Recent musical is a success with help from experienced tech students
page
6
Lady Falcon soccer players attempt to beat the top three district schools
Girls softball team hopes for a winning season in an unconventional way
10
page
page
the
PEREGRINE
11
Volume thirty-seven Issue four
Jersey Village High School
7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040
Teens take to the streets when learner’s permits become licences, and bikes change to four wheel drive. However, the freedom of driving is only the sunny side of the truth when one factors in the dangers of the road. Student of JVHS share their stories behind the wheel. pages
8-9
PEREGRINE
february ‘09
the
2
news
Projecting the Future
AP money gives additional opportunities to teachers ERIN CUMMING
photo by ERIN CUMMING
HANDS ON LEARNING Juli Wade, Calculus teacher, shows off her new projector as she writes on it for her class, allowing the money earned from students scoring well on the Advanced Placement tests to be well spent.
Visual Aid
• Functions like a web camera and creates a live feed through a projector on to a screen • Can save the notes taken in class and put them on to the internet for students to view notes from home • Also like a microscope because it can zoom in and out for easy access so students to see from the back of the classroom
Short Staffed MANDY HOGAN
news editor Cy-Fair ISD will go bankrupt in two years if state funding does not change, according to district superintendent Dr. David Anthony. The effects can be felt at a local level. Due to budget cuts, this high school did not fill 17 staff positions for the school year. “We followed ‘last hired, first fired.’ In many cases, days [of hiring] separated teachers who stayed and teachers who were let go,” Stacy Wicke, associate principal, said. However, JVHS bears no blame for the loss of teachers. State funding for CFISD is the lowest per student funding in the area. The large staff cut forced the loss of electives.
staff writer The students’ nerves build up inside them as they prepare to take their dreaded Advanced Placement test, for which they have spent countless hours studying. What most do not know is that their hard work and effort is being returned to them through the purchasing of new educational tools, such as Mrs. Juli Wade’s new hightech projector. For each AP test a student takes, the money goes towards the schools’ education funds. Each semester all the money the school received is divided up between AP program departments. The money given to the English department was used for the necessary books for that year. “The main necessity is training. This includes training new people to teach AP and further training experienced AP teachers,” Trina Wuensche, AP psychology teacher, said. The Psychology department used the money for new materials such as educational videos and workbooks. according to Wuensche. With the money the math department received, it was decided that Wade would
purchase a new, high tech projector for her classroom. The small, modified projector works by writing a problem on a blank sheet of paper and putting the paper on the table under the projector and it displays the problem on the wall. Also, the projector has the ability to copy the notes and be posted on the internet. “My students seemed concerned about wasting paper, so I recycle old worksheets and reuse them,” Wade said. Wade’s students agree that the money was well spent. The new projector improves the students learning process by allowing the students to get a better view of the problem by magnifying it. Wade will later be saving the notes onto the projector and posting them online so the students can review or relearn the lesson if needed. “With cool functions, she can save pictures and have notes she gave us for future references so we can get better help,” Chan Phan, senior, said. According to Wade the math department hopes to get enough AP testing money to have a projector in every math class.
Faculty shortage leads to fewer course choices
“The cut was extremely difficult. We were forced to cut 17 teaching positions. Teachers teach five or six classes a day with 25 students in a class. That makes hundreds of student openings we must fill,” Wicke said. Thus, required courses, like Algebra and English, stayed while electives, like Street Law dissolved and others, like Psychology, dealt with overcrowding. “I would like to have more room for multiple Psychology AP classes,” Wuensche, Psychology teacher, said. Psychology AP was too full and some students were forced to take “L-level” psychology, adversely affecting their GPAs and class ranks. Also, as many AP classes were offered one or two periods, as required by student requests. In certain conflicts
this caused scheduling conflicts. “I wanted to take all AP classes. Anatomy AP conflicted with English AP, Statistics AP and Band. Government/Economics AP conflicted with Calculus BC/AP and English AP. I chose Statistics AP and Calculus BC,” Jadd Dela Cruz, senior, said. Still, other students who were in semester electives, who did not sign up for the second semester, were arbitrarily placed in courses like Equestrian Science and Floral Design. “The only classes open second period were Equestrian Science and Record Keeping,” Alex Doyle, sophomore, said. Taylor Wilson, sophomore, dropped Photo I first semester and
took interior design for the rest of the semester. She also did not enroll in a second semester course. “I was placed in teen leadership, which I was not too excited about because I had taken that in eighth grade,” Wilson said. Students can help themselves, though. The state legislature controls the funding, so students and their families may write to their legislators, Gary Elkins and Dwayne Bohac, with their concerns. To truly fix the elective and scheduling dilemmas, students must employ their first amendment rights and write their respective representatives. Despite the current dilemmas, JVHS continues to remain a successful campus.
feature
PEREGRINE
the
issue four
Feeling the S cialVibe?
