Sept. 2021 - Vol. 10 No. 1 by Cougar Media

College Station High School

4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845

Vol. 10 No. 1

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

the CATAMOUNT

10 Cougar football rolls on undefeated

13 Political club promotes conservative leadership

▲Senior Areeba Momin takes a customer’s order during her weekend shift at Dutch Bros. Momin typically

works from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. PHOTO BY ELISABETH STEWART

Fast-food employees gain skills in fast-paced industry Elisabeth Stewart Managing Editor

Book lovers cherish hobby in age of technology

INDEX

News Opinions Student Life Sports People Entertainment Etc.

2-4 5-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16

After six-hour shifts of brewing coffee and flipping burgers, teenagers in the fast-food industry begin their final task of the evening: closing time. At 11 p.m., Dutch Bros Coffee employee and senior Areeba Momin disassembles the espresso machine, throws out coffee grinds and mops the floor. “Now that school has started, I can only work in the evenings,” Momin said. “That just means that I’m maintaining my schedule. I enjoy [work], and I don’t want to be unable to enjoy [work] just because I have school. It’s just about communication and responsibility.” Per U.S. Department of Labor regulations, teenagers can only work until 11 p.m. during school weeks. Through work-

ing afternoon, evening and weekend shifts, students in the fast-food industry earn a source of income while gaining experience working in a fast-paced environment. “Honestly, I didn’t do a lot of chores before I started working there,” Momin said. “It’s a good balance between serving the customers and maintaining the shop. I don’t complain about having to do the tedious tasks because I love working there so much.” Dutch Bros employees try to make each order in less than six minutes. Despite the time crunch, Momin connects with her customers. “Whenever we’re taking orders, there’s a stall moment,” Momin said. “When they put their card in the chip reader, it takes a minute just to load. The company’s expectations are to fill that time with questions.”

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News

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

The Catamount

Source of income, work experience motivate employees

continued from page 1

Fast facts of the fast-food industry Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 • Enforces that young people can work in a safe environment that does not “jeopardize their health, well-being or educational opportunities” • Dictates overtime, fufilment of minimum wage and shifts

What fast-food jobs can teenagers not do? 16- and 17-year-olds • Use power-driven meat processing machines • Use power-driven bakery machines • Use commercial mixers 14- and 15-year-olds • Use food slicers and grinders, choppers and cutters • Perform any part of the baking process • Operate ovens • Work in freezers or meat coolers ▲Senior and Zero Degrees manager Louis Cutz prepares strawberries for

the strawberry horchata. PHOTO BY ELISABETH STEWART Momin said that she learned to “[pick] up on things that [customers] want to talk about.” She learns the names and jobs of regulars who return for a “conversation that never ends.” Senior Louis Cutz is the manager at Zero Degrees, an Asian-Hispanic fusion bubble tea chain. He began working when ZeroDegrees opened three-and-a-half years ago. “It’s something to keep me busy and to have some responsibilities outside of school and my house, and to get more experience out in the world,” Cutz said. Cutz communicates with the business owners and employees, organizes supplies and coordinates shift times. “If an employee doesn’t show up, it’s really complicated,” Cutz said. “Since I’m in school, I can’t do anything about it. I just look for someone else, so they can take over.” To show their appreciation, Cutz said, the owners of Zero Degrees cook meals for their staff on weekends. “It motivates us,” he said. “The owners are grateful for what we do for the company and the store.” In May, senior Jason Garcia left his former job to find a “friendly environment” at Dunkin’ Donuts, he said. “Our General Manager listens to our requests and

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

concerns,” Garcia said. “That’s really what makes a good work environment — everyone listening, working together and helping each other.”

That’s really what makes a good work environment — everyone listening, working together and helping. Jason Garcia senior Working in fast food, Garcia said, employees learn to be responsible, consistent and personable. He attributes his own efficiency and helpfulness to his experience working in construction. “It really helped me learn about life, and those who

don’t get an opportunity to go to college or high school, so they join a heavier workforce in construction,” Garcia said. “It was eye-opening because it’s hard [work].” To protect employed minors, the Texas Child Labor law regulates certain types of work and hours. Fourteenand 15-year-olds cannot work more than eight hours in one day, while 16-year-olds have no restrictions on how many hours they can work. Sophomore Christina Swanner, 15, follows specific regulations while working weekends at McDonald’s. “There are a lot of restrictions due to my age, but they make sure I don’t do anything I’m not technically allowed to do,” Swanner said. Swanner’s sister hired her, helping Swanner to start saving for a car. Garcia, Momin and Cutz have saved their money for college and other expenses. “Each time I get a paycheck, I don’t really want to buy anything because it looks so good in my bank account,” Momin said. Momin said that getting a job was “less about making money than having the experience.” “Working is a big thing,” Garcia said. “You have to manage your time and be responsible and consistent. Working in the fast-food industry is stressful. But if you know you can do it, go for it.” •

The Catamount

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

News

Clubs offer opportunity for involvement in school activities National Honor Society

◄ NHS seniors Ethan Harmon, Yazan Chtay, Ulisses Braga, Luke Grismer, Janice Kim, Kiki Flynn, Skylar Ford and Emily Hord complete a team bonding activity that involved creating a team chant at the NHS annual Lock In on Sept. 11. Members competed in Bubble Soccer, sang at Silent Disco and played Sardines. PHOTO PROVIDED BY RANDI COSTENBADER

Teacher Sponsor: Randi Costenbader Meets the 3rd Thursday (and following Friday) at 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 a.m. in the LGI Areeba Momin - President The purpose is to serve our school and community while upholding the NHS pillars of Character, Service, Leadership and Scholarship. Requires junior classification, 3.3 GPA and completion of the NHS Candidate Form to join

Law Enforcement Club

Making Cougar Connections

HOSA- Future Health Professionals

Teacher Sponsor: Jay Summers Every Thursday, room 0345, 4:00PM The purpose is to explore law enforcement in general, to gain experience toward a career in law enforcement, to understand the ins and outs of police work, and to compete as part of SkillsUSA. No requirements, everyone is welcome! They want to participate in Peace Officers Memorial Day, and various service projects in the community

Teacher Sponsor(s): Valarie Reed Meets once a week at 7:30 a.m. at an elementary school The purpose is to serve as mentors and build relationships between elementary students and high school students. Mentors invite their mentees to come to CSHS for a tour, eat pizza and play on the football field. Members are expected to provide their own transportation to and from the elementary schools and be committed for the full year - one day a week, and have fun!

