The Knight Times / May 2023 Issue 10

Junior and senior girls participate in Powderpuff

On Wednesday May 3, the week following the end of the Spring SPC tournaments, the annual Powderpuff football game was played on Simmons Field. With a full student section, the players were cheered on by friends and peers.

Held by Student Council, Powderpuff is a beloved EHS tradition in which the junior girls compete against the senior girls in a game of flag football. Junior Head Coach Breylan Thompson and Senior Head Coach Hutch Coward put their best efforts in to bring their teams to victory.

On April 19, all eligible to participate in the competition received an email, inviting them to engage in the activity. Those who wished to participate were required to fill out a form, illustrating how involved they wanted to be. Participants had the option to request to go out on the field and play or simply watch with their friends from the side. Each player received a shirt, commemorating their engagement.

Warmups for coaches and players started promptly at 2:50, and the game began at 3:00, lasting 30 minutes.

Students and faculty were invited to cheer on the competitors, and after the game, Kona Ice was served to all who joined in the event.

Seniors proudly display their colleges of choice

EHS seniors celebrate the next step in their educational journey

PAGE 4-5

Baseball, Softball, Boys Track win SPC

“Leaving Tree is an annual EHS tradition for graduating seniors. At the end of each school year, seniors come to campus before graduation to put their names on metal leaves on a designated tree in Trinity Courtyard. Leaving Tree is a great way for seniors to have one last sentimental moment together and leave their legacy at Episcopal High School as Knights.”

Learn more about Leaving Tree on Page 2

EHS students recognized in Awards Chapel

On Wednesday, April 26, the EHS community celebrated the Awards Chapel, a special event to honor the school’s exceptional individuals in many areas. Awards Chapel stands as one of the school’s traditions that has been kept for years as a way to demonstate student’s commitment in each department of the Four Pillars.

At Episcopal the motto is to Stand Out, and it is important to honor those who have the willingness to strive for that goal and the resolve to achieve it. Where Honors Chapel recognizes students’ excellence in overall grades, Awards Chapel acknowledged their exceptional talents in focused areas of study. Many of those awarded were seniors, and with nearly all their time in high school over, they were recognized for their hard work. For underclassmen still new to some traditions, it serves both as an introduction to those practices and to the achievements they can strive for over their remaining years.

Out of the many people who work to provide the Episcopal community with these events, the two main organizers for this Chapel were Kim Randolph, Associate

Head of School, and Cyndi Boren, Assistant to the Deans. As for the process itself, it begins with Mr. Randolph contacting all faculty members to discuss by department the candidates and winner of each award.

When asked what he thought was important for the students to hear, Principal Antonio Avalos said, “Seniors take a great

part in celebrating this event judging from the high volume of cheers that were displayed whenever a senior won an award. I hope the underclassmen see this and take on the challenge to strive for being named the winner of any of these special awards next school year, and I hope their classmates celebrate them as well.”

CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Copy Editor

Senior metalists Mya Broughton, Lucy Holen, and Anyla Wilson and winner Lila Henningsen were awarded for Excellence in the Study of Media Arts. Photo by Mr. Charles Holt.

MORGAN HERROD Co-Editor-in-Chief

Seniors Kiera Adzgery, Isabel O’Gorman, Olivia Chapman, Lily O’Gorman, and Estefania Lopez-Salas decorated their skirts and wore their college t-shirts as graduation nears. The Class of 2023 is excited for the upcoming fall semester and the future to come. Photo by Jules Weinstein.

JULIA SHERMAN Production Editor Check

Juniors Allie Williams and Blake Hodgson head to the end zone and a score.

Photo by Libby Davis.

Seniors turn over a new leaf as they complete final year

ANYA PANT

Opinions Editor

As the seniors wrap up their 2022- 2023 school year, there have been many fun and exciting senior traditions they have participated in at EHS. Some traditions include Senior Breakfast, Senior Style Show, College T-shirt Day, Senior Retreat, and many more. Along with these, another tradition to honor the seniors is the annual tradition of the Leaving Tree.

The Leaving Tree tradition was created by Dean Colello in the year 1997 and has remained an event to look forward to since. Before Dean Colello started the tradition of the Leaving Tree, from 1987-1996, the tradition was to use the handprints of the graduating class in concrete. The first actual leaving tree was hung up in 1997 and contains the leaves for the classes of 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. When the tree was started, Dean

Colello put his own name as the tree’s first inaugural leaf.

This tree is located on the outside wall of the Dance Room and faces the Crum Field House. The graduating Class of 2023 will be the second class placed on the current tree.

Since the first 10 classes that graduated EHS didn’t get to have a Leaving Tree, Dean Colello has hung up plaques for each of the separate classes. The trees for the more recent classes are located on the wall outside Crum Field House. Each of the trees on this wall contains three classes of leaves. The Class of 2023 seniors put their names on the tree on Friday, May 12, in the Trinity Courtyard, as one of their final tributes.