3
Website makes it easier for everyone to make a difference MIKELA MELAKIS
staff writer Shelly Smith viewed the small child solider holding the large gun with shock. She thought he should be playing games, not being taught how to end human lives. She could actually feel the desperation as she looked into the eyes of the eight year old Ugandan boy. She wanted to help him but felt powerless. However, at her finger tips she had the power to help this child and many others by using her computer, a website, and a social network that teens just like her visit every day. Social Vibe is a website that was created in 2007 to ease the interaction between people, their favorite brands, and the charities they want to help. SocialVibe allows people, especially students, to give back by using a social network, whether it is Myspace or Facebook. “It’s really cool that you can help a cause while doing something as simple as being on the computer,” Kristin Overton, sophomore, said. The first step is joining, which is free. After joining, a student picks a cause they want to support, and then they select a brand they want to be sponsored by. Some causes include Invisible Children, Music for Relief, Stand Up
to Cancer, World Wildlife Fund, Declare Yourself and To Write Love On Her Arms. Sponsors vary from Sprint to Colgate and MAC to Jones Soda. Finally they post their custom badge on their Myspace and or Facebook. Every time someone views their profile they gain points and their sponsor donates money to their charity. Certain sponsors allow double, triple, or even quintuple the amount of points earned. SocialVibe has collected over 12 million dollars for charities since it has been up. “I joined because SocialVibe had a competition between high schools that let the winner who earned the most points receive a $10,000 grant to their school,” Suzanne Taylor, teacher, said. Ms. Taylor was lured into SocialVibe by the grant because she felt it was the least she could do for the school from which she teaches and graduated. She joined the educa-
tion cause because she wants to help students. A $10,000 grant is not the only prize one can win. Sponsors reward “socialvibers” for being their advertisers with drawings and competitions to win prizes. Currently Sprint is offering a chance to win a Nintendo Wii with Super Smash Brothers to all the people who use them as their sponsor. EA Mobil is also offering a chance to win an iPod Touch. “It makes me feel really good being able to help different causes around the world, and knowing that I could be making a difference,” Jackie White, freshman, said. Saving the world is no longer an out of reach, seemingly impossible idea. Socialvibe.com is not only making it achievable but easy.
FIND OUT WHICH CHARITY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT CHARITY QUIZ ! I would rather: A. Play with animals B. Work with kids C. Volunteer at hospital D. Donate to charity I Think _____ is important: A. Animal Safety B. Kids Education C. People’s Health D. Helping less fortunate countries I hate it when I see _____: A. Stray dogs and abused animals B. Kids going down the wrong path C. People with cancer D. Hungry kids in other countries
I think more people should focus on: A. Endangered species B. Making opportunities available to kids C. Find cures for diseases D. Work on bettering the world If I had two weeks to give back to the world I would: A. Start a petition to save whales B. Start an after school program for kids C. Participate in the walk for breast cancer D. Help natural disaster victims
MOSTLY A’ s - ANIMAL LOVER Look at causes like World Wildlife Fund, The Whaleman Foundation, PETA2, and spcaLA MOSTLY B’s - YOUTH ACTIVIST Look at causes like Music for Relief, To Write Love On Her Arms, RE*Generation, Declare Yourself, Starlight, Education. MOSTLY C’s - DEDICATED TO CURING Leukemia&Lymphoma Society, Stand Up To Cancer, Keep a Breast, The Vision Charity, IVAN, Health, Red Cross MOSTLY D’s - GLOBALLY MINDED Charity:Water, Invisible Children, World Food Programme, One Laptop Per Child, Peace and Human Rights
PEREGRINE
the
4
feature
Awarding and Rewarding
february ‘09
Dedication pays off for students in journalism classes LAURA HEBERT
feature editor Pens jot down interviews. Fingertips glide over keyboards typing up stories. Eyes fixate on a computer screen to create the perfect cut-out. Support felt throughout the room. This is journalism. In January, the journalism department received honors from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators, or TAJE, 2008-2009, Clip Contest, in both the newspaper and yearbook categories. Journalists, Skye Comstock, Rebecca Mueller, Chelsea Boyer, Adriana Mireles, Stephanie Eguia, Katie Carvalho, Mumta Mittal, Christie Nguyen, Kelsey O’Briant, Laura Hebert, Jacqui Bontke, and Amanda Hogan, have been awarded for excellence in both writing, and design. One of theses young
