The
Odyssey
F R I DAY, S E P T E M B E R 24, 2010 t VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 14000 WECKFORD BLVD. HOUSTON, T X
Summer Creek High School
Back Page n Josh Bond, ‘12, shows off the spirit bone before Copper 2 relinquished the pep rally prize to Carbon 2 at the pep rally Sept. 16. See page 8.
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
FOR ALL THE LATEST SCHS HAPPENINGS CHECK OUT W W W.SUMMERCREEKHIGHSCHOOL.COM
Photo by Wayne Barloco
Spike the Bulldog stood courtside at the pep rally Sept. 16 watching as the JROTC presented the flags and the students said the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge of Allegiance. All students were dismissed from their sixth hour classes to attend the Thursday pep rally, which was held before the football team’s home game against South Houston. The next pep rally will be Oct. 1 prior to the school’s first homecoming game.
Ready and waiting The long-awaited week has arrived. But what is Homecoming to a school with no alumni to invite back home? There are no traditions. No guidelines. It’s a build-it-yourself type of party. By Starr Jauregui Staff reporter
Spanish 2 teacher Carina
Tavarez didn’t have homecoming dances when she attended Richmond Hill High School in New York. She is making up for it now. She has already decorated her own SCHS mum with her name going all the way down one of the long ribbons. “We didn’t have homecoming because we didn’t have a football team or any extra-curricular activities like that, but I really wish I would have been able to go,” said Tavarez. Since she moved from New York to Texas in 2006, Tavarez has enjoyed every minute of homecoming as a teacher. She has set up the dances, danced at the dances and helped students build their floats for the parades. “It was a way for students to show off their talents and creativity,” Tavarez said of the float parades. “It was also a great way to get all of the students together and
show their pride for the school.” Tavarez has every intention of helping Summer Creek get its Homecoming traditions started off right this year. “I’ll do whatever they need me to do, whether it be me helping with decorating or getting the party started,” Tavarez said. Every school has its own homecoming traditions, which is something Summer Creek will slowly start developing this year. Many faculty members still remember their traditions from their own high school careers. “We had bonfires in the area next to the practice field and we had about 1,000 people show up,” said history teacher Sam Pollard. “We also had spaghetti fundraisers that were held in the cafeteria to help raise money for a graduating student who couldn’t afford to go to college. Kids need to go to college, and it’s great to have everyone come together and help someone. We raised about $5,000 to $10,000.” There will be no bonfires, powder puff games or float parades at Sum-
mer Creek this year. But there will be a court with juniors, sophomores and freshmen. A king and queen won’t be named until next year when the first graduating class is seniors though. “We’re calling it homecoming, we’re just not going to go full tilt,” principal Trey Kraemer said. Kraemer has plans on starting traditions and having the community get involved down the road. “It wouldn’t necessarily be a bonfire or a parade but something special to Summer Creek,” said Kraemer. “It’d be like a community pep rally that would be a tradition for us.” As the SCHS family grows, the possibilities for traditions are endless. Kraemer said he has no parameters on what is possible. “I have to look at liability,” he said. “I have to look at cost. You have to look and be realistic. If the purpose fits our vision and it fits who we are at Summer Creek then we’ll see.” Even though it’s starting out on a smaller scale, the biggest homecoming events are still go-
ing to be held. The Bulldogs will play Kingwood Park at Turner Stadium on Friday night, and the Homecoming dance will be held Saturday night. The key to the success of both events is participation. Tavarez and US History teacher Stephanie Kelly encouraged students to go to the dance, even if they don’t have a date. “Without a date you can dance with everyone and not feel pressure to be tied to one person all night,” Tavarez said. “Girls just wanna have fun!” The key is simply getting to the dance. “With more people participating, the better the dances are,” said Kelly. “More people also make the dances a lot of fun.” Creating traditions to pass down to future generations of Bulldogs is also a challenge students should embrace, Tavarez said. “We get to set our standards high for those to come in the future,” said Tavarez. “We also get to show off the best of the best because that’s what we Bulldogs are.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, Sept. 25 8 a.m.-Noon The high school will be open for houses, clubs and organizations to decorate the houses and hallways. Wednesday, Sept. 29 Nerd Day. Imitate a Panther with a nerdy twist. Friday, Oct. 1 Game Day Pep rally will be held during advisory. The football game will be at 7:30 p.m. at Turner Stadium. Mums can be worn to school. Saturday, Oct. 2 Homecoming Dance It will begin in the cafeteria at 7:30 p.m.
Page 2
Features
Summer Creek High School
&
FFA
TEEN LEADERSHIP
Sponsor: Takara Badrock Purpose: To promote leadership through service learning. Who can/ How to join: Any student can join but must apply, have passing grades and good conduct. Pick up application in room 1319. What’s unique about your club? “We try to have two projects where the whole school is involved and not just the club,” Badrock said.
COLOR GUARD
Sponsor: Lachele Stoek Purpose: To promote school spirit through dance and music. Who can/ How to join: Try outs. What’s unique about your organization? “You do not have to have experience to join! We will teach you everything you need to know,” Stoeck said.
STARLETTES
Sponsor: Terri Aranda Purpose: To promote school spirit Who can/ How to join: Any girl attending SCHS. Tryouts are in March. Everyone learns two routines and performs for the judges.
SPANISH CLUB
Sponsor: Becca Mourning Purpose: To learn about and celebrate Hispanic culture. Who can/ How to join: Current Spanish students or those who have completed the two year requirement. What’s unique about your club? “We paint hair on spirit days! But seriously, it’s an awesome way for students to meet new people and learn about different customs in Spanish speaking countries,” Mourning said.
AVID CLUB
Sponsor: Kimberly Mouser Who can/ How to join: Anyone can get an application and fill it out with a grade check. What’s unique about your club? “We are all about college,” Mouser said.
