Rachel Dams Portfolio 2015 by KP Times

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Cover Letter Rachel A. Dams 2630 foliage green Lane 77339, Kingwood Tx (832) 776-8642 Rachel.dams97@gmail.com Dear Ms Lawrence, I must say that I would be thrilled to be a part of the Visual Arts Program at UNT. As a young, aspiring artist, I feel as though my art would be a valuable asset to the team. When I was just five years old, my grandfather drew Mickey Mouse for me and told me, “don’t limit your imagination.” Since then I have drawn almost everyday, expanding my artistic imagination. I watched in amazement when cartoons came on, hoping to be able to work alongside the people capable of creating such wondrous worlds. I have grown more and more impressed with the alternate realities that one can make with only their mind and a pen. As a Senior at Kingwood Park High, I have been introduced to the graphic design industry and its works, which will help me in this endeavour. I have been drawing since the third grade and I feel as if I am more than capable of producing high quality work. Working on the Magazine at Kingwood Park has shown me the importance of deadlines as well as collaboration ethics. Please contact me for any additional questions or interests preferably by phone but also by email or mail as shown above.

Resume Objective To become a graphic design artist for dreamworks while learning skills to further my design abilities Education • completed 17 credit hours at Lonestar College • completed 2 years at Kingwood Park high School • Graduate date: 5-23-15 • GPA (highschool): 3.75 • GPA (College): 3.25 Experience • Political cartoonist/reporter on the magazine staff at Kingwood Park high school (2012-2015) • Relevant High School Studies • Art Magazine • Honors/Awards/Memberships • “Kudos” Award in my Middle school years • President of a Culture’s club • President of an Art club • Board of Student council (Quest Early College high school) • Honors award (Kingwood park) • Leapfrog Award Christian Youth Theatre References • Megan Ortiz of Kingwood Park Megan.Ortiz@humble.k12.tx.us • Cathy Moss of Quest Early College kathy.moss@humble.k12.tx.us • Dee Willis of CYT Houston 281-841-6459

Cspa Gold Circle CAtegories N5. Persomal Opinion: off-Campus Issues

N5. Personal opinion: Off-campus issues Issue 6, Vol. 2 MUSIC REVIEW

Watch out for Blurryface By Rachel Dams Staff Reporter Twenty One Pilots used social media to their advantage with their recent song “Stressed out,” released on April 27 at 10 p.m., where they made a worrisome Twitter account named Blurryface. Most of the fans, better known as the the Skeleton Clique, were upset and confused and some could not even look at the account, and all of those feelings are embodied in “Stressed Out.” The song’s music video, released the same night at the single, was filmed in the childhood homes of vocalist Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun. Scenes took places in their old rooms, with their families and pictures of their younger selves. The two are seen riding tricycles and drinking out juice pouches, and doing their secret handshake that they have had since they were kids, behaving more childlike in general than what would be expected of artists their age. While listening to the lyrics one can hear that they don’t want to grow up, “Wish we could turn back time, to the good ol’ days/ When our momma sang us to sleep but now we’re stressed out.” The song opens up with Joseph’s insecurities, adding a bit of humor with “I wish I didn’t have to rhyme every time I sang,” without having rhymed with the previous line. The entire song is a myriad of insecurities and stress and anxiety, the most notable being “My name is Blurryface and I care what you think,”

N11. News Feature Issue 3, Vol. 2 CARTOON CORNER As FFA grows, more animals being raised, leaders being developed FFA participants recently decorated their barn and opened it up to community members for their popular Santa’s Farm evening. By Rachel Dams Staff Reporter FFA continues to grow with a record number of 135 students this year. On Dec. 5, FFA students hosted their annual Santa’s Farm, where they decorate the FFA barns and open them to the public. FFA is not only about animals. There are many more aspects to the program that often go unnoticed. “We are first and foremost a leadership organization,” FFA sponsor Kevin McCarty said. “We do the same things STUCO does, we do the same things that AVID does. We’re a lot of those organizations warped together. We have speaking competitions that we do with these kids, we do judging competitions… where they can apply critical thinking skills and evaluations of some type of an agricultural commodity.” Many students do not know of the long lasting lessons taught within the FFA family. Though the students may struggle, they always have each By Alyssa Reed other to rely on. “I used to be like really shy and when I joined FFA I thought I wasn’t going to get over my shyness and now, I mean I can’t get up in front of a large group of people, but with my FFA group it’s basically a family, so I can talk in front of them and stuff and I won’t get scared or anything,” said Brylie Wright12. This program does more than teach kids to care for animals; it shows them what it’s like to become a part of a community and to assume responsibility. For Breiana Jackson9, her parents work hard to help make sure she can afford to raise her pig. “Mom has two jobs and Dad has a manufacturing job,” Jackson said. “They work hard because even though it’s my pig, it’s our project.” For some kids, it gives them a companion who is always by their side. “[My goat named Cheese] follows me around like a dog,” Jayce Green9

Zonked Zombies

as Blurryface is an embodiment of Joseph’s inner turmoils. He doesn’t want to care what others think of him but Blurryface makes him. Joseph and Dun’s families make a surprise appearance in this video, they seem to symbolize society as they are seen yelling “Wake up you need to make money” to the sleeping band members, tucked in beds with red and black sheets. The most odd thing in this song are the eerie instruments as well as the red-eyed Joseph, rapping the chorus while voice that has been altered to sound deeper and distorted. Many fans have speculated that the deeper voice is the vocal representation of Blurryface. This band has gone above and beyond with their marketing techniques as well as their vocal, lyrical and visual symbolism. The Skeleton Clique should eagerly await the release of the full Blurryface album on May 19.

By Rachel Dams

By Michael Horton

Santa’s Farm has become an annual tradition for the FFA students at Kingwood High School and Kingwood Park. On Dec. 5, the students opened their barns up to the public and had treats. The animal stalls were decorated for Christmas and had lights strewn throughout the stalls. Photo by Orianne Elliott.

said. “I don’t need a leash to walk him; if I stop, he stops. It’s fun to have an animal that you get to take care of.” For others, it is an activity; one that they enjoy doing but don’t always get too attached. “For many people it is [difficult to get rid of animals],” Jamie Wade12 said. “I don’t really get attached to my animals because most of the time we only have them for four months and I usually have more than one animal at a time. So I’m so focused on everything I own that I don’t really get too attached to one animal.” There are challenges, but the kids pull through together. “It’s pretty difficult on my school work because during shows we miss a whole week of school,” Wright said. “I have to go back to school and get a whole week’s worth of work and so it’s very time consuming.”

While the animals were pretty oblivious to the action, students welcomed community members to their barns. (Left) Jacob Fisher10 and Emily Neff11 hang out under the Christmas lights with Gibby, the goat Neff is raising.

6 December 2014

By Madison Berry

What are you most excited about for the summer?

