Bear Facts: Vol.48 #3

INSIDE: Opinions... pg 2 Current... pg 3 Campus... pg 4 Sports ... pg 6 Community... pg 7 Local... pg 8 VOL. XLVIII, NUMBER 3

HUT HUT!

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF ALIEF HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL

FEBRUARY 2020

DE LA ROSA TO LEAD

FIGHTING BEARS

By Julissa Frausto and Stephanie Zarate

Coach De La Rosa is ready to tackle the upcoming football season as he becomes the new head coach and athletic director. Out of numerous applicants, he was chosen for his achievements and experience.

Principal Lynette Miller describes there are a multitude of things that you must take into consideration when selecting a head football coach, considering that the head football coach is also the athletic director. They have to be able to form strong relationships with the other coaches because they will be working

together on a daily basis.

“You have to look at experience, you have to look at someone that is going to hold our students accountable, but also someone who’s positive with them... relate to the kids...and help them reach their potential,” Miller explained.

Coach De La Rosa is delighted with his new position and his goal for the upcoming season is “to develop players and just make them successful [in] the classroom, discipline-wise, and then out on the field”.

“Our biggest saying here is if you do the little things the big things will take care of themselves,” adds De La Rosa. Although the interview process was nerve-wracking it was a chance, he was willing to take. His years of hard work and determination had finally paid off and as he took on a new role with many responsibilities, he knew it was his time to lead.

The team is eager to start the upcoming football season with a new leader. Coach De La Rosa represents a beacon of hope for the team. They are ready

APOCALYPSE AVERTED

By Jackelin Gutierrez

“One man got killed who was of great importance to Iran, and [Iran was] not too happy about it, [Iran] gave us a threat... but I think it’s all settled down,” says junior, Ginij Gautam.

After President Donald Trump ordered the killing of the top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, it sparked concern with the people of the United States and Iran.

Soleimani’s killing was meant to disrupt a terror threat, and prevent Soleimani from planning attacks against the US. President Trump also had his own motivations, after the death of an American contractor at an Iraqi military base.

Social media soon began to poke fun at the issue of experiencing a world war, with many making jokes about drafts.

After Soleimani was killed, Iran launched missiles in Iraqi bases where US troops were being held. The retaliation alarmed the US, reason as to why Americans were concerned with the issue of another world war.

Although a third world war concerned a few people at the beginning of the year, it is unlikely that it will occur.

Major countries aren’t involved with the conflict, leaving out alliances.

“Personally... I don’t think a world war would break out just

for him to lead them to victory.

Jonathan Clark, who plays offensive tackle said he expects De La Rosa to “lead [them] to the playoffs this year and to go further than [they] ever have”. The players are thrilled with the news.

Photo By Korede Omoniyi

“I was happy for him,” Clark said. “He always works hard. Ever since I came here, he was the offense coordinator... we’re like family here.”

“Coach put me back as receiver I’m ready,” Mason Jenkins said enthusiastically.

JUST BEAT IT

like that because it would take a lot of major… countries that need to join in on the fight for it to become a world war, right now it’s just the United States versus Iran,” says junior, Bissett Chay Pac. Before the problems

By Aniket Rattan could escalate more, The college process can President Trump and be overwhelming with the Iranian Minister so much to prepare for, tweeted out that they but it can really take a do not plan to create a session of rejuvenating bigger conflict. stress relief to get back “I don’t think [a war] on track. For students would actually hapat Hastings, it’s the pen... when I think of world war, I… think of partake in the sport of Pinata Beating that all the countries parwill do the trick. The ticipating in the war, College Center awardbut when it’s like one country versus another, ed the students living I feel like it’s just a reg- through the college process a chance to ular war,” says senior vent out frustrations, Khoa Le.

difficulty, burden, or any regrets burrowed within by hosting a special event for the students on February 4th.

