the
crimsonconnection
cypress woods
volume 1
issue 5
friday, february 14
DANGERS you cannot
SEE
the
crimsonconnection EDITORS-IN-CHIEF nikki carter rachel kainer
LAYOUT EDITOR alexis starkey
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR cassie cotton
NEWS/FEATURE EDITOR gail mcgehee
EDITORIAL EDITOR adayre bevill
SPORTS EDITOR abbie mcintosh
PHOTO EDITOR sarah orr
BUSINESS MANAGER brad wargo
SOCIAL COORDINATOR byria hamblin
editorial policy The Crimson Connection is published seven times a year and distributed free by the Cy Woods Journalism Department. The Editorial Board consists of two editors. The Board determines the stances of editorials, as well as the content of the newsmagazine. Letters or comments are welcome and should be sent to room 1866 at the school address. To be printed by the school newspaper, the letter or comments must be signed and legible. The editors reserve the right to edit letters. The opinion of the staff does not necessarily represent or reflect the opinions of the faculty of this school or this district.
Make your voice heard. The Crimson Connection staff wants to know your questions, concerns, or comments. If you would like to contribute to the next issue of The Crimson Connection, please email us at: abigail.paysse@cfisd.net Cypress Woods High School 13550 Woods Spillane Blvd. Cypress, TX 77429 (281) 213-1913 abigail.paysse@cfisd.net
Dear fellow Wildcats,
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Letter from the editors:
This is the seniors’ last issue working on the newsmagazine. After this, the underclassmen will be taking over. Many of us have been on the staff for multiple years, and we are bittersweet about leaving the magazine-- something that we, seniors, began and hope to leave behind as a legacy. We have full faith in the underclassmen on staff in keeping this legacy alive. Being on the staff has given us so many memories that we will cherish throughout the rest of our lives. We would like to say goodbye and wish the underclassmen the best of luck. We hope that they will take away from the experience just as much as we did! Sincerely,
Rachel Kainer and Nikki Carter Editors-in-Chief
contents
Agonizing applications
Photo by: Sarah Orr
Danger you cannot see
4
First is the worst; second is the breast
Photo by: Sarah Orr
18
16 & 17
Photo by: Sarah Orr
Top secret fast food favorites
24& 25
Photo by: Bradley Wargo
Covers by: Gail McGehee, Sarah Orr, Alexis Starkey and Rachel Kainer
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Agonizing applications
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02.14.14
Advice for college apps from people who know best Applying to college is an intense, timeconsuming and stressful process, but do not fret— it does not have to be that way. There are countless resources an applicant layout may use to make his or her experience all the better. School counselors, admissions counselors and previous students are just a few of the many people who are in the applicant’s corner. They are willing to spend their time helping applicants get through the application process as smooth as possible. “The most stressful part of applying was trying to get across to the university or college all of the things you did in high
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application with more blanks than answers. This is important to know when applying to a university, but there are other criteria for which the admissions office looks. The criteria can differ from school to school, but the just of it is usually about the same. “At Sam Houston, we consider a student’s ACT or SAT scores to be very important as well as class rank and GPA,” Riley said. “The second most important is a student’s extracurricular activities and community service. Every university looks at different aspects.” Both the ACT or SAT is required for all major schools, and class rank and GPA are always asked for on applications. But oddly enough, one of the most stressful and timeconsuming parts of the application process
good rule of thumb to apply early so you are not in a rush or miss deadlines.” After the applicants send in their applications, the admissions office sits down and gets to work reviewing numerous applications it receives. But what an admissions counselor really does remains a mystery to most students. “Before a student has started the admission process, it is my job to find students that would be a good fit for Sam Houston State University,” Riley said. “I communicate the steps that it takes to apply to the university and answer any questions the student may have. During the admission process, I am a liaison between the student and the university. I can check the status of their application, and after the student has
is not asked for by all universities—essays. “Essays, essays, essays were the most stressful part of the admissions process,” senior Sharon Creighton said. “Trying to figure out what to write about was the most stressful. Once you figure out what you’re going to write about, it’s fairly straightforward. Don’t just think about the big things in life to write about, because some of the insignificant things could turn out to be a pretty great essay.” There are many components that go into a complete and thorough application, and meeting the deadlines is a requirement for admittance. Each school has different deadlines, so it is always smart to be aware of what those deadlines are. Sending in the application on the deadline may not be the best idea, however. “For SFA, it is more convenient to apply early, but doesn’t make it ‘easier,’” Assistant Director in the Office of Admissions at Stephen F. Austin Ryan Horne said. “Now some schools have early admission and need you to apply early, and it is always a
been admitted to [the school], I assist the students in the next steps of becoming an enrolled student. This involves aiding the student in applying for scholarships and housing as well as getting the student in touch with an academic advisor so they can register for classes.” Sending in an application means the applicant’s dream school is at his or her grasps. No matter what part of the process the applicant is in, the counselors are there only to help. “Working with an admission counselor is very beneficial,” Riley said. “If the student has questions at any point they have a contact at the university that knows them and can help answer any questions. Kinks get worked out a lot faster, and you can depend on them to get you through the process.” Admissions counselors can aid students in many ways. If a problem arises during the admissions process, they help the applicant and make sure they are as successful. “When I talked to the admissions see Applications on page 15.
Photo by: Sarah Orr
school and parts of yourself that would make them want to accept you into their college,” 2013 graduate and freshman at Blinn College Mandi Hawkins said. First impressions always count, and in an applicant’s case, what is written down on the application is their first impression. Although the application is lengthy, it tends to be difficult for many applicants to put in all the information they believe is admittance worthy. “It can be very difficult to make your application stand out, especially if you are applying through applytexas.org,” Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at Sam Houston State University Haley Riley said. “Most state schools use this website for the application process. Applications that catch my eye are those that are answered thoroughly and carefully. Do not leave any blank spaces on your college applications.” A complete application shows dedication and thoughtful thoroughness on and applicant’s part. No admission’s counselor is going to neither want nor enjoy reading an
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current
Waste of time or food?
5“
A look into what local restaurants do with leftovers fritz
reporter
emma
According to Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief charity, one in six people goes without food every day. Restaurants around staff Cypress aid in helping those one in six, while others take it as being an inconvenient and unnecessary task. Panera is one of the few corporations who donate all of their leftover breads and pastries to organizations, such as the Houston Food Bank, to help people in need in the fight against hunger. “Panera has provided end-of-day donations for over 25 years,” Panera employee Donna Lewis said. “The bread and pastries go to organizations to feed the hungry.” While some restaurants are not concerned with helping the community, Panera takes a different stance. “This is Panera’s way of giving back to the communities where they are located all across the country,” Lewis said. Panera has seen plenty of positive effects through donating their leftovers at the end of the day. “The most positive result is helping the organizations that truly have the need for the leftover food,” Lewis said. “[The positives are] raising awareness of food insecurities.” For Lewis, working for a business that cares about its community brings a gratifying feeling. “It is very rewarding to work for a company that is so concerned about the
Illustration by: Noor Lino
community around them,” Lewis said. Panera donates a large amount of food to people in need. “Each day of the year, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, all Panera locations donate the end of day leftovers,” Lewis said. “There are over 1,500 locations that serve their communities seven days per week.” Regular customers are proud of the fact they eat at a restaurant that gives back to the community. “It’s nice to know that I eat at a place that cares about people in need,” junior and regular customer Kasey Kerr said. Not all restaurant chains do the same, however. “It is hard to believe that there are hungry people out there that might not benefit from restaurant leftovers,” Lewis said. “It would be very beneficial for other restaurant chains to join in the fight against hunger.” A local chain restaurant every night has pounds of leftovers that they throw out because to donate them is “inconvenient.” “Every day anywhere from one to eight dozen [rolls] get thrown away; we cook off the bread we didn’t need to use, so we trash it,” senior waitress S a m a n t h a Moore said. “Then around 25 potatoes or more are also thrown away everyday if they are not [purchased]we also throw quite a bit of meat away.” T h i s waitress believes
that the restaurant she works for could easily have enough to feed quite a bit of people. “I do believe [they] could help people in need with the left overs they obtain,” Moore said. “They have a lot.” When this waitress inquired about why they do not do anything with these leftovers she got an answer. “I have talked to the manager before about donating the leftovers and he said the main reason they don’t is because it is out of the way,” Moore said. Many customers of this local establishment are stunned by this restaurant not helping when is has the means to help quite a few people. “It’s really sad because there are a lot of people, especially in Houston, that are hungry,” junior Rachel Owens said. “It’s definitely going to impact me going there.” Names have been changed to protect the privacy of restaurant employees.
Mallene Design mallene.com (713) 557-1054
mallenedesign@gmail.com
Custom prom dresses
18226 Lodgepole Pine St Cypress, TX 77429
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02.14.14
GIRL C DE GUY C DE The driving debate
because the sound of your car abusing the earth’s resources is drowning everything out? Not only do they have to have the loudest car in the world but the fastest. Racing and speeding is not everything. Spring Cypress is not a Nascar track. There is not a cash bonus for speeding down the road. It is not necessary to weave in between cars just to beat someone to the stop light. Congrats; you don’t have to wait for an extra 30 seconds. To me, it really doesn’t matter if my car has little upgrades, as long as it moves me from place to place. The fact that even insurance companies have noticed that girls are better drivers says a lot. The insurance for teenage boys is nearly double a typical girl’s amount. Men might have the speed, but girls have the skill. A New York Times article proved that women are safer drivers due to their protective nature. They are less likely to take dangerous risks unlike male drivers. Car insurance companies have found that women have a longer attention span due to estrogens that stimulate the brain by tasks of rule learning and paying attention. Surveys have shown that 12.5% of student male drivers admit to not wearing a seatbelt, while 7.8% of student female drivers admit to not wearing a seatbelt. Now I’m not saying women are perfect drivers, but we are better than our stereotype suggests.
