2011 April issue

April 2011- Issue 6 Volume 87 2305 East Main, League City,TX 77573

HiLife

In this issue: Seniors have “A Night to Remember” Kaitlyn Blake

Robonauts win at regionals Pg. 6

Meet the HiLife Staff Centerspread

Best Buddies activities Pg. 6

On April 2, 2011, the class of 2011 celebrated their senior prom. The theme of the prom was “A Night to Remember.”

Every year, the senior class officers plan, host, and promote the senior prom. This year’s senior president is Jordan Stroike.

Prom has been hosted by Creek since 1957. Before Clear Creek was founded, Webster High School held “senior dances” in the school gym. But for the past 7 years, the prom has been held at the South Shore Harbor Resort. The ballroom at South Shore was decorated beautifully with tables surrounding the dance floor. The decorations in the room were elegant, matching the elegant dresses worn.

Red and white roseswere handed out at the end of the night, adding to the elegant feel.

As she was awarding the class favorites, Mrs. Latulippe made a point to say how elegantly dressed everyone was at the prom. She complimented the class officers for their superb job at planning the prom, and also complimented all of the guests for their classy behaviors.

up funds” for next year’s class officers.

The class officers also provided desserts and refreshments for the guests at prom.

There were cookies, brownies, and fruits, a s well as a chocolate fountain that was a hit with all of the guests.

Students looked forward to the awarding of the senior class favorites and crowning of the Prom King and Queen every year.

Some of the class favorites were CJ McElroy for “Most Athletic” and “Most Likely to be Famous,” S l o a n e Schaumburger and Tom McCullough for “Most Attractive,” and Christos Patelis and Jordan Stroike for “Best All-Around.”

This year’s prom King and Queen were Dustin Hobaugh and Brooke Fontenot.

Dustin Hobaugh is crowned Prom King. Sarah Liveringhouse and Frank Stephenson dancing at prom.

Photos taken by Tianah Brewer and Mary Veedell Photo illustrations by Kaitlyn Blake

CCISD “Dances to the Music” Madison Williams

Softball season started Pg. 19

“I am very proud of this year’s class.

Several administrators received comments from adults at the hotel and from the community who served our students throughout the day who said this class was the most mature, respectful and courteous that they have seen in recent history,” said Latulippe.

There were more people at the prom than any of the officers or school administration predicted.

This is a result of the class officers’ great attempts to lower the price of the tickets.

The officers opted not to have an ice sculpture, a parting gift, or as much food as is usually purchased. In the end, the price of the tickets ended up being $65 each. All of the money went directly towards paying for the prom.

Throughout the year, the senior class officers have been raising money for the prom. The money raised from The Wiz, The Pink Bow Classic, and the Homecoming Carnival booth all contributed towards the prom. If there is any profit, the money raised from prom will go towards either project graduation or a senior class gift. The class officers would also like to leave some money as “start-

On March 26, Clear Falls, Clear Springs, Clear Creek, Clear Lake, and C l e a r Brook h i g h schools participated in Fusion. This is a non-profit dance show where the different schools in the district interact with each other and show off their talent.

Fusion began in 1961 as a collaborative effort of the high school dance departments. Fusion is held in March every year to help celebrate Youth Art Month in Texas.

Each student enrolled in dance with the school is required to perform at Fusion. The performances are split up into Dance 1, Dance 2, Dance 3/4, and Advanced Dance.

Schools are also given the option perform a hip hop dance which can include students from every level of dance.

Each student from each school is given a Fusion shirt. Each year the pattern changes but the color always stays the same. Brook wears a black shirt, Creek a maroon, Lake a red, Falls a green, and Springs a blue. The color of the shirt corresponds with each school’s colors allowing students to show their school spirit. The dance students dance in these shirts creating a unique visual effect for the audience.

This year all students were given a pink bow to wear in their hair. Also all of the dance directors from each school were given a pink shirt to wear to promote Breast cancer awareness in honor of the Clear Brook Celebrities’ director Mrs. Singleton.

There are two shows for Fusion. One is in the early afternoon and one more in the evening. The performers go in alphabetical order by school with each school performing one dance before each rotation. This year Clear Falls High School, the most recent addition to CCISD, was added into the line up at Fusion.

At the end of the show, students perform a dance to a song that fits the theme of Fusion. This year the theme was “Dance to the Music.”

Approximately 900 dance students danced in the finale on the basketball court.

This final dance is a way for the different schools to show their unity through dance.

Dancers participate in Fusion.

Photos taken by Kara Loewenthal Photo illustration by Hannah Brinsko

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Opinion HEY HiLi f e rs!

What is yo ur favorite th ing in the world?

My Tiggy! He is not only the cutest cat in the whole world, but he is always there when I need someone to love me.

-Shannon O’Neil

Food, because I eat at least six times a day. Also, food has been there for me for my whole life, like a good friend. -Derek Gay

Writing is my favorite hing because I can create my own world to escape into, and if I stop liing it I can create another. There are infinite worlds with endless possibiities. -Brooke Griffis

Music. No matter what I’m doing, who I’m with, or what mood I’m in, music is always something that I enjoy. -Tracey Griffith

Hugs! Because I have a very distinct hug-face that a select few peole know like the back of their hands and every time I get a hug I feel instantly happy.

-Kaitlyn Blake

Laughing, I love to have a nice, long laugh. It can turn the day around.

-Hannah Brinsko

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Peanut Butter. It’s simply fabulous. -Stephanie Johnson

Scotland! It’s more of a place than a thing, but it’s mystical and beautiful and all around incredible. -Ashley Farmer

My favorite thing in the world is spending time with my best friend Jacy, because she is always here for me and she always makes me laugh. -Amber Arnold

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HiLife Staff

Principal: Advisor: Executive Editor: Editors-in-Chief:

Advertising Manager: Centerspread Editor: Features Editor: News Editor: Teen Interest Editor: Sports Editors:

Around Creek Editor: Creek Speaks Editor: Online Editor: Photo Editor: Staff: Ashley Barba Emily Cruz Kara Loewenthal Olivia Payne Madison Williams

Scott Bockart Wynette Jameson Jan O’Neil Amber Arnold Kaitlyn Blake Shannon O’Neil Ashley Farmer Ellen Gaudet Tracey Griffith Stephanie Johnson Madison Borowitz Jacob Arredondo Derek Gay Hannnah Brinsko Ashley Farmer Mary Veedell Shauna Fererro-Donahue

Kaitlyn Boryk Tianah Brewer Morgan Geenen Brooke Griffis Jacob Mancini Marie Nelson Gabrielle Renwall Aimee Sierra Valerie Hellinghausen

Email us at: Creekhilife@gmail.com Visit us at: http://clearcreekhighschool.ihigh.com For ad rates call: (281)284-1889 Fax: (281)316-0581

Editorial Kaitlyn’s Korner

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“Laugh at yourself, but don’t ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don’t leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” -Alan Alda

Kaitlyn Blake I’ve always been afraid of speaking my mind. I’ve been afraid to be that one kid that sits in the front of the class and asks all of the questions. I have always been too afraid of being embarrassed or that people were going to think that I was strange.

However, I finally realized that it doesn’t matter what my peers think of me. In just a few months, I will be away at college, making a new life for myself. I will not be with the people who think I’m a freak or too blunt. The only thing I will take with me will be the things that I learned while in high school. And I will not learn nearly as much if I sit in the back of the class and just let my life pass by without standing up for things and asking questions.

A few months ago, I went to a college interview with Dr. Hugh Riley, the psychology professor at Baylor University.

During this meeting, Dr. Riley made a big point to tell me to be bold and to not worry about what people think of me. He also told me about The Red Hat Society, which a group of women started. They dedicate their lives to being completely original and doing crazy things just to have fun.

The Red Hat Society’s mission is to help encourage women have fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness. The women of The Red Hat Society have become role model for women everywhere.

Dr. Riley told me to take advantage of every opportunity. He told me to take the initiative to ask my teachers for questions, strive for the best possible GPA points, and to be involved with everything I’m interested in. As my senior year comes to an end, I am realizing just how many opportunities I have in high school - and none of them cost any money. In college, I will be paying a lot of money for every

single class I take. If I were to simply go through those classes without making the most of it, I would be wasting money taking a class that I didn’t get anything out of.

What matters to me is my friends and family. All of these people in my life encourage me to be myself and to speak my mind. I know that if I choose to be a little strange or crazy one day, they will accept me for who I am. If my friends were to judge me just because I wanted to ask the teacher a question, or sit at the front of the class and make the most of my time in school, they wouldn’t be my true friends. I need friends who will accept and love me for who I am.

I plan to take chances at all times. I don’t want to let a single moment go by where I would miss out on an incredible opportunity. Since my time in high school is almost done, I see how many opportunities I passed by because I was afraid of embarrassment. I never regret any of my choices because I feel that God has a plan for me and everything happens for a reason, but my advice is to never have

the option of feeling regret. In every single experience, I have learned something. If I live my life to the fullest extent, then I will have nothing to regret and I will ultimately become a better, more defined person.

If I were to do everything in my life just because everyone else is doing something, I would not have become who I am. You could say that I am the definition of a nerd. I’m in the band, an Editor-in-chief of the newspaper, and in all AP classes. But without these things, I wouldn’t have received one of the most prestigious scholarships at the University of Oklahoma. Obviously, I’ve never been one to “follow the crowd” during high school. Being a nerd hasn’t gotten me into the “popular crowd,” per say, but I have gotten to be the person I am now.