&
STEP CLUB
Photo by Krysten Barnes
Rawand Abdelghani encourages Key Club members to sign up to help organize the Talent Show. Last year’s Talent Show raised $3,000 for Key Club and co-sponsor Student Council.
Clubs offer students fun, friends, service opportunities Many clubs are already meeting, while new ones pop up each day. By Bethany Proulx Staff reporter With new clubs starting up each week, Summer Creek is working to offer a diverse number of options for students who want to get more involved at school. “There is a whole lot more to school than reading and writing,” Copper I principal Allen Segura said. “Extracurricular activities make memories and that’s the fun part of school. Also kids in extra-curricular activities tend to do better in school.” A number of staff and faculty said clubs are an important part of high school that all students should be involved in because they create strong friendships, memories and help boost self esteem. “Joining clubs will help develop leadership skills,” said Takara Badrock, sponsor of the Bulldog Leadership Club. “It will give them community service activities, and it will help them with relationships. It will also prepare them for college and future skills.” Sometimes participating in clubs becomes the highlight of students’ high school careers. “It makes the school years
go by faster and increases the social and network potential,” said Carbon 1 principal Reginald Spivey. There are many clubs in the process of being approved right now at Summer Creek. Some meeting already are Key Club, Spanish Club, AVID Club, STUCO, Bulldog Leadership, and FFA. Each club has its own unique qualities “FFA is a youth organization that teaches kids leadership skills,” FFA president Karrie Dodson, ‘12, said. “There are more opportunities than what it seems like in FFA. There is a place for everybody.” The process for starting a club is very simple. First, a sponsor must be found, which can be any teacher/staff or faculty member that agrees to be the group sponsor for the year. Once a sponsor has been found, they must fill out the club proposal paperwork and submit it to Carbon 2 principal Laura Frazier. To track down a club already up and running, find a leader or the sponsor. Frazier encouraged everyone to get involved. “I would like them to be involved in community service, think outside the box and reach out to kids who wouldn’t really reach out on their own” Frazier said.
Sponsor: Tennille Williams and Tracy Samuel. Purpose: To be positive role models for our school as well as the community. To serve the school and community through volunteering and performing. To shine as active, productive members in all classes, and exceed beyond minimum expectations. To be a sisterhood, joining together to help one another and lift each other up mentally and emotionally. Who can/ How to join: Any female student in the school. Tryouts will be held.
ORCHESTRA CLUB
Sponsor: Tim Mika Purpose: To have fun while getting smarter. Who can/ How to join: Students have to be in orchestra classes. What’s unique about your organization? “We can play music really well. We are top students, athletes, actors, musicians and cool people!” Mika said.
THEATER
Sponsor: Hollie Tucker Marine Purpose: To give kids confidence and prepare them for the real world. Who can/ How to join: Any one can join, and they can do that by auditioning. What’s unique about your club? “Everyone is accepted and we have a lot of fun,” Marine said.
KEY CLUB
Sponsor: Laura Brunson Purpose: Community service Who can/ How to join: Anyone can come to a meeting.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Sponsor: Julie Sahmel Purpose: Organize school events. Who can/ How to join: Anyone can sign up but must meet point requirement. What’s unique about your club? “We are very self motivated, active, excited and intelligent,” Sahmel said.
intercom, there is a school newscast thanks to Brett Parrish’s audio visual production class. SCTV is a daily show, letting students know what’s going on around Sum-
mer Creek. Teachers are able to connect to it via the school website and project the newscast on their classroom projectors. The show is filmed every morning.
Photo by Rikki Hurt
Nyla Taylor, ‘14, uses an electric screwdriver to attach a table leg for a prop in the upcoming theater performance “Government Inspector.” The cast and crew stay after school everyday until 5 p.m. They also sacrifice five hours on Saturdays to make sure their production is successful.
Students finalize preparations for The Government Inspector The fall play should leave audience laughing. By Jessica Girdner Staff reporter Summer Creek’s first play of the year, The Government Inspector, will be performed Oct. 7-9 in the Performing Arts Center. The unique play is a Russian comedy that incorporates cartoon-like characters designed to make the audiences laugh. Cast and crew members have worked tirelessly to perfect the play; and even though it has taken weeks of preparation, Marine said the
cast is finally ready. “They are all funny people and have good comedic timing,” Marine said. The cast members are confident and looking forward to the upcoming performances. “I’m confident that it will go smoothly,” said Eric Zavala ‘13, when asked if he was nervous about the play. Marine said the show will be “the best one yet.”
BOOK CLUB
Sponsor: Louise Lankau Purpose: To promote reading at SCHS and to learn about new books. Who can/ How to join: Anyone who enjoys reading. ** These are some of the clubs currently at Summer Creek. See next month’s newspaper and visit www.summercreekhighschool.com for information on these and other clubs.
KEEP IT BRIEF SCTV becomes a daily fixture in classrooms After a year of planning, the announcements have been transformed. Instead of reading the daily announcements over the
Friday, September 24, 2010
CLUBS ORGANIZATIONS
CLUBS ORGANIZATIONS Sponsor: David Laird Purpose: Leadership organization to help kids grow and change from students to adults. Who can/ How to join: Must be in agriculture class and pay $28. Student officers/ Leaders to contact: Karrie Dodson, James Haygood, Katy Sarafin, A.J. Forrester, Madison Cruse, Breanna Haden, Katie Parrish.