To attend, students needed to show proof of a submitted scholarship application for college and have completed the FAFSA. “This event I think is a way to reduce the stress that comes to these students,” said College See COLLEGE on page

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OPINION

BEAR FACTS

BEAR FACTS STAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF

STAFF

Yahe-Ko Tejeda Maria Alberto Preza Damian Arriaga-Davila ASSISTANT EDITORS Evelyn Bustos Huerta Antonio Ortiz Furaha Famili Tina To Truc Nguyen Korede Omoniyi ONLINE EDITOR Karina Sanchez Leslie Villamar Ailin Coronado Julissa Frausto BUSINESS MANAGER Genesis Paz Maxamilliana Romano Vilma Rosales Lily Tran Diego Villegas Stephanie Zarate CatherineAboderin Fisayo Babatunde ADVISER Leslie Gorostieta Tiffany Fitzpatrick Jackelin Gutierrez PRINCIPAL Stefhanie Lazo Arevalo Lynette Miller Aniket Rattan Catherine Calderon

Bear Facts, a public forum for student opinion, is published at Alief Hastings High School, 4410 Cook Rd., Houston, TX 77072.

The purposes of Bear Facts are to inform, entertain and to provide both a catalyst and forum for student expression. Opinions expressed by those of the collective staff or individuals within do not necessarily represent the views of the adviser, administration or the Alief School Board of Trustees.

Bear Facts is a member of the Interscholastic Press Conference and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Bear Facts encourages letters to its staff and editors. Letters, which may be edited for length and clarity, should be brought to room 108N.

FEBRUARY 2020

SCIENCE OF THE SEA

By Stephanie Zarate

If you were thinking of taking aquatic science, then you should. At first, when I got into the class, I wasn’t really sure about staying in the class, but once I understood what we were learning in the class I found a liking to it.

Getting to learn about the watersheds all around us with all the lakes, rivers and oceans and bow they do have a big part of where we live and what’s all around us. You’d be surprised about what is in the water around us. Being able to learn about the organisms is really important, you get to see and learn about them. There are so many to count but it’s exciting to learn about these new things.

First semester you learn about the watersheds around you, about the organisms, endangered fish and a couple of other stuff as well.

Second semester is a

lot better I personally think because you get to be in a group and have to buy a fish for your tank also having to feed and buy stuff for your tank. Trying to keep a fish alive for the whole semester is harder than you think. The class is easy, but only if you do all your work.

While in the class you have to test the water to make sure your pH levels are good enough for the fish, but when you get a fish you can only get a certain type of fish because you have to remember that we can only support freshwater fish because saltwater fish are a bit harder to care of. The fishes that are approved to have in your tank are butterfly fish, angel fish, dalmatian molly, mollies, and guppy fish. Only one person in your group can have one beta fish because if you get two, they will only fight each other to the point they might

each other, and that’s something you don’t want.

If your fish dies then you’ll have to replace it because the fish that you buy are your responsibility you have to make sure the fish tank is clean and that you feed them everyday and that is all for a grade so take care of your fish.

Taking aquatic science is fun, but always remember to do your work and stay focused for both yourself and your fish.

In conclusion, if you like fish and learning about all the bodies of water all around us then aquatic science is for you so good luck and DON’T FORGET TO TAKE CARE OF

By Jackelin Gutierrez

CURRENT

FEBRUARY 2020

COMING UP @ HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL

February 22

Crawfish Boil Benefit

Like crawfish? Don’t miss this chance to have some tasty crawfish and support the family of the student that was struck by a car on High Star in October. All proceeds from the crawfish boil will go to the family to help pay medical expenses.The event will be held in the Hastings High School south entrance circle drive. The event begins at noon and goes until the crawfish run out!

Crawfish – $8/lb.

Pizza – $2/slice Drinks – $1 February 22 Alief Jazz Festival

@Kerr High School

February 28 Balfour graduation makeup orders.

North Cafe 10:45-12:38

March 2 Student Holiday

March 4 SAT Exam Day: Juniors will have the opportunity to take the SAT with writing for free during school hours. You are not required to register but you must have your student ID in order to test.

March 13 End of 3rd grading period.

March 15 - March 20 Spring Break March 23

Start of 4th grading period.

April 10 Student/Staff Holiday

Courtyard

FYI...

Did you know there are only a limited supply of yearbooks available each year? We’re down to two hundred copies available. In a school this big, do you really want to risk missing your chance to get a copy?

tors. This summer, my plan is to receive my real-estate license while working an internship and learning as much as I can before the first semester of college starts. As for personal goals, it’s to simply be a better human. From having more empathy towards others to finding only the best in everybody and to love more.”

