The Anvil - December 2020 - Memorial High School, Houston, TX

the

ANVIL December 2020 Vol. 59, Issue No. 2

11Dressed to Kill Fast fashion changes the way clothing is produced

Memorial High School

Houston, Texas 77024

10505 Katy Fwy, Houston TX 77024 713-932-6901

NEWS 04 07 08 09

Noteworthy Pope Francis takes stance on LGBTQ civil unions; pregnant Florida woman votes while in labor; freshman, former teacher publish children’s book

FEATURE 19

Double Sided Is cancel culture effective?

20

Trending

Performance activism promotes the spread of misinformation

22

Let’s Hit Rewind

ABCs of ADHD

25

Happening Hallways

26

Miss Memorial

More Than a Hashtag

Teens explore the effects of ADHD

Race to Admissions Colleges face backlash for including race in admission process

Holiday Hotspots, Ask Andrew Returns, Overheard

2020 brings chaos, confusion and humor

Green hall teachers make lasting impressions on students

Junior Hannah Kothari competes in state pageant, represents MHS

11

Dressed to Kill Mass consumerism changes fashion scene

OPINION 14

Walking for a Cure

15

Let’s Talk about Sex (Ed)

Founders of Mary and Caris Crew share their story of living with Type 1 Diabetes

State of Texas, SBISD to reconsider sex-ed curriculum

SPORTS 16

08

Under the Lights Four students compare pre-game routine, Friday night lights experience

Cover photo by Jacob Rickel

11

Photo by Megan Benz

15

Photo by Kate Roatan

CONTENTS

COVER

news

Noteworthy

By Delaney Polocheck, Reporter and Giselle Tabibi, Reporter

Local Former MHS teacher, current freshman collaborate on children’s holiday book MERRY MUSTANGS - Former newspaper advisor and photography teacher Cathy Bottoms and freshman Alina Du teamed up to create For the Love of Children: A Christmas Story

Cathy Bottoms Author

What is For the Love of Children about?

Alina Du Illustrator

How did you react when you got the opportunity to illustrate for Ms. Bottoms?

Christmas is coming soon, and there is no money for any gifts, so

What’s unique about the story?

What’s your favorite thing about the book? What makes it unique?

What made you choose Alina to illustrate the book?

What’s been your favorite thing about being part of the process of creating the book?

Illustration by Alina Du

04 Dec

COVID Coverage

Global Pope Francis becomes first Pope to support same-sex civil unions, historic shift for Catholic church

As of Dec.2, 2020:

WHEN IN ROME,

MHS: 74 total cases 4 active cases

Catholic stance on marriage, as the Church But a topic of controversy among Catholics

TEXAS: 1,275,499 cases 22,204 deaths

and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope, Francis, has voiced support for gay

US: 13,799,200 total cases 270,600 total deaths

Pope’s statement really made me feel proud

Francesco supporting same-sex civil unions sent a ripple

Sources: New York Times, SBISD website

LATEST NEWS Nov. 9: Pfizer pharmaceutical announces potential vaccine is 94% effective

have to have is a civil union law; that

same-sex civil unions in the history

Nov. 11: Texas first state to break 1 million cases

and marriage is that a civil union is a legally recognized arrangement,

Nov. 18: The US reaches 250,000 COVID deaths

Pope Francis waves to a crowd in Dublin, Ireland. Photo

by Tribune News Service

Florida woman in labor votes before going to hospital supervisor, the woman refused to leave until

FROM THE SOURCE With the US reaching the highest daily death toll since May...

”

National

What America has to understand is that we are about to enter COVID hell. It is happening...We have not even come close to the peak.

”

Florida voters wait to cast their ballots. Photo

-Dr. Michael Osterholm

by Tribune News Service

IT’S A FLORIDA THING. to accommodate her situation and helping her to

Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

A woman in Florida was waiting to vote when Photo by Tribune News Service

Anvil

05

Your local area specialists

Buy | Sell | Lease | Property Manage

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More than a Hashtag

Performative activism has flooded social media, does more harm than good

By Clara Carrabba, Design Editor BLACKOUT TUESDAY: squares to protest police brutality. George

performative activism.

Was the black square a proactive way to raise

social approval.

Posing as caring or helpful members of

their photos often obstruct the outreach of the genuine activism taking place. Many truthful or tries to rile people up.”

