January/February 2020

Matilda nearly sells out first show

Star Wars ends series with Rise of Skywalker

Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV with a comeback

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Trump becomes third president in history to be impeached Photo courtesy of CCTD

By Leah Burnam Assistant Editor-in-Chief Impeachment hearings for President Donald Trump took commencement and have been a “hot topic” for news outlets over the last few months. Trump has just under one year left of his presidency, but after a whistleblower, someone who informs of engaged illicit activity by another person, spoke out in August, an inquiry began.

On July 25, 2019, Trump pressured the Ukrainian government into launching an investigation via a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine. Trump had been concerned that the Ukrainian government swayed voters towards Hilary Clinton in the 2016 election and was the reason for her winning the popular vote. He was also enticed to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden on his work for Burisma, an energy company based in Ukraine.

More “whistleblowers” have come forward and the White House was forced to release an official statement explaining that Trump did in fact ask Ukraine for a “favor.” This investigation became an alleged quid pro quo (a favor granted or expected in return for something else) as Ukraine was “dangling” US money and a presidential summit at the White House.

All of this soon led to Trump’s impeachment hearings as many believed it was a “gross” abuse of power and that he should be removed office. Trump and

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

other Republican or GOP lawmakers fired back saying the whistleblower was just powered by politics and that there was never a quid pro quo between the US and Ukraine. In the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry report, released on December 2 of 2019, known as the “Ukraine scheme,” Republicans stated there was

power and obstructing congress (230-197 on Article 1: Abuse of Power and 229-198 on Article 2: Obstruction of Congress).

Trump became the third United States President to have ever been impeached, following Andrew Jackson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. However, in order for him to officially be kicked out of

no firm evidence Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commoms office, the inquiry will related to Trump need to go through the supposedly swaying his 2020 campaign. Senate in a trial, which recently took On December 3, Democrats released place on February 5. Nancy Pelosi, summaries laying out their own personal Speaker of the United States House evidence regarding President Trump. of Representatives, even spoke out Later proceedings occurred under the before the trial, explaining how the House of Judiciary Committee and after trial is now in the hands of the Senate. they were voted on, the inquiry moved “It’s about a fair trial. We’ve up to the House of Representatives. On done our job. We have defended the December 18, President Donald Trump Constitution of the United States. We was impeached through the House after would hope the Senate would do that they voted on two charges of abuse of as well. Now the ball is in their court to

Photo courtesy of Flickr

either do that or pay a price,” Pelosi said.

After Pelosi recently spoke out about the impeachment, Trump tweeted back saying that her and Adam Schiff, another US representative, should testify and be a witness in the trial.

Papers of the House impeachment were sent and voted on during the week of January 13 and the Senate casted their votes on Wednesday, February 5. Many Democrats were hoping this would have meant the end of Trump’s presidency, but some Republicans expected Trump to come back stronger in order to finish out his term. And if the trial were to have passed through the Senate, it could have caused a major shift in power for the White House and might have led to Vice President Mike Pence taking over.

“But their [Karen and Mike Pence] singular focus would be what it has been since 2008: winning the White House in an election. And most, if not all, decisions would be dictated by that foremost,” Tom LoBianco, political reporter for The Washington Post, said.

Senator Mitt Romney even spoke out against Trump saying the evidence was overwhelming and the arguments were unconvincing, ultimately leading to his decision of voting to convict him.

Finally, President Trump was acquitted of both charges at the Senate trial, with the votes at 48-52 for abuse of power and 47-53 for obstruction of Congress, making for an important event in history.

Kobe Bryant and eight others killed in helicopter crash

2002, 2003 and 2008, the best NBA play- NBA game were, “Mamba Out,” referer ESPY award in 2008 and 2010, ESPY ring to his nickname Black Mamba. But icon award, and the Academy Award for now he is actually gone – in a better place.

Bryant was on the way to a basIn a helicopter accident, basketball icon, best short film in 2018. During his basketKobe Bryant’s life, as well as his daughter’s, was taken. Bryant (41), Gianna Bryant (13), John Altobelli (56), Keri Altobelli (46), Alyssa Altobelli (13), Sarah Chester (45), Payton Chester (13), Christina Mauser (38) and Ara Zobayan (50), all died on January 26.

Bryant was highly regarded in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and played in the league for 20 years. He was also one of the only players in the NBA to not play college basketball and instead, joined the league immediately after high school.

Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13 pick, but was later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he left a legacy. In his rookie season, he was nominated to participate in the 1997 dunk contest. Bryant won the contest and made history by being the youngest player to ever win a dunk contest.

Bryant has won five NBA titles in the ball career, Bryant managed Photo courtesy of Flickr ketball game to coach his daughter’s team and he had years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010, to accomplish many things, all for the Lakers. Bryant also has a list of leaving a big impact on the NBA commu- other people from the team on the heliawards such as Naismith Boys High School nity as well as the country. The mark Bry- copter. Bryant was known to use private player of the year award in 1996, NBA ant left can be seen everywhere, from his helicopters for transportation to beat the All-Rookie Team in 1997, Most Valuable signature shoes to the jerseys his fans wear. Los Angeles traffic to spend more time In 2018, Bryant announced his re- with his family. The weather conditions Player (MVP) in 2008 and NBA Finals MVP in 2009 and 2010. Bryant did not tirement to the NBA and his last game were bad due to low visibility because only win NBA awards, but he also won the he had 61 points; a historic moment. The of fog. The fog was so bad that the Los BET award for Sportsman of the Year in last words of Bryant on the day of his last Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

By Mark Gidden Sports Editor

grounded all of their helicopters so no one would get hurt. The low visibility caused the pilot hit the side of a hill and crash, leaving no survivors. Even though they hit the hill, Jennifer Homendy from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), found out that the S-76 helicopter did not have a terrain warning system which warns pilots about how close they are to the ground or how far the ground is in front of the helicopter. The NTSB said all helicopters carrying over six passengers must have the system but the Federal Aviation Administration failed to make it a legal requirement on helicopters.

Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, was heartbroken that her husband and one of her daughters died and she told the media, “I could have never expected to live my life without him.”

NBA players were also heartbroken over Bryant’s death. Former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, began tearing up after speaking about him on Inside the NBA. Mark Cuban is retiring Bryant’s jersey in his arena, even though he is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He also wants to ban from anyone else from wearing the number eight and the number 24. All the NBA games that were played Sunday the day of his death, all waited out the 24 shot clock and high school games waited the eight second violation all in honor of Kobe Bryant.

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OPINION

What would you like to receive for Valentine’s Day? “If my dad is home, he normally surprises me and my mom with some sort of breakfast.”

- Bella Havel (10th)

n “Admiratio es. ved on from my lo I don’t like items.” materialistic - Pir’ Chaih Dickerson (12th)

’s Day, I e in t n le a V “For this e ers becaus w lo f t n a w htens nothing brig n a fresh y more tha a d r u o y p u roses.” bouquet of oju (11th) g a d a G a y - Shre

“Spend time with my boyfriend because it’s our first Valentine’s Day.” - Bella Blaylock (10th)

“Time spent with my significant other and family.

I don’t have a lot of time to spend with them.”

- Coach Chris Beck (AP Macroeconomics and Baseball Coach) “Sweets in general because ey they make me happy and th taste good.”

- Ms. Riley Warden (Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher)

quiet, “Peace and e first because th s of two month e re th the year a sful.” most stres n (12th) o t g in r r a H - Alex

“I’m hoping to spend quality time with my girlfriend and exchanging gifts.”

- Josh Rivas (10th)

“I would say sweets and appreciation because who wouldn’t want actual sweets and appreciation from th eir partner?”

- Daniel Crespo (11th)

“Yellow roses, becaus e that is my favorite flower and my husban d gets them every year for me.”

- Mrs. Lisa Watkins (E200’s pod secretar y)

“I would honestly appreciate a thoughtful card with a rose. It’s nice to know that someone is thinking of you and you mean something to them and roses are pretty.”

- Cecelia Onoviran (11th)

“Lots of chocolate because I love it and if I was dating someone, I would give her some.”

- Cory Gary (10th)

eve “I’m hoping to reci an apology on Valentine’s Day h from my past crus ted.” because I was ghos ) - Brooke Best (9th

2019 -2020

HiLife Staff

Principal: Jamey Majewski

Advisor: Wynette Jameson

Editors-in-Chief: Arrington Linder Morgan Severson Assistant Editor: Leah Burnam

Managing Editor: Anabella Cooper

News Editor: Alex Martinez

Online Editor: Leah Burnam

Features Editor: Andrew Stell

Entertainment Editor: Aivry Zamora

Sports Editor: Mark Gidden Around Creek Editor: Analei Berger

Advertising Manager: Anabella Cooper

Photo-Editor: Danielle Dunavant

Assistant Photo-Editors: Carson Faulkner Chloe Tankink Reporters: Jordan Johnson Misbah Rajan Rolando Rios

Photographers: Jessica McDermand Lexin Cumby

Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: www.creekhilife.com or http://clearcreekhs.ccisd.net For ad rates call: (281)-284-1889

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

EDITORIAL

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Severson Speaks: Consider kindness

By Morgan Severson Editor-in-Chief With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought that it would be timely to write about someone near and dear to my heart, my grandma and the power of unconditional love that drives me to take care of her. My grandma has a progressive disease called glaucoma, where pressures in her eye cause her to gradually lose her vision. She has fully lost vision in her right eye and only has about 20% vision in her left eye. This is a problem, not only because she is losing her vison, but she is losing her independence and is needing more and more care as time goes on. After school when my parents are working, I am the primary caretaker of my grandma. While this has come with its challenges; trying to do

well in school while taking care of my grandma, it is an experience that I will never regret.