“I will have a grand“A new beginning.” daughter coming this -Kaheel Lewis12 summer.” -teacher Tiffany May

“Parties with my friends.” -Brandon Ayala9

“Going to El Salvador with family.” -Odaly Lazo11

“Spending time with the squad.” -Melanie Trochez9

“Sleeping in.” -Blake Whichard9

“Lifeguarding.” -Alex Penn10

May 2015

Cspa Gold Circle CAtegories

Ruth Parrish takes on the world

Cultured Cataloger

“thank you” in Russian. The bus ride into Russia seemed to be horrifying as well as deadly. Ruth Parrish has traveled to at least “The bus was the scariest, well sec35 countries since becoming a librar- ond scariest part I’ve been on,” Parian in Humble ISD in 1999. rish said. “The bus driver was mad at “It’s so exciting that I can’t wait to see our tour guide and they started havhow many places I can go before I get ing an argument and started driving too old to travel,” Parrish said. 100 mph on dirt roads. We thought Though Parrish travels frequently we were going to die.” now, she had not been beyond the Parrish describes many of the U.S. and Mexico before her kids had countries she has visited with absogrown up and left the house. Once it lute delight. She often goes with a was just Parrish and her husband Paul group of former and current teachers in the house, she wanted to experi- as well as friends. ence more places. “Each country and towns within Parrish’s favorite trip was the one countries were fascinating to Ruth,” where she visited most of the Scan- Paul Parrish said. “It could be a dinavian countries. Though she de- church, the food, the history, the scribed getting scenery, a castle, a into the country “I would encourage bridge, the town’s peras intimidatsonality, and the local ing, she was very panthers . . . to travel. people and her travel much excited to mates.” Do it while they’re be able to see RusThe most beautiful young, whether it’s sia. place Parrish sai she “The best part backpacking, taking has been to is Lucerne, was that I never a tour or going over- Switzerland. She enthought that I seas for school. Just joys this particular city would set foot on because it is easy to see the world. ” Russian soil, and walk around, as well the fact that I got as holds its character -Ruth Parrish to,” Parrish said. with its old buildings “My grandmother and mural paintings. is from Norway so I got to see where Parrish speaks of her trips rather freone of the bakeries that her family quently. started was.” “She loves to travel, she takes all of Getting into Russia was a bit on the opportunities she can get,” cothe unfriendly side. Not only were worker Miranda Sanford said. customs very strict but the people Besides Russia and Mexico, Parseemed to be stoic and scary, Parrish rish has seen many corners of the said. She was excited, however, when world. She has been to Belize, Italy, she was able to make a woman at cus- Canada, England, Ireland, Poland, toms smile when she was able to say Norway, Sweden, Germany, Switzer-

Ruth Parrish takes a break in Nazare, Portugal to admire the beautiful waters after spending the day walking along the beach. These crystal waters are one of the many things which makes Parrish want to visit there once again. Photo courtesy of Kim West

By Rachel Dams Staff reporter

N12. Personality profile Issue 5, Vol. 2 Parrish made a stop at Lello bookstore in Porto Portugal, which features the staircase from one of the Harry Potter movies. Photo courtesy of Ruth Parrish

land, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, Australia, Bermuda, the Caribbean Islands, and most recently Portugal. Parrish travels several times a year, each year; traveling is what she is known for. She often gets to experience new things. “We kissed the Blarney Stone; you wait in this long line, climb up a narrow, almost claustrophobic staircase and bend backwards to kiss the stone upside down,” traveling companion Staci Tucker said. Parrish has seen many fascinating things, including one of the staircases

from the Harry Potter films at an art museum called Hermitage in St. Petersburg. What most only dream to see, Parrish makes sure she is able to. Parrish has visited a vast portion of the world and find other countries to be simpler. Their lives are much more smooth and they take things slow. As compared to U.S.’s “go, go, go” attitude, it’s refreshing. “So many people in foreign countries live simply and they value their time socializing rather than being attached to their devices,” Parrish said.

Students look to buck stereotypes after getting tattoos and piercings Continued from page 6 Not as unconventional, Hammond got her ears pierced at Claire’s when she was 8 but she got the OK to get a tattoo of the Yin-Yang symbol on her ribs at Adorn Tattoos and Body Piercings in the summer of 2014 and her navel pierced in January after being fascinated with the art of modification since her youth. “I'm not big on piercings but I've always been obsessed with tattoos and can't wait to get more,” Hammond said.

“I think it's pretty cool that we have the opportunity to get something that means a lot to you permanently printed on your body, whether for art, a memory or just because you think it's cool.” Hammond also aims to get multiple tattoos, including a lion on her back because she is a Leo with the words "Stay Gold" written in script above the image, despite the societal stigma that comes with having visible body modifications. She finds that individuals with tattoos and piercings are unfairly written-off as

N24. Comic Cartoons Issue 6, Vol. 2

“bad influences” or “rebellious,” especially in schools and workplaces, saying that professionalism is defined by how a person works not by how they look. According to the movement Support Tattoos And Piercings At Work (STAPAW) 76% of employees feel tattoos and piercings hurt their job interview chances. However, 73% of people say they would hire staff that had visible tattoos and say they support businesses that have tattooed and pierced employees. “Many of the people I trust, respect,

and look up to the most have several tattoos and/or piercings,” Hammond said. “Some of the truest, most important friendships in my life are with people who are covered in tattoos or have facial/ body piercings and even huge gauges but our relationship isn't affected by the modifications they have made to their bodies. Outward appearances may reflect a person’s interests but it has no effect on their character or how ‘good’ of a person they are.”

March 2015

Essay I began journalism when i entered kingwood park, taking the course only because it was given to me. I was originally in journalism one but through hard work and absolute fondness, i was able to advance rather quickly. Around the end of the first semester i was asked to be a part of a new class named â&#x20AC;&#x153;magazine.â&#x20AC;? though we were unable to exceed far during that year, i was able to join a new magazine in my senior year. This was when I was able to excel and begin to show my talents. I rather enjoyed it and would not have had it any other way. I have learned so much throughout my magazine career that I am unsure as to where to begin. The first thing I learned was social skills, I am more able to speak in a professional environment or gatherings that require interactions. While interviewing persons I became more comfortable, one example is when I spoke with the FFA kids and I was able to assert myself to gain the information needed. Second I have learned the importance of representation and the joy it brings to those who are not typically shown light. During our time one this staff we have made sure that we do not only produce persons of one subset. lastly I have learned many traits that pertain to my professional interest, such as how to use photoshop, a graphic tablet and manage time efficiently. My web comics have gotten significantly better and I have been more capable when asked to produce quality work and for that I think this course and Mrs. Ortiz, our instructor. I have worked so well with persons here and I hope our work ethic carries on with the next groups. This course was the most valuable course I have taken in my entire schooling career. This course taught me real world work ethics as well as skills pertaining to my intended career path. I was able to learn a lot about photoshop as well as how to further my artistic abilities within the graphic design world. I have never in my four year been in a class where my creativity was not only required but also indulged and praised. It was rather refreshing and allowed my confidence as an artist and writer to develop. I absolute adore this course and would recommend all students at least consider it once in their schooling careers.

Reviews Reflection One: Best Story My best story just so happens to have been my last. The review of stressed out by twenty one pilots was an interesting piece that allowed me to divulge my creative writing skills on a subject that excites me tremendously. Though my first draft was less than worth, with it’s spelling mistakes and it’s odd speech pattern, as I worked it became much better. I began my first draft with an odd opening “Tyler Joseph, Lead singer of Twenty One Pilots, has personified his stress as well as his anxieties with a new character named Blurryface” that did not introduce my topic, which was their song stressed out. When I changed the opening sentence to “Twenty One Pilots used social media to their advantage with their recent song “Stressed out,” released on April 27 at 10 p.m., where they made a worrisome Twitter account named Blurryface”, it made my story flow and introduced my topic effectively. My first draft involved long quotes of the song that did not seem to correlate with my words, The second had explanations of why the song was developed, produced and or written in such a way. As I went along with the review I began to research how to do music reviews and I learned that it is not necessary to quote the song but it is necessary to start with marketing, then proceed with the intro, followed by the body and last speak of the ending. Rather than hopping around throughout the song, you stop and write it as a reflection of what you see in order. The finished product was a true music review and I am most proud of the fact that I was able to have Mrs. Ortiz tell me that it was written well.

