Kingwood Park Times, Dec. 2022

During the community dedication, students played on the WHE equipment and performed songs. The Kingwood Park JV cheerleaders were on hand for the special day as well. Photos by Morgen Dozier.

New playground brightens area

By Morgen Dozier Staff Writer

The sound of running feet on sand and dirt filled the air as students were released to recess. The kids had only one goal in mind, be the first one on the dragon. Squeals of delight and bliss occupied the area around Woodland Hills Elementary as children saw the playground for the first time since May 2022.

“Every couple of days kids would say, ‘When’s it ready? When is it go ing to be ready?’ And I kept saying, ‘Soon, soon’ but I could never give them a real date,” Woodland Hills Elementary principal Cindy Barker said. “And then, right before our fall break, they took down the netting that was around it. So then the kids could actually see it. And that was even worse because they were just like little puppies looking through the cage, wanting to come out and play.”

With the large playground out of commission for so long, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders had nowhere to play for recess. So with a little help from P.E.

teacher Charles Briganti, they moved the kindergarten through 2nd grade students to the Healthy Heartfield to play. With the Heartfield just being a large open space for kids to complete their laps for P.E., it made it harder for the younger students to really enjoy them selves. So, Briganti provided them hula hoops, jump ropes and playground balls.

While the smaller kids got the Healthy Heartfield the third through fifth grade students got the Plum Valley Playground, which is on the other side of the building. Plum Valley was renovated in 2015 but is significantly smaller than the current play ground. Although it was a big change for the students, they knew that the new playground was going to be worth the wait.

“[On] our other playground, we had a rock wall, big swings and a zip line – things that kids can jump

and hang on – but nothing where it was just one big unit where kids can run and play throughout,” Barker said. “So some of those pieces got used, but often a lot of them didn’t because the kids maybe didn’t know how to play on it or they couldn’t necessarily play to gether on those kinds of equipment.”

Being one of the oldest schools in Kingwood, Woodland Hills Elementary has seen improvements and change happen nearby, including a brand-new building for Kingwood Middle School just a block away. The adminis tration and teachers waited patiently for the new playground, which began being planned in July 2021.

Community members showed up in late October to celebrate the grand opening of the park. As elementary, middle, and high school students arrived at WHE they were greeted

by Kingwood Park’s JV cheer squad and the 3rd grade choir students led by Jennifer Heyl. The children sang songs from their Veteran’s Day program. Barker, along with super intendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen, spoke a few words to those who gathered at the grand opening.

Sophomore Sophie Reed, a cheer leader and Woodland Hills alumni, welcomed parents and students to the new playground.

“The old playground was kind of run down, it was just a little old. I feel like it was a needed update.” Reed said, “The [new playground] is really big, we actually fit the entire cheer team on it.”

Barker said she is happy to share the new addition with the com munity.

“It’s obviously to upgrade our school for our kids,” Barker said. “But then also this is the place to be after school and on the weekends. There are so many people and fami lies who bring their kids here. They have lunch and the kids hang out on the playground. And so really it’s a community asset, not just a campus asset.”

“The old playground was kind of run down, it was just a little old. I feel like it was a needed update.”

- sophomore Sophie Reed, who attended Woodland Hills Elementary

Orchestra showcases talent in region concert

By Jacob Valcarce News Editor

Twenty-seven members of the orchestra auditioned for the Region Orchestra, with 10 advancing to represent the school in the Region Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras.

In the philharmonic orchestra, students Joe Weidemann, Kim Kirsch, CeCe Sullivan, Vivian Garcia, Kayley Warr and Ian Ferguson made it. In the Symphony orchestra, Ty Bell, Uriel Torres, Lucas Pagano, and Cameron Krewer made it.

“They get music in May, and they spend all summer working on it,” orchestra director Evan Farmer said. “Then there’s a big audition with probably close to 500 people audi tioning, and then they select about 140 total kids from the 500.”

Those 140 students then got new music and went through another round of auditions to get their chair placement.

Friday started the “big weekend” for the orchestras. Clinicians from all over the country came and rehearsed that night and all day the next day with the students. At the end, they will have a concert.

“For me, the cool thing is getting to see the kids play music that is a little bit more challenging than what we can do, like in a normal orchestra here at KPark,” Farmer said. “While I love all of my kids in the program, obviously not all of them made it to that level. So you’re talking about kids who are diehard orchestra kids, who music is all they

Philharmonic

Joe Weidemann - 4th Chair Kim Kirsch - 5th Chair Viola

CeCe Sullivan - 5th Chair

Vivian Garcia - 13th Chair

Cello: Kayley Warr - 5th Chair

do. They get a chance to kind of be around other students who are like minded and get to play with conduc tors who are way better than me.”

Senior Uriel Torres made first chair viola in the symphony orches

Symphony

seventh chair viola in the symphony orchestra. Pagano was exhilarated when he found out he made the higher of the two orchestras.

“It’s very difficult because it’s for districts,” Pagano said. “When you’re there and you’re there auditioning, it’s very nerve wracking because you’re in this cafeteria that’s jam packed of people who all know how to play the music really well. And so, you know, it’s not easy and it’s going to be all over difficult to get in.”

In August, students are given etudes to work on for this. At the audition, the participants have to play excerpts from the two etudes. That determines their spot in the ensembles.

While they can ask Farmer for help on some things, the kids are on their own for this. Whoever made it, did it almost entirely by themselves.

Orchestra

“This is where I let them see what they can do to push themselves,” Farmer said. “I help them get ready for the audition in September, and we bring in clinicians and work with them. Once they make it, I pull my hands off and I just want to see how much they push themselves.”

The symphony orchestra played pieces as challenging as the Houston Symphony plays, Farmer said. He added he is very proud to see all of the students make it.

tra. After region, Torres plans on preparing for UIL.

“I want to choose a more difficult song since I got first chair here,” Torres said.

Sophomore Lucas Pagano made

“This is all them,” Farmer said. “I gave them the music and said, ‘If you have any questions, let me know,’ but it’s 100% them.”

Senior Uriel Torres practices during sixth period orchestra class. He earned first chair in the region symphony orchestra. Photo by James Pham.

tion

New building, big changes at KMS

By Sam Dellandre Special contributor

KMS is the first building in Humble ISD to be rebuilt. It’s fully functional and open but is still under minor construction. Every floor has multiple floor-toceiling windows, allowing natural light to flood the building.

“In the mornings, before the kids get here, I put some music on, sit on the bench and you can feel the warmth of the sun,” 6th grade science teacher Robert Adrian said. “It’s like an energy. It’s just fantastic.”

Not only did KMS get a new build ing but new equipment too, like Chromebooks and Clear Touches for every class. They also have a makerspace area for more hands-on learning opportunities.

“The best part is probably all the new equipment and technology,” 8th grader Addisyn Millar said.

While students do travel between all three floors, the first floor is mostly for 6th graders, the second floor is for 7th graders and the third floor is primarily for 8th graders.

With three stories and passing

periods still four minutes, Millar said the old one-story building was easier to navigate. However, 6th grade assistant principal Jennifer Holloway said the students seem happier in the new building. And she expects that to continue as more and more students come through their doors.

“They planned this building think ing ahead to 20-30 years down the road, not just something for today,” Holloway said.

Studying begins as finals return for all students

Students will have a final in the majority of their classes starting on Dec. 16.

By Jacob Valcarce News Editor

For the past two years, finals have been optional for stu dents. That all changes this year when final week begins Dec. 12.

“Those decisions come from Humble ISD,” principal Wes Solo mon said. “That’s not a Kingwood Park decision.”

Students will have to take finals and each one will count for 10 percent of their semester grades. In previous years, finals were 20 percent of a semester grade instead.

The percent of the finals was cut in half to have less impact as most high school ers take their first finals.

Sophomore Grace Duncan is taking her finals for the first time. She said she feels a little better about the finals being only 10 per cent this year.

could only improve a students’ grade. Teachers were required to have a final. If students took the final, it would replace the student’s low summative grade. If they skipped the final or did poorly, their semester grade was left untouched.

The last time the school required finals was during the first semester of seniors’ freshman year.