This tradition is an amazing way to honor the seniors we have at EHS. The Leaving Tree ceremony makes it so that everybody who graduates leaves a lasting mark on the school.

O’Gorman says farewell as the Editorial Board changes hands

LILY O’GORMAN

Outgoing Editor-in-Chief

Toward the end of my freshman year, my English teacher pulled me aside after class and recommended that I apply to join the newspaper staff for the next year. I remember thinking it sounded pretty fun, and I signed up just to check it out, not thinking much about it. I never could have imagined, though, just how much that decision would shape the rest of my high school career.

Joining the staff, I think, was probably the single best decision I made in high school. In the past three years, I’ve learned how to write a headline and a lede, meet tough deadlines, and tell a story, but more than that, I’ve learned how to lead, how to listen, and how to make decisions for a team of people.

I want to take a moment to give a shoutout to this year’s editorial staff: Isabel,

Tribute Chapel honors Class of 2023

Jalynn, Morgan, and Raigan–thank you for always being there for me and working your hardest to make this paper the best it can be. To the others: Alex, Alyssa, Anya, Campbell, Clara, Estefania, Izzie, Jake, Jalynn, Julia, Mark-Anthony, Morgan, Simona, and Thompson – thank you for putting up with me and (mostly) meeting your deadlines. To Mr. Framel – your mentorship over the past three years has been nothing short of life-changing, and I don’t know what I will do without you. Looking forward, this paper is in incredibly capable hands with Morgan and Jalynn, our newest editors, and I know they will do great things next year.

I will miss newspaper and this group of people so incredibly much and can’t wait to see what you all accomplish! Never forget our strike, our cookie cake, our dance parties, our memes, or our merch designs. You’re all such awesome people. Expect many visits!!

On Friday, May 5, the EHS community gathered together to commemorate the hard work that the Class of 2023 has dedicated to their past few years at Episcopal High School.

Senior Tribute Chapel is a special event held at EHS annually that acts as the end of the seniors’ time at Episcopal. The day is full of mixed emotions as students reflect on their time at EHS and say goodbye to the place they have called home for the past few years.

This was only one of many lasts for this year’s graduating class as they close this monumental chapter in their lives and

embark on new journeys that will begin as they attend various universities in the fall this year, a very new enviroment for them all. This was one of the last times the Senior Class gathered together on campus before graduation on Sunday, May 14.

The highlight of the commemorative Chapel service was Head of School Ned Smith’s final words of wisdom as he congratulated the seniors on their past achievements and their future endeavors.

The day marked the last official school day for this year’s 2023 seniors, and they were granted an early dismissal shortly after. Excluding their upcomming AP and Final Exams, this was one of the last times the seniors will set foot on campus before they graduate from EHS in mid-May.

Reflections...

with Dean Colello

As you ride off into the sunset (you have the EHS boots), how do you plan to spend your retirement, and what words of wisdom do you leave behind?

I plan on spending all of my time with family and friends. We are looking forward to full time living at our lake home in Indiana where my wife and I grew up. We plan to golf, fish, ski, and take short trips around the country. We will visit Houston often to see our son, JohnPaul. We will also come back to town for football games, reunions, and the Dads Club

Golf Tournament.

They tell me when you retire, everyday is a Saturday. I am hoping to prove that statement.

My words of advice to appear in two quotes I live by -

“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.”

- Oscar Wilde

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” - Ferris Bueller

Hey, Math Friends! This is Paige Naughton, your 2022-23 Mu Alpha Theta President here to say one final thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Math Club has really given me a place over the past four years, never failing to lift me up and push me to be better. At the end of the day that’s what Math Club truly is, under all the sweet treats, fierce competitions, and unforgettable events, Dr. P’s created a little family for all the math-lovers at EHS to call home.

So, to all the underclassmen picking up the torch next year, I couldn’t be more grateful for your dedication, and I know you’ll do everything to make the coming years the Math Club’s best.

Now, to all my graduating seniors, we’ve done a whole lot of math these past four years, whether that be staring at a blank proof waiting for that stroke of genius, going over the unit circle half a million times

only to still fail the quiz, or even getting so frustrated with a volume of rotation you drop your head straight into a pile of eraser scraps and sneeze all over your work (all very unfortunate, very true stories), but none of those failures matter so long as we remember the lessons they taught us.

Speaking of, this journey gave me Ava Gami, Carter Peeler, Grayson Maki, and Yana Sharma, four unexpected friends and my fellow MAT officers; I never would have made it through high school without you. Thanks for everything guys.

Finally, I can’t go without saying an eternal thank you to Dr. P without whom both myself and the Math Club as a whole would be nothing compared to what we are today (even if we’re still pretty “pitiful” sometimes). Looking back, I can’t think of a better way to have spent my time at EHS and no matter what comes next, I know I’ll carry my Math Club memories close to my heart forever.

So, with that, stay connected to your math friends, do lots of math, and make us proud – it’s been an absolute honor!