“My goal for this school year is to pass the SAT with a good score so I can get a scholarship to go to the school I want to,” said junior Oluwafunmibi Akingbehi. “And my goal outside of school is to get my certificate for veterinary science in order to start my internship at a hospital so I can help helpless dogs and make their lives better.”

In addition, a couple of us are ready to move on, eager to see what

will happen next, “My goals for school is to graduate, I’m ready to see what’s beyond the walls of Hastings,” said senior Gwyneth Driver, “And my goals outside of school are to go out more, stop being so social media and be more social. Also to be more organized just in general not just in school.”

“My goal for 2020 for in school will be to graduate this year, because I’m tired of being here and I want to do everything that I can to get out of here,” said senior Cristian Garrido.

“And my goal outside of school is to become financially successful to where I can hold my own weight out here in the real world.”

Most students have many different goals to pursue this year but only some are willing to do anything to fulfill those goals.

No Early Release March 6 Food Frenzy

2020 GOALS

By Maria Alberto

Its 2020, another year for new goals and dreams that we hope to pursue. Each year we make a list of things that we are hoping to accomplish, of course some of us aren’t committed enough and forget about them. But there are still people that are motivated to make their goals come true and are ready to overcome any obstacles to make it happen.

Some of us already have a plan to fulfill our dreams or are on the way to achieving them.

For example, senior Marion Marquez has a plan for the year ahead.

“For 2020 my goals are more geared towards education and personal well being,” Marquez said. “Education wise, I’m currently learning about Real-Estate alongside some of the best Agents in Houston who I can call my men-

BEAR FACTS COLLEGE

and Career Center Advisor Mr. Kevin Cisneros. “Seniors kept telling us about their stresses whenever they come visit us and this was a joint decision we had to make. ”.

The Pinata event was a big event for the College Center. The event had originally dated to be scheduled to happen on January 14th, but delayed until February to be better prepared.

“We posted the event and its details on the Band App that the students have access to,” said College and Career Advisor Sherrice Perkins. “We even made posters that were hung all around the campus and at our center. The announcements came on daily and Ms. Miller, the principal, would always talk about the event. And there was a nice number of people too that submitted the applications.

At the event, students

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had the opportunity to contest in a timed competition of battering open a few Pinatas provided by the College Center that contained a proposed variety of candy within.”

“I thought the party was really nice and I’m glad they stuck to the date they had announced for it”, said senior Andy Nguyen.

“I took pictures and uploaded them into the Band App so others can see the opportunities they could take”.

Not to mention, food from Cane’s Chicken was served as well as Koo-laid beverages to the students in reward of their efforts.

“Realistically, all students should actively be doing this”, said Perkins. “At the end result of this, it was to hope that doing this would help increase their scholarship admission results and reducing the money needed to pay for college”.

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CAMPUS

BEAR FACTS

FEBRUARY 2020

I WORK OUT THIS PLACE SIDE OF

Hastings students have plenty on their plate

By Truc Nguyen

In the state of Texas, the compulsory education laws require students to attend school if they are between the ages 6 through 18.

School averages around 7 to 8 hours a day starting from 7:20am to 2:35pm. Even though the school day might have already ended, many students’ days have not as most attend their part time jobs as soon as when the dismissal bell rings.

Junior Prince Mayah works at Rue 21 for approximately 15 hours a week to 20 hours a week, averaging around 5 hours a day or 4 hours a day for 3 to 4 days a week.

As school ends at 2:35, on the days he works, he gets home around 8pm in which he crams in both his dinner and homework in just that short span if he wants to get enough sleep for the next day of school.

Senior Angie Olguin shared that her job of being a pharmacist at CVS is “almost every day straight after school from 3:30-9:00pm.”

As senior year is the last year of high school for students, many of them stress over turning in college applications and financial aid documents but for many others, they are overwhelmed by having to balance out the responsibilities they

must take care of and also attending work daily.

Mayah adds that he believes that it does affect his school performance because if he has to work on Sundays and then have school on Monday, he is drained by the workload and working Thursdays means he will not have time to study for his tests on Fridays.

When coming home from late night shifts, students are drained from having to attend school during the day and also work late at night. Having to come back to complete their school work can add on stress and negatively impact how they perform in school. They are not able to accomplish all of their assignments without being deprived of sleep.

