Kingwood Park Times, Octoer 2023

Kingwood Park

TIMES October 2023 Volume 10, Issue 2 Kingwood, Texas 77339

STAYING RELENTLESS Cancer couldn’t stop Eric Coovert from teaching and coaching, Pages 12-13

INSIDE Two months into advisory, students have mixed reactions.............page 2 Class of 2025 sets new standard in school spirit, fundraising...... page 11 Boys cross country team prepares for return trip to State Meet....page 17

Read more at KPTimes.com Follow us @KPARKmedia

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They said what?

Students talk about topics they would like to hear during advisory.

Collin Dunlap, 11, and Diego Rodriguez, 10 talk during advisory in fifth period.

“(I’d like a question like) what are actions you’ve done to make someone else’s day better without taking accountability for it?”

Harper Toth, 11 “I’d like a daily check-in because that’s good for other people.”

Nolen Gillium, 9 “(We should talk about) our favorite season and why, and if you get affected by the weather and the change.”

Isabella Mendoza, 10 “I think listening to music is something everybody enjoys, so it would be cool to find out what other people’s favorite genres or artists are.”

Sean Holmes, 12 “We should talk about how can we make the school better.”

Kaely Evans, 10 “I think we should talk about pets.”

Cara Helton, 12

Sadie Brown, 12, Ashlyn Evans, 9, Ava Miller, 9, Estephani Fox Cockborn, 9, participate in a game of telephone during advisory in art teacher Miguel Alvarez’s Art I class. Photos by Jordan Hutchinson.

History teacher Talya Bean laughs with Elayni Hurtado, 10, during advisory on Oct. 20.

Advisory becomes staple on Tuesdays

By Bailey Hall News Editor

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s some students push chairs and couches together to make a circle, one student grabs the stuffed animal for a talking stick. Everybody takes a turn sharing their answers to the assigned questions with even the quietest students taking their turns.

At the start of this year, an advisory was introduced to students on Tuesdays during 5th period. On advisory days, there is no Flex Hour. Instead, there are four lunch shifts with 30 extra minutes of advisory built into 5th period.

The weekly Community Building lesson – more often called “circle time” – has become a staple on Tuesdays in 5th period for students. For some it’s the most uncomfortable 30 minutes of the week, while others embrace the time to listen and share.

“A lot of the kids who are really quiet and reserved,

2 NEWS | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

that’s a time for them to haven’t matured yet. “ have their voice heard and Others have seen the what I like is some of the value of advisory. other kids who may not “You’ve gotta stick down always take it seriously that road of helping each have come to take it more other, helping yourself, seriously and listen to other making sure you’re doing kids,” biology teacher Krisfine, making sure others are ten Lynam said. doing fine,” junior Lucas The reactions of students Pagano said. “That’s pretty have been mixed. While much the goal of circle many miss time -- to Flex Hour improve “That’s pretty and the the mental freedom stability of much the goal to be with the school.” of circle time -friends, atIn the tend tutoripast couple to improve the als or make years, counmental stability seling lesup tests.

“As a sesons were of the school.” nior I don’t rolled out Lucas Pagano, 11 see really during class having a time, either gain from by the it because we’ve been here teacher or by a counselor. for three years already,” A similar variation of this senior JD McComb said. “So was implemented when the having it introduced to us school originally opened as seniors, I feel like there is and was called Den. More really no point in doing it as recently, freshmen particiwe are about to leave. But I pated in P.I.T. (Panthers in can see it’s (good) for freshTraining) instead of Flex man and sophomore classes Hour. P.I.T. lasted anybecause they’re younger and where from six to 18 weeks.

Freshmen spent time in an assigned room all of Flex A. That ended in the fall of 2022.

Now, the new school-wide advisory is used both for the academic lessons and more emotional lessons, without taking away teaching time.

“We were trying to meet the needs of the academic concerns and the socialemotional concerns of kiddos in more of a broadscale setting,” counselor Jenny Van Horn said.

Each week in advisory the lessons are provided to the teachers from the counselors. These lessons are designed to help build a community with each class and with the school. Some are also used for academic reasons. For example, an early lesson was on how and why to pass-fail classes.

“We wanted them to feel comfortable and safe and connected to everyone on the campus and have that sense of belongingness and kind of feel like they’re at home, like with their family,” Van Horn said.

Health science students get hands-on experience All photos by Victoria Anisi Special Contributor Health science Theory and Practical students put their knowledge to the test during a riveting Teen CERT training session at the Harris County Sheriff’s Training Facility. The students honed their emergency response skills, practiced first aid techniques, and learned how to work as a team to address simulated disasters.

Jovani Guevera, 11, and Thanaphol Khonghawang, 12, demonstrate how to utilize a fire extinguisher by putting out a fire.

Juniors Diego Medina and David Gonzalez lead classmates into the search and rescue tower at the Harris County Sheriff’s Training Facility.

Juniors Sunny McDowell and Kendall Lockett leave a smokey area after extinguishing a fire.

Jaxon Garrett, 11, and friends plays games in between sessions.

Brylee Sellers, 11, coordinates victim carry on mock patient.

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | NEWS 3

With more windows and tables for studying, seniors Isabella Lassiter and Logan Black work at a table in the redesigned library. Progress is still being made as the library continues to restock its books and change its look. Photo by Exa Nix.

Library transformation continues

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By Madelyn Glenn Staff Writer

or six months the library was shutdown because of construction. Now that it is open again, changes are evident.

“With the construction and the design, we had to shift some of our bookcases around to make things fit again, and we wanted to keep this space open as visually as possible,” librarian Jessica Castille said.

It’s important to note many of the library’s books remain in boxes, however, students are encouraged to check out those already unpacked and on display. There are no more late fees for returning books late, but students are now only allowed to check out two books at a time instead of the previous five.

“I’m really going to ask that students coming in use this as a study space and not just a hangout space,” Castille said.

Last year, many students used the space to meet with friends or to waste time during flex. This year the space is more open and there are noticeably less tables to avoid this problem.

“I think there’s been more rules

Senior Oscar Nuñez works on schoolwork in the library during fifth period in September.

Behind him sat boxes of books that had yet to be unpacked since school-wide construction impacted the library and the number of bookshelves available. Photo by Grace Darcy.

implemented, so that everybody doesn’t just come here. It’s a lot more quiet this year,” junior Mackenzie Wilkey said.

The few changes already made to the library have made students excited for the upcoming changes. One of the most talked about changes are the windows that spread across the back wall. The room had very small windows prior to the front of the school being renovated.

“My favorite part of the library now

4 NEWS | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

is the windows; it’s refreshing to see the outside after being stuck in school all day,” junior Alexa Grubb said.

Castille has been working with upper-level interior design students and a vendor to redesign the library.

“One of the things over the next couple of years we’re kind of trying to do is modernize our library just a little bit,” Castille said. “We still want printed books and I still want bookshelves.”

Senior Andrea Smith, one of the

students working with Castille, meets with the vendor who helps them to ensure the new design of the library is realistic and accessible. The students, Castille and the vendor usually meet weekly for one to two hours.

The designers are still in the rough draft state, so no official layout has been approved yet, but the hope is to update all furniture within the next few years. Because of budget constraints, this year’s updates may be limited to new bookshelves only. “[In a typical meeting,] we talk about what we want in the library, like goals,” Smith said. “We choose furniture. We talk about what is more efficient for students, as well as staff, and how we can work with what we have – like with the budget – and the limited space.”

While the library is being updated, students have been using the library to study and work on homework during Flex Hour.

“We have a great library space and I appreciate the way students do use it,” said Castille,. “I really hope this year that they take advantage of using the computers that we have that are in here and using this as a quieter study place.”

Impact from Hollywood strike continues

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By Luke Cavallo Staff Writer

ontract conflict within Hollywood remains, along with delays in media production. Popular TV shows, including “Stranger Things” and “Euphoria,” have yet to return to writing and filming.

The Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) started the strike July 14, in response to the refusal of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to grant many aspects of the SAG-AFTRA’s proposed contract during standard contract renegotiations.

Technical theater teacher Courtney Neuwirth earned her BFA in Theater Education from the University of Houston, and as a result of her deep involvement in theater has connections to people that are affected by the contract situation.

She said that in her experience the demands of the unions are fair and that the shift from cable to streaming services has resulted in massive change within the industry.

“I think that as any industry changes, that the standards for paying compensation have to change as well,” Neuwirth said.

“Because of the change that streaming services have brought to the industry, it’s very different.

Depending on what streaming service it’s on, there’s a lot more variables and so their compensation has to reflect that change from one to the other.”

Artwork by Shelby Townsend

The two major features of the contract proposed by the SAGAFTRA are an 11% wage increase in year one, citing inflation as the reason this is necessary, and the guarantee of personal image rights that would prevent production companies from manipulating and using performers’ image through AI, unless given express consent.

