The Knight Times / February 2024 Issue 7

Students plan schedules for the 2024-25 year

PORTER MILLER Staff Writer

The class registration period for underclassmen had already begun as students plan their schedules for the 2024-2025 school year under the advisement of their teachers and advisors. Students navigate through a process of selecting classes for the upcoming year.

Episcopal offers 180 courses throughout the Four Pillars, teaching students to gain “independence and self-direction, creative problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, persistence, and open-mindedness,” and course registration is a pivotal step in helping one’s high school journey toward personal and academic growth.

Beyond Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Religion Pillars teach students to get creative and have fun through a rigorous program. Each Pillar features a diverse and challenging curriculum as students stay well rounded in their work-life balance. The faculty is comprised of 92 teachers who are committed to helping students learn and grow toward a significant future. Students are encouraged to begin their process by looking at the Course Registration Guide and Catalog located on the Episcopal website. According to the course catalogue, it is “intended to provide information pertinent to the ‘Big Picture’ of a student’s high-school career, particularly in meeting the goal of graduating with the appropriate credits to prepare each student for attending college.”

During advisory, students fill out an online registration form and check it over with their advisor. The Graduation requirements include courses from the following: English, history, mathematics, religion, science, arts, wellness, and world languages. With 23 credits and 43 semesters required, a free period each semester can be elected each year. Additionally, students are impassioned to explore community service opportunities, more interdisciplinary studies, and other leadership roles to enrich their educational experience. Registration requires students to make thoughtful decisions regarding the upcoming school year.

EHS community serves at the Houston Food Bank

Students, faculty, staff, and parents gather for SOS event

JULIA SHERMAN Production Editor

“Students of Service at Episcopal High School gathered to help serve the greater Houston area. On Saturday, Febuary 3, SOS gathered a large group of faculty, staff, students, and families to help serve at the Houston Food Bank for a Day of Service. The EHS community packed and organized food and boxes in the spirit of giving.”

Learn more about Students of Service on Page 3

EHS celebrates Black History Month’s legacy

ALEX GONZALES Staff Writer

Every year in February, Black History Month is a period to reflect on the rich and diverse contributions of African Americans throughout history. Black History month honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It recognizes the resilience, accomplishments, and cultural impact of African America individuals, highlighting their important role in shaping various aspects of society. This month serves to appreciate diversity as well as appreciate the achievements of important figures through history.

The observance traces its roots back to the efforts of historian Carter G. Woodson, who sought to highlight the oftenoverlooked achievements and accomplishments of the Black community. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and strength demonstrated by African Americans in the face of historical injustices, systemic racism, and discrimination. It is a time to acknowledge the pivotal role played by Black individuals in shaping cultural, social, political, and economic fabric of the United States.

Black History Month invites people to explore the stories of trailblazers like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and countless others who fought for civil rights and social justice. It also serves as a reminder of the artistic and intellectual

contributions of Black individuals, from the poetry of Langston Hughes to the musical genius of jazz pioneers like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis.

While the month is a dedicated time for reflection, education, and celebration, it also prompts a year-round commitment to recognizing the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It serves as a call to

action for individuals and communities to work towards dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive society. In commemorating Black History Month, we not only honor the past but also pave the way for a more equitable and harmonious future, where the stories, achievements, and contributions of African Americans are acknowledged and celebrated every day.

Senior Mali Houge helps organize boxes of clothing. The Episcopal High School Day of Service was held at the Houston Food Bank on February 3 to help those in the greater Houston community. Photo by Vivian Turbidy.

Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey are a few of the many historical faces of Black History Month. Photo courtesy of oprahdaily.com

Auction offers bidders impressive array of prizes to support school Episcopal students act out global diplomacy at annual HAMUN

MORGAN HEROD Editor in Chief

On Friday, February 23, Episcopal High School hosted the 2024 Auction in the Hildebrand Athletic Center. The annual event provided an evening of excitement as attendees had the opportunity to win fabulous prizes while supporting the school’s operating budget for the year.

This year’s auction had an impressive array of prizes, some of which included Deutsch diamond earrings, a getaway to Napa and the Four Seasons in Punta Mita, and the ultimate grand prize: a Masters package for a trip to Augusta in April. All these coveted items were sold to contribute to the ongoing success of all four of

Episcopal’s Pillars.

In preparation for this event, a team of incredible planners worked hard to transform Alkek Gym and the Hildebrand Athletic Center into a beautiful ballroom with elegant lighting and lots of decorations. With the help of amazing vendors, EHS is able to turn gym space into a wonderful party venue.

The theme for the year was “A Masterful Knight,” inspired by the prestigious golf tournament. This brought attention to EHS’ 40-year anniversary. Guests were encouraged to wear cocktail attire with a “golf flair.”

The EHS Auction brings the community together while supporting one goal: supporting school spirit and success.

Drowsy Chaperone reveals a unique show-within-a-show

CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Copy Editor

After Nevermore and Treasure Island, EHS Onstage will be returning to the stage with its first musical of the new year, The Drowsy Chaperone.

A short teaser will be held in the Underwood Theater on February 29 to entice students with the coming production. Then, from March 1-3, performances will be held. Friday and Saturday performances will start at 7:00 pm and the Sunday matinee is at 3:00 pm. All students are encouraged to come see the product of months of work; attendance is completely free. From the auditions in the fall to now, the crew has strived tirelessly to present their talents to the Episcopal student body.

The Drowsy Chaperone was written in 1997 by Lisa Lambert, Greg Morrison, Bob Martin, and Don McKellar and is somewhat of a musical within a musical, the whole story coming from the unmamed Man in chair (played by Harrison Goytia), a fan of old broadway shows, and his record player. The plot of the musical follows celebrity actor Janet Van De Graf (Kyriaki Postolos) and her fiancé and oil tycoon Robert Martin (Ethan Lahoti) on their wedding day. Hosting the wedding is Mrs. Tottendale (Quinn Morgenroth) and her butler simply named Underling (Henry Harkins), with Robert’s best man George (played by Mathieu Gay) planning the whole ordeal, and Drowsy (played by Kenna Suttle), Janet’s chaperone, hence the name of the musical.

Alongside the marriage plot is the difficult case of Broadway producer Feldzieg (Kayden Edwards) whose career is put on the line by gangsters disguised as pastry chefs (Tommy Lodeiro and Campbell Katz). Kitty (Charlotte Murray) sees a chance to take Janet’s role in Feldzieg’s upcomming production. Trix (Meredith Kinzel), the aviatrix, and Adolpho (Myles

Patterson) join the crowd of actors in attendance at Janet’s wedding and get involved in the various hijinks as well.

The production process has been long, starting in December with a week of music rehearsals with Performing Arts Chair Mr. Garmon Ashby. Rehearsals picked back up in January and mostly consisted of choreography by and with Dance Coordinator Ms. Karen Pfeifer. Despite being shorter than last year’s Mamma Mia, Drowsy has much more elaborate and intricate scenes that took a good deal of time to iron out.

For people new to the stage, it was a wonderful introduction to the work that goes into a big performance, and for those with a history in theater, it was a welcome challenge. As Mr. George Brock, Theater teacher and Program Coordinator, often puts it to his cast, “obstacles are fun.”

By late February, the cast and crew had begun tech rehearsals, getting staging to work with the lighting and set changes made throughout the show. The next week cast were rehearsing in their costumes alongside the orchestra. As well as the effort from the cast, none of this would be possible without the constant outstadning work of Dean of Arts Mr. Paul Revaz, Music Coordinator Mr. Joe Beam, Mr. Peter Hutcheson, the orchestra, and all members of the backstage crew always supporting the production.

Mr. Brock reflected, “The Drowsy Chaperone is a delightful comedic romp! The music is very catchy, and the book is hilarious, featuring a wide range of overthe-top characters and delightfully silly jokes. It affirms the power of theatre to lift us up when we are feeling ‘blue.’”

“The structure of the show is very unique as it features a nameless character who takes us through a recording of his favorite musical from the 1920’s, and as he is sharing, the show comes to life in his walk-up, one room apartment,” he said.

CAMPBELL RICHARDSON Copy Editor

Episcopal High School sent students to participate and compete in the annual Houston Area Model United Nations (HAMUN) event February 1-2. HAMUN was held at the University of Houston and went on for eleven hours on Thursday and eight hours on Friday.

