EA Allen High School Issue 1 Volume 35 October 2017
Crossing the pond
Foreign exchange students discuss their experiences at Allen | page 4
Big cats and big hearts
Wylie wildlife preserve seeks to preserve large felines | page 7
Fall TV Preview
A brief rundwon of the shows hitting the small screen in October | page 20
Allen residents reach out to Texans in need after Hurricane Harvey | page 10
ea
The Eagle Angle distributes 1,000 copies of each issue on campus to faculty and students. Contents may be viewed online at theeagleangle. com. Businesses who wish to advertise should contact Matthew MacVeigh, newspaper adviser, at 469-319-6216. The Eagle Angle reserves the right to deny publication of advertisements. Advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by the staff or administration. All editorials reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the staff, adviser or administration. The Eagle Angle is a member of Quill and Scroll, the Interscholastic League Press Conference and JEA/ NSPA.
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Staff
Editors-in-chief | Divya Jagadeesh* Felix Kalvesmaki* Sr. Managing Editor | Julia Zaksek*
Table of Contents NEWS/FEATURE
Features Editor | Caroline Tucker
Briefly speaking ......................................................... 2 Q&A with Dr. Johnston ............................................3 Allen’s new rules.........................................................4 Crossing the pond .......................................................5 Much ado about theatre .............................................6 Big cats and big hearts ...............................................7 The legend is in: Mr. Haradem .................................8 Third time’s the charm: Cheryl Lee ........................ 9
Commentary Editor | Audrey Vieira
COVER STORY
Jr. Managing Editor | Maya Morriswala* News Editor | Christian Hinton*
Sports Editor | Parker Primrose Assistant Sports Editor | Erik Young Online Editor | Natalie McMahon Photo Editor | Tate Peterson Staff writers | Brooke Adams, Brandon Barton, Jasmine Davis, Sophia Forrester, Alyssa Holloway, Kaitlyn Ingram, Tea McGilvray, Christine Odwesso, Morgan Pryor, Francis Salazar, Stephanie Scarano, Maria Solis, Jenna Sturgeon Adviser | Matthew MacVeigh *denotes members of the Editorial Board
Cover design by | Divya Jagadeesh Photo by | Tate Peterson Calligraphy courtesy of | Lizzie Kalvesmaki Hand model | Traeton Janssens
From Allen, with love ........................................10-13 Hurricane Harvey struck Houston in August. Turn to page 8 for a report on how local citizens made an impact on those struggling in the aftermath.
SPORTS
Welcome to the block party ....................................14 Redemption season ...................................................15
PHOTO ESSAY
Friday night lights ...............................................16-17
COMMENTARY
Flipside: Censorship ..................................................18 Staff editorial .............................................................19 Artists of Allen: Max Warlow ................................19 Fall TV Preview ....................................................... 20 Review: ‘Beautiful Trauma’ .....................................21 Review: ‘Blade Runner 2049’...................................21
Letter to the Reader
W
elcome back to Allen High School. Whether you missed this campus dearly, or dreaded walking back onto the property, we’re happy to see you! As the first weeks of the year have come and gone, the Eagle Angle staff picked up right where we left off last year. Your newest editors-in-chief never truly stopped. We’ve been working since June to provide the best for you, and we sincerely hope you enjoy the first fruit of our efforts. The school has changed since we walked away last semester. A lot. We’re ready with a rundown of rules you should pay attention to as you begin to walk the halls again, and a Q&A with our principal to explain his reasoning for them. We also met with a few new students from across the pond who are walking our halls, and picked their brains about our city. And while the year has picked up fast for students, what we walked into took just a bit of a learning curve. Others in Texas weren’t so lucky. Hurricane Harvey may have made its worst mark on Texas in Houston, but its impact stretched across the state. We’re sure the extent of the damage isn’t lost on anyone, so we opted instead to talk about the metaphorical rainbow that glittered after the storm. We talked to Allen students working to relieve some of the tension, and with a teacher housing relatives who lost their home in the calamity. We wanted to understand how Allen reached out to Houston in their darkest period, and how we unified during one of the biggest struggles in Texas history. All this despite the divisions within both our state and our nation in this moment in human history. It’s easy for negativity to take over in times of tragedy. We wrote an entire editorial about it. But it speaks volumes—both on us as a city, and as a state—on our ability to spread positivity during such turmoil. So take this as a testament of solidarity. From us, to you. With love. Sincerely,
Letter to the Reader | 1
Briefly Speaking
Compiled by | Christian Hinton
Preston Elementary dedicated
NFL anthem controversy
Catalonian independence conflict
Allen, Texas | Allen ISD dedicated the recently-opened Preston Elementary School, its 18th elementary school, named after former Allen ISD superintendent Dr. Jenny Preston. It is the last planned elementary school for the school district in the near future.
New York City | NFL players across the country knelt in protest during the national anthem after President Trump lashed out at players who chose to kneel during the national anthem, saying they should be fired. The controversy originated in 2016 when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem in protest of racial inequality and police brutality.
Catalonia, Spain | Catalonia voted to secede in a highly controversial referendum. Catalonia’s regional president Carles Puigdemont signed a declaration of independence from Spain, but proposed suspending its effects for a few weeks to allow for dialogue between Spain and Catalonia.
Red Ribbon week
Officer shot at Texas Tech
U.S. withdraws from UNESCO
Allen, Texas | To educate youth and raise drug awareness, Allen High School will hold its annual Red Ribbon week from Oct. 23 to Oct. 27. This year’s theme is “Your Future is Key, so Stay Drug Free.” Students and staff are encouraged to dress according to the assigned dress-up days.
Lubbock, Texas | A police officer at Texas Tech University was shot and killed on Oct. 9. When 19-year-old Hollis Daniels was taken into custody for evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia in his dorm, he fatally shot police officer Floyd East Jr. Daniels fled the scene, and the campus was put on lockdown until he was arrested about ninety minutes later.
Paris, France | The U.S. announced that it would withdraw from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), with Israel following suit. UNESCO is a specialized United Nations agency based in Paris, with focus on the protection of worldwide cultural heritage sites. The Department of State cited mounting financial debt, “the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO” as reasons for its withdrawal.