Looking back on why I started to care for my grandma led me to the realization of just how powerful unconditional love is.

When I was younger, my grandma used to take care of my sister and I while my parents were at work and when the roles reversed, I knew I had to show her just as much love as she showed me.

Taking care of someone that has limitations on what they can do for themselves is utterly exhausting. There are nights where I have given up taking showers, sleeping and spending time with my friends, all just to take care of my grandmother.

A Conscious Rethink defines unconditional love as existing in the absence of the one giving love benefiting, transcending all behaviors and not needing the love to be reciprocated; it is completely selfless.

I believe that showing people uncondition-

al love or just kindness in general, is what generation, supporting equal rights for womhas made me into the person I am today. en, minorities and the LGBTQ+ community.

I believe that being kind and selfless proHowever, according to AARP, Gen Z’s vides benefits for not only the one receiving the kindness, but for the one giving it as well.

Doing activities like volunteering and taking care of my grandma give me that heartwarming feeling that comes with helping others. Psychology Today calls that feeling “the driving force” that make humans want to help others.

Being kind releases a hormone called serotonin, that boosts your mood and makes you feel satisfied. While I am not saying everyone has to go take care of their grandma or do volunteer work to be kind, small acts of kindness like holding open a door for someone else, giving someone a compliment or picking up a piece of litter, can make you more positive and even brighten up your own day.

Additionally, showing others love and kindness builds stronger relationships between you and your family and friends. It strengthens trust and increases communication skills. In fact, being kind helps you live longer. In a study, Quiet Revolution found that in adults, volunteering correlated with lower levels of inflammation, are thought to be one of the most selfish by old- reducing the chance of health issues like diabeer generations, always broadcasting ourselves tes, cancer, chronic pain, obesity and migraines.

While taking care of my grandma, her kindon social media. Contrary to this, AARP also says, that we were raised to be one of the most ness and unconditional love, has influenced me caring generations. High school volunteer rates to be kind and loving to everyone and because are at an all time high, with 80% of students of that I hope that I can teach others to be kind saying they have volunteered in the past year. as well. Not only did I find that being kind is Compared to past generations, Gen Z is more quite easy to do, it can be helpful to me as well likely to participate in political demonstrations as others. Next time you are having a bad day, or be involved in community organizations. be kind to someone and you will find that it will We are by far the most accepting and inclusive brighten up their day as much as it will yours.

“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter.”

-Ellen DeGeneres

Linder’s Lessons: Broadway breakups Broadway has become a staple in New York: singing, dancing, acting, something for everyone to enjoy. While Broadway might look easy to the audience, extensive amounts of work goes into creating a play or musical, later transferring it to the Broadway stage. Many shows take years to complete, sometimes even decades. In order to stay open, shows must bring in large amounts of revenue to cover salaries, set costs, rent, promotional material and more.

If shows are unable to produce a set amount of money each week, they are forced to close. However, it is rare that successful shows are forced to close.

Tim Burton’s hit 1988 film, Beetlejuice, was adapted into a musical by Scott Brown, Anthony King and Eddie Perfect. While opening to mixed reviews, the musical overcame their obstacles and has broken numerous box office records. In just one week, the musical grossed approximately $1,589,838.90, breaking the Winter Garden Theatre box office record, previously held

by School of Rock in 2015, grossing $1,506,236.20. To many theatregoers, it seemed like Beetlejuice would stay open for the months, hopefully years, to come. However, due to the revival of The Music Man opening in October, Beetlejuice has been evicted from of the Winter Garden Theatre, effective on June 6.

The Shubert Organization owns approximately half of the Broadway theatres, meaning they have the power to evict any of the shows housed in their theatres. However, when shows close, it is typically because audiences are uninterested, causing the show to lose money. Very rarely does a show announce its closing right after it has broken a record. After the announcement, The Music Man and the Shubert Organization received backlash from Beetlejuice fans, saying how it is unfair that such a new and successful show is closing.

Some Beetlejuice cast members have posted on their Instagram accounts, asking fans to not be rude to the cast of The Music Man, as it is not their fault that the show is closing.

Last season was the highest-grossing and had the highest attended year for Broadway, yet at least a dozen shows closed. Why do shows continue to close, despite Broadway drawing in large sums of money? Fanfavorite, The Prom, received seven Tony nominations, including Best Musical, but closed after less than a year of being open.

Hadestown, however, swept last year’s

theatre fans prefer musicals with original storylines and a score with various sounds.

Creating a Broadway show, especially from scratch, takes time, effort and money.

Certain people invest in new shows, hoping to make their money back, plus more.

However, when shows close before their time, investors most likely will not make their money return on investment (ROI) with a profit.

After closing, some shows go on tour or license their content, meaning the musical or play is available for others to perform.

No show deserves to close, regardless of whether you are a fan of the show or not.

Yes, some shows might announce their closing and some fans might say, “Oh that makes sense,” but people wrote the book for the show, they composed a score, they built a set, they invested money to open the show on Broadway.

No one merits to having their work close on Broadway, for no one to admire anymore.

If a cast album is recorded people can continue to listen to the closed and cancelled Broadway show, people are unable to view the show live, to see the show the way that the creators intended.

Closing Broadway productions is just a stage in the lifecycle of the show.

In order to make room for new shows, other shows need to close. The new plays and musicals opening could either be

“I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theatre is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture.”

-Laurence Olivier Tony’s, winning a total of eight awards. This musical continues to stay open after many positive reviews. The difference between the new musicals that survived last season’s purge and the ones that fell flat? The music styles.

Shows such as The Prom, Pretty Woman and Be More Chill all have a pop/contemporary sound, whereas Hadestown ranges from blues, to ragtime, to jazz. While the music style of the show does not determine its fate, based off of current successful shows, one can assume that

By Arrington Linder Editor-in-Chief

the next big thing, or close on opening night. The unfortunate solution to this problem? Nothing. Phantom of the Opera is the longest running Broadway musical, having just celebrated their 32 anniversary.

Phantom of the Opera has a timeless score and plot, and is able to withstand the test of time. Some of the musicals that have closed recently are only relevant for a few years before becoming outdated. In order to keep productions open for years to come, seats need to constantly be filled and fans who are unable to either purchase tickets or fly to New York can support their favorite shows by streaming the cast recordings and purchasing show merchandise.

Theatre is a glorious art form, but is slowly dying. To keep this art form alive, awareness needs to be raised about how much effort the cast members, crew, writers and more put into these shows, eight times a week for us to appreciate. Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in Houston, allows Houstonians to experience Broadway without the price tag of a Broadway show.

To some people, seeing a Broadway show is a normal Saturday night but for others, it is a once in a lifetime experience. One that, if neglected, can be a forgotten art form.

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EDITORIAL

Burnam’s Breakdown: Apple’s accountability

By Leah Burnam Assistant Editor-in-Chief June 29, 2007: The world changed forever.

After the first iPhone was released nearly 13 years ago, the age of digital technology became so enhanced, creating many new opportunities for app and software developers, that its effect helped boost the economy for a short period of time (contrary to what others may believe or have been told).

Today if asked, most people would say that technology has changed our world for the better and is continuing to show great improvements within communities. While all of that is great and partially true, is it really all for the better? In reality, the stock market for Apple specifically has been in quick decline ever since their prices have been rapidly increasing since 2007, according to Loup Ventures (frontier technology investing firm) founder, Gene Munster. Due to the nearly 20% plus price jump enforced by Apple on their latest phones,

they have reduced their revenues from $93 billion to $84 billion in just last year. In addition, many consumers in areas including Brazil, Russia and India were quite upset about Apple raising their iPhone prices, as they are an emerging market and have only just been under development within their economies.

I n January of last year, Apple reached a 52week low in shares traded and in October, they fell an additional 40%.

Yet, the consumer demand for iPhones has still been high. Why is that?

Well, ever since Apple recently released their latest models, the iPhone 11 ($699), the iPhone 11 Pro ($999) and the iPhone 11 Max (prices starting at $1,099), they have reported an unexpected surge in demands. While unit sales have subsided, Nikkei Asian Review does not seem to think it will last, explaining that although the demand may be strong right now, it is not guaranteed to last. Whereas, J.P. Morgan appears

to be optimistic in reporting that they expect Apple’s shares to rise by 21% due to its new line of iPhones and have since raised their price target to $265 a share (previously $243).

Here in lies the issue at hand: why do

“Apple’s biggest problem is taking consumers for granted at home and abroad.”

-Panos Mourdoukoutas

major tech companies continue to up their prices (majority Apple) when the average consumer cannot afford their products, only forcing stock prices to drop. In addition, just one of Apple’s latest phones (the iPhone 11 Pro Max) takes only about $490.50 to produce. That is half the market price and this is because Apple has undeniably been over-

pricing their products since I could remember.

And most of their phones continue to be made in sweatshops in China, with Apple only paying their employees $3.15 an hour. If Apple is seemingly making so much money, why do they not pay their workers more? Where is the rest of the money going? Is it being pocketed? Now, I am not intending to harp on Apple because I myself, am an avid Apple buyer and have loved using their products. However, I have only been fortunate enough to use and buy their products because of my parents and without them, I would never be able to afford an iPhone of my own. Along with that, the greater majority of people do not have $1,000 to drop on a brand new, latest edition iPhone. There is an overall minority that Apple needs to work towards catering to if they are hoping to share some of the most common, household technology.