Before participants get to the conference, they have to write at least one position paper. There are two topics discussed at each normal committee, and position papers help to research a given topic and are also reviewed and up for awards.

Representing a country with its perceived perspective is highly encouraged. For example, a student acting as Vietnam would likely have a great deal of interest in a topic such as working conditions in South East Asia.

The actual event begins with a long introduction to HAMUN and what it works to do. Then students break up into

their individual committees. HAMUN’s goal is to accurately simulate how real UN committees work, so there is a great deal of parliamentary back and forth, with motions being brought to the table and caucuses held to discuss points. By the end, countries are expected to have presented and voted on resolutions written up to resolve the topics.

In addition to the topics discussed, crises can come up that the committee is left to solve. This situation simulates the more chaotic interactions on the global stage and give the opportunity for students to have fun and propose more eccentric, out of the box resolutions.

As EHS Model UN president Evan Ringwald put it, “Model UN offers students the opportunity to act as delegates from various nations on various committees within the UN. At conferences, students learn how to debate, negotiate, and compromise with many different perspectives, all while pursuing a shared passion in foreign relations and geopolitics.”

Construction of new Arts Center continues on with foundation

JALYNN WOOLLEY Editor in Chief

Recently, there have been significant changes to EHS’ traffic pattern on campus due to construction of the school’s new Performing and Visual Arts Center.

As a result of construction, cars are currently unable to cross from the Fournace side of campus to the Bissonnet side. While this may inconvenience some, it will well be worth it once the new building is unveiled within the next eighteen to twenty-two months.

As of now, there haven’t been any visibly significant changes to mark the progress of construction, but it is important to note that the project is well underway. The project officially broke ground in early January, just as students were beginning to return to class after Winter Break.

The construction team, in collaboration with the school administration, is working to ensure minimal disruption to the daily activities on campus while making strides toward completing the new building.

As the project progresses, updates will be provided from EHS administration to keep everyone in the EHS community well-informed about the developments and any subsequent changes to traffic patterns or activities on campus. In the meantime, it is important that everyone adheres to temporary signage and instructions in place to navigate the campus safely.

“A construction project of this size requires a tremendous amount of space, not only for the building site, but for the subcontractors, storage, and supplies. So unfortunately, we will not be able to drive on campus from one side to the other for the duration of the project. The school’s leadership is considering options for future traffic concerns, but no decisions have been made yet,” said Director of Facilities Mr. Robert Buckelew

“The first third of a construction project is typically underground. This includes piers, beams, and a slab. We should start to see the building take shape over the summer months as the steel is put in place,” he added.

Drone photo of future site of the new Performing and Visual Arts Center. The construction project requires a great deal of size for its site to mkae room for storage and subcontractors, and therefore will block on-campus traffic for the immeadiate future. Photo by Mr. Charles Holt.

Actors rehearse big musical number from upcomming musical production The Drowsy Chaperone. Photo courtesy of KEHS News.

Annual Day of Service takes place at the Houston Food Bank

ANYA PANT Opinions Editor

Every year, Students of Service hosts the EHS Day of Service at the Houston Food Bank. This year’s service day was held on Saturday, February 3, running from 8:00 am until noon. Both students and parents were encouraged to participate, as sign up was completed through the school’s Helper Helper app.

At the Houston Food Bank, volunteers were assigned to different areas of need such as the warehouse, recycling facility, food sorting, and packing boxes of food for hand out.

When asked why she enjoys volunteer-

ing and attending the EHS Day of Service, junior Ava Black said, “It feels good to help people and do it alongside my friends.”

Many other students also share this sentiment as the day of service is a good opportunity to spend time with friends and family while also making an impact on the Houston community. Many that were there recommend going because they felt it was very fulfilled knowing that their work at the food bank impacts the life of somebody in the community.

Though this event is hosted by SOS, all members of the Service Achievement Program (an extra service program open to all students) were required to attend.

Coach Jimmy Moynahan tabbed as new head of football program

ANGELINA FERTITTA Staff Writer

Coach Jimmy Moynahan, the new head coach for EHS football, brings with him a great deal of experience and dedication to the football program. Having excelled as the defensive coordinator for the past three years, he carries invaluable insight in his new role. With nearly a decade of teaching experience, he plans to continue serving as a Latin teacher in addition to his new coaching responsibilities.

Before becoming a coach, he pursued his academic and athletic passions at Washington and Lee University, where he earned his BA in Classics and American History while showcasing his talents on the football field. Before his time at Episcopal, he worked as both a Latin teacher and as the head coach at Western Reserve Academy in Ohio.

He was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, where he picked up football at a very young age and laid the foundation for his lifelong passion of the sport. His brother, Patrick, shares this love for football and also thrives in the coaching realm, serving as a defensive coordinator for Utah Tech. Raised by parents who were both Latin teachers, Coach Moynahan discovered through them a love for teaching the subject and recognizes the “enduring value of knowledge,” even in languages no longer spoken.

When he’s not on the field or in the classroom, Coach Moynahan is an avid reader. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, The

Great Gatsby, holds a special place in his heart.

Undoubtedly, the transition to head coach comes with its own set of challenges, yet Coach Moynahan recognizes them and embraces the responsibilities of guiding the team through the transition of new leadership with enthusiasm, as he is “excited to build upon the strong foundations of the team that Coach Leisz set” and is eager to compete for another SPC championship. Coach Moynahan has set the ambitious goal of “making the team better each and every day” as he embarks on this new chapter.

Seniors look forward to upcoming retreat

MORGAN HEROD Co-Editor in Chief

On March 4, seniors will go to Camp Allen for their Senior Retreat. This day is guaranteed to be one of bonding, reflection, and celebration, honoring the journey of the EHS Senior Class.

While details are kept under wraps to maintain an element of surprise for the seniors, anticipation builds among students. This experience allows students to come together, strengthen their connections, and create lifelong memories before embarking on the next chapter of their lives.

Established in 1921 by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, Camp Allen is a year-round

facility one hour northwest of Houston near Navasota, Texas. With 1,100 beautiful acres, Camp Allen has a hotel, conference centers, dormitory campsites, lakeside log cabins, two lakes, miles of trails, and so much more. Seniors will be able to unwind and reflect on their high school experiences, while looking to the future with excitement and optimism. Camp Allen provides a perfect spot for seniors to be all together.

From team-building activities to heartfelt discussions, Senior Retreat is sure to be a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and important moments. As seniors prepare to go off to college, this retreat serves as an opportunity to honor the friendships that were formed, and the memories made throughout the journey.

Arts Day provides students with chance to discover new talents

LIZ BURKE Staff Writer

At Episcopal High School, Freshman Arts Day is an opportunity for the newest of Knights to discover some of the many courses the Arts Pillar has to offer.

This year, there were a whopping 15 different art activities. Each advisory group was placed on a four-course schedule, and Dean of Arts Mr. Paul Revaz made sure there was a mix of performing and visual arts. The schedule was set up so freshmen could try things on their own and with other freshmen.

Organizing Freshman Arts Day sounds

like a lot of work, but Mr. Revaz believes it’s worth it.

“Freshman Arts Day is a long-standing tradition at EHS. Freshmen spend the morning in a rotation of arts sessions, providing them access to some of the EHS arts offerings they may not encounter otherwise” said Mr. Revaz.

During the half day, freshmen get to dive into all sorts of art. Mr. Revaz said, “While a challenge to put together and navigate in some ways, the day is hugely beneficial to the arts programs and students alike.” Freshman Arts Day isn’t just about trying new art activities. It’s also about bonding with other freshmen and making lasting memories.

After an exhaustive national search for a new head coach, Episcopal turned to Coach Jimmy Moynahan to head the football program. Photo by Alan Ross.

Sophomores Jordan Reed and Adrienne Smith work in the carousel section of the food bank where they were tasked with sorting through all the donations recieved by the food bank. Volunteers made sure the donations were not expired and packaged the food to be sent out to the community. Photo by Kennedy Greene.

Freshmen Miles Stillwell and Graham Whitehead engage in one of the many activites advisories tried during Arts Day. Jazzy Jones, Charlotte Howell, and Hannah Chitty discover a possible talent in quilling as they learn about a different style of art. Photos courtesy of EHS Communications.

