The Kinkaid Falcon - Issue 2, Vol. 73

FALCON

THE

The Kinkaid School 201 Kinkaid School Dr. Houston, TX 77024

November 1, 2019 Volume 73, Issue 2 thefalcon.kinkaid.org

Falling for it.

Schools feed U.S. fast-food obsession Story on page 10-11

INSIDE P. 4 | UPCOMING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS P. 7 | DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS P. 8 | MEET THE MASCOTS P. 18 | KINKAID VS. ST JOHN’S RIVALRY

2 The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

NEWS

BUSY WORKING Ms. Lakeisha Branch curates the digital Library for all Upper School students to access.

Photo by Sam Pitts

New head librarian getting to know students

By Charlie Solé

M

s. Lakeisha Branch, head librarian of the Upper School Library and Archives, gained an opportunity to learn more about high schoolers after she accepted her new role.

Ms. Branch joined the staff three years ago, but she was

named head librarian in 2019.

One of her biggest goals is to try to make the library a more open and collaborative space for students and faculty.

“Students can always feel comfortable and hang out here,” Ms. Branch said.

She had big shoes to fill when she took on her new

position because her predecessor, Ms. Dorian Meyers led the library for 21 years. However, Ms. Meyers mentored Ms. Branch before she left.

“A few weeks ago I was reading some notes from my predecessor, Ms. Meyers, and found some advice from her in the archives, ” Ms. Branch said.

Before coming to Kinkaid, she was a librarian for Lee College in Baytown, Texas.

She said interacting with high school students over the last three years has been a positive experience.

“Getting to know the students has been meaningful and getting to interact with younger

students daily and entering into a different environment has changed my perspective,” she said.

Ms. Branch is the faculty sponsor for the Amnesty International Club and she said she hopes to get even more involved with Upper School students in the coming years.

Thousands of books lined up for 69th annual event

By Madi Babine

T

he aroma of hot chocolate mixed with fresh paperback books brings only one thing to mind: Book Fair.

With the arrival of the holidays, Book Fair serves as an ushering into the holiday season.

The Melcher Gym transforms into its own Barnes and Noble with endless books lining the rows of tables for all to purchase.

Lower, Middle and Upper School students drop by every year with the hopes of claiming a new book for themselves, or possibly a holiday present for another.

Celebrating its 69th year, Kinkaid’s Book Fair, has become an annual event that requires year-long planning.

Mrs. Christina Van Os, 2019 chair of Book Fair, has tenaciously worked with Mrs. Kim Hankamer, 2020 chair, and Mrs. Jodi Altsuler, 2021 chair, alongside over 100 more parent volunteers to perfect the twoday event at Kinkaid.

“We work from an organized

INK INSIDE

KINKAID

“

Our world is changing but promoting literacy and reading will always be important and fundamental.

- Mrs. Christina Van Os, 2019 Book Fair Chair timeline to pull the two-day event together. These last few months have been very busy planning, marketing and putting all the pieces to the puzzle together,” Mrs. Van Os said.

Exhibiting over 2,500 different titles, and 8,000 to 10,000 books in the gym, there is a book for everyone. But the book-ordering process can be quite complex.

First, the chairs must

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complete a “book pull,” where books from Barnes and Noble are selected into the inventory.

After creating a lengthy master spreadsheet, they decide the quantities to order.

Once determining the prices and quantities, the spreadsheet must be translated into Kinkaid On Accounts (KOA), so students and parents are able to purchase the books.

The three chairs, the librarians and the visiting author chairs work together to invite authors to campus for the fair.

After extensive research, they ask authors who often have recently released a book prior to Book Fair.

The librarians select authors to speak to students based on their student division and audience.

The Book Fair chairs and the visiting author chairs only focus on local authors or authors who have a personal connection to Kinkaid.

“Our world is changing but promoting literacy and reading will always be important and fundamental,” Mrs. Van Os said.

Upper School students will

also have the chance to meet authors Jennifer Mathieu and Katharine McGee — both having local Houston ties — during assembly, classes and Family Night.

Along with many different authors, Kinkaid is hoping to showcase some of the very talented Upper School students at Book Fair’s new coffeehouse “Kinkaid Perk.”

A Google document was sent out to all Upper School students, encouraging them to sign up.

Ms. Lakeisha Branch, head librarian, said she hopes all Upper School students come and enjoy book fair, as “many times people view book fair as a Lower or Middle School affair and so many Upper School students may not take the time to come on his or her own/free time.”

Book Fair will take place Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Family Night is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 11, and on Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walk-up tickets are available for $15 for Family Night with dinner provided by Moderno Tacos + Tex-Mex and Crave Cupcakes.

POLITICAL DIVIDE Guest columnist freshman Danny Gilbane writes how pundits on cable news distort reality

PHOTO SWAP On Monday, Kinkaid and St. John’s seniors dressed up as each other. See what St. John’s students wore here.

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | NEWS 3

Senior writes book about kids with disabled siblings Noah Rubinson publishes children's story based on personal experience

By Jack Kloesk

S

enior Noah Rubinson knows firsthand what it is like to have a sibling with disabilities.

His sister, Ella Rubinson, has epilepsy and learning delays inflicted by a brain hemorrhage that she developed when she was 11 days old. Rubinson has had to spend many nights in the hospital as she was cared for.

However, Rubinson recognizes that while the lives of families with members who are disabled can be emotional and difficult, often times the siblings of disabled children are overlooked.

Parents with children who have disabilities can focus

“

I have gotten amazing feedback via text from parents and children with siblings who have disabilities.

- Noah Rubinson, author of I Am Special Too

much of their attention on them, which can prove detrimental to their siblings. Their sibilings can feel undervalued or not as important.

Because of this issue and his personal connection, Rubinson decided to embark on writing a children’s book named "I Am Special Too." Rubinson's desire to write his book started about a year ago. His mother recognized his writing skills in school and recommended that he write a book, referencing his personal connection and involvement in the special needs community.

Since there are many children’s books on disabilities, he wanted to do something different. He decided to focus on the isolation and resentment some siblings of special needs children face.

“You’re not alone even if you feel alone because you’re parents do care about you,” Rubinson said, explaining the message of the book. “You’re not alone in feeling that your parents are giving more attention to your special needs sibling and you need to know that they care about you too.”

This inspiration led to his first words being written on paper during his junior year.

When reflecting on the process, Rubinson said, “I think it was more work than I thought.

It wasn’t something I thought would take more than a year. It’s a lot more difficult to write at a

SPECIAL BOOK I Am Special Too is available for purchase on the Barnes and Nobles website and on Amazon.

very basic level than to write at a more sophisticated one.”

Rubinson recruited sophomore artist Sofia Liu to do the illustrations for the book. Liu began by sketching her designs and using watercolor on them as a basis. From there, she tried various designs and adjusted the color, style and texture of the water color.

When Liu finally found the

design that she desired, she added darker shades for effect.

Rubinson was very impressed by her work as he gave her free reign when it came to the artistic content.

He noted the involvement of his father with editing as well as English teacher Ms. Carolyn McCarthy, who had prior experience with children’s book. Eventually, he found a

professional editor and the book was formatted. The book was released just about a week ago.

“I have gotten amazing feedback via text from parents and children with siblings who have disabilities,” Rubinson said. “They have a way to communicate that they might feel frustrated and do not have to be afraid to share their experiences.”

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4 NEWS | The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

Seniors to cast their ballot in local elections Success of youth voters, candidates in 2018 midterms trickles down to 2019

By Megha Neelapu

MEET THE CANDIDATE Mr. Raj Salhotra, candidate for Houston City Council AtLarge Position 1, emphasized expanding economic opportunity in low-income communities when talking to the Young Liberals Club.

W

hile media attention has been focused on the looming presidential election, municipal elections are happening this year in dozens of major cities across the country, including in Houston. Over 50 seniors will have the opportunity to vote in the election.

This election is marked by an increase in youth involvement in politics, involving the success of high-profile, young liberal candidates and the highest youth turnout seen in decades at the national level in 2018 as well as at the local level with 28-yearold Ms. Lina Hidalgo unseating long-time Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.

This year, a crop of young candidates are running for city council, including 18-year-old gun control activist Mr. Marcel McClinton and 28-year-old former high school math teacher Mr. Raj Salhotra, who are both running for At-Large positions.

The Young Liberals Club are working with Mr. Salhotra, a St. John’s alum and former student of Mr. Ted Curry, Upper School history teacher. After inviting him to speak to the club, members will be phone banking for the campaign to remind supporters to go to the polls.

“It was amazing that he came to talk to us instead of spending

Photo courtesy of Raj for Houston campaign

his time campaigning in larger places,” said senior Alex Nigro, secretary of the club.

Voter turnout for young people is also expected to increase for this municipal elections Dr. Diane Trautman, Harris County Clerk, was elected in 2018 and ran on making it easier for residents of the county to vote. Trautman switched Harris County to countywide voting on Election Day instead of just during early voting, which was first tried in May during school board elections. She also added the University of Houston and

By Sally Buck

F

orcing its way under doors and long windows, over the past few years water has made itself an unwanted friend across Houston. As Tropical Storm Imelda hovered over South-Eastern Texas this September, streets and homes were flooded in what looked to many like a repeat of 2018’s Hurricane Harvey.

Unlike during other storms, most schools across Houston chose not to shut down in anticipation of Imelda, and when the storm hit, some students and faculty were unable to return home.

“When I saw pictures of the streets outside the school, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep at home that night,” said senior Jordan Ricks.

By lunchtime, Mr. Peter Behr, Head of Upper School, announced over the intercom that seniors would not be allowed to leave campus for lunch due to weather hazards.