PAIGE NAUGHTON Guest Writer

Slice of π

JALYNN WOOLLEY Co-Editor-in-Chief

Leaving Tree already featuring the Class of 2022 is to be decorated with the 2023 senior leaves on Friday, May 12. Photo by Alexander Gonzales.

Changing of the Guard. Left to right, Editors-in-Chief for 2023-2024 Jalynn Woolley and Morgan Herod, Outgoing Editor-in-Chief Lily O’Gorman, and Outgoing Managing Editor/Copy Editor Isabel O’Gorman. Photo by Sarah Yates.

The Class of 2023 gathers for a final class photo. Photo by Mrs. Kate Philbrick.

Miley Cyrus, the well-known American pop artist, released a hit album while running away from her old persona.

Cyrus was once known as a Disney kid as her fame started in early 2006, at age thirteen, with her hit show Hannah Montana that started her music career. Cyrus is also known for her hit song “Wrecking Ball,” but now she is known for her record-breaking new album.

2023 has been filled with a ton of new music, and most excitingly Cyrus’ well known album Endless Summer Vacation and her hit song “Flowers.” C’s last album Plastic Hearts was released in 2020, and fans were waiting a long three years for the debut of her new album.

Endless Summer Vacation is Cyrus’s eighth studio album, which was released on March 10. This popular dance/ rock pop album is also known for other hits like “Rose Colored Lenses,” “River,” and “Violet Chemistry.” Her hit “Flowers” was released as a single on January 12, and immediately set streaming records and spent over eight weeks at number one on the US Billboard Top 100 songs. “Flowers” is still one of the most top streamed songs of 2023; the song broke many

records on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as trending on the widely known app, Tik-Tok. “Flowers” was written to focus on self-empowerment, and many fans were left to believe that the song is aimed at her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. She wrote this hit to show that she did not want to live in a life of lies, and it was eventually proven to be a song about her past marriage.

Overall, Cyrus wrote Endless Summer Vacation as a “love letter to LA,” where she experienced a lot of mental and psychical growth during the production of the successful album.

YourLanguageCorner

THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor

Roman Society has had a significant impact in the advancement of technology and architecture, which surprisingly still has an impact on our daily lives. One of the most substantial contributions was the aqueduct system. The aqueduct allowed for clean water to transport from distant sources to urban cities. Today, this system has been modernized to become more efficient and cleaner.

The innovative concrete the Romans created to build their colossal buildings has proven to be longer-lasting than the modern equivalent. A team of researchers proved that the Roman concrete, made 2,000 years ago, has the ability to selfheal cracks within it.

AN AMAZING ADVENTURE IS WAITING IN PORTUGAL & SPAIN!

Interim Term - January 3 or 4, 2024

EHS is excited to offer an international trip in 2024. Reserve your spot!

Estimated Trip cost: $5550-$5800 all-inclusive

Interest Deadline - May 31, 2023

Deposit Deadline: $750 - August 31, 2023

Final Payment Due: May 5, 2023

Interim trips are open to EHS students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade.

IZZIE SONG Staff Writer

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a yearly tradition dedicated to celebrating the stories of these people in America.

AAPI Heritage Month traces all the way back to 1978 when Jimmy Carter signed a resolution allotting a historical AAPI week starting May 4 after Frank Horton, a representative from New York, proposed the days. It wasn’t until 1992, however, that Congress dedicated the entire month of May to an annual celebration of AAPI people.

This month was chosen to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants who came to North America in May of 1843, along with the completion of the TransContinental railroad, a project that widely employed Chinese immigrants who, despite facing discrimination and lower wages compared to their white counterparts, traveled in mass to the USA during the 1880s in hopes of escaping the political and economic struggles their home country was facing.

Many other AAPI experiences mirror this, with the largest number of Korean immigrants pouring into North America during the 1980s due to South Korea’s military dictatorship. Similarly, a surge of Vietnamese immigrants arose in the

aftermath of the Vietnam War. However, the first Asian American immigrants were actually Filipinos who came during the 16th century, attempting to escape Spanish persecution.

Such immigrants have played a large role in building up America, not only supplying cheap labor to physically create this country but also contributing their advances in technology, knowledge of medicine, and cultural elements. As of recent, the cultures of many East Asian communities have been making waves in America with Korean media and music alongside Japan’s growing gaming and entertainment industry. It also goes without saying that Asian cuisine, such as Thai or Chinese, has become a popular staple within the American diet.

It is important to remember that the histories of these countries span beyond what they have to offer to a Western market, something AAPI Heritage Month wishes to highlight. As well as this, the mass amounts of people celebrated during May consist of more than just the culturally popular communities. Island areas such as Fiji and Hawaii, alongside Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia or Malaysia, contain histories just as rich as that of other countries.

Many populations go overlooked when people think of “Asian American,” so it is important that these people receive just as much attention and celebration throughout AAPI Heritage

Roman legislature created the first steps of our democracy by founding their government on concepts like checks and balances and a ‘representative’ government. Although only wealthy white men were the representatives in Roman society.

