Kingwood Park Times, April 2024

Pantry helps supply food, toiletries to students in need

By Exa Nix Managing Editor

This year student support counselor Gina Sanchez saw a hole that needed to be filled within the school.

“About 30% of our school population are on free or reduced lunch,” Sanchez said. “And a lot of those kids on weekends don’t have that food. It’s called food insecurity.”

To help students with a lack of resources, Sanchez started a food closet that would be available for free to students. The closet and resources are entirely filled through donations from student organizations.

“Each one of the organizations, the sponsors,” Sanchez said, “talked to their kids to decide whether they wanted to be part of it.

And everybody said yes.”

In the end, Student Council, HOSA, NHS and AVID donated items to fill the closet, which extended beyond food. Sanchez also accepted donations of clothes and toiletries.

“I donated clothes and shoes to the clothes/food closet,” said Alani Martinez, a member of the Senior Student Council and NHS.

“I think these resources will really help those in need of clothing that they can’t obtain easily.”

Any student can reach out to Sanchez for any help they may need. Specifically she works with the at-risk student population in the school. The at-risk label can include but is not limited to low income families, students in foster care and students who are failing two or more classes.

Students donate food to the school pantry throughout the year to help students who need food on the weekends or throughout a school day

“And even if they’re not at risk, they can still come to me and ask for help,” Sanchez said. Students can also reach out to their house office or counselor if they are in need.

“It’s hard to ask for help,” school counselor Tim Hurlbert said. “But people who get into education – teachers, counselors, principals – we’re doing it because we want to help people.”

Sanchez is also working

on several new resources for students. She hopes to reinstate the prom closet that would give out free formal wear to students, as well as apply for a grant for sand therapy. It serves as a non-verbal, non-threatening way for students to bring things up.

“So the way this works,” Sanchez said, “is that literally there’s a sand tray and you take these miniatures and you build your world. Your world can be full of

chaos and all that stuff. And then we talk through how to help fix this world.”

She encourages students to communicate any of their needs to her. Even if she can’t help she can find you someone who can.

Sanchez also encouraged students to donate to the program. Food donations can be dropped off in room 2400. There is also a bin by the front office where students can put clothing donations.

While organizations will sometimes promote a drive in which service points are offered, the donations are needed and accepted all year.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids to give back,” Sanchez said. “Not only to get service points, but to know what it is to give.”

Photo submitted by Gina Sanchez.

Learn to save a life

KEY TERMS

CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation): Can help save a life during cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.

AED (automated external defibrillator): a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

Tourniquets: A device, such as a strip of cloth or a band of rubber, that is wrapped tightly around a leg or an arm to prevent the flow of blood to the leg or the arm for a period of time.

Seniors receive CPR, AED training

By Bailey Hall News Editor

The mandatory senior meeting in March consisted of more than upcoming dates for senior events. There were CPR demonstrations and mandatory training for all seniors who attended the meeting.

“It went really well,” nurse Mary Fischer said. “I was impressed, not all the other schools have completed it. Only 19 kids did not show up, I thought that was really good.”

A law in Texas, which went into effect in 2014-15, mandates that CPR training is a graduation requirement. The training consists of hands-only CPR and AED instruction. While this training has to be done at any point between seventh to 12th grade, Humble ISD has chosen for the training

to be completed in the 12th grade.

“It’s important that if you see something you do something,” Fischer said, “It doesn’t matter if you’re at home or at the movies with a friend, it’s just important. The more people that are trained the less likely that you would be nervous or afraid to help out.”

jumpstart the heart in case of sudden cardiac arrest.

“The more people that are trained, the less likely that you would be nervous or afraid to help out.”

The CPR training was given during the senior meeting. The automated external defibrillator (AED) training will be covered during April in senior English classes. The AED is used to

CPR training was supervised by Fischer as well as the athletic trainers and senior HOSA students. HOSA students who helped run the training were all seniors in clinicals. They are each CPR certified and have their Basic Life Support certification.

nurse Mary Fischer

“It’s nice that we did get to help them learn the basics, because anything really does help,” HOSA blood drive chair Bryson Bailey said.

“I think it’s important that everybody knows how to

because you don’t just have to have a heart condition to go into cardiac arrest, anybody can.”

Students who missed the senior meeting will be able to take the training sometime during flex in April.

“I’m really glad they made this a requirement

because people should know what the first thing is to do when they see someone lying unconscious,” senior Victoria Anisi said. “You should be able to act quickly. I do believe it’s something that we need to do because it can literally save lives.”

Nurse Mary Fischer teaches Zain Qamar how to do hands-only CPR during a senior class assembly in March. Seniors had to be trained in a number of life-saving skills in order to fulfill state requirements to graduate. Photo by Cara Helton.

Watch a video from the American Heart Association on how to do hands-only CPR.

Senior Roxana Torres learns to tie a tourniquet on senior Khamille Jones’s arm during a training. Seniors had to learn to apply tourniquets in cases of emergency. Photo by Ana La Rosa Grillo.

Astronomy students experience solar eclipse

By Ana La Rosa Grillo and Bailey Hall

Certain areas in Texas momentarily went dark on April 8. A total eclipse happens every 18 months, but the last one that was in the path of Texas was 1878, and the next one will not be until 2317.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully covers the sun, which is also called totality. Since Houston was not in the path of totality, astronomy teacher Brad Kiser took his classes to Gatesville, which is about four hours away.

Gatesville got four minutes and 29 seconds of totality. Totality is the only time that the eclipse can be seen without eclipse glasses. The moments before and after totality are when the glasses are needed.

“The best thing was the unfiltered pure joy that [the students] had during the totality,” Kiser said, “That made it all worth it, [they] turned into little kids.”

The field trip lasted all day. Students arrived at the school at 5:45 a.m. and did not return until 7 p.m.

“My favorite part was feeling all the climate changes within the hour,” junior Maddison Lynn said, “but I regret not wearing sunscreen.”

Kiser first had the idea to take his students last year, wanting to give them a once in a lifetime opportunity. No two solar eclipses are quite the same, and being

able to take his students to this one meant a rare learning and life experience for all.

The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be Aug. 23, 2044. That should not to be confused with the annular eclipse, like the one we had a few months ago. In an annular eclipse the moon does not cover the sun as much.

“A solar eclipse is not something you see everyday,” Kiser said. “It’s not something [you see] every month. I think just the rarities make it cool to me. Everything reacts differently to it, and you get to see those atmospheric layers of the sun you usually don’t see.”

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Astronomy teacher Brad Kiser and junior Alex Jasso both use eclipse viewer cards to take photos of the eclipse. Kiser had purchased the viewer cards at Buc-ee’s on the way to Gatesville. The cards also had a small hole that could be used to see the shadow of the eclipse. Photo by Ana La Rosa Grillo.

Seniors Joaquin Espiau and Nikko Nunez look up at the eclipse minutes before totality. Photo by Ana La Rosa Grillo.

