BAND GOES TO STATE POLICY CHANGES BOOK BANNED Photo By: Barb Lundahl
ATTENDANCE BOUNDARY MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED High school number seven prepares for future growth
evanCLINE // Freshman staff writer & mikeCALIBO // Freshmen staff writer The proposal for the school a Spartan,” Dorsey said, “the attendance boundaries for tradition is important to me.” High School #7 concerns many There are many concerns for local residents. On November the students who will be attending 19th, these modifications were new high school if the proposal is presented to the board of trustees. approved. The purpose of the new high One concern students face school is to relieve Seven Lakes of is the problem with the over crowding of students. athletics. Students The rezoning is occurring now may not be able to but the next new high school does join the varsity team of their desired sport not open until 2018. One option, is “Grandfathering,” because it may not be available at the new which only applies to 10th and 11th graders. It allows students who high school. Freshman varsity live in the attendance zone for softball player Corina high school to stay at their original Collins already has school. The new high school will heard that varsity only affect current 8th and 9th athletes will not be graders. required to move even Cameron Dorsey9 is happy that if they are zoned to the he did not fall in HS #7’s zone. new school. “I’ve always wanted to be
“Since I was young I’ve been working to play high school softball and get scholarships,” Collins said, “and I think going to the new high school would mess that up.”
KATY ISD HOLDS FIRST DIGITAL MOCK ELECTION
Technology utilized to mirror the voting process lindaFLORES // Senior entertainment editor Now that the election is officially over, Congress is in a period called the “lame duck” session. President Obama will be taking office for his second term on January 3rd, 2013. In his acceptance speech he pointed out that he would be “sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where [they] can work together to move this country forward.” The cooperation expressed by the former candidates leads the nation to assume that things will have to get better. President Obama is taking office with a total of 332 Electoral votes and a 50.6% popular vote (about 62,611,250 people in the country). His opponent, Governor Mitt Romney, did not measure up.
He had a total of 206 Electoral votes with a popular vote of 47.8% (about 59,134,475 people in our country). In KATY ISD, grades K-12 also participated in an electronic mock election in order to raise awareness of the liberty to vote. “Project Vote is important to give students exposure to the political system and how it works. For some students this project is the only way they ever would know who Gov. Romney, Jill Stein, Gary Johnson or even President Obama is.” Coach Martinez said. The votes from our community were posted on the KATY ISD website November 4 (3 AM-3 PM) in order to mirror the actual election. President Obama (with 185 votes) fell short by 168 votes
because Mr. Romney had 353 votes. “Our community, being more affluent than average really doesn’t compare well to the rest of the US,” Coach Martinez added. “And it shows with how we vote.” However, this does not negate the point of the mock election— to raise awareness about the real privilege of voting. “I illustrate to my classes all the time that voting is important in order to be heard. In politics it’s easy to complain, but unless you voice your opinion and vote, you have no right. Voting is a privilege in our country that is rare on a global scale. Why not take advantage of it?” Mr. Martinez said.
district policy revisions enacted for new year
STAAR program, new bus routes to be among 2012-2013 changes
angelVALDES // Junior staff writer Katy ISD has made buses available only to those who live outside the 1-mile radius of the school. There have been complaints, by students unwilling to walk; however, the department does have their reasons. So, why the change? One reason is the increase in the population of the student body. Buses were already crazy filled; three packed on to one seat last year, some even spilling into the aisles. One exception to the mile radius rule is in the case of an obstructed walk or pathway - also known as hazardous conditions noted in the Texas Education Code. In addition, there have been difficulties in providing bus drivers for the daily routes. With this in mind, cutting the bus routes is done
with the best of intentions; not school board cruelty. In accordance with these continuing Katy ISD changes, and the growing population of high school students, it was decided in the Spring of 2012 that a more rigorous testing program, the STAAR, or the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness test, would be launched and taken by current sophomores and freshmen as the new form of standardized testing. The STAAR test consists of all core classes, and with this new program, students will complete 12 end-of-course (EOC) assessments. This assesses the basic information covered within a specific course once completed; unlike the TAKS, which covered material over several courses within a subject.