My goal for next year is to make the most of the time I have. I am going to take all of the opportunities that are offered. I want to be able to go through the rest of my life having no regrets of missed opportunities.

Guest Editorial: Ashley Farmer “If competition is cutthroat, high school competition is down right decapitating.”

Ashley Farmer In this world there are three types of politicians: those who lie, cheat and steal to get on top; those who accuse others of lying, cheating, and stealing to get on top; and then those honest ones we never hear about. In our age of mud slinging campaigns and cut-throat politics, the truth is often lost in the midst of the muck.

Competition can sometimes be healthy. It can increase production and motivate advancement and progression.

Competition can bring out the best in society and allow people to function at a continually higher level of efficiency.

Math and science competition during the Cold War boosted the effectiveness and efficiency of our public education system.

Many of the major global advancements

in space technology were made due to the competitive, almost hostile air of the Cold War. This period of the “space race” led to important discoveries and even the formation of NASA in 1958. Now that the memories of the rivalries between the United States and Soviet Union have faded, America is again falling behind in the math and science departments and funding for NASA has been diminished. Without the incentive to overcome a competitor, the strides towards improvement slow.

Competition, while providing several benefits, can also destroy us. Ideally, the winner would be the person most qualified to do a job or obtain an award or title. The way our society has developed, however, has changed the nature of competition. The winners are no longer the most competent contestants in their chosen fields. They are the ones who are most successful at working the system.

This fact can be exemplified through the age-old method of mudslinging as a political campaign tactic. This idea dates back to the eighteen hundreds when political candidates first realized that instead of focusing on the issues and their qualifications, they could focus on their opponents shortfalls (whether they actually existed or not). The issues of the time and the qualifications of the candidates

came second to the scandalous tidbits of information they could uncover about each other. Adlai Stevenson in his campaign speech in 1952 said “I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.” He recognized that to get ahead, he had to get in the minds of the voters and play upon their fears and desires.

This corruption of competition has followed the theory of the trickle down affect. The psychological games played on the national level have been found creeping into local politics, business deals, and even most disturbingly, high schools.

Most of the people reading this editorial are students, teachers, and administrators and have quite a bit of experience with the high school atmosphere. Many would agree that there are few exceptions to the lack of maturity and uncontrolled hormones in the hallways and classrooms.

Self-control and restriction due to social decorum is unnecessary, because we as teenagers have developed our own system of social decorum that shows in our bloodthirsty battles to the top.

This abandonment, or just lack of acknowledgement, of limits that teenagers are so prone to exhibiting makes the corruption of competition in high schools a much more dramatic problem and is

apparent, not just in elections, but in socialization, academics, and athletics. The people with the most friends are the ones that tear others down. Ironically, they have discovered that proximity to them provides security for those that fear them and they play on others insecurity to keep their power. Students competing to beef up their GPAs and secure the top ranks in the class learn how to cheat the system. They find out what classes to take and what teachers are easiest. Athletes figure out what physical enhancements are the most effective and generally ignore the legality aspect. Instead of the value of education, students focus on cheating the competition to achieve what they think is success – top rank, best stats, or the presidential position of various clubs and extracurricular activities.

High schools tend to take the aspects of the world and magnify them, so it makes sense that the corruption of competition would be magnified when thrown into the high school arena. Students embrace the idea of mudslinging as the norm and relish in the power behind the sly, underhanded remarks and revelations of scandal (real or viciously contrived). It follows no rules and understands no boundaries.

If competition is cutthroat, high school competition is down right decapitating.

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News

Tragedy in Japan caused by 8.9 earthquake Tracey Griffith

had levels of radiation four times the April 7, a 7.1 earthquake struck Japan, Although Japan has been successful in On March 20, 2011 an earthquake level of safe and allowable exposure for causing blackouts in millions of Japanese distributing necessities such as food and of devastating magnitude shook Japan the workers. Traces of radiation from the homes, according to www.msnbc.msn.com. clothing, a lack of water, electricity and causing a tsunami to strike in the northeast, nuclear disaster were even detected on the Many homes were destroyed, forcing communication problems, and a lack of fuel are harder destroying cars, problems to buildings, farmland, solve in the slow everything in its path. recovery from It also caused the worst the earthquake. nuclear disaster since The United Chernophyll in the States Geological Ukraine in 1986. The Survey recorded death toll as of March the earthquake 29 was almost 11,000 as an 8.9 on the people. There are at Richter scale. least 17,000 people This makes reported missing, the earthquake but this number may the fifth largest overlap with the earthquake in current death toll. The the world since total number of deaths 1900, and the from the earthquake most powerful is expected to reach earthquake to about 20,000 after ever hit Japan, the recovery of the according to bodies, according to www.bbc.co.uk. http:/topic.com/top/ To put this number news/international/ into perspective, countries&territories/ according to J a p a n . http://earthquake.

The tsunami hit usgs.gov, a 2.0 Japan around 250 miles earthquake on northeast of Tokyo and the Richter scale washed over much of can be detected the northern farmland on only local and coast. The waves seismographs. from the tsunami that An earthquake hit the city of Sendai of 4.5 or higher were recorded at up can be detected to 10 meters high. The by seismographs Fukushima Daiichi all over the Nuclear Power Station A mother and son observe a moment of silence in the rain in Minami-Sanrikucho, Miyagi Prefecture, at 2:46 world.

With each was damaged severely p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011--one month after a massive earthquake hit the prefecture, followed by tsuwhole number increase by the earthquake and the nami. (Yomiuri Shumbun/MCT) in the Richter scale, tsunami. Three reactors the magnitude of the of the plant experienced explosions and leakage of radioactive coast of California, although they were far over 190,000 people to be placed in earthquake become ten times greater and gases. One reactor that caught fire released too minute too cause any kind of damage. temporary shelters. Japan’s economy has 31 times more energy is released. A great Recovery has been constantly also suffered from the disaster with an earthquake is defined as an earthquake of radioactive material directly into the atmosphere. Because of the radioactive interrupted. Since the March 11 earthquake, estimated 10% drop in production due to the 8.0 or above on the Richter scale, and on leakages, water in Tokyo and near the plants Japan has suffered from hundreds of small damages according to http://imarketnews. average, one great earthquake will take had traces of radiation. Workers were forced aftershock earthquakes, some fairly high com. Because of overcrowding in shelters, place somewhere in the world each year. to evacuate the plant when they found that on the Richter scale, causing more damage Japan is planning to build around 30,000 the water that flooded through the turbines to nuclear plants and electric plants. On more temporary shelters to house people.

Private businesses now encouraged in Cuba Brooke Griffis Since 1959 Cuba has been a strict communist country under the presidency of Fidel Castro. The United States has broken off its relationship with Cuba and all but a few Cuban industries were nationalized.

Recently, Fidel Castro has stepped down, and his brother, Raul Castro, has taken his place as president. Cuba has loosened its grip over businesses. The Cuban government is openly encouraging private business.

“A socialist country encouraging its citizens to run their own private companies is a big deal. It probably took a lot for them to change,” said senior Emilia Capuzzi.

In fact, the economy in Cuba was crumbling; storefronts were cracking and falling down, buildings were abandoned, streets grew grass. People did the absolute minimum. The government recognized that the Cubans needed some consequences for their actions. It saw that if its people owned their own businesses and were

in charge of their own earnings, then they would be more motivated to do a good job. People operating restaurants out of their own homes recognize that if their café fails, they lose everything.

They have to make their restaurants attractive to customers. They have to produce good items and desired items.

After half a century of government control, Cuba finds its citizens tentative but exhilarated at the chance to run their own enterprises. In their own homes, people roll cigars by hand, brew and sell coffee, cook dinners, repair machinery, build furniture, or make clothing. They work harder than they have in a long time and, according to an article by Victoria Burnett on New York Times online, they find that they are more satisfied at the end of a day of working for themselves than they ever were when working for the government.

Land in the countryside, once government-owned and operated, has been largely turned over to private farmers.

According to an article on CNN.com by Shasta Darlington, Cuban farmers are producing much more now than they have for years. Instead of surplus earnings going to the government, people earn more for themselves. It is an incentive that has been driving up output in Cuba since the land was turned over. Similar results are expected in other industries, like restaurants, taxis, and barbershops, as people work harder to gain their own rewards.

Still, some people worry that the restrictions and inspections will be more severe than the government is saying.

After such a long and consistent history of denying and restricting the ability to run private businesses, people wonder if this recent encouragement will be short-lived.

The Cuban government insists that they realized that the competition caused by private enterprise is essential to maintaining a healthy economy and to ensure that goods and services are produced as efficiently and well as possible. Believing that this is the

way to help their struggling country regain its vigor, Cuban officials look forward to the establishments of more private businesses.

Some citizens, though, fear that if the new private economy does not revolutionize the nation immediately, the government will revert back to a heavyhanded communist philosophy in which no private business is allowed. Out of fear that their businesses will be crushed in the future, some citizens will not take the opportunity to become entrepreneurs. This means that the economy will grow slower than it might if everyone were participating.

Cuban officials promise that this change is long-term, and that their citizens need not fear a forthcoming change in policy. Most people choose to be hopeful.