Is Apple taking advantage of the everyday customer? Yes. Do they still produce good technology that is helping others? Yes. But their Chinese sweatshops are not the only problem. People used to want to spend money on Apple products, especially when they released their first ever touchscreen iPhone, pioneering the way for smartphones and other subsidized service/network providers. But as of today, when people think of Apple, the first thing that comes to mind is “Great technology…but at a big price tag.” “Great technology” is not something that needs to be harbored “unless you have the money.” It is something to be shared (at the right price) and help others advance their own dreams or aspirations, solve new crises and even stop world issues. Apple’s accountability within the tech industry is something that should not be taken lightly and they still have a long way to go in order to help create an affordable market for the average consumer.

Stell’s Stories: Social media stigma For teenagers, body image is a very fragile thing, and many can relate to the pressure society places to become picture perfect for someone else’s Instagram feed.

Of the negative impacts, eating disorders, anorexia, suicide and depression rates have all risen at an alarming rate; a scary price to pay for something as simple as connecting with others. Being one of the first generations to grow up with social media, I relate first-hand to the tainting effects of ‘likes on a post’, as body image shifts away from a personal level.

Removing the capability to like posts can prevent the scary statistics brought by social media.

“An eating disorder treatment center in Chicago revealed that 3050% of its teen patients used social media as a means of supporting their eating disorder,” Project Know, said To open this anecdote with a past tense would be a crude understatement, so instead I begin with: I struggle. From when I became aware of the world around me, I feared it. I was always the smallest boy in my grade, and with that title came the common clichés associated with it. I was bullied, teased and prodded by the biggest bully of them all, myself. I would stand in front of the mirror and quickly turn away, repulsed by the mural image I faced. As I grew up, I hid my insecurities

under anything I could, changing the way I looked, stopped trying in school and changing my personality. Naively I thought a young and fragile boy as myself was

them. Hopelessly I waited and waited for the change “I deserved.” That day never came. Watching the live count of how many likes my post gained ruined my childhood, forcing me to be scared of anything people disliked.

While surface level intentions for an app like Instagram are well described, an app that allows friends and family to connect via pictures on a feed, but upon deeper digging into the world of a social media app, a truth with no mercy lies.

With instantaneous capabilities to see how much people like you, this is all too easily accessed by those who need no comparison to others.

The vulnerability of a user is immediately amplified when a live count of those who ‘liked’ your post is at the fingertips of a user.

Though Instagram has expressed their consideration of removing the capability to ‘like a post’, this philosophy is lived through other apps with similar profiles.

Instead of the original intent to connect and pull users closer together, social media ostracizes those with less likes,

“Everyone is unique.

Don’t allow your uniqueness to be scrubbed away because you are trying to tap into becoming someone who you are not.”

-Ashley M. Williams capable of having a social media account. I downloaded Instagram in the fourth grade, and relentlessly scrolled; I would look at all the people I wished to look like scrolling and praying that someday, I would look like

By Andrew Stell Features Editor followers and comments on their posts.

This further emphasizes the ongoing issue of ideal image and ruins the truism that a unique society thrives upon the task of creativity, as little boys and girls around America learn quickly to mimic those with more likes and followers.

Though I would like to consider myself immune to the effects of social media, I find myself time and time again returning to the comfort of my follower count. Still before posting a picture I ask to myself: ‘will this make my followers happy?’ When utilizing a mindset like this, you begin to live not for yourself, but for the people you seek approval from. The proposed solution to remove liking capabilities proves to lessen the negative impacts of social media by abolishing the constant reliance on outside opinion, therefore forcing users to rely only on their internal body image.

CORE VALUES

5

Trustworthiness is acting with honesty in all that a student does, according to CCISD. Junior Silas Massey shows trustworthiness by always getting his work done and accepting test results, even if it is not what he expected, according to Mr. Matthew Samson, Tech Theatre teacher. “It’s the ability to be able to be trusted, being able to show that you can do something. It’s not just about telling the truth,” Massey said. Massey’s parents have taught him to be trustworthy.

Trustworthiness Respect is valuing yourself and others, according to CCISD. Sophomore Layah Brown shows respect by “treating everyone equally... and us[ing] respectful language when talking to her peers,” Mr. James Park, choir director, said. “People deserve respect, [they] need to be nice and [people] never know what others are going through,” Brown said. Brown’s mom has inspired her to show respect and she does not like to put other people down.

Respect

Responsibility is owning your choices, according to CCISD. Sophomore Seth Nolet shows responsibility by helping his art teacher, Mr. Donald Henson, in class and “drop[ping] everything to go help with something,” Mr. Henson said. During the school day, Nolet tends to be responsible and “just want[s] to ge [his] education done. Nolet said that his mom, being a single mom most of his life, has inspired him “to always be kind and responsible.”

Responsibility Fairness is playing by the rules and considering the needs of others, according to CCISD. Senior Erin Gonzalez shows fairness by making sure as president, everyone in Art Club is heard, according to her art teacher, Ms. Kenzie McGoldrick. “When we were doing Homecoming, I made sure that everyone got to design a button for the Art Club booth,” Gonzalez said. She also says that she was taught to be fair because it was always expected of her.

Caring

Fairness

Caring is being kind to others, according to CCISD. Junior Maleiah Haridi is caring because she, “has a good attitude, always wants to help and goes out of her way to make friends with the freshmen,” Mrs. Katherine Grobey, orchestra director, said. Haridi says that she is caring because she, “always thinks about others before [herself]. I make sure they have everything they need before I do what I need to,” Haridi said. Haridi’s dad has inspired her to be caring to others.

Citizenship is working to improve your school, community and country, according to CCISD. Senior Eron Stevenson shows citizenship by, “being in organizations that help the school,” he said.

According to his band director, Mr. Tate Fincher, Stevenson genuienly cares about others and helps out selflessly, even when he is not asked to. Stevenson said that his mom inspires him to show citizenship because she worked hard and treated others kindly, even though she was not being respected.

Citizenship

6

NEWS

Australian officials working to end treacherous wildfires

By Jordan Johnson Reporter

and these fires are not the end rather just the have all caused the animals suffering. Many beginning of what is to come this year. With of these animals were already in danger of beEl Niño and the Indian Dipole system both in come extinct, now the chances of extinction Australian wildfires have been raging the affect, this year has been extremely hot and extremely increased, in the past few months. country, killing one billion animals. These fires in New South Wales are so bad, they are popping up on the satellite imaging. Smoke has also been seen throughout the satellites. The smoke has now started to appear on the coast of Chile, in South America. While many fires rage throughout Australia, New South Wales is the worst of the fires burning up and down the countries coast. Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, was also one of the cities hit the hardest as well as Sydney, capital city of New South Wales.

Due to the fires, the capital office cancelled all sporting events, and even cancelling one of the most popular music festivals. Australia’s Opening Day, an annual tennis match and the first tournament of the Grand Slam, was also cancelled in Melbourne, Victoria.

In Australia, the air quality had been deemed a hazardous level, by over 11 times.

Australia had the worst air quality in the world as of January 7, 2019. Many have died, while others have lost their homes. In the country New South Wales, 2,000 homes alone have been destroyed. Many families are being asked to evacuate, although it is becoming extremely difficult as the fires grow and worsen. In a heartbreaking story a famiPhoto courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Millions of acres of ly was forced to stay in a movie theatre with dry for Australia. On land have been charred hundreds of people until helicopters were top of drought, the and with it, the animals able to reach them, through difficulty visibili- country is also so dry because they sit under that reside in the area.

Animals have been seen the sub-tropical pressure belt.

The belt causes ty issues with the amount of smoke in the air.

Humans are not the only species suffer- air to push down, pushing the clouds and rain walking up to rescuers, desperate for water. ing from the fires, as over half a million wild with it. Although climate change is happening Though inconclusive, Researchers have estianimals have also died of complications such everywhere, in countries that rely on rain to mated that several species have become extinct.

There are two months left of the fire season as smoke inhalation, dehydration and burns, help with the heat of the summer months, in

Australia, leading to the question of how much worse the drought could make the fires. However, now with the increase in climate change and no rain, has affected the country to an amount where over a 130 fires have ravaged the land scape and the animals living in these areas.

On Monday, January 6, New Whales, Australia received rain for the first time in weeks. However, an interview, from The Australian newspaper, with an Australian firefighters suggests that rain could not have come at a worse time. The downpour of rain, caused the controlled burns to be harder to make. Fire fighters start fires that are controlled in front of the bigger, out of control fire, to try and gain control of where the fires go. With the recent rainfall, controlled fires are harder to start due to the moisture on the ground.

Although they received rain, it did not extinguish the fires that were out of control. There is a chance that the rain made the fires worse, due to the lightning which can cause fires. Before the rainstorm there had only been around 115 fires, however now, after the rain there is more than 130.

A total of five fire fighters have died in the fires. American fire fighters were sent over to help get fires under control and on January 15, 2020. The cause of their deaths, the aircraft they were in crashed into a large wall of fire New South Wales. The men had been traveling from Richmond to a firebombing mission.

“The only thing I have from the field reports are that the plane came down, it’s crashed and there was a large fireball associated with the crash,” NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

The flame retardant that had been on the flight was over four thousand gallons. This crash brings the death toll of the fires that have been raging since September to at least 31 people

Iranian military conflict increase tensions between US

By Andrew Stell Features Editor

gional agenda, but his ‘martyrdom’ will likely fuel a response that will. At least in the medium term, make up for his death,” Charles Though many held hopes high for the Lister, Middle East Institute member, said.