The key advice seniors can offer is to actually study. Some teach ers will give cumulative finals while other finals will only cover one unit. Other teachers will give projects.

“Study the curriculum that you had the most trouble on and study the easy stuff too,” senior Stalyce Green said.

Finals Week Bell Schedule

Dec. 14-16

Monday/Tuesday

Normal

7-period days

Wednesday

1st Period: 7:25-9 a.m.

3rd Period exam: 9:05-10:42 a.m.

5th Period: 10:47-12:20 p.m.

Flex Hour: 12:20-1:20 p.m.

7th Period Exam: 1:25-2:55 p.m.

Thursday

2nd Period exam: 7:25-9 a.m.

5th Period exam: 9:05-10:42 a.m.

4th Period: 10:47-12:20 p.m. Flex Hour: 12:20-1:20 p.m.

6th Period Exam: 1:25-2:55 p.m.

Friday

1st Period exam: 7:25-9:25 a.m.

4th Period exam: 9:30-11:25 a.m.

“I don’t have to worry as much,” Duncan said.

The district announced finals were returning during the second week of the school year. It has since been reiterated during class as semblies and to parents. It has been repeatedly mentioned all semester to make sure no one is surprised.

“The best form of letting people know is communication, and communicating to the kids that we didn’t spring this on you,” Solomon said. “We didn’t wait until Decem ber to tell you.”

Since the spring of 2020, finals

Exemptions will be in place for some students, allowing them to exempt up to two finals each semester. To be allowed to exempt, students must have an 80 for the semester and not have been assigned more than one Sat urday or Thursday class..

In previous years, attendance was also an ex emption require ment. Students couldn’t miss more than three days of school to exempt a final. Attendance is no longer part of the requirements though.

Solomon said one of the benefits of returning to normal finals is to better prepare college-bound students.

“A lot of times that’s all you take,” Solomon said. “There are no formative grades. So in college you might have a midterm exam and a final exam. Those are the only two grades you’re gonna have the entire semester.”

Sunshine enters from all angles of the new Kingwood Middle School even as construc

continues inside and outside. Photo by Sam Dellandre.

The new KMS has windows from floor to ceiling in parts of the building. Photo by Sam Dellandre.

National awards highlight fall for journalism students

By Dannika Melendez Mateo Special Contributor

Journalism students traveled to the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Conference for the first time since 2019. They hoped to hear their name called on the awards stand at least once. They heard it more than just one time. In total, they won 12 national awards.

Junior Maya Ortiz was attending her first national convention and won the title of National Photojournalist of the Year for a second time. She also finished second in the country in Digital Sports Story of the Year and third in Social Media Promotion.

“My goal was to place in the top five, and hopefully to win at least one,” Maya Ortiz said. “And then I just wanted to learn more about jour nalism and gain knowledge to bring back to our staff.”

The newspaper program brought home the district’s first Pacemaker Award, the most prestigious honor a high school publication can receive. It

was for the 2021-22 print newspaper.

Alicyn Logue and Kathleen Ortiz, who graduated in May, also took home individual awards, along with junior Arleigh Doehring.

Each student also participated in an on-site competition. Those who placed included: Katie Gerbasich, Maya Ortiz, Fallon Head, Kaitlyn Sit ton and Ana La Rosa Grillo.

During the convention, the journal ism students also met with college

recruiters, listened to Pulitzer Prize winners and attended sessions packed with information to improve their publications for the upcoming year.

“Going to nationals is an experi ence I’ll never forget,” Doehring said. “My favorite part was hearing the announcer say our name for the Pacemaker Award, everyone was screaming and I was thankful to be a part of something so great.”

TAJE Fall Fiesta awards

The journalism team won 1st Place Sweepstakes at the state conference in San Antonio in October. Each publication placed in best of show and the students won the following individual awards:

Maya Ortiz: 1st Place Photo On-Site Best of Show, Photo Portfolio (Excellent), Feature Photo (Superior), Sports Reaction (HM), Video Commentary (HM), On-Site Digital Photo/Hot (Superior), On-Site Digital Photo/Unexpected (HM)

Katie Gerbasich: Photo Portfolio (HM), Sports Action (HM), Sports Reaction (HM) Arleigh Doehring: Photo Portfolio (HM), On-Site Digital Photo/Hot (HM), On-Site Digital Photo/Self-Portrait (HM)

Cara Helton: Feature Photo (Excellent)

Emerson Harris: 1st Year Photo (Excel lent), On-Site Digital Photo/Self-Portrait (HM)

Madlynn Morris: News Photo (Excellent), On-Site Digital Photo/Unexpected (HM)

Ana La Rosa Grillo: Editorial Writing (Excellent)

Taylor Nethery: Review Writing (HM)

Fallon Head: News Writing (Excellent)

Kara O’Hara: On-Site Digital Photo/Hot (HM) Cara Helton, Bailey Hall, Exa Nix and Ramiro Hernandez: Scavenger Hunt (2nd Place)

Kaitlyn Sitton, Maya Ortiz, Ana La Rosa Grillo, Arleigh Doehring, Taylor Nethery, Katie Gerbasich and Fallon Head collected 12 awards at the national journalism conference.

Veteran teacher still finds joy in building relationships

By Krisslyn Boyles Special contributor

Kim Ackerman has been teaching for 38 years, and she loves motivating others.

“This is what I was born to do,” Ackerman said.

Ackerman has been described as always bringing energy and being positive.

“I mean her nickname is Mama Ack,” said junior Eva Abshire, who is also Ackerman’s niece. “She is like the mom of KPARK.”

Ackerman has been teaching at Kingwood Park for 16 years and has been living in Kingwood for 51 years. Currently, She coaches boy’s cross country, track and is teaching P.E, Teen Leadership and Principles of Education. Also, she sponsors the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a club she has sponsored since 1985.

“It is a service for me, I feel like it is what I am supposed to do,” Ackerman said.

Co-workers have seen her pas

sion for teaching over the years. She used to coach girls soccer with coach Jess White.

“She is consistent and believes in people,” White said.

Ackerman has built so many personal relationships with her stu dents and has grown closer to her niece. Last year, Abshire transferred to Kingwood Park and was glad

to have a familiar face at school, especially to someone who was so caring and energetic.

In high school, Ackerman ran cross country and track. Addition ally, she was also a lifeguard at the Trailwood pool and taught swim lessons. That’s when she fell in love with teaching. Later in college, she also found out she wanted to coach as well.

For kids interested in becoming a coach or teacher, she suggests taking Principles of Education. She added babysitting would even help you find out if you really want to be a teacher.

“Before committing to teach ing and coaching, try it out first,” Ackerman said. “You need to have patience and be resilient.”

Ackerman does not plan on retir ing soon, but she also wants to be a part of her grandkids’ lives. Even after she retires, she will probably still substitute teach.

“I love building relationships,” Ackerman said.

Talented painter continues passion he found in pandemic

By Khiya Dixon Staff Writer

Sophomore Brian Beckford began oil painting when the pandemic started in 2020. He’s been creating art all of his life, but finally he found a form of art perfect for him.

For two years, Beckford painted from 7 a.m. to late in the night, eating dinner in his at-home art studio and watching painters such as Andrew Tischler and Michael Chamberlain on YouTube.

“I was basically just like an around the clock painter and that definitely wasn’t the healthiest thing,” Beckford said. “But it paid off, and now I’m having fun.”

Recently, Beckford went to the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, where people all around the globe gather to paint one of the world’s greatest marvels. He saw painters

he held to such high standards working in person.

Beckford also became closer with his dad through painting. Around once a month they paint scenery together and hang out.

“Like, I never really, truly was

close to my dad until recently when we would just go out and paint,” Beckford said. “I feel like we’ve really bonded with that, just painting and having a good time. An entire day of painting and talk ing and listening to reggae music.”

Beckford’s plan for the future is to major in art history in college. He wants to become a museum curator and eventually a full-time painter.

He’s fascinated with art history, and he said the school library provides a good catalog of books on the matter, including “Norman Rockwell: Pictures for the Ameri can People.” It contains insight on art’s impact on American culture.