Teachers Sponsor(s): Elizabeth Poprik, Lora Lindahl, Oleta Camper Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 4pm, Room 3023 The goal is to empower students to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration and experience. For people interested in choosing a health career. Focused on increasing service opportunities. Many of the competitions are now online or have an online qualifying round so there won’t be as many people at the in-person competitions.

Creative Writing Club

International Thespian Society

The Game Club

Teacher Sponsor(s): Krystle Lopez and Kelli Noel Meets Fridays each week in room 2003 Led by President Allana Frost Goal is to be able to write together and expand the program to encourage writers and create an anthology while featuring writers on our website. To join, fill out an application and show up to meetings. They are most excited for the opportunity to compete in-person through SkillsUSA.

Teacher sponsor(s): Beth Creel and Stacey Erskine Meetings take place on the last Tuesday of each month The goal is to promote and encourage participation in theatrical productions, both acting and technical To be inducted as a Thespian, students must participate in two shows, totaling up to 10 points. Participate in live plays; A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Suessical the musical, plus One Act Play and Senior Directs shows upcoming.

Teacher Sponsor: Ed Wetterman Every Wednesday starting in September. After school until 5. The goal is to provide the opportunity for CSHS students to compete in officially sanctioned eSports games. Students must try out for a team for the Fall or Spring and pay a nominal registration fee. This year they plan to offer local, in person, tournaments for students not otherwise involved in the eSports teams.

LEO CLUB

FCCLA

FFA

Teacher sponsor: Jeremy Dockan Meets every other Tuesday (1st and 3rd of the month) The club partakes in volunteering on the CSHS Campus and in the community. To join, pay $10 dues, fill out an application and keep up with volunteer point requirements. Each volunteering event will have its own set of COVID restrictions that the club will follow.

Teacher Sponsor: Bailey Wilson Meets twice a month on average in Room 1126 Promotes student involvement within the Family & Consumer Sciences department. Must be currently or previously in an FCS class to join. FCCLA is looking forward to the opportunities of involvement this year, community service, social events, leadership roles and competing in Galveston.

Teacher sponsors are Sheridan Clinkscales, Jordan Getz, James Harlin, Miranda Ritch, Erin Stutts Meets every month in the Ag rooms, LGI or Cafeteria FFA promotes premier leadership, personal growth and career success through Agriculture Education. Requires members to be enrolled in an Agriculture Science Course. FFA is looking forward to increasing community service hours by participating in the events that committee members plan.

News

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

The Catamount

Lack of COVID-19 mandates leaves choices to individuals Cheyenne Clark and COVID-19 Updates Amari Rutherford Staff Reporters

Should we or should we not wear masks? Everyone’s opinion over the controversial question is valid, but is either one considered “right?” A total of 14 people spoke the week before school started during Bryan and College Station school board meetings in favor of the district requiring masks, according to the Eagle. However, other students expressed preferences to not wear masks. “Wearing masks doesn’t necessarily protect anyone from spreading or getting COVID,” sophomore Kirstin Sikes said. “Wearing a mask while in band is difficult and makes outdoor activity like marching band practice unbearable and much harder to perform to the standards the marchers are held to.” Sikes said staying home when we feel sick and washing hands to prevent the spread of germs also helps. However, sophomore Addison Edwards explains that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended universal masking in schools. “[Wearing a mask] keeps your germs to yourself and will not help if no one wears them,” Edwards said. Edwards believes if we are to wear a mask, then we are returning the favor to others around us, especially with her role on the girls basketball team. “Running in masks is hard, you cannot really breathe… [and] if you take it off we run more,” Edwards said.

In addition to differing views on masks, students also hold different opinions on vaccines. To make the best decision, read information on the COVID-19 vaccine, from reliable sources. Look at daily updates to find the most up-to-date info. New information can surface as more is learned.

I’m better off getting prepared as much as I can -Vanita Vance Biology Teacher The COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be effective. If a person contracts the virus while vaccinated, they have a lower chance of spreading the virus and the symptoms of the virus can be much less severe. For people that are high-risk or have high-risk family members, the vaccine has allowed for some leeway in terms of contact, according to KBTX. While we are not making vaccinations a requirement to return to the 2021-2022 school year, the district recommends that students, faculty and staff members get vaccinated to slow the spread here at CSHS and throughout

the CSISD school district. For students who have recently come into contact with someone confirmed positive with COVID-19, students have the choice to self-quarantine. Many CSHS teachers said they received the vaccine to safely and comfortably teach. “Although I have a very good immune system, I know that in the face of something that can be really harmful to me and my family, I’m better [off] getting prepared as much as I can,” biology teacher Vanita Vance said. “Getting the vaccine has helped me feel better about being around a lot of other people, [but] I’m less concerned about catching COVID-19 than [I am about] passing it onto my family.” Members of her immediate family are at a higher risk of being affected by the virus, Vance said. “Both of my children have underlying conditions that put them at a higher risk, so both of them are more likely to [be affected],” she said. “We have [all] been vaccinated. I am very concerned for those that haven’t yet gotten the vaccine. The recent statistics that have been done on hospitalizations and deaths in recent months have shown that [nearly] 100% are people that haven’t yet been vaccinated or didn’t want to be.” Now, anyone 12 and older can get the Pfizer vaccine, but it remains to be seen if recipients can breathe a sign of relief. •

At CSHS as of Sept. 22 Currently 7 active cases 188 people have recovered 195 total cases 178 of them are students 17 of them are staff

Brazos Valley Statistics as of Sept. 22 29,855 total cases 2,436 active cases 3 new deaths 312 total deaths 308 unvaccinated deaths 4 breakthrough vaccinated deaths

Source: KBTX COVID-19 Brazos Valley Dashboard and 2021-22 COVID-19 Dashboard

21-22 yearbook on sale now!

