THE KNIGHT TIMES
December 2024 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401 www.ehshouston.org
Senior Style Show held in Alkek Gym
LULU
GIBILLINI Features Editor
This year’s Senior Style Show took place on December 14, 2024, in Alkek Gym, marking a change from the usual location. The event ran from 2:00-4:30 p.m., followed by a reception, and showcased the Class of 2025 in creative and fun themes. Unlike previous years, students were able to choose their outfits, adding a personal touch to the show. They were assigned to categories like Emily in Paris, Barbie, Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever, Yellowstone, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Hollywood, James Bond, and Last Action Hero. After selecting their themes, students worked closely with Lenny Matuszewski, who has been producing this event for over 30 years and is a beloved part of the EHS community.
As the seniors walked the runway, they were introduced with words of affirmation, personal messages, and music that they selected. This made the show more than just a fashion event—it was a celebration of individuality. This year, Coach Steve Leisz and Mrs. Courtney Lindloff played major roles in organizing the show and collaborating with students and parents. Coach Leisz emphasized the event’s importance for bringing the Senior Class closer.
The show reached a milestone this year, drawing a record 800 guests, surpassing last year’s 732 attendees. Parents and the broader community especially enjoy this event as a way to celebrate the seniors. The Class of 2025 embraced the moment with enthusiasm, making the show unique and memorable. Their energy and creativity ensured this year’s style show was a success and a day to remember.
English III H finishes research
Read about the semester -long project
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EHS celebrates the holiday season
Learn about the origins of beloved traditions
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Toy drive honors child of Coach Raymond
of
SIMONA KARNANI Copy Editor
“Fill Charlie’s Chest is the annual toy drive benefitting pediatric cancer patients that Episcopal senior Ava Black and her friend Zoie Pierce started four years ago in honor of Charlie Raymond.”
Learn more about Fill Charlie’s Chest on Page 2
Evening Chapel celebrates season of
KARIANA CARLSON Staff Writer
Advent Chapel has been an annual Episcopal High School tradition since the 1980s. It is based on the Episcopalian and Anglican service called “Lessons and Carols” all over the world. These services combine readings from the Bible and familiar Advent hymns to tell a short version of the whole story of God’s relationship with people from the Garden of Eden through Jesus’ birth.
Chapel starts in a gentle dimness, and students remain seated in silence at the chime. A select group of EHS choir students opened the service with a hymn as the Matin Responsory for Advent. Following that, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was sung by the entire congregation.
The rest of the service followed a traditional Lessons and Carols service pattern: a lesson read by various students and faculty, an occasional carol, and a hymn from the blue hymn books that are used each day by the students in the regular daily chapels. The chapel service concluded with a closing collect, blessing, and the collective singing of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
There is much preparation put into this annual event. The EHS choir dedicates weeks of its class time rehearsing, while
readers and acolytes smoothly perfect their readings as a contribution to the special atmosphere.
Reverend Callaham said, “In many congregations, like ours, the readings are read by representatives of different parts of the community - for us, teachers, students, staff, board members, and alums - to show how each of us plays a part in sharing the good news of Jesus’ coming.”
Advent Chapel is a proud EHS tradition. The entire community gathers to reflect on the central story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. This year’s service was a perfect commencement to the joyful Christmas holiday season.
Benitez Chapel is decorated in traditional Advent colors and flowers. Photo by Catherine Miller.
River Oaks Baptist alums Zoe Pierce and Ava Black are proud of the success
Fill Charlie’s Chest and its annual number of donated toys. Photo courtesy of ROBS Instagram.
Fill Charlie’s Chest annual toy drive benefits children battling cancer
SIMONA KARNANI
Copy Editor
Fill Charlie’s Chest is the annual toy drive benefitting pediatric cancer patients that Episcopal senior Ava Black and her friend Zoie Pierce started four years ago in dedication to Charlie Raymond. They converted the Fall Fair at River Oaks Baptist School (ROBS) into an honor for Charlie where children donate new toys to MD Anderson. After children who are receiving treatment at the hospital finish their chemotherapy, they get to pick a prize from the toy chest. However, because the patients have weak immune systems, they can only use new, unopened toys, which are expensive to supply.
Seeing this problem, Ava and Zoie took the initiative to start the drive while eighth graders at ROBS in hopes of earning their Girl Scout Silver Award. The goal of the award is to create a project benefitting the community that is sustainable, meaning something that occurs annually.
Ava and Zoie wanted to do something to honor Charlie as well. Knowing that he loved toys, they knew that Fill Charlie’s Chest was the perfect idea.
Starting in 2021, the drive had a tent and collection bins that the girls made since they only expected the donations to fill the backseat of a car. The turnout was larger than expected, and every year after that, the donations grew. This year, the drive has moved away from a tent and now have a room dedicated for Fill Charlie’s Chest. Instead of the handmade collection bins, they now use red collection chests. The red was an intentional choice.
“Charlie’s favorite character was Winnie the Pooh, and anytime the community honors him, you will often see the red balloon from Winnie the Pooh,” said Ava.
In the future, Ava hopes that if the need for toys is there, ROBS will continue to host the drive. Ava hopes that when she is in college she can look back and see ROBS continuing her tradition of honoring Charlie Raymond.
