KP Times, December 2015

KP TIM ES

Issue 3, Vol. 3 s December 2015 Kingwood Park High School s 4015 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339

In her free time, Reese Harlan is gaining For girls swim team members, Looking for a quick bite to eat? Check a following with her YouTube tutorials. the season is becoming a hairy out the food review for Pete’s Burger See page 4. situation. See page 13.

Place. See page15.

Spreading Joy Through Service The giving nature of current and former students extends beyond club events and Day of Service. See pages 8-10.

Before the Christmas Parade in Humble, members of the Madrigals, including Mason Carr12, Jada Inman12 and Hunter Valverde11, entertain the crowd. Photo

by John Carl Boudreaux.

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO...

Dec. 11 P Choir Christmas Caroling/Party (4:30-11 p.m.)

Dec. 12 PCity of Houston Run-Off Election (7 a.m.- 7 p.m.)

PSilver Holiday Clinic and Showcase (9 a.m.- 2 p.m.)

Dec. 15 PFootball Banquet (6-9 p.m.)

PBand Christmas Concert (7-8:30 p.m.)

Dec. 16 P1st, 2nd, and 5th Period Finals Dec. 17 P3rd and 6th Period Finals Dec. 18 P 4th and 7th Period Finals Dec. 19- Jan.3 P Winter Break- NO SCHOOL Jan. 4 P Student Holiday/Staff Workday Jan. 5 P Second Semester Begins Jan. 7 P Yearbook Group Photo Day (8 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Jan. 8 P Swim/Dive- Senior Night (6:30-8:30 p.m.)

PDrama Club Movie Night (6:30-9 p.m.)

Jan. 9 P Choir Area Auditions- Baytown Sterling HS (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Jan. 18 PMLK Holiday- NO SCHOOL Jan. 22 P Silver Stars Zumbathon Fundraiser (2-4 p.m.)

PChoir Pop Show (7-10 p.m.)

Jan. 25 PParent Night for Rising 9,10,11 (6-9 p.m.)

Jan. 29 PSilver Stars Dance Competition (3-11 p.m.)

Lack of fundraising means prom price increase

By Olivia Reinhardt Kingwood High School has sold its tickets for $100 in recent Staff Reporter years. Summer Creek High School pre-sold their tickets in n a change from past years, the price of prom tickets are the beginning of the year for $65. In the spring, they will go $100 this year. up to $80. The final two weeks before prom tickets will The change stemmed from a lack of fundraising, according cost $100. to senior class sponsor Kim Stokes. A year ago, prom prices “(They) increase in price to try to have students buy early were set at $80 until a large donation dropped the final ticket so that we can properly plan,” Summer Creek teacher Hayley price to $50.

Hueske said via email. “Students can also “You start out freshman participate in the senior fundraiser to earn The overall cost of prom ranges from $23,000-$30,000. year with nothing in your a free prom ticket and free senior picnic “In order to pay for that, we generally ticket.” account and then you do look at how much is in the senior account,” Stokes said even if the school were to Stokes said. “You start out freshman year fundraisers, and hopefully receive donations this year, the price will with nothing in your account and then remain locked at $100. Past fundraising by senior year you have you do fundraisers, and hopefully by issues have led the school to stick to one some money in there. senior year you have some money in price indefinitely. there. What generally happens is no one What generally happens is If the senior class ends up with extra wants to fundraise.” money after paying for the prom basics, Prom will be held at the Sheraton near no one wants to fundraise.” Stokes said the money will be put toward - senior class sponsor Kim Stokes improving this year’s prom or toward the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 15700 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, on senior gift the class typically gives to the May 14. The disc jockey will be Pete’s Mobile DJ, the service school. This is also the plan for future classes. that also DJed homecoming.

“Prom is like planning a wedding,” Stokes said. “You have Students were disappointed to find out that the tickets were to plan a year ahead for the majority of it, from getting a being sold at $100 and prices wouldn’t be dropping.

DJ, booking the hotel the prom is being held at, and hiring “I hate it,” senior class officer Reese Harlan said, “but I decorators - just like you would for a wedding.” understand why they are that high.”

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Debate participants put on strong show in early competitions

By Sydney Woodward News Editor he UIL academic season is already underway with debate in the midst of its season. The rest of the academic competitions will begin second semester.

“It looks brilliant on college resumes, it helps you hone your skills in that certain skill set, gives you the opportunity to earn scholarship funds, and a non-parallel opportunity to create new friendships,” said George Pulliam, the academic UIL coordinator.

Debate has already competed in three tournaments.

At Brazoswood last month, the team took first place overall in Lincoln-Douglas and reached the semifinals of Extemporaneous Speaking and finals of Poetry.

“Well, there were some amazing performances,” Pulliam said.

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“I was extremely proud of the team at our last tournament.

Our officers are doing a tremendous job mentoring the new debate stars.”

Pulliam said it was hard work and determination that helped lift freshman Grace Klauzner to first place in the Lincoln-Douglas event.

“It was a really fun experience and I definitely want to pursue debate in high school,” Klauzner said.

Pulliam is looking to add more students to the academic team in the second semester. There are current event teams, spelling teams, journalism events and more.

“It’s not just for nerds, there is something for everybody,” said Xavier Reneau, who is President of the debate team.

“Look to whatever class you’re good at and we probably have it.”

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Counselor receives district honor After winning the award and a grant, Mosely wants to start a new student group.

BY MADDY BERRY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ounselor Lisa Mosely was recently recognized for her contributions to the Career and Technical Education program.

Mosely was honored district-wide for her support and enthusiasm for the CTE program. Not only does she have the most students enrolled in CTE, she has helped the program find internships for students every year, and accompanies programs such as aeroscience on field trips.

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“I really like the opportunities that the kids get to earn their certifications,” said Mosely. “[From] a counselor standpoint, I have kids who are really unmotivated...And so when I’m able to take them down to our CTE classes…. it makes them a little more motivated to come to school, because 2-3 periods of their day is spent in hands-on technical courses that are actually relevant to them, and I love to see that turnaround.”

In addition to her CTE award, Mosely was recently granted $500 from the Humble Education Foundation to buy supplies for a new small group she intends to start this year, called Counseling With A Twist, which will focus on giving the school’s most at-risk stu-

dents the ability to express themselves in a healthy manner.

“When I say at-risk, I mean students who are at risk of self-harm,” said Mosely. “They just really lack coping skills...sitting there and talking to the students over and over and over again, and telling them “Don’t do that”... obviously is not working...So I wanted to try something completely different. And I think if I gave them an actual skill, like painting...they can go home and continue the painting. It might help and give them some more self expression.”

In the future, Mosely has set her sights on increasing her impact on students.

“Right now I’m working on my Educational Leadership through Lamar University. Hopefully that leads to maybe

Counselor Lisa Mosely talks with new students during the “Cookies with Counselors” den session in September. Because of her involvement with the CTE program, she won a district-wide counselor award.

Photo by Stef Mendez.

a principal spot, or maybe even a position at a District level...” Mosely said. “I feel like the higher up you get, the more impact you can have. And that’s what I’m looking to do: reach more kids, touch more kids.”

After expansion, robotics team eyes spring competition Joining with more schools in Humble ISD, the robotics team looks to make its mark this year.

By Christine Crockett Staff Reporter

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obots may not be able to have snack parties, but the members of AdamasBots, the robotics team in Humble ISD, can and do before each meeting.

Unfortunately, the team was not able to attend the first competition of the season due to flooding. They used that time to train the new membersand prepare for Regionals, which is in March.

“We decided not to go, because of the inclement weather. It was flooding and students’ safety was more important,” said Daryl Palmer, mentor of the team.

For the next competition though, they will be larger by about 10 people, since AdamasBots joined forces with another team.

They recently combined with Summer Creek’s robotics team, making the approximately 15 members grow to about 25. They chose to do this because of Summer Creek’s need of programmers and AdamasBots’ need for help in other areas. November 17, 2015 was the first meeting at which the two teams were together.

“Their strength is strong in marketing,” said Summer Creek’s sponsor Roger Vazquez. “They’re strong in actually putting stuff together.