Slice of π

DR. JOANNA PAPAKONSTANTINOU Guest Writer

February was a productive, fun-filled month for EHS math lovers, marked with a guest speaker and a variety of contests. We continue to hold monthly Mu Alpha Theta and Math Club meetings in Anderson Lecture Hall. Thanks to Mr. Juan Hartsfield who spoke during both lunches on February 20 about real-world applications of mathematics in a financial environment. While we are still awaiting the results of the international math

modeling challenge, HiMCM, we had two teams comprised of juniors and seniors compete in M3, a consecutive 14-hour MathWorks Math Modeling Competition. We are eagerly awaiting those results as well. Save the date for our school-wide celebration of Pi Day and the International Day of Math on Tuesday, March 5, during both lunches.

It is never too late to join Math Club and compete in math competitions.

Follow @ehsmathclub on Instagram and Twitter for more Math Club information and updates!

NCAA Signing Day sees six athletes commit to colleges

CLARA CRENSHAW Staff Writer

Six Episcopal High School seniors officially signed their college letters of commitment at a recent ceremonial gathering in Akek Gym on February 7, with family, friends, teammates, and coaches.

The EHS community celebrated Morrow Evans, Karson Gordon, Jenniya Lane, Breylan Thompson, Thalia Vogelsang, and Billy Wheless.

Four of the six were football commits. Evans, the number one long snapper in the nation, committed to Ohio State University; Gordon signed to play at UCLA; Thompson committed to Yale; and

Wheless will play for Brown University. Vogelsang signed to wrestle at Colorado Mesa, and Lane signed to play volleyball at the University of Pennsylvania.

While talking about her recruitment process, Jenniya said, “My recruiting process was honestly very fun, it was awesome getting to visit different schools and see which one was a perfect fit for me. It was also exciting to meet the players and coaches at different schools and learn about what makes up their team culture. Ultimately though, Penn was a perfect fit for me without a doubt.”

Wheless added, “Recruiting was difficult and required lots of hard work, but it was well worth it.”

VANESSA REED Staff Writer

At Episcopal, a variety of students are involved in extracurricular activities in the arts, volunteer projects, technology, and sports. One of those unique involvements is the sport of squash.

Squash, also called squash rackets, is a racket ball sport played by two to four players in a four-walled court with a rubber ball. Players alternate in striking the ball onto the playable areas of the wall.

Juniors Rishabh Sharma and Zaina Zaidi are two of the athletes that play this sport. Rishabh decided to start playing squash due to his father and because it is popular on the East Coast. Rishabh is ranked fifteenth in the country and describes the game as being like tennis.

Some athletes compete for high school teams or specific programs, but most of the time players enroll in tournaments on their own. Rishabh hopes to pursue squash in college but explains that the recruiting process is intense since players compete with athletes worldwide, with only three spots available for each college.

Rishabh has played with Team USA in tournaments such as the US Open,

Nationals, and USA vs Canada and was granted the opportunity to travel and play at a high level.

Zaina explained that she genuinely enjoys playing the sport with a “healthy dose” of competition. The game has taught her a valuable lesson about keeping calm and staying focused. She got into the sport at seven years old when her father enrolled her in squash lessons. Since then, Zaina has competed at the national level and has held a spot within the top 30 or higher among girls in the country.

She trains at Houston Squash Club with a group of other athletes competing nationally. They train together, each representing their club in different age categories during tournaments.

Zaina’s goal is to further her squash career to college. She stated that she has always wanted to play at the collegiate level for the unique team environment, a shift from the individual competition at the junior level. Squash is her passion, and she loves every aspect of the game. Not only has the game become a family tradition, but she helps coach younger players at her club.

Rishabh and Zaina are clearly passionate about their extracurricular endeavor.

Activities abound in school clubs

CAROLINE JOHNSON Staff Writer

Although the spring semester brings its own set of challenges, there are many opportunities for students to have fun and expand their academic horizons at EHS. The biggest way they can participate is through student-led clubs and organizations, which have big plans for this year.

To anyone looking to join a wellestablished club, the Math Club (led by Bella Chramosta) hosts monthly meetings with plans for Pi Day. The Chinese Club recently had festivities for the Lunar New Year, with professional dancers performing during lunches.

Canterbury Circle, an organization that discusses worship and the Bible, continues to host meetings on Thursdays with provided breakfasts, and the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) hosts gatherings on Friday mornings with guest speakers. Model UN gives students a chance to combine politics and geography and even attend a conference at the University of Houston.

However, not every club has as many years behind them. Among many newly developed clubs, the Song and Music Appreciation Club allows the school community to gather and share its favorite music during their monthly meetings. The American Sign Language Club allows

EHS to learn sign language and learn about deaf culture and is planning a bake sale among other fundraisers.

The Drum Line, founded by junior Carson Kotlarz, is a space for students and faculty to learn music together. The group plans on performing at future pep rallies, and the school can definitely expect to hear music from them this spring.

Besides the well-known Math Club, there are many other opportunities for students to participate in STEM activities. As of this year, there is now a Science Club, hosting four meetings a year. For any prospective coders, Rob Britton is President of the Computer Science Club, in which people of all experience levels can write in languages like Java and Python. There is even a Robotics Club/Team currently forming (and interested students should reach out to Mr. Robert Barham.)

To any staff member or student who enjoys trivia, Quiz Bowl is the perfect thing to participate in. Meetings are held every Friday in Innovation Space One, and it welcomes anyone wanting to play. After qualifying for two national competitions in Georgia and Virginia, the team has big plans for the semester, continuing to compete against stiff competition.

From the Creative Writing Club to the Business Club, there are countless options for anyone to join. It is never too late to join one of Episcopal’s amazing clubs, all of which have big plans for 2024.

Breylan Thompson, Thalia Vogelsang, Karson Gordon, Morrow Evans, Billy Wheless, and Jenniya Lane. Photo by Mr. Charles Holt.

Math club members meet to discuss competitions, fundraising events, and upcoming dates of importance.

Photo by Jules Weinstein.

In her latest album, Nicki Minaj unleashed a record-breaking masterpiece with Pink Friday 2

The record, which dropped on December 8, 2023, is an incredible album that incorporates multiple different songs and takes a twist on Minaj’s own musical style.

Minaj’s signature rap style has taken over the world. In her album, she uses tracks that blend hip-hop, pop, and R&B influences. Pink Friday 2 showcases Minaj’s power over the rap industry.

The album opens with the anthem “Are You Gone Already,” setting the tone for the rest of the album. Featuring Billie Eilish, Minaj brought her own style into the song. Tracks like “Pink Friday Girls” and “Super Freaky Girl” have gone viral over

with JULIA SHERMAN

various apps and throughout the world, and Minaj plans to come to Houston on tour in May.

One standout feature of the album is the collaboration with fellow artists, each contributing their unique flair to the tracks. With a total of 22 songs on the album, Minaj had Drake, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, J. Cole, and many other outstanding artists join in to help make this album.

Collaborations with multiple iconic artists add diversity to Pink Friday 2, making it an incredibly successful album as it brings in listeners from all over the world.

With this album, she left an incredible mark on the rap music scene. Whether you’re a longtime Barb or a new Barb, Pink Friday 2 is undoubtedly an album worth exploring.

Lessons in

REAGAN GABEL

Guest Writer

Courage, by definition, is the ability to do something that frightens one; it is strength in the face of grief and pain. I find we all have courage. Whether that be taking an honors class, trying out for a sports team, or choosing which college we will attend.

In my life, I have had to make many hard decisions, some that would not have been possible without courage. I left everyone I knew and attended Episcopal not knowing a single soul. Saying I was terrified is an understatement, but I was also so incredibly excited. Since then, I have accomplished so much at Episcopal, none of which would have been possible without courage. From Student Council to pep rally MC, I found myself here.

High school was not easy, and as a senior, I realize the choices we face in everyday life take courage. When we gather the strength given by God to do what is best, we can do incredible things – even in those times of darkness. Leaving a situation that is unhealthy can be difficult, but staying simply because you are comfortable is even harder. Speaking up, knowing your entire world will change afterward, can be one of the greatest challenges we

face in our lives, but also the most rewarding.

High school is not easy, and to all the younger audience reading this, you will survive. Trust me. In those tough moments, use the courage God gave you, and I promise you can overcome any obstacle thrown your way.

THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor

农历新年是春节的庆祝活动，也是农历 新年的开始。

这是中国一年里最重要的节日，在台 湾，韩国、越南， 只要有华人族裔的国 家也会大肆庆祝新年。这个节日就像是 西洋的圣诞节一样，华人们会在这个节 日与家人团聚。

在Episcopal高中，由校内的National Chinese Honor Society选定在二月七号这 天的午餐时间，用热闹响锣声与精彩的 舞狮表演开启今年的庆祝活动。

NCHS学生不但有精彩传统舞狮表演，周 边还有Boba Sale珍珠奶茶，以及各式各 样的亚洲零食，弹珠汽水的促销。

在这次春节特卖中，NCHS还隆重设计 出“EHS龙年纪念主题T恤”，当天造成 许多人的热爱与抢购。

而在中国传统上，除夕夜这天，家家 户户都会团聚一堂，享受一顿丰盛的晚 餐，称为年夜饭。吃完年夜饭，小孩子 最期待的便是拿红包。

对大部分的华人来说，春节庆祝活动的 重点是赶走去年不好的事物，准备好接 受新年的到来。祭祖、驱邪、祈求丰收 都是传统的活动。希望大家来年都可以 过得开开心心，好运龙来。

YourLanguageCorner

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. While the official dates encompassing the holiday vary by culture, those celebrating consider it the time of year to reunite with immediate and extended family.

At Episcopal High School, students have celebrated this holiday during lunch with a mesmerizing lion dance. Students involved in the National Chinese Honor Society also created a “boba sale.” During this sale, NCHS sold Jello straws, Ramune sodas, EHS Chinese themed shirts, and, of course, boba tea.

Traditionally, in China, families reunite to enjoy a big dinner known as nian ye fan. Also, for some the celebration is centered around removing the bad and accepting the good. To do so, some engage in worshiping ancestors, exorcising evil spirits, and praying for a good harvest.

As New York Fashion Week begins and we experience designers’ new creations, it’s often the front row fashion that truly catches the eye and predicts new trends.

Actress Alicia Silverstone sat front row at Christian Siriano wearing a classy strapless knee-length crimson dress. The Busy Tonight host and actress Busy Phillips also attended Siriano, wearing a sheer black lace top and matching pants.

Marc Jacobs, as usual, created an innovative and fun fashion show for his new line “Wonder.” While people were already

by Clara Crenshaw

excited about the line due to the campaign photos starring Cindy Sherman, the fashion show was innovative and fun, creating a doll-like atmosphere that is unique.

Talking about his new line, Jacobs said, “My love for the common place is a constant and meaningful lifelong affair. Through the unavoidable lens of time, my glass remains full of wonder and reflection. By examining the memorable and the mundane, we abstract and exaggerate our desire to express something naïve and elegant.”

Minaj stunned listeners with her glamarous pink photoshoot for her newest album. She released her 22-track project on December 8, 2023 Photo courtesy of designscene.net.

With 22 songs featured, Minaj’s new album Pink Friday 2 grossed almost 170 million listens less than three months after it was released. Photo courtesy of npr. org.

Models walk the runway at Marc Jacobs’ latest show. His unique designs represent his childlike creative identity. Photo courtesy of townandcountrymag.com

The choices we face in everyday life take courage. Photo courtesy of alamy.com.

FASHION

by Caroline Johnson

2024 has been a year for growth in our country, and the same thing goes for what people are wearing. Although the television show was canceled in 2013, many are still wondering What Not to Wear, and need a guide as to what is predicted to be “in” this year.

After the year of Barbie, the color pink is making a comeback, specifically Millennial Pink. This dusty rose color has been spotted on the runway since 2017 and is making waves this year. It has been seen on models from designers like Carolina Herrera and Tory Burch just in time for spring. Alongside this shade are bows of similar colors. Popularized by TikTok, these “coquette” accessories have been seen on bags by brands like Coach and worn on the hair and outfits of stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Hailey Bieber. Even 2024 brides have been spotted sporting bows in their hair and on their gowns, or even wearing avant-garde dresses of colors other than white and encouraging their guests to do the same. On the more expensive side, the quiet luxury style has been flooding the public’s Instagram pages this year. “Dupes” (or cheaper alternatives of lavish items) are out, and celebrities expressing their status by wearing pieces like loafers, trench coats, cashmere, and clothing without logos (all from the finest and most exclusive brands like Hermès) is making waves in 2024.

Whether it’s the colors someone chooses or the brands they buy, fashion is always changing and influencing the purchases that people make. With its wide range of ins-and-outs, 2024 will definitely turn out to be a memorable year for the fashion industry.

SOCIAL MEDIA

by Liz Burke

Social media is evolving rapidly, driven by several key trends reshaping how we connect online. One major trend is social commerce, exemplified by TikTok’s introduction of TikTok Shop, allowing users to buy products directly from videos. This trend extends to platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, all enhancing their shopping capabilities. Snapchat’s Spotlight feature enables us ers to share short videos, potentially earning income, while Instagram’s Reels and Facebook’s Meta prioritize engaging video content. These platforms are transforming from entertainment hubs to dynamic marketplaces and revenue streams for content creators. The future of social media lies in the integration of entertainment, commerce, and community-building. As platforms adapt to user preferences, we can expect seamless blending of features such as shopping, video content, and live interactions. This convergence enhances the online experience, making it more engaging and convenient for users worldwide.

TECHNOLOGY

by Anya Pant

As we step into 2024, the technological landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, promising innovation that could revolutionize the way we live our daily lives.

One of the most precedented technologies coming in 2024 is the widespread use of Generative AI. This cutting-edge technology has already revolutionized various industries by enabling machines to create content that resembles human generated work. Generative AI encompasses a wide range of applications, from text generation to music composition to image synthesis. The expanding usage of generative AI offers a bright future to those who master the technology, creating opportunities such as AI researcher and AI ethics consultant.

Additionally, between Apple’s new Vision Pro and Meta’s Oculus, the rise of the metaverse is set to transform how we interact with digital environments, blurring the lines between the real and the fake. Virtual and augmented reality technologies enable immersive experiences that redefine collaboration and entertainment.

Another area of technology that will be making strides in 2024 is renewable energy and sustainability. Many initiatives to push sustainability are making strides as the world seeks to address the pressing challenges of climate change. Breakthroughs in solar power and wind power and innovations in energy storage and electric vehicles have 2024 holding a brighter hope for the future of sustainability.

PRODUCTS

by Morgan Herod

Though 2024 has just begun, social media has already kickstarted a list of “trending” products that are marketed as “essential” for daily life. These products circulate Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, urging consumers to purchase their items, so that it will appear that they are able to keep up with the most popular fads.

A new beauty “must-have” is the coveted lip tint. All over TikTok, users are flaunting their beautifully wine stained lips. Rare Beauty, Benefit, NYX, and a myriad of other brands advertise this product so that their buyers can achieve a new level of defined beauty.

Another staple for your household is Matcha. Advertised as high in antioxidants, Matcha Green Tea is supposed to be a healthier alternative to coffee and contains Vitamin C, chromium, and magnesium, all of which may help boost metabolism. This green tea beverage is great for gut health and is easy to make at-home with a simple powder mix that can be purchased at your local grocery store.

Praised for their cheaper alternative products or “dupes,” Elf Beauty has taken over the internet for having more affordable cosmetic items, while maintaining the same quality as competing luxury brands, such as Charlotte Tilbury or Supergoop. Social media users have spent lots of money and time comparing Elf items with other expensive products. Thanks to Elf, it appears people can stop spending money on pricy items and get the same quality makeup for less.

In summary, social media’s future revolves around providing multifaceted experiences, catering to diverse user needs. With the continuous evolution of platforms and features, social media will continue to play a central role in digital communication and commerce, shaping how we interact, shop, and connect online.

ENTERTAINMENT

by Simona Karnani

The future of entertainment brings various trends into scope. Entertainment is what keeps our community busy during down times in everyday life. Video streaming services often receive the complaint that they make it hard for customers to enjoy entertainment because there are too many different providers. The future will bring an increase in bundles that blend the entertainment content into one. It will also have a feature to be tailored to the customer’s preference.

The industry is also seeing an increase in other types of services, such as Crunchyroll, which is a dedicated service for anime that has gained popularity in the recent years. It can be expected to see other genre directed service like this one in the future.

Furthermore, a big chunk of people spend time driving, and industries are planning ways to add entertainment there too. They want to add higher quality screens and audio in the cockpit of the car. There is also a thought to use geotargeting to provide personalized content recommendations. It works by using the car’s location to provide personalized recommendations based on location and route.