Performative activism has been prevalent others believe that celebrities’ commenting on it is crucial to remember to be proactive in real of their impressionable followers who may still consumer of news but rather taking action in their timelines.

One example of activism relating to politics

Before You Post

1

Why am I posting this?

Make sure that you are not posting to

2

What’s the point?

3

Am I really making a change?

Evaluate what you

life about the issue. person” but rather rally for change.

action. Make sure anyone who may see your post can something about it.

support what you’re saying?

Anvil

07

ADHD INSIGHT

Junior Cameron Bowman shares his experiences with ADHD Everything’s dark.

I can feel the wires in my head move as I turn ever so slightly. There’s movies playing on a small, TV screen six feet in front of me on the doctor’s desk. It was just doctor who I had met just 10 minutes ago.

In my mind, I’m wondering, ‘Where’s my dad? Where’s the doctor? I felt like I was living in a comic book experiment. My eyes dart around the room, at my chair, at the door, at the screen. Finally, two hours later, the movie ends. Lights come back on and in walks the doctor and my dad.

The conversation starts, but I’m not paying attention. I’m daydreaming, scrambling through my mind, trying to come up with a reason why I’m there. Why they left me alone.

Why I had those wires on my head.

..............

Everyone comes to a point in their life that turns out to be a building block or turning point. For me, that moment was receiving my ADHD diagnosis.

Shortly after the diagnosis, my parents began to argue more and more until they and doctors had not yet diagnosed my autism in the form of Asperger’s. Every day seemed harder and harder both at home and school.

When I’m working on an assignment and my phone vibrates, I pick it up to see what is going on. In a matter of seconds, I’m stuck to my phone like gum to my shoe. I forget what how hard I try, I can’t get unstuck.

ADHD paired with autism makes it very hard to maintain my moods. One moment, Then, a mood swing hits out of nowhere, and I become depressed. I try to keep myself controlled and in the right mindset so I’m not carried away when trying to do homework or studying for a test. Strategies like writing in a weekly planner, making a checklist, silencing help me focus on getting tasks done without distractions. This helps me stay organized and avoid anxiety.

Constantly trying to stay focused is a challenge. I feel tired almost every day. But at the same time, I don’t see having ADHD as a bad thing. It doesn’t restrict what I can be in the future. Rather, it is something that makes me feel much more unique, more open and more motivated to pursue my dreams.

08 Dec

ABCs of ADHD

Teens search for understanding of common attention disorder

By Meah Matherne, Business Ads Manager/Reporter

THE CLASSIC DEPICTION of ADHD: the kid who can’t sit still, tapping their pencil and jogging their leg as they don’t do the classwork they’re supposed to.

While this is accurate to some ADHD patients, it fails to reveal the forgetfulness, over-talking, risk-taking and disorganization a person with the condition often experiences.

The United States has the highest diagnosis rate in the developed world with 11 percent of the American population having ever been diagnosed with ADHD. This makes it one of the most commonly diagnosed neurobehavioral disorders in children and adolescents.

ADHD can take form in three ways: hyperactivity, inattention or a combination of both. Hyperactivity is marked by all the symptoms that are most commonly attributed walls child. The inattentive type presents itself as an inability to focus on important tasks and

symptom presentation seems to cause the big divide in diagnosis rates between girls and boys at seven percent for girls versus 15 percent for boys. with ADHD,” senior Macey Mulvey said. “My grades were bad until I got medicated.”

There are several ways to treat ADHD, but a majority of patients take medications known as psychostimulants to reduce their symptoms.

These drugs help regulate chemical activity within the brain but have a multitude of side to further issues, such as depression and anxiety.

“I’ve learned that my previous medication took a toll on my mental health,” freshman Catherine Transou said.

For individuals with ADHD, it can be

focused on organization and order, so much or ADD. Combination type is a mixture of the so that those with the condition are three two other subtypes and is the most times as likely to be diagnosed with depression commonly diagnosed. or another mental health condition. Many “My ADHD gives me a hard time focusing students note that they struggle with in most environments,” junior anxiety in school, particularly Thomas Ryan said.