2 | News and Features
QA & with Dr. johnston
Editor-in-chief Divya Jagadeesh sits down with new superintendent Dr. Jason Johnston to discuss why he came and his first year at Allen. Illustration by | Felix Kalvesmaki
Before Allen, you were the principal at North Forney High School. What has been most different between Allen and Forney in the years you’ve been here?
When I was [at North Forney], it was the second high school there. It was a new campus, and I believe kids are kids. Teenagers are teenagers; they all have goals and aspirations. But I think the biggest difference between the districts, communities and campuses was that North Forney was still in that process of trying to find its identity, and Allen High School is established. We know who we are, what our strengths are, and what we’re successful in. We’ve done a good job of building a community and tradition around that, and North Forney was still in the process of doing that. So, two cool places to be, but just very different on the spectrum in terms of how established they are as campuses.
What attracted you to Allen? There’s a lot of things about Allen and the high school that are unique. The fact that we are one large community with one large high school is something that you don’t find almost anywhere. A lot of places have made the decision to keep their campuses a little bit smaller, and I think that our choice to have one big high school is a pretty cool challenge. It’s also a really great opportunity for our kids because based off of that decision, there are so many opportunities for our students to be a part of something. And not every place can afford to do that because when you have multiple buildings, you’re spending your resources in different areas Because we’ve chosen to have this one large building, we have a lot of ways for our kids to be involved and to be successful. That’s really what drew me more than anything.
What did you learn from your first full year here at Allen?
I learned that Allen is what I hoped it would be. It’s a great place for me to raise my family; my wife and I have five kids, and we’ve enjoyed the community. This school is full of staff that care deeply for the success of our kids. And there are students here, for the most part, who understand their purpose and why they’re here, and they’re trying to work toward the goals they and their families have. I also learned that we’re not perfect, and that there’s things we can do to get better. I think that’s the challenge: we try to keep doing the things that we do really well, and we have the humility to say, ‘You know what, we have great kids and a great staff, but we’re not perfect.’
What is your favorite tradition or quirk that is special to Allen?
There’s a few. I think it’s cool that our band marches down the main hallway. I think it’s cool how everyone yells, “Allen Eagles, fight, fight, fight” at kickoff at football games and that kind of stuff. But I think, what makes Allen, Allen, is the fact we have one high school, and we are a large community. We are diverse, but we find a way to make it work in this one big school. And we, from that, are a little pocket of society. So there’s going to be conflict, great friendships, but it provides an opportunity for us to really understand what it is to be one community, and have a singular sense of purpose of what it is that we are trying to accomplish. It’s one of those things that for people who don’t know Allen, are sometimes concerned about because it is so big. But if you live here, if you go to school here, it is something that we take great pride in, and I think that it’s a really cool thing, and it’s a cool opportunity for all of our students.
News and Features | 3
Allen’s New Rules A briefing on the new regulations, guidelines and restrictions implemented this school year
WHAT’S NEW?
> Academic monitoring for failing classes > Privilege periods scheduled throughout the day instead of the beginning or end of the day > Certain areas assigned for privilege periods > Increase in the prices for ID’s and parking permits > Use of trust cards
WHY?
> With the increasing population, privilege periods are scheduled to accommadate everyone > To earn revenue on permits and ID’s that offsets costs for security and to manage traffic > To give privileges for seniors specifically > To ensure all students are performing to their highest standards Compiled and designed by | Sophia Forrester 4 | News and Features
Crossing the Pond
Foreign exchange students discuss their experiences at Allen Story by | Brooke Adams
Junior Katarzyna Peszko, Poland
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People where I’m from said that Texas is like cowboys, and all people have is cows. They said that they go to school by horse, and all day they wear their cowboy hats and shoes. But it’s not like that at all here.”
Junior Reyes de la Oliva, Spain
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I’ve always liked and enjoyed traveling and discovering new places and their culture. Two years ago, I did another exchange program for four months in Ireland, and I couldn’t wait to do something similar again.”
Junior Anja Zimmerman, Switzerland
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Everybody’s super nice. There were so many people that asked about me, or asked if I wanted to eat lunch with them and that’s just nice to have.”
News and Features | 5
MUCH ADO ABOUT THEATRE
Allen theatre students act in Allen Community Theatre productions Story by | Stephanie Scarano
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llen High School has its own theatre program, The International Thespian Guild, with an official troupe number, even an honor code. But what many students in Allen don’t seem to know about are community theatres like Allen’s Community Theatre (ACT). There are at least two students who look beyond AHS student productions to participating in those community shows: Senior Cassandra Montgomery and Junior Marie Peteuil. In her 8th grade year, Peteuil found Allen’s Community Theatre through Allen High School alumni, Alison Baron, Peteuil said. Theatre opportunities in Allen are relatively limited past the school productions age, with the only all age-inclusive company being ACT. However community theatres aren’t the only opportunity students have to further their skills on stage. Troupe 3105 thespians take their job seriously. Many look to community stages as well as regularly performing in Allen High School’s shows. “I feel like I learned more from outside theatre,” Montgomery said. “In community theatre, there’s always a new director with new visions or styles, and they’re fulfilling that vision.” Montgomery has done every show at ACT, beginning with their showing of “Philadelphia Story” in 2016 during the theater’s fifth season in production. Montgomery said that doing outside theatre helps her learn and grow, as well as expanding her knowledge of the art. “A friend of mine needed help with an ACT show that took place in February in their fifth season, and I’ve been in every show since,” Montgomery said. “It’s one of my favorite places to go if I want to get out of the house.” Allen High’s Thespian Guild won’t let members just do community theatre to satisfy community service requirements. Recent changes to the Guild’s handbook encourage participating in internal theatre
6 | News and Features
opportunities, and internal thespian points students like Peteuil and Montgomery, who earned by contributing to the art by want to pursue both in- and out-of-school performing or assisting tech crews. These theatre, stick it out because of their passion activities are now required to maintain one’s for the theatre arts. thespianship, similar to the required hours “[The changes are] not going to in groups like the National Honor Society. discourage me because I love being out “While I love community theatre -- there, and I’m going to continue to be out it’s what makes me want to pursue theatre there,” Montgomery said. as a career -- I need a grade for school” Both Peteuil and Montgomery are Montgomery said. “That’s really my main currently in ACT’s musical “Young reason for doing Allen High theatre.” Frankenstein,” which premieres on Oct. 13However, Montgomery said she 29. believes being a member of the school’s “If anyone wants to try and do outside theatre program has many perks. The Guild theatre, it’s a good way to gauge where your is very encouraging of learning new skills to home is and where you want to be,” Peteuil benefit the program. said. “[The high school] is a learning environment,” Montgomery said. “In the high school, we can call professionals to teach.” S t u d e n t s say they have found keeping up with inside and outside theatre commitments to be difficult, especially with the rigorous schedules many students at Allen have. However, students like Peteuil said they are managing to find the time for both stages. Peteuil believes balancing the two theatres can be difficult. “You have to make a lot of decisions based on what you would rather do and think of what’s best for you” Peteuil said. Despite working Junior Marie Peteuil acts in Allen Community Theatre’s “Young Frankenstein.” Photo courtesy of | John S. Mead against the odds,
Big cats and big hearts
Wylie wildlife habitat seeks to preserve large felines Story and photos by | Natalie McMahon
T
igers are celebrated for their roles as Tony the Tiger or Tigger from “Winnie the Pooh,” but behind the happy cartoons and frivolous advertisements, these animals are facing epidemic concerns. Alongside this ugly phenomenon comes people with the courage to do something about it, InSync Exotics is one of these groups.
