ounce of interest in. Support your school, but more importantly, support your peers. After all, they are the ones who make this high school thing worthwhile.● Senior Abby Hopkins is an assistant editor and will be attending The University of Texas at Austin in the fall with plans to major in Journalism.

Friday, May 12, 2017

The Catamount

15 letters home I rush home to the mailbox and beg “please let there be a letter, please.” I open the mailbox and search frantically through the mail. Nothing. I feel defeated as tears run down my face as I walk into my house. Letter one hadn’t come yet. Suffocating anxiety had controlled my life for the past three years, and as I began my last year of high school it was more suffocating than ever. When I was forced to separate from someone I love, I assumed my anxiety would consume me but by choosing to let go, I was set free. My long term boyfriend and best friend, Russell had joined the Marine Corps, and for four months my only connection to him was the 15 letters I’d received from him. When letter one arrived, nights of pain and frustration took control and negativity and the unknown consumed me. I was stuck in a rut and had to escape it. By letter three, I wasn’t living or enjoying the opportunities that were in front of me. Letter five found its way to my mailbox and I realized my emotions and actions were affecting the people around me just as much as it was affecting me. Pushing myself was the only answer, so I started to hang out with friends more, expressing my hopes and fears to family and relying heavily on my faith. Letter seven and I allowed myself to go outside my comfort zone and learned how important it was to be comfortable with myself and the people around me.

Class of 2017

AJ ALINA Jones Dhanani

Letter eight and I felt my faith was being tested when we found out that Russell had broken his ribs and would be staying four weeks longer than expected. I had to continue to push through and be okay with the fact I couldn’t control the situation. When letter 12 arrived, I realized that everything I had learned about being there for someone had changed. I had to put myself first and be my best self in order to give them the comfort they seek. Letter 13 and I had learned what it meant to be a Marine girlfriend. I learned how to take care of myself while being there for someone else at the same time. And when it was appropriate to put someone else first. I knew it was going to be a balancing act and that the world didn’t revolve around me. Not only was Russell going through a major transformation, but so was I. We were learning how to grow together while apart. Growing with thousands of miles between us put our relationship to the test. I finally learned to love myself so I could fully love someone else. Being comfortable with who I am and loving the person I’m becoming, allowed me to accept and feel the love Russell had been trying to show me. I never thought the suffocating feeling would go away but with a newfound love for myself and Russell’s love, I could make my anxiety bearable. By letter 15, I was free.● Senior AJ Jones is the senior editor and will be attending Blinn in the fall with plans to major in the Pre-Dental program.

when life gives you lemons

Life continues to hand me a sour set of lemons every two weeks. As if on cue, we begin this meet-and-exchange. It begins with small niceties, but eventually we get down to the matter at hand, sarcastically joking about my next big mistake in the meantime. It’s a two-minute encounter, but nonetheless there I am discussing how I can get the least amount of lemons to agitate me for the next two weeks. This lemon exchange is the most applicable metaphor for how I seem to be at life currently. Throughout high school, I’ve been offered my fair share of rotten experiences. From conflicts with church on Friday night football games to limited opportunities for a social life due to homework, I’ve realized it’s all perception. In its cliché glory, my biweekly package of sour lemons account for more than just the sum of bad experiences, but rather the opportunities granted by them that I’ve been able to love and treasure. It is this part of my high school experience that I’ll never forget. It’s taken me almost four years, but I am content in saying that I am utterly overjoyed with what CSHS has given me. I’ve been able to relish in genuine good-humored belly laughs and captivating personalities that have taught me what it means to have someone who cares. I’ve been able to realize that I am more than just what I appear to others, but who I am as an individual in society. Luckily, in my pursuit to make sour