In addition to reading about art, Beckford suggests beginner painters start their art journey on YouTube.

“Especially if you’re doing something specific like oil paint ing, like the stuff you can learn on YouTube is just endless,” Beckford said. “But honestly, just practice is the main thing I would recom mend to beginners.”

Assistant cross country coach Kim Ackerman talks with senior Trent Burningham at the first cross country meet of the season. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Sophomore Brian Beckford holds one of his paintings in a room at home that showcases more of his work. Photo by Khiya Dixon.

the

He

thought of his

Keelen carries on mom’s legacy

Dr. Christi Keelen was in her first year teaching at Kingwood Park when she died suddenly in the fall of 2019. Her son was a freshman.

By Maya Ortiz Editor-in-chief

Hunter Keelen looked up and pointed to the sky as soon as his name was announced for homecoming prince. Hunter was certain his late mom was watching, and he wanted her to know he was thinking of her.

“I wanted to show her that I’m still succeeding, still doing stuff even though she’s not here,” he said. “I persevered through that, through my loss, and just kept going.”

Hunter’s mom, Dr. Christi Keelen, was an English teacher on campus when he was a freshman. She died suddenly in October 2019 after suffering a brain aneurysm.

The moment Hunter got in the ambulance with his mom that day, he sensed that it would not end well.

He sat in the hospital hoping for the best, sur rounded by his dad and maternal grandmother.

“I felt helpless, but I also felt loved at the same time,” Hunter said.

Dr. Keelen died on a Friday night. Hunter spent that weekend with family. He returned to school on Monday, however. Hunter needed a little noise, and he didn’t want to miss a biology test. Three years later he still remembers acing that science test.

For a while after Hunter’s mom died, his dad Mark Keelen worried Hunter might suffer from depression, especially because he saw it so much in his line of work as a firefighter.

“He had to become an adult relatively quick,” Mark said. “He had his sad moments, but he never got deep and dark in regards to [his mom’s death].”

Hunter credits his dad and maternal grandmoth er Annette Johnson, who lived nine hours away, for keeping him going. She dropped everything to be with Hunter in the months following the death. And as Hunter remained active in school and in sports, Mark was always there volunteering or cheering.

The longtime firefighter cannot remember missing any soccer game Hunter has played since kindergarten. If Mark was scheduled to work, he took vacation or asked someone to cover his shift

Hunter Keelen with his mom Dr. Christi Keelen on the first day of school in 2019. She was starting her first year of teaching at Kingwood Park and her son was starting his freshman year on the same campus. Photo submitted by Mark Keelen.

As soon as Hunter Keelen hears his name announced as the 2021 Homecoming Prince of the junior class, he looks up and points to

sky.

immediately

mom, who passed away in Oct. 2019 from a brain aneurysm. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

so he could attend his son’s activities.

“It was always to show him that he is the most important thing to us, that we’re there to support him in everything and all he does [and] that it’s not a chore,” Mark said. “It’s not something we look at as a distraction to our lives, more something that enhances our lives.”

Hunter credits his athleticism to his father. The elder Keelen played soccer all the way through high school and still plays in an adult league. Hunter attributes his academic success to his late mother. She made grades a high priority, and that stuck with Hunter after she died.

She was always the parent who wanted him to succeed in school and have A’s.

“I have to still have these A’s even though she’s not here,” Hunter said.

Mark noticed school became a safe haven for Hunter after his mom’s death. Teachers would check on him. His mom’s former students would stop him at school to ask how he was doing. His longtime friends were always there too.

“I’ve watched [Hunter] mature into an amazingly confident young man who has brought so much school spirit to KPark,” said criminal justice teacher Scarlett May, who has had Hunter in her class room for four years. “Unfortunately, I didn’t know Hunter’s mom. I only spoke to her a few times here at school.

“But as a mother myself, I am sure that Hunter’s mom would be so proud of the mature, kind, compassionate, wonderful young man that Hunter has become.”

Hunter started becoming even more involved af ter his mom’s death. He became the hype crew cap tain. He’s a goalkeeper on the varsity soccer team, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was even the Key Club president for a year.

Eventually the support others gave him led Hunter to reciprocate every chance he got.

The 5-foot-11 senior was often seen and heard in the front row cheering on his classmates at football games or starting the roller coaster cheer at basket ball games. He even stepped in to play the role of Jesus when the Catholic club needed a last-minute replacement during the homecoming pep rally.

Hunter’s dad said Dr Pepper and a lack of sleep help Hunter to keep up with his busy schedule. Mostly, however, the love and support of the other students keeps him going.

“He just has a special personality,” Mark said of his son. “He wants to always have fun, and he has. As a little kid, he loved to just make noise and be rambunctious.”

Hunter has always been the kid who got in trouble in class for talk ing too much.

“But you get the work done, and he gets straight A’s,” Mark said.

Hunter wants to major in history at Texas A&M to become a teacher like his mom. He currently helps special education students each day in the adaptive physical education program. He is also an aide in May’s class.

“Hunter is a huge jokester, but in a wonderful way,” May said. “As an aide in my sixth period, Hunter can either make the class more engaging or help in calming them down.”

Mark could not be more proud of what Hunter has accomplished. He’s certain his late wife would be proud too.

“He’s been very resilient from the get-go,” Mark said. “Of course, he’ll have moments where he sheds tears or gets sad, and we sit there and talk about it. But I think that’s expected.

“Overall, I would say he had a choice from the get-go to go down the right path or the wrong path. And he chose to go down the right path.”

“I would say he had a choice from the get-go to go down the right path or the wrong path. And he chose to go down the right path.”

- Mark Keelen, Hunter Keelen’s dad

Homecoming king nominee Hunter Keelen is escorted by his dad during halftime of the football game on Sept. 16. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Helping lead the cheering section, senior Hunter Keelen reacts to a call in the volleyball game against New Caney on Aug. 10. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

When the Catholic club needed someone to fill in as Je sus for their red wagon in the pep rally on Sept. 14, senior Hunter Keelen agreed. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Hunter Keelen stays ready in goal in a game against Kingwood High School last spring. He started playing soccer in kindergarten. Photo by Kathleen Ortiz.

Parents. Grandparents. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Sisters. Brothers. Friends...

Everyone defines family in a little different way. But almost everyone agrees on one thing -- family matters.

“Something that makes my family special is that all 20 of the people in my extended family live in Kingwood and we all get to be really close and con nected to each other.”

- Ashley Pearce, 12

“They are my number one supporters in everything I do and they somehow al ways know how to bright en up my mood when I’m having a bad day.”

- Grace Darcy, 11

“My family is very impor tant to me because of how much they do for me. My parents have helped me so much with small things like paying for dinner or big things like helping me get prepared to leave for college. Love them more than anything.”

-Eric Greer, 12

“Something about my family that is very special to me is the fact that my parents were both from

Louisiana, so the food we eat, the things we celebrate are all part of Louisiana culture. And I’m telling you, it’s amazing.”

- Ethan Durand, 9

“My family is important to me because they know who I actually am and I don’t have to pretend around them. A lot of people can’t say they are comfortable around their family.”

- Evelyn Vela-West, 10

“My family is special in my eyes because of how unique we all are and how despite our differences we all support each other to the best of our ability.”

- Avery Richards, 11

“My family matters to me because they keep me motivated to push myself and do better. They keep me humble and they made me the person I am. They keep me grounded.”

- Jose Garnica, 12

Yusra Hasan, 12

Chaves brothers share mom’s smile, love for Brazil

By Cara Helton Staff Writer

Senior Erick Chaves smiles at the memory of his mom. It’s the smile he knows he was lucky enough to inherit.

“Her smile is the best, just some thing I can’t stop thinking about, every time I look in the mirror I’m like, ‘Wow, that looks like my mom,’” Erick said.

Erick was a freshman when his mom, Andressa Miller, passed away on March 17, 2020, at the age of 37. Health issues hit her suddenly and she spent seven weeks unresponsive in the hos pital prior to her passing. The family got very few answers on what happened, but Erick and his stepdad Bob Miller said they have always wondered if it was an early case of COVID.