EHS dance concert Illumination hits the stage VA exhibition honors artists
MIMI WRIGHT Staff Writer
On December 6, the Elevate dance team captivated the audience at the EHS Fall Dance Concert with a breathtaking display of artistry, storytelling, and movement. Under the guidance of the school’s dedicated dance faculty, Dance Program Coordinator Ms. Karen Pfeiffer and Ms. Lexi Blake, students delivered outstanding creative performances.
The evening featured a variety of choreographed works that told stories and evoked emotions. Each piece showcased a unique blend of intricate formations, dynamic patterns, and visually striking movements keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish, showing the team’s ability to connect with the audience. The spectacular performances not only demonstrated the dancers’ technical skills and drew the crowd’s attention, but they also left room for the audience’s own interpretation of the pieces with the help of the alluring motions.
Ms. Blake shared her thoughts on the remarkable team and underscored their hard work, saying, “It is always so exciting to see students bring an idea to life visually that begins with just a thought or idea. I always enjoy the little accom-
plishments such as watching students who struggle with learning choreography become comfortable and ready to perform by December.”
The students’ talent shone brightly throughout the evening, as their individual movement qualities brought depth and nuance to each performance. Even when executing the same steps, the dancers’ personal styles and expressions created a rich and layered visual experience.
The concert was an astounding show-
case of talent that celebrated the art of dance and the Elevate team’s undeniable dedication to the craft. Each dancer played an important role on the stage, and the seniors of the Elevate Dance Ensemble were especially celebrated for their leadership and artistry, inspiring their peers and the audience alike.
The EHS Fall Dance Concert was a celebration of collaboration and recognized the transformative power of dance making it an unforgettable evening.
SDLC offers students enriching leadership experience
ANYA PANT Managing Editor
From December 4-7, Episcopal High School students Anya
Karnani, and Jocelyn Valencia represented their school at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) in Denver, Colorado. The conference, part of the “Diversity in Action” (DIA) initiative, provided a transformative experience centered on inclusivity, leadership, and cultural awareness.
The trip began on December 4 with an afternoon arrival in Denver, where students were greeted by a packed schedule. The opening ceremonies on December 5 set an inspiring tone with speeches on equity and belonging. The students participated in a “Silent Movement” activity, fostering reflection and unity. This was followed by dynamic “Family Group” sessions, during which students from diverse backgrounds shared stories and built
lasting connections.
Affinity groups, tailored to specific identities and experiences, allowed attendees to explore their individuality in a supportive environment. After a productive day, the students enjoyed dinner at Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant, where they debriefed their experiences.
On December 6, the students delved deeper into leadership training through extended family group discussions. They heard a keynote address by environmental activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, whose message on youth empowerment resonated deeply. The day concluded with more affinity group sessions and a dinner at Earl’s, fostering camaraderie.
The final day featured closing ceremonies and a powerful student-led dialogue involving both students and adults. This interactive session encouraged open conversations about race, identity, and leadership across regions.
Through DIA and SDLC, Anya, Simona, and Jocelyn returned home not only enriched by their experiences but also prepared to lead diversity initiatives at EHS.
Episcopal High School proudly presented the annual Visual Arts Fall Student Exhibition on Wednesday, December 4, in the Underwood Student Center from 6:008:00 p.m. The event was held for members of the EHS community who were encouraged to come see exceptional artistic works and support family and friends. The night commenced with beverages and light snacks. This exciting night showcased an array of art, with each student presenting two pieces of personal work. This special art exhibition showcased works from the Media and Studio Arts Department in areas of photography, mixed media, drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Multiple jurors adjudicated the event, providing a fair and impartial selection process. Students competed for first, second, and third place awards and were also recognized with honorable mentions for their outstanding work.
A ceremony held at 6:45 honored the award winners, and artists received ribbons in recognition of their achievements. This event provided a wonderful op-
portunity for students to showcase their artistic talents and give them a chance to get substantial feedback. The pieces were displayed around campus, specifically the art gallery and various building hallways. The Fall Arts Exhibition 2024 was truly a spectacular event, highlighting the student artists’ dedication and spirit to continuing their passion for art.
Image courtesy of Mr. Japheth Storlie.
CHARLOTTE MEHNERT Staff Writer
Alexa Choi dances in a jazz piece for Illumination, the winter dance concert performed in the Underwood Theater. Photo by Avalon Bell.
Pant, Simona
Founder Ava Black and Charlie’s mother, Coach Leigh Anne Raymond. Photo courtesy of Simona Karnani.
Jocelyn Valencia, Anya Pant, and Simona Karnani attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) in Denver, Colorado Photo courtesy of Simona Karnani.
Slice of π
ZACH PAULL Guest Writer
Hey, everyone! I am Zach Paul, the Mu Alpha Theta treasurer. This semester has been phenomenal for everything math at Episcopal. A big congratulations to our mathletes who participated in the national Math Madness bracket competition! They survived nine weeks (longest run ever) and made it to the Elite 8 teams in the country.
Some of our mathletes are still competing in The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, and we are still awaiting the results of the international
HiMCM math modeling competition. The University of Houston online math competition is February 8 and is open to everyone.
Don’t forget to follow Math Club on both Instagram and Twitter (X) under the user @ehsmathclub for quality memes, updates on meetings/events, and thoughtprovoking puzzles and interesting math tidbits. It is never too late to join the Math Club so if you want to join, please contact Dr. Papakonstantinou or Marie Knolle to be added to the Math Club CANVAS page and Microsoft Team.
As we head into break, we wish everyone happy holidays and hope you start the new year with math.