Want to hear a joke? Women driving. Sadly, as funny as that may sound, it isn’t true. (Guys, go ahead and skip this first paragraph) I know, I’m a dude, and I should be proving how we are the greatest and all these other testosterone pumped comments, but I regretfully can’t. As much as it may be a pain to hear, guys are dangerous drivers. According to statisticbrain.com, the ratio of males to females are as follows: Reckless Driving 3.41 to 1, DUI 3.09 to 1, Seatbelt Violations 3.08 to 1, Speeding 1.75 to 1, Failure to Yield 1.54 to 1, and Stop Sign / Signal Violation 1.53 to 1. Now that the “statistics” are out of the way, let’s get down to the real facts (the ones guys know). By this point, the girls reading this are satisfied and have stopped reading, allowing us to discuss what really happens on the road. Here’s an example of a typical road scene. A guy is just driving, minding his own business, when out of nowhere a crazy lady putting on her makeup comes running into his lane. Fearful of getting hit, he swerves away just like anyone else would do. However, this is where men get blamed for “dangerous” driving. As everyone knows, women travel in packs; just look at them go to the bathroom, always in pairs. This same concept can be applied to the road; they drive in pairs, so as the man swerves to get away from one crazy lady, he nearly hits another crazy lady in the lane next to him. Now, due to some weird evolution and a little bit of hormones, women just can’t let go of a grudge like men do, and therefore report the incident to the statisticians making him, and men as a whole, look bad
for simply wargo u s i n g defensive driving. Call me insane, but business I think that seems a bit unfair. Here’s another example. As I was getting off of 290 and approaching the Spring Cypress light, I got into the far left lane. Anyone who has been anywhere near this intersection these past couple of months knows that they recently went through some major renovations. This renovation brought a new feature that turned the far left lane into a U-turn lane and a left turn lane, while the lane just to the right is a left turn and straight. To get back on track, I was in the far left needing to take a left, and some lady pulls up in the lane to my right needing to take a left as well. When the light turned green I proceeded like normal and began my turn, but guess what happened. The crazy lady next to me honks at me and gives me the bird (not the one that makes nests) and starts cutting into my lane! Seriously, what the heck? Yet women still consider themselves to be ‘safe’ drivers when they clearly can’t follow basic road markings. Now that we can agree women are terrible drivers, it is worth noting that despite the above examples, some of you guys are terrible at driving too. I know, gasp in horror, but it’s true. Many of you speed unnecessarily and put those around you in danger. Be safe guys, don’t threaten the beauty of your face over a couple of seconds, and leave the crazy to the ladies.
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Women have a bad rap for their driving, but are women staff really the ones to watch out for on the road? Let’s take a look at the real crazy drivers, also known as men. Just the other day I was on my way home from work, and I encountered a situation that helped prove my belief that women are better drivers. I was changing my music while maintaining my speed of 45mph and keeping within the lines of my lane. It was after the song changed that I noticed the car next to me starting to swerve a little. Well, the swerving only increased. The car made its way into my lane, almost taking out my whole front end. Thankfully, I stepped on my break and was able to pull over to the left enough to avoid the car hitting me. Sure enough, it was a young male who happened to be texting. Wow. He almost caused an accident because he was texting. Yes, I took my eyes off the road for a quick second, but unlike that boy, I was able to stay in my lane and drive safely. I was able to keep my eyes fixed on the road instead of being glued to my phone. There are definitely a couple things that come to mind when I think of male drivers; for example, the cars that they drive. We get it; you have a big truck. That’s awesome. But do you really have to attach the loudest exhaust in the world on it? Driving was invented to travel from place to place not to see who could make the most noise. Don’t you feel awkward sitting at a stoplight, unable to hear anything going on
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thecrimsonconnection.com
Life lessons from littles
voices
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madelynn
Small kids with not-so-small impacts I have the privilege of babysitting a minimum of 25 hours a week. While most people would see this as a draining task, I have
found myself being poured into by the kids more than anything. Growing up, I heard too often the cadence adults drilled into children: kids are to be seen and not heard. The more I work around kids in the past three years, the more I find that kids have
a lot to say that’s actually worth listening to. Life lessons we all too often pass up can be brought to light if we just stop and listen to the big truths that come from the littlest among us.
[What I’ve Learned] The best thing you could ever want to be is yourself. One day as I was babysitting, a paleontologist came on the TV screen to talk about dinosaurs and digs and all the things paleontologists do that kids find fascinating. I looked over at little four-year-old Audrey and asked her if that was what she wanted to be when she grew up. She responded, “No.” “Well,” I asked her, “what do you want to be then?” “I want to be Audrey,” she responded with confidence. I expected anything but that answer. A ballerina, an artist, a doctor. Anything. But instead she responded with the best possible answer: herself. Sometimes we get so caught up in improving ourselves that we forget that we are wonderful just the way we are. Instead of focusing so much on creating a better version of ourselves, we can find the greatest satisfaction in daily unwrapping a little more of who we are as we grow through life. Weird is good. I remember one day this year when I was babysitting, Amelia, an eight-year-old I babysit everyday during the school week, looked at me and said, “You’re weird.” Not sure how to respond, I just said, “Um, thanks?” She quickly recovered and said, “But I’m weird too. So that makes us sisters!” What she said reminded me of something Robert Fulghum once said: “We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness, and call it love—true love.” I thought how wonderful it must be able to look at someone with the eyes of a child, see them for all their marvelous quirks and qualities and truly love them like a brother or sister. I’ve decided I need more mutual weirdness in my life. Your actions speak volumes When you spend as much time with kids as I do, you find out very quickly that they are very impressionable. They watch your every move very critically, and if you are around them enough, they start imitating certain things you do. The younger they are, the more impressionable they are. Spending about three to four hours with me everyday, Amelia has picked up several habits and hobbies of mine, including: Because she watches my actions so closely, I try to make sure I’m setting an example I would want her to follow. It has made me wonder how much better we would all act if we all had a little eight year old watching our every move, imitating everything we say and do. I think we would be so much more intentional with our words and actions. The positivity would be viral. Listening to “chill coffee house music” (in her words) Letter writing. No joke. The grammatically correct usage of “who” and “whom” Reading for fun She now has a Pinterest (for those of you who don’t know, I’m a Pinterest addict. It’s a problem) When something’s cool, she says she digs it, which is something I say a lot.
Photos contributed by: Madelynn Marlow
10
S ochi Games
Top for the Unknown Olympians Sally Barry:
Nick Goepper:
Event: Curling Olympic Experience: None Commentary: Think you are too old? Guess again! Barry is 65 and is still going strong.
Event: Free Skiing Olympic Experience: None Commentary: Skiing since he was five, Goepper is ready to tackle the Olympic Games.
Lanny Barnes:
Nolan Kasper:
Event: Biathlon Olympic Experience: None Commentary: With her sister dropping out so she could participate, Barnes hopes to take home a gold, for the both of them.
Event: Skiing and Snowboarding Olympic Experience: 2010 Winter Olympic Games Commentary: From playing soccer to video editing, this guy enjoys it all.
I Know Them!
Heather McPhie:
Erika Brown:
Event: Freestyle Skiing Olympic Experience: None Commentary: With a Red Bull sponsorship and a gymnastic background, nothing can stop her.
Event: Curling Olympic Experience: None Commentary: With the help of her teammates and support of her family, Brown hopes to take home a gold.
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Photo by: WBUR Bostons NPR News Station
Photo by: Flickr user Nabechilo29
Jazmine Fenlator:
Gracie Gold:
Event: Bobsledding and Skeleton Olympic Experience: None Commentary: After running track in college Fenlator picked up bobsledding and is now on her way to gold.
Event: Figure Skating Olympic Experience: None Commentary: At only 19, Gold is still a kid at heart, loving the “Hunger Games” and just hanging out with friends.
Andy Newell:
Julie Chu:
Event: Cross Country Skiing Olympic Experience: 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games Commentary: Having set the record for the U.S. men's sprint, Newell is back to try for gold again.
Event: Ice Hockey Olympic Experience: 2002, 2006, 2010 Winter Olympic Games Commentary: Being one of the most decorated athletes here, with 22 medals, Chu is hoping for her first Olympic gold.
Shaun White: Event: Snowboarding Olympic Experience: 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games Commentary: White will be going for his third time to the Olympics. Having set the record for winning gold in both the Summer and Winter X Games, White is ready to conquer Sochi.
Lindsey Vonn: Event: Alpine Skiing Olympic Experience: 2002, 2006, and 2010 Winter Olympic Games Commentary: The great Lindsey Vonn will sadly not be competing in this year’s games. A racing injury on December 21st in Val d’Isere, France made it impossible for Vonn to stabilize her knee and be ready to safely ski again for the games.