Final Exam Schedule Fall 2012
Monday: December 17 Full Day Period 6 Exam: 12:45-2:35 Tuesday: December 18 Full Day Period 7 Exam: 12:45-2:35
Wednesday: December 19 Full Day Period 2 Exam: 12:45-2:35 Thursday: December 20 Full Day Period 3 Exam: 8:24-10:14 Period 1 Exam: 12:45-2:35 Friday: December 20 Half Day Period 4 Exam: 7:37-9:37 Period 5 Exam: 9:45-11:35
5 Steps to ACE Finals 1) Sleep! Do not pull an allnighter. If you don’t know the material by 9pm then your never going to know it. 2) Study! This should be obvious. 3) Eat! Have a healthy meal right before you take the exam to keep you full and focused. 4) No Stress! Just relax and believe in yourself. 5) Review! Look over study guides right before the exam.
The purpose of STAAR is to emphasize readiness into the next course along with future career and college success. Because of this, STAAR scores are based on three levels of academic achievement, instead of grades. However, as of the first week of December, Katy ISD has decided to defer the 15 percent rule so that students may understand the STAAR, as it is a more intense form of testing, as long as give feedback about this transition into a new system. The district hopes that this will relieve the stress from many students, focusing more on learning rather than cramming. By the end of 2014, all grade levels within Texas high school campuses will be administered to take the STAAR. STAAR alternate requirements and additional info is provided on the Katy ISD website.
District bans ‘Fight Club’ and ‘A Thousand Acres’ from Literature classes
‘Community values’ clash with English course kamiaRATHORE // Junior co-editor
Following objections from parents regarding reading selections, the novels Fight Club and A Thousand Acres will be removed from Advanced Placement Literature courses. Parents presented their criticisms during a public forum session at a November school board meeting, citing references to suicide, drug abuse, and violence in the books. “Katy ISD is not an entity that is separate and apart from the community, rather it is an integral part of it, which is why the community’s values are our values,” Superintendent
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offered in lieu of Fight Club. “We (the English department) decided because [Fight Club] is such a strong metaphorical book through its satire and symbolism that it would have been a good read— we certainly offered an alternative when an issue arose,” AP Lit teacher Lori Newland said. “It was one of the favorites of the students in past years, which really led us to choosing that particular book for our research assignment.” The decision has sparked an outcry from students and parents, in addition to stimulating interest
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Katy ISD is not an entity that is separate and apart from the community, rather it is an integral part of it, which is why the community’s values are our values Superintendent Alton Frailey
Alton Frailey said in a Katy ISD statement. “When we are made aware of places where those values do not align, we are open and willing to work with the community in a positive manner to find solutions that are in the best interest of students.” A Thousand Acres, written by Jane Smiley, appeared in the summer reading list for the first time this year, but Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club has been an optional reading choice for the past four or five years in AP Lit classes. The book would have remained an option this year as well, with an alternative book to be
in the banned books. “I’m a big believer in if you tell a kid he can’t do something, he’s going to try to do it no matter what that is,” librarian Kippie Curcio said. “If there was going to be a controversial book about certain subjects, I would much rather an adult, especially these three adults who are highly capable of teaching it, have discussions and teach [the book].” Fight Club, which had been selected as the course’s spring semester Literary Lens assignment, will be replaced by George Orwell’s traditional dystopian novel 1984.
THE FIGHT FOR ‘FIGHT CLUB’ Book banning is not the answer katiBRIGGS // Senior staff writer
What I don’t understand is how the district can possibly justify this: forbidding a book – a classic one, mind you – because of ‘community values.’ What does that say about our community? Is this really the type of community a kid should grow up in, one that shields us from reading a novel that contains topics so universal in American literature as a whole? Here’s a wake-up call: every basic literature class in college will require readings that contain such ‘controversial topics’ as those expressed not only in Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club, but many other classic pieces of work as well, such as Hamlet (the Shakespearean play being studied in AP Literature classes districtwide where the main character himself has an entire soliloquy about suicide and later commits multiple acts of murder, but hey; it’s a classic). Yes, it is understandable why Fight Club was challenged. It is also understandable why Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres, based on and containing many of the same controversies as Shakespeare’s King Lear, was challenged (however, it is a shared belief among students that had we read King Lear over the summer instead of A Thousand Acres, it would not have been questioned by parents). AP Lit is filled with seniors aged between 17 and 18, and taught by highly qualified teachers: so again, why is this an issue? This is a college level course, and we were warned from the start that the nature of this course is a very mature one. I understand some people being uncomfortable with the content of Fight Club, but what is so baffling is why the district chose to punish every single AP Lit student in the district because of the concerns of a few. And why? Because of ‘community values.’ The district could have very well allowed teachers to offer an alternative to those uncomfortable few, but instead chose to prevent us from studying Fight Club. So what does this do? Well now parents will think they have the power to challenge anything and everything and win. Toni Morrison’s Beloved is on our list of books later this year, and considering it contains topics just as controversial and against ‘community values’ as those in Fight Club, it will more than likely be challenged by parents. When will it end? The banning of reading Fight Club in AP Lit throughout Katy ISD has opened a gateway. Ever read Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451?
