The Catamount Special Seniors 2018 Issue by Cougar Media

Kallista Acevedo Alexi Adam Lauren Adame Haley Adams Omar Al Douri Chase Alexander Ladonna Allen Davis Allen Wood Taylor Alvarado Hailey Alvarez De’Kedrick Anderson Kennedy Anorue Caitlin Archibeque Miguel Arguello Abigail Aronson Banesa Arredondo Christopher Arriola Marqualya Atchison Franklin Axon rami ayari Julio AzXec Ishwar Balakrishna Anna Bardenhagen Trey Barfield Lauren Barrett Mark Barrientos Thomas Bauman Mark Bazemore Davis Bednorz Miles Bednorz Kristin Bellows Amber Bernshausen Kanwal Bhimani William Biggs Zachary Billiter Amaya Birch Amber Black Jessica Blanchard Justin Block Erin Blume Westin Bomnskie Blaine Borchgardt Suzanna Borchgardt Gentry Boring Rachael Bounds Holly Boyd Taryn Breeden Tannah Brister Jordan Brooks Landon Brooks Cheyenne Brown James Brumfield Kolton Brunson Tien Bui Sophie Bullard Brook Bullington Matthew Burns Thomas Burrus Cassity Burson Kyleigh Burson Bethany Butler Mark Cahill Hayden Cain Dulce Calderon Kayla Caldwell Jaelin Campbell Noe Canchola Joshua Carey mitchell Cashion greyson Cashion Noah Cassens Zebediah Cassens David Castilleja David Castrejon Hunter Chalker Kristel Chatterton Aly Chavez Kayli Childers Caleb Claborn John Clendenin Nash Clouston Marquise Conchola

Carson Cole Tymon Cole Stephanie Colon Mike Contreras Devin Crow

Madison Cornwell

Taylor Couch Austin Crenshaw

Sam Crockett

Mary Culpepper Destiny Cumpian

Kaitlyn Curtis Morgan Daughters

Sriranjani Darbha Hailey Daniel

Matthew Cupp Callie Davenport

Matthew De-Bary-Neal

Kalindi Desai

Macy Davidson

Ward Deeb Christian Denolan Will Donovan Michaela Downs

Adam Dharani Curtis Dickey Gage Dikes Emily Driver

Stephanie Drumgoole

Tyler Dudycha Gabriela Duran Kaitlyn Dyer John Eppes Trinity Epps Haeli Estes Lucy Fajt David Fedder Conner Ferrell Azarian Foght William Franklin

Sydney Conner

Hector Duran Sanchez

senior issue

Dylon Edmunds

Adison Elliott

Justin Fattorini Alexander Fedder Callie Fowler Hannah Franke

Kayla Framsted

Evan Fox

Dylan Franke

Donald French Jason Fry Ryunosuke Fujii

Angelica Funderburk-Brotsch

Joseph Fusselman Braden Gallagher

Arianna Garcia

Dylan Gentry-Fugate

Arriana Garner Peggy Garner Caroline Gatlin Madeline Gill Litzy Gloria Evan Goehring

Aimee Golladay Alianna Gonzales Nathan Grant Morgan Green

Miguel Gonzalez Rachel Gracia Scout Grimes

Jose Garcia

Carsen Grom Benjamin Guedea Emelie Gulde

Shepherd Grimes

Aalexia Hall Ashley Hall Thomas Halling

bella Guterrez Brendan Guyton Tiffany Ha mACKenzie Haas David Hahn Cailyn Hancock Adam Hajj-Ali

Austin Ham Justin Jennings Ozzy Hankins Autumn Hardin George Harmon Alexandria Harp Miranda Harris Hanna Hart Travis Hester De’Janay Hill Kate Hinckley Kasey Hinton Justin Hlavin Aimee Hodges Anna Hoemann Luke Hoffman Ryan Hoffmann Jori Hohensee Kyle Holden CameronHolliday Casey Holsinger Katie Horton

Jacob Hough

Evan Howard Ty’Asia Hubbard CassandraHudson

John Ives Aly Jamal Stetson Johnson Allison Hefti

ElizabethKellstedt Zacheray Key

Jace Hutchins

David Ibanez

Jamie Hendershot Jesus Hernandez Yesica Hernandez-Zarraga Ryan Herriage Ashley Hession

Madison Jobb Cody Johnson Graesen Johnson Kayliegh Johnson Nicholas Johnson Kaleb Kalke

Peyton Hudson

Nhi Kha

Madison Kilcrease

Emma Krajicek Alexander Krouskop Sabrina Lancaster Jack Lawhon

Sydney Johnson

Gregory King

MadelynLawrence

Cody Lewis Ethan Lewis Grace Lindahl David Ling Gian Lingan Kendra Litzen

Jenny Liu

Ma’Kenzie Johnston Nicholas Joyner

Gavyn Kinman Andrew Klein Jada Lawson Lucille Lee

Joseph Liu

Bobby Lockett

Katelyn Kocman

Madison Lee Jack Leigh Kana Loehr Ben Longley

Gabriel Lopez Kevin Lopez Andrea LovE Ashley Lovell Tyler Lucas Katherine Luetge Jaime Lugo Garrett Mackey Jasmine Magallon Hailey Marberry

