May 2012 Double Issue

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

The ‘Stang Express The Newspaper of North Shore Middle School Volume 2 • Issue 4 • May 2012

DOUBLE ISSUE

Three Friday the 13ths this year... exactly thirteen weeks apart.

Is this pure coincidence or is there a deeper meaning to this? Pg. 16 1

CONTENTS

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

The ‘Stang Express North Shore Middle School 120 Castlegory Houston, TX 77015

CONTACT Mailing address: 120 Castlegory Houston, Texas 77015 Phone: (832) 386-2600 School website: http://www.texasschools.net/ nsms Email: stangexpress@yahoo.com

RESPONDING IMAGE / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Letters to the editor will be accepted. Letters may be submitted in Room C107 or placed in the mailbox of Mr. Burke. All letters must be signed. Names will be published. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.

PURPOSE The ‘Stang Express is a student publication distributed to the students, teachers, and parents of North Shore Middle School and the administration at North Shore High School and Galena Park ISD. Opinions expressed are the opinions of the student writers and are not necessarily the opinions of the Galena Park ISD. The ‘Stang Express is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Assocation.

The newspaper earned an Award of Distinguished Merit and won a prestigious Silver Star Award from the ILPC in April 2012.

Only 10% of the state’s student scholastic publications earn this distinction. The ‘Stang Express was the highest-ranked middle school newspaper in the state for 2012.

STAFF Co-Editors in Chief Cindy Barrera & Jocelyn Ramirez News Editor Cindy Barrera Features Editor Cindy Mai Opinion Editor Asada Samin Sports Editors Bryant Badie & Megan Gray Photo Editor Toni Van Bibber Social Media Manager Sarah Guillen Photographers Toni Van Bibber, Aliyah Hawkins, Idalia Santos Writers Alejandro Alonso, Bradley East, Antoine Fontillas, Gricelda Jasso, Tayvien Joseph, Shabab Karim, Nathalie Lopez, Jennifer Lozano, Ingris Montoya, Jareny Ortiz, Idalia Santos, Britaini Statum, Toni Van Bibber, & Amber Wofford Cover Story Gricelda Jasso Page Design Cindy Mai, Gricelda Jasso, Shabab Karim, & Alejandro Alonso Adviser Mr. Ron Burke Principal Mr. Paul Drexler Superintendent Dr. Angi Williams

COVER STORY, 8 Friday the 13th. Ready for three of them?

Three Friday the 13ths this year...exactly thirteen weeks apart. Is this pure coincidence or is there a deeper meaning to this?

by GRICELDA JASSO

4 Banning books keeps information from society

19 Skipping the most important meal of the day isn’t smart

Should people censor a great read?

by ASADA SAMIN

Like a gas in a car, breakfast provides fuel that can get you going in the morning.

by CYAN PEDRAZA

6 Preparation for UIL: It’s more than you think The contest is the end point...but what goes into what happens before the contest?

by CINDY BARRERA

13 Newspaper staff wins a Silver Star Journalism students make history with state’s highest ranked middle school paper.

by BRYANT BADIE

14 Congress is working to censor Sound scary? HR 3261, if passed, can change the way we see things online.

by CINDY MAI

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Game builds in excitement and tension after slow start versus Cunningham.

by MEGAN GRAY

24 Lady Mustangs slip past the Wildcats in stunner Surprising last second shot and steal give Mustangs a win to close the season.

by TAYVIEN JOSEPH

31 One and one make a great gothic pair Depp and Burton call on twenty years of collaboration to make movie magic.

by ABIGAIL SANCHEZ

PHOTO STORIES 11 Art students unleash their creativity for VASE

by ALIYAH HAWKINS

26 Mustangs dominate season’s first track meet

SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: North Shore MS Journalism Twitter: #StangExpress Flickr: StangExpress

20 Seventh grade boys lose against rival in big comback

by TONI VAN BIBBER

Seventh grader Kayla Alexander comes off the blocks to start the 4x1 relay, which won them first place at North Shore High School.

29 Encounters students use creativity to increase brain activity

by TONI VAN BIBBER

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

Commentary

Who’s smarter? Girls or boys?

Boys? Girls? Both? Another take on the age-old question

by ASADA SAMIN It’s a question that’s been asked by many people for years and years: Who is smarter? Girls or boys? Lots of people are convinced that they have the most reasonable answer to that burning question.

Many people think girls are smarter and many people think boys are smarter; there are also some who believe that girls and boys are equal in intelligence. Of course everyone has their reasons for thinking they know who is smarter. But the question is, how much thinking did they do before they made their conclusion? Did they consider all of the factors?

I think girls and boys are equal in intelligence. A person is only as smart as they try to be. If a girl studies more than a boy then that girl is more likely to be smarter and make better grades than the boy. But not only is a person’s intelligence based on who studies more and makes better grades, it is also based on a person’s mindset and their goals – not to mention their surrounding influences.

It is often thought that a lot of girls care more about their looks than they do about academics and their future careers.

On the other hand, boys have more often been portrayed to focus on sports while they try to squeeze in their academics.

There are plenty of movies and television shows that show examples of these situations. Media is something that has a very effective influence on these stereotypical beliefs in society, and even though they do it subconsciously, people tend to let what they see on TV slowly take effect on their behavior. If you turn on the TV you’ll see an overwhelming number of paid programs

and commercials trying to sell you something to change the way you look. People subconsciously think that they want to look like what they see. There are some things on TV that try to enforce the importance of education, but unfortunately, people (mostly girls) tend to allow the importance of looking good to override the importance of education.

Media is not the only thing that affects a person’s thoughts on whether they think girls or boys are smarter. There are good reasons why someone would believe that girls are smarter than boys. A study on Edudemic.com argues that girls are, in fact, smarter. The study states that girls have a higher IQ (intelligence quotient) than boys. They take more math and science courses and tend to make higher grades than boys. As young women, females tend to question their abilities because of their gender. When women are told that men are better at a certain task, their confidence tends to drop. Because of the drop of confidence, fewer women look forward to majoring in math and science in college. Only a weak twenty percent of women with a degree will have a career even related with math and science.

On average, only three in twenty-five engineers are women.

To me it just seems more logical to believe that girls and boys are equal in intelligence. Every school has the girls who are very smart and the boys are very smart. There is no official rule or written document that says there are more smart girls than boys, or more smart boys than girls. People of both genders are smarter in the careers and subjects that they feel more confident in themselves with. There really is no such thing as one gender being smarter than the other.

There are benefits to studying music

Mozart did it at an early age, many students here are too. Does it pay off?

by ANTOINE FONTILLAS I believe that our band and choir is the best out of the entire district. Band and choir students are good when it comes to music, but haven’t you noticed that some of them make better grades than others who don’t study music? It might seem illogical at first, but some researchers think it is logical.

We all like listening to music so much, that to most teenagers, music is an essential part of their lives. However, did you know that music can do more things rather than entertain teenagers?

For example, haven’t you noticed students who study music appear smarter than others? You might think that they are naturally smart, but researchers say that isn’t the only reason they’re smart. According to the American Psychological Association, researchers claim that organized music lessons benefit children’s IQ and academic performance. From research, I believe it’s pretty obvious that students who study music are smarter, but aside all this research, there are also some plain examples why students who study music do better than those who don’t study music.

When it comes to students who play an instrument, they have to look at a music sheet, and play the right note at the same time. This sight reading or a form of multi-tasking, is an ability that will help in many classes. Multi-tasking does help because some core classes require you to multi-task from time to time.

With students who sing, they have to memorize a whole song, and manage to sing it at the right pitch. Plainly, that is a good memorization skill, which also helps in core classes. You still might not agree, but other researchers agree with it. Based on

research, I believe that students who study music perform better than students who are not. According to Music Education Online, music educators observed that students who have some type of involvement in music have many improved skills, including thinking skills. If those students have good thinking skills, wouldn’t that help in all of the core classes? Most likely, it will help core classes, proving that students who study music are academically better.

Aside from middle school, involvement in music helps a lot in high school. For example, according to Florida Music Educator. org, students involved in some type of music course earn higher SAT scores. In middle school, we aren’t crazy over the SAT test.

You might think that it’s not important, but did you know that the SAT deals with your chance of going to a good college? If you get a high score on the SAT test, you have the better chance of going to a good college. Also, according to the National Education Longitudinal study of 1988, students involved in music received more academic honors than other students. Basically, with this research, students involved in music perform better academically.

Research has already proven that students involved in music are smarter, so, why must you deny it? There is only one answer to the question “Are students involved in music smarter than students who aren’t?” and the answer is, in my opinion, yes.

If someone asks you to join band or choir, or even a music course, why don’t you think about it? We already know that some music students end up getting higher academic honors, don’t you want that?

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Commentary

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Is your BMI TMI? Your BMI is out there for all to see

by ANTOINE FONTILLAS There are many students and staff members here that wouldn’t like their weight being known by other people, but yet there is a law, in Georgia, SHAPE (Student Health and Physical Education Law), that actually gives others access to your weight whether you like it or not. Right now, SHAPE is in effect in Georgia, but it might happen here in the future. If it actually came, how would people react, would they agree with it, or take action against it?

SHAPE is a process used to prevent childhood obesity by checking children’s BMI. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. In SHAPE, a student is asked to step on a scale backwards, while the teacher records the student’s weight. The teacher also records height in order to find the students BMI. It might seem weird to step on a scale backwards, but the reason for this is that the teachers don’t want the students to see their own weight. It seems illogical since the students should know their own weight, not the teachers. Aside from SHAPE, there is the Department of Health and Human Services that is also trying to fight childhood obesity. You might think that all this stuff is very unnecessary, so what would you do if you were living in a state that’s ranked second in the nation in childhood obesity?

SHAPE is a very common process in Georgia. The reason for this is that in 2009, Georgia was ranked second in the nation

in childhood obesity. To help the situation, the government of Georgia passed SHAPE so there would be a decrease in child obesity. Aside from just wanting to decrease child obesity, the government observed how some Georgia parents were not aware of their child’s weight. So SHAPE was mainly passed to raise parents’ awareness of their child’s weight. According to the CDC, (Centers for Disease Control), in the United States, approximately 17 million children and adolescents aged 2-19 are obese, which means that they are severely overweight. Obesity can lead to multiple health problems, including heart disease.

You might think that it will be a long time before SHAPE actually comes to our school, but did you know that on February 9, 2012, students at North Shore Elementary were already checked for their BMI? If it is already happened over there, how long would it take before it comes over here, and, if it does come here, how do you think everybody would react? I believe that if SHAPE actually came to our school, parents and students alike might disagree with it. They would probably go to the district and demand things to be changed or start protests.

If SHAPE were to come to our school, I think that students and parents would be displeased because students might feel violated, since teachers don’t really need to weigh the students when some students have doctors that can weigh them. I believe that teachers don’t have the right to go and access other student’s personal information without their permission, what do you think, is your BMI TMI, (too much information)?

Banning books keeps information from society Should people censor a great read?

by ASADA SAMIN According to the first amendment in the Bill of Rights, we as American citizens all have the right of freedom of press.

But there are always situations where someone might feel that someone’s opinion is being expressed too far and for them it is deemed unacceptable.

Books are a creative way to express a person’s opinion and thoughts and ideas about society. Authors write in a way to get their readers hooked and to make them feel certain emotions.

But sometimes there are people who are offended by the content of a book and they would do anything in their power to ban access to a book whether other readers like it or not. This is called a challenge, according to the ALA, the American LibraryAssociation, when an attempt is made to, “remove or restrict materials based on the objections of a person or group”. A ban is when challenged material is removed from schools and libraries.

Some reasons why someone would challenge a book may include things like profanity, glorified drinking, and magic among many other things, and we all know that a lot of books aren’t going to be free of this content from cover to cover.

Books are written to paint a picture of society or to show life in the eyes of another person or animal. Some views are negative and some are positive. Not all books are meant to be a perfect influence. They show things ranging from how people and animals lived in the past and in the present, to the projections of how people think life might be in the future. Not all views are pretty and perfect.

For example, could you imagine what would happen if one of your favorite dystopian novels like The Hunger Games was

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banned for teen violence? In 2011, the ALA counted 327 reported attempts to have The Hunger Games removed from schools and libraries. The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom released an annual list of most frequently challenged books of 2011. It appeared that as The Hunger Games increased in popularity, it moved up higher and higher on the list. The first novel in the trilogy made its way up to number five on the list. It is easy to understand that someone would challenge The Hunger Games because of violence. But whoever challenges these books is overlooking the fact that it’s not about violence, but The Hunger Games trilogy is actually a dystopian success story filled with action. Liam Hemsworth, the actor who portrays Gale in The Hunger Games moviestates in an article an article on Yahoo! that, “It’s about kids in a horrible situation and there’s this girl who overcomes it and gives hope to everyone and they come together to do something about it.”

Books are written with themes and morals such as: stay strong, never lose hope, be helpful, and don’t betray your friends and family; yet many books are banned because of negative content no matter what good moral lessons they have.

There are plenty of other books that people enjoy and they don’t all have content that would please every person and their beliefs, and if someone wants to challenge just because of something the book says that goes against their beliefs then that means they are willing to take away something that millions of people enjoy worldwide every day. It would be like someone saying that they think chocolate should be banned because they don’t like it. Nobody has the right to take something from society just because they don’t like it when there are so many other people who love it. What would you do if someone took away something you really loved even if you had a constitutional right to it?

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

NEWSwire

School record broken during choir solo and ensemble Choir students rake in the hardware at this year’s contest...literally

by CINDY BARRERA On Saturday, Feb. 4, North Shore Middle School’s choirs participated in the Galena Park ISD Solo and Ensemble Contest at North Shore Senior High.

“Solo and Ensemble is a contest where singers have the opportunity to compete both as individuals (soloists) and a group (ensemble),” said choir director, Ms. Huston. “[We have Solo and Ensemble] to provide an opportunity for the students to sing by themselves and receive constructive comments on how they can improve. We also used this opportunity to perform our UIL pieces, and we received comments from a judge to improve the selection before UIL.” For the Ensemble, each choir learned 3 pieces of music to perform for a judge and then received a rating on how well they performed, 1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest. The judge may also leave comments on how the choir can improve their pieces.

For the Solo part of the contest, each choir student was assigned a song to sing for a judge and was responsible for learn-

ing, memorizing, and practicing their solo.

Some students had different techniques for practicing and perfecting their solo.

Some sang along with a CD and others listened to their song on YouTube to get an idea on how it’s supposed to sound.

