On August 28, freshmen, transfer students, and new faculty and staff members of Episcopal High School signed the Honor Book during Chapel.
Principal Antonio Avalos said, “[The honor code is important because] it is a display by all new to EHS that they will uphold our code and agree to be the best representative of EHS.”
The signing of the Honor Book is important because it sets the expectations and principles for the school regarding honestly and integrity. By signing the book, community members pledge to always represent Episcopal on and off campus by consistently upholding the values of the code and agree that if broken, there will be consequences to face.
Grade level dean Mr. Mark Mitchell succinctly described the honor code, saying, “That’s the basis of our community and of all relationships. If you can’t trust someone, then you can’t really have a relationship.”
Students are required to memorize and recite the Honor Code Pledge: “As a member of the Episcopal High School Community, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, or steal, and that I will uphold the values of honesty and integrity” during their freshmen Old Testament class. The pledge reminds individuals what EHS stands for. It promotes righteousness not only in the classroom but also on the sports fields and throughout everyday interactions.
It is common to sign the book before class assessments begin. Students are asked to consider that they are making a promise to be truthful in their work.
Dr. Avalos described signing the Honor Book as “a feeling of honor and respect to be a part of such a great community at EHS” and “a very serious commitment.”
Opening Knight welcomes Class of 2028
Freshmen and new students are introduced to EHS life
“With the Class of 2028 about to make its debut, EHS opened its doors on August 14 for its annual Opening Knight. Like New Student Orientation, Opening Knight is a long-standing tradition that aims to present freshmen with a small taste of the high school experience. In combination, the two events hope to smoothly transition participants into their new learning environment. Opening Knight was a two-hour experience full of free information and resources.”
Learn more about Opening Knight on Page 2
Knight School preps new EHS students
SIMONA KARNANI
Copy Editor
Every year, freshman and transfer students are asked to school two days before the school year starts to learn and familiarize themselves with the ways of being a Knight. This “Knight School” orientation took place Monday, August 19, and Tuesday, August 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Throughout this time, students spent the day with their advisories to further bond with their classmates. Orientation was led by student leaders who were a part of FAM (Freshmen Advisory Mentors). These students are sophomores and juniors who applied for and took on the responsibility of mentoring a group of incoming freshmen. The day began with the freshman class’s first meeting as a grade in the Underwood Theatre. After that, FAM members guided their advisees throughout various activities to get to know the school better. These sessions are designed to help the new Knights familiarize themselves with all the aspects of daily life of an Episcopal student. Some of the sessions they rotated through included Chapel, DCI (Diversity, Change, Inclusion), and technology. Students rotated through tech sessions which taught them how to navigate their laptops picked up on Opening Knight. They learned how to use Canvas, how to start their laptops, and where to go if they have technical issues during school. Another session taught the students all about the administrative poli-
cies put in place at EHS such as the Honor and Discipline Councils.
Giving new Knights the opportunity to come on campus before the veteran students start school allows them to get comfortable with their schedule and the layout of campus without the crowds. Further-
more, since students dress in uniform for Knight School, they can preview some of the upcoming school year requirements. By spending the day with their advisories, they get to connect with each other and start building relationships with fellow students and teachers.
DARIA MASSEY Staff Writer
IZZIE SONG Production Editor
Casey Rendon, Dayla Henderson, Reid Sasser, Ava Grove, and Kendal Thompson helped out with Opening Knight. Photo by Mr. Charles Holt.
The Class of 2028 gathers in Alkek Gym during their freshman orientation. Photo by Mr. Charles Holt.
Episcopal adjusts to ongoing campus construction
PORTER
MILLER
Social Media Coordinator
EHS is excited to announce significant developments on campus with the eagerly anticipated Visual and Performing Arts Center scheduled to open in January 2026. This facility will be a cornerstone for creating an environment for excellence in the arts. However, the ongoing construction has presented challenges, particularly in terms of on-campus parking availability for both students and faculty.
To address these challenges, EHS is adjusting the parking procedures, effective immediately. Additional on-campus parking spaces are being made available to juniors and seniors on an as-needed basis. This is a crucial step in managing the limited parking resources during the
construction phase.
To alleviate further traffic jams, the school has secured off-campus parking specifically for sophomore drivers. These students will park in a satellite lot, with the school providing secure shuttle transportation to and from the main campus. This service will run weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ensuring that students can easily access the campus. Sophomores who remain on campus after 6:00 p.m. will move their cars to the on-campus lots after classes end.
All students who wish to park on campus or in the satellite lot must obtain a parking permit, which requires a valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance. Parking permits are openaccess, meaning students can park in any designated student spot on a first-come,
Knights stand out over summer break
LULU GIBELLINI Features Editor
This summer, many Episcopal seniors got involved in extracurricular activities, from camp to creating a portfolio in Barcelona. As the seniors prepare to apply to college, this summer aided students in finding a passion to pursue later in their lives.
Max and Matthew Mithoff decided to work at their grandfather’s personal injury law firm, Mithoff Law. There, the boys worked as interns to help file clients’ records, shred confidential information, and assist the lawyers.
According to Matthew, “It was a great experience because we were able to work on the behind-the-scenes aspect of a law firm.”
Near the end of their internship, Max states his favorite moment was attending a mediation session with his brother. He described it being a “unique experience because we were able to experience a critical moment in a lawsuit. Both enjoyed their time working at the firm and felt that it “affirmed their aspirations” of becoming lawyers.
Toward the end of June, Cati Stabell took a three-week portfolio development class in Barcelona. The program was through the Parsons School of Design in New York. In Barcelona, Cati worked to create and work on her portfolio, which she will submit for college. Her media of choice is drawing with ink and colored pencil.
Cati said, “I was able to work with
like-minded students and together we enhanced our skills.”
She is forever grateful for that experience and the friends she made along the way.
During the whole month of July, Philip Khalil worked at a summer camp called La Junta in Hunt, Texas. Philip worked as a camp counselor after having attended the camp for eleven years previously. His cabin housed boys ranging from nine to ten years old. This opportunity helped Philip develop leadership skills and how to work with children.