Class of 2018

The Catamount

Friday, May 18, 2018

Ethan Cohen Sports Editor

AThletics

haley Wilton Jaycie Tawney Staff Reporter Walking onto the field with family and friends in the stands, senior Haley Wilton puts on her gloves and gets set up in the goal. She jumps around, warming up her muscles to prepare for the game. The whistle is blown. It is game time. Wilton was inspired to play soccer by her uncle and has been playing soccer ever since she was five years old and is now committed to play soccer for the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. “When I stepped on to UMHB for the first time, I felt like I belonged there,” Wilton said. Wilton is the most excited about being able to compete on a higher level and meet new players. “I’m honestly looking forward to the competitiveness and all of the talent you get to see and to become a better player in general,” Wilton said. Wilton and her team made it to state their sophomore year and the Region-

al finals freshman and junior year. Wilton has managed to receive an all region player award, MVP team player, and an academic All State Award, but being an athlete also comes with a fair share of injuries. “My sophomore year I hurt my arm during regionals, but I kept playing till our last game which was the state semifinals,” she said. Wilton and her family have always been very close, and she loves how supportive they are. “My family supports me even when the coaches thought I wasn’t good enough. They were always there to cheer me on,” Wilton said. Although her dream was to go to A&M, she is “so happy, so so happy” to be attending UHMB. Going into college soccer is a change for her. She will have to change her playing style and the people she plays with. “Yes, I’m kinda nervous to meet the new players and coaches, but it’s going to be fun and I can’t wait,” Wilton said.•

when i stepped on to umhb for the first time, i felt like i belonged there. -haley wilton senior

There are a variety of tropes and memes surrounding the perception of modern student athletes. Though these concepts have resulted in an almost negative connotation of the term, few embody the true positive aspects of the term better than senior defensive end Ben Wolz. Wolz faced the daunting task of balancing AP classes, extracurriculars and competing on a state-champion caliber football team. However, when things were the most demanding, he said he felt he was at his best. “It’s the easiest time for me,” Wolz said. “Everything was so regimented. I knew that I had this set amount of time to get things done. I feel more fulfilled when I am doing a lot of things.” And Wolz certainly got things done. Aside from being a varsity starter and Defensive MVP of the UIL state championship football game, Wolz was firstchair in the orchestra, an NHS member, a regional powerlifter and successfully raised a colony of ants with over 20 workers. Wolz’s ability to consistently succeed in the activities he takes part in are a reflection of the athletic Cougar Way pillar he says he values most. “Commitment,” Wolz said. “That was an idea that was prevalent throughout all four years. The idea of buying into what the coaches were telling us and

trusting it would work.” The end of the 2018 season is evidence that the trust paid off. In the defining moment of the state championship game, Wolz hawked down Aledo quarterback Jake Bishop, sacking him for a massive loss to seal the game. His stellar play througout the entire game garnered him the role of the Defensive MVP of the championship. Wolz’s time at CSHS has been influenced by the plethora of activities that he has taken part in, and as he nears graduation, he has reflected on what he believes is the most important thing he would take away from his experiences at CSHS. “Probably the idea that I can improve myself through constant dedication,” Wolz said. “Also, that there are always opportunities to make the most out of every occasion or class. We have great teachers, great facilities and a great student body who is willing to work with you collaboratively and competitively.” Wolz has exemplified remaining dedicated to his work both on and off the field. He was recently admitted to MIT, where he also plans to continue his football career. And though he is about to embark on a brand new stage in his life, his values show no signs of changing. “At this point in my life, I don’t want to settle,” Wolz said. “I don’t want there to be a point where I’m content, or where I feel like I can’t improve.”•

athletics

ben wolz

Friday, May 18, 2018

The Catamount

Dru Peacock Executive Editor

music

hayden stellges Tiffany Ha Senior Editor Senior Hayden Stellges has started his day the same way every year for four years: by walking into the band hall. Throughout high school, Stellges has found solace in music. “With music, I found something that allows me to have a voice I can control,” Stellges said. “Growing up with a speech impediment and a stutter, it’s kind of been a little difficult, but having [music], there aren’t limitations such as that.” Through music, Stellges is able to convey feelings without the barriers he faces with words. Though he began primarily playing music, he recently started writing more music of his own. “[Music gives me] the ability to express how I am, how I feel. I’ve never been great with words or writing or any of that, and this just gives me a sense of expression,” Stellges said. Stellges did not always plan to pursue music, but it gradually felt like a natural fit as he explored his passion more. “Originally I wanted to go into architecture, but I decided it wasn’t for me,” Stellges said. “As a kid, I always liked jazz music.” Music and his band community characterized most of his high school experience, serving as comfort and guidance in facing his fears. “[High school has] mainly been trying to be less awkward,” Stellges said. “Going from freshman year, I talked to

like two or three people, and now I could comfortably talk to more than just one person at a time. I think band has been a helpful environment for that.” Parting with his fellow band members, with their shared triumphs and obstacles, proved difficult. “I cried during the last performance. I felt fine for the most part, but then we hit our ballad, and Davis and I made eye contact and we just broke,” Stellges said. “This entire season of giving everything and the disappointment of what happened culminated in that performance.” Consumed by his love for music, Stellges dedicates hours to practicing and plans to major in music composition and education. “I tend to focus on music a lot more than school actually,” Stellges said “Practicing took up a lot of my free time so I did most homework in class and advocates.” With the ability to play multiple instruments, Stellges finds fulfillment in music. “I think music always had a role in my life. Music’s always helped calm me down and relax,” Stellges said. “It’s one of the few things I find myself decent at, that I enjoy, that actually makes me feel fulfilled whenever I do it.” Stellges will be majoring in education and music composition at Anderson University in South Carolina.•

From trying to program 7th grade calculators to joining MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program, senior Ashika Verma has definitely followed through with her passion. “The TI 84’s have a way to program on there, and when I was in 7th and 8th grade, I was really nerdy. So my friend and I would be like ‘I bet I can do a cooler program than you’ and then we’d compete kind of like that,” Verma said. “Then after that, I just got good and you kind of stick with something that you’re good at.” Verma’s interest in computer programming stemmed from watching movies as a child, especially those that portrayed the computer programmer as an intelligent spy or FBI agent ready to crack the next code. “Whenever you’re watching movies, you see the cool hackers, and I was just like ‘Ah, I want to be that cool hacker,’” Verma said. “I think that kind of stuck with me.” Computer programming is the pro-