“I practiced in front of a mirror to see my mouth shapes, and singing in the shower helped. The steam clears our voices up and we can breathe better,” said seventh grader Emily Lim. “[Practice is important,] because if you don’t prepare, you’re not going to get a good score,” eighth grader Brandon Collins said.

Starting as early as eight that morning, students came to sing their solo, despite the rainy weather. Choir members had a meeting point in the senior high’s cafeteria where they could talk and hang out while they waited for their solo or ensemble time. In the middle of the meeting point was a tri-fold board that listed everyone’s times and room numbers in case anyone was unsure or forgot.

Once it was time for a student to sing their solo, they walked down to their room

and waited until they were told to come in.

“I felt really nervous [before my solo] because it felt new even though I practiced a lot,” said eighth grader Leslie Vargas after singing her solo.

Once it was time for a choir to sing their ensemble, all of that choir’s members met at their meeting point until their director escorted them to the choir room where they would warm up and wait their turn to perform.

After performing for a judge for both their solo and ensemble, students were free to go home or wait until their solo score was posted near the entrance of the cafeteria.

“Half of the medals are earned for ensembles, so the number of medals depends on how many students are in each choir, and this year there were a lot of kids so that made up for a large part of the medals, but [this year] may be a record,” said Ms. Huston.

Hard work paid off as 128 soloists earned a first division rating and medal, and four choirs received a one on their ensemble for a total of 313 medals.

Students donate jeans to battle teenage homelessness North Shore joins in a worthy fight with blue jeans as ammunition

by INGRIS MONTOYA & IDALIA SANTOS From Jan.16 through Feb.12, the AVID (Advanced Via Individual Determination) program organized for students and staff to participate in Teens for Jeans and help fight teenage homelessness by donating gently used jeans they no longer wear.

One out of every three homeless people are under the age of 18 and 1.6 to 1.7 million people under 18 will experience homelessness each year. Our school is one of 10,290 schools that participated in Teens for Jeans this year. Teens for Jeans is a service project sponsored by Aeropostale and DoSomething.org, that encourages people to bring in their gently used jeans to donate to homeless teenagers. Their purpose is not only to collect jeans, but to bring awareness about homeless teenagers.

“I think that it is very important to participate in Teens for Jeans, because we get a chance to actually make a difference in other peoples’ lives,” said eighth grader Ashley Flores.

The school that collected the most

jeans won five thousand dollars, a new pair of Aeropostale jeans for every student, and a party for the entire school.

Each school that signed up for Teens for Jeans received a free Teens for Jeans banner. In four years, Teens for Jeans has collected and donated 1.5 million jeans.

The total number of jeans that collected North Shore was between 325 and 350 jeans.

“Donating jeans is a good way for students to show support for others, even when we are in need ourselves, nothing is more rewarding and selfless than giving to people in need,” said Mrs. Daniels, an eighth grade English teacher.

Teens for Jeans is the largest national database of youth volunteer’s opportunities in the country. The program, Do Something.org has other campaigns than just Teens for Jeans. Their current campaigns are Battle for Bands, Green Your School Challenge, and Don’t Be Trashy.

Battle for Bands is the music foundation to save music education in schools by uploading a music video and the winner gets concert tickets or money for

their school. Green Your School Challenge is a project that helps increase recycling, saving energy, and promotes green agriculture by challenging schools to see who can be the greenest school.

The winner could get a scholarship or a green grant. Lastly, Don’t Be Trashy is a campaign to recycle paper, cans, plastic bottles, and more. The 500 people who have the most effect on their community win a free movie ticket; the top 10 winners receive a $500 college scholarship. So, Do something.org not only has a campaign for homeless teenagers, it also helps organize different campaigns to help the world.

In order to help homeless teens, we need to support organizations like Teens for Jeans. If we support them and help bring awareness to their cause, we can help put a stop to teenage homelessness.

The teens that don’t have somewhere to live, a meal to eat, or any clothes to wear are the ones who need our help. In order to stop teenage homelessness we have to come together and do some thing to stop it.

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NEWSwire

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Talent Show helps raise money for school library

by SARAH GUILLEN On March 9, the library sponsored their 5th annual talent show in the Multipurpose Room and there were two shows, 7th grade in the morning and 8th grade in the afternoon.

To find the acts for the talent show, the librarian Mrs. Sivil and her assistant Mrs. Mitchell held auditions in the Multipurpose Room a week before the actual talent show to see how many people would be able to be in the show because only a certain number of acts could fit in the time of the talent show.

After the auditions were finished the judges had a hard time deciding which acts were going to be in the show, but finally after a day or two the performers were revealed. Most of the acts were eighth graders but there were some seventh graders as well. Teachers were in the talent show too. Three eighth grade teachers: Ms. Raines, Mr. Banks, and Mrs. Widner, and two seventh grade teachers: Mrs. Belland and Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Griffith, one of our assistant principals.

Some people might think the talent show is a contest, but actually it’s just to show what kind of talents a student, teacher, or even an assistant principal might have.

As students bought their tickets, they became more excited.

“I can’t wait to go to the talent show to see what kinds of special talents people might have and see my friends perform,” said eighth grader Koriama Gonzalez before the talent show.

“I would like to thank all the performers parents for allowing them to perform and showing off what incredible talents they have and all the students for buying their tickets and supporting the library,” said Mrs. Sivil before the talent show started.

The first performer was eighth grader Joseph Alejos. Mrs. Sivil called Joseph up to stage and the crowd went wild. Joseph’s talent was playing the drums, and when he first started playing people were all surprised.

“I didn’t know Joseph could play like that, he has an amazing talent that everybody should know about,” said seventh grader Karla Torrez. Once Joseph was done, the crowd went crazy, everybody was yelling his name.

After Joseph finished playing, piano player Kevin Rosacia joined Kayman Johnson on stage because Kayman’s music was not working properly during rehearsals. So Joseph and Kevin helped

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him by playing their instruments while he sang and the music ended up turning out pretty well together. After the band had played with Kayman, it was time for the NSMS Cheerleaders. The cheerleaders danced to the song “Drop it to the Floor”,

by Pitbull.

After the acts before them finished it was finally time for Mrs. Raines and Mr. Banks to perform. They danced ‘swing’ to “Moves like Jagger”, by Maroon 5.

When the song began and the two made their first move the whole crowd made a lot of noise, especially the eighth graders because the students have them as a teacher.

“I was so excited to see Coach Banks dance because I didn’t think that he could dance at all, but he did amazing,” said eighth grader Miranda Gears.

After Mr. Banks and Mrs. Raines danced, Taryn Surratt sang to the Solveig’s song, Trevor Mouton danced, Kadar Scott recited an original poem, and Vivica Richards sang the “Colors of the Wind,” a song from the movie Pocahontas, and Chasmin Payne performed a lyrical dance.

After Chasmin Payne danced it was time for Mrs. Widner who sang, “I Wont Let Go,” by Rascal Flatts. While she was singing, she had a slide show of pictures of her students that she has this year. When she started to sing and people where looking at the slide show Ms. Widner started to tear up because it meant a lot to her.

When Mrs. Widner finished, it was time for the Fillies who performed a kick routine to song “Party Rock Anthem,”

by LMFAO, and seventh grade English teacher, Mrs.Belland sang, “That’s What I Like About You,” by Trisha Yearwood.

After Mrs. Belland sang, it was time for Anthony LaFleur. Once Mrs. Sivil called him up to the stage everybody went crazy because everybody knew Anthony and what amazing talent he has.

When Anthony finished dancing, eighth grader Candy Garcia sang “Love Story,”

by Taylor Swift, eighth grader Cesar Arriaga shuffled, Mr. Griffith and Mrs. Widner rapped to “Stereo Love,” by Gym Class Heroes, and Mr. Johnson played his saxophone for the first time in the talent show.

The final act was eighth grader Chris Villanueva, who danced to the song “Dangerous,” by Michael Jackson.

“I chose to dance to Michael Jackson because I really like dancing to his song,

PHOTO / ‘STANG EXPRESS STAFF

Teachers and students showcase their abilities in two packed shows

Eighth grader Chris Villanueva shows off this Micheal Jackson moves during his performance to “Dangerous” during the last act of the talent show.

and it’s more challenging,” said Chris.

The cheerleaders were in the front trying to touch his hand like he was already famous when he was dancing. Chris had amazing moves and the crowd was screaming his name.

The participants were very brave and courageous to get in front of their friends and do what they love the most. The talent show brought in a lot of money for the library, and hopefully next year’s talent show brings in more money to help the library purchase more books for students here to read.

Eighth grade cheerleaders Alyssa Jones, Emonie Brown, Kennay Mallard, and Asia Burton, do the robot to Mr. Griffith and Mrs. Widner’s rap to “Stereo Love” by Gym Class Heroes.

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

NEWSwire

Preparation for UIL: It’s more than you think The contest is the end point...but what goes into what happens before the contest?

by CINDY BARRERA UIL is no joke. Especially for band and choir. Some would even say it’s the Super Bowl of band and choir, so preparation for UIL is as important as the actual event itself.

UIL, short for University Interscholastic League, has many different areas in which to compete in such as athletics, debate, and theatre, but band and choir compete in UIL’s music category called Concert and Sight-reading Contest.

The Concert and Sight-reading Contest is a two part contest. For the concert portion, each band and choir must perform three pieces of music, which they’ve perfected and practiced, in front of judges who will rate and comment on their performance, 1 being the best and 5 being the worst. For the sight-reading part of the contest, each band and choir will be given a piece of music they’ve never seen before and will be rated on how well they were able to perform it in the amount of

time given. And if a band or choir receives a one rating from all the judges, in both contest and sight-reading, they receive a sweepstakes.

Getting a sweepstakes isn’t all that easy though, weeks are spent perfecting each piece of music to make sure it’s as close to perfect as possible. And because band and choir aren’t entirely the same, their practice techniques are different too. For instance, each week band has sectionals, where students come in the morning and practice their music and anything they have trouble with.

“It’s really important [to practice]. We play the music over and over and fix every possible mistake. We need to get it perfect,” said 8th grader Julio Martinez.

And though choir doesn’t have sectionals, they do have other choir directors to come, give comments, and work with the choirs on anything that needs to be fixed or changed to help improve the chosen pieces.

“It provides prospective and a new way

Ready? Set? Calculate!

Students’ brains and fingers battle it out at state

by CINDY MAI Calculators? Check. Pens and Pencils?

Check. Suitcases? Check. Time to go!

On Friday, Feb. 13, the qualifying members of the Math and Science Club went to the state competition at University of Texas, San Antonio, to compete against schools from all across Texas. They competed, had some laughs, made very good memories, and came back on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Since the beginning of the year, the members of the Math/Science Club have been spending most of their Saturdays participating in competitions that occur at different middle/high schools in Texas.

They gave up a lot of free time to build their math skills. To prepare for all of the competitions they have, the members have an option to go to North Shore Senior High after school and practice with Mr. Kirby. Other members who do not choose to go to him can ask Mr. Ramirez, the Math Club coach here at North Shore Middle. Mr. Ramirez has been training these students right from the beginning and has been helping them solve difficult math equations. Both of these teachers have been training the students to

improve their skills in different categories of the competition, but mainly focusing on the calculator portion of the competition.

The qualifying members for 2012 from eighth grade were Chloe Martinez, Trevor Mouton, Ruth Ard, and Jonathan Sampson. (Sadly, Jonathan couldn’t make it to the state competition because of a schedule conflict.) There were also two other seventh graders who competed as well, which were Cindy Mai and Eric Macias. During the competition, the students’ fingers were flying across their calculators and brought home eleventh place as a team out of many other schools.

During the three-day trip, they experienced life in San Antonio by site seeing and shopping on the River Walk. They cooked, swam, shopped at the mall and Target, and went to Dave and Busters. The students were lucky enough to be allowed to choose where they wanted to go, as in which amusement park or entertainment areas.

“I definitely enjoy the students’ individual personalities in Math Club,” said Mr. Ramirez. “State was very interesting because I got a chance to see my students in a context I’ve never seen them,” he said.

On the day of the competition, Sat-

of sharing ideas to help achieve our vision of performance,” said choir director Ms. Huston.

Band and choir students also practice at home to ensure they have their music down.

“I practice my music everyday so I can get my notes, words, and dynamics right,” said 8th grader Danee Reyes.

All of this, plus before school and afterschool rehearsals, are all very important. Getting a sweepstakes isn’t just a fancy plaque, getting a sweepstakes means your band or choir put in all their effort while learning the music and practicing.

“This is like our STAAR test,” said band director Mrs. Killough, “except their ‘grade’ depends not on if they can play, but what they do as a group.”

This year, Philharmonic, Symphonic, and Wind Ensemble, all received a sweepstakes, and all three varsity choirs (Chorale, Bel Canto, and Mixed Choir) received a sweepstakes as well. urday, the students did some warm-up worksheets and last minute review over different kinds of math formulas. When the thirty minutes were over, their heads were flooded with numbers and they were waiting impatiently for the scores to come out. After finishing taking the test, the students had the rest of the day to relax and play at Dave & Busters with the sixth graders’ chaperones while Mr. Ramirez was stuck on campus grading the tests.

At the end of the long day, the qualifiers returned to the hotel and all scrambled to the hotel pool to cool themselves off.

The calculator tests that these students had to take were very difficult to comprehend at first, but after lots of practicing, they understood what to do now. The test contained different types of math including Geometry, Trigonometry, and Algebra.

The objective of the competition was to finish as much of the eighty-question test as possible in thirty minutes, and whoever gets the highest score, gets the highest place. On top of that, students got very nervous in the testing rooms, so that made it even harder.

“In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing, or what I had gotten myself into, but after two years of practicing with Mr. Kirby [the high school Math Club coach and AP physics teacher], I understand what to do now,” said Chloe Martinez.

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NEWSwire

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Fillies win sweepstakes at competition Hard work, dedication pay off as Fillies high-kick the local competition

by JOCELYN RAMIREZ Hard work. Dedication. Practice. Practice. And more practice. That’s what it took for the Fillies to be as successful as they were this competition season.

On Feb. 11 the Fillies competed at the HTE Dance competition at Magnolia West High. This was their first competition of competition season, and they were ready.

After waking up early, getting ready, arriving at NSMS and loading up the bus, they were off to Magnolia, Texas, to compete.

The Fillies were the only middle school drill team competing at this competition.

Therefore they would not be competing for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, but for scores of 85 or above. Scoring 85 or above on all 3 dances, would award the team with a sweepstakes. And that was their goal.

While the girls were nervous, there was also a sense of confidence at the competition. Seventh grade Filly, Jessica Rodriguez said, “I was nervous [before performing] because I thought we were going to mess up. But I was confident as well because I knew we were going to do good because we had practiced a lot.”