“This could be the first step in the US reopening relations and openly trading with Cuba,” said senior Armiya Humphrey.

News

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Obama declares U.S. will intervene in Libya Amber Arnold President Barack Obama has decided to attack on Libya. Ground troops and wants America’s European allies, especially Britain and France, to assume greater responsibility for managing the Libyan crisis, with the U.S in a supporting role.

The only problem is that the British and French have not provided the required leadership.

There are still CIA agents on the ground in Libya. They are gathering American information with the rebel fighters.

N AT O , the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has taken command of the coalition military operation in Libya. NATO is an organization that’s made up of 28 countries from North America and Europe. NATO does not have its own unique troops. NATO forces are made up of troops from U.S forces, British forces, and French forces.

NATO is working to take down Libya’s President Moammar Gadhafi’s brutal regime, which has killed thousands of Libyans in the past month.

According to CNN, Gadhafi wants to take back the city of Benghazi, the rebel stronghold, and he will kill as many people as he can to crush the rebellion.

France was the first nation to step in to enforce the no-fly zone.

French fighter jets struck military targets in eastern Libya on March 19.

Barry Bonds, former baseball legend will appear in court after allegedly lying to the grand jury regarding his use of performance enhancing drugs in 2003. This all-time leading home run hitter plead not guilty, but evidence and witnesses disagree.

Ex-mistress, Kimberly Bell, will testify in against Bonds,’ stating that she witnessed his muscles grow faster than the bones and the tendons could handle, causing multiple blowouts through his career. While in a relationship with Bonds, Bell noticed consistent gains in muscle growth accompanied by emotional changes.

While the jury is deciding whether Bonds lied or not, Bonds’ attorney tried to show Bell as a grudging ex-girlfriend looking to make a profit of Bonds’ expense.

Mercurynews.com compared Bell’s day in court to a high drama soap opera.

While this case is about Bonds, it has also uncovered more details on steroid use in major league baseball. A former teammate of Bonds was found guilty of smuggling animal steroids from Mexico to San Francisco to a Giant’s spring training camp. Steroids have played a major role in major league baseball,

The ship is designed for the Turkish port of Cesme, where the patients will receive medical attention. It made a stop in the rebel capital of Benghazi to pick up more patients and supplies.

The crisis in Libya is affecting the economy in the United States.

According to CNN, gas prices have risen 15% in the past two months.

Mubarak was forced to give up power on February 11 after an 18-day popular uprising against his rule. After giving up his power he has started to suffer a number of health problems and had undergone gallbladder surgery.

People gather on the Tunisian side of the Ras Ajdir border with Libya, waving a pre-Gadhafi flag from Libya as they protest his long rule over the country on Saturday, February 26, 2011.

Thousands of refugees have come across the border in the last few days. (Rick Loomis/Los Angeles Times/ MCT)

Libya’s rebels will cease-fire if Gadhafi pulls his military forces out of cities and allows peaceful protests against his regime. Gadhafi’s forces are continuing to attack rebels in the east.

At least 398 people have already been killed and 25 people injured. Gadhafi controls the port and a main street, but rebels control the heart of the city.

Once Gadhafi is gone, the country will stand a chance at developing a democracy. Gadhafi is under investigation for alleged crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

On April 3, the Turkish hospital picked up 300 rebels from Mistrata who

Barry Bonds in court Derek Gay

have injuries that included amputated limbs, broken bones and shrapnel wounds.

and there are signs of its use in the minor leagues. Giant’s trainer Stan Conte does not agree with steroid use. Conte does not believe it is worth the harsh side effects.

In 2003 Bonds admitted to using steroids, claiming he did not know he was taking anabolic steroids. He claims he thought the injection he took were supplements, not steroids. However, the MLB does not allow any supplements to be injected into the bloodstream.

A tape recorded during Bonds 2003 season was played to the court in the 2011 trial. This tape showed Bonds’ trainer explaining to Bonds’ business partner how to correctly inject steroids. During the tape, there is a brief pause when Bonds’ trainer greets Benito Santiago, the catcher for the 2003 San Francisco Giants. It is obvious to the jury that the use of anabolic steroids was prevalent in 2003. Apparently Giant’s trainers felt comfortable talking about steroids while in the presence of different teammates.

AT&T buying T-Mobile Valerie Hellinghausen

In one fell swoop AT&T has regained its status within the world of mobile phone carriers. In order to keep up with the dog-eat-dog world of cell phone technology AT&T has proposed to buy T-Mobile from Deutsche Telecom for $ 39 billion. Consumers are concerned what this may mean for their phone bills.

AT&T has been known for its inability to grow in mobile data usage as well in its consumer base. By buying T-Mobile, AT&T will have the largest network and carrier in the U.S. with 25% more users than Verizon.

“At closing, AT&T will immediately gain cell sites equivalent to what would have taken an average of five years to build without the transaction, and double that in some markets. The combination will increase AT&T’s network density by approximately 30 percent in some of its most populated areas, while avoiding the need to construct additional cell towers,” said AT&T in its press release regarding the purchase.

But more subscribers isn’t the only things AT&T is looking to acquire.

In the past AT&T has struggled to gain approval to build towers in an attempt to expand its coverage infrastructure.

T-Mobile has the second largest GSM broadband spectrum, falling short of AT&T, making the purchase even more appealing. However this expansion will require both companies to combine their coverage, as the two companies’ phones run on different frequencies. The expansion is expected to solve the backed up data traffic that has held AT&T’s service behind, putting an end to the commercialized battle between T-Mobile and AT&T. “AT&T’s mobile data traffic grew 8,000 percent over the past four years and by 2015 it is expected to be eight to 10 times what it was in 2010. Put another way, all of the mobile traffic volume AT&T carried during 2010 is estimated to be carried in

just the first six to seven weeks of 2015,” announced AT&T in its press release.

But before AT&T can sign off on the final purchase, it has to pass security from the FCC and Department of Justice over claims of monopoly. However, this isn’t be the first monopoly claim AT&T has had to face. In 1995 AT&T split into three separate companies in order to avoid a monopoly, but then joined with Cingular in 2004. Purchasing T-Mobile is causing a fear of amongst the competitive mobile device world. With the new acquisition of T Mobile, some say AT&T will have regained both its competitive status and control of the cell phone battle.

“AT&T is already a giant in the wireless marketplace, where customers routinely complain about hidden charges and other anti-consumer practices. From a consumer’s perspective, it’s difficult to come up with any justification or benefits from letting AT&T swallow up one of its few major competitors,” said policy counsel for Consumers Union, Paul P. Desai.

But despite what the joining could mean for consumer spending, it’s expected to save T- Mobile and AT&T a huge amount of money. With the prized iPhone available to T- Mobile users, the migration to Verizon for the popular phone would be reduced significantly. The two companies would also save by reducing the amount of advertising—a benefit for both parties considering roughly a total of $3 billion was spent on advertising alone last year. But before the two companies can celebrate their success, approval by the FCC and Department of Justice is required to close the deal.

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Around Creek

Best Buddies take trip to Kemah Madison Williams

every Wednesday in the courtyard and all the money goes towards the program.

Since 1993 the Best Buddies program

Ryan Ward, Best Buddies has paired high school students with special President, talks about how the program has needs children in one-to-one friendships. affected him. “Best Buddies means a lot to This program greatly benefits the children me. It has been in the program great working because the main with the kids reason people through out the with disabilities years and seeing are unable to them grow as maintain a job people. It is a is not from lack great program to of ability but get involved in from lack of and I encourage social skills. This everyone to join!” program helps The Best students to gain Buddies program social skills and was originally better function founded in in society.

1989 Anthony The Clear Kennedy Shriver.

Creek High The program School chapter includes all fifty of Best Buddies states and fifty is involved countries around in numerous the world making activities.

This an international year they have s p o n s o r e d Rachael Kaspic and Joe Waite hang on tight at the Boardwalk Bouncer gone to the Pumpkin organization.

Photo by Madison Williams, Photo Illustration by Hannah Brinsko Patch, the park, and Best Buddies most recently the affects everyone bowling alley and Kemah. At the bowling Hollywood themed prom at Clear Creek in the program not just the special needs alley, students were able to interact with Intermediate School. All students are children. It is a great way to get involved their buddies in a fun environment by encouraged to dress prom formal for a in a good school program and is sure to teaching them how to bowl. Students fun night. All the schools in the district expand your view on the Special Education also had the unique opportunity to ride have been invited to attend the prom. that children receive in public schools. three rides at Kemah with their buddies.

A fundraiser has been started to Students also visited the aquarium and benefit the Best Buddies program this had the chance to feed stingrays by hand. year. Breakfast tacos are sold for $2 The Best Buddies students take about one field trip a month. An upcoming field trip includes a PE field day on May 19 in the area. PALs and Student Council from surrounding schools put on this event.

On May 20, Best Buddies is hosting a

Robonauts Take Over At Regionals

Derek Gay

The Robonauts have been successful in competition this year. The Lonestar Regional Robotics Tournament took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston March 17-19, 2011. The Robonauts walked away from the Lone Star Regional Robotics tournament undefeated.

This competition featured 53 teams from the United States and Mexico. In the Lone Star Regional Robotics Tournament, CCISD played 17 matches with no losses.