E Block Talk
with Thompson White
In a shocking turn of events, senior Drooks Edworks claims to have discovered the art of “not procrastinating.”
Sources close to Edworks report that, for an entire week, the self-proclaimed “reformed procrastinator” has completed assignments several days before their due date, a feat previously thought as impossible for high school students.
“I just decided to try something new,” Edworks explained, sitting in a perfectly organized study space, an impressive feat itself. “I wrote down a list of things I needed to do, and then I just… did them. No distractions. No ‘last-minute cram sessions.’ Just pure productivity.”
Hours later, his parents reported walking in to find him levitating in a meditative pose, transcending as if he unlocked the answer to life’s suffering.
At EHS, students have started to literally
English III challenges juniors’ skills in research and analysis
SIMONA KARNANI Copy Editor
Junior Research refers to the English III deep dive into literature over an extended period. For honors students it is the examination of two pieces of literature unique to each student during a sevenmonth, independent reading, research, and writing project that has numerous deadlines, culminating in a 10–12-page documented essay on the novels utilizing various secondary sources.
Honors students start this process in their sophomore year. Each sophomore who is enrolled in Honors English III has to schedule a conference with one of the honors teachers: Dr. Telford, Mr. Mitchell or Mrs. Adams. The expectation is to read and annotate the first book over the summer months. The juniors even have their first process piece assignment and author research due on the first day of school. Then, through the first few weeks of the school year, the students read their second book. The research process leading up to the paper consists of process pieces
that help develop the final paper. Author research is a mini biography on the author and how his or her lives impacted the literature. Dialectical journals consist of 25 quotes with an analysis section designed to pick out literary elements. Style analysis has two parts and aims to analyze specific stylistic elements, like the five senses, diction, and syntax. Every process piece, though it may seem like a buildup of work, is designed to tune literary minds toward a potential topic for the final paper. One month prior to the paper’s due date in early December, the students turn in a detailed outline with a thesis paragraph, topic sentences, and appropriate quotes. This is like a rough draft and is a great way to gauge how the paper will score in its final form.
Though current juniors are extremely challenged with the process as of now, senior Ethan Lahoti said, “Looking back, I am thankful to have experienced Junior Research because it challenged my analytical and researching skills. Now, I have more confidence in myself when I write essays because I know I have those skills to write to the best of my ability.”
Students manage stress during STUCO’s Rest and Review Week
ANYA PANT Managing Editor
Student Council put on its annual Relax & Review Week designed to help students relieve stress as they approach midterms. The week was filled with fun, relaxing activities that gave students much-needed breaks from their studies, and a moment to decompress.
The activities kicked off the Friday before Review Week when emotional support dogs visited Episcopal, a true fan favorite. The sweet dogs brought joy and peace to many students and certainly created a calm atmosphere across campus.
On Monday, December 9, hot cocoa was provided for teachers and students during lunch and break, bringing warmth and comfort to the school. Embracing the holiday spirit, these cups of hot chocolate provided a moment of relaxation to break up the school day.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, cookie and ornament decorating were held in the USC. Students had the opportunity to unleash their creativity, which many find
peaceful and stress relieving. This activity not only helped students destress but also provided a fun bonding moment for friends.
On Thursday candy canes were graciously delivered to all advisories. This thoughtful gesture helped students stay focused and motivated to push through the end of the week.
Finally, to close out the week, a movie was projected in the USC during 5A and 5B lunch on for all to enjoy. The movie was the perfect way to conclude Review Week and gave students and faculty some time to recharge and refocus before entering exams.
Midterms can be stressful, but these small activities helped make the process smoother. Student Council took time preparing and refining each day, and certainly brought light to each student and faculty member’s day.
Class President Kyriaki Postolos added, “STUCO wishes everyone the best this week, in testing and throughout this holiday season, and hope you enjoyed this year’s Relax and Review Week!”
poke Edworks, trying to uncover if he’s a human or alien.
“We’re seriously questioning his genetic makeup,” said senior Philip Khalil. “I’ve never seen him not complain about assignments, and now he’s turning them in days before the due date? I mean is he even real?”
Teachers, however, are the ones who are celebrating his approach.
“I didn’t understand what was happening at first when he turned in his essay a week before the deadline,” said an English teacher.
Despite the disbelief surrounding him, Edworks insists he’s committed to his new way of life, adding that he’s even been enjoying hobbies – like reading and sending messenger pigeons.
“It’s like I unlocked a cheat code to high school,” he said.
Ellen Conaway, Molly Massiatte, Hannah Berlin, Hannah Burton, and Irelyn Fergus recharge for finals with Bailey the service dog. Photo by Daria Massey.
Hendrix showcases expansive vision on his timeless album
ALEX GONZALES Staff Writer
Released in 1968, Electric Ladyland is Jimi Hendrix’s last and most critically acclaimed album, as well as his most commercially successful. A large part of why this album reached the potential it did with the expansive vision it had was the new freedom he had as manager of the production.
In some of Hendrix’s previous works, he was confined to shorter songs while being engaging and intense, a glimpse of his true potential. Hendrix’s work on the album was obsessive, and he made endless attempts to tweak his songs to perfection, with songs like “Gypsy Eyes” taking over 50 recordings.
Beyond being a technically impressive guitarist, his connection to the guitar and the emotional impact he generates from it is unrivaled. He incorporates an unrestrained vision of blues, which draws from psychedelia, soul, and funk, among other genres, connecting with his guitar to make it seem like the instrument is a physical extension of himself. The songs on Elec-
tric Ladyland best capture his power to hack the guitar and transform it to have a voice of its own. Most notably, he covers Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” in an unimaginably distinct way that keeps all the noteworthy content.