With at least 12 days of school missed just because of flood hazards in the last three years, it’s clear that Houston just can’t handle the rain.

Along with most of the Texas coast, Houston is built atop of clay soil, one of the least permeable soil types in the nation, making it difficult for the ground to absorb

Texas Southern University as early voting centers, which are expected to increase youth turnout.

After registering to vote in September, several seniors have already voted during early voting or will vote on Election Day. Early voting started on Monday, Oct. 21 and ends on Friday, Nov. 1. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

To find a polling location convenient for you, visit harrisvotes.com.

What’s on the ballot MAYOR

MAJOR CANDIDATES Sylvester Turner Tony Buzbee Bill King Dwight Boykins

CITY CONTROLLER MAJOR CANDIDATES Chris Brown Orlando Sanchez

A growing city means an increase in flooding large quantities of water and slowing drainage. Houston is the only major U.S. city without zoning laws, meaning large buildings and parking lots can be built almost anywhere. The unchecked growth results in large distributions of impervious surfaces like asphalt, concrete and stone, scattered throughout the city.

“When water flows onto these surfaces, it can’t penetrate into the ground so it flows into the streets,” said Mrs. Maggie Honig, AP environmental science teacher. “This creates little rivers everytime it rains.”

While the growing infrastructure of the city certainly exasperates flooding, it is not the sole cause. The warm water in the Gulf hosts the perfect breeding ground for large storms, and as global temperature increases, the magnitude of these storms swells with it.

“It’s not that storms are forming all of a sudden, even without warming they might, but we’re starting to see them move much slower,” said Mrs. Honig.

Houston is no stranger to rain, but when storms hover for long periods, flooding occurs.

This increase in flooding is not limited to just Houston: it’s a nationwide phenomenon.

According to the National Climate Assessment, frequency of flash floods has increased in the U.S. throughout the last 50 years.

As the city continues to grow, measures to limit flooding will have to grow with it. The Houston Stormwater Management has built several green wells, plant basins that allow more water absorption, and the Harris County Flood Control District has several new projects in the works, one of these being the “2018 Bond Program.”

This project has awarded millions of dollars in repairs following Hurricane Harvey, most recently $22.1 million worth of contracts to the Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and Willow Creek watersheds this April.

But, Ms. Honig said in order to have a lasting impact, the city will have to

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do more.

“Gravel, tunnels, if [the city] build[s] a new reservoir... all of these are good options,” said Ms. Honig.

Following Harvey, officials at the local and federal levels proposed numerous solutions to prevent future catastrophes, one of which was the addition of a third reservoir in the Cypress Creek watershed.

However, the proposal was met with much controversy and resistance, specifically from the Severe Storm Prediction, Education, and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center at Rice University. Their study claims that building an additional reservoir would pose several issues, from displacing hundreds of thousands of families to simply being inefficient.

As officials continue to debate solutions, one thing remains clear: Houston’s flood problem is real, and will only continue to grow if nothing is done to stop it.

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | NEWS 5

In brief DEBATE

The debate team competed at two tournaments the weekend of Oct. 19, one local and one major.

At St. Mark’s School, seniors Sahar Punjwani and Spencer Powers just missed the top 16; despite having the record to advance, they failed to advance based on speaker points. Given St. Mark’s is one of the major national tournaments for high school debate, Upper School Debate Coach, Mr. Eric Emerson stated, “This is a very impressive feat.”

At Stratford High School, Kinkaid found numerous successes. The freshmen team of Katherine Zhang and Samantha Fowler placed second in policy debate. They lost a close final round on a 2-1 decision. Both received substantial points toward qualifying for TFA State.

Freshmen Allison Yang reached the semi-finals of foreign extemporaneous speaking, continuing her successful first-year season.

“Overall it was a great weekend for the team” Mr. Emerson said. “I look forward to the rest of the year with this team.”

IN THEME For over a week, the Spirit of Kinkaid club decorated the Student Center with Candyland themed posters for each of the fall teams.

ASSIGNMENT UPDATE Upper School students will no longer get the opportunity to work on assignments due at midnight. In an effort “to support good sleep habits for students,” Kinkaid has set assignments to not be due any later than 10 p.m., said Peter Behr, head of the upper school.

This has affected students in classes from AP Physics to freshman English. Some disgruntled students think that “the new policy does nothing to address bad sleep patterns,” senior Tanmay Srinivasan said.

“It will just force me to stay up late the night before.”

However, Mr. Behr stated, “If you allow a major assessment due at midnight or even at 10 pm, it could undermine the possible two major assessments the next day if a student works up until the deadline to complete an assignment.”

The goal is that students are encouraged not to stay up late, nor double up on assignments the night of.

In the future, “we want to make all assignments due by the end of the day,” Mr. Behr said.

Photo by Ayush Krishnamoorti

SOK WEEK The Spirit of Kinkaid club, commonly referred to as SOK, took over the senior center in preparation for the St. John’s Game on Nov. 1.

The annual tradition closes the center to all students for a week of work, and some members worked over the weekend as well.

Senior presidents Carson

Keller and Eliza Lawrence, in conjunction with sponsor Jennifer Kehler, lead the 61 members of the club in an effort to design and decorate each poster.

Outside of school hours, the club spends six hours extra each day, including the weekend, to deck out the student center.

“SOK week is a super fun way of getting the student body involved and excited for the game. Each wall is dedicated

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

MODEL UN

On Sunday, Oct. 27, Indians across the world and nation celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights.

However, India Club and Kinkaid decided to celebrate a little early, and a little late, given the lack of school on Sunday. Food was brought in from Indian students throughout the school and was almost completely finished by 10 a.m.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, India Club, with the support of Hispanic and African American Appreciation clubs, will host a movie night on the movie “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” a film on opening an Indian restaurant in southern France, a place with no traditional Indian food.

On Oct. 19, 13 Kinkaid Model UN students took part in the sixth annual Sharpstown International School Model UN conference.

Kinkaid students, along with students from seven other local high schools, debated and discussed numerous important global topics. Kinkaid walked away with five awards.

Junior Meghan Anand won Best Delegate Award for her role as Mitch McConnell in the Senate committee on immigration; sophomore Ali Yousuf won Best Delegate Award for representing Saudi Arabia in the Security Council discussing the crisis of India-Pakistan. Junior

CELEBRATION Indian food was available for students in the library on Friday.

Tradtional sweets and snacks like gelabi and samosas were on display. Photo

by Ethan Jett

to a different fall sport, and in theme with Candyland,” said Keller.

“Most of the time, their ideas and design plans translate beautifully, but they also adjust well when something doesn’t work and they must create a new design,” said Ms. Jennifer Kehler, SOK adviser.

Students scoured the student center on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Ethan Pintar, sophomore Ryan Karkowsky, and freshman Jaisal Kalapatapu all won honorable mentions for a variety of efforts including roles such as Vladamir Putin in the Hong Kong protests.

Kinkaid will be heading to Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Stanford in the upcoming months as a broad effort to compete in national competitions.

“In addition to the honors of getting the awards, the committee chairs made comments about the winners that are especially impressive, in particular commending their exceptional roles,” said Tamasine Ellis, one of the leaders of the Model UN team.

Speakers discuss politics, social justice with Upper School students Aundh Fund Speaker starts dialogue on South Asian American history

By Megha Neelapu

On Tuesday, Dr. Khyati Joshi, Aundh Fund Speaker, spoke to the Upper School assembly on the history of race and religion in the United States.

Dr. Joshi is a scholar in race, immigration and religious studies.

She is a professor of education at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her speech at assembly focused specifically on the discriminatory immigration policies of U.S. from South Asian countries in the 19th and 20th centuries through legislation.

Ms. Anjaly Thakkar, Upper School Math Teacher, recommended Dr. Joshi to the Aundh Fund after her interactions with her at the Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice.

“The mission of the Aundh Fund is to spread global awareness with a specific focus on South Asia and Africa. We felt that her synthesis of American history as it applies to these groups matche[d] that mission,” Ms. Thakkar said.

After assembly, Dr. Joshi spoke to small group of students during lunch and after school on the challenges

Republican running for Congress participates in Q&A with clubs CIVIL SERVICE Mr. Wesley Hunt, Republican for 7th Congressional District, encourages students to get involved in politics.

Photo by Megha Neelapu

Photo courtesy of khyatijoshi.com

SPREADING AWARENESS Aundh Fund Speaker, Dr. Khyati Joshi spoke to students on the prevalent issues of race and immigration.

South Asian and other non-white students can face growing up as a minority in the U.S. Drawing on her personal experience of growing up in Georgia in the 1980s, she said that finding a community of fellow South Asian students was important to her.

“I really liked that we were given that small space,” senior Inara Khan. “I liked that she addressed issues of the children of immigrants.”

On Thursday, Mr. Wesley Hunt, a Republican candidate for the 7th Congressional District, spoke to students and teachers during clubs.

Mr. Hunt is a St. John’s alum and former student of Mr. Ted Curry, Upper School History Teacher.

After St. John’s he went to West Point and served in the U.S. Army; he emphasized his military service as well as the uniqueness of his position as a black Republican.

In addition to talking about his background, he discussed issues affecting the

district, answering students’ questions on climate change, economic development and partisanship.

“I thought it was very informative,” said freshman Topher Detmering. “I liked his consideration for other people’s ideas.”

Mr. Hunt is running against two other Republican candidates who will face off in the primary in March. The winner will be on the ballot next to Democrat Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher in November’s general election.

6 The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

OPINION

THE EDITORS’ STANCE

Is there too much unhealthy food in DLC? Students lose battle between willpower and cafeteria snacks

K

inkaid is known for having tasty cafeteria food. The school has a phenomenal kitchen staff, and delicious, allergy-friendly options.