Reviews

Reflection 2: Story I could have done better Mrs. Holmes story is by far the story that needed the most work. I was suppose to do a story of a beloved teacher who died and it was not published. This story was replaced by a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pink outâ&#x20AC;? story, where they gave out Mrs. Holmes jersey, because The pink out coordinator had a son who also died of cancer. The fact that I was unable to do this story correctly is the reason for tension between the english teachers and the magazine. I should have thought through what we needed to do before getting the english teachers hopes up. This piece was less than worthy of the teacher and my inability to articulate their loss was my downfall. My initial effort was profound and I had high hopes, as we advanced those hopes dwindled. If I had the chance I would have checked, before I began asking around, if there was any way the story might be pulled. This piece had great potential that I was unable to pursue and for that I have felt inadequate. I met with four or five teachers to discuss Mrs. Holmes and I did not meet with anyone over the Pink out topic, my focus was obscured and I hope in the future I will not make that mistake again.

Reviews Reflection 4: Asset to the Staff I was an asset to the Magazine staff because I have had prior experience in Adobe In Design and was able to help when necessary. I also have a natural ability for writing and am able to do a difficult story efficiently and well. Our first Issue was predominantly me and Orianne, because we had been through both the Journalism One and Magazine One courses. One major problem I faced this year was becoming more assertive when I needed a story to be done, I do not like to cause inconvenience but when persons donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respond I had to go back numerous times. Another problem was my absolute need to use as much punctuation as possible, I add commas and periods where they are not need much too frequently. The most difficult thing was working with others on stories because I could not change whatever I wanted and I could not change their speech pattern to match my own. I have learned that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay to be assertive sometimes, and people will respect you more for your determination. I have learned that punctuation is only to be used when absolutely necessary and not after every few words. I learned that working with others is necessary for deadlines and I need to get over my inability to work well with others. If these problems arose again, I would begin by reflecting on the situation and determining how I should react based on what I have learned. I feel as if I have become a better person, I still have my faults and persons who I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work well with, but overall I can now be a much better worker.

Stories Ruth Parrish takes on the world

Cultured Cataloger

“thank you” in Russian. The bus ride into Russia seemed to be horrifying as well as deadly. Ruth Parrish has traveled to at least “The bus was the scariest, well sec35 countries since becoming a librar- ond scariest part I’ve been on,” Parian in Humble ISD in 1999. rish said. “The bus driver was mad at “It’s so exciting that I can’t wait to see our tour guide and they started havhow many places I can go before I get ing an argument and started driving too old to travel,” Parrish said. 100 mph on dirt roads. We thought Though Parrish travels frequently we were going to die.” now, she had not been beyond the Parrish describes many of the U.S. and Mexico before her kids had countries she has visited with absogrown up and left the house. Once it lute delight. She often goes with a was just Parrish and her husband Paul group of former and current teachers in the house, she wanted to experi- as well as friends. ence more places. “Each country and towns within Parrish’s favorite trip was the one countries were fascinating to Ruth,” where she visited most of the Scan- Paul Parrish said. “It could be a dinavian countries. Though she de- church, the food, the history, the scribed getting scenery, a castle, a into the country bridge, the town’s per“I would encourage as intimidatsonality, and the local ing, she was very panthers . . . to travel. people and her travel much excited to mates.” Do it while they’re be able to see RusThe most beautiful young, whether it’s sia. place Parrish sai she “The best part backpacking, taking has been to is Lucerne, was that I never a tour or going over- Switzerland. She enthought that I seas for school. Just joys this particular city would set foot on because it is easy to see the world. ” Russian soil, and walk around, as well the fact that I got as holds its character -Ruth Parrish to,” Parrish said. with its old buildings “My grandmother and mural paintings. is from Norway so I got to see where Parrish speaks of her trips rather freone of the bakeries that her family quently. started was.” “She loves to travel, she takes all of Getting into Russia was a bit on the opportunities she can get,” cothe unfriendly side. Not only were worker Miranda Sanford said. customs very strict but the people Besides Russia and Mexico, Parseemed to be stoic and scary, Parrish rish has seen many corners of the said. She was excited, however, when world. She has been to Belize, Italy, she was able to make a woman at cus- Canada, England, Ireland, Poland, toms smile when she was able to say Norway, Sweden, Germany, Switzer-

By Rachel Dams Staff reporter

Parrish made a stop at Lello bookstore in Porto Portugal, which features the staircase from one of the Harry Potter movies. Photo courtesy of Ruth Parrish

Students look to buck stereotypes after getting tattoos and piercings

• Cultured Cataloger “I think it's pretty cool that we have the “bad influences” or “rebellious,” espeand look up to the most have several tatContinued from page 6 opportunity to getpark somethinglibrarian that means cially and in schoolsher and workplaces, saying toos and/or piercings,” Hammond said. • The story is over the kingwood many travels. “Some of the truest, most important Not as unconventional, Hammond got a lot to you permanently printed on your that professionalism is defined by how a body, whether for art, a memory or just person works not by how they look. her ears piercedof at Claire’s when she was took friendships in my life arephotos. with people • The disign this page a while due to the fact that I did not take the According to the movement Supwho are covered in tattoos or have facial/ 8 but she got the OK to get a tattoo of the because you think it's cool.” Hammond also aims to get multiple port Tattoos And Piercings At Work body piercings and even huge gauges symbol on her ribs at Adorn I hadYin-Yang to keep arranging them until two managed to fit. the pull out quote was Tattoos and Body Piercings in the sum- tattoos, including a lion on her back be- (STAPAW) 76% of employees feel tattoos but our relationship isn't affected by the of 2014 and her navel pierced in cause she is a Leo with the words "Stay and piercings hurt their job interview modifications they have made to their donemer with the help of the Editor-in -Chief. bodies. Outward appearances may reJanuary after being fascinated with the Gold" written in script above the image, chances. However, 73% of people say art of modification since her youth. “I'm not big on piercings but I've always been obsessed with tattoos and can't wait to get more,” Hammond said.

despite the societal stigma that comes with having visible body modifications. She finds that individuals with tattoos and piercings are unfairly written-off as

they would hire staff that had visible tattoos and say they support businesses that have tattooed and pierced employees. “Many of the people I trust, respect,

Issue 5, Vol. 2

flect a person’s interests but it has no effect on their character or how ‘good’ of a person they are.”

March 2015

Stories

As FFA grows, more animals being raised, leaders being developed FFA participants recently decorated their barn and opened it up to community members for their popular Santa’s Farm evening. By Rachel Dams Staff Reporter FFA continues to grow with a record number of 135 students this year. On Dec. 5, FFA students hosted their annual Santa’s Farm, where they decorate the FFA barns and open them to the public. FFA is not only about animals. There are many more aspects to the program that often go unnoticed. “We are first and foremost a leadership organization,” FFA sponsor Kevin McCarty said. “We do the same things STUCO does, we do the same things that AVID does. We’re a lot of those organizations warped together. We have speaking competitions that we do with these kids, we do judging competitions… where they can apply critical thinking skills and evaluations of some type of an agricultural commodity.” Many students do not know of the long lasting lessons taught within the FFA family. Though the students may struggle, they always have each other to rely on. “I used to be like really shy and when I joined FFA I thought I wasn’t going to get over my shyness and now, I mean I can’t get up in front of a large group of people, but with my FFA group it’s basically a family, so I can talk in front of them and stuff and I won’t get scared or anything,” said Brylie Wright12. This program does more than teach kids to care for animals; it shows them what it’s like to become a part of a community and to assume responsibility. For Breiana Jackson9, her parents work hard to help make sure she can afford to raise her pig. “Mom has two jobs and Dad has a manufacturing job,” Jackson said. “They work hard because even though it’s my pig, it’s our project.” For some kids, it gives them a companion who is always by their side. “[My goat named Cheese] follows me around like a dog,” Jayce Green9

6 December 2014

• FFA Grows... • The story is over FFA and their accomplishments • The disign of this page was mostly done by our editor in chief Orianne Elliott Issue 3, Vol. 2

In Search of a Scare Haunted houses are not the only way to get spooked. Ghost tours are available year-round throughout Humble, San Antonio and other parts of Texas. They offer a side of history not widely spoken about – a glimpse of the darker parts of history. Spirits will sometimes make their presence known on the tours and sightings of orbs and other strange things appear in photos at times. KP Times staff members went on a local ghost tour and a San Antonio ghost tour to record part of that history.

