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9251 FRY ROAD KATY, TX. 77494 281.237.2865 VOLUME 7. ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2011
WHAT’S INSIDE: 2//Which fast food establishment is getting a makeover? 3//Who’s helping wildfire victims? 4//What are the “Best Buddies”? 5//Spartans in the Spotlight 6//Obsessions 7//Catching up with the Quiz Bowl team 8-9//Your HC Court 14//Spartan Speak ...and much more
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THE END OF THE WORLD Not really, but Chick-fil-A is closed stephanieDEREFINKO // Junior Staff Writer
Yes, the horror for many Spartans and one forgotten Chick-fil-a across town. Katy citizens alike has come true: the Chick“I love Chick-fil-A so much, fil-A off of Cinco Ranch Boulevard is closed! I would drive all the way over to But do not fear; there is a silver lining. The Mason Road to get it,” Boldt11 said. establishment will undergo remodeling for Boldt also added that sadly, her three weeks, which involves adding a second regular Chick-fil-A runs won’t be as drive-thru lane and expanding the kitchen. frequent. Then it will open once again to dish out some Now that the problem of eating at of the best fast food around. Since it will take Chick-fil-A is solved, how must it feel three weeks, how will a Chick-fil-A addict behind the counter as an employee? Is cope?! it devastating to be without a source The difficulty of the matter is that Chickof income that really just goes to your fil-A has become more than just a place to Chick-fil-A habit? Or is it a relief to eat; it has become a habit, an addiction, and be without the long crowded dining a tradition. room and long lines of traffic? “Every day after rehearsal, me and my “Well, I won’t be getting paid but friends always go to Chick-fil-A but now I I’ll have more free time because I’m don’t know,” Madi Boldt11 said. not working,” Stretch11 said with a Our local Chick-fil-A is expanding its laugh. Furthermore, there are pros walls and adding a second drive-thru lane to and cons to every aspect of ChickPhoto from: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=269142579784182&set=pu.154607231237718&type=1&theater accommodate all the Chick-fil-A fans. fil-A being closed, whether from the “It’ll be a lot easier [to work drive-thru] viewpoint of the addict or employee. Three weeks is an excruciating amount of time because the drive-thru traffic is all the way out in according to Boldt, a notorious Chick-fil-A addict. Boldt11 was able to sum up this feeling into one Westheimer Parkway,” Chick-fil-a employee, Logan So what better way to satisfy that craving than to go simple phrase, “I’m just going to miss it.” Stretch11 said. to Chick-fil-A? Yes it is closed, but there is still that
HELPING THE BLAZE DISASTERS
Students help wildfire victims AndreaSTENDER // Sophomore Staff Writer On Labor Day weekend, sparks from electric power lines likely started a blaze in Bastrop that later became one of the most destructive wildfire in Texas history. The wild fire burned all over the state from the center to the east, destroying more than 1,500 homes and killing two people. The American Red Cross has been providing food and shelter for residents impacted by the wildfires. To help out, more than half of the schools in Texas were involved in some sort of fundraiser for the American Red Cross. Many students donated money, clothes, or food to the people who lost their homes. Seven Lakes also contributed by holding a pep rally and supply drive. In the spirit of the fundraiser, Mr. Pope kissed a little baby pig in the athletics gym on Friday the 23rd. Very classic some might say, but not all know the real reason behind it. Students not only had the opportunity to put money in various jars that would decide which teacher kissed a pig on Friday afternoon, but to be a part of helping all of the homeless displaced by the fires. This event was held by the Cheerleaders, who
“
performed their stunts and routines during the pep rally.
I feel like even a couple boxes of clothes probably assisted a lot of families. Drew Hartt
or any sort of appliances to help all the families in need. At the end of the drive, the student council had six full boxes filled with items, which were sent off to Bastrop County, the area hit the hardest by the blaze. Student Council member Drew Hartt12 said, “I enjoyed helping out all the people in need and I feel like even a couple boxes of clothes probably assisted a lot of families.”