The Robonauts is a team composed of all the CCISD schools, which allows the team to receive funding from NASA. Sponsored by the Career and Technical Education department, CCISD is the only school district that offers early robotics programs. Students interested in robotics can start as early as seconds grade.

NASA provides the CCISD robonauts with funds because it wants to encourage the students to explore the field of robotics as a possible career choice. This is another way NASA hopes to continue as the world leader in science and technology.

Robonauts competition begins in ninth grade with Botball, a team based robotic competition.

The Robonauts’ pride and joy, “Magic,” was awarded with

the Engineering Inspiration Award. The Engineering Inspiration Award showcases a team’s excellent performance and appreciation of engineering. Magic was able to sweep its competition with its advanced control system and its 14 different degrees in which it can move. The CCISD team was also awarded the cooperation award. This award is given to the team that demonstrates its ability to cooperate with each other while in competition and even when not in competition.

The goals of the Robonauts include educating the team members, exposing others to engineering, nurturing the Robonaut

team, and showcasing a competitive team.

Through hard work, integrity, and ingenuity, the Robonauts are striving to integrate robots into the modern world.

The Robonauts will be competing in their FIRST worldwide competition this month.

Robonauts with their robot at competition.

Photo courtesy of The Robonauts

May Events AP Exam Testing May 2-13 Distinguished Achievement Plan Ceremony May 2 Spanish Club’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta May 5 Spring Show May 5-7 JROTC Awards Night May 6 Letterman Fittings May 12 Choir Pop Show May 12-14 Blood Drive May 20 Best Buddies Prom May 20 Senior Awards Night May 23 Final Exams May 27, 31 and June 1, 2 Memorial Day Holiday May 30 Graduation June 4

Around Creek

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Cavaliers Dancing and Prancing in San Antonio Madison Williams The Clear Creek Cavaliers dominated in their 2011 competition season.

The Cavaliers competed in three competitions.

T h e competitions were hosted at Clear Springs High School, Seven Lakes High School, and Fiesta Texas San Antonio.

In their first competition at Seven Lakes High School, the Cavaliers won numerous awards. Natalie Paul and Kate Gallagher placed with their jazz duet to Body Language.

At Clear Springs High School the Cavaliers won many awards including first place for Kate Gallagher’s lyrical solo and first place for Natalie Paul and

Kate Gallagher’s jazz duet. Casey Dervay and Hanna Cardinal also won second

The Cavaliers recently traveled to San Antonio for their last competition of

Natalie Paul, and Alysha Archuleta gave a spectacular performance in their officer lyrical, officer contemporary, and officer jazz dances. The judges were blown away and awarded them best officer line, best choreography, and best technique for their division.

Next the Cavaliers competed with their team jazz to Let Me Think About It, team modern to Pysco Babble, team kick to Fame, and team pom to Love Struck. Each of the team dances won first place in the large team division.

The team dances also won best choreography for large team dances.

The Cavaliers closed out their competition season with many prestigious awards and accomplishments.

They are now preparing for the spring show, The Art of Diversity.

The Cavaliers celebrate their big wins.

Photo by: Cavalier Booster Club, Photo Illustration by: Hannah Brinsko place for their jazz duet to Right Now. In both competitions each team dance, modern, jazz, kick, and pom won awards for outstanding performances.

the season. The team traveled to Fiesta Texas early in the morning to begin their competition. Officers, Brooke Fontenot, Kristina Cowey, Kate Gallegher,

Campus garden created by Creek students Christal Scarbrough Students have most likely noticed the beautiful garden that is outside in front of the main hallway. This garden is becoming a major deal around campus day by day.

Everyone has helped with this garden from Spanish classes, ESL, Woodshop, and some of the Art classes. The special needs class started this project as a fun and inventive way to teach the students different lessons about real life math, science, and responsibility. “ The garden is to teach what is to work in an agriculture setting and also how to maintain a garden and greenhouse.”

In the garden you’ll find a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers.

“By September, we’ll have pumpkins,” said Mrs. Arlington, a special needs teacher. Everything in the garden is organic and healthy. To keep the bugs away they planted marigolds, because they don’t want the food or plants to be eaten away by the pesky bugs. Many of the students were, “ happy to help with the garden and it’s really fun to learn in the real life situation.”

Everyone has helped out from various students, who just want to get to now the special need students more, parents and different organizations. Some parents have been inspired to start their own

garden at home, because of this garden.

In the coming weeks into the next school year there will be a lot going on with this garden. There will be a lunchroom to for the design of the shed, which the Art 2 students will paint. This garden is helping everyone from students to parents grow psychically, emotionally, and mentally.

The special needs students have been presented with a great opportunity and experience, because they not only get to learn skills that will carry you through life, but they get to learn the things, other students call boring, but in a fun way.

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Features

Creek Graduate helps put Robonaut 2 in space Shannon O’Neil

From books to bots, former Creek student is taking the next step into space. Nathaniel Quillin graduated from Creek in 2008 and now attends Rensselar Poytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Since Quillin was a freshman at Creek, he has been affiliated with NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Quillin has been asked to work hands on with members of the NASA research team at Johnson Space Center.

NASA, along with Quillin, has created Robonaut 2, a human-like robot which NASA hopes will be able to replace humans in difficult tasks in space.

Q u i l l i n worked with NASA, through Creek’s FIRST Robotics team, during his sophomore year at RPI. Quillin was able to provide input and assist in writing the code for the newest robot in space.

NASA mentors the Robonauts, Creeks’ FIRST Robotics team. FIRST Robotics teams were founded in hopes of helping students enjoy the scientific aspects of robotics

“Robonaut 2 (R2) is a state of the art, highly dexterous, anthropomorphic robot,” according to robanaut.jsc.nasa.gov.

R2 traveled into space on February 24, 2011 aboard the space schuttle Discovery and will reside in the International Space Station.

Quillin has been responsible

for creating the code, the software needed to make R2 work, that is intended to control human interaction with R2. This has taken over three years of strenuous work, including

thousands of lines filled with code for R2.

“It’s pretty cool, and pretty scary, to know code that I wrote is going to launch on Discovery and be used in space,” said Quillin to RPI. As a Creek student, Quillin participated in many

extracurricular activities including Robotics as a senior and

band all four years of high school.

Quillin also graduated Suma Cum Lade.

Though this science guru found physics, math, and computer science enjoyable in high school, he says that senior English was his favorite class at Creek.

Even as a young kid, Quillin was always interested in how things worked. His favorite activity would be to take apart his highchair and rebuild it.

Quillin is preparing to graduate within the next two years from RPI and is focusing now on internships and exploring different aspects of the technical world. Quillin has applied to big name companies, such as Apple and Google, but is also interested in small companies and engineering firms. In the summer of 2012 Quillin will again be working at NASA. “It is best to be poor while doing something you love rather than being rich and finding no worth in the things you do,” said Quillin.

As R2 resides in its new home, the International Space Station, a part of Creek will be with it. Quillin has left his first mark in Creek, and space history.

Nathaniel Quillin has helped program R2 to preform difficult tasks in space including human interaction.

Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Quillin

Musicians raise money for Japan through fame Valerie Hellinghausen

Musicians and record labels around the country are using their superstardom to raise relief funds for Japan after the earthquake hit the island on March 11. From benefit concerts to endorsed merchandise, rock stars are pulling together to help Japan on its road to recovery after the natural disaster.

In the past, record labels have pulled their musicians together in order to create a mixed album of their songs to fund a relief project, and they’ve done it again. Universal Music Group, EMI Music, and Sony Music Entertainment launched their 38 track compilation album on iTunes on Monday, March 28, 2011. The album is available for $9.99, a bargain price for 38 songs including old classics and the latest hits. The album titled “Songs for Japan” topped charts in 18 countries including the U.S., France, Germany, Australia, Sweden, and Japan.

The album itself includes rock legends U2, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, as well as more contemporary artists such as Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Eminem, and Lady Gaga.

Proceeds will go towards the Japanese Red Cross Society to benefit those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Pop sensation and trendsetter Lady Gaga, is doing more to fund relief efforts.

Gaga designed bracelets just a day after the earthquake struck, now available on her website for $5. The bracelets have raised $1.5 million dollars to benefit both Zynga’s Save the Children program and the American Red Cross.

The white prayer bracelets feature red text saying “We Pray for Japan” in both English and Japanese on the bracelet, as well as her classic monster symbol.

L a d y Gaga has also posted a link on the bracelet’s page for those wishing to simply donate cash.

Lady Gaga said that she is “inspired that my little monsters banded together to help those affected by the terrible tragedy” in a follow up statement regarding the donation. A contest is planned for those who purchased a bracelet, offering fans a chance to meet Lady Gaga herself and

see her perform on her Monster Ball tour.

Sonic Youth, an American rock band from New York City, auctioned off a pair of sneakers and a set of posters at

John Zorn, Sean Lennon and more. Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore headlined a benefit concert at the Henry Street Settlement in Manhattan on April 8. Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Phillip Glass, and Bill Laswell performed at the Japan Society on April 9.

Texans have also worked to raise money benefiting Japan relief. At the University of North Texas, students and faculty members hosted a concert on March 28 with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross.