Although there is a variety of greens and nutritious items for students and faculty to choose from, many students, especially younger ones, have not yet developed the discipline to opt for the healthier choices. In addition to the abundance of healthy food in the Dining and Learning Center, there is also an abundance of unhealthy foods.

Students purchase an unsettling amount of high-sodium chips, sugary drinks, and desserts.

On average, 340 bags of chips, 300 portions of cookies, 300 portions of desserts, 50 frappuccinos, and 100 other snack items are purchased each day from the Dining and Learning center said Chef Mark Harris.

These foods, with the exception of coffee for Middle School, are readily available for Middle Schoolers and high schoolers to purchase at any time throughout the day with a simple swipe of their Falcon Card.

Fortunately, unhealthy foods are rare-

“

I see Upper School students get a small bowl of pasta and four cookies.

- Chef Mark Harris

ly offered to Lower School students, and desert is served only on Fridays.

Middle School has very few restrictions on food purchases. These include no soda and no coffee.

One Upper School student said, “when I was in 6th grade, I ate two cookies and a bag of chips every day for lunch.”

Students spend a large portion of

their time and meals at school, where their parents are not able to monitor what they are eating. Therefore, the Kinkaid cafeteria should increase the restrictions on unhealthy food for Middle School, such as only serving dessert once a week and completely eliminating processed foods -- such as chips. High cholesterol chips could be replaced with low-sodium popcorn, or whole wheat animal crackers.

Similarly, ice cream could be replaced with organic popsicles.

More students in America suffer from obesity than in any other country, and Texas is the tenth most obese state in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The Houston Department of Health and Services reports that 35 percent of students in Texas are considered obese. Moreover, High School and Middle School aged kids do not always have the willpower to decline unhealthy foods when they are so readily available.

Kinkaid has consistently been taking small steps toward minimizing unhealthy food options.

“One of the biggest things we did towards junk food was eliminating Pop Tarts. Pop Tarts are so bad for you,” Chef Harris said.

In addition, soft drinks are no longer offered to middle school students. Similarly, nothing is fried for lower school students.

On the other hand, there is still an abundance of unhealthy options for both Middle and Upper School.

“I see high school kids get a small bowl of pasta and four cookies,” Harris said.

Letters can be sent to: The Kinkaid School 201 Kinkaid School Dr. Houston, TX 77024 Please direct advertising inquires to frankie.wimbish@ kinkaid.org.

The opinions expressed in The Falcon belong solely to the writer and are not a reflection or representation of the opinions of the school or its administrators.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madi Babine Illustration by Ms. Megan Martin, Upper School Visual Arts Teacher

Nevertheless, many people in the Kinkaid community, including Chef Harris, believe that Upper School students should be able to make decisions regarding nutrition on their own, because students will also be faced with these types of decisions in college.

“It’s a good stepping stone in my opinion,” Harris said.

An unsigned staff editorial reflects the majority opinion of The Falcon newspaper’s editorial board, which comprises all newspaper editors. In no way does the opinion of the editorial board reflect that of The Kinkaid School’s administration, faculty, staff, student body or general community.

DEPUTY EDITOR Megha Neelapu MANAGING EDITORS Maggie Johnston & Megan Riley DIGITAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sally Buck NEWS EDITOR Ayush Krishnamoorti OPINION EDITOR Eliza Griggs FEATURES EDITOR Mya Franklin LIFESTYLES EDITOR Nicole Fernandez SPORTS EDITORS Charles Garrison & Wilson Kelsey

Creating a healthier lifestyle

Madi Babine, Editor-in-Chief

The Falcon’s mission is to be an accurate and reliable source of information for the Kinkaid School community by informing readers about topics that are interesting, thoughtprovoking, and impactful for the school, Houston area and Texas, as well as other parts of the world.

Questions or comments?

We welcome your voice and feedback in the form of email, letters and guest articles. Please email student. publications@kinkaid.org or call (713) 243-6591 or use the contact form at thefalcon. kinkaid.org.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Dear Reader, As I scrolled through the daily news, I came across this article on AP News that forced me to look twice at the headline: “More severely obese kids should get surgery, MD group says.”

Nearly 5 million U.S. children and teens are severely obese, a near doubling over the last 20 years.

What is causing this nationwide epidemic? Is it genetics? Is it their diets? Health problems?

After doing some quick research, I thought about the effect of the school’s cafeteria food on

THE FALCON

the well-being of students. Even just from elementary to middle school, on average students eat 68 percent more calories and 62 percent more sweetened beverages.

According to The United States Department of Agriculture reported that a healthy breakfast includes a full cup of fruit, fat-free milk, vegetables and meat to pair with whole grains with fiber. Although many schools, including Kinkaid, follow these guidelines, what keeps a student from skipping out on the vegetables and eating a sugary treat instead?

This caused me to wonder how big

of a role schools should have in influencing what students eat? Should they provide the food students want, or the food students need?

Despite this teetering question, Kinkaid does an excellent job trying to satisfy both ideas, and we should acknowledge that. So instead of criticizing the food in the cafeteria, appreciate the diversity of healthy options.

Sincerely, Madi Babine

Corrections

Issue 1, published October 4, 2019 “Varsity Football” on pg. 19: The player is not senior Matthew Bale as labeled. He is junior William Watson. “From the Sideline” on pg. 16: Boys Cross Country did not receive a last-place finish in SPC last year. They finished next-to-last, in fourteenth place.

The Falcon welcomes comments and suggestions. We seek to publish corrections and clarifications in the subsequent issue. Please email any corrections to student.publications@kinkaid.org.

PHOTO EDITOR Frankie Wimbish STAFF WRITERS Cooper Buck Trinity Curry Ethan Jett Jaisal Kalapatapu Jack Kloesk Dylan Marcus Sam Pitts William Scott Charlie Solé Chris Stallings Camila Vicens ADVISER Dr. Kimetris Baltrip The Falcon is published six times a school year. The paper is distributed to 613 Upper School students, There are 750 free print copies made available and 248 copies are mailed to subscribers. The Falcon is a member of CSPA and NSPA.

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | OPINION 7

Accommodating education Facilities accessible to all also means at all times

By Mya Franklin

F

or a student or faculty member without an orthopedic disability, the elevator located on the second floor of the Student Life building and the ramp in the Student Center might seem like adequate accommodations.

But this is not enough.

These accommodations may never seem like a nuisance until students are in a boot or wheelchair, or hobbling on crutches. They may never be aggravating until a student has a disability and the building itself becomes a barrier to getting an education.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public school districts are obligated to “provide a free education, in an integrated setting where possible, to students with disabilities and make accommodations for their individual educational needs.”

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by places of public accommodations.

According to Texasprojectfirst. org, a project that provides information to families of students with disabilities, Title III of the ADA states: “a nursery, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate private school, or other place of education” are places of public accommodation.

Under the ADA, a private school must reasonably accommodate any individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

For private schools, the phrase “reasonable accommodations” muddles the rules. Especially in a school as old as Kinkaid, standards of accessibility for students with disabilities becomes murky.

“At private schools, you don’t see kids with aids,” said senior Mary

“

There is a desperate need for an upgraded facility that would allow all students to participate fully in the school.

- Mr. Peter Behr, Upper School Head

Katherine Rice, who has a younger brother with duchenne muscular dystrophy who requires a motorized wheelchair. “The reason that most people have aids at schools because public schools are required by law to give you what you need.”

Private schools are required to make reasonable adjustments and provide services for students with orthopedic, visual, auditory, as well as emotional disabilities, unless doing so “would fundamentally alter the nature of the programs or result in an undue burden,” according to the American Psychological Association.

Kinkaid has to comply with some aspects of the ADA, depending on building codes and other considerations, said Mr. Behr, head of the Upper School.

There is a prevalent misconception, one that can bar students with disabilities from educational institutions, that only new buildings need to be accessible.

According to the 2016 ADA

Checklist for Existing Facilities by the Institute for Human Centered Design, older facilities like Kinkaid -- which is 62 years old in its Piney Point location -- have to comply with ADA requirements and are not “grandfathered in,” because “the ADA is a civil law and not a building code.”

Maneuvering around campus can become strenuous and taxing.

Coupled with a sea of students in the clogged arteries of the hallways, a student who is injured can encounter hindrances.

Senior Meredith Huston, who injured her ankle last January during soccer practice, attested to her frustration with the lack of elevator access.

Huston was in Mrs. Kristen Bird’s English III class, located on the second floor of the Upper School library, which does not have elevator access.

With her injury, Huston said she was hesitant to use the stairs to get to class. However, the Upper School moved her class to Ms. Casey Fleming’s room on the first floor.

Sophomore Brandon Tran, who injured his tibia and fibula last November during a wrestling match.

“Two of my classes were upstairs...it kind of was not great,” Tran said, referring to the Student Life Building where there is elevator access. “They can do something for handicapped people for the upstairs in the library.”

Mr. Behr recognizes the dearth in access for students with disabilities.

“There is a desperate need for an upgraded facility that would allow all students to participate fully in the school,” Mr. Behr said. “[This] is definitely concerning.”

It is challenging to completely redesign facilities for students with disabilities. But if students can get the latest technology, students who need special accommodations should receive the same courtesy.

The Kinkaid School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Here are a few statements concerning reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities at private schools from “The Americans with Disabilities Act and Independent Schools,” a 2016 publication created by the NAIS Legal Advisory.

N

“

AIS thinks that it is important for schools to be aware of the legal obligations schools owe to individuals with disabilities and encourages its schools to go beyond the basic obligations and reach out to disabled students...”

“The ADA covers a broad range of issues applicable to schools. Under the ADA, independent schools may not discriminate against any student with a disability by excluding the student from fully participating in any school program or activity...”

