WINTER 2016
KIN GWO oD COURIER Magazine of Kingwood High 2701 KINGWOOD DR. KINGWOOD, TX 77339 281.641.6900 volume 8 issue 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS page 4 Getting Ready for Finals
page 6 Santa’s Farm
page 8 Criminal Justice Club
page 9 HOSA Day with Rockets
page 10 New Year’s Resolutions
page 11 Raising Cane’s Food Review
page 12 Zoo Lights page 13 Cross Country at State page 14 Best Buddies Basketball Game
page 16 Girls Basketball
Cover Photo by: Markus Schweiger & Table of Contents Photo by: Katie Jones
2 KHS COURIER
HAAM
eeps oing G the rain K Clothing drive endures
Story by: Brittney Hillier Photos By: Markus Schweiger
HAAM is a faith-based organization that helps community residents in crisis by providing useful needs to impact lives in a positive matter. The organization provides food packs, back to school supplies, and clothing for families or anyone who are in need. The HAAM clothing drive, which took place on Saturday, December 3, was a huge success, despite the rain. Students and community memners withstood the weather for a good cause. Large amounts of clothing were given to help support those in need with winter clothes to stay warm for the season. Clothing items were given to all ages. HAAM is an amazing organization that helps build a stronger community and provides for the ones in need.
In the Rain
With jackets, umbrellas, and tarps, the volunteers at the HAAM drive continued to work tirelessly during the storm.
Carolina Malvaez, a sophomore, says that her hardest class is chemistry and she’s going to study for four hours before her exam because she feels her greatest study habit is memorization. Junior Teigan Ahrendt says that she studies for five hours per exam and says that she is “most worried for physics and english but pre-cal will be a breeze.”
Finally, senior Preston Meinhardt says that he’s “happy to be halfway done with finals for high school.” Meinahrdt’s hardest class is English and his easiest is algebra. He explains that he studies for one hour before each test and his advice for other students is “just study, just do it.” Junior Cooper Chambers says “Ive decided not to exempt any finals this semester because all my classes are pretty easy… except English.” Sophomore Lauryn Santilena says “I’m not ready to dedicate my time for more than two hours to study for each test.” Senior Brooke Johnson says “Physics is easily my hardest class, so I’m really nervous for that final.” Sophomore Nathan Adams says “its important to know how they are teaching because our grades reflect that,” Freshman Mustafa Tariq says “When taking your finals just give it your all and do your best.”
4 KHS COURIER
BREAKING AWAY FROM THE SCREENS AND KEYBOARDS
Freshman Sage Wilson says that she prepares by studying for three hours before each test and using flash cards. She also states her hardest class is biology so she’s going to put extra time into studying for it and her easiest class is english.
TEXT
CLUB NO
STUDENTS OF ALL GRADES SHARE THEIR PLANS & GIVE ADVICE
KHS PREPS FOR FINALS
Students are preparing for finals week by using different personal tactics and study habits.
Story By: Zehra Shah
One of KHS newest and growing club, “Club No Text” started last year. Texting can be more harsh on teens now-days, which is making teens concentrate less with school. “It makes easier for people to lead on the wrong side,” junior and club founder Grace Steffes said. Members of the group believe society needs to take a step, toward reducing the problem of texting. “People should start being more active permanently and relying less on their smart phones,” junior Grace Steffes said. Teachers can take a role in this part to reduce the issues for cell phones. “The teachers should encourage the students to rely less on phones by providing some outside school activities for them,”junior Grace Steffes said. The club thinks it’s time to accept the challenge and encourage people to disconnect the phone and connect face-to-face. “The slogan is bringing those unconnected people to life and lets us reconnect to accept the change with no text,” junior Grace Steffes said. Come join the club every Friday during B-block in the choir room. Let’s help bring our community together. “Lets bring our community once again.“ junior Grace Steffes said.