HAVE A HOLIDAY HEART The season of giving is almost here
anoshkaKALLIE // Sophomore staff writer that the drive will be a success. The holidays are not just about Second, we have Seven Lakes’ getting the latest iPod or the annual Santa Cops. SOS will be newest video game. There are adopting 10 kids and we will work millions of people that want together to fulfill their wish lists. All something more. gifts will be sent out on Dec. 3rd; Some want a family. however, if you have something Or love.Or something as simple you would like to donate, see Ms. as food and shelter. Ratcliffe in room 1678. Here are some small and simple “I am always excited to see how ways to help out right here at Santa Cops turns out, it is so great Seven Lakes. First, we have the winter clothing to get into the Christmas feeling by giving back to others, and even drive run by our school’s fashion better to see our students work design teacher Mrs. Bassila. All the together for the occasion” Officer proceeds will be donated to the Grimma said. Houston Children’s Charity. Third, we have the ongoing “If everyone just brings one item, Seven Lakes: Milk for Many. This that would be perfect,” Ms. Bassila is about donating milk towards said. “Thanksgiving is a word of kids who need it. After all lunches, action.” we gather the milk donated and She wants to kick off the 1st year of the fashion club by doing send them to the designated areas, so you can simply put your something worthwhile; she hopes
unopened, milk cartans in the boxes. The last project is the Gingerbread Jog. If you love to run, why not run for a good cause? According to the SOS website, PHC is excited to announce the First Annual Gingerbread Jog event to be held on Saturday, December 1st, with a start time of 8:00 AM. This 5 K walk will begin and end at the Villagio Town Center in Katy. To sum up, if you are one of those people that want to make a difference in someone’s life, but didn’t exactly know how, or where to start, this is for you.
Spartan Band at State Competition shreyaBAGALI // Senior news editor Photo provided by Sara Gutierrez
The Spartan Band cheers in excitement as they hear the exciting news that they have qualified for the state competition.
“No questions, no doubt, no regrets. This is our time, our moment, our greatness,” Sara Gutierrez12 said as she stood before her classmates and friends, who have dedicated so much of their time to this enterprise. It has culminated in this great moment. The SLHS Band was standing in the Alamo Dome, a place they had been before, but never in
these circumstances. They never thought that all their hard work would finally pay off and give them this opportunity. It was not necessarily about winning, but just being there, performing as best they could, doing what they loved and being proud of what it meant. Happiness and excitment spread through the band members once they heard they were going to state. They had worked so hard, some for three years; summers spent out in the parking lot, marching till sweat was just another article of clothing. The family they formed, all of it had been worth it. Everyone had worked, and everyone was proud. “It was amazing knowing that all our hard work paid off,” Sara
Gutierrez acknowledged. Indeed, the Spartan band was realistic about achieving their goals, but they knew there was still room for improvement. While they certainly enjoyed their time at the state marching band competition, they also took notes at what they could improve on in later years. “We got to see some of the strongest programs in the nation,” Gutierrez said, “It was truly humbling, but also encouraging of what we want to be in the future.” They placed 31 out of 38 bands at the competition, but out of 258 bands in the state; a huge step for the program. “We’re helping to build a legacy,” Gutierrez said, “This is so much bigger than us.”
What does Christmas mean to you?