For Andressa’s husband and her kids Erick, senior Nico Chaves and Mary Miller, days without her were hard. Erick did all that he

could to support his siblings and his stepdad when she passed.

“[Erick] just reached out, he would just say ‘how are you doing, are you OK?’” Nico said. “He asked me to come home sometimes too.

I really appreciated that, to see somebody that actually still cares, so did my dad, and they gave me my mom’s ashes so that was really nice of them.”

Nico and Erick have always been close to each other. They grew

Seniors

lost their mom (pictured above with their fam ily in 2016) to a sudden illness in 2020.

up in Brazil with their mom until she married Miller in 2009. They all moved to America in 2012. Erick and Nico often dream of going back to Brazil to see their extended family, especially their grandma. Brazil also holds a special place in their hearts as it reminds them of their mom.

“If I think of Brazil, I’ll think of my mom,” Erick said.

Andressa was known for lighting up a room and making people

feel welcomed. She struggled making American friends in the early parts of their arrival, but it wasn’t very long be fore she became loved by many.

“She couldn’t pass anybody without giving them a hug,” Miller said. “She’d come into a room and you knew she was there, she lived hard, loved hard, she’s a beautiful lady, beautiful person.”

Andressa’s caring personality and love continues through Erick and his family. Erick still gets sad about his mom but he knows that she would want him to be happy and share that positivity with others.

“Just think of the positives you had, I’m happy I got to spend time with her, I’m happy that my family got to spend time with her, I’m happy that she affected other people,” Erick said.

“Something that makes my family unique is that all seven of my dad’s siblings live in the same neighborhood as us, so all of our families are close and have lots of fun.”

Erick and Nico Chaves

MATTERS

Watsons find fun in being together

By Camille Blair Staff Writer

For teacher and coach Jason Watson, the best part about this year is having two of his daughters on campus with him. Kimber Watson joined the staff as a math teacher and coach, while Allie is currently a senior. Jason Watson said the highlight was taking a pic ture with both girls before the first day of school.

“It’s been fantastic, it’s been a dream,” he said. “It’s just so cool as they come through school to watch them grow and get to see them everyday and have them come by and say, ‘Hi, dad! Love you.’ It’s been great.”

Kimber Watson gradu ated in the spring of 2022 and teaches geometry and is an assistant coach for cross country and track. In high school she was very involved with multiple organizations but the majority of her time was spent running. As a senior, it was biology teacher Kristen Lynam and CTE teacher Tonya Smith, who influenced her decision to become a teacher and a coach.

When her final semester of college was nearing and Kimber Watson was looking for jobs, she was

excited to find Kingwood Park had an opening. An interview was set up, and her excitement rose when they found she got the job.

“I went to school here so that was part of my decision but it has a great

culture and core values that I like and the staff is very welcoming,” Kimber Watson said. “It’s like a family here.”

Other than having to get used to calling former teachers by their first

names throughout the day, Kimber Watson loves watching students be in the place she once was and offer help and advice to them.

Ultimately, she hopes to keep teaching and eventu ally become a head coach.

“I just love getting an experience to just make a small change in someone else’s life and I love seeing students light up when they learn something new,” Kimber Watson said. “Or if it’s the coaching side, when I have an ath lete get a [personal record] – just being there for those little moments.”

Being near family is at the top of her lists of what makes Kingwood Park special though.

“I love working near my family,” Kimber Watson said. “My sister comes and visits me everyday before third period and we talk before she goes into her

pre-calculus class. Me and my dad high five each other in the hall everyday.”

Allie Watson stays busy with dive and has spent the last four years in her dad’s audio-visual production classroom. Now that she has Kimber at the school too, she has one more person that she can go to when she needs something. She loves being able to see them every day and is going to miss them when she’s at college.

“I love my family and I have a really good time with them,” Allie Watson said. “So even if I am close to home [during college], I will miss just not being able to talk with them every day and saying hi to them during passing peri ods. I really like that. This morning, I even walked with my dad to class. I’m going to miss stuff like that.”

With Kimber Watson returning to campus as a teacher, three Watsons were reunited.

Audio-Video teacher Jason Watson with his daughters. Allie Watson is a senior and Kim ber Watson is a math teacher on campus. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

CTE teacher Jason Watson with his daughters Kimber Watson (now a math teacher) and Allie Watson (now a senior) when they were younger. Photo submitted by Jason Watson.

Smith finds balance

By Bailey Hall Staff Writer

Running, school, and being a dad is all senior Christian Smith knows these days. He trained all summer to run track his senior year, while also preparing to be a dad. Six months ago, his daughter OakLynn was born.

“I love and I enjoy the family life right now,” Smith said.

Smith and his girlfriend Lylah Pereira started dating three years ago when Smith was a sophomore and Pereira a junior.

At the beginning of Smith’s junior year, he and Pereira said they knew something was different. Pereira worked at a daycare and had been feeling weird all day. When she got home she took five pregnancy tests –four were positive and one was negative.

“I was actually so scared because I wasn’t planning on having kids – not until I gradu ated,” Pereira said, “Well, like [after] I trav eled and graduated college. In the future, I wanted kids. But she happened and it’s OK.”

Pereira was scared, knowing both of their lives were going to change. She called Smith immediately.

Smith was raised to take things on the best he could and not back down. He said he instantly knew that if something like this was to happen he would be there and do his best for their child.

Smith called and told his mom right away. He knew she would help.

“She’s always there for me,” Smith said.

“If I didn’t have my mom, it would prob ably be really difficult because she went through six kids and she’s got it. She knows everything.”

Smith’s dad, Stephen Smith, was a little shocked at first. But quickly made it clear to his son that he would be there for him – to teach him how to be a parent and to help raise the baby.

“[He told me,] ‘You got to be the bigger person now, you got to start pushing your self,’” Christian Smith said. “You know, to become mature and be able to take care of situations.”

Pereira and Smith tried to spend nine months preparing for the baby’s birth. However, Pereira said some health issues made the pregnancy hard. She had a num ber of fainting spells, which meant that she was in and out of the hospital throughout her pregnancy.

“She’s more of a miracle [baby] because Lylah might not be able to have another one,” Smith said. “You know, this is the only one she might have. That’s something

to think about and to miracle for us.”

Everybody helps take financially – Smith’s parents, her parents.

Since graduating last spent this year working.

“[I learned] don’t spend anything that’s wasteful,” erything goes toward go toward her.”

After the baby was born OakLynn stayed mostly Her stepdad helped during when the baby stayed OakLynn stays at Smith’s

Pereira takes care of her while Smith is at school. night when Pereira is

“I see the smile on OakLynn’s day,” Smith said. “It’s her and she learns something growing really fast, and don’t like. I like when happy, she’s able to do

The past few months for Pereira and Smith,

Senior Christian Smith and

with school, family

have her is literally a take care of the baby parents, Pereira and last May, Pereira has working. spend your money on wasteful,” Pereira said. “Ev her and always will born last April, mostly at Pereira’s house. during the long nights up and cried. Now, Smith’s house more. her during the day school. He is with her at at work. OakLynn’s face every like you work with something new. She’s and that’s the thing I she’s young. She’s do things.”

months have been different Smith, who have worked

hard to learn and improve on how to be parents. Smith still runs track – he even competed in the State Championships with the cross country team this fall.

“He’s taken dedication to a whole new level,” Stephen Smith said.

Pereira currently works but plans to return to college and get her degree.

“[OakLynn] helped me a lot – from get ting into trouble, lying, fighting with my parents,” Pereira said. “Ever since she’s been here, I haven’t had any fights, I haven’t had any arguing or anything.”

Smith and Pereira still plan on going to college and graduating. Smith hopes to still run track in college. For now, they just en joy going on walks with OakLynn and being together. It’s the start of a new chapter for the both of them.

“Originally I was already in college, but I had to drop out because I couldn’t attend school,” Pereira said. “So yes, it changed the course of my life, but I’m going to get back on track, and hopefully nothing else changes.

“I’m just grateful that she’s in my life.”

Snyder family creates co-parenting system

By Exa Nix Staff Writer

Growing up, senior Sara Snyder’s memories include dancing in the kitchen to Kelly Clarkson with her mom and looking at Christ mas lights with her dad.