The eclipse mid totality as seen in Gatesville. Photo by Ana La Rosa Grillo.

Grant McTaggart tees up courageous fight

By Sydney Ortiz Staff Writer

Grant McTaggart watched as his father stood a few feet away and called Hall of Famer Craig Biggio.

Grant had just taken his two daily chemotherapy pills, each wrapped in a Fruit Roll-Up by his mom Melanie. That special touch and the phone call to Grant’s favorite baseball player were the only ways the 3-year-old would swallow the pills.

Biggio never answered the phone. Grant’s father David never actually dialed it. David had no direct line to Biggio, but David McTaggart knew that pretending to brag about his 3-year-old son to Biggio would convince Grant to take the pills needed to save his life.

Discovering the cancer

Grant was in Waco visiting his paternal grandparents in 2009 when he started running a low-grade fever, and his stomach was notice-

ably distended.

“I just had a sort of mother’s intuition and felt like something wasn’t right,” Melanie McTaggart said.

Grant’s parents took him to the emergency room and got blood work done on May 23, 2009. When the results came back abnormal, David McTaggart called his father, a Waco pathologist, to look at the results.

Grant’s grandfather Dave M. McTaggart saw the leukemia cells and diagnosed Grant with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at 2 a.m. the next morning.

were relieved with how well it went. Grant’s cancer became the focus of the McTaggarts’ lives. They spent more of their days at Texas Children’s Hospital than they did at their home.

The calm lasted only two months.

Serious setback

“It was a big kick in the fact, sort of a reminder that this was really serious and he may not make it, he may not survive this.”

David McTaggart, father of junior Grant McTaggart

“Initially it was kind of like life stopped and I was in shock,” Grant’s dad said. “It just didn’t seem real.”

The cancer treatment started immediately, and the McTaggarts

In August of that year, Grant’s bowels began to shut down. The doctors decided to do a 24-hour infusion of methotrexate. The infusion went into his spine and then into his brain. Normally it flushes out, but Grant’s did not. It caused major damage to his cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance and movement.

Grant lost his ability to talk and walk.

“It was a big kick in the face,

sort of a reminder that this is really serious and he may not make it, he may not survive this,” David McTaggart said.

Grant spent a full week in the Texas Children’s Hospital intensive care unit unable to eat or drink. When he got out of the ICU he started another round of chemo. He also had to begin physical therapy.

Meeting Craig Biggio

As Grant continued to heal through rehab and take his chemotherapy pills, his dad continued to make daily calls to Biggio.

In September 2009, the most unlikely connection was made.

Grant’s doctor, Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, was to be honored at St. Thomas High School, where Biggio coached at the time. Dr. Dreyer was friends with the Biggio family and shared the story of how the McTaggarts got Grant to take his pills.

With the help of Biggio, Grant was invited to help Biggio announce the award to Dr. Dreyer. After the ceremony, Biggio spent

Junior Grant McTaggart, who battled cancer as a child, plays on the high school golf team. He met Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, a spokesperson for the Sunshine Kids, when Grant was undergoing chemotheraphy. Photo by Sydney Ortiz. Background photo of Grant with Biggio at St. Thomas High School by Melanie McTaggart. Background photo of Grant taking his final chemotherapy pill by Melanie McTaggart.

30 minutes talking with Grant and driving him around the baseball diamond on his tractor.

Biggio told Grant he was proud of him for taking his pills every morning. He even told him he enjoys getting calls daily from Grant’s dad.

Day-to-day challenges

While meeting Biggio was a highlight for Grant, most of his days were not that fun. Grant attended St. Martha’s Catholic School while he went through treatment.

It was difficult for Grant to be the only 3-year-old in class who was bald and using a walker. At such a small school, every student knew of his condition.

“He just didn’t want his identity to be tied to being a kid with cancer,” Melanie McTaggart said.

Make-A-Wish

After finishing treatment at age 6, Make-A-Wish reached out to the McTaggarts and offered Grant a trip wherever he would like. He chose Disney World. The family stayed at Give the Kids the World Village, where kids with critical illnesses get to experience a cost-free magical week.

“It was a week that we really didn’t worry about anything,”

David McTaggart said. “We spent three and a half years worrying constantly, and it was the biggest weight off our shoulders. Watching him and his sister Claire have such a great time at Disney, it was wonderful. Greatest, greatest week of our lives.”

Grant McTaggart plays golf on his 3rd birthday in the playroom of Texas Children’s Hospital. He spent many days at the hospital from the time he was 2 years old until he was 6.

family. His dad started bringing him to the golf course when he was just 2 years old. Grant’s father would throw the baseball and Grant would crush it. He loved playing and watching sports.

The damage caused by the methotrexate infusion changed how much Grant could do, but it never dimmed his love for sports. He grew up still wanting to play baseball like Biggio, so his parents let him join a team. But he could barely hit the ball.

“I just had a heart attack in every game because it was really hard for him to hit,”

David McTaggart said.

As Grant gets older his limitations get smaller, but they are still visible. He still has trouble with his balance.

chose to join the golf team. By Christmas break, he moved from the beginning period to seventh period, where the more advanced golfers practice.

“When we did that, it really sparked him,” coach Angela Chancellor said. “I think he got addicted to golf at that point, like he was excited. It was a good move on our part, I think, because it really encouraged him to take it seriously.”

Through golf he met the most supportive friends. His parents labeled golf “a godsend.”

“On the golf course, I can let go of the stress of school and just life,” Grant McTaggart said. “I just love being on the golf course.”

“He will continue to go to Texas Children’s for the rest of his life –at least once a year,” said Melanie.

Grant continues to stay in touch with Biggio. In October, Biggio told the McTaggarts that he still has one of Grant’s letters hanging on his fridge.

Next year, Grant will graduate. He hopes to work in a sportsrelated industry. He’ll continue to play golf his senior year. His coach looks forward to watching his continued growth.

“Don’t let Grant fool you, he’s pretty strong,” Chancellor said.

Baseball was his first love Grant grew up in a sports-loving

Sports became an escape Grant found comfort in a new sport, though. From following his dad to the golf course before chemo to playing golf at the playroom in the hospital, golf was where Grant found a refuge.

Going into high school, Grant

Dealing with remission

In May, Grant will celebrate 15 years since his initial diagnosis. He is currently in remission, but the doctors will never say cancer free. Each year that gets further from the initial diagnosis, the McTaggarts celebrate with cake.

No one has to remind David and Melanie of that strength. Grant appreciates the constant support from his parents and older sister Claire. His parents are in awe of who he has grown to become.

“He’s never once asked me or my wife, ‘Why is this unfair?’” David McTaggart said. “Why did this happen to me?’ He never once felt sorry for himself.”

Photo submitted by Melanie McTaggart.

Junior Grant McTaggart takes a practice swing out of the sand bunker at Kingwood Country Club in February. He was working on his bunker shots during practice with sophomore Corey Case. Photo by James Pham.

Grant and his older sister Claire McTaggart enjoy a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World when he was 6. Photo submitted by Melanie McTaggart.