“The disasters in Japan have been felt very strongly in the College of Music, not only from the globally shared sense of human and environmental tragedy involved, but also from our more local caring about losses affecting our Japanese students and from the deeply personal and professional experiences that so many of our faculty and students have had in Japan,” said James C. Scott, dean of the UNT College of Music.

t h e i r benefit concert at Columbia University. The money raised by Katy Perry’s single “Firework” was used in the relief the auction will album. be used for relief Photo courtesy of Moxie aid to Japan. The concert included Lady Gaga arrives at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards performances at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, on Jan. 31, 2010.

by Yoko Ono, (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times/MCT) Mike Patton,

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Features Apple releases anticipated iPad 2 Jacob Mancini

Unveiled on March 2, 2011, the greatly anticipated iPad 2 hit stores everywhere on March 11.

The iPad is a line of Apple tablet computers that takes advantage of a full multi-touch, high resolution display for audio-visual media such as books, periodicals, movies, music, games, web content, and thousands of applications.

The iPad 2 starts at $499 and comes in different models.

Through AT&T or Verizon, the iPad can connect to regional 3G data services, t h o u g h m o d e l s capable of doing so are more expensive t h a n those that connect only to Wi-Fi. Apple released the first generation of the iPad in April 2010 and sold just fewer than 15 million devices over its first nine months on the market, more than all other tablet personal computers combined.

The latest generation of what Apple calls the “revolutionary” and “magical” iPad 2 is outfitted with new features that have Apple fans and other tabloid users all talking.

FaceTime, Apple’s video chat application that has been integrated into its desktop and laptop computers as well as the iPhone 4 and iPod Touch, is now a feature of iPad 2. FaceTime users can talk face-to-face, looking into the front-facing camera on the iPad 2, with one another between any two devices through Wi-Fi.

Photo Booth is a desktop and laptop application that has long entertained visitors of the Apple Store. Using various camera filters such as Kaleidoscope, Light Tunnel, X-Ray, Twirl and Squeeze, Photo Booth quickly can distort any face or picture. Other filters invert colors and give a thermal read on a snapshot.

Apple calls iBooks, its free eReader

However, some customers complain that web browsing is limited due to Safari’s noncompliance with Adobe Flash Player.

Other changes on the iPad 2 can be seen from the inside out. The iPad 2 is thinner than its former generation by 33 percent and it is lighter by 15 percent. However, the battery life on the iPad 2 is still 10 hours of run-time, and over a month of standby.

Running the iPad 2 is Apple’s unique dualcore A5 chip that runs twice as fast as its predecessor.

A p p l e claims that the graphics on the iPad 2 run up to nine times faster than they did on the original device. This is a leap for the everexpanding g a m i n g m a r k e t on the iPad. Another new feature of iPad 2 is a GPS locating service called Find My iPad. Through MobileMe, iPad users can pinpoint their iPad device’s location on a Google map, send it messages, lock it with a chosen passcode, and wipe all data and information from the device, all remotely from a computer. This feature is also available for the iPhone 4 and latest generation of iPod Touch.

application designed for the iPad 2, “a novel way to buy and read books.” The iBookstore contains over 200,000 books and counting, offering a wide-ranged library for avid readers of different interests. Many titles available are free, and others are priced like ordinary books. Full-page illustrated children’s books, cookbooks, art books, New York best sellers, and PDFs can be found on the virtual bookshelf of iBooks.

In Apple’s words, “Tap is the new click.” The web application built into the iPad, Safari, puts The 4iStrap iPad accessory holds your the entire Internet at one’s portable tablet in place, regardless of fingertips. Taking advantage of what case is being used. See more at a Nitro JavaScript engine, Safari http://4iconcepts.com/istrap; price $19.95. delivers faster web performance (Provided by 4i Concepts/MCT) than it has in previous versions.

Felon flees to Nigeria after fire Madison Williams Four children were killed in Houston on February 24, after their babysitter Jessica Tata left the young children at home alone while she ran to Target to shop. While gone, a fire started from the oil that was left cooking on the top stove burner. Tata originally told neighbors that she was in the bathroom when the fire started in the kitchen. Target’s security cameras showed that Tata was lying.

She was at Target when the fire began.

On February 26, two days after the fire, she boarded a flight to Nigeria where she currently has family. Fire investigators received this tip after the incident occurred and posted a $500,000 bond and pulled her passports as quickly as possible, but they were too late. Tata was safely in Nigeria.

For twenty days Tata, was on the run from U.S. authorities in Nigeria. The U.S. embassy was well informed and was working furiously to capture Tata.

Tata was listed as one of the U.S. Marshall’s top fifteen most wanted fugitives, offering a $25,000 reward for her capture.

Tata finally turned herself in after twenty-two days on the run. She traveled with Nigerian officials to the capital Lagos where she was met by U.S. authorities. She was transported back to the United States, carefully guarded

by U.S authorities. She was wearing a bulletproof vest for her protection.

Tata is charged with four counts of manslaughter, injury to a child, and child abandonment. When she first returned to the United States Tata was booked into the Fulton County Jail in Georgia. Tata was extradited to Texas to face charges.

She will most likely be tried in a Houston court unless a change of venue is granted.

Tata has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. If convicted, she could be sentenced anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors have asked for Tata

to be held on a high bond of $2 million and have asked that she surrender all of her passports. Trial is set for May 12.

The parents of the children are questioning how Tata was even able to flee the country. Right now the blame falls on the Houston Fire Department. Investigators should have immediately pulled Tata’s passport.

Currently, one of the children is in critical condition at Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston with serious burns. She is expected to recover.

Three of the other children in the fire died on the scene and another one of the young children died two days later.

Bullying book hits shelves Shannon O’Neil

School boards, parents, teachers, and community members have all made efforts to end bullying within the schools.

Despite all their efforts, bullying is still a prevalent battle student’s face everyday.

One first grader decided to stick up for herself in an unconventional way.

LaNiyah Bailey is only 6 years old but has already written her own book. Not Fat Because I Wanna Be is a book about her own personal struggle with bullying.

The public today is focused on the rise of obesity and unhealthy life styles.

Michelle Obama has placed a lot of new regulations on school lunch programs and exercise. Michelle Obama has created her own campaign against childhood obesity called Let’s Move. According to letsmove. gov, the childhood obesity rate has risen over the past years. Many concerns have been raised because childhood obesity can also lead to further health problems in the adult life, according to letsmove.gov.

However, sometimes the public forgets that pre-existing health issues can cause weight gain. In this instance, Bailey is overweight due to a medical condition. Bailey was constantly bullied in her school, so she decided to write her own book. Though she is just the typical 6 year old, Bailey has done something remarkable. Bailey did not write her book for the fame, but to help others. Her parents are supportive of her as well. They hope that the book will teach others about medical problems that can lead to obesity.

When Bailey was young her mother, LaToya White, was determined to find out why her daughter was gaining weight.

After numerous doctors’ appointments, White was finally given an answer and a hope for a treatment, according to notfatbecauseiwannabe.com.

After being called “elephant” and various names like that, Bailey began to stand up for herself and other people that are outside of the considered norm, theroot. com. Bailey was interviewed with her parents on March 15 by Michelle Martin from the National Public Radio.

Bailey’s trouble with bullies began when she was only in Pre-K and going to daycare. There kids were mean to her, and even the daycare provider was even one of the bullies. White decided to put her child in another facility when the provider found nothing wrong with her behavior. Though she switched Daycares the bullying didn’t stop. It seemed that no matter where she would go, Bailey would come in contact with bullies.

According to The National Public Radio, Bailey’s parents encouraged her to tell her story to the world. White felt it would be theraputic for her daughter and wrote down what Bailey said. Together they created Not Fat Because I Wanna Be. Both of Bailey’s parents hope that when people read the book, they understand that there are many reasons why a person could be overweight and not just because of their diet. Sometimes it takes a 6 year old to get the world to focus on the bullying problem that still probes the United States.

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Seabrook family takes pure electric road trip Jacob Mancini

Map of the journey Photo from googlemaps

T h e Nissan LEAF is a fully electric car that was first released in 2010. LEAF is an acronym for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car. The five-door hatchback has a range of 100 miles per charge and is generally seen as a short-commute vehicle. Nonetheless, a Seabrook family dared to drive their LEAF to its limits on a 500 mile road trip.

Last January, Jimmy and Christie Sauers believed in the Nissan LEAF enough to become the first owners of the automobile in Texas. Recently they ventured on a family vacation in their zero-emissions, pure-

electric car with their daughters Allie, 5, Annabel, 4, and Amie, 2 in the back seat.

The Sauers family set themselves up for a seamless transit by lapping their neighborhood until the energy supply exhausted itself on three occasions under controlled conditions so that they could understand clearly the implications of driving the LEAF to its bounds. From Seabrook to Corprus Christi and back, the Sauers enjoyed the 8 hour journey as well as the stops along the way.

“The car quit around 100 miles every time,” Jimmy said to the Houston Chronicle, a testament to the projected range of the LEAF. He noted that the car gives repeated warning signals before the battery is depleted.

The family mapped out a route to Corpus Christi in which they could stop to charge their LEAF conveniently. Stopping at a Nissan dealership in Rosenberg and Victoria, the Sauers rejuvenated their vehicle and themselves, as their girls were ready to stretch their legs.

“The kids were beyond ready to get out for stops,” Christie said to the Houston Chronicle. “We even visited the zoo in Victoria.”