At his core, Jimi Hendrix is a visionary, and at times, this album can feel incomplete, but it measures up to the peak of what he accomplished, which is raw musical experimentation and creation.
HEAR ME OUT
with Caroline Johnson
Sick of your usual tunes? Need something new to play at your next holiday gathering? This December, my Christmas gift to you is a list of the best garagepunk-dad-rock bands for your playlist.
One of my favorite groups, (but one that has been painted as “emo” for some unfortunate reason) Fall Out Boy has been releasing great songs for years. Which should you add to your queue? I say you can’t go wrong with classics “Dance, Dance,” “Thnks fr th Mmrs,” and “Sugar, We’re Going Down.” A similar (but criminally underrated) band, Jimmy Eat
from shows like One Tree Hill or Gossip Girl. Even their Christmas album is a great listen—take it from me, someone in their top 1% of Spotify listeners. Fans of Irish rock may recognize the words “One Tree Hill” from the U2 song of the same name. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Anything else from their album The Joshua Tree may fit your bill: try “Running to Stand Still” or “With or Without You.”
Who needs to read a book when you can hear an entire story in one song? If you’re looking for musical storytellers, look no further than Blink-182 and Weezer. Blink-182’s “All the Small Things” and “Bored to Death” are always a great play, but their impeccable “What’s My Age Again?” will really have you forgetting your own. As far as Weezer goes, laughs aside, “Say It Ain’t So” and “Undone” have some catchy lyrics.
World is the source of some of the best rock anthems of the early 2000s— “The Middle,” “Just Tonight,” “Bleed American”—many of which you may recognize
On the social justice front, Green Day has been writing about activism and politics since its first release in 1990. No need to “walk a lonely road,” Green Day has a song for you. A classic garagereggae-rock band who also peaked in the nineties, Sublime’s greatest hits are often overlooked for its song “Santeria.” Forget that, “Wrong Way” and “Doin’ Time” are better listens anyway. Although they were (arguably) a one-hit-wonder, R.E.M.’s song “Losing My Religion” is another great addition to any playlist for anyone with similar taste.
Unsure of what to play next time you’re on aux?
“Don’t write yourself off yet” because “the night will go on” if you take my advice for the best rock bands to play at any occasion. Your playlist will thank me.
Catherine’s Cinema
CATHERINE MILLER Staff Writer
as roommates. By Act Two (or part two of the movie, set to release November 21, 2025), the storyline meets up with the classic Wizard of Oz story.
Wicked hit theaters on November 22, 2024. The film adaptation of the beloved musical stars Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.
The story of Wicked is a spinoff of The Wizard of Oz, though both stories canonically happen simultaneously. It was originally a book called Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West written by Gregory Magurie in 1995. By October of 2003, it had been adapted into a musical and made its broadway debut with Kristin Chenowith and Indina Menzel starring as Glinda and Elphaba. Wicked follows the origin story of Elphaba and her experience at Shiz University with Glinda during their time
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivio’s connection to Wicked is easily seen through their outstanding performances. Both actresses have a background in theater and Hollywood, as Arianna Grande rose to stardom on Nickelodeon and is a Grammy winning artist. Cynthia Erivio starred in The Color Purple and has experience on stage and on the screen. The many years spent making this film can be appreciated through the talent of both women in their incredible singing and acting.
The 160-minute movie is worth watching. It is filled with phenomenal singing and well choreographed dancing that allows for this musical movie adaptation to be successful.
Chicken Shop Date gains popularity through its unique approach to interviewing celebrities
CATHERINE MILLER Staff Writer
In the modern age of media, old styles of television are being reconstructed and rethought. One person who has done this is Amelia Dimoldenburg with her internet talk show, Chicken Shop Date. Dimoldenburg’s unique approach to interviewing and chatting with celebrities has proved successful and shows that talk shows can be more than just a man at a desk and a guest in a chair.
The first episode of Chicken Shop Date was released in March of 2014. The show runs for 10-15 minutes and features Dimoldenburg taking her guests on a “date” at local chicken shops. Notable guests include Andrew Garfield, Sabrina Carpenter, Cher, Elmo, and Billie Eilish. In recent years Dimoldenburg has become an
Internet sensation because of her abstract approach to celebrity interviews. Her 95 episodes have gained her over two million subscribers on YouTube. The show’s TikTok account, which features clips from episodes, has a following of 1.9 million and over 100 million likes.
Dimoldenburg’s involvement in the modern media world is extensive, as she has made appearances on Hot Ones, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The New York Times, and Vogue. She also hosts red carpet events and extends her unique interviewing style beyond chicken shops. Amelia hosts other Internet shows such as a cooking show on her own channel.
Dimoldenburg is a charming host and asks the questions other people are too afraid to ask. She brings fun to the interview process and allows a different view of celebrities and their personalities.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivio’s connection to Wicked is easily seen through their outstanding performances. Courtesy of universalpictures.com.
The emotional impact of Hendrix’s work is unrivaled. Photo courtesy of groundguitar.com.
Chicken Shop Date creator Amelia Dimoldenburg eats chicken with her guest, Andrew Garfield. Photo courtesy of nytimes.com.
Green Day has been writing about activism since its first release in 1990. Photo courtesy of ejsauction.com.