andreaSTENDER // Junior staff writer Hordes of people dash in and out of terminal gates. Families greet their loved ones. Business men gruffly dart in between the slow airport occupiers. Oriana Aquino12 did not know that the greatest surprise of her life would await her in the airport. After moving to Katy from Venezuela, Oriana Aquino was an outsider in her own home. Her relationship with her mother was rocky and her father was still in Venezuela. Day by day, she would only hope he would show up back to her. Each and every holiday had passed without him home for 3 years. “On the day of my 15th birthday, I imagined he would be there but it changed my whole mood the entire week” said Aquino . Every year on Christmas day, Oriana and her mom would try and forget his absence. But it wasn’t the same. It wasn’t home without him. “It was almost like a part of my
life was missing”, said Aquino. Oriana contacted her father to let him
know how much she missed him, but he never told her when he was coming home. Her mom stayed strong for Oriana because she knew how hurt she was inside. This changed Oriana. She noticed that all of the small things don’t matter. Everything she ever wanted and all the finer things in life didn’t stand for anything. Because what she
truly needed were the people who mattered the most to her. On Christmas Eve, Mrs. Aquino had to work; or so Oriana thought. Her mother usually picks up clients at the airport so this year she dragged a reluctant Oriana to come with her. “I didn’t know what to expect, I just thought I would come along for the ride”, Aquino said. Far out in a distance she spotted a familiar face. Her dad had arrived in Texas after not seeing his family in 3 years. Tears of joy dropped from her face, knowing that he would finally be there by her side on Christmas day. “I was filled with so many emotions that hit me all at once, and the only thing I could do was drop to the floor”, Aquino said12. In her mind, there was no more confusion, awkwardness or sadness because what she had been waiting for had finally came. She never worried about receiving the best gifts for the holidays. Those things were meaningless. What truly mattered was being with the people she loved the most. Finally feeling at home.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE OKAY MOVIE: TWILIGHT:BREAKING DAWN PT. 2
THE GOOD
REVIEWED
beccaRIOS // Sophomore staff writer At last, the fifth and final installment of the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part 2, came out on Friday, November 16th. This movie is by far the best of all the Twilight movies to date. Well, in my opinion. Yes, yes, I know vampires don’t sparkle. Whatever Team you’re on (Edward or Jacob), this movie has everything we’d anxiously been waiting for. It’s a plot twist within a plot twist. Expect the unexpected. I was questioning the meaning of life after watching the fight scene. If you are a big fan of the series, like me, then you’d agree that there were some cheesy special effects. For example, Bella running in the woods: that was totally CGI; her and Edward looked like running squirrels. Sorry, but those special effects were terrible. But of course, the romance between Bella and Edward continued sweetly. Sorry, but who can’t love all the things Edward says to her? And Jacob has a pretty good scene, too (*wink wink*). This movie is the perfect ending to this crazy popular saga. The last scenes of the movie were the best for me personally because of the flipping pages; it was like the book coming to life. The soundtrack fit perfectly with the scenario of each scene with artists like Christina Perri singing “A Thousand Years” as they do a recap on all five movies. That was pretty emotional moment but in my opinion, a perfect way to end the saga.
THE OKAY
katiBRIGGS // Senior staff writer Okay, it wasn’t as amazing as I’m sure you’ve heard: I would say “sub par” is a more accurate adjective. I mean come on, the robotic baby? Really? Did anyone actually buy in to that? To be fair, though, I was okay with the movie until Bella shouted something along the lines of “You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness monster?” At that point I had to stop and ask myself what on earth am I watching and why. Not to mention the part where she caught the scent of human blood and went all shark-mode, which quite honestly was just hysterical. I don’t even want to get started on the CGI because I’ll never stop. It was, in one word, terrible. What year is this now? And you’re still using special effects that look like they could’ve been done by a ten year old with a green screen. Not to mention the scene when Bella finally stepped into the sun to see herself sparkle. I mean come on. I will, however, give credit where it is due – the soundtrack was perfect, as every soundtrack is for the Twilight movies. Robert Pattinson finally got that pained look off his face (and something tells me it has to do with the fact that this is the last Twilight movie). And Kristen Stewart actually showed emotion for once, so go her. And I’m sorry, but Dakota Fanning fell flat on her face; when her character realized she was powerless was acted pathetically. She treated it like a kid throwing a fit in the super market because her mom won’t buy her candy. I’d like to take a minute to point out that I have seen all the other Twilight movies, and in comparison, this one wasn’t so bad, but come on, that twist? It wasn’t even clever. Just cruel. It did, however, end marvelously. The book technique was a lovely way to end such a ridiculous series.
WEEK WITHOUT
juliaNAJM // Senior editor-in-chief
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VIDEO GAMES
Chase Snider11 gives up video games. What will he possibly do with all his free time?
I managed to keep myself entertained today through the use of literature. I came home sat on my couch and picked up the first book I saw which happened to be True Grit. I then napped; times seem to be improving.