Ultimately, the ideas and concepts founded by the innovative Romans has influenced how our country runs today.

Societas Romana magnam vim habuit in progressu technologiae et architecturae, quae adhuc mirum in modum ad vitam cotidianam nostram pertinet. Aquaeductus unus ex maximis Romae inventionibus est, qui aquam mundam ex fontibus longinquioribus ad urbes pervenire permisit. Hodie, huius systema est renovatum ad efficientiam et munditiam meliorem. Cementum novatorum quod Romani aedificiis suis fecerunt longior durata est quam aequiparatio moderna.

Investigatorum equusdam tima comprobat cuneos in Cemento Romano, condito antequam duobus millibus annorum, sanari posse.

Legis Romanus primos gradus nostrae democraticae administrationis condidit, per conceptus censurae et aequilibrii, et civitatis ‘representativae’ gubernationis. Quamquam solummodo viri dives et albi Romanis in hac ‘representativitate’ habiti sunt.

Denique, ideae et conceptus innovativae societatis Romae ad influendum pergit ad administrationem nostram hodie.

The highly anticipated and exclusive Met Gala is among the most prestigious and glamorous celebrity events and is often perceived as the biggest night of fashion. Every year, celebrities and designers worldwide attend the fundraiser to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City while dressing in elaborate costumes in their best attempts to be on theme. Past themes have been “Camp” or “Punk,” but this year, instead of honoring a concept, the Met Gala honored a person - Karl Lagerfeld.

The 2023 theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” honored the late designer, who passed at age 85 in 2019. Although he worked with many brands, he is most known for his work in Chanel and is credited with revitalizing the brand as the fashion house’s creative director. Although Lagerfeld was a fantastic designer, there is controversy surrounding the disrespectful comments he constantly made about women and other marginalized groups. Because of this, many people, including

actress Jameela Jamil, disapproved of the theme and refused to attend the ball.

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and president of the Met Gala, said, “Karl was provocative, and he was full of paradoxes. And I think sometimes he would say things … to shock, and not necessarily things that he believed in.”

Despite this controversy, the Met Gala stuck with its theme, and the ball was held on Monday, May 1. As anticipated, the red carpet was full of revitalized Karl Lagerfeld designs. Vintage was everywhere; many wore some of his most iconic and famous pieces. Dua Lipa, one of the Met Gala hosts, wore a 1992 white Chanel Princess, and Penélope Cruz, also a host, wore a 1988 green Chanel. Many other celebrities, such as Naomi Campbell, Margot Robbie, and Nicole Kidman, wore vintage Chanel to honor Lagerfeld.

Although there are always people who miss the theme, many of the 2023 Met Gala looks were perfectly on theme and celebrated the amazing talent and work of Karl Lagerfeld.

Month.

Miley Cyrus performs her new album, Endless Summer Vacation Photo courtesy of latimes.com.

Doja Cat, Rihanna, Michaela Coel, Anne Hathaway, and Ashley Graham on the Met Gala carpet. Photo courtesy of byrdie.com.

CALIFORNIA (5)

Loyola Marymount University - 2

Chapman University - 1

San Diego State University - 1 University of Southern California - 1

CLASS OF 2023: COLLEGE BOUND

BETTER 2GETH3R

COLORADO (7)

University of Denver - 5 Colorado State University - 2

MINNESOTA (1)

University of St. Thomas (MN) - 1

ILLINOIS (5)

University of Chicago - 2

DePaul University - 1 Dominican University - 1

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 1

INDIANA (2)

Butler University - 1 Purdue University - 1

OHIO (2)

PENNSYLVANIA (4)

Lehigh University - 2

Gettysburg College - 1

Temple University - 1

Kenyon College - 1 Tiffin University - 1

IRELAND (1) University College Dublin - 1

ARIZONA (2) Arizona State University - 2

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

The National Recognition program honorees include: National Recognition Program:

Kingsley Agyeman-Yeboah Jillian Greely Aileen Paredes

Daniel Benz Ava Harrington Emerson Rippstein

Richard Cadena Estefania Lopez-Salas Makai Wong

Raigan Clay Bella Marquez Julia Zichy

Sophia Espinoza Harrison Martin

Commended Students, whose Selection Index score places them among the top 50,000 of over 1.5 million students, are

Agustin Garcia Lily O’Gorman Evelina Tcherniak Janie Thomas Ben Welsh

Representing less than one percent of United States high school seniors, congratulations Finalists:

Ava Gami Grayson Maki Carter Peeler

Class of 2023

$18,017,237 in scholarship offers

TEXAS (84)

University of Texas, Austin - 28

Texas A&M University - 16

Texas Christian University - 9

Austin Community College - 6

Baylor University - 4

Southern Methodist University - 4

University of Houston - 4

Rice University - 3

Blinn College - 2

Dallas College - 1

Texas A&M University, Commerce - 1

Texas State University - 1

Trinity University - 1

University of Texas, Arlington - 1

University of Texas, Dallas - 1

Southwestern University - 1

St. Edward’s University - 1

OKLAHOMA (6)