The AMPTP stuck on a 5% raise, and did not agree to the imaging clause. Further points of contention include the SAG-AFTRA’s demands for professional hair and makeup consultation on-set, shares of streaming profits for the

performers, increased pensions and health-care, freedom to work during hiatus from production, and compensation for work-related relocation costs.

One of the major fears of union workers is that their work becomes obsolete when AI becomes universally used to create scripts, generate plot points, and even generate the image of performers.

“The possibilities are really endless,” Neuwirth said. “(AI) can be a very useful tool. The issue will become, will (the use of AI) eventually separate from the people?

And that’s not where we want to go. I think that’s how it will be the

Stories Quizzes Photo Galleries Videos Podcasts

most successful: used in conjunction with people rather than as a separate entity and removing that people aspect of it.”

Neuwirth says that the situation has shone a light on smaller film companies, and the ways that they have been able to work with the performers to demonstrate that what they are striking for is achievable.

“When there is something wrong with the system, going through the channels and speaking up about it and contesting for (their) rights is important and achievable,” Neuwirth said. “I stand with the actors and writers.”

Giving back

Newspaper and yearbook staff members spent part of their summer teaching elementary and middle school students writing and photography skills at the KP Summer Media Camp.

Senior Maya Ortiz checks a sports photo out from one of the campers who was shooting a girls soccer practice.

Photo by James Pham.

Senior James Pham checks the settings as one of the younger campers shoots action photos in the big gym during the summer media camp. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Houston Chronicle photojournalist Jason Fochtman talks with a camper at the journalism camp at Kingwood Park.

Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Photojournalism helps Pham find fun in high school

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By Sydney Ortiz Special Contributor

enior James Pham has always thought school should be fun. Pham grew up all over the Houston area. When he moved to Kingwood for his junior year of high school, he decided he was going to finally get involved at school.

“At my first two high schools, I was just going to school and going back home and it was kind of boring,” he said.

Pham always found photography interesting, so it was an easy choice when he saw Kingwood Park had a photojournalism class.

“I always wanted to get into it, but it was just so expensive,” he said. “Just getting decent equipment is almost $1,000, and so I seized the opportunity and joined photojournalism.”

Any chance Pham got to take photos he would. He volunteered to take photos at homecoming, volleyball games and football games. He followed HOSA on a field trip and he took photos of labs and rockets in classrooms. He wanted to learn and have fun.

Pham only stayed in the photojournalism class for a semester before moving onto the yearbook staff. He chose to move classes to get more experience at a quicker pace.

He made an immediate impact on staff by taking on as many assignments as he could. He also asked a lot of questions as he worked to become a better writer, photographer and designer.

“Beyond just work, though, I think he lightened up the classroom,” said Katie Gerbasich, who was last year’s yearbook editorin-chief before graduating in May. “Sometimes we could get very focused so he always found ways to make us laugh.”

Pham said his biggest supporter in his first semester on staff was Gerbasich.

“She made it really fun,” he said.

6 FEATURES | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

Senior James Pham stands on the referee stand prior to the start of the varsity volleyball game against Baytown Sterling on Aug. 22. Pham started shooting sports photos for the yearbook and newspaper staff last year when he moved to Kingwood Park from Bellaire High School. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

“Each time I had a question, she would always help me out and show me.”

Gerbasich became his mentor and shared her four years of journalism knowledge with him. She worked with him throughout the second semester. She also helped answer questions throughout the summer as he prepared to create this year’s book.

“Being able to help James this summer has honestly just given me so much joy,” Gerbasich said.

“You can tell he wants to be the best leader possible through the millions of questions.”

Now, Pham is co-editor-in-chief

with Arleigh Doehring and has taken over the leadership role that helped him so much last year. He hopes to make the class more fun, and he wants to make sure all the yearbook staffers feel proud of the yearbook and themselves when they hand it out in May. “He puts so much effort into trying to get everyone involved and help them be successful on staff that it’s been really fun to watch,” journalism adviser Megan Ortiz said. “He definitely leads like someone who has been in the program for four years. It’s crazy to think he has only been here for a year.”

Winning Work

The newspaper staff brought home 29 awards at the TAJE Fall Fiesta in San Antonio.

Junior Fallon Head smiles at his classmates after earning the only Superior rating in the on-site News Writing competition at the TAJE Fall Fiesta. Head will be competing in the same competition at the national level in Boston next month. Photo

by Sydney Ortiz.

Staff Awards Sweepstakes - 1st Place Print Newspaper (Small School category) - 2nd Place Online News - 2nd Place Yearbook (Books with 0-260 pages) - 1st Place Yearbook editors Arleigh Doehring and Kara O’Hara jump up in celebration when the 2023 Yearbook is announced as 1st place in Best of Show (for books with 0-260 pages) at the Texas Association of Journalism Educator’s Fall Fiesta. It was the first time in school history the yearbook took the top spot. Photo by Sydney Ortiz.

KP Media wins sweepstakes

By Emerson Harris Staff Writer

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fter winning the top award at the state journalism conference early in October, students in the journalism program will fly to Boston to compete in the JEA/NSPA National HS Journalism Convention on Nov. 1.

Two students are already up for three national awards. Senior Maya Ortiz is up for Photojournalist Of The Year, as well as Writer Of The Year. She won Photojournalist of the Year at the last two national conventions.

“I really do enjoy award ceremonies; I’m nervous, though, because I like to win,” Ortiz said. “I’m just excited to hang out with everybody in Boston, which is such a fun city that I’ve never been to.”

Junior Shelby Townsend is up for Cartoon Of The Year. It will be her first time attending the convention.

“I am really proud that I’m up for a national award,” Townsend said. “That is really exciting. I was really surprised when I found out.

I’m also really proud of Maya for being up for national awards. And also just proud of everyone, for us

being able to have the resources to Educators Fall Fiesta in San Antoget there.” nio on Oct. 9. The students won Fifteen students will be attend25 individual awards and all three ing nationals this year. For 10 of publications – newspaper, yearthem, it will be their first time. book and KPTimes.com – placed Each student will compete in a in the top two in the Best of Show national competicompetition. tion while there, For the second “I’m really proud year in a row, as well as attend sessions, meet prothe students also of how far our fessional journalists won first place staff has come in in Sweepstakes, and tour parts of Boston. Junior Falthe past couple of which is awarded lon Head attended for winning the years.” nationals last year most points overKPTimes.com editor Fallon Head, all at Fall Fiesta. where he placed on the journalism program’s in on-site news More than 600 awards over the past two years. writing. students repre“Journalism is sented 60 schools a really big part from across the of my life, so being able to go to state. conventions – state and nationals “My students don’t always see – allows me to get to know people themselves as being among the I wouldn’t otherwise talk to who elite journalism programs in the are also passionate about journalstate,” journalism adviser Megan ism,” Head said. “At nationals Ortiz said. “I can tell them all especially, it’s always fascinating year that I am proud of them and to hear other states’ issues and that what they are doing matters, battles and accomplishments. And but to hear their name called in so I’m really proud of how far our front of everyone else at the state staff has come in the past couple conference really means so much of years.” to them.”

The staff won 29 awards at the Texas Association of Journalism

Individual Awards Maya Ortiz - Infographic (Superior), Photo Portfolio (Superior), Feature Photo (Excellent), Sports Action Photo (Superior), Contrast Photo (Excellent), Convention Photo (Honorable Mention), Reflection Photo (Honorable Mention) Arleigh Doehring - News Photo (Superior), Sports Action Photo (Honorable Mention), Advanced Yearbook Design (Honorable Mention), Taste of San Antonio Photo (Excellent), Lines Photo (Honorable Mention) Fallon Head - Feature Photo (Honorable Mention), News Writing (Superior) Grace Darcy - First-Year Photo (Excellent) Shelby Townsend - News Photo (Excellent) Kaitlyn Sitton - Marketing (Superior), Newspaper Design (Excellent) James Pham - Beginning Yearbook Design (Excellent) Sydney Ortiz - Taste of San Antonio Photo (Superior), Contrast Photo (Superior) Maddie Glenn - Taste of San Antonio Photo (Excellent) Morgen Dozier - Feature Photo (Superior) Victoria Anisi - First-Year Photo (Honorable Mention) Victoria Anisi, Amy Helton, Bella Barajas & Precious Solomon-Rhor - Public Service Announcement Video (Excellent)

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | FEATURES 7

O’Bryant brings changes to JROTC

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By Luke Cavallo Staff Writer

irst Sergeant Donny O’Bryant grew up in a threeroom house in Huntsville as the oldest of seven children. His first residence with running water did not come until he joined the army, where he was grateful to be provided with three meals a day and access to education.

Now the Air Force ROTC instructor, O’Bryant loves to advocate for students to follow a similar path, often beginning with JROTC. “I didn’t come here to change the program,” O’Bryant said. “I just came here to teach discipline and to help them to have pride in being a part of the JROTC. I want them to be proud to be in JROTC because I know what the military has done for me.”