By the time Snyder was 11 most of her memories became moments with mom or days with dad. Their divorce changed the dynamic of Snyder’s home.

“It was rough initially because I would always see my parents because I was homeschooled,” Snyder said “So like hav ing just the one parent available every weekend very boldly told me, you need to do stuff on your own. It taught me to be independent and like to get involved myself with things around school and extra-curriculars.”

With the support of her parents who came up with a strong co-parenting system, Snyder joined public school in 5th grade and got involved quickly. She is an officer in seven organizations and an honor thespian. Snyder’s sister Anna Snyder is involved as well with cheer and theater among other things. .

“The older it gets the easier it gets,” her dad James Snyder said. “They have activities and pre-determined sched ules. So we work around that.”

In their family, co-parenting means keeping a schedule that’s highlighted to show whose house the kids are at

and what’s coming up that month. Sara spends weekdays with her mom and 1st, 3rd and 5th weekends with her dad. Her parents also have weekly phone calls to stay up-to-date on their daugh ters’ lives.

“They’ve had meetings with me and my sister before basically saying that we are your parents, that’s what we’re going to be first,” Snyder said. “Know our end goal is making sure you’re okay. They both work well at that.”

Snyder says that hav ing divorced parents has its perks. She said when she is frustrated with one of them, she gets to leave and go to the other parent’s house. This gives her space from the situ ation.

Sara said she knows, however, her parents will support her in any way they can. If she gets over whelmed she knows her mom will let her take the day off. When she’s in a play, she knows her dad will always make sure he is there.

“My girls will always know that no matter what happens or what they do,” Morgan said, “Mom’s always going to be there.”

Sara’s parents said they know she is responsible and independent. She makes sure to keep them informed of her week and what she needs from them. Along with her parents’ commu nication skills, Sara’s family has found their groove.

“I think I’m the luckiest person to have parents like that,” Snyder said.

Sara Snyder and her sister Anna spend time with each of their parents in a set schedule. Their parents divorced when Sara was 11. Photos submitted by Sara Snyder.

“They’ve had meetings with me and my sister before basically saying that we are your parents, that’s what we’re going to be first.”

- senior Sara Snyder, on her parents

and his girlfriend Lylah Pereira hold their daughter OakLynn. Photo by Bailey Hall.

Later, Gator

By Luke Cavallo Special Contributor

Junior Lily Bruce had an event ful summer. She found herself being pulled between represen tatives of various top-level college gymnastics programs, like UNC, Stanford and Auburn. They were sending emails and extending invita tions to visit.

“It was super stressful, to be hon est with you,” Bruce said. “There was a lot of people, a lot of good, good colleges who did reach out to me.

I had to come up with the top 5, even though I’m 16 -- I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Bruce eventually decided to verbally commit to the Uni versity of Florida, where she was of fered a full athletic scholarship. She was impressed by the facilities the university offered their athletes and the academic side of the school.

She also ap proved of her future teammates and the success of the program.

The University Of Florida gymnastics program has won 13 SEC titles since its inception in 1972 and is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation.

“It really just came down to go ing on my official visit and really seeing where my heart was leading me,” Bruce said. “Being on a good gymnastics team is what I wanted to do. [Winning] some championships with the team and the girls that you love is really important to me, so it’ll be good for me.”

She and her coach, Cecile Landi,

see her full-ride scholarship as a reward for the years and countless hours that Bruce has spent training.

“I am super proud of her,” Landi said. “It hasn’t been an easy ride with some injuries, but she has worked so hard and was able to give herself the chance to have many amazing choices to continue her academic and athletic careers. It’s a huge accomplishment.”

Bruce has had to deal with numer ous injuries, including breaking a toe, breaking a collar bone and tearing a hamstring. The broken toe, occurring shortly after the return from quarantine, was especially bad. Bruce had to undergo surgery to place screws into the toe. Injuries are only one of the many sacrifices Bruce made in order to reach the level she has in gymnastics.

Before the CO VID pandemic in 2020, Bruce was on a competitive track that would have prepared her for Olympic competition. Bruce was home schooled during this time, and trained for 34 hours a week.

“It takes up a bunch of your time,” Bruce said. “I was literally home schooled, so I could go to practice six and a half hours a day, which was not ideally what I wanted to do.”

Bruce reconsidered following the COVID pandemic and decided to cut back. Her training hours dropped to 24 hours a week, and because of this Bruce now has time to attend school. She currently maintains a

Lily Bruce verbally commits to join Florida Gator gymnastics team

daily practice schedule and leaves school every day after flex hour in order to make it to the gym on time.

Her mom, Gretchen Bruce, ac knowledges the commitments Bruce made to achieve this level of success, citing online school, hours upon hours of training, and the unique effort to balance gymnastics with friends and social life.

“Looking back all these years later, you know, it’s like, wow, she has committed so much of her life to

preparation for her life at University of Florida.

“Florida is going to be a great fit for Lily as she was looking to be in an amazing school with great academics and incredible athletics,” Landi said. “I expect her to be amaz ing and hopefully win a champion ship with the team!”

Junior Lily Bruce competes at the National Championships last May. She finished 3rd in the all-around for her age group. Photo submitted by Lily Bruce.

Photo submitted by Lily Bruce

Competition heats up for winter sports

Home girls basketball games

Dec. 6 - A&M Consolidated, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 - George Ranch, 11 a.m.

Dec. 29 - Spring Woods, 1 p.m.

Jan. 10 - Huntsville, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 - Lufkin, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 - Nacogdoches, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 - Porter, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 - Dayton, 7 p.m.

Upcoming wrestling matches

Dec. 7 - Friendswood/Waltrip at home, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9 - Bulldog Duals at New Waverly HS, 9 a.m.

Dec. 16 - Humble ISD Duals at Humble HS, 2 p.m.

Jan. 4 - Grand Oaks Dual at Grand Oaks HS, 6 p.m.

Jan. 6 - Humble HS Dual at Humble HS, 10 a.m.

Jan. 11 - Milby/Northside/NW at home, 6 p.m.

Jan. 14 - I-45 Battle Duals at Huntsville HS, 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 19 - Woodlands Dual at The Woodlands HS, 6 p.m.

Jan. 20-21 - Tiger Classic at Klein Collins HS

Jan. 25 - Clear Falls Dual at home, 6 p.m.

Upcoming home boys basketball games

Dec. 9 - Barbers Hill, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 - Klein Oak, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 - Splendora, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 - Hardin Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 - Porter, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 - Dayton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 - Huntsville, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 - Lufkin, 7 p.m.

Feb. 10 - Nacogdoches

Sophomore Anaih Cross pushes the ball up the court against Tomball on Nov. 4. Photo by Isabel Stanley.

Junior Davion Sanford looks for a pass as senior Juan Flores helps direct the play Nov. 15. Photo by Derriq Young.

Sophomore Brylee Sellars looks to the ref as she pins her Kingwood opponent last month. Photo by Madlynn Morris.

State championship run fulfills sports dream

Imentally prepared myself as we drove down to Old Settlers Park in Round Rock for the UIL 5A Texas Cross Country Champion ship meet. Along the way, we blasted music and enjoyed each other’s company.

We made our annual stop at Buc-ee’s, and after three and a half long hours finally reached the State course. I couldn’t believe I was re ally there, peering up at the State finish line. I imagined myself crossing through it, completely exhausted like

I knew I would be the very next day.

The first day we explored the course. We spent the night bonding together, going out for dinner, and making fun of coach Cody Cook – laughing so hard our stomachs hurt.

Saturday finally came and excitement rumbled in my veins. It was race day.

After warming up and feeling cool in our matching jackets and state bibs, we joined the other teams at the starting line. We hyped each other up, laughing together and taking it all in. All my nerves disappeared when upbeat songs started to play, and I remembered I had so many people there support ing me.

Coach Cook gave us a pep

talk, reminding us that we worked really hard for this and to put everything out on the course. As he says before every race, we needed to “finish on empty.”