Constantly changing technology keeps trio busy

By Luke Cavallo Staff Writer

Senior Computer Science students Max Leal, David Geslison, and Zachary Niesporek are currently working to get a foot in the door of the professional computer science world. In part, this means continuing to challenge themselves in computer classes and at UIL competitions, as well as working toward professional certifications and assisting with IT issues on campus.

Geslison and Leal currently take part in a double-block Practicum in Infotech class, in which they gain valuable practical experience troubleshooting technology problems in classrooms. The teachers explain the problem that they are having, and Geslison and Leal diagnose the issue and attempt a solution. If the issue gets too complicated, they return to class to research and talk to their coach for advice before returning with new ideas.

“It’s usually pretty much the same problems and they’re pretty easy to fix,” Geslison said. “A lot of the time it is pretty easy to just, say, turn it off and on; but then you’ll get hit with the printer not connecting, or having an error, and you’re just like, I don’t even know where to start.”

The abstract nature of computer science is a recurring challenge for the students.. They often struggle to find a starting place when attempting to create code or fix a problem, because there are so many possible variables and very little structure.

“I think it’s kind of like when you’re working with a newborn, you know, [unprogrammed computers] don’t have the knowledge that we have,” Niesporek said. “So you have to be very explicit with what you want [the computers] to do. If you’re too general with it, it’s going to do something completely different, you need to give exact instructions.”

Despite the difficulty associated with the field, each team member has had success in implementing the skills that they have learned for a variety of practical or entertain-

ing projects.

Leal recently developed an app that the track team can use to submit and compile athlete data. He was able to send the app directly to the track coaches, making it possible for them to use it on their own devices.

Niesporek created a text-based video game.

Geslison has developed a number of programs using his preferred software, “Python,” and has finetuned a program that allows the user to talk with their computer and receive responses based upon certain parameters that can be coded in.

“What I programmed was a chatbot where you’d actually talk to

Seniors David Geslison and Max Leal take a break before their UIL computer science event begins at Caney Creek High School on March 2. Photo by Fallon Head.

Seniors Max Leal, Zach Niesporek and David Geslison spend their first two periods of each day in the computer science room working on programming and troubleshooting IT issues. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

your computer,” Geslison said. “It would respond from chatting with you with a really good voice back.”

Due to the relative nascency of computer work as a whole, the field is highly dynamic, and those who hope to develop a career in it must stay up to date on changes, or even preempt the technology.

“I think that the big thing that I’m thinking of right now is AI and how that’s going to influence us,” Leal said. “So I’m trying to get in front of AI as much as possible and try to learn it. I’m learning how the main stuff like chatbot works, and how I can improve on it and make my own.”

Artificial intelligence is widely considered a force that will impact

every career field in the present and the future, and computer science especially so.

“I know I get kind of annoyed when people say AI all the time, but it definitely is going to be a part of what we do in the future,” Niesporek said. “So that does threaten a lot of industries, even coding. Overall, I think we’ll still need [coding], but we will be more dependent on [AI] than we were before.”

Geslison shares a similar stance on the prospective impact of artificial intelligence on the field.

“I think that AI is going to be big, but I don’t think it’s going to be taking over programming,” Geslison said. “Because I think it’ll take over the small jobs that people program. You can ask [AI] to write your code and it’ll write you really good code, but you have to know what it’s writing. You have to know how to implement that. You have to know how to splice that. You have to know how to get that working together and everything. You can’t just say copy and paste. It just doesn’t work like that for me.

“But I think that [AI] will be the biggest tool we’ve gotten since the birth of programming. I think it’s going to be a huge help.”

Nothing Stronger Wilson twins create unbreakable bond

By Exa Nix Managing Editor

On a twin dress up day in middle school, twins Solange and Samia Wilson decided to switch places and see if anybody would notice. No one did.

“We told nobody,” Samia Wilson said. “We sat in class, like I waved at her teacher. She waved at my English teacher, it wasn’t even noticed.

In elementary school the girls were put in the same class. They spoke only to each other and even when moved into different classes they wouldn’t talk until they saw each other. They just liked each other too much.

The only way to tell the girls apart is by their different glasses and different face shapes. Still only their older sister can consistently tell them apart.

“I would describe my twin as like my second half,” Solange Wilson said, “because she’s been with me my entire life, we’ve done everything together.”

They share many hobbies. They both like the same TV shows and participate in band and color guard.

Even when they don’t share the same interests, they still show up to support one another. If Solange Wilson has a French Club meeting then Samia Wilson will be there too, despite not knowing any French.

“I love everything she does,” Samia Wilson said. “But it’s more than that. I just love being a twin overall, and like there’s no favorite part to be about it.”

Throughout the COVID pandemic many people felt alone. Most were stuck in their houses without the ability to see their friends. Solange and Samia had a very different story. They never felt alone.

“I couldn’t go out of the house as often,” Solange said. “I didn’t like being at home. I felt twitchy. So, Samia and I would go outside and ride our bikes around the neighborhood. Then we would ride everywhere and find new places to explore.”

Though Solange and Samia want to go to the same school after high school, their parents suggested they go to different schools so they can gain independence.

“I want to watch out for her,”

Samia said. “But at the same time, she needs to experience the world.”

They are each fiercely protective of each other. In elementary school, a boy was picking on Solange. Samia refused to let it go and gave that boy a piece of her mind.

“When I feel down, she helps me out,” Solange said “When she feels down, I try to help her out the best I can.”

Though they look identical, they each have distinct personalities and aspirations. Samia is extroverted and outgoing, while Solange is soft spoken and introverted.

“If we go to an event and it’s just the two of us, usually it’s a Samia who takes the chance to go talk to people, and then I usually follow through afterwards,” Solange said.

Their differences don’t end there. In the future, Solange wants to be a pediatrician and Samia wants to be a forensic scientist. Though their paths may be different ways after high school, Samia said there is no breaking their bond. She makes sure to remind Solange of that often.

“Solange, I love you very much,” Samia said, “and I hope to see what you accomplish in the future.”

More is Better

Seniors talk how life has been different growing up as a twin or a triplet.

“You’re able to share just about everything with your twin. Although you do get into fights, you can make up. It’s a special bond.”

Ramiro Hernandez, who is twins with Gabriel Hernandez

“When we were younger, we went to preschool together. That made it a lot easier. A lot of kids were scared or would cry, but I always had them.”

Patterson Cash, who is a triplet with Will and Sebastian Cash

“It’s like a normal sibling but with a label. We’re very opposite. We had to share a room. I don’t want to do that again. I’m a very clean person and he’s not as much. We drew a line through the room to make sure we didn’t cross it.”

Logen Black, who is twins with Jacob Black

“I have three classes with him. It’s more fun, and I’m more energetic and more outgoing when I’m with him.”

Gabriel Hernandez, who is twins with Ramiro Hernandez

“I like being a twin because I don’t feel alone, and it’s nice being able to be connected to someone who thinks similar to you.”