The AFJROTC program was left lacking instructors entering into this school year, following the departure of both teachers who had formerly ran the program.

O’Bryant accepted the position of Senior Air Force Instructor, returning to Humble ISD after seven years of retirement and securing the continuation of the program.

“So they called me out of retirement to ask me to take over Kingwood Park, and my answer was Yes. What a great opportunity,” O’Bryant said.

The 67-year-old O’Bryant inherited 65 cadets and immediately made noticeable changes.

“Since the first time O’Bryant has been here, we have modernized,” Cadet Commander David Lazarte, a senior, said. “That’s the best way to put it. We got new computers, new monitors, a whole new room.”

O’Bryant’s ability to make instant improvements comes from his experience. He served 22 years in the United States Army, starting straight after graduating from high school in Huntsville. During O’Bryant’s time in the service, he worked toward multiple degrees,

First Sergeant Donny O’Bryant talks with cadets in the commons before school on Oct. 17. He was in retirement for seven years before arriving at Kingwood Park to lead the JROTC program in August. He previously taught at Summer Creek High School. Photo By Fallon Head.

funded by the U.S. military. so doing that, seven years, I got Following his career in the a chance to start a church from Army, O’Bryant found work as a scratch.”

JROTC instructor at Conroe High One of O’Bryant’s core phiSchool and Summer Creek High losophies of instructing JROTC School, as well as programs is a teaching role at his passionate “I’m all about Kingwood Lone adherence to the Star College. guiding creeds discipline.

During his of the U.S. seven years of People try to buy military and the retirement from various JROTC discipline, but the military creeds. Plastered and teaching, on the wall of you can’t buy O’Bryant founded O’Bryant’s classdiscipline. You the Greater Faith room is a poster Church and his of the Air Force earn discipline” own business JROTC Creed.

First Sergeant Donny O’Bryant – WIN (What’s He emphasizImportant Now) es in particular Counseling Serthe line, “I will vices. always conduct “You finish your occupation and myself to bring credit to my famthen you get to start your vocaily, school, corps of cadets, comtion,” O’Bryant said. “Vocation munity, and to myself.” is what you do for the Lord. And O’Bryant draws a compari-

8 FEATURE | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

son between that creed and the Apostles’ Creed, recognizing the overlap in values of responsibility to yourself and those around you.

O’Bryant said that the character trait that allows students and instructors alike to fulfill this promise is discipline.

“I’m all about discipline,” O’Bryant said. “People try to buy discipline, but you can’t buy discipline. You earn discipline.”

The cadets noticed that focus immediately.

“The discipline was lacking,” Lazarte said. “The discipline was not there at all, to be honest, and now that it is, it’s starting to run a lot smoother. People listen.”

O’Bryant has worked to instill this value in his cadets through drill practice, ceremonies, uniforms, conduct and attention to detail.

Under O’Bryant, every aspect of the program has been streamlined. Cadet First Lieutenant Aubrey Seiler, 11, said the most important lesson that he has taken from O’Bryant’s instruction is to be efficient in everything you do, as well as accepting responsibility.

This includes cadets taking care of uniforms, maintaining the database, and teaching lessons.

“We’re learning so much more about leadership than we ever were before,” Lazarte said.

AFJROTC cadets study a diverse range of topics, from leadership to world history to economics, as well as interpersonal skills.

O’Bryant aims to ensure that his cadets gain more from AFJROTC than drill experience. He works to make them well-rounded and prepared for life after high school.

“I feel like I’d be doing (O’Bryant) a disservice if I don’t mention how he’s very people oriented,” Seiler said. “He wants all of us to look out for our people and check up on people,which is really good when it comes to making sure our people are taken care of.”

Humans of KPARK series

MEET THE ARTIST

Freshman Elijah Vasquez plays the baritone in the band warm-up during fifth period on Sept. 6.

Vasquez can play a wide range of band and orchestra instruments. Photo by Ana La Rosa Grillo

Vasquez follows family’s path into music

By Preston Carpenter Special Contributor

Freshman Elijah Vasquez’s passion for music started early.

“My dad taught me how to buzz in a brass mouthpiece when I was 5,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez plays baritone in the band, however, that isn’t the only instrument he is capable of playing.

“I know all brass instruments, and the flute, cello, keyboard, drum kit and harmonica,” Vasquez said.

His love for music has been supported by his family who all know how to play instruments.

“My dad plays bass trombone, my mom plays the flute, and my little sister plays the french Elijah Vasquez horn,” Vasquez said.

His family has been playing music for three generations.

This year, Vasquez enjoyed participating in the band’s show Anthems of the Eras. ”It is the most creative show I’ve seen,” he said.

Vasquez has enjoyed how the band director Breanna Osbourn has helped him grow in his musical skills.

“She has a different way of teaching,” he said. “She gets excited when we do something good.”

“A Classic Memory”by Evelyn Brenes, 10

Special memory with dad inspires award-winning art

By Ana La Rosa Grillo Staff Writer The piece “A Classic Memory” by sophomore Evelyn Brenes was one of only eight in the district chosen to represent Humble ISD at the TASA/TASB conference in September.

Q: Can you tell me more about the art competition that you entered into?

A: I’ve never joined this art competition before. And my art teacher thought it would be like a good opportunity for me.

Q: What kind of artwork did you submit?

A: I submitted a Evelyn Brenes colored pencil, like surrealism piece, with a watercolor kind of background.

Q: What inspired your piece?

A: What inspired this piece was a memory of me and my dad and my little sister, because we would go to this lake that was by her house, and we would always go during the sunsets and there would be ducks.

Q: What was the most challenging part of working on your piece?

A: The most challenging was to finish it by the deadline, because I only had a week to do it.

Q: Did your piece go as planned?

A: It did until I got the background started and I felt like I messed it up, but I kind of fixed it.

Q: Would you do anything different with it if you could?

A: I would definitely fix the water. I would like to make it look more smooth.

Q: What was your favorite part about your piece?

A: Definitely the duck and like doing all the feathers.

Q: Why did you choose the name of classical memory?

A: Because it’s just such a classic cliché memory to have to feed ducks at the pond.

Q: How do you hope that people kind of react to that?

A: I do wish they could see how it’s really close to my heart and it’s like a nice memory that I always remember.

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | FEATURE 9

Senior Maci Heffernan pauses in the splits during the homecoming football game against Porter on Sept. 8. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Heffernan dances her way through senior year

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By Emerson Harris Staff Writer

enior Maci Heffernan has been dancing since she was 3 years old. Now, she is one of the Senior Captains of the Silver Stars. But being a Silver Star isn’t all that easy.

“We have practice every day until 5 during football season,” Heffernan said. “We have to do football player posters and sister gifts on top of our homework. So it teaches you time management skills for the future.”

For Heffernan, becoming a Silver Star meant she had a community of girls who became family.

“I love being a Silver Star because it means that I get to meet all these wonderful girls throughout the year and I get to form lifelong bonds with them,” she said. “You’re with the team for a long time.

We do a lot of extra things like our company sleepover, Sum-

mer Olympics and we go on trips together.”

Even though she is a Silver Star, Heffernan used to dance outside of school as well. This year, she is taking a break from it to relieve some pressure. Heffernan has started spending her extra time focusing on her lifelong love of agriculture.

“I took a step back because I wanted to focus more on [agriculture classes] since that’s what I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life,” Heffernan said. “I also wanted to focus on college and enjoy the year without being overwhelmed with stress.”

Heffernan transferred schools after her freshman year at Atascocita High School. In her sophomore year, she met Cyndi Vaughn, the head drill team instructor, who still inspires her to this day.

“Miss Vaughn has been the best,” Heffernan said. “She pushes me to my best ability and always makes sure that I’m bettering myself for

10 FEATURE | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

later on.”

Vaughn has been the Silver Stars director for more than 15 years. She has overseen Heffernan throughout her time on the team.

“She came here her sophomore year and she kind of just jumped into the process of our team,” Vaughn said. “She was also very involved in FFA and she was able to just step in and handle both of those programs without a lot of questions. So it’s been really rewarding to watch her be able to work on time management and be able to stay involved in both activities and give 100 percent.”

By becoming a Senior Captain this year, Heffernan and Vaughn have developed an even tighter bond.

“I’m just really proud of her,” Vaughn said. “She’s always come to me. I’ve always known her as a really incredible dancer. So being able to watch her perform, it just makes me feel very, very good.”

After watching their daughter on the sidelines her whole life, Heffernan’s parents take great pride in her accomplishments.

“She is very independent, well rounded, and knows how to set goals and accomplish them,” said Amy Heffernan, Maci’s mom. “We are so proud of all the things Maci juggles on her plate and successfully completes. We will of course miss having her at home every day but we are so excited for her to embrace college life.”

Amy Heffernan said she admires her daughter’s passion and dedication to dance. Now, she watches her teach and mentor girls who were once the age she was when she started dancing.