“An independent school’s ADA obligations are only triggered if the school is aware of a student’s disability. An independent school may be liable for failure to make reasonable accommodations if a student can show that the school knew or should have known of a student’s disability or request for accommodation. Therefore, it is generally the student’s (or the student’s family’s responsibility to request accommodations and to provide the school with evidence establishing disability...”

8 The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

FEATURES

Behind the beak

TALONS UP The falcon leads the student section at a fall football game.

Photo by Megan Riley

An inside scoop on the football season’s mascot duo St. John’s has been a tradition since 1953, and stealing each other’s mascots the night before the big game soon became one of the annual rituals. In the fall of 1986, students from St. John’s, in the haste of capturing Captain John, fractured one of the statue’s legs and the 7-foot falcon was deemed irreparable.

Fast forward to 2019, Kinkaid’s mascotting position has evolved into a live character, where a select student dresses up and plays the part.

Jimmy Adkins, a junior, was recruited by the cheer team and coaches this past summer. After attending a five-hour training clinic, Adkins realized the magnitude of his position. He decided he needed a partner in his seemingly twoman job. That’s when Walker Brown, also a junior, accepted the position of comascot.

“Being comascots basically means that we only have half of the work,’’ Brown said.

When one is in the suit, the other is tending to the mascot’s needs and making sure he stays hydrated.

Adkins said sharing the role

By Megan Riley

R

umbling stands and bleachers packed with roaring crowds occupy the eardrums of fans at a typical Friday night football game at The Kinkaid School.

The cheerleaders fly into the air, one after another, with onlookers anticipating their arrival back into the arms of their squad members.

The sky slowly sets to a warm purple hue as the sun disappears beyond the field goal.

A sideline barrier between the football team and the crowd is definitive, but the mascot unites the energies of the players and the fans.

The term mascot, derived from the French word mascotte, or “lucky charm,” entered American culture in the late 1800s. The earliest record of a physical mascot at Kinkaid was “Captain John” in 1979.

Standing at 7-feet tall, Captain John was a purple falcon statue gifted to the headmaster at the time, John Cooper.

The statue served at sporting events all around the school until 1986, when it met its tragic fate.

Kinkaid’s rivalry against

Photo by David Shutts

is better and he would not be Although these seemingly able to complete an entire game hindering aspects of being in the suit. the mascot may cause one to The mascots make their steer clear of the role, Adkins appearance exclusively at home and Brown make certain that games, with exception to the the positives outweigh the annual St. John’s game at Rice hardships when they cheer.

Stadium. Their typical pre“Seeing how excited all of game preparation consists of the kids get when we walk by arriving to the field 20 minutes is so cool, and before seeing their faces kickoff, light up after we dressed give them a high in fairly five is an amazing light-weight “Seeing how excited feeling,” Adkins apparel and said. all of the kids get full of a solid The celebritywhen we walk by is so like status the meal.

Because cool, and seeing their mascot has at a the football football game faces light up after season takes inspires Adkins we give them a high and Brown, place in Houston reminding them five is an amazing while the of why they enjoy feeling.” weather is doing it. upwards of - Jimmy Adkins, junior “When 80 degrees, younger students the costume look up to can get you, it kind of considerably sweaty. As a sparks a different feeling of result, arguably their most accomplishment,” Brown said. important pre-game ritual is Throughout the season, drinking water.

Adkins and Brown have learned Although during gametime, more about teamwork and the falcon may appear to value each other’s investment be leading the crowd in an in the position. As a primarily effortless manner, behind entertaining position that the beak and underneath the requires a sense of humor, the feathers, blazing temperatures boys make sure not to take the and limited allowance for job too seriously. movement have developed into The pair are regularly seen obstacles neither Adkins nor mimicking the cheerleaders, Brown realized would be so running up the bleachers, apparent. or most recently —doing “I have a very narrow field gymnastics. of view in the suit and no Adkins recalled one of peripheral vision,” Brown said. his favorite moments on the “I can’t rotate my head, nor can sidelines: “I’ll never forget I look up or down, and in order watching Walker attempt a to do so, I have to shift my backflip in the suit and landing entire torso.” on his head.”

“

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | FEATURES 9

Actors shine in fall plays Two very different shows open new season

By Nicole Fernandez

F

rom acting in a pool with strobe lights to nothing but a couch, the Kinkaid theater program appeased a variety of tastes in the October productions of “The Taming” and “Metamorphoses.”

Juniors Avery Ham and Artemis Postolos along with senior Eliza Moldawer starred in “The Taming,” by Lauren Gunderson, as a part of KinkADE UNderground. KinkADE UNderground puts on plays with minimal lights, props and costumes to focus on the actors and provide them with challenging material.

The “Taming” places a Republican senator’s aide, a liberal blogger, and a pageant queen in a hotel room with the goal of rewriting the U.S. Constitution.

With only a couch, blanket and desk, the actresses in the play spoke on hot-button topics that would not typically be in a Kinkaid production and paired them with humor to create a joyful show.

“I really love acting and theater, but I also really love history and politics,” Ham said. “So being able to combine the two into one play has really just been so much fun for me and I always look forward to going to rehearsal.”

“The Taming” was a comical, light-hearted approach to sensitive topics for theatergoers regardless of political affiliation.

Utilizing water to enhance the complexity of the production, “Metamorphoses” took place in and around a pool that was built by technical theatre students.

This play pieced together Greek and Roman

mythologies that were connected through a common theme: love.

All the stories in “Metamorphosis” focused on the power of love and how it can change oneself. A key component in portraying the theme was water.

Water was meant to represent, “how we can be transformed or changed or even metamorphosed into something different,” junior Micheal Hay said.

The pool was a hit not only with the audience, but also with the actors.

Junior Martin Ibarra said he was filled with excitement and anxiety when he was introduced to performing in the water as opposed to acting on a stage.

“I mean...it’s not every day a play has a splash zone,” he said.

“Metamorphoses” gave an opportunity for the actors as well as the audience to push themselves and think about love in a new light.

A common theme between the plays was friendship. “[My] favorite part of Metamorphoses and any show, in general, was the friendships made along the way,” Hay said.

Ham shared a similar sentiment.

“There’s only six of us, including our director, and it’s really just a tightknit group of people and we have so much fun and we’ve all become really great friends,” she said.

“Metamorphoses” and “The Taming” pushed the audience and the actors to broaden their horizons and views.

10 FEATURES | The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

The oily slope to obesity: Unhealthy foods in schools are a root cause of the obesity epidemic

By Ayush Krishnamoorti & Frankie Wimbish

A

line of pizzas sit on a set of cutting boards labeled cheese, pepperoni, and vegetable. Each has a variety of toppings, cheeses and small pools of oil covering the sauce and dough. After grabbing a slice, students find a table in the Dining and Learning Center, and while some indulge immediately, others instinctively reach for a napkin to soak up some of the excess grease.

This instinct can dramatically reduce the amount of grease consumed. But what is inherently bad about grease?

Grease has high-calorie content and density, meaning that it takes significantly more calories to satisfy hunger and prompt people to stop eating, according to the National Institute of Health. In addition to creating high levels of saturated and trans-fats, grease, the combination of oils and fats, causes everything from elevated cholesterol levels to cardiovascular disease.

Grease is not the only unhealthy aspect of food. Saturated fats, excess sugars and salts can all be found in school meal. However, Kinkaid’s problem pales in comparison to the nation.

America has been in the middle of an obesity crisis for decades. With obesity rates over triple what they were 30 years ago and with nearly the largest obesity population in the nation, according to a new press release, Texas plans to target youth with healthier food options school cafeterias. However, as the CDC reported, fewer than 10% of state school cafeterias sell fruits and the vast majority have vending machines that advertise accessible, unhealthy snacks.

Head Chef Mark Harris says the unhealthy options in the school cafeteria are there simply by popular demand. “If we didn’t serve chips, there would probably be an uproar,” he said.

Kinkaid has taken precautions when it comes to oils, Chef Harris said.

“We offer a wide

variety of foods, anything from junk food such as cookies brownies and sodas, to the healthy salad bar. Despite the numerous options available to students, upwards of 80 percent of students are going after the hot lunches," he said.

Some of the hot lunches consist of fried meat, fried potatoes and bread, all of which are leading culprits in America’s carb consumption.

It’s important to contextualize America’s obesity problem. First, it’s not new. According to the New Yorker, in 1950, the American Medical Association identified obesity as the nation’s number one health problem. Obesity is still by and large the number one health risk in America. According to the CDC, in 1990, all states had a prevalence of obesity less than 10%, but in 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.

As obesity rates skyrocket to all-time highs, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, all proven consequences of obesity, kill more and more Americans each year.

A 2013 study released by the CDC revealed that about 18% of total preventable deaths could be traced back to obesity, meaning the epidemic is statistically worse than the heroin epidemic and comparable to smoking, which is responsible for one in five preventable deaths each year.

Despite a history of obesity and a worsening problem across the nation, it doesn’t look as if Kinkaid is facing the same issues. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including school-wide athletic requirements, a well-trained and health-oriented kitchen staff, school limits on certain foods for certain age groups, or a community that values health.

The World Health Organization said addressing obesity requires an approach that includes, “promoting healthy

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | FEATURES 11

America's epidemic

“

We offer a wide variety of foods, anything from junk food such as cookies brownies and sodas, to the healthy salad bars.

- Mr. Mark Harris, Executive Chef and Food Service Director eating habits, developing policy on increasing access to healthy food, and encouraging exercise.” Kinkaid is crucially integrating these three in policy and cafeteria.

Additionally, students at Kinkaid are significantly less likely to be obese due to their age.