Karma, In- Sync Exotics’ white bengal tiger, resting in the shade.
“In-Sync Exotics is a facility where large felines who have been abused go to spend the rest of their lives, so there’s a multitude of different cats who have various different back stories,” Avery Schneider, volunteer at In-Sync Exotics, said. “In-Sync is like a sanctuary where they get to live happy lives and just be loved.”
neglected and unwanted exotic cats. The cats stay in this establishment for life. “A lot of our cats came from private owners, like people have tigers in their backyards and it’s pretty insane that you can do that,” Jennifer Hatch, keeper at InSync Exotics, said. “It’s sad how people take them and try to make them cute, little, cuddly pets and don’t see that they’re hurting a whole species by taking it out of the wild.” In Texas city ordinances, it’s actually legal to get a tiger if you have the permit. Also, It seems some people don’t realize there’s a big difference between domestic house cats and exotic felines. “There are tons of people in Texas who have tigers as pets since they only cost [about] $200,” Schneider said. “Lots of people assume that they can take care of tigers because you’re allowed to legally have one since they have such bad laws in the United States.”
At In-Sync Exotics they have opportunities to sponsor a cat, and Paw Print Alley is where adoptee can put their name.
One of the tigers eating their daily meal.
Jennifer Hatch, keeper at In-Sync, locking up the cat’s cage.
In this non-profit organization, workers are dedicated to rescuing the abused,
As a veterinary technician, she rescued that first cougar. Eight years later, a cougar, and a tiger named Kenya, Vicky founded In-Sync. “Kenya was our first cat that was actually apart of In-Sync,” Hatch said. “Then she saw that there was a need for rescuing cats globally so she started a sanctuary.” In-Sync’s main focus or goal is to love and honor the exotic felines’ right to life. Rescuing mistreated cats and providing them with a lifetime of high quality care is their primary focus.
According to Hatch, the idea of InSync started in 1998 and became official in 2000. The founder, Vicky Keahey, has been working with animals for over 35 years. “Vicky actually worked for a vet clinic in 1996. One of the people there brought in a cougar, and they didn’t come back and pick it up. It needed medical work and they just kind of left it there,” Hatch said. “She was working there so she decided to take it home and build it a cage.”
“We have a chart for each cat because we know what each cat likes to eat,” Hatch said. “A lot of places don’t even care enough to know; we have a board with everything that they like and everything that they get for treats and stuff.” The residents living in this sanctuary include tigers, lions, leopards, bobcats, cougars, cheetahs, lynxs, servals, ocelots, and lemurs. Though all different in shape and size, all are rescued from past trauma. “I think it’s how much we know about the cats and how we always put the cats first that makes us different from other sanctuaries,” Hatch said. “We always want them to have peaceful lives as the first part where they’ve been rescued from has always been so bad.”
News and Features | 7
After the bell:
Hear from some of the faculty who make Allen what it is
The legend is in: Daniel Haradem Chemistry teacher discusses past jobs, family and working at AHS Story and photo by | Alyssa Holloway
M
arilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Albert Einstein and Martin Luther King Jr. are all examples of people who are referred to as “legends,” and their legacy has been passed down from generation to generation. Allen High School just happens to have one of its very own legends, located in lower G-hall and teaching chemistry to willing students.
“I always get blamed for the fire alarms,” Haradem said. “I’m the first teacher they look for when they go off, and I’ve been the cause of the alarm twice.” Haradem said that the students, the factually, and the parents are much friendly and more community like than the other schools he’s subbed at. He noted that the relationships at Allen High are better and
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I believe chemistry teachers have to be these quirky, confident teachers, and that there should be stories told about chemistry teachers passed on from generation to generation.
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Daniel Haradem is distinctly known as “the legend” to his students and friends. “It was a nickname given to me by Mr. Burwitz,” Haradem said. “My students started hearing him call me that, and it grew from there. I believe chemistry teachers have to be these quirky, confident teachers, and that there should be stories told about chemistry teachers passed on from generation to generation.” He also added that the coolest part about being a chemistry teacher is being able to impress and educate people to understand things they can’t see, such as atoms. “Plus you get to blow stuff up,” Haradem said. “I like to blow up hydrogen balloons and watch them create a big red flame- safely in the fume hood.” Haradem is a main suspect for when fire alarms go off unexpectedly.