EHS celebrates the holidays
LULU GIBELLINI Features Editor
Episcopal High School celebrates the holiday season with a variety of meaningful traditions throughout November and December. These events bring the community together, blending faith, service, and fun to embrace the spirit of the season. The holiday celebrations begin with Grandparents Day, held on the Friday before Thanksgiving Break, when students spend time with their grandparents and loved ones. On the preceding Thursday, the dedicated lunch staff serves a traditional Thanksgiving lunch for the entire EHS community, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
In December, EHS’s annual Advent Chapel is a cherished tradition. This year, Advent Chapel was held on December 10 and 11 after school, offering students and
faculty the chance to reflect on the meaning of the season. The service includes prayer, scripture readings, and Christmas hymns, providing a spiritual pause amid the busy holiday season. Adding to the festivities, EHS mothers decorate the campus with Christmas trees and festive decorations, creating a cheerful and inviting environment. Another favorite tradition is the annual Christmas song celebration, when the EHS community gathers in the Chapel to sing carols on the last day of school before Winter Break. The event ends with a fun surprise: Santa and his Elf make a special appearance.
In the spirit of giving, the National Honor Society (NHS) organizes a yearly winter sock drive to support those in need, demonstrating EHS’s commitment to service during the holiday season. Together, these traditions make the holidays at EHS a time of joy, reflection, and connection.
THOMPSON WHITE Co-Editor-in-Chief
Little Rey, the sibling restaurant to Fred Fry’s celebrated restaurants, State of Grace and Superica, opened this April. The restaurant offerings – tacos al la carte, queso, beans, and lime rice – are a nod to Tex-Mex staples, but Fry prefers to characterize the cuisine as “Northern Mexican.”
Little Rey creates a casual, familyfriendly vibe enhanced with vibrant and playful decor. Though what truly sets Little Rey apart, however, is its unique location: an expansive green space nestled alongside a Highland Village apartment building. This urban oasis creates a laidback dining experience, where dogs roam
Episcopal High School’s only restaurant review
free as toddlers chase after them.
The restaurant’s standout dish is the chicken al carbon, which features a full range of cuts – the chicken thigh, legs, breast, and drumsticks. The chicken undergoes a 24-hour salt brining process followed by a marinade of oil, citrus, a blend of spices, and earthy flavors. Then it spends ample time in the post oak wood smoker. Once leaving the smoker, the juicy, smoky chicken is topped with sauteed onions. The thought of this dish alone is enough to make my taste buds long for a bite of that chicken bliss.
The experience is all the more delightful when enjoyed as the sun sets, perhaps with a cup of its unique soft serve ice cream. Little Rey’s combination of flavorful cuisine and serene surroundings makes it a must-visit spot in Houston.
IZZIE SONG Production Editor
He was a familiar face to many as an EHS student, but fast-forward twelve years, and Mr. Tabish Virani can once again be found in the halls at Episcopal. Diagnosed with leukemia in 2008 while an EHS student, Mr. Virani spent his high school experience surrounded by all the love the school has to offer. The unwavering support of his teachers allowed him to graduate in 2012 despite facing chemotherapy and two hip replacements along the road. Not only did he graduate, Mr. Virani enriched his school in his time as a staff member for The Knight Times, in which he authored a recurring column aptly titled “Novel Café.” This monthly book review involved a rating system of muffins, which correlated to stars, and allowed Mr. Virani to translate his literary love onto the printed press.
Mr. Virani’s written journey didn’t end there. After EHS, he pursued a degree in English and Religious Studies at Rice
University before pursuing his master’s in Digital Humanities at the University College London. Texas welcomed him back soon thereafter and brought him into an education career.
Mr. Virani began teaching through his religious community before transitioning to EHS. As a Shia Imani Ismaili Muslim, he grew up in a thriving faith that geared its time toward service. Currently, Mr. Virani serves on the Aga Khan Education Board for the Southwestern USA. This position allows him to help members of his community currently going through the college application process. From San Antonio to Houston, Ismaili students head to Mr. Virani for help with financial aid and educational events. This position, acquired in July of 2024, also has Mr. Virani uplifting a variety of perspectives.
His leadership on the education board and his teaching position in EHS encapsulate similar themes. Mr. Virani is constantly striving to give back - to the teachers, the faith, and the community that have shaped his worldview.
ALL THINGZ fashion
DARIA MASSEY Staff Writer
As 2024 comes to a close, I have found myself reflecting on the many impeccable campaigns from this year. From the elegance of Tiffany and Co. to Gap’s unique choreography, I was captivated, as were others, by the diverse display of fashion across these campaigns. Let’s take a look at my favorites from this year.
Starting strong, I found the Tiffany & Co. winter campaign extremely tasteful. The one-minute video followed actress Anya Taylor-Joy as she explored New York City while accessorized in dainty Tiffany pieces. The song “Forever” by the Little Dippers played in the background, which intertwined the visuals and graceful theme of the overall brand perfectly.