According to a National Health Institute study, people age 40 and up are more than two and a half times as likely to be obese than people age 19 or under. There have also been nationwide movements such as the Got Milk? and Play60 among other campaigns, which are all targeted at improving children’s diets.

Still, cafeterias across America can take necessary steps to stop growth in the rates of childhood obesity. In any cafeteria unhealthy options will be available, so often times students are required to be responsible for the healthy or unhealthy choices they make when dining.

When any Kinkaid student brings their chosen meal to the register to pay, they are greeted by a cornucopia of cookies, Rice

Krispie treats, chips and ice cream bars. Even if a student decides to eat a healthy meal, say a fish taco, asparagus, and a stuffed tomato, the checkout line tempts them to succumb to the an excess sugar and fats.

Grease is clearly not the only thing plaguing kitchens across America; the aforementioned processed foods are unhealthy, and is well exceeding recommended sugar limits each day.

The intake that nutritionists suggest, of 38g, just takes two cups of orange juice to surpass. Outside of being a major contributor to the obesity epidemic, sugar significantly increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and drained energy.

It’s addictive.

For lower schoolers, “there is no soda or juices down there any more,” said Harris. “People were creating drinks filled with sugars, to the point where everyone was hyper. When it comes to middle schoolers, they only can get juice, but even that has a high amount of sugar. Only upper schoolers have the flexibility to choose their choice of drink, due to increased responsibility,'' said Harris.

Other progress has been made by the cafeteria. They have altogether removed pop tarts from the checkout line, which is normally filled with processed foods in neatly packed boxes.

Despite this, Kinkaid places a large emphasis on allowing students to make choices with their food. “Sometimes you see students grabbing a small soup and four cookies. There really is not much you can do about that," said Harris.

Possibilities for healthy foods are available at Kinkaid. Specifically for seniors, who have the chance to go off campus to healthy food locations like Whole Foods, where variety is even greater. If each student takes the initiative to limit sugars, grease, and processed foods, Kinkaid more than supplements them with opportunities to be healthy and fit.

1 in 6 Deaths in America can be attributed to the obesity epidemic Source: CDC

39.8% Of adults are affected by obesity Source: CDC

4g The amount of fat eliminated by dabbing a slice of pizza with a napkin Source: Mentalfloss.com

85%

percentage of Kinkaid diners who eat the hot lunch if it’s available Source: Chef Harris

56%

total recommended sugar intake is provided by just one glass of orange juice Source: The New York Times

12 FEATURES | The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

Stickies for smiles

Senior legacy project aims to spread positivity across campus

By Camila Vicens

T

ucked in the back of the Starbucks near Kinkaid on San Felipe and Voss, a jar overflows with sticky notes folded in tight bundles, hiding secret messages inside them. As customers wait for their drinks, they write positive messages on pads of paper and stuff them inside a jar, while pulling out one handwritten message to brighten their day.

This school year, the administration has continued its commitment to service by adding a senior legacy project. The goal of these legacy projects is to uplift the spirits of each student.

The most recent one was from the community group of Ms. Vanessa Zamudio, Upper School Spanish teacher, who raised awareness about the importance of sleep on mental health.

The day featured posters about the detrimental effects of lack of sleep, and a senior free pajama dress day. The free dress day was appreciated by seniors, who are in the midst of the college application process, and was a “comfortable break in routine,” said senior Meredith Huston.

“We really needed this day where we could relax. Squeezed right in the middle of college apps, test days, and fall season, this was perfect timing for the event. Having events like this

during stressful times really shows how much Kinkaid values its students,” said Huston.

The community group of Mr. Eric Emerson, Upper School debate coach, had a difficult time deciding how to leave a meaningful imprint on the Upper School to cement their legacy. The air in Mr. Emerson’s classroom was tense as members of their community group fired off ideas on how to make a lasting impression, similar to all senior community groups when coming up with ideas for

“

We really needed this day where we could relax. Squeezed right in the middle of college apps, test days, and fall season, this was perfect timing for the event.

- Meredith Huston, senior its project.

They fiercely brainstormed and had “heated debates,” said senior Tanmay Srinivasan. “[We are] a smart but equally rambunctious bunch,” said

senior Spencer Powers. It was challenging finding a project that could capture the legacy they wanted to leave behind, he said.

What they decided is informally called, “leaving a compliment, and taking a compliment.” Their project mirrors the one found just a mile off campus at Starbucks. Inspired by the positive messages, Mr. Emerson’s community group hopes to alleviate the stress and anxiety high school students might feel. “[I] look forward to the expansion of this project into the high school,” senior Karm Ghei said, as he nostalgically recalled his trip to that very Starbucks that same morning.

The new project will be found at the end of senior hall.

On a circular table, there are a plethora of colorful sticky notes and pens so that anyone can drop a message in the bucket.

Each community group hopes to continue alleviating stress, raising the spirits of other Kinkaid students, and in general improving the wellbeing of the student body. From inspiring quotes across the Upper School, done by Dr. Craig Bowe’s community group, to Mr. Emerson’s complementary notes, each community group encourages others to spread kindness on campus.

Chase sequence in film production full of suspense Students’ plot is a mix of horror, thrills and comedy

By Trinity Curry

C

amerawoman Gabrielle Byrd fiddled with sound equipment and checked the lighting, as Haley McClanahan helped Kate Vlasek run lines.

The three girls had just found the perfect place to set up film equipment and prepare for a scene, which is about robbery and betrayal.

The scene will turn a simple situation (that can not be revealed yet) into a dramatized thriller.

The new project, as an introduction to narrative film, is a chase sequence where actresses will run toward the camera and away from whoever or whatever is chasing them.

The plot includes someone stealing a pencil and unfolds into a chain of events that will be revealed later during the film’s screening on campus as a part of Field Day activities.

The girls, who are juniors, said their project was inspired by a mix of random ideas in their filmmaking class, which is taught by Mr. Ryan Gillentine who revealed that the girls’ project is more of a horror, thriller film.

“Student film is particularly exuberant,” Mr. Gillentine said.

Juniors Haley McClanahan, Kate Vlasek, and Gabrielle Byrd setting up film equipment for their first scene by checking sound and lighting in the area.

Photo by Trinity Curry

“

I hope we get some laughs out of it and surprise the viewers because a lot of the dialogue is improv and just goes with the flow of the chase.

- Haley McClanahan, junior He added that doing film projects prepares his students for cinematography.

“It’s usually about main-

taining tension through story and performance (and working on lighting,” Mr. Gillentine said.

“Genres in high school film making come in waves. There are four of the type in production currently.”

Andrew Heyser, another junior, helped set up equipment and helped Byrd and McClanahan with production.

The girls said they hope students find amusement when they watch the new film.

“I hope we get some laughs out of it and surprise the viewers because a lot of the dialogue is improv and just goes with the

flow of the chase,” McClanahan said.

One challenge the group faced while creating their project was when they lost an actor.

“I work the camera. But during this film I had to be an actor because one of ours dropped out,” McClanahan said.

A triumph for the group was learning a new genre of film that inspired them to better enhance their future projects.

Looking back, McClanahan saids her favorite project was when she used “foley,” the reproduction of everyday sounds, and formed a song over a cello.

Byrd said her favorite project

was a “sort of a bro fight scene” filmed outside the classroom last year.

“I guess if I had to name an inspiration it would be aspiring film entrepreneur,” Byrd said.

In middle school, she chose film class because she was bored and “wanted to make movies.”

But as time went on, her interest grew and now she said she enjoys being on set.

“My favorite part is probably the actual production” she said.

McClanahan’s favorite part about the overall class is how interesting it is and “it has given [her] a lot of opportunities.”

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | FEATURES 13

Transforming the world one city at a time Artists turn into changemakers for African American communities

By Maggie Johnston

I

n a world where people often wear masks, suppress their cultural identities and conform to society, Kinkaid art teacher Mr. Anthony Suber is embracing himself in “The Black Man Project.”

The project, designed by three black artists Mr. Suber, Mr. Marlon Hall and Mr. Brian Ellison, aims to stimulate conversations about what it is like to be a black man.

“African men used to get together and discuss marriage and life. That’s not something you see in society today, we intend to change this,” Mr. Suber said.

A sculptor, teacher, student and dad turned changemaker, Mr. Suber commits himself fully to every aspect of his roles.

At Kinkaid, students think of him as a dedicated and servanthearted teacher.

“Mr. Suber is always someone who I can go to. Not only is he my graphic design teacher and my advisor, but he is also a role model that always strives to prepare me and my classmates to be successful in life,” junior Ryan Jinnette said.

Similar to the way Mr. Suber cultivates artistic passion in Kinkaid students, he and two of his best friends are working to plant seeds of vulnerability and healing among black men of influence in six selected communities.

Launched last fall, “The Black Man Project” developed by these three griots provides African American men with a platform for healing through community engagement, safe spaces for vulnerability, and personal empowerment.

Mr. Suber and his companions believe the engagement can happen around an oversized, customly set table they built to host black men from all ages and all walks of life.

“Before there was civil government, school systems, or even religious institutions, there was the table. It was a sacred and essential social architecture for having meals and making culture. The table was the first place culture, ethics and love were taught and welcomed,” Mr. Hall said. “The goal of the table and the conversations are to return these back men back to the future of a new culture to create with vulnerability and self care.”

These conversations can be something necessary in the recovery of centuries-long mistreatment and abuse of the black community.

The idea was formed through the daily experiences of these three teachers, who are each an artist and a father.

“From a societal standpoint, when you see a present father who is a black man, it is an anomaly or not the standard. A black man committed to be a father is seen as ‘weird’ because of societal norms,” Mr. Suber said.