Working on the club’s publicity, junior George Serro, senior Alicia de la Garza and junior Camryn McMullan talk during a recent meeting at the CATE Center. Photo by Christine Crockett.

It’s more like a technical kind, and I have an engineering background, so we all decided, ‘Hey, why don’t we just join all the teams together?’ We kind of share our ideas, and that’s how it just happened so quickly.

We’re here.”

Building robots is not all the team will do. They will raise funds, advertise and work on social skills, such as formal interactions.

“A lot of business skills, a lot of public speaking because they have to present to potential donors to get them to basically donate to the team,” Palmer said.

On the robotics side of things, the team builds and competes robots against other schools in different competitions. These competitions

are set up as obstacle courses that the robots have to maneuver to stack objects. Each competition has a different setup that the robots are built for. They have to make sure their bots are sturdy, built in accordance to the competition’s requirements and guidelines and can perform the given task.

On Jan. 9, they will throw a kickoff party and receive the information for the new competition.

The team is made up of different kinds of people that work together to make functioning robots.

“Different backgrounds, different disciplines. We got computer folks.

We’ve got engineering, pre-engineering folks. We’ve got folks that are in shop,” Palmer said. “Folks that

are, as we like to say, mostly geeks.”

The robots are a big part as well.

You build them, and the result of your efforts is shown off to teams from all around the state, country, and even world in different competitions.

“At nationals, we had teams, six at least. Six teams from Israel. We had teams from all over the world. South America, Mexico, Canada, France, I believe we had one team from Japan, one team from Thailand. It’s a worldwide thing, so now they don’t call it nationals anymore,” Palmer said.

The joint effort can create new friendships as well as robots. President junior Brooke Chinen has gained many friends since joining the team last year.

“I wanted to be a biomedical engineer, so in order to kind of gain experience on that, I decided to join the robotics club. That, and it’s really fun, so I like it,” said Chinen.

The sponsors like watching how far the team progresses each year.

“My joy is to watch them grow.

To watch them, you know, become a team, and to get excited about engineering and science,” said Palmer, ”we need a lot of good engineers in the world, so.”

If anyone in is interested in joining, contact Kathleen Goerner in room 2009E, or just come to the meetings, which are held every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the CATE Center, 9155 Will Clayton Parkway in Humble.

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Reelyn Beauty just beginning to find niche on YouTube Senior joins friend in fun venture online as they create videos packed with beauty tips during their free time.

By Kaylee Woest Staff Reporter

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white or black sequined backdrop appears behind the entertaining teenagers in every video.

There never fails to be music or voice-overs to make the videos more appealing. Add some bloopers and spontaneous jokes to the tutorials, and you’ve reached the Reelyn Beauty YouTube channel.

The new channel, with about 74 subscribers, eight videos, 2,855 views total, and 111 likes total, is unlike anything Reese Harlan and Dylan Croy have ever done before.

“I’ve been watching YouTube videos since I was like in sixth grade so it’s always something I’ve wanted to do,” Harlan said. “It seemed fun.”

The YouTube channel, otherwise known as Reelyn Beauty, is a new addition to YouTube’s beauty channels.

“We post different looks so we can help young girls achieve the perfect look,” Harlan said.

Not only does their channel provide makeup and hair tips, it also provides laughs for viewers and subscribers.

“I would say our channel is unexpected, a little bit funny, and even disorganized but in a fun way,” said Croy, who attends the Houston Performing Arts High School.

Harlan and Croy share a very unique relationship that adds more flare into their videos.

“We’ve danced together for a few years now and he is honestly my best friend,” Harlan said. “We have a lot in common, and he’s always someone I know I can count on.”

Senior Reese Harlan and Dylan Croy prepare to do another tutorial. The friends have combined to make a number of videos that are growing in popularity online. Photo by Kaylee Woest.

Croy treasures their relationship and takes it to heart.

“Our relationship is like those days when you have so much fun and those days when you want to yell at each other but still love each other,” Croy said. “It’s a sister and brother relationship. I think of her as more than a best friend.”

Through their YouTube channel, they have had doors open for them that have impacted their future careers.

“I’ve gotten multiple makeup opportunities because of our channel,” Harlan said. “I’ve done makeup for homecomings, proms, family pictures, and weddings.

It has provided experiences that I can carry with me into my future makeup career I want to pursue.”

Harlan performed her makeup skills on Jadi Meyer, a teacher and coach. For this particular event, Harlan

styled Meyer’s makeup just right for Meyer’s brother’s wedding.

“I absolutely loved my makeup,” Meyer said. “She knows exactly what looks good on you and how to make it happen.”

Reelyn Beauty has begun attracting adults in addition to younger girls.

“I started watching their YouTube videos because I saw posts about it, and I loved both their personalities,” Meyer said. “I figured it would be fun to watch them in their element.”

Although their YouTube channel is becoming successful, they have a challenge since this is their senior year in high school and they have plans to go to separate colleges.

“I hope we can continue it into college,” Croy said.

“It will definitely be different since we will be separate, but I think we can make it work. It will be more fun because we won’t see the other one filming since we will be miles apart and it’s a way for us to stay in contact.”

Although they love creating and sharing new YouTube videos, they struggled at first with wanting to make a channel or not.

“If you’re thinking about making a YouTube channel, first, I would say just do it because a lot of the time people get scared to put themselves out there,” Harlan said. “It is very intimidating, but if you’re really passionate about what your channel is about then push through it.”

The new YouTubers want to keep their subscribers and viewers updated on what’s to come.

“Keep your eyes out for some more seasonal looks, like Christmas and holiday looks,” Harlan said.

“Hopefully, we will film more often not only with makeup videos but also fun, tag videos; so be on the lookout.”

Interest among students grows in the World Star website The WorldStarHipHop internet phenomenon makes an impact at KPARK.

By Emily Humble Staff Reporter

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n downtime toward the end of class, a phone is slipped out and propped up on the desk.

Three or four students gather around behind it, half trying to appear like they’re doing something educational. The video begins playing, and the students stand enwrapped, invisibly joining the sporadic crowd caught by the camera, as a fistfight between two teens begins playing out on their screen.

They watch the latest kids to become “WorldStar famous,” and debate whether or not they recognize one. Sophomore Joel Guevara and some of his classmates are convinced they have spotted a former Kingwood Middle School student in a

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video that went viral back in October. The video has received over 1,000 favorites on Twitter and was retweeted by many KPARK students.

WorldStarHipHop is a video hosting website, almost like a rougher version of YouTube. Instead of cat videos, WorldStar is fuelled by KOs. Though it hosts content of other subjects, the caught-oncamera fights are what WorldStar has become known for, causing the owner of the site himself to give it the nickname “the ghetto CNN of the

ghetto.”

But WorldStar has spread, and has now become a part of youth culture across the U.S. The shifty morality of the WorldStar phenomenon is not lost on its viewers. If something similar to the events in the videos that make kids “WorldStar famous” were to happen at KPARK, Guevara would have mixed reactions.

“I’d be like, ‘Oh my god, our school just got posted, that’s kind of cool,’ and ‘Oh my god, we look like a bad school now,’” he said.

However, sophomore Kennedie Hooper took a firmer stance.

“It’s kind of upsetting,” she said. “I don’t really think you should videotape [fights]. You shouldn’t get famous over fights.”

What is certain though is that one recent video has spread around KPARK, and WorldStar, at least for now, is a small staple of popular teen culture on the internet.

Picture Perfect

With everyone shooting photos these days - either with their phone or actual camera, students work to capture moments they never want to forget.

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“I really like the picture I took with my fisheye at The World Trade Center Memorial. It’s on the fountain and there’s this little white flower on this man’s name and they put flowers on people’s names when it’s their birthday. It’s special that I was there on his birthday and I saw it while I was leaving and I ran back to take a picture,” senior Tori Gatling said.

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“I was in New Orleans a year or two ago and he was this guy who traveled all around the world with his piano (you see it has wheels) and he played music for people on the streets. I thought it was cool the way he had ‘silence sucks’ written on the back of his chair too so I took a picture of him so I could remember seeing this guy. You don’t see many cool people like that here in Kingwood,” junior Emily Haney said.