Charles Bender High s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

Charle Bender High School opened in 1930 and contained 20 classrooms. It served as the district’s high school until 1965 when Humble was built. One of its co-builders was C.W. Ennis. He left Germany without telling any of his relatives and settled in Humble. Years after he passed, his grandchildren, unbenounced to them, moved into the house directly behind the high school. Knowing nothing of their grandfather, they were shocked when one of the grandson’s wives finally realized the family name was on the side of the building.

McKay Clinic s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

The backyard of the McKay Hospital is like walking though a heavy fog. It’s gloomy and eerie - matching the devastating stories in its history. Many people died from causes that often didn’t add up. It is believed that patients were mistreated or neglected - especially those who had no ties to the oil industry that was running the town at the time. The building remains as a historical sight today. “The clinic/hospital caused an overwhelming sense of sadness,” Rachel Dams12 said.

Menger Hotel

Built in 1859, the Men still stay on site, and tou of frequent guests like T The most commonly see often seen by guests cle “I thought it was intere to take a picture on his p screen and then vanish,”

Pearson House s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

A house in the midst of Humble is widely believed to be haunted, according to ghost tours conducted in the area. The lights in the house mysteriously get turned on and off, doors open and shut on their own and even the television comes on when no one is around. Many believe it is caused by the daughter of previous owners, who was mentally disabled. She was not allowed to leave the house and she eventually passed away inside. Many believe her spirit still wanders around the house to this day.

The first bank in Humble s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

The first Humble bank mysteriously burned down after the oil industry took over the town. There was much speculation but it was never confirmed what started the fire. Many of the citizens held disdain for the bank because they weren’t in the oil field. Many town leaders were a part of the freemasons and condoned slave work. There was little to no actual dollars circulating in the town. It was mainly oil industry cash, which was the only currency accepted in stores and at the bank.

• 4In Search of a Scare • This story is over mine and the Magazines fun adventures at a haunter town in Humble. • This page is actually a spread and I worked on the placement of the photos, howevery I only wrote for the Humble one because I could not Attend the Other Issue 2, Vol. 2 October 2014

Bexar County J

The Holiday Inn Expres 1960s. Prison bars remai room 304 of the Holiday where family and friend In 1923, the last person history when he killed 1 the punishment as inhum The hotel is said to still ground below what is no

P P P P P p.m.) P P P

May 21 ROTC Awards Ceremony (6:30-9:30 p.m.) Early Release (12:05 p.m.) Choir Masterworks Concert (7-10 p.m.) May 22 Graduation Practice (3-5 p.m.) May 23 Graduation at M.O. Campbell Center (2 May 25 Memorial Day- NO SCHOOL June 4 Last Day of School (11:25 a.m. Release) June 5 Teacher Workday

athletic fields. I will have to give up my coaching responsibilities and duties which I hold dear to my heart.” Even though Wallace is excited to start her new journey at the CATE Center, she will miss KPark. “I will miss everything,” Wallace said. “I love KPark; this was the hardest decision I have had to make, it even made me cry.” Everyone is sad to see Wallace leave, including Ruffin. . “I feel we are losing a fantastic Assistant Principal, and the CATE

Muthart prepares to begin new phase of Years at KPARK: 5 Job: Math teacher Q: What got you into math? A: “I always loved math, I just think it’s fun. I guess I’m a nerd, but math is so fun.” Q: What have been your philosophies as a teacher? A: “Well, I always strive to be able to get along well with my students and build a good relationship with [them]. Also, to make the math as easy as possible so that they can do the best that they can.” Q: How have your students been throughout the years? A: “I’ve been really fortunate, because I’ve had some great students. Not all of them but most of them. My memories are good lets put it that way, even the crazy ones, you learn from every experience. you learn how you deal with it.” Q: What interesting classroom stories can you share?

A: “I had a student bring in a turtle [the other] day. She brought it for one of her other classes but she didn’t want to leave it in the classroom because she was afraid the other students would pick on it. It was her pet turtle and it was small, about six inches, she had it in her lap. The turtle wanted to walk around so I told her, ‘Just let the turtle walk around.’ “What happened is now, myself included, we’re all preoccupied with this turtle. He got stuck between my filing cabinet and the wall, when I came back a few minutes later he was gone. He had backed up and walked around the back of the classroom and ended up in the front. We just laughed the whole period, we did a bit of math and then we focused on the turtle.”

this semester. The two held a Q&A for students wanting to get into a career in journalism. Ortiz covers the Astros and soccer for the Chronicle, while Smith covers the Texans.

Center is gaining one of Kingwood Park’s finest. Even our principal Lisa Drabing said, “Mrs. Wallace was the link between teachers and administration; students felt comfortable talk to her. She bought into everything KPark is about.” Wallace has welcomed Ruffin to the position and she feels that he will fit the position perfectly. Even though Ruffin is excited for his new position

next year, he still will be finishing the remaining of this year as an Algebra 1 teacher and a coach for football. “Mr. Ruffin is a tremendous professional with a huge heart for kids. He is going to be amazing and be such a great addition to our leadership team with Mrs. Mosely and Mrs. Taylor. Students should really trust them and know that they will be there for them,” Wallace said.

Stories

Q: How have you liked your time here? A: “I think this is a great school and I’ve been to a lot of schools, this is my fifth [one]. This was a great place to finish my career, I love the faculty, I love the people that I teach with, my students are wonderful, I love the room that I teach in, and there’s a lot of school spirit. A lot of positives and I think because I’ve been in other places, I appreciate it more. Half of the students here don’t know what it’s like in other places so you think that maybe we should do better, but then when you’ve been other places you go, ‘Ohh, this is a really good school’ and I tell all my friends that.” Q: What part about KPARK will you miss the most? A: “I’m going to miss the people I work with the most, and I’m going to miss the students because I have some really fun students. They’re smart and they work hard and they contribute to the humor.” Q: What are your plans for retirement? A: I know I want to travel, that’s the number one thing I want to do, just try to go to different places. I’ll need to get a little part-time job to give me something to do, probably Starbucks because I just want to be able to talk to people. I don’t want

to sit at home.” Q: What changes in education have you really liked? A: “Technology, I remember averaging grades by hand. As a math teacher it’s no big deal but can you imagine if you weren’t a math teacher, you’d hate it. Technology is wonderful, calculators are phenomenal.” Q: What do you hope to see down the line for education in the state of Texas? A: I think we spend way too much time testing, the testing is out of control. The amount of time that’s wasted, like that test we had for English. Why do we need to give a five hour test? Does an adult take a five hour test? That’s insane and we’re sitting in classes for two and a half hours. Am I going to teach a class for two and a half hours? The testing is too much but I do think that the pendulum is going to swing backwards and they’re going to realize it isn’t working. They’re not getting the data they want out of it because it’s not realistic. The retaliation for standardized testing is very big now and it should be, it’s just out of control. They’re always trying to reinvent the wheel.