Another favorite of mine was the Chanel “Coco Beach” summer campaign directed by Cass Bird. Staring model Olivia Vinten, the short video was filled with
pastel colors and turquoise waters, reflecting Gabriel Chanel’s love for the seaside and summer. Gap has blown me away with every single campaign it has produced this year. My personal favorite was the viral “Get Loose” campaign featuring singer Troy Sivan. Choreographer Sergio Reis did not disappoint with this unique routine. The dancer’s synchronization was so satisfying that I found myself rewatching it multiple times. I also really enjoyed Gap’s spring campaign “Linen Moves” as well. Gap collaborated with my favorite band Jungle to create a fun, upbeat dance to the song “Back on 74.” These campaigns made a huge impact across social media platforms and inspired many to learn the dance. Watching these videos reminded me of how fashion can bring people together, in this case through dance. I really enjoyed this year’s campaigns, and I am curious to see what 2025 holds for fashion advertisement.
Photo courtesy of xmag.live.
The Hildebrand Athletic entrance is decorated with a festive Christmas tree. Photo by Charlotte Mehnert.
Photo courtesy of David Hartland.
The residency match system, particularly in the United States, has long been the gateway between medical school and a career in clinical practice. Administered by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), the Match uses an algorithm to pair medical school graduates with residency programs based on mutual rankings. While the system has streamlined what could be a chaotic process, it is not without its strengths and significant drawbacks. Understanding both perspectives is crucial for students, educators, and policymakers. One of the strongest arguments in favor of the residency match system is its perceived fairness.
By requiring both applicants and programs to submit rank-order lists, the algorithm is designed to minimize bias and favoritism. The process prioritizes applicant preferences, ensuring that no student is left without an offer simply because a program favored another candidate for subjective reasons. This transparency fosters trust in the system.
Moreover, the Match brings a level of organization to a potentially chaotic process. Prior to the implementation of the Match in 1952, the application process was totally unregulated, with programs offering positions as early as a student’s second year of medical school. This created immense pressure and led to rushed and poorly informed decisions.
Today, students can complete their medical education fully before committing to a specific residency, allowing for betterinformed choices and a more standardized application timeline. Additionally, the Match supports a diverse range of programs and specialties. From large urban teaching hospitals to rural community clinics, programs across the spectrum give applicants access to a broad range of training environments. This inclusivity ensures that even less prominent programs can fill their positions. This helps address physician shortages in underserved areas as well. Despite its strengths, the Match system is not without its flaws. The most common criticism is the psychological burden it places on applicants. The process is inherently high-stake - after years of medical school and significant financial investment, a student's future hinges on this algorithm. The stress of this "all-or-nothing" outcome can be overwhelming, with unmatched students facing the terrifying prospect of reapplying or adjusting their career trajectories. Another major issue is the limited flexibility within the system. Once the Match results are released, both applicants and programs are legally bound to their placements.
This rigidness can lead to dissatisfaction, especially for applicants who may have second thoughts about their rankings or circumstances that change after submission. The system also poses challenges for couples or students with family obligations, as the algorithm does not always accommodate their needs, despite offering specialized options like the "couples match.”
The residency match system is a testament to the medical world's attempt to balance fairness with efficiency. While it offers structure and transparency, its highpressure nature, lack of flexibility, and financial burdens could warrant a reexamination. As medicine evolves, so should this process, ensuring that it continues to serve both applicants and the healthcare system.
pinions
Twitter takes its new flight as X
CAROLINE JOHNSON Opinions Editor
In an attempt to secure himself a definite title as “Business Mogul,” Elon Musk purchased the app formerly known as Twitter and renamed it X. In addition to dropping the bird-themed branding, Musk’s reinvention of the once-bustling social media app has led to a decrease in users and an increase in bugs, bots, and criticism from the public.
In October 2022, the $44 billion transaction was finalized, although Twitter was only valued at $30 billion at the time. Now, Twitter is worth almost 80% less than when Musk bought it, estimated at a current $15 billion. His rebrand (including logo and URL changes) started in July 2023.
The first and most prominent pushback the company received came from its lessened moderation. Wanting to promote freedom of speech, all previously banned and suspended accounts were reinstated; however, many believe that it was Elon’s idea of supporting the previously banned Donald Trump. Another part of his conservative ideals— users can no longer put their pronouns in their bios, an accessibility featured some viewed as “woke.” With the addition of the previously removed accounts, hate speech and misogyny have grown to become scarily frequent, including rising numbers of racist and antisemitic comments. By June of 2024, X was running ads featuring over 20 offensive hashtags - eighteen months after Musk claimed he would demonetize harmful posts. In another change for the worse, Elon claims to have fired 75% of Twitter’s employees, replacing them with his own. At the time of his acquisition, there were 8,000 people working for the company. This number
has gone down to just over 1,500. This featured significant cuts to X’s moderation and DEI teams. The Twitter management team was around 50% female, while posts from Elon’s X account of pictures of his new staff are predominantly male. His changes have made no progress for X’s income or popularity.
Moreover, Musk’s roots in capitalism have started to affect users. Recently, three tiers of premium X memberships arose, ranging from prices of $32, $84, or $168 a year. In addition to memberships, seven levels of account verifications are available for purchase. Account verification used to be a valuable safety feature that allowed other app users to know which accounts they could trust, but if anyone can pay for the checkmark, how does one know if he or she is seeing content from a scam or robot account? Although it was pledged that all of Twitter’s bots would be removed when Musk took over the app, almost 60% of opened accounts on X have been marked for bot-like activity. Users have no guarantee for their safety. Although X has received more money than Twitter from its account holders, under Musk’s management, the app is facing more technical issues than ever. Frequent downtime and outages, unusual suggested content, and fluctuating features have disappointed users. In one instance, a post appeared on users’ feeds showing a post impossibly dated December 31, 1969 - 37 years before Twitter’s creation. X has become harder to use than ever.