8 | News and Features
that he loved it here at Allen. “My wife works for the district as a bus aid on a special education bus. She’s the best part of my life, including my puggle named Jazmine,” Haradem said. Haradem has been an Allen Eagle since 2003, and despite teaching for 14 years,
Haradem hasn’t always been a teacher. “I used to be a gold refiner,” Haradem said. “I chemically mixed metals together to make gold bars. I didn’t like [the] lack of socializing that came with that job, though, and found teaching a much better way to socialize like I wanted to.” Haradem said he also had dreams of being an actor while he was young, but said some realistic views kept him from pursuing the life on the red carpet. “My vice-principal told me that I had to be the best of the best to make any money in the acting career, and he said he didn’t think I’d be one of the best,” Haradem said. “I wasn’t upset at all. Even back then, I was very logical and understood what he meant.” But what made Haradem a chemistry teacher was the fact chemistry was easy to him, and through a kid in his graduate school lab class. “I found a chess champion who couldn’t average three numbers,” Haradem said. “I couldn’t understand, and I decided at that time that I couldn’t accept that and I had to do something about it. I became a teacher then.” Haradem is a legend in the halls of Allen High School, and has been for 14 years now. His legacy will be passed on from generation to generation, just as any good chemistry teacher’s should be. Quoted from his iconic flipped-classroom videos and known to students throughout the school, “you guys are champions…the legend is out.”
Third time’s a charm: Cheryl Lee Substitute teacher talks past corporate life, why she keeps coming back to Allen Story and photo by | Caroline Tucker
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ot everything comes easy in life, especially the decisions a person has to make. One path can lead towards success, another towards failure, or even love. Retired teacher Cheryl Lee recognizes all paths and how they have all influenced the woman she is today. Lee said she had always felt like she didn’t belong, no matter where she was. Whether it was with finances or fashion, nothing seemed to fit. “When I became a teacher, I changed,” Lee said. “I became a better woman. I became a better mom, a better person [and] a better human being because teaching is so not about me, it’s all about kids.” Lee said she began her journey as the first child in her family to go to college. She pursued a fashion degree at University of North Texas, only to find that fashion and Lee were not meant to be. “One thing led to another and I ended up working for Credit Bureau,” Lee said. “I was in sales for one of the world’s largest credit bureaus, and I was very successful.”
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I became a better woman. I became a better mom, a better person [and] a better human being because teaching is so not about me, it’s all about kids.
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Lee worked there for seven years, but once again, it was another career that she said she could not stick with. Eventually, Lee was promoted to be vice president of a Fortune 100 company in America. Even
with the new promotion, Lee said she still was not satisfied with her work. “The work I was doing wasn’t evil or wrong, it just wasn’t very meaningful,” Lee said. “I really wanted my kids to say, ‘my mom did something really unselfish,’ but I had never thought that I would be a teacher.”
Lee’s transition to the education system didn’t even begin with her being a teacher. She started out as a secretary and wasn’t even sure that she liked the students. “My principal would tell me that I was meant to be a teacher, but I thought that I could never do that,” Lee said. “One thing led to another. I got used to the kids and comfortable with the campus, so I became more relatable with the students here.”
Lee decided to leave everything she knew and changed her whole course in life, but said she wasn’t afraid of a challenge. “The biggest shift for me was when I stopped focusing on what students could learn from me, and I started asking ‘what am I supposed to learn from them,’” Lee said. Lee said she was ready to face any challenge, because she finally found where she could flourish in most. Not only did Lee transition from a credit card business to a high school, but then a high school to Dillard Special Achievement Center in Allen Independent School District. “It’s so mysterious, and it is unfortunate that students don’t know what it’s like over there,” Lee said. “I wish I had gone over there as a full-time teacher because if the full-time teachers now saw what it was like, they would be more understanding [and] compassionate.” Lee said she looks for ways to connect with her students, and hopes to make a positive impact on all of them. She continues her love for teaching as a substitute teacher for Allen High School. “I hope that when they think of me, they’ll think, ‘she made me feel so good about myself right where I am; that I didn’t need to be anything different or a label or dress a certain way. Didn’t need to have a certain home; drive a certain car. That Mrs. Lee loved me just the way I was,’” she said. “That’s what I want my students to remember about me. That I loved them just the way they are.”
News and Features | 9
From Allen, with love Allen residents reach out to Texans in need after Hurricane Harvey Story by | Tate Peterson and Julia Zaksek
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H
urricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on Aug. 25. The Category 4 hurricane was the first major hurricane (Category 3 or higher), to make landfall in the United States since 2005. The storm destroyed onethird of the city and drastically changed the lives of those who fell in its path. With their homes, schools and businesses destroyed, many in Houston turned to their relatives and fellow Texans for aid.
Displaced
South Texas isn’t the place to be during storm season, as the geography of this region causes many unpredictable problems. Areas along the coast in Galveston and metropolitan centers like Houston have elevations extremely close to sea level–the source of these issues. This amount of rainfall was to be expected, but there wasn’t much for the people of Houston to do. The process of evacuating a city is close to impossible, as major highways get backed up causing car accidents, an increased reliance on emergency services, and a general frustration in evacuating millions of people out of a single location. Houston is, after all, the fourth most populous city in the United States. The people of Houston were stuck, and they were forced to wait out one of the strongest storms in U.S. history. Harvey was the first major hurricane to make its way to Texas since hurricane Ike. The
aftereffects of Harvey were unimaginable.
The Aftermath
English teacher Julie Byers said it would take years for Houston to return to normal. Byers’ parents and step-siblings live in Houston, and they were subjected to the problems that Harvey caused for millions of residents. “They lost their home,” Byers said. “They lost their vehicles. They had to be evacuated by FEMA.” Byers’ parents and step-siblings lived in Kingwood, the community Allen raised funds for. Kingwood’s high school was destroyed during the storm and could not open for the school year, due to massive flooding. The building must undergo intensive repairs before it can be safe for students.* “I have friends whose kids are going to school in Kingwood, so now they’re attending other campuses,” Byers said. Harvey has already been predicted to cost more than Hurricanes Katrina or Sandy, and it’s apparent in the damage caused to the houses, shopping centers, corporate offices and lives of those living in Houston. Those with connections to Houston, whether it be through family or friendship, know how devastating Harvey has been to those in the city. “Their entire downstairs level of their two-story house has to be renovated, and all of their kitchen appliances have to be replaced,” senior Nicole Kim said about her
aunt and uncle’s home. The impact on the businesses, apartments and schools that serve Houston only add to the struggles the city will have to overcome. Business and shopping centers had roofs torn off and products were displaced by high water levels. General destruction forced many places to close, terminating operation until the government or business finds the money to solve the problem. “A lot of the apartment complexes have waiting lists,” Byers said. “[My family] chose [an apartment] that was available. The places that they looked at, the earliest they were available was November.” Byers also said her family found that some apartment complexes didn’t have availability until early next year. Her family went with what they could get into the quickest. In addition to housing woes, Houston’s businesses were forced to close, contributing to the heavy cost of damages. “My dad is a chemical engineer, so his plant had to be shut down for a couple of days,” senior Zach Huseth said. Houston’s school districts felt the same effects. Harvey happened to hit at a time in which school was just starting for students. Most students had to wait at least two weeks, while others had their buildings destroyed enough to delay school for months. “Water came into [their] school so [they] didn’t start until Sept. 13,” Huseth said when discussing how his family in Houston was affected.