BEI in testing environments, In the past 20 years, N ING TIR TALK ED G and sometimes feel TH the number of people TO E T ALL DS like a burden in class IME diagnosed with an FRIEN because of their attention disorder in ING INING D MAINTA G the U.S. has risen REA SIN extra help.

MENTAL CU WORKING by 10 percent. Some O F ADHD is HEALTH fear this is due to WITH REM not curable and OTHERS overdiagnosis of EMB symptoms typically E R the condition, but a DO THI ING TO endure through recent study by UC NGS a lifetime, Berkeley showed that sometimes it is likely because of decreasing increase in the availability with age. There of healthcare and a decrease is still much to in stigma surrounding mental learn about the health, in addition to an condition but expansion of the symptom scientists are criteria of ADHD. Female teens genearlly attention disorders present the inattentive will become better understood, ADHD symptoms, and that with increasing so they are information, society less likely to What is the hardest part of will adapt to better be diagnosed accomodate people of all having an attention disorder? because their abilities. symptoms are 200 students polled

Race to Admissions

Colleges struggle with challenge of including race in admissions process

By Megan Benz, Editor-in-Chief, Zarmin Shah, Assistant-Editor-in-Chief SENIORS ARE SCRAMBLING

Three students work on college applications, but what really shines on their application is their race. Photo by Megan Benz

Anvil

09

Proudly Supporting the

MHS Mustangs Sharyn Short Realtor® Associate

713.444.7981 sshort@greenwoodking.com

GREENWOOD KING

PROPERTIES greenwoodking.com

Miller, Scamardi, & Carrabba P.C. Civil Litigation Law Firm 6525 Washington Avenue PH: 713.861.3595 - FAX: 713.861.3596 www.msc-lawyer.com

Dressed TO

KILL Mass consumerism changes the fashion industry in the way the world views, produces and buys clothing

By Megan Benz, Co-Editor-In-Chief and Sarah Chirapurath, Co-Editor-In-Chief

GEN Z IS

The Good Ol’ Days

Fast fashion

”

- Jerry Chen, 12

Photo by Jacob Rickel

12 Dec

”

Working Up A Storm

H O L I DAY

FAST

ON THE

T R AC K

Secret Santas, white elephants, favorite things parties. Traditional holiday festivities unknowingly contribute to fast fashion and its increase in waste.

High Waste Events

Black Friday Cyber Monday Christmas Sales

”

Holiday Sales (in billions)

this fast fashion giant

”

- Beth Martinez, 10

Spource. U.S. Census as of April 2020 Graphic by National Retail Federation

Where to shop instead?

A Change in the Present

of

Levi’s H&M Concious Rent the Runway Athleta Columbia Polo Ralph Lauren Patagonia

column

Walking for a Cure

Freshman friends conquer challenges of living with Type 1 Diabetes

By Caris Lauritsen, Mary Shepherd

THE MARY+CARIS CREW

A fundraising team for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a charity that advances diabetes research and technology.

What has the charity accomplished?

“We raised over $38,000 and hosted a celebration walk at MHS on Nov 1, joining other walk teams

How did you raise those funds?

“We created a website where people could donate and learn about our cause, and we gathered friends to help spread the word.”

”

What is it?

is a fundraising team for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a charity that advances diabetes research and technology. We both have Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Caris was diagnosed at 15 months old and Mary at 11 years old.

T1D is a deadly autoimmune disease that prevents the body from producing insulin.

When the average person eats or drinks anything with carbohydrates, those carbs are converted to glucose and go into the bloodstream.

The pancreas produces insulin to regulate blood sugar, letting that sugar into every cell of the body. Since Type 1 Diabetics don’t naturally produce enough insulin, we must use either shots or an insulin pump to get varying amounts of insulin 24/7.

If we don’t manage our insulin levels well, our blood sugar can go dangerously high or low

sugar levels. We also wear insulin pumps 24/7 on our bodies. There are times we get self conscious though,when we notice people staring at these devices and the countless tiny bruises and scars that come with them.

There are some positives to having T1D. We’re learning determination and resilience through our ups and downs, growing in learning patience and empathy for those who struggle because we also struggle. Lastly, T1D has created unbreakable bonds within the Type 1 community.

Despite the challenges, we continue to persevere and use our burden to bring awareness and raise money, so that one day we might be able to live a diabetes-free life. Luckily, with continued research, that is a real possibility for us someday. Until then, the 1.25 million Americans who live every day with T1D will have to work a little harder than the average person to live a normal and healthy life.