He said, “My favorite moment was teaching the boys horseback riding.”
Last, Avery Afseth attended a twoweek program at the Paris College of Arts. In the beautiful city of Paris, Avery immersed herself in a fashion illustration course where she learned important aspects that affect fashion, such as the anatomy of the human body and how proportions work. One of Avery’s favorite moments was attending Rick Owens Fashion Show.
Avery said, “I came to Paris to learn about fashion during the best week - Paris Fashion Week.”
Avery has always been passionate about the arts and took this class to explore a new type. She specifically enjoys graphic art, fashion, and interior design. Avery’s biggest takeaways from this experience are the importance of collaboration in the fashion industry and being able to learn from other students her age. Like Cati, Avery made many friends and is beyond grateful.
first-served basis. These spots are marked with white rectangles and blue numbers, while spots with black rectangles and yellow numbers are reserved for faculty, staff, and guests.
As construction progresses, EHS remains committed to providing clear
communication and support to ensure a smooth transition for students and families. The school’s proactive approach to managing parking constraints reflects its dedication to maintaining a positive campus experience, even amid significant construction projects.
Opening Knight welcomes freshmen
IZZIE SONG Production Editor
With the Class of 2028 about to make its debut, EHS opened its doors on August 14 for its annual Opening Knight. Like New Student Orientation, Opening Knight is a long-standing tradition that aims to present freshmen with a small taste of the high school experience. In combination, the two events hope to smoothly transition participants into their new learning environment.
Opening Knight was a two-hour experience full of free information and resources. The evening began with technology. Students were given their laptops alongside set-up instructions. Class t-shirts were also handed out, boldly displaying the school logo and the class’s graduation year. Afterwards, attendees were directed to the USC where several stands awaited them. These stands were carefully curated by various faculty members and staff to provide information on all the opportunities EHS has to offer. The convenient setups allowed incoming freshman to learn about the available classes and organizations that await them.
Several teachers were present to answer any questions. They provided verbal and printed information on the school with helpful sheets like syllabuses. The faculty also provided students with several ways to further participate in their new community. The Students of Service booth offered sign-up sheets for various volunteering activities, a core experience at EHS. However, students not interested in service have many other areas of the school to explore.
All Four Pillars of EHS are proudly displayed at Opening Knight. There is one table dedicated to wellness and another to academics. EHS freshmen have access to over twenty introductory art classes, so Opening Knight also contained no shortage of information on the Performing and Visual Arts communities on campus. Additionally, the Young Faith table revolved around the many ways religion is incorporated into EHS’ curriculum.
Entering high school is a daunting experience, but this was one of the many ways EHS hopes to ease its incoming student body while educating. An informative event that highlights community, Opening Knight continues to be an integral part of the freshman experience.
Exciting year ahead for EHS arts
ANYA PANT Managing Editor
The Performing and Visual Arts Departments at Episcopal have many upcoming events for the 2024-2025 school year. Episcopal offers 50 arts classes, most of which have performances and exhibitions that are available for EHS community consumption.
In the Performing Arts, the Theater Program is starting the season with the fall play, Radium Girls. This play tells the story of female factory workers who were poisoned and died due to the factory’s use of radium paint. An all-school performance is scheduled for Thursday, September 19 in Underwood Theatre. Shows follow on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
As for the winter play and spring musical, EHS Onstage will showcase Much Ado About Nothing, a Shakespearean comedy, for the winter and Matilda the Musical in the spring. Student-directed One Acts will be featured in April.
Dance held its pre-season concert Emerging on August 24. Preparation for
the concert spanned as early as July and was assisted by guest choreographers. Dance also has many events coming up with a fall concert Illuminations December 6-7 and a student choreographed performance in the spring called Elemental April 4-5.
Hauntcert will kickoff the Music Program schedule October 30 and a fall recital November 20. The first semester performances will include Advent Chapel during the holiday season. The spring includes two dates of interest – an Apr. 30 Spring Concert & Masterworks Concert: Mostly Mozart and the Spring Recital May 7.
The Visual Arts Department puts together two exhibitions across the campus, one each semester. The Fall Visual Arts Exhibition December 4 and the Spring Visual Arts Exhibition on April 23. Publications can be found throughout the year, as The Knight Times is made available the last school day of every month August through May, KEHS broadcasts are featured bi-monthly online and on the Forrest Place Café monitor, and The Hexagon will be handed out May 15.
EHS contuniues construction on its new arts building. Construction is estimated to finish in early 2026, freeing up parking spots for students. Photo by Anya Pant.
Philip Khalil joins friends outside his cabin at La Junta. Photo courtesy of Philip Khalil.
Episcopal welcomes new members to faculty and staff
MRS. REGAN MCCARTNEY
English Department
Ms. McCartney joins us from Lamar High School where she taught English and coached cross country and track. She will continue to teach English and coach at EHS. This summer, she has already bonded with the cross country team when she traveled to Colorado for high-altitude training. When she first came to EHS, she was impressed with how joyful and welcoming the EHS community is.
MRS. TORI GILLILAND
Religion Department
After completing her post-grad diploma in Anglican Studies at a Virginia Seminary, the Rev. Tori Gilliland joins EHS as a chaplain and religion teacher. Whether she is walking, running, hiking, camping, or playing pickleball, she loves the outdoors – even if it is the middle of Houston’s July. On her first day on campus, she appreciated EHS’s inviting and joyful aura.
MR. JOSHUA SMITH
Religion Department
After completing his doctoral work at Rice University, Mr. Smith is joining the Religion Department at EHS. At Rice, Mr. Smith worked on a Ph.D. in philosophy with his dissertation on what the emotion of wonderment is and why it is important for a well-lived life. Mr. Smith appreciates intellectual humility in his classroom. only a few years ago, he taught at EHS and is excited to be back!