Haleigh Nix, who is twins with Exa Nix

“You’re not bored when you’re younger. We were able to go out and ride bikes together.”

Will Cash, who is a triplet with Sebastian and Patteson Cash

“I have three classes with [Sebastian] and we still share a room. It’s a person I can talk to.”

Will Cash, who is a triplet with Sebastian and Patteson Cash

Solange and Samia Wilson. Photo by Exa Nix.

Transfer Trend

Twenty-five percent of Kingwood Park students are transfers.

By Fallon Head Website Editor

When sophomore Emerson Harris watched Kingwood Park’s production of “Almost, Maine” in eighth grade, she knew she wanted to go to Kingwood Park for high school. She was in her final year at West Lake Middle School and zoned to Atascocita High School.

“Having a smaller theater department was especially one of the reasons I transferred,” said Harris, who is also on the newspaper staff and on the JV cheer team. “I really wanted somewhere where I was going to have the opportunity to grow. I think the main reason I transferred, though, is I didn’t

want to be just another number.”

Each year, 1,900 students attend Kingwood Park. Around 25 percent of those students are transfers.

Before many kids reach high school, their parents reach out to district officials with questions and occasional requests for tours from the schools.

“They want to know what programs or thriving programs are [at Kingwood Park] and if they can be a part of that,” assistant superintendent Trey Kraemer said. “That does draw some kids there. And for some families, life happens and things don’t go as you expect –you feel like as a student you want to change or you’re a parent and you want your kid to have another experience.”

The size is often the biggest draw

for transfer students. Kingwood Park’s enrollment is significantly smaller but offers most of the same programs as Kingwood High School (2,739), Humble High School (2,816), Summer Creek High School (3,334) and Atascocita High School (3,854).

However, a smaller overall student population does not mean smaller class sizes.

“[Parents] always want to know about class size, and that’s a misnomer,” Kraemer said. “Like ‘I want smaller class sizes, and so I want my kids to go to Kingwood Park.’ And what I always tell them is smaller class sizes are not happening anywhere.”

While most students who request a transfer to Kingwood Park for fresh-

Transfer student freshmen Allie Tally and Faith Combs talk in the commons between classes. Tally said joining the cheer team helped her adjust to the new school when she transferred in as a freshman. “Coming into here I didn’t really have any friends, so when I met a lot of people on the cheer team it was really good,” Tally said. Photo by James Pham.

man year are accepted, there has been a waitlist for grades 10-12 since the school opened in 2007. The number of transfers for each campus is based on the building’s capacity. If the school is at or over capacity, no transfers are allowed.

Kingwood Park is the only Humble ISD school classified as 5A for athletics and academics. The rest of the schools are 6A. Because of the smaller size, students at Kingwood Park are encouraged to be in multiple activities and sports.

Senior Sean Kloesel chose to transfer from Kingwood High School in part because his brother and sister also went to Kingwood Park.

“It just seemed like it was a better fit,” said Kloesel, who played football and became a state qualifier in swim. “I could get out of the friend group I was in previously, and I wouldn’t have to deal with how big the [graduating] class sizes were over there [at Kingwood High School].”

Once students are accepted as transfers, they have to follow guidelines for behavior, attendance and passing grades. If they fail to meet any of these, their transfer can be revoked.

Transfers are also unable to play sports at the varsity level for their first full year at the school.

Bailey Fovargue, a junior captain on the varsity girls soccer team, had

Transfer students share standout

moments of attending KPHS

“All the friends that I’ve made. And golf has been really fun to be around. We all have good relationships with each other.”

Van Cradic, 10

“One thing I’ve noticed is the bond between all our classes. I feel due to our class sizes being a little smaller, we’re more mutual with each other, and everyone knows everyone.”

Suzanna Cradic, 12

“Just freshman year, like, when we had that big basketball playoff run. That was fun.”

Daron Skero, 11

“Probably just meeting people that I know I’m going to keep in my life forever.”

Khloe King, 11

“I don’t think I have a specific standout moment. It’s more just all the times I met people I now call my closest friends that I wouldn’t have without going to KPark.”

Annaleise Kimmel, 10

“The pep rallies and the teachers because of how much they care about their students.”

Cole Anderson, 9

“I would say the welcomeness. It’s not really like a moment, but it’s like everybody here is super friendly, and it’s not hard to make friends.”

Wyatt May, 12

“I feel like a lot more people are more down to earth, more understanding, I feel.”

Cooper Wolocko, 10

to spend her first year at the JV level because she was originally zoned for Kingwood High School. She finished the season as the JV team’s MVP, Offensive MVP and Most Goals awards.

“It ended up being a fine experience on JV,” Fovargue said. “I got to play a different position. But I think being on [varsity] my freshman year would have been a little, I don’t know, more exciting because competition is greater. But I still ended up having a great time with JV and meeting people.”

The transfer program is run at the district level, with parents and teens having to fill out forms and go through a variety of processes to get accepted to transfer. The forms are due in February for the priority list, with any late forms only considered later.

At the school level, principals provide school tours and answer questions when requested. Many families considering a transfer attend Kingwood Park’s 8th Grade Night in the fall, where they meet teachers and coaches and scope out what classes and programs are offered.

“[I think Kingwood Park offers a] more family-type environment where students are allowed to do a lot more things,” associate principal Tiffany Major said. “Like you can be in an orchestra and play a sport. We typically are more accommodating. And I just think that it has a good reputation and a good culture and people want to be a part of it.”

Junior Bailey Fovargue talks with senior Eve Hoyt and freshman Alyssa Toppass at halftime of the girls soccer team’s playoff game against McKinney North. Fovargue played JV her freshman year as a transfer student. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Splashing success

Physics students find fun and success while creating and racing their boats

By Fallon Head Web Editor

Physics classes raced their homemade boats in the natatorium on April 3. After students were given a few weeks to build their boats out of cardboard outside of school, the boats were put to the test and various awards were given.

The boat project is designed to have students experience buoyancy with a hands-on approach. Students have to design, build and test their boat in the water, which brings a greater real-world understanding of physics.

“I thought they did very well [with boats this year], I think they were much more creative,” OnRamps physics teacher Glenn Taylor said. “This year it seemed like the students really kind of embraced the idea of theme, and that kind of permeated in their design. I want to foster that idea of it’s not just the race and construction, there’s a thematic way to approach it, and it to me if I do that, it makes it more fun. It makes it where students are more engaged in the project, they’re not just trying to check a box, they’re trying to actually create something.”

Taylor and physics teacher Jacob Butcher combined to host the “Splash Down.” Physics teams who get the fastest times in the water received the “Crush” award.

The winning teams included: Alexandria Linares, Peyton Seay, David Luna, Tyson Franks, Holden Spears (1st period), Preston Carpenter, Tristan Samson, Dominik Rudny, Wyatt Rodriguez, Tyler VanHorn (5th period), and Ethan Elliott, Carter Hawkins, Tristan Munscher (7th period).