Starts at $75 BUY NOW before price raises to $95 on Oct. 24, 2021

The Catamount

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

Opinions

Others impact realization of self worth

THE CAT’S EYE VIEW

Oscar Wilde is credited with the quote, “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” That is what I live by. A lot of the time we may want things Cheyenne Clark but once we do, we realize it was not worth the trouble. Or it may be the other way around, and we may not want things but later we wish we would have wanted them. Over the summer I realized how true this has been for me. Throughout freshman year, I had trouble knowing what I wanted. I did not have the ideal freshman year that I yearned for. The year was full of anxiety and depression, emotional grief, heartbreak and toxicity. I accepted a lot of advice for happiness from people, such as to not depend on one person, it

staff editorial

Growing student population leads to overcrowding It’s a commonly understood traffic law that our roads would be a wreck without two-way streets. The CSHS halls and stairways are similar to our roads, in that they are indeed a mess without regulations. With students shoved together and backpacks bumping against chests, the current system is a disaster. This is not just an issue of inconvenience, but of safety, too. Trampling, shoving, stumbling and tripping down the stairs is commonplace. In some ways this can’t be helped; According to a 1999 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, 22% of schools are overpopulated, with 8% of schools overreaching their capacity by a whopping 25%. After all, the CSHS building was originally designed to hold 1,800 students, according to Jon Hall, the CSISD Executive Director

is okay to acknowledge my emotions but it is not okay to ignore them and push them down. Sometimes people are just meant to be in our lives for a short time, so we should not let them determine how we feel and what we do. After I accepted the advice, it really helped me in countless ways. I had to change a lot of things in my life in order to fix my mental health. Some were easy and some were very painful to do. In the end, however, it was worth it. A lot of things have happened in my life that have caused my self confidence and self love to plummet. However, when I surrounded myself with people who love me for me and not for my looks, I realized my worth and what I deserve. I may not recognize myself anymore, but I wouldn’t be happy if I could. The many ups and downs that have happened have allowed me to know my limits, my worth and the way I deserve to be treated and loved.•

of Facilities.

View of the Pride:

Today, CSHS hosts around 2,100 students, smashing the limit by at least 300. This is apparent not only in halls and stairways, but in the cafeteria too. By the time lunches are

do you have a suggestion for managing overcrowding at cshs?

all served, the tables are filled, which leads many students to overflow to outside stairs and patios. Although the core facility capacity is currently 2,400 students (this includes common spaces like the gym and caf-

“Here’s a good system. If someone’s in the way, just deal with yourself. Putting in a new system will just stop up the line in the hallway.” -Phat Pham, freshman

eteria), Hall said that “enrollment growth will eventually force CSISD to build a third comprehensive high school, but that should be at least five years from now, after enrollment

“We need tunnels underneath hallways. Teleportation rays. Natural selection. Golf carts, kind of like Pac-Man, run them over.” -Sri Krishna, senior

growth makes it a necessity,” he said. For now, we suggest three simple solutions: return to the

“Reinstituting the up and down stairwells to clear congestion at the bottom of the stairs.” -Nate Laffin, junior

two-way traffic in hallways and to one-way staircases, and extend lunch seating into the basement hallway by the culinary department like last year.•

2021-2022 Newspaper Staff Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Senior Editor News Editor Opinions Editor Features Editor Staff Reporters

Cartoonist Faculty Adviser Assistant Adviser

Calla Duffield Elisabeth Stewart Katherine Gulde Sophie Harkins Rhyan Kalke Allana Frost Cheyenne Clark Briceida Bellon Rylan Dalton Amari Rutherford Zoe Taylor Courtney Wellmann Natalie Golden

“Just distribute people in lunches more effectively.” -Hannah Jeong, sophomore

The Catamount Newspaper

The newspaper is produced by the Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Production class at College Station High School,

4002 Victoria Ave., College Station, Texas, 77845. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District.

Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the

right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of all staff.

The newspaper is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and a winner of their Bronze Star award

in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019 as well as their Silver Star Award in 2017, 2018 and 2020.

College Station ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing

education services. Monica James, Director of Human Resources, 1812 Welsh, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5412) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX. Molley Perry, Director of Special Services, 1812 Welsh, Suite 120, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5433) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Opinions

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

The Catamount

Moving past pandemic requires community action I’m sick of writing about COVID-19. I’ve read enough about masks and safety protocols and the Delta variant. I don’t care to have any more swabs stuck up my nose, or to get another outbreak of “mask acne” on my face. But until we take COVID-19 seriousElisabeth ly (again), COVID-19 stories will conStewart tinue to dominate our newspapers and our lives. You may read this editorial, roll your eyes, and toss this newspaper into the nearest trash bin, but COVID will still be here. When students returned to school in August, COVID-19 joined us in astonishing numbers. CSISD reported 217 COVID-19 cases in the first two weeks of school, compared to four cases from the same time last year. As a result, Superintendent Mike Martindale released an email and video encouraging teachers, parents and students to consider wearing masks. When campuses don’t have enough staff to “safely operate” school facilities, he said, campuses will close. Our campus consistently leads CSISD with the highest number of active cases. This is the one “competition” that CSHS doesn’t want to win. We must be smart, proactive and selfless to protect ourselves and stay in school. Despite new threats, such as

the Delta strain and breakthrough cases in vaccinated patients, there are still effective ways to protect ourselves. Get vaccinated. The Baylor Scott and White System reported that 92% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were unvaccinated. Vaccinations decrease a person’s chance of severe illness or death due to COVID-19 and decrease their incubation period, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals 12 years and older can receive the Pzifier vaccine at pharmacies in CVS, Walgreens, and HEB in Brazos Valley. Wear a mask. Even if you are vaccinated, the CDC recommends “universal indoor masking by all students” to prevent the spread of virus-carrying droplets. Vaccinated people can still experience “breakthrough infections,” contract the virus and spread it to others. No school district can mandate masks or vaccines. You have the choice between safety, or to take your chances with the virus that has infected more than 3.2 million Texans since January 2020 (Department of State Health Services). Make an effort to stop the spread at CSHS. Protect yourself now, get vaccinated and consider wearing a mask, so that eventually, the only COVID-19 stories we read will be from the past.•

This is the one “competition” that CSHS doesn’t want to win.

??? QUESTION

OF THE

issue

Are you wearing a mask at school?

Always: 30%

Graphics by Allana Frost

Sometimes: 19%

Never: 51%

461 people polled

HUMANS of CSHS

Jaxson Slanker senior

“I love how our [football] team is a very close team. We hang out and like being together outside of football. I really appreciate how we have very committed coaches.” “[Cougar football] teaches you to surround yourself with the type of people you’d like to be like. Our coaches are all really great role models for life as well as on the football feild. You get to build yourself up character-wise.”