Junior Hayam Zaydon, who works at The Rustic Brush discloses that “sometimes teachers don’t consider the circumstances of their students as [the teachers] don’t care.

[It] feels like they are just trying to do their job but they forget that sometimes kids have different situations like some have to work to help their families and some don’t.”

On average, students take 7 classes in one school year and many feel that teachers tend

to disregard their circumstances at home or life outside of school.

Though they might express that it is only one assignment, one assignment for each class piles up to being 7 assignments. With many uncompleted homework, working students often fall behind in class Olguin adds that she is working because she needs to help her mom pay the bills. Olguin said she feels that it’s unacceptable how she is old enough to help but hadn’t done it before – even though she saw her mom struggling with paying the rent while still trying to satisfy Olguin’s wants even though they weren’t necessary.

Working at a young age may seem like a choice for all but a handful.

However, considering most students that attend Alief high schools are from low income families, most work in order to help get bills paid on time. Students take on a difficult task in balancing their jobs and school in order to support their families financially.

Notably, every student’s circumstances are different and even though it may seem like they have it easy, many have obligations outside in which it can affect their performance in school.

WANT MORE BEAR FACTS? We’re posting regular updates online at bearfactsmedia.com. Visit the website for entertainment, news and information.

YOU WILL

SURVIVE

By Julissa frausto

Transitioning from middle school to high school can take a toll on many students. They are not used to having a tremendous amount of freedom. Students are overwhelmed by having to keep up with assignments and deadlines without having the constant reminders from the teacher. They are accustomed to being told exactly what to do and when to do it. However, in high school teachers expect you to keep up with the work, especially if you are absent.

Although it can seem intimidating, there are many resources at your disposal to aid in the transition.

If you are struggling to pass a particular class you can always attend tutorials. Don’t automatically assume that your teachers are out to get you and don’t want you to succeed. In reality it is the complete opposite they are willing to help you all you have to do is ask.

Just take it from a current junior, Adriana Alvarez.

“I struggled with keeping up with the work and learning,” said Alvarez.

After attending tutorials she realized that “paying close attention...helped [her] understand the subject better without the need to come to tutorials”. When she needed help her teachers were there for her. For the most part, the responsibility falls on the student but it doesn’t mean that there’s no one there to help along the way. It is different from middle school because you must take the initiative. The resources are there but they won’t come to you. You will have to go to them.

Another major issue that often arises when entering high school is learning to balance your school life from your personal life. You get caught up in the excitement of all the available extracurriculars and forget that each extra curricular activity involves a multitude of responsibilities. Bisett Chay-Pac understands this well because she per-

CAMPUS

FEBRUARY 2020

BEAR FACTS

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LET’S HOSA BLOOD DRIVE

By Aniket Rattan

One of the most selfish things a person can do is help someone else, because of the happy emotions and gratification that comes along doing such actions. It gives a keen reminder of the good that there still exists in the world and a purpose that is rich and will never be poor in doing so. Donating blood is one of the many opportunities that sets itself as an example of helping others in need and saving lives and those that people care about. Present-day time, there are many donation blood centers that can be found around the world, and even some that commute to different towns and cities worldwide.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is one of the many

sonally experienced this.

“When I transitioned from middle school to high school I felt the difficulty of balancing school work with sports and a job,” said ChayPac. “Juggling all things at once made me feel as if I didn’t have a real grip on anything. In middle school it was easier because we didn’t have jobs and sports weren’t as competitive or rigorous.

But in high school, it is a whole different scene, sports consume a lot of your time, extra curricular activities are hard to keep up with but are necessary for a good college application, and jobs also become demanding,” Chay-Pac quickly came to the realization that not she couldn’t possibly do everything. She had to find balance between her personal and school life. On top of sports, she

independent, nonprofit blood centers that gathers blood through donations and provides blood to help sustain lives in the Gulf Coast region.

On January 24, the blood center had paid a visit to Houston, Texas at Hastings High School. Students were given an opportunity of donating blood to be able to save a life and garner the experience of engaging volunteer work.

“Well, we first have the student donors come up to one of the trailers stationed outside at the back of the school and have them sit in a screening room where we ask their demographics, address, and other patient knowledge,’’ said Laphadra Myers, a blood bank nurse for the Gulf

also had to make time to do homework and relax.