Junior Harper Toth sprays classmates with a water gun while junior Brian Gentry laughs. Photo by Ana La Rosa Grillo.

Juniors Holden Spears and Peyton Seay avoid water guns as they push towards the finish. Photo by Emerson Harris.

Juniors Madison Wilson and Elly Hinojosa laugh with each other as they race to the finish. Photo by Emerson Harris.

Junior Stephen Borch paddles his way to the finish line. Photo by Kaitlyn Sitton.

Junior Alaina Villagomez strategizes with teammates before racing. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Junior Stephen Streitman is all smiles as his boat sinks before the race even begins.

Photo by Emerson Harris.

Baseball is more than sport for Walters

By Sydney Ortiz Staff Writer

Harrison Walters knelt at the third-base line during a pitching change. He tied a 9-year-old’s shoes while talking strategy with another.

Walters, who began coaching the 9-year-old Giants in the East Montgomery County rec league this spring, leads practices, helps with the pitchers and teaches the catchers.

“The players really look up to (Walters),” head coach Dustin Lindsey said. “They see him as an older brother.”

In a recent win against the EMC Pirates, Walters spent part of pregame warmups helping his starting pitcher adjust his grip on his change-up before coaching the team to a dominant win.

Baseball has always been a huge part of Walters’ life. Baseball filled his schedule during the first week of April. He coached his young Giants one day. Walters watched Astros starter Rolen Blanco throw

a no-hitter at Minute Maid Park another day. He finished his week off as a closer in a 7-4 JV win against Nacogdoches.

“His love for baseball is a passion that runs deep,” Walters’ mom Beth Friedman Walters said. “He loves everything about it, from the rules to performance to the stats.”

Walters hopes to be just like his uncle Andrew Friedman, who played college baseball at Tulane University and is the current President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Walters takes two friends with him to Los Angeles for a week each summer. During that time he gets to watch the Dodgers and spend time with his uncle.

“I learned how to look at the game differently,” Walters said. “More than a baseball player – on the outside looking in.”

Friedman has shared his love for baseball with his nephew. Growing up, Walters’s mother remembers her younger brother sitting at the local Chinese restaurant reading the sports section of the newspa-

per and spitting out all his newly acquired facts.

“Harrison has the same love for the game – the rules, the stats,” Beth Friedman Walters said.

Although Walters has always been surrounded by baseball, he did not start playing until he was 10 years old. Originally soccer was the plan. At 10, he went straight into a player-pitch league. He started out as a first baseman and third baseman.

While Walters loves playing baseball, his dream is to work in the front office for a Major League Baseball team.

Because of his uncle, Walters has had baseball opportunities most fans never get. He met Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer David Ortiz and his favorite player Joc Pederson. The Kingwood Park junior has been on the field before games and he has seen what goes on behindthe-scenes.

He attended all three of the Astros’ home games against the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series with his cousin Ethan Friedman.

His mom still teases him that he and Ethan jinxed the Dodgers in Game 5. After the Dodgers took an early 3-0 lead, the boys went to buy ice cream. They walked around the concourse yelling excitedly about the Dodgers. The Astros came back to win 13-12 in 10 innings.

Despite the outcome, the 5½ hour game is still the most memorable game Walters has ever watched.

“I remember not sitting down at all during the game and feeling a roller coaster of emotions as the score kept flip-flopping,” Walters said. “It was absolutely crazy.”

Walters’s end goal is to win a ring in the Major Leagues like his uncle won with the 2020 Dodgers.

“That’s definitely something that motivates me to continue to learn the game,” Walters said.

For now, Walters is happy continuing to watch, play and coach baseball at every opportunity. His main focus is on trying to lift his 9-year-old Giants to a league title, which just may come with a ring.

Harrison Walters waves home Bowen Gray during a rec game at Ed Rinehart Park in New Caney. Photo by Sydney Ortiz.

Harrison takes a picture with his uncle Andrew Friedman during the 2017 World Series. Friedman is the President of Baseball Operation for the Dodgers. Photo submitted by Beth Friedman Walters.

Junior Harrison Walters talks to Bowen Gray during a pitching change on March 28 at Ed Rinehart Park in New Caney. Walters started helping coach the team at the beginning of the spring. Photo by Sydney Ortiz.

District play continues in softball, baseball

The boys use bubble guns in the dugout as they wait to celebrate their latest run against Porter on March 19. The celebratory tradition started last season.

Sophomore Hiana Ibarra high fives her coaches as she gets introduced before the game against Nacogdoches on March 19. Photo by Emily McKithern.

Senior Andrew Hennings finishes his pregame warmups. Hennings is a threeyear letterman and two-year team captain. He threw a no-hitter early in the season. Photo by Emily McKithern.

Senior Michael Santiago heads back to first base after leading off in the game against Porter on March 19. Photo by Emily McKithern.

Senior Taylor Crawford hits a ptich against Nacogdoches on March 19. Photo by Emily McKithern.

Senior Bailey Kee and Keilee Brown head back to the dugout after scoring against Dayton on April 2. Photo by Jordan Hutchinson.

Photo by Emily McKithern.

Kingwood

Soccer seasons end in playoffs

By Arleigh Doehring and Maya Ortiz

The girls and boys soccer teams both clinched district titles and took the top seed into the playoffs.

The boys reached the Regional Semifinals before falling, 4-1, to West Mesquite. It was the deepest playoff run for the boys since they lost in the 2021 State Finals.

The girls defeated Whitehouse in the first round of the playoffs before losing to McKinney North, 2-1, in the Area round.

BOYS DISTRICT 16-5A AWARDS

MVP

Evan Jimerson, 12

Co-Defensive Player of the Year

Finn Bruce, 12

Utility Player of the Year

Grant Jimerson, 11

Coach of the Year

Christian Boehm

All-District 1st Team

Ronan Flaherty, 10

Chase Bennett, 11

Noah Laughlin, 10

Blake Lawson, 11

Evan Jimerson, 12

Finn Bruce, 12

Luke Cavallo, 12

Grant Jimerson, 11

All-District 2nd Team

Alex Hartnett, 11

Jonathan West, 11

Mason Sagendorph, 11

Kye Wehby, 9

Ethan Segura, 10

All-District

Honorable Mention

Andre Palomera, 11

Pierce Buchan, 10

Bryan Castillo, 10

Academic All-State

Evan Jimerson

Finn Bruce

Luke Cavallo

Senior defender Sienna Morales dribbles the ball against Whitehouse on March 26. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Senior Evan Jimerson goes for a steal against Longview. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

The boys team celebrates with coach Christian Boehm after reaching the regional semifinals. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

As McKinney North players celebrate, junior Flavia Salima Marcano falls to her knee as the final buzzer sounds in the Area playoffs.

Park lost 2-1. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Senior Izzy Espinosa cries as she hugs senior Victoria Jaimes after the Panthers were eliminated by McKinney North, 2-1, on March 29. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Freshman center back Sydney Ortiz fights to clear the ball after a McKinney North counter attack. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Senior Finn Bruce clears the ball on a free kick in Kingwood Park’s defensive third of the field.

Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Abshire’s perseverance pays off

By Krisslyn Boyles Staff Writer

Each time senior Eva Abshire took a break from sports, she had to find a new perspective on her life.

Over the years, Abshire sustained four broken fingers, broke her foot twice, had reconstructive elbow surgery, had knee surgery, a concussion and stress fractures in both shins from doing gymnastics and track.

“I learned that your value isn’t in your sports because I placed a lot of my worth in my athletic ability and things like that. And when it’s literally stripped away from you… you learn a lot more about yourself because you’re not so involved in your sport,” Abshire said.

Going through injuries can take a mental and physical toll on an athlete. After Abshire’s elbow reconstruction surgery freshman year, she had to be out for a year from her sports and other physical activities. When she was cleared to compete, she had to relearn the sport of gymnastics and try to catch up to everyone else.

“One of the hardest parts of injuries was being okay with not being even close [athletically] to where I was supposed to be,” Abshire said. “I think the mental side of it was the hardest.”

Even with going through injury after injury, Abshire had support from her parents. They took her to her appointments, and her coaches encouraged her.

During Abshire’s freshman, sophomore, and most of her junior year, she went to gymnastics practice four hours a day, six days a week. During track season, she practiced an additional hour and a half. This left little time for schoolwork, which caused her to lose essential sleep.

“I was falling asleep in class,” Abshire said. “That’s why I was always injured. Well, that’s my belief of why I was always injured, because my body

never had enough time to heal.”

Abshire, who takes four advanced-level classes this year, is ranked in the Top 10 of the senior class.

“She is a very serious person,” said track coach Kim Ackerman, who is also Abshire’s aunt. “She’s focused on school, she wants to be very professional and successful. She has her priorities straight.”

When Abshire started doing gymnastics, it became the love of her life. For 13 years, she showed up with the excitement of learning something new everyday.

“There’s always a new skill to get,” Abshire said. “Flipping is also just so fun – being able to do all these flips all day. One thing I loved about it, I just physically felt strong. Also the community, I mean, I saw my coach more than I saw my parents.”

Abshire added track to her schedule in seventh grade and juggled both until her junior year when she decided to focus on gymnastics. Eventually knee surgery was required.

Since the recovery time for her knee was so long, Abshire did not have time to rehab her knee, return to gymnastics training and be ready for gymnastics season. She instead decided to rehab her knee and return to track, where she is a hurdles specialist.

Ackerman was very excited to see Abshire return to track, and Abshire’s hard work paid off. She won the district title in the 100 and 300 hurdles, while helping the 4x400 relay team win silver.

She helped lift the team to the District Championship.

Abshire kept a positive perspective even while struggling to keep up with classes, rehabilitation and a busy training schedule.

“It definitely made me stronger in my faith through my injury because I actually had time to step away and focus on that,” Abshire said. “Realizing that I’m more than my sport, that was the main thing because my sport was my everything.”

Senior

Eva Abshire celebrates the team’s district championship after winning two golds and a silver medal at the meet. Photos by Precious Solomon-Rhor.

Sophomore Cory Case putts during practice at Kingwood Country Club. He has been swinging a golf club since he was 4 years old. Photo by James Pham

Smooth swing, cool composure set Cory Case apart

By Luke Cavallo Staff Writer

Sophomore Cory Case spent much of his early childhood on the golf course, watching his father play. It did not take long for him to pick up the clubs himself. Case started playing at the age of 4, and joined his first club golf team at the age of 9. Golf has been a major part of his life ever since.

Case’s commitment to the sport has seen him participate in national tournaments from California to Missouri as a part of the American Junior Golf Association. These large tournaments attract college recruiters and allow athletes to showcase their skills for ratings. Case has the goal of playing golf at a D1 school, and participating in such competitions are a necessary step in proving merit as a golfer.

“I want to go to a D1 college, I

think that would be a lot of fun,” Case said. “I’ve been looking around and yeah, that’s my biggest goal so far and it goes from there. I would love to play professionally if I had the opportunity.”

Case also represents the school as a member of the golf tournament team, along with senior Kasen Ferguson, junior Cole Mayon, junior Wyatt Rodriguez and sophomore Seth Ferguson. Case has broken school records and racked up multiple top five tournament finishes. His coaches Angela Chancellor and Jason Watson have hopes that Case may go on to break all of the school records and ultimately inspire the team to success at State.

“We want to win State,” Chancellor said. “And we think Cory’s the ticket. I don’t even think it’s entered his mind about being an individual champion. It’s more or less: ‘Let’s get our team there.’” With the wealth of experience

Boys and girls advance to Regional Championships

Girls Regional Championship

April 17 and 18 at Rockwall

Golf and Athletic Club

Players competing:

Senior Leah Torres

Senior Kaylie Smith

Sophomore Madysen Rector

Senior Grace Darcy

Freshman Jamie Ingalls

that Case has amassed comes maturity on the golf course beyond his years. Chancellor said that Case never lets mistakes rattle him. He accepts them and moves on.

“When he walks off the green you have no idea if he just made a bogey or double bogey, birdie or an eagle,” Chancellor said.

Boys Regional Championship

April 15 and 16 at Rockwall

Golf and Athletic Club

Players competing:

Sophomore Cory Case

Junior Cole Mayon

Sophomore Seth Ferguson

Senior Kasen Ferguson

Junior Wyatt Rodriguez

Alternate: Senior JD McComb

“You don’t know because of his demeanor. He carries himself the same all the time, even keel.”

That composure is something that Case has had to develop over time.

“You can’t get frustrated at yourself,” Case said. “You have to take time and you have to discipline yourself to go out there and

practice, even if you don’t want to. But that’s how you get better over time and it’s going to take a long time.”

During Case’s eighth grade year, he began to feel bored with golf. He took a break that lasted through the summer, trying out other sports and taking time off for the first time since he was 9.

Joining the school team in his freshman year reignited Case’s passion for the sport, in large part because of friendships that he has made with his teammates.

Kasen Ferguson is the lone senior in the five-man tournament team and neighbors with Case. The two golfers have known each other for many years. They took classes with the same instructors as kids. Ferguson said that Case has taught him a lot about his swing, and that the chemistry within the team is vital.

“Trusting that your teammates are going to get the job done [allows you to have] the freed up mentality,” Ferguson said. “You can go out and just play golf and not have any tension to shoot good, it definitely makes your team play better as a whole.”

Chancellor said that the members of the tournament team have become inseparable, spending time on the course together, on the golf simulator, and even having dinner at each other’s houses.

“If you find one, you usually find the other four,” Chancellor said. “They trust each other. There’s not any animosity over this one’s going to beat the other. They just play well.”

Sprinters work together, push each other to succeed

By Tricia Darcy Staff Writer

Track and field continues to rely on athletes who are in the offseason of other sports, however, many boys made track their top priority this past year.