The nose of the LEAF opens to reveal two charging ports. The one to the right accommodates plug-ins from standard 220/240-volt and 110/120-volt household

sources. The home unit can charge a battery with zero juice to 100 percent in a matter of seven to eight hours. The port on the left is used for special DC fastcharge hook-ups that can provide the car a boost for 50 to 60 miles after 15 minutes of being plugged in to the 500-volt speed charger. A 30-minute quick charge pushes the battery to about 80 percent full.

Delivering 107 horsepower/80 kilowatts and healthy torque of about 207 lb.-ft., the Nissan LEAF drives from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. The Leaf’s top speed is governed at 90 mph.

“It handles more like a sports car,” Jimmy Saures said to the Houston Chronicle.

An aspect of the LEAF and other vehicles in the pure-electric genre that contrasts sport cars is that their engines run silently. The loudest part of driving the vehicle is the road noise. This poses a threat to cyclists and blind pedestrians who may not realize they are in danger of being hit by a silent car until it is too late.

Artificial engine sounds and clear, distinct sounds to warn bystanders of an approaching electric or hybrid car are being considered as additions to the stealthy automobiles.

The innovations in the electric car industry are making possible zeroemissions, family friendly, and cost effective transportation possible.

Japanese power company dumps toxic water

“The provisional ingestion limit, water being dumped into the Pacific poses will quickly disperse this so that it gets to very Tokyo Electric Power Company, which equivalent to vegetables and applied to fish no major health hazard, Japanese officials dilute concentrations relatively quickly.”

This good news is coupled with the runs the earthquake damaged Fukushima and shellfish, will take effect immediately,” say. Experts agree since iodine-131 loses Daiichi nuclear power plant, said that the the Cabinet Secretary Edano said. half of its radiation every eight days. discovery that the airborne radiation appears

“To put this in perspective, the to be steadily decreasing, according to silicon based polymer that was injected into

Tokyo Electric confirmed the No. 2 reactors has stopped the amount the intentional dumping of hazardous Pacific Ocean holds about 300 trillion Japanese reports. Measurements taken from of radioactive water into the Pacific will swimming pools full of water, and they are 9 miles away from the reactors showed that material continue, however. Edano going to release about five swimming pools the radiation levels of iodine-131 is only 2 leaking into apologized for the decision full,” said the chair of the radiation safety to 3.7 times over the regulatory limit, and the ocean but it is necessary to curb the committee at Georgetown University radiation levels of the longer lasting cesium despite not water that was gushing out Medical Center, Timothy Jorgensen. “So isotope are well below the official limits. setting as of the No. 2 reactor unit and hopefully the churning of the ocean and the expected. to ensure the safety of the c u r r e n t s Engineers reactor core. The dumping have had to of the radioactive water will pour nearly t a k e 200 tons of f i v e Date Morning 8 a.m.

Afternoon 12 Noon Afternoon 2 water daily days, p.m. into the No. Graphic showing the nuclear syma n d May 2nd Chemistry Psychology 2 reactors, bol Environmental Science and regulators Photo by MCT Campus May 3rd Computer Science A Art History say the water Spanish Language used to keep the vessels cool was the roughly 11,000 tons May 4th Calculus AB Chinese Language and radioactive water leaking into the Pacific. will be released Calculus BC Culture May 5th English Literature and Japanese Language and The biggest problem facing authorities into the ocean. was the origin of the contamination, where

The most Composition Culture exactly the water was coming from, or radioactive water Latin- Vergil how to fix more potential leaks deep inside being deliberately May 6th German Language European History of the reactor complex or nuclear fuel. dumped is coming United States History The stopped leak was a bit of good from reactor No. 6, May 9th Biology Physics B Physics C: news for Japanese officials, who have which is releasing Music Theory Physics C: Mechanics Electricity and suffered an array of setbacks since the water through the Magnetism discovering the water gushing into the ground and not from May 10th U.S. Government and Comparative Pacific had radioactive levels 7.5 million a leak. The water has Politics Government times over the regulatory limit and a concentration of And Politics finding a fish with radioactive poisoning. iodine-131, which is French Language Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yukio 100 times more than May 11th English Language and Statistics Edano, said the presence of radioactive the maximum amount Composition iodine found in the sample of fresh fish infants can drink in tap May 12th Macroeconomics World Microeconomics has prompted authorities to regulate the water, and 10 times History radiation in seafood for the first time. Now more than what would May13th Human Geography the same regulations placed on vegetables be allowed in food.

Spanish Literature will apply to oceanic foods as well.

However, the

Stephanie Johnson

AP Testing Dates

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Teen Interest

A Rocket To The Moon performs in Houston, TX Shannon O`Neil A Rocket To The Moon, Valencia, Anarbor, Runner Runner, and Go Radio played at Houston’s Warehouse Live on March 28. The show started at 6:30 pm and lasted to 10.

It was a great night filled with fantastic energy and music. A Rocket To The Moon headlined this tour.

When Go Radio hit the stage, the crowd was pumped and energized.

The upbeat music captured many fans, new and old.

Runner Runner came running onto the stage singing their hit So Obvious.

Runner Runner was full of energy and front man, Ryan Ogren sang as perfectly and full as he does on the album.

All the members of Runner Runner were interacting with the fans which took the concert experience to the next level.

The guitar player, As soon as Runner Runner left the stage, Anarbor filled their spots.

Anarbor and Valencia were the next bands to perform. They took the stage

and pumped up the crowd for the final act, A Rocket To The Moon.

The screams filled the room as the stage went dark, and A Rocket To The Moon

hit the stage singing their newest hit On Your Side. On Your Side is also the title of A Rocket To The Moon’s newest album.

Lead singer, Nick Santino, was singing the songs from his

heart and occasionally playing guitar. Lead guitarist, Justin Richards, also sings with Santino on some of the vocals, adding a beautiful harmony, even at a live show.

A Rocket To The Moon played one of their older hits, If Only They Knew. The band continues to play the song like their first time. Bass player, Eric Halveson and drummer, Andrew Cook, were energized and excited.

ARocket To The Moon played some softer songs including their hit from the On Your Side album, Baby Blue Eyes.

The best part of their

act was when the group slowed it down and played Not A Second To Waste. The lyrics to the song are sentimental and the band added a more rock sounding version to the chorus.

When ARTM left the stage, they were quickly called back for an encore.

The band reappeared and played two more songs including yet another favorite from On Your Side, Mr. Right.

Many of the bands stay after their preformances to meet their fans and sell merchandise.

RunnerRunner took pictures and signed autographs for the fans. A Rocket To The Moon, stayed after. Justin Richards was open and friendly to all the fans, making the concert even more enjoyable.

Left: lead guitarist of A Rocket to the Moon, Justin Richards. Right: Guitarist of Runner Runner, Nick Bailey

Photos and Photo illustrations by: Shannon O’Neil

Red Riding Hood reveives low ratings- 4.7/10 Stephanie Johnson

Red Riding Hood is about a young villager by the name of Valerie, Amanda Seyfried, who is being married off to a handsome blacksmith by the name of Henry, Max Irons, despite being in love with childhood sweetheart, Peter, Shiloh Hernandez. All the while, a wolf that has kept peace with the village kills Valerie’s sister and a desperate hunt for the beast ensues. Father Auguste, Lukas Haas, invites a well-known wolf hunter, Soloman, Gary Oldman, to finally rid the village of the monster, however, Soloman reveals the beast that’s been haunting the community for generations is actually a fellow villager.

Red Riding Hood, though certainly not in the running for an Oscar next February, did succeed in some instances. Gary Oldman was brilliant, as he is in everything,

and his character gave the story a great deal of depth. In fact, if David Johnson, the screenwriter, had dropped the love triangle business and focused more on Oldman’s character and subplot, the movie could have actually been quite good. Another success for the movie was keeping the audience guessing who the wolf is. I had absolutely no idea who the culprit was the entire film, so the ending was indeed a surprise. In that sense the movie was successful in inducing a certain sense of suspense and confusion.

In place of these few successful ventures, Red Riding Hood failed in many accounts. For one thing the title is misleading and has absolutely nothing to do with the original Grimm fairytale. I imagine the famous brothers would have been horrified by the movie that took on their original title. The only thing that really linked the two stories was a brief and

rather ridiculous dream sequence, and even that had little to do with what was going on during the film. The scene seemed to be a last minute change to the screenplay that’s only purpose was to keep the producers from having to alter the name, which equates to laziness. In fact, the movie is much more similar to 2004’s The Village, though it’s absolutely crushed in comparison to M. Night Shyamalan’s achievement.

Even its surprisingly surprising ending falters when juxtaposed to Shyamalan’s brilliant writing and execution.

Additionally I was disappointed in the grandmother’s performance, played

by Julia Christie. I expected more from the star, whom Al Pinco once referred to as “the most poetic of all actresses,” but, unfortunately, she was left behind in comparison with Oldman and her character was lost in the script, though that’s not

necessarily her fault. Other disappointments include Amanda Seyfried and Shiloh Fernandez, but I suppose they did what they could with what they were given.