The Odyssey
“We have a full HD television studio up here,” Parrish said. “SCTV gives us a chance to do a daily show to let the students know what’s going on.” - Lisseth Lopez
Kite moving to HISD position By Madison Rice Section editor Lead counselor and master scheduler Danell Kite will no longer be at Summer Creek. Kite accepted a position as the coordinator of special projects for Humble ISD. “My charge is to get a virtual school up and running in HISD,” said Kite. “Any students in HISD will be able to take an online course.” During the transition, Kite will be in and out of her office while the other counselors help cover her
position. “The other three counselors will take care of things,” said Kite. “I will be here to help a couple of days a week. The kids will not be left without a counselor.” Copper I counselor Phyllis Cart will be the new lead counselor. “I worry about leaving the kids and faculty,” said Kite. “But I know (principal Trey) Kraemer would never hire a bad replacement. I know the kids will be in good hands.”
Page 3
Features
Summer Creek High School
The Odyssey
Summer Creek Spotlight: Madison Owens, ‘14
Everything changes in a snap Freshman overcomes rough start with determination, optimism and family.
were horribly painful. It turned out that both my forearm bones were shattered in two and horribly out of line, creating a 45-degree bend in the middle of my lower arm just shy of being a compound fracture. Apparently the bend had to be reduced and the bones put as closely back together as possible. This is called a closed reduction and is usually done under general anesthesia; but because I had eaten in the last few hours, I was given IV pain medication and was wide awake for the procedure. The ER doctor placed my middle three fingers in a device that suspended my arm from about two feet above me. While I screamed at the top of my lungs in pain, they tied a five-pound weight to my elbow to pull the shattered bones far enough apart from each other so they could then grab my arm and force the bones in line. Again, another snap and it was straight. Well, at least straighter than it had been.
By Madison Owens Special contributor My eyes quickly popped open as my alarm clock sounded at 5:15 a.m. on August 23. I was excited for the first day of my high school career, although I was sad I couldn’t start it with my friends who are almost 300 miles away in Dallas. I had already set my clothes out the night before, with my mom’s help, due to my occasional lack of fashion sense. Before I knew it, I had my binder in hand, my new purse slung over my shoulder and was on my way out the door. As I arrived at the round about in front of Summer Creek, my stomach overflowed with butterflies. I stepped inside to find everyone talking and mingling. Everyone knew everyone. Everyone already had an established group of friends. Except me. As my unfamiliar classmates’ eyes follow me, I walked quietly down Main Street toward Carbon 1, finally locating my advisory class. I was the first one to arrive; and, being so typically social, I felt like a loser. My advisory teacher, Ms. Riviere, was very nice and shook my hand as all the teachers did throughout the day. Kids started to fill up in the room and suddenly, I didn’t feel so alone. The bells rang, the day continued, and then suddenly my worst fear was staring me in the face - lunch time! I got in line, grabbed my food and sat at a very long prison-like table and ate my lunch - alone - for the very first time at school. As the child of military parents, I have been to eight schools since kindergarten, yet I have never felt so isolated or ridiculous as I did at that moment. First day struggles My head started to hurt from the stress. By the time that final bell rang, I was consumed with aggravation and disappointment. I got home, opened the door, and dropped my books on the floor. I walked over to the couch, put my head in my mom’s lap and exploded into tears. My words broke through my sobs as I recounted the horrible experience of my first day. The last words I uttered to my mom before drifting off to sleep were: “I’ll take all of my anger out on the mat at cheer practice tonight. I promise.” It was going to be the bright spot in my day. Little did I know it would be the
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Madison Owens’ x-rays show the two steel plates, 16 screws and 34 staples placed in her arm during her surgery that followed her cheerleading injury. She missed three weeks of school but is now back in class and participating in a limited capacity at cheerleading.
last time I would cheer for a very long time. Cheerleading practice begins Eagerly I arrived at Texas Extreme Cheer ready to let loose. My pent up frustration was giving me the fuel to tumble hard and the blaring music was helping push me along. My coach, Alex, asked me to step up my intensity and execute two back handsprings in a row. When it was my turn, I ran, took two big steps, then power hurdled into a round off, pushing into the first back handspring, then forcing my body to defy gravity for a second back handspring. I suddenly heard a snap. My coach heard a snap. The entire gym heard a snap over the roaring music. My screams pierced the room. I didn’t know what was wrong yet, but I was screaming. I looked at my friend Nikki’s face. Terror was in her eyes, mouth gaping open, and hands covering her ears to keep my screams from penetrating her ears. Within seconds, my mom was holding my head yelling for the girls to clear out of the gym as I rolled to my back, my left arm laid out above my head.
Owens’ mom: Call 9-1-1 I looked at my arm for the first time then started bawling. Not because of the pain, not because my arm was bent unnaturally backwards, but because the one thing I looked forward to was over - cheer. “Call 9-1-1,” my mom hollered. As I lay there on my back my screams subsided and my tears flowed more. While we waited for the ambulance, phone calls were made to my dad, a marine in California who is preparing to leave for Afghanistan. My mind was racing as I heard the sirens of the ambulance approaching. I found a moment of humor and thought, “I could be on an episode of Scarred.” But quickly the laughter ended as the paramedics begin to work to bring my arm back down in front of me. They cut my shirt, placed an air splint on my arm, lifted me onto a stretcher, and tried three times before getting an IV started in my good hand. Painful reality We arrived at the emergency room of Kingwood Hospital and I was soon wheeled back to x-rays. The positions required to take the needed pictures
Road to recovery A week later, August 30, it was surgery time. I was given anesthesia and fell fast asleep. In what seemed like no time at all, I was being awakened in the recovery area. The doctor went out to talk to my mom and explain to her that the damage was far worse than what the x-rays originally showed. Not only were the bones broken in two, but they were splintered as well. He had to use longer plates, more screws, and more staples than originally thought. With the pain under control, I was sent back home that day. On Sept. 7, I went for my first postop where all 34 staples were removed and a pink cast was placed on my arm. I still have layers of stitches and the plates will be removed in two years. I know I have a long road ahead of me, and physical therapy will be rough. But giving up is not anything I will do. Three weeks to the day from the accident, I walked back in to that unfamiliar territory of Summer Creek with my bright pink cast and a determination to make the situation better. I immediately made a few new friends using my arm as a conversation starter. I also stuck with cheerleading despite my limits at the moment. Although I endured a major injury, I believe in my passion and look forward to competing again. I am even considering trying out for Summer Creek cheerleader next year and representing my new school.