2 May 2015

• Watch Out for Blurryface • The Song Stressed out from Twenty one Pilots Blurryface album was released and because the lyrics seemed to match graduates, I reviewd it. I quotes its well thought out marketing as well as its melodic nature. • The layout is the Blurryface album cover next to the review. Issue 6, Vol. 2

• Muthart Prepares to Begin New Phase of • Mrs. Muthart is retiring from teaching and this was her last questionnaire. • The layout was very much QnA type and it was done with the help of Mrs. Ortiz. Issue 6, Vol. 2

MUSIC REVIEW

Zonked

By Alyssa Reed

By Madison Berry

What are you most excited about for the summe

had since they were kids, behaving more childlike in general than what would be expected of artists their age. While listening to the lyrics one can hear that they don’t want to grow up, “Wish we could turn back time, to the good ol’ days/ When our momma sang us to sleep but now we’re stressed out.” The song opens up with Joseph’s insecurities, adding a bit of humor with “I wish I didn’t have to rhyme every time I sang,” without having rhymed with the previous line. The entire song is a myriad of insecurities and stress and anxiety, the most notable being “My name is Blurryface and I care what you think,”

ing band members, tucked in beds with red and black sheets. The most odd thing in this song are the eerie instruments as well as the red-eyed Joseph, rapping the chorus while voice that has been altered to sound deeper and distorted. Many fans have speculated that the deeper voice is the vocal representation of Blurryface. This band has gone above and beyond with their marketing techniques as well as their vocal, lyrical and visual symbolism. The Skeleton Clique should eagerly await the release of the full Blurryface album on May 19.

Photo Opinion

• Photo Ops • We ask random students interesting questions pertaining to the months themes. • The layout is just a line up of the personas and their responses. Issue 4,5,6 Vol. 2 By Madison Berry

What are you most excited about for the summer?

“I will have a grand“A new beginning.” daughter coming this -Kaheel Lewis12 summer.” -teacher Tiffany May

“Parties with my friends.” -Brandon Ayala9

“Going to El Salvador with family.” -Odaly Lazo11

“Spending time with the squad.” -Melanie Trochez9

“Sleeping in.” -Blake Whichard9

“Lifeguarding.” -Alex Penn10

With Valentine’s near, what is your best break-up or pick-up line?

Break-up “Hey, this is my new boyfriend.”

- Gabbi Auclair9

Pick-up “If I went to Taco Bell I wouldn’t get a taco, I’d get a bae-rrito.”

Pick-up “How much do polar bears weigh? Enough to break the ice.”

- Adam Espinoza

- Lizette Perez

Break-up “Roses are red, violets are blue, I hate you.”

- Sara Verot12

Pick-up “Can I take a photo of you to prove to all my friends that angels do exist?”

May 2015

Pick-up “Do you know karate, because your butt is kickin’.”

-LeAire Hemminger-Westwood12

- Brendan Santoro10

If you could pull any prank, what would it be?Big game does not disappoint

as Patriots win in final seconds By Michael Horton Special Contributor

“Stuff a locker with potatoes”

- Justin Pizano9

“Buy some fake hair then snip some scissors next to a person’s ear and pretend to cut their hair.”

- John Carl Boudreaux10

“Get a body bag from the Halloween store and surround it with ketchup to make it look like fake blood.”

- Caitlin Reed9

EDITOR’S CORNER s ORIANNE ELLIOTT

Super Bowl XLIX was everything we expected and more. The game was between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. There was a lot of tension leading up to the game, including the Patriots use of deflated balls in “Turn off the all the lights “Replace the creme in an “Give someone a box of the first half of a 45-7 blowout over the Colts in the AFC at the school, lock all the oreo with toothpaste.” chocolate with a spring Championship, also known as “deflategate. ” - Brittany Orozco12 loaded lid.” doors and post signs saying The Seahawks also kept the media busy while leading up 11 Alec Hudson the school is closed for an to the big game with star running back Marshawn Lynch answering press questions with, “I’m invitation-only only here so impromptu I don’t get poetry slam.” fined” and “Shout out to all my real Africans out there.” - Kimberly Villegas The game had big plays right from the start with Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane intercepting Tom Brady in the end ALBUM REVIEW zone and Rob Gronkowski catching a go-ahead touchdown. The Seahawks has an unknown star in the first half, undrafted wide receiver Chris Matthews, who was working at a Footlocker several months before the big game. He By Joshlyn Thomas

Marina keeps Froot in season

Comics • What your superstition? • I did a fun little graphic for our Friday the 13th section about superstitions. I drew the cat and placed it. • The layout is just a line up of the personas and their responses. Issue 4, Vol. 2

Friday the 13th

What is your my hair Superstition?

“When I play so

I usually play b

“I have to wish at 11:11.

“I have

at all times. I f I • just doSleepy it for fun. Myteens wishes don’t usually come true.” • In the magazine- Eunice weCampuzano had bunch of people drew “Myajersey number has to be “I have some comics over our before a swim divisible by four. like Ior win mor With Valentine’s near, what is your best break-up pi school. Mine was One year it was not divisible by four and itselectwas a bad year.” ed to be in the feature -Jeremy Scruggs “Before soccer “When I show for FFA Issue 6, Vol. 2 10

I have to have my necklace on that has a little pig charm.

Break-up “Hey, this is my new boyfriend.”

- Gabbi Auclair9

listen to Childish

It impacts how It makes me feel like I am going to do well. “ Break-up Pi Pick-up Pick-up 9 “Can I take a “If I went to Taco Bell I “How much do polar bears “Roses red, violets are game.” -GermanareBarranca to prove to wouldn’t get a taco, I’d get weigh? Enough to break blue, I hate you.” that angels - Sara Verot12 a bae-rrito.” the ice.” - Adam Espinoza12

- Lizette Perez12

Hemmin

Big game d KINGS CROSSING as Patriots CAR CARE

• Grubhub • After the Superbowl i dew my first comic for the magazine, which featured one of the apps shown during the Superbowl. Issue 4, Vol. 2

By Sp

Let WHAT’S HOT? 1. Left Shark, aka. the shark that knew Katy Perry’s routine. 2. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. Really ready to read her work again. 3. Vans. Forget the Nikes. I want

Super Bowl XLIX w The game was betw the Seattle Seahawks to the game, includin the first half of a 45-7 Championship, also k The Seahawks also to the big game with press ques 3319 West Lake Houston Pkwy.answering Humble, TX fined” and “Shout ou 281-360-2838 The game had big p cornerback Jeremy L zone and Rob Gronk Theadventu Seahawks has a us help you plan your next undrafted wide recei ing at a Footlocker se burnt the Patriots’ de his first pass as a pro moments of the first In the second half, Kingwood Park High School 4015 Woodland Hills Drive a touchdown and a fi Kingwood, TX 77339 The Patriots offense 281.641.6600 seemingly effortlessly February 2015 shutting down Seattle I M ES Issue 4, Vol. 2 Patriots coach Bill B

KP T

Layouts

Qk A

HELENA VASSILIADES

With strong starts from girls and boys, swimming looks to keep rich tradition alive.