I thought positively, step ping onto the starting line. The gun went off and the whole world fell silent. I hit the ground running like I never had before, adrenaline rushing through my whole body. With grit, determina tion and focus, I raced hard.

Each second felt like minutes, and every ounce of my body throbbed. Parents and families cheered us on and coaches screamed at us to get up there, to make it hurt, to get to that extra point. My whole body was screaming at me to stop but I pushed through the pain.

Runners to Remember

The race dragged on and I strained to make it up the hills. When I heard my mom and dad screaming at me to keep pushing and giving me encouragement, I found a new sense of strength. I turned my brain off.

I heard someone say, “You only have three minutes left, give it all you got.” I raced with everything I had left even though my whole body ached and all my bones trembled. As I crossed the finish line, I heard them announce “Melissa Flores and Allie Jorgensen from Kingwood Park!”

My knees buckled and I strained to stand up straight, side stepping with blurry vision. Athletic trainers slowly helped me to their tent as I fought passing out.

Slowly I regained my breath and found the strength to stand again. With the little energy I had left, I hugged my family and each of my teammates.

With Cook and assistant coach Kimber Watson, we all huddled together for our last team huddle. Tears filled our eyes as we realized this was the end of our season and as a senior, I wouldn’t have this experience ever again.

After all my years of run ning, I truly learned what “how hard can I push it” meant. I mentally pushed past my limits further than I ever have before. Seizing the opportunity to compete at the State Championships made me realize that dedica tion and hard work really do pay off.

- Junior

- 2-time State Qualifier

- 31st at State Meet

- 7th at Regionals

- 2nd at Districts

“I just really wanted to beat the expecta tions I set last year.”

- Sophomore

- 46th at State Meet

- 9th at Regionals

- 1st at Districts

“I [was] really excited, because I’ve been dreaming about State since last year.”

- Senior - 115th at State Meet

- 46th at Regionals

- 3rd at Districts

“It just shows me that with enough hard work and dedication that you can do it.”

- Junior - 139th at State Meet

- 64th at Regionals

- 13th at Districts

“Once we knew [we qualified for State], we were really happy and crying tears of joy.”

- Senior - 106th at State Meet

- 23rd at Regionals

- 9th at Districts

“[Regionals] was definitely the most nervous I’ve been because the meet mattered the most.”

- Junior - 142nd at State Meet

- 67th at Regionals

- 16th at Districts

“I really wanted to [reach State] for the seniors ... they really deserved this.”

- Senior - 140th at State Meet

“The coaches have helped us so much. They’ve always been really positive and motivated us.”

- Senior

- 70th at State Meet

- 57th at Regionals

- 3rd at Districts

“I’m just like any other kid – hoping to run and get fast, while dealing with obstacles that we all have to overcome.”

- Sophomore - 139th at State Meet

- 8th at Regionals

- 1st at Districts

“When we made [State], the joy in these guys’ faces was immense. It was overwhelming.”

- Sophomore - 95th at State Meet

- 41st at Regionals

- 13th at Districts

“I [was] most excited just to be running at State.

I can have that title: State Runner.”

- Junior

- 86th at State Meet

- 28th at Regionals

- 5th at Districts

“We all just love each other as broth ers and we can push each other through out the race and before the race.”

- Senior

- 133rd at State Meet

- 74th at Regionals

- 16th at Districts

“At the time [we qualified for State], I was about to cry really. I was really happy and excited.”

- Senior - 140th at State Meet

- 52nd at Regionals

- 14th at Districts

“We got so much better from last year. I hadn’t gotten a chance to go to State [until now] and it feels good now.”

- Senior - 129th at State Meet

- 69th at Regionals

- 11th at Districts

“It just feels great because we got counted out a lot. We were just like. ‘We’re going to prove them wrong.’”

Elina BailEy

lucy Foltz

After the boys and girls raced their way to district titles in October, their regional and state meets were memorable

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cHristian sMitH JosE antonio Maldonado

Amazing Amos

By Jada Cassidy Special Contributor

Even when freshman Elena Amos first started swim ming at age 9, she noticed she was just a little different. Her grandma signed her up for summer swim in the Bear Branch community right after Elena moved back to the US from El Salvador.

Her grandma saw potential and signed her up for Blue Tide swim team without even asking Amos.

“Back when she was 9, she was eager to learn,” said varsity swim coach John Dissinger, who was Amos’ first club swim coach at Blue Tide.

She broke records in her division almost immediately and moved up fairly quickly due to her speed. Little has changed now that she is in high school. In the first two months of the season, Amos has already broken two school records, but her hopes for swimming go way farther than that. Her goal

is to represent El Salvador at the 2024 or 2028 Olympics.

“I feel very lucky to be able to say I might be able to swim for [El Salvador].”

Amos, who was born in the United States, spent part of her childhood in El Salvador with her mom, who was waiting for a Visa. What was expected to take five years, ended up taking nine.

Amos said that living in El Salvador was hard.

“I think of where I lived and how much me and my mom struggled there,” said Amos, “We’re very lucky to be here now.”

Growing up, Amos was unable to see her dad for long periods of time.

“Sometimes I get jealous of my [younger] sister because she got

both of my parents and my grand parents her whole life,” said Amos. When Amos and her mother moved back to the states, her grandma signed her up for swim ming right away.

“I didn’t want to do it at first,” said Amos.

It wasn’t until she got in the water that she truly enjoyed the sport. Now, in just her first two months of high school swimming, she holds the school record for the 50 free (23.83) and the 100 fly (56.46).

“It hasn’t been very competitive yet, just very fun and enjoyable,” Amos said.

Amos’ best events are the 50 free and 100 fly. She says her worst race is the breaststroke.

“I just can’t do it,” she says. “It hurts my knees.”

Amos spends 25 ½ hours swim

ming per week.

“She has a little fire in her belly,” Dissinger said. “She’s moving fast all the time. It’s been fun watching her stay consistent.”

Amos wants success for herself and has set high goals.

“When she’s determined, she is very strong,” said Tara Bai ley, Amos’ Blue Tide coach and Kingwood Park’s instructional coach for science. “In general, Elena works hard. She wants what is best for her teammates. She genuinely loves the sport.”

Amos said her biggest support ers are her dad and grandmother.

“My dad is always there when I need him,” said Amos. “I can talk to them about anything I’m feeling.”

For now, Amos’ focus is to do well for the school team.

“I think I really just want to have a good team and eventually win State if I can,” she said. “Swim ming is hard and painful; but if you have the right coach, and

it’s worth it.”

teammates,

Freshman Elena Amos breaks two school records in the first two months of the season.

“She has a little fire in her belly. She’s moving fast all the time. It’s been fun watching her stay consistent.”

John Dissinger, swim coach

Freshman swimmer Elena Amos has already made an impact on the swim team, breaking the school record in the 50 free and the 100 fly. She also swims for Blue Tide Aquatics and hopes to some day represent El Salvador in the Olympic Games.

Photo by Trent Estes

Photo by Maya Ortiz

Coaches work

to juggle teaching, coaching and parenting

Ultimate Balancing Act

By Edgar Meirhofer Special Contributor

Coaches deal with chaotic schedules before and during each season.

While teaching and coaching can be closely related, there’s a very different mindset when you’re do ing both: namely, the multi-tasking mindset.

Coach Jess White teaches AP and on-level government as well as world history. In addition, he’s the head coach for girls soccer and has been coaching for 23 years. Jug gling coaching and teaching can be a challenge.

“It’s difficult because I’m com petitive,” said White, who has helped lead the girls to the playoffs 12 times in the last 12 years. “But, I can’t be neglecting a full classroom of kids. That’s what, 120 students?”

Sociology teacher Sean Bright worked on an assembly line before becoming a teacher. He eventually picked up coaching duties, which now include football and track.

“I started teaching first,” Bright said. “I try my best to be a good teacher.”

He also tries to be a good dad. Bright spends roughly 12 hours a day at the school and 17 hours on game days. So, home life can be difficult to keep in balance when so much of his time is spent on his job.

“Last year my wife was out of

the country, and having a little one at home and my wife gone for six months was tough,” Bright said. “We spend more time with our ath letes than our own families.”