Check out our Instagram to learn more about the Humans of CSHS @cshscatamountnewspaper

COUGAR UNVEILED by Zoe Taylor

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

The Catamount

Meaningful connection transcends language boundaries In the hurricane of life and school, she noticed my head tilted in confusion, she touched her finger I sometimes have a moment in the eye to the thick layer of gray dust on the concrete and scribbled a of the storm when I look up and I marquick circle with lines bursting around its circumference and vel at how many people I must pass each proudly pointed to it and said ‘sol!’ I smiled at the familiar day, how many stories and relationships shape of the sun in the dirt, and pointed to the one above us and are lost in the rush of my fast-paced repeated, ‘sol?’ Her head bobbed excitedly and she sat down world. criss-cross-applesauce next to me. Allana Frost I had one of those For an hour we sat there, drawing simple moments this past shapes in the dust under the drowsy warmth of summer, when I was in the middle of a surrethe sun: Butterfly, mariposa. Apple, manal humanitarian trip to Peru. I remember zana. Puppy, perrito. Every time I underlying on the hot, cracked sidewalk in the stood a word she said, our faces would unfinished courtyard of the school we light up with an effervescent grin, and I were building after a long day of mixing could see her honey eyes twinkle. concrete, when a little girl with black hair Though we had never spoken the tied up in a sparkly, bright red scrunchie bounced same language, there was something about up to me with the biggest grin and squeezed my teaching each other these elementary words that legs. I laughed in surprise, and in my broken Spanish tied us together with an invisible string, an unasked her what her name was. “Gracielo!” her sospoken love between kindred spirits. We came from Art by Allana Frost different lives, different cultures, different counprano voice trilled. Gray sky, it translated. I smiled at the irony. tries, but as we sat there next to each other in the dust under The little girl began chattering rapidly in Spanish and fanthat same sun whose light we both knew, I had never felt closer ning her face, and I quickly lost the thread of translation. When to a stranger.•

Dress code policy evokes response from female student Dress code has been affecting students’ around the world by interfering with their self Rylan Dalton expression since intermediate school. Based on our school’s dress code, staff may tell us our shorts are too short, our shoulders are showing, and other degrading rules. Some students, including me, have had enough of the dress code. It shows signs of sexualization for high school and middle school students, and schools tend to focus on what girls wear rather than both genders. Although I have never personally been “dress-coded”, I have seen many students who have received a dress code violation once, multiple times, or received a warning. To me, the dress code affects more than taking time out of our day to go and change into other clothes. The experience affects students’ confidence and makes them question their sense of style and if it is acceptable.

I like to express myself through my clothes, and the dress code is limiting that. Girls should be able to wear whatever they want without feeling like all the teachers and staff are watching them, waiting to criticize them about what they are wearing. I especially feel like the fingertip rule when wearing leggings is useless and ineffective. Girls wear leggings to feel comfortable, and they match any item of clothing. Having a shirt so long that it passes our fingertips defeats the purpose of being confident and happy in what Art by Allana Frost we wear because it forces us to cover up. Some students have short arms or long legs, so the fingertip

rule isn’t fair to them because they can’t control how far down their fingertips go. Ultimately, the dress code is sexist towards girls. The dress code is mainly driven towards things that girls wear, like leggings and shorts length. Stores sell primarily clothes like crop tops, and the shorts are not fingertip length, but we can’t control what stores sell, We just can’t find a store that will sell clothes in dress code. Boys don’t have to worry about their clothes breaking the dress code, because the stores that sell clothes intended for men will make the shorts and shirts longer. Although the dress code should exist, it shouldn’t be so strict and controlling. We should be able to wear leggings without worrying about the length of a shirt. We should be able to wear sleeveless shirts. School is a place to learn. If others are so worried about the clothes we are wearing, perhaps they are the problem.•

Opinions

Voices What are you looking

What is your favorite forward to after literary genre? the “Fantasy. I really “A Sasquatch like reading costume to scare about made up children.” stuff.”W, Sam Lauren Byerly, freshman

“A tiger because it’s fierce and free in the wild. “Fantasy, because It describes who takes you to Iitam.” a place you Meghan Miles, know you can’t experience in the real world..” Anamarie “An E-boy. I’ll Walker, wear chains, sophomore rings, a striped shirt with a long-sleeved black shirt “Horror or underneath.” supernatural. I like Arden Duffield, scary stuff. I’ve junior never been scared, so I like the feeling of suspense.” “The scariest Peyton Faulkner, thing I can think junior of: a responsible adult.” Bre Wallen, senior “Fantasy and romance. I like fictional worlds with fairies. I’ve always “Tigger, because been a fairy my group of person. They have the friends decided I mosthigh-key unexpected was too storylines.” energetic.” Sama Bernal, Deeb, Paula senior junior

“I like historical “A mean, old fiction because teacher.” it feels like Mrs. Rothrock, watching a period Astronomy drama, it’s like teacher looking at another time.” Linda Watson, Librarian