University of Oklahoma - 6

MISSOURI (2)

University of Missouri - 2

ARKANSAS (2)

University of Arkansas - 1

Ouachita Baptist University - 1

LOUISIANA (6)

Louisiana State University - 4

Tulane University - 2

MISSISSIPPI (14)

University of Mississippi - 14

ALABAMA (7)

Auburn University - 4

University of Alabama - 3

FLORIDA (4)

NEW HAMPSHIRE (2) Dartmouth College - 2

MASSACHUSETTS (8)

Northeastern University - 5

Amherst College - 1

Boston University - 1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 1

CONNECTICUT (1) Wesleyan University - 1

NEW JERSEY (2)

Princeton University - 1 Stevens Institute of Technology -1

MARYLAND (1)

United States Naval Academy - 1

WASHINGTON D.C. (2)

American University - 1

The Catholic University of America - 1

VIRGINIA (3)

Washington and Lee University - 2

William and Mary - 1

KENTUCKY (1)

University of Louisville - 1

NORTH CAROLINA (3) Davidson College - 1

East Carolina University - 1

Wake Forest University - 1

TENNESSEE (5)

Tennessee State University - 2

University of Tennessee-Knoxville - 2 Rhodes College - 1

GEORGIA (1)

Savannah College of Art & Design - 1

Florida Institute of Technology - 2

University of Miami - 2

UNDECIDED (3)

GAP (1)

Opinions

Israel should prevent further right wing authoritarian backsliding

CAMPBELL RICHARDSON

Copy Editor

Israel has one of the most diverse legislatures in the world. Instead of America’s presidential system, they have the Knesset, their parliament. The Labor Party dominated the Knesset for much of Israel’s early history, but following the catastrophic evacuation of the Gaza Strip in 2005, it has declined to the point of a minor party within Israeli politics.

Nowadays, the parliament has taken a turn to the right toward more conservative and religious parties. Currently, the government is led by Benjamin Netenyahu and his party Likud, alongside several farright groups in its coalition. Netenyahu has been prime minister on and off since 1996, and in that time, he has become the main figure in Israeli politics. In office he has overseen the COVID pandemic along with the 2021 War in Gaza. President Donald Trump and Netenyahu’s friendship goes back to the 1980s, and continued as he welcomed President Trump’s move of the US embassy to Jerusalem, Trump’s Abraham accords, the recognition of claims on the Golan Heights, and his plan to annex much of Palestinian territory.

Throughout recent years the Knesset has been unable to establish a stable coalition even with five snap elections. The political chaos came to an end with Netenyahu’s third election, placing his rightwing coalition in more power than ever. Of the various members, Otzma Yehudit is one of the most far right, and is a reorganization of the former Kach party. Kach is still listed by the European Union and United States as a terrorist group and espoused radical proposals as far as deporting all Arabs from Israel. Some of the coalition’s goals are a roll back of liberal reforms for minority rights and easing restrictions on the actions of the Israeli Defense Force, or IDF.

The recent protests are in response to Likud’s move to weaken the Supreme Court. The proposed reform would remove the ability for the court to effectively challenge laws passed by the Knesset and allow the ruling party to select members to the judicial committee. Israel has no formal written constitution or second legislature like America’s House of Representatives, meaning that the Supreme Court has an important role as the only real balance to the Knesset, with no other real check to its power. Supporters of the reform defend

Four-day school week has flaws

it by claiming the court has a bias against West Bank settlers, Mizrahi, and Haredi communities. However, a more likely motivation for Netenyahu is to consolidate power from the one branch of government that remains in opposition to him. Even more pressing for him is the current investigation regarding corruption allegations against him. Three cases accusing him of bribery and fraud were brought against him starting in 2016, and the investigation has moved onto trial.

Given that information, it is clear why the new reform is a simple power grab to prevent Netenyahu from being charged. The first protest saw twenty thousand people on the streets on January 7, and the protests have only gotten bigger, with some turning violent. These are the largest protests in Israeli history. Along with demonstrations, much of the opposition to the reforms has come from the private sector, specifically bankers and entrepreneurs who are worried about Netenyahu’s economic policies.

As was revealed by the recent Pentagon leaks, the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has also been secretly giving its own support to the protests. Despite the pressure, it looks unlikely that he will surrender on this, given how his coalition depends on the support of the far right, and without the reforms it would be difficult to satisfy them.