“ It was really fun to appeal to the audience. It also made me proud that our school got to participate in donating to American Red Cross, instead of using the money for our own school,” cheerleader Taylor Freetag10 said. The student council also helped out. During the week of endless fires, Seven Lakes put out a box for students to give away old clothes, canned food,
Seven Lakes Homecoming 2011 Tickets: $15 single/$25 couple Date: October 29, 2011 8:00pm-11:00pm (must arrive by 9:45pm)
OCTOBER 2011 NEWS
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Friends For Life
Best Buddies’ historian reflects on her experience with her buddy
tarynSANDERSON // Senior Staff Writer & shreyaBAGALI // Junior Staff Writer Lunch time. Jocks, preps, goths, and nerds all have their respective tables. The cafeteria can be an intimidating place. Hoeun Chae has experienced this pressure first hand. “In my lunch last year, the buddies would always sit at one table, and not many people would go talk to them,” she said. “It looked like there was this invisible circle around them. I wanted to go talk to them, but I wasn’t sure if I could.” Since Chae was shy, she wasn’t sure if Best Buddies was for her. However, after joining, she learned the rewards of being a peer buddy. “We were really shy at the beginning. But after a while, we got to know each other,” she said. Best Buddies is a national organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing opportunities for one-on-one friendships with their peers from the general education population. “Best Buddies is so nice, because especially
in high school, there’s just so much stress and competition, but seeing all the buddies, they’re just all so carefree,” Chae said. “They smile all the time and it’s just so nice to see people who are so freespirited.” Chae, who is now taking part in her third year of Best Buddies, was elected historian for the 20112012 school year. She actively participates in Best Buddies fundraisers and socials. “We hold parties that let the buddies and the members spend time together. It lets you get closer to your buddy, and also gives you an opportunity to find out more about other buddies, too,” she said. Although she was initially hesitant about joining this club, she has gained a new perspective on establishing lifelong friendships. “It’s like a relationship with any other close friend,” she said. “It’s nice to know that anybody can be friends with anybody.”
SPARTANS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Spark up the artist in you!
olyaGRYNYSHYN // Junior Staff Writer Okay Spartans, let’s talk talent. There’s no doubt that talent is found all over the school in every shape, form, and color. From garage bands to sports, to painting and even knitting, I think we can all agree that one of Seven Lakes’ greatest features is the diversity of talents. Now although there ARE many different talents around here, let me introduce you to some of the school’s coolest.
Meet Alex Soybel (above), a junior yearbook staff member. She is 16 years young and already making exciting progress on photography websites like Flickr, gaining thousands of hits for each picture. “I first started photography because I traveled around the world and wanted to capture everything around me,” says Soybel. “From that it developed into not really focusing on what I was trying to remember around me, but more into the emotions I was trying to remember, and that’s how it turned into my conceptual art; just creating an atmosphere that I was trying to depict in my work.” Before moving to Katy, Texas, Alex lived in several different countries, including Singapore, Holland and Russia. “Ideally, I’d really like to do something with photography, and if something miraculous happened in my life that would make me a photographer, that would be awesome… and I would love my life.”
Next, meet Dee Weweh (below), also a junior. When Dee isn’t working at AMC Theatres or studying for school, he’s tie dying. He started tie dye-ing back in freshman year when his parents bought him two shirts while on vacation. “I remember I thought they were so cool and I wanted to make it!” says Dee. “Afterwards, I headed down to Hobby Lobby and bought myself a cheap little $20.00 tie dye kit and tried it. I thought it was really cool and really fun, and from then on I just did it.” As of today, Dee runs his own little “business”, known as Dee’s Tie Dying. He makes many designs for his customers, his favorite being smiley faces and peace signs, “something different from the usual spirals.” “I’d really like to stress to everyone not to ever be afraid to do what you want and like. Sure you may not be a pro the first time you try something, neither was I when I made my first shirt, but don’t give up!” says Dee. As for the future? Well, “it would be cool to have my own, real, business after high school or college, but right now I honestly don’t know.”
Lastly, meet Channing Nuon (above), a senior debater. Since he was 15 years old, he’s been composing music; starting out with the piano, then continuing to guitar and vocals. “I got my laptop a few years back and realized how many artists produce their music using their computers and I thought, well, why don’t I do the same? I started listening to dubstep a few months ago and it really caught my attention. Lately I’ve been producing it with my laptop, and hopefully I’ll even be coming out with an EP soon.” Channing is influenced heavily by artists like Skrillex, Rusko, Flux Pavillion, and even “underground artists like Arion.” Naturally, as a senior, Channing is swamped with college decisions, and is considering attending Full Sail University to earn a music business degree. “It’s all really awesome because, literally anywhere, if an idea comes to me, I just take out my laptop and make music.”