MRS. MOLLY NEVINS
Mental Health Counseling
Making a small change from the mountains of Denver to the gorgeous highways of Houston, Mrs. Nevins joins our compassionate mental health team. This summer, she did everything that she loves: spending time by the pool with her dog and husband, cooking, going to concerts, traveling with friends and family, and, ultimately, spending time outside in the sun.
CRAIG SMART
Mathematics Department
The smartest man on campus, Mr. Smart joins us after teaching engineering and working in oil and gas as a mechanical engineer. He will be joining the math and computer science departments. His favorite Houston restaurant is Taste of Texas. On his first day on campus, he appreciated the quality of EHS’s facilities and the welcoming environment of our community.
MRS. KAT BOLMAN
World Languages Department
Joining us from her time as an administrator and adjunct professor for the Honors College and School of Humanities at Houston Christian University, Mrs. Bolman will head the Latin program. She enjoys researching historical clothing, mythology, and other literary/historical subjects. She also loves to handicraft as she often listens to podcasts and crochets, sews, or knits.
the head tennis coach. Mr. Hay graduated with a BS in microbiology from LSU with a full academic scholarship, and then attained his Master of Science. After graduate school, he worked as a field investigator for biologically contaminated sites, and then achieved an Elite Tennis Professional certification, as he was a highly ranked teen player.
MRS. CHRISTI TULLOS
Mental Health Counseling
Joining us from Memorial High School, Mrs. Tullos will be a perfect addition to our mental health counseling team. This summer she went to a Young Life camp in North Carolina; she described it as both relaxing and fun - her favorite combination. She also enjoys going to concerts, reading, spending time with her family –especially her eight nephews and niece - and being involved at her church.
MR. DAN GANNON
History Department
Since 2016, Mr. Gannon has had ties to EHS; he has been involved with multiple Bible studies with groups of EHS and other high school students through his connection to Young Life and his previous position at St. John the Divine. His hobbies include surfing, traveling with family, and playing disc golf. Recently, he watched Deadpool 3 and loves the ingenuity of Ryan Reynolds.
MRS. KELLY QUARLES
Visual Arts Department
After a short move from Bellaire High School, Mrs. Quarles will be working with beginning and advanced photographers. Beyond photography, if she were to teach a class not offered at EHS, she would create a gardening class using an on-campus garden to teach students about growing vegetables. She also enjoys cooking spicy dishes using her garden’s produce.
MRS. BETHANY HOOD History Department
Coming from Bridgeland High School, Mrs. Hood joins us as History Department Chair. She was the AP U.S History team lead at Bridgeland and has taught in education for 14 years. Her favorite historical era is Fin de Siecle France, with a special emphasis on the Dreyfus Affair. That is all French to us, so ask her about it! She looks forward to meeting EHS students and developing their individual talents.
MR. JEREMY EDDINGTON Wellness Department
Having previously coached football and track at the John Cooper School, Mr. Eddington is the newest addition to the EHS Wellness Department. When he first arrived on campus, he was impressed with how surprisingly beautiful our campus is and the school’s rich tradition of athletic success. If he could teach a class not offered at EHS, he says he would teach something related to sport analytics.
MRS. JENN FULLER
World Languages Department
After teaching in Cy Fair ISD for 11 years, Mrs. Fuller joins the EHS community as a French teacher. Inspired by her grandfather who spoke French, Mrs. Fuller started studying the language and fell in with not only the French language but also the culture. Her hobbies include exploring national parks, reading, spending time with friends, and visiting family in Michigan.
Starting as an EHS volleyball coach, Ruben Rocha will further dive into the EHS community and not only coach but also teach World History 1. Mr. Rocha was
MR. ROY HERPIN
Mathematics Department
Joining us from Clear Falls High School, Mr. Herpin has joined EHS to teach Algebra 2 and geometry, coach boys and girls wrestling, and perhaps, continue his professional disc golf skills with an EHS, never-seen-before, disc golf club. Mr. Herpin competes in disc golf competitively, leisurely rock climbs with his daughters, and dabbles in competitive gaming.
MRS. JAS RHODES
Wellness Department
After becoming the first female strength coach to win an XFL championship, Mrs. Rhodes joins the EHS Wellness Department. She worked as a sports performance coach with many elite programs such as Arlington Renegades, Houston Roughnecks (both minor league football teams), LSU, Auburn, and more! In these programs, she worked with a wide range of sports, even bowling teams.
College Counseling
Starting out as a college counselor for St. Johns, Ms. Kim enters EHS as a well versed and inciteful addition to this community. The several roles she held in her past school include Director of College Counseling, Associate Director of College Counseling, and faculty sponsor for the East Asian Affinity Group. Tying into the latter of her many titles, one of Ms. Kim’s many academic interests is Asian American studies.
once a senior scout of a long-range surveillance unit in the army; this meant he had to analyze topographical maps and know how to navigate through this unfamiliar land before traveling through it. He says that if he were to teach a class that wasn’t offered at EHS, then he would teach students how to navigate the old-fashioned way using a map and a compass.
MR. RUBEN ROCHA History Department
RYAN HAY
Wellness & Science Department
The third youngest eagle scout ever, beating Carl Sagan, and proud Cajun, Ryan Hay, will be joining as a biology, health, and wellness teacher while acting as
MS. JAMIE KIM
MRS. ERIN NEVE Visual Arts Department
Photos by PhotoJ and courtesy of New Faculty and Staff.
June trip offers students an immersive and cultural adventure through Spain
CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Co-Editor-in-Chief
Over the summer, EHS students had the opportunity to explore Spanish culture firsthand. Ten students got the chance to immerse themselves in the southern city of Cadiz in Spain, while traveling, learning, and eating with locals. Each day was an adventure for the group beyond just sightseeing, as they were able to participate in cultural activities.