With the passing of almost two weeks at start of a new decade, current events present a crisis that could set the tone for the new age a ‘standstill’ between the military capacities we face. When the United States sent a drone of both the US and Iran, tensions have destrike to Iran to assassinate General Qassem creased between the two powers. Criticism has Soleimani, the leader of Iran’s Islamic Revo- been no stranger to the actions of the United lutionary Guard Corps, tensions heightened as States Military, remarking upon the childish many bite their nails in anticipation of Iran’s actions taken against Iran. This turmoil beretaliation. In the same drone bombing, a sec- ginning months ago has been reignited, where ond death of paramilitary commander Abu Iran has been seen killing its own protestors as Mahdi al-Mohandes who was with Soleimani the eyes of the world is taken off current poin the same convoy bombed in an order is- litical battles taking place in the United States. sued by [now impeached] President Trump.

When asked what the reason for this bombing was, it is clear that intentions were merely to assassinate Gen. Soleimani, who was establishing plans to attack multiple Americans in Iraq. This action has been highly criticized, calling it bold and irresponsible.

“The US’ act of international terrorism, targeting and assassinating General Soleimani- THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, AL Qaeda et al- is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation. The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism”, Javad Zarif, Iranian Foreign Minister, said.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of retaliation and stated that a “hard revenge awaits criminals.” This world power rivalry began when Iran supported a Shiite militia and their attempt to storm the US Embassy in Baghdad, all actions between the United States and Iran have occurred within the span of two weeks, escalating rapidly.

The US Embassy in Iran urged American citizens to depart in any way they can, as Iranian people seek blood for the lost General Soleimani. “US Citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land,” the US Embassy in Iran, said.

At the funeral for Soleimani, crowds overwhelmed the city’s space, causing a riot and killing 40 bystanders.

“His death is a serious loss for Iran’s re-

“DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS… Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching.

Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!” President Trump via twitter, sending a warning message to Iran, said.

After threatening the lives of both Americans and Iranians, the two feuding governments have seemingly settled the idea of war between them. Though US citizens have carried on with their lives, the once ‘mysterious’ crash of a passing Ukrainian passenger plane has been solved with a truth Iranian citizens protest. The

Iranian government recently admitted to the death and crash of a civilian passenger plane carrying at least 60 Canadian and Ukrainian passengers, leading the public of Iran to protest this cruel act by their own government. Though their military claims it was in assumption of an American plane, en route to bomb Iran, this assumption proved incorrect and caused the death of 60 innocents.

The people of Iran gathered in Tehran, a place once used to rally against the US, to protest their own government, after admitting to slaughtering men, women and children. Protesting has spread to multiple cities including Kermanshah, Ahvaz, Rasht, Yazd, Semnan and Mashhad, though it is soon to spread around the whole country.

NEWS

7

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resign from royal duties a goldfish bowl, but I now manage it better.” names; Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Later in the interview he stated there and Prince Louis. Prince Harry and Markle “is there any one of the royal family who wants also chose to keep their son’s life very private. The couple also chose to keep the locaPrince Harry and Meghan Markle have to be king or queen? I don’t think so, but we tion of his birth, his christening service and will carry out our duties at the right time.” made the official move to leave their royal duties. The decision was made in an effort to gain more privacy and Prince Harry said it was the only decision he could make in good conscience. Prince Harry and Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, will give up their royal titles and eschew some state funding in a deal brokered to end a crisis that broke out, after the couple announced they would step back from the royal family.

Markle and Prince Harry came to an agreement with the Queen to completely step back from their royal duties starting this spring, meaning they will no longer use “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness,” (HRH) titles when being referred to or receive public funding from Britain. The couple were dropping hints about their unhappiness with royal life for some time, most noticeably in their ITV documentary.

In the documentary, Markle discussed the royal family asking is she was, “okay,” while Prince Harry said he is constantly reminded of his mother’s death every time he sees a camera flash. The British press has been accused of writing racist articles about the Duchess, which Prince Harry even acknowledged this when the couple first started dating, calling out the “racial undertones of comment pieces” in an emotional statement.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons godparents private.

When Archie In a turn of events, many close to the The former Harrison Mountbatprince are not surprised about the couple Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced ten-Windsor, Prince Harry and Markel’s son, leaving the family. In a 2017 interview with the news earlier this month, writing on InNewsweek magazine, Prince Harry implied was born in May 2019, the couple made the stagram that they “intend to step back as decision not to give their son a courtesy title. he did not enjoy being part of the royal family ‘senior’ members of the royal family and An unusual move compared to Prince Wilstating, “I sometimes still feel I am living in liam’s children who all have royal titles in their work to become financially independent.”

By Misbah Rajan Reporter

Royal experts predicted this outcome months ago, after the couple spoke about their struggles with royal life in emotional interviews for their royal-tour documentary. Harry said he “will not be bullied into playing a game that killed my mum.”

Royal expert Joe Little previously told Insider that the couple’s patronages would be passed on to other working members of the family if they were to resign.

“This is uncharted territory, but if they were to withdraw from public life, then the organizations with which they are associated in various capacities would be reallocated to other members of the royal family,” Little, the managing editor of Majesty magazine, told Insider before the news was announced.

Prince Harry and Markle recently announced plans to start their own charity, Sussex Royal, after splitting from Middleton and William’s Royal Foundation in 2019. The charity is not expected to officially start operating until later this year. But exactly how it will operate; and whether it will receive any funding from the royal family remains to be unknown.

Biographer and Vanity Fair contributing editor, Sally Bedell Smith, has been studying the British royal family for over 20 years now.

She has knowledge on members of the family’s innermost circles, pouring over archives and tracking the monarchy’s evolution, while writing her best-selling biographies on Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.

So, on January 8, when Smith read Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s announcement that they would be stepping away from the royal family as senior members, Smith was not entirely shocked. According to Smith, to people close to the royal family, it was clear they really “bent over backward” to accept Markle.

8

AROUND CREEK

Matilda has a successful run under new director

By Jessica McDermand Photographer

preparation, including an entire tech re- ager, who calls cues throughout the enhearsal dedicated to it. The tech crew is tire production, holds a very important always behind the scenes to make sure role as well. They all work together for Creek presented Matilda the Musi- the musical runs smoothly. Not only does the musical and although it is a diffical, a story based off the book by Ronald Dahl. The story is centered around a young girl named Matilda, who is very intelligent, and has to deal with a difficult family life. When her parents send her to a school run by the evil Ms. Trunchbull, Matilda and her friends learn to fight for what’s right, encountering a little magic along the way.

New theatre director, Jennifer Alcala, began working at Creek this year.

Since then, she has been working with the choir directors to make a musical happen. A lot of work goes into a musical before even the first rehearsal takes place, such as getting the rights to the music and script to perform.

Since October, the cast and crew involved in the musical have met almost every day after school to rehearse the music and dances to put the production together. Sometimes, the cast meets over the weekend for 10 am to 4 pm Saturday rehearsals. Some cast members practiced their accents or ran their dances constantly, while others worked with projections and timing. Even lights in the Photo taken by Chloe Tankink auditorium and background sets lighting this involve lots of focus cult and a time-conwere worked on and took time to put to- and dedication, but it insuming commitment, gether. Lighting of the stage changes the cludes marking the scenes so the placing they say all the work put in is worth it. feel of the room during certain scenes, of the sets is always where it needs to “It was a miracle to be part of a which can be equally as important as the be. There are people in charge of props, cast that was so kind and welcomact itself. Also figuring out the changes building the set for the performance and ing. Everyone was so passionate and of the set takes a lot of hard work and making the costumes. The stage man- friendly that I quickly fit right in

and felt like I had a wonderful company always supporting me,” Mia Lewis-Vazquez, cast member of Matilda, said.

The show dates were January 24, 25, 31 and February 1. Spanning over a time period of two weeks and also included a show for younger CCISD students, who go to feeder schools of Creek, to watch during the day as a field trip. Using the musical as an opportunity to show the incoming and future high schoolers what they could soon be a part of. It introduces earlier on the idea of being in choir, theater or even other fine arts classes in the school, not just for a fine arts credit, but for fun.

The cast and directors both expressed their hopes for the show and what they wanted the big take away to be from it. In a pre-concert tradition, the cast and crew all crossed arms and shared their thoughts on how the productions could influence the lives of their audience and has already influenced their own lives. Throughout the difficulties encompassed with production of Matilda the Musical, the entire process allowed and proposed many opportunities for both those in the show and those who watched it. The cast, crew and directors have worked tirelessly to put on a great show for everyone to come out, see and support. From making new friends to putting on a musical that reaches someone, it was both a great experience, and a small way to change the world.

continue. I worked really hard over Wood, Special Merit Winner, said.

Christmas break so I would do well in In the words of many students, the competition because it’s my senior Houston’s Rodeo Art program gives In a city built rich with tradition year. I feel like I’ve always wanted to artists a chance to not only prove their like Houston, one of the most important make it into rodeo Houston and soon ability, but possibly gain scholarship celebrations of Houston culture each year is rodeo. With Rodeo Houston comes the annual rodeo art competition; This competition has art students all over Texas submit rodeo-themed pieces to enter the first round of judging.

The School Art Program allows any student Pre-K through 12 to enter their piece with the chance to be displayed at Rodeo Houston in the Hayloft Gallery. This competition grows each year, with more than 200,000 entries in 2019 and more than 9.4 million entries since it began in 1965.

Creek boasts multiple entrants and finalists, ranging from best in show winners to those anticipating whether they will proceed to the final round of auction. These students are motivated and participate most every year, hoping to continue a Creek legacy.

“I’ve done it every year since elementary, so it’s kind of expected from me and my parents want me to succeed. I made it through the first round, with a blue first place ribbon.