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Friday, September 24, 2010
H-E-B offers jobs, opportunities for Bulldogs By Marshall Calloway Staff reporter Summerwood: home of family values, model communities, and now, the bright lights of big business. H-E-B supermarket has moved into the area, and now the residents of Summerwood and SCHS students are feeling the results. Last spring, H-E-B visited SCHS to interview job applicants. A number of students were hired, and they are excited to be working at the new store. “I was really happy,” said Savanah Zempoalteca, ‘12. “At first I wasn’t sure I was going to get [the job].” Zempoalteca is just one of many students who will be working at the new location, which opened Sept. 15. H-EB held mass interviews using Summer Creek as the host location and its students as the applicants. The majority of students have principal Trey Kraemer to thank. “My job is to be the greatest advocate for my kids,” said Kraemer. “I want them to represent Summer Creek and gain experience.” Many juniors had already applied places other than H-E-B when the hiring fair was in session, but very few decided to pass up this opportunity. Of course, added responsibility makes it difficult to balance school and work. With large numbers of students currently enrolled in honors and AP classes, it seems excess homework is bound to pile up. “When I get my breaks I do most of my important homework, or when there’s extra time before work,” said Zampoalteca.
FAST FACTS
Name: H-E-B Summerwood Market Location: 12680 West Lake Houston Parkway (Summerwood entrance) Store hours: 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Manager: Tony Klaus Employees: More than 320 Size: 88,000 squre feet. Full-service amenities: Meat Market, Seafood Department, Sushi Bar and Deli. Other highlights: Fuel station and H-E-B Car Wash, cooking demonstrations and classes, cheese shop, bakery, pharmacy and floral department.
Want a FREE foam finger to cheer on your favorite Bulldogs? Reserve your yearbook this week and take your new foam finger to the big games during homecoming week!
Order at jostensyearbooks.com. Or visit Room 1856 to fill out an order form. The all-color yearbooks are $55 and will be delivered in May. The price goes up to $65 on Dec. 20.
Page 4
Homecoming
Summer Creek High School
The Odyssey
Friday, September 24, 2010
As Bulldogs start making an impact in the classrooms and on the playing fields, it’s time to . . .
Bring on Homeco
In a true Homecoming, you can’t miss the big game. Here’s what you need to know to get where you need to go.
WHO
The Bulldogs vs. Kingwood Park Panthers
MEET SPIKE
Name: Spike The Bulldog Birthday: August 24, 2009 Hometown: Bulldog Country Breed: English Bulldog
WHAT
Homecoming football game
WHERE
Turner Stadium next to Humble High School
WHEN
Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.
favorite brand of food:
Pedigree, it keeps my fur soft and luscious. Siblings: I have a little sister named Sparkle, she’s the worst. Favorite sport: Spike’s good at every sport! I’m that beast! Fashion sense: Man, my swagger doesn’t even need to be thought out. It’s just automatic. Favorite song: “Pretty Boy Swag” by Soulja Boy Tell ‘em. Color: I bleed maroon and gold!! Favorite pick-up line: All I have to do is look at them, give them the nod, and they follow. Favorite season: Football season! Favorite McDonald’s meal: Spike doesn’t go to McDonald’s. Does nothing for my waist line. I stay with the Chick Fil A. When I grow up... I want to be the ruler of the world. Oh right, [haha] I already am. Personal collections: I collect leashes, but only the boss kind. I don’t clip lame leashes to my collar. So, you should add to my collection!
WHY
Show your school spirit and lift the Bulldogs to a homecoming victory so there will be more to celebrate at the Homecoming dance Oct. 2.
The Summer Creek football team breaks through its Bulldog banner before the game against South Houston. The team is 1-2 with an away game tonight in Huntsville at Sam Houston State. Their next home game will be Oc representing Summer Creek in its first homecoming game. The Bulldogs will take on the Panthers starting at 7:30 p.m.
Juggling act allows Dougal to take the field in multipl On school days and game days, Dougal races between band and JROTC duties. By Madison Rice Section Editor Rushing from one side of the field to the other in the heat with the flags in tow, Brittney Dougal, ’13, tried to avoid getting in the way of the football players. She helped case the flags while a fellow ROTC member waited for Dougal with her band clothes in her arm, helping her take off her JROTC uniform and properly put away her things. Then, she sprinted to the bathroom arms full of clothes and her band equipment and entered into the bathroom stall with someone helping her along the way. Within just 10 minutes, Dougal went from holding a flag at the 50 yard line to holding her clarinet with the band in the stands. “Everything is harder, but you have to know how to time manage,” Dougal said. She wakes up at 5:30 a.m. everyday and gets home around 6 p.m. Every week she prints out a schedule and talks it over with her mom and teachers so they know
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
Brittney Dougal, ‘13, helps case the American flag in her JROTC uniform prior to the game against Magnolia at Turner Stadium. After completing that task, Dougal rushed to change into her band uniform and start playing her clarinet.
her limits and what to expect. She has two periods in the seven-period block devoted to extra curriculars. Also, before and after school Brittney dedicates her time to both JROTC and band. Dougal, her family and teachers all have to adjust to her busy and strenuous schedule. With more than 10 hours a day spent at the school, time is the main thing Dougal has to sacrifice to be in both band and JROTC. But the time and hard work Dougal puts in does not come without reward. “What is rewarding about participating in both organiza-
tions is that I gain more respect from my teachers and the adults I work with and also from my peers,” said Dougal. “I think being in more than one organization is challenging but definitely possible,” band director Michael Holt said. “It’s something everyone should be given the chance to do. Communication is key. How do students know what they’re good at when they’re just freshmen and sophomores?” Holt has known Dougal for two years and said she is an “outstanding leader” and appreciates her
Page 5
Homecoming
Summer Creek High School
Friday, September 24, 2010
MUM-ERIFFIC
oming
Homecoming mums have been a tradition for decades. Find out what they are, how they started and how to make your own.