E-sports and mobile gaming are also seeing more interest, and something called cloud gaming is a possibility for the future. It will allow you to stream content from remote servers to your device which takes away the hassle of needing hardware to play all the latest games.

Another way of enhancing entertainment content is through virtual and augmented reality. Virtual reality transports users to different virtual worlds and is used in the gaming industry. Gamers can break the fourth wall and act as if they are stepping into the environment. Augmented reality adds additional elements to the real world which makes users experiences more personal. The future holds numerous advancements in entertainment that will make life more enjoyable.

FOOD AND DRINKS

by Caroline Johnson

From 2021’s feta pasta on TikTok to 2023’s chamoy pickle kit, this decade has gifted kitchens across America with remarkable food trends. 2024 is turning out to be no different with many interesting culinary creations predicted to make waves.

Social media is to thank for some of the year’s most creative dishes. The new addition of TikTok Shop, an online storefront that allows creators to sell products through the TikTok app, has allowed some interesting snacks to be sold to the public. This has popularized Swedish candies and licorice, freeze-dried foods, and DIY concoctions like the chamoy pickle kit to become mainstream. These are only the tip of the social media iceberg, and the future may hold even more groundbreaking creations.

As for major brands and companies, there are many food business ventures in the works. The fast-food brand McDonald’s has opened a new chain of futuristic locations entitled CosMc’s. As opposed to the cheap meals that McDonald’s is known for, CosMc’s focuses on out-of-this-world drinks and desserts, featuring standout options like an iced turmeric spiced latte, a chai latte with boba, and a sour cherry slushy with customizable energy drink add-ins.

Across the world, businesses are attempting to take a more sustainable route in 2024. Starbucks may stop selling their drinks in disposable plastic cups and require customers to bring their own reusable cups instead. Franchises like Taco Bell and Dairy Queen have released vegan versions of their classic menu items, making their food accessible to people with dietary restrictions. Overall, restaurants seem to be making environmentally friendly improvements this year. Ranging from weird to responsible, 2024 will certainly be a year to remember for its many stand-out food trends.

BEAUTY

by Jalynn Woolley

The 2020s have ushered in a transformative era for the beauty industry, driven by the rapid pace of social media platforms such as TikTok. With trends emerging and fading at lightning speed, staying ahead of the curve has become more challenging than ever.

As we navigate through this year, certain trends have been deemed “ins and outs” by the Gen Z masses. One notable shift is the departure of the once-revered “clean girl aesthetic,” a look that was originally spearheaded by Hailey Bieber, making way for its maximalist counterpart, the “mob wife aesthetic.” This evolution reflects a broader industry trend away from minimalist makeup looks. The “mob wife aesthetic” embraces opulence and glamour, with bold colors, dramatic contours, and varying textures that command attention.

As for hair, the once-timeless long hair style is now being critiqued and has been deemed “cheugy.” Instead, the industry appears to be favoring shorter hairstyles. TikTok’s current obsession is with a hair color reminiscent of an “old money blonde,” which can be described as a striking balance between blonde and brunette hues. This tone is supposed to radiate opulence, effortlessness, and luxury.

What distinguishes the recent cycle of trends is that they are often dictated by social media influencers rather than exclusively by A-list celebrities, as has been the pattern in the past. It appears that trends are now shaped by people that the media has deemed “relatable,” and it seems that the reign of the privileged elite has ended.

As of right now, the influencers who currently rule the beauty industry and dictate the eternal ebb and flow of trends include TikTok favorites such as Alix Earle, Sophia Richie Grainge, and Meredith Duxbury. These content creators have the power to sell out products in seconds. One 15 second video promotion can drain a company’s products in an instant.

As the beauty industry continues to evolve rapidly, fueled by digital trends and shifting cultural preferences, adaptability remains paramount for industry players seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

JOB SKILLS

by Alex Gonzales

In recent years, AI has made a splash in our everyday lives, lending applications to everything from Open AI’s Chat GPT to personalized social media feeds. The optimistic responses toward applications of AI have matched an equal pessimism of AI; in particular, many fear AI’s implications on job opportunities and how it will change varying fields of work. Consequently, job skills are a prophylactic means in the face of total job replacement by AI.

One such skill that workers will need in the future will be the ability to learn effectively and quickly. As AI accelerates, jobs and the tools behind them will follow, and workers will need to adapt to changes in their industry and utilize AI in this process.

Business Insider notes, “Going with the flow will take on a whole new meaning as the workplace evolves. Workers will need to check their egos at the door and adopt a willingness to do what’s asked.”

Integrating change in job fields will ultimately be more effective than warding off AI from jobs. In addition, it will be crucial for workers to have the skills that AI does not. Such skills are often referred to as soft skills; this includes intrapersonal skills, analytical thinking and problem-solving, empathy, and leadership. Harnessing these skills will be conducive to keeping jobs and allowing AI to multiply job opportunities.

Entertainment

Houston Rodeo continues to educate and entertain the Houston community

JULIA SHERMAN

Production Editor

Held at the iconic NRG Stadium, the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will showcase multiple different events. This event also promotes agriculture by hosting a family-friendly experience that not only entertains the public but also educates.

The Houston Rodeo has given more than $575 million to the youth of Texas and education. The Rodeo has been a Texan

tradition since 1932, and has grown to be the most well-known, worldwide rodeo that people from various countries attend. Spanning over several days, starting on February 27 and ending on March 17, this annual Houstonian event will once again bring together enthusiasts, competitors, and families alike for a celebration of Western culture, horsemanship, and last, bringing people in from various states and countries. Rodeo Houston also celebrates important events for certain days, like Armed Forces Appreciation Day, Black Heritage Day, First Responders Day, Community Day, and Go Tejano Day. The Rodeo is sponsored by many large companies such as Coca-Cola, Miller Lite, Ford, Mattress Firm, and Reliant.

From bullriding to mutton busting, there is a wide variety of entertainment for all ages. The Rodeo offers live music performances from some of the most iconic artists, carnival rides, and delicious food offerings. Some artists playing at this year’s Rodeo include Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Whiskey Myers, and Eric Church, along with many other incredible performers.

Beyond the competition and entertainment, the Rodeo also serves as a platform to celebrate and support agricultural education and youth development programs. Through various initiatives and scholarships, the event aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the agricultural industry, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility toward the land and its many resources.

The Grammy Awards continue to disappoint viewers and fans

CAROLINE JOHNSON Staff Writer

February 4 in Los Angeles, California, the music award ceremony The Grammys was held. While the night received lots of press and was highly anticipated, it only exemplified the favoritism and corruption that the music industry promotes, even ending with a nominee’s arrest.

Familiar names like Michelle Obama, the Arctic Monkeys, Dolly Parton, Troye Sivan, and Ryan Gosling received nominations, but the winning artists’ musical abilities remain in question.

Receiving her thirteenth and fourteenth Grammys, Taylor Swift stole the show at

the ceremony. However, her hodge-podge hairstyle, less than congenial manners, selfish announcement, and undeserving recognition left many viewers shaking their heads. For the “Album of the Year” award, Taylor was against competition like Olivia Rodrigo and SZA; however, most importantly, Lana Del Rey’s breakout and highly acclaimed and emotional album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel under Ocean Blvd, which was robbed of the Grammy it deserved. Walking up to the stage to receive her fourth “Album of the Year” honor, Swift grabbed the Grammy from host Celine Dion without acknowledging her and overshadowed every other award winner’s success by announcing her newest album The Tortured Poets Department. This acceptance made it abundantly clear to audience members that a recognizable name and semi-famous boyfriend are what win awards, not talent.

Earning herself two Grammys, Miley Cyrus and her song “Flowers” earned her the awards of “Best Record” and “Best Pop Solo Performance.” While it is agreed that it is fortunate that she earned her first Grammys this year after over two decades in the music industry, her overplayed song was a surprising choice for the awards. This poses the question that many viewers were asking: Was it nepotism that earned Cyrus these Grammys? Nonetheless, her onstage performance for the Grammys’ audience was applause-worthy.

Wrapping up the ceremony toward the end of the night, rapper Killer Mike made his dramatic departure from the award show with his arrest for a misdemeanor.

Among many other hardworking artists, Lainey Wilson, Billie Eilish, Paramore, and Zach Bryan also took home awards.

Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII in interesting but slow scoring game

THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor

Objectively, Super Bowl 58 was one of the best in recent history. Although it was a slow scoring game, it still had everyone on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

With a final score of 25-22 favoring the Kansas City Chiefs, this year’s Super Bowl had multiple highs and lows for both teams. In the first quarter, the San Francisco 49er’s appeared to be the future champions. Starting off hot, the Pride of the Bay Area dominated the run game, gaining slow but meaningful yardage. However, after making wise defensive

adjustments at halftime, the Chiefs started to hinder the 49ers’ offense.

After blocking a PAT attempt, the Chiefs tied the game at 19 at the end of regulation and pushed the outcome into overtime. KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes took the initiative and led the Chiefs to a touchdown, overcoming the 49er’s first possession field goal. After two back-toback Super Bowl wins, Patrick Mahomes and Mr. Swift are on track to form a dynasty with the Chiefs.

Some of the most entertaining commercials include Michael Cera’s CeraVe partnership, Etsy’s parody of a US counter gift for the Statue of Liberty, and Uber Eats with the Beckhams and Friends.

HOT TAKES

with ANGELINA FERTITTA

Did you know that 65% of the nation consumes at least one cup of coffee a day?

Or that the Starbucks franchise makes around $88 million daily? It seems that coffee flows through the veins of Americans, and considering these facts, it might seem daring of me to claim that tea is the superior beverage. Before the coffee enthusiasts come after me, hear me out. I’m here to spill the tea (pun intended) on why tea deserves a chance in the spotlight.

First, coffee is known to cause many health issues such as disruption of sleep and an increased heart rate, not to mention that caffeine can be very addictive. Studies show that people who drink it regularly have an increased risk of becoming dependent on it and even experience withdrawals.

Compared to coffee, tea has many more health benefits. For instance, it contains much lower levels of caffeine, has many digestive properties, has anti-stress effects, and can improve metabolism. In addition, there is much more variety of flavors and types when it comes to tea, each with its own distinct flavor. Although tea isn’t the most popular in the U.S, it is second only to water as the most popular beverage worldwide. In fact, it is

estimated that three billion cups of tea are consumed per day globally.

So, I encourage you all to give your usual Starbucks order the day off and try an interesting flavored tea instead.

Bull rider competes in the Houston rodeo. Photo courtesy of rodeohouston. com.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates after winning the Super Bowl.

Photo courtesy of people.com.

Band Boygenious celebrates by kissing their new Grammys. Photo courtesy of npr.org.

A steaming cup of coffee sits on a table surrounded by coffee beans. Photo courtesy of CNN.com.

Opinions

Is there a gender bias in athletics?

ANYA PANT Opinions Editor

Historically, women have been underappreciated in the world of athletics. Sexism has been an opponent in athletics that undermines the essence of fair play. Though strides to make the space of athletics a more gender equal space, the realm of athletics still struggles with biases and stereotypes that disproportionately affect female athletes. It is necessary that we make efforts to address these issues to create a level playing field and a space where dedication and talent reign supreme, regardless of gender.

Sexism in athletics doesn’t just start when girls enter professional sports; it starts from a very young age. Girls as young as five years old feel as if they don’t belong in their sport. Additionally, only 30% of parents believe it’s important for their daughter to play sports whereas 41% of parents believe it is important for their son to play. This type of thinking makes girls think about sports differently from the very beginning of their lives. Though barriers can be put up for women in sports in their household, the gender disparities in athletics become incredibly apparent at the professional level.

One of the most obvious manifestations of sexism in athletics is the media coverage and sponsorship opportunities between male and female athletes. Female athletes consistently receive less airtime, endorsements, and pay then their male counterparts. The way women are covered in the

media and paid less makes it seem that their accomplishments are less worthy than the accomplishments of male athletes.

Moreover, sexism in athletics becomes very apparent when looking at the governing bodies of sports organizations. Women scarcely ever receive an equal amount of prize money as men, and opportunities to advance in their field is very limited. These are just some barriers that women in athletics must face constantly in their daily life. This is not only unjust to the athletes but also deprives them of more diverse role models and inspiration.

Examples of this bias against women can been seen in every sport; just one example is in soccer. In the 2022 Men’s World Cup, FIFA claims that around 1.5 billion people tuned in for the France vs Argentina final match, whereas for the Women’s World Cup final, globally, only an estimated 81.18 million viewers tuned in across all platforms. This stark discrepancy in the viewership between the men’s and women’s matches showcases the obvious bias in media coverage in men’s versus women’s sports.

To combat sexism in athletics, it is prudent that we adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses these systemic inequalities. Sports organizations should consider adding in policies that promote gender equity throughout the industry. Additionally, we should challenge traditional gender stereotypes and promote positive portrayals of women in media through advertising, education, and the media.

Is it right to separate the art from the artist?

ALEX GONZALES Staff Writer

Art has been a historical companion to the human condition, and in judging it, people have conjectured and stated reasons and conditions for appreciating art that have, all too often, limited the body of work they could understand. Whether you have disagreements over an artist’s view on a social issue or personal opinions about the implications of the product, art is best viewed when you leave your opinions and preconceptions at the door.

Humans have an intuitive sense of the importance of recognizing the independence of art from our subjective preferences, which is best stated by the aphorism “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Separating the artist from the art has been a contentious discussion since the beginning of art, as our preferences, opinions, and values influence how we view art before we even consume it. Art should be recognized as an independent creation of the artist that should be judged independently. The value of art comes from its aesthetic explications of the world around us that are sometimes hard to connect. By separating an artist’s personal life from his or her work or any disagreeable undertones, we maintain the autonomy of artistic expression and allow a space to appreciate art as a universal expression.

The power of art lies in its ability to transcend the individual, offering a shared experience that speaks to the collective human condition. This means judging art primarily through the view of an artist’s actions or the controversial subject matter that relates to it leads to a parochial interpretation of art as a form of expression. The aesthetic value of art lies within what it conveys in a ubiuitous sense. In contrast, the subjective aspects of art are inwardly directed and rely on the consumer valuing the art de to their inborn bias.

Supreme Court decisions become controversial

CAMPBELL RICHARDSON

Copy Editor

Supreme Court cases for the last few years have certainly been numerous and controversial, filling headlines with such decisions as overturning Roe v. Wade or the more recent Texas border dispute. Colorado’s case for blocking Trump on its ballot and making it to the Supreme Court is significant, although unlikely to win. However, an upcoming case coming out sometime this year looks to radically change the power of federal agencies.

Administrative law is a specific branch of the legal system that governs regulations by executive agencies. Nowadays, there is seemingly an agency for everything, with some of the most recognizable ones including OSHA, the FDA, and Social Security Administration. They all fall under the executive branch; however, they have significant autonomy from the President. Congress has the ultimate say when it comes to administrative laws, and the various executive branch agencies are entirely beholden to them. However, cases where the law is vague or does not set specifics open the door for agencies to set their own regulations.

This is all mostly based on the 1984 case of Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense

Council. The case itself revolved around whether the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, had the authority to define what a source of pollution counted as. Here, the relevant law, the Clean Air Act of 1963, was vague on this definition, leaving wiggle room for the EPA to set its own definition. Ultimately, the Court ruled that federal courts would defer to agencies for interpretation of administrative law. Since then, the case has been cited over 18,000 times and is the backbone of much of modern administration. The deference is seen by supporters as necessary for enabling the government to act when laws are left ambiguous.

In the years following the Chevron deference argument, the decision has come under fire, mostly from conservatives. Critics argue that the ruling leaves far too much power in the hands of unelected bureaucrats rather than Congress. This is often in line with the broader attacks of the “administrative state” of federal agencies. There have been numerous attempts to repeal Chevron deference, with this being the first to seriously challenge it in the Supreme Court.

Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo involves a small New Jersey fishing company. They brought a lawsuit against the NMFS, a federal agency responsible for

management of marine fisheries, to the district court. An amendment to a 1976 law regarding fishing was passed by the NMFS requiring the fishing industry to pay for federal monitoring of herring populations. Loper Bright Enterprises claimed that this amendment was passed outside of the NMFS’s jurisdiction. Because of the immense possibility riding on this case, billionaire Charles Koch and other right-leaning groups have supported the fishermen.

So far, the case has been appealed to the Supreme Court and will be ruled on sometime early this year. The current court is a 6-3 ratio of conservatives and liberals, likely leaning against Chevron. That said, the court has ruled contrary to their conservative lean in favor of President Biden, like in the case of Texas’s blocking of federal agents.