Before each dance the girls calmed their nerves, and went over the routine a few times in the practice gym. Then it was time for them to perform. The first dance they performed was pom to a mash up of songs. Then kick was performed right after to the song “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO. The final dance performed was the prop routine to the song “Dream On”

by Aerosmith. The prop routine was an especially unique dance because the Fillies incorporated a large pink yoga ball into the dance. Once they were done performing the girls felt relieved, and the rest of the day was left in anticipation for the awards ceremony.

After waiting about 5 hours it was actually time for the awards to be announced. The announcer went through all the winners for what seemed like every single award until he got to the winners of a sweepstakes. At the sound of their team name the Fillies went crazy. All their hard work had paid off and they had reached their goal.

The HTE Dance competition was not the last for the Fillies though; they still had one more left. This competition was much closer to home. Much more was at stake as well for the Fillies, because they had set the bar high for themselves last competition so they expected themselves to win a higher award at district competition. That

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award was a super sweepstakes. A super sweepstakes would be awarded to the team if they scored 90’s or above on all three dances performed.

Feelings about this competition were just about the same as last. Seventh grade Filly, Graciela Martinez said, “[Before we performed] I was freaking out because there was some good competitors there, like the Cunningham Sapphires. But I knew we were going to do good because we had practiced non-stop everyday [before competiton] to prepare.”

The schedule for the competition was the same as last. The girls performed all 3 routines (the same from last competition) and waited the rest of the day in anticipation for the awards ceremony. This competition’s award ceremony wasn’t until 7:30 so the girls had much more time to wait for the results. Many of the Fillies sat in the gym and watched other performances by other dancers and dance teams.

When it was time for the award ceremony the girls listened for their name, eager to hear it. And of course they did.

Not only did they win a super sweepstakes but the girls also won a precision award for their pom routine, meaning that their movements were very precise and sharp.

They also won a choreography award for

their kick routine, meaning that the choreography for the routine was very good.

The Fillies were proud of themselves for such an accomplishment. Seventh grade Filly, Mireya Torres said, “I felt that we did awesome because all of our hard work we put into our practices paid off.” Eighth grade Filly, Morgan Harris said, “I felt so happy when I found out we won a sweepstakes because I knew we did good and were going to win one.” But, their directors felt especially proud, “[We felt] an overwhelming sense of pride in knowing that their hard work and dedication had paid off,” said seventh grade English teacher and Fillies Director, Mrs. McComb.

The Fillies success at their competitions goes to show how hard work pays off. The Fillies weren’t just given their awards, they had to earn them. They did that by giving their all at every practice, and being dedicated. That earned them both a sweepstakes and super sweepstakes, and praise from their peers and teachers.

But this isn’t the end of the road for the Fillies. Though they did very well at competition, that doesn’t mean the year is over. There is still much more work to be done, but this time in preparation for their Spring Showcase.

Fillies Angela Aston, Layla Requena, Naila Morales, Jessica Rodriguez, Miranda Gears, and Symone Taylor practice their prop routine to get it perfect for competition. The large pink balls they are holding above their heads add a visual effect to the routine and blend in with the choreography.

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

NEWSwire

Teachers rewarded for their hard work Young teachers’ dedication, passion and creativity lead to recognition

by CYAN PEDRAZA One of the highest honors for a teacher is earning the title “Teacher of the Year” and “Rookie of the Year.” Earning these titles means that the teacher works hard to get his or her students to go above and beyond. These teachers try to get their students to think outside the box and to have them interested in their daily assignments.

This year’s Teacher of the Year is Mr. Dewar, and the Rookie of the Year is Ms. Green.

Mr. Dewar attended Bowling Green State University, and studied Education and graduated in 2007. He has been teaching for five years now, two years in Ohio, and three years in Texas. He teaches 8th grade science, coaches an 8th grade UIL science team, and coaches the soccer team here on campus.

Ms. Green attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, and graduated in 2007. While she attended the university she studied Sociology. After she graduated, she became a substitute and now she is a full-time teacher. She teaches 7th grade math, while in class, she has her students sing rhythmic tunes that she comes up with to have them memorize certain strategies, and has music on while she has her students doing hands-on

Mr. Dewar talks to his class about the new egg drop project where students have to build a parachute to lessen the egg’s fall as they let it go over the balcony.

activities.

“I like math, and Ms. Green actually helps us when we need it. She makes the lessons fun! She tries to make a lot of hands on activities. She loves us and wants to give us all the help she can give,” said Andre Basha.

When people become teachers it’s for different reasons, maybe one of their very own teachers became their inspiration or because they just want kids to be interested in school and learning.

“The reason I became a teacher is because when people used to ask me as a kid who my favorite teacher was, it was difficult for me to find even one and I thought that it shouldn’t be difficult for me to know who my favorite teacher was I did have one teacher that made a difference.

First and foremost he cared and I knew he did. He remembered what it was like being a kid, and it made me want to learn more.

So I figured I should do the same,” said Mr. Dewar.

“Mr. Dewar is a great teacher because he is there for you. He understands you, and he’s very nice and if you have a problem with anything in or out of school, he’s there for you,” said eighth grader Jesus Rojas.

Another reason for becoming a teacher could be they love helping kids get a better education. Or it could be that they has been around kids most of their life and love to make a different in someone’s life.

“The reason I became a teacher is probably because my experience with kids throughout my lifetime and my passion to make a difference. Specifically for the students that need it most, and my passions for working with them, which I’ve done with the Houston Astros and their special events department, as well as with my work, haven’t changed,” said Ms. Green.

As time goes on and a teacher starts to understand what works to get kids interested in class, they will get more creative.

Let’s say when you walk into class you see colors, markers, and construction paper for a pop up book you have to make about a specific lesson, wouldn’t you listen very carefully about the lesson? Research shows that if you allow your students to draw pictures about what you learned it will help them remember lessons.

“I try to show lots of videos because this generation is very into the whole media world. I get the students to draw a lot of pictures, and a try to make the lessons relevant to life,” said Mr. Dewar.

“His teaching is very cool and awesome.

He makes science look easy,” said Jesus Rojas.

Or maybe you hear some catchy tunes playing in class and it turns out to be a rhyme that will help you remember the multiples of nine.

“My tactic is that I try to be more of a fun teacher, and it’s more of a respect for my students. We try to keep it fun within the classroom, which I think has been the most helpful experience as a first year teacher as well as within math. I like to have the students sing songs to memorize the strategies. Also, I like to keep the students entertained and some hands-on activities seem to do the trick,” said Ms. Green.

“Ms. Green makes everything fun and works very hard with her students. She is very patient with us. She uses examples to teach different things that we can relate to,” said 7th grader Kendra Sullivan.

Congratulations to Ms. Green our “Rookie of the Year” and to Mr. Dewar our “Teacher of the Year” for 2012. Earning this honor is a very great achievement.

“To be Teacher of the Year means that the teacher must show an exceptional level of care and concern for the welfare of their students. It has to be at a level that is uncommon, and the same goes for Rookie of the Year,” said Mr. Drexler.

Ms. Green helps her students with difficult math problems during their 7th period class.

She enjoys teaching math and uses many methods to get her kids to understand math.

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NEWSwire

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Students go beyond the textbook School’s annual history fair draws students’ creativity and knowledge

by INGRIS MONTOYA On April 3, the annual history fair was held in the Multipurpose room and nearly all 7th and 8th grade students were required to create a project, but not all projects were entered into the history fair.

There were over 200 projects entered this year with a wide variety of topics.

There were three categories: poster, model and graphics. The 7th grade projects were about Texas history and 8th grade projects were on America history between the years 1607-1877.

Every year we have a history fair to give students a deeper understanding on a certain topics they have learned over the school year.

“My project was about Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello,” said eighth grader Xenia Sanchez. “I decided to do my project about it because I thought it was interesting how Jefferson designed and built his home,” she said.

“The projects were awesome. Both grade levels did an amazing job of capturing what has been taught all year,” said Mr. Atkins, a 7th grade social studies teacher.

Two students won the James L. Lisano Award of Excellence. This is the Best of Show award, named after a former history teacher who taught here for over 40 years. This year, the students were 7th grader Cassidi Goforth and 8th grader Asada Samin.

“My project was about Mount Vernon, which was George Washington’s home, I did my project on Mount Vernon because it seemed very interesting,” Asada said.

The history fair isn’t organized just to make a project for no reason, it provides an opportunity for students to go beyond what the history textbook offers us.

“I think the history fair is important, because it lets you dig deeper into history and problems we faced. I don’t think we

Did you know?

should be forced to do a project, but I think that it is amazing to be able to understand it so much better than if you just read it in class,” said eighth grader Alyssa Boudreau.

After the winners were chosen, they were announced by Mrs. Davis, an 8th grade social studies teacher and Department Chair. This year the winners went to Chappell Hill, Texas, visited The Cotton

Gin Museum and Washington on the Brazos.

(Right) The multipurpose room was full of students’ history fair projects like this one. A very informative portrayal of plantations and slavery in the South.

7th grade winners

8th grade winners

David Mata - 1st place models

Jonathan Olaya - 1st place models

Andres Rendon - 2nd place models

Louis Cole - 2nd place models

Juan Perez-Garcia - 3rd place models

Bria Page - 3rd place models

Matteo McCleary - 4th place models

Alyssa Boudreau - 4th place models

Nicholas Bretzke - 1st place graphics

Elizabeth Vu - 1st place graphics

Micheal Horton - 2nd place graphics

Joel Mathew - 2nd place graphics

Matea Dangerfield - 3rd place graphics

Opal Goforth - 3rd place graphics

America Rodriguez - 4th place graphics

Cash DeLeon- 1st place posters

Gabriela Gomez - 4th place graphics

Claire Marks - 1st place posters

Trevor Mouton - 2nd place posters

Emily Lim - 2nd place posters

Kiersten Hardeman - 3rd place posters

Karian Rojas - 3rd place posters Cindy Vaquera - 4th place posters Cassidy Goforth - Best of Show Honorable Mentions - Dorlee Vargas, Alberto Castelano, Maria Fernanda Leal, Mary Alvarez, Yatziri Sanchez, Juan Molina, Brian Aranda, Jacquelyn Hernandez, Megan Strickland, Joshua Padilla, Marielena Carmona, Candido Huerta

Sandra Bastar - 4th place posters Asada Samin - Best of Show Honorable Mentions - Mark Dominguez, Asia Allen, Rosa Sotello, Diana Aragon, Aliyah Hawkins, Xenia Sanchez, Jocelyn Ramirez, Kaitlin Babin, Natalie Torres, Ilana Cantu, Greg Ortega, Ivana Contreras

Please RECYCLE!

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 33 % of the municipal solid waste stream (MSW) is made up of paper and paperboard products. Recycling produces numerous direct and indirect benefits, conserves resources, creates jobs, saves energy, and saves money. Please recycle this paper.

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May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

NEWSwire

Art students unleash their creativity for VASE

by ALIYAH HAWKINS

Maria Jimenez uses an art tool called an X-ACTO knife to balance the sides of her portrait called “Mother’s Bound”.

Mrs. Haden, the 8th grade advanced art teacher, instructs Ricardo Gutierrez on how he should complete his portrait in 5th period to prepare him for V.A.S.E, Visual Art Scholastic Event. “Whenever we need help, she helps us right away,” said one of her advanced art students, Maria Jimenez.

Sebastian Ortiz sculpts his clay skateboarding ramp using a specific art tool in 5th period for V.A.S.E. “V.A.S.E. is our last competition of the year, so we put a lot of work into it,” said Asada Samin.

During 5th period, Asada Samin and Asia Allen work on perfecting their clay models.

The advanced art eighth graders put in a lot of effort to add the perfect amount of detail in their molds to make sure they have the correct meaning. “The students put so much work in their art because it all goes back to passion and if they know what they’re doing, they won’t give up on their work and it’s a way to express yourself. It’s an outlet to most of my students and when you’re good at something, you want to strive to get better,” said Mrs. Haden.

The advanced art students’ supplies for their clay models wait in a cup.

They use these supplies to add detail, sculpt their clay, and to even out their clay.

Ricardo Gutierrez finishes his art by following Mrs. Haden’s directions in 5th period. “I feel that if I’m passionate about art, they’ll be passionate about it, I walk around and talk to them about their projects, and always say positive things to my students is an A+,” said Mrs. Haden.

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NEWSwire

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Power outage forces schedule changes Thunderstorm wreaks havoc but teachers and students manage in other ways

by IDALIA SANTOS On Mar. 20, during 1st period, the school’s lights began to flicker because of a dark thunderstorm. The flickering might’ve disappointed a few, but then the lights went out and students’ excitement rose because of the hope that they would no longer go to any more classes for the rest of the day.

“I thought it was really scary because I was in reading class in the portables, and the rain was really hard on the roof.

What made it worse was that the teacher [Ms. Pendleton] was reading to us about Frankenstein,” said eighth grader Rosa Sotelo.

During the beginning of the power outage, many teachers were having a hard

time teaching their students, so some let them play an educational game like Hang Man, Scrabble or Sudoku, near the windows because the windows were the only source of light.

“My students tried to continue on their lesson and draw, but it was too dark for them to see, so we ended up playing ‘Heads up seven up’ with vocabulary about art,” said Ms. Bey, an art teacher.

Other teachers moved their classes beside the windows so they were still able to teach their lessons.

Teachers all across the school were doing different things to keep students busy.

For example, the in athletics, girls were sitting in the stands, some were reading and some were talking. The coaches decided to let the girls and the boys in P.E.

Try-outs...what’s the point?

Just a pretty face doesn’t get you in...you gotta work!

by SARAH GUILLEN Try-outs. Why do we have them? What do the coaches expect? What might help the coaches perfect the squad for next year? These questions probably fill the heads of the girls who aspire to be a cheerleader or a Fillie.

During March and April, current and future Fillies and cheerleaders had try-outs for the 2012-2013 school year.

“I think the reason we have try-outs is to see who has what it takes to represent our school well, and to see who has that great positive attitude to share with others on the squad,” said 7th grade cheerleader Jazmine Miranda.

The girls might wonder what the coaches want from the participants that try-out, and what they have to do to make the team.

Judges from other schools were the ones picking the girls who will be a part of the team because the coaches wanted the whole process to be fair. The judges were looking for outgoing personalities and

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great techniques during the try-outs to make sure that the squads next year will be great, but the Fillies directors were looking for good danceability, potential, and the attitude to become a better dancer, while the cheerleading coaches were looking at leadership abilities as well as persistence.