For this very reason, she advises other high school students who are currently “struggling with balancing different activities, regardless of how much planning and organizing you’re doing, narrow down...You can’t do everything you want to do just focus on what you’re really passionate about.”

In high school you have to learn to manage your time wisely, balance both your personal and school life, and take advantage of the resources available to you. Transitioning from middle school to high school can be difficult but there are always resources available to aid you in the process. Don’t ever think that you are alone in this process and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Coast Regional Blood Center. “We would always advise and ask the students to drink plenty of water and have a nice meal before donating, so there would be snacks available for the student as they wait for their turn to donate. When it finally is their turn, they would lie down on a donor bed, have their vitals examined, and would be asked Gulf history questions whether it’s their first time donating or not, as well as their experience in doing so, all while receiving their blood”.

As part of the HOSA(Health Occupations Students of America Organization), the Gulf Coast Regional center collaborated with other fellow HOSA member volunteers who were fellow students that at-

tend Hastings in part of their journey towards their career in the medical field.

“This blood drive was not as packed as the first two blood drives but I thought the blood drive was a smooth experience and everyone that participated had a chance to donate blood,’’ said HOSA student member Abbass Qureshi. “It significantly opened my eyes to various points of views from the different medical people that were there for where I can learn in my process of becoming an awesome health care worker”.

Being a part of the blood drive process, the Hastings HOSA members had arranged the food and beverages that the student donors would have after they had donated. For every

blood drive that Hastings has done, HOSA has been apart of the team and working together with the center.

“Not many people know about HOSA being a club and it’s a national one that invites people to explore experiences of what you may want to be later on, or if you’re curious to just have a fun time with fellow members that are also participating,’’said Abbass.

Although the blood drive has been going on, there are always new people who have never donated blood before. “ Since it’s my first time doing a red blood cell donation, I wanted to just experience it,’’ said Hai Hoang. “I thought it was scary, but not anymore”.

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BEAR FACTS

BASKETBALL RECAP

BEARS

vs

OILERS

SPORTS

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT:

By Evelyn Bustos

Wanting something is just half the battle, but were many highlights Hastings Bears, in a actually going for it in the game. Six-foot morale victory against and making it happen is six power forward, the highly ranked something only a few Oscar Banks slammed Pearland Oilers, came 2 dunks which sent the individuals are able up short by one point. to accomplish. It all Bears lost 41-42 to the audience roaring. In started as a hobby for Oilers after Peter Mck- addition, six foot point the star athlete Desguard, Peter Mckey ey scored a free throw scored 21 points along tiny Garcia, now it’s which put them in the with 2 assists and 1 re- something she trains lead 41-40. However, bound. Not to mention, on a daily for. Her goal when pearland placed after high school is to a layup within the final five-foot eleven shootbe able to play both in ing guard, Caleb Philseconds, they ended the college and profesthe game ahead by one lips used his athleticism sional level. Moreover, and knowledge of the point. she has the opportunity game to read the court Pearland Oilers are to play beside her older and carry out the most ranked first in the dissister Jocelyn Garcia reliable plays. trict, while the Bears who aspires the same are ranked fourth. With Along with the energy dreams. It is rare to find Pearland being so high- on the court, there was two sisters loving the a lot of enthusiasm ly ranked, many fans same sport and being can agree that the Bears throughout the audiable to play beside one ence as well. The fans put up a good fight. another.

“I could barely tell the were so electrified that “At first I just played difference between the security was called to soccer as a hobby but escort the Oilers as rankings because they then seeing that me and they exited the gym in were constantly tied. my sister connected chaos.

I honestly felt like we and played good to“It’s cool to see the had a better perforsupport that the team mance than the oilers but obviously the score gets from their fans. I feel like the spirit from says otherwise.” says the crowd gives them Jordan Carmichael. the energy to play even Although the Bears took a tough loss, there better.” says Nia James.

By Mya Bourgeois

C O MIN G U P SOFTBALL

February 22 Softball @Sterling February 27 Softball vs. Humble

February 25 Girls vs. George Ranch

February 28 Baseball vs. FB Kempner February 29 Baseball vs. FB Marshall

good in school and get good grades in order to play.” However, when you make time for what you love despite certain obstacles that may come along the way in the end it will be worth it.