At any given moment, a bit too much insulin or not enough glucose, could cost us our lives.

We do our best to stay in a healthy range throughout the day and night, but this can

”

because at any given moment, a bit too much insulin, not enough glucose, or any problem in between could cost us our lives.

Most people don’t know this, assuming T1D is a minor inconvenience that only prevents us from eating a lot of sugar. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Some also think we did something to get T1D, but there’s nothing that can be done to prevent it. Unfortunately there is no cure, and no way to ignore that come with managing it.

Despite the burden, we’re very grateful for the mind-blowing, ever-advancing technology we have today. We both wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which sends an accurate blood sugar reading

14 Dec

Caris Lauritsen and Mary Shepherd, captains of the Mary+Caris Crew.

Photo courtesy of Mary Shepherd

opinion

Let’s Talk about Sex (Ed)

Texas, SBISD sex education must prepare modern

By Sarah Chirapurath, Co-Editor-In-Chief and Meah Matherne, Business Manager/Reporter

IT’S SENIOR YEAR and we have never

received a comprehensive sex education course.

A legislative vote on Nov. 20 changed this and the future of sex education in the state of Texas. Before the Nov. 20 legislation vote, any school teaching sex education was required to teach an abstinence only curriculum, teliing students to simply not have sexual relationships. Health teachers were also not required to include medically accurate information about methods of birth control.

Now, the new policy allows for teaching of birth control methods beyond abstinence.

This is a huge step forward in sex and health education.

While the new legislation is a huge leap in the right direction, this change leaves something to be desired: a sex and health education course is still not required for graduation from middle school and high school.

Some may argue that it is not the job of schools to teach information on a topic as sensitive as sexuality and reproductive health, is to educate and prepare students for their future sexual health be a part of that job?

Technological expansion over the last 10 years has allowed for greater access to explicit information and images than ever before. Because of this, teens are exposed to sexual content at a younger age and must develop sexual awareness in response.

If a parent is waiting until eighth grade or high school to sit down and have “The Talk” with their kid, it is already too late: they are already most likely aware of the gist of the birds and the bees.

Frankly, a shocking number of teens who are 18 and have never had a discussion about sex with their parents. Requiring sex

Photo by Kate Rotan

or unwillingness to discuss sex from being the reason teens enter the adult world under- or ill-informed.

In order for sex education to be truly encompassing, it also has to be taught to a majority of people in order to change perceptions of information surrounding sex and sexual health.

Loose rules and requirements for sex

Frankly, a shocking number of teens have never had a discussion about sex.

”

teach their kids themselves, but allowing

period” and “pulling out is

control.” If the majority of the sexually active public knows basic, factual information about the human body and contraceptives, these untruths can be put to rest. This would also lead to a decline in unplanned pregnancies and STDs due to an increase in correct use of contraception.

The new state policy also does not require curriculum to include information about sexual orientation and gender identity.

This is incredibly damaging to the LGBTQ+ community. Similar to relying on parents to give their children sex education, a sex education course that leaves out LGBTQ+ issues can lead to a gap in understanding of sexual health for LGBTQ+

”

students, further increasing their alreadyhigh risk for getting an STD or experiencing sexual violence.

It is comendable that Texas now allows for education besides abstinence, but sex all types and all aspects of sex. mix of hormones, decisions, emotions and timing, so it is also necessary that teen sex education include information about the emotional side of romantic and sexual relationships. Topics such as “am I ready to have sex?” and “do I want to trust this person sexually?” need to be addressed, along with information about how to navigate dating The new guidelines are a step in the right direction, and a win for all those who have been advocating for comprehensive sex ed in Texas. It took 23 years for the policy to change, but hopefully, it takes less time for truly comprehensive courses to be the expectation and requirement in the state.

It is education, even if it is sex education, that brings about change and makes lasting impact in the way society functions.

This growth in education might not be comfortable everyone, abd there will most certianly be people who are upset about this seemingly reasonable policy change.

But there are going to be far more who will beneift from this legislation, namely the 5.5 million public school students who will step into the future better equipped to deal with an integral part of their adult lives.