Mrs. Alcalá, Mr. Bruton, and Mrs. Toriello acted as chaperones and advisors, leading the students through the trip alongside the Centro MundoLengua coordinator. After landing in Sevilla and a bus transfer, they arrived at their hotel for a tour and dinner. Starting the next day with a hotel breakfast and scavenger hunt around the Plaza de España, they went on to visit spectacular sites, from the largest Gothic cathedral in the world to the tomb of Christopher Columbus, all before leaving for Cadiz.
Day Four would begin the regular schedule that would be followed for the duration of the trip. Students and advisors stayed with local Spanish families, with whom they would also eat their meals, with the intention of fuller engrossment in the culture and people. Most days’ activities would begin with three hours of Spanish classes, and while travelling across Spain they would be able to readily use their skills by practicing them with native speakers, a great suppliment to the
language learning experience. After classes and lunch, they headed out on adventures around town, varying from bike rides to boat trips. Some of the more memorable places visited include the Royal Chapel, the Cathedral de Santa Cruz, and Alhambra, each one reflecting Spain’s rich history. On other days the students got to participate in a range of cultural lessons. On Day Twelve, a private instructor taught them sevillanas flamenco dancing, and the next day they ate at a Spanish cooking workshop where they made their own authentic paella for dinner. Between this packed itinerary was time for students to enjoy the town on their free time, visiting the old town or strolling down the beach. All these and more were opportunities to take part in and enjoy all that Cadiz had to offer.
Mr. Bruton said that “as a chaperone/ advisor, I was thrilled to be able to offer students an experience in another country where they could live with families, experience homemade Spanish cooking, develop a bit of a relationship with their Spanish families, take Spanish classes in Spain, and be surrounded by the language and customs. I hope it gave each and every student additional confidence and interest in the language and culture. We are very proud of each of the students because they absorbed a lot of information, participated in all the activities, and contributed to making the experience worthwhile.”
EHS is hoping to offer this experience again in the summer of 2025, taking a new group for another immersive experience. More information is to come later in the fall for those interested.
Summer 2024 fashion marked by iconic trends
LULU GIBELLINI
Feautures Editor
In a world where fashion is always changing, popular clothes and styles can vary from season to season. Here’s a short wrap-up of what could be seen this summer season:
After singer Charli XCX dropped her latest album brat, it became a major fashion theme. From the album cover’s lime green color to Charli’s iconic maximalist party-girl style featuring fishnets, belts, and leather jackets, summer took on a brat theme. Major celebrities like Kamala Harris, Glen Powell, Rob Lowe, and Barack Obama have embraced the album’s music, lowercase font, and hue of green.
In the past, aesthetics like coastal grandmother or quiet luxury became popular among people trying to romanticize simplicity. This summer, that look took
on a new name: underconsumption. The internet’s definition of underconsumption is buying only what you need and living below your financial means in an effort to prevent clutter and live a more sustainable life. This meant that people stopped purchasing fast-fashion clothing and only spent their money on a few high-quality items that can be worn over and over again. However, there were still plenty of fashion trends people could responsibly take part in.
As far as shoes, Adidas seems to be receiving more praise than usual. Instead of the brand’s usual athletic tennis shoes, people have been purchasing their streetwear shoes instead, the Adidas Sambas in particular. At first, the classic black and white look was the most popular among consumers, but colors like navy blue, pink, and even cheetah print are just as trendy. As an alternative to the
sold-out Sambas, the Adidas Gazelle or the Adidas Spezial shoes are great options for a similar style.
As for makeup, a particular singer’s look has caught everyone’s attention. Sabrina Carpenter is most known for her blonde bangs and eye-catching makeup, featuring prominent blush, highlighter, and a black waterline, along with a glossy lip, usually the Prada Color Changing Lip Balm in the shade Astral Pink. When her hair’s not in its usual blown-out style, she can be seen sporting a slicked-back ponytail, popularized by Sophia Richie. This updo fits perfectly with the simplistic look people have been trying to achieve this season. Overall, this summer has seen many memorable trends that will continue into the fall, marking 2024 as one of the century’s most remarkable years for fashion.
with Thompson White
Every Monday at around 7:52 a.m., my music jam quickly breaks out into a traffic jam when I turn onto Fournace. I am met with a long line of red taillights. While staring at the line of stopped cars, I risk my tardiness into the hands of the crossing guard who always seems to favor the highway drivers. I stress about receiving another tardy, possibly my third, and think back to my all-time favorite school event – lunch detention, where you literally watch paint dry for 20 minutes. But do you know what can alleviate this stress?
THE (forgotten) MARQUIS!! The marquis has been overlooked for all my EHS career; usually it is overlooked by students trying to see which line the crossing guard – biasedly – chooses (most likely the highway drivers). Most EHS students are probably thinking: we have a marquis? Yes, we do, and we need to use it. With many other creative EHS students, I envision that our marquis will compete with the El Arroyo’s. (If you don’t know what that is, then you probably don’t follow a dad on Instagram - they adore its dad jokes.) Here are a few of my favorites: “Pickles are fantastic until you’re in one,” “The word studying was derived from students dying,” and “Did they try putting 2020 in rice?”
El Arroyo’s signs always make me crack a smile, something I desperately need when I pull into EHS at the bell, hoping my teacher woke up feeling extra graceful. Ultimately, we need to bring back the marquis for the sake of all Fournace standstills. I would greatly appreciate a funny quip to pep me up to start my Monday morning.
Slice of π
MARIE KNOLLE Guest Writer
Hi, everyone! My name is Marie Knolle, and I am your Math Club President for the 2024-2025 school year. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and is ready for the new year.
This year is going to be filled with many events that you know and love, like Fibonacci Day and Pi Day, as well as exciting competitions like Math Madness. I encourage everyone to try and participate in as many events and competitions as possible.
For rising juniors and seniors, Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society) applications are just around the corner, so make sure to keep up with any updates! It is an honor to represent this amazing club, and I can’t wait to see how we all grow into mathematicians over the next year.
Feel free to contact me at any time for more information about the Math Club, questions about competitions, etc. Most importantly, make sure to follow the Math Club on social media on X (Twitter) and Instagram @ehsmathclub to see Math Meme Monday and other fun traditions.