01000101010101010101010001010111010101010101010101010101000101111110001010101010101 01010101101 01 Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 Student Life The Catamount 011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010101010100010101110101010101010101 0101 01010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 01000101 01 01010101010100010101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101 0 01 010111010101010101 01000101010100101010100010101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010 1 1 0101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010101010100010101110101010101010101010101010 00 1 011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 01000101010101010101010001 010111010101010101010101010101000101111110001010101010101010101011010101111001010101010101010100101011101010 1010101 010001010101010101010100010101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110 01010 1 0 10101010101001010111010101010101 01000101010101010101010001010111010101010101010101010101000101111110001010101010 1010 101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101010101 0101 000 1011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101 Rhyan Kalke 01010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010 Opinions Editor 1010101000101011101010101010101010101010100010111111000101010101010101010101101010111100101010101010101010010101 11 010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101010101010100010111111000101010101010101010101101010 111 10010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010101010100010101110101010101010101010101010001 0111 Counting likes on posts, checking 11100010101010101010101010110101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101010101010100010111111000101010101 0 •Sleep deprivation (light from digital comments, tracking follower counts are part of the social media world. 1010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101010 1010 1 screens) In a society so digitally oriented, so01000101111110001001101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 01000101010 1010 1 cial media can be overwhelming and • Log out of social media accounts00101 01010100010101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101 0 •Depression (feelings of inadequacy, distoo addictive for teenagers, making it 111010101010101 011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010101010100010101110101010101 010 1 satisfaction, isolation) beneficial to take a break from social • Delete social media apps 01010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010 1 media sites. “Instagram is so like-orientated 010101000101011101010101010101010101010100010111111000101010101010101010101101010111100101010101010101010010 101 1101 •Anxiety (tracking likes, comments, folthat it became unhealthy,” junior Ce• Set limits for yourself 0101010101 010001010101010101010100010101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011 1 lowers) dric Gonzalez said. 10010101010101010101001010111010101010101 01000101010101010101010001010111010101010101010101010101000101 111 11 By deleting instagram, Gonzalez’s Source: 00010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 01 00 5 Ways Social Media Affects Teen Mental view on social media shifted from it Health by Sherri Gordon 01010101010001010111010101010101010101010101010101010100010101110010101010101010101010100010111111000 being a symbol of self worth to it being a form of art and expression. 10101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100010 “I stopped caring about the likes,” 111 101010101010101010001010111010101010101010101010101000101111110001010101010101010 10 1 Gonzalez said. “I realized it’s a really 0101010101000101011101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010 101001 0 fun way to express myself through an10111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101010101010100010111111000101010 other medium. Deleting [Instagram] 10101010101010110101011110010 101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101 010101 010 allowed me to grow internally realizing that these likes, comments and all 10001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 01000101010101010101010001010111 01 01 anyone’s posts are staged and not real. 01010101010101001010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100 01010 10 It allowed me to take a step back and 01010101010001010111010101010101010110101010101000101011101010101010101010101 0101 realize it does not matter what I post 0001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010 1 or anyone does, it is all for enjoyment, 01010100010101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010 1010 101 0 and I found that once I deleted it.” Similarly, sophomore Mars Fer1001010111010101010101 010001010101010101010100010101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010 1010 guson took a break from being on In10101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 010001010101010101010100010101110 10101010101010 stagram and Snapchat over the sum101010101000101111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100010101 01010 1010 1 mer. 101110101010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101 “I just got so anxious because 010101 01000 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101010101010100010111111000101010101010101010101101010 of the stress of ‘everyone’s having a great summer, and I’m at home and 11110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 1010101010101010100010101110101010101010101010101010 0010 111111000 I’m alone’,” Ferguson said. “I want 1010101010101010101011010101111001010101010101010100 1010111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101 0 to talk to people but it’s also super 1010101010101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0 10 stressful for me, so I was like I’m just 00101010101010101010001010111010101010101010101010101000101111110001010101010101010101011010101111001010101 010 1010101001010111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010101010101010101010100010111111000101 010101 01010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111010101010101 0100010101010101010101000101011101010 101010 10101010101010001011111100010101010101010101010110101011110010101010101010101001010111 010101 010101 01 0001 Art by Calla Duffield 01010101010101010001010111010101010101010101010101000101111110001010101010101010101011010101111001 0101010 10

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Student Life

Social Media Strike Breaks in media consumption quell negitive emotions caused by excessive usage

Effects of social media

How to: social media cleanse

going to take a little break and it was good.” Although social media often has negative effects, it can also be beneficial for teens. “I think it can be turned both

Research shows that the more you’re on [social media], the more narcisstic you are -Jessica Kouba Psychology Teacher ways,” sophomore Caiden Toon said. “Yes, it can have a negative effect if you log onto social media and you’re not feeling well. You see posts about people having fun, going to the beach, all that stuff, but you can also talk to people about your mental health and you can make friends on the internet.” Along with mental health, though, social media can also affect students academically. “Research shows that the more

you’re on [social media], the more narcissistic you are,” AP psychology and AP government teacher Ms. Kouba said. “As a teacher, I can definitely see it interfering with paying attention in class. I just think it’s a huge distraction. Instead of interacting with their peers or paying attention to what’s going on in class, they think they’re able to multitask and you’re really just not. Your brain is not set up like that.” Ms. Kouba also suggests various ways to limit social media use or take breaks. “I think taking breaks for a certain amount of time would be recommended,” she said. “Even only using it certain times a day. Not having your phone with you and constantly checking those updates, setting it somewhere like putting it in a drawer or in your bedroom so you can do your homework without having that distraction there. I definitely would recommend some sort of social media break.” With the use of social media platforms comes both negative and positive side effects. Taking a break from the stress of these platforms, even for a short time, is not only recommended by students and teachers but has proven to be an effective method of helping reduce negative emotions. “I felt better after, and I felt more secure in myself,” Ferguson said. “I felt more secure in being alone and it felt good to come back and have people be like ‘I’m glad you’re back, I’m glad I can talk to you again.” •

Catamount

How do teens believe social media affects them? • 45% mostly neutral • 31% mostly positive • 24% mostly negative. • 45% of teens say they are online on a near-constant basis.

Source: Pew Research Center

10 Sports

The Catamount

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

Unconquerable Cougars

Series of overwhelming Cougar football victories amps up spirit for season

▲Junior Chantz Johnson (18) and senior Connor Lingren (99) line up against the Magnolia offense on Sept. 10. The Cougars beat the Bulldogs 38-10. PHOTO BY RHYAN KALKE

▲Seniors Traylen Suel (2), Kyle Walsh (17), Byron Johnson (1) and Cory Hendrix (77) lead the football team on the field on Sept. 10. The pre-game involved honoring first responders and remembering the victims of 9/11. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE ▲During the game against Fort Bend Bush on Sept. 3, Coach Gregg Frashure speaks to the defensive line of Daa’yan Ahmed (91), John Martinez (53), Caleb Skow (52), Chantz Johnson (18), Connor Lingren (99) and Korbin Johnson (94). Lingren was selected as defensive player of the game, and the Cougars won 49-7. PHOTO BY RHYAN KALKE

▲Senior Bradley Jones (21) blocks against Fort Bend Bush on Sept. 3 to allow Traylen Suel to gain yards. The Cougars won 49-7. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE

▲Senior wide receiver Traylen Suel runs up the field against Fort Bend Bush on Sept. 3. Suel was named offensive player of the game that saw the Cougars beat the Broncos 49-7. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