SAMUEL POULIN

Q: When did you start swimming? A: Five years old. Q: What is your favorite race? A: The 100 butterfly. The butterfly has always looked so graceful, and I enjoy doing it. Q: What did you used to like to swim best? A: The freestyle because it was easy. Q: What are your goals this season? A: To get through the season and win State. Q: What is going to be the biggest challenge in achieving them? A: Hoping the team will stay together, and everyone getting good enough times to go to State. Q: What is the best race you ever swam and what made it so good? A: Last year. i don’t remember the meet, but everyone on the team was cheering me on. Q: Who is your favorite swimmer and why? A: Coach (Mark Babich). He’s gone through all the crap he put us through. Q: What do you think most people don’t

realize about swimming? A: Everything. They blow it off and see it as goofing off in the pool. Q: What do you like to do when you’re not swimming? A: Sleep, relax Q: If you could swim in any body of water, where would it be and why? A: Anywhere other than Galveston, maybe the beaches of Hawaii. Q: Who has helped you the most along the way? A: Coach and teammates. I’ve known most of them since I was 5. Q: At swim meets, can you hear anything from the crowd when you’re swimming? A: No you can’t, but when you take a breath you can see them cheering. It’s not what you can hear, but what you can see. Q: Describe your best moment in the pool. A: Finishing race, because you’re tired but you see a good time and it’s satisfying Q: Describe your favorite moment with your team so far. A: Everytime I go to practice. Hanging out with my teammates. - Krystal Hinojosa

Q: When did you start swimming? A: Seriously when I was about 5 or 6. I did summer league. Q: What other sports did you ever play? A: I attempted soccer, volleyball, and basketball. I’m really bad at land sports. Q: What is going to be the biggest challenge in achieving them? A: What you put in is what you get out. Practice is really hard sometimes but you have to think of your goal. Motivation is the only thing that can keep you swimming. Q: What is the best race you ever swam and what made it so good? A: Last year at the Stratford meet I had just come off of breaking my arm and I beat their fastest freestyle girl. I wasn’t expected to do well but I did and it was great. Q: Who is your favorite swimmer? A: Ricky Berens because I just met him recently and he really helped with my freestyle. He’s an Olympian. Q: What do you think most people don’t realize about swimming? A: It’s really cruel because you’ll be training really hard for months and you don’t really get a chance to swim fast until the end of the season once for a minute. Q: What’s the coolest part about being a part of your team? A: They’re kind of the only people who understand swimming. You talk to them differently

• SaenzIn ofonafaithScare stayssearch focused, relies as challenges arise • Using Oriannes photos, I wrote what we were told about the places. • I set up the layout to where I placed the photos and the stories but I did not write the second half of stories nor the title. Issue 2, Vol. 2 By Orianne Elliott Editor-In-Chief

Ariana Saenz, a member of the golf team, has a compelling story behind her swing. While some long-time dreams have been coming true on the golf course, Saenz has struggled off the course to cope with her mother’s battle with breast cancer. Maria Saenz was diagnosed with cancer on her birthday Feb. 10, 2014. “I was really shocked, it came out of nowhere,” Maria Saenz said. “I had my faith in God that he would pull us through this.” Maria Saenz went for her usual routine mamogram expecting nothing unusual but was taken aback when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily enough, it was found during the early stages and was about

to be acted upon straight away. “The entire experience was devastating and shocking,” Maria Saenz said. “As a mother all I could think about was would I be able to see my girls grow up and continue to be a part of their lives.” Saenz started playing golf at age 3, and her parents have been there for each of her tournaments. Even with the medical issues going on this past year, they joined her earlier this fall when she played in a special event at Pebble Beach, one of the most renowned golf courses in the world. She spent six days at the course with other juniors and learning from golf pro Esteban Toledo. She competed against 81 other competitors, and met a number of celebrities and pro golfers at the event. It was an unforgettable event for the Saenz family that happened to

fall just before Maria Saenz underwent surgery. After months of treatment and surgery, Maria Saenz was recently told she is cancer free. Although a challenging experience, the Saenz family was able to strengthen their relationship as a family and are now closer than ever. According to golf coach Angela Chancellor, Ariana is an “all-American kid, full of honor and integrity.” Maria Saenz can’t wait to see what’s still ahead for her daughter. “As her mother, I have so many things to be proud of for Ariana,” Maria Saenz said. “Ariana has always stood steadfast on her faith and belief and never doubted that I would be healed. Tears of joy cannot be contained knowing that Ariana is so strong and faithful.”

• QnA • We interviewed two swim students over their performance and their team. • The layout is set up similar to Mrs. Muthart’s story, where it is a QnA layout with the photos centered. Issue 2, Vol. 2

than other people. Q: What do you like to do when you’re not swimming? A: I sing and play guitar and piano. I’m kind of artsy. Q: If you could swim in any body of water, where would it be and why? A: I want to swim in the Pacific Ocean because I’ve never swam there. To race in California in the Pacific Ocean would be nice. Q: What is your ultimate goal as a swimmer? A: Getting to college for swimming and get some scholarships for swimming. Q: Who has helped you the most along the way? A: My mom just because she’s the person who kept me on track. Q: At swim meets, can you hear anything from the crowd when you’re swimming? A: Sometimes, just barely, I’ll hear my mom screaming in her Russian accent and I like to hear it. I also like to hear my coaches. My club coach has a super loud whistle that I always hear when I’m swimming. It’s really reassuring. Q: Describe your best moment in the pool. A: When we play games, especially gutterball. It’s really hard and competitive, but you have a lot more fun. Q: Describe your favorite moment with your team so far. A: At the end of every meet and practice, we sing the alma mater and do our swim cheer and it’s awesome. We’re like family. - Emma Waller

Charles Bender High s Humble

San Fernando Cathedral

San Antonio

Photo by Orianne Elliott

Charle Bender High School opened in 1930 and contained 20 class-

Photo by Orianne Elliott

rooms.event It served as the district’s high school until 1965 when Humble After earning a berth in a special at Pebble was built. One of its co-builders was C.W. Ennis. He left Germany Beach, Ariana Saenz spent sixwithout days on theany famous telling of his relatives and settled in Humble. Years after course learning and competing. Photohiscourtesy of unbenounced to them, moved into he passed, grandchildren, the house directly behind the high school. Knowing nothing of their Angela Chancellor.

McKay Clinic s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

grandfather, they were shocked when one of the grandson’s wives finally realized the family name was on the side of the building.

October 2014

Menger Hotel s San Antonio

Photo by Orianne Elliott

Built in 1859, the Menger is widely regarded as the most haunted hotel in Texas. Guests still stay on site, and tours are often given. It is believed to house 32 spirits, including those of frequent guests like Theodore Roosevelt, who used to recruit roughriders in the hotel bar. The most commonly seen is chamber maid Sallie White, who was killed by her husband. She is often seen by guests cleaning their rooms in the middle of the night. “I thought it was interesting when we were in the Menger and a man on the tour was trying to take a picture on his phone. Each time he tried to focus, little orbs would shoot across the screen and then vanish,” Amber Dalton12 said.

Pearson House s Humble

Founded in 1731, this is the oldest operating Catholic cathedral in the nation. Inside, bodies and bones of those who died in the Alamo as well as soldiers during the War for Mexican Indepedence have been found. In the back of the cathedral are walls in which bodies were also reportedly buried. When looking closely at the walls, onlookers can make out some of the faces of those they believe are buried within the walls themselves.

Photo by Orianne Elliott

The first bank in Humble s Humble

Photo by Orianne Elliott

Photo by Joshlyn Thomas

William Menger Suite, Room 2041 s San Antonio

Located on the second floor of the Menger Hotel, this is one of the most haunted rooms. One guest two months ago got out of the shower to find a woman sitting at the foot of her bed folding her sheets. She rushed in her towel to the lobby upset. As she described the woman, it was clear to staff that it was the former chamber maid Sallie White making another appearance. White was murdered in 1876 but there are still sightings of her in the hotel today. “The aesthetic of the hotel definitely added to the spook factor of the overall tour,” Orianne Elliott12 said. “It was so pretty, yet because it was so old-fashioned it made it super creepy at the same time.”