Apolo Ohno: Event: Short Track Speedskating Olympic Experience: 2002, 2006, and 2010 Winter Olympic Games Commentary: Like Vonn, Ohno will not be competing in this year’s games. Ohno will however be a sports broadcaster for the games and will most likely be covering the speed skating event.
news YOU need2know
Cake Boss
We have all seen those huge, themed cakes on reality TV shows like Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes. You know, the ones that are mostly made out of Rice Krispy Treats and fondant. The
culinary program was selected to create such a cake for FFA’s 20th anniversary. The cake was made by seven culinary students and sold for $5,000 at the FFA auction that
took place on February 1. The auction was held at the CFISD Livestock Arena, and the proceeds went toward scholarships that will be given at another date. The cake portrayed a
barn surrounded by many animals, such as ducks, sheep and cattle. It also included an area of crops with a tractor.
gailmcgehee
Photo by: Matthew Castelan-Palmer
Bowling Club When thinking about high school sports, a few key ones come to mind. It is easy to imagine a pigskin sailing through the air, the wide receiver catching it as his grassstained shoulders slide across the turf and into the end zone. It is easy to image the tremor of the basket, arms slamming down on it seconds ahead of the buzzer. It is easy to imagine the crack of the bat as it sends the ball soaring out of the park. For many, these images come to mind, but the clatter of pins bouncing against the oiled floor does not. At the Woods, bowling is a districtsponsored sport. According to Pre-Calculus teacher and bowling coach Chi Wong, the team plays about two days a week at Copperfield Bowl, mixing in practices and matches against other high schools in the
district. Similar to other sports, members of the bowling team learn how to deal with competition and act as team players. Boys bowling team leader senior Matthew Stephens believes this sense of competitiveness is the greatest skill his team can learn from bowling. “Bowling gives me good mental focus because bowling is all a mental game,” Stephens said. “Also practice and repetition. It is all just making sure you’ve got the basic fundamentals down.” Members of the bowling team have the chance, just like in other high school sports, to win district awards and even scholarship money. Girls bowling team leader sophomore Samantha Linn enjoys bowling as a hobby.
“It’s just fun to do,” Linn said. However, Linn believes that bowling, along with competitiveness, teaches her how be a leader. “I basically decide who goes where for the baker,” Linn said, “which means one person bowls two frames on a game. Bowling teaches me how to rely on my team.” With two district high schools being ineligible for competition this year due to a lack of interested students, and the bowling team down to only eight boys and four girls, Wong encourages any and all interested students to try out for the team.
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Scholastic winners
Writing
Maddison Authur [11] won two Silver Key Awards, one for Humor, and one for Flash Fiction Shannon Steele [11] won a Silver Key Award for Personal Memoir Gaurav Lalsinghani [12] won a Silver Key Award for Persuasive Writing Phil Silverman [11] won Honorable Mention for his Poetry Collection
Photography
Alexis Tovar [12], Reanna Waddell [9], Amarah Williams [10], Geraldo Almonte [12], Jordan Castillo [12], Hannah DiBenedetto [11], Raelyn Doro [12], Christian Doyle [12], Nicole Fanaff [12], Karelyn Flores [11], Maxwell Goldstein [11], Amelia Haddad [12], Fatima LeHew [12], Jared Longnecker [12], Kenzie Miller [11], Nicholas Nguyen [11], Courtney Obendorfer [12], Emily Payne [11], Anika Ramchand [11], Braydon Saenz [12], Neeraja Setlur [12], Briana Uchendu [9], Norma Ventura [12], Briella Vest [12], Rachel Wilkins [12]
Saved by the [warning] bell On the first day of school, there was a usual sound missing between classes: the warning bell. The bell that saved most from getting tardies that could potentially lead to D-Hall is back. That’s right Wildcats; the warning bell is back. The new bell will have a different sound than the usual bell
that is engraved into everyone’s mind. Teachers believe the warning bell will be helpful once it makes its return. “I think [the warning bell] will help get kids to class on time,” photography teacher Juan Guevara said. “It will also help cut back on the number of tardies students receive,
which is always a good thing.” Students who were familiar with the bell from previous years are glad to hear of its return. “I’m so excited,” junior Jenni Mahan said. “With the warning bell, I will know when to stop socializing and head to class.” On February 24, make sure to
listen for the new and improved warning bell. It will save you from unwanted tardies and those awkward moments when you walk into class and everyone stares at you.
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BEHIND the lens
02.14.14
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AVP class launches website
The Audio Visual Production [AVP] class recently launched CDUB TV, a new website displaying studentproduced videos. “This platform will staff allow us eventually to stream live broadcasts,” AVP teacher Lori Andrade said. “In the meantime, it currently allows us to showcase student work.” The website includes videos of class assignments as well as two theatre productions and the talent show. Students in AVP I learn basic concepts of video production and film techniques before creating short films in small teams in Advanced AVP. Advanced students also have the opportunity to enter videos into regional and national competitions. “It’s fun and rewarding to create a piece of work that can be viewed by all audiences,” Andrade said. “The quality of student work is amazing.” AVP students film anything from classroom events to sports games. According to Andrade, the class gives students valuable camera skills, which can help with other course assignments. “Students have the knowledge to create quality work,” Andrade said. “This class
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Juniors KC Driver and Alexis Kulik film a video for AVP Photo contributed by: Alexis Kulik
allows students the freedom to get their creative juices flowing.” Advanced students must complete one outside assignment each grading period. In the past, this has included filming a district board meeting. However, filming outside of school can be unpredictable. “Sometimes we need a sunny day, but the weather doesn’t cooperate,” junior Alexis Kulik said. “We still have deadlines to make.” Students also face the possibility of losing videos or shooting unusable footage. “Strangers will walk into perfectly good shots,” junior KC Driver said, “so we have to reshoot or ask them to sign a waiver.” Before filming the video, students must brainstorm ideas, write a script and find actors. Once shooting is complete, students edit their videos in class. “The whole process is long, but in the end we have something worth watching,” Driver said. “Of course, it is always entertaining to watch our bloopers.” This year, the class will sell a DVD compilation of events as a school-wide fundraiser. Andrade hopes to expand the course to include a news broadcast series, which the CDUB TV website would stream. The website, hosted by US Education TV, can be accessed from the school website.
Blame it on my ADD Dealing with the disorder Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are issues that come with several visible symptoms, such as the staff incapacity to sit still, difficulty waiting for anything and the wellknown inattention. Forced to bear these symptoms every moment of the day, many students’ lives are made worse by side-effect-filled medications like Dexedrine and Ritalin which many would argue are used only in abusive ways and dealing with assertions against them saying this is a fabricated disorder. Freshman Zane Novak’s doctor diagnosed him with ADHD early in elementary school, and his symptoms grew stronger and stronger as he has matured. “I got so distracted,” Novak said. “My parents took me to a clinic. They did a test because I couldn’t pay attention, and it pointed to ADHD.” As one of the many who have endured dangerous side effects from his prescribed medication, Novak struggled until his parents recognized the problem and got the dosage corrected to fit his needs. “Before I started taking half the dose, I was depressed,” Novak said. “I wouldn’t eat and my parents got concerned when they noticed this.” Novak feels certain, with his experience, he can refute those who believe ADD and ADHD are fabricated disorders, which is often claimed. “It’s real,” Novak said. “There are a lot of people who have it.” English teacher Amy Toliver’s 13-year-old son suffers from the disorder, causing household changes. His family enforces an organized agenda, which includes maintaining sleeping habits and checking his planner to make sure he keeps up with it.
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kendall
“With ADD or ADHD you tend to misplace things,” Toliver said. “You need that schedule to help you stay organized.” Making sure her son always knows what is going on can be redundant for this mom when he is not entirely focused. “It’s like you always have to be in teacher mode,” Toliver said. “You know in a classroom, how a teacher always repeats the instructions to make sure everyone hears it? It’s kind of like that all the time, because sometimes he may not hear it, even though he’s sitting right there.” Sophomore D’dee Manning received her diagnosis about five years ago. She did not feel much disappointment about the news; in her eyes, the situation became routine. “It’s gotten easier,” Manning said. “Once you have to deal with it for a while and understand why you’re working the way you’re working, it’s not really a problem.” She worried when starting the medication that she
may not need it, but after paying attention to some of her habits, she discovered she truly had symptoms that manifested the disorder. “There are things that go with it,” Manning said. “My stories will drag on, and I’ll go from one place to another when I’m talking. I’m not that bad, but then I started high school, and you really have to focus on your studies and everything changes.” Manning often forgot to take her medicine and quickly determined the correlation between that and how she behaved in school. “Once I started [taking the medication] again, I was so able to focus that I [thought], ‘okay, this might actually be a real problem I have,’” Manning said. “I could remember things. I didn’t have any issues.” After Manning received this proof, she was positive this was not a fictitious disorder. Though she accepts others’ outlooks, Manning insists that the overprescription of ADD medication is a concern that must be addressed. “There are things that people do that might be a habit, or just their way of thinking, but people automatically label it as ADD or ADHD, and that’s not always the case,” Manning said. “You have to watch for a while; we waited two years looking at the way I focused, the way I behaved and how I acted before we officially diagnosed me.” Manning has become used to the way her mind works; she does not consider ADD an obstacle in her life and believes everyone should see it in a less negative light. “Having ADD is not really a problem,” Manning said. “If anybody has it, they shouldn’t look at it that way. Look at it as something not that causes issues, but makes life a little more interesting.”