Anvil

15

FOOTBALL I wake up at around 7:15 and get dressed in our game day uniform: which is khaki shorts and our white game day shirt. To prepare for the game, I make sure to eat a big lunch and drink lots of water during 4th period with my friends. Before the game, we have a team meeting for about 45 minutes to review the game plan. After, everyone splits into their position groups. Then, we get on the bus and drive to the stadium about two hours before game time. When we arrive, we get our warm quarterback, I throw with the receivers and go over pass uniforms and get a pep talk from Coach Koch. We walk

the lights have been turned on. We listen to the national anthem, and get ready to start nerve-racking at times, but once you’ve gone in the game and gotten hit a couple times, it all goes away and you just play football. After the game is over, the bus takes us back discussion and celebrate the win. After we’ve changed house to the tables and eat a team dinner. Depending on what time I get home, I’ll shower, hang out with some friends for a bit, and then go to bed.

MARKETTES I usually wake up at about 5:15 so that I can get ready for practice and start driving by 6:10. I eat breakfast on the way to pick up my friend and then we drive to the school and hang out before practice starts at 6:30. At school, I just treat it like a normal day and try to get as much homework done as possible so that I won’t have to do it after the game.

After school, I’ll usually go home or grab something to eat and head back to the Markette room to start getting ready at around 4. A few of us get ready together. We put on makeup, do our hair, and get into our uniforms while blasting music and hanging out. Our call time is usually between 5 and 5:30. We check our bags, review the dance, and do some team traditions before we head onto the bus. Once we get to the stadium, we During the game, we do stand routines in the bleachers to cheer on the football players.

Halfway through the second quarter we start getting ready for our halftime performance.

After practicing and stretching on the side, we do a few more traditions and then perform. During the third quarter, we are allowed to visit with friends and family for a little and continue watching the game.

During normal years, we go over to the other side and do some more traditions with the other drill team during the fourth quarter but we haven’t been allowed to do that this year because of COVID-19.

After the game, we pack up and head back to the bus where we are usually all exhausted. We play music on the way home and make dinner plans for after the game. After we get back to the Markette room we tidy up and are free to go. I usually go out to eat with friends and get home and go to sleep around 11.

Photo by Kate Rotan

Photo by John Wright

Chase Goodwin, 10

Sofia Alvarez, 12

BAND

with tumbling and stunts. Before the game starts they introduce the cheerleaders, play the school song, and After all of that the game starts and the student of COVID-19 but it’s fun being on both ends. We do lots of cheers, stunts and tumbling for the crowd and football players. It’s really fun when there’s a big crowd.

Games are so fun and make weekends more exciting.

No matter if we win or lose, we get together with the football players and sing the alma mater. After the game we’re all pretty exhausted. I usually go home and eat a really late dinner. A lot of time all the cheerleaders will go out to eat together.

Usually we will see what our friends are up to so we can hang out with them, but sometimes it’s so late and we are too tired.

Photo by Kate Rotan

Suzy Telle, 11

Designed by Clara Carraba

Jessica Stradley, 12

cheer, so the end of the day is pretty relaxed.

After school I usually come home, eat a snack and then start getting ready for the game. If it’s an away game we usually have to be at the school around 4:45 to take a bus, so I have to allow a lot of time to get ready.

If it’s a home game there is a little extra time but it’s

By Bo Espey, Reporter

Photo by Isabel Yang

to get to school at 7:35. I have all my hardest classes

Game night through the lens of four Mustangs

the band leaves for the game. It makes life a lot less stressful when you can just go home and sleep after without worrying about deadlines.

After school the band runs through our halftime show so that everything is good to go before we get on the bus. We have our own little thing where upper and lower classmen exchange gifts on game days as well.

During the game, I conduct the band as we play some songs in the stands. During half time we perform our year’s show that we prepare for competition, but this year it was canceled due to COVID-19. Regardless, we will always try to make it the best we can for the rest of the school to see.

After the games we head back to the school around 9. It is tough on Thursdays getting home so late so usually we all just head home. On weekends though, some of us will meet up and hang out afterwards.

On game days I wake up around 6:50 and get ready for school. We usually wear our uniform or theme day

UNDER THE LIGHTS

My morning routine is about the same as any other day. I am online, so not too much changes other than gathering everything I need for later in the day.