Bexar County Jail (now Holiday Inn Express) s San Antonio The Holiday Inn Express is now located in the same building that housed the county jail from 1869 until the 1960s. Prison bars remain on all of its front windows. Hangings used to take place on the third floor (currently room 304 of the Holiday Inn). Those sentenced to hang were dropped through a trap door to the second floor, Clemente Apolinar where family and friends could view the death (in what is now room 204.) In 1923, the last person hanged was Clemente Apolinar, who is said to have committed the most gruesome murder in San Antonio history when he killed 14-year-old Theodore Bernhardt. After Apolinar’s head was almost severed during his hanging, they deemed the punishment as inhumane, and started using the widely accepted electric chair instead. The hotel is said to still be haunted by many of the people put to death there. Ashes of those who died on site are buried in the ground below what is now the hotel pool. Photo by Orianne Elliott

4 October 2014

October 2014

Friday the 13th

What is your my hair has to be in a braid. Superstition? “When I play soccer,

I usually play better when my hair is in a braid.”

“I have to hold my breath when I pass a graveyard,

I don’t even care how long it is. They freak me out.”

-Maddie Guerra10

“I have to wish at 11:11.

“I have to wear a watch

I just do it for fun. My wishes don’t usually come true.”

at all times. I feel naked without it.” -Bianca Walker9

- Eunice Campuzano10

“My jersey number has to be divisible by four.

One year it was not divisible by four and it was a bad year.” -Jeremy Scruggs9

“I have to stretch and pray before a swim meet otherwise I don’t do well. I feel like I win more races.” -Caitlin Hiegel9

I have to have my necklace on that has a little pig charm. It makes me feel like I am going to do well. “

-German Barranca9

“When the clasp of your necklace is showing, someone is thinking about you.”

-Abbie Tackett11

“When I see a black cat I have to avoid it. If I don’t avoid the cat I have bad luck.”

-Nathan Garcia10

“Before soccer I have to

“When I show for FFA

-Stefania Mendez11

listen to Fall Out Boy and Childish Gambino

It impacts how I play and how I feel for the rest of the game.” -Emma Pinkerton12

KINGS CROSSING CAR CARE

“During freshman year

I had to cover my phone’s front facing camera because I thoguht someone was watching me”

-Taytum Betts10

• What’s your superstition? • We asked a bunch of kids what they do that a little bit quirky or “superstitious” • The layout is the main point of the quotes enlarged and set them in rows. Issue 4, Vol. 2

HUMANS OF KPARK Humans of KPark

• All-Around Athlete • I interviewed Robert over his future career choices as well as his plans for after graduation. • The layout was his story underneath his photo. Mrs. Ortiz did the High School Cosmetologist original layout. Cosmetology student Courtney Wallrath spends most of her school day off campus at the Issue 4, Vol. 2 cosmetology center.

MANS OF KPARK

Part IV in a series that shares the stories of staff members and students.

Part III in a series that shares the stories of staff members and students.

tor

Amy Wallace . For now, she aving earned n education. She he future holds. hat God does of be open to d Wallace, who therapist prior nt principal. rate and s well as a job, cult. Wallace ee-year process ength from her er love of school ed her through

“After high school, I’m going to go to Lone Star and get my aestheticians certification,” Wallrath said. “Other than that, I want to be a freelance artist. I already have an airbrush.” Wallrath first got into makeup in the ninth grade. “I really like make-up,” Wallrath said. “I see pictures online and that inspires me.” Wallrath has to learn many makeup styles to fit the customer, but she does have a favorite style.

The traveler “I prefer more drastic make-up, al-

a lot more people are looking Jaafar Abdulzahra11, an Iraqian, though“It’s a really easy language, I’m more natural look,” Wallrath is a laid-back kind of guy. Just a yearfor the taking French now, ” he that said. said. “It’s important for me to know [style] ago Jaafar, his mom, and 28-year-oldas well.”Abdulzahra isn’t a big fan of Texas brother moved to Kingwood. Courtney is one many are because it’softoo hotstudents for hiswho liking. utilize the cosmetology where Like most teenagers, Abdulzahra able toHe’ d much rather stickprogram with peace, are able to get their cosmetology was not at all happy to move. But hestudents quiet, relaxation and call it a day. licenses during high school. Her only complaint had to because his mother wanted seemed As forthethe future Abdulzahra to be inconvenience of traveling. him to get a better education. doesn’t know he’d likeand toI can “I like that they havewhat the program, “It’s different here, I miss my take itpursue. in high school rather than college,” Wallcoststoless, it’s more convenient, and friends,” said Abdulzahra, who is shyrath said. “I“It want make money, but I don’t my license quicker. They should start a when it comes to speaking English. I can get want to do anything” he said and program on campus because of [the] travel.” To learn English, Jaafar listened to then chuckled. -Rachel Dams Eminem each chance he got. - Hannah Harden

when you’re on, you just to be finished ‘I’m not Wallace said.

enerationmy family, so I in my family or’s degree or o a product ing able to ially was a it’s just been always wanted ve it to myself.”

eves she is be, but having he should ever ob, her kids and

ducation is take from you,” an steal from you but they I ever need it, - Rachel Dams

ALL-AROUND ATHLETE Robert Washington12 is a well-rounded athlete. As the only boy in his home, he needed something to occupy his time. “I was straight basketball [until junior year],” Washington said. “I’ve been playing it since I was 6 years old. I can do pretty much any sport there is.” Washington plans to go overseas in order to play baseball, but his ultimate career goals have nothing to do with sports. “I’m going to be a paramedic,” he said. “I figured, ‘Why not?’ My dad does it. The scenes don’t bother me too much.” He played basketball before being recruited for football during his junior year. “The thing with football is that it is something to keep me in shape until basketball season,”

Fame seeker Marques Redman12 plans on going to a performing arts school so that he can study acting and improv. He then wants to move to London because he is fond of the culture. Redman has always wanted to be famous and make a change in the world, and acting is how he hopes to complete these goals. He said that he hopes to show those who belittled him that he is more than good enough and will achieve his goals. When he becomes

famous, he said he hopes to speak at schools to help students pull through what he described as the “tough years.” After attaining stardom, Redman plans to go to middle schools and high schools as a motivational speaker. He wants to tell kids, “Be who you are” and not to let others beat them down.

“Life gets better and high school is not the end,” Redman said.

- Rachel Dams

“You have to have a great work ethic,” he said. “Coach told me, ‘Working hard will get you on the field.’”

-Rachel Dams

ASPIRING ARTIST • Fame Seeker Senior My Pham spends her time playing video “I don’t have any [outside] motivations,” Pham games, watching Korean dramas and painting. Marques said. “The only thing that keeps me • I interviewed She started painting her junior year and prefers going is myself. Whether I succeed or to paint because she said it’s fun to experiment over his plans forfailthe fu- on my effort.” all depends with colors and the different techniques. This year, Pham is in fashion club and is also “The hardest thing for me to paint is skin tone taking AP Art 2D and Painting II. ture because it’s hard to get thewhere right skin color,he ” said explained Contemporary dancer “Art is something you cannot learn by other’s Pham said. teaching,” Pham LastKaylee year, Pham enteredishe her artreally intohigh a competithat hoped tosaid. “In order to be good at Woest a quiet something, you have to teach yourself and praction and won two gold medals., This year, she school student during the day, but at tice, practice a lot.” entered into the Scholastic competition, but the become aherfamous person -Alyssa Reed night sheback is ayet. dedicated performer. results aren’t What inspires to paint is her“I desire try new things. liketohow I can express as well as a motivational myself to an audience without speakingspeaker. because I hate speaking in front of people,” she said. • enjoys Thecontemporary-style layout was his story Woest dance best. Her competition team is underneath called Kingwood Jazz and Com- his photo. pany. She spends an average of 20 Mrs. Ortiz did the original hours during the week at Rowland Ballard and 14 hours on Saturdays. layout. Woest sacrifices social activities and her studying time to be a 3, more Issue Vol. 2 10

8 February 2015

Washington said. “My friends really helped me adapt to the game [football] and develop a sort of brotherhood, which helped me hang out with people I typically wouldn’t.” Aside from being into football, basketball, traveling and paramedics, Washington plays the drums. He began playing at his church when he was just 5 years old. Washington said he has become who he is through hard work.

successful dancer. She usually does her homework in the car. “I want to be a dancer when I grow up, but I plan on going to college as a back-up plan in case dancing doesn’t work out,” Woest said. - Krystal Hinojosa

languages helps,” Hakeem said.