ADD and ADHD students deal with all sorts of distractions during the school day. Illustration by: Laura Barbe
ToTAKE or not toTAKE Electives Wildcats are raving about
Junior Jordan Flenniken, senior Dylan Quinones and senior Sterling KelloggClarke, stir cake batter and read instructions during their culinary class.
Culinary
Choir
Henrietta Lusk leads choir at Winter Concert. Photo by: Kelsey Reddick
Choir, led by Jason Womack and Henrietta Lusk, is where students can learn to sing as part of a group through concerts and competitions. Choir is a full-year course that teaches students things other than singing. “Choir teaches you time management, teamwork and organizational skills,” Lusk said. “Also, it teaches you how to work hard to get what you want and [to] not stop when you get there, how to be around other personalities and get along with them [and] how to make a common goal happen even if
Photo by: Matthew Castelan-Palmer
class, but she also helps them get at job through a national exam called the ServSafe test. “Any time a restaurant opens its doors on property there has to be a ServSafe certified person, or the health department will close them down,” Hunt said. “A student at 16 years old can be a manager of a restaurant after they get the certification.” Culinary also teaches students important people skills that can help in any career. “We learn about customer experience and working with one another,” Hicks said.
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I LEARNED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE DOING YOUR PART BECAUSE IT AFFECTS EVERYONE ELSE.
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The last hallway before the auditorium is filled with aromas of fresh desserts and coffee. That hallway, as all students know, is where the culinary arts class lives. Culinary is an interactive course where students prepare, through cooking and serving food, to be a vital part of the restaurant business as soon as the student graduates. Culinary mixes many different subjects and uses them during the cooking process. “Interior Design is part of it with designing a plate and putting on big events, and it all comes together in a big package,” Culinary Arts teacher Tami Hunt said. “Also, your regular classes like math and science are all involved with Culinary.” Throughout the class, students agree that culinary is more than just a class. It can help them for their future. “This class helps you prepare for the real world,” senior Kennedie Hicks said. “For example, the Java Café teaches you the intensity and stress about it.” Hicks wants to continue with this profession even after she graduates. “I want to become a pastry chef,” Hicks said. “I wanted to learn more techniques and get involved in the kitchen.” Hunt helps her students succeed in this
-CARLY STEPHENSON
“We learn about different situations of when things are hectic just to be patient and calm down and taking one step at a time.” The members of culinary know that this class is not easy, but they know that it will pay off. “Culinary gives us an idea of how this profession is and how challenging it is,” sophomore Julian Lopez said. “Through this class, we get simple things to help us succeed.”
colingay you don’t necessarily like the people.” Choir President and four-year choir member senior Carly Stephenson has learned many skills other than singing through this program. “I learned to take care of yourself and make sure you are doing your part because it affects everyone else,” Stephenson said. “Working together is also very important.” Choir is open to everyone. “If students are not in an extracurricular activity, Choir is a really good way to utilize your time in a creative outlet,” Lusk said. “I think that when kids just go home after school, it’s just a lot of time they could be spending doing something to make them a better person.” Stephenson thinks that Choir is very different from any other elective offered. “Mr. Womack and Ms. Lusk make Choir really fun and make us realize that music actually means something other than notes and rhythms,” Stephenson said. “Music is important because it is telling a story.” Lusk thinks the number one reason to join choir is simple. “Everyone should join Choir because it’s fun!” Lusk said.
colingay
Do you want to know what goes on behind the scenes here? Do you want to leave a legacy through a student-produced and published publication? A way that you can do that is through the Journalism program. Journalism I and Photojournalism are classes that can help develop a journalistic style of writing, design and photography. Journalism is a full year course in which students write various types of Journalistic stories and design the pages they go on. “Journalism is a hands-on class,” Journalism I teacher Abigail Paysse said. “We also focus on developing our journalistic writing and design skills and how this type of writing is different from other forms.” In this class, students apply what they learn through various projects, including one major project at the end of the year. “We create a magazine from cover to cover at the end of the year,” Paysse said. “The students choose what they write about and how it is presented on a printed page.” Photojournalism focuses more on capturing moments through photographs. “Photojournalism is the art of telling stories through photographs instead of writing,” Paysse said. Journalism I and Photojournalism are prerequisite courses for Yearbook and Newspaper. “After Journalism I or Photojournalism, you have the opportunity to join the Yearbook or Newspaper staffs,” Paysse said. “While you are on the staffs, you are in the middle of the action of what goes on
Journalism
Journalism 1 students interview Principal Gary Kinninger and Director of Instruction Kelly Ellis. Photo by: Abigail Paysse
around this school. It is a great way to get involved.” Senior Jordan Castillo took Photojournalism as a freshman and is now Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook. She has been in the Journalism program for all four years of high school. “What you learn in Journalism you will not get out of anything else,” Castillo said. “You learn to communicate with people and to connect with the staff. It is like a real workforce.” There is one major reason why Castillo has stayed in the Journalism program, and that is the teacher. “Mrs. Paysse is the reason why I have stayed in Journalism for this time,” Castillo
said. “She makes the class.” In the Journalism program, the students who write for the Yearbook and the Newspaper get a bonus out of their work. “It’s one of those things that you get a reward out of,” Castillo said. “It’s very unique and personal.” The whole student body also gets to see the work that these students put out, and it is a good way to get involved at the school. “It’s very visible,” Paysse said. “The entire community sees our work. Journalism is a great way to leave your mark on the Woods. It’s an experience that you can get nowhere else.”
Teen Leadership is a semester course that teaches students ways to become better public speakers and play productive roles in school and in the community. Junior Toju Okotie Eboh took this class to make himself more of a leader in his community. What does it take for a student to become “I wanted to take the class because I a leader? Teen Leadership can help students was becoming a leader in a lot of different figure this out. positions,” Okotie Eboh said. “I wanted to know the main qualities of a leader that I need to have and build those qualities in myself.” Football coach and Teen Leadership teacher Marcus Romanelli teaches his students techniques to make being a leader a reality. “We teach how to make good first impressions, how to have more selfconfidence, how to Marcus Romanelli teaches and laughs with the students in his sixth period class. develop relationships
and so much more,” Romanelli said. “If you practice the things we discuss in class and work at improving your skills, then the class is very valuable.” An important part of becoming a leader that is very prevalent in this class is public speaking. “Everyone has to do public speaking at some point in our lives,” Okotie Eboh said. “Everyone is willing to listen to you and is ready to hear what you have to say.” Romanelli helps with the speaking environment when the students do have to present in front of the class. “Coach Romo made us think that speaking is easy even though it may seem that speaking is still one of your biggest fears,” Okotie Eboh said. “He made me feel that I wouldn’t be judged no matter what I said.” Romanelli believes being a leader takes work. “If you want to be successful in life,” Romanelli said, “you have to work to create situations and relationships that will help you reach your vision of success for your life.”
Teen Leadership
Photo by: Karianne Stanton
davidgay
colingay
“02.14.14
thecrimsonconnection.com
15“
people
Special teacher for special needs Teacher stays involved in Special Olympics for 19 Years
editor
sarah
Applications. counselor, I was really worried because I missed my deadline to file for financial aid,” Creighton said, “but I emailed her and told her what had happened, explained my situation, and she gave me an extension. Because I had established a relationship with her it was much easier.” Talking to students who already went through the application process may be beneficial, especially if they attend the school to which you are applying. However, it is possible that the question “where should I go?” is harder to answer than “where should I apply?” or “how do I apply?” “I was freaking out, and I was getting worried about where to go,” Creighton said. “Once you start getting in your acceptance letters, it begins to get really difficult because you think this is going to change your life. What if this is the wrong one? My step-mom told me, ‘No matter what you choose, you’re going to have to make another major decision in life again.’ There are always life-changing events. This is just our first big one, and that’s why it seems so daunting. Just breathe.”
the special needs athletes cannot play the games to the level that other people do, but they do get a big charge out of being there, being in their uniforms, and being in camaraderie with their friends. “They have each sport that you normally see,” Whinery said. “Tennis, softball, basketball, volleyball; you see that they have the same actions, but everything is changed. You are playing shorter games because a tennis game is a little bit long for them so they shorten the game. And they might even squeeze the boundaries for them, like the volleyball court might be a little smaller.” Whinery still supports one student who was in her first Life Skills class, Robert Hernandez, who regularly competes in various sports. “I am still involved with a boy that we mentor as a family. He is 33 now, and he is still involved in Special Olympics, and we go and watch him when he does volleyball. We just recently saw him do basketball, bowling and he always does softball.” Special Olympics athlete receives gold medal after victory. Watching all of her students Photo by: Flickr user tmauro compete is a rewarding experience for Whinery. It started as a backyard orr “I enjoyed watching the joy that all of them summer camp for get out of competing,” Whinery said. those with intellectual Sophomore, Sara Roberts recently, attended disabilities that grew into a tennis Special Olympics tournament for the a global movement. There first time last year. are 70,278 competitions “I went to a Special Olympics game for the photo worldwide, averaging out first time last year,” Roberts said. “It was such to eight competitions an hour. Over 225,100 an incredible experience and my favorite part athletes compete from local team games to was watching the athletes and how excited world competitions at Special Olympics every they all were to be out there.” year. One current Life Skills student, senior Chris Child Development teacher Sue Whinery Rodriguez, believes it is important to have has been involved in Special Olympics for 19 Special Olympics. years. She opened the Life Skills program at “It’s good because people can see that we Cypress Falls High School in 1995 and taught can do stuff like them,” Rodriguez said. it for three years. There, she had about five of It is a satisfying experience for both the her students compete in the Special Olympics. athletes and all of those involved to be a part “SPARKS [Special People Assisting of the Special Olympics. Remarkable Kids] was a club that was attached “I think it is really rewarding for the high to Life Skills,” Whinery said. “It was a Special school student who is not a special needs Olympic sort of club, and basically you had student to help those children,” Whinery said. high school students and regular education “The other thing we need to know is [that] students, anywhere from freshmen to seniors, SPARKS has taken on a new name and has a choose to work with the special populations at new face and it is a national program called their Special Olympic practices.” Best Buddies, and we do have it here at Cy At the Olympics, rules are changed because Woods.”