Class of 2018

cess of taking an algorithm and encoding it so that it can be executed by a computer. Throughout high school Verma has competed in UIL computer science, Business Professionals of America, SkillsUSA and robotics, which all involve computer programming. Looking back on her time at CSHS, Verma says what she will miss most is her friends. However, she is ready for college and the change that comes with it. “They had a campus preview weekend, and whenever I went there, they had a whole bunch of cool stuff that high school doesn’t have,” Verma said. “High school is great and all, but college is going to be cooler.” Verma is currently on her way to become that cool computer hacker she saw in movies as a kid. From playing games on calculators and competing in UIL and robotics in high school, she is now going to one of the best technical schools in the country to pursue her passion.•

High school is great and all, but college is going to be cooler. -ashika verma senior

computer engineerING

ashika verma

Class of 2018

The Catamount

Friday, May 18, 2018

Kalindi Desai Managing Editor

science

yiannis pistokopoulos Kylie Vernon Assistant Editor “Keep Calm and Carry On” as the British say, or as British transfer Yiannis Pistikopoulos says. This philosophy has carried him throughout high school giving him the skills and drive necessary to succeed. “I moved to College Station from London my sophomore year, joined soccer and got involved in school activities,” Pistikopoulos said. “When I first came here, I was just a scrawny British guy. I’m still kind of a scrawny British guy but I’ve learned so much.” Pistikopoulos also founded the Science Club his junior year. “I thought it would be very beneficial for all the students who are actively participating in science activities to have all of these activities consolidated under one club that served as a kind of hub for all the sciences in the school,” Pistikopoulos said. It was through the Science Club that Pistikopoulos discovered his passion for others. “I’m really passionate about being able to inspire others with enthusiasm

in anything,” he said. “The club has been very good in bringing students together. It kind of sets a fun environment for them. It’s teaching them, having discussions, showing them that it can be extremely fun to be in science. I’m really passionate about being able to bring that out in people.” Through his activities and science classes, Pistikopoulos discovered his passion for chemical engineering, which he will pursue next fall at the University of Texas. “I’m thinking of getting a strong foundation in engineering, and I may double major with computer sciences to be able to use that knowledge and apply it into the business front,” he said. Pistikopoulos’ enthusiasm and drive for science and engineering will combine with his passions. “Being able to apply scientific concepts in the real world is extremely important,” Pistikopoulos said. “It’s exciting to be able to contribute to that, to input your ideas into driving society forward.”•

Being able to apply scientific concepts in the real world is extremely important. -yiannis pistokopoulos senior

Similar to the art she creates, senior Cella Seigelman’s vibrant and creative personality shines through her. Seigelman has been creating art ever since she was a child, but she has found her path in art throughout high school. “I really focused on honing my skills especially when I got to high school,” Seigelman said. “If you look at my work from four years ago, there’s just no parallel between the improvement that I have had in high school just because of what I’ve done and how advanced it is.” Seigelman has been involved in art classes since her freshman year. After being home schooled before high school, she was excited to participate in art in a classroom setting. “One of my favorite things about art is that I get to spend a class period a day doing something that I actually enjoy aside from mandatory classes,” Seigelman said. During her junior year, Seigelman decided that she wanted to pursue art in college. Because of this, she spent around three months during the fall semester of

senior year compiling a portfolio to apply to art schools. “I did not like my art up until last semester when I actually worked for three months straight preparing my college portfolio,” Seigelman said. “I decided to start fresh instead of pulling a bunch of old work. Most of the stuff [in my portfolio] I built during that intensive three months just doing practices, working, and making sure everything was good so I could get into the school I wanted.” As a result of her intensive portfolio, Seigelman will be attending the School of Visual Arts in New York City. “I decided to take it big because ultimately, I hope, to get connections in New York because I want to do art as a job instead of just putting it in galleries,” Seigelman said. Overall, Seigelman’s high school experience has allowed her to find herself in her art and develop her own style. “I’ve grown over the years to find my little niche in art,” Seigelman said. “It’s been a really fun ride to find out what exactly I like to do, such as abstract and surrealism, which is wild and kind of crazy things.”•

i really focused on honing my skills. -Cella Seigelman senior

art

cella seigelman

Friday, May 18, 2018

The Catamount

Grace Costenbader Opinions Editor

dance

callie davenport Sophia North Photography Editor The curtain opens on a stage full of dancers. “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!” And the dance commences. For senior Callie Davenport, this scenario has been something she has known since two years old after her parents began putting her in dance classes at Expressions Dance Studio. “I started dancing when I was two and loved it, so I just never stopped,” Davenport said. She served as the Strutter captain this year and is also a teacher at Expressions, where she teaches hip hop and drill team classes. Between teaching and practicing, managing time for it all has been challenging. “Sometimes it can be hard to balance school and dance, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” Davenport said. “This involves compromising some ‘me’ time to get everything done, so my ‘me’ time is now dance, but I wouldn’t trade it.” This love for dance is also shared by her two older sisters, who were both in drill team at Consol and leaders to Davenport. “My sisters were role models to me,” Davenport said. “They really helped me through the drill team process, and they

both had officer positions, so they have developed me into the leader I am.” Davenport hasn’t just learned important lessons in dance; she has also acquired many important skills applicable to life. “Dance taught me teamwork, leadership, responsibility and how to help others, which are all really important skills that you use throughout your life,” Davenport said. Additionally, she has witnessed dance impact fellow dancers and students. “Everyone has something special about them that they can offer on the team or in dance,” Davenport said. “I’ve recognized that our differences actually make us stronger.” Dance is something Davenport will continue to pursue in college as a dance science major at Texas A&M University and a potential dancer on the Aggie dance team because for Davenport dance isn’t just a sport or hobby. “Dance, for me, is a way for me to express myself,” Davenport said. “There are so many different styles and stories you can tell through it.” So while the curtain is closing on her high school dance career, she will continue to tell stories and express herself through dance in the future.•

Chris Williams has shown drive and dedication that has exceeded even his own expectations, and will lead him across the country to attend his dream school: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. “I have always wanted to pursue a career as an ofﬁcer in the army,” Williams said. Known for its academic rigor and discipline in the ﬁeld of military preparedness, West Point offers all that Williams wants in a school in order to pursue his goals. “I have always wanted to be in the military, and I have always wanted to serve,” Williams said. “I feel like this country has given me so many great things and so many great privileges that aren’t found elsewhere. I feel the need to give back in some way.” It is not easy to gain admission to West Point, due in large part to the academic rigor. Additionally, the admission process is lengthy, and applicants must receive a recommendation from a state