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
Melissa Bateman, ‘12, performs with the color guard during halftime of the football game against South Houston on Sept. 16. Color guard is in its first year at SCHS.
SHOW STOPPERS
In addition to the football team, a number of groups will participate in the homecoming football game. The choir will be singing, the cheerleaders will be firing up the crowd and the color guard will be twirling their flags.
Starlettes captain Kaeleigh Goudeau
The Starlettes A Game Day Checklist ___ Red grossgrain bow ___ Hair in slicked back pony tail ___ Red lipstick ___ Foundation ___ Pink blush ___ Purple eyeshadow on the lid and crease. White eyeshadow on the brow bone and inner corner ___ Black Fake eyelashes ___ Black dance pants ___ Black jazz shoes. ___ Red dance top with gold sleeve. ___ Whistle (captain only) ___ Maroon and gold pom poms
- Compiled by Madison Rice. Photograph by Lisseth Lopez.
The Marching Band
Photo by Meredith Mann
ct. 1 against district rival Kingwood Park at Turner Stadium. The varsity team will be
le roles for the “positive attitude” she brings to the band program. Dougal has been in band since the fourth grade. Last year she joined JROTC because of her family’s history in the organization and fell in love with it. “All my family is in ROTC, and I want to finish the family tradition,” said Dougal. In her freshmen year of high school Dougal was involved in choir, band and JROTC. But Dougal and her family knew that eventually she would have to choose. Dougal made the decision of choosing JROTC and band over choir. Dougal still has to deal with doing two of the original three. “The hardest part about ROTC is leaving every class period,” said Dougal, who goes to band halfway through the period. “You want to get everything done, but it seems like you just do not have enough time,” Dougal puts in an extra 30 minutes every morning just for JROTC. She helps raise the flags and spends the rest of her time before school in the JROTC room going over anything needed for her to help lead the second period class. Being involved in more than one organization plus being proactive in the school and also keeping good grades has not been very easy for Dougal. But both her and others involved in her life believe her being a part of many things will benefit her now and later on in life. “The hardest part for Brittney is working out the schedule between the two,” Holt said. “Being involved in more than one thing is going to teach her lifelong skills in communication and time management. College will be much easier. I think if students are involved in their school, they are generally better students.”
The Odyssey
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
Eduardo Carrizales, ‘12, Daniel Glasscock, ‘14, Warren Dangerfield, ‘14, and Prisciliano Martinez, ‘14, march together during halftime of the Bulldogs’ football game against South Houston at Turner Stadium on Sept. 16.
COUNT ‘EM UP
5-8
Hours of practice each week
60
Students in band
33
Girls in band
27
Boys in band
12
Pounds is the weight of a tuba
3
Average song time in minutes
9
Number of pieces in a band costume - Compiled by Madison Rice
What: A mum is a flower that is worn before and at the homecoming game. The flower is decorated with ribbon, charms, trinkets and anything you could put on it. The mum is worn on the side of your chest and the ribbons and everything else is hanging down from the flower. Estimated cost: $35 - $110 The bigger the mum and the more ribbons and trinkets you add, the more it will cost. Preparation time: Less than one hour. Materials needed: A base, hot glue gun, stapler, maroon and gold ribbons and charms. Make your own mum: Step 1: Make sure your hot glue gun is nice and ready. You can also use a stapler for attaching the ribbons. Step 2: Add the flower to the bundle of ribbon known as the base. Step 3: Start adding your decorations. Ribbons usually go behind all the decorations. You can add the assortments in many ways: by string and ribbon or glue them to the previous ribbons that are on the base. You want to start with the ribbons, that way they’re not in the way when you’re adding the other decorations. Many things can be added to your mum to personalize it and make it the way you want. Use decorations to fit each organization or extra-curricular you are in, like soccer, band, football or cheerleading. Local craft stores offer endless options for filling your mum, including plush Bulldog heads. They have footballs, drum sticks and even music notes. You can also buy letters and numbers so that you can spell out your name and year on the ribbons. Your mum is your own so you can decorate it from your personality. Lastly, if it seems like too much work to create one from scratch, you could buy a premade one and then add on additional items you like. - Story and mum by Kodie Adolph and Narda Martinez
Dancing through ‘A Night in New Orleans’ Student council members organize and plan what they hope becomes SCHS’s most successful dance yet. By Narda Martinez Staff reporter The countdown is on for the first dance of the school year, and it’s going to be a formal affair. With “A Night in New Orleans” theme, it will be a masquerade with Mardi Grastype decorations. The dance will be held in the cafeteria from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Decorating will be done by students and parents throughout the day Saturday. There will be no food to purchase but soda and water will be sold for a dollar. Erik Calass was hired as the deejay, and professional photos will be taken. Tickets for the dance are $20 each or students can purchase two for $30 in advance. All tickets will be $30 each at the door. “It’s always fun when the SCHS family comes together,” STUCO sponsor Julie Sahmel said. “It’ll be a good opportunity to celebrate our first varsity, newly elected court and just spend time together when the main object is to have fun. We don’t get to do that when are working all the time.”