PLAYING IT OLD SCHOOL
BOARDGAME
CLUB Story by and Photos by Zehra Shah
“We want to help students and
teach them board games club is
K
HS recently has had a new addition to it extracurricular activities. Board Game club is a new club trying to bring back old fashion styles of entertainment. “We want to Bring back the old bonding experience without constant use of technology,” Senior Breanna Samano said. With the Help of Mrs. Scoopa to sponsor them, President Bre Samano was able to form this club and its officers consisting of Preston Riehold as Vice president, Haley Doyle as treasurer, and Madison Olson as secretary. “We want to help students and teach them board games club is not just about games but we also learn problem solving skills through childhood games while socializing without the need of a phone,” senior Haley Doyle said.
not just about games, but we also learn problem solving skills through childhood games
while socializing without the need of a phone,” -Senior
Haley Doyle
Board Games Club also tries to incorporate its member’s with decisions that could provide them with a better experience. “We work with our members to create specific events. Members can bring in games of their own choice to share with others,” senior Madison Olson said. The officers hope to soon see more students become involve in the club. They hope to see Board Games Club next year with students to continue what they envisioned. “In this club, we come together and expand our horizons by making new friends. We also learn money management skills through games,” Senior Haley Doyle said. If you’re interested in joining the Board Games Club, meetings are on Fridays A block in room 2004.
Captions go here and should include name and grade of students in each photo
Sophomore Caroline Hearn
FFA HOSTS A SANTA’ E
CommunityDoesn’tChickenOut,DespiteRain Story by Gabe Henderson Photos by Markus Schweiger
On Friday, December 2, FFA held their annual event, Santa’s Farm, at the Ag Barns. “[Santa’s Farm] is an amazing event where families and people of all ages can come out and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season,” senior Todd Nolte said. “[People can] ride hay rides, enjoy cookies, drink hot chocolate, view a live nativity scene, take tours of the facility, watch student animal project viewings, and even meet Santa. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.” Santa’s Farm is a very enjoyable event with many events and attractions for people of all ages, you won’t ever be bored! “[People] can see all of our decorated pens, get their faces painted, and much more. The best part of [Santa’s Farm] is, it’s free!” Nolte said. Although it was a cold, rainy night, many people made their way to the barns to enjoy everything Santa’s Farm has to offer. “Santa’s Farm is one of the community’s biggest events, last year, we had 6-8,000 people come out,” Nolte said. “This year, the weather was not on our side, it was raining all night. However, even though it was raining, we had a lot of people still come out to support us and have a good time. I feel like it was successful under the circumstances that we were handed.” Despite being free, FFA reaps benefits from Santa’s Farm as well. “Santa’s Farm promotes our program to younger kids and even adults,” Nolte said. “It gives insight as to what FFA is all about and hopefully encourages the younger generations to be a part of this organization.” After Santa’s Farm, FFA begins preparations for the club’s competitions and many other events. “After Santa’s Farm, our chapter begins to prepare for our agricultural mechanics competitions and our CDE events, which are career development events in the spring,” Nolte said. “Along with other events such as meetings,
6 KHS COURIER
Junior Abby Pernik
ANNUAL A’S FARM EVENT
Senior Cassidy Bryce and friends
Kingwood Cheerleaders
l a n i Crim e c i t s u J Club ney by Brit s o t o h y&P Story b land e More n i r e h t Ka
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8 KHS COURIER
HOSA
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inds os by L & Phot
e ent to th ization w Downtown n a rg o SA yed the The HO ockets and enjo e m a g om the R yers. fr g in rn rockets la lea for the p to m while they do g Aquariu t a in h o g w t s y wa abou a s rs d e e in a th rn tr a of rite part tting to le “My favo m along with ge rs do,” riu ine the aqua the Rockets tra t id. Cook a h s Cook a art of about w h a n n a ore H eing a p sophom njoy[s] b od on college “e e h s t go ocial said tha it looks ifferent s d ecause b e v A a S h O H they ons and f applicati g activities.” te part o din r “favori e h l and bon t o a o c th says e to do She also tting the chanc future that I e g e HOSA is will help me in th without the o t d a things th ve been able to a h wouldn’t n.” vorite o ti a iz s her “fa n y a s ourt orga e ls on the c Im ire Fo it la s C to r io le Jun g ab ause was bein g up bec moment am was warmin e te while th ely r.” e is extrem me c A ffi S O an o H t s said tha nd “help She also r career path a on helps ti ti e p e m h o c in l d n helpfu the roles a useful in dership learn lea ings that will be y favorite th states “M e made o ls a me learn e h iends Iv field.” S all the fr d the same medical is A S O an ut H in mind part abo ara e goals m omore S a h s p e o S .” e with th m s f the day osition a r favorite part o officer p cause he game be ays that House s ing the Rockets do something tch etting to s so was “wa esome g ation that mean w a o s s a iz n w re a it is ally org with an s “HOSA et a y is a s th o e ls k li ea eg me.” Sh ause it helps m c much to e in my b o e g t to m ant to n a w rt I o p re e im wh tlook on good ou ices.” o h reer c a c re tu fu
Senior Emily Cousins
Sarah Reilly & Allyssa Hebert
NEW YEARS
RESOLUTION Story by and Photos by Macy Meinhardt & Brittney Hillier
“My New Years resolution is for me to get higher on the tennis ladder.” Blake Finch, Junior
What’s your New Year’s Resolution? Daniel Moreland- Enjoy my last moments with my family before college.