“I think the coaches were looking for girls that are willing to try and give the best, also girls who meet requirements like splits, high kicks, and always smiling and is positive around other people. Fillies also are very respectful to people,” said 8th grade Fillie Miranda Gears.

The coaches, knowing what they were looking for next year picked the best of the participants that tried out, based on the judging. Also the coaches knew what they wanted to improve for next year, so they picked the girls who they thought had what it took to be a part of the squads for the upcoming school year.

“Cheer camp is the first time we have all of them together as a team. We do this is to lay out the expectations from the be-

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Sign up for the Summer Reading Program to be eligible for reading fun and incentives! While supplies last. Teen program for ages 12-18.

There will also be movies on Mondays at 2:30pm in July.

play a scooter relay that involved review for social studies STAAR test. The review was fun and helped students prepare for the real STAAR test.

The power outage lasted almost three hours. After the lights came back on, everyone went to second period and stayed there until all four lunches ended. Then, the students went to fourth period then fifth period, lasting 40 minutes each. So, the weather really did a number on the schedule.

The power outage affected both teachers and students. It affected the teachers, but many were able to modify what they were doing. Teachers made the day fun by keeping the students busy by playing games or still taught…just in a different place or room.

ginning this is key to creating a successful squad,” said cheer coach Ms. Green.

The techniques that the cheerleaders do during the summer are very different from the way that the Fillies do things. Cheerleaders learn around five cheers and only one dance, and Fillies learn five dances and no cheers. The squads participate in camp because once they are back in school they’re ready for any sporting event where they will be able to pump up the crowd.

“We start each year by teaching the young ladies the basic technical skills they will need to be successful on Fillies. We take them to the HTE dance summer camp where they learn five custom routines of dance over a three day period. Then throughout the year Mrs. McComb and I help the girls perfect the routines,” said Fillies assistant Ms. McWilliams.

So, try-outs help showcase who will be on the team whether it’s for cheer, dance, or any other extracurricular activity. We not only have try-outs just to see who has what it takes to represent our school the best that they can but to show the desire to be more involved in school activities.

‘Like’ us & you’ll be able to get this issue in full color and stay up-to-date with what’s going on at school with the touch of a button.

Follow the ‘Stang Express Twitter page #StangExpress for news updates and live sports coverage wherever you are.

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

NEWSwire

Newspaper staff wins a Silver Star Journalism students make history with state’s highest ranked middle school paper

by BRYANT BADIE On April 28, the ‘Stang Express traveled to Austin to compete in UIL (University Interscholastic League) journalism competition. Schools from all over the state came to see how they did, attend sessions on journalism, and pick up some free stuff.

After doing exceptionally well in last year’s competition, the staff had worked hard all year to do improve this year.

Staff members had to be at school at 6 am to set out for Austin. Most students were ready to fall asleep in the van on the way there. After the staff went to Starbucks, everyone was wide awake. The vans were filled with music, tic-tac-toe, karaoke, and gossip.

They arrived at Austin around 9:30 and when they reached the registration desk they were greeted by Daniella Alvarado, former yearbook staff member of Mr. Burke who lives on campus. She showed them around, and helped them get where they needed to be.

Next the staff went to go look at the display boards to see what places they had been awarded for their individual submissions. Several students had won first, second, or third place medals.

“I felt overwhelmed and excited, I’d never think in a million years I would’ve won first place,” said first year Features

Editor, Cindy Mai. The staff as a whole received an Award of Distinguished Merit for the second year in a row! The newspaper was also awarded a Silver Star. No other middle school in the state was awarded a Silver Star. A Star Award is awarded to the top 10% of school newspapers and yearbooks.

“I was beyond ecstatic of our accomplishment that I almost fell out of my chair. I had faith in our newspaper winning this award, but it becoming reality was a wonderful surprise. We worked hard all this year, and this award proved it,” said Co-Editor-in-Chief and second year staff member, Jocelyn Ramirez.

After the celebration, the staff and other former yearbook members, Daniella Alvarado and Nataly Torres, another of Mr. Burke’s former students, walked to Players, a University of Texas landmark since 1981, to eat lunch. The staff ate, gossiped and took pictures for about an hour. They shared their good-byes to Daniella and Nataly then they headed back to the campus to start their sessions. The staff had a chance to walk to classes just as if they were in college themselves. During their sessions they learned things that would help them in the field of journalism.

“I learned how to handle the camera and how to take great pictures at different angles. We learned everything in a fun and

Features Editor Cindy Mai and features writer Aliyah Hawkins check out a high school newspaper after attending session in university classroom during state competition. News staffs were able to exchange papers so they can see what others are doing.

easy manner making my job a whole lot easier,” said photographer Idalia Santos.

After the sessions, the staff went to Starbucks and was ready to make the three-hour ride home. They filled the vans with music and games once again but this time taking in every moment of it knowing it wouldn’t happen again.

“Memorable, that’s the perfect word to describe it, I’ll never be able to do this again, but I promise I won’t forget it. It was a day to remember,” said Jocelyn Ramirez.

Ingris Montoya – 3rd place news story – Dudes and Divas join forces to battle cancer Nathalie Lopez & Idalia Santos – Honorable mention news feature story – North Shore shows support for breast cancer awareness with a day of pink Bryant Badie – 1st place sports action story – Eighth grade team fights to stay undefeated Jareny Ortiz – 2nd place sports action story – Lady Mustangs take on rivals in a nail-biter Megan Gray & Amber Wofford – 2nd place sports feature story – Coach’s experience helps players learn more Abigail Sanchez – 2nd place entertainment review – Fall in love with Fallen Aliyah Hawkins – 3rd place photo story – Another day, another note Asada Samin – 3rd place personal opinion column – The missing piece in the dress code puzzle: individuality Cindy Mai – 1st place in-depth news/feature story – The Hunger Games: Can it happen here in America?

Jocelyn Ramirez – 2nd place in-depth news/ feature story – Sept. 11 2001 – Sept. 11 2011 Jocelyn Ramirez & Cindy Barrera – 2nd place page one design – They’re coming…

Megan Gray – 1st place sports page design – Mustangs dominate Forest Brook in big win Cindy Mai – 1st place feature/entertainment page design – Taking it one note at a time Jocelyn Ramirez – 1st place double truck design – They’re coming…

Toni van Bibber – 1st place general news photo AND 1st place sports action photo Idalia Santos – 3rd place sports action photo Megan Gray, Bryant Badie, Jareny Ortiz, Britaini Statum – 2nd place captions Britaini Statum, Bryant Badie, Abigail Sanchez, Aliyah Hawkins, Cindy Mai – 1st place headlines

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Features

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Congress is working to censor the internet Sound scary? HR 3261, if passed, can change the way we see things online

by CINDY MAI

UTTERSTO IMAGE / SH

CK.COM

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) may seem to be the answer to ending piracy in the government’s eyes, but they might have to think twice before allowing these bills to be passed in law.

On Jan. 18, hundreds of different internet sites came together and formed a team that rose up against SOPA and PIPA, which caused chaos in the online world.

Sites from all over the country wanted get the word out to the citizens about how serious it would be if these two bills were to be passed. For instance, Wikipedia, one of many sites that opposes the bills, tried to get people to realize how bad the effect would be if SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect Intellectual Property Act)were to be passed by shutting down for 24-hours straight. Google, one of the most famous online search engines, revealed that they were also against the bills by putting black tape on top of their logo showing us what censorship is. On the same day, Facebook and Twitter pages were flooded with users’ opinions and discussions on SOPA and PIPA. Even if you think you have nothing to do with piracy or these bills, you might want to think again.

For years, our government has tried to stop piracy on and offline. This isn’t the first time for them to discuss actions that are against piracy;

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however, this is their first time creating bill that is now put on hold. Two bills in particular have been under discussion since 2006, but haven’t been noticed until now.

One of these bills was created by the House of Representatives to prevent online piracy from becoming more popular is called Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).

The first time you hear this bill, it may seem reasonable, but what the bill states is what actually matters. In that bill, the definition for piracy is not specific or even clear. The written words in the bill say that any site that even links to a pirated site is considered piracy, which gives wellknown companies the right/authority to sue each other. For example, if someone posts a link to a pirated site on Facebook, that one link would cause Facebook to literally shut down.

“I’m in-between passing and rejecting the bills because first of all, I can’t survive without Facebook, but I’ll also stop wasting my time on the internet and do other activities,” said seventh grader, Karina Granados. Also, search engines like Google would be forced to cut off ties to numerous pirated sites, which might cause it to shut down. If the search engines refuse to cut these links, Hollywood would sue other companies, and the search engines would then be breaking a law. This bill would also leave a big dent on YouTube too because their users cover songs from famous artists.

“I think that no one will be able to set these laws in a democracy. Almost all of the people I know go on the internet.

Everyone puts whatever they want about pretty much anything. I really doubt that any American that has a Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. will allow this to take place,” said seventh grader, Sara Hinshaw-Hatten. SOPA is more of a shut first and think later bill because if the government thinks that they are doing something wrong, the site would have to shut down. Even if the site has permission from the owner, the government might now know that and shut down the sight.

When the government finds out that the

site actually had permission to do so, it would have left too much damage on the site. Stop Online Piracy Act also states that the site that was being accused cannot sue them back, which is known as counter suit.

The Protect Intellectual Piracy Act (PIPA) was created by U.S. Senators to get people more aware of what others put on the internet and how it is used. This bill could make a huge impact online because it would allow censorship to occur. To show the citizens what was happening, Google gave an example of what censoring was by placing a big black rectangle over its logo, which is censorship. In order for the government to seize online piracy, they have to have more authority online and know exactly what you are doing at all times, which would minimize your freedom to do whatever you want online.

If you think about this, PIPA prohibits the Freedom of Speech, the first amendment of the Bill of Rights.

These bills both have something to do with stopping online piracy in the U.S and could cause problems on and offline, here in the academic world and in the “real” world. Changes would be made in our way of learning in class. Inappropriate online sites for school have already been blocked from the class computers, and with these two bills, more sites will be censored, making the number of censored sites increase. This will have a negative impact on education when students do research. Even with a few sites blocked, it is difficult for the students to find what they need to find, and that’s why they usually do it at home. With the sites being blocked at home, it would make it harder on them to learn.

“I think the intention was to protect people, but then there’s a point where if I’m protecting one person, the others would be left unprotected,” said eighth grade Social Studies teacher, Ms. Davis.

What she is saying is you can not protect two things at once. It’s either one or the other, you have to choose. In this case, continued on next page

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4 continued from previous page

potential/abuse,” said Mrs. Davis. In school, students have been taught that freedom is a privilege and how it could be taken back. This bill is showing us that the freedom online has the same concept behind it, which goes against part of the first amendment of the Bill of Rights.

There are times when people intentionally pirate movies and songs because of the fact that they simply don’t want to pay for them. They think that it’s ok as long as you don’t get caught. In Hollywood’s eyes, these people are stealing from them and taking away their paycheck. Well-known artist are having the same dilemma as

Features

well. Piracy is the same as going robbing a bank, but instead of stealing from the bank, you’re stealing from, what might be, one of your favorite singers. Piracy, stealing, robbing, they all go hand in hand.

Recently, the government has put these bills to the side for things to settle down.

Sooner or later, the government will have to take SOPA and PIPA back out and deal with the problems by passing these bills or creating better bills that citizens and internet sites agree with. When the time comes, are you going to be for or against the bills? What do you think the government should do?

Wikipedia shut down its site for 24 hours to get people more aware of what could happen if SOPA and PIPA were to pass into law. The only thing that you saw if you went on Wikipedia that day was this statement.

GRAPHIC / WIRED.COM

GRAPHIC / WIKIPEDIA.COM

the government can take more control over piracy and cause chaos online or simply leave it alone and let it be. Whichever one the government chooses, there will still be commotion because if they try to pass this bill, the citizens would claim that their Freedom of Speech is being taken away, but if they don’t do anything about piracy, Hollywood would lose thousands of dollars.

“I think Freedom of Speech needs to be protected and that we have to be careful because the internet has so much

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Wired Magazine Online redacted most of its site on Jan. 18 and gave its users the option to uncensor it by clicking on the page. The staff at Wired did this to show people what censorship looks like and to get people to become aware of what can happen if SOPA and PIPA pass.

CAN YOU HEAR US? CONGRESS, CAN YOU HEAR US? TAKE ACTION! 5 Internet security experts issued a whitepaper to Congress raising serious concerns about the technical approach to PIPA • 9 Internet companies sent an open letter opposing the bills & risks posed to innovation • 17 Internet company founders sent an open letter opposing SOPA & PIPA • MILLIONS OF AMERICANS UNITED IN OPPOSITION TO SOPA AND PIPA TOLD CONGRESS “NO!”

887,000+ Over sites including Wikipedia, Reddit, and WordPress participated in a January 18 internet blackout and strike. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WERE PROHIBITED FROM USING THESE SITES AS A RESULT 3,000,000+ Over 3 million American voiced their opinions by adding 3 million signatures to petitions by Jan. 13th 7,000,000+ Well over 7 million Americans petitioned Congress to vote NO on SOPA and PIPA on January 18th As a result of this, Congress decided to ‘shelve’ SOPA and PIPA and review at a later date. • WE THE PEOPLE

SOURCE / INFOJUSTICE.ORG

Two bills before Congress known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, are meant to stop online piracy but would censor the web and impose harmful regulations on American businesses. Experts agree that there are better ways to shut down pirate websites than asking U.S. companies to censor the web.

41 human rights organizations, including the Center for Media Justice sent letters to express their concerning the bills’ civil/human rights implications 110 Law professors sent a letter expressing “serious constitutional, innovation, and foreign policy concerns • JOIN US! 204 Entrepreneurs sent a letter expressing concern that the PIPA and SOPA would “hurt economic growth and chill innovation” 113,000+ Over 113,000 people have petitioned the White House to oppose SOPA and PIPA. The White House issued a committment to “not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet. • THE WHITE HOUSE SUPPORTS THE PEOPLE

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Features

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Friday the 13th

Three Friday the 13ths this year...exactly thirteen weeks apart. Is this pure coincidence or is there a deeper meaning to this?

Beware paraskevidekatriaphobics! People who have an irrational fear of Friday the 13th are better known as paraskevidekatriaphobics. For the first time since 1984, there will be three Friday the 13ths, each 13 weeks apart this year. Is this just plain coincidence or superstition? Is there a deeper meaning behind this?

The notorious date of Friday the 13th is also well known as the most widespread superstition for causing bad luck. The date is set to creep up three times this year-Jan. 13, April 13, and July 13-and each date is exactly thirteen weeks apart.