lemons into lemonade, I’ve realized that the connections I’ve made, my added sugar, have not only given me high hopes for the future but experience in a joyous run for genuine happiness. Sometimes, just for kicks and giggles, when Life’s meet-and-exchange occurs I change the location. Most recently, Life has offered the last batch of sour lemons in the middle of Kroger as I toppled over a box of baby diapers and into the hands of my mother as she proceeded to calm my suddenly racing heart. Though I’m unable to strap a sign labeled “Lemon Aide” to my juice stand and cap expenses at fifty cents each to sell to the student body, I hope that high school offers your own fair share of rockin’ moments to remember years after graduation. It’s been a week since my last package, so as I await Life’s return, I welcome it openly. From this delivery, I cannot wait to see how my life will continue to change me. The thing is though, I’ve got a secret for the next time. With my next batch of sour lemons, I’ll be sure to bring a basket and negotiate for larger than usual, because if experiences mold us, then I’ll be here to catch the plentiful results afterwards. As I go to college next year, I hope to further realize the power of sour lemons because after all, Life is all perception.● Senior Alina Dhanani is the opinions editor and will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall with plans to major in Industrial Engineering.

Class of 2017

The Catamount

Friday, May 12, 2017

Kyle alfaro An ode to cSHS A little background story before I go on: I’m not from College Station, and I’m for sure not from Texas. I was born and raised in a small town outside of Miami, named Hialeah. Then I moved to Tampa when I was seven years old. I lived in Florida for 15 years until I moved to Bryan, Texas on Christmas Eve of 2014, and then moved to College Station the year after right before the school year started. I have been enrolled in three schools: Tampa Bay Tech, Bryan and now College Station. I have been through many scenarios since I moved from my birth-state that I would never have imagined would happen to anybody. I now see some struggles that my mom would talk about when her mom used to move from state to state and city to city. I was reluctant when I first moved from Tampa, Florida to the great state of Texas. I only used to visit my family out in their ranch in Waco, but I had never really lived there or knew anybody except my family. I barely knew any Texas sports. The only thing I knew about College Station was Texas A&M, and how everyone loves the former Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel. What was Houston all about? Dallas? San Antonio? Besides sports, I absolutely hated the whole idea of packing up my house and going somewhere else. To think I was going to pack up pretty much the 15 years of my family and then move 22 hours away, how could my mom do such a cruel thing to her only son? This mindset changed was about to be flipped flopped.

There was a different atmosphere here. It’s almost as if I was invited to join the Cougar family, yet I never even said a word to anybody in the school itself. It was warm and inviting, much like how my grandma from Hialeah would treat me whenever I would visit during the year. I had left what felt like my only home, and when I left it felt like I was leaving a piece of me. I then realized it was time for a new home. I have to thank CSHS, a lot. For what could I do without them showing me what a true high school experience was? I found my true best friend, who is the brother I never had in my life. I found a sort of second family with all my friends, who all come from different places. CSHS showed me that even that if I moved away from where my heart was born and raised, there will be another place just for me. From how passionate we are about sports, this lovely newspaper staff, to fine arts from band to orchestra to theatre, and even our tech and programming people or anybody in between, you all have made my experience in high school and life so great. This place has proven a lot to me. I would never have imagined Texas being this great for me, and my family. Thank you, CSHS, for everything you have done for me. From being my second home to bringing love to me as soon I came here, here is my ode to you.• Senior Kyle Alfaro is an assistant editor and will be attending Blinn College in the spring with plans to major in Economics.

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s e n i o r s

Friday, May 12, 2017

ps I love you ..