OCTOBER 2011 FEATURE 5
I’M OBSESSED There’s never too much... dagnyHAMILTON // Junior Staff Writer
Sitting in front of the television, a bag of chips in one hand, the remote in the other (not that you are even considering changing the channel). Eyes glued to the screen, and before you know it, eight hours have passed and all you’ve done is sit on the couch entranced by the television. But it was worth it- why spend your nighttime hours wasting away asleep when you could be watching your favorite show? Sleep is for nubs, and you are not a nub. You’re just obsessed. Charles Steele9 finds himself in this predicament when he begins his marathon viewings of Psych, the hit detective comedy on USA Network. “Yes, I could say I was obsessed. I watched episode after episode on Netflix,” Steele said. Since being introduced to the series, he just can’t get enough. “Andrew [Charles’ brother] told me about the show, so I watched the first episode and thought it was cool. The farther I got into the series, the more awesome it got.” But Steele does not watch the series without reason. “My favorite thing about the show is the way Shawn and Gus solve the cases. They do it in an interesting with a bunch of jokes. What’s also funny is when Lassiter gets mad at Shawn,” he said with a smirk. Steele watched the entire series consisting of 79 episodes over the span of about one month and
even begged his friend to borrow the Season Five DVD when it was not available on Netflix. Psych is Steele’s “guilty pleasure.” Likewise, band member Aaron Nguyen11 fills his free time with a controller in his hand and a headset
over his ears virtually running around killing war zombies. Yes, you guessed it: Call of Duty. “I was introduced to the COD series a few years ago when I received Call of Duty 4 for my birthday.
I’ve been hooked on the series ever since,” Nguyen said. Since he has always played video games as a kid and had a love for action movies, Call of Duty lies in Nguyen’s heart. “My favorite thing about the game is being able to play online with anybody,” he said. “I could play with a family member that I don’t see too often or with a friend that I see every day.” Upon being asked how many hours of the game he has played, Nguyen responded only with, “Probably too many.” However, obsession does not exist only in the world of media. Keegan Goode12, colonel of the Sapphires Dance Team, explains her love for shoes. “I just can’t get enough, you know what I mean? My closet is full of shoes and high heels, but when I’m out shopping, I just can’t resist buying another pair,” Goode said. Sometimes, she spends over $150 on just one pair of shoes. “I really can’t help it. I’m obsessed,” she said. Goode can often be seen strutting down the hallways during school in heels five inches tall. She explains that since she is so short, she likes to wear high heels and feel tall. She admits to oftentimes sacrificing comfortability for her high heels. “I would definitely consider my love for shoes in general an obsession,” Goode said. “ I can’t imagine life without them.”
QUIZBOWL CONQUERS COMPETITION Number seven in the nation doesn’t come easily
katieBLAND // Junior Staff Writer kamiaRATHORE // Sophomore Staff Writer
It’s just a regular classroom. Some tables set up, some wires here and there, and the faces of expectant students waiting for the round to start. But most importantly, there’s the buzzer. Quizbowl is a nationwide event that covers any and every academic topic imaginable- the criteria for questions is literally “human knowledge.” The competition is set up with two teams of four students each buzzing in when they know the answer. “When you’re playing with high school teams you have to be very fast with the buzzer because more people will know it, but at the college level, it’s about who knows more,” team captain Carlo de Guzman10 said. During the weekend of September 17th and 18th, the Seven Lakes team took second place at Rice University’s tournament, bested only by the university’s team itself. “It was fun, we got to go against schools like Bellaire, St. John’s— all really smart people,” Alex
most days I put in about thirty minutes in at home,” Andi Qi10 said. Qi was ranked the top overall scorer at the Austin Novice tournament, which took place on the weekend of September 24th and 25th. Quizbowl is divided into three teams at Seven Lakes. The first team is more about “the fun of it,” Howard Jackson, the Quizbowl sponsor said. After this group, there is a novice team, followed by the advanced team. This team competes at the state and national level. Last year, the national team placed eighth in the nation, and its pre-season rank is now seventh at the beginning of this year. To keep the team’s skills up to par, they often go to college tournaments to sharpen their skills. “Next month we’re going to Cambridge, Massachusetts to compete at Harvard’s tournament, and in December, we’re going to Chicago,” Jackson said. “Our A team has to compete at the college level, because frankly, there just isn’t enough high school competition locally to challenge them.” As with all competitive
discouraged, just keep showing up and practicing,” de Guzman said. “That’s what happened with me— I kept showing up to practice and I just got better.” Jackson, who was on a high school state championship team himself, recognizes the definite college application advantages of Quizbowl, but also appreciates the less tangible benefits. “You’ll appreciate this when you’re older— high school memories. I remember who my teachers were, but your high school memories come from things like the Quizbowl tournaments where you travel seventeen hours to Chicago. That’s what I remember from high school; not what my physics teacher taught me,” he said. “What I remember are the tournaments, the friendships, and the connections you make.”
C o u l d
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t
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Quizbowl
q u e s t i o n ?
activities, practice cultivates talent. The vast amount of knowledge covered in Quizbowl requires time and dedication in order to succeed. “It’s not something that you start being good at immediately, so if you do show up, don’t be
Answer: Weekend [Vampire Weekend,Weekend at Bernie's, and “Working for the Weekend”]
Cai12 said. “We also went against Rice and lost against them, which was a learning experience.” However, a second place win at a college tournament doesn’t come without a lot of hard work and dedication. “I stay after school two days out of the week, and
This noun ends the two-word name of an indie band that specializes in Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and Upper West Side Soweto. It begins the name of a 1989 Andrew McCarthy movie about the untimely passing of Mr. Lomax, and ends the name of the song in which “everyone's watching to see what you will do.” For 10 points—what word goes with Vampire, at Bernie's, and a “Working” song by Loverboy?