The three artists decided to create a safe space where conversations about societal stereotypes could be properly established.

“The Black Man Project” will travel to six cities: Tulsa, Seattle, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Nashville. In each location, the artists will go out into the black community and have meaningful dialogue.

After getting a sense of the culture and climate of a city, the artists plan to host a salon dinner for 16 leaders of the community in a specially curated location – designed to evoke a connectedness between the members of the presentday black

community and their history. empowerment lessons, which Mr. Suber’s creative vision is stem from prayer, symbolism laid artfully before the diners as and positive affirmations. a fully realized centerpiece and Their first dinner took place table setting. in Tulsa where they invited Utilizing the same sculpting politicians, business owners, and design skills that he teaches and change agents in the to his students, he will carefully community to come together place a geometric mask and for a good time and meaningful other symbolic objects on their discussions. Everything about dinner table. the salon The objects dinner was were all made purposeful by the three – from the men out of script that reclaimed they followed wood from during Hall’s prayer and grandmother’s meditation to home. the objects The surrounding individualized the diners. geometric The artists masks are a hope that centerpiece at their carefully these dinners out Anthony Suber, Kinkaid thought to serve as a evenings art teacher reminder to have lasting remove the effects on masks they participants themselves or and the society have placed over them. greater community.

Although all masks have the “We are hoping that when same theme of unmasking and we leave, the 16 people that we focusing on the relationships invited to the table will take the that they have with their information that they got from surroundings, Mr. Suber crafted our discussions and have their a specific mask for each city. own salon dinners. The goal is “This is why masks are to scatter some seeds and see camouflage or decoration. I what sticks,” Mr. Suber said. would like to say that all of It is not just the Kinkaid the masks are directly inspired community that supports Mr. by the cities, but it is hard Suber and his team on this to educate myself on every project. They have received aspect of the African American funding from The City of experience of each city before I Houston, Houston’s Arts go there,” Mr. Suber said.

Alliance and John Steven Kellet For Tulsa, Mr. Suber Foundation. designed a table with leaves Additionally, Travis handpicked from the graves of McPhail, an engineering lead at those shot in the Tulsa Race Google, has helped the group Riots of 1921. identify the 16 men who join The table sets the tone them for the salon dinners. for the four-hour therapeutic McPhail dinners that include personal told News

“

The goal is to scatter some seeds and see what sticks.

-

Oklahoma: “An event like this will help a subset of people build connections and then go out and discuss what is shared here with other people. I’m hoping we can create a space for others that did not exist for me 10 years ago in tech. We are providing a space where others can accelerate their path so they can be themselves and shine.”

In an effort to effect long term change, the men not only are going to these cities to have beneficial conversations, but they are in the process of making a film on the modernday concept of masculinity.

From the time they touch down in the city to the time they leave, their cinematographer is filming every interaction they have to piece the experiences together into a documentary.

These metanarratives document the hopeful change in mindset of 16 men of color in cities with tumultuous histories of unrest and segregation.

“The purpose of the documentary is rooted in humanizing a group of men that history had made us believe they don’t deserve the space to been seen as such,” Mr. Ellison said.

When the film screening is finalized in spring 2021, the three artists will travel back to each of the six cities to launch their art exhibition and show their new film.

“The documentary aims to show why Black Men should have access to feel the full emotional spectrum without having their masculinity challenged by restrictive ideas of what masculinity for black men should look like,” Mr. Ellison said.

Helping black men across the country remove the mask of cultural identity and embrace their history and their present is creating a better tomorrow for communities at large.

Artists Mr. Brian Ellison, Mr. Marlon Hall and Mr. Anthony Suber pose on Mr. Ellison’s front porch after the first planning meeting for “The Black Man Project.”

Photo by Ariel Jones

14 The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

LIFESTYLES

Clean Eating

Some of the best healthfood restaurants in Houston

By Nicole Fernandez

With the sweeping trend of eating clean and green, it’s health food restaurants’ time to shine. School districts, grocery stores, and even McDonalds are getting their share of alternative meats and vegan-friendly products to appeal to a growing vegan and vegetarian palate.

SweetGreen is located in Rice Village and Montrose, an area that provides an indoor, outdoor experience with simplistic and modern decor. The line begins at a buffet-style counter, framing an open kitchen that allows diners to select one of the set menu items or a create-your-own salad.

Sweetgreen’s limited menu provides around 15 hot

In Houston, up-and-coming restaurants as well as places that have stood the test of time are offering food options with a focus on eating fresh, flavorful and clean. Three locations making their mark on the health food scene are Flower Child, Sweetgreen, and H.S. Green.

and cold salads with distinct flavors sure to satisfy any palate. The service at Sweetgreen is friendly and welcoming as workers usher diners through the buffet line and ensure that they are making orders correctly. No matter how long of a line, the restaurant’s quick service makes it a perfect place for people in a hurry.

H.S. Green

is a wonderfully diverse restaurant with food for your “every day to cheat day.” Located in The Plaza on Richmond, this eattery’s extensive menu has everything from salads and wraps to pizza and burgers. Walking into H.S. Green, you are met with an industrial vibe with bright pops of green highlighted

Flower Child is one of Houston’s wellknown health food restaurants and reasonably so.

Their food, service, and funky, colorful decor create a fun eating space.

The menu at Flower Child changes seasonally and focuses on fruits and vegetables that are in season.

The bowls, plates, and

build-your-own platers contain a variety of flavors.

Providing gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, Flower Child is one of the more in-trend restaurants, making sure to keep up with the newest and most popular dishes. Flower Child makes maintaining a healthy lifestyle easy.

by an immense amount of sunlight creating a comfortable, casual dining location. The food has vivid, bold flavors that punch you in the face in a good way. Each dish is packed with vegetables or fruit and always contains a source of protein; however, they also allow you to substitute any meat for tofu if you

are vegetarian, vegan or just not in the mood. H.S. Green has an open preparation station so you can see the amicable staff prepare your food, ensuring its freshness. From food to service, everything about H.S. Green will leave you coming back for more.

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | LIFESTYLES 15

Pop Culture Chart

ASTROWORLD FEST

By Nicole Fernandez

Q: What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

After successful debut, Travis Scott returns with Houston music event

By Charles Garrison

N

“We play Rummicube with my grandma.”

- Nick Dillon, Senior

“Shoving my face in a turkey.”

- Jimmy Adkins, Junior

“Eating.”

- Susie Girard, Sophomore

“Fighting Devyn when we’re pulling the wishbone.”

- Jordan Finkelstein, Freshman

early one year after Astroworld Fest came to Houston for the first time on Nov. 17, 2018, it is back.

On Sept. 27, Travis Scott announced that Astroworld Fest will be coming once again to Houston at NRG Park on Nov. 9.

The lineup for the festival is still unknown but that did not stop Scott’s loyal Houston fanbase from causing Astroworld Fest 2019 to sell out.

The anticipation in Houston is real, as Astroworld 2019 sold out within a month of announcement and before any artists on the lineup had been revealed. However, fans in Houston are wise to trust Scott to both assemble a great lineup and put on a memorable performance.

For Astroworld Fest 2018, Scott was joined by a stacked lineup of artists, headlined by Post Malone, Rae Sremmurd, Young Thug, Lil Wayne and Gunna.

“Astroworld Fest is the best place for people who are fans of rap and R&B, and of artists like Travis Scott,” senior Laine Woelfel said.

Not only was Astroworld Fest filled with an impressive group of performers, but the event and venue were memorable aspects of the experience.

One word to describe Astroworld Fest 2018, Woelfel said, is “playful.”

“It’s like a carnival, and it reminded me of childhood,” she said.

A carnival to have all fans wide-eyed as children, with the top rap and R & B artists offers an experience that no concert or festival can match.

On top of that, fans of Scott can experience a festival designed by him, and can experience artists who have inspired or been inspired by Scott.

There is good reason to believe that Houston’s own Travis Scott will be able to replicate the great experience that was Astroworld Fest 2018, and those who have seen Scott himself live in concert know that he is someone who only gets better in person. While I am no expert on live performances, I will undoubtedly say that he was the highlight of ACL 2018.

“Travis was definitely my favorite performance,” Woelfel said.

With Scott being a known terrific performer, the other aspect that Astroworld Fest 2019 attendees are eager to see is the lineup that will be assembled. Scott is known to be friendly with many top

artists, and reappearances from 2018 guests is very possible.

Scott is known to work closely with Kanye West, and with West recently releasing his new album, “Jesus is King,” it would be a plausible move for West to perform his new content for a massive audience at Astroworld Fest.

“A big reason that I am going back [to Astroworld Fest] is because I am hoping Kanye will be there for his new album.

“

Everybody should go because it’s an experience much different than anything else,” Woelful said.

The sold out festival is on Nov. 9. Seniors Ayush Krishnamoorti and Alex Nigro are thrilled to attend the event, as it represents a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to listen to an upcoming and growing artist in Scott.

The festival, which could attract musicians and enthusiasts across the country, is going to be an unforgettable experience.

It’s like a carnival.

- Laine Woelfel (12)

Woelfel said.

Despite many unknowns regarding what will go down at NRG Park on November 9th, the tickets for this event at $89 for general admission have already sold out. The lineup will officially drop the day before Astroworldfest.

While there are no confirmed artists on the lineup for Astroworld fest 2019 besides Travis Scott himself, the music festival of the year is back and it will undoubtedly leave Travis’s hometown of Houston electrified once again.

Photo courtesy of Billboard

16 The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

SPORTS From the SIDELINE

Wilson Kelsey, sports editor

FOOTBALL After starting out with three losses, the football team has gone 5-1 in its last six games, bringing its overall record to 5-4 and conference record to 4-1.