The United States, as Israel’s closest ally, has a massive influence on the direction they take. While Netenyahu has presented himself as an asset to American foreign policy, his far-right tendencies could make Israel more of a liability. Not only does an illiberal corrupt state emerging in the place of one of the Middle East’s few successful democracies go against America’s goal to promote freedom, it would certainly throw a wrench into any peace process with Palestine. If an increasingly nationalist and Jewish fundamentalist Israel is the future, all it will mean is continued escalation between Israel and Palestine, increased settlement, and more violence in response. This could continue into a cycle where the conflict leads to further Islamic radicalization, destabilizing other nations, further pushing Israel to the right. This was seen before in the spill over of Palestinian fighting to Jordan and Lebanon.

For America to preserve its ally, President Joe Biden must take public opposition to Netenyahu’s reforms and do what he can to prevent further authoritarian backsliding.

The Knight Times

Over 60 school districts across Texas have made the change from a five-day school week to a four-day school week. Now a growing conversation, many parents and faculty are urging their local schools to shorten the week due to staffing challenges and to help cut costs. However, some are still wondering how this cut might affect test scores and future learning.

To some parents and teachers, this cut may look glamourous. District money could be saved to invest in instructional support, student attendance might soar, and more teachers could be recruited with the luring offer of one less day in the classroom. By operating fewer days, they save money on transportation, food services, and additional operations. However, it has been noted by the RAND Corporation that districts save less than 5% by switching to four-day weeks, making some faculty question if the cut is worth it.

Other concerns have risen about the performance of students academically. Though research results are not entirely conclusive, schools in Oklahoma and California have found that the four-day week negatively impacts how well students do in the classroom. A researcher recently studied student test scores in math and reading over the past 15 years. He noticed that test scores have gotten worse due to the reduced instructional time as kids are losing about 3 to 4 hours per week. He found that math scores dropped by 6% and reading by 4%. Additionally, he noticed that fewer kids who have four-day weeks do not graduate on time. It will be up to school districts to decide whether they are willing to see test scores drop in exchange for the improvement of school climate.

Researchers state that the negative impacts of a shorter week could be reduced if the overall learning time stays the same. Structuring the four-day school week in a way that keeps the needed instructional time is crucial.

Nuclear waste threatens to become an issue in the future

Contrary to popular belief, in today’s day and age, nuclear waste does not pose nearly as much of a threat to the environment as the average person believes. Although, if the problem continues to spiral out of control, the buildup of nuclear waste could be devastating for future generations.

Nuclear waste is classified as any byproduct produced by nuclear reactors and is classified according to its reactivity (including low, intermediate, and high levels of radiation). Fortunately, only about 3% of all nuclear waste is classified with high levels of radiation; therefore, the buildup of radioactive waste poses little threat to environmental conditions.

In fact, disposing of radioactive materials is relatively simple, as it is promptly cooled before either being recycled or disposed of and stored in an underground

geologic repository. Although, according to Scientific American, the present risk of “indefinite storage at a centralized site is not a viable solution as it shifts the cost and risk to future generations.” Without an immediate implementation of change, nuclear repositories will fill up, leaving behind a catastrophic problem for future generations. Since the demand for nuclear energy will only continue to grow, it is imperative we find sustainable and safe ways to manage nuclear waste.

One potential solution is the use of advanced nuclear technologies that can reduce the amount of waste generated. Small module reactors (SMRs) have the potential to be safer and more flexible than traditional nuclear reactors and can be designed to produce less waste.

Unlike most other energy generating industries, the nuclear sector takes full responsibility for all waste that is produced, and many of the corporations responsible

for producing large amounts of nuclear waste are also working diligently to solve the problem. Unfortunately, since the late 20th century, the US Department of Energy has suffered from poor leadership and has failed to develop a concrete plan to solve this constantly evolving problem. The department’s continual history of broken promises has instilled little public confidence in their ability to solve the problem of nuclear waste disposal.

Fortunately, hope lies within the cooperation of government and industry. To manage nuclear waste, these two sectors must work together to develop long-term strategies for the safe storage and disposal of nuclear waste, while also investing in research and development of new technologies to reduce the total amount of waste generated. It is also important that the public be involved in these discussions as well as be well-informed about the risks and benefits of certain approaches.

Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77450

713-512-3400

Head of School

Mr. Ned Smith

Associate Heads of School

Mr. Kim Randolph

Mrs. Evelyn Cambria

Principal

Mr. Antonio Avalos

Dean of Arts and Innovation

Dr. Jay Berckley

Visual Arts Chair

Mrs. Kate Philbrick

Publications Coordinator

Mr. David Framel

Editors-in-Chief

Morgan Herod

Jalynn Woolley

Managing Editor

Clara Crenshaw

Production Editor

Julia Sherman

Copy Editor

Campbell Richardson

Opinions Editor

Anya Pant

Sports Editor

Thompson White

Staff Writers

Alex Gonzales

Izzie Song

Photojournalism Instructor

Mr. Japheth Storlie

Photojournalism Editors

Lila Henningsen

Jules Weinstein

Photographers

Sydney Brooks

Mya Broughton

Libby Davis

McKenna Foteh

Emma Freeman

Kennedy Greene

Sophia Shin

Vivian Turbidy

Sloane Wallace

JALYNN WOOLLEY Co-Editor-in-Chief

MORGAN HEROD Co-Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy of kwtx.com.