In all, X’s unpredictability and growing issues show a lack of poor managementmainly ownership. The social media platform is headed in a downward spiral, and things don’t look good for the future of Elon Musk and his app.
World in Review
CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Co-Editor-in-Chief
Israel, Gaza, Iran, and now Lebanon have kept the Middle East in the news for more than a year. Syria, however, has not been frequently making headlines for five years. That was, until November 27, when Syrian rebels launched a rapid offensive into Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, against little opposition from government forces. This new outbreak of the once dormant civil war combined with continued tensions sparked by the Israel-Hamas conflict has the chance to spill over into a seismic transformation of the region.
Syria’s Civil War began in 2011 alongside a wave of similar protests happening across the Arab world at the time. Syrians discontent with the dictatorship led by the Assad family and took to the streets to voice their discontent. When the government brutally cracked down on peaceful protests, the rebels took up arms, sparking the war. During the chaos, ISIS famously debuted as a new faction around 2014, quickly seizing much of the country and even crossing into Iraq, defeating the slamic state. The conflict is often labeled a proxy war because of the entanglement of various foreign powers supporting opposing factions. Iran and Russia both have vested interests in the Syrian government, and Iran sent allied militias such as Hezbollah in to fight for Assad while Russia aided with airstrikes against rebels and civilians alike. America and other Western Powers supported the rebels against ISIS and the government, especially a group of mostly Kurdish, left-leaning rebels in the Northeast called the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, who played a massive role
in defeating terrorists. Turkey has long had its own conflict with the Kurds, however, and therefore intervened on behalf of other Syrian rebel forces to combat the SDF on their border.
The two militias involved are HTS and FSA. Leading the charge is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, a former Al-Qaeda affiliated group that has since broken ties with the terrorist organization yet retains its mission of establishing a Sunni Islamic state. The US has remained virtually silent on the rekindling of hostilities, due in part to the sheer complexity of navigating the various factions. While the Assad government is closely allied with American rivals Iran and Russia, HTS is recognized as a terrorist group by the US State Department. Turkey and the FSA openly fight the American-backed SDF, yet Turkey is still a member of NATO, further tying the hands of the United States. The US lacks a clear way to intervene without triggering at least one of its allies.
President-elect Trump has long campaigned on keeping America out of war, so he will likely steer away from any boots on the ground. Trump pulled out troops from Syria during his first presidency, leaving the SDF undefended from Turkey’s invasion just three days later. Now US forces only remain in a small base on the border. Trump’s nominated National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard has been critical of US intervention and even at times supportive of Assad, possibly hinting at a future thawing of relations. It should be noted, however, that Trump has not been hesitant to escalate against Assad in the past. Only time will tell if this new phase of the conflict brings Syria again into the spotlight of American foreign policy.
Sports
Boys look to retain championship
CAMPBELL RICHARDSON
Co-Editor-in Chief
This winter season, the EHS Knights has been dominating in boys basketball. Though starting off with a loss to Bellaire, the team went on to a four-game winning streak for most of November. Beginning with a close 60-54 win over Lake Creek, they then beat Angleton 76-58, Lake Houston 85-40, and Sterling 80-63.
The streak was broken with a 68-45 defeat to Port Arthur Memorial. The team managed to make a rebound with their final game of November against Southside, winning 66-40.
The team traveled to Georgetown, TX to battle in the Jack Frost Invitational, followed by the Vype Holiday Tournament over the holiday break.
Regarding the team’s performance, Assistant Coach Mike Hodgson said, “The team has been hard at work building on last year’s success and gearing up for another great season.”
With impressive games over the Thanksgiving break against Houston Sterling in the Hoopsgiving Classic and solid performances at the Texas Jamboree, an annual tradition at EHS, the early results are promising.
Performance looks familiar early in girls soccer debut
PORTER MILLER
Social Media Coordinator
The varsity girls soccer team has had an impressive start to the season, building off the success from the 2023 season, when the girls won their first SPC championship. A 4-0 victory against St. Agnes in the season opener showcased their determination, teamwork, and preparation to defend their title.
The win marked a promising beginning to what will be a challenging 21-game schedule. Assistant Coach Bryan Coapman believes that this year’s team is “the best ever,” and he has enjoyed watching them improve.
From the opening whistle, the team demonstrated its skill despite facing a formidable opponent in St. Agnes. Coapman emphasized before the match that it would be a tough challenge, and the players rose to the occasion with resilience.
Abby Ross had a standout performance, scoring two goals in the match, while Amelia Kusinski and Dayla Henderson each tallied a score. The team’s offense was dynamic, with two goals coming in the first half and two more in the second, leaving St. Agnes unable to respond.
“We knew it was going to be a hard game,” Coapman said, but after seeing the results of the first match, she was “hopeful going into the season.”
The team’s strong performance has given them momentum as they prepare for their upcoming matches.
The girls displayed excellent coordination and communication. The team’s ability to balance an aggressive offense with a solid defense proved to be essential to their success in this first game.
With this dominant win, the team looks ahead with confidence, excited to continue its journey in what promises to be an exciting and competitive season.
Wrestlers putting foes to the test
PORTER MILLER
Social Media Coordinator
The EHS wrestling team hit the ground running this season, putting in hard work both off and on the mat. With a serious schedule of practices six days a week, the team has been focused on improving skills, building a strong community, and preparing for future matches.