Tex-Mex restaurant El Arroyo has gained a reputation for its daily, witty marquee messages. Photos courtesy of El Arroyo.
Mrs. Alcalá, Mr. Bruton, and Mrs. Toriello act as chaperones and advisors, leading students through the Spain trip. Photo courtesy of Centro MundoLengua.
Charli’s iconic maximalist party-girl style featuring fishnets, belts, and leather jackets takes on a brat theme. Photo courtesy of hawtcelebs.com.
Sabrina Carpenter is known for her blonde bangs and makeup featuring prominent blush and a black waterline. Photo courtesy of celebsia.com.
Caroline’s Chords
with Caroline Johnson
Neon Pill is missing that it-factor.
Streaming platforms do battle
CHARLOTTE MEHNERT Staff Writer
Although they began as an unknown punk rock band from Kentucky, Cage the Elephant has grown into one of the most successful alternative bands of this generation. Following the smashing success of their previous album, Social Cues, their May 2024 release Neon Pill has received unexpected backlash from fans despite their excitement for the band’s Neon Pill Tour.
The criticism has been for their “mixand-match” approach to this release, but the wide variety of songs within the album made it more exciting; it was like nothing that have ever released before. I agree that Matt Schultz, the band’s lead singer, lacked his usual passionate vocals, but there was no shortness of emotion across the album. It’s been generally agreed upon that “Float into the Sky” is the strongest song on the album due to its relatable lyrics and unexpectedly moving beat, but apprehensive listeners shouldn’t discount underrated hits like “Good Time,” “HiFi (True Light),” and “Rainbow.” Of course, the album’s namesake song “Neon Pill” was a fun listen, but nothing to write home about. Compared to their 2013 album Melophobia, which featured the unforgettable “Come a Little Closer” and the widely popular “Cigarette Daydreams,”
Fortunately for Texas residents, Cage the Elephant ended its travel hiatus with three stops in the state during the Neon Pill Tour, one of which at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The concert was an incredible experience for the entire audience, beginning with numerous great opening acts. The most memorable of the three was Young the Giant, which made the trip to the Woodlands worth it. While the group sang its famous hit “Mind Over Matter,” I found the performance of “Tightrope” to be the most entertaining. When it was time for Cage the Elephant to perform, the band surely delivered. The set list featured every one of the hits from across all albums, and the fire, smoke, and lasers that accompanied the band excited the crowd. Schultz certainly brought his all when it came to the vocals, and both the band’s and the audience’s energy was through the roof. It was a breathtaking moment when the group played “Telescope” from Melophobia, which left the stadium in tears. Even if the album was sub-par, the phenomenal Neon Pill concert made up for it.
The tour is set to end in January of 2025, with future stops throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Although Neon Pill may not be Cage the Elephant’s greatest album yet, it’s certainly worth at least one listen.
Countries compete for gold
CHARLOTTE MEHNERT Staff Writer
The 2024 Summer Olympics showcased a remarkable amount of talent, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship and unity. Additions to the 32 sports included break dancing and kayak crossing. The games ran from July 26 to August 11, capturing the attention of viewers from around the world. Paris and Tahiti welcomed the competing athletes with open arms and accommodating amenities.
From land to water, the boundar-
more sustainable and eco-friendlier event by utilizing pre-existing venues and prioritizing green energy sources. They tried to fulfill a 100% carbon-neutral event, enforcing new waste reduction strategies. Although the Games provided eco-friendly mattresses for athletes as well, there were concerns that they were “too firm” for athletes to compete at their best and sparked new conversations.
Throughout the events, many were concerned about the Seine River and its cleanliness. Originally, swimmers were going to compete by swimming in the
ies of human athletic performance were pushed to the max. For the U.S., winning a competition best 126 overall medals made the experience well worth the hard work and dedication. Notable American performances included those of gymnast Simone Biles, who won four medals and a gold in women’s all-around; Noah Lyles, who was declared the fastest man in the world when he won the men’s 100m dash with a time of 9.784 seconds; and Katie Ledecky, who became the most decorated female Olympic swimmer of all time. In total, there were 19 new world records set. China and the U.S. shared the title of most gold medals won with 40 medals each. Paris made a commitment to have a
Seine, but scientists found it dangerous. The swimming event didn’t take place in the Seine, but in La Défense Arena. In the end, five swimming events took place in the river, although E. Coli was found in high measures.
The 2024 Summer Olympics displayed amazing talent, diversity, and unity worldwide. The Games gave viewers wholesome emotions and nail-biting close moments. The Olympic Games showed what it looks like when a human being is pushed to the next level. These athletes didn’t only inspire their teammates, they inspired viewers to become the best version of themselves and to push themselves even further than they ever imagined.
The competition among streaming platforms has become even more competitive with the addition and deletion of shows and movies. The top three most popular entertainment services with the most subscribers are Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Each service offers different and unique content, making viewers subscribe to their platforms without much thought. Netflix has a variety of original series and classic films like Stranger Things, The Crown, and The Witcher. Depending on which plan is in place, pricing of a subscription to Netflix can vary from $6.99 to $22.99 a month. It has an ad supported option and an ad free option (more expensive). Considering Netflix has many acclaimed films, the streaming platform continues to impress viewers with new exciting shows. Netflix receives a lot of praise from its viewers for its algorithm, recommending shows from their previous watched list.
third most popular platform with around 153,800,000 subscribers. Its prices range from $9.99 to $16.99 per month. Disney+ is a go-to platform for classic production brands like Pixar, Marvel, National Geographic, and Star Wars. It focuses on family friendly entertainment, which makes the platform stand out from the rest.