Why are there three this year instead of the usual one or two like in previous years? Is there a meaning behind the three dates being set thirteen weeks apart? Many paraskevidekatriaphobicsthose who fear Friday the 13th-and superstitious thinkers will probably go into hiding after knowing this.

According to the Stress Management Center and the Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day making it the most feared day and date in history.

Those who fear Friday the 13th are so paralyzed with fear that they avoid their daily routines in doing business, taking flights, or even getting out of bed.

Apparently the economy tends to suffer a bit each time the foreboding day rolls around.

“It’s estimated that [U.S.] $800 0r $900 million is lost in business on this day because people will not fly or do business they would normally do,” Donald Dossey, founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, said to National Geographic.

Although many claim not to be superstitious of this date, you can’t help feeling the least bit curious of Friday the 13th many tragic events have occurred on this dreadful day. Friday the 13th was the date the medieval Knights of Templar were imprisoned and although not as historic, rapper Tupac Shakur died Friday September 13, 1996, after being gunned down September 7th.

Fear of Friday the 13th is rooted in an-

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cient separate bad-luck associations with today’s world. More than 80 percent of the number 13 and the day Friday. The high rises don’t have a 13th floor. Many two unlucky entities ultimately combined airports skip the 13th gate. Hospitals and to make one super unlucky day. hotels have no room number 13. CountThe fear of the number 13 is known less cities don’t have a 13th street or a as triskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia 13th avenue. traces back to a Norse myth about twelve “I am very superstitious of the number gods having a dinner party at Valhalla, 13. I was told that 13 was a bad number their heaven. In walked the uninvited 13th because it was an unlucky number for guest, the mischievous Loki. Once there many occurrences in my religion,” said Loki arranged for Hoder, the blind god 7th grader, Samantha Ubernosky. of darkness, to shoot Balder the beautiAs for Friday, it is well known from ful, the god of joy and gladness, with a biblical references, biblical scholars, and mistletoe tipped arrow. Balder died and among Christians that many unfortunate the whole Earth mourned and went dark. events took place on this day. Jesus’ It was an awful and unlucky day. From crucifixion, Eve’s offering of the apple to that moment on the Adam in the Garden of “I always thought there was number 13 has been Eden, the beginning of something supernatural about considered ominous the Great Flood, and Friday. Fridays are usually my and foreboding. the confusion at the There is also a bibli- unlucky days because I either Tower of Babel are all cal reference to the believed to have taken wake up a little late, forget unlucky number 13. place on Friday. Perwork at home, or get a low Judas, the apostle who haps most significant grade on a quiz or just, but betrayed Jesus, was is a belief that Abel either way I suffer from embar- was slain by Cain on the 13th guest to the rassing misfortunes,” Last Supper.

Friday the 13th.

In numerology, the Many other profesnumber 12 is consions have regarded - 7th grader, Karina Granados sidered the number Friday as an unlucky of completeness, as reflected in the 12 day to undertake journeys, begin new months of the year, 12 hours of the on projects, or deploy releases in production the clock, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods because you will encounter misfortune. of Olympus, and so on. Thirteen’s associ- Ships that set sail on a Friday have bad ation with bad luck has to do with it being luck, as in the tale of H.M.S. Friday. One irregular, transgressing the completeness hundred years ago, the British governof 12. ment sought to quell the long-standing The fear of the number 13 is strong in continued on next page

Triskaidekaphobia [tris-kahy-dek-uh-foh-bee-uh]: fear of the number 13; from Greek tris (‘three’), kai (‘and’), and deka (‘ten’), which was coined in the early twentieth century to refer to fear of the number thirteen generally.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia [pa-ras-kahy-vid-e-ka-tri-uh-fohbee-uh]: fear of Friday the 13th; The term is based on the Greek words paraskevi (‘Friday’) and dekatria (‘thirteen’) with -phobia as a suffix to indicate ‘fear’.

SOURCE / MACMILLANDICTIONARY.COM

by GRICELDA JASSO

continued from previous page superstition among seamen that that setting sail on was unlucky. A special ship was commissioned and given the name “H.M.S. Friday.” They laid her keel on a Friday, launched her on a Friday, selected her crew on a Friday, and hired a man named Jim Friday to be her captain. To top it off, H.M.S. Friday embarked on her maiden voyage on a Friday—and was never seen or heard from again.

“I always thought there was something supernatural about Friday. Fridays are usually my unlucky days because I either wake up a little late, forget work at home, or get a low grade on a quiz or just, but either way I suffer from embarrassing misfortunes,” said 7th grader, Karina Granados.

The notorious date of Friday the 13th is also known as one of the most terrifying, gruesome, and arousing slasher films of all time. Friday the 13th is an American horror franchise that consists of twelve slasher films. The films mainly focus on the fictional character Jason Voorhees, who drowned as a boy at Camp Crystal Lake due to the carelessness of the camp staff. Decades later, the lake is rumored to be “cursed” and is the setting for a series of mass murders, which happen to take place on Friday the 13th. The con-

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cept for Friday the 13th began as nothing more than a title. “Long Night at Camp Blood” was the working title, but after producer Sean S. Cunningham bought the rights to the title, the moniker “Friday the 13th”was rushed into advertising.

“The Friday the 13th films are very scary, and I was terrified and alert after watching them. I also became vary paranoid and superstitious of the actual day of Friday the 13th.” said 7th grader, Xzavier Chavarria.

If you are superstitious of Friday the 13th and the entities associated with the dreaded date, you are not alone because millions of others will be joining you.

“I am very superstitious of Friday the 13th because I feel like supernatural forces are out to get me, but I do try to stay calm and not be too paranoid.” said 8th grader, Brittney McShon.

Although the fear might just be based on superstition, you can never be too cautious, especially this year, so on January 13, April 13, and June 13 take extra precaution because according to many legends, beliefs, and other professions, chances are many supernatural bad luck entities will wreak havoc upon you.

However, don’t dread this year too much because three dates of Friday the 13th are the most that can appear on a regular calendar year.

staff members! w e n s e m o lc e w s The ‘Stang Expres ers Future 8th grad ers

Future 7th grad

Cindy Mai Emily Lim atten Sara Hinshaw-H a Maria G. Renteri Regan Nunez Ulises Salazar Leal Maria Fernanda z Charles Gonzale ia Ta’Aliyah Porch s Enrique Gonzale Leah Maxwell Bryant Badie g Christine Caban Joshua Padilla ciela Martinez ra G t e g d n a Congratulations Kenny Ma ! r! a e y t x e n r ry fo ready Deja Montgome

Victor Davila uez Fermina Rodrig Hailie Russell nd Makeena Poula Ivon Lopez Iya Robinson Joanne Cobos Cristal Garcia Aleny Guajardo i Venice Macawil s Leonardo Reye Cerenti Heard

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Did you know?

The next year in which we’ll have three Friday the 13ths is 2015. They’ll fall in February, March and November.

In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, it is Tuesday the 13th that is traditionally feared. In Italy, Friday the 17th is a day of bad luck.

The U.S. economy loses up to 900 million dollars every time there is a Friday the 13th—many people avoid business deals or work on the allegedly doomed date.

Every year has at least one and at most three Friday the 13ths. The longest period that can occur without a Friday the 13th is fourteen months.

The Tarot card number 13 is the Death Card, depicting the Grim Reaper (although it is read as transition or change and not literal death).

The ancient Romans regarded the number 13 as a symbol of death and misfortune.

SOURCES / ABCACTIONNEWS.COM, LIVESCIENCE.COM, COSMICSOCIETY.COM

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

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Features

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

15 minutes of fame: Ambitious eighth grader

pursues his talent

by JOCELYN RAMIREZ Do you know Anthony LaFleur? At first glance he may seem like the usual eighth grade boy. Even though he is an eighth grade boy, he possesses something that is not very common in people his age…a one of a kind talent.

Anthony discovered his talent at the very early age of four. Inspired by the 80’s dance the “Harlem Shake”, Anthony began mimicking movements from the dance.

“After Harlem, shaking in the mirror, while mixing it with my own popping movements, I discovered I had a talent,” said LaFleur.

From then on Anthony pursued his talent. Many of you though have seen him perform in the talent shows here at school but Anthony has taken his talent farther than most of you may actually know. He’s shown it to people who could take him far and beyond, the producers of Step Up 4.

“I tried out to show people what I do to express myself,” said Anthony, “During auditions I was scared and nervous that I wouldn’t make the movie, but I had confidence in myself because I always have confidence in myself. My mom has always taught me to never think that I can’t do something.”

Anthony auditioned with hopes of getting what he wanted but in the end that didn’t occur.

“I stayed there for 30 minutes after auditioning, waiting for my results. I got the sheet of paper that had my results and it said, ‘Really good dancing. Probably the

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best I’ve seen from a young teen. But you’re too young to be in this movie’,” said Anthony, “I was sad [about the results], but I felt like I achieved something.”

Even though Anthony did not receive the results he expected he doesn’t plan on letting it get in the way of his dreams.

If anything, it can only motivate him to do more, and work harder. “I plan to stay active in dance and audition more. I also plan to share my talent to people in my community so that they can tell others, and they can tell others.”

But we can’t pursue our dreams alone. Many of us need support from people who believe in us, to give

us that extra drive to keep going when we feel our weakest. And Anthony has just that. Seventh grader, Mireya Torres said, “I think he is a very awesome dancer, and I think he did awesome at the talent show. He should continue to follow his dreams as a dancer.” And as a person Anthony is respected as well.

Eighth grader, Andrew Pouland said, “As a person he [Anthony] is honest and trustworthy because he wants to be known as a good kid not as like trash or someAt the annual talthing.” ent show, Anthony Anthony waves and pops to has so wow the crowd and much amshow them what he does when he bition at a isn’t working hard very young in school. He also age. He helped out another isn’t act with his dancing. afraid to

show others what he can do, and he doesn’t let disappointment some in the way of pursuing his talent. He has support from long time friends like eighth grader Jordan Dunn who said, “He’s [Anthony] cute, he’s a very good friend, and very trustworthy I know this because we’ve been friends since 4th grade. I think he’s ‘Hollywood material’ too because his dancing skills are amazing.” With all of this and a good attitude Anthony is paving the road to pursuing his dreams.

Not only does Anthony dance, he also....

Plays the bassoon in the school’s top band, the Wind Ensemble.

Participates in self-less organizations here at school, like D.U.D.E.S and National Junior Honor Society.

Excels in all of his Pre-AP classes.

Commits himself to athletics by playing all three sports: track, basketball, and football.

Has been told he should audition for So You Think You Can Dance.

Still aspires to be in movies one day so watch for his rise to stardom!

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

Features

Skipping the most important meal of the day isn’t smart Like a gas in a car, breakfast provides fuel that can get you going in the morning

by CYAN PEDRAZA Have you ever woken up in the morning and looked at your clock and freaked out because it says eight-o-five? Now, you leap out of bed to rush and try to get ready hoping that you can make it to school on time. Since you have woken up late, and were in a rush, you forget about eating breakfast. When you finally arrive at school, you already feel weak and unfocused. The reason for this feeling is because when you skip breakfast, you are starting your day off with no energy.

The reason that people should eat breakfast is because it will provide you with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to start your day off right, and when you skip breakfast, it messes up your whole day.

Breakfast is called break-fast because it means to break the fast, and fasting means to abstain from all foods “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because you sleep for about ten hours, and it means that you haven’t had any food, and I see food as fuel so without it you don’t have any energy” said Ms. Nguyen, our school nurse From when the last time you ate between the hours of six pm-eight pm, to

when you wake up between the hours of six am to eight am, it’s a twelve hour gap.

When you don’t eat breakfast, you don’t have the energy to do anything throughout your day. Consider yourself like a car, you start your day off with no “fuel”, so it means that you will be running on empty until noon. Also, without a good breakfast, you will have a lower level of energy, and you won’t be able to focus on your schoolwork.

Sometimes people skip breakfast because they don’t like what there is to eat, or they just don’t have enough time to eat. It doesn’t matter what you eat as long as it has fiber and/or lean protein because it can help control your hunger.

“I recommend fruit, cereal, whole grain stuff, and oatmeal because it fills you up and keeps you full for a while and no junk food at all. This means no hot chips, cookies, and candy,” said Ms. Nguyen.

When you are in a hurry to get to school there are a few things that you can grab on your way out. You can eat fruit like bananas, strawberries, oranges and more.

Some other things that you could eat are whole grain toast and Egos because they will provide you with eleven essential vitamins and minerals as well as fiber and

protein.

Eating breakfast will also benefit you in school. Eating breakfast before school will help boost your energy level, so you will be able to perform well in sports if you’re an athlete. Also, students who eat breakfast tend to focus more in school and comprehend what the teacher is teaching.

“I eat breakfast because it’s “brain food” and because it helps me focus in school,” said eighth grader Jordan Pierce-Hunter.

A study at Harvard University shows that students who eat breakfast have improved in math, and had a decrease in absences and tardy rates.

“I eat breakfast because I’m hungry and I know if I don’t I’m not going want to do anything in school.” said seventh grader Yesica Ramos.

When you’re running late and you don’t think that breakfast is important, think again. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it will start your day off right. You don’t eat for approximately eight or twelve hours, and without breakfast you’re setting up to ruin your whole day. Eating breakfast has many benefits and if you don’t eat breakfast you can have complications that you will only start to notice in the long run.

Veteran coach pushes athletes to give their best Athlete, coach and teacher uses experience to guide student athletes

by MEGAN GRAY & BRITAINI STATUM Coach Wait has been in the district for many years, not only working for the district, but she was a student for the district.

She graduated from North Shore High School in 1988 and now is helping kids here with their physical education.

Even though Coach Wait has coached all of the sports here, she did not start off college studying to be a coach.

Coach Wait went to Green Valley elementary. However, Coach Wait started playing sports in her middle school years. She played volleyball, basketball, and ran track here at North Shore. She continued playing sports through ninth grade on the JV teams at North

Shore High School in basketball, volleyball, and softball.

However in her last three years of high school, she played on the varsity team. The only sport she continued to play in college was softball.

Coach Wait started college as an architecture major at Hill College, and graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science. She then became a coach and teacher here in Galena Park ISD. “I firmly believe that teaching was my calling, I believe God put things in our hearts to put us on our path and teaching was mine,” she said.

Coach Wait has about one hundred athletic students and about sixty P.E. students each year.

“Coach Wait is a good

coach because she is very specific of what she wants us to do to improve,” said Kennedy Dade-Ajavon, eighth grade student athlete.