Baseball dominant in SPC title run

CLARA CRENSHAW Managing Editor

The EHS baseball team finished its season strong as the 2023 SPC Champions. Going into the SPC tournament, the Knights were the 1st seed following extrainning regular season games with Kinkaid and Houston Christian.

The semifinal game against St. John’s was intense. Senior Adam Katz pitched the entire game with 66 pitches and gave up only two hits. It was 0-0 going into the last inning with two strikes, two outs, and one man on base, and Junior Cullen Witt in the batter’s box. Cullen Witt hit a mis-

sile to the St. John’s shortstop who then made an error which tied the game. Senior Baron Dichoso then got a walk off single to win the game 2-1.

During the championship game against Houston Christian, the Knights faced the Mustangs ace pitcher who is committed to the University of Texas and had only given up a few runs the whole season. The Knights came out aggressive and had a season high 14 hits and 13 runs. Sophomore Preston Sullivan pitched a one-hit complete game shutout.

Coach Matt Fox said, “I’m incredibly proud of this team and how they turned it around. They learned to fight from behind and have incredible heart and courage.”

Softball attains sixth straight SPC

ALEX GONZALES Staff Writer

The softball team not only continued its strength as a program with its sixth consecutive SPC title but also made leaps and bounds throughout the season.

In their last game of the year, the girls beat Houston Christian 11-1 to win the SPC championship. Prior to destroying the Mustangs, the girls beat Kinkaid 14-4 in an equally dominating semifinal. The championship marked the team’s twenty-first championship as well.

The program managed all this with one senior and one junior, Emma Poirot and Allie Williams, respectively. This was

the youngest softball team to win an SPC Championship. Although young, the athletes were integral to the team’s success through their outstanding play.

A key ingredient in the team’s success was the challenging schedule designed by former EHS Head Coach Kim Randolph. Assistant Coach Kary Kemble stated that this schedule “continues to pay dividends with our consistent success; this year was no different.”

Another vital point Coach Kemble makes is that the season turned around when they defeated Cuero to win the Schulenberg Tournament. After this win, they won 16 of their last 19 games to become the South Zone Champions and, subsequently, the SPC Champions.

Baseball’s continual domination in SPC gives the team the second most SPC titles in Episcopal history. Photo courtesy of EHS Instagram.

Track and field runs for gold at SPC

The EHS track and field teams have completed their season strong and are in a position for even more success next year.

Most recently, at the SPC Championships, the boys team managed 213 team points. For reference, second-place Kinkaid scored 109 points less than EHS. Multiple athletes had extraordinary performances, leading to the program’s seventh SPC title.

The girls finished with a similarly commendable achievement of SPC Runner-Up. The team contended throughout the event but fell short of champion Hockaday.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the teams swept titles at the 2023 Nick Finnegan Spring Invitational, further totemic of the

Leadership puts tennis on track

JULIA SHERMAN Production Editor

This season’s EHS tennis finished with a group of outstanding seniors, while five freshmen stepped up to play for both girl and boys varsity tennis. Freshman Kiera Bigman, Emily McLennan, Jack Draper, Henri Shatto, and Dylan Shen have been great additions to the tennis teams.

Coach Succi said, “Tennis teams across SPC schools are very competitive. The EHS boys tennis team came in eighth and the girls seventh. Our seniors are Nico Trullenque, Joe Davis, Tom Davis, Catherine Russell, Kiera Adzgery, who went to SPC. Madison Newman snd Isabel O’Gorman completes the group of seniors we have on our team.”

Despite windy conditions, Catherine and Kiera won a long match vs Awty on April 29 to give us a 3-2 win for seventh place. “After over 20 years with EHS, Head Coach Keith Christman is stepping down. We are grateful for his leadership and support over these years. He led both varsity and JV teams with, at times, over 60 players.”

Scores fall during SPC golf seasons

THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor

When it comes to golf, it is all about consistency and precision, and that’s exactly what the Knights showcased at this year’s SPC tournament. The boys team earned third place at the tournament with Bradley O’Donnell leading the way, and the girls golf team received fourth place in the SPC event.

O’Donnell, a junior, earned the honor of All-SPC. His first round was an impressive 78, followed by an 80. Placing second for the Knight’s team was Wilhelm Olsson with a 79 and 82. Other players who greatly contributed to the Knight’s success are Jack Oren, 78 and 84; Henry Crain, 80 and 81; and Jack Hartman, 81 and 85.

The girls golf team scored a total of 774 over the eight rounds played by Emma Freeman, who shot a 91 and 92; Amelia Novotny, 93 and 97; Ava Airhart, 100 and 97; Paige Champion and Ella Utterson combined rounds to shoot a, 104 and 106. Ella Rothwell had the team’s best score of 84 and 90 finishing twelfth individually in the 4A division.

team’s high-performance capacity. At the invitational, Evan Ringwald set a new EHS record in the 800m run with a time of 1:55.78, while Lane Linebarger, Karson Gordon, DJ Taylor, and Garon Sampson broke their own 4x100m relay EHS record with a time of 41.85.