As the season began in early November, the team had the privilege of working with a number of skilled coaches who have helped guide the athletes in their individual development. Replace this sentence with the introduction of the new wrestling coach and the assistants helping.
The team’s first meet took place on November 20 against George Ranch and Klein Forest. The wrestlers walked
away with a victory over Klein Forest but faced a tough loss against George Ranch. Despite the loss, the team’s determination was evident as they showed the motivation to succeed in future matches.
Looking ahead, the main goal is winning the SPC championship. To achieve the title, the team is working on pushing itself to improve skills and especially a strong mindset focused on performance. The phrase that is often said in the mat room - “I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score” - shows the mentality of the team. With a season full of potential ahead, the wrestling team is determined to make a huge impact. As these athletes continue to develop and perfect their skills, their dedication to improving as wrestlers and teammates ensures that they are ready to meet the challenges ahead.
VANESSA REED Sports Editor
Episcopal High School’s swimming and diving program is designed around teamwork, discipline, and dedication. These athletes engage in hard training in prepare for competitive regional and state meets. The program is a supportive and growing environment, where students are encouraged to achieve personal and athletic development while also creating friendships with their teammates.
This year, the program is one of the largest swimming and diving teams in EHS history, truly showing its growing success. This larger team has brought new energy and enthusiasm, inspiring major improvements across all athletes. The new coach, Brittany Pike, leads the team with grit and organization, adding tremendous improvements along the way. Pike has done an excellent job preparing morning practices for the athletes and suggesting activities
like team dinners to create bonding and team spirit.
The team has shown consistent progress and notable improvements in early events compared to previous years. One of the team captains, junior Taylor Morris, excels in the 100-breaststroke.
Morris expressed her commitment to a positive team community, saying, “This year, I want to be the best leader I can be and help motivate the team to do the best they can. I strive to be a good role model and someone they can rely on.”
Along with Morris, senior Omar Valdivia also leads the team with integrity. The team’s top swimmers also include sophomores Grant Evans, Ryan Lyda, Mallory Mailhes, and Max Fertman, who all range in the 400-point subdivision.
The swimming and diving program at EHS continues to grow in excellence, personal growth, and connections among teammates. While it is early in the season, this team is set up for a successful future.
Basketball seeks back-to-back titles
VANESSA REED Sports Editor
The girls basketball team ended last year's season with a huge SPC title. With a competitive team, the girls won the 2023 SPC Championship for the first time since 1988.
Although they lost some valuable seniors, returners Rylee Poindexter, Kennedy Greene, Ivonna Lloyd, and Chloe Hollis are stepping up this year to lead
Defense of SPC trophy is the focus of boys soccer Athletes splash into new season
PAIGE PAN Staff Writer
The boys soccer program is on a mission to win SPC again. After winning SPC in 2023, the boys are looking for a repeat, and they are more than capable.
This year, the team has several starters returning. An older team, the team is led by five seniors: Geronimo Barroso, Jack Jacobs, Lorenzo Juarez, Kaden Martinez, and Hashim Saeed. Each has made a huge impact on the team and will help tremendously with the end goal of an SPC title.
the team. Greene, Lloyd, and Hollis are the only three seniors this year and are looking to be the dominant players for the season.
Although a relatively new team, the girls are working hard, playing a difficult and competitive schedule in order to prepare for SPC play.
During preseason, the girls worked diligently in practice every day to improve, enhancing their skills and being extremely dedicated to the team and improvement.
The season kicked off on a good note. In the first home game, the team had a huge victory against the Village School, winning 3-1. Scoring goals were freshman Noah Paluk, sophomore Sebastian Guerra, and junior Richard Agyeman-Yeboah Jr., with assists from sophomore Bennet Abaza and two from Paluk. They also won 4-1 in an away game against the British School of Houston, a huge competitor. Throughout the next couple of weeks, they will be facing a tough schedule playing non-district teams. This will prepare them when they face their SPC opponents.
Freshman William Ngo goes strong to the basket. Photo by Piper Beck.
Sophomore Bennett Abaza fights for possession against the Village school. Photo by Emma Freeman.
Speaks Out
“If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would you go?”
“Colorado”
“New
“Italy” BROOKLYN HERMANCE “Paris”
“Houston”
“Buc-ee’s”
Prints Charming
Celebrity Sighting
If you think you have recently seen
best
Cartoon by Izzie Song.
PhotoJ Photo of the Month
JOHN BOONE
QUINN MORGENROTH
York”
SAIF MUJTABA
OLIVIA BAILEY
JOHN WHELESS
ELLIE BUENINCK “Florida”
MRS. KATIE SAMSON “Chile, on the top of a mountain”
Girls soccer faces the Home School Christian Youth Association in a home scrimmage before the start of the season. Photo by Kate Malta.
MR. KARY KEMBLE “The North Pole”
CHASE HOLLIS “My house”
Percy Jackson’s
friend, Grover Underwood, roaming EHS campus don’t be surprised! It’s freshman Faizan Khan. The two share nearly identical features from their dark, curly hair to their strikingly similar eyes. Aryan Simhadri stars as Grover Underwood in the newly released Percy Jackson series and plays Haresh Baker in the 2022 release of Cheaper by the Dozen, both giving him a breakthrough that will lead to new film roles. Although he lacks the magical power to control nature, Faizan Kahn could easily be misidentified as a twin or relative of Simhadri due to their evident resemblance. Photo by Mimi Wright and courtesy of manforhimself.com.