Senior Wyatt May competed in track his freshman year but decided to quit after making the varsity baseball team his sophomore year. After his junior season of baseball, May decided to quit baseball and refocus on track.

“I think that the most upsetting thing to me is that I didn’t spend more time on track,” said May, who competed in the 4x100, 4x200 and the 200m at the District Meet. “I wish I would have put more focus and effort into it in earlier years.”

Many athletes in the sport have built strong connections through the events they competed. The boys in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays built a connection that allowed them to have better races. The teams often consisted of May, Ryder Grabner, Aaron Andrews, Da’shaun Martin, Ky’ell Sheffield and Legion Chappell.

The sprinters learned from and pushed each other through tough races.

“Wyatt, he gave me a lot of confidence and motivation because I never did the relay,” Martin said. “When he introduced it to me and taught me how to do it, it was pretty easy.”

Martin, who also played football, said he benefited from being on the track team and competing in other sports. Football and track coach James Showers influenced many of the sprinters on the track team.

“I really [ran] for Coach Showers because I didn’t want to leave him,” Martin said. “I told him I wasn’t doing it after 11th grade and I didn’t want to let him down.”

The biggest transition some sprinters face when switching to track is adjusting to the mental challenge and pressure of competing in fast-paced events. May found what worked for him and tried to help his teammates.

“You always have to relax your mind and try not to think about anything else but getting to the finish line because at the end of the day, that’s all that matters,” May said.

Senior Wyatt May hands off the baton to junior Aaron Andrews in the 4x200 at the District Meet at Turner Stadium. The team finished third with a time of 1:31.06. Photo by James Pham.

Sophomore Cory Case watches his shot during the District Meet at Kingwood Country Club. Photo by Leah Torres.

Lifesaving skills a smart addition to graduation

According to the National Heart Association, 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest each year. It’s vital for people to know how to help those having a heart attack.

It’s important for schools to offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training to all students.

Texas requires students to undergo CPR training once between grades seven through 12 in order to graduate. Humble ISD decided to administer the state-required trainings in a student’s senior year.

Fifty-five percent of employees in corporate offices, hospitality, education, industry and labor are unable to get CPR and AED training from their employer, according to the National Heart Association. Texas law requiring these trainings as a graduation requirement is beneficial because it allows all Texas students to have the skills to possibly save someone’s life.

This year, seniors watched a CPR demonstration at their senior meeting on March 5. After the demonstration, all students in at-

tendance were required to practice while being supervised by HOSA students or staff members.

A month later, students were trained on tourniquet application, CPR and AED techniques in their English classes. If seniors did not have English class, they had to complete the training during flex lunch in the lower LGI.

Students practiced the application in small groups. A simple knowledge of the processes was valued over the ability to perform the life-saving skills.

Some may say that the training is not detailed enough to be practical, however, any training is better than none. Learning how to tie a tourniquet, and the basics of CPR and AED could be the difference between life and death.

While it would be beneficial for the school to offer a more in-depth training session for students, requiring a basic training is a practical solution for schools. To promote health safety education, the district should also offer an in-depth optional certification for anyone who may be interested.

WHAT’S HOT?

Prom. A night at Minute Maid we will never forget.

Eclipse. The solar system has aligned so don’t forget your glasses.

Boat races. Epic win or a Titanic finish, either way it’s always fun.

Final month of school. Home stretch so don’t get discouraged.

TikTok inside jokes. Some will call it brain rot but it’s always fun to be in the know.

Denim. A timeless look however you wear it. New music releases. Everyone’s putting out new and amazing music.

WHAT’S NOT?

State tests. Never fails to be mind-numbing and long.

Allergies. Everyone’s getting sick in one way or another.

By Shelby Townsend

FAFSA. The whole system is a mess and they’re not being generous either. No more late arrivals. Feels like we’ve been robbed of some deserved sleep.

Karma: JoJo Siwa. A lot going on and the songs unfortunately stuck in our heads.

Kung Fu Panda 4. Feels unnecessary to change the lore so much.

Spring cleaning. Too much to do, so little time.

Seniors Ryan Johnson and Raymond DeSouza Jr. work on learning how to use AED during fifth period English class. Photo by Ana La Rosa Grillo.

Journey to America opens new world

When I was little, I thought the United States was in the heavens. The altitude of planes that traveled in the sky caused a misconception that I dispelled as I grew older. I learned that the United States is actually located on the North American continent, on Earth, and that planes are just a mode of transportation that allows us to travel. It may seem silly now, but as a kid, I was convinced.

By

Everything I watched on television about the United States made me think of it as a fantasy land. It rained cotton, there were people with white skin, an old man that rode flying horses and there were colorful lights.

Fast forward to when I was 14. Our immigration process concluded and we were packing to relocate. It occurred to me that this was actually happening, we were traveling abroad. I lived in Nigeria my entire life and had never been to any other country, so you could imagine the excitement I felt. The day of our flight dawned and there I was at the airport with my hair intricately braided and tucked behind my ears, in a matching burgundy T-shirt that was emblazoned with the American flag and underneath printed, “In

God we trust” just like the rest of my family. “This is it,” I thought. In July 2021, I came to the USA. My family was the only family on my mother’s side that didn’t reside in the US; and being family-oriented, it was bound to happen sooner or later. We landed in Houston and although it was similar to the city I resided in Nigeria, it was noticeably quieter. I got enrolled in school and was amazed by the differences in the educational systems. From wearing casual clothes to staying indoors all day, I didn’t know what surprised me most. In Nigeria, students are required to wear uniforms. Teachers walk to classes from their office, while students stay in the classrooms with assigned class prefects to keep order. Phones aren’t allowed on school grounds at all, interpersonal relationships between teachers and students are pretty

much non-existent and schools are structured at least 30% outdoors. Everything was foreign to me. The societal norms were very different but I slowly began to conform. I learned to stop bowing when I greet and to start making eye contact when I speak, but even on top of my efforts to fit in, I couldn’t escape the stereotypes. Upon hearing my Afrocentric accent, people automatically assumed I was dumb. It brought me so much unwanted attention and I noticed how people would talk to me like I was a kindergartener, or try to uncharacteristically enunciate. I felt patronized with the unsolicited assistance they would offer at times but I wasn’t one to call people out. The most asked question I’ve gotten upon coming to America is how I learned to speak English so fast. This was a question that used

to be innocuous but having had to answer it a whole bunch of times, I’ve grown bored, most especially when it’s not out of curiosity but ridicule. Nigerians speak English and for most of us, it’s our first language. English was introduced to Nigeria during British colonialism, and it’s become an integral part of our daily lives. The widespread use of the English language in Nigeria has made it the de facto official language that bridges the language barrier since Nigeria is a diverse and multilingual country with more than 500 languages spoken.