Looking to the future, if Chevron is overturned, federal agencies will at the very least be significantly hampered in their efforts. All sorts of executive regulations from Medicare to fossil fuels could be transformed.

For instance, the CFPB, set up in 2008 and in charge of regulating banks, has long been seen as crossing the line in preventing predatory lending. A similar case will be held regarding its authority, although it looks less likely to succeed.

Spring Sports

Swinging into a new season, baseball starts with a hit Golf drives into 2024

CAROLINE JOHNSON Staff Writer

Beginning in November, Episcopal High School’s hardworking baseball players exhibited their talents during their recent preseason. This was a time for the team to get to know their new players and bond with veteran members.

In preparation for late January’s tryouts, the players trained through their “boat crews,” or drafted unofficial teams who competed against other EHS baseball players in races and in the batting cages. According to Benjy David, a junior who is returning for his third baseball season at EHS, preseason was a time to “focus on athleticism,” testing the athletes’ physical abilities.

Instead of a formal tryout for the program, Head Coach Matt Fox used the first

week of practice to finalize the rosters. After he had seen each player exhibit their skills, they were placed onto three teams: JV White, JV Blue, and Varsity. To kick off the season on the newly developed teams, the JV White and JV Blue teams scrimmaged each other, with JV Blue victorious. Looking at their tough competition this season, they have upcoming scrimmages against Bellaire in their future.

Although Episcopal’s baseball program has seen many changes in 2024, including Coach Coles leaving and being replaced by Coach Witt, the future for the teams seems promising. According to current players, names to look out for this season include freshman Carlos Thachar and junior Preston Sullivan. The school community cannot wait to see what 2024 holds for EHS’s baseball teams.

New coaches create a new atmosphere for tennis

SIMONA KARNANI Staff Writer

The Episcopal tennis program expands its staffing as they welcome in a new head coach and assistant coach. Head coach Thatcher Cribbs accepted the position and is also serving as a wellness teacher. The assistant coach, Ryan Hay, brings to the program decades of coaching experience and is ready to supply the team with his years of experience. Additionally, the program welcomes back Coach Jennifer Succi in the assistant coach position. She has coached the team for many years prior.

This year, the program has seen an increase in interest in athletes who want

to represent Episcopal for the sport. The Freshman Class was highly represented during tryouts.

Last year’s varsity athletes return with a junior heavy team. Over the course of two weeks of tryouts, the players were evaluated in all aspects of tennis, and teams have started to come together.

Junior Ava Black said, “I have enjoyed getting to know the new coaches and seeing new players on the team tryout. It has been a fun experience, and I can’t wait for another great season.”

The team has started to prepare for their early March matches. Coach Cribbs said that “personally, [he has] been eagerly awaiting the start of the tennis season since the beginning of the school year.”

7-peat is on softball’s agenda

CLARA CRENSHAW Managing Editor

The Episcopal High School softball team has kicked off the season by beating Lamar 9-0 and St Pius 5-4 in preseason games and are looking forward to more wins in the regular season.

The team has been working very hard in the preseason under the direction of Strength and Conditioning Coach Jonathan Bowen. With only one senior gone from last year, the team returns with familiar faces, but it’s still a very young team with four juniors and one senior,

University of New Mexico commit and homerun leader Allie Williams.

The team is preparing for two of the most competitive tournaments in the Houston Area. The team will play UIL playoff contenders such as Dickinson, Clear Falls, and La Porte at the College Station NFCA Tournament.

Coach Kemble said, “With a veteran team, the influx of some very talented freshmen, and the return of the most successful softball coach at EHS, Kim Randolph, the early prognosis for the softball team is a seventh consecutive SPC Championship.”

Athletes putting in the time to start on the right track

PORTER MILLER Staff Writer

The boys and girls track and field season is off to a running start as the team has gained more athletes to carry the skills of strength and endurance track offers.

Ahead of the season, twenty-six meets are scheduled as well as three days of SPC in Dallas. Head Coach Isaiah Coleman and Assistant Coaches Michael Codrington, Julius Michael, and Ray Marshall are excited to welcome 30 new freshmen into the program as well as 28 sophomores, 22 juniors, and 22 seniors.

Talented athletes are at the heart of the teams’ projected success. Senior Karson

Gordon is nationally-ranked number one in the triple jump and has been named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Texas. Along with our student athletes, this award recognizes Karson’s athletic performance along with his academic skill and character.

The Track and Field program has managed to win thirteen SPC Championships, six wins from the girls in the years of ‘91, ‘92, ‘98, ‘08, ‘09, and ‘21, along with seven wins from the boys in ‘91, ‘92, ‘93, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘23.

As the season begins, Coach Coleman leans on the words of Denzel Washington: “Without commitment, you will never start, but more importantly, without consistency you will never finish.”

PORTER MILLER Staff Writer

Golf tryouts took place February 4, and the season has just begun.

Varsity is looking very promising with a lot of hard-working girls. These athletes are all invested in each other’s success as they are excited to be on the team. The chemistry is unlike any other as Head Coach Meghan Moake brings vast experience to help the girls improve each practice. The team consists of four sophomores, four juniors, and three seniors. In the process of preparation for their tournaments, the girls start a warmup containing of three parts: range, chipping and putting. Later, the girls set up their pushcarts and head to the driving range to hit, chip, and putt.

The boys team also started their season with the Strake Jesuit Invitational on February 12. The team is led by 4-year starters Bradley O’Donnell and Jack Oren. These teams are already starting off on a great foot and hoping for future wins.

Preseason conditioning prepares athletes for the lacrosse season

THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor

After losing seven starting seniors last season, Episcopal boys lacrosse will endure early season adversity. However, there is plenty of young talent that, with abundant senior leadership, can replace these position gaps.

The Knights have been training earnestly since October, which marked the beginning of “speedlax.” During speedlax, the team works to improve conditioning and stick skills through fast pace 3v3 games. The preseason preparation also includes a fitness test - to pass, one must run below a seven-minute mile, bench 80% of his bodyweight 10 times, and do 8+ pullups and dips. Freshman Bennet Abaza earned the best mile time with a 5:28, and for bench press, junior Travis Ray showcased his strength with 29 reps of 135lbs.

On February 9, the Knights went to Louisiana to start their season. It was a thriller, with 30 seconds left in the game, down by one, junior Andrew Choi took the initiative and scored the game-tying goal. Unfortunately, the Knights lost in overtime 11-10 against Catholic High School of Baton Rouge. However, the Knights then bounced back and beat Stratford High School 13-2.

JULIA SHERMAN

Production Editor

The girls lacrosse team has had a long but rewarding preseason with morning and afternoon practices. Under the guidance of Head Coach Stephanie Colson, the team has prepared well for upcoming games. Starting at the beginning of February, the girls went through a tryout process and ended up with a group led by a small but powerful group of seniors.

The girls first game was on February 15, against Lamar High School; as for other games this past month, the girls also played Emery Weiner, Gulf Coast, Kingwood, as well as a play day on the 17th.

Senior Coco Martin, returning for her fourth and final year of lacrosse and is committed to playing at Rhodes College this following fall, said “We have been training a lot, and have such a strong group of girls and are hoping for a successful season. We’re determined to give our best efforts in every game we play. I am especially excited to play our two rivals, The Kinkaid School and St. John’s. During tryout season and preseason, we have all pushed each other to be better every day and have lifted each other up, I love the bond of this team and I’m so excited to be with each of the girls on this team this season.”

Junior Brooks Edwards bats against Bellaire High School in a scrimmage.

Photo by Sloane Wallace.

Maddy Bos prepares her backstroke in a match. Photo by McKenna Foteh.

Jack Oren prepares for his fourth year on varsity. Photo by Charles Holt.

Winter SPC = 4 Titles

Girls soccer makes history

JALYNN WOOLLEY Co-Editor-in-Chief

During the SPC Winter Sports Championships held in Houston, the EHS’ varsity girls soccer team secured its name in the history books, capturing the program’s first SPC title.

Following impressive victories over ESD (7-0) and rival St. John’s (1-0) in the quarterfinal and semifinal, the Knights made history as they advanced to the championship game where they faced off against the reigning champions, the Hockaday Daisies. After a round of overtime, the game ended in a 1-1 tie, and the match culminated in a thrilling series of penalty kicks from which the Knights emerged victorious.