Class of 2018

representative. These factors planted seeds of doubt in Williams’ head. “I was extremely surprised [when I received admission] because, at least on paper, I am less qualiﬁed than a lot of applicants who didn’t get in,” Williams said. Williams will move to West Point, New York in July and begin his training in preparation to become an Army ofﬁcer. He conveyed that he will miss the freedom that comes with high school, but feels honored to have the opportunity to serve his country. “Right now I am working as hard as I can to get physically ready and praying that God gives me a community of guys to provide mental, emotional and spiritual support,” Williams said. Williams anticipates new experiences and challenges as he transitions from the familiarity of high school to the unknown journey ahead of him at West Point. “[I am looking forward to] the unique opportunities that are going to be given to me because of where I’m going,” Williams said.•

i have always wanted to pursue a career as an officer in the army. -cHRIS wILLIAMS

senior

military

chris williams

Class of 2018

The Catamount

Friday, May 18, 2018

Dear Fish,

Seniors share advice, last words with freshman siblings Mace,

Dear Shane, Good luck bud. Do school well but do it how you think you should. Just because society says certain things are right in their eyes, doesn’t mean it’s how you will succeed. Find your line and strive towards it. Whether it is becoming a director or running, I pray you love life and do what fills you with joy and not what fills your wallet. Your brother, Nathan

Nathan and Shane Grant

I’m so excited to see how you grow in the next few years. I hope you always remember how loved you are and pray that you never stop laughing that obnoxious laugh of yours. You’ll have hard days and you’ll have hard months, but don’t let that define how you love others and see life. High school will fly by, so cherish the little things. You have such a wild passion for life; use that to not only excel at all the cool talents you possess, but to advocate for the underdogs. You are the most vibrant, wonderful girl I know, and I’m so thankful to have such a fearless sister! You’re a world changer; never forget that! Love Always, Hayls

Hayley and Macy Nugent

Dear Natalie, Congratulations on surviving your freshman year. You are going to do so well in high school. You’re going to continue to discover new things about yourself every day. High school is about learning who you are and who you want to be. You’re going to come across some tough days, weeks and even months. But take it one day at a time, and never give up because you’ll make it through. I love you sooo much and I have so much faith in you.

Kayla and Natalie Framsted

Dear Michael, Make sure you pay attention in English class. Also, when you apply for NHS, make sure you take care of it far in advance. Spend time with your siblings because this time will go by fast. I can still remember my first day of freshman year and I promise, even though it sounds like a cliché, it goes by so fast and it will be over before you know it. Don’t watch too much TV or spend too much time on the computer. Brush your teeth every day, don’t stay up too late, go to football games, go to homecoming and prom. Don’t forget to give mom a hug and make sure you don’t forget to pray. But, more importantly, keep doing everything that you do that makes me proud to be your brother. Good luck next year. I love you.

Love, Your proud big sister, Kayla

Dear Emma, High school can be one of the best experiences of your life if you want it to be. You will be able to have much of the freedoms of adulthood without the responsibilities. The best advice that I can give you is to not to allow other people to define who you are. You are a beautiful daughter of God and you should always find your identity in that before all else. Lastly, even though I won’t be anywhere near College Station next year, don’t be afraid to text or call if you need anything.

Chris and Emma Williams

Love, Christopher

Joseph and Michael Pettibon

Your brother, Joseph

Love, Senior siblings

Friday, May 18, 2018

Class of 2018

The Catamount

SENIOR SURVEY SENIOR SURVEY

64% 15% senior

junior

12%

sophomore

what was your least favorite year of high school?

freshman

29%

what was your favorite year of high school?

what they said A D V I C E

Don’t fall victim to the flu, it will destroy grades. -Madison Cornwell Accept senioritis, it’s a monster you can’t beat. -Jonathan Masabni Get out of the house more, spend time with friends, do what you think is best for you. -Erin Solomon

Maybe living out of the country and working to help others. -Callie Fowler I see myself as a professor at a college on the coast with a big house and fostering children and writing children’s books. -Kira Pomykal Creating the A.I. that destroys humanity or working an office job and being one of the common worker ants of society regretting all my life choices. -Olumayowa Olowomeye

M E M O R I E S

G O A L S

Probably just hanging with my friends every chance I got. -Conner Ferrell Adventuring with my best friends instead of doing AP Chemistry homework. -Grace Lindahl

junior

31%

what they love...

senior

32% 8%

FAVORITE MEMES

yodel boy

spongebob

gorl

FAVORITE TEACHERS

Casey Akin Chemistry

Robert Ondrasek Environmental Systems

Gregg Frashure Economics

FAVORITE BOOKS

The Great Gatsby

To Kill A Mockingbird

WORST TRENDS

Walking out of Mr. CSHS and seeing all the snow that had fallen. -Anna Bardenhagen

Graphics by Grace Costenbader

sophomore

freshman

Fortnite bottle flipping

vaping

Fahrenheit 451

...and don’t love

Class of 2018

The Catamount

ALABAMA

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL Joshua McKinney | Pre-Dental

CALIFORNIA

University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Rosetta Wang | Cognitive Sciences & Entrepreneurship Richard Yu | Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

COLORADO

University of Northern Colorado Greely, CO C'ara Ostigin | Forensic Science

GEORGIA

Savannah College of Art & Design Savannah, GA Madison Kilcrease | 3D Animation Ava Tamborella | Fashion Design

INDIANA

Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Luke Hoffman | Computer & Information Sciences University of Evansville Evansville, IN Cassidy Rogers | Theatre Performance

KANSAS

University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Aaron Staab | Undecided Wichita State University Wichita, KS Lucille Lee | Mechanical Engineering

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA Justin Moore | Landscape Architecture

MARYLAND

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Harrison Wellmann | Economics Sarah Yao | Undecided