The team must win against St. John’s tonight to go to the SPC Championship game for a chance at its third straight SPC title.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL The girls volleyball team has had a rough season.

With an 8-13 overall record and 0-6 conference record, the team will miss the SPC tournament for the first time since 2016.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL Boys volleyball has had an up and down season, going 13-13 so far.

They are currently in fourth place in SPC South Zone; they will need to have a magical playoff run if they are going to win the SPC tournament.

GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY The girls cross-country team has continued its SPC dominance. They won the South Zone title with three girls finishing in the top 10, including sophomore Kevriana Scott, who is the No. 2 ranked girls runner in SPC. The team will compete for its second straight SPC title at Spring Creek Park on Nov. 9. For more on the girls cross-country team, see page 19.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY The boys cross country team has developed since last year.

They are hoping to improve from their 9th place finish in SPC last year.

FIELD HOCKEY The field hockey team has followed up its runnerup finish in SPC last year with an 11-5 start to the season.

The team has a very strong chance of making a push in the SPC tournament and winning its second SPC title in three years.

Photo courtesy of David Shutts

HEADS UP Captains from St. John’s and Kinkaid await the result of the coin toss to start off the rivalry game on Nov. 2, 2018.

Kinkaid takes on St. John’s in big game

By Jaisal Kalapatapu riday night lights, some might say, are always brighter in Texas, where the stadiums are larger, fans are louder, and players are more fired up.

What Falcon fans have seen so far this season is nothing compared to what they are expecting tonight, when the Kinkaid Falcons take on rival St. John’s Mavericks.

Every game gets football players hyped, but a rivalry like this one provides extra motivation.

“I think that it naturally does [get the players motivated], especially rivalries like ours where kids know, hang out with, and see each other all the time,” Falcons head coach Nathan Larned said. “Obviously they’re going to get a little more excited when they’re playing against their friends.”

Though the rivalry between St. John’s and Kinkaid is the oldest rivalry at school, the game has been pretty one-sided as of recent. The last time the Mavs beat the Falcons was in 2012, when St. John’s beat Kinkaid 27-21. Since then, the Falcons have outscored the Mavs 227-75 over five years, with Kinkaid winning four out of the five games by at least 20 points. But that record doesn’t provide much cushion for coach Larned.

“The past doesn’t matter,” Larned said. “My first year here we had beat them a lot of years in a row — I was the defensive coordinator — and we lost to them, though we shouldn’t have lost. This year, they have a totally new culture over there, with a new coaching staff, so obviously we are gonna take them as seriously as anyone else.”

Something interesting to consider is the fact that former Kinkaid offensive coordinator Kevin Veltri is now the head coach of the Mavs.

F

“I think that will be funny for everyone,” said Ella West, a sophomore at St. John’s. “[It’s his] old school vs. new school.”

But the players aren’t the only ones who feel hyped to win. Students feel the same way.

“

The past doesn’t matter.

- Nathan Larned, Varsity Football Head Coach “I expect a very pumped up student section with hopefully all the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and especially the seniors who will be cheering extremely loud,” said Maddie Juarez, a sophomore at Kinkaid.

“We all know that Kinkaid is better.”

Even though St. John’s doesn’t have the past on its side, students there are feeling optimistic about their chances.

“I expect there to be a lot of hype around year’s game,” said Tyson Luna, a junior at St. John’s. “St. John’s has started the year very well and Kinkaid is always solid. I think both schools will be very excited for the game and the atmosphere will be pretty loud.”

For both schools, the game brings a fun competition, especially considering friendships across the schools.

“I know kids that I have played baseball against [St. John’s] and [I] am extremely competitive towards them,” said Preston Herleth, a Kinkaid freshman.

“We like to enjoy this game because of the tradition and to have fun rather than hatred for the other school,” Luna said.

But other students feel that this rivalry goes beyond the gridiron.

“For me at least, the football game is less about football and more about socializing with my friends from St. John’s and at Kinkaid,” West said. “Furthermore, I think there will be a lighthearted atmosphere.”

This is agreed upon across schools.

“I have a couple of friends at St. John’s, and I get super excited to see them at the game,” Juarez said. “It’s no hard feelings walking over to

the other side to see friends and hang out.”

In fact, the youngest students are the ones with the reputation for bringing the most fire.

“In my experience, people dislike Kinkaid the most in lower school,” said Abby Walker, a St. John’s sophomore. “I don’t feel like there is a crazy amount of animosity in the Upper School especially.”

So come tonight, get ready for one of the most fun games all year, as the Falcons take on the Mavs at Rice Stadium.

SportsREWIND The last time St. John’s beat Kinkaid was 2012. Here’s what else happened that year

The Miami Heat won the NBA Finals, with superstar LeBron James winning his first ring.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps broke the record for most Olympic medals

In 2012, the Giants beat the Patriots 21-17, marking the second time that Eli Manning led his team past Tom Brady’s Patriots in the Super Bowl.

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | SPORTS 17

Astros fall short in post-season run

By William Scott

W

hat a season for the Houston Astros. With another historic regular season, a record of 107-55, the Astros continue their streak of baseball excellence. As another season comes to a close, the next, and most important, begins. This postseason, and entire year, for the Astros, was one to remember with one of the most talented baseball teams up to date.

An unmatched group of starting pitchers, including Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, and Zack Greinke, provides a tough challenge for any hitting lineup in the entire league. However, it doesn’t stop on the mound.

The Astros had the highest team batting average during the regular season at .274. Houston added Yordan Alvarez, an excellent designated hitter, to the team, who made an immediate impression to all of baseball.

Alvarez, “The Big Man,” hit 27 homeruns in only a fraction of the season.

The first postseason matchup for the Astros was the Tampa Bay Rays. In the five game series, Houston won the first two at home and lost both the third and fourth game in Tampa.

With the series tied, The Astros’ overwhelming strength on their home field proved too much for the Rays as they won game five 6-1.

With a close first series behind the Astros, they moved on to face the New York Yankees in a 7 game series. The

Yankees, the American League East division champion, had an impressive regular season with 103 wins. The American League Championship Series began with a tough game for the Astros. With only three hits on offense, Houston fell short in game one and lost 7-0. Houston answered back in games 2 and 3 as Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole secured back-to-back wins.

With an unexpected postponement of game 4 that pushed the game back one day, Astros manager AJ Hinch started Zack Greinke. Greinke, with the help of five closers, secured a win in game 4. The Astros lost 4-1 in game 5, the final game in New York.

Heading in to game 6, Hinch decided to throw an assortment of arms from the Astros bullpen. After an impressive, and very clutch, two-run home run by Yankees first baseman, DJ Lemahieu, in the top of the 9th inning, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, with George Springer on first base, hit a walk-off two-run homerun off of Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman to protect Houston’s spot in the World Series.

And so it began, the 2019 World Series kicked off with a duel between two of the best starting pitchers in the game. Although few hits were expected given the talent on the mound in game 1, 19 combined hits were produced and produced a loss for the Astros by one run.

The Nationals young left fielder,

Juan Soto put on a clinic with three hits including one homerun on the train tracks above left center field. With a tough loss in game one, that mirrored game one of the previous series against the Yankees, Houston needed to respond back with a victory before heading to Washington.

However, even with Verlander on the mound, Soto and the rest of the Nats lineup proved too strong. Then the unexpected happened.

Houston won three straight in D.C to obtain to lead in the series 3-2.

During this remarkable three-game stretch in Washington, the Astros held the Nationals to only one run in each of BODY SWAP Popular photoshopped image of second baseman Jose Altuve and the three games. This outfielder Aaron Judge shared on the Internet. impressive achievement was accomplished with game: Nationals 6, Astros 2. of 2-0. In the seventh inning, great pitching and unstoppable Although this series was Hinch pulled Grienke out and defense. surprising for the optimistic, replaced him with Astros right Game six produced an proud Astros fans, Washington hander, Will Harris. This deciunexpected outcome, again, competed at an impressive level sion shocked many because of and Verlander fell short against and maintained their intensity, how well Grienke was throwWashington. He gave up five as a team, in every inning of the ing, as well as Gerrit Cole’s hits, including two home runs series.

The National’s offense presence in the bullpen in right and three total earned runs, in was dominant as they displayed center field. Unfortunately, after only five innings, fewer innings their talent against incredible Grienke exited the game, the than his normal start. The final pitching.

Nationals scored three runs in score was 7-2.

Houston, in the midst of a the seventh inning, one run in Game seven was a tough hard finish, ended another fanone to handle. Grienke threw an the eighth inning, and two runs tastic season to continue their in the ninth inning to capture a incredible 6-inning shutout to streak of great seasons. substantial lead over Houston start the game, which allowed which finalized the score of the the Astros to take an early lead

Softball coach builds off of life experiences Coach Haley Outon provides insight on how her past has influenced her career

By Chris Stallings

C

oach Haley Outon, an accomplished athlete, mentor, and coach, has been successful in every stage of her life and strives to better herself and everyone around her.

In addition to her passion for educating students and coaching, her commitment to the sport of softball is what ultimately shaped her notable work ethic.

Following her high school career, Coach Outon played softball at the University of Houston. With a powerful, fluent swing and a trustworthy mitt behind home plate, she won a starting spot on the roster her freshman year. With a year of experience under her belt, Coach Outon was ready to take on year two.

Entering her sophomore year with five home runs under her belt, Coach Outon was ready to have a breakthrough year, and a breakthrough year she had.

At the conclusion of her second year, she had 22 home runs, breaking UH’s single season record.

She was selected to the All-American team, finishing

her college career with 58 home runs and breaking the softball team’s total home run record.