Penalty kicks were taken by senior captain Blake Olivier-Hodgson, forward Dayla Henderson, outside back Kyra Spears, goalkeeper Sam Qureshey, and outside mid Ryan Fox. The girls went 5 for 5 in their penalties and secured the victory.

The program win doesn’t come as much of a surprise after an incredibly impressive 2023-2024 season. The team was 7-0-1 in conference and entered the tournament as second seed. Recently, they were ranked as the number one high school girls soccer team in the city of Houston by Max Preps and proved themselves to be more than deserving of that title.

After a series of intense matches against some of the most competitive public school programs in the state, such as Stratford, Memorial, and Lake Travis, the Knights were able to finish off the season with an impeccable 13-0-4 record.

Unfortunately, the program is losing four seniors - Blake Olivier Hodgson, Lizzy Randall, Jalynn Woolley, and Hania Kusinski - who have dedicated themselves to the growth and development of Coach Stelter’s program over the past four years. The team is sad to see these beloved seniors go but is excited about the prospect of new talent that will join them next winter and are hopeful that the team will be able to defend its title.

Soccer savors another championship

SIMONA KARNANI Staff Writer

Boys soccer defended its SPC title in remarkable fashion, defeating Awty International School with a final score of 2-1. Junior Kaden Martinez scored the game winning goal with help from Freshman Sebastian Guerra who got the Knight’s on the scoreboard.

The Knights opened bracket play with an important 2-0 win over the St. John’s Mavericks on their home field. Freshman Sebastian Guerra scored alongside Eduardo Mora-Garza in the shutout. Senior Daniel Benz scored the game’s lone goal as the Knights carried their quarterfinal momentum to Awty where they hung on to defeat St. Andrew’s in the semifinals.

The win wouldn’t have been possible without key saves from senior goalkeeper

Aleck Camacho having many game defining plays throughout the tournament. This isn’t to say that the defense – Kingsley Agyeman-Yeboah, Lorenzo Juarez, and Jacob Holzhauser didn’t also step up in key points throughout SPC gameplay.

Coaches Travis Smith, Zach Schwarz, Jose Reyes, and Sarah Saldivar worked together to help bring a seventh championship to the program’s SPC banner- the first coming in 1992.

Seven seniors heard the final whistle for the last time in their high school – Kingsley Agyeman – Yeboah, Daniel Benz, Aleck Camacho, Jack Gillet, Lukas Jaworski, Blaine Stewart, and David Surratt – but the team will welcome back young talent with five freshman and four sophomores with varsity experience. Sophomore Jacob Holzhauser reflected, “Everyone thought this was going to be a down year for us since we lost so many seniors, but we still won.”

Swim teams make a splash in SPC

VANESSA REED Staff Writer

As Episcopal swim and dive season ends, the team finished 2023-2024 with many records and improvements.

During the SPC Tournament, the team had several impressive performances, and some athletes even nearly broke a few school records. Junior Omar Valdivia and freshman Ryan Lyda performed exceptionally in the 200M race and the 100 M freestyle.

Overall, the girls finished in seventh place and the boys finished eighth. The athletes worked and fought hard throughout the whole weekend.

The season’s goal was to see improvement from last year, and Head Coach Max Peraza believes that they have accomplished that goal this year. He is very proud that every EHS swimmer dropped time at the tournament. With new talent and an upward trend of improvement, the swimming and diving team is looking to be very successful for next season.

Basketball team recaptures SPC title

THOMPSON WHITE Sports Editor

With over 700 wins under his belt, Head Coach Wayne Jones led the Knights boys basketball team to its second consecutive SPC championship title during the winter sports tournament, battling Episcopal School of Dallas, St. John’s, and St. Mark’s along the path to victory.

The biggest factors to the Knights’ success were, in Coach Jones’ opinion, leadership and a reliable bench. With a starting lineup comprised of four seniors, maturity and experience were at the forefront in overcoming challenging opponents.

Senior Parker Manley said,, “This team was a tight knit community that pushed every single team member to give his all, not only in games but also in practices.”

These factors showed in the SPC tournament semifinal as the Knights avenged

a regular season loss to St. John’s with a convincing 72-59 win. In this match, senior Justin Begg showcased his impressive shooting with multiple deep three-pointers, while fellow senior Jakeel Registe featured majestic dunks to finish the game.

Understanding the gravity of the championship, Begg took the initiative to dominate in the championship game against St. Mark’s, finishing with 25 points and a SPC championship ring.

Coach Jones also noted how “[the Knights’] depth [wore] down other teams who couldn’t match [their] depth.”

With this persistent motor, the Knights were able to overcome their biggest challenge: a challenging schedule. Jones crafted a schedule that consisted of some of the best private and public schools in the state of Texas. Through this adversity, the Knights improved.

Stars align for girls basketball

LIZ BURKE Staff Writer

The EHS girls basketball team dominated the Winter SPC Championship bracket on its way to the title, utilizing both home court advantage and a flawless mastery of both ends of the floor.

During the tournament, Florida signee Me’Arah O’Neal, who contributed a remarkable 28 points, the Knights demonstrated their prowess on the court.

With the added impact of senior Emrie Holt and freshman Rylee Poindexter, the team displayed remarkable cohesion and determination throughout the three-game

path to victory.

Despite facing a spirited fourth-quarter challenge from their opponents, Episcopal High School maintained their composure and ultimately emerged triumphant with a resounding 66-54 victory over Kinkaid.

The team’s performance throughout the two-day event was a testament to the girls’ hard work, dedication, and skill, and a moment of immense pride for the school community.

With such a stellar performance, the future looks bright for Episcopal High School’s girls’ basketball team as they continue to strive for excellence while on and off the court.

Future for wrestling is promising as youth movement emerges strong

VANESSA REED Staff Writer

Members of the Episcopal wrestling team fought hard and finished strong during the SPC tournament held February 9 at St. John’s. Although the squad finishing sixth out of seven teams, the team left everything on the mats. Though a team title eluded the group, many wrestlers garnered individual championships in their weight classes.

Senior Jimmy Guzman took first place in the 132 weight class, juniors Philip Khalil (138) and Zach Berlin (144) took third place, and freshmen Cullen Bonine (113) and Deacon Morgan (175) placed

fourth. The wrestlers learned and grew with each competition, and with only three graduating, many younger athletes can grow and improve to make an impact for the next season.

Guzman and senior Thalia Vogelsang will leave a lasting impact on Episcopal and the wrestling program. Guzman ended his season as a 3x State Prep champion and a 3x SPC champion, and Vogelsang sported a 2x Prep State Champion, 2x State Prep outstanding wrestler, and 2x National Prep All-American recognitions. Vogelsang is also committed to a D2 program, Colorado Mesa University, where she will continue her wrestling career at a higher level.

The girls basketball team brought home an SPC championship, the program’s first since 1988. Photo courtesy of EHS Communications.

An undefeated girls soccer program celebrates its first SPC title. Photo courtesy of EHS Communications.

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Celebrity Sighting

If you have recently been hearing the songs of lyrical genius, Nicki Minaj being belted out in the hallways of EHS, you’re just like the rest of us. However, we have found the culprit of the karaoke mystery and determined that it is no other than the biggest icon of our generation, Sophia Grace. It is indisputable that the biggest barb (aka Sophia Grace) is the person behind the mysterious chorus of “Super Bass” that can be heard all throughout campus. From the girl boss pose, the chocolaty hair color, and the gleam sassiness in her eyes it is clear Episcopal has been graced with the presence of the most iconic guest of The Ellen DeGeneres Show that there ever was. However, if that was not enough for you, just take a look at the identical mischievous smile that could only belong to none other than THE Sophia Grace. The real question we have been wondering though is where has her sidekick, Rosie, been hiding? Photo on left courtesy of Vol.at and photo on right by Clara Crenshaw.

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Cartoon by Izzie Song.

MS. STELTER “Field hockey”

MR. MAXIMOS “Tennis”

OLIVIA GREGOR “Volleyball”

KAYDEN EDWARDS “Golf”

GIGI BASS “Lacrosse”

WILL GIESLER “Water polo”

GRACE GRAY “Fencing”

CALDER TRIBBLE “Squash”

ANNIE LYONS “Curling”

AUSTIN PEGARI “Croquet”

The Impact dance team rehearses for the Spring Dance Concert. Photo by Jules Weinstein.