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA Ashika Verma | Computer Science Ben Wolz | Undecided

MINNESOTA

University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN Elizabeth Kellstedt | Chemistry Grace Lindahl | Psychology

MISSISSIPPI

University of Mississippi University, MS Morgan Green | Business

MISSOURI

University of Missouri Columbia, MI Anna Hoemann | Pre-Physical Therapy Ty'Asia Hubbard | Strategic Journalism

Friday, May 18, 2018

The Catamount

MONTANA

Montana State University Bozeman, MT Lucy Fajt | Studio Art

NEW YORK

United States Military Academy West Point, NY Collin Riechman | Business Management Chris Williams | Undecided Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY Cassandra Hudson | Biology

GOODBYE,

NORTH CAROLINA

Duke University Durham, NC Jenny Liu | Biology

NORTH DAKOTA

University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND Jack Leigh | Commerical Aviation

OHIO

Franciscan University of Steubenville Steubenville, OH Joseph Fusselman | Communication Arts

pURPLE pALACE THE CLASS OF 2018 DEPARTS

OKLAHOMA

*Darker states represent a larger number of students

Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OK Emma Krajicek | Musical Theatre Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK Miranda Streiff | Vet Tech University of Oklahoma Norman, OK Jillian Phillips | Health & Exercise Sciences

SOUTH CAROLINA

Anderson University Anderson, SC Hayden Stellges | Music Education/Composition Clemson University Clemson, SC Erin Solomon | Engineering

TEXAS

Amber Wisdom | Equine Science Anthony Zachria | Business Charles and Sue's School of Hair Design Bryan, TX Ashley Lovell | Cosmetology Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX Callie Fowler | Undecided Faith Neuberger | Nursing Kilgore College Kilgore, TX Kasi Wielenga | Pre-Med Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, TX Chandler Sennette | Pre-Law Paris Junior College Paris, TX Wilson Roubion | Undecided Rice University Houston, TX Ji Won Park | Psychology Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX Amaya Birch | Psychology Jessica Blanchard | Biology John Clendenin | Kinesiology

Class of 2018

UTAH

University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Kate Hinckley | Art History

ARMED SERVICES

Marines Greg King

Navy Evan Howard William McLaughlin

OTHER

Trade School Jacob Beal Alexander Krouskop Undecided Zebediah Cassens Conner Ferrell Nick Johnson Katie Luetge Gabi Martinis Austin McHarg Wilson Roubion Nicholas Russell Work Nathan Grant Stetson Johnson Patrick Rogers Lorenzo Sanchez Bryan Young

Information compiled from responses to a survey of seniors in May

Class of 2018

The Catamount

Friday, May 18, 2018

John Clendenin Memories from the road less traveled It is funny the things that you remember and the things that you can’t. I don’t really remember much of my early years, until I was age three or so. It is almost the same way with high school. I can’t remember exactly my very first day of freshman year, but I remember the constant laughs and discussions I had with Ashley Hall and Collin Reichman in Mr. Phillips’ 2nd period English I honors class. Yet, there are memories I remember vividly from my four years at CSHS, most notably every second of the four year win streak against the Tigers of A&M ConsoLLLLidated high school. As we all grow old, these will be the memories that we will look back on and relish as we leave this building for the last time as students. These are the things that lifelong friendships will be built on. Ten years from now, the Class of 18 when asked, “Where were you on the morning of December 23, 2017?” will answer loudly and proudly “Watching the Cougars of College Station High School shock the world and beat Aledo for the state championship.” While we may all be different, different races, different genders, interested in different things, etc, these similar memories make us part of one truly special thing, the Cougar family. While I may not know everyone who is reading this by name, I guarantee I will remember you. Y’all may not know my name before you saw it at the top of this editorial, but you probably will remember me when I tell you how I was

the guy in a big floppy hat banging loudly on a pot at every home football game this year. One of my favorite memories here at CSHS was this past year’s game vs. the other school. While it was a great game that proved to be a turning point of the season, I enjoyed the atmosphere more. It was amazing to see almost the entire student body cram into a small sliver of the stands and put aside our differences to cheer on our school. Then the ride over to the Rock Prairie Whataburger to stand in a sea of Maroon wearing my purple colors with pride. That is what high school should be about, coming together and being proud of what we have accomplished here, like having the defending National Champions of the SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl competition. Everyone told me to enjoy high school because “it’ll end before you even know it,” and for a while I didn’t believe them. Then I realized they were right, as my freshman and sophomore years blew by like the wind. That is when I started to enjoy life a little, and nothing will ever replace the memories of late night Whataburger after big wins, and all the other memories I’ve made in these hallowed halls. Peace out, College Station High School, it’s been real.● Senior John Clendenin is an assistant editor and will be attending Sam Houston State University to major in Kinesiology.

Emelie Gulde jump off cliffs, all the time From the moment I walked through the doors of College Station High School, my life has felt like a movie. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times and everything in between. When I was a freshman, I saw the seniors and how they acted. I saw that they tended to not care about what they did anymore and that the only thing they seemed to be passionate about was leaving. I told myself I would not be that way. I was wrong. Suddenly I can see what my naive freshman self could not. The reason that these seniors were so ready to leave the building was not because they detested the high school, but because they were ready and prepared for the future in ways that freshman Emelie was not. Without the three years of high school that I have under my belt, I would not be ready to go to Texas A&M in the fall. I’m not going to talk about the good parts of my high school experience because that is what everyone expects. However,

the long nights, the relationships I lost and the sleep deprivation is what made me stronger. I learned more in one dark hour than I did in three golden days, and that is where I found peace. It’s easy to be happy when your surroundings say that you should, but it makes more of a statement to stay positive when the atmosphere around you is full of pressure. That is the true challenge of high school. If the movie of your life is a chick-flick, with laughter and shopping and trivialities, kudos to you for paving your path the way you want it to be. But when one enters the real world, the people who truly overcame adversity and remained calm in the midst of the storm will be the ones that stand out. That’s what I hope my movie will look like, with me in the calm eye of the storm.● Senior Emelie Guilde is the News Editor on staff and will be attending Texas A&M to major in Supply Chain through Mays Business school.

it’s easy to be happy when your surroundings say that you should, but it makes more of a statement to stay positive when the atmosphere is full of pressure.