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Sports

Senior varsity volleyball players prepare for final season of play

▲ Senior Keira Herron celebrates winning a set against Magnolia on Sept. 7. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE ▲ The seniors on the varsity volleyball team prepare to play against Magnolia, breaking out of a huddle. They won the game by a score of 3-2. PHOTO BY KATHERINE GULDE

VOLLEYBALL Team STATS

Sophie Harkins News Editor

Aces Keira Herron Ava Martindale Ana De La Garza

After three years of bumping, setting, and spiking, the class of 2022’s nine seniors remember their favorite team memories and reflect on their current time as a senior while they gear up for their best, and last, season of high school volleyball. “Volleyball has helped me in a tremendous way at CSHS,” Senior Emery Goerig said.“Every year I’ve been surrounded by great people, players and coaches.” While the volleyball program consistently wins, the players say the bond between the current seniors makes the experience most memorable. “All of us have played together for years and years,” senior Madison Kimes said. “We all have the same goal in mind, and all want to have an amazing season this year.” Throughout the program, senior Reese Maxwell has made a special bond with all of her teammates. “Us seniors this year are special,” Maxwell said. “I’ve known all of them since we were younger, we all grew up playing together, so I feel like we already have trust and a good foundation with each other.” The program has also personally benefited the players. “I feel like I have grown a lot as a leader this year,” senior Emma Deegear said. “As a senior, the underclass-

men look up to us and put trust into our decisions.” Although starting their last season can feel bitter sweet, the seniors also enjoy the perks of being the oldest. Senior Keira Herron said her favorite part of being a senior is choosing which jersey to wear each match, while senior Darby Nash said her favorite part is the big/little sister program. Senior Ana De La Garza said her favorite part has been watching her teammates grow to who they are today. “Being a senior on the team, I get to give [my little sisters] gifts on every home game.” Nash said. Senior Caroline Coyle looks back fondly on the fiveset Regional Semi-Final game and said that was her favorite volleyball memory. “Even when we weren’t playing our best, we were there for each other and [made] the game fun,” Coyle said. Kacie Street, head coach for the varsity volleyball team, has watched these girls grow since their Freshman year. “This is one talented group of seniors for sure, but I think it’s really their maturity and character coupled with that talent that has contributed to so much of their success,” Street said. “They truly have set the bar very high for those following in their footsteps, and for that I am forever grateful. The Cougars are currently 22-2 this season, and are first in the district. Their next home game is Friday, Sept. 24 against Jordan.•

55 29 29

Kills Ana De La Garza 226 Newton Riley 206 Madison Kimes 164 Total Blocks Ema Deegear Emery Goerig Riley Newton

52 35 24

Digs Keira Herron Ana De La Garza Darby Nash

372 253 185

416 371 111

Assists Darby Nash Abby Peterek Keira Herron

Serves Received Keira Herron Ana De La Garza Caroline Coyle

398 310 162

Stats last updated Sept. 18, 2021 Source: MaxPreps

People

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

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Fayth Ham takes on challenge of nationals in powerlifing Allana Frost and Rylan Dalton Features Editor and Staff Reporter

▲ Fayth Ham deadlifts on Sept. 10 in preparation for

her upcoming competitions at Nationals. Ham had special trainings organized for the event. PHOTO BY ALLANA FROST

Fayth’s Favorites: INGREDIents Of an elite athlete • • • •

Lucky knee-high Dumbo training socks chocolate pretzels a ton of water orange body armor for before meets • Spiderverse playlist • Purple socks for lifting

Just recently, in the national powerlifting meet on May 30 in Aurora, Colorado, teams from all over the country gathered to test their strength against the best in America. Senior Fayth Ham squatted 679 lbs raw, benched 379 lbs and deadlift 778 lbs, far outlifting her own body weight. This incredible feat earned her first place in nationals, and even caught the eye of the international team. “Powerlifting is competitive, but it’s mostly self-improvement,” Ham said. “When I go into a meet, there’s an element of wanting to win and beat the other person, but I mostly want to see how far I can push myself. Lifting that much weight is not natural for most people, so being able to do that takes a lot of mental strength.” In a sport that challenges the physical and mental endurance of athletes, Ham not only transcended human limits in powerlifting and collected prestigious placements and awards in meets during her high-school career, but she also proved to be an inspiration to her team. From the beginning of her journey in powerlifting, Ham’s skills and mindset have raised her above the competition and given her traction to pull through the rough patches in her career. Her teammates, seniors Hannah Scott and Gabby Niswanger, have been next to Ham since the beginning, and have watched her evolve as an athlete. In 2018, Ham placed third in region and eighth in state, in 2019 she placed first in region and, and in 2020 she won both region and state. “After her freshman year, we knew she was going to be really talented and amazing,” Scott said, “but to see how far she’s come this past year alone, especially with the hindrance of COVID-19 reducing her experience and taking away state one year, to watch her come back this year and be 10 times better and 10 times more

amazing and see her go to nationals and then this international meet, it’s been so cool to see and I am so glad that I get to see and support her because it’s really amazing.” Despite having the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of a world-crushing pandemic stifle the sport’s momentum, Ham powered through and helped to lift up those around her. “I always see her pushing her hardest while also being super encouraging with her teammates. It’s incredible to see her actually achieving what we’re all striving for, and it’s really inspiring,” Niswanger said. Another influence who’s constant instruction and guidance has helped Ham to attain these awards is her coach Gregg Frashure. He has had an active hand in her training and development as an athlete, and began with her as a freshman and became a trusted comrade during her senior season. “Fayth is not concerned with superficial things and is very focused on becoming better, which sets her apart from the rest,” Frashure said. “Fayth has always been very talented, but I have seen her technique develop over the last four years. In this sport, great technique amplifies strength, and this mindset has taken Fayth from a very good lifter to being an elite lifter.” Ham, over her years in powerlifting, has driven her body and mind further and achieved medal after medal, yet her humility has continued to persevere. All she accomplishes is a pursuit to improve herself and her team. “It’s different from other sports because you’re not comparing yourself to others, you’re just trying to beat yourself and see how much you’ve improved,” Ham said. “My biggest competitor is myself.” •

It’s incredible to see her actually achieving what we’re all striving for, and it’s really inspiring -gabby niswanger senior