By Kylee Wing KPTimes.com Editor enior Tori Gatling quickly runs up to the edge of the fountain at the World Trade Center Memorial in the Middle of New York City as she’s leaving to snap a photo of a single name accompanied by a small, white flower that had caught her eye.

“I really like the picture I took with my fisheye at The World Trade Center Memorial. It’s on the fountain and there’s this little white flower on this man’s name and they put flowers on people’s names when it’s their birthday,” Gatling said. “It’s special that I was there on his birthday and I saw it This picture is important because it was taken for a while I was leaving, and I ran back to Mother’s Day present to my mother, and it means take a picture.” a lot because I saw how much joy the entire gift It’s moments like these that show brought her, and after all she does for me that’s all how photography is important. It’s a she deserves,” junior Maegan Breazeale said. pastime, an art. It captures moments that otherwise would be trapped in the minds of people unable to share, unable to flourish.

“It’s another form of art,” junior Amanda Haney said. “Everyone loves art because every artist has a different style and each one has the ability to tell a story just like photographers can do, just in the form of a picture.”

Every photo captured has a story behind it. The art of the photography and the reality of the moment coincide to create the action of a memory.

“It’s always important to make everything as perfect as you can,” Gatling said. “There’s moments you can’t recapture.”

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“I wouldn’t change anything about (my mom’s wedding) day. We went on a cruise to Cozumel, Progreso, and one other place. The wedding ceremony was held on the beach in Cozumel. I remember getting ready in our dressing room and my mom was so nervous yet so put together. This picture means so much to me because it’s a memory frozen in time, a moment that I will cherish forever. I would give anything to go back to this day, or any day in general that I got to spend with my mom. I carry a smaller version around my neck, to keep her close to my heart,” junior Ashley Villagomez said.

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THE MUSIC MAVERICK: Concerts are Abraham’s addiction

With more than 30 concerts behind her, Ashley Abraham can’t wait for which ones are still ahead.

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By Kirby Woodyard Staff Reporter

enior Ashley Abraham has a place she feels she belongs. That place just happens to be when she is surrounded by hundreds - possibly thousands - of people screaming, chanting and singing.

Abraham has been to more than 35 concerts since her freshman year and still has 34 tickets.

“I save them because of the memories, I don’t want to get rid of them because it would be like throwing some of my favorite moments into the trash,” Abraham said.

Abraham also collects albums,

saying she has around 200 in her collection, including some of her favorites: Blue Sky Noise by Circa Survive, War Eternal by Arch Enemy, and Pepper’s Ghost by Buckethead.

Abraham has been to concerts such as Nightwish, Iron Maiden, Buckethead, Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, though these are only a few.

One of her favorite bands ABRAHAM to listen to and see live is Every Time I Die. One of her best concert memories is being at Warped Tour 2013, where she even got to meet the lead singer of

the band Keith Buckley.

“I like their energy on stage, and it just really pumps me up,” Abraham said.

The year before at the 2012 Warped Tour, Abraham had one of her worst concert experiences.

“My friend Chloe and I got separated and since she didn’t have a cellphone it was really hard to find her, and it really scared us,” Abraham said.

When Abraham was younger her father used to accommodate her ticket needs, but once she got a job she began paying for them herself.

She recalls her most expensive ticket being $122 to a Slipknot performance, while some of the cheaper concerts are only around $20. When Abraham gets to go to another concert she described herself as a little girl.

“I love music, and the feeling I get when I go to a concert is so indescribable, I get to see some of my favorite bands and singers, and be around people who have the same taste and interests as me,” Abraham said. “It’s my natural high, my escape from the world, a place where I feel like a belong.”

However, being diehard about music does have its disadvantages.

“Sometimes people judge me,” Abraham said. “I guess because people think metal is scary and that I worship satan, which I don’t.”

Though it took Abraham a while to figure out a way to overcome the haters, she learned the easiest thing to do was just ignore them.

“My music makes me happy, and that’s all that matters,” she said.

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It’s Rocket Science The students of Aeroscience proved they can work hard and also play hard when the time came to launch their rockets.

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By Kirby Woodyard Staff Reporter

fter weeks of complex calculations and perfecting their models, Aeroscience students launched their first rockets on Oct. 29.

If all went well, the forearm sized rocket would shoot straight up disappearing from sight for a few moments before plummeting down to earth hopefully in one piece.

“It’s actually just flying mathematical calculations, you create the equations and then you launch them,” teacher Jim Brown said.

Senior Hunter Lange has gone above and beyond when it comes to science classes. He took Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP Chemistry and AP Physics before entering the Aeroscience classroom.

“It’s not a class where you get handed papers,” Lang said. “It’s hands on, and watching something you build and work on for such a long time become something -- it’s great.”

The group FTK’s rocket Fettes Schwein was expected to only reach a height in the 500-800 feet range, but upon launching it reached 1,700 feet.

“It went higher than everyone else’s in the class, which we are really proud of,” Lang said.

During the year, the students get to explore science and launch rockets of their own creation.

“It’s a fun class,” Lang said. “It doesn’t seem like you are doing work but in reality you are. When you do get paperwork just make sure to do it.”

Upon graduation in May, Lang plans on attending Texas A&M to study Industrial Engineering.

Senior Magda Cabrera was apart of the Believe

Seniors Kirby Kirsh, Troy Waters, Tyler Forrest, Charlie Brenner, Zack Mills, Brannun Hautanen and Wahid Hakeem set up their rocket, which later reached a hight of 1,715 ft. Photo by Kirby Woodyard.

Seniors Lynzi Perez and Tommy Fazzino examine their rocket after its fall back to earth. Photo by Kirby Woodyard.

in Gravity group with their rocket Bing they hoped to exceed 300 meters but only reached a max height of 257 meters.

“I’m still happy with with its performance, it flew the straightest, which means we had the best stability and got a good grade,” Cabrera said.

“The best part was the people I got to work with, we put a lot of work into it , and it was overall a great experience.”

Cabrera, who plans on studying pre-med, took the class because she knew it would aid her when

it came to math calculations, which will be useful in her dream career.

Junior Justin Cline had Aeroscience magical appear on his schedule as it’s a senior only class, having only taking Biology, Chemistry and is currently in both physics and Aeroscience.

“We didn’t expect our rocket to go very high,” Cline said. “We thought we messed up, but it actually went 750 feet.”

When not launching rockets, the class is learning Center of pressure, center of mass, AS9100, and things like organization skills.

“Don’t get in it thinking it’s a blow off class because it’s not, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring,” Cline said.

Mr Brown’s main requirements are as follows: “Make it strong. Make it simple. Make it work.

Failure is not an option.”

Glimpse at career boosts kids bound for teaching Students get hands on experience in teaching elementary students in iPET class during the school year.

By Anna Emerson Staff Reporter

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he Humble ISD teaching program consists of a two-year program, which helps future teachers have a hands-on experience. Forty AHS, KHS, KPHS and SCHS students learn from Rolanda Wilkins, who is the teacher of Child Development, Principles of Education, and the IPET and PIE programs, which began eight years ago.

“I wanted to make a difference by using my skills, knowledge and abilities to teach future teachers how to be the best teachers they can,”

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Wilkins said.

The programs allows them to learn that a teacher needs to be flexible, understanding, organized, knowledgeable and approachable while being in a real-world classroom environment.

The program isn’t a blow-off class.

It requires students to be honest, trustworthy, patient, and able to work with a variety of people.

Students in the first and second year class travel to elementary schools around the district and work as an “intern” with a specific teacher during 3rd and 4th period.

“It’s a very strict standard because there is a lot of freedom involved,” Wilkins said. “You have to be the best because when you are at the elementary school you are representing yourself, your school, your parents and me.”

Senior Hannah Bullard said the teaching program prepares students for what they’ll

experience after college. The program not only gives future teachers a look at what it’s like to be a teacher it allows them to make connections with the students in the elementary classes they intern in.

“My favorite thing about being a teacher is being inspired by the students and learning from them,” Bullard said.

Wilkins said she believes the students in her program should have passion, drive and motivation to work hard and do it for the love of the students.

She even has two former students currently teaching in the district - Jessica Valenta and Victoria Badeaux. About 20 of her former students have gone on to become teachers.

“If you love what you do you never work a day in your life,”Wilkins said.