There are lots of discrepancies between Nigeria and the US that I have learned to cope with, being a Nigerian in the United States; but regardless, it will forever remain one of the best things that has ever happened to me. There is a Nigerian Pidgin saying that “Naija no dey carry last” which translates to Nigerians strive to always be on top. We are known for our resilience, and dedication and God couldn’t bless me more, putting me in the greatest country in the entire world, a place that would allow me to ascend.

I am living the American dream, and every time I remember that, my heart floods with gratitude. Coming to America is a story widely told in multiple ways and mine is yet another; but I hope one day I will be able to tell the story “I went to America” with a radiant smile on my face to people brimming with hope.

Awareness of international politics is critical for our future

John Wick franchise continues to stand out

Unrealistic beauty standards destroy true meaning of beauty

Victoria Anisi

On her first day in America, Victoria Anisi (fourth from the left) enjoys a party with family. Anisi left Nigeria at the age of 14. Photo submitted by Victoria Anisi.

Sculpture helps create artistic ambition

When I tell people I’m an artist they usually think of paintings and drawings. But an artist can be so much more than those things. Art is diverse and unique to the individual.

drawings and paintings at this point I was hesitant to join those classes because I didn’t want to be forced to make realistic art.

By Ana La Rosa Grillo

I often feel like the art I make is seen as much more niche than it should be. As a sculptor I work with clay but not on a wheel. I find myself having to be very specific when I talk about what kind of art I make.

Although I do occasionally paint and draw (two things that got me into art to begin with), I’m a very different kind of artist.

I began sculpting my sophomore year. It was interesting and new, and despite having only done

I found clay to be very forgiving of your mistakes, which cannot be said for other mediums (mediums being the materials used to make a work of art). I was set on learning everything for myself, which led me to pick things up very easily. The downside of this being I felt I knew better than the teacher and decided against using certain techniques that would prevent my piece from breaking in the kiln (an oven finished clay pieces are put into so that they are less fragile).

There’s nothing more heartbreaking than walking into class and hearing that your piece didn’t survive the kiln. So much can go wrong; and if you aren’t careful during the building process the kiln may destroy weeks if not months of hard work.

I learned from my mistakes very

quickly and soon went onto more challenging pieces. My art usually gets noticed for its size and detail. My first real piece was a dragon head the size of a large laptop. I like to say this was the piece that taught me the most. I’m a very hands-on learner, especially when it comes to art. There’s not much that can be said to me without me having to verify it first hand.

It wasn’t perfect. And although that bothered me I had to come to terms with the fact that nothing will be.

There’s a certain aspect of clay that no one can really teach you. You have to form an understanding of its limits and boundaries, while still having the confidence to push them.

No one really thought I could pull off making that dragon head, at least not in the way I had envisioned it. But I did, because I pushed the boundaries of what I could create.

And that is what sculpture means to me.

Pushing boundaries. Creating the unexpected. Taking a vision and making it a reality in such a tangible form.

No other medium can achieve that effect. And the satisfaction I get from achieving what I had set my mind to is a feeling unmatched by anything else.

I love the sense of pride I have over my sculptures regardless of if they’re perfect or not, because I know what it took to make it, and that remains a mystery to most.

Sculpture is something of a forgotten art form. It’s so much more than vases and mugs, and I prove that through every piece I make because I create art meant to be noticed and appreciated. And by doing so I hope that people realize that art can be more than what they think it is.

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 reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may –and should – coach and discuss content during the writing process.

Emerson Harris, Ramiro Hernandez, Ana La Rosa Grillo, Garrison Moritz, Shelby Townsend, Evelyn

Vela-West, Dannika Melendez Mateo, Trenten Estes, Jada Cassidy, Morgen Dozier, Maddie Glenn, Leah Torres, Luke Cavallo, Cas Magee, Ace Richards, Avery Steinke, Arleigh Doehring, Jordan Hutchinson, Sydney Ortiz, Victoria Anisi, Bishop Scott, Tricia Darcy.

Adviser: Megan Ortiz

Cover Photo: During first period, juniors Chase Bennett and Major Dalby steer their boat during the physics races in the natatorium. Physics students built cardboard boats outside of class and then tested their buoyancy during races on April 3. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of KP Media is determined by and reflects only the views of the student 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 address 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.

See the entire staff editorial policy at KPTimes. com

Social studies instructional coach Alan Prather congratulates history teacher Eric Coovert after Coovert was named Teacher of the Year Jan. 2023. The two worked closely this year as Prather helped teach Coovert’s classes due to Coovert’s cancer treatments. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Prather adds special touch to lessons

By Maya Ortiz Editor-in-Chief

Instructional coach

Alan Prather once asked the AP European History class he was teaching what expression they thought the Mona Lisa held.

After the class went around sharing their opinions, Prather informed the class that her expression is a mirror of the viewer’s current emotional state.

I cannot recall what I responded in class that day, but if I were to hear that lesson again for the first time I can only imagine I would respond with a positive emotion.

One year ago, I knew Prather as the man whose

job was to randomly inspect coach Eric Coovert’s classroom. Now, Prather is an Ortiz household name.

Scheduling conflicts led me to take Coovert’s AP European History class. When it was announced Prather would be sharing Coovert’s teacher duties, I was more than skeptical.

The first time I heard Prather teach, that skepticism went away.

He has worked two jobs for the majority of this year. For weeks, he could be seen scootering from Coovert’s class to his office due to injury. He never let the stress of work or life hinder his impact in the classroom.

A good teacher makes you care about the subject.

Prather makes his students care about history on another continent, but he also makes sure they know he cares about them. He starts off class with “good things,” dedicating time to stay updated on his students’ lives. The significance of this daily tradition can be seen in the diffusion of Prather’s famed “excited” reaction – affectionately named by students “the Mr. Prather.”

I have done my fair share of keeping quiet and absorbing information during many high school classes. The supportive environment that Prather creates encourages me to have academic discussions with my peers and actively participate in the class.

Prather encourages my confidence. Whether it’s the jokes about my nerdery or engaging with me about the subject matter, he builds confidence in my knowledge and myself overall.

Prather’s lessons haunt my family and friends before school, during lunch and at the dinner table. He captivates me with each lesson, and I cannot help but share that. My family and friends may say they know more about Frederick the Great than they really need to, but I think we are all better after learning Prather’s lessons.

I know I am.

Visit KPTimes.com to reach teacher commendations on more than 50 faculty and staff members.

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Fast Facts about Prather

College: Sam Houston State University ‘06

Favorite Video Game: Zelda and Golden Eye

Favorite Music Artist: The Beatles and Vampire Weekend

Favorite Childhood Book: Lord of the Rings

Favorite TV Show: “The Simpsons” and “The Office”

Favorite Chip: Voodoo Zapp’s

Favorite Fictional Universe: Star Wars

Favorite High School Class: English 3

Favorite Art Piece: The Fighting Temeraire, tugged to her last berth to be broken up, 1883

Favorite Home Cooked Meal: Lasagna

Favorite Holiday: Halloween

Favorite Supreme Court Case to Teach: Schenck v. United States

Favorite Carnival Food: Corn dogs