Nonetheless, Red Riding Hood is, despite its many failures, only slightly less than enjoyable. Along with curiosity for who the wolf is, it did induce a great deal of laughter in the audience. This, I’m sure, was not the intended effect of the melodramatic dialogue and random “meaningful” stares, but everyone seemed to enjoy it just the same. Not a single moviegoer left the theater, and I didn’t have an urging need to demand my money back from the kiosk, so all in all I think Little Red deserved its 4.7/10 from the Internet Movie Database and its less merciful 11% from Rotten Tomatoes.

Teen Interest

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Technology allows for relief to those in Japan Madison Borowitz On March 11th Japan was hit with one of the most devastating earthquakes in history, measuring 9.0 on the richter scale, causing a tsunami that wiped out almost the whole island. With the affected land mass densely populated, approximately 15,000 people have been found dead, and still others remain missing, and many have been injured. In addition, another 390,000 residents have been forced out of their homes, living in temporary shelters under questionable conditions.

Though Japan is across the globe, current technology offers people many ways to aid those affected by the disaster.

After the first seven days of the initial earthquake, donations collected from all over the world totaled about $87 million.

Though that figure seems high, it does not compare with the $522 donations million sent to the US, 7 days after hurricane Katrina. Experts agree that the first week following a disaster is the most critical time

for donations, and after that, assistance American Red Cross website has links to their positive change happen.” After donating and contributions slow dramatically. various aid programs, www.redcross.org. to Global Giving, doners receive updates on whatever cause Almost two months they contributed to. have passed since Save the Japanís tsunami hit, Children has been however there is still in Japan for over 25 time to help those years, and it quickly whose lives have deployed a team in been impacted by the the aftermath of the catastrophe. Countless tsunami to determine companies and nonthe needs of children profit organizations along with their are continuing to families. Currently, send donations. they have established The American child-friendly areas Red Cross, which is in displacement currently working with centers in the city of the Japanese Red Cross, Sendai. Donations is collecting donations will be used to help to send aid to those who children in Japan have been impacted by and go towards the tsunami and earth restoring education, quake throughout the and childcare in areas entire Pacific Ocean. The Searchers sift through debris in the that were destroyed.

The website, coastal town of Minami-Sanriku, www.savethechildren.org, offers Japan, as they search for victims a comprehensive plan showing March 15, 2011. (Brian van der where the donations will be used.

Brug/Los Angeles Times/MCT) Americares program working to deliver medicine and supplies to Donations to the American Red hospitals, shelter homes, and health care Cross can be made through iTunes or workers caring for survivors. Just hours by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. following the two calamities, Americares Witches (Ever Since We Met…). The Ballad Another major relief fund is Global begain its relief efforts in Tokyo. of Mona Lisa, the first single off the album, Giving whose vision is to “Unleash the has a sound very reminiscent of A Fever You potential of people around the world to make Can’t Sweat Out. This power ballad is very comparable to the Band’s most famous song, I Write Sins Not Tragedies. With its slightly eerie verses that build into a powerful and catchy chorus, it fits the formula of just about every hit single from Panic.

Memories definitely has more of a sweeter, pop song feel to it, but yet still keeps the same overall theme what lengths we will go to for true love. present throughout the album. From Kaitlyn Blake The only truly disappointing part its power chords, to the violin runs On March 4, 2011, Universal Pictures of the movie was the end. With such in the background, to its irresistible released The Adjustment Bureau, starring a clever storyline and idea, director melody, Memories is a fantastic song.

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. The movie George Nolfi could have made the Ready to Go (Get Me Out of My Mind) was based on short stories written by ending much more creative, rather begins with electronic instrumentation Philip K. Dick, called “Total Recall,” than the generic, cookie-cutter ending. which leads into cheerful and upbeat “Minority Report,” and “Blade Runner.”

The Adjustment Bureau debuted around guitar melody and a chorus of “Oh oh The Adjustment Bureau offers a new the same time as many other movies similar oh a oh oh.” But the chorus of the song concept of the way lives are run. In this to its theme of questioning what personal with its first line of “I think I’m ready to movie, there are certain people who make freedoms we truly have such as Limitless, leave, I’m ready to live, I’m ready to go,” sure that other people’s lives go as according The Source Code, and I Am Number Four. and its echo, “Get me out of my mind,” to “plan.” When Damon’s character, David In its opening weekend, The Adjustment is what really makes the song. It’s a song Norris, a young politician, falls in love Bureau earned over $21 million, and Nolfi’s that fans can’t help singing along to. with Blunt’s character, Elise Sellas, a movie has racked in over $60 million total.

With a unique and unexpected ballet dancer, the two are constantly kept Matt Damon and Emily Blunt introduction to the song, an accordion, apart because they were not supposed to do a fantastic job in this thriller/ Sarah Smiles is full of surprises. meet. The men of the Adjustment Bureau science-fiction. The couple’s witty and After the chorus, the alternative tell Norris that if he were to be with Sellas, constant bantering makes this action style music suddenly transitions to both of them would be hurt, whereas if they movie very comical for those with a Latin dance music and back again. never saw each other again, Norris would more sophisticated sense of humor.

Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met…) be the youngest member of the Senate Rotten Tomatoes, a website that reviews combines two very different styles of music ever, and Sellas would soon get a major movies, gave The Adjustment Bureau 72 into one song that somehow flows perfectly. ballet job. By staying with Sellas, it would percent. The top critic on Rotten Tomatoes Rhythmic and upbeat verses transition into not only kill his own dreams, it would also says that Blunt and Damon had believable a slower and much more melodic chorus. kill hers. So Norris has to choose between chemistry which made the movie soar, This song is a great ending to the album. his career and the woman he loves. but the movie lacked a consistent tone.

Vices and Virtues is quite possibly Regardless of how far-fetched The Although not the most believable movie Panic! At the Disco’s greatest album to Adjustment Bureau is, it has been a very (it is partly a science-fiction movie, after date. The exciting and entertaining music long time since a movie as creative and all), The Adjustment Bureau was still one of on this album is perfect for dancing and flawless as The Adjustment Bureau has hit the best movies to come out of Hollywood a very fun and enjoyable listen. Fans will the box office. This movie has something in a long time. With its fantastic casting not be disappointed, and it is clear that to offer everyone. It offers the love story, and well-conceived idea, The Adjustment although the band may have suffered a thriller, and an action; and it portrays all Bureau is thought-provoking and clever. some losses, it is back as strong as ever of these in a new, creative, and clever way. with lots of potential for the future.

The Adjustment Bureau offers a look into what personal freedom we truly have and

Panic! At The Disco releases new album Tracey Griffith Panic! At the Disco’s new album, Vices and Virtues was released on March 22, 2011, three years after their last album release of Pretty Odd in 2008. The band from Las Vegas, Nevada recently underwent drastic changes when what was formerly a quartet became a duo. Guitarist Ryan Ross and bassist Jon Walker left the group in 2009 to form a new group on their own. The band explained the split as nothing more than musical differences.

Instead of filling the empty slots with new members, the duo decided to produce a new album with just the two of them, returning to the band’s original sound from their first album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. With a name like Panic! At the Disco, it’s no surprise that the music from the album makes you want to dance. Filled with exciting drum beats, catchy and powerful melodies, and synthesized background music intertwined with guitar as well as orchestral and full choir addins, the music is exciting and fun to listen to. Panic has a very theatrical feel to their music that makes it everything but boring.

One of the best things about this band is the lyrics and Vices and Virtues doesn’t disappoint. Typical characteristics of Panic’s lyrics would be creative, confusing yet clever, and often so peculiar that the audience has to think about them twice. For example, a line of the chorus in the first single from the album, The Ballad of Mona Lisa, contains the lyrics, “let the sun rain down on me.”

Another lyric, a particularly creative line from the song Trade Mistakes, is “If I could trade mistake for sheep, count me awake before you sleep. I’ll stay awake ‘til I dream my mistakes away.”

Although the album was excellent overall, the best songs from the album were The Ballad of Mona Lisa, which is already topping the Alternative charts on iTunes, Memories, Ready To Go (Get Me Out of My Mind), Sarah Smiles, and Nearly

The Adjustment Bureau proves clever

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Sports

Creek swings for number one in the district Jacob Arredondo The Clear Creek Wildcats baseball team is back on the diamond looking for another shot at the district championship and a state playoff run.

Last year’s team was the co-champions of district 24-5A and made it to the state playoffs. The playoff run was short-lived as the Wildcats lost the third game in a best of three against Fort Bend Austin.

Creek is returning this year with a core group of seniors that include C.J. McElroy, Chris Morales, and Chad Valcoviak.

This group has been part of Creek’s varsity team since their freshmen year and has gone to the playoffs each year with the team. This experience has put them in a role of team leaders for younger players to look up to.

McElroy has traded in his shoulder pads and helmet for a glove and a hat. The University of Houston commit for baseball and football is the leadoff hitter for Creek and a defensive presence in center field. This season he has a fielding percentage of 1.000 and has made spectacular diving catches and defensive plays all season long. At the plate he is hitting .488 with 20 RBIs and 5 home runs with an on-base percentage of .590 and slugging of .838. McElroy also has 22 stolen

bases on 24 attempts, including 4 steals in one game against Morton Ranch. Shortstop Zack Gibson has committed to the University of Houston as well. Gibson is hitting .315 and a slugging of .685, the third-best on the team. Gibson has hit 7 homeruns so far and has batted in 28 runs. The senior who packs the biggest punch at the plate is Morales. The first-team all district selection is averaging .400 with a team leading slugging percentage of .813 and seven homeruns.