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

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People

LET FREEDOM RING

Young Americans for Freedom promotes conservative leadership Calla Duffield Editor-in-Chief Young Americans for Freedom (YAF): a nationwide conservative political organization with names like Mike Pence and Ben Shapiro speaking at conventions and providing educational forums for thousands of students. How did this massive organization make its way to CSHS? “First, I just thought it was important to have a club where people could have different discussions regardless of [politics],” senior Isabelle Wong and president of the CSHS chapter said. Wong said she used to be interested in a political career. “I have a lot of friends who are college-age who intern at Capitol Hill over the summer, and they talked about how YAF was able to be that connection for resources and to people on the hill.” Club sponsor Jason Hooper also acknowledged that the club was a great way to create a network of like-minded individuals. “Some students would like to be able to participate in government one day and potentially go into civil service or politics and have more of a conservative slant to their politics. This plugs them into a network,” Hooper said.. But, for many student members, including YAF Treasurer, senior Nathan Vernon, the club is about having an after school activity just as much as it is about traveling to conferences. “We may be going to Virginia again; we went to the Standing Up for Faith and Freedom conference [in April of 2021],” Vernon said. According to Hooper, the club has raised funds but hasn’t been able to use much of the money. “We petitioned the school to go to DC, but they said no because we [couldn’t] travel [due to COVID-19],” Hooper said. CSHS YAF has been able to take virtual tours according to Wong. “We were able to get a tour of the Reagan Ranch last December. It’s where Ronald Reagan lived when he wasn’t President,” Wong said. “We were able to hear from a lot of different speakers. We met different people, [like] former governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker.

▲While

planting flags, Nathan Vernon and Isabelle Wong smile for a photo. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD

▲Senior

Madeline Renard puts out flags by the football field for Sept. 11 memorial. The students placed 2,977 flags to honor each life lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks. PHOTO BY CALLA DUFFIELD He’s now the president of YAF and Mike Pence is now one of the vice presidents.” Also by way of virtual club activities, the club recently hosted Cameron Arcand, a young journalist published in numerous news sites including the Washington Examiner. “It was very cool to have a politically and journalistically experienced speaker,” Vernon said. “He gave us good advice about working with people [that have] different ideologies than you.” And in what seems to be a club theme, Wong emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind. “You can change your opinion at any time,” Wong said. “That’s part of growing up, especially at our age.” •

Meeting Dates (Room 3111 at 4:00 p.m.) • Sept. 30 at 4: Guest Speaker Taylor Hunt • Oct. 6 • Oct.18 • Oct. 30 at 5:45: Field Day Event, spikeball and BBQ • Nov. 3 • Nov. 15 • Dec. 1 • Dec. 13

Entertainment

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

The Catamount

to our Ears Music Musicians release new albums that strike chord with teens blue weekend x wolf alice A rhythmic bumping, strong plucked guitar, light airy vocals with emphasized consonants: the intro track to Wolf Alice’s “Blue Weekend,” “The Beach” builds momentum through a steady thumping paired with sonic harmonies and explodes into

ground vocals of track 3, in “Lipstick on the Glass,” the young woman is fully formed. Track 4 feels dangerous. Its static metal guitar and dry lines are this woman’s “screw it” moment. She’s unhinged, nobody’s “puppet on strings” anymore, nobody can tell her to, as the track is titled, “Smile.” Track 9, “The Last Man on Earth,” is lonely and melancholic, like being in space and watching

an electric, metal symphony. At most times, I have to follow along with the lyrics because the sound is so overwhelming. But right after the song reaches its climax, it cuts off in echoes and leads straight into the next track, “Delicious Things.” In this way the grunge, alt band keeps listeners on edge, waiting for the next rise and fall. Other times, this can be repetitive, but the band does it with a variety of slow beating high-hats blended with sing-speaking poetry, and it never gets boring. This song gives off a coming of age angst. The vocalist plays a washed-up Hollywood actress, perhaps sulking in a bar at midnight. And paired with the intense drums and angelic, Bjorkian back-

your home grow smaller and smaller. Though it is so diverse no single song can encapsulate it, if you listen to one song from the album, let it be track 10, “No Hard Feelings.” This track is self-discovery and growing up and exploration packed into a subtle plucking pattern that emphasizes its poetry. As a whole, the album has a sly presence, with an edge of danger and a sound as captivating as Mona Lisa’s gaze. Ellie Rowsell, the lead singer, perfectly embodies all of the characters she plays. No song ends as expected. The tracks vary from metal to hymnal to indie. For anyone interested in these genres, “Blue Weekend” is a must-listen. •

Calla Duffield Editor-in-Chief

Art by Allana Frost

sling x clairo Briceida Bellon Staff Reporter After first listening to “Sling” by Clairo, I found it hard to believe the 23-yearold singer credited her Chow Chow/Pyrenees puppy “Joanie” as the main source of inspiration for her sophomore album. The collection of orchestral talent, piano keys and classic strum of guitar chords are a few of the ingredients used to create the masterpiece “Sling.” But perhaps the most culminating element would be Clairo’s angelic voice and its ability to tell her story in a powerful manner, regardless of its quiet tone. From the distinct flute

sound to the unexpected blow of the saxophone, hearing the opening song “Bambi” for the first time felt like a declaration from Clairo--this was going to be her experimental album. The incorporation of folk sound continues throughout the entire work, proving my previous assumption correct. Songs like “Amoeba” and “Zinnias” have hints of playfulness, while the guitar plucking of “Just For Today” tell a solemn story. The fifth track “Blouse,” however, is an album highlight and favorite of mine. Clairo’s songwriting is at its peak here, with lyrics simple yet meaningful. She opens up about her encounters with sexualization in the workplace, recreating a conversation between her and a male superior.