Water fountain in the hall
Dangers you cannot see Shower faucet in the girls locker room
gailmcgehee
newseditor
The custodial staff stays day and night to keep the school clean; they are always the first to arrive and the last to leave. They clean up after the students daily, and their efforts have not gone undetected. When thinking of on whom to place the blame of this mess, many first think of the custodial staff, but they are not the cause of it. When pinning the blame of these dirty places, people must keep in mind the cause. “I see [the custodians] clean everything and take care of the school, but I think the students mistreat things, and it’s kind of hard to fix things after that,” junior Gabby Torres said. “The janitors can’t do everything, so people can at least try to clean up after themselves.” Our custodial staff has not only been noticed by the principal himself, but also the district. “This custodial staff was recognized as the top custodial staff in the whole district,” Principal Gary Kinninger said. “They have their pre-meetings every day, and I hear them down here about hitting the desk tops, hitting the door knobs and the water fountains. I mean, they make sure they’re spot on with all this.” After cleaning behind students for multiple years, the custodial staff has come to notice the patterns and the cause and identify a simple solution to this. “People can clean up behind themselves,” custodian Lonnie McNeal said. “That’s the big problem we have now; they just leave it dirty and walk off.” Needing to find a way to prevent the spread of bacteria proved to be a common thought after students were finally able to see the germs on all the surfaces they touched without even thinking. “I am definitely not going to touch all the stuff I just saw,” sophomore Marisella Thompson said. “I’ll probably wash my hands more.” This prevention does not start with disinfectants and schoolwide wipe downs; it all starts at home. “I think personal hygiene comes first, as far as taking care of our bodies,” Kinninger said. “Like right now, there’s bacteria all over these hands, some good some bad. I think the awareness is good.” Not all the bacteria within the school are bad. On the contrary; going to public school has proven to makes students more immune to sicknesses by exposing them to germs and building a healthy immune system. Students and faculty in the school can still be more aware and make a conscious effort to keep the school clean and staying sanitary.
Handle for bathroom stall
Hidden bacteria exposed
Mr. Kinninger’s walkie talkie
Weights in the weight room
Urinal in the boys bathroom by the cafeteria
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That’s dirty, that’s like disease and bacteria and all that. I don’t want to touch that.
Locker dial in the girls locker room
-Samuel Stewart [12]
Water drain in the locker room shower
Uh. Ew. It’s gross. Can people not pee on the walls.
-Gabby Torres [11]
Keyboard
Oh, man. That’s disgusting. I’m not touching that. Makes me want to throw up.
-Cj Lockwood [11] All photos by: Gail McGehee and Emma Fritz
Hand dryer
1
st is the
worst
rudolph
reporter
rebecca
In June a fellow Wildcat received some news that would forever make her stronger. Track coach and PACE teacher, Michele Comeaux found out she had staff breast cancer. In hearing this, she decided to take the lead against it and undergo a double mastectomy. “I found a lump this summer in June, and I got it tested in September,” Comeaux said. “I came to find out that I had stage one breast cancer, inductive breast cancer. It was my choice to go as aggressively as I went, but my doctor said that was very typical these days. A double mastectomy is the removal of both breasts.” During November and December, people walking the halls noticed she was missing. “It’s definitely been a lot quieter in our office just because she has that spunky personality, and I’m used to her coming in seventh period and being loud and funny,” freshman volleyball, junior varsity basketball coach and English teacher, Brittany Ishmael said. “We’ve missed having her in the office.” Even though the level of worry emitting from the Wildcat family gradually rose, Comeaux held her own. “I knew they would be worried, but I just didn’t know to the capacity that they worried,” Comeaux said. “So coming back I want to be strong for them. I want to play tough and say, ‘I can do that.’ But I think that I’ve learned that they need to see that I’m still not 100%, I’m about 85%, but I’m giving all that I’ve got. I think they’re proud of
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nd is the
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me. I hope they’re proud of me.” After the realization that so many people worried for her, Comeaux appreciated those who cared. “Even strangers, it’s wonderful to see them smile at me and I can tell [they’re thinking], ‘You’re Coach Comeaux; we’re glad you’re back,’” Comeaux said. “That is amazing. That’s a special community when strangers come up and you know that they know you because of the T-shirt sale. They don’t say anything; it’s just a look in their eye and a brightening of their face that they’re glad to see me back in the thing.” From the stress that was being placed on Comeaux and her family, the Wildcat family stepped in to help. Lisa Bergeron, assistant principal, didn’t hesitate to open up her home. “Mrs. Bergeron brought my children and me into her home for four weeks,” Comeaux said. “I was there every day and night. She took my cell phone so that I could get rest. The whole administrative team, this faculty helped me financially and supported me.” Although precautions were taken so Comeaux could rest, Bergeron helped her more than anyone else did. “It was actually relaxing,” said Bergeron. “It wasn’t stressful; it was just like having a member of the family staying at the house. I would yell at her during the day because I found out she was on her phone and FaceTiming teachers during school, so I took her phone away from her several times. We were sad to have her leave. We all had a nice
time.” From friends to students, the strength of belief was infinite. “I’ve been worried, but I also know her faith is really strong and so is mine,” junior track student Makenna Cooper said. “I know she’s going to be okay. My grandmother went through it two years ago, and she’s doing just fine, so I know [Comeaux is] going to be okay, but there always is that worry.” After all has been said and done, Comeaux still stands as strong as she has ever been, remembering her fight with cancer. “It was just like a tornado, and now after the tornado’s gone, it’s calm,” Comeaux said. “That’s the best way I can explain how it felt. I feel like I’ve done all I can do to the best of my ability. If I get it somewhere else, it was bound and determined for me to get it again.” Comeaux remembers the whole experience every day and continues on with her life. “I don’t worry about it,” Comeaux said. “I can’t worry about it. I don’t live my life in fear. I live my life as living life. This has helped me learn to slow down. I’m not one to slow down. I’m one to hurry up and get things over and done with. It’s really helped me to savor the moments with people [and] allow other people to help me. We don’t always understand that you really do need other people to help you. We as women don’t have to take on the world.”
I DON’T LIVE MY LIFE IN FEAR. I LIVE MY LIFE AS LIVING LIFE.
-MICHELLE COMEAUX
Comeaux demonstrates proper hurdling technique for the girls track team. Photo by: Rebecca Rudolph
“02.14.14
thecrimsonconnection.com
Downhill Dreaming Redefining skating, longboarding is more than just a hobby crowd of passionate skaters ready to show off their best tricks. “When you skate it feels like you are free,” senior Elizabeth Wisenbaker said. “You forget about everything and just focus on skating.” The sense of freedom is what keeps many people skating, it helps them escape the stresses of school and life. “When I skate I do not have to worry about anything,” junior Nic Rundell said. “It clears your mind, you do not really think about anything else but what you are doing at that
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Photo contributed by: Brandt Babineaux
LDP
Longboarding for Peace
LDP, or long distance pushing, challenges dedicated skaters propel themselves in a marathon-style race. January 18th, several students competed in an LDP supporting the organization Longboarding for Peace.
It’s like a roller coaster with no seatbelt. -Brandt Babineaux
Photos contributed by: Greg Rundell
Graphic contributed by: concretewavemagazine.com
moment.” Longboarding is a positive stress reliever that allows people to get outside and stay active. “It’s something to do with your friends,” Babineaux said. “Some kids would rather do nothing or play video games. I go out and skate.” With such a cumbersome hobby, balancing school and skating is the most important part of longboarding. Senior Nick Atherton has learned how to prioritize. “Skating is not really something that matters in life,” he said, “it’s just fun. It matters to me but it is not going to change anything. School comes first.” Longboarding is a great way to get outside and enjoy the company of new people and learn new things. If you have the urge to get away, pick up a board and let the good times roll.