White also said it’s easy to miss out on your own life. Around 2005, he was working more than he was seeing his young son and wife.

“We had only one child at the time, but I missed three years of

his life,” White said.

Bright and White said they can relate with and understand students who struggle balancing extra-curriculars on top of their own schoolwork. In their classes they work with students when it comes to deadlines and late work, trying to help those who are over worked and stressed.

English IV teacher Lanie Brittain, who coaches volleyball and bas ketball, says she was one of those students herself. As a teacher, she organizes her classes to compen sate for these schedules as best as she can.

“I have a pretty fair understand ing, since it’s something I’ve always related to,” said Brittain, whose husband is also a teacher and coach on campus.

Coaches agree there is a lot of stress involved in what they do. It infringes on their own personal lives along with occupying almost all of their work schedule.

“Is there a home life for coach es?” Brittain said.

Coach Sean Bright talks with sopho more Bradlea Bonton during a football game against Porter on Sept. 9. Bright works 12-17 hours each day, making it hard to take juggle his family life as well. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

During a playoff game last spring, coach Jess White shouts encouragement during a penalty shootout. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Potty passes need daily deep cleaning

This year’s bathroom passes are a new level of gross. The idea that the same pass is brought into the most disgusting place in schools is beyond disturb ing.

The idea of a reusable bathroom pass is good. In the past, teachers wrote on a separate piece of paper any time someone had to use the bathroom during class. It was an inconvenience to both teachers and students alike.

Ever since COVID, people have a new awareness of the spread of germs. We have been told how many germs there are from just one cough or one sneeze.

The levels of bacteria that live in a place like a bathroom are concerning. Of course, there is nothing to be done about the foul nature of the bathroom; however taking the same pass into the room multiple times a day is unnecessary

The situation is made worse when there are stu dents who admit to never washing their hands after using the bathroom. So now we have the bacteria that just floats around the room accumulating onto these passes, combined with the direct contact of unwashed hands when they head back to class. It is very difficult not to think of how much harmful bacteria we are touching when we pick up that pass. The rapid spread of the flu this season on campus and across the country makes this issue urgent.

Ideally, the passes become fazed out. Last year, some teachers gave students a Post-It note to stick to their ID badges when they were in the hall with permission. Surely, a new disposable option could be cre ated and used schoolwide.

Another option is for the pass to

be cleaned daily, even if it’s just a light scrubbing from a disinfectant wipe. The idea that 12 weeks of bacteria and other germs are left on that pass is disgusting, and we need to at least clean them.

Let’s not pretend that the passes will ever be perfectly clean. This

would require 100 percent hand washing by all students each time they go to and from the bathroom. However, it would at least be a start to progress if more students washed their hands and we create a plan to regularly clean the actual passes.

Holidays make loss of loved ones even harder

It’s always around the holidays where you begin to reflect on what happened over the course of the year. And it’s always around this time where your loved ones truly mean the most to you.

In February 2022, I had gone into the month excited for Region. I was working myself to the bone in preparation for the meet.

Swimming everyday with a new club and new peers. I just wanted to make sure that I would move on from Regionals and make it to the State Championships. That was my entire goal for February. Get past one meet and go on to the next. And that is exactly what I did.

All three relays didn’t make state from the get go though, we had to wait to see who the call ups were. When the announcement was made that we had made it, we were lucky enough to be seeded rather high up on the roster. It was an exciting weekend. I was pumped with adrenaline and pride, not only for myself but for my team. I was so ecstatic the whole weekend. My parents’ 20th anniversary was that Sunday, so it was even more reason to be hap py. But their anniversary wasn’t

spent celebrating. That Saturday they went to visit my grandmother who lived in Corpus Christi. We found out she was in the hospital. She had fallen down a few days prior while getting the mail. But by then she was in a coma. When my parents told me, my entire mood was instantly sombered.

You know those movies about miraculous recoveries? The ones that make you cry because the charac ters finally got their happy ending? I had convinced myself that it was going to be a reality. That my grandmother would wake back up and continue to live. That this would be some joke and we would laugh about it when it was all said and done. But, three days later on Feb. 9, my grandmother passed away in her sleep. Hollow. That was what I felt.

I just remember standing there, right in front of my mother while my sister sobbed in our kitchen. I never shed a tear. Not because I wasn’t sad but because I hadn’t felt anything like it before. I wasn’t sure how to process these emotions that I felt.

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I just remember standing there alone as my mom held my sister while they cried. It didn’t feel like I was there. I was watching them but it felt like I was trapped inside my head. It felt like I was a strang er to myself. I was like that for a few days, just watching, watching and waiting. Waiting for anything to pull me out of whatever I was in. I didn’t snap back into reality until a few days later. My parents had insisted that I continue swimming for the rest of the week; they didn’t want me to fall behind my peers. I only missed that Fri day to go to her viewing. At this point, I still didn’t feel like myself. The whole ride to Corpus Christi was a blur. When we arrived at the funeral home, I thought I was OK. I thought that this would be quick and immensely bittersweet. I thought I would be able to look at her face and remember the childhood I spent with her and be able to send her off with a smile on my face. But when I saw her,

my stomach dropped immediately. I had spent all day preparing my family, but I had overlooked my self completely. And I don’t think I could’ve done anything to lessen the blow. She looked asleep, like if we were too loud she would wake up and scold us. Looking back, maybe that’s what we all thought because our voices never exceeded a whisper.

I stuffed myself in the corner of that room and cried for the first time in weeks. I couldn’t stop the tears no matter how hard I tried. My eyes lingered on her face while my family said their goodbyes. I wanted to absorb every detail on her face while I still could. I didn’t want to forget her; but the longer I stayed in that room the more overcome with emotions I felt.

I still never want to forget her, but as the months pass, the hands of time continue stealing details away from me. It hurts, but look ing at photos with her in them helps. There isn’t a specific way to mourn. I found that out the hard way. Everybody deals with pain in different ways and it is completely OK to take a few steps back and breathe. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from whatever you are in. Making sure that you are OK is much more important than ignoring your feelings.

WHAT’S NOT?

Kanye West Being problematic is never a good look.

Ticketmaster We just want Swift tickets, not emotional distress.

Finals

Tests are scary especially when they cover everything and are 10% of your grade.

Fantastic Beasts being canceled How will we ever know the ending?

Twitter Elon Musk should stick to space. World Cup in the winter How can we follow our favorite teams and actually attend school?

Netflix’s weekly releases We like to binge whole seasons instead of doing homework.

Morgen Dozier

Morgen Dozier with grandma Patsy Dozier in 2010 at Woodland Hills El ementary’s Thanksgiving luncheon.

‘Moonage Daydream’ brings Bowie back

By Maya Ortiz

Moonage Daydream is a documentary in the way that David Bowie is a musician – neither one can be easily categorized. The movie is so much more than a docu mentary and Bowie was so much more than a musician. All Bowie enthusiasts should see Moonage Daydream, especially those who weren’t able to see him perform.

Now available to stream from home, Moonage Daydream was a celebration of who Bowie was. It encapsulated the energy of Bowie as a performer perfectly. It tells the story of David Bowie without forcing a story. It is told

mostly through interviews with the man himself.

The visual aspects in the movie are phenom enal, though probably not for those sensitive to flashing lights. The movie contains clips of Bowie on and off-stage, many visual graphics and captivat ing photos.

It tells the story of how his artistic style progressed as well as where he found his inspiration.

Moonage Daydream is perfect for any Bowie lover. However, the

addition of clips from movies like

The Man Who Fell to Earth and borderline explanations of Bowie’s story almost force the viewer to have a baseline knowledge of David Bowie.

Due to the need of background knowledge, the movie isn’t as much an educational documentary but instead a celebration of Bowie for those who already appreciate him and his work.

Bowie enthusiasts will be more than pleased with the documen tary as it captures the performer and person Bowie was onstage and off.

For those who weren’t able to witness his work and how it came to be when he was alive, this is the

next best thing.

Brett Morgen, the producer, truly honored Bowie and what he represented while producing Moonage Daydream. The visual graphics captured Bowie’s bold ness in style, music, art and life. The music collection was perfectly fitting to represent Bowie’s whole career and show the versatility of his music.