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Sports
Summer Creek High School
The Odyssey
Friday, September 24, 2010
As varsity sports heat up, freshmen make presence known
Next Game: Tonight at Huntsville at 7:30 p.m.
Without seniors, varsity programs rely on freshman talent to round out rosters. By Michael Turner Staff reporter
Photo by Meredith Mann
Johny Evans, ‘12, tries to gain some extra yards as he is being tackled by a South Houston defender last Friday at Turner Stadium. The Bulldogs lost 14-9 to drop their record to 1-3. Evans rushed for 78 yards on 12 carries, while his teammate Anthony Menard, ‘12, rushed for 76 yards on 11 carries. The two have split the carries in the last two games.
Backs battle for same goal Evans, Menard share carries as they work to give Bulldogs a memorable first varsity season. By Rikki Hurt Section Editor Having a friendly competition on the field translates to a close friendship off the field for varsity running backs Johny Evans, ‘12, and Anthony Menard, ‘12. They have already made an early impact on the team’s offense with Evans scoring the first varsity touchdown in school history. The friendship the two have is definitely a benefit when it comes to playing and working out together. If one gets something, the other feels like he needs it as well. “When Johny got the first touchdown in the game, Menard was bragging about how he’s going to get the next one,” running backs coach Allyn Sloan said. Evans now has two touchdowns and Menard has one. Their numbers are very similar with Menard rushing for 141 yards on 29 carries and Evans rushing for 134 on 33 carries. Sloan described Menard as playing bigger than what he is and
Photo by Meredith Mann
Anthony Menard, ‘12, raises his helmet toward the crowd after the team’s first victory over Magnolia.
said Menard’s speed is his strong point. Sloan described Evans in a similar way. “(Evans) picks it up so fast, (and has) power,” Sloan said. “He has the ability to run people over.” Evans has been playing running back since little league in fifth grade.
Athlete Spotlight
“
Julie Hunter, ‘12 Cross Country
“
Jose Lopez, ‘12 Cross Country
I like how pretty much everyone says it’s hard, but to me it comes naturally.
This season, I want to lower my school record by 10 seconds, hopefully.
”
I like that I’m good at cross country. The highlight was the T.C. Jester meet because it was my first time to get first. I want to get a 16-minute three mile, and five gold medals. I already have two.
”
- Photos and interviews by Meredith Mann
While already being one of the most recognized faces at Summer Creek his goals are to be one of the most recognized running backs in in the state. “I felt like I owned the world,” said Evans, referring to how he felt after he scored the first touchdown of the season. Evans has been working hard on his strength and has made sure he was ready to compete. Menard has also been playing at running back since little league in fifth grade. He has been working hard on his speed and strength and thinks about whatever he can do to put his team in the position to score. Before games Menard said he does “a lot of praying.” While the power and the speed comes in handy on the field, the relationship the two running backs have is more essential. “They’re always together,” Sloan said. “They pick each other up.” Menard and Evans try to keep each other moving forward. “Johny is an all-around person. A calm, fun person to be around. Good heart,” Menard said about Evans. “I wish him the best of luck. I hope the best for him and more.”
For a number of freshmen, there was no easing into high school athletics. Their talent earned them a spot on the first varsity teams before school even started. They may be younger than their teammates, but the freshmen are filling big roles as they work to lift their teams to victories. FOOTBALL Coach Brian Ford has four “talented and committed” freshmen on his team. Quarterback Aaron Sharp has had an impact on varsity by sharing time with Gregory Hogan, ‘13. Sharp has completed 20-of-34 pass attempts for a team-leading 308 yards. Inside linebacker Dakota Allen, cornerback Toriee Johnson and wide receiver Jordan Braden have also made early impacts. Allen said partly what separates him from other players is the amount of love he has for the game. “I don’t just play it, I live it,” said Allen, who has played the sport for 10 years. He said the biggest challenge has been working as hard as the older players even though he is younger. He advised younger players hoping to make an early impact to “never quit and work hard.” Ford said all of the varsity freshmen bring talent and maturity. “I see them being very successful high school players and possibly playing at the next level,” Ford said. CROSS COUNTRY Girls’ coach Matt Frost knew from the first practice that Olivia Zisman was going to make an impact on the team. “She was determined to hang with the upperclassmen on our run and managed to do it,” Frost said. “We finished up, she paused for a second and promptly threw up.” With only seven spots available on varsity in cross country, Zisman is the lone freshman. She has the potential to make a big impact and possibly finish in the top five on the team, meaning she’ll be a scoring member of the varsity. “Olivia’s attitude is her strongest attribute right now,” Frost said. “She rarely complains, always puts in the necessary work, and is a good teammate because of that.” The boys’ cross country team is competing as a varsity team for the first time this week. Jake Bootz, ‘14, will likely make his varsity debut at the Bellaire Invitational Oct. 2. Bootz also plays football and has had to split practice time between the two. He has still found success. “Training at less than 40-percent mileage than his peers, seeing Jake win the Freshman Division of the Humble ISD Region III Preview was remarkable,” coach Shelton Ervin said. VOLLEYBALL Freshman outside hitter Danielle
Photo by Rikki Hurt
Danielle Miller, ‘14, awaits a serve Sept. 31 when the volleyball team took on Westbury in the SCHS gymnasium. Miller is a starter for varsity.