Mouse house magic Walt Disney Studios keeps magic alive for over 90 years

By Maddy Berry Editor-in-Chief his month marks what would have been the 114th birthday of the man who would not only change the entire film industry, but who would impact countless lives even after his death: Walt Disney.

People everywhere remember Disney’s effect on their childhoods, which are each somewhat unique.

The stories stay with people in ways that few other movies are known to do.

“I remember one time when I was little...my mom and I were watching Dumbo together in her room,” said senior Sydney Talbot. “We were sitting on the end of her bed wrapped up in her big warm comforter, crying and hugging each other because Dumbo went to visit his Mommy in elephant jail. The song Mrs. Jumbo sings to him is a tearjerker and always made me tear up!”

Disney movies draw a wide demographic, appealing to both children and adults alike. With recent

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purchases of companies like ABC, Lucasfilm, and Marvel, their reach has expanded far past the realm of children’s films and into adult entertainment as well.

“Disney is popular because their movies are made for all ages,” said senior and Disney fan Abby Tackett. “People can relate to it. I’m not a queen, but I know what it’s like to feel alone like Elsa. And I know what it’s like to stupidly fall in love with someone. People just connect to the characters in so many different ways.”

In addition to film domination, Disney has expanded into other industries as well.

Video games, a publishing company, radio stations, television networks, and multiple theme parks have extended its reach beyond that of any other company. Nationwide, their products line the shelves of supermarkets, toy stores and bookstores nearly everywhere, allowing a greater number of children around the world share the magic.

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Senior Abby Tackett poses with Aladdin at Disney World in 2003 at the age of 5. “I had a huge crush on him,” Tackett said. “It was amazing to meet him.” Photo courtesy of Abby Tackett.

“I remember dressing up as different Disney princesses,” said Tackett.

“I would sing their songs while performing. Now I get to make more memories by watching my cousins do the exact same thing.”

Disney has an impressive history in its 92 years of existence. It has repeatedly broke ground, from releasing the first synchronized sound cartoon in the world, entitled Steamboat Willie (which featured the debut of Mickey Mouse) to the first full-length animated movie with both color and sound: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

After a brief succession of box-of-

Seniors Sydney Talbot (about age 4) and Alyssa Gardner pose on Halloween. Talbot went as Tinker Bell.

Photo courtesy of Sydney Talbot.

fice flops left the animation flagship in hot water, they bounced back in 1988 with what has been called the “Disney Renaissance”; a string of some of Disney’s most memorable films. The period culminated in 1994’s The Lion King, which remains the highest grossing traditionally animated film of all time, and the fourth highest overall (the studio’s recent hit, Frozen, is the highest grossing film in the world). Since then, the studio has only grown, remaining a beloved part of lives generation after generation.

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gift of

GIVING

KPARK alum help couple who may be homeless but are not hopeless.

Freshman Fayth Deleon works at the Houston Food Bank by sorting beans and rice and puting them in separate bags. Photo by Shadeja Young.

O Freshman Morgan Morris plays with Oak Forest Elementary student during Day of Service. Photo by Haley Hampton.

Freshmen Jessica Ramsey and Veronica Ramos help organize the activity closest at Village Learning Center. Photo by Sarah Martell.

Freshmen find new view during Day of Service Annual day for freshmen to serve others creates memories and leaves impressions that last a long time.

The goal of Day of Service is to show students the joy of giving back and teach them how their help can truly impact the community.

For many students, this day was the first time to participate in a service project.

By Olivia Reinhardt “I kind of like seeing that little Staff Reporter light in their eyes at the end of the espite several concerns with day when we get back to the audibad weather, Day of Service torium,” associate principal Brian was carried out with success.

Johnson said. “I think a lot of times Freshmen were sent to several sites they come back feeling like they around Kingwood and Houston, made a difference. They come back including the Houston Food Bank feeling a little more of a sense of and Humble Area Assistance pride, confidence, and happiness.

Ministry. On top of packaging That’s what I like seeing.” food, the students were given an Freshman often remember the opportunity to build relationships lessons long after returning to and reflect on their own life and school. the lives of those around them. “[Day of Service] will help me “I love knowing that I’m helping to not to take things for granted people out and it’s nice to help one and that some people don’t have another because you’re benefitting it as easy as us,” freshman Connor other people’s lives,” said sophoWood said. more Randie York.

D

8 Features

December 2015

Story by Amanda Aleman Staff Reporter

n a swelteringly hot day on the corner between Interstate 45 and Cullen Boulevard, lies the remains of the Bestway Motor Inn. The inn itself appears to be your standard motel, nothing too glamorous with the occasional pothole filling the worn parking lot and the same monotonous battered red door marking the entrances to the various monotonous battered rooms. Yes, The Bestway Motor Inn may have appeared to be your standard highway motel, but the faded red doors of the inn were simply a facade, for what lay behind them was far from standard or dingy.

Hurriedly traveling from room to room with a humble grocery cart spilling over with cleaning supplies and washed up rags, is a weary man by the simple name of Bill. Bill is a very special guest at the inn, for he is the only guest that never leaves the grounds of the motel; and he is the only guest that truly understands the value of its battered red doors. Most patrons at the Bestway Motor Inn will recognize the tired smile that graces the face of Bill, because it is the same genuine toothy grin Bill offers to every passerby as he persistently carries on his work tidying up and perfecting each and every room of the motel. Although it may seem peculiar that a patron of the establishment is also an employee, it is quite fitting for Bill. *** Less than a year ago, Bill and his wife Dianna were still on the same corner of Interstate 45 and Cullen Boulevard, however life was very different. The couple had been struggling financially for many years and were left poor and homeless at the time. While Bill was serving a three year sentence in jail, Dianna had claimed the concrete corner as her temporary home. Once Bill was released from prison, the only thing he had waiting for him was an anxious Dianna and a less than cozy patch of grass and rubble resting just beneath the highway bridge. All in all, life appeared to be fairly bleak for the struggling duo.

“My life a year ago was up in the air,” said Bill, who requested not to use he and his wife’s last name. “I didn’t know where I was going to go. All the programs and help that were promised to me when I got out of prison weren’t there, and I wasn’t sure how my relationship with Dianna was going to be after being separated for so long. I would never have even dreamed of having the job I have today when I was first let out of prison.”

Much to Bill’s relief, he did indeed return to a rather gleeful Dianna, and to his surprise a litter of homeless kittens. Bill and Dianna continued to stand on their corner by day, hoping that a charitable soul may offer a dollar or two, or even a smile of acknowledgement. By night the couple would retire themselves (and any feline friends that wished to join them) back under the tumultuous bridge and get as much rest as they possibly could. The next morning, the two would rise bright and early and begin the same routine as the day before. The days were long while the income was less than prosperous.

“People treated us like we weren’t there,” said Bill, “they kept right on walking.

Some people treat you bad, some people treat you good, but the average person treats you like you don’t even exist. Out of sight, out of mind.

“They could stare right at you, but in reality they were staring right through you. Standing on that corner you learn a lot about people, it shows you a lot about life. It’s not something that you can just teach to someone, it’s something you need to experience yourself. I think everyone should have a chance to stay

HELP NEEDED. Dianna stands on the corner of Interstate 45 and Cullen Boulevard, greeting those that pass with a sign that reads “Homeless God Bless.” Photo by Amanda Aleman.

EARNING RENT. Bill pushes his grocery cart of cleaning supplies outside of the Bestway Motor Inn. He was able to live in the hotel while he worked there until it was closed down last month. Photo by Amanda Aleman.

on that corner for a week, live under that same Even with Bill’s almost constant work, he only bridge that I did for a week, I guarantee after that takes home about $10 a day in addition to his onetime you would treat everybody differently.” bedroom motel room. With two grown adults and *** one rather large feline, the couple still struggles with After quite some time, Bill’s persistence paid off. their finances. Dianna has been seeking employThe owner of a local motel just a few yards from ment for quite some time in order to afford just the Bill and Dianna’s corner approached Bill and of- bare necessities of life. However, Dianna has yet fered him a job working for the Bestway Motor Inn. to find any permanent job leaving her to continue The two were ecstatic, and soon a deal was made; standing at the same corner asking passerbyers for if Bill worked hard for the Inn, then he would be donations. given a temporary room of his “I lost my job about six own for himself, Dianna, and years ago, and I’ve struggled even one of the stray kittens he ever since then,” Dianna said. had named Charlie. The couple “It got really bad about four (or rather trio with the addition years ago when my mom of Charlie) could not believe their died. I have been offered fortune, although it was not easy several chances to find a job, work, Bill had managed to keep meetings were scheduled and his job and home for as long as promises were made, but they could be provided. something always happens to “I’ve been working here since keep me here. People don’t the first of February, ” Bill said. keep their word, or something “People think I just clean rooms, terrible happens. Something -Dianna but that’s probably the least of always happens to keep me what I do, I do everything here here, and the only thing that including running the office.