The Catamount

Class of 2017

Seniors share advice with freshmen siblings Dear Sammy, Dear Mia, Trust yourself. Trust t we got to your intuition. First of all, I’m so glad tha As Be ! lie her ve get to in ool yo sch ur h self and your capabilit spend a year of hig ies. rself Hi you gh be sch to oo l get is for ’t tough and the road don you continue, to discovery isn’t an easy are so beautiful, one. But no matter and believe in yourself. You the difficulty, the pe doubt in my er pressure or the intelligent, and I have no obstacles you face, rem at things gre sh pli om acc l wil you t ember to visualize mind tha wh ool sch ere h hig yo r u you wa of nt t to be and keep that throughout the res your focal point. I hope duating, gra to ser clo get you as you will always be career. Also, up with your & Mia Maren empathetic and understanding of people and i m E it will get harder to keep perspective. crastinate so you schoolwork. Try not to pro Danna & Sam Love (one of) your bi high note. a on ool sch h hig out g ish sis sies Bader can fin ! -D Mi an Mi na k, bac and on mo Love you to the -Emi Dear Sean, High school is not as hard as I made it look, because I cannot manage my time effectively. Luckily, you saw me not sleep for a year, so I hope you will learn from my mistakes. You should definitely try everything you are interested in because when you find something important, you will make time for it. You are competent in Grant and able, and you will succeed at whatever v a G & t t Garre you decide is worth your time. Dear Gavin, -Jeremy Life is all about choices. Your attitude toward high school and life in general is a choice. Your Dear Jacob, happiness is a choice. Your actions toward your Thank you for being such a great little work and others are a choice. The best advice brother. Even though we have fought all our I can give you is to wake up every morning lives I’m so glad that I got to be in high and make the conscious decision to have a good school with you with one year before I n a e S & attitude no matter what life throws at you. Be Jeremy graduate. I have a couple words of advice o d Du happy even though that girl just let you down, to you for your next three years. They will Audrey & Jaco because there’s someone better out there waiting b go by quickly so make sure to go out and Parkerson for you. And most importantly, show love to live your life. Get involved in things like the world even when there is no one showing sports, young life and clubs. You will regret love back because it will pay off in the long staying home all those Friday nights, so go run, and we all could use some more of it. Stay out and have fun! motivated and keep your eyes on the horizon! Love, -Garrett -Audrey

Class of 2017

The Catamount

SENIOR SURVEYS Advice for next year’s seniors:

Favorite year of high school?

64% 17% 12.5% 6.5% Junior

To wrap up the year, here are a few statistics from the senior survey based on 206 responses from the senior class

IF THERE WERE DO-OVERS

What’s your favorite?

Senior

Friday, May 12, 2017

Sophomore

Freshman

Favorite teacher in high school?

“Take some supplemental vitamins.” -Matthew Smalley “Don’t stop participating in the activities you love just because you’re almost done with them.” -Emily Brown

What do you wish you had done during high school? “Homework.” -Som Shadparvar “I wish I had reached out to more people I didn’t know.” -Natalie Alcala “Joined ping pong club.” -Jordan Fox

What won’t you miss?

what was the most annoying trend in high school?

CHOKERS Mrs. Mizer

Coach O.

Coach Frashure

Favorite high school project?

DABBING

Least favorite year of high school?

Budget Project

Memoir Project

Favorite place in the school?

The Cafeteria

The Parking Lot

Favorite high school memory?

“34-31”

-Falen Williamson “Maturing with the same friend group.” -A’Yana Dickey

BOTTLE FLIPPING

34.7% 30.7% 26.6% 8% Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

where do you hope to be in ten years? “Somewhere making the world a better place.” -Dylan Shulze “Gathering inspiration for design through travel.” -Miranda Carrillo “In a house.” -Megan Murphy

“Either working as a statistician at Disney World or as a professor at a university.” -Jared Garlick “Working at a pharmacy full time and enjoying life out of school.” -Katie E. Davis

“Somewhere with my family, being happy.” -Jennifer Porter “Thriving in whatever position God has me in, with two pets.” -Julia McGinnis “Fishing.” -Garret Grant

“Division manager for Cutco Cutlery.” -Dan Hung “I hope to be working for a good medical organization, have a great wife and a little boy.” -Christian Haro

Friday, May 12, 2017

Class of 2017

The Catamount

tHEN AND NOW

The progression of trends that the class of 2017 has favored from the time they were in middle school to now Original graphics created by Amelia Kurk, Abby Hopkins, Alina Dhanani and Tiffany Ha

TV Shows

Movies

G H A BC D E F Q I J K L MN O

R ST U V W X Y Z

SpongeBob

Stranger Things

Video Games

Pokèmon

League of Legends

D AN

La La Land

Book Series

Harry Potter

Political Figures

STAT N IO

Hangout Spots

High School Musical

Teen Night at Grand Station

Sweet Eugene’s

Obama 2012

Trump 2016

this is our EX17