Considering Disney+ is the newest platform of the three, created in 2019, it is the
The Amazon Prime Video membership is different from Disney+ and Netflix. The membership includes Amazon shopping perks and music options. Not all entertainment options are ad-free, and for some options, viewers must pay. The subscription costs $14.99 per month. It offers an impressive collection of original series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Viewers have different options for their entertainment choices throughout streaming services. Netflix remains a prime choice for people searching for original content. Prime Video offers a variety of shows and movies while also offering perks in other aspects of the membership. Disney+ is the ideal subscription for families or viewers who want to watch family-friendly entertainment. In the end, it depends on the viewers’ individual preferences in content.
CATHERINE MILLER Staff Writer
Catherine’s Cinema
Glen Powell is a name everyone is familiar with today. He has risen to fame from his roles in romcoms like Anyone But You and Set It Up to action movies like Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion. His media presence is huge and is only growing, especially with his new role in the recently released film Twisters, directed by Lee Isaac Chung.
The movie, set in the countryside of Oklahoma, follows meteorologist Kate Carter (played by Daisy Edgar Jones) as she battles a haunted past while fighting to save small town America from unexpected tornados. Along the way, she meets Tyler Owens (played by Powell) whose approach to storm chasing is a little different than Carter’s. Twisters’ opening scene will already have you on the edge of your seat as you follow Carter and her team’s attempt to “catch” a tornado. The storm escalates and a fun pastime quickly becomes life threatening.
The film’s talented cast is what makes these moments so thrilling. The cast hosts actors such as Anthony Ramos, famous for his roles in the musicals Hamilton and In the Heights; Jones, well known for her role in the Hulu series Normal People; and of course, Powell. Their outstanding performances bring the movie together and truly make it something worth watching. However, their performance isn’t the only thing that makes this film exceptional.
Twisters’ soundtrack is packed with original songs from renowned artists like Tyler Childers, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, and dozens more beloved country stars. The country music integrated throughout the film complements the rustic atmosphere of the movie and adds more to a Hollywood blockbuster than a usual pop score.
While the movie received only 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, I still highly recommend seeing Twisters in theaters while you still can. It is packed with constant action, good music, and incredible acting.
Daisy Edgar Jones and Glen Powell star in Twisters as Kate Carter and Tyler Owens. Photo courtesy of wbur.org.
USA women’s gymnastics team members Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee and Hezly Rivera wave to the crowd before competing for the All-Around title. Photo courtesy of cnn.com.
CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Co-Editor-in-Chief
Opinions
World in Review Popular artists block top charts
2024 marks the biggest year for elections in history, with billions of people worldwide casting their votes. This year has been a significant period of shifts globally, a trend that will almost certainly continue with November’s elections being possibly the most impactful both domestically and internationally. As the United States gets closer to what could be the most important elections in decades, it is important to take note of how other elections have fared globally.
India is as of last year the most populous country on Earth, as well as one of the largest, making the democratic process quite an undertaking. General elections take months to hold, with the voting going through regional stages. The results were a surprising upset for the ruling BJP, who, despite keeping its power, lost its out-right majority in the parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now lost much of the momentum behind his Hindu nationalist party, partly in response to corruption, censorship, and religious persecution under his administration, and now will have to face a more competitive political landscape.
The United Kingdom ended more than thirteen years of conservative control in its election this June. The Conservatives, or Tories as they are often called, have been experiencing a collapse in support since their win in 2019 due to countless political scandals coupled with growing dissatisfaction with Brexit and austerity. Shortly after Boris Johnson’s resignation, Liz Truss became the UK’s shortest governing prime minister in history. She lasted only 49 days until she too had to resign when her policies led to a record crash in the value of the pound. Rishi Sunak succeeded her yet failed to restore the party’s reputation. The Conservatives saw their biggest loss to Labour in their 190-year history.
While current Prime Minister Kier Starmer may have an impressive majority in parliament now, this is less indicative of enthusiasm for his party and more of frustration with the Tories. Reform UK, a right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage, also saw a massive win, and despite getting only five seats, won roughly as many votes as the Conservatives. This could very well mean a future with Reform replacing the Conservatives as the main voice of the right, or at least a shift in the
Conservative platform.
Europe also saw a wave of right wing, populist parties swelling the polls in elections for the EU parliament, where national parties represent their country in the international organization. In Germany, the conservative CDU won against the governing left-wing parties, and in second place was the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany), who have experienced a rise in recent years for their anti-immigration positions.
The similarly far right National Rally in France dominated the polls, continuing in its rapid rise to power. In response, President Emanual Macron called for snap elections soon after to slow down its momentum. Marie Le Pen’s National Rally has historically been a pariah in French politics due to its background with Neo-Nazis and other extremist groups, prompting both Macron’s centrist Ensemble party and leftwing coalition Front Populaire to agree to an electoral pact not to split their vote. Their pact was successful, and though Le Pen’s party did win more seats than before, it did not achieve its expected majority in parliament. Instead, the new Front Populaire, who had managed to unite previously disparate leftist factions, won the most seats. Macron, who now has a reduced presence in the government, will have to face a hostile legislature from both sides of the political spectrum.
Venezuela’s election has been the source of significant controversy. On July 28, incumbent Nicolás Maduro was declared winner and therefore president for the next six years. This marks Maduro’s third term, continuing the reign of Hugo Chavez’s leftwing PSUV. After Chavez’s death, Maduro took his place, overseeing devastating inflation and economic turmoil. In spite of these failings, Maduro has still managed to find support among Venezuelans loyal to the anti-West, socialist “revolution” brought on by Chavez. The opposition have called into question the legitimacy of the results, however, declaring their own Edmundo Gonzáles as the PresidentElect based on their own figures from poll watchers. Several opposition candidates were banned from competing due to their involvement in coup and assassination attempts. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that “serious concerns” about July’s results existed, joining several South American leaders in doubt. Tensions are brewing on the streets as Maduro has repeatedly threatened violence.
Ozempic misuse leads to shortages
ANYA PANT Managing Editor
The increase in popularity of semaglutides, a class of drugs originally formulated to help Type 2 diabetes, has entranced the public and medical community. Its newfound fame can be attributed to its weight loss effects, offering a quick fix for people who struggle with obesity, a pressing issue in our country. However, with the uptick in popularity, there is a need to address the potential long- and short-term risks that can come with misusing semaglutides.