I can asses from that, is that I’ve been trying really hard, and the more I do the God’s got me here for a reason. Apparently I haven’t more they keep asking me to do and I end up work- touched somebody’s life or spoke to somebody I’m ing from 9 a.m. until 1 a.m. seven days a week, and supposed to speak to.” some of those days I will still be up until 3 or 4 a.m. *** working.

Every morning Dianna ventures out to her corner “It’s exhausting working those hours, but it’s what with nothing more than an old lawn chair and a tatI do to try and keep a roof over our heads. I proved tered sign asking for any charity the people can offer. that I can work for this business and I’m the best As the various cars pass by Dianna, she approaches employee this motel has ever had, and I feel a lot of each and every vehicle offering a tired smile. Not pride in that. As long as I have this job, I don’t have every person is willing to give, but Dianna tries her to live under that bridge, and I don’t have to leave best with unwavering optimism.

Dianna under that bridge.”

“Everybody helps a little bit,” Dianna said. “Like

“The most challenging thing has been not breaking down, you know, not giving up.”

I tell everyone, it doesn’t matter if you give me one penny or $100, everything really does help. You are not obligated in any way to give me money, so I appreciate anything I get because I know that anything you give is either coming from your heart or your guilt, and either way I appreciate it.”

As Dianna marches dutifully upon her small space of highway, she waves to every speeding car and even greets several of those that pass by name.

Many people continue on their way, ignoring Dianna completely. However, there are several that take the minimal time they need to simply nod their head in acknowledgement, and that small sign of awareness and equality means the world to Dianna.

Sadly, for every encouraging smile, there are just as many people who attempt to avoid Dianna at all costs. Dianna described several occurrences where people would aggressively insult her at times, even going so far as to slander her with excessive profanity in order to avoid conversation. Although most that pass by the busy corner remain respectful, the stress of those that treat the homeless and struggling with disdain has had quite an affect on an already floundering Dianna. As she patrols her corner, Dianna puts all she can into treating those who pass with kindness and sincerity, and to receive such negative responses at times has been a real struggle for Dianna.

“The most challenging thing, has been not breaking down, you know, not giving up,” said Dianna.

“There have been several times when I thought about just finding an end to it, and then I just think to myself no, if I’ve worked so hard for this long, I just can’t give up now.

“I don’t fall for the poor pity me routine, I’m not asking anyone to pity me. I stay out here long enough to get at least enough money to do what I need to do for that day, then I stop and go to bed, just to wake up and start all over again the next day.

I survive, all I do is survive. I wouldn’t call what me and Bill do living.” *** Bill and Dianna’s life has indeed been one of great strife, however there has been one shining glimmer of hope that has helped the pair get by this past year.

Kingwood Park alumni Marisa Ferguson spotted Dianna on her corner just outside of The University HOMELESS continues on Page 10 December 2015

Features

9

Homeless: KPARK alum work to make impact

continued from page 9 of Houston campus and couldn’t help but offer the weary woman what little help she could.

Ferguson approached a drained Dianna with a few bits of food she had purchased nearby, and soon the two were sitting together on Dianna’s corner sharing a piece of chocolate cake. After they finished their meal, Ferguson promised she would return to take Dianna out for a proper meal, however Dianna had never truly expected the young stranger to return. Sure enough, Ferguson was true to her word and began to visit Dianna on a frequent basis.

It hardly ended with cake. Soon after, Ferguson introduced her fiance Christopher Aleman to Dianna, and the two became an essential part of her life. Both Ferguson and Aleman offered Dianna friendship and emotional support as they awaited Bill’s release from prison. After several months, Bill was able to return home, and he too found friendship in the two young newcomers to his corner.

With the support of Ferguson and Aleman, Bill and Dianna were able to start setting their lives back on track, and soon ended up at the Bestway Motor Inn. *** Although Ferguson and Aleman had proven to be quite good friends to Bill and Dianna, the true depth of their relationship was not revealed until Bill found out he was diagnosed with both AIDS and cancer. Bill began struggling with his health, and with the added stress and physical labor of his new job at the hotel, Bill soon fell seriuosly ill with pneumonia.

“Everything changed when I caught pneumonia,” said Bill, “with my health problems I really thought I was going to die. I couldn’t drink water for five days, couldn’t even eat, I was hurting so bad I couldn’t move and I didn’t care to move.

Against my wishes Dianna went and called Marisa, and the next thing I knew my tiny little room was full of people one night.

“I remember seeing this huge built dude in my house and wondering, why the heck are you in here? Nobody told me who it was, but it turned out to be Marisa’s dad trying to help me into an ambulance to get to the hospital. Christopher and Marisa have helped me just by showing that someone cares about me.

“After the hospital incident I saw how much they really cared, and the fact that she even brought her dad, I was just blown away.”

Bill and Dianna were deeply touched by the efforts that Ferguson and Aleman went through. As opposed to the standard brief interaction that the pair had grown accustomed to, it was a shock to see someone care enough to stop and treat them as if they were equals and truly value them as individuals, and it was enough to give the couple hope. With the arrival of Ferguson and Aleman, both Dianna and Bill have had MARISA not only their faith in themselves restored but their FERGUSON faith in humanity as well.

“Marisa and Christopher have been there, and if I called and they could help me in any way, they would do it. Out of all the people that I know out here, I’ve got the phone numbers of three people. Three that have willingly given me their phone number, and I know that if I ever need any one of those people, I can call them and they will be here.”

Bill and Diana now cherish their relationship with Ferguson and Aleman greatly, however, they were not the only ones to have a significant change in their lives because of it. Ferguson never imagined that the simple sharing of a piece of chocolate cake would so heavily impact her life and her outlook on the world.

“I’ve never met someone so thankful for what they have and still maintaining their faith when they have so little, especially after knowing how Dianna has been treated before on the corner,” Ferguson said. “The things that people have done to her or said to her are pretty horrifying, but to know they still have the positive attitudes they do and that they still say, ‘God bless you’ and walk away from the negativity is pretty amazing. *** Sadly, the fight for survival is not over for both Bill and Dianna. The Bestway Motor Inn property was recently bought by the state, and as of now, there are plans to demolish the inn and any surrounding property. The couple were forced

10 Features

December 2015

Below is a list of places where almost anyone can volunteer! Do your part for the community and help any one of these excellent organizations make a difference in someone’s life.

FAMILY TIME (www.familytimeccc.org)

The mission of FamilyTime is to provide services and programs to encourage the mental health and wellness of the community as well as promote safety and support for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.

HOUSTON FOOD BANK (www.houstonfoodbank.org)

The Houston Food Bank is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to hunger relief charities. They warehouse the food, and with help from volunteers, sort, pack and redistribute it to the community.

STAR OF HOPE (www.sohmission.org)

A Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and children. Positive life changes are encouraged through structured programs which focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, life management and recovery from substance abuse. to leave their humble home, which left them unemployed and homeless once again. And although they may have closed the tattered red door to the Bestway Motor Inn for the last time, they have yet to give up their hope of a better future.

With the financial aid of both Ferguson and Aleman, Bill and Dianna are currently residing in a nearby hotel for the time being. Bill and Dianna are working closely with Ferguson and Aleman in an attempt to find a more permanent (and less expensive) home, however, the future is uncertain for the weary duo.