News and Features | 11
Hurricane Harvey by the numbers Compiled by | Tate Peterson and Julia Zaksek > $180 billion in damages > $125 billion provided by federal aid > 13 million people affected > 135,000 homes damaged or destroyed > 1 million cars wrecked > 82 killed > 450,000 people in need of emergency assistance > 27 trillion gallons of rain over Texas > 50 inches of rainfall in some parts of Houston > 10 cent increase in average gas price
What you can do Compiled by | Julia Zaksek
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Coming together
In the tumultuous 21st century, disasters, both man-made and natural, seem to parade across our TV screens and Twitter feeds. The overexposure can sometimes render the unaffected unable to comprehend the scope and effect of events such as Harvey. How homes and whole neighborhoods can be completely destroyed, leaving many with nothing, is difficult to imagine. “People down in the Houston area have lost if not everything, almost everything,” senior Daniel Garrett said. Garrett and his family are aiding those impacted by Harvey by helping them recover some of what they’ve lost through Trusted World, a donation-based charity that Garrett’s father, Michael, created. “Their motto is ‘they help people help people,’” Garrett said. Trusted World collects donations to distribute to larger non-profits which often run short on vital supplies during times of crisis. Those supplies include foodstuffs, diapers and baby formula. “A lot of people are just very grateful because without the donations, they wouldn’t have anything,” Garrett said. Texas communities have played an
As federal aid and donations from large nonprofits such as the Red Cross are providing aid, individuals and communities can still play a role in Harvey recovery.
important role in the city’s recovery through donations, volunteering and providing support for those impacted. “It’s important for organizations and other people to help out because without their support, it’s going to be extremely hard not just to live after the hurricane, but to build toward some sense of normalcy,” Garrett said. Foodstuffs, clothing, games, baby formula, diapers, shampoo, soaps–a variety of goods– have poured in from across the state. Several students in Allen held drives for needed items. “[People] are not just getting the things that they necessarily need, but that are extremely helpful to have,” Garrett said. “Trusted World is currently working with churches in the Houston area to distribute the donations.” Families and friends across the state also opened their homes to uprooted Texans. After Byers’ family home in Kingwood was ruined, her family was forced to leave Houston and stay with other relatives. “[My parents] had four feet of water in their home; everything was destroyed, even the sheetrock and the flooring. The house’s insides were literally outside,” Byers said. “[When] they were able to get into their home, there were 40 to 50 people there,
Gift cards help affected families, so they can buy what they need when they need it.
Information courtesy of | World Vision and Fortune
helping them [remove] everything from the house.” Although her family was eventually evacuated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Byers said the impact of the hurricane, both tangible and intangible, is immense. She said that often, the best way to help those affected is simply to listen to their stories and be patient as they recover from loss. Many people in Allen have family members, friends and colleagues in Houston. To help them get back on their feet, many are making personal sacrifices. “My grandparents were saving their money to take a trip for their anniversary but gave it to my uncle and aunt’s family,” Kim said. “My parents gave what they could give left from their savings and are trying to help them find replacements for their cars and kitchen appliances.” The sheer amount of support, prayers and thoughts from around the world highlight the more positive parts of human nature. “Everyone [came] together and [helped] each other regardless of their race, beliefs, or political views,” Huseth said.
Simple, small items are the most common on needed donation lists; games, children’s books, shampoo and soap are still in demand.
The home of Kim’s aunt and uncle in Katy, Texas, took on several feet of water during the storm. Photos courtesy of | Nicole Kim
Donation centers are still open for volunteers to help with distributing the donations. There are two donation drop off centers open in Dallas for supplies: Oly Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and Trusted World in Frisco News and Features | 13
Welcome to the block party Story and photo by | Jenna Sturgeon
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team filled with both familiar and fresh faces, the Allen High School girls volleyball team is off to a great start of their season. With an extremely talented and hardworking group of girls, Allen could win their first volleyball state championship in school history. The Lady Eagles volleyball team started the season strong, with a district record of 5-4 and a total record of 28-7. However, their road to victory will get more challenging as the season progresses. As the volleyball season began, the Lady Eagles fell victim to a series of injuries that benched junior Morgan Christon and seniors Grace Klepetka, Amari Wilson and Gabby Perez. “It has definitely been a challenge,” Coach Kelley Gregoriew said. “I think they have handled the adversity really well and they have come together as a team to support the group as a whole.” Now, power hitters Christon and Wilson are back on the court, but junior Emily Janek and senior Kelsey Bennett are sidelined with injuries. “From the coaching standpoint, it is just continually coming up with what combination is going to work in that particular moment with the healthy players that we have, and hopefully still healthy as we get towards the end with everybody,” Gregoriew said. “I would love to see the whole team.” Varsity is stacked with 10 seniors this season, so they have had plenty of time to make some great memories and traditions for Allen volleyball.