Coming to an end, every sport comes with its pros and cons ,when she was asked about her favorite part of the sport she stated “Is playing my part which is playing defense, knowing that I finished the game playing good makes me proud of myself,makes me happy ,and knowing that I’m making my parents proud.” Next time you go support the mighty bears at their soccer games make sure to look out the field and see Destiny Garcia number 5 in action.

SOCCER

March 24 Softball @Dawson

February 24 Baseball @Klein Forest February 27 Baseball vs. FB Marshall

gether made me fall in love with the sport,” said Garcia. Most siblings have a rivalry going, but these two soccer sisters are more than happy to share many memories in the field. “It feels amazing playing with my sister, knowing that she’ll be there to back me up and this sport made us even closer,” said Garcia.

Being a student-athlete is very time consuming, balancing school and sports can be a great hassle. For Garcia she personally sees it very demanding.

“Soccer and school can get a little challenging because you have practice after school, said Garcia. “Then you get home and you have work to do and sometimes you don’t have time but as an athlete you have to be

March 6 Baseball vs. MacArthur

February 21 Boys vs. Elsik Girls @Elsik

February 21 Baseball vs. Nimitz

DESTINY GARCIA

March 5 Baseball vs. Pasadena Memorial

March 3 Softball @Elsik

BASEBALL

FEBRUARY 2020

Photo By Roberto Garcia

February 28 Boys @Strake Jesuit March 3 Boys vs. Taylor March 6 Girls vs. Pearland March 10 Boys vs. Dawson Girls @Dawson March 17 Boys @Brazoswood

By Dillion Nguyen & Yordy Jurado-Arias

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COMMUNITY

BEAR FACTS

KNITTING FOR KOALAS

By Tina To

Imagine a dark and cruel world without the warmth and love radiating from the existence of Koala bears and Kangaroos! A world without these beloved animals would indeed be dreadful.

With Australia’s native animals becoming endangered due to the lethal bushfires that are currently taking over, we might just have to face such a bleak future.

Some staff members and students in Alief are taking initiative by volunteering to crochet joey pouches and nests for the animals rescued from the fires.

Kerr High School student Michelle Nguyen was fast to reach out as soon as she heard the news.

“I found out about it through schoology and how there was an animal rescue organization that was collecting this stuff,” she said.

However even though some students like Nguyen were eager to offer their hand, or hook, in any way, this is still not an event that many people are aware about.

When asking around, many students said

they had heard of news about the fires through social media but had no idea about the endangered animals, let alone what they could do to help out.

This is understandable as Australia is thousands of miles away and the horrific events that have occurred recently over there have not impacted us in nearly the same ways.

However to those who have even the slightest appreciation towards the environment are aware of the devastation that comes with the potential extinction of a whole species.

So what can we do about it?

Honestly, not much unless we pack our bags and move to Australia to join an animal rescue group dedicated to the welfare of endangered species, which is likely an unrealistic plan for many students here.

So going back to the knitting and crocheting, although it isn’t much, just imagine, the joey pouch someone spent hours crocheting, was finally able to make its way to Australia, bringing warmth to an abandoned baby koala.

By Aniket Rattan

PIZZAMY HEART nicate to them about this,’’ said College and Career Advisor Kevin Cisneros. “Because of technology, it is a very easy way to communicate with the students that would take this opportunity. “Ms.Perkins sent out a donation letter to Domino’s Pizza with the plates and napkins provided by me and that’s how we got started.’’

There were games, and prizes handed out through the competition during the party event, making it well worth engaging. Since the party was being held at the College and Career Center, the prizes being held were college gear and items that students could utilize. Games like karaoke and charades were played to fill in time that the center believed would help de-stress the students.

“Yeah I thought the

party was pretty nice,’’ said senior Andy Nguyen. “I was there for the pizza and that was all I thought was going to do there. To just have some pizza, thank them and leave after that, but they actually put some effort into this.`` At the moment, the center seems enticed to innovate new ideas and opportunities the best they can for students, and very likely will continue to do so as the rest of the year goes by.

“The students’ next path of education is college and college is very hard, so students will need all the help they could get to celebrate the small successes,’’ said Cisneros.

“The number of people that come to the College Center and engage with us may not be a lot but that gives us more insight to do what we can to those who want to try”.

two sports. “Everything [is] a lot slower and shorter in softball,” said Jenkins.