She has coached for eighteen years, but not all of those years were here, she coached

at Cunningham for ten years and coached here for eight years. She is not only a coach for the girls sports here, she also teaches the athletic and P.E classes here. At Cunningham, she taught Peer Mediation for six years, a class to teach students how to solve conflict if it ever comes along, and helps the students personally to be prepared for future conflict.

“Coach Wait pushes us to do our best by always helping us when we need it and making sure we practice, practice, practice,” said eighth grader Alyssa Boudreau.

She’s been coaching here longer than any other of the girls’ coaches. She followed her calling, and after eighteen years she is still working as a coach.

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Sports

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Seventh grade boys lose against rival in big comback Game builds in excitement and tension after slow start versus Cunningham On Feb. 9, our seventh grade B boys basketball team played against our rival, Cunningham, at North Shore Senior High.

This game was the last and biggest game of the season because it determined whether we would be district champions or not.

In the beginning of the first quarter, Cunningham won the tip off but Roberto Martinez stole the ball, and passed it to Bryant Badie. Bryant shot a layup but was fouled and only made one of his two free throws. The Mustangs began to fall behind in the first quarter.

“Guys we need to penetrate so get the ball to the side so we can go in and shoot,” said Coach Atkins during a time-out he called because we were far behind. Because of a weak offense, North Shore did not score anymore points that quarter, which left the score 3-12.

The second quarter began as Cunningham passed the ball in and Rodrick Coffman got the rebound off a missed shot and passed it to Badie who made a fast break and went up for the shot, only to get fouled, the score was 4-12, but still not enough to get ahead. North Shore used strong defense by blocking shots and stealing the ball, we kept Cunningham from scoring, but failed once the Wildcats made a basket. With only one point scored the second quarter, the score was 4-15 During half time, Coach Atkins talked to the players as they caught their breath and drank water, “I need you to face your man on defense! Why are we giving up easy baskets? Come on! This is where practice comes in,” he said.

In the third quarter, action started quickly as Badie stole the ball and dribbled down the court. Cunningham stole the ball at half court. After fighting for the ball, Coffman dribbled down the court and made an open three pointer.

After looking up at the score and noticing we were behind, Badie went up for a desperate layup, but Cunningham aggressively knocked the ball out of bounds just as Bryant let go of the ball.

The Wildcat crowd jumped to their feet and cheered. The team got a chance to redeem themselves as Badie got two free throws. Only one point was made and we were seven points behind, with a score of 19-26.

As the fourth quarter began, the

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team ran out onto the court, they were ready to play and wanted a comeback. Although Cunningham did get the rebound from us multiple times, we did not give them the chance to make the shot. Soon after Cunningham missed a shot, Charles Gonzalez got the rebound of Cunningham’s missed shot, and passed it to Badie, he shot and missed. After two missed shots Gonzalez passed it to Badie for an open shot, Bryant shot and made it and put us two points behind. With the pressure of score and the crowd, Roberto Martinez got the rebound off a missed shot and passed it down the court to Raylin Getwood who got fouled and made one of his free throws. Every time we shot, the crowd jumped to their feet and cheered, wanting us to make it. Finally, Roberto Martinez stole the ball and quickly passed it to Raylin Getwood. Raylin went up for a layup but missed because he was fouled. He made only one of his free throws and tied the game. The crowd was stomping and cheering their team on the gym was shaking and the players were on their knees sucking in oxygen.

“The game was intense and the crowd cheering was adding to it. I was nervous,” Daylon Joseph said.

With seven seconds left, it was anyone’s game, and the score was 26-26.

Until Badie looked up to see the time, and the crowd was screaming, “Shoot it!

Shoot it!” Bryant shot the ball, made it, and the gym erupted…but sadly the ball did not leave his hands until just after the buzzer went off. With a tie game, overtime was our only chance to come back for a win.

Overtime began as any other game, except, the boys were tired and the score started at 26-26, where we had left off. North Shore won the tip-off. Raylin Getwood shot but was fouled and made one of the free-throws, putting us in the lead. With two minutes left in overtime, Cunningham stole the ball and ran down the court for two easy points.

“I felt disappointed that we lost because they scored on us and we didn’t block to keep us ahead, but we did work together and communicate through the game,” said Roberto Martinez.

With no time for us to come back, North Shore lost with a score of 27-28.

Every missed shot was two points we could have had. Every shot was important. Although the boys weren’t district champions, they had a great season and have a solid nucleus to build with for next year.

PHOTO / TONI VAN BIBBER

by MEGAN GRAY

Seventh graders Roberto Martinez and Cody Cupp trap the guard from Cunningham to prevent him from passing or shooting the ball during their last game of the season at the North Shore Senior High School gym. Despite a rousing comeback, the Mustangs lost 27-28 to the Wildcats.

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

Sports

Wildcats run away with win to close out season Persistent offense, stubborn defense lead ladies to big win against Forest Brook

by JARENY ORTIZ On Feb 9, the 8th grade boys’ basketball A team played against their biggest rival Cunningham, at the North Shore Senior High gym to determine who will win the last game of the season.

The first quarter began as Cunningham received the tip off and made a bounce pass, then the Mustangs stole the ball and Eric Monroe scored a three pointer, putting them in the lead. The crowd screamed and cheered for their team.

Afterwards, Cunningham received the ball scoring a lay up. Then Chris Woods got fouled when attempting a lay up, but only made one free throw. There was a turn over as Cunningham stole the ball, then scored another lay up. The Mustangs tried to penetrate, but the team’s defense collapsed. The Mustangs stole the ball, then passed the ball half court, and ran a play ending it with a lay up by Chris Woods. Cunningham received the Mustang’s rebound and got a foul then made both free throws. The first quarter ended with a score of 10-12.

The Wildcats opened up the second quarter with a three pointer. The ball went out of bounds after it hit the rim, and the Mustangs made a comeback after scoring a lay up.

A time out was called by North Shore,

got fouled when a player from Cunningham attempted a lay up, but only made one free throw. Bradley East finished up the last quarter with a lay-up, ending with a score of 43-66.

The North Shore crowd was not so happy with the results, but still thought their team played well. “I think they could have done better with more passes, and should have had more communication with each other, to be able to make more plays and score,” said 8th grader Louis Cole.

“I think we could have scored more shots and done better with our defensive plays, but overall we played hard and that’s all that matters,” said David Sanchez, 8th grade, A team player.” It probably wasn’t the Mustangs’ best game of the season, but at least they started and ended strong and, both the crowd, and coaches were proud of their effort.

“You guys are getting confused out there run 2-3 zone correctly,” said Coach Dubose. “Guys rebound!” yelled Coach Dubose as they ran out in the court.

The time out was over and the Mustangs received the ball, but there was a turnover as Cunningham stole the ball and made a lay up, putting them in the lead. The Mustangs received Cunningham’s rebound and Chris Woods got fouled when making a lay up, and made both free throws. Half time began and Cunningham had a 12 point lead with a score of 20-32.

Chris Woods opened up the third quarter with a lay up. Cunningham received the rebound making their way across the court and scored on a shot.

A time out was called by Cunningham, “You guys need to play defense! We look like people running around, you need to guard them, the same group that was just playing, lets go,” said Coach Dubose.

The last quarter started of with the ball going out of bounds, and the Mustangs received the ball. The Mustangs finally began running the plays correctly and scored a shot. A Cunningham player was called for a travel and turned over the ball. The Mustangs received the ball, and after a good pass given from Chris Woods, Colbain Mitchell scored a lay up.

The Wildcats received the rebound and

Wallisville YMCA summer information Outdoor pool opens June 7th -Mon. - Thurs. 3pm - 10pm -Fri. 3pm - 8pm -Sat. 12pm - 5pm -Sun. 1pm - 5pm Facility Hours - Mon. - Thurs. 4:30am - 10pm - Fri. 4:30am - 9pm - Sat. 7am - 6pm - Sun. 1pm - 6pm Group Exercise (+13) - Cost: FREE with facility membership - Yoga, ZUMBA, step, pilates, kickboxing, cycling, and more fun activities!

Older youth strength training - 12 - 15 years of age allowed

PHOTO / TONI VAN BIBBER

Karate - 15 - Adults for 8 weeks from June 26th August 16th

Eighth grader Chris Woods works to dribble into the Cunningham defense during the 1st half of the last game of the season at the North Shore Senior High gym. The cheerleaders and crowd worked hard to encourage the team to win but Cunningham ran away with the win.

Dance - Ages 3+ are allowed for 8 weeks from June 26th through August 20th $150 Summer Sports - Basketball and Soccer ages 3 - 13, $95 - Cheer and Tumble $150 - June 22nd: Outdoor Movie - July 27th: Summer Luau Fun - August 17th: Back to School party - Sign up today for swim lessons

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Sports

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Roma and Arsenal clash in semi-finals

by JARENY ORTIZ On April 10, the soccer teams Roma and Arsenal competed to see who will advance to the finals at the North Shore Senior High soccer fields behind the school.

The players were getting pumped up to begin the game. Before the game the teams each did similar and different strategies to warm up. Some of the agilities they worked on were high kicks, stretches, passes, and practicing scoring goals.

“I think we will do well if we play the tactics which are our skills, and work together as a team, we will win,” said 7th grade Arsenal player, Daniel Santa.

Before the game, both teams practiced scoring goals and passes.

“I get motivated just by knowing I’m going to go out in the field and do my best,” said 8th grade Arsenal player, Jesus Garcia. The game began as Arsenal took possession of the ball, and Roma began to follow as they tried to steal the ball.

“Spread out, Spread out!” said Coach Dewar. Therefore the team wouldn’t be all in one area and they could steal the ball more quickly. Remigio Ponce, from Roma’s team took the lead and attempted to score a goal, but the ball was caught by the goalie. Then the goalie kicked the ball back and Jesus Garcia took the ball and tried to score, but Jesus Mendoza, Roma’s goalie head bucked the ball and blocked his shot. Even though Arsenal didn’t score they didn’t give up, so the team picked up their defense. Once again Arsenal tried

to score, but the kick was too high, and the ball went out of bounds. Afterwards, Roma’s defense kept getting the ball out of bounds, until finally Arsenal stole the ball.

Roma stole the ball back, but their center defense wasn’t able to get the pass quick enough so Arsenal stole the ball again.

Arsenal made their way across the field ready to score when, Alonso Rodriguez, from Roma’s team stole the ball and kicked it across the half field.

Next, Roma took the lead but half time was called after 45 minutes. Both teams rested, and began making game plans and reviewed strategies.

As soon as the game continued, Miguel Osorio took possession of the ball and scored a goal putting Arsenal in the lead.

Miguel did a back flip from all the excitement and his whole team cheered for him. After this the goalie had to leave the game with a serious injury in half of his arm, and Roma had to replace their goalie. With only eight minutes left, Elkin Rodriguez tried to score but the goalie caught the ball. The game ended with a score of 1-0, Arsenal won the game thanks to the team’s defense that kept a good pace and passes. Also to the front and center players for good steals and kept Roma from scoring any goals.

“Even though Roma didn’t win they still did their best but, they have improved on communication and team work since their first game,” said Coach Penny.

“Arsenal has improved on communication, strategies, and working together as a team. I am proud of them for playing

PHOTO / JARENY ORTIZ

Two of the best teams meet up to determine who advances to the championship

Seventh grader Adolfo Salazar works to take the lead as seventh grader Eduardo Trevino tries to steal the ball during their match at the soccer fields behind North Shore Senior.

great throughout the whole game,” said Coach Dewar.

“I am very excited that we got to go to the finals, we can finally show the other teams that we are better than what they think we are,” said 8th grader, Jesus Garcia, from Arsenal team. Everyone was glad because they know they left it all on the field.

Coach’s effort helps students improve on and off the field Mr. Penny, a native of Ohio, finds a niche in soccer and math

by TAYVIEN JOSEPH Coach Penny takes on many responsibilities here.

He’s not just a math teacher, but he’s also a soccer and football coach. He works with his athletes and students every day in order for them to accomplish their goals. For most students their goal is to be successful at anything they do. Now they have a jump start in math, soccer and football. He tries very hard in and out of school to help kids improve in whatever they are doing.

Coach Penny is from Parma,

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Ohio, a city ten miles from Cleveland, Ohio. He went to Bowling Green University, was certified to teach middle school education, which in Ohio is fourth through eighth.

Math and social studies was his major. He also participated in an activity called Club.

Club is a program for soccer players at Bowling Green University. Coach Penny first started playing soccer when he was four years old; he kept playing in middle school, and continued at Saint Peterson High School, then eventually became a coach for soccer.

Soccer player Roberto

Martinez said, “Coach Penny is a good coach because he teaches us new things and techniques like showing us how to dribble the ball.” Coach Penny helps kids in soccer on and off the field. On the field he shows them different techniques such as defense, and off the field he makes sure students keep their grades up.

Eduardo Trevino said, “Coach Penny taught me how to play good defense.”

“I like spending time teaching kids the game of soccer because it’s a passion I grew up with and I want to share his knowledge with other kids

who have the same passion for soccer,” said Mr. Penny.

Mr. Penny has taught here for four years and coached for three years.

“When I wanted to become a teacher I also wanted to become a coach because I enjoy helping kids in my math classes, which made me decide to become a coach,” he said.

Coach Penny keeps on improving while helping other kids improve. He loves spending valuable time helping kids with Algebra to prepare them for next year, and on the football and soccer field by teaching them new things.

This is what makes him a good coach and teacher.

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

Sports

The ‘Stang Express

Lady Mustangs suffer a loss to rival Team shows grit and a ‘never give up’ spirit as Cunnigham’s offense proves hard to stop

by BRYANT BADIE

PHOTO / ALIYAH HAWKINS

On Feb 6, our seventh grade girl’s basketball A team played their district rivals at the North Shore High School auditorium and the Mustangs had worked all hard all week and were hoping their hard work paid off.

To start the game, the Wildcats won the tip-off and scored on a lay-up. Then the Mustangs dribbled the ball up the court, but the ball was stolen by the Wildcats immediately after passing half court. Madison Francis rushed down the court to stop the easy lay-up and

fouled the Wildcat’s point guard. She went to the free throw line, and missed both.

Then the Wildcat’s center grabbed the ball out the air after the shot was missed, and put the ball off the backboard into the net making the score, 0-5. Then Madison Francis dribbled the ball down the court, right through the Wildcat’s defense, and scored on a lay-up. Getting the team hyped up, the Mustangs went on a 5-0 run making the score, 7-8. Just when it seemed the Mustangs found a spark, the Wildcats went on a remarkable 0-14 run due to miss shots and

Seventh grader Taylor Crouch jumps against the Cunningham center to win the tip off to start their last game of the season in the North Shore Senior High gym. Cunningham won the tip off and handed the Mustangs a painful loss.

lack of communication.