OCTOBER 2011 FEATURE 7
THE COURT Tolu Alimi
What song do you sing in the shower to? “I do not sing, i dance!” Is your preference girls dressed up, or in sweats? “Sweats!! Sweaty girls in sweats are NOT gross.” COD or Halo? “Call of Duty, definitely. Halo is so outdated.”
John Flattery
If you were locked in the school for a night, what would you do? “Buy a coke from the t e a c h e r ’s lounge!” What is your nick name? “Johnson! Coach Dye calls me that because he calls me his son.” What do you order at Chick Fil A? Sauce? “A number one with Chick Fil A sauce.”
Andrew Kellogg
What time is bedtime? “8:05, unless it is a game day of course!” What do you think about PDA? “I think that it is fine, I really don’t care.” Favorite Disney C h a n n e l Movie? “Wow... so many! Suite Life on Deck Movie.”
Matt Lucas
If you could be anyone. dead or alive, who would you be? “Rhett Moffet, he is the class president.” Y o u ’ r e stranded on an island, why? “My friends kicked me out of the house.” Where is Waldo? Why? “New York. Why not?”
Rhett Moffett
Why are they called apartments if they are all connected? “The same reason you drive on a parkway and park on a driveway.” What’s your favorite Disney C h a n n e l Movie? “High School Musical, duh.” What is the hokey pokey all about? It’s all about hard work and dedication... or maybe nothing. No one will know.”
hom Kyle Stokes
David Wang
What is the hokey pokey all about? “See Rhett’s answer.” You’re stranded on an island, what would you bring? “Laptop and a charger.” What is the last text message you recieved? “Why does it smell like this?”
If you were locked in the school for a night, what would you do? “Go to the teachers’ lounge, lock myself in, steal the food and sleep.” What is the last text message you recieved? “Whahahahahahahahahahah!” What do you order at Chick Fil A? Sauce? “I ask for the cheeseburger.”
mecoming 2011 Brooke Davis
Helene Okpere
Judi Que
Macy Scott
Mandy Stevens
Bria Wates
Ambrosia Woodard
What do you think about PDA? “I think a personal digital assistance is very helpful.” What celebrity are you? “Beyonce because she believes in God, she likes to dance and so do I. And we are both beautiful.” Y o u ’ r e stranded on an island, why? “Vacation...?”
Why are they called apartments if they are all connected? “That’s a really hard question... I’m not quite sure....” What song do you sing in the shower to? “Black and yellow by Wiz Kalifa.” Baseball, basketball, or football guy? “All of the above... they are all strong, athletic and yeah...”
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What do you think about PDA? “I’m all for it, as long as the couples are being really creepy about the whole thing.” If you were locked in the school for a night, what would you do? “Have a sleepover...duh. I would aslo watch movies in PAC with miss Judi Que.”
Y o u ’ r e stranded on an island, why? “Bria kidnaped me and brought me here.” What celebrity are you? “I was going to say Beyonce, but Bria... question... when Beyonce has her baby, is it Destiny’s child? What is the last text message you recieved? “U nnn hhhhhh.”
Why are they called apartments if they are all connected? “Well, if they weren’t all connected to each other they would be called connectments.” Baseball, basketball, or football guy? “Soccer. Attractive European guys?! I think yes!” Where is Waldo? “He chills with me, myself, and I at my house. We’re best buds.”
OCTOBER 2011
Not available to comment.
What is your nick name? “Mandy?... My name is Amanda.” Describe your favorite style or look on a guy. “Preppy! I like watches on guys/ Oh! And big arms.” What do you order at Chick Fil A? Sauce? “Number 7 with Chick Fil A sauce and a lemonade.”