“Being in such a talented volleyball state, you can’t overlook any team.” - Senior Emily Walsh “The bus rides are always fun. They give us a chance to connect with one another and learn different silly little things about each other,” senior Avery Haydu said. “We also have pregame warm ups in the locker room; we [also] have jam sessions.” As of now, the varsity team has 12 verbal college commitments, an all time high for the Lady Eagles volleyball program. “I think it’s really awesome that we have been able to play with all these
14 | Sports
Seniors Tyra Wilson and Kaitlyn Stoker jump to block a ball against Plano Senior High School on Oct. 6.
extremely talented and gifted athletes here at Allen, and within our district and state,” senior Emily Walsh said. “For college I am nervous, but [because I have been] playing in such a competitive atmosphere, I feel ready to go play.” Texas is a very competitive state for volleyball. Named one of the top four hardest states to win a high school state title in by Maxpreps, Allen is no stranger to tough competition. “I think it’s important to view every game as our strongest opponent because you never know who can sneak up on you,” Walsh said. “Being in such a talented volleyball state, you can’t overlook any team.” The Lady Eagles were the champions of District 6-6A last year and are predicted to repeat as winners. However, they will have to earn the title and finish the season strong, as they have already lost matches to McKinney Boyd High School and Plano West High School in the first round of district. “[Our toughest opponent] was Plano East because they beat us in Pearland,” Haydu said, “but we came back in [the first round of] district and beat them.” For the Lady Eagles, playoffs bring a different aspect to the game, compared to the district games they play in every season. “In district, it is comfortable because you know everyone that you are playing,” Walsh said. “In playoffs, it is a new adventure every game because you don’t
know what [the other teams] are going to be like, or sometimes you might not know anybody on the team that you are playing.” After a few years of playoff runs ending early, the Eagles are ready for the intensity and pressure this season’s playoffs will bring.
“This is Allen’s year to win.” - Senior Avery Haydu
“In district, you have that feeling where it is an important game, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t win,” Haydu said. “In playoffs, if you lose, you’re out, so you have to give it everything you have, every single game.” As of now the Lady Eagles are ranked 16th in the nation and fourth in the state, according to Maxpreps, which predicts success in playoffs for the Lady Eagles. “Everyone on the team is very strong and everyone really contributes to what we are working for,” Walsh said. “We have all known each other for a very long time too, so if there is any time to do it, it would be now, with the talent and the team chemistry.” Since the majority of the varsity players are seniors this year, it is now or never for them to win a state title. “This is Allen’s year to win,” Haydu said.
All information in the article is accurate as of Oct. 12.
Redemption Season
Story by | Brandon Barton
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Photos by | Tate Peterson
ast season, the Allen High School football team went undefeated through the regular season but lost in the 6-6A state semifinals against The Woodlands. Now headed into their second season under head coach Terry Gambill, the Eagles are off to a hot start and gearing up for another deep playoff run. Allen’s 5-0 start came against a series of strong opponents, featuring powerhouses such as Coppell High School and Evangel Christian Academy. The remaining schedule may not have many big name matchups, but it won’t be an easy task with the combined record of the remaining opponents at 15-10. “[Losing to The Woodlands] really put a lot of drive into all of us,” senior safety Taj Bickham said. “We just didn’t want to fall like that. The people who were on varsity, we knew what it felt like. So we set everybody on this year to get past the semi-finals and get the ring and the state championship.” Through five games, junior quarterback Grant Tisdale is averaging 137 passing yards and two touchdowns per game, maintained a 64.3 percent completion percentage, and has rushed for 60.6 yards per game. Although Tisdale’s usage has been limited to an average of 14.6 pass attempts per game, he is also averaging an efficient 117.4 passer rating. “I think we are handling [having new starters] well,” senior running back Brock Sturges said. “We have really grown as a team and come together for the bigger goal, which is to get a ring.” One of the biggest keys to success for Allen this season has been the running
Junior wide receiver Theo Wease catches a pass against Cedar Hill High School on Sept. 1
game. Sturges has led Allen to be among the top 20 rushing teams in class 6A. Through five games, Sturges has averaged 127.8 yards per game, 8.33 yards per carry, 15.6 carries per game, and 2.2 touchdowns per game. “I have a personal goal of growing as a leader and breaking Jonathan Williams’ rushing record here at Allen,” Sturges said. “Jonathan has been someone I can talk to about recruitment, and I think it would be pretty cool to break his record.” Williams, who now plays for the Denver Broncos, holds the record for most rushing yards in a season with 2,073 yards. Aside from a fluke week-four performance where he carried the ball a mere six times for 41 yards due to a blowout, Sturges is averaging 149.5 rushing yards on 18 carries per game. At this pace, Sturges would have 1,386.5 rushing yards total by the end of the regular season. Although the rushing record
is high on his to-do-list, Sturges’ main goal is to win the state championship. “We all have the same goal in mind which is to win a state championship” Sturges said. “We have done a great job this year by winning each day, not looking past anyone and focusing on the task at hand,” Sturges said. Allen’s defense has been stout this year, allowing an average of just 9.6 points to their opponents. The defense also has allowed only 198 total yards per game while holding three different opponents to under 100 total yards. Especially impressive is the pass defense, as Allen has allowed just 92.8 passing yards per game while also collecting seven interceptions. “I think that we have executed well and do what we are coached to do,” senior defensive lineman Logan Meyer said. “Coach Gambill always says that it’s the next man up, and so far everybody has stepped up and filled [the former Allen Eagles’] spots.” With five games remaining until playoffs begin, the Eagles are gearing up for a stretch run that team members said they hope lasts six games longer than the regular season. “We’re really trying to get that ring, so we set everybody on this year to get past the semifinals and get the state championship,” Bickham said.
All information in the article is accurate as of Oct. 12.
Senior running back Brock Sturges celebrates a touchdown against Cedar Hill High School on Sept. 1.
Sports | 15
Friday night lights Allen plays its first game of the season against the Cedar Hill Longhorns.
16 | Photo essay
Photos by | Tate Peterson
Left page, clockwise from the top left: Junior quarterback Grant Tisdale steps out of the pocket for a pass. Junior running back Brock Sturges recieves handoff from Tisdale. Tisdale is able to throw a pass in the open because of Allen’s offesnsive line. Senior safety CJ Johnson and senior defensive back Taj Bickham after the game. Senior linebacker Ryan Angeloni celebrates after a defensive stop for Allen. Right page, clockwise from the top: Senior cornerback Jevon Jones readies himself for a play on defense. Jones celebrates after making a defensive stop on an early drive. The whole Allen team gathers in front of the band to celebrate their 23-8 victory in their first game of the season against Cedar hill. Senior wide reciever Carson Schleker prepares to catch the ball near the sideline.