It’s songs like “Blouse” that make the entirety of “Sling” so authentic--every moment of the album, Clairo conveys a universal emotion, insecurity or fear related to the transition to adulthood. The thing about “Sling” is that the album itself isn’t about the long, treacherous journey home. Rather, it tells the story of the numerous stops we take along the way. Although a majority of high schoolers like myself have yet to begin the quest of adulthood, I still would recommend listening to this album. You can listen to “Sling” by Clairo on Apple Music or Spotify. •

donda x kanye Rhyan Kalke Opinions Editor Less than a week after being released, Kanye West’s “Donda” had 19 songs in the top 20 of Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 Global songs chart. Right off the bat, Donda reached top charts and became very popular among teenagers. However, it took a few listens for me to appreciate it as more than a bunch of random noise. The first time I listened to Kanye West’s new album, it seemed repetitive and unorganized. After listening to some of the songs a few more times, the songs in the album definitely grew on me. When I started listening to Kayne West’s new album “Donda,” the first thing I heard was the

Donda Chant. The songs “Jail” and “Come to Life” are two of the songs that really grew on me and are probably two of my favorites from the album. Unlike previous albums by Kayne West, Donda has multiple religious references. In songs like “Praise God” and “Remote Control” it’s obvious that his style of music has evolved over the course of 12 albums. The way the songs on the album are written reflect his recent lifestyle change and his conversion to Christianity. This being said, if you aren’t Christain, it’s something you can listen to without the religious references being annoying. Overall, “Donda” was a highly anticipated album that did not disappoint, and I would definitely suggest giving it a try. •

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

open b

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Entertainment

In tech-centered world, bookworms find solace in stories Katherine Gulde and Briceida Bellon Senior Editor and Staff Reporter Our technology-based world offers a range of sources for distraction and amusement, such as streaming services, video games, social media and sports, and while some students prefer these new sources of entertainment, others seek the opportunity to sit and savor a good book. “In my opinion [reading] is the most intellectually stimulating way [to spend time],” senior William Gomillion said. “It makes me think more and it makes me hypothesize what’s going to happen in the book. Movies will show you what’s happening actively, [they] don’t leave any room for the imagination.” For some readers, the mental benefits received from books are the reason they continue their passion of reading. According to The South African College of Applied Phycology, reading makes us more empathetic, can fight depression and can enhance brain connectivity and creativity overall. “[Reading] has made me more creative and definitely allows me to put that [creativity] somewhere [through imagination] because I don’t have a phone or any artistic abilities,” sophomore Marie Vause said. Reading can be an outlet for inspiration to people like Marie, who find infinite possibilities to be explored, infinite outcomes to imagine and infinite opportunities to learn and

grow through books. The one drawback many high school students may experience with reading is the time reading takes compared to other sources of entertainment. “I feel like people prefer movies and shows over books because they think it’s easier,” sophomore Clara Amstalden said. “A book is time consuming. At night sometimes I’m like ‘I don’t wanna read; it’s so much work’ but the end is so rewarding. I just think it’s easier for a lot of people to scroll through Instagram mindlessly than to pick up a book.” Generally, people who read may be perceived as disciplined and hardworking but even flipping through five pages of a book can prove to be a challenge for avid readers like Amstalden. However, as she said, in the end reading is so rewarding to those who love it. “Personally, I have learned a great deal from reading books,” librarian Tina San Angelo said. “I have learned about myself and about others. I have appreciated the stories that I’ve read that taught me lessons I didn’t have to learn on my own.” Whether someone chooses to read about the mystical adventures of a hobbit or the entire history of mankind, reading can be a source of enjoyment for many people. Those bookworms who love reading consume books like nutrients that come from literary magic. “There’s a whole world [to reading]. I know it sounds corny, but there really is.” Marie Vause said. •

TOP 5 BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS (GOODREADS POLL) 1. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

From a life underneath stairs to learning about magic, Harry Potter’s first year at Hogwarts is revealed to be anything but ordinary.

2. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is an ordinary middle schooler until he learns he is the son of Poseidon, Greek God of the Sea.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In a futuristic society, Katniss Everdeen finds herself in an annual fight to the death to save her sister.

4. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Bella Swan’s life in a small Washington town is tainted in irreversible ways when she meets mysterious Edward Cullen.

Art and photo by Allana Frost

5. The Giver by Lois Lowry In the future where emotion is nonexistent, Jonas stands out when he is assigned a rare role.

Etc.

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

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PRACTICING PRODUCTIVITY

How to maximize organization, productivity while working Manage Your Time Pomodoro Technique In the 1980s, business student Francesco Cirillo realized that breaking his study time into smaller intervals helped him work faster. How to use the Pomodoro Technique: Choose one task to complete. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes, and focus on that task until the timer rings. Then, take a five-minute break to go on a walk, make a snack, or do something not related to work. Repeat this process four times.

Time Blocking Method Entrepreneur Elon Musk uses this method to organize his day into “time blocks” with specific tasks. How to use the Time Blocking Method: Split a piece of paper into two columns. In the left column, write down the time of day and make “blocks,” about 30 to 60 minutes each. Estimate how long each of your tasks will take and organize them into the time blocks. Write the task in the right column.

This technique’s name comes from a quote attributed to Mark Twain: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” How to use the “Eat That Frog” Technique: Complete the most boring or difficult task first. Break this task into smaller steps as needed. Devote no more than four hours to any “frog.”

Eisenhower Matrix

This method prioritizes tasks by urgency and importance. How to use the Eisenhower Matrix: Create a four-quadrant grid that categorizes the urgency and importance of each task. How do you tackle each grid? 1. Do First: Focus on these urgent and important tasks first. 2. Schedule: These tasks are important, but can be saved for later. 3. Delegate: This task is more essential to someone else than to you. Find another person to help with the task and check in on their progress. 4. Delete: Stop yourself from focusing on fourth-quadrant tasks, like scrolling through social media.

Not Important

“Eat That Frog” Technique

Important

Organize Your Tasks

Urgent

Not Urgent

Productivity In Action “I tell myself that I need to finish all of my work in a certain amount of time. Like when a song ends, I need to be done with three questions.” - sophomore Jadyn Deverna

“I cut my schedule down to the essentials. I don’t spend time doing fretting over little things when I could use that time for homework or working out.” - senior Elise Wilson

“I make a to-do list for myself each day, which helps me focus on the things I really need to accomplish. It also helps me not constantly feel like I am not sure what I need to do, which can distract from productivity.” - English teacher Teresa Laffin

“I like to keep organized through a system of sticky notes. I simply stick these onto the wall. Green sticky notes are things that are not important but things that I want to do or need to get done eventually. Blue sticky notes are things that are required and have a date. Red sticky notes are urgent. When I complete one of these tasks, the sticky note gets removed from the wall.” - senior Andrew Li Compiled by Rylan Dalton, Allana Frost and Elisabeth Stewart

Sources: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Psychology Today, Teen Health 101