Miller said she was happy and surprised when she was called in to coach Lauren Rahmberg’s office and told she had made the varsity squad in August. Miller has played volleyball for three years and she wants to continue playing in college and professionally. The varsity volleyball team already has four victories. As a junior varsity squad last season, the Bulldogs won only one match. Miller has liked being a part of the program’s success this year. Miller said young players who want to be on varsity early cannot relax even after the coach names them to the team. “Always play hard because there’s always someone who could take your spot,” Miller said. “Believe in yourself.” TENNIS Coach Tom Le has two freshmen starting on varsity and two freshmen who are alternates. Eli Harper is on boys’ line 6 and Nicole Chemaly is on girls’ line 3. Rogelio Menchaca and Jacob Tate are alternatives. Each has made an impact in their own ways, either on the court or behind the scenes. “Nicole has a huge impact on the girls’ side,” Le said. “She has come through every single match so far. Nicole is smart and she is just a natural athlete and is extremely strong mentally. “Eli competes to win, works hard, and really listens to advice, Rogelio and Jacob both are very kind, helpful, and coachable.” The challenge for them has been playing against bigger, stronger and more experienced players in almost every match. It’s making them better each week though. “Our team is really close to turning that elusive ‘corner,’” Le said. “We have four close losses this year with the score of 9-10. Every single one of those matches were winnable and as our freshmen players become more comfortable on the court, we will take it to the next level very soon.”
Page 7
Summer Creek High School
Participation key to successful inaugural Homecoming week Summer Creek has been full of firsts: first pep rally, first football game, first finals, first yearbook. Students last year and this year have started setting traditions. Now it is time to set one more, one of the most important firsts: homecoming. Setting the stage for our first homecoming and for future ones is critical. People wait an entire year just for homecoming. They wait for the football game where they get to paint their faces. They wait for the dance when they spend hours shopping for that perfect outfit. Homecoming is the epitome of high school. In order for homecoming to even happen, however, students need to participate. At Summer Creek we have as much school spirit as anyone. Homecoming is a time to show that. Students should be participating in every homecoming activity they possibly can. Without participation, we have no homecoming. Through spirit week, the football game, and the dance we have the biggest opportunity to show everyone that Summer Creek really is here. We have the opportunity to set those traditions for
Madison Rice students who come to Summer Creek 100 years from now. By participating, we show our peers, the football players, Starlettes, cheerleaders, student council and others that we support them. The more students, faculty and staff join in, the better homecoming we will have. High school only lasts four years. Each and every one of us only has four years to make the best of it. We should want to experience the day when we take your date to the dance, the football game where we scream our lungs out, the pep rally where we paint our hair maroon. This homecoming everybody has the chance to do that. We have the chance to participate in something that has never happened before at Summer Creek. We, if we join in, have the opportunity to experience another first. We, if we participate, can set one of the best, most important, never forgotten traditions Summer Creek will ever have. But only if we all try.
Back talk: Lighten your load The Silver House is in its first year, and already a deluge of students have classes in that wing and beyond -classes that require books. But lockers are on the opposite end of the building. Luckily (as far as discipline goes), most of us have taken to lugging our books in our backpacks to prevent tardies due to frequent locker visits. Unfortunately, though, we come to a sad realization: the backpacks are just too heavy. The morning balancing has become a part of many routines. It’s the point where, before leaving for class, one puts on his/ her backpack and tilts and sways to avoid collapsing from excess weight. The average backpack weighs 10 pounds, but every textbook adds another four to seven. This can quickly total up to more than 15% of the student’s body weight, which has been shown to cause neck and back issues.
Marshall Calloway
So, what can we do to prevent this? As we’re all well aware, the obvious solution is to lighten the load. But this may be difficult, as most of us are already at the bare minimum and still crunched for time (so no locker visits). Try planning your schedule so you have the time to visit your locker at least once or twice a day. Some textbooks are online, which can cutback on the number of books you have to carry home. Also, teachers may have certain solutions if you simply ask. If there’s no fix other than to carry every book, at least carry your backpack correctly so you don’t end up with back problems worse than your parents before you’re even 18.
Opinions
The Odyssey
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Odyssey Editorial Policy The goals of The Odyssey, the monthly student newspaper of Summer Creek High School, are to inform, educate and entertain its readers; to interpret the facts reported upon clearly and precisely; to serve as a public forum for student expression; and to function as an educational tool to allow students to develop skills in writing, editing and dealing with people. The newspaper is published eight times per year, approximately once every four weeks beginning with the first day of school. It is distributed to students and faculty free of charge during advisory classes. The Odyssey also participates in exchange programs with numerous schools throughout the nation. Extra copies of the newspaper are distributed to the general public through numerous local supportive businesses and our feeder schools. Work on The Odyssey is not limited strictly to members of the Advanced Journalism Newspaper class, though anyone serious about staff membership must at least complete Journalism I or Photojournalism.
needed, the letter will be returned to the author for corrections. It is preferred that letters be typed, although handwritten copies will be accepted, if legible. The Odyssey reserves the right to edit any letter for grammatical errors, libelous content or space limitations. The Odyssey will strive to present information in a fair, impartial, accurate and truthful manner. The newspaper will function in accord with all applicable laws, both in regards to the rights and restrictions of journalism. The Statement of Principles of the American Society of Newspaper Editors serves as the basis for the publication’s ethical standards. The Odyssey reserves the right to refuse any advertising not found to be within the publication’s standards, particularly in reference to good taste and to product and/or services that are illegal for the majority of high school readers. All columns will carry a byline. Bylines will also be assigned to all major articles. Photos will carry a photo credit.
The Editorial Board, which is made up of the section editors and photo editor, will select editorial topics. These editorials will not be signed by the writer but will reflect the opinion of the majority of the Editorial Board. The Board takes full responsibility for all editorials.
In the event of error (omission, misidentification, etc.) the Editorial Board will attempt to mitigate the damage. Every reasonable precaution is made in avoiding errors, but some amount of error is perhaps inevitable. Each case will be evaluated on its own merit.
Commentaries and columns, on the other hand, will be signed and reflect the views of the writer alone. They are not the official position of The Odyssey. Editorial cartoons fall into the same category as commentaries.