FEATURE
9
FROM FISH TO FISTPUMPS
Freshman and seniors share their perspective on homecoming juneLIU//junior staff writer
Since the beginning of time, Homecoming has been a high school rite of passage. Homecoming is not just another school dance—it’s way bigger than that. It’s the first big dance as a freshman, and the last that seniors will attend that include their fellow underclassmen. From the cheesy proposals, right down to the elusive after parties, homecoming is a unique experience for high school students. Through your years of high school, there is no doubt that you change, your friends change, and your homecoming experience changes. Many people might think that the freshman, (“fish,” if you will) are most excited for homecoming, but that’s not always the case. For siblings Natalie12and Ashley9 Chen, their expectations are polar opposites. “I’m just excited to dance,” Ashley9 said
“I just want to have a good time with my friends.” For Ashley9, it’s really quite simple— friends, food, and dancing. Like many other freshman, she’s just testing the waters. “I don’t have super high expectations, they’re just in the middle,” Ashley9 said. “If this year isn’t too fun, I know I have three more years to have fun.” As for the senior class, they don’t have as much time left. And by “as much time”, I mean, this will be their last homecoming in their lives, so if it sucks, it sucks. (No pressure though) Natalie Chen12 seems to grasp this concept. Her expectations get higher each year, and this year is no exception! “The homecomings get better each year, I really hope this one is good since it’s my last one,” Natalie12 said. “I’m definitely
going to go all out this year.” Complete with triple Mums, limos, and swanky restaurants, she hopes this homecoming will end her high school career on a good note. “I’ve made such great friends these past 4 years, and I’ve gotten more confidence,” Chen12 said. “I think being a senior really adds to that confidence.” Though most seniors have been to at least one homecoming, their expectations are higher than ever, and are not done yet. But as for the freshmen, they’re just getting started. (Don’t worry about the petty things that come along with homecoming, just remember two words—Have fun!)
IT’S...HOMECOMING
juliaNAJM//junior feature editor
It’s literally the first day of school and I hear someone say, “I wonder who’s going to ask me to homecoming.” I’m thinking in my head, “Lady, it’s 70 days away….get a life.” But maybe I should get one because I’m the one who actually knows how many days away it is. Anyway, that’s not the point. Homecoming used to be a time when all the graduates from high school came back to their respective schools, and all the students who hadn’t graduated yet
would have a dance in their welcome. Now I’m just going out on a limb here, but the graduates are coming back home right? Hence the name homecoming? But what I really want to know is when did it became what it is today: a huge, humongous, gigantic (and if I could think of another synonym for big, I would use it), headache. Girls spend weeks searching through racks and racks of dresses, trying to find the perfect one. They spend hours doing their hair and makeup, spending all this money on one day. Then comes the whole pressure to do things you don’t really want to. Like how your date tells you, “I rented a hotel room.” He whispers this cheesy phrase “smoothly” in your ear while you guys are slow dancing. First off, how is this subtle? Obviously by saying ‘I got a hotel
room,’ or something along those lines, it means ya’ll are NOT going to be playing scrabble in the wee hours of the morning. However, the main issue that concerns me is that students think it’s ok to get drunk before going to homecoming. Why are you going to get trashed before going to a dance? I guess I missed the memo on how drinking is the new cool thing. I mean, homecoming is meant to have a stress free time with your friends. People need to stop making it bigger than what it’s supposed to be. So let’s do a quick recap: 1 Don’t pull your hair out on trying to find perfection because you won’t. 2 Don’t be pressured to do stuff you don’t want to do. Or don’t be the pressureer. 3 Don’t be stupid and don’t get drunk. It’s not worth death.
BUST A MOVE... NOT YOUR MONEY sanjanaMADAKSHIRE // Sophomore Staff Writer Dress, check. Shoes, check. Tickets, check. Jewelry, Check. Money in your wallet… Didn’t think so. Homecoming and prom accommodate for a $4-Billion industry per year; and as a result of our economic downturn, students around the nation are beginning to acquire a more frugal budget for school events. Let’s face it; can we afford to spend thousands of dollars for homecoming and prom? Especially in these turbulent times, becoming budget cautious is key. Unless we all get a free ride through homecoming without spending a couple hundred bucks, we are in desperate need of help. So here are a couple tips.. Most of you are planning on arriving in a limo. Although if you are on the brink of losing all your money, don’t bother. Personally, limos have been overused throughout the years. Why go through all the trouble of renting a limo, when in the end all you need is a ride? But if you are intent on renting one, I suggest saving the money and using it on a limo for Prom. Now ladies, I know that the dress steals the show, so I won’t ask for much. All of us at some
point have walked passed a store window, our palms pasted against the glass as we gazed at the “perfect dress”. And soon disappointment struck as we realized we were standing in front of one of “those” stores. You know those branded stores that offer the gorgeous merchandise along with the stroke-causing prices? Yes, those. I’ve been there, you’ve been there. A homecoming
dress shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. So take time to search for stores that offer budget friendly prices as well as unique dresses- which are rare in expensive department stores. Imagine walking in and finding another girl with the same dress on as you. Talk about awkward. The number one rule for budget control: There is always a less expensive alternative. For example, buying flowers from a grocery store instead of a flower shop saves you more than you might think. Getting together with friends while preparing for homecoming is drastically less expensive than spending at unreasonably priced salons. We have to realize that there are less costly choices that will result in At the end of the day, homecoming will cost you big time. With all that is involved, spending slightly over your budget isn’t unexpected. Although times are tough and prices for simple items are climbing, it is our responsibility to manage our money correctly. One of the most important nights of the year is on its way, just make sure it doesn’t drain your wallet as it passes by.