Sophomore Jenae Strickland, softball shortstop, agreed.

“I think that softball is a little easier because the baseball field is way Overall there isn’t bigger than the softball much difference befield,” said Strickland. tween the two as the “Baseball – I feel like goal and objective it’s pretty much the of the game are both same thing, kind of relatively the same, but though. It’s just that the some important aspects softball ball is bigger of the game are slightwhich can be easier to ly different. hit when you’re batJunior Mason Jenkins, ting.” baseball catcher, was On the other hand, acknowledgef the difsophomore Nayeli ferences between the

Turcios, softball pitcher, says that baseball as a sport is easier to play because the ball is lighter.

Senior Miguel Mondragon, baseball pitcher and first base, commented that “the ball is bigger, you’re able to see the ball better, [and] you could hit it further,” when referring to softball.

While the technical aspects, like the pitching style, might be a little different, the goal and motives stay the same for both bat-to-ball sports.

When asked of their

personal motives to play both the sports, the players asked all had along the lines of the same reasoning.

Sophomore Jose Cabrera, baseball pitcher, says he plays because he likes it and it’s enjoyable.

Sophomore Jaz Jefferson, former softball catcher, credits the similarities for her own interest in playing.

“I started playing because I thought it was kind of interesting like I watched baseball before so i thought it would be something like that,” said Jefferson.

THROWDOWN Baseball was founded in 1869 in Cincinnati Ohio, then a couple years later, in 1887, softball developed from a game of indoor baseball in Chicago Illinois. Both sports are still widely played today, however, heavy controversy remains over which sport is superior to the other.

TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE

The College Center does its duty and proves itself once again as the center for students to get acquainted with the college process and needed advice about the next stage of education.

The center has established a system with students that has consistently existed throughout the past year. The center held a pizza luncheon event January 17 after school for students. Students had the choice to complete college applications for at least five universities or community colleges of their choice.

Once completed, he or she is eligible to attend the event as a reward for their hard work.

“We wanted to reward the students by using the Band App, that many students should know to have by now, in order to commu-

SPRING SPORT

By Karina Sanchez

FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

CELEBRATING

By Lily Tran

Lunar New Years is one of the biggest holidays in Asian communities across the world.

Asian immigrants celebrate with all sorts of festivities starting from wearing traditional dresses and eating specialty desserts according to their culture.

So what is the Lunar New Year and why is it such a big deal?

It’s originally from China and it marked the beginning of the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar which is 15 days later The holiday brings families together and brings luck for the new year. I am Vietnamese myself and my family goes all out for the holiday. My mom buys tons of flowers and

fruits to decorate the alter in my house to pay our respects to our elders.

In all Asian cultures, preparing for the holiday, houses are thoroughly cleaned to rid them of “huiqi,” or inauspicious breaths, which might have collected during the old year. According to history cleaning is also meant to appease the gods who would be coming down from heaven to make inspections Each year is assigned a Zodiac animal, cycling through twelve animals every twelve years. The animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. This is the year of the rat.

During the holiday,

LOCAL

BEAR FACTS

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LUNAR NEW YEARS spectators turn up to watch Lion dancing which is a form of entertainment and a long-standing tradition meant to scare away bad spirits and ghosts.

There are several teams in Houston and every Lunar New Year, each team will release a schedule so that Houstonians can come watch and support Houston of the Lion Dance teams include Hung Vuong, TCT, HQ, Duc Dinh, and many more.

Junior Joanne Zhou looks forward to “spending time with her family and getting money!”

Actually, the significance of red envelopes is the red paper, not the money inside. Putting money in the red envelopes is to show happiness and blessings for

anyone that receives it.

In Richard Nguyen’s family Lunar New Year is “a big deal” and he doesn’t care for the money, “family is what’s important” to him.

Even though Asinah Cecil doesn’t celebrate Lunar New Years “it is a time for me to self reflect on the past year and be thankful for what is to come in the new year. During

this time I get to enjoy my friends culture and experience the festivities such as lion/dragon dancing, popping firecrackers, going to temples, etc. The lunar new year is a time for my friends and I to get closer to each other and our families.”

Lunar new year can be celebrated by anyone not just Asians as long as you do it respectfully and enjoy it!

Photo by Lily Tran