Scout Puckett- To get Junior Nationals in swimming.
Conner Derelioglu- To chase after Jesus everyday, not just when it’s easy or “when I feel like it”.
Gabby Ortega- To learn how to play the air guitar. Garett Duffy- To make better grades.
Hannah Cook- Start working out more and work harder in school.
Garrett Duffy (11)
10 KHS COURIER
Scout Puckett (10)
Hannah Cook (10)
Katherine Moreland (10), Daniel Moreland (12)
Gabby Ortega (10)
Raising
Canes Delicious new addition
Story by & Photos By Katherine Moreland and Lindsay Kief
Raising Canes recently opened in Kingwood and students, especially the Courier Magazine staff, are very excited about it! Cane’s is well known for their chicken fingers and sauce. “Cane’s is one of my favorite fast food places, the chicken is great, but the sauce is my favorite part,” sophomore Morgan Parker said. The menu at Canes is very simple and small! “I like Raising Canes because their menu is straight forward and the box that the food come in is very convenient,” junior Sabrina Hope said. The boxes of food at Canes comes with bread, fries and of course, chicken. “The bread is the best thing at Canes. I could eat it every day,” sophomore Lindsay Kief said. Some prefer more than just the food. “My favorite part about Canes is the sweet tea! It has just the right amount of sweetness,” sophomore Macy Meinhardt said.
Houston
Zoo Lights
“It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas” Story and Photos by Stephany Lopez Kingwood High school students visited the Houston Zoo on December 2nd, where every year there are Christmas light decorations all around the park. Many families come visit this incredible sight that only happens once a year. This was the first time for some of the students who visited. Tickets were only twenty dollars. “It was a great experience!I’m extremely glad I went with my friends, they made this more memorable for my first time,”senior Samantha Powell said. Though it was raining and cold, KHS students did not let that stop them from going and enjoying what was had planned weeks in advance. “The weather was not in our favor and we almost did not come, but I’m really glad we decided to come after all,” senior Alex Adomali said. Lights decorated a path for visitors to follow making it easier to see all the Christmas lights without missing anything. “All the different lights in the shape of animals and the different colored lights on trees couldn’t have been better,” senior Katie Bourland said. Many of the animals were not out except for the flamingos and a deer due to the cold, damp weather, but the zoo made sure to have much more to see. “The carousel was open and so was the store and they even had hot chocolate to warm up with. It truly made it feel like Christmas!,” senior Arielle Larsen said. From various animals to Christmas dancing lights and a Christmas tree to top it off, the Houston zoo lights are something to go visit. “I definitely will come back next year!The lights were incredible! Definitely something to go visit during Christmas time,” senior Samantha Powell said.
12 KHS COURIER
1.) The front entrance of the zoo with sign lighted 2.) Senior Katie Bourland and senior Samantha Powell 3.) The Texas sign lit up in different colors
CROSS COUNTRY AT THE STATE MEET Photos by Cate Mandelski
Story by Gabe Henderson
K
ingwood Cross Country wrapped up yet another successful season last month at the state meet in Round Rock. The boys took fifth place overall at the state meet, second of all teams in the Houston area, behind The Woodlands. When the meet was all said and done, the boys finished with an astonishing five runners in the top 50. The boys team was led by sophomore Carter Storm, who placed 14 out of 150 runners. The Lady Mustangs also placed top 10 overall. The girls team finished in ninth as Kingwood joined two other schools in having both girls and boys teams place within the top ten. The girls were led by junior Jessica Hergott, who took 10 out of more than 150 girls. Congratulations on a fantastic season Mustangs XC!