SLHS would like to send a Special THANK YOU to
The Flower Shoppe 5609 Third Street who donates all of our flowers and
BMW West
15865 Katy Freeway Houston, who lent us beautiful new BMW convertibles for the parade WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO!
OCTOBER 2011 FEATURE 11
Running for teamMATES push Spartan Harriers to victories Varsity boys cross country wins three straight heading to district
brittanySCOFIELD//sophomore sports writer As a gust of wind knocks him back, team has grown close. Varsity runner varsity cross country runner, Kevin Lauren Harrington, whose last race Dean, struggles to push past the first at CyWoods went well, gives some 400 meters of the race, past the gusts perspective on her team. of wind. Once clearing the turbulent “So far this year the team has had air Dean races through a very fast and a lot of great performances and we flat terrain. Coming out placing 5th placed in almost every meet as a and with a team win of first place at the team,” Harrington said. “My team is October 7th HBU race. Getting to this great to run with and we have gotten a winning position though was not an lot closer as the season has gone on.” easy feat. Nathan Ricketts and Greg White “I wake up every morning at five are also two more key members to the AM to go to the school and run running force of Seven Lakes. White, Sophomore Hunter Corb leads a pack of runners at the HBU Invitational on October 7th. usually around 7-8 miles,” Dean said. whose best run of the year was 3 mile, “Depending on what kind of workout it clocking in at 15.19, placed first at Using this system has resulted in the is, it could take from 45 minutes to an hour improvement of Brown’s running, this the last two meets he attended, HBU and and a half of running. I usually do my best year having her best 5K run at the SLHS CyWoods. While Ricketts came in a close to hydrate and eat well during the day not second at the last tournament at HBU. showcase with a time of 19.02. Last week only for the run the next morning, but for “I finished 2nd and our team won, but alone, Brown battled the dried and bumpy the second run of the day at around 8 pm. there was a lack of competition,” Ricketts course of George Bush park, placing 5th The second run can be anywhere from 2-4 with a time of 12.07. Though not giving up said. “It was a 3 mile race and I received a miles to get the mileage in for the 70 mile here, Brown has large ambitions for the rest disappointing time of 15.42.” week.” Dean, Brown, Harrington, Ricketts, and of the season. While most of us barely clock 70 miles “As an individual I want to get either first White are just a few of the many crossa week while driving, the average cross country runners who make up the school or second at districts, I want to place in country runner sees the large mileage as team. All runners striving together, to beat the top 10 at regionals, and place higher at the norm. Varsity cross country runner their last time and set a new pace. Together state then I did last year,” Brown said. “As Erica Brown, has also worked a grueling the team plans on becoming the best. a team, I want us to be first in the district, system of training, to become one of the “I love working and running with my make it in the top three teams at regionals, top female runners in the state. team, ” Dean said. “When we run together, and place 9th or higher at state.” “At Seven Lakes we use the same training we push each other and drive each other Waking up at the crack of dawn every program as a well-known running camp morning, to participate in a sport that most to become better and run faster. We build called PAAVO. I run 35 miles a week.” find a punishment, the SLHS cross country off of each other and I really like that about
District 19-5A Football Standings
The Spartan offense waits for a chance to get back on the field against district leader Katy on September 23rd.