“I see Maci helping others with skills and encouragement,” Amy Heffernan said. “But what I love the most is watching the young dancers look up to Maci just like she used to look up to the teenage girls in the dance world.”

‘ONLY THE BEST’ Class of 2025 sets a new standard of how to raise money and increase camaraderie.

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By Shelby Townsend Staff Writer

he gym is filled to the brim with cheers for their classmates competing in a human pyramid contest. No one is screaming louder than the Class of 2025 as they claim victory during a pep rally as freshmen. But that was just the beginning of a successful future for the now junior class.

“The second pep rally of our high school career, we won the spirit stick,” junior class president Wells Kenny said. “I think that sort of said Kingwood Park was not ready for the Class of 2025.”

Kenny and the other class officers had a clear goal from the moment they stepped onto campus freshman year: raise a ton of spirit and money for their grade. They haven’t disappointed, raising around $13,000 by the start of the current school year setting an unheard of precedent at Kingwood Park.

“I hold the other classes to their [Class of 2025] standards,” junior class sponsor Pam Workman said.

“You know, just to have that energy, to care about your class and your peers, and to work hard for them, to be those leaders.”

The current junior class set high standards right off the bat freshman year. When the Hawaiianthemed pep rally rolled around in August 2021, they were busy selling leis and winning the spirit stick.

They’ve continued selling spirit items throughout the years. But that’s not all they’ve accomplished.

“I think one of the biggest things we’ve done is Beefcake last year.

That was an absolute hit,” junior class vice president Courtney Daniel said. “It was kind of our class’s little brainchild. We actually handed that down to the sophomores, they’re going to host it this year, so I think we started a little tradition there.”

Beefcake is a men’s volleyball competition that was organized by

Junior Simon Perry table surfs during the pep rally in August. The juniors won the competition. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

the Class of 2025 last year and was The junior section at pep rallies a raging success. It not only generis loud and passionate, screaming ated a good amount of profit, but a their guts out when it comes time crazy amount of spirit. for their turn during the “We are!

“We have a large focus on the inKPark!” spirit contest. A new thing volvement of our students,” Kenny they’ve introduced at the past two said. “We’ve learned that with a lot pep rallies is turning their back on of engagement, the underclassyou get a lot of men when it “I hold the other comes time excitement.”

They’ve also for their turns, classes to their made money to standards - just to pretending through more not listen. stereotypical ways.

“Being able have that energy, Just like the other to see the to care about your teamwork of our grades, the juniors sell class shirts and class is the most class and your have spirit nights peers, and to work monumental at various hot thing,” Daniel spots in Kingsaid. “Beginning hard for them.” wood. But what of our freshman Class sponsor Pam Workman makes the junior’s year and still fundraising so sucbouncing back cessful isn’t how they’re making the from COVID, how do you get people money, it’s the class behind it. back involved? But I think we came “There’s a whole sense of camaback stronger than ever.” raderie around it. There’s pride,” The junior class officers are atDaniel said. “And when you take tempting to bring back “Mr. KPark,” pride in something you’re going to a men’s pageant show. Still in the be more likely to succeed.” works, the pageant will consist of

various categories such as dance, a unique talent and formal dress wear with representatives from each grade. Kenny and Daniel are hopeful they can pull out another success like Beefcake with Mr. KPark.

“Everything they touch is successful,” Workman said. “Their t-shirt sales have been successful, their spirit nights have been successful. The volleyball was successful.

They’re really successful with everything they endeavor.”

All the money raised will go towards prom and other senior year activities. The usual amount raised for such things is $80,000$100,000. Sticking to the grade’s slogan of “Only The Best,” Kenny has high expectations set for the next two years of fundraising.

“I am extremely proud of the Class of 2025,” Kenny said. “I think we’ve done some great things and we’ve got some great things on the horizon.”

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | FEATURES 11

O

By Maya Ortiz, Editor-in-Chief

n the first day of school Eric Coovert lifted his fist to show his history classes the size of the tumor that was found in his colon in June. Within two weeks of the discovery, doctors removed Coovert’s entire colon. He joked with the kids about his wife bedazzling his ostomy bag he affectionately named Poseidon.

To his returning students, the 32-year-old came across positive and straightforward as he told them about his cancer. He handled it all with the glass half-full mindset the students had grown to love the previous year.

After weeks of hearing rumors and seeing a GoFundMe page online, students walked out of class that first day hesitantly confident Coovert had everything under control.

But Coovert felt totally out of control.

When the classroom was finally empty, he went to his desk and cried.

Coovert’s health issues started 20 years earlier.

At age 13, Coovert was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The diagnosis led to the development of arthritis, which forced him to quit varsity sports in high school. He also had to adapt to a lactose intolerant diet.

In March 2023, Coovert’s stomach started making more noise than usual. Occasionally, students could hear it rumble during tests.

Soon after, he started to see blood in his stool.

On June 4, Coovert went in for his third colonoscopy expecting to hear his IBD had flared up and he would need steroids.

Instead he and his wife were told he had a nine and a half centimeter tumor in his colon and it was possibly cancerous.

The couple was in denial.

He and his wife, Emily Bohn Coovert, were expecting their first child in September. And just two months earlier, Coovert had been named Kingwood Park’s Teacher of the Year.

Life was supposed to be good for the Coovert family.

“She was constantly crying,” Coovert said of his wife. ”Hearing that her own husband, who is 32 years of age, has cancer, was something that none of us were prepared for.”

The diagnosis didn’t come as a complete shock to Coovert.

Emily and Eric Coovert celebrate after he Coovert was named campus Teacher of t on Jan. 27. The couple had no idea the c diagnosis that would come six months lat

by Maya Ortiz.

Coach Eric Coovert holds up a fist on the first day of school to show his students the approximate size of the cancerous tumor found in his colon in June. He had his colon removed two weeks later and started chemotherapy in August.

Even during class on the first day of school, the chemo near his right hip was pumping through a port in his chest.

Photo by Maya Ortiz.

When diagnosed with IBD as a teen, doctors warned him there was a chance he would develop cancer. He was warned, but nothing prepared him for the reality and severity of the cancer.

His stomach pain increased during summer school resulting in two trips to the emergency room Coovert told his wife he was in “mild discomfort.” In reality, doctors told him his colon was swallowing itself.

On June 23, Coovert underwent surgery to remove his colon. He now lives with an ostomy bag, a pouch used to collect urine and stool, to forego the necessity of his colon.

12 FEATURE | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

Assistant football coach Eric Coovert talks w on the sidelines. On his first day of chemo, up to practice with the chemo pumping into through a port. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

The tumor, which had already grown to 11 centimeters, was sent to the University of Miami, Memorial Hermann and M.D. Anderson for testing.

A month later, the results came back.

Doctors diagnosed Coovert with plasmablastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

On a day his wife was at a prenatal appointment for their baby, Coovert received the call from his doctors. He had already Googled details of the lymphoma and knew the news was not good. “Dr. Google,” as he refers to it, told him there is only a 25 percent survival rate.

Alone with his dog, Coovert let the weight of

that news sink in and h “That was the day it h Coovert said. “I realized might not be able to see I don’t care what people

As the school year n ated a plan.

He made arrangemen coach Clayton Maple to assistant coach. He mad social studies instructio regarding his classes.

Eventually, he got som 7, he learned the cancer

earing Eric the Year cancer ter. Photo

with a player , he showed o his body

he cried. hit me the hardest,” d there’s a chance that I e my daughter grow up. e say, I cried.”

neared, Coovert cre-

nts with head football o continue his role as an de arrangements with onal coach Alan Prather

me good news. On Aug. r was not in his bone

marrow, which meant it was either late Stage 1 or early Stage 2 lymphoma.

Doctors told him recent research had made Coovert’s cancer highly treatable. They said if they can get the cancer into remission there was a high chance it would never return.

To combat the aggressiveness of the cancer, Coovert started the intense chemo treatment EPOCH on Aug. 7.

EPOCH is five different chemo treatments at the same time on a 21-day cycle. During the first five days of the cycle, Coovert receives chemo. In addition, doctors added a sixth chemo through his spine as a preventative measure.

After the first five days, there are 14 days of recovery, where he only sees the doctor for blood work.

On his first day of chemo, he showed up to football practice with the chemo pumping through a port. On the second day, Coovert showed up to the first day of school to meet his students.

“The thing that I really wanted the most and that gives me happiness, besides my family, is teaching,” Coovert said. “I told the doctor, ‘I’m going back. I want to teach.’”

Returning to work meant sharing his story, though.

His players were the first ones in the student body to know.

“Seeing tears in their eyes after I told them [was hard],” Coovert said. “But then afterwards every single one of them came over and gave me a hug. And I was crying by the end.”

On the night of the first football game this season, Maple had his players line up to show Coovert the back of their helmets.

On their helmets was a sticker of a lime green ribbon, representing their support for their coach’s battle against lymphoma.

The team’s motto this season is “stay relentless.” Now, the motto is Coovert’s.