It was my senior year so I drew my grandpa because he means a lot to me and I’m a senior so I wanted it to be special. Rodeo art means a lot to me because of its tradition,” Reagan Canales, senior Rodeo Art entrant, said.

Another rodeo art participant, Ian Wood made it past multiple rounds of the competition, getting his artwork featured at this year’s Rodeo Houston.

Finalists have the opportunity to money to further their receive prize money for their work and I’ll find out if I made it Photo courtesy of Ian Wood art education. When can receive scholarships at auction. to auction. I entered a pieces get sent to the “Since I’m in AP art, my teacher picture of a cowboy on required us to do a rodeo art piece, and a horse. Rodeo art means a way to prove final stage, auction, artwork is bought I started in sixth grade, so I wanted to my art ability and feel proud of myself,” for high prices and given to the artists

that created them, allowing students to put this money towards college.

“Were put around a table and we don’t get to choose where we sit and a model is put in front of us; were given two pieces of paper and a selection of pens, then asked to draw the model to the best of our abilities. This competition is really competitive because there was a lot of people from our district. There is prize money, but I participate mostly because I enjoy it,” Cole Sherbett, Rodeo Art participant, said.

One of the art teachers at Creek, Travis Garner, pushes his AP Art students to participate, requiring this group of students submit their artwork. Garner’s encouragement for students to challenge themselves and their art ability helps ensure a legacy of success at Creek.

“Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo holds a K-12 art competition for students across the city (and state). Students from individual districts submit western themed art to juried district shows, from which, representatives from the Rodeo select their top entries to be featured at the event at NRG stadium. Creek submitted 12 entries, from which we had five finalists and three award winners,” Garner, art teacher, said.

Students at Creek are selfmotivated and striving to win, not only for the opportunities it presents, but to ensure this tradition is passed down between generations of art students. The Rodeo Houston Art Program has been running over 50 years, growing a richer culture of student artwork each year.

Creek students lasso in wins at Houston Rodeo Art competition

By Andrew Stell Features Editor

FEATURES

13

Amanda Gumban promoted to Brigade Commander

By Aivry Zamora Entertainment Editor

to the cadets she commands, despite numer- extensive competition testing their knowlous other conflicts such as being concert edge of military science, current events, master of the Creek Chamber Orchestra. drill and ceremony (marching) and the The title of Brigade Commander is “Why this position matters so much ability to conduct themselves professionmore than a decoration to the lapel of a suc- to me is because it is a family tradition to ally under pressure. Along with having to cessful cadet. It is an honor; a designation of volunteer to serve in the US military and es- compete in knowledge-based questions, leadership capacity, and a symbol of dedication and passion for military science. The accomplishment of being presented with such an honor is only achieved by one cadet throughout the district; a student whose love for ROTC stands far above their competitors. This year, Creek’s Battalion Commander, Amanda Gumban, was selected as Brigade Commander, making her the highest-ranking cadet in the CCISD district.

“In my opinion, the Brigade commander is the chance to be a great face, leader, and influence, to any other cadets, and to motivate them to strive to be the best version of themselves they can,” Gumban, senior, said.

Having risen through the rankings of the ROTC program at Creek, Gumban is concluding her senior year as Brigade Commander, leading over 500 cadets throughout the district and achieving the highest rank that a member of ROTC is sentially everybody in my Photo courtesy of Aivry Zamora the cadets were tested in able to accomplish. Her current position as bloodline has served in a free response interview Battalion Commander requires her to com- any and all of the military branches. I have al- that required the competitors to write a mand around 100 cadets from Creek only ways wanted to join the military to honor the two-minute speech per question asked.

(1st Battalion) and this promotional honor tradition and that is why I invested so much The caliber of this event was high, and the allows her to receive scholarship money of my time into JROTC,” Gumban said. competing cadets were only given a month and copious accolades for her leadership In order to be presented with the rank, to prepare and study for the trials they ability. Her passion for the military and cit- Battalion Commanders from across the faced on January 20. A board composed izenship has led to her dedicating her time district were mandated to participate in an of, LTC Wendel Harris, one of Creek’s in-

structors, CPT Echevarria from Clear Brook and Dr. David Drake, Clear Lake principal, reviewed the performance of each cadet and selected the next Brigade Commander. Gumban emerged victorious competing against C/LTC Daniel Riod, Clear Brook, C/LTC Elizabeth Fortson, Clear Lake, C/ PFC Grant Cude, Clear Falls and C/LTC Andrew Groper, Clear Springs. (find out what the letters mean from Amanda asap) “People think that JROTC is just strictly military science training but that is far from its main mission. Though it does offer a militaristic experience, it is about being a better citizen, practicing life skills, being more involved in your community, and becoming well versed in different real-life environments from communication to literacy to finance. The friendships I have developed in this program are what enabled me to want to be such a good leader for others, and support them as they have done for me; these cadets are the greatest people I know. I feel that it is an honor to work my hardest to help build a better environment for my impressionable subordinate cadets because as the Brigade commander, the success of my brigade and their welfare is my absolute priority. Being in a leadership position never felt like an entitlement but more so an opportunity and privilege to be a good friend, leader and example for others, to show how far devotion can take someone and how indebted I am to this program for making me the person I am today,” Gumban said.

the material together is easily obtained, being the most versatile and easy to grow algae species in the world. It grows in fresh and salt water, and grows at a rate comparable to that of an invasive species. Every single aspect of the creation process of MarinaTex is energy efficient, cheap, environmentally conscious and ideal as contrasted to regular plastics. Normal plastic is mainstream for businesses to use, since it’s cheaper and better quality than most alternatives.

People are more environmentally conscious now than ever and are seeking bold new ways to reduce emissions, use less plastic and anything else they can at the

plastic is highly unlikely at this point in time.

Provided there is an economic incentive to do so, businesses will take part in utilizing MarinaTex. Small businesses would be supported, simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and reducing humans’ harmful effects on the environment. MarinaTex is for the future, it’s much more realistic to be a popular or utilized product in the future as the tensions concerning climate change and the condition of the earth rise. If more and more people seek to create positive, meaningful change in the world, we are ensuring that future generations will grow up in a world we can be proud of.

Recently discoverd plastic alternative shows promise

By Alex Martinez News Editor

At age 24, University of Sussex student Lucy Hughes has done more for the environment than most. Hughes created MarinaTex, a bioplastic comprised of fish scales and red algae that naturally degrades in four to six weeks. MarinaTex is strong, flexible and translucent, making it nearly indistinguishable from plastic sheeting. Despite being comprised of fish parts, it is entirely odorless, making it a reliable alternative to plastic. This alternative’s ability to naturally degrade makes it more environmentally friendly than regular plastics, which sit in the ocean and harm marine ecosystem. Less energy is also required to produce MarinaTex, overall making it significantly more eco-friendly than normal plastic. Lucy Hughes won the James Dyson Award in 2019 for developing “a product that solves a problem with ingenuity.” Hughes, 24, beat 1,078 applicants from 28 different countries.

Hughes was inspired by her fond childhood memories of going to the beach with her family and the grim statistics about the future of our world’s oceans. Hughes fondly remembers beach days with her family, but finding trash and plastic in the water and on the beach. She remembered thinking that it was unfair to pollute the environment and that the waste could likely be repurposed. At 24, she found a way to repurpose the waste just as she thought when she was little. She was also motivated by facts like 40% of plastic produced for packaging is only used once and that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans. After a lengthy trial and error process and attempting to find the perfect components to use as materials, she finally developed her first prototype. The process is so efficient that the scales and other waste gathered from a single Atlantic Cod yields 1,400 MarinaTex bags. The red algae that binds

benefit of the environment. Inventions like MarinaTex are a classic example of human ingenuity created for the purpose of making the world a better place. Younger people are more active in environmentally related issues, so it’s up to the youth to take charge and spearhead this movement.

Since MarinaTex is a very new product, it will require a substantial amount of time to integrate in the business world and establish itself as a realistic alternative for plastic in the eyes of businesses. Businesses are more focused on making profit, so making any kind of major change to a more environmentally-conscious alternative to

14

FEATURES Chad Lindberg invited to two high profile games

By Mark Gidden Sports Editor

Creek varsity football player Chad Lindberg was invited to the USA Under Armor All-American Bowl in Florida, to play against other All-American football athletes such as five star commit Julian Fleming from Catawissa, Pennsylvania and running back Zachary Evans from Houston, Texas. Players across the country get invited to this event and to see a varsity Creek player as well as another player from Houston is very exciting.

“Everyone I met at the game were cool. It was cool to meet top guys from all over the place” Chad Lindberg, varsity football player, said.

Additionally, Lindberg played in the Polynesian Bowl, another high-profile game for this local all-star. This year will be Lindberg’s second year participating in the Polynesian Bowl.

“The Polynesian Bowl was a great experience as a whole. The game itself was fun and pretty surreal since it was my last high school game and in Hawaii where so many legends that have played in the pro bowl” Lindberg, said.

“The game itself was fun and pretty surreal since it was my last high school game and in Hawaii there were so many legends that played in the Pro Bowl,” Lindberg, said. There have been multiple former NFL players and current NFL players who have played in the Pro Bowl and that have celebrated the traditions of the game.

The Polynesian Bowl consists of some of the top high school football players that come to celebrate culture and play football. This event is

held every year during the Polynesian football Hall of Fame Enshrinement week which include National Football League (NFL) ambassadors such as Michael Bennett, DeForest Buckner, Marcus Mariota, Haloti Ngata, Danny Shelton, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Ron-

coached by three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi, one-time super bowl champion George Hegamin, and Deion Sanders was the teams head coach” Lindberg, varsity football player, said.