Team Overall District Home Away Katy 7-0 4-0 4-0 3-0 Cinco Ranch 6-1 4-0 3-0 3-1 Memorial 5-2 3-1 2-1 3-1 Morton Ranch 4-3 2-2 1-3 3-0 Seven Lakes 4-3 1-3 1-1 3-2 Strake Jesuit 2-5 1-3 1-2 1-3 Taylor 1-6 1-3 1-3 0-3 Mayde Creek 1-6 0-4 1-3 0-3
TENNIS ADVANCES TO REGIONALS District 19-5A Volleyball Standings The tennis team lost to Memorial 10-5 in the District Team Overall District Home Away Final on Friday. The girls swept all 3 of their doubles Memorial 21-7 10-0 10-2 11-5 matches and Samantha Martino and Nancy Liu picked up singles wins for the Spartans. Katy 19-13 8-1 10-5 9-8 The team finished the regular season 14-4 and advances Seven Lakes 17-12 5-4 12-5 5-7 to the Regional Tournament in Deer Park on October 28 Cinco Ranch 17-16 4-5 12-7 5-9 and 29. Good luck Spartan Tennis. Taylor 7-23 4-5 5-8 2-15 Mayde Creek 6-16 1-9 5-9 1-7 Morton Ranch 6-18 1-9 2-9 4-9
Lady Spartans’ Remaining Games
Friday, October 21st at Memorial Tuesday, October 25th home versus Taylor
OCTOBER 2011 SPORTS
13
SPARTAN SPEAK
lindaFLORES // Junior Entertainment Editor
How did you get asked to Homecoming? After my volleyball game
“ , the whole basketball team was there, and they all held up signs that spelled out ‘HC Abby G?’. And he came out and gave me roses.” 1. Abby Gentry9
So I have a dog named Bella
“ , so instead of her name tag, it said HC? on the front and and on the back it said with Jake? So I had to take my dog on a walk and go find [Jake] and he was waiting with flowers” 2. Laura Santo Salvo11
I was at work
“ , and this guy was dressed up in a cow suit holding a sign, the sign said I would be utterly excited if you went to HC with me. It was really sweet!” 3. Drew Hartt12
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//MEET THE STAFF//
EMAIL: JeremiahADye@katyisd.org ADVISER: coachDYE
CO-EDITORS: ryannANDRES janeWEBER
SECTION EDITORS: shreyaBAGALI lindaFLORES juliaNAJM
STAFF:
katieBLAND hannahCURCIO stephanieDEREFINKO olyaGRYNYSHYN
dagnyHAMILTON juneLIU sanjanaMADAKSHIRE sanazNAMAKI kamiaRATHORE
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Theatre Presents: The Odd Couple
paulSTROUD // Faculty Guest Writer On Thursday, October 13th, Studio VII performed Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple (1980s female version) in the Seven Lakes Black Box Theatre. Joshua Heerssen and his tech crew, yet again, built an incredible stage from scratch. It was a bi-level stage that when placed in the cozy confines of the Black Box, made a person literally feel like a fly on the wall. This was a nice looking apartment, and rugged too. There are a lot of slamming doors and stomping going around and the stage takes some mighty abuse, yet is remains sturdy. Every year we have Josh teaching these kids, the production just gets better and better. Michael Asel was the head of the costume crew for the female version of the Odd Couple and his crew did a fantastic job. Everyone of those ladies reminded me of the eighties: they distilled the time period and brought out the look and the HAIR. Even the makeup was dead on, death white with blood red. You know, if anything, the eighties tended to be extreme…like the outfits…fantastic! Bright, loud, and borderline kitsch. The only thing missing was parachute pants and member’s only jackets. Laken Ray played Olive Madison and Courtney Johnson played Florence Unger. Laken plays the Walter Matthau/Jack Klugman role, which requires anger and frustration. She deftly displays a sexually frustrated 30 something very well torn at her love of living life the way she wants to live her life, her duty to a friend that she can’t stand, and a slowly decaying happiness. Juggling all these emotions in one play is a challenging and Laken does it very well. Courtney has the enviable role made famous by Jack Lemon/Tony Randle. The bar is set really high. Courtney’s strength lies with her quiet, almost tremulous voice when she is uncomfortable and small reactions that seem quite big when performed. Most of her great performances are when she is not even speaking but just reacting. One of the great moments of the play was when she was carrying on a conversation as she was going in and out of the kitchen, which had a swinging door. She kept going through in beat with the door like a metronome. It was quite amazing. Lauren Sanders steals the show with her portrayal as Vera. Lauren plays a ditz pretty darn well and she brings in some great comedy when she is not even in the focus of the scene. And, of course, it isn’t a show if Lauren’s character doesn’t get a belly bursting, knee slapping, laugh out loud physical moment or two, and those are like Nelson Cruz’s homeruns in the 11 inning...it frenzies the audience. Her foil is relative newcomer Danielle Grisko, a sophomore who answered the burning question, ”With so many great actors graduating this year, what Freshman and Sophomore students are going to step up?” Danielle has “it.” Her portrayal was subtle and scathing. She was throwing out lines so naturally that you would have thought she was an audience member criticizing the character. My jaw just dropped at her performance and I knew that I should keep my eye on this one for the next few years. Along with her, is sophomore Hannah Baxter and junior Tessa Albert. Hannah has good potential and I found myself seeing a promise of great things to come in the future. I will definitely be looking to see how she does on her next role, she has piqued my curiosity about what kind of actor she is going to be. It was the little things she did that made me notice her, like at the beginning of the play where, while the lights were down, she walked onto the stage as if the lights were up, setting a mood. Meanwhile, I know exactly what I want to see Tessa Albert to play. I want to see her attack a biting drama, because she has a voice and look for some serious dramatic work. Finally, there is Santiago Sanchez and Sean Sorley, the only two men in the play. But when they get on the stage and how they just work off of each other and the main characters are perfect. These guys nailed their performance, and the scene that they are in resonates. This was the best scene in the play and when Courtney Johnson, Santiago, and Sean have the stage to themselves it was a magical scene. The timing was perfect and it flowed. Maggie Rodriguez, yet again, gets the best out of her actors and the play, putting together a superb cast and directing them wonderfully. If you are interested in seeing the Female Odd Couple, the performances will be October 21st and 22nd at 7pm.