Longboarding for Peace logo.
editor
cassie
The new athletic craze sweeping Cy Woods is not football, soccer or even cheerleading; it is longboarding. A form of skating, longboarding is very media similar to skateboarding. Skaters use a longer, rather oddly shaped board to speed down intimidating hills and complete complex tricks that would be extremely dangerous if not for their hours of practice. Longboarding does not require years of dedication like many other sports. All you need is a desire to learn and the drive to go fast. Not as challenging as other sports, longboarding is considered more of a recreational activity as opposed to a sport. “There is always something new to learn, it is more of a social activity,” senior Grant Garcia said. “You are bound to know someone that does it. It has just spread very quickly. And many different people skate.” Because of the social aspect, more and more people are getting into longboarding. People bring their friends along and they bring their friends. It is an endless cycle. “I got really into it the past year,” junior Zach Soto said. “I always wanted to skate and I finally got one of my friends into it and then we went skating and he really loved it.” Despite the relaxed atmosphere surrounding the longboarding world, it is extremely dangerous. It is commonplace to see scars all over avid skaters. “I was going about 35 down Hockley Hill and fell,” senior Matthew Rundell said. “I tore off a bunch of my leg skin, I was bleeding and I have a giant scar on my thigh now.” With proper safety gear, many wounds are preventable and most professional skaters will not go without them. Devoted skaters find an escape in their downhill environment and defy life-threatening speeds to achieve their passions. “I like the rush of the speed,” senior Brandt Babineaux said. “Longboarding is all about gaining speed down hills, the right form, and proper set up. It’s like a roller coaster with no seatbelt.” The freedom of soaring downhill at speeds of over 20 miles per hour draws in a diverse
Nick Atherton, Nic Rundell and Matthew Rundell slide down Hockley Hill, their preferred longboarding location.
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cotton
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people
“20 people
opinion
editor
bevill adayre
Q&A
thecrimsonconnection.com
Advice on quitting a school activity Katherine Stadler [12]
Grant Garcia [12]
Q How long did you play football? Q How long did you play tennis? played football for one year, just my A Ifreshmen played tennis at school from my A Ifreshmen year. year to my junior year. Q What made you stop? Q What made you quit? was under the illusion that I didn’t A Ihave enough time to do my homework. [former] Coach. Me and five other A The Which is funny because I still don’t do varsity players all decided to take our talent elsewhere and play club.
my homework.
02.14.14
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Winners never quit, and quitters never win. A simple, unified truth that has carried most decision making since the beginning of time (I know that is a stretch, but just go with it). We have been taught that quitting is bad and if you quit, you are a big loser that will never succeed in life because, well, quitters never win. In reality, ‘quitting’ is different on a caseto-case basis. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that quitting is sometimes what one needs to progress further. I’ve gone on to interview the student body president Stephanie Sebo, senior class president Katherine Stadler and one cool cat, Grant Garcia to discuss how stopping an activity benefited them or backfired.
Stephanie Sebo [12]
Q How long did you play basketball? started when I was in the third A Igrade and I played up until my sophomore year in high school.
Q What made you stop playing? love the game, but I lost passion. I A Ididn’t want to continue something that
I wasn’t passionate about when I knew there were people who were passionate about it. And I didn’t want to take away from their opportunities.
Q Do you regret your decision? have you picked up other hobbies Q Soor changed your focus? A Yes, every day, because football was Q So would you say you regret your really fun and I was decent at it. Yes, I love crossfit and marathon decision at all? A running. Tennis is a great sport, and say I don’t regret my decision. Q So did you pick up any hobbies? A II would I’m still planning to play it well into my miss the girls on the team a bunch, 40s when I’m a trophy wife. skateboarding has taken its place. but I still see them in school and I feel A Yes, But for two years people would ask that where I am now, is where I want So what would you want to Q [laughing] me “what’s your hobby Grant” and to be. say to someone who is thinking about I would say a lot of self-loathing and Q What would you say to someone quitting? being a couch potato watching a whole thinking about quitting or taking up season of Netflix in one day, which is what makes you happy! Don’t do it another hobby? actually pretty impressive. A Do just because your parents are making am not one of those people who you, like my parents did. Just do you. A Iquit, what would you say to someone Q Sothinking but I feel like if you have a good about quitting? reason for it, and you know that what off, think about what you’re going you are doing is taking away someone A First to do in its place, and if you don’t have else’s opportunity, then stopping is that, then don’t quit.
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something that might be for you.
“02.14.14
thecrimsonconnection.com
people
Rodeo art lassos in big wins
21“
Two students selected for Rodeo showcase mcintosh
editor
abbie
Rodeo season is right around the corner. The aroma of fried food filling the air; the sound of cowboy boots, carnival rides, screaming girls and animal noises packing sports your eardrums. The sights of little kids riding on the backs of sheep, your favorite country artists and new rodeo outfits to impresses that special someone consuming your eyes. But the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has something more to offer than just bull riding and concerts; it offers scholarships for high school art students. Junior Nicholas Nguyen’s and freshman Courtney Patterson’s art pieces were selected for auction that will take place in March at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show Art Show. The selection process starts in early January and only a select few pieces are chosen to be auctioned off. “[The School Art Committee] only has to take two pieces,” art teacher Charlotte Stuart said. “They can take up to four more if they want, but they don’t have to.” Similar to any other competition, there is a first and second place, but at
Nguyen’s charcoal drawing of a wood cabin. Photo contributed by: CFISD
the Rodeo, they have different names and each holds its own meaning. “The committee comes in and picks a ‘Best in Show’ and a ‘Gold Medal,’ which is like second place,” Stuart said. “Then they have a category called ‘Special Merit,’ which is for pieces that the committee feels they need to help make the auction more balanced.” Freshman C o u r t n e y Patterson’s piece was selected as a ‘Special Merit,’ which is a big deal for a freshman. “I’m really flattered that they choose my piece for Rodeo,” Patterson said. Patterson drew her inspiration from a photograph that was taken by a family friend and given to her for the sole purpose of the Rodeo contest. “Last year I got a really cool picture of a horse to use for the Rodeo, and I decided to save it for this year,” Patterson said. “I’m really glad I did.” Like Patterson, Nguyen also drew his inspiration from a photograph that was taken over the summer. “My family and I went to a Ranch that was all about cowboy ranching and Western life,” Nguyen said. “I took some snapshots of cabins and horses and used a picture of one of the cabins for my piece.” Just like any project, these pieces
Patterson’s pastel painting of a horse. Photo contributed by: CFISD
required a lot of time and effort, but this was not just projects that Patterson and Nguyen could cram into one night. They started working on the pieces last semester. “[All art students] started working on these pieces right after Thanksgiving, worked all through Winter Break and finished when we got back,” Nguyen said. With all the hard work paying off, Nguyen was selected as a ‘Gold Medal’. “I actually made a bet with my mom that I would win a ‘Gold Medal,’” Nguyen said. “When I found out, my mom said, ‘Oh, I guess I owe you ten dollars, here you go!’” Both Patterson and Nguyen have the potential to win up to $20,000 if chosen as the top piece of art. Patterson and Nguyen will attend a special ceremony on March 8 to see not only their pieces on display, but others as well. If you are headed to the Rodeo this year, make sure to stop by and see the art.
“22 people
thecrimsonconnection.com
02.14.14
Stop and smell the roses
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Senior proves chivalry is not dead
Amongst the abundance of romantic gestures exchanged on Valentine’s Day, friends are typically the ones left forgotten. One student decided to break the cycle of cheesy senior Valentine’s traditions in 8th grade when he gave roses to his closest female friends to show them how grateful he was for their friendship. Now a senior, Da’Shawn Ozuna still continues these random acts of kindness on Valentine’s Day to show his friends he cares. “I wanted to let them know how much I appreciate them and love them as a friend and how much they mean to me,” Ozuna said. “I think the first year I did it, I got like 12 roses and handed them out to 12 different girls that meant a lot to me as friends, just to show them that I was there and that I cared.” At first, Ozuna worried he would come off as too cheesy, but he decided showing his friends how much he cared was more important. “At first I really didn’t want to do it because it was all mushy and stuff, and I’m not really that kind of guy,“ Ozuna said. “Then I [thought], ‘You know, I love my friends a lot too. I might as well make them feel good.’” Ozuna does this purely for the satisfaction of seeing the surprise and joy it brings his friends. “The best part of handing out the roses is just their reaction[s],” Ozuna said. “I just like the reaction[s] they give and the hugs and how grateful they are.” His friends are just as grateful for him and are truly touched by his selfless gesture. “It’s not like those giant teddy bears you see people walking around with or anything,” senior Derielle Keiser said. “It’s just a simple rose. It’s something
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marlow
Photo by: Sarah Orr
really simple and sweet but it ends up meaning a lot more than I think he realizes because it’s something that he doesn’t need to do, but still continues to do. I think he enjoys seeing how happy and giddy it makes us it when it’s something so simple.” Ozuna’s girlfriend, senior Morgan Ned, admires his efforts to brighten people’s day not only on Valentine’s Day, but on a daily basis as well. “Da’Shawn just overall is a generous and kind person,” Ned said. “The other day, we were going out to dinner, and we saw a homeless guy on the side of the road and I was just kind of like, ‘I don’t have any cash on me, I feel really bad,’ and he was like, ‘Just talk to him.’ So we roll[ed] down the window and he ended up handing this guy a twenty dollar bill. Just little things like that, he loves to do.” Ozuna sets a higher standard for other guys on Valentine’s Day to be more selfless, caring and thoughtful by encouraging other guys to participate in classy acts of kindness on Valentine’s Day as well. “Try to do something special besides the whole roses and candy kind of thing,” Ozuna said. “Make sure you put some work and effort into it. The more genuine it is, the better. The more it came from the heart, the better she’ll love it. Just do something to show them that you care. Never make it too simple; make her feel special; show her that you adore her.”