Semaglutides, including well-known brands like Ozempic and Mounjaro, were originally prescribed to help regulate blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. These drugs stimulate insulin production and slow down digestion. During clinical trials, researchers noticed a significant side effect: substantial and rapid weight loss. Pharmaceutical companies recognized the potential of a lucrative market and promoted semaglutides as a magical weight loss medicine. Celebrities, influencers, and
everyday users started to share their experiences with the drug online, further advancing the rapid takeover of these medicines in the weight loss industry and turning the drug into a cultural phenomenon.
Despite people’s initial excitement over the drug, the growing popularity of semaglutides has exposed some serious effects. Common short term effects can include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. More concerning are the long-term effects, which are not fully understood. It is suggested that semaglutides may increase the risk of thyroid tumors and pancreatitis. Additionally, since these drugs are used for weight loss off the label, the lack of longterm data becomes troubling. The popularity of semaglutides also raises concerns regarding equity and access. As demands for the drug and the component it comes in have skyrocketed, there have been reports of shortages, leaving some diabetes patients without their essential medication. This is particularly troubling given that these drugs were originally intended to manage a serious chronic disease.
CAROLINE JOHNSON Opinions Editor
The music industry is a monopoly, controlled by a select few artists all attempting to stay on top. This is often done through chart-blocking, the act of strategically releasing new music to prevent lesser-known artists from reaching the Billboard Top 100. The artist currently under fire for this is Taylor Swift. Her defensive actions have begun to harm the careers of artists and cause fans to question her strategies.
Swift has one of the most decorated music careers when it comes to the Billboard Top 100. For one, she’s the only musician to occupy the entire top 10 most played songs at one time. Her album Fearless spent the longest period ever recorded as the most played anthology, spending 82 weeks at number one. On Spotify, she has remained among the top 5 most played artists for the past seven years. Just in 2024, at least one of her songs could be found in the top ten for 13 nonconsecutive weeks. After all these accomplishments, why would she even feel threatened? In the past, she simply wouldn’t have been intimidated by anyone, but the music industry has produced up-and-coming artists who have been well-received by audiences, and to Swift’s dismay, they occupy her niche as female pop stars. Swift’s new challengers include Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX.
Billie Eilish, a 22-year-old singer, was one of the first people to call out people like Swift for her behavior. Eilish deemed it “wasteful” that bigger artists release multiple versions of their vinyls to boost their numbers or rankings. This took place after Swift released five different color variants of her 1989 (Taylor’s Version) album around the same time that Eilish was trying to advertise her new projects. There are also numerous color variants of her newest album, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD), which dropped as Lana Del Rey, one of Swift’s colleagues, announced her now-cancelled country music project, Lasso. This year, she has been accused of attempting to block Eilish, along with Charli XCX, from reaching number 1 on the charts, as Swift’s team released a UK digital version of TTPD to combat Charli’s British audience, along with three other new versions of her album to block Eilish’s new music.
Chart blocking isn’t the only way she diminishes other artists’ successes, as she has even sued to surpass other people. After Rodrigo released her song “Deja-vu,” Swift’s legal team acted against the rising star, claiming that Rodrigo’s song was too similar to the chorus of Taylor’s song “Cruel Summer.” Swift won that legal battle, and Rodrigo has since been forced to give half the song’s royalties to the other party.
Swift is not the first or the only artist to use this strategy to gain more success than his or her musical competitors. In 2012, Del Rey released her album Born To Die, which was a smashing success among listeners. She, however, was blocked by Adele, who dropped 21, with the goal of surpassing Del Rey’s success. This “trick” musicians use to get to the top is extremely outdated and should no longer be supported. Smaller artists deserve to reach the top of the charts without being blocked by unnecessary releases. Take this as a sign not to give in to Swift’s team’s (and other major artists) tactics, and to support lesserknown musicians to combat the inequality within the music industry.
Cross country running it back in the parks of Denver, Colorado
PAIGE PAN Staff Writer
The Episcopal cross country teams are preparing for a great 2024 season as they aim to defend their SPC titles. The girls, boys, and JV teams have been hard at work over the summer, undergoing tough training in preparation for the challenges ahead.
This season, the Knights are under the leadership of a new head coach, Regan McCartney, who has brought fresh enthusiasm and focus to the program. The team’s dedication to their summer training is a testament to their commitment to success and their determination to maintain the high standards set by previous teams.
"The 2024 cross country season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the
Episcopal Knights," assistant coach Andrew Lauer said. "Both the girls and boys teams will be defending their SPC titles under our new head coach. The dedication shown by the team toward completing their summer training promises a bright future ahead, so make sure to come support the cross country team this season!"
The Knights' preparation has set the stage for what could be another remarkable season, with both teams focused on defending their titles and making their mark once again in the SPC. As the season approaches, excitement is building, and supporters are eager to see the Knights in action.
With a strong roster and coaching staff, the Episcopal Knights are ready. Fans are encouraged to come out and show their support as the teams strive for repeats.
Football looks to repeat
ALEX GONZALES Staff Writer
Ending last season with a 35-25 victory against Kinkaid and an SPC championship, the Episcopal High School football team is starting this year with considerable momentum from their victory. During the summer, the team worked hard in 7-on-7 games and daily workouts on campus. The team has been working on its skills and identifying areas of improvement needed to go into the season with solid footing. In addition to training, the team will utilize a solid preseason schedule in preparation for a competitive SPC lineup this year.
This year, the team is under new leadership. Head Coach James Moynahan (prior EHS Defensive Coordinator) takes the helm and new Offensive Coordinator Jeremy Eddington joins the Knights following the same role at SPC counterpart John Cooper. Another change after many years is that the football program will reduce to a two-team schedule, giving more focus to JV and varsity.