During a show anything can happen, but only the best actors and companies can turn those events into a moment frozen in time. That happened on Friday night in the Black Box Theatre. That is when I saw: 1) the tightness and trust of company that has rehearsed so many hours together that they are no longer actors but rather the characters themselves; 2) Comedy Sportz be utilized in a classic play; and 3) the day Luis Quintero took that next step towards a possible incredible career on the stage. It was Act III, and Oscar Madison (Luis Quintero) was chasing Felix Unger (Joseph Nicholson) through the kitchen door when, as one of them passed, the door frame blew off the wall. Now let me stop right there and say, Josh Heerssen’s bunch (the techies) are very, very good. But no matter how good they are, they could not make this happen on purpose. It was an organic break. Now the scene called for the two actors to chase each other around the room for a while, screaming and cussing, but Joseph Nicholson, in brilliant form throughout the night -- I mean this man out did Tony Randall, Jack Lemmon, and Art Carney; he was beautiful out there -- stops at the frame, and without breaking out of character looks over at Luis Quintero who takes a beat, lets the audience lean forward in anticipation, and then, in complete character, yells out, “you broke my DOOR?!” The audience erupted! Then later on in the scene when Murray the Cop (played by Andrew Cernosek) walks in, Andrew starts saying his line and just segments into, “line line line and what the hell happened to your DOOR!” The crowd erupted even louder. The crowd was buzzing and people were amped. Then, minutes later, Speed (played by Matt Russo and his wonderful New York voice, in his best roll yet) comes in and goes “What happen to your door”. Bang! The crowd goes nuts. But here’s the best part, this is the beautiful part, one of the Pigeon sisters (Kristen Cole) comes in and says nothing about the door. They knew how far to take it and when to stop. It was perfect acting and a crew that knew each other well. Joseph Nicholson played Felix. He was so wonderful in the role. It is a hard part to play with all the legendary actors behind it. But what was so much fun was the faces he made. His nuances with his sneer and that look is great, you can feel the cold looks, and he has the best off stage scream you have ever heard. He was brilliant. The poker buddies: Matt Russo, Andrew Cernosek, Cody Ollre, and Alex Field were fantastic. This was a total team performance and their natural acting on the stage was incredible. These men spent hours and hours working on their part, and when they showed it tonight they left nothing behind. This production was a gigantic success because of these seasoned veterans on the stage, and for all their years they put into Studio VII, they have put out one of the best ensemble performances out there. Kristen Cole and Jenna Johnson play the Pigeon sisters and help stir up the show was some very good quality acting. They are asked to put on a British accent, and I don’t care what anyone says, that’s hard to do. Then they are asked to walk into this performance looking beautiful and help ratchet it up to the next level, while maintaining an air of dignity. They do a fine job and really help to move the play on, the moment they have on the couch with Felix is hilarious. I am finally left with Luis Quintero. Luis owns the show. I saw Thurman Thomas play for football for Duncanville High School my sophomore year. Everyone knew he was going to make it to the NFL. I saw Josh Beckett pitch for Spring High School when I taught at Westfield. He had nasty stuff and everyone knew he was going to the MLB. I’ve seen Luis Quintero act for four years at Seven Lakes. He’s going to make it on Broadway. He has the love of the theatre, he has the emotion, he can sing, he is subtle, he is razor sharp, he is dedicated, he is talented, he owns a stage, he shares a stage, he is creative, he quick, he can do comedy,he can do avant guard, and he is destined. The only question is: Is he lucky? Only time will tell. Go see Luis act before he is gone, Broadway tickets are very expensive. Be able to say, I saw him act when he was in high school.
OCTOBER 2011 FEATURE
15
TRICK OR TREAT, TEACHERS! er, each y t aphy olog eogr , AP Bi son, G ol ire ld Wor Hampsh . Nich Mrs. s Mrs. r, Mr rincipal, reek e p as G teach former d e s s and ek dre ear. y tb Whi sses last e godd
Psychol ogy tea ch dressed as a hap er, Coach Da py vis, daughte r, Skylar pumpkin with her .
Staff members share some of their Halloween costumes. hannahCURCIO // Sophomore Staff Writer
Biology teacher, Ms. Mullenax, dressed up as a ballerina at age 2 1/2.