“02.14.14
thecrimsonconnection.com
Creating greatness
Another award in the tool belt for Technology 1,721. That is how many high schools are in the state of Texas. Out of all staff these only ours was awarded the Program of the Year by the Texas Technology & Engineering Educators. The award is given to only one program in the state each year. An intense application process, along with a strong curriculum, is required to apply for the recognition. “We actually had to put together a binder of what we do in our program and curriculum,” Technology teacher Donald Bennett said. “You submit it and it goes before a panel.” The program had lots of material able to go into the binder. With the work they do with NASA and the HUNCH program, the department was able to make an in-depth portfolio. “Not all schools have the NASA program; not all schools go to competitions,” Bennett said. “We’re working with HUNCH, which is NASA offshoot; it is the High schools United with NASA to Create Hardware.” The application required letters of recommendation from administration as well as teachers and parents. With the support of the community and our administration, the department was able to finish and submit all of the application. “It’s a pretty extensive application process that Mr. Bennett and Mr. Berry had to do to be considered,” Principal Gary Kinninger said. “I personally thought if they’re applying they will be receiving.” Between 180 and 212 students participate in the technology department. They are given opportunities to work with NASA directly and create products that will make it into space. The department having the award on top of their accomplishments is a big boost to the students to work and accomplish more. “This year were designing
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vasisko
crew quarter mock-ups where people can walk up and see what the crew sleeps in and how they interface with them,” Bennett said. “My engineering team is working on a crew quarter that will actually be flown to the international space station. It’s going to be manufactured, we hope, this summer and then flown to the space stations.” The classes are able to make the sketches for NASA come alive with the new acquisition of the 3D printer. They are able to transform sketches into tangible, three- dimensional figures right in their own classroom. “I see them as what I call being on the forefront, the cutting edge of the career and technology,” Kinninger said. “They got all new technology stations set ups; they’re all very new and modern.” With the growth of the tools and expansion of projects, the department has grasped the attention of more than just the TTEE. A Japanese film crew came to interview the students as well as technology and engineering teachers David Beery and Bennett. “They came over and talked to the students about our 3D printer,” Bennett said. “It’s helping to prototype and visualize. It was actually broadcasted on one of the Japanese news casts a couple years ago.” Both Bennett and Berry are planning on attending the award ceremony held downtown this summer. They are planning on attending the International Technology and Engineering Educators award ceremony where they will be recognized in Orlando this summer as well. “It’s a great honor to get that award to be named the excellence award in the state of Texas,” Bennett said. “I am absolutely going to Florida; I already have the ticket and everything. Mr. Berry is going also, as well as our coordinator.” With the great strides the department has taken, receiving the award is another added accomplishment for the program and everyone in it.
people
23“
STARBUCKS Captain Crunch
Strawberries and Creme frappuccino, pump of caramel syrup, two pumps of toffee, one pump of hazelnut, two scoops of chocolate chips
Neapolitan Frappuccino
Strawberries and Creme frappuccino, vanilla bean powder, one pump of mocha
Raspberry Cheesecake
T O P SECRET Ask for these items for a change from your regular order
TACO BELL
White chocolate mocha, a few pumps of raspberry
French Vanilla flavor
Double Grilled Quesadilla
Any drink that has half toffee nut and half vanilla
Get an extra crispy meal with this one—a regular quesadilla grilled twice on the skillet.
Oreo Frappuccino
Double Chocolate Chip frappuccino with white mocha syrup instead of the regular mocha
Chili Cheese Burrito
Ask for chili and cheese in a burrito to try this now discontinued former menu item.
Chocolate Pumpkin
Pumpkin Spice latte, pump of caramel syrup, pump of chocolate mocha syrup
Green Sauce
Another past regular on the menu, this so-called “Verde” sauce can still be found at certain restaurant locations.
Butterbeer Frappuccino
Creme frappuccino base (whole milk), three pumps of caramel syrup, three pumps of toffee nut syrup, top with caramel drizzle
Photo by: Nikki Carter
WHATABURGER Grilled Cheese
If you want a change from the traditional order at Whataburger, try this easilyavailable and cost-efficient choice.
Veggie Burger
Photo by: Delaney Vasisko
The Whataburger veggie burger gives the option of using a hash brown patty as the meat instead of the traditional veggie patty.
Double Double
With two beef patties, this is the perfect Texan alternative for the In-N-Out Burger trademark.
Chicken and Waffles
Any time between 11 p.m. and 11 a.m., you can get something similar; ask for a crispy chicken tender wrapped in a pancake and topped with syrup.
Enchirito
Stuff a regular enchilada with beef, beans and cheese, and top it all off with diced onions and red sauce.
Lava Sauce
If you are craving something with a little more kick, ask for the “Lava” version of anything to add the spicy Lava sauce.
Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich
If the restaurant has BBQ sauce, this secret option is practically effortless to create. (Rachel) Photo by: Flickr user kevin1031
Compiled and designed by: Editor-in-Chief, Nikki Carter
fast food
SONIC Frito Pie
Fritos topped with chili and nacho cheese are a staple in the south, and you can ask for this specially at Sonic.
Grilled Ham and Cheese
Everyone is familiar with the Sonic Grilled Cheese, but you can ask for a couple slices of ham on it if you want something more filling. (Abbie)
Purple Sprite
CHIPOTLE
A refreshing mixture of sprite, Powerade, lemonade and cranberry juice.
Quesarito
Pickle-O’s
Now that you have discovered the quesadilla, roll it together like a burrito for something a little bit different.
In the mood for another common snack in the south? Ask for these deep-fried, batter-coated pickles.
Nachos
CHICK-FIL-A
Quesadilla
Trying to watch what you eat? Just ask for the bread on your sandwich to not be buttered.
Another item that is not on the menu, but can easily be made with the ingredients the restaurant has at hand.
Cutting Calories
A simple option that can be made with the same ingredients as the burritos.
Photo by: Abbie McIntosh
Kid’s Night
If you have younger siblings or children you are babysitting, take them out for dinner on the designated week night on which you can get a free four-piece kids meal with any full-sized combo meal.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
A traditional Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich with a generous helping of the Buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
Blueberry Cheesecake Milkshake
Ask for a vanilla milkshake to be blended together with a blueberry cheesecake.
Chicken Quesadilla
Photo by: Bradley Wargo
Chick-fil-A’s char grilled chicken makes this a must-try item on their secret menu.
STUDENT SAVER DEALS
Get a special discount for showing a student ID Food
Other
Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dairy Queen (certain locations), McDonald’s, Subway, Waffle House: 10% off your order Chick-fil-A, Chipotle: free small drink with you order Qdoba: free drink with a $5 meal
AMC: vary by location and offered on Thursdays Barnes and Noble: up to 40% off the top 100 books
FASHION
Amazon Prime: free six-month trial of Amazon Prime Apple: 8% off computers in stores/online Sony: 10% off at certain locations
Charlotte Russe: 10% off in stores J. Crew: 15% off in stores/online Steve Madden: 10% off in stores
Technology
BENEFIT CONCERT Cy Woods Auditorium February 21, 2014 7 p.m. Prices: $8 pre-sale $10 at the door All proceeds go to LOVE146 in their fight to end human trafficking.
Join the fight to help end human trafficking!
Bands Playing:
Holly Tucker from “The Voice”
Collective Pursuit Project
Apostle
“02.14.14
thecrimsonconnection.com
media
Post-PromPlanning in-chief
rachel
kainer
editor
Although prom is three months away, planning has begun for after-prom festivities. Aside from WRAP, most seniors look forward to spending the weekend away from Cypress to celebrate their senior year.
Now that this time has come around, students would benefit from ideas, advice, and tips for planning after-prom events that are cheap, safe and fun. No matter who is in your group or what you plan on doing after
27 “
prom, make sure to spend time with friends. Prom is one of the last opportunities to spend time with your friends during your senior year, and it is the leadin to your last summer at home. Enjoy it!
If you have a...
singlenight Drive down to the beach,
1) have a bonfire. Make sure it is safe and permitted on the beach to which you plan on going. This option also requires less planning.
Find a place to stay [i.e. hotel] an amusement park. It may sound like a lame idea, but never underestimate the amount of fun you can have with your friends riding roller coasters and pigging out all day.
2) near
If you have a...
weekend 1)
Although not the most popular idea, camping is always a good option. You do not necessarily have to spend the weekend in a tent to go camping. Garner State Park is within driving distance, and they offer houses for rent on the campgrounds. There is also a dance hall on the grounds. Go to: http://nealslodges.com/concan-cabins Not feeling like camping? There are plenty of other
2) options. Go somewhere on the lake. There are plenty
of houses for rent on Lake Travis, Lake Conroe, and Lake Livingston. They come in a wide variety of prices depending on the number of rooms, location in relation to the lake and other accommodations offered. Go to: www.vrbo.com Say you do not love spending time on the lake; no
3) problem. Although it may not seem like it, there are
plenty of places within a few hours of Cypress that are home to fun activities. Consider spending the weekend in a place like New Braunsfels or San Antonio, where there are plenty of things to consume your weekend.