I don’t think I realized what I was agreeing to when I said I’d do this. I arrived home from school and went to do what I normally do…play video games, but then I realized I can’t. So instead I spent my afternoon sitting outside...Tis It’s finally the weekend, grim times we live in. Checked out of school today with but being sick is really a fever; normally I’d go home making it hard to truly and play video games, but since I enjoy my life without video wasn’t able to I just lay in bed games. My father and I and slept. had planned on going kayaking today, but since Rather than stay at home I am sick, those plans are and watch TV. I decided to ruined. So I guess I’ll spend go into the wilderness here in another day reading and Katy. It was very peaceful and watching TV in the dark relaxing. recesses of my room. Also no shave November is finally over and I shaved today.
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The last day of my week without video games couldn’t have come soon enough. It’s been a slow day. I guess because of the anticipation of tomorrow. Despite being in such a sick state, my cousin and I went down to the river. I decided to spend a lot of my day just driving. My goal is to sleep once I get home so tomorrow can come sooner.
The sight of our school principal on the Seven Lakes morning announcements is hardly uncommon. But our school principal bear-hugging the school mascot? Our school mascot abducting some cheerleaders in a convertible? Now that’s a little different. The SLAMcast’s new commercials for Seven Lakes’ sports teams are just some of the new attempts in a concentrated effort to increase school spirit. But just what inspired this push for enthusiasm? “I was at a volleyball game early September, and we were playing Cinco, and Cinco had a bunch of kids at the game,” said principal Ted Vierling, “They were just katieBLAND // Feature editor & katiBRIGGS // Senio making all kinds of noise, screaming, yelling, jumping around, just having a great time. And our students were over there, you know, texting away; some didn’t even know what was going on.” Seeing the Seven Lakes crowd in comparison to the one from Cinco Ranch was the catalyst for Mr. Vierling’s new school spirit movement. “I just thought, ‘Man, we’ve gotta have more pride in our school!’” said Vierling, “This is too good a school to be sitting around and not be excited about it, there’s too much good goin’ on.” Mr. Vierling credits the idea for the SLAMcast commercials to Coach Glaser and the decision for the two pep rallies to a staff member meeting held on the topic of school spirit. “These are all things that people have suggested and I want people to have the opportunity to tell me what they think is cool,” said Vierling, “So if that helps get people involved, you know?” Vierling also shared that the idea for the spirit towels at the Cinco football game came from his experience at Texas A&M University, and he hopes that it can be continued in future. “I thought it’d be a cool thing to do; it didn’t exactly pick up like I wanted it to, but we’ll try it again,” said Vierling, “That’s just sort of us feeling our way through it. Once we do some of this stuff and once we let it run for a year, Photo Credits: Kati Briggs and Barb Lundahl we’ll kinda know better what we want to do all the time.”
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SPARTAN S P IRIT
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or staff writer & kamiaRATHORE // Junior co-editor
ARTAN IRIT
One tradition that has remained strong at Seven Lakes is the basketball spirit club, the Spartan Crazies. “The Spartan Crazies are planned to hopefully be a little bit rowdier and a little more engaged in the game than they have been the last couple years,” said Spartan Crazies sponsor LeAnn Nicholson. “This year we’ve had a quite happy little crew come after school for yell practice and we had a good time getting geared up. I think they’re going to have a lot of fun this season.” Along with wanting to increase spirit among Seven Lakes students, Mrs. Nicholson and Mr. Vierling are also looking to increase overall positivity towards our school, as well as our opponents. “We don’t want to be negative, we don’t want to be derogatory, and we don’t want to represent our school or our community in a negative way,” said Nicholson, “We want to make sure everything stays positive and fun.” Despite a couple of issues with negativity and what could be considered a lack of initiative at Seven Lakes, Mrs. Nicholson would agree with Mr. Vierling that they have seen a marked improvement in enthusiasm this year. “The effort has definitely improved, I think it just takes some training,” said Nicholson, “I just think, as we’ve become such a big high school, everybody just gets kind of wrapped up in ‘I’m busy,’ and forgets to support each other no matter what the activity is. So I think we’ve come a long way this year, in making headway and emphasizing that this is equally important as doing your own thing. We need to support each other, for the community to see that we all back each other in everything.” As we can see from Seven Lakes’ performance in various athletic events and other competitions this year, perhaps spirit does have a positive impact on students’ overall optimism and positivity towards their school. Mr. Vierling believes the increase in spirit not only creates a great atmosphere for players, but students as well. “I’m just a big believer in people feeling good about where they are and what they’re doing, and that has a huge effect on everything,” said Vierling, “I don’t know if we’d have won some of those games last year.”