For the team, the “stay relentless” mindset represented a hunger they longed to maintain.

For Coovert, the relentless mindset is getting him through six different chemo treatments and helping him be there for his recovering wife and his baby who was born Aug. 23. He is also trying to keep up with and help his students and players every chance he gets.

“Sometimes people talk about all these things that they are, that they want to be,” Maple said.

“But he was actually showing it like, ‘Hey, as long as I’m able to get out here and do my job, I’m going to do it.’”

Coovert knew no other way.

He learned his work ethic from his father, who he said is his hero. When he first told his parents, his mother cried and his father was in total shock. His in-laws could not believe it either.

“They kept on saying, ‘It’s not fair. It’s not fair,’” Coovert remembered. “Why on earth does one of the nicest people they know have something so terrible?”

As they grappled with the idea, they prepared to help. This was not Emily Coovert’s first time taking on a caretaker role. She originally moved from New York to Houston to care for her mom who was battling Stage 4 ovarian cancer.

His wife, due to her experience helping her mother beat cancer twice, understood the highs and lows of what he was going through. So did her mom.

Coovert’s mother-in-law decorated his baby’s nursery. His sister-in-law flew in from Miami to make schedules for his medicine and prepare meals.

In addition, Kingwood Park football

coaches pushed to start a GoFundMe to help offset the costs of treatment. He said no a dozen times and even got upset with some of them.

“I’ve never asked for anything from anyone,” Coovert said. “I’ve always been that person. I got this from my dad that you work your tail off to make this world better by helping out other people, but you don’t ask for help.”

It is a lesson that has been hard to unlearn.

The most help arguably came in his classroom.

Because of the toll the chemo was taking, Coovert couldn’t teach like he had planned. He knew he would miss whole weeks recovering from his treatments, and even on days when he would show up, teaching for six hours was just not feasible.

Prather stepped in to take on a co-teacher role with Coovert.

“He wants to teach. He wants to be active.

He wants to work,” Prather said. “We’re trying to empower him, but also give him flexibility.”

COOVERT continued on page 14

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | FEATURES 13

Exchange program offers wide-ranging opportunities

O Teacher and coach Eric Coovert receives a $2,000 donation at the homecoming pep rally. A fundraiser was held throughout homecoming week to help Coovert and his family with his hospital bills. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Coovert celebrates as cancer goes into remission COOVERT continued from page 13 Senior Dana Herrera signed up for AP European History because of the impact Coovert had on her during Dual Credit U.S. History as a junior. She was one of many who voted for him as teacher of the year last spring.

“He’s one of the most passionate teachers I’ve ever met,” Herrera said. “He makes me want to be him when I’m older.”

Prather has supported Coovert in his mission to provide his students the support they need this year.

The community has helped provide meals for his family. Money has been raised at school and through the GoFundMe he eventually let coaches create.

If he could, Coovert said he would give 100,000 shoutouts.

He worries about how to properly thank all those who have given him so much.

The answer they tell him is to win. Beat cancer.

That may be one major reason the video of him talking to the football team in the locker room on Oct. 13 went viral. That night, Coovert stood in front of his players and talked about how their grit and determination on and off the football field inspired him.

“You guys are my family. Your inspiration has made me stay relentless in my battle,” he shouted.

“I got a call from my doctor last night that I’ve gone 1-0 against cancer.”

As the room erupted into cheers, it was clear that was the most anticipated victory of the season.

14 SPORTS | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

By Fallon Head KPTimes.com Editor

verwhelming amounts of green immediately consumed junior Azy Garcia’s senses when she stepped off the plane in Frankfurt, Germany. The air was clean, and as she drove through the countryside, castles popped up every five miles on her way to the small town of Bärstadt, where she would be staying for the next month.

“I found out about the program in eighth grade and then ninth grade,” Garcia said. “I tried to do it because studying abroad is like my biggest dream.”

Garcia participated in the short-term program, part of the Rotary Exchange Program, where she spent a month in Germany over the summer. The short-term program is non-academic, and the countries involved are mostly in the northern hemisphere to match up summers and time off. However, Germany was still in full swing for school, so Garcia got to experience going to school in a different country.

“You have a couple of classes that day and then right after you can just leave whenever,” Garcia said. “Then after school we would take the bus back home and then we would hang out for a day, and play.”

She hopes to spend next year participating in the long-term program. The long term program is a full year, and includes 200 possible countries students can stay at through the Rotary Exchange Program.

The Rotary Exchange Program is completely volunteer based, and a nonprofit organization. The program relies on Rotarians to support the program and keep it working. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians all over the world.

“It’s very, very rewarding for me and for them,” said Susan Brodbeck, the Club Youth Exchange officer of the Lake Houston area Rotary Exchange Program, and the district Secretary and communications chair.

Everyone who works in the program has to go through criminal background checks, reference checks, and two tests to ensure

Junior Azy Garcia visits a castle in Germany with her host family during her short term trip through Rotary.

Photo contributed by Azy Garcia.

the safety of the kids who participate in the program. The program is overseen by the United States Department of State.

“So the idea is to make sure it’s safe for the kids,” Brodbeck said. “And that we follow the rules and we have to document everything and do all the things that we do.”

Students have two or three host families while in the long term program. They stay with their first host family from August to late December, and then stay with their second host family until April or until the end of their trip, depending on if there is a third host family lined up. If there is a third host family, they stay with them for the last two months.

“We still keep in touch, which I think is really amazing,” Garcia said of her host family in Germany. “And host families, that’s like a special bond people have for life.”

The program allows everyone involved to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, and form unique relationships with people students wouldn’t other-

Three foreign exchange students embrace new surroundings Each year, Kingwood Park hosts foreign exchange students. Read more of what the experience has been like for the three spending their year in the United States.

Varinthorn Otarawanna Home: Thailand Q: Have you been to America before?

A: “I was actually born here, and I lived here until I was like 11 or 12 before our family moved back to Thailand. I decided that I wanted to come back here because it’s a great place, obviously, and it has seasons. Seasons exist here.

In Thailand, it’s just heat and humidity. So it’s really nice here.”

Julia Planellas Home: Spain

Pei-Ting Hsieh Home: Taiwan

Q: What were your expectations or stereotypes of the U.S. before you came here?

A: “I thought about good and bad things, but I’m like a very happy person. And yes, I was thinking ‘High School Musical.’

It’s not ‘High School Musical,’ but it’s still fun. I’m really happy. Like, for example, the pep rallies -- I didn’t respect that and it’s so funny.”

Q: Why did you want to become an exchange student?

A: Because my English is bad.

In Taiwan, English is very important. Like when we go to college, we need to take a test and English is 25% of it.”

Q: How was your first week?

A: I couldn’t speak a lot of English. My (host) parents asked me things, and I just said yes or no. I didn’t know how to respond.”

wise have met. doesn’t make it wrong.”

“You meet people from around the world,” All kids are provided with a Club Youth Brodbeck said. “[On my birthday] my phone Exchange officer, and a rotary counselor who blew up with well-wishes from people all over will check in with the student and host family the world that I’ve worked with over the 16 once a month. years.”

“Rotary stands out from Students are encouraged to the other programs because “It’s a really lifelearn the language of whatever of the support it gives you country they are going to once changing experience once you get to the country they get accepted, to help with going to,” Randall because you get to you’re the transition. said.

“When you’re surrounded by During the training leading learn more not only a language, you will learn to up to the trip, students will about yourself, but a get to meet with RoTexans speak it,” said Beverly Randall, whole other culture -- who are people who parFrench teacher and long time supporter of the Rotary ticipated in the program in and country.”

Exchange Program. “The first the previous years -- to help Azy Garcia, 11, on becoming couple of months, you’re going know where they want to go, a foreign exchange student to feel like you don’t know and what to expect once they what to say or how to say it, are there. and you’re going to be point“It’s a really life-changing ing and nodding, but all of a sudden it’ll start experience because you get to learn more not to come.” only about yourself, but a whole other culture Once students are there, they are expected and country,” Garcia said. “It also matures you to immerse themselves into the culture of the and it can make you become more indepencountry they are staying in. Learning what dent.” is acceptable and unique in other cultures is The program has a detailed application important for students. process that takes place each October. Students “At first you might say, well, that’s not right, will then be sponsored by their local Rotary but if we (want to) teach the students to say, club and undergo a set of interviews. If they different is not necessarily right or wrong,” pass, they then go through an additional interBrodbeck said. “It may be different, but that view process at the district level.

“[We look for] adaptability, service, flexibility, maturity, responsibility, you know, all those things that they’re going to have to take with them on their exchange,” Brodbeck said.

The long-term program does not count as a year of high school towards a high school diploma. Students who participate will either need to complete classes over the summer to get ahead before the trip, or they will be graduating a year later.

The cost for the long term trip is approximately $7,000. The program pays for room, board, and high school education abroad for the year.