Friday, May 18, 2018

The Catamount

NOé canchola Another day at “the office” It was a cloudy Thursday in February of last year when I finally finished the hit sitcom show “The Office.” I had finally done it. Nine seasons and about 200 episodes later and it all came down to the finale. Needless to say, I was definitely in a glass case full of emotions because the characters who I had followed throughout the TV show were set to say their final goodbyes. For most of my time in newspaper, especially the last two years, I have heard from countless people that we could very well be a sitcom. As far fetched as that sounds, think about it. We are a group of people from different cultures, have different opinions and beliefs, yet we all share one common goal: to publish a newspaper every six weeks, no matter what it takes. At the beginning of my senior year, little did I know that the once very tightknit staff that I had known my previous years would grow into a larger staff with new personalities and faces to meet. Though those challenges seem trivial now, I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and got to meet this group of extraordinary new people. From the first semester to the second semester of this year, each person I met opened my eyes to new things and new perspectives about life. From some, I learned more about compassion, and from others I learned to stand firm and always believe in myself. For instance, my last brainstorming session, I saw the veterans of the newspa-

per sharing and supporting the fresh faces of the Catamount, and I watched with admiration because I know that once the seniors graduate, this newspaper will continue to be its best. I have to say that my time in newspaper has been nothing short of an amazing journey. I am blessed that I have had the great fortune to do something that I have loved for all these years. Even in the toughest moments, I loved it. Even when deadlines frustrated the hell out of me and pushed me to the brink of exhaustion, I loved it. However, it is all my fellow reporters at the Catamount who I have loved the most. Being part of the school newspaper is not a straightforward job. We ask you, the readers, to give us the time so that we can report the news about our school and community to the best of our ability without bias or anything that impedes journalistic reasoning. I hope that I have done that, and I am exceptionally confident and proud that next year’s Catamount staff will continue to do the same. So, like all sitcoms, there must come a finale. It has been one of the best honors of my life to be able to work with a group of extremely talented, intelligent and loving people. Thank you, fellow Catamount staffers, for helping me love others and myself.● Senior Noe Canchola is the Managing Editor and will be attending Texas A&M University to major in Sports Management.

Class of 2018

kalindi desai room 2120 It is said that laughter magically adds years to your life, and while that may be far from the reality of things, I would like to believe it is true. Over the past three years, I think I have elongated my lifespan a bit. I can accredit my joy to a lot of various people, places and things, but there is one spot in this school that has been a primal source of happiness for me over the past three years. Room 2120. The Newspaper Lab. To the majority of students in this school, this room is completely insignificant. But for me, Room 2120 has been the home to lots of snacks, occasional stress-induced tears, ridiculous jokes, laughter, growth, joy and the people I love most. After three years of being on staff, Room 2120 feels like a second home to me. This might be because some weeks I think I spend more time in the lab working on last minute page designs than I do sleeping in my own bed, but I also believe this place feels so much like home because of the friends who I share Room 2120 with. I am thankful that, for some reason, the universe decided to provide me with a group of irreplaceable companions who may just know me better than anyone else in this school.

These friends have helped me grow in so many different ways. They have accepted me for who I am, challenged me in ways that really made me think and shown me what teamwork truly should be like. They have tested me at some points and aggravated me at times too, but I know that at the end of the day, my fellow newspaper staffers are my best friends because of the love we have for each other and our publication. I’m not quite sure what high school would have been like without Room 2120. Or without the overflowing quote wall, or having Ethan, Noe and formerly Kyle roast me on the daily, or Jason’s Deli pickles on paper day, or anything else that newspaper has provided me. I will only walk into the newspaper lab four more times, and that breaks my heart. But as my time in newspaper comes to an all-too-soon close, I am overflowing with gratitude for each individual who has made Room 2120 home for me.● Senior Kalindi Desai is the Editor-in -Chief on staff and will be attending Texas A&M University to major in Communication.

i’m not sure what high school would have been like without room 2120.

Class of 2018

The Catamount

Friday, May 18, 2018

Tiffany Ha

Ty’Aisa Hubbard Hiding the Pain behind a Mask I’ve created I scream. I’ve been diagnosed. There’s a virus inside of me, and it continues to spread throughout my body. I can’t get rid of it. I knew in that very moment that pain became my best friend. No one can see me like this. What would they think? I have to be strong, you know, hold up this image. So, I put on the “TyAsia’s” very own masks, to hold up this image. I tell myself, they can’t see the tears I’ve cried that late night when my family found out my stepdad was murdered. The one time I came to school hungry because my mother couldn’t afford to buy groceries for the month. Or the time when I first met my biological father. Piece by piece, my masks are coming along pretty strong, don’t you think? Pain greeted me at a time where I had nothing, absolutely nothing. It explored me from head to toe, finding my most vulnerable moments. In this case, I became the victim of a controlling, monstrous beast. This beast fed off my difficulties and insecurities in life. It knew me at my best and worst, where to get me good. I can’t escape it. Something new is happening in my life, and it longs for the new feelings. The amazing thing about life is that

lightness will always prevail. Whether you are going through depression or a bad breakup, light will find a way to shine into your life. With pain comes the recovery process, and though I wasn’t expecting one, but it came. Drowning in fear, I never expected to see the light. People always say life comes at you and you just coexist with it. However, I say otherwise. This world is no joke. I’ve had to mature before the time came, and it broke my view on the world. I saw things differently, and I still see things differently. These last four years of my life I felt alone and ashamed. I hid myself from the people I loved the most and those who care deeply about me. I feel my mask shattering. The pieces that helped shape the mask are falling. Piece by piece, they disappear. This mask was my best friend. We were like two. Screwed into my head, the mask that hid my most painful moments in life is gone. I don’t scream anymore. I’ve been cleared from the virus. I don’t wear masks around here.• Senior Ty’Asia Hubbard is the Entertainment Editor and will be attending The University of Missouri Moberly Area Community college in the spring with plans to major in Strategic Journalism.