During his trip, he met numerous NFL legends, and not everyone gets that chance.

Photo courtesy of Chad Lindberg

nie Stanley. The first Polynesian Bowl game was on January 21, 2017 and the two teams and their captains were Team Stanley and Team Mariota. Every game the team captains change with the ambassadors with the Polynesian bowl.

“In the Under-Armor game I was

“The game was super fun and had insane competition. The players from Houston I already met through camps or visits so we’re pretty close,” Lindberg, said.

The players were invited from across the country and Lindberg was one of the few from Houston who got invited

to play. The Under Armor All-American bowl picks some of the top high school seniors to come out and play to get a taste of some of the competition in college and people who are just on the same competitive level as each other.

“He was cool to learn from and hear him talk because he is the best to ever do it” Lindberg, said. Lindberg was talking about his first-time meeting Sanders, who is considered as one of the greatest football players ever.

The Under-Armor game took place January 2; where invited players split up into two teams, Team Pressure and Team Savage, with Lindberg on team pressure playing alongside Zachary Evans. The coach for Team Pressure was NFL legend Deion Sanders and the coach for Team Savage was NFL veteran Ed Reed. Team Pressure won the game with a score of 30-24.

“I didn’t really realize playing in either games was possible for me until I got invited. I had never really thought of them until a year ago,” Lindberg, said. Lindberg never thought about playing in these big named high school games until he realized his potential and skill to play football.

The first Under Armor All-American game was played on January 5, 2008.

The game originated at Tropicana field in St. Petersburg, Florida, however it is now played at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It also hosts many other events such as the Pro Bowl and Citrus Bowl. Previously there have been NFL players who have played in the Under-Armor Bowl which are Julio Jones with the Atlanta Falcons and A.J. Green with the Cincinnati Bengals. Both Jones and Green played in the 2008 Under Armor game.

ENTERTAINMENT15

Star Wars saga projected in theatres for final time

By Analei Berger Around Creek Editor

Over the span of 42 years and nine movies, fans have marveled over the Skywalker saga. It feels like it is the end of an era, as the Star Wars trilogies are coming to a close, with the release of The Rise of Skywalker. WARNING: Spoilers Ahead!

Before the release of the movie, some of the theories suggested that Rey, played

by Daisy Ridley, is in fact a Skywalker and Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, was lying to Rey when he told Rey that she is a descendent from no one special.

Part of that theory was proven true at the end of The Rise of Skywalker. Rey identifies herself as being a Skywalker, even though the audience finds out roughly half way through the movie that she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine.

Which explains why her parents abandoned her on Jakku (a desert world home to thieves, outlaws and alien scavengers).

Here is some backstory: Rey’s parents left her on Jakku as a young child because her grandfather Emperor Palpatine, wanted Rey to become his apprentice so that she could one day take his place and rule the First Order. When hearing that Rey was not with her parents, Palpatine was furious because it caused a kink in his plan. The emperor did the most predictable thing and ordered to have his son and daughter-in-law killed.

At the very beginning of The Rise of Skywalker the audience sees Kylo Ren journeying to Exegol, the hidden planet that Palpatine and his army have taken residence on. Ren lands and ventures inside the planet and meets Palpatine, up until this point nobody, not even the audience, knew that he was alive. The last movie we saw Palpatine in was Return of the Jedi when his apprentice Darth Vader betrayed Palpatine and he was “killed”.

With the shock of seeing Palpatine still being alive fresh in the minds of the viewers, his first orders to Ren was to kill Rey. Ren tells Palpatine that he will (but he obviously does not kill Rey).

The Resistance finds out that Palpatine

has a secret army and send Rey and her crew; Finn (John Boyega), Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), BB8 (Bill Hader and Ben Schwartz), C3PO (Anthony Daniels) and Po (Oscar Isaac) on a secret mission to find the map to Exegol so that the Resistance can find and destroy Palpatine and his army once and for all.

They travel through the galaxy and the viewers get a glimpse of the now destroyed death star laying on one of Endors moons, Kef Bir, in the middle of its ocean.

Rey travels out to the Death Star and finds the map that she was looking for. As soon as she finds the map Ren shows up and the two have an epic battle. In the end, Rey wins and leaves the scene. This is the defining point where Kylo Ren returns to being Ben Solo when all of a sudden, he turns around and his deceased father Han Solo is standing behind him. They talk for a bit and Ren throws his red lightsaber into the ocean below. When Rey arrives on Exogol, she ventures into the Earth and arrives to Emperor Palpatine in all his glory, and millions of Sith followers.

Palpatine reveals his plan to Rey and of course she refuses, but is conflicted. She came to kill her grandfather, and to be ordered to kill him came as a shock. Palpatine explained that when Rey kills him, she will be the new Sith Lord. That caused internal conflict in Rey because bringing the death of her grandfather would cause her to become evil. Right on time, Kylo Ren enters the room and Palpatine says that he has never seen the kind of power the two share.

With both of them refusing to kill Palpatine, he proceeds to suck all their power.

This, obviously, is draining and they both pass out. Above in the atmosphere, a full fledged war is going on between Palpatine’s army and the resistance. Kylo Ren wakes up first and attempts to kill Palpatine but he is immediately thrown off a cliff with Palpatine’s lighting (that has now returned with his newfound power).

When Rey awakens, she stays laying on the ground watching the blood bath before her eyes when suddenly, there are voices in her head. Every sin-

gle Jedi that has ever been in any movie can be heard talking to Rey. They say that they are all behind her and are giving her power. She stands up, gets a light saber and battles Palpatine. He loses and disintegrates and Rey dies. Kylo Ren manages to climb up the cliff, and crawls over to Rey. Now that he is on the light side, he has gained he ability to transfer his life into another living thing. Ren brings Rey back to life, but as she is regaining strength, Ren disintegrates and disappears because he transferred his life into her.

The battle ends with Exegol blowing up and the Resistance celebrating that the Sith’s rule has ended. In the very last scene, we see Rey on the planet where it all started, Tatooine, burying Leia’s and Luke/ Leia’s lightsaber. A woman asks Rey who she is, since they do not normally get visitors on Tatooine. Rey responds by stating that her name is Rey, but she hesitates to think about what her last name is. The cameras pan to the desert off in the distance where we see Luke and Leia’s ghosts standing there.

Rey makes up her mind and says that her last name is Skywalker, which contradicts what happened earlier in the movie proving that she was a descendent of Palpatine.

She decided to claim the Skywalker identity because Luke and Leia were the ones who trained her. At the very end, before the cameras turn off, Rey reveals her own golden-yellow saber, which looks like it has part of her old staff on the handle. To point out, red and green make yellow, which is the colors of the light and dark side’s sabers.

Back in 1977 when A New Hope was first released the film had a budget of a little over $11 million, George Lucas, took this money and ran with it. In the end, Star Wars: A New Hope made over 775.4 million dollars (worth over three point two billion dollars today when accounting for inflation) at the box office. Little did the world know that this movie was the launch of something massive. A New Hope was an immediate success in the film world and almost instantaneously had a massive fanbase.

For anyone who does not know the storyline of Star Wars, here is a quick recap.

The Imperial Forces are under the control

of the well-known and vicious Darth Vader. In Vader’s captivity is Princess Leia, an activist for the rebellion, (which is a group of people who go against the Galactic Empire.) Then, there is 19-year-old Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill and the 29-year-old pilot of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford.

In Return of the Jedi, the last movie in the original trilogy, it is revealed that Luke and Leia are twins. They are the children of Anakin Skywalker (formally known as Darth Vader) and Padmé Amidala.

Along with the original trilogy, on May 19, 1999 the prequels to A New Hope were released into theatres. Needless to say, The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005) were not received as well as the producers would of thought. On Rotten Tomatoes, a popular movie review site, The Phantom Menace got a 59% rating, Attack of the Clones received a 56% rating and lastly, Revenge of the Sith got a whopping 66%. Keep in mind that the ratings under 60% are considered rotten. The prequels follow a young Anakin Skywalker on his journey to train to be a Jedi and eventually ends in Anakin surrendering to the dark side and becoming Darth Vader.

In 2012, Disney bought Lucasfilm’s and the rights to Star Wars for four billion dollars. Disney released its first original Star Wars film in 2015, almost ten years after the prequels ended. With the release of The Force Awakens, it was like the awakening of the many Star Wars fans, ready to jump on any new film. And boy did they jump, the movie made two billion dollars, half of what Disney paid for the franchise. In between The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker, Disney released The Last Jedi in 2017. The Last Jedi got good reviews from movie critiques; some fans disagreed with the reviews. Put it this way, someone would be able to understand the storyline of the trilogy if they skipped over watching this movie. The saga finally came to a close with the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, that premiered (in the US) on December 20, 2019.

16 ENTERTAINMENT 62 annual Grammys bring record-breaking wins

By Andrew Stell Features Editor

This year at the Grammys, hosted

by Alicia Keys, multiple artists won big with singers and songwriters from all genres winning at music’s biggest night of the year. Winning titles include Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go, Eilish’s Bad Guy for both Record and Song of the Year, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? winning Best Pop Vocal Album and Eilish winning Best New Artist. This brings this singer’s Grammy total to five, the most of this year’s show. Other notable winners are Lizzo, winning both best pop solo performance and best urban contemporary album with her 2019 debut album Cuz I Love You. These two artists both came to the Grammys for the first time, showing the opportunity for newer artists to gain recognition. In other genres, Best R&B Album was given to Anderson Paak for Ventura, Racks In The Middle by Nipsey Hussle, featuring Roddy Ricch and HitBoy for Best Rap Performance, 21 Savage’s A Lot, featuring J. Cole and Igor by Tyler, The Creator for Best Rap Album. Bring My Flowers Now

by Tanya Tucker for Best Country Song, Ride Me Back Home from Willie Nelson for Best Country Solo Performance. Other country artists winning Grammys this year show Dan+Shay taking Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Speechless and While I’m Livin’ for best country album by Tanya Tucker.