“We always tell parents, oh, don’t worry, you’ll save money because you don’t have to have a car payment for that child,” Brodbeck said. “You don’t have to buy the entertainment for that child or feed that child or buy the insurance for that child.”

The Rotary Exchange Program works to push students to learn in a unique way, and see the world from outside of the United States.

“The more we understand about the world, and how people live in other cultures, we can see that the differences don’t matter,” Randall said. “And we can sometimes embrace those differences and bring them into our own lives, or learn how to accept differences as just that.”

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | SPORTS 15

The Breathe Easy fishing team’s boat is used for the women’s deep sea fishing tournament golf coach Angela Chancellor participates in each year.

Angela Chancellor shows off an amberjack fish she caught on the Breathe Easy.

Coach Angela Chancellor talks to Courtney Daniel, 11, during warm-ups of a tournament at Kingwood Country Club last spring.

In breaks of action during a spring golf tournament, coach Angela Chancellor threw her portable fishing pole in the ponds on the course. Photos by Maya Ortiz

Gone Fishing

Golf coach Angela Chancellor combines her love for fishing and golf any chance she gets.

S

By Tricia Darcy Special Contributor

ince the early days of her childhood, golf coach Angela Chancellor loved fishing.

Growing up in south Alabama, Chancellor could be described as a no-shoes type of kid, who was always out on the water. She wanted to be a professional golfer before she aspired to be a golf coach and wanted to use golf to go and see the world.

“Golf was my way out. It was my community so I could see the world,” Chancellor said.

In the last couple of years, Chancellor combined both of her childhood loves. Sometimes she can be spotted fishing on the lakes of a golf course.

The athletes who play golf often describe her as a straightforward coach who always knows how to motivate you; and recently, they have gotten used to seeing Chancellor with her fishing pole.

“I think the first time it was a little shocking because it seems a little taboo,” junior Courtney Daniel said. “Because you know, you’re

just on the 15th hole or something, She loves the competitive aspect and then you look over and there’s and how she can escape into the coach Chancellor minding her own outdoors with both. business.”

Colleague Jason Watson has seen Along with her time fishing on Chancellor in action multiple times the golf course, over the course Chancellor spends of a decade. He is “I don’t have to a weekend in entertained by it.

August competing catch a fish to have “I think she enin a deep sea fishthe fight, the a good day fishing. joys ing tournament pursuit of trying every year. The to get a fish on I don’t have to Mobile Big Game and; then I know shoot under par Fishing Club holds she likes to do an annual Ladies to have a good day some offshore Tournament fishing and I playing golf.” where women know she enjoys create teams and the fight of that,” Golf coach Angela Chancellor compete to see said Watson. who can catch the Chancellor most fish, which originally saw Chancellor says is an exhilarating a parent with a retractable rod at a experience. golf tournament throwing a line at The biggest fish she has ever the tee box, so she decided to buy caught is a 250-pound blue marlin. one and keep it with her at all times.

“It’s incredible, I would equate During qualifying or between tee it to winning a golf tournament,” shots, she would unfold her bright Chancellor said. “That’s the feeling green fishing rod, and toss it in the you get when you’ve conquered the water to see what she could catch. fish.”

“I don’t have to catch a fish to Chancellor generally correlates have a good day fishing. I don’t have fishing and golfing as being similar. to shoot under par to have a good

16 SPORTS | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

day playing golf,” said Chancellor.

It’s that mindset that has become contagious on her teams. She spends as much time teaching her athletes to have the right mindset as she does coaching them on their swing mechanics.

“She’s taught me a lot through the game of golf mindset wise, my mentality,” senior Kasen Ferguson said. “And that’s translated to my normal life as well.”

Chancellor accomplishes much of that by trying her best to create a close-knit team and making sure everyone has the same opportunities.

Chancellor tries to make golf a sport where everyone belongs. Even first-time golfers and multi-sport athletes have opportunities to be great. The dynamic between all the team members is what Chancellor loves so much about coaching golf.

“I think it’s cool, because in golf you can do that,” Chancellor said.

“In other sports it’s really hard once you get to high school to be able to learn a sport and advance to where you can get to the state level. In golf, that is a possibility for anyone that wants to put in the work for it.”

Junior Elijah Merino jumps to an early lead in the district championships at Atascocita High School on Oct. 12. He maintained the lead through the entirety as he finished first in 15:49. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Back-to-Back Boys finish in third at Region Meet to earn return trip to State Championships.

T Senior Elina Bailey sprints to the finish to win the district title at Atascocita High School on Oct. 12. She advanced to the Region Meet, where she qualified for the State Championships. Photo by Grace Darcy.

Bailey earns third trip to State

A

By Kaitlyn Sitton Design Editor

fter a successful Region Meet for senior Elina Bailey, she became the only member of the varsity girls cross country team to qualify for the State Meet with a time of 19:07.99.

Bailey knocked almost a minute off her time from the district meet (19:56.87) and almost two minutes from her time at the Region Meet (21:13.82) a year ago last year.

Bailey has had a strong few weeks as she has worked to qualify for the State Meet for the third year in a row. She won the

district championship, helping lift the team to its second-consecutive title at Atascocita High School on Oct. 12.

“I felt confident but I still knew that I had put my best effort in,” Bailey said.

All seven varsity girls - Elina Bailey (1st), Alyssa Toppass (4th), Lucy Foltz (6th), Emma Adams (9), Mary De Jesus (10), Isabel Monks (11), Sophia Sullivan (18), placed in the top eighteen at the district meet, which was held at Atascocita High School on Oct.12.

“You could tell they really wanted it,” Coach Cody Cook said, “as a team, it was probably our best race of the season team wise.”

By Grace Darcy Staff Writer

hroughout the entirety of the Regional Meet on Oct. 23, boys cross country coach Chris Elliott was constantly refreshing his phone, alongside parents of his runners. They were waiting for the final point tally to be posted.

The boys had just competed at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie with a trip to the State Championships on the line.

“One of the moms was like, ‘It says third place!’” senior Mark Johanson said. “We were seeded to get sixth. Last year we got fourth.

Third place was just beyond our dreams.”

With the top four teams qualifying for the State Meet, all eyes were on the top four spots. The teams in fourth and fifth place were constantly alternating as the last 20 runners crossed the finish line. The Kingwood Park boys, however, held their ground at third place.

“We were solidly in third, like there was no one touching us,” junior Elijah Merino said.

The team secured their spot at state with a one point lead over

Longview Pine Tree High School.

“It’s rewarding because you put in a lot of hard work, you put in a lot of time, and you sacrifice a lot of your family time,” Elliott said.

It was an emotional and joyous moment for all of the runners.

Merino (who finished 6th at Regions), Carson Brown (20th) and Clay White (29th) are all returning to the State Meet for the second consecutive year. Edun Almeida (63rd), Michael Segura (64th), Mark Johanson (68th) and JD McCombs (106th) will be running at State for the first time.

Not only has hard work helped get the team to this point but also the connections they have made throughout the year.

“We’re just very close and that dynamic helps us run better, push each other during practices, during the race,” Johanson said.

White was especially motivated by that team dynamic during the race.

“Clay, for example, right after he raced he said, ‘Coach, I was really really tired but I didn’t want to let my teammates down,” Elliott said.

“So that just kind of shows you how much they care about each other.”

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | NEWS 17

Senior Brady Jones holds the ball as a Porter defender drags him by the shoulder pad.

Photo by Bailey Hall.

Senior Jaxson Lindsey looks toward the crowd as the National Anthem is played before the Baytown Lee football game on Oct. 12. Photo by Arleigh Doehring.

Senior quarterback Jaxon Sims dives into the end zone behind his offensive line for a touchdown against Porter early in the season. Photo by Grace Darcy.

Football players prepare for regular season finale MORE CONTENT ONLINE Check out a video and slideshow of the freshmen boys team at KPTimes.com.

The football team will wrap up its season on Nov. 3 at Port Arthur Memorial. In the first nine games of the season, the team has gone 6-3 overall.

Current Record: 6-3 District Record: 4-3, 5th place Head Coach: Clayton Maple 8/24 MacArthur W, 21-13 8/31 Morton Ranch W, 35-27 9/8 Porter L, 27-21 9/15 Sterling W, 34-7 9/23 Crosby W, 27-11 9/29 La Porte L, 34-27 (OT) 10/6 GCMHS W, 47-0 10/12 Baytown Lee W, 45-10 10/20 Barbers Hill L, 56-14

Abel Villarreal.

Photo by Maya Ortiz.

18 SPORTS | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

Wide receiver Ky’ell Sheffield, 12, looks for a first down against Barbers Hill on Oct. 20. Photo by Grace Darcy.

Senior Greg Davis intercepts a pass against Crosby and runs it back for a gain in a 27-11 win. Photo by Grace Darcy.