Pain Greeted me at a time where I had NOthing, Absolutely nothing.

An open Letter to Things I’ve lost in High School My keys, Though losing you has caused me a few minutes of my day, the faculty who got to know me a little more personally in my quests of finding you now recognize me in the hallway, even if it’s just as “the girl who always loses her keys.” My favorite shirt, When endless nights of cramming finally got to me, my delusional self thoughtlessly threw you, my linen tank with gold embroidery, over my lamp, causing it to overheat and burn. I’m sorry. Sleep, I miss you every day. Every procrastinated study session, turnitin.com submission exactly one minute before the deadline, and general inability to fall asleep due to overwhelming stress lead to our limited moments together. Hopefully, we will have more time together in college. Friends, I hope you prosper. At the time of our friendship honeymoons, I believed that you all were meant to be a part of my life. That still hasn’t changed. Maybe your presence was only meant to be temporary, teaching me how to love then how to lose. Sometimes you have to lose someone else to find yourself. You have taught me what I need to accept from and give to others. Though we have gone our separate ways, your impact has been unforgettable. Thank you for changing my life. Some of you have come back; we’ve grown apart in a funny way that brought us back together.

Anxiety, Three years ago, I wouldn’t have believed that I’d be able to talk to someone new without shaking and/or sweating. Now, I can participate in conversations. Now, I can play an active role in my own life. For so long, I’ve been a secondary character in my own story. Too reserved to have my own identity in the eyes of others, I was merely recognized as “Donna’s cousin” or “so-and-so’s friend.” Through newspaper, I am challenged to interview strangers and learn their stories. The connections I’ve made through interviews not only helped me as a journalist, but also with my fear of speaking to new people. Newspeeps, my fellow newspaper staffers. My family. My own version of “The Office” taken place in a high school computer lab. Though I haven’t quite lost you yet, it feels as though I have. These past few brainstorming sessions, late nights and deadline days that normally bring up stress has brought up wistful melancholy, leading me to desperately cling to our last moments together. Thank you for making our huge school feel a like a home. Myself, or who I once was anyway… and that’s okay, because I created this new person who I’m learning to love.• Senior Tiffany Ha is the Senior Editor and will be attending The University of Texas in Austin in the spring with plans to major in Journalism.

Friday, May 18, 2017

The Catamount

Class of 2018

senior Superlatives So

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Most likely to play the Hamilton playlist.

Most likely to do the meme hand thing (gotem).

elie Gu

lde

Most likely to roast you (out of love, of course).

Most likely to use weird tones of voices.

breaks. Regroup before jumping back into your work. You will be happier and more efficient if you work in clumps. 4. “What if I don’t get into the college of my dreams?” I am going to give you guys the same advice my mother gave me: the quality of the person you are is not defined by what college you go to. It is defined by what you do there. Everything in life is about the choices you make with what is available to you, so don’t think that you will be any less successful if you do not get into the college of your dreams. The school doesn’t make you. You make yourself. Out of all the questions my siblings have asked me thus far though, none of it could have prepared me for what they asked as I planned my graduation. 5. “After you graduate, will you forget about us?” This piece of information is mainly for them because I know that they worry about what will happen when I leave home. No matter how caught up I get in college, I will never forget about you. I know my siblings and many others are just beginning the phase of life that I am leaving, but I hope this advice was useful. So no, I will not forget about them, and as much as I complained about high school, I won’t forget about the last four years either.• Senior Sophia North is the Photographer Editor and will be attending Texas A&M University and majoring in Psychology.

Most likely to randomly burst into laughter.

I know a lot about high school. I experienced the terrifying first day, stressful late nights, heartbreak, self-discovery, dissipation of old friendships and the birth of new ones, and now, I am experiencing the end of it all. But before I leave, I am going to answer a few questions my siblings have asked me about high school in the hopes that my knowledge can be somewhat insightful for them, as well as others who may be wondering about the next four years of their lives. 1. “What clubs should I join?” First, discover what you are passionate about, then look for clubs that help you further those passions, but don’t overdo it. You do not need to be involved in every single club. Just because you read one book outside of school does not mean you need to join Book Club. Instead, find a few things you love and join clubs related to those things. You will be more involved and more successful in those organizations if you dedicate yourself to a few. 2. “What if I fail a test?” You are not going to be perfect at everything you do, and I can truly say, looking back now, that one bad grade on a test or quiz really does not matter. Look at the big picture and don’t fixate on one bad result. 3. “How do I cope with all the stress?” Often times it will feel like you are trapped in an endless cycle of work, assignments and commitments. But I promise that it ends. Also, no matter how overwhelmed you are, allow yourself to take

Most likely to hype you up at any given moment.

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Most likely to say a “ur mom” joke even if it doesn’t necessarily make sense.

Class of 2018

Friday, May 18, 2018

The Catamount

2017-18 Timeline Season seven of “Game of Thrones” came out.

Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, flooding over one third of Houston.

August 2017

Summer 2017

It snowed three inches in College Station, according to KBTX.

Cougar football won the 5A-II state championship for the first time in school history.

The Winter Olympics took place in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

February 2018

Season two of “Stanger Things” came out.

October 2017

People started eating Tide Pods. Yes, they really did.

January 2018

December 23, 2017

December 7, 2017

The 2017-18 school year was an eventful one. Here are some memorable events that happened.

Marvel’s Infinity War came out, setting the record for the biggest weekend opening worldwide.

Shattered Dreams warned students about the dangers of drunk driving.

March 8-9, 2018

The 17-18 school year comes to a close on May 31 at Reed Area when the 2018 seniors are handed their diplomas.