CHEER

feature

Double Sided

Two students debate their opinions on the long and short term effects of cancel culture Designed by Clara Carrabba

By Giselle Tabibi, Reporter

CANCEL CULTURE

Yass

Gracie

Yass Zamani, 11

Gracie Norris, 11

Yass

Gracie

Yass

same mistake.

Gracie

Yass

Gracie

Yass Anvil

19

Trending

By Rachel Lee, Sports Editor and Chandler Gartner, Reporter

Houston’s Holiday Hotspots Anvil’s must see H-town spots for the Holidays Crumbl Cookies 5103 Bellaire Blvd Suite 140

River Oaks Lights

The Showboat Drive-In

River Oaks, Houston

22422 Farm to Market 2920

Crumbl Cookies presents four new

What is better than walking into a winter wonderland full of lights everywhere you turn? Driving into one! You can experience the

of their giant cookies each week. If plain is more your style, they still have their classic chocolate chip and a chilled sugar cookie topped with sweet almond to check out like Muddy Buddy and Raspberry Cheesecake. Most of the specialty cookies are themed for the holidays, so go pick up some

this holiday season from the comfort of your car in the River Oaks area. River Oaks light among the stars as curtains of twinkling lights drape around massive oak trees. This bright spot nails the warm holiday glow you are searching for!

Ask the Anvil Q: Can you bring back Andrew Peterson (2019-20 Anvil Editor in Chief) for one last Ask Andrew?

A: Actually, yes we can!

Q: How is life?

A: Ehh... it’s bland and barely counts as a cereal. As far as my life goes, though it’s been pretty sweet. I get to do everything that makes me happy. and I felt like even though it was weird, I made the best of my senior year which set me up for a great beginning to college.

Q: How do I cope with being the least favorite child?

A: I don’t know, ask your sibling. You’re probably the favorite <3.

20 Dec

Are you an avid movie goer? Do you dream of snuggling up in the bed of a truck with your favorite snack food and a friend? Well, “The Showboat, Drive in Theater,” combines all of these elements for the ultimate socially distanced movie experience! You can watch your favorite holiday classics this month in a cool and creative way. Grab some friends and drive over for their assortment of Holiday Classics all December and January!

Q: What should I ask for Christmas?

A: 401k. If Santa doesn’t care health then he’s a snake.

Q: What is the most difficult part about using Itslearning as a student?

A: Hardest part is getting rid of the 40 party hats you bought because no one responded to your ItsLearning DM invite :(.

2 3 4 5 Illustrations by Lauren Wall

4 5

Elf - You’re a “do it yourself-er” who makes their

own gifts that come straight from the heart! If gifts aren’t absolutely perfect for every person, you restart from scratch!

“If they give me another assignment to do, I will break my own knee and hit them with it.”

“My cat has had bowel movements that are faster than you.”

Frosty the Snowman - All you really want to

do for the holidays is spend a nice day caroling and finish off with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

Apple Pie

Rudolph - You are always coming in clutch.

Whether someone forgot to get decorations for a big dance, or someone needs presents last minute, you are there to save the day with the perfect back up plan!

Peppermint Bark

Grinch - Though you appear outwardly bitter,

and you act like a hermit during most of the holiday season, you secretly have a soft spot for holiday cheer and you just want to know that people are thinking about you during the season of giving.

Sugar Cookies

Santa Claus - You constantly shower friends

and family with holiday cheer! You decorate your house in every holiday decoration you can get your hands on, and you are always ready to hand out some festive sweets!

Green Hall

Hot Chocolate

“If I were a potato, I would want to be fed to my dog.”

Grey Hall

1 2 3

Gingerbread House

“I got a -16 on my test, bro.”

“I can hear the rats screaming when I’m here.”

Orange Hall

1

Blue Hall

Pick your favorite dessert, and we will tell you which holiday character you are most like!

Violet Hall

Which Holiday Character are You?

White Hall

Overheard

“I would throw hands with any of the care bears.”

Anvil

21

Aspen Eastham, 12

Ms. Shelley, DC English III

“The craziest moment for me in 2020 was on Jan. 1 when I thought it would be a great year.”

“My craziest 2020 moment was probably sneaking an extra pack of toilet paper when all the stores were out back in March. We were only supposed to buy two, but I bought THREE, all secretly.”