Reporting on student, faculty and community deaths can be sensitive; and the Editorial Board will confine its coverage to the News and Echoes (opinion) sections. The publication will always take into consideration the wishes of families, but maintains its responsibility to report truthfully on all aspects of life, and death, at Summer Creek.
Any person with an interest in the Summer Creek community who has an opinion to be voiced is encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters may be submitted by bringing them to room 1856, mailing them to Summer Creek High School, care of The Odyssey, or e-mailing to the publication. All letters must be signed. All signatures will be verified through a phone call or personal interview. Letters should be fewer than 300 words in length. If excessive editing is
The Odyssey
As members of a student newspaper, reporters and editors may find themselves aware of violations of the law committed by students which do not involve authorities. However, only crimes and transgressions that result in official charges will be reported in The Odyssey. It is not the Editorial Board’s goal to embarrass Summer Creek High School 14000 Weckford Blvd. Houston, TX 77044 Phone: 281.641.5400
any member of the Summer Creek community; but that discretion must be balanced with the Board’s responsibility to dispel rumors, report the facts and provide perspective on the community. Reporters for The Odyssey will always identify themselves as functioning in that capacity before any interview or survey. It is not our intention to catch people in embarrassing or misleading quotations. The editors reserve the right to correct gross grammatical errors in quotations, if the source’s meaning will be distorted without such editing. Otherwise, quotations will be reported as stated by informed sources. Sources will not be allowed to read the final text of any story to be published in The Odyssey prior to publication. Reporters may read back quotations to sources and will follow up with sources who wish to supplement their initial interviews. The Editorial Board will consider the relative experience of the source in dealing with the press in each case. A controversial issue will be defined as a topic which does not allow total agreement to be reached on it. Staff members will not be instructed to, nor expected to, seek out on their own any controversial issue. They will be expected to cover such issues thoroughly if they should present themselves. All sides of controversial issues will be presented as completely and fairly as possible. Political candidates or bond issues will be dealt with as any news items, with objective and balanced reporting. Although the paper will not officially endorse any candidate or bond issue, editorials on the subjects may appear on the opinion pages. Photographs will be used to promote school activities and student/faculty achievements as well as to provide an insight into SCHS life. Illustrations must be approved by the photo editor and section editor before they will be accepted as newspaper material. No suggestive, implicative or obscene gestures will be tolerated, nor will photos that make people appear foolish.
September 24, 2010 Volume 2, Issue 2
Section editors: Rikki Hurt, Lisseth Lopez, Madison Rice. Photo Editor: Wayne Barloco Staff reporters: Bethany Proulx, Michael Turner, Kodie Adolph, Narda Martinez, Marshall Calloway, Jessica Girdner, Starr Jaugerui. Special contributors: Meredith Mann, Madison Owens, Allie Stanfield. Adviser: Megan Ortiz Principal: Trey Kraemer The newspaper staff is made up of students who have passed Journalism I and/or Photojournalism I and completed an application process.
Staff members - Front row: Rikki Hurt, Bethany Proulx, Starr Jauregui, Narda Martinez, Madison Rice. Row 2: Michael Turner, Jessica Girdner, Wayne Barloco. Back row: Lisseth Lopez, Marshall Calloway, Kodie Adolph.
For the Homecoming dance, should the boy ask the girl out or vice versa?
“The boy should ask the girl out, because it is just the right thing to do.” - Zach Lowther, ‘14.
“I believe that the boy should ask the girl out because the boys are supposed to be gentlemen.” - Karrie Dodson, ‘12
“It does not matter who asks who out. Everybody is going to the same dance, so why does it matter?” - Antuonne Hooper, ‘14
“In my opinion, I think either one could ask the other out to the dance.” - Kellie Fondel, ‘12
“The boys should always ask the girl out but it can go both ways, I think.” - Jamie Harmon, ‘13
“The boys should ask the girls out, because that’s the way we did it and I’m old school.” - Coach Ricky Mourning
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Back Page
Summer Creek High School
The Odyssey
Friday, September 24, 2010
Lutricica Wheeler, ‘13, performs with the Starlette dance team during the pep rally Sept. 16. With Ashlen Terrier, ‘12, and Cadie Stoeck, ‘14, behind her, the drill team performed to “Move” by Usher.
Pep Rallies
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
Jacob Anderson, ‘12, jogs around the gymnasium with an SCHS flag during the pep rally. The member of JROTC had his face painted and helped fire up the crowd throughout the 45-minute pep rally.
Students show school spirit in performances and participation
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
Spike the Bulldog offers a hug to Von Hurt, mother of Rikki Hurt, ‘13. Von Hurt was at school to watch the pep rally in which Spike made his debut. Carlos Flores, ‘13, plays the mellophone with the band. The band played a number of songs, including the SCHS fight song during the second pep rally of the school year. Varsity cheerleaders Kim Taylor, ‘14, and Bree Burciaga, ‘12, perform for the 1,400 students at the pep rally. They then cheered for the football team in its 14-9 loss to South Houston at Turner Stadium.
Photo by Paris Dowd
Photo by Lisseth Lopez
Coming prepared with a whistle, Ariel Young, ‘13, did all she could to help Copper 2 defend its title as the champions of the pep rally. Even though Copper 2 put on a strong showing, the “spirit bone” was awarded to Carbon 2. Amanda Garcia, ‘12, tries to make sure her voice is heard amongst her 1,400 classmates during the pep rally. All students are divided into four houses, and the houses competed for the “spirit bone,” which is awarded to the house with the most participation each pep rally. Carbon 2 took top honors for the first time this year. They will try to defend their title during the homecoming pep rally Oct. 1.
Photo by Paris Dowd
Photo by Paris Dowd