h my Ric
Jere Senior
Senior George Cyboran
R E H NOT A E N O ELP H CAN E S, W S E DN KIN
S E I D D U B L T L S A E B KETB S E A M B A G H WIT
Z& OPE ND L Y REL A AN H O P M E INE Y ST HER RY B T O A T S Y K OS B T O PH
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n e e o cipat m i 5 l ga part last me l a tb to co he ske ame for t ic to d to a a B ies c lace publ ende d t p d a y h Bud aken to the ho at l t cen Kpark has t pen all w e r o t s to e die wher t tha e was you d n u k , stB r 3rd is eve l gam han e T B l e . HS emb ort th ketba tion ! a c p s De sup e ba aniz ccess g d an rs. Th he or a su n t yea port s eve i sup ke th ma
Junior Krista Stoner Junior Abby Brabham
Sophomore Anna Chong
Senior Kimberly Levengood
LADY MUSTANGS BASKETBALL Story by Gabe Henderson, Photos by Sabrina Hope
Senior Sarah Vasquez
Freshman London White
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Junior Kayla Janikula
Junior Abby Brabham
K
i ngwood Girls off to fast start
Senior Kimberly Levengood driving to the basket during a game against Goose Creek Memorial.
The Kingwood Lady Mustangs basketball team is off to a fast start in district play after a 49-38 win over Goose Creek Memorial. Kingwood’s leading scorer was senior Sarah Vasquez. The win over Goose Creek puts the Mustangs at 2-0 in district play. Along with the win over the Lady Patriots, the Lady Mustangs defeated rival Atascocita to open up district play in early December. In their 49-45 win over Atascocita, senior Kimberly Levengood led the way with 16 points with junior Kayla Janikula adding 14. Before district play, the Mustangs were able to come away with a trophy from the Baytown Lee Tournament, where they went 3-0. The Lady Mustangs also picked up crucial pre-district wins in games against Crosby, Nimitz, Morton Ranch, and Bush. The Lady Mustangs next home game is on Friday, December 16, as they take on Channelview and look to improve their district record to 3-0. After Channelview, the Mustangs will be faced with their toughest tasks yet in facing North Shore and Summer Creek, who are both undefeated in district play. Good luck girls!
KINGWOOD MAGAZINE STAFF
The Kingwood High School Choir had their annual Yule Ballon Friday, December 9th. Even though the event is held by the Choir any student can attend for a small fee of ten dollars. The choir room was decorated with lights hanging across the ceiling and paper snowflakes handmade by the students. For some students the decorations were their favorite part because they contributed to the whole experience. “The decorations were really nice! The fireplace on the TV screen and the lights really tied the room together,” Senior Hannah Forsythe said. For others their favorite part was simply seeing their classmates in their best attire. “I liked seeing everyone all dressed,” Junior Ashton Syptak said. During the dance there was also a letter writing station for students to write letters to their classmates. After the card was written they would then put the notes in each others Choir slots. “My favorite part of the Yule Ball was writing letters to my friends in Choir and the stamps were very cool,” Senior Hannah Pollock said. Everyone who attended the Yule Ball also was entered into a raffle with the chance to win a gift card. “It was a fun time to dance with friends but I also enjoyed the raffle because I won a Raising Cane’s gift card,” Junior Esther Hernandez said. The dance provides a way to prepare for the upcoming Holiday season. Overall it’s a fun and festive experience for everyone involved. “The decorations and the atmosphere really get you in the Holiday spirit!” Junior Zoe Hearnsberger said.
Adviser
Michelle Palmer
Principal
Dr. Ted Landry
Editors
Gabe Henderson Anjelica Gutierrez Stephany Lopez Markus Schweiger
Brittany Hillier Kaitlyn Jones Lindsay Kief Macy Meinhardt Katherine Moreland Zehra Shah Emily Hubbard Kristin Laygan Sara Sonnier Abby Ferguson Nolan Nowicki
Printer
Thornton Printers
YULE BALL
Staffers
The Kingwood Courier is a student produced magazine published by the advanced journalism students at Kingwood High School. The publication is a member of the University Interscholastic League. Letters to the editors are welcomed, but they must be signed to be considered. Any advertisements are paid for by individual businesses within the community. Articles within the issue do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kingwood Courier staff, the student body, or Humble ISD. All material published by the Kingwood Courier is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without the writer’s consent.
Photos and Story by Katie Jones