Even with the threat of returning to the streets, Bill and Dianna have managed to maintain a sense of hope, optimism and, most importantly, faith. The pair continue to have high aspirations and dreams of continuing their education and finding permanent jobs to support a stable home for themselves and Charlie. It will undoubtedly be challenging, but with the help of friends and unwavering faith in themselves, the two are prepared to begin their life anew.

“No matter how good you think you got it, there’s one thing you can’t escape: Murphy’s Law,” Bill said.

“All of this could happen to you someday, because no matter how hard you try, you are not God and you can’t change things. I hate to sound corny, but keep your head up and know that it can always be CHRISTOPHER worse, but at the end of the day, if you have faith you ALEMAN can overcome anything.

“Find a reason, and if you can’t find faith, find something else to care about and hold on to it. Dianna and Charlie are my reasons, as well as when I talk to my mom and my best friend, I hear the difference in their voices and I feel the utmost pride. That’s what keeps me going.”

Life may have been difficult in the past and it will surely continue to have its pitfalls, but Bill and Dianna have a burning passion to continue living their lives in the best way they can. And by sharing their story, maybe Bill and Dianna’s can show even the slightest gesture of kindness can mean the world to a stranger and inspire hope in the face of despair.

“The homeless aren’t going anywhere,” Dianna said. “If we better ourselves and get out of here, there is going to be someone else out here to take our place. If you can’t give them anything, smile, wave, let them know they are a human being. Don’t act like we don’t exist, because we do.

“Not everybody down here is just trying to get what they want, not everybody out here is that way. People will see me walking up to their car and they will immediately roll the windows up and lock the doors. Honestly, what do people think I’m going to do? It makes me laugh. I have to laugh or else I’ll cry.”

Wrestlers look to top record breaking year

By Owen Herbert Staff Reporter fter all the practices and waiting, the wrestling team finally gets to strap up and hit the mats again for another season filled with high expectations and hard work.

“I expect our wrestlers to compete hard every match and represent Kingwood Park with pride,” said coach Jeff Knight, who is in his fifth season in charge of the program.

After breaking the school record for each of the last five years for number of wrestlers advancing to Regionals, Knight and his wrestlers look to break that record again - and many others.

“The team is confident that we are going to have a very successful season,” Knight said. “We have a lot of returning wrestlers that were Regional and State qualifiers plus many newcomers that will bring more energy to the team.”

A wrestler that looks to make a big difference this year is junior C.J. Awe, who returns for his third season.

“I’m just trying to stay focused looking forward to the season and scouting my opponents so I can

Dalton Gilley battles with an opponent in an early season match at Kingwood High School. The wrestling team set a number of records last year and hopes to set new records this year. Photo by Guadalupe Perez.

A

Kaleb McCurtain10 goes in for the pin on a KHS wrestler.

Photo By Makenna Florez.

know their strengths and weaknesses,” Awe said.

However, Awe isn’t the only one looking to make an impact this year. Alexa Harris, also a three-year wrestler, looks to go even further in the State this season.

“I have high expectations for myself this year,” Harris said. “I look to place in State this year and help my team out as much as I can and become a better wrestler.”

The team has improved its strength and conditioning and has also increased its numbers, which will improve the team’s depth. Many of the wrestlers are returning this year, making the team older and more experienced as a unit.

“Very many people are returning this year so we’re all pretty familiar with each other making us a closer team, ” Awe said.

As the team looks forward to a successful

season many obstacles stand in their way which they hope to work hard and overcome.

“We appreciate everyone’s support and would encourage fans to come cheer for our team this year” Knight said. “You will see some intense and action-packed matches.”

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www.hornauction.com December 2015

Sports

11

Boys look to rise above competition

By Chris Luck Sports Editor

Sophomore Mackenzie Purcell drives toward the lane during a road game against Humble on Dec. 1. The girls dropped the game, 60-39, and they are currently 1-1 in district play.

Young talent hopes to make impact

By Chris Luck Sports Editor

This season the girls basketball team looks to leave its mark in District 21-5A. After finishing two games above .500 last year, they hope to build off that momentum as they head into a tough district with confidence and a talented young roster.

Senior player Morgan Snayd is confident that the team will go far this year “We are more of a family this year, and I am confident that will show on the court in our chemistry,” Snayd said.

Coach Leigh Ann Wolfe is in her second year in charge of the program.

“Coach Wolfe has been awesome this year,” freshman Bailey Schoener said. “She has really helped me individually and also the team as a whole.”

After missing the playoffs for the first time in school history, the boys look to return to the postseason behind a strong coaching staff and their nine returning players.

“So far, the team looks good,” coach Justin Burleson said. “We have had the majority of our practices end up being good ones, so we are going to continue to build off of that.”

One of the reasons they look so dominant is the strong play of junior point guard Ethan Powell.

Powell enters his second season on varsity looking to contribute in any way possible to help his team win.

“I want to lead the team in assists, and do whatever I can to help my teammates succeed,” Powell said.

Powell said he understands that between the seniors they have on the team and practice, they have a chance to go far. But Powell would rather focus on the present.

“It would mean the world to go to State, but all of us understand that you have to take it one game at a time,” he said.

For the seniors, this is their last go around and they plan to make the most of it.

“We want to set ourselves up for success” senior forward Dexx Workman said. “Our ultimate goal is to make a run in the playoffs and eventually win State.”

Workman is one of eight seniors this season who all have the same ultimate goal of winning it all.

The team started quickly this season by winning four of their first five games. They will take on Crosby tonight at home.

Running a faster paced offense this year, Ethan Powell looks to keep the success coming.

“The faster we go the harder it will be for teams to keep up, on the floor and on the scoreboard,” Powell said.

Junior Ethan Powell drives toward the hoop against Cleveland in a home game on Nov. 20. The boys pulled out a 67-61 victory. Photo by Tori Gatling.

C.J. Benson scores a lay-up against Cleveland during a 67-61 victory at home.

Benson scored 10 points in the victory. Photo by Tori Gatling.

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12 Sports December 2015

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Football player has unique way to get his head in the game

By Emily Humble Staff Reporter here are two sides to senior Dustin Harris. In day to day life, he’s the picture of a Texan high school football star - as he sits leaning back into his chair in the flex lab, he speaks softly with a slight southern twang, his sentence trailing off to mumbles near the end. He wears worn western work boots through the hallways, and earned the honor of Junkyard Dog at the September 11th pep rally. He HARRIS loves his mom, adores the game, and is respectful to teachers.

“Dustin is very enthusiastic about everything, he’s hardworking…” said Nathanael Wilkinson, a fellow teammate and member of the defense. “During football, we’re definitely brothers.”

However, another side of Harris came out on the football field. Initiated by what he calls “his tradition,” Harris became another person over this past season. Before a game, Harris deleted his mom’s contact and all of her text messages to him off of his phone, and convinced himself that the other team’s quarterback had killed her - a practice he’s been doing since freshman year.

“You look into the other guy’s eyes, and you know he did it,” he said, his voice inflecting that it’s nothing serious, but his eyes saying otherwise.

T

Harris uses this method as a way to achieve the all important aspect of the game known as “hype,” or getting your head in the game. Without it, players run the risk of losing that hard to define extra punch behind their tackles.

“With the intensity of football, you got to be mentally ready, so it’s extremely important,” said head football coach Clayton Maple.

About Harris’ tradition, Maple said that “whatever works for you - as long as you aren’t causing harm to anyone on your team - but whatever you have to do mentally for yourself that’s fine.”

Harris’ teammates have also taken note of his unorthodox tradition.

“Dustin is an exceptionally special person when it comes to preparing for a game,” Wilkinson said. “His methods are unique, definitely.”

But, despite its oddness, the method worked. And there’s no question among Harris’ coaches or his teammates that on the team, he’s worked hard to support and encourage the rest of the group. His effort was always at 100% and he fulfilled his role as captain of the defense well over the past season, according to Maple. “[He’s a] good teammate, always looking out for the guys around him...

If you’re running he’ll run beside you, and cheer you on stuff like that,” coach Maple said.

This opinion is supported by Harris’ teammates as well. “As abnormal as Dustin is sometimes with his methods of getting ready and his overall craziness, he’s a great guy and a really, really, really damn good football player… I hope he goes on to play college ball,” Wilkinson.