Audiences everywhere were roused by more than a dozen performers, including powerful performances from Demi Lovato, Tyler, The Creator, Keys, Lizzo, Eilish, Lil Nas X and Ariana

Grande. Opening with a soulful medley from 2019, EARFQUAKE and NEW layering in deep and moving songs. of two hits, Lizzo belted out Cuz I Love MAGIC WAND, with a shaking set Raising the crowd’s spirits was You and popular hit Truth Hurts, this forcing the audience to pay attention. Grande’s medley of her most popular hits of 2019, including Imagine, 7 Rings, a cover of My Favorite Things and finally, thank u, next, in a fully pink set filled with costume changes and massive props.

Following this high-profile set was a stripped-down version of Eilish’s when the party’s over, showcasing Eilish and O’Connell on a circular platform with a piano. Of the most popular and catchy hits of 2019, none seemed to top Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road, performing with numerous collaborators including Mason Ramsey, Billie Ray Cyrus and BTS. After her devastating overdose in 2018, Demi Lovato returned to the stage with a song written shortly before her overdose, titled Anyone. This massive list of performers helped make Grammys 62 a success.

“I know that we’re going to all join together and do what we do in happy times and challenging times.

We’re going to sing together, we’re going to laugh together. We’re going to dance together, we’re gonna cry together. We’re going to bring it all together,” Keys said.

This year’s Grammys also served as a tribute to the recently deceased Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, as well as all others involved in a tragic helicopter crash. Many artists mentioned Bryant before their performances, including Lizzo before opening the show, uplifting the crowd by saying, “Tonight’s for Kobe.” The combo full of flute Photo courtesy of Grammy.com Following this act was Grammys holds multiple traditions Usher’s tribute to Prince to recognize up and coming as riffs and ballerinas welcomed all those in the audience and Camila Cabello’s First Man, well as serviced veterans alike in of this year’s Grammys. Tyler, The these performances brought a fantastic music’s biggest night of the year.

Creator then sang two of his hits balance to the previous performances,

1917 wins Best Motion Picture, surprising some viewers

By Aivry Zamora Entertainment Editor

As the entertainment industry continues to develop, the purpose of annual award shows has evolved from modest ceremonies to history making events recognizing those who have made an impact on Hollywood throughout the year.

From the emotional standing ovation for the first Cecil B. deMille recipient Tom Hanks, and questionable reaction to returning host Ricky Gervais’ monologue, the 75 annual Golden Globes was a night of firsts; creating a memorable celebration for audiences and attendees alike. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) presented 25 different awards, commencing the 2020 award season and setting the foundation for the film, television and music that has excelled over the past year.

Famous for breaking molds and creating new traditions, the Golden Globes have once again made history by awarding Awkwafina with Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her performance in The Farewell.

This makes her the first woman of Asian-American descent to win a Golden Globe in any lead actress category. Moments later, director Bong Joon-Ho’s film Parasite was awarded the Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. The richly deserved win is the first time the honor went to a South Korean film, representing one of the most vital film industries in the world today. Hildur Guðnadóttir followed him to the record books as the first woman to ever win a Globe for Best Score for her emotionally wrenching work on The Joker.

Bernie Taupin pointed out in a later interview that the Golden Globe he won with Elton John for Best Original Song, I’m Gonna Love Me Again from Rocketman was the first award the two men have shared in their decades-long career.

Along with monumental wins, the Globes became the first award show to serve an entirely plantbased menu to its attendees. The vegan menu received an assortment of reactions as audiences applauded the step toward conducting the event in an ecologically beneficial way while critics questioned the “ecofriendly” menu when the themed décor for the ceremony consisted of rare wildflowers imported from Taiwan. Despite the criticism the meal received, the positive reaction to the plant-based meal was reflected by many winners speaking out about climate change in their speeches and congratulating the Globes for its awareness.

Sam Mendes’ war drama 1917 won Best Picture despite Netflix’s three contenders for the award.

Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, The Two Popes, as well as Joker all were beaten by the film critics deemed “least likely to win”. 1917’s director Sam Mendes won the Golden Globe for Best Director, 20 years after his first win for American Beauty.

Overall, streaming platforms did not walk away overly victorious as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video each won several awards though not as many as audiences predicted. The HFPA made a conscious attempt to spread the awards out evenly between streaming platforms and traditional studios after past complaints of bias.

“It’s not as though this Sam Mendes World War I film lacks the right stuff to go far, I’ve pegged it as a best-picture spoiler ever since the film debuted. Still, with so much of the buzz being hogged by The Irishman, Parasite and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in recent weeks, the big wins for 1917 are a welcome reminder that when it comes to the awards season, anything can happen,” Kyle Buchanan, New York Times reporter, said.

Host Ricky Gervias’ monologue received mixed reactions from viewers as his immensely controversial jokes offended a large percentage of the audience before the event began. After being confronted about his disruptive performance, Gervais claimed that the entirety of the act was a “bit” on “the consummative attitudes those who live in Hollywood do not realize they have.” His jokes ranging from the Felicity Huffman bribery scandal, to Chinese sweatshops, to God, each were inconsistent and did not seem to follow a singular

purpose other than to procure the greatest audience reaction.

“The meal tonight was all vegetables, as are all of the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press,” Ricky Gervias, host, said.

Tom Hanks, a man famous for his work spanning decades was the recipient of the Cecil B. deMille award, an honor presented to those who have made “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment”. The HFPA board of directors selects the honorees from a variety of actors, directors, writers and producers who have made a significant mark in the film industry throughout their career. Hanks, a twotime Oscar winner, seven-time Emmy winner and four-time Golden Globe winner, is known and celebrated for a myriad of comedic and dramatic roles since the 1980s. His emotional speech was the closing of the ceremony, leaving audiences in tears as he reflected on the roles that have shaped not only his career, but generations of children and adults alike.

French Club

By Leah Burnam Assistant Editor-in-Chief

French Club recently started this year and has since taken off with the help of the French teacher, Mrs. Stephanie Chamberlain, President Amelia King and Vice-President Gabrielle Daughenbaugh.

The club has already taken part in Creek’s annual homecoming parade and plans to complete a service project this March by helping families who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Seniors will also be able to obtain cords at graduation for the hard work they will complete throughout the school year. Overall, because the club is so new, the officers are hoping to get more to join.

“My goal for both French Club and French Honor Society is growth and to get more people involved, especially those who are wanting to join because it is really fun! We have snacks at meetings, community service opportunities and all things fun,” King said.

The French Club is open to all people who are interested in French culture and wanting to learn more about it. The club tries to meet at least once every month and appears to have many fun upcoming activities planned for their members. If one is interested in joining, sign up via their Remind by texting 81010, saying @bdc3dd.

Photo taken by Rachel Passantino

Student Council

By Aivry Zamora Entertainment Editor

CLUBS Poetry Club

By Andrew Stell Features Editor

A new addition to the ever-expanding list of Creek clubs, Poetry Club is a relaxing place to share and enjoy poetry of all kinds. Started by junior Kadee Lloyd, the CCHS poetry club was inspired by the secret poetry corner in the book, Every Last Word and has found its way into the hearts of many students creating a free place to express yourself.

This club was founded to create a safe environment open to all students, that allows them to meet new people, read and show off their own poetry.

“My favorite thing about poetry club is that it’s 100% judgement free. There is no hate allowed for yourself or anyone else. It’s created a place for people to belong and share their feeling and experiences, good or bad, through poetry. It is also a very chill, friendly environment, and there are no writing restrictions of any kind,” Lloyd, creator of the poetry club, said.

This club is open to anyone to join at any meeting; meetings take place every Thursday at 2:45 in Mr. Darrow’s room (E207). You can also join poetry club through their remind by texting @poetrycorn to 81010.

Photo taken by Kadee Lloyd

Science Olympiad

By Analei Berger Around Creek Editor

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Best Buddies

By Jordan Johnson Reporter

Best Buddies encourages the students to pair with special education students to socialize.

The members of the club make friends with the students so they no longer feel alone in the world or at school. At the beginning of the school year, there are signs and announcements are made throughout all social media (@cchs.bestbuddies) school announcements and posters. The first meeting is about what the club is about and what will be happening throughout the year with the activities. Mrs. Wafa Loft is the club’s sponsor and the club president is senior Lia Wilkison.

Best Buddies meets once a month in the auxiliary cafeteria and have pizza parties. There are many activities that the students do outside of school. Many parents of the students cannot pick them up right after school, so many of the best buddies, take the kids to get ice cream, smoothies, or go to the movies.

“To join us is simple! Text @creekbes to 81010 and come to a meeting and/or party to get signed up and meet our buddies, the application process is already set for this year but next year you would be interviewed and trained for IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) students,” Wilkison said.

Photo courtesy of Lia Wilkison

HS Democrats

By Morgan Severson Editor-in-Chief

The exceptional Student Council program is an organization focused on increasing school spirit, helping out the community and encouraging student involvement in school activities. With a chance to participate in exciting events throughout the year, such as the Homecoming Parade and Veterans Day Assembly, Student Council is a chance for students of all grades to become more involved with the Creek community and have a voice in the school.