During pregame introductions, junior captain Krisslyn Boyles high fives a line of freshmen. Boyles has been a key contributor on a squad that has made a push for the playoffs. “I just love our team so much,” Boyles said. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

Beach volleyball brings back Boyles’ smile

B

By Sydney Ortiz Special Contributor

y the end of her freshman year, Krisslyn Boyles was tired of having the stress of three sports practices a day.

She was burnt out.

Krisslyn had just spent the year playing JV volleyball, varsity soccer and varsity track. She also played club volleyball.

“I think it was too much on her body,” Krisslyn’s mom Lori Boyles said.

It wasn’t fun anymore either. It started to feel like work for Krisslyn, who is now a junior captain on the volleyball team.

“In the last two years for club volleyball, my coaches weren’t the greatest,” Krisslyn said. “I started dreading going to practice.”

High school soccer games were Tuesday and Fridays. Club volleyball practices were Tuesdays and Thursdays, which meant she missed half of her volleyball team’s

practices each week. clinics, Krisslyn was sold.

“I realized I can’t do club volley“I was like wow I actually really ball if I am going to still do school like beach volleyball,” she said. soccer,” Krisslyn said. “I was like, In November 2022, Krisslyn found well, I’m not stopping school soca competitive beach volleyball cer. I don’t even enjoy practicing team in the area and decided to (club volleyball) sign up. She anymore. It was instantly loved “She is the best really sad because the coaches and I really like volthe atmosphere kind of teammate. leyball.” at practices.

She makes the By sophomore “It’s a lot more year Krisslyn independent rest of the team wanted to take because it’s two a break from better because she people (teams) club volleyball to and it’s just a encourages and focus on soccer. whole different She didn’t stop environment,” uplifts.” playing volleyKrisslyn said.

Volleyball coach Tonya Smith ball all together Krisslyn though. She finished out attended multiple sophomore year volleyball clinics playing both throughout the year. beach volleyball and club soccer Then her mother encouraged outside of school. She also comher to attend some beach volpeted in varsity soccer and varsity leyball clinics to help her stay in volleyball. She stepped away from shape. After a few beach volleyball track.

Heading into her junior season this year, Krisslyn was excited to play on the varsity volleyball team with her teammates. She also plans to continue with the varsity soccer team.

“She’s the best kind of teammate,” volleyball coach Tonya Smith said. “She makes the rest of the team better because she encourages and uplifts.”

Soccer coach Jess White sees the same traits when Krisslyn is at soccer. He says she is humble, easy going and a great teammate.

In her first two seasons, she has scored eight goals, including the game-winning goal in the first round of the playoffs against Austin Anderson her freshman year.

“Krisslyn is as happy to see her teammates succeed as if it were herself, but she fights every day to get better so she can contribute as much as possible each match,” White said. “Her teammates love her and love to see her succeed because of who she is as a person.”

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | SPORTS 19

Concert etiquette crucial for quality experiences

I

n the bleak years of the lockdown and pandemic, the future of live music was up in the air. Musicians and fans had no idea what concerts would be like or when they could start again.

It would take close to two years for concerts to look like they once had. And yet,

By Leah Torres there is still something about post-lockdown shows that just isn’t right.

It came as no surprise that once live music made its comeback, everyone was determined to be there.

The concert experience, that had once been taken for granted, was craved and in high demand.

However, it has become increasingly evident that people simply don’t know how to behave at concerts anymore.

Scrolling through social media, there is a new incident going viral almost daily of fans ruining the concert for those around them.

Concert etiquette seems almost non-existent.

Artists put a lot of time and care into their craft for live performances. But now they are constantly met with low energy crowds.

During the performances of opening artists, crowds have no shame in speaking over performers and even sitting during their sets.

Even as the main performers come out, crowds look less interested in the electric atmosphere of live music and more interested in the quality of their cell phone recordings.

Phones not only distract the people holding them but also obstruct the view of people behind them. Other objects such as posters have also created a problem in standing crowds where there is a limited view of the stage.

Large posters have become popular to hold up in hopes of recording a personal interaction with artists.

But these signs often cover someone’s entire view of the action.

Many fans have also taken part in throwing things at artists to get their attention. This is incredibly

Black Country New Road performs at White Oak Music Hall on Sept. 14, 2022. Photo by Avery Steinke.

dangerous and has resulted in serious injuries. Recently Bebe Rexha suffered an eye injury that required stitches after a fan threw a phone at her face.

No matter how much you paid for tickets, being a nuisance ruins the show for everyone around you.

For example, screeching over an artist during every song is never acceptable but is no longer a rare occurrence.

“Sing screaming” a portion of one song like the bridge of Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” is normal and expected of Swifties. Having

someone next to you yell every lyric at the top of their lungs for hours is outrageous.

This behavior is not only inconsiderate but also incredibly annoying.

It all comes down to people’s sense of entitlement that their concert experience is what matters most.

The solution to this surge in poor concert etiquette is simple. Be considerate for those around you and be open to learning norms that you may not be used to.

What was your favorite Halloween costume growing up?

“One of my favorite costumes when I was a kid was a Pinkie Pie costume.

I was so obsessed with My Little Pony as a kid so I loved this costume. I bought it from Party City and I got a little pink dress and hair clip. I remember I was so excited.”

Madison Ling, 10

“My favorite costume was my Captain America costume. While the costume itself doesn’t hold any significance, the memories attached to it made it one of the best Halloweens I’ve ever had. In all honesty, the costume is only valuable because I had a great time with friends.”

David Gonzalez, 11

20 OPINION | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

“My favorite costume was my Tinkerbell costume.

When I was 5-6 years old, I was obsessed with that movie. Since my mom knew I really liked her she would always buy me everything I wanted in Tinkerbell themed like a TV, blankets and clothes so that would be why it’s my favorite.”

Andrea Lira, 10

“This was one of my oldest memories of trick or treating with my brother. I was a Power Ranger because it was my favorite show at the time, while my brother was the Flash, his favorite hero at the time.”

Nathan Ecker, 10

“My favorite Halloween costume from when I was younger was my Elsa costume. I remember I got the costume and I was super happy. It wasn’t a basic Elsa costume either.

It was like a fancy one, so I looked different than all the other girls wearing an Elsa costume.”

Peyton Smithson, 9

Cultural stigmas create motivation to become changemaker

I

was sitting in my fifth grade class when my teacher called my name for reading groups. I sat quietly listening to the others read. It didn’t take long to realize my love of reading was not shared by my group. They struggled through sentences.

I loved reading. The Harry Potter series captivated me since second grade. I was a fast reader, yet I had been placed in the lowest reading group in

By Maya Ortiz a class with students who needed special assistance.

My teacher had taken one look at me and my last name and placed me on the latter end of the reading level spectrum. I had moved from a fairly white suburb of Kingwood with a 21% Hispanic population at the end of fourth grade to a predominantly white suburb in Missouri with a 5% Hispanic

population. Outside of my immediate family, I started to see no other Hispanic people.

I soon realized that my tan tone was occasionally all people saw when they looked at me. I realized being placed into the lowest reading group was not an accident.

I eventually was moved to the highest reading group that year, and I finished the school year with straight A’s. I was feeling good going into middle school until course placements for sixth grade came out. My teacher recommended all on-level classes for me in middle school.

Nothing I did that year made her see me beyond her initial judgments. My parents put in appeal at the school to get me into advanced level classes offered in sixth grade.

They won the appeal and I continued excelling in the classroom, but the stereotype and treatment from a teacher was upsetting.

Before I moved to Missouri, I was in a Spanish Immersion program at Bear Branch Elementary, where my core classes were taught in Span-

A heavy load by Ana La Rosa Grillo

ish. My mom is non-Hispanic white and doesn’t speak much Spanish, while my dad is a first-generation son of Mexican immigrants whose first language was Spanish. Due to my mother’s lack of Spanish, we didn’t speak it often around the house. Spanish Immersion helped me communicate with my Mexican grandparents and Spanish-speaking relatives. After I moved to Missouri I stopped speaking Spanish daily and became self-conscious of my Spanish.

In sixth grade, my Spanish teacher introduced me to Selena Quintanilla. I could see myself in her. She was a Texan; and despite singing predominantly in Spanish, she wasn’t fluent. Discovering Selena helped me develop a sense of pride in my roots, and I was able to lose the sense of shame for not growing up 100% connected to my Mexican roots.

By seventh grade, my family moved back to Texas. The lack of diversity in Missouri was a push factor. Growing up, my dad would remind my sisters and me that we

had to dress nice and speak formally to overcome stereotypes we would undoubtedly face. I finally realized the gravity of that advice.

As humans, we judge one another.

Over the years, I became cognizant that I can be judged harshly just for being Latina.

After returning to Texas, I began speaking Spanish more and became involved in organizations to connect with some of the Latinos on campus. My Spanish is nearly fluent now, and I practice it whenever I can. When working at the Houston Zoo, I wear a special button that says “Hablo Español,” inviting Spanish-speaking guests to ask me questions.