And underneath it all, Harris’ tradition is all for the team. He admits that football “gets him crazy,” but outside the game and his tradition, he’s a kind teammate and true Texan. As long as you’re on the right side of the line of play, you’ll be alright.

KP

Tradition causes hairy situation for swimmers

By Kat Smith Staff Reporter s the swim team sits on the mats next to the pool, the girls laugh and tug on each other’s leg hairs.

There are many things swimmers do to prepare for the meet, and not shaving is one of them.

“Leg hair produces drag, and in swimming when you train with drag you work harder,” sophomore Alexis Baker said. “Therefore, at the end of the season when you shave your legs, you’re taking away the extra work, which will make you swim faster.”

Most would think that this hairy method would be mainly mental, but it’s actually physical too.

“Yes, there’s a mental side to it but if you put your hand in water with hair on it, you can see all the water that hangs on it,” girls swim coach John Dissinger said. “And if you shave your hand and put it in water, you see all the water fall off. It makes a difference.”

The process starts at the beginning of the season. This year, they stopped shaving on Sept. 26.

A

“We’re supposed to stop shaving the day after homecoming and you can shave for either the second week of January for Districts or we can shave the second week of February for Regions,” junior Sarah Crowe said.

The girls aren’t given the choice to shave or not to shave; it’s one of many obligations as a swimmer.

“They don’t enjoy it, but they make the best of the situation by comparing each other’s hairy legs or bleaching them or braiding them, whatever they need to do,” Dissinger said.

The practice of unshaved legs has been around for many generations.

“In the swim world, it’s been around for a long time and everyone does it as a team,” Baker said. “It makes the team bond by not shaving their legs.”

Every year, most girls dread going months without shaving, but in the end the extra drag pays off.

“Yes, I would consider it a tradition, because it’s quirky to the swim team; and we’ve been doing it since the beginning of the team,” Crowe said.

Girls takes top golf rankings Coming off the hot trail of last year’s state championship title, the girls golf team is off to another strong start. The girls’ team is currently ranked No. 1 in 5-A. “The work ethic of these girls is just incredible,” coach Angela Chancellor said.

Most of the girls on the team dominated the top 10 list of individually ranked players.

Three seniors rank in the top 5: Hanna Alberto is No. 1, Ariana Saenz is No. 2 and Tori Gatling is No. 4. Freshman Leah Alberto was No. 7 and

Freshman Elise Parel was No. 8.

“Being close to Ariana and Hanna made me feel good about myself since the are such good players,” Gatling said.

District, Region and State competitions are all held in April. The team will defend their title to the very end of state for them.

“When we come back from break we just need to dominate,” Gatling said. “I’m looking forward to next semester with the team.”

- Sydney Woodward

TIMES.COM

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KPTIMES.COM December 2015

Sports

13

FOOD REVIEW

By Kat Smith

Burger joint worth drive

W

hile standing in the line of Pete’s Burgers Place, a classic burger joint, it’s hard to miss all the rustic metal signs on the walls and the five cent bubble gum and dollar chocolate bars on the counter by the cash register. In the main room there are these two fish shaped tables in the middle of the room facing each other almost like they’re kissing one another.

At this local restaurant, there’s the main room where you can see the workers hustling to get orders served from the sitting area, an outside sitting place where you can watch the cars drive by, and a larger room next door with more seating.

The first things I noticed when I walked into the main room of Pete’s was the smiling man at the cash register, the country music playing mildly, and all the chocolate bars on the counter top.

I ordered the traditional hamburger

and fries, that was definitely worth my $6.49. The hamburgers at Pete’s are sizeable and when they ask “would you like all the veggies on there?” I do advise saying yes. These fries were the right kind of thickness and saltiness.

Their chocolate shakes were so heavenly that I savored every sip of it.

At Pete’s there are things for everyone. Don’t want a burger? Get a hot dog. Don’t a hot dog? Get a salad.

Pete’s is a hole in the wall type of restaurant on Loop 494 between the streets E Hammond Dr. and E Martin Dr., if you aren’t looking for it you could easily miss it. Keep your eyes opened for the sign on the side of the road saying “PETE’S BURGER PLACE” with a little guy with a pleased look on his face holding a burger with the words “DEELICIOUS” underneath him. I felt the same way as the guy on the sign after taking my first bite of a Pete’s burger.

KP T I M ES

Carsen Creech

Kingwood Park High School 4015 Woodland Hills Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 281.641.6600 December 11, 2015 Issue 3, Vol. 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Maddy Berry NEWS EDITOR: Sydney Woodward KPTIMES.COM EDITOR: Kylee Wing PHOTO EDITOR: Sarah Martell FEATURES EDITOR: Ariana Purcell SPORTS EDITOR: Chris Luck Staff members: Amanda Aleman, Carsen Creech, Christine Crockett, Caleb Dove, Anna Emerson, Owen Herbert, Michael Horton, Emily Humble, Mackenzie Kisslinger, Allyssa Reed, Olivia Reinhardt, Kat Smith, Kaylee Woest, Kirby Woodward.

KP Times serves as a public forum for Kingwood Park High School and is distributed free to all students and staff.

PE requirement should be increased to four years W

hether it’s a lap around the track, a game of dodgeball or a couple of sprints in the gym, physical education is a vital part of an adolescent’s life. Unfortunately for most children and teens nowadays, the importance of physical education isn’t stressed enough in their everyday lives. High schools don’t require them to commit to the necessary amount of exercise they need to remain healthy.

Based on a study made by the Center for Public Education, the average student spends between 900 and 1,000 hours

BY ANDREA SOTO a year in school. Most high schools however, only require them to go through one year, or 83.25 hours of physical education to graduate, which leaves students with thousands of hours wasted without exercising. It would be more beneficial if high schools required students to take four years of physical education because it’s good for one’s physical health, it teaches good morals that will benefit kids in their everyday life, and it keeps kids involved in their school and its activities.

A daily dose of exercise is good for a person’s choles-

14 Opinion

December 2015

terol, blood pressure and overall physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years. In 2012, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese, the most of any country in the world. The normal blood pressure of a healthy person is 120/80 but for someone who is overweight, their blood pressure is generally higher, which is also referred to as hypertension.

The Obesity Action Coalition said hypertension is initially connected to being overweight; and teenagers who do not exercise as much as they should are more vulnerable to hypertension than those who play sports and exercise regularly. By requiring students to get involved in physical education for all four years of their high school experience, these numbers could go down significantly.

There are many benefits to being involved in physical education and sports that will follow kids into their everyday life. Children involved in sports are taught good morals, such as having excellent sportsmanship and how to treat others. Being part of a team is a family-like environment that helps students overcome each other’s differences. Kids get the opportunity to be part of a team in a class like P.E, which is why they should have to participate in it for all four years of their high school careers.

In addition, sports and physical education are good at keeping children involved in school. When students have physical activity in between classes it gives them a chance to relieve stress and take a break from the tedious schoolwork they receive daily. It is also a class period that doesn’t require homework or assignments, which leaves them with more time to socialize or relax at home.

The average high school student is not enough time being active and exercising. If high schools required all students to take four years of physical education, instead of only one, then adolescents would be healthier, more involved in their school’s programs, and able to learn good morals and sportsmanship.

Bells need to be moved later for teens W

ith eyes half closed, brain still foggy, and limbs still tired, she’ll make the dreaded journey to the first class of the day. And despite the double shot of espresso in her cup, she’ll still fall asleep in her first two classes because she only got five hours of sleep.

This has become the image of an American high schooler.

The 7:25 a.m. start time of school is too early because students need more sleep, their grades suffer and students are more likely to experience depressing moods.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, only 15% of

BY MAKENNA teenagers are sleeping eight and FLOREZ a half hours each night. Pushing back the starting time of school can give students a chance to get the sleep they need and want. Along with the two hours or more of homework that students are supposed to complete, they are also expected to keep up with a healthy social life, help out at home and get the proper amount of sleep, which is just not the case for most kids. Sleep is the part that has fallen behind on the priority list to make room for the other components of a teenager’s life.

Starting school later can also help improve perfor-

mance of many students in the classroom. The NSF discovered that 59% of teenagers are excessively sleepy throughout the day. Due to this lack of sleep, grades are being negatively affected because students can’t focus during classes and many of them are snoozing at their desks rather than in their beds.