FEB

JAN FEB. 5

JAN. 2 JAN. 3 JAN. 26

MAR MAR. 11

MAR. 13

FEB. 11

MAR. 13

AUG. 4

JULY 2 Texas

SEPT. 18

AUG. 18

JULY 4

SEPT. 29

JUL

AUG

All Photos Courtesy of Tribune News Service or Creative Commons Licenses

LET’S HIT A look back at a hectic year

22 Dec

SEP

By Zainab Siddiqui, Reporter and Lauren Wall, Reporter

Thomas Ryan, 11

Farrah Wohlford, 11

“During Spring Break, I got overconfident while skiing and flew off the side of the trail onto an extreme, double-black ski run. I pretty much cartwheeled my way down the mountain from that point on. FUN.”

“On the way down from hiking in Arizona this summer, someone took a wrong turn, and we got lost. It was over 100 degrees, and we had no water, shade, service or knowledge of where we were.”

MAY

APR

JUN

APR. 2

MAY 25

JUNE 3

APR. 12

BLACK LIVES MATTER

STATEWIDE

APR. 15 F

MASKS’

OCT. 2

NOV. 7

OCT. 7

NOV. 7

OCT. 26

OCT

NOV

DEC

R WIND Designed by Clara Carrabba

Anvil

23

Happening Hallways

Get a glimpse into green hallway, home to life-skills, math classes and more

By Ariana Mehdizadeh, Reporter and Kristina Pham, Reporter

GRATEFUL FOR GREEN

GUESS WHO?

1.

2.

3.

Cathy Zhai, 10

Sabine Waldron, 12

Ashlyn Lucas, 10 Each green

in

1. Mr. Schreer 2. Mr. Aydell 3. Mr. Biles

ROCKIN’ OUT Math teacher Mr. Biles describes his passions in and out of school

DYNAMIC DUO

What are your top three interests?

Describe your class, and name a song that describes it.

What are the rewards of teaching Life Skills?

What’s your favorite math pun?

Anvil

25

the

Miss Memorial

Anvil STAFF Megan Benz

Co-Editor-In-Chief

Sarah Chirapurath

Co -Editor-In-Chief

Zarmin Shah

By Delaney Polocheck, Reporter What inspired your interest in pageantry?

How do you prepare for a pageant?

In May, I received something in the mail advertising the Miss Texas Teen USA Pageant. Growing up, I would watch the Miss Universe and Miss America pageants on TV, and they always seemed so exciting. So, I decided to apply just for fun and ended up getting accepted into the pageant. Since then, I have been preparing to compete in several other pageants.

interview by speaking with a pageant coach and hosting mock interview panels. As for stage presence, I have to visit with my walking coach and practice my routine. The days leading up to the pageant consist of nail, hair, and spray tan

Asst. Editor-in-Chief

Clara Carrabba

Design Editor

Rachel Lee

Sports Editor

Meah Matherne

Junior Hannah Kothari hopes to win scholarships in newfound pageant career

Business Manager/ Reporter

How do pageants work?

Cameron Bowman

Reporter

Bo Espey

Reporter

Chandler Gartner

Reporter

pageant I competed in on November 15, there were three divisions: evening wear, fun fashion, and interview. Evening wear is by far my

What would you put your scholarship money towards if you won a pageant?

I hope to put my scholarship money towards furthering my education. Education has always been important for me, as I would like to attend an out-of-state college such as Dartmouth College or William & Mary.

poise. I had to try on countless dresses before

Ariana Mehdizadeh

Reporter

Kristina Pham

Reporter

Delaney Polocheck

Reporter

Zainab Siddiqui

Reporter

What do you feel is a misconception on pageantry?

Pageantry can be seen as misogynistic and outdated, times, and pageantry has changed alongside society. Today, in life.

Giselle Tabibi

Reporter

Lauren Wall

Reporter

What is one thing you never expected out of pageantry? pageant world would

The Anvil Memorial High School 935 Echo Lane Houston, TX 77024 (713) 251-2500 Principal: Lisa Weir Questions? Comments?

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competitive girls who would be willing to put others down in order to win the crown. This have met so many amazing, talented and accomplished young women through pageantry, and it is such an amazing community to be a part of.

Follow Hannah on her pageant journey!

@hannahkothari

Photo by Legar Ekim

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