Flipside: Where is the line on censorship? Censorship: Not a bad idea
Censorship is a bad idea
Column by | Francis Salazar
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ensorship is the banning of books, films, and other media that’s considered obscene, politically unacceptable and/ or a threat to security. Censorship is considered unconstitutional, and as Americans, we love that we have freedom of speech; censorship seems to take that away from us. However in the grand scheme of things, having censorship is a good thing. Before anyone freaks out, censorship does not take away our right of free speech nor does it automatically mean that we are being told what to think. In 2016, a school in Virginia banned the books “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain, due to the racial slurs used in both books. The complaint was filed by a parent stating that the books validate the racial slurs. Parents’ opinions matter and should be
considered. It's hard for parents to impart certain values on their kids when they could go to school and be contradicted by something they read. Furthermore, censorship can, and should be used to dismantle the platform of hate-speech. Hatespeech is any speech that attacks or targets people because of race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation and disabilities. However, due to the negative connotation that censorship is
associated with, it is oftentimes not censored. How can we, the people of America, not censor this? We are the most diverse group of Americans to date, so how can we allow speech that targets any group of people based on old prejudiced views? The idea that hate speech is given given free leeway because censorship is considered unconstitutional is, to be quite frank, ridiculous.
Graphic by | Felix Kalvesmaki
18 | Commentary
Column by | Christine Odwesso
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ensorship has the ability to provide privacy and protection but censorship based on individual sensitivities deprives students of a world of knowledge, the crucial ability to engage in free and public discussion, and the chance to grow as human beings. The prohibition of literature solely because of its sensitive content can be harmful to both students and teachers. Teachers’ resources become limited, which makes it
harder for them to teach students valuable life lessons. Literature has the ability to promote discussion and challenge students to think from a different perspective. Censorship can lead to ignorant, close-minded individuals who possess the inability to empathize and accept people's ideas that differ from their own. The first time I read “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee was in my freshman year. I learned about
inequality, courage and perseverance through the eyes of a unique female character, Scout. I often thought about how she viewed reading as breathing and how she was determined to live life on her own terms. I gained life lessons that are still applicable today, and gained an appreciation for being able to discuss these topics and learn from them. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a book that was required for school. I probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own, yet it is now one of my favorites. Literature has power. It has the power to shape perspective, influence ideas and start discussions. Depriving students of the knowledge a book can provide is wrong and also deprives students of a chance to learn how to engage in discussion, respect diverse thoughts and simply grow as better human beings.
Staff editorial: Stop the exploitation of tragedy
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rom natural disasters wreaking havoc and destruction on the Gulf and the Atlantic coasts, to fatal shootings sparking chaos at music festivals and college campuses, the United States has witnessed a disproportionate amount of tragedy in the last few months. Of course, with rising death tolls comes rising media coverage, and countless news outlets have brought an infinite number of reports on the nation’s recent calamities. There is, however, a dark side to otherwise valiant reporting. The exploitation of victims—ordinary human beings thrust into darkness and misfortune—is a clear violation of human decency, and journalists that participate in this violation are in desperate need of a reality check. In the days and weeks following tragedies of this scale, articles, videos and blogs appear on news sites and YouTube, spouting sensationalist, attention-grabbing headlines. These articles are usually published at the expense of fact. These posts frequently serve the purpose of gaining more views and ratings, which is certainly not in the best interest of the victims. Oftentimes, for these higher views and ratings, the truth is completely omitted to push a political agenda. For instance, after
the Las Vegas shooting, pundits such as Alex Jones from InfoWars were quick to claim that the shooter Stephen Paddock was anti-Trump in order to smear their opposition. Not only is that claim untrue, but it signifies that a personal, vindictive motive was placed before the 59 people who died. Yes, it is the news media’s job to report on everything happening around the globe. It doesn’t matter how heartbreaking these events are, people do need to know about them. However, those affiliated with the press must have the human decency to avoid siphoning attention and profit from the events and people they are covering. This greed is precisely why many Americans, including some of those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, do not have faith in the media. The particular instance of a woman rescued mid-Harvey--known mononymously as Danielle--comes to mind. Danielle, fed up with how a CNN reporter was condescendingly picking her mind, gave her a piece of it. "But y'all sit here...people are really breaking down and y'all sitting here with cameras and microphones trying to ask us what the [expletive] is wrong with us.” This is why journalistic responsibility
is crucial. Without proper tact, customarily baseless scrutiny of the press is validated. Reporters are tasked with the important job of telling the victims’ stories to the world, so it is essential that a respect for human life is evident. If a journalist prioritizes an epic story about Hurricane Maria damaging people’s lives, writing gut-wrenching headlines paired with nonconsensual photos of victims and/or private property--as opposed to putting a spotlight on the newsworthy event itself--they aren’t really a journalist. Journalists ultimately have two true purposes: report about true events and discuss how they impact the people. Yes, tragedy often provides the spark for much needed conversation about controversial topics such as gun control and climate change. However, if coverage violates privacy and decency, it only adds to the horror of the event. To the press: treat this as a wake-up call. Your readers are angry. Don’t exacerbate the excruciatingly difficult times that many Americans are suffering through. Instead, do your jobs. Report responsibly. Report accurately. Report without bias. Report for this country’s greater good, and not your own.
ARTISTS OF ALLEN: MAX WARLOW Compiled by | Kaitlyn Ingram
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For inspiration, I like to do something that looks normal for the most part but is kind of off, like something floating or colored different. I just like to take pictures of the world how it is and put my own personal twist to it. My favorite picture is this one that I took for ATPI (Association of Texas Photography Instructors.) It was a picture of an eyeball staring upwards, and there was a nail falling into the eyeball. That picture won first place in the ATPI Dreams and Nightmares competition out of the whole state of Texas. Recently, it was in a magazine, and got a full page spread. When I'm taking pictures I'm always thinking that I want to do better than I did last time. How do I make something more striking? How do I make people say, “Oh wow, what?” I feel like most of the times I'm just trying to challenge myself. That's a big part of photography to me. It's all about perseverance."