To solve this problem, last year New Caney ISD pushed back the start time of their high schools from 7:20 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. to improve the students’ academic performances. They flipped it with the start time of the elementary and middle school times, so they younger kids begin at 7:20 instead now.

Finally, beginning school at a later hour in the morning can lessen the likeliness of students to experience depressing or sad moods. NSF’s survey found that 46% of teenagers reported feeling depressed or sad at times. Along with 56% feeling stressed out and 58% feeling they worry too much, the mental health of students across the country is not as high of a priority as it should be. A lack of sleep is often what leads students to feel depressed, sad and anxious.

Starting school at a later hour offers many benefits to the students who attend the classes, yet the decision is made by adults who don’t understand the problems today’s teenagers face. And until this changes, students will start their school mornings off with eyes half closed, brains still foggy, and limbs still tired.

What song are you listening to?

“Nowhere Man” by The Beatles “I was [in the car]... with my dad, and my dad played a Beatles song in seventh grade, and ever since then I’ve been in love. They’re my favorite band.”

-Wyatt Fennell11

“Regret” by LeToya “It’s a mixture of hip hop, R&B… It’s a mixture of everything, old and new music.”

- Shay Cole12

“Downtown” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis “It’s good luck… maybe more specifically good fortune. I like the Agoga bells.”

- Mason Carr12

“We listened to it once, and then we just started listening to it tons of times.”

- Webb Rosson10

“First Position” by Kalenna Harper “I just watched the music video, and I liked the song. I just like the way she’s singing.”

- Porsha Anderson11

“Hey Brother” by Avicii “It’s got a good beat, I like the bass. [I like] good bass and good lyrics.”

- Isaac Squyres12

Disney Channel loses the real Disney magic

D

isney Channel is nothing like it was when I was a kid. I know I sound like one of those people trying to hard to hold on to their childhood but, in general, Disney Channel is not Disney Channel anymore. It’s just a bunch of unfunny sitcoms without any cartoons channel.

Here is a breakdown: One of their most popular shows on Disney Channel right now is Liv and Maddie which is about a girly girl actress who comes home and is reunited with her tomboy twin sister.

My main problem with this show is it’s about twins but only one person plays both sisters. If they really wanted a show with twins then why didn’t they find real twins like they

By Sydney did with The Suite Life of Zack and Woodward Cody or air Gravity Falls, which is a cartoon about mystery solving twins, more than once a month?

The next show I watched is called Girl Meets World, which is a spinoff of an old show called Boy Meets World. It mainly focuses on the daughter of the main character of Boy Meets World and her friends. It’s actually the best show on Disney Channel right now. The only problem is the show isn’t sure if it wants to be a Disney Channel show that’s more mature than usual or an ABC Family show that’s more innocent.

Another popular show on Disney Channel is K.C. Undercover, a spy show which features the actress Zendaya, who previously worked on another one of Disney’s sitcoms. This show falls into second place after Girl Meets World. It’s worthy to note that this is the first show since A.N.T. Farm, which ended in March

of 2014, that the main character is African American.

The next show is called Best Friends Whenever and it was very boring. It is about two best friends who, thanks to a lab accident, travel through time every time they high five or hug. This sounds like it should be a lot more exciting with time travel thrown into the mix, but it’s not at all. They are just the same generic plots you would expect.

The last show is show is called Bunk’d and it’s really bad. Basically, three of the four kids from Jessie go camping for the summer at the summer camp where their parents met. The three returning actors from Jessie are fine, but the new actors are just bad. I’ve seen all these characters before. The hyperactive best friend, the cute boy who is musician, the weird boy who thinks everyone else is weird, and smart Asian girl. I’ve seen all these before - many times - and there is no variation of it here. It’s just unbearable.

I remember when Disney Original Programing meant original programming: A family of wizards, a girl who was secretly famous, twins living in a hotel and later on a cruise ship, a girl who had psychic powers, a family dealing with a fourth and then later a fifth baby. People are still coming up with ideas but nobody is putting in effort to make it good. In addition to cliche storylines, the shows completely lack diversity.

The majority of shows have a blonde girl who is best friends with a brunette.

People are putting effort into the Disney Cartoons like Gravity Falls, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and Star Wars Rebels but few see them because they are on a different channel. Six out of the seven cartoons that Disney has for television have effort put in and are good so why can’t the sitcoms be the same way?

MOVIE REVIEW

By Emily Humble

Krampus brings laughs, but no holiday cheer

K

rampus, a horned creature from German folklore, who rather than rewarding good kids with presents like Santa Claus, torments children who have been bad, has been pulled into modern times in the new holiday horror, Krampus. In the film, Alex, a preteen still attempting to hold onto his Christmas spirit, gives up hope after being bullied Go to by his redneck cousins and casts his torn up letter to Santa to the KPtimes.com to see the icy wind, summoning Krampus full Krampus review and his helpers to wreak havoc on him and his family.

If this sounds campy and overly dramatic, it’s because it purposely is - Krampus never had the intention to take itself seriously. The movie is as much dark comedy as it is horror, which is essential when one of the main antagonistic creatures are a group of animated gingerbread men. The movie is not exceptionally funny, nor exceptionally scary to the average viewer.

However, Krampus is successful at being candidly spooky, as certain scenes carried a viable tension, and the different creatures brought forth by Krampus each has their own flavor of weird.

December 2015

Opinion

15

KP MEDIA

THIS IS

not your typical class.

Be in control of how much you do. and gain college

Earn an academic letter jacket,

scholarship notice.

and Become a sports reporter, photographer or graphic designer, and get your work published in the award-winning newspaper & yearbook & online.

Work, play, TRAVEL. Be a part of a

student-run program.

Going Places

Students move out of their seats and beyond their classroom to cover what’s going on at K-Park as well as in our community. National and world events will be covered as they impact our lives.

The students have already traveled to conventions in San Antonio and Washington, D.C. The sessions and competitions outside of school provide invaluable lessons and fun.

Newspaper and yearbook staff members attended the 2015 JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Conference in Orlando.

KP TIM ES

Issue 1, Vol. 3 s October 2015 Kingwood Park High School s 4015 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339

Senior Morgan Wallace nears a major JROTC students receive promotions accomplishment in the theater during a birthday celebration for the program. See page 8.

Air Force. See page 3.

Newspaper Yearbook write design web photo edit social create audio video

Volleyball team plays with confidence after jumping out to fast start. See page 11.

Contact

Megan Ortiz, adviser megan.ortiz@humble.k12.tx.us 281-641-6696

LOVE SPORTS?

NEW Sports Journalism class beginning!

Email Mrs. Ortiz or talk to your counselor to make sure your name is added to the class. Limited spots available!!

Courses Be in on all the action and help create history by joining the journalism department! l In Journalism/Photojournalism you’ll learn what it takes to write award-winning news, feature and sports stories. Every article you write will be submitted for possible inclusion in the newspaper and yearbook. Also, photograph school events, pep rallies and classes as you learn the skills needed to work digital SLR cameras. l NEW CLASS! In *Sports Journalism, you will learn the ins and outs of being a sports journalist. Be on the sidelines writing, tweeting, taking photos and creating videos about all the action. l Successful completion of either intro course opens the door for you to apply to either the newspaper, yearbook, photo staff or web staff the following year.

Awards

Students will have opportunities to submit their published stories, photos and designs for a number of state and national competitions. Scholarship opportunities often accompany the awards.

Students will also participate in on-site competitions at state and national conventions as well.

Meeting People

In journalism you’ll meet everyone from sports team captains and student council members to artists and those in bands.

You’ll be the first to find out what’s going on in our school and get to interview the powers behind the decisions that affect all our lives.

You’ll also have the chance to meet and talk with famous people. Who knows where this will all lead you?

Skills

If you’re into writing or designing, there’s a place for you. Want to be a sports reporter or a movie reviewer? There’s a place for you.

If you’re into photography or want to work in business advertising, there’s a place for you.

Learn skills that matter now and help later.

Emma Waller11 takes photos during the varsity football game. Waller is on her second year on the yearbook staff. She has placed in state and national photo competitions.