The team returns multiple players with varsity experience, including running back Brandon Thomas, receivers Logan Bartee, Tate Organ, and Garon Sampson, lineman Alex Lozado, defensive linemen Zac Wong and Tyler Cesarski, linebacker Brooks Edwards, and defensive backs Carson Fowler, Christian Houston, and DJ Taylor. Senior Tyler Bloomgren will take the reigns as quarterback.
The Knights will be battle-tested before SPC play commences with games against
Parish Episcopal, which is looking to three-peat as TAPPS D1 state champions, 5A Waltrip, the Legacy School of Sports Sciences, and 4A powerhouse West Orange-Stark.
When asked about the upcoming season, Edwards responded, "The main goal is to be the first EHS football team since 92-93 to go back-to-back and to go out on top our senior year."
Philip Khalil intercepts the St. Thomas QB during a scrimmage. Photo by Kate Malta.
Boys volleyball primed for SPC run
KARIANA CARLSON
Staff Writer
The Episcopal boys volleyball program ended last season with its first SPC title. The team is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting but challenging season ahead. Last year, the boys said goodbye to three seniors and a head coach, so the remaining players are stepping up to take charge. They aim to build on last year’s great success and push themselves to win yet another championship trophy.
New Head Coach Ruben Rocha started practice on August 7 to get a head start on the busy season. Since then, the boys have been working as a team to perfect their chemistry on the court. With high expectations from their fans, all eyes are on the EHS boys volleyball team to dominate
Uknighted
volleyball wants title
After a successful 2023 campaign, the Episcopal varsity girls volleyball team is starting with the same intensity as last year. With the goal of winning SPC, the team has been working extremely hard to prepare for the start of the new season.
A Runner-Up finish last year was commendable, but the 2024 team is working with an intensity that signals the girls have some unfinished business ahead. Continuing to be UKNIGHTED, the goal is the same - take SPC. Although a young team with only two seniors, Reagan Moriarty and Vanessa Reed, this version of
Knight volleyball is anxious to compete. The staff is led by Head Coach Cyd McMillian, with assistant Coach Dee, and a new addition to the program, Coach Rob. With room to grow, the girls are working hard every day. Their work was shown through their game play when the program swept Bellaire High School. The program’s core values are “connect,” “commit,” and “uknighted.” With these words, the girls will be set up for success. After playing in a super competitive tournament earlier in the month of August, the girls are ready to continue their journey in the Skyline Houston Open Tournament where they are expected to perform well.
preseason and have built strong bonds,” Coach Canella remarked.
and continue their reign as conference champions.
The varsity team is a strong mix of both talented underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen. A total of four freshman have joined the program this year, but two, Sammy Guidry and Jonah Rocha, have been selected to float between junior varsity and varsity. Sophomore Ryan Maas continues to be the powerhouse middle blocker, while two juniors, Garon Stewart and DJ Skaggs, defend the court in the backrow. Calder Tribble, who is a returning senior and the team’s strongest setter, has played routinely in the off season to improve his quick decision making and precision in setting up attacks.
JV player Henry Brown claimed, “Despite the loss of Coach Hofmeister [and the seniors], varsity is still performing well and is on track to win SPC again.”
With the field hockey season quickly approaching, the team has laid the groundwork for a strong start, having completed tryouts on August 9. Under the leadership of new head coach Shelly Canella, the team has laid out a clear path toward its ultimate goal of becoming SPC champions.
At their first practice, the team set ambitious goals to improve creating positive outcomes while inside the attacking circle, whether it is a shot or creating an offensive corner. Coach Canella emphasized the importance of capitalizing on every chance in the attacking circle or defensive presses. She believes the team’s ability to seize the moment is crucial.
When it comes to facing tougher opponents, the team’s strategy centers on trust both in the system and in each other.
“The girls had a solid start during
These bonds, she notes, will be key in boosting the team’s confidence and resilience as the girls confront strong rivals. To further prepare, the team has lined up a series of challenging games and tournaments, scheduled to sharpen players’ skills and ready them for intense competition within their conference.
As the season draws near, the team is set to kick off on August 20 at Bissonnet Field. The players have been working tirelessly, driven by their determination to succeed and bring school pride.
When asked about her approach to leading the team to the SPC championship, Coach Canella stated, “The plan is to stay focused on the goals created this season and to continue building upon the pillars that make our culture.”
With a competitive mind set and strong team bonds, the girls are ready to take on their rivals and make this a memorable and successful season.
VANESSA REED Sports Editor
MIMI WRIGHT Staff Writer
The cross country team stops at a park outside of Denver, Colorado. New head coach Regan McCartney will lead the squad. Photo courtesy of by Vanessa Reed.
Vanessa Reed returns for her varsity season and a chance to recapture the SPC title.
Photo by Libby Davis.
Speaks Out
“Describe your summer in one word.”
KADE GILLESPIE “Fulfilling”
“Amazing”
“Developing”
“Exciting”
“Amazing”
“Epic”
Prints Charming
of the Month
Celebrity Sighting
Cartoon by Izzie Song.
Photo
HELEN ZAMORANO
DILYN SMITH
HANNAH CHITTY
BEN CARLSON
KATE LAHOTI “Travel”
BEN SEAWORTH
LINDSEY LEVAN “Relaxing”
JOHN FLANAGAN “Active”
SHELLY CANELLA “Sunny”
If you’re walking down the halls of EHS and suddenly see the son of Cruella de Vil, don’t be alarmed! Senior Zach Paul shares a striking resemblance with Disney star Cameron Boyce. Boyce acted in several childhood favorite productions including hit TV show Jessie, spin-off series Bunk’d, and the Descendants movies where he played Carlos, Cruella de Vil’s son. With his dark curls and thick eyebrows, Boyce and Paul could easily pass as relatives. Similar mouth and face shapes only further contribute to their resemblance. If you’re ever in the mood to feel some 2010s TV show nostalgia, look out for Zach Paul. Photos courtesy of ABC News and by Anya Pant.
Seniors girls on their last first day of high school. Photo by Mr. Charles Holt.