Hakeem speaks five languages: English, Persian, Urdu, Pashto and Arabic. Hakeem said he loves writing,

photography, learning and traveling. He wants to continue traveling to different places to learn and embrace cultures.

“We are all alike in a different way,” Hakeem said. By Kylee Wing

World Traveler Criminal Justice teacher Jerry Pollard spent a year in Beijing, China, during his college years at Texas Southern University. Pollard’s professor was allowed to take 10 of his students to the Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development and Pollard was chosen. Pollard was “honored,” he said and knew it was “the opportunity of a lifetime.” He had a translator during this trip to help him interact with the locals better. Pollard wanted to immerse himself in the culture. He even volunteered at a foster home called Hope, where he taught the children sports and more. He was constantly gawked at because he stood out among the Chinese. One instance in particular was when he went to a basketball court where he was challenged to a one-on-one match by one of the best players there.

Pollard said they expected him to be the equivalent of Michael Jordan, though he lost the first round. In the second round, however, he posted up the other player taking on the tactics of players such as Shaq and Yao Ming. Pollard said he felt like he had to win “for America,” and won the second game. The oddest things Pollard encountered were the gourmet Pizza Huts, the in-ground toilets, and the balls of meat that went into the noodles. Also there was no country gravy in a “Texas” restaurant. Pollard said he actually taught the restaurant how to make the white gravy and they’ve had it on their menu ever since. Pollard’s favorite part about China was the Great Wall. He said it was “serene” and “peaceful” as well as relaxing. All of the trees made it feel very calm and it was extremely beautiful, said Pollard. - Rachel Dams

Animal

Christine Crocke and has a lot of them be busy with school ing band, but takes animals just fine. “I’m fostering fou a mom and three ki Crockett. She owns seven ot four cats, two dogs Last time she tried she kept one instead home. This time she to find all of them h Crockett has to cl cat litter boxes as pa to help out.

“Boris, one of th tens, likes to curl me as I do my hom Crockett.

Let us help you plan your next adventure!

• World Traveler • I interviewed the forensic science teacher, Mr. Pollard and he explained to me his trip to China. • The layout was his story beside his photo. Mrs. Ortiz did the original layout. Issue 2, Vol. 2 Sports Highlight Videos ~

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Karol Woodward 815-212-6454

HUMANS OF KPARK HUMANS O

Part III in a series t shares the stories o members and stud

Humans of KPark

The doctor Assistant principal Amy Wallace has no idea what’s next. For now, she is just going to enjoy having earned her doctorate degree in education. She is excited to see what the future holds. “I’m hoping to see what God does with [my degree], kind of be open to see what happens,” said Wallace, who was a counselor and a therapist prior to becoming an assistant principal. Trying to get a doctorate and maintain a home life as well as a job, proved to be a bit difficult. Wallace pulled through the three-year process with positivity and strength from her family and friends. Her love of school and education motivated her through the years. “At times, especially when you’re writing your dissertation, you just think ‘I’m never going to be finished with this’ or you know, ‘I’m not equipped to do this,” Wallace said.

“I’m actually a first generationcollege student for my family, so I was the first person in my family to even get a bachelor’s degree or go to college. I’m also a product of poverty, so just being able to get through that initially was a big step for me; and it’s just been something that I’ve always wanted to do to kind of prove it to myself.”

Wallace said she believes she is where she is meant to be, but having the degree is good if she should ever need it. She loves her job, her kids and what she does. “I tell my kids your education is something no one can take from you,” Wallace said. “People can steal from you, they can mistreat you but they can’t take that away. If I ever need it, it’s there.” - Rachel Dams

4 December 2014

• The Doctor • I interviewed Mrs. Wallace over her struggles and accomplishments while gaining her docHigh School Cosmetologist torate Cosmetology student Courtney Wallrath • The layout was The traveler spends most of her school day off campus at the cosmetology center. herAbdulzahra story underJaafar , an Iraqian, “It’s a really easy language, I’m “After high school, I’m going to go to Lone is a laid-back kind of guy. Just a year taking Star French now, ” he said. and get my aestheticians certification,” agoneath Jaafar, his her mom, photo. and 28-year-old Abdulzahra isn’t a big fan Texas Wallrath said. “Otherofthan that, I want to be a brother moved to Kingwood. becausefreelance it’s too hot for Ihis liking.have an airbrush.” Mrs. Ortiz did the artist. already Like most teenagers, Abdulzahra He’d much rather stick with peace, Wallrath first got into makeup in the ninth wasoriginal not at all happy to move. But he layout. quiet, relaxation and call it a day. grade. had to because his mother wanted As for the futurelike Abdulzahra “I really make-up,” Wallrath said. “I see 3, Vol. 2 him Issue to get a better education. doesn’t pictures know what he’dand likethat to inspires me.” online 12

“It’s different here, I miss my friends,” said Abdulzahra, who is shy when it comes to speaking English. To learn English, Jaafar listened to Eminem each chance he got.

pursue. Wallrath has to learn many makeup styles to “I want money, don’thave a favorite fit to themake customer, butbut sheI does want tostyle. do anything” he said and then chuckled. “I prefer more drastic make-up, al- Hannah Harden

Robert Was athlete. As th though a lot more people are looking something to “I was straig for the more natural look,” Wallrath Washington s said. “It’s important for me to know that [style] was 6 years o as well.” there is.” Courtney is one of many students who are Washington able to utilize the cosmetology program where play baseball, students are able to get their cosmetology licenses during high school. Her only complaint nothing to do “I’m going t seemed to be the inconvenience of traveling. 10figured, ‘Why “I like that they have the program,Kaylee and I can Woest is a quiet hi don’t bother m take it in high school rather than college, Wall- during school”student the day He played b rath said. “It costs less, it’s more convenient, and night she is a dedicated perfor for football d I can get my license quicker. They should a I can “I likestart how express “The thing w program on campus because of [the] travel. ” an audience myself to with to keep me in -Rachel Dams

Contemporary dan

speaking because I hate sp ing in front of people,” she

Woest enjoys contemporary

dance best. Her competition t • Fame Seeker Fame seeker MyCo Ph called Kingwood Senior Jazz and watcho • heI interviewed Courtney Marques Redman plans on gofamous, said he hopes to speak pany. Sheover spendsgames, an average started pa ing to a performing arts school so at schools to help students pull hours during theShe week at Row her already beginning costo paint becau that he can study acting and improv. through what he described as the Ballard and 14 hours on Satur colors an “tough years. ” He then wants to move to London social activ metology career Woest sacrificeswith “The hardes because he is fond of the culture. After attaining stardom, Redand her studying time to be a it’s ha was hersuccessful story dancer.because man• plansThe to go layout to middle schools Redman has always wanted to be She usually Pham said. and high schools as a motivational famous and make a change in the her homework in the car. underneath Mrs. Last year, Ph world, and acting is how he hopes speaker. He wants to tell kids, her “Be photo. “I want to be a dancer when tion and won to complete these goals. who you are” and not let others growlayout. up, but I plan on going Ortiz didto the original entered into tt He said that he hopes to show beat them down. lege as a back-upresults plan inaren’t caseb Issue Vol. 2ing doesn’t work isout, those who belittled him that he is “Life gets better and high4, school ” Woest her desire ts 12

more than good enough and will achieve his goals. When he becomes

is not the end,” Redman said.

8 February 2015

- Rachel Dams

- Krystal Hi