If it is necessary for you to stay to home, an all-night movie night is a good option. Spend the night at a friend’s with your group, pick a series or genre, and stay up all night watching movies.
3) close
PROTIPS Have a meeting with your group. It may sound silly, but it would be very beneficial. In one night you can make all the important decisions, such as where you want to go, how much you want to spend, how far you want to drive, etc. If you go somewhere where you will be staying in a neighborhood or around other people, be considerate. We all want to have fun and be loud and enjoy spending time with our friends, but keep in mind that you are not the only ones there. You do not want to cause a disturbance, especially when you are a guest in another city. Most importantly, even if you have a group, make sure you know who is planning on bringing a date. It will make a different to your reservations and costs, and you do not want to be scrambling when it gets closer to prom and the end of your senior year.
Taking home Oscar
Predictions for the Academy Awards davidgay
staffreporter
Award Season. Hollywood’s most exciting time of year. Some of the Industry’s best from all over the world descend on Los Angeles during this time, starting with the Golden Globes in January and ending with the most prestigious of them all, the Academy
Awards in March. This ceremony, which started in 1929, is the one that most movie stars dream of attending. This year marks the 86th anniversary of this iconic show, and this one is the most starstudded in recent years. With nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio and Sandra Bullock and a close running Best Picture race between 12 Years a Slave and Gravity, this Oscars should be one of the best ever.
Best Actor
A newcomer, mostly known for romantic comedies, is likely to have this category in the bag. However, an actor best known for his supporting roles in movies like “Salt” and “2012” might come out from behind and win this category. Best Actor Nominees: Chiwetel Ejiofor -- “12 Years a Slave” Matthew McConaughey -- “Dallas Buyers Club” Leonardo DiCaprio -- “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Christian Bale -- “American Hustle” Bruce Dern -- “Nebraska”
Who I think will win: Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club”- McConaughey has had a great couple of years with scene stealing roles in recent films including “Mud” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but his role as Ron Woodroof in “Dallas Buyers Club” is his most celebrated role yet. Critics have praised him for his portrayal of an AIDS-stricken individual attempting to get medication for himself and others. With no nominations before this year, he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for this role and is the front-runner for the Oscar.
Dark Horse: Chiwetel Ejiofor in “12 Years a Slave”- As Solomon Northup, a free black man in New York who is abducted and sold back into slavery, Ejiofor is the most likely runner-up. Because this is the best-reviewed film of the year, he was almost a shoo-in for the award until “Dallas Buyers Club” came out. This film is such a knockout, so he still has a slim chance of winning it.
Best Actress This category was basically set since “Blue Jasmine” came out in July. However, strong performances the leading ladies of films like “Gravity” and “American Hustle” created more competition. It is not clear who will win this category, but the early front-runner still is the most likely to come out on top. Best Actress Nominees: Amy Adams -- “American Hustle” Cate Blanchett -- “Blue Jasmine” Meryl Streep -- “August: Osage County” Who I think will win: Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine”- As a socialite falling into poverty and homelessness after a Bernie Madoff-type scandal hits her family, Woody Allen wrote Cate Blanchett her most memorable role yet in the film “Blue Jasmine.” When this film came out, critics and entertainment writers were already predicting her as the front-runner for Best Actress, and with wins at the Golden Globes and the SAG awards, she is most likely to win.
Sandra Bullock -- “Gravity” Judi Dench -- “Philomena” Dark Horse: Amy Adams in “American Hustle- If Blanchett does not win, Adams is a definite. Adams came on the scene late as Sydney Prosser in “American Hustle” but the last-minute buzz for the movie makes her a contender for the award.
See predictions for other categories such as Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress at www.thecrimsonconnection.com.
#revive212°
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reviews
emmafritz
That is the entire premise of this gut-busting romantic comedy. Three friends [played by Zac Efron, Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan] living in New York City, make a pact to remain single and unattached to any monogamous relationship in order to remain young for as long as possible before having to settle down into an unexciting life. They find that their thoughts on relationships might be wrong and that being in a relationship does not have to mean the end of fun and spontaneity, but instead being there for someone in a moment of weakness and hardship. That Awkward Moment depicts the time when two people decide to continue in a relationship or to simply move on. When looking for a fun movie to watch, this is a great option.
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Rants in 250 adayrebevill words
How is everything number one? On every commercial every movie is the number one movie in America or number one comedy or number one fill in the blank, but how? Number one is only one movie spot, so how is it that everything is the best? Of course, you’re number one if you declare yourself number one, like I’m declaring myself the number one rant-er. There. Those keep calm and (fill in the blank) posters drive me bonkers. Why? Why do I have to keep calm and anything? Don’t tell me what to do. When I get fast food, it’s because I want fast food. Not because I want to sit in a long line waiting for someone to take my order just to be told to pull up into another lane. I didn’t order the menu; I ordered fries. Shoes that break while you’re wearing them… that one is pretty self-explanatory; I just wanted to throw it out there. Too much PDA makes me sick. I understand that you are together; we all do. We don’t need a live-action feed of affection. A hug is fine, a kiss is cute, but anything past that is too much. So stop. Finally, awkward eye contact is something that can’t be prevented, but never will be accepted. Nothing is more ridiculous than looking dead at someone you think you know—and you don’t. The weird feelings that follow are strange, and if you smile, then it just makes things worse.
This show is “The One”
MTV: Are You the One?
That Awkward Moment
So, where is this relationship going?
adayrebevill
MTV has outdone themselves with one of their latest reality shows “Are You the One?” The show is a compilation of every reality show ever made—ever. One can look at it as The Real Word on steroids, with a hint of I Love New York, a dash of The Challenge and topped off with Big Brother. It is the perfect mix of finding love and straight up ratchetry that will keep one entertained for hours. The show follows twenty people that live together in one house and each of them has to find their perfect match within the house. Each week the pairs are put up to new physical/mental challenges and still have to maintain their relationships without limiting their options of love. By the end of the season, ten couples should be perfectly matched and they all get to split the million dollar prize. The show will take the viewer on so many twists in turns, sometimes it is hard to keep up, but it’s all worth it for good quality, trashy entertainment.
10
movies to watch
before you
graduate rebeccarudolph
The Way Way Back 2013, PG-13 The Perks of Being a Wallflower 2012, PG-13 Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1982, R Les Misèrables 2012, PG-13 It’s Kind of a Funny Story 2010, PG-13 Spirited Away 2002, PG The Spectacular Now 2013, R Juno 2007, PG-13 Moonrise Kingdom 2012, PG-13 Frozen 2013, PG
Life at the Woods
Februar y//March
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
February FCA Meeting 6:40 in 1605
Love146 Benefit Proclaim the Name Concert LIFE Club Meeting Boys Soccer Game (PTN) Meeting No longer a 7 p.m. in the student holiday 17 @ Cy Falls 18 6:30 in 1664 19 2:40 in 2318 20 auditorium 21
Boys Soccer Game vs. Cy Creek @ Home
Key Club Meeting Girls Soccer Game PTN Meeting 2:40 and 6:40 in 25 6:30 in 1664 Teaching Theatre 24 @ Cy Creek
FCA Meeting 26 6:40 in 1605
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March
Girls Soccer Game vs. Cy Fair @ Home
3
Boys Soccer Game vs. Cy Ridge @ Home
Baseball Game vs. Cy Falls @ Home
4
PTN Meeting 6:30 in 1664
Girls Soccer Game @ Cy Falls Key Club Meeting PTN Meeting Baseball Game 2:40 and 6:40 in 11 6:30 in 1664 Teaching Theatre 10 @ Cy Springs
Girls Soccer Game 28 @ Cy Ridge
Sadie Hawkins FCA Meeting Dance 6:40 in 1605 LIFE Club Meeting Baseball Game 5 2:40 in 2318 6 @ Cy Falls
7
Girls Soccer Game vs. Jersey Village @ Home FCA Meeting 12 6:40 in 1605
Baseball Game 13 vs. Cy Springs @ Home14
Spring Break 17
18
19
20
21
#revive212째
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300: Rise of an Empire R
March 7
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Beck Morning Phase
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Foster the People Supermodels
Wildcats their
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and buttons
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and luna
and squiggle
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Demi Lovato
shows
February 14
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music
movies
Endless Love PG-13
Toyota Center
February 19
LordeBayou Music Center March 5
Switchfoot Warehouse Live March 9
FFA
wins big at
district livestock show
Future Farmers of America [FFA] competed at the January district livestock show, where the top steer sold for $50,000. With eight Grand Champion titles and six Reserve Champion titles, they swept the CFISD Livestock Show.
Lane Ahlschlager [12] Grand Champion Swine Alison Wooten [9] Grand Champion Steer Devyn Johnson [10] Grand Champion Steer Showmanship Sara Laigaie [9] Grand Champion Breeding Rabbit Shelby Pitts [9] Grand Champion Heifer and Heifer Showmanship Tristan Smith [11] Grand Champion Ag. Mechanics Project Melody Greco [11] Grand Champion Swine Showmanship
11688 Barker Cypress Rd. Ste. A2 (281)256-9400 www.facebook.com/PLUMCOFFEECYPRESS