The perfect Gift For...
sanazNAMAKI // Junior staff writer & kayleeWHITE // Junior staff writer
A girlfriend:
A dad:
A sister:
“Jewelry is always fine with me,” Rachel Redmon11.
“I usually get my dad ties and homemade cards with my scrap-booking tools,” Madi Boldt12.
“A target gift card for sure,” Allie Stanley10.
A brother:
A boyfriend:
A mom:
“Anything Xbox related,” Michael Breath10.
“Assassins creed III,” Trent Weber10.
“Anything monogrammed,” Hannah Sumers11.
A secret Santa:
A teacher:
A (girl) bff:
“Starbucks, fuzzy socks, and homemade cookies,” Taylor Fono11.
“I love getting gift cards from students,” Mrs. Rodriguez.
“I have over twenty scarfs… but I would definitely love some more,” Melissa Attaway11.
Every Year On Christmas...
Spartans speak up about their family’s special holiday rituals jessieCHAN // Sophomore staff writer
“Every year on Christmas Eve, we always have a gift exchange at my grandma’s house.” ~Ana Morales12 “Every year on Christmas Eve, we always have oyster stew!” ~Mrs. Harrington “Every year on Christmas Eve, we go see a movie, and when we get home we bake ginger bread cookies and make hot chocolate.” ~Hadassalt Benenoch9 “Every year on Christmas, we eat turkey instead of ham.” ~Christian Mascorro11 “Every year on Christmas, I open my presents before midnight.” ~Dante Elrod10
“Every year on Christmas Eve, we eat Mexican food and watch Christmas Story.” ~Madison Scott12 “Every year on the 23rd, we stay up all night and watch Christmas movies.” ~Allie Beall9 “Every year on Christmas, we go skiing at Aspen.” ~John Sanderson10 “Every year on Christmas Eve, my dad hides a pickle ornament somewhere on the tree. In the morning, all the kids look through the tree and the first to find it gets a special present.” ~Emily Aromy10
DECEMBER HOROSCOPES andreaSTENDER // Junior staff writer
Aries
This month you feel the need to explore and breathe exotic air. Still, you have the tendency to put too much weight on your shoulders. You’re trying to be everywhere at the same time.
Libra
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
December is This might be a In December you need to learn how to good time to put unquestionably negotiate, exchange an end to conflicts one of your favorite months and accept others’ with your friends of the year. or lovers. You’ll work. Money issues be experiencing There is little tend to disrupt doubt that you relationships, within mood swings will be living it throughout this the family or with to the fullest. It is month as well. friends. now time for a good resolution.
So many things are happening; enough to help you have a positive outlook on life and cheer you up. You’re entering a month during which communication will be a lot easier. You will enjoy a very successful month as far as negotiating is concerned.
Scorpio
Capricorn Sagittarius
You have a very The current positive mood this hesitations this month. You have month affect your a lot of energy moods. You will and determination race against the to try and get clock, and you will what you want. get a huge amount It looks like Santa of work done. But Claus is listening to instead of being you. afraid you must face difficulties and find solutions.
Leo
You’ll be extremely active once the month begins. It may seem challenging to stay cool in pressuring situations. Also, make a little effort to show people you care.
The stars are shining on you this month and you will have a happy holiday. Your energy levels are on the up, which will make you dynamic and enthusiastic. You will be ready to face any obstacles.
Pisces
In December, keep it real and don’t overwhelm yourself. Towards the end of the month you might score cool points and climb up the social ladder.
Virgo
This month just might be the best part of your year. You’ll be empowered with an outstanding spirit. Make the most of it because you’ll be able to profit from the relations with others.
Aquarius This month, don’t get carried away too quickly. Keep your ideas realistic. You have a lot on your mind, and you’re in a hurry.
THE COLD WAR
juneLIU // Senior staff writer & dagnyHAMILTON // Senior staff writer
Cole Kuzawa: “It’s less expensive and has way more flavors.”
Maha Husseini: “I get the topping cup and just get fruits.”
Temi Omillabu: “More options than Berripop and the Berripop flavors don’t mix well.” Carson Kuzawa: “Berripop tastes like that crappy greek yogurt.”
Mark Pinkerton: “I’m captivated by the colors, it’s like the home. It’s like my kitchen.”
Jane Frederick: “Berripop has a better location and storefront.”
Felipe Garces: “Tutti Frutti is too watered down. Too mainstream.”
Annie Steen: “Berripop tastes like chemicals.”
Joe Ritz: “When I take over the world in the future, I will keep Berripop around.”