After her collegiate career, Coach Outon joined the Kinkaid faculty and was the head of the middle school softball program.

She was thrilled to share her

“

It’s just what I do.

- Coach Haley Outon, Varsity Softball coach

passion and love for softball with these developing athletes.

She continued playing softball in the summer as a member of the Akron Racers and Texas Charge in the National Professional FastPitch League (NPF).

As she hung up her cleats in 2017, a new stage of her life was beginning.

She was named the head of

the Upper School softball program and she embraced this new role with enthusiasm.

Her excitement in shifting the culture of the program was seen, as she encouraged more girls to play, and has led her team to be title contenders in the conference.

As the program continues to grow and more girls invest in the program, Coach Outon believes success is inevitable.

As a figure whose team, students, and colleagues all look up to, Coach Outon feels her work ethic and passion, need to be reflected every day from her participation in activities with younger students to her daily workouts.

She said she feels when her students and players see that she invests in herself, they may be encouraged and motivated in everything they do.

Her workout routine and determined mindset isn’t unusual to her. She’s been a dedicated athlete and mentor her whole life, and strives to benefit herself and those around her everyday.

Coach Outon’s work ethic is unique and to her, she said, “It’s just what I do.”

Photo courtesy of David Shutts

PEP TALK Haley Outon coaches her players during a softball game.

18 SPORTS | The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

Formal dodgeball team may be popular addition

By Dylan Marcus & Alex Lassoued

H

igh schoolers watch award-winning film projects and music performances on the morning of Field Day, but they know another level of excitement will begin after they are dismissed.

The students disperse from the assembly to the gyms in preparation for Kinkaid’s annual dodgeball tournament.

Every year, the administration hosts the tournament after students carefully form teams to compete against each other with the hopes of winning the championship.

Besides this annual tournament, students don’t enjoy the privilege of playing the sport of dodgeball formally. Some students have had a hard time wrapping their minds around why Kinkaid does not offer dodgeball as a sport.

“We abstain out of respect to the late, great Patches O’Houlihan,” who served as the head coach of the Average Joe’s dodgeball team and was a former champion of the American Dodgeball Athletic Association (ADAA), junior Hudson Davis said. Patches serves as a prime example of someone who poured his heart and soul into the sport.

Dodgeball enthusiasts have formed many organizations, some for recreational purposes and some for professional competition.

The National Dodgeball League is among the most notable organizations.

Founded in 2004, the NDL comprises 24 professional teams scattered across the nation with local teams including the Houston Bounty Hunters, Austin Matadors and Texas Shade.

In addition to the profession-

FINAL OUT Senior Ayush Krishnamoorti attempts to make the final out in a friendly dodgeball game with other seniors and juniors.

al league, the NDL hosts the Dodgeball World Championship every four years, featuring teams from all around the world.

Whether dodgeball would be given as much attention at Kinkaid is questionable.

“Sometimes we play dodgeball in conditioning. I would love for Coach John Robinson or Coach Rob McLaurin to become the Kinkaid dodgeball coach,” Davis said. “I always love watching the Field Day dodgeball tournament, and the energy and enthusiasm during the final rounds of competition have convinced me to make a team for this year.”

Junior Will Mitchell had

a similar opinion on whether an effort should be made to strengthen the sport’s popularity and legitimacy at school.

“Yes, I think it’s a legitimate sport. Although, it would be hard to accumulate a crowd to watch the games. We couldn’t play games in the wrestling room, but it would be fun to play and watch in one of the basketball gyms,” Mitchell said.

Having dodgeball added to the list of 24 sports would take a great deal of support.

“I think practicing and organizing a legitimate, elite squad would do a lot for the reputation of the sport in front of the whole high school. If we put

“

I would love for Coach Rob McLaurin to be the Kinkaid dodgeball coach.

- Hudson Davis (11) in work and end up winning the gold, students may change their minds about the sport in general,” Mitchell said, explaining his appreciation for the sport, which

Photo by Nicole Fernandez

he hasn’t been given the chance to play since Middle School.

More and more colleges are contemplating the idea of their collegiate athletes receiving financial compensation, Students are starting to wonder if dodgeball players would ever reach that privilege along with the introduction of the sport in schools across the country.

“Adding dodgeball to the 24 sports offered at Kinkaid, with the contribution of other high schools being open to the concept, would bring us closer to seeing the sport being played at the collegiate, and eventually pro level” Davis said.

Women’s basketball gains digital playing field Popular video game series adds WNBA feature to satisfy fans

By Sam Pitts

A

fter 18 years of 2K being the highest-selling NBA video game series, fans wanted more.

2K responded and the WNBA made its video gaming debut in the newest installment of the NBA 2K series, 2K20, which was released this fall.

This edition of the game has a new feature that allows playing all 12 WNBA teams and their players.

“For years, fans have requested the ability to play as some of their favorite WNBA stars,” said Jeff Thomas, senior vice president of development in an article for NBA.com.

The game has been available for a little more than a month and has received mostly positive reviews from critics and fans.

“I came away pleased with it on multiple levels. Perhaps, the most impressive aspect of my experience was the WNBA gameplay,” wrote contributing

author Brian Mazique of Forbes magazine.

Sophomore Alex Gottsegen bought the game the day it was released and has been playing it consistently since.

“The game is awesome and really fun to play. I think the WNBA addition is just as fun, and I enjoy playing it as well,” Gottsegen said.

Sophomore Blake Johnson has been an avid 2K player for years now and enjoys playing the game on weekends with his friends.

However, he does not enjoy the WNBA feature as much as he thought he would.

“I enjoy playing the game and all but the [WNBA] feature doesn’t make sense… they can’t even dunk, so I feel it’s pointless to play,” Johnson said.

All of the top WNBA stars such as Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks, A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm and the head coaches of each team all were scanned into the game using computers ear-

Screen shot by Sam Pitts

SCREEN SHOT Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks drives down the court in an in game action shot.

lier this summer. Lots of game modes are able to be played as WNBA teams.

Sophomore Cade Bailey said he regularly plays on weekends.

Bailey, who has been waiting for the game to come out for months, did not intend to play the WNBA feature as much as the NBA one.

“I feel like most people would only play the [WNBA] feature to say that they played it,” Bailey said. “It’s cool that they added it. I definitely think it’s a good addition to the game, but it’s pretty much the same thing as the NBA feature just less fun.”

Electronic Arts stepped up

its graphic designs this year in an attempt to bring a more real life experience to the players, adding better visuals and animations that all contribute to a better gaming experience.

The game has the same aesthetic as in previous years and is just as enjoyable, if not more with the new addition.

November 1, 2019 | The Kinkaid Falcon | SPORTS 19

girls

cross country

By Megan Riley

By Madi Babine

2

RECORDS BROKEN

by Kevriana Scott (10)

5:45 mile ran fastest

8

TOTAL meets

30

athletes on

the team

1

st

in South Zone conference

Runners triumph early in the season

By Alex Lassoued

varsity division at the Region 3 Preview in Huntsville, Texas, The girls cross-country team will once again lead a young continues to improve throughout team with only eight seniors and has provided much-needed the season after impressive leadership. performances in recent races.

Sophomore Kevriana The Falcons triumphed in Scott has also had a major their first race at the Greenhill contribution, placing second Relays. with a time of 18:54.8 in the Out of the 26 performing teams, Kinkaid placed third at a Elite Division 5,000 meter very competitive meet with both race at Sam Houston State University in which the Falcons public and private schools.

“We have had a great season placed seventh.

Scott also had an outstanding so far,” senior Camila Vicens performance at the Cavalier said. “We just won South Zone Classic hosted by the University and have a young team full of of Virginia, by placing first out up and coming runners.”

Vicens, who recently posted of the 76 runners in the 5,000k run with a 18:44.2 and helping a top-10 finish at the 5a/6a

the Falcons place third in the event.

“We’ve had a great season, our success has been a reflection of our hard work and perseverance during the offseason, now we just need to focus our attention on this final championship week,” sophomore Carolina Weiland said.

The Falcons are serious contenders for the SPC Championship. They aren’t newcomers either with recent championships in 2014 and 2016, and will be facing their final challenge by competing in the SPC Championship Relays at 10 a.m. Saturday on Nov. 9.

Photo by Keith Guehring

Alexandra Blake, senior

20 BACK PAGE | The Kinkaid Falcon | November 1, 2019

Before You Go COSTUME FUN Freshman Jack Lemon disguises himself among the crowd of Lower School students during the Halloween parade. Dressed as a trash can, Lemon scared a few unsuspecting passersby.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS To celebrate the Day of the Dead, the Viva la Reza club offered free face painting during Electric Lunch this Thursday. The painters were students, one of which was senior Priscilla Mach.

TRICK OR TREAT Lower Schoolers line up in the halls of the Student Life building as they prepare for all -school trick-or-treating on Halloween. Pre-K and kindergarteners are allowed to dress up in their costumes to celebrate the Halloween festivities.

JAMMIN’ OUT Senior Sasha Busa plays the bass during Electric Lunch on Thursday. In addition to Busa, the band is composed of senior Jonathan Mitchell, junior Hudson Davis and sophomore Carolina Weiland.

ELECTRIC LUNCH Sophomore Carolina Weiland sings Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” while Junior Hudson Davis plays the guitar. The group played several songs, including Jimi Hendrix’s “VooDoo Child,” and “Reptilia” by The Strokes.

UPcoming

November 7-9

Events

November 1

Kinkaid v. St. John’s, accompanied by feast

SPC Fall Championships

November 11-12

November 8

Book Fair for all students

Faculty professional day; no school for students

November 23 - December 1 Thanksgiving Break; no school for all students.

November 19

Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Home Games

December 8

Margaret Kinkaid Holiday Concert