Photos courtesy of | Max Warlow
Commentary | 19
Fall TV Preview Compiled by | Audrey Vieira Photos courtesy of | Creative Commons
Riverdale
Hundreds of shows premiere this fall, offering options for fans of almost every genre and viewing format. With a wide selection of original properties, adaptations and reboots, there is simply not enough time to watch all of the new TV addictions. However, these four premieres are a definite must-see for any TV fan.
Lore
The renewal of “Riverdale,” a teen murder-mystery drama based on the “Archie” comics, promises to answer the questions left unanswered after last May’s cliffhanger finale, while diving deeper into the lives of its characters. Season two is set to introduce Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos) in his first onscreen appearance as the estranged father of Veronica (Camilla Mendes). Another new addition to the cast, Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) will make her debut as a member of the Southside Serpents gang. “Riverdale” returns to the CW Television Network on Oct. 11.
Adapted from the critically-acclaimed podcast of the same name, “Lore” combines history and horror into an anthology of true events behind urban legends. Amazon Prime purchased the rights to the series back in 2016 and plans to promote it with an interactive haunted house, “Lore: A Haunting Experience,” from Oct. 5 to Nov. 12 in Los Angeles. The first six episodes, involving werewolves, changelings and a haunted doll named Robert, premiere on Amazon Prime on Oct. 13.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Stranger Things
Revenge, obsession and musical numbers return in the season three premiere of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” The show follows the titular exgirlfriend Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom) as she seeks vengeance on the man who left her at the altar. The musical dramedy previously earned two Emmy awards. Before it inevitably receives even more of television’s top honors, season three of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” debuts Oct. 13 on the CW Television Network.
20 | Commentary
The world of “Stranger Things” is expanding past the “Upside Down.” Teasers hint at a larger supernatural threat and an unknown spider-like creature in the skies of Hawkins, Indiana. Also joining the main cast is Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), who had a recurring role last season, along with siblings Max (Sadie Sink) and Billy (Dacre Montgomery.) Netflix will release all nine episodes of “Stranger Things” season two on Oct. 27.
Review: Beautiful Trauma Review by | Maya Morriswala
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t has been five long years since pop-rock singer Alecia Moore, more popularly known as Pink, released her sixth album, “The Truth About Love.” So I was thrilled when she released her seventh album, “Beautiful Trauma.” Pink has been around since the late nineties, maturing through each album she has released. Sadly, she is underrated even though she has a beautiful voice and powerful message in each of her songs. “Beautiful Trauma” is a very personal account of turbulent relationships and other difficulties in Pink’s
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life. This is not only evident in the lyrics but in the music itself, which is simple and stripped down. The tracklist is a storyline for the complicated relationship that is put on display, starting with “Beautiful Trauma.” The song sets the stage for all the troubles described in later songs such as “Revenge.” Though “Revenge” is humorous due to the candid lyrics and Eminem’s appearance, it also details an ugly breakup due to alleged cheating. “What About Us,” Pink’s first single off the album, captures the mood of the album as a whole, with the clashing of uplifting and melancholic themes. “Barbies” also fits this mood, as Pink talks not about superficial beauty—which is what I thought it would be about—but about wanting to go back to the days where life was simple: “playing barbies in [her] room.” Pink is desperate to regain a happy relationship in “For Now,” wishing to “freeze/frame/pause/rewind/stop” and
go back to better days. With the song’s powerful chorus contrasting the simple plucked guitar strings in the verses, “For Now” is my favorite song. However, the songs can get repetitive at times because they all dwell on the same topic of broken love that needs to be carefully pieced back together. Despite this, the truth in Pink’s words makes you want to keep listening. In the last song, “You Get My Love,” Pink not only gives a satisfying conclusion to the twisted love story, but stuns the listener with her powerful voice and only a piano to back her. “Beautiful Trauma” contains raw emotion and vocal prowess not often heard in today’s music, which is exemplary in itself. However what really hits home is the message that though life’s challenges can be traumatic, they can also be beautiful. With that strong sentiment in mind, I give “Beautiful Trauma” an enthusiastic A.
Review: Blade Runner C+ Review by | Caroline Tucker
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Blade Runner 2049” is a movie that ran a little too long. Two hours and 43 minutes too long. Thirty-five years ago, Harrison Ford starred in the movie “Blade Runner,” set in the future of 2019, where flying cars and holograms are the new norm. In this dimension, humans created robotic humans called replicants that are used as slave labor but look exactly like a normal person. The only difference is one can feel emotion, the other cannot. Like any other sci-fi movie, the invention soon gains control over itself, and replicants are hunted by police called Blade Runners. Ryan Gosling stars as Officer K., who hunts down rogue replicants. However, there’s a slight problem: in this movie the replicants can reproduce. On top of that, Replicants now have the ability to feel emotions, which makes the audience ask the real question, is the human race the bad guy in this future realm?
The first thing you notice is the sound. The classic synth music, also used in the original movie, envelops you and makes your whole body tense up. The visuals and the color of the movie have a very abstract way of captivating the audience’s eyes. It made you feel like you were right there, staring into Ryan Gosling’s dreamy eyes. Sigh, perfection. Of course in every sequel, there are mistakes, and sometimes they outweigh the good. “Blade Runner 2049” does have an interesting plot, but the transitions lead to you to believe you are watching a much darker “Star Wars” -- complete with more nudity. Terrifying. On top of that, it was very graphic, but if people love seeing blood out of place, then this movie will top the charts. The movie rightfully earned its “R” rating with the harsh language and nakedness that takes place. Overall, this movie deserves a C-plus. Even if it did have an interesting storyline
and fascinating visuals, the fluids and the starkness distract from its better aspects and make a person leave the movie theater with new scarring images. Some things were meant to stay in the 80s, and “Blade Runner 2049” is one of them.
Commentary | 21
Herb’s Paint and Body would like to thank all our customers for over sixty great years of work and service in the Metroplex. We remain committed to this service, and to the Allen community.
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THE ALLEN EAGLES VISIT US AT ANY OF OUR 8 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 1
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