Andrew Steele: “Berripop makes my heart happy, and it tastes healthier too.”
31 DAYS OF HOLIDAY CHEER beccaRios // Sophomore staff writer
Bake holiday cookies Watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas Buy gifts for family
Go ceramic painting Have a bonfire
Put Christmas tree up Have a secret Santa gift exchange Go see the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens Help mom w/ Holiday cooking
a Start off 30 listMake of New 31 Year’s Resolutions
the new year!
Put Christmas lights up
Decorate indoors
Build a Gingerbread House
Watch The Polar Express
Watch ABC family holiday special
Wear an ugly holiday sweater
Make Hot Choco. sit by fireplace
Read Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Eat EVERYTHING.
Drink Apple Cider or Eggnog
Drink seasonal Starbucks
Watch The Nutcracker
Make your Christmas wish list
Help out in food shelters
Wear a striped sweater
Listen to your favorite holiday music
Go ice skating at the Galleria
Buy fireworks
Bake Red Velvet Cupcakes
Make homemade pancakes
Seven Lakes Wrestling Season Begins
Spartans aim to defend district title jasonALLEN & michaelMUNOZ // Freshmen staff writers The defending champion Seven Lakes Spartan wrestling team returns to action with sights on another district and state title. The team looks to build on their high levels of success from last season, with key wrestlers like senior heavyweight Ivan De Leon and senior 132 pounder Ben Thomson. Coach Michael Demarchi has set lofty goals for his team this season. Coach Demarchi is not shy about bringing up last year’s stellar accolades. The team sent seven wrestlers to state and won the district tournament by the second
GIRLS’ HOOPS
Dec. 11 Taylor 7pm Dec. 14 @Cy-Creek 7pm Jan. 4 Cinco Ranch 7pm Jan. 8 @Memorial 7pm Jan. 11 Morton Ranch 7pm Jan. 15 Mayde Creek 7pm Jan. 18 @Taylor 7pm Jan. 29 @Cinco Ranch 7pm Feb. 1 Memorial 7pm Feb. 5 @Morton Ranch 7pm
largest margin in district history. But Coach is still not satisfied. “Last year, we won the state championship, I would like to do it again without giving up any weight classes. I would want to win again without giving up any points.” Coach Demarchi believes in hard work, and it shows through his dedication to the program. He’s always investing time into improving the team in any way. “I’m always on the internet, always watching video, always scouting out the teams, always talking to other coaches.” The Coach’s devotion is infectious
WRESTLING
Jan. 12 Spartan Hall of Fame Duals @Seven Lakes 9am Jan. 17 Cinco Ranch, Episcopal & Jersey Village @Cinco Ranch 5pm Jan. 19 Maverick Stampede @ Morton Ranch 5pm Jan. 24 George Ranch, CCHS & Kinkaid @Seven Lakes 5pm *Senior Night Feb. 2 District 11 Championships @ Katy 9am
and has yielded terrific results. Demarchi is hopeful the new regional alignment, which has moved several Dallas area schools out of Region 3, will create more opportunities for the Spartan wrestlers. “All the big Dallas schools are out of the way, there are some pretty good 4A schools out of the way, there will be a little bit more opportunity for us Houston schools. This will be the first time a Houston school will win Region 3.” Demarchi acknowledges the team is not quite where it could be yet.