Bowie led so many people to feel comfortable being themselves and to not fall subject to society’s expectations. Moonage Daydream honored his legacy and is a must watch for anyone Bowie influ enced.

Kingwood Park TIMES

December 2022 Volume 9, Issue 3 Kingwood, Texas 77339

EDITORS

Maya Ortiz, editor-in-chief Fallon Head, web editor

Derriq Young, sports editor

Jacob Valcarce, news editor

Kaitlyn Sitton, design editor

STAFF WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Camille Blair, Khiya Dixon, Arleigh Doeh ring, Krista Edwards, Katie Gerbasich, Bailey Hall, Cara Helton, Ramiro Hernan dez, Ana La Rosa Grillo, Ryder Lowery, Madlynn Morris, Garrison Moritz, Taylor Nethery, Exa Nix, Aidan Oakes, Daniel Spear, Shelby Townsend.

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Luke Cavallo, James Pham, Sam Del landre, Dannika Melendez Mateo, Krisslyn Boyles, Jada Cassidy, Trent Estes, Edgar Meirhofer.

Adviser: Megan Ortiz Cover Design: Kaitlyn Sitton

KP MEDIA EDITORIAL POLICY

KP Media is the official student-produced media of news and information published/ produced by KP Media students. KP Media has been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be re viewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content during the writing process.

Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of KP Media is deter mined by and reflects only the views of the stu dent staff and not school officials or the school itself, its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

The media will serve the best interest of the students and faculty of Kingwood Park High School, keeping itself free from any commercial obligations distracting from this purpose; this is defined by the media itself.

All writing in the media, other than letters to the editor in the newsmagazine, will be written by students of the journalism program and will not be accepted otherwise.

The media will specialize in and emphasize on informing their readers of school news and unique students of the Kingwood Park High School community.

The media will cover community, state, national, and international news if it is directly relevant to the school community, and includes local angles. The media will strive to provide coverage to all school organizations and functions.

Any decisions affecting the publications on all levels will be made by the editorial board, the adviser is allowed to give legal advice and his/ her opinion, but the final decision rests in the hands of the editorial board.

Only the editorial board may prevent material it judges to be in violation of the media editorial policy, from being printed.

Letters to editor will be printed in the opinion section of the newspaper or on the website.

Letters to editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed and must include writer’s ad dress and phone number for verification. Letters to the editor will be verified by a member of the editorial board to determine the authenticity of the writer.

The school newspaper will be distributed free of charge to all students every 6-8 weeks. The paper is completely financed by advertising revenues and fundraising. The money raised is used to pay for the school media printing costs, supplies and other media expenses.

Scan the QR code to read the complete Edito rial Policy online.

Swiftie struggles

day

When Taylor Swift an nounced her Era’s Tour dates for the United States, millions around the nation were eager to get their hands on tickets, including me. The Ticketmas ter disaster made the ticket buying experience quite frustrating.

By Taylor Nethery

Fans were ecstatic about this tour since her Lover tour was canceled due to COVID-19, and her last tour was in 2018 for Reputation. I had no doubt this tour would be her biggest and most anticipated.

I’ve never been to a Taylor Swift concert despite being a fan since I was 5, so I was so excited when I got the text message containing my presale code days before tickets went on sale. I thought it’d be a smooth process. I’ve never been so wrong in my life.

First, I waited all morning for the Ticketmaster waiting room to open at 9:30 a.m. I originally thought that might be the most torturous part of the day.

I was armed with my laptop and my Ticketmaster account all set up with my credit card. The queue finally opened at 10 a.m., but 10

minutes later, it was paused. I couldn’t risk losing my place in line and so I couldn’t close my laptop even between classes. I walked dur ing passing periods with my laptop open, earning lots of strange looks.

During lunch, I sat with my laptop still open and waiting for anything to happen. After school, I drove home with my laptop still open and connected to wifi using my phone’s hotspot.

The site crashed many times for

me and I was upset that I might not get tickets. I was relieved when I got in, but then every time I went to purchase tickets, it gave me an error code and sent me back to the beginning.

Finally, six hours later, I ended up getting tickets in the nosebleeds. I was expecting to get better seats, but I was glad I simply had tickets at that point.

I soon realized just how lucky I was when I looked at the chaos on

Twitter. Taylor Swift, Ticketmaster and the Eras Tour were trending worldwide in no time. Thousands of upset Swifties were tweeting about how disappointed they were to have not gotten tickets, and my excitement died down as I read about lifelong fans not being able to purchase tickets.

I didn’t blame Taylor Swift when these events started unraveling. I knew that she wasn’t in control of the Ticketmaster website and that a faulty process had been created.

Ticketmaster chairman revealed they sent out 1.5 million codes to verified fans, but 14 million people ended up getting into the site.

Even days after the events unrav eled, there’s still a ton of chaos. The sale for the general public ended up being canceled. Thousands of people were devastated, considering it was probably their last chance at getting tickets.

Getting tickets did mean a lot to me. Despite the negativity on social media, I can’t help but be ecstatic to attend the Eras Tour. I’ve been a fan for the majority of my life and have been able to enjoy her eras through out the years. I’m looking forward to dressing up as one of her eras and seeing her perform for the first time.

Taylor Swift shines as she returns to pop in ‘Midnights’

By Taylor Nethery

I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting on Taylor’s 10th album; but like any other Swiftie, I was ecstatic. I stayed up un til midnight, technically 11 p.m. CST, and listened to the album the second it came out. I love Taylor Swift’s pop albums, and this did not disappoint. It all started at MTV’s Video Music Awards in August. She won the award of the night, Video of the Year for the “All Too Well: The Short Film.” She announced then that she’d be releasing a new album Oct. 21 and told her fans

she would tell them more “at mid night.” At midnight, she released the name and number of tracks on the album. She said the album was about 13 sleepless nights through out her life.

Finally, we got the album, which she added seven surprise tracks to when she released the 3 a.m. ver sion, along with one bonus track on the special edition Target CD.

There’s a lot of cultural rel evance laced in this album. It’s so cohesive and different from her other projects. There was no lead single and it’s a visual album as well. It reminds me a lot of “1989,” but older and more mature. Taylor Swift’s 10th album wasn’t going to be like any other album she’s ever put out. It’s nothing like her alternative albums “Folklore” or

“Evermore.” She returns to the pop genre after three years. You can tell how much she’s grown since her past pop albums. The songs on “Midnights” are all stories from her life. This might be her most important album she’s put out so far.

The album starts off with “Lavender Haze.” It’s a cute love song that reminds me of her 2019 album “Lover.” I think it’s a great opener for an album like this. It fits the vibe of the album and works really well as the first track.

The third track, “Anti-Hero,” had a music video drop the same day as the album. The song is great on its own, but I think the music video makes me appreciate it a lot more. Her music videos are always so creative and fun to watch, and

this one is no different.

“Snow On The Beach” was the track I was the most excited to lis ten to because it’s featuring Lana Del Rey. However, I was kind of let down because she doesn’t have a verse. She’s really just back ground vocals. But the song itself is definitely in my top five. It’s a beautiful song with a lot of soul.

I believe that any Swiftie would appreciate this entire album be cause of its deeper meanings and visuals that are still to be released. But I do think that anyone who listens to the album and watches the music videos could fall in love with the album as much as I have. Personally, I can’t even come up with a favorite song because I enjoy every single song with no skips.

Stressful

was worth it once concert tickets were secured.

Taylor Nethery waits during flex hour to see if she will move closer in the line to buy Taylor Swift concert tickets. Photo by Jacob Valcarce.

WHO Calling all photographers, writers, vid eographers, sports reporters, graphic designers, podcast creaters and artists.

WHAT

Join the national award-winning news paper and yearbook staffs.

WHERE Room 1504 houses the cameras, com puter labs, podcast and photo studios.

WHEN Stop by Room 1504 today to find out what class is best for you!

WHY Meet new people. Make great friends. Know what is happening around the school. Be in on all the action. Have fun! HOW During class registration, sign up for Journalism I or Photojournalism I.