Before the quarter ended, Madison Francis scored two lay-ups, 11-21.

As soon as the second quarter started, the Wildcats scored. The Mustangs still hustled up and down the court trying to keep up with the Wildcat’s offense but just couldn’t keep up. Then Adrianna Ware scored on a fast break, making the Wildcat’s coach call a timeout.

During the break, the Mustangs rested, drank water, and went over everybody’s position, while the Wildcats strategized.

“We’ve been going over everyone’s position and breaking them down in an easier way to understand,” Coach Wait had stated when asked, “How are they preparing to beat Cunningham?”

The Wildcats then went on a 0-7 scoring streak, opening a large deficit. Seeing the game slip away, Adrianna Ware stole the ball and scored on a lay-up. Next, Madison Francis dished the ball out to Adrianna Ware for a three pointer! The abilities Coach Wait had stated earlier in the week started to kick in.

Then the Wildcats went on another uplifting 0-14 scoring streak, ending the quarter, 18-44.

During halftime the teams recapped the game.

“Come on guys we can do it!” Coach Wait motivated her players. The Mustangs were tired after several attempts of trying to stop the Wildcats. During the break, The Mustangs drank water and rested.

As soon as the third quarter started, the Wildcats went on a 0-6 scoring streak, giving them momentum. Then Rosy Rodriguez came down the court and scored twice in a row, but the Mustangs weren’t stopping there. Then Madison Francis dribbled right through the Wildcat’s defense scoring

on a lay-up on the next two possessions making the score, 26-52. The Mustangs were showing the fight Coach Wait had talked about earlier in the week.

“These seventh graders have more pride, heart, work ethic, and desire,” Coach Wait said when asked, what’s the difference between this year and last year’s team that makes you think they’ll come out with the win?

A comeback seemed close to impossible but the Mustangs weren’t giving up.

The Wildcats scored twice on lay-ups before the quarter ended making the score 26-57.

While inbounding the pass to start the fourth quarter, Coach Johnson motivated the girls by yelling, “Come on Adrianna, Come on Madison, y’all can do this!” With that motivation, Adrianna Ware scored on a mid-range shot.

The Mustang crowd went wild, but the Wildcats went on another 0-10 scoring streak by stealing the ball and scoring on fast-breaks.

The Mustang’s starting five had played the whole game and their energy was wearing down. Madison and Ta’Aliyah Porchia scored 2 points each before the game was over, 34-70.

Although the Mustangs were defeated and felt great pain for the loss because of their passion for the game, on the outside they looked as if they had won. They shook hands respectfully to show great sportsmanship and walked to the bus with their heads held high.

“We left it out there on the court and that’s all coach asked for. The whole team just wanted to be the ones who can say we beat Cunningham, now we only got one more chance,” Adrianna said after the game showing the sadness of their loss.

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Sports

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Lady Mustangs slip past the Wildcats in stunner

by TAYVIEN JOSEPH On Feb. 10, the eighth grade girls’ B basketball team took on the Cunningham Wildcats in the North Shore Senior High gym. With the Lady Mustangs coming into the game with a win over B. C. Elmore they were looking to keep this 2-0 winning streak alive.

At the start of the game, the two centers jumped for the ball, but the Wildcat’s center won the tip-off, and scored right off the bat, but Taryn Surratt, the Mustang’s point guard dribbled down court, and answered back with a lay-up of her own. Courtnee Johnson, the Mustang’s power forward, stole the ball dribbled up court crossing defenders left and right then finished with a lay-up.

The Wildcat’s point guard tried to drive to the goal and get an easy lay-up, but Johnson blocked the shot, grabbed the rebound and passed the ball to the point guard.

Taryn dribbled up court getting pressured by two defenders and quickly made a bounce pass to Courtnee who quickly reacted and scored a lay-up. The momentum was on the Mustang’s side, but the quarter ended 6-2 with the Mustangs in the lead.

At the start of the second quarter, the Wildcat’s point guard dribbled up court, faked Taryn out, and scored on a lay-up hushing the Mustang’s screaming crowd. As Taryn quickly dribbled up court breaking the press, she attacked a wide open hole, and scored on a two point jumper. Taryn hustled back on defense after the shot, stole the ball, with no one in her way to the basket; she scored on an easy lay-up shifting the momentum to the Mustangs, but the Wildcat’s weren’t giving up.

The Wildcat’s point guard

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dribbled the ball slowly up court calling out, “Blue 34, blue 34!” she made a pass to the wide open small forward, and she scored on a jump shot. Brianna Page tried to hurry and dribble the ball down court, but the quarter ended with the Mustangs in the lead with the score being 14-10.

At the beginning of halftime, the coaches gave advice to tired player’s drinking water.

“You’re doing great, but do the simple things right. Play smart. Make good passes, don’t just throw the ball anywhere,” said Coach Gordon.

“You’re getting fouled and the referee isn’t calling it. Box out and keep playing hard,” she said.

“1, 2, 3 Mustangs!” the Lady Mustangs yelled at the beginning of the 3rd quarter to motivate themselves. The Mustangs and the Wildcats went up and down the court not scoring a single basket because they were moving too fast and not setting up any plays.

The Wildcat’s head coach told the point guard to slow down, and set up a play, and the point guard drove right past the Mustang defender, made a quick pass two the power forward, and the power forward scored on a lay-up.

The Mustangs couldn’t get a shot off with all the pressure from the Wildcat’s defenders, turning over the ball and giving the Wildcats possession.

The Wildcat’s point guard dribbled slowly down court to waste some clock, but the Mustang’s quickly reacted, stole the ball then scored on a lay-up, then the quarter ended 16-18.

The Wildcats started off with the ball setting up the play, “White 15, white 15!” The Wildcats point guard passed it to the shooting guard who tried to make a quick jumper,

PHOTO / ALIYAH HAWKINS

Surprising last second shot and steal give Mustangs a win to close the season

Eighth grader Taryn Surratt dribbles the ball up the court as the Wildcat defense races to keep up during the final game of the season at the North Shore Senior High gymnasium.

but got slapped on the arm.

The guard went to the line and made one shot. The Wildcat’s small forward stole the ball from Taryn as she dribbled up court, and scored on a lay-up extending the lead by 5 points.

Surratt dribbled up court, saw Courtnee Johnson wide open underneath the basket for an easy bucket. Emonie Brown, the quick shooting guard, stole the ball on a full court press and made a quick jump shot shortening the lead to 20-21.

Then Aysha Anderson stole the ball on a full court trap,

dribbled and scored on a spinning shot with 30 seconds left.

“Yah!” was the crowd’s reaction to the amazing shot and the gym erupted. Emonie Brown then stole the ball with 15 seconds left and the game ended 22-21 with the Mustang’s on top.

At the end of the game Coach Sanford said, “I was happy for the girls because it wasn’t the coaches who beat them it was the players’ desire and will.

We worked on defense and worked on doing the simple things right.”

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

Sports

Student athlete works hard on and off the court Seventh grader sets the example for others to follow in work ethic, academics

by AMBER WOFFORD Seventh grader Madisyn Francis played volleyball, basketball, and ran track here all year long. She was on A Team for both volleyball and basketball; she also plays for AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) outside of school.

She started out the year playing volleyball as a defensive back, but quickly proved to Coach Wait, the seventh grade A Team coach, that she had what it took and was moved up to a start setter, who sets up attackers to spike the ball. Also because of her leadership qualities and volleyball skills she was also moved up as the first server

of the game. This was her first year playing volleyball, and was taught how to play by Coach Wait.

Madisyn’s dad taught her how to play basketball 7 years ago. When she started playing here, she was a point guard, which is generally a fast player, a leader, they call out plays, and control the tempo of the game.

“Madisyn has improved this year in basketball because she worked on her teamwork, shooting skills, defense, and she worked hard at practice,” said seventh grade A Team Coach, Coach Wait. “She also had a hurt ankle, and still worked through the pain,” she said.

During the track season,

Madisyn ran the 100, 200, 400, 4x1 relay, 4x2 relay, and the 4x4 relay. She led her relays to blue ribbons (1st place) and won a silver medal in the district track meet for her 100 run, medals are for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, but you can only get them in district track meets at the middle school level.

“She has natural speed, but incredible work ethic, she wants to be better, the best she can be,” said Coach Wait.

Other than playing sports, she enjoys being in Mrs. St. Julian’s classroom because she understands Madisyn.

“Madisyn is serious about her work. Sometimes she gets a little busy with her sport activities, but she will always

come through in the end. She also has a great personality and a really good attitude.

Madisyn’s respectful and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her angry or upset,” said seventh grade English teacher, Mrs. St. Julian.

All year long Madisyn is involved in sports, before and after school, this helps her get practice so she can be her best at everything she sets her mind to. She is a great athlete who knows how to lead a team. “Madisyn Francis is a gold medal athlete, she is a true example of what an athlete is, she works hard in the classroom, and she leads on and off the court,” said Coach Wait.

NORTH SHORE OFFERS CAMPS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES Speed and Strength and Pre-Season camps are going to be held at Galena Park I.S.D Stadium starting June 11th through August 6th.

The registration fee is $100 for both camps and you can pay on June 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th.

Shorts and shirts are provided for students who paid their fees.

The camp is available for incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders.

The sessions are Mon. through Thurs. No sessions will be held on Friday.

The time to show up is 9:45 and the camp starts at 10:00 and ends at noon.

Former student enjoys being a part of the bigger picture Students and athletes relate to his roots and his work ethic

by BRADLEY EAST Here’s something you didn’t know about Ken Davis also known as Coach Davis to students. Coach Davis came to North Shore Middle School in the 7th grade where he played football, basketball and ran track during both 7th and 8th grade years.

From there he went to North Shore Senior High where he decided he wanted to be a coach. From there he went to Henderson State University to major in Physi-

cal Education and he got his Master’s degree in Sports Administration. After earning his latest degree he decided to come back to Houston to be a coach at North Shore Middle School.

Coach Davis has been coaching here at North Shore for the last three years. Many athletes and students know Coach Davis as the type of coach that doesn’t take shortcuts.

But some see the bigger picture that he teaches there’s no way around hard

work and when you’re practicing or working out give it 100 percent.

“He’s a good coach. He makes you want to work hard I always leave the gym tired and his coaching changed the way I think about practice and competing,” said 7thgrade football player Deshawn Henderson.

A reason why he makes such a good coach is because he’s played and has been coached in almost every sport. Coach Davis also takes time to help out and

make sports like baseball, golf and soccer available to kids in wheel chairs or who have other difficulties here at school. He makes sports easier and more understandable for these kids.

It’s not as much teaching them how to play rather then giving them the idea and letting them have fun and enjoy the time they have to exercise and play. But he does take his work seriously and wants you to give it your best that’s all a coach can really ask for.

Especially when you’re backed up by a bunch of Mustangs.

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Sports

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Mustangs dominate season’s first track meet Coach’s experience and athlete’s talent lead to a major win for track team.

by TONI VAN BIBBER

Seventh grader Cheynee Williams jumps as far as she can in the long jump event at North Shore High School. The girls track team overall won first place, at their first track meet.

Seventh grader Kayla Alexander comes off the blocks to start the 4x1 relay, which won them first place at North Shore High School. The blocks help you get a good jump off and it increases your time.

Seventh grader De’ Andre Simons hurls an eight pound steal ball during the shot put event at North Shore High School track complex. Student athletes who place first, second or third place add points to the overall score to the whole North Shore Middle School boys team.

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Eighth grader Eric Monroe jumps as far as he can in the long jump at the first track meet at North Shore High School.

Many athletes have to work on their leg muscles and footwork to be able to do these jumps.

At the first track meet at North Shore High School, seventh grader Patrick Davis sprints around the second turn after the hand off in the 4x1 relay.

The hand off needs to go smoothly but if the relay team drops it, the team will be disqualified.

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

Entertainment

Think one man can change the world?

Call of Duty 3: Modern Warfare brings a close to an epic series. Who’s up next?

Nine years after the release of the first Call of Duty, and every year since then each game is better than the last.

With the latest release of Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 3, many people didn’t know what to expect.

Infinity Ward, the company who began the Call of Duty series and Modern Warfare series, had been replaced

by Sledgehammer Games while the game was still being developed. This questioned many people if Sledgehammer Games would be successful on this title, but once the game was released I played it, and all I could say was they did not disappoint.

You’ll play as a Russian protagonist and a U.S. Marine soldier around different parts of the world to stop Makarov, who came from the previous

Modern Warfare title, and now he’s begun a war no one would expect, World War 3.

With the newly-tweaked game engine IW 5, it makes the game look way more epic, and there is no need to worry about controls. If you played any previous Call of Duty game you’ll feel right at home with this one.

Now for the main reason that Call of Duty is very popular and my favorite part of the game: the multiplayer. To my surprise there were no major differences, but new features were added. One of them being the weapon proficiencies. This makes the weapons easier to use for the players.

Another feature that was added was strike packages.

There are 3 different ones to choose from assault, support, and specialist. Support is my favorite out of the three because in previous Call of

Duty games you would have to get a streak going to get air support, but now if you’re taken down you’ll still be on your streak you were on. Yet if you’re not in the mood to go try hard mode there’s survival mode.

In survival mode you will have to fend off waves of enemies with the same weapons you would use for multiplayer.

This was a great addition to the game if you’re good enough you’ll be playing for hours.

Modern Warfare 3 the end of the epic trilogy of the Modern Warfare series. It was the most successful Call of Duty game released to date, and another hit for the company. Now we’ll just

have to wait and see what Sledgehammer Games will think of next.

IMAGE / CALLOFDUTY.COM/MW3

by ALEJANDRO ALONSO

Would you fall for a really good prank?

Funny reality-joke show has lots of changes in store for current season

by JENNIFER LOZANO One of the funniest show on MTV has made a return and it’s called “Punk’d”.

Punk’d is a hidden-camera, reality-joke television series that first aired in 2003 and was created and hosted by Ashton Kutcher.

Being “punk’d” refers to being a victim of a prank.

If you have seen any of the present episodes lately, you’d know that there have been numerous of changes in the show.

For instance, back in 2003, Ashton would host the show himself and he’d choose who to punk or get random people to punk their friends. Now, Ashton doesn’t host the show, he is the executive producer. Kutcher is passing the torch to a different celebrity host each week, including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Kellan Lutz, Bam Margera and “Punk’d” veteran Dax Shepard.