BOYS’ HOOPS
Dec. 11 @Kempner 7pm Dec. 14 @Strake Jesuit 7pm Dec. 21 Katy 7pm Jan. 4 @Cinco Ranch 7pm Jan. 8 Memorial 7pm Jan. 11 @Morton Ranch 7pm Jan. 15 @Mayde Creek 7pm Jan. 18 Taylor 7pm Jan. 22 Strake Jesuit 7pm Jan. 25 @ Katy 7pm Jan. 29 Cinco Ranch 7pm Feb. 1 @Memorial 7pm Feb. 5 Morton Ranch 7pm Feb. 8 Mayde Creek 7pm Feb. 12 @Taylor 7pm
Home matches in BOLD Christen Inman
WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE 2 01 2 - 2 01 3
FOOTBALL LOOKS TO MAKE OFFSEASON IMPROVEMENTS Spartans prepare for spring, coming off a first round playoff exit
trentWEBER // Sophomore sports writer In the midst of a heated overtime game, which would decide the playoff fate for Seven Lakes, Coach Wilson put all the chips on the table by going for a 2 point conversion to secure the win. The gamble paid off as quarterback Kyle Postma12 faked the handoff and scampered up the middle, into the end zone. The Spartans came out on top, 31-30. “When I heard the play was called to me, all I was thinking about was getting into the end zone to win the game,” Postma said. “I was telling myself no matter what happened, I’m going to give it my all and send the team to the Cornerback Rodrick Champion12 (RC) intercepts playoffs.” a pass against Taylor. The gutsy call would in fact send existence. They would face Seven Lakes to the playoffs for just unbeaten Lamar, who was 10-0 on the second time in the school’s the season. Against Lamar, the Spartans came out firing. Runningback Braeden West10 and Postma led the way, both with rushing touchdowns in the first half. Seven Lakes went into halftime up 20-7. “I would say we played one of the most
exciting and passionate halves of the season against Lamar,” Postma said. Although the Spartans had a two possession lead, Lamar mounted a comeback by scoring 29 second half points. Seven Lakes was up 33-28 late in the fourth quarter, but could not hold off Lamar’s aerial attack as the Redskins scored on a 47 yard pass play with just 54 seconds left in the game. On the final drive, the Spartans failed to convert on 4th down and they fell to Lamar 36-33. Postma finished his final game for Seven Lakes 14 for 20 with 159 yards and 1 touchdown. He also ran for 94 yards and 2 scores. West finished the night with 145 yards on 30 attempts and 1 touchdown. Cornerback Rodrick Champion12 also added his 3rd interception of the season, as he led the team in takeaways through the air. As for the offseason, returning lettermen plan on setting the bar high and working hard to achieve success. “My goal is to bust my butt in the weight room so I will be physically ready to have a great spring,” linebacker Tommy Brown10 said. Seven Lakes has 22 returning players and will expect to make big strides in Coach Wilson’s second year as Head Coach. “I look forward to putting in the work and I expect it to show on the field next year,” linebacker Jake Davis11 said.
The team runs on the field prior to a 55-37 win against Strake Jesuit.
CONGRATULATIONS! 2000 CAREER POINTS Seven Lakes School Record December 4th, 2012 versus Mayde Creek
PATRIOTISM HATRIOTISM or
The room gets quiet. All eyes turn to the revered flag in the corner of the room. Slowly, people stand. Hands go over hearts. For years, the Pledge of Allegiance has stood as a symbol of American values. Freedom. Justice. Unity. However, many students disregard this simple act of reverence towards the United States. Some people at Seven Lakes seem to forget that they live in a country where they have protected rights. Rights that should be appreciated. It has nothing to do with being in a republican majority state. It has nothing to do with “southern traditional values”. It has nothing to do with simply getting to say “MERICA” in your best accent. Standing for the Pledge of Allegiance is about respect and that issue needs to be addressed. Laziness is one of the biggest forms of disrespect, so would it
STAFF EDITORIAL This article reflects the views of The Torch Staff
to those who have fought and really be deathly if you stood for at died for our freedom by doing least ten seconds? something so simple as standing for Understandably, if you are not the pledge. a U.S. citizen, or disagree with Can we not show that we care the “Under God” statement, it is in staying united through whatever acceptable to not say the entire problems we face as a nation? pledge, or say it at all. Your ties Can we not join in one cause may be to another country. for the good of individual human However, this does not mean rights? that you toss this aside. For those of you that consistently In countries across the world, stand, we say thank you. women still cannot drive. Men But for those that cannot bear cannot speak their opinions about to stand (and doesn’t mean you the government. Children work for have to put your hand over your daily food. heart), we simply ask you to rethink We live in such a blessed your choices. country. Sure, there are political, social, and economic problems that have yet to be solved. But America’s constitution sets an example for other countries and struggling governments. We stand daniWARDINSKY // Junior co-editor as a global guide for civil rights. Yet we do not show gratitude
Who’s our mystery Spartan? Crack the case and find the teacher behind the silhouette! The secret Spartan will be revealed in the next issue
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All I w is...A s ant for Chr istmas led rid resort e at a snow y getaw ay.
role models: mother theresa & Princess Diana “Go Lions! I studied
at Texas A&M Commerce.”
Dream Job besides teaching: To work at a psychiatric hospital.
vor Dr ite M ago ovi nfl e: y
Bucket List Toppers: To go on an Alaskan Cruise and see New England in the fall November Spartan Spotlight Answer: Mrs. Murray
n a t r a p S tlight o p S
jessieCHAN // Sophomore staff writer