April 27, 2018

Graphics by Dru Peacock. Photos by Courtney Wellmann and Dru Peacock.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Class of 2018

The Catamount

Life

Harrison Wellmann and mitchell cashion “I think the reason we are so close is because of the sports we are involved in.” -harrison wellmann

Long

Friends

“We talk about stuff we wouldn’t have years ago.” -KEKE Anderson “I can’t wait for the future with him.” -MARQUEZ Perez

anna hoemann and carsen grom

morgan green and sophie bullard

“One of my favorite memories was when we dressed up as Dwight and Jim for a spirit day.” -Carsen GROM

“We can really be ourselves around each other.” -isaiah REZA

“I don’t know how i’d live without him.” -erin WHITMAN

Michaela Downs and Marina Munoz “WE HELP SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN OUR WALK WITH GOD.” -mARINA MUNOZ

“WE have SEEN EACH OTHER GROW INTO THE INDIVIDUALS WE ARE NOW.” -MICHAELA DOWNS

Keke anderson and Marquez perez

“ I know our friendship will last after high school.” -Mitchell cashion

Erin Whitman and Isaiah Reza

“we have learned what friendship really is. -sophie BULLARD “she used to live a few streets over from me so I’d always ride my bike over.” -Anna HOEMANN

“the bond we have is stronger than ever.” -morgan GREEN

gREYSON CASHION AND WILSON ROUBION “We have alays had a goofy relationship where we joke around a lot with each other..” -GREYSON CASHION “We started playing Stealth baseball together, And we became a lot closer.” -WILSON ROUBION

And

then

now

Cade Marler

Jose Martinez Ruben Martinez

Daniel Marquardt

Sarah Martinez

Gabriela Martinis

Jonathan Masabni

William Massey

Reo Matsuda Antonio Sevastian Mayen Chase McCoy Jensen McCulloch Austin McHarg Brendan McIntyre Joshua McKinney WilliamMcLaughlin Tanner McNamara

Courtnie Meharg Mason Meinscher Krista Menn Aubrey Merkel McKenna Merritt Garrett Miller Noah Miles

Afrin Momin Kanwal Momin Justin Moore

Trenton Moore

Storm Mills

Treveon MoorE Tyra Moore Rocio Moran Garcia Allie Morgan Edwin Mosley

Ke’Ana Muckelroy Kyla Munyon Jefferson Myers Susan Nam Thomas Nelson Faith Neuberger Cyrus Newsome Addison Newton Xavier Nickerson Bailey Nobra Dylan Norrid Sophia North Hayley Nugent Sullivan O’Shea Carolina OcadA John Ocon OlumayowaOlowomeye Brendon Olson Mildred Orozco Salvador Orozco C’Ara Ostigin Briana Owirodu Allison Page Norma Palacios-Calderon Nicholas Palermo Nolan Palmer Cullen Paradowski Duncan Park Ji Won Park Joseph Park Rushi Patel Cameron Payton Aaron Peil Briana Perez Daniel Perez Marquez Perez Nico Peters

Joseph Pettibon

Kylie Petty

Jillian Phillips

Chance Pierce

Hannah Pierdolla

Donovan Pierite

Benjamin Pitblado Madison Platt

Kira Pomykal Khrystean Poole Ashley Poprik Grayson Privett Mason Pruitt

Xiara Quintero

Taha Rahman

Dana Ramirez

Bethany Ralston

Keyland Reed Christian Reza Marina Munoz Ashlyn Riddle Lizzeth Rodriguez

Tayler Rodriguez

Cassidy Rogers

Kaitlyn Rowe Taryn Ruiz Jorge Ruiz Guerra Tyler Salter Ashleigh Sample

Luis Ramirez Nunez

Collin Riechman Camryn Riggins Eric Roquet

Patrick Rogers

Matthew Rusk

Lorenzo Sanchez

Jessica Rambo

Nicholas Russell

Emily Sanders

Ty Sanders

Ioannis Pistikopoulos

Tony Qing

Tacey Raulerson

Ambrina Reed

Jack Rivera Jackson Roderick Hannah Rodlund

Rebekah Rossman

Wilson Roubion

Seth Russell Taylor Sadowski

Elizabeth Round

Yousra Said

Jacob Scott

Cella Siegelman Connor Skidmore Amanda Smith Cy Smith Kylie Smith Lauren Smith Makenzie Solis

Miranda Streiff Carson Sword Ilham Thomson

Shandy Smith

Erin Solomon Aaron Staab Reid Stapp Hayden Stellges

Toni Strasheim Alexandria Stephenson

Julia Stephenson

Josiah Stoddart

Savannah Stepan

Garrett Stone

Katelyn Symons Ava Tamborella Tony Taylor Sydney Terzian

James Thornton

Daniel Tice

Kevin Timoney

Margaret Tipps

Caryssa Todd

Rodrigo Travi Artero Trejo Beatriz Trejo Emily Turner Liam Turner Tyler Van Buren Alex Vasquez Jessica Vega

Ke’Andre Vela Ashika Verma Solanyi Vivas Nikolas Voiles Tori Wager Teryn Walley

Emma Warlick

Christopher Watson

Tyler Watson

Javonte Webster

Courtney West

Quandree White Christopher Whitley Erin Whitman

Alyssa Wisdom

Christopher Williams

Amber Wisdom

Benjamin Wolz

Jeremiah Williams

Raymond Wood

Dylan Salas

Mollie Schatz Matthew Schaub Kriston Schultz

Larissa Schweigert Hanna Seabranch Samuel Seale Chandler Sennette Madison Sheffield Conner Shipley Wesley Shoemake

Shelby Smith

Claire Quast

Harrison Wellmann

Calvin Stos Breana Thompson

the end Andrea Travi of an Gemma Vazquez INCRED18LE Rosetta Wang year Trinton Welch

Braeden Whitten

Kasi Wielenga

Areial Wilson Haley Wilton

Preston Windham

Anna Worley

Benjamin Worley

Sarah Yao

Caleb Young Michael Young Richard Yu Anthony Zachria Nicholas Zachria Sharon Zaldivar Alatorre

Natalie Yarbrough Bryan Young Daniel Zamora

Ruth Zamora