Celebrities that have already hosted the show in the new season enjoy it.

“It’s a good way for us to have fun aside

from work and to show people how we act and react to getting punk’d or watching our own friends getting punk’d,” said Justin Bieber and Ashton Kutcher on the Jimmy Kimmel show.

People enjoy the show for many different reasons. Some people like the show to see celebrity reactions, to get ideas off the show to do themselves, or because they’re into watching funny things happen to people.

“The show is so hilarious, my reason for watching the show is because once I saw the previews I was already laughing and when I actually saw the first show, I laughed even more because of how the celebrity reacts,” said 7th grader Breanna Nunez.

There are also some reasons for people and even the celebrities that are getting punk’d to not like the show.

People might not like it because they might think it’s plain stupid, it’s not funny to them, or they’re just not into that type of show.

“I’m not very into the show because

it doesn’t seem useful, as in something that can help me in life and it’s kind of stupid and a waste of time. Now and then if the show is on I will watch it and it is funny, but it’s not on my daily agenda for the day,” said 7th grader Benjamin Lawrence.

Celebrities that are getting punk’d, might not like the show because of how they were punk’d. They might have reacted badly and then they’ll get a bad ‘rep’, maybe because they feel stupid for falling for the setup, or because the faces they might have made on the show.

Many people love the changes in the show because now it’s just celebrities, and what’s funnier than watching your favorite celebrities getting punk’d.

If you enjoy watching your favorite celebrities getting punk’d, and watching their reactions they make, tune in to MTV on Thursday nights at 9:00pm. If you’d like to read more about the new season of Punk’d, then go to their website on MTV. com.

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The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012 IMAGE / ELDERSCROLLS.COM/SKYRIM

Entertainment

Take that step into the world of Skyrim Medieval magic, fiery dragons, and a battle-hardened warrior awaits you

by SHABAB KARIM Do you ever have that moment when you think of being a hero after watching a movie or wanting abilities beyond capability? Maybe it’s just a stretch of the imagination, but Bethesda Game Studios brings that to real life. Skyrim is a game that has almost unlimited hours of game play and quests. Now I know what you’re thinking, quests, dragons, magic? That’s probably a little kid game, but in reality, all those die-hard shooter gamers drop their controllers for this game.

So what attracts people to this game and makes it so enjoyable? The fact that there is no anger involved with the game from things such as the multiplayer, “raging” as gamers would say. You can be a “lone wolf” and be your own hero. It’s simple too, all you have to do is sit down and pick up the peripheral you use for your console and think about where those 5 hours went. The game itself is graphically intense and it takes the best of computers to run it. A good graphics card is needed

for HD quality, a quad core processor, and enough RAM to have a good workspace for the computer. Consoles have a fixed version so it can handle the game, but not enough to be look amazing.

Skyrim comes after its successful predecessor, Oblivion, which was also mind-blowing during its release in 2006.

The game improves from its characters involved, to the graphics, and a better storyline altogether. The interactions in the game always brings me back to play over and over again, from the realistic speaking to the fighting abilities, Skyrim has almost everything someone could ask for.

You can roam everywhere because there are no barriers stopping you in the game unlike other titles. The world of Skyrim is extremely huge, keeping you busy with the endless amount of quests. Steam Workshop is also available for the PC version which allows for players to input a little bit of their preferences and tastes into Skyrim, from changing water texture to adding new powers, it is all available for free to use on your copy of the game.

Skyrim, in sales and game play, has blown the competition out of the water in a colossal amount of sales, which is not surprising considering the 3 years Bethesda spent on the game. The game exceeded $650 million and sold more than 6.4 million units in 2 days. The game has won itself countless awards and earned the title of “Best Game of the Year”. It has done even better than its predecessors and has made the Elder Scrolls fan base grow.

This game is the medieval version of some other popular games such as Grand Theft Auto and yet, even in its primitive world, seems to be much more popular than those games. People spend their entire day on this game not knowing about the time passing. It becomes an addiction and eventually sucks you into it. From the soundtrack to the controls, Skyrim is an all-around fantastic game and is one of the only games to deserve a perfect 10. In fact, why are you still reading? You should have already be playing it by now.

Teenagers here can help kids less fortunate with TOMS ‘One for One’ movement inspires students and comfy shoe’s designs appeal many In 2006, an American traveler named Blake Mycoskie, found out that many kids in Argentina and numerous of other places didn’t have shoes.

Mycoskie then made shoes called ‘Toms’ for the children.

They’re called ‘Toms’ because for every pair you purchase, a new pair of shoes will be given to a child whom needs one.

This is called the ‘One for one’ movement.

The main reason Blake thought of giving shoes was to help the children get a better future because if they have no

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shoes the children could get infections. If many of the kids have infection they can’t walk to school to get their education and make a better life.

Also, if those kids don’t get a better life they can’t go and get a job to provide for their families.

There are many types of Toms. There are Botas, Crochets, Vegan, Burlap, Cordones, Wedges, and Spirals, many of these style are flats with numerous of patterns and colors.

One of the reasons these shoes have became so popular is that you can help a child by buying a pair of Toms and

giving children a free pair.

They are also comfortable yet stylish.

Many kids at here wear Toms, such as Lyssette Ortiz.

“They’re super comfortable and they come in many colors plus they sparkle and make my feet look really small.”

Seventh grader Cheynee William’s thinks that the “One for One” program that gives to Africa is great because not many children have the things they need and also many don’t have opportunities that many of us have.

At the end of the day, these shoes have helped other countries and communities.

Children all over the world appreciate these shoes and it’s wonderful that even kids our age can make such a huge difference in another child’s life.

IMAGE / TOMS.COM

by TONI VAN BIBBER

TOMS offers many different styles, designs, and colors to make your pair definitely yours.

This pair was designed specifically for Moms on Mother’s Day. You can order your own at TOMS. com.

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

Entertainment

Encounters students use creativity to increase brain activity Eighth graders get ‘challenged’ to employ research skills and art for self-expression

by TONI VAN BIBBER

Eighth grader Andrew Pouland works on his pamphlet a three part project where you have to find a picture of your paper mache’ animal, three facts, and how your animal lives. This is for the Challenge of the Mind competition which took place at the Joyce Zotz Center.

Paper, cardboard and paint...all these things may look like trash but for Challenge of the Mind students, it’s all the items needed to make the perfect paper mache’.

Eighth graders Edgar Bravo, Jose Licona, Robert Guzaman, and Eduardo Gonzales work to finish their paper mache’ animals before the due date so they are able to attend the Challenge of the Mind showing at Joyce Zotz Center.

(Right) Since eighth grader Louis Cole is finished with his pamphlet and paper mache’, he helps his peers on their project by finding the exact measurments of the Cacao tree.

Challenge of the Mind’s finished product would look like this after a few weeks of research, preparing, gluing and painting.

Then they’re off to the Joyce Zotz Center for the show.

Mrs. Beauvais, the Encounters teacher, pours glue in a pan for eighth grader Leslie Melgar so that Leslie can put her paper mache’ together without the paper flaking off. Paper mache’ is a messy business.

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The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

The Avengers smashes the competition After almost fifty years after the birth of the comic, they come together on the screen

by ABIGAIL SANCHEZ The shield…the suit…a hammer… and SMASH! What do these make up? The Avengers.

In this movie, Steve Rogers (Chris Evens) a.k.a. Captain America, a man with senses and strength above human average, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) a.k.a. Iron Men, who help’s people by wearing his iron suit, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a king who wields a powerful hammer, and Bruce Banner(Mark Ruffalo) a.k.a.

The Hulk, a temperamental man who’s always angry and turns into a ferocious green creature and destroys everything in his path.

These heroes are brought together by Peacemaker Organization Leader, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) ,which includes the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), to find the tesseract, a powerful energy source capable of wiping out the Earth, by which Loki (Tom Huddleston), Thor’s brother, has stolen the tesseract to invade the Earth and make himself king.

There’s just one problem, the Avengers aren’t what you say…working together well.

Iron Man wants to see the Hulk in ‘action’, Captain America

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argues with Iron Man, and Thor just can’t stand their immatureness, and insists that he doesn’t need their help, which leads to Loki’s success, because he wanted the avengers to tear apart.

But, after they have been attacked by Loki’s minions, they realize that no matter what, they have to work together in order to save their world from a ruthless emperor that claims he only wants to ‘free’ the world. Even if most of them were separated far away to notice this.

Just when all hope was lost

by Loki’s army invading Earth, the Avengers, along with the Black Widow, and the Hawkeye, came together and finally managed to defeat Loki and saved the world from destruction. How? Well, make sure you watch the movie.

Sounds like an amazing story right? Would you like to know more? Did you know that more things happen in the story that wasn’t really in the movie? Well, most of you may not know this, but there is actually a whole comic series

by Marvel about the Avengers.

The series has been in print since 1963 with four volumes, with more characters, more story plots, and pictures! So you can read AND see the action in color!

Overall, this movie is amazing, filled with great action, hilarious lines, and outstand-

ing actors. It even set top box office records, like the record for fastest film which sold $1 billion dollars worldwide and is still selling out theaters. I

rate this movie a four out of four stars. And I give thanks to Joss Whedon, who directed this awesome movie and kept it PG so we can all see it.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 28. It commemorates the men and women who died while serving in our nation’s military forces.

IMAGE / CBSNEWS.COM

Entertainment

May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

The ‘Stang Express

Entertainment

One and one make a great gothic pair

by ABIGAIL SANCHEZ Many know Johnny Depp and his methods of acting. But do you know who’s behind Depp and his inspiration for his roles? It’s the man who directs Depp, Tim Burton, and when they work together, nothing can stop them.

Yes, THE Johnny Depp, who has played Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate factory, was the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland, and the new movie, ‘Dark Shadows’ playing as Barnabas Collins.

Now admittedly, he plays some very odd characters right? That’s because Depp himself doesn’t like to play ‘normal’ characters, and is always happy when playing a weird role in Tim Burton’s creative movies. Many fans like Depp and the way he does his characters as well.

“The way he plays his roles is interesting and unique, which is one of the reasons why I like him and admire him,” said eight grader Andrea Villarreal. Also, many of all you Depp fans may think that his weird persona started from Willy Wonka or Jack Sparrow, but that’s not true. It all started with Edward Scissorhands.

Edward Scissorhands, which came out in 1990, was directed by Tim Burton and was the first movie in which Depp

and Burton finally got the attention they deserve, and of course, it’s where Depp and Burton start off their adventure as Hollywood stars. Since then, Depp and Burton have been working together, making successful movies where Depp played the lead character and eventually both became close friends and movie partners.

So have you seen all seen Burton and Depp’s movies? If you pay attention to the setting and background, you’ll realize how Burton makes them dark, twisted, and they have a gothic feel. And when you add in Depp, with his own acting talents, it really catches on with the movie’s theme, which is one of the reasons why Burton and Depp have stuck together as awesome movie partners.

In the new movie ‘Dark Shadows’, Burton and Depp once again team up.

This movie is based on the daytime soap opera, which came out in the late 1960’s.

The series actually is over 1,200 episodes. Following upon the TV series is the ‘Dark Shadows’ comic series, but this series didn’t necessarily follow the original plot, in fact, it was more supernatural and science-fiction and it even included new characters. So of course, what does Burton do with this very gothic, serious TV show and comic? He twists it all up and make a hilarious, yet dark movie.

Depp has had many successes along

Hot kicks are still in style Redesigned but not re-invented, Converse are still a hit

by JENNIFER LOZANO We all know hundreds of students wear them, but why? I’m talking about Converse, known as “Chucks” or “Taylors”. Converse are rubber shoes produced by Converse in 1917 as “All Stars”. Chuck Taylor, a basketball player, and salesman for Converse, improved the shoe’s design then became the spokesperson for Converse in the 1920’s.

The Converse Company was started by Marquis Mills Converse in 1908, in Malden, Massachusetts. Converse were designed to an elite shoe for professional basketball leagues. In 1921, Charles “Chuck” Taylor joined a basketball league that was sponsored by the Converse Company.

Chuck Taylor had clinics in high schools all over the country teaching student about basketball, while doing that he sold the All Star shoes. As the salesman of the shoes,

he also made design improvements. He amplified the shoe flexibility and added a pouch for ankle protection. Those shoes are called “High Tops”.

The shoes became known as Chuck Taylors in 1930 when Charles “Chuck” Taylor’s signature was put into a design.

When they were first created there was 3 main styles–a monochromic shoe with black canvas upper and black soles, an all white shoe with blue and red trim, and an all black leather and rubber shoe. After World War II, the company decided to add the toe guard, laces and white outer wraps that give the iconic black and white Converse All Stars of today. In 1957, the lowcutter “Oxford” All Star version came out in multiple colors. Since Converse started they made a shift from athletic footwear to casual footwear. Converse are one of the most popular shoes throughout the world.

People from all cultures wear them.

IMAGE / CBSNEWS.COM

Depp and Burton call on twenty years of collaboration to make movie magic

Depp plays Barnabas Collins, a vampire who was buried alive in the 1700s and freed in the 20th century. Dark Shadows is based on the gothic soap opera of the same name, which ran from 1966-1971.

with Burton and is now very popular, not only here, but in other parts of the world as well. Depp also will never disappoint us fans as long as he still employs his ‘wicked’ persona and Burton continues to make all his movies the way he does.

Today, Chuck Taylors are worn by innumerous of people because of their style, colors, and because they’re comfortable and last long. Converse went from only having 3 main styles to a dozen. Nowadays, you see people wearing the XX-High Tops that go up to your knee. There is also glow-in-the-dark Converse.

Many students here wear them, like 7th grader Victoria Alejos, she said, “I love Converse, they’re comfortable, they match what I wear and they last long.” Many students wear Converse and have different reasons for wearing them.

“Most of the kids at school wear them as part of their ‘swag’ style, I wear them because they are comfortable and I love the way they look on me, they match everything I wear,” said eighth grader Carlos Ortega. There are other reasons as well, some students wear them to dance, to shuffle. Seventh grader Abraham Davila said, “I have about 8 pairs of Converse, I wear them because they are easy to shuffle in and they don’t wear-out fast.”

If you want to know more about Converse, you can visit their website.

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Peace!

The ‘Stang Express

Volume 2, Issue 4 May 2012

Summertime is blockbuster time at the theater MAY 25 PG-13

Men in Black 3 JUNE 1 PG-13

Snow White & The Huntsman

Brave

JUNE 22 PG

JULY 3 NR

The Amazing Spiderman

PG-13

The Dark Knight Rises 32

IMAGES / TRAILERS.APPLE.COM

JULY 20