The Women’s MVP Mary Taylor dominated in the High Jump and Triple Jump earning first place and third place in the 100-meter hurdles; she accomplished all of these spectacular feats only as a freshman. Devonte Taylor, the men’s MVP, also earned first place in the 300m Hurdles, 4x100 Relay, and 4x400 Relay.

The teams’ success is a product of their hard work and preparation, specifically aided by coaches and trainers. These teams have demonstrated unfettered hard work, determination, and promise.

State keeps boys LAX season alive

THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor

The Episcopal Knights recently dominated the St. John’s School in the Southwest Preparatory Conference, securing third place. But their journey is far from over, as they enter the Texas High School Lacrosse League Class A state tournament as the second seed.

During the SPC Tournament, the Knights faced the Episcopal School of Dallas. The Knights disappointedly lost to ESD 24-5; however, the Knights remained determined to come back stronger and showed their resilience in the next game against St. John’s. Freshmen, Tyler Shan-

ley, played a key role in the game, winning almost every face-off and scoring two crucial goals. Ultimately, the Knights defeated St. John’s School 13-9 to finish third in SPC.

Building on this momentum, the Knights faced St. John’s School once again in a City Playoff battle. The outcome was no different. The Knights won 10-8 with senior Jack Schaefer taking the initiative and scoring six goals. After this win, the Knights were matched up with The Woodlands, ranked 25 nationally, and lost 24-7.

As they head into the Class A State Tournament, the Knights have a real opportunity of making this season historic.

LAX team earns fourth place

JALYNN WOOLLEY Co-Editor-in-Chief

The girls lacrosse team had an eventful season this year, finishing with a strong fourth-place finish in the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) in addition to qualifying for the state championships.

The team faced some harsh opponents during the SPC tournament such as the Episcopal School of Dallas, but the girls were able to secure fourth after beating St. Stephen’s Episcopal 12-10 on Saturday, April 29. This was a record-breaking placement for the girls lacrosse team, and they hope to continue to break more records in the coming 2024 spring season.

In addition, after defeating Katy High School on April 26, the EHS girls lacrosse team qualified for state, and their competitive journey continued even after the close of the SPC tournament. The girls faced off against Stratford High School on May 4 for a tough state game.

Looking back on their season, the girls have a lot to be proud of. They faced tough opponents, overcame challenges, and grew as players and individuals. They learned the value of hard work, teamwork, determination, and dedication. They also welcomed a new head coach, Stephanie Colson, who led the team through one of the most successful seasons the girls lacrosse program has seen in years.

ALEX GONZALES Staff Writer

The recent 2023 Baseball SPC Tournament marks the 16th SPC title for the Knights baseball team.

For the past six years, Knights softball has showcased their phenomenal skill by dominating SPC competition. Photo courtesy of EHS Instagram.

Boys track and field collected their seventh SPC win. Photo courtesy of EHS Instagram.

Knight Times 2022-2023 Staff Breakdown

Staff Member

Mr. Framel

Lily O’Gorman

Isabel O’Gorman

Jalynn Woolley

Morgan Herod

Raigan Clay

Best Quote Class Attendance

Most Notable Contribution

Prints Charming

Jake Berlin

Estefania Lopez-Salas

Campbell Richardson

Thompson White

Clara Crenshaw

Izzie Song

“Sus...” Cleaning up the design mess

Always there... always

“Remember not to say anything about the roaches.” A given

“We have to at least pretend to work, starting now.”

“@trishframel is my favorite Framel.”

“What would Connor think?”

“Can I finish an episode first?”

Probably getting a spray tan Failed attempt at creating a Newspaper jail

Her hard work and dedication to the 2023 Senior Instagram

PhotoJ Photo of the Month

As long as Morgan is there

As long as Jalynn is there

Falling off a desk

Always having the cutest jeans

Her entertaining columns Present with her AirPods in

He’s there. Promise.

“*crickets*”

“I have the tea.”

“The 30 Second Dance Party shall be our anthem.”

“You just got memed.”

“Guess what guys? I just totaled my car!”

“I’ll do the cartoon! But I can’t draw...”

Alex Rodriguez “I volunteer not to write any articles.”

Anya Pant

Consistently present

Steady... when not trying to gain access to the fourth floor

As long as the Chili Fest isn’t in town

Designing the sports pages

Sarcastic comic relief in the GroupMe

Summoning the Convent ghost

Her obsession with Taylor Swift and the Illuminati

Model Student

Language Corner guru Off getting resurrected Community Connections Coordinator

Quietly observing Riveting debates with Campbell and Izzie

Cartoon by Izzie Song

Members of the SPC Champion EHS softball team watch their teammates perform.

Photo by McKenna Foteh.