Classmates still question if I am more white or Latina, but it does not hurt me as deeply as it did in fifth grade when I did not understand how society viewed Latino or bicultural people like me. I work hard, embrace my culture and I am determined to be a changemaker going forward, helping pave the way for Latinas and bicultural girls like me.

WHAT’S HOT? Colder weather. The season of suffocating heat is over at last.

Nap time. Truly a must in these dire times.

Baked goods. Everyone loves a sweet treat, especially a warm one.

Knit sweaters. Comfy, cozy, bundled up and looking nice.

Halloween. Spooky season is upon us!

Comfy clothes. Nothing better than having a lazy day or two.

WHAT’S NOT?

Allergies. Nature is doing its thing… but at what cost?

Skipping class with the bathroom pass.

Other people need to go!

Conflict. Keep the drama on the stage, we do not have time for it.

Stricter regulations. A bit intense to be getting a Thursday class for forgetting my ID… Flu season. Feeling like a zombie is everything but ideal.

Leaving messes. Clean up after yourself.

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | OPINION 21

Pumpkin spice latte adds flavor to fall

S

ince its introduction in 2003, the iconic pumpkin beverages and sweets have had a great influence on the coffee industry. Every year on Aug. 24, the Starbucks fall menu returns better than ever.

Everyone needs to cozy up with delicious seasonal treats and beverBy Dannika ages. From Melendez Mateo the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte to the warm and comforting Salted Caramel Mocha, Starbucks has something

for anyone and everyone’s autumn cravings.

If you’re a fan of tea and have a sweet tooth, you’ll love their cozy Chai Tea Latte with a hint of cinnamon and spice. Oh, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a slice of their delectable Pumpkin Bread.

It’s the ultimate fall indulgence.

So grab a friend and head to Starbucks to savor the flavors of the season.

The Starbucks Fall Menu is important because it offers a variety of seasonal treats that people look forward to each year. It adds excitement and a sense of coziness to the autumn season. Plus, it allows customers to try new flavors and experience the joy of seasonal

Kingwood Park

TIMES December 2022 Volume 9, Issue 3 Kingwood, Texas 77339 EDITORS Maya Ortiz, editor-in-chief Fallon Head, web editor Exa Nix, managing editor Jacob Valcarce, video editor Kaitlyn Sitton, design editor Bailey Hall, news editor STAFF WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS & SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Emerson Harris, Ramiro Hernandez, Ana La Rosa Grillo, Garrison Moritz, Shelby Townsend, Evelyn Vela-West, Dannika Melendez Mateo, Trenten Estes, Jada Cassidy, Grace Darcy, Morgen Dozier, Maddie Glenn, Leah Torres, Luke Cavallo, Cas Magee, Ace Richards, Avery Steinke, Arleigh Doehring, Jordan Hutchinson, Sydney Ortiz, Preston Carpenter.

Adviser: Megan Ortiz Cover Photo: Coach Eric Coovert talks to players on the sidelines of the homecoming football game on Sept. 8 at Turner Stadium. The football players were the first students he told about his cancer diagnosis. Photo by Maya Ortiz.

indulgence. So, it’s not just about the delicious offerings, but also about creating a special experience that brings people together and adds a touch of warmth to their day.

Whether it’s meeting up with friends for a Pumpkin Spice Latte or grabbing a cozy drink on a chilly day, Starbucks creates a sense of community and shared experience. It’s a chance to bond over the flavors of the season and create memories together. So, the Fall Menu acts as a delicious catalyst for connection and togetherness.

The Starbucks Fall Menu brings aesthetics to a whole new level.

The drinks are not only delicious,

but they’re also visually stunning. The vibrant orange hues of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and the rich caramel tones of the Salted Caramel Mocha are a feast for the eyes. And let’s not forget about the delightful toppings and garnishes that make each drink a work of art.

From whipped cream and caramel drizzle to cinnamon sprinkles, every detail is carefully crafted to create a visually appealing experience. So, when you sip on a Starbucks fall beverage, you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat, but also immersing yourself in a world of autumnal aesthetics. It’s like sipping on a cup of cozy vibes.

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.

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.

22 OPINION | October 2023 | KPTIMES.COM

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.

Scan the QR code to read the complete Editorial Policy online.

STAFF EDITORIAL

New Tuesday circle time effective when done right

T

he new policy introducing a weekly Community Building lesson, mainly referred to as “circle time” has overall been beneficial for the student body when done correctly.

The weekly check-in allows students to all share their points of view. Circle time is designed to make sure everyone gets their voices heard on the topic and questions of the week. A “talking stick” is used to allow each member of the class to get a time to speak freely, with the expectation that everyone will be respectful and understanding.

Having everyone have the opportunity to talk without interruption helps fifth periods especially get to know everyone in the room. It also allows for teachers to have a good way to know where each of their fifth period kids are at, with circle

time often starting with a simple question geared as a check-in as a group.

Circle time is also good for taking time each Tuesday to destigmatize taboo topics among teens. Having an open conversation about feelings and life is good for anyone. In a 2021 study by the CDC, 42% of students felt consistently sad or hopeless, one third of teens experienced poor mental health, and more than 1 in 5 students seriously considering suicide. Circle time allows for some much needed time to talk about things students may not otherwise have the opportunity to.

The main issue with the implementation of circle time is the gaps in how or if classes are doing it. It would be more effective if the whole school participated in it every week. Right now, there

Aiden Gibson, 9, laughs with classmates in JROTC during fifth as the students participate in the prompt of the week during advisory in October. The mandated time each week to have class discussions about bullying, friendships and more has been met with mixed reactions from students. Photo by Jordan Hutchinson.

is varying experience with circle time, with many students dreading those thirty minutes, others looking forward to it, and some never experiencing it yet. The only

way students become comfortable with these group conversations about taboo topics to help build community, is through repeated practice of a safe environment.

Harris appreciates unbreakable bond created with her mother

M

y mom has always been my best friend. We do everything together, tell each other everything and even share clothes. She knows all my problems and is always there for me if anything goes wrong. She even introduced me to my favorite show: Gilmore Girls. We always By Emerson say we’re just Harris like Lorelai and Rory, obsessed with coffee and boys. But now that I’m the same age as Rory was when the show began, it made me realize just how much I love my mom.

For starters, every year we go on a mother-daughter trip somewhere fun. Last year, we went to Savannah, Georgia, and had THE BEST time. We took a fantastic ghost tour and drank coffee from somewhere local every day. We even stayed in a haunted hotel.

This year, though, we went to New Orleans. It definitely wasn’t my favorite trip we’ve ever taken, but it was still enjoyable. We stayed

Emerson Harris and her mom take a selfie after Emerson passes her drives test.

in the historic district and waited together for Taylor Swift to drop Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). She even forced me to watch old movies based in New Orleans. They were so bad (I’m looking at you, Interview With A Vampire) that we ended up watching the movie version of Chicago. Those trips mean the world to me.

She is also incredibly supportive of my many hobbies. If I need her to drive me to theater or cheer

or to somewhere for newspaper, I know she’s always ready. Some days are especially chaotic, going from back-to-back activities at lightning speed. But she’s always there, snack in hand and ready for my debrief of the day. Oftentimes, she’ll make me drive us to our next location. She lets me blast Taylor Swift as loud as I want, and we scream-sing the lyrics the whole way there. It’s weird to think that I now have my license and won’t

have her there after school to share all the day’s updates.

Sometimes, I think she gets sad that I’m growing up. I get sad too, but I’m better about hiding it than she is. We talk about visiting colleges, jobs and senior year; and it freaks both of us out. I can’t imagine living somewhere without my mom and not being able to run down the stairs and freak out about some random news together. She keeps me in check and lets me know when to reel in the crazy. She’s my very best friend, and I dread the day I move hours away from her.

As I enter my sophomore year, I look back at the past 16 years of my life and think about how much time I have left before I walk the stage. I think about how I’ll be moving out and be on my own for the first time ever. I think about how I won’t have my mom whenever I want. Sometimes, I wish I were 6 again. That way, I wouldn’t have to worry, and I could just hug my mom.

KPTIMES.COM | October 2023 | OPINION 23

JOIN JOURNALISM & PHOTOJOURNALISM WHO

Calling all photographers, writers, videographers, sports reporters, graphic designers, podcast creaters and artists.

WHAT

Join the national award-winning newspaper and yearbook staffs.

WHERE

Room 1504 houses the cameras, computer 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.

THIS IS

not your typical class.

Be in control of how much you do.

Earn an academic letter jacket,

and gain college

and scholarship notice.

Become a sports reporter, graphic designer, podcaster, a web editor or make Twitter and Instagram your homework.

Work, play, TRAVEL. Be a part of a

student-run, award-winning program.

Scan the QR code or visit KPTimes.com/TellMeMore to learn more about the program.

For students interested in joining the newspaper or yearbook staff in the 2023-24 school year, applications are available online. The general staff application is due Dec. 13. Editor applications are due Dec. 9.