Morales is also leading the team with 36 RBI’s.

The Wildcats get the luck of not only having Morales as a powerhitter in their line-up, but also as one of the best returning pitchers in the district. Currently, he has and earn run average of 2.91 with 50 strikeouts. Historically, Creek has on pitching as being their number one reason of success. Morales is just one pitcher in Creeks pitching rotation that has an average era of 4.72 with multiple shutouts among it’s staff.

Creek started its season off in Angleton. After being behind early in the game, Morales hit the first homerun of the year and gave creek the 3-1 one victory.

Creek then entered the Humble ISD tournament to play some of the best competition in the Houston area.

The wildcats went 2-2 in the tournament with blowout wins over Kingwood and Summer Creek.

Creek then entered the CCISD tournament where they went undefeated

over four games. Tough wins in their first couple of games over Friendswood and Morton Ranch gave Creek momentum, beating Seven Lakes and Cy-Creek both by six runs. Creek’s final pre-district tournament was the Father Wilson/ Sister

for the save, pitching a hitless 1.2 innings.

Creek’s season has been a roller coaster ride with multiple winning and losing streaks. At the halfway point in the season, Creek was only 4-4 and was in danger of missing the playoffs. The Wildcats lost to Clear Brook (7 to 6) and Brazoswood (5 to 2) again in the second half of the season.

After dropping two straight, Creek went on a two game win streak against Pearland (7 to 6) and avenged their lost against Alvin (10 to 4).

The win over Alvin put Creek in a great position for a playoff spot to squeak by in. But with a 6-6 district record, they will need help from other schools to lose.

Creek also must win out the remainder of their season to ensure the best possible position for a spot in postseason play. Creek smashed Clear Lake 9 to 3 in their first meeting of the season but will play at Lake in the season finale.

Julia Tournament where Creek went 1-2 against private and prep schools from around Houston.

Creek started district play against Dickinson and pulled out the 6-5 victory.

The game went back and forth, Creek scored a run in the first inning with Dickinson answering back with 2 runs in the top of the fourth.

Creek then scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth and retook the lead. Dickinson got the lead back by scoring two runs in the sixth inning and one run in the seventh inning.

Creek scored a game winning run in the bottom of the seventh to secure the victory over Dickinson. Chris Morales and Tanner Grigs help the Junior third basemen, Austin Smith, hit a two-run homerun Wildcats in the playoff race and hit a double and a single. Photo illustrations by Shannon O’Neil Junior pitcher, Jake Cosart, Photos by Tianah Brewer pitched 4.1 innings with an ERA of 3.23; Valcoviak came in

Golfers swing for glory: 24-5A Co-Champions Jacob Arredondo

In golf, a single stroke can make all the difference.

Just ask the Clear Creek boy’s golf team, who thought they had lost the District championship by one stroke. Instead of a loss, the boys were named cochampions of District 24-5A, along with Clear Springs, with a two day total of 610 strokes.

Clear Creek is synonymous with golf, having the prestigious South Shore Country Club and Golf Course in its own backyard. With the close proximity of the course to local children, interest among children has spurred producing many great golfers for Clear Creek. The Wildcats have had multiple state qualifiers and team qualifiers for both boys and girls on their teams in the past.

The girl’s team won third place in this year’s 24-5A District championship giving them their fourth top three finish on the season. The girls will not advance to the regional tournament but will send junior Amanda Mire to the regional qualifiers.

She tied for eighth in the district.

At this year’s 24-5A

District championship at the Bay Forest Golf Course in La Porte, Texas hosted over 74 players from teams all over the district to compete in the two-day tournament. On the first day of the competition, Clear Creek boys golf was on top of the pack with a 6-stroke lead over Clear Springs. Creek’s Travis Dennis only needed 74 strokes on the first day to lead the Wildcats to its lead. Monday’s score for Creek was the lowest team total all year and gave Creek a cushion for any mishaps on the second day.

Springs stayed neck and neck with the Wildcats all day long. Constant pressure came a Springs’ golfer who shot the lowest score on Monday with a 71. The lead dwindled from Creek throughout the day with lapses in play and pressure from Springs.

It came down to the final hole at Bay Forest to decide the District championship. Both teams were guaranteed a spot on to the Regional tournament but each wanted to capture the title. After the hole, Clear Springs believed that they beat the Wildcats by one stroke. The next day Creek golfers were texted by their coach saying that there was a scoring mishap and that they were indeed tied with Clear Springs.

Both teams were already advancing to the regional tournament, to decide who would be the top seed from 24-5A. Both teams returned to the Bay Forest Golf Course to have a three-hole playoff. The Wildcats prevailed as the victor in the playoff to secure their number one seeding for the Region III tournament. Creek will battle it out with competition all over the region at the Eagle Pointe Golf Course in Mont Belvieu for a shot at a Region III championship.

Patrick Virgin swings for par.

Photo courtesy of The Den.

Sports

19

Creek softball team pursues successful season Jacob Arredondo After losing eight seniors from last’s years team, the girl’s softball team are looking to reload rather than to rebuild.

Because of the new CCISD school zones, Clear Creek also lost a freshmen starter from last year’s team as well. Creek has brought in a large class of freshmen to there program and have gotten multiple starters on the varsity team out of the bunch.

In the pre-season Creek’s starting roster included six freshmen, one sophomore, one junior and one senior. But an unfortunate injury to senior Keshea Evens has sidelined her for the rest of the year, but she still has signed her Letter of Intent to play softball at Prairie View A&M University.

This was a severe lost to an all ready young softball team. For the first time in any sport, the freshmen girls needed to lead the tea,.

However, this class of freshmen is different; these are girls who have been playing in the same league, same all-star teams, and same se-

lect teams for years. These girls are all known to bring the power, consistency and speed to the team. Freshmen Brittany Crowley is currently leading the team in all major batting statistics: an average of .510, 16 Runs Batted In, On-Base Percentage of .667 and a slugging percentage of .356. She also gets helps producing runs from leadoff hitter, freshman Mae Wadyka.

She has an OBP of .333

with and hitting .319 from the plate. She is a slap-hitter who uses ball manipulation along with her blazing speed to reach first. She leads the team in steals with 8. Kaitlyn Bertot is the team’s pitching ace and has a tough job

with the lively competition that 24-5A softball is known for. She not only has to pitch against powerhouses like Brazoswood and Alvin, she has to pitch against Pearland, the defending 5-A State Champions. She has an ERA of 2.07 with opponents batting .241 and reaching base with a .307 average.

She has posted numeral shutout innings with the help of her suburb defense of the

fielders.

She also helps her self out with run support when she goes up to the plate; Bertot has produced 12 RBIs and has an OBP of .349. The lone upper classmen on the team is Breanna

Ziesemer, she is the team’s catcher and hits with a .355 batting average. She has 11 RBIs with a .419 slugging percentage.

Creek started its season against the Clear Springs Chargers. The Lady Wildcats dropped a close game against its cross-town rivals to the score of ten to two. Then after a ten to one loss from Clear Lake, Creek one its first district game against the Dickinson Lady Gators by the score of eight to five. Creek lost its next five district games, putting up a great fight in each defeat.

This year’s softball team is young and is playing great competition against teams with rosters full of upperclassmen.

Playing time is what these girls need to get accustomed to the speed and rigor that Texas varsity softball brings.

With a whole second half in the season to go, it wouldn’t be a shocker for the girls to make a run into the playoffs.

Sofball players huddle up before the game.

Photo by Tianah Brewer

Track team races for the district championship Hannah Brinsko The Clear Creek Boy’s Varsity track team finished strong at the district track meet in Dickinson on April 13. The team finished second to Clear Springs by only one point.

“I was really proud of our effort and determination in the meet and to lose by one point in the meet showed toughness because of the number of guys participating against much larger teams.

We are mostly a senior oriented team and these guys worked the past four years of their high school career and it was well appreciated,” said t h e head track coach, Coach Ruben Jordan, who has led the team to several district championships in recent years.

Several members of the track team were able to place in multiple events.

Seniors, Matt Smythe, Dustin Hobaugh, CJ McElroy and Tevin Jones placed at the 4 x 400, while each senior also placed for individual events. Jones also excelled at the 110 m hurdles, while Hobaugh qualified for

regionals with his time at the 800 m. Smythe additionally ran the 300 m hurdles, and advanced to regionals for the 110 m hurdles.

McElroy helped lead the Wildcats in field events by winning the long jump with a jump of 23’7 inches. Other team members that earned points for Creek include Lucas Duncavage at discus, Jalen Jones at the triple jump, and Chase Sparks in pole vaulting. McElroy and Jones were also part of the 4 x 100 team, along with Dion Lewis, Kaliq Kokumba, that qualified for regionals.

Other Creek runners to excel are Chris Niakian who was able to advance to regionals for the 300 m hurdles, and Sidney Riley who placed at the 800 m sprint.

“I also would like to thank all our assistant coaches, Coach Christian Pena running in a relay.

Photo taken by Tianah Brewer Photo illustration by Shannon O’Neil

Smith, Coach Hunt, Coach McNamara and Coach Zepeda for their hard work also! We move on to the Regional meet on May 2-3 in Humble and I can promise

you this group of athletes will show up and make Creek proud,” said Coach Jordan.

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