“I hope to grow Student Council bigger than it already is, increase school spirit and for students to feel more involved in our school,” Maria Buendia, Student Council Vice President, said.

New members are welcome at any meeting and no prior experience is needed to become an active member. Meetings are held every other Monday at 2:45 in Mr. Charles Moore’s room, D120. To find out when all future meetings are, text @e43de to 81010.

“I encourage any and everybody to join student council because of the community that we’ve created. From walking across the football field at GSL, to handing out flowers at the veteran’s day ceremony, it’s so much fun to serve the school with your friends,” Alejandra Tijerina, StuCo president, said.

Science Olympiad is a Creek club filled with science loving students. Every year in February, the Science Olympiad team will go to their first competition of the season and if victory is theirs, the team will eventually compete at Nationals in 23 competitive events which include earth science, biology, engineering, chemistry and physics.

This year the Nationals competition will be held at North Carolina State University from May 15 to 16 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Science Olympiad itself has been around since 1984 and in 2014 offering $30,000 scholarships to all of the first-place gold medal winners at Nationals.

A perk of Science Olympiad is their flexible hours; the team has no set days that they meet.

The members are all set up to the remind app on their phone and meet whatever day works best for them. They practice and do mock challenges and competitions to prepare themselves for the actual competition.

“If they want a place where they can explore their interest in science, then they should join the team,” Giselle Miralles, member of Science Olympiad, said.

The League City Chapter of High School Democrats is a club that is composed of CCISD students that are interested in politics and, “ideals of the democratic party.” The club encourages students to be activists and voice their opinions to help spark change on issues that they are concerned about.

Meetings are on Wednesdays, when announced on their Instagram (@hsdemslctx) at the Starbucks across from Clear Creek Intermediate. Some of the activities at the meetings include learning about and discussing current political events, writing letters to representatives in Congress, making signs for protests and phone banking for democratic politicians. The club has also participated in events like March for Our Lives, The Women’s March and the Climate Strike. They volunteered for and met politicians such as Beto O’Rourke and Dayna Steele.

While the club includes all the high schools in CCISD, it was started by senior Anna Alves at Creek.

She started the club because she has always been interested in politics and wanted to inspire others in the area to be activist of their own. Alves is the Chair of the High School Democrats of Texas, which is affiliated with The High School Democrats of America, that is directly connected to the Democratic Party.

“If you are interesting in joining and attending the meeting, please DM,” League City HS Democrats, in a post on Instagram, said.

Photo courtesy of Alejandra Tijerina

Photo taken by Jordan Johnson

Photo courtesy of Morgan Severson

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SPORTS

Athletes of the KC Chiefs break championship losing streak

By Alex Martinez month: News Editor

Kayla Moody Sophomore soccer player, Kayla Moody, was nominated by her coach for, “always being the hardest worker, positively uplifting teammates and being a leader on the field.” Moody participates in both soccer and basketball, “and crushes both at practice and games,” Coach Penney, girl’s soccer coach, said.

Coach Penney also said that Moody contributes her knowledge of soccer and “no quitting attitude,” to the team. Moody says that her favorite part of playing soccer is running around and being active. Parents and former soccer coaches taught her to be, “a leader in the backline.” Moody believes she is an asset on her team due to her postivity.

Jacob Bulseco Senior swimmer, Jacob Bulseco is a, “good example of hard work paying off,” Coach Anthony Halford, swim coach, said. For the past three years, Bulseco has qualified for state and recently signed to the Air Force Academy. Coach Halford said that Bulseco contributes to the team by having speed, a good work ethic, the ability to encourage his teammates and being a good example at practice. “I really like how there is an individual aspect [to swim] but being on a team to achieve a common goal,” Bulseco said. Bulseco believes that he fits the title of athlete of the month because he has leadership and experience to help himself and his team improve everyday.

the second-youngest quarter- sas City Chiefs played a back to win a Super Bowl in great game of football.

NFL history. Mahomes took This year’s halftime In a suspenseful 11-point a dominant leadership role show was performed by comeback, the Kansas City this season, guiding his team Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.

Chiefs emerge victorious over to a 15-4 record this season Both with their own unique the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. The Chiefs earned their third double-digit comeback of the post-season, ultimately ending their 50-year championship drought. Kansas City, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defeated the 49ers 31-20, making the Chiefs the first team in NFL history to win three games after trailing by ten or more points in a single postseason. Mahomes, last year’s league MVP, is now a Super Photo courtesy of Whiteman Air Force Base Bowl MVP, meaning he was and an styles, the considered the most valuable explosive singers came together toplayer in the Super Bowl in the Super Bowl win. He shook wards the end of their pereyes of a panel of sixteen foot- the Hard Rock Stadium with formances and sang with a ball writers and broadcasters. a commendable 286 passing children’s choir, led by LoTom Brady, Ben Roeth- yards, three touchdowns, two pez’s daughter, Emme Marilisberger and now Patrick Ma- interceptions and 29 rushing bel Muñiz. In comparison to homes are all the only quar- yards. Along with Mahomes, last year’s halftime show perterbacks to earn a Lombardi Damien Williams, Kansas formers, Maroon 5, featuring trophy, which is the trophy you City Chiefs running back, Travis Scott and Big Boi, get for winning the Super Bowl had 17 carries for 104 yards most fans are more pleased and is named after Vince Lom- and a touchdown. He added with Lopez and Shakira. bardi, the former head coach four catches for 29 yards and Kyle Shanahan, the head for the Green Bay Packers who a touchdown, making him- coach of the San Francisco led the team to win the first two self a serious contender for 49ers, communicated his obSuper Bowl games. Before the the MVP award. Williams’ vious disappointment in the age 25. Mahomes’ tremendous breakaway 38-yard touch- loss, but his respect for the success is all the more impres- down with 1:12 left put the game they played. sive considering at 24, he is the Chiefs in the lead, almost “It was a tough loss, youngest quarterback to win entirely ensuring victory. and it hurts everybody in Super Bowl MVP honors and All in all, the Kan- that [locker] room losing the

Super Bowl…We had opportunities to win that and came up short. Win or lose, it doesn’t change how I feel about our team. I’m proud of all of the guys for what they did all year, and I’m proud of what they did today. Kansas City played a good game.

They were better than us today. We can deal with that, but we’re obviously disappointed,” Shanahan said.

Kansas City coach Andy Reid (61) went into the game as the winningest coach to never win a super bowl. He left Hard Rock Stadium overjoyed and overwhelmed with his incredible victory. In his 21-year coaching career, that was his second Super Bowl appearance and his first win, ending his no-championship-record. In an interview after the game, Reid stated “I’m really excited,” Reid said. “You get one, you want to go get another one, but we got to backpedal for about a minute here and enjoy this one and we’ll get busy on the next one.” Reid’s victory was long overdue, his hard work and obvious coaching talent is reflected on his record-holding win streak.

Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said “No one deserves this trophy more than Andy Reid.”

By Analei Berger Around Creek Editor

Astros. Houston’s manager A.J. Hinch has been suspended for one year and was then fired. The general manager Jeff Lunhow was also suspended for one year and fired.

The former assistant general manager Brandon Taubman was suspended for one year.

Over the next two years, the Astros have lost their first and second round of draft picks. Lastly, the Astros were fined for five million dollars, which is the maximum for the MLB to fine.

Pedro Martinez is in the MLB Hall of Fame and former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He slammed Mike Fiers, the pitcher who snitched on the Astros.

“If he was to do it when he was playing for the Houston Astros, I would say Mike Fiers has guts. But to go and do it after you leave the Houston Astros because they don’t have you anymore, that doesn’t show me anything. You’re just a bad teammate,” Martinez, said.

Manfred has said that the MLB has no plans to strip the Houston Astros of their World Series title.

Astros caught cheating in 2017 World Series

cusing the Astros of cheating cusations. When watching during the World Series. The the videos of the games, the way the team cheated is quite cameras microphones pick After the devastation of simple. They set up hidden up faint sounds of whisHurricane Harvey, it was nice cameras in their home stadi- tling and metal trash cans. for Houston to come together um, Minute Maid Park, to spy On January 13, it was to celebrate the Astros’ victory in the World Series. As the summer of 2017 came to a close the city of Houston and its surrounding towns were hit with a bombshell of rain. Harvey deposited over 27 trillion gallons of rain water over Texas and some parts of Houston alone received 50 inches of rainfall. It was so devastating, the NWS (National Weather Photo courtesy of Flickr Service) quickly updated the on the opposing decided that colors that they use for rainteam. The Astros’ did what is what the Astros did was confall charts to account for it. commonly known as “sign sidered illegal. Even though Needless to say, Houston was stealing.” By spying on the it is not stated in the MLB in need for an uplifting. The other teams, they were able Handbook that stealing towns baseball team came to see what kind of pitch and signs is illegal, but it is said through and won the World play that the opponents were that it is up to the team that Series against the Los Angeles going to do. By obtaining this is being stolen from to conDodgers. The final score for information, they relayed it ceal their plays the best they game seven was five to one Asback to the batters who pre- can. The reason that it was tros and coincidentally, there pared for what literally was considered illegal in the Aswas 51 inches of rain dropped about to get thrown at them. tros case was because they over Houston during Harvey.

To relay the information stole them with implanted Everything seemed right from player to player, they cameras at their home field. in the world until November either whistled or banged There was a list of penal12, 2019 whenever the foron metal trash cans. There ties released by Rob Manfred mer Astros pitcher Mike Fiers, is some circumstantial evi- (commissioner of the MLB) who played for the team from dence to corroborate the ac- on what will happen to the 2015-2017, came forward ac-

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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PHOTOFINISH