journalists did particularly well in contest. Skye Comstock earned ten awards, in categories that ranged from headline writing to photos to theme development, making her the most awarded journalist for this contest in the Cy-Fair district. “My thought process was holy guacamole! No way. They must mean the entire [yearbook] group, not just me. I am very proud of my awards,” Comstock, senior, said. Some successful journalists have been so impacted by their experiences in Newspaper or Yearbook that they are going to pursue this in the future. Many strive to become editors and writers in the future “I am absolutely going to pursue journalism as a career. I cannot imagine doing anything else with my life, which is a sentiment I have held since middle school,” O’Briant
a quality product. said. “The class feels like a newsroom This department has been very influential in the development more than a classroom. Working of teenagers to informed young with peers is a change of pace. The staff is a team no matter what kind adults. “I want to go into business so of people join, ” Bontke said. what I have learned in ENTERTAINED Skye Comstock, Yearbook Co-Editor-in-Chief, and Journalism will be helpful,” Jacqui Bontke, Newspaper Editor-in-Chief, admire a previous issue. Chelsea Boyer, junior, said. There are many opportunities to win awards in this department, at the local, state, and even national level. “I feel like winning any sort of award is only going to help me in the long run when I apply to college,” Jacqui Bontke, junior, said. Aside from the award opportunities, journalism allows talented students to work as a team to produce photo by ARMANDO HUERECA
Houston, We have a Prom Dress
PEREGRINE
the
issue four
feature
5
Local program helps evening dreams come true KELLY HARRISON
staff writer Her dress set her apart from the crowd. The months she spent preparing for this Prom culminated in the wearing of this dress, and she radiated with beauty and confidence. For some young ladies, the idea of spending upwards of $500 on a dress for a onenight only event sounds not only ridiculous, but financially impossible. Teenage girls without financial means are often forced to wear ill-fitting or sub-standard dresses, and others cannot attend the festivities at all. Now in its fifth year, Lone Star College and social workers across the district have collaborated to bring Prom dresses and excitement to those who otherwise would go without. The Lone Star College Fifth Annual Prom Dress give away allows high school students to
donate gently used prom dresses to a “dress bank” where disadvantaged students can shop for dresses, shoes, and accessories. “We started in 2004 with the president of The Friends of the Library, Nancy Flanakin. A girl in my teen club had the idea-she wanted to start a club to help girls buy a dress for prom” Elise Sheppard, Team librarian and Prom Dress Give Away coordinator, said. The holding room for the dresses consists of designer grade racks filled with over 1,000 modern, immaculately kept dresses. Without the generous donations of individuals, such a feat could never be accomplished. Furthermore, in an attempt to perfect the prom experience, shoes, accessories, and even make up can be donated to the program. Due to the success at the Cy-Fair level, the program has expanded out to over seven Houston area school districts. One young woman from Cashmere High School impacted Sheppard in particular. “After she found the dress for her, she wouldn’t take it off for three and a half hours. Seeing themselves in a beautiful dress instills confidence in these women they
wouldn’t normally have,” Sheppard said. After five years of making prom dreams come true, Sheppard and Flanakin have high hopes for the coming years. One major goal is reaching more young women throughout the city. “Every year we try to increase the number of girls we service,” Sheppard said. More recently, the hosts have begun to give tours of the Cy-Fair college campus in hopes of seeing the women’s faces the next fall as students. At the heart of the program is the wish to make every girl’s prom dreams come true. “Most of these girls have never owned a dress and cannot believe how gorgeous they are,” Sheppard said.
to Save Dates “Saturday Dates to Get a Dress” Location: Cy Fair Branch, Lone Star College Room 131: March 21st, April 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th Children’s Library: March 28th 1:00-5:00pm
PEREGRINE
february ‘09
the
6
feature
BehindThe Curtain
“Techies” make show happen every time
STEPHANIE GALLAGHER staff writer
For six nights the JV Players put on the musical “The Fiddler on the Roof.” A theatrical production needs actors on the stage to make it work; but what the audience did not witness was the busy workers backstage, in the cat walk, and in the booth trying their hardest to make the production move. They are strong, they are tough and they are “Techies”. “We’re like ninjas, unseen, unheard. You didn’t know who we were… and that’s how we liked it,” Eddie Gomez, sophomore said. Backstage, “techies” like Gomez and Kirstie Valverde, junior, shared the responsibility of prop masters and running crew. “I got the props for what everybody needed, and made sure that they were in the correct location for everyone to get them,” Valverde said. Being in charge of so much was hectic, but both handled the stress. Another important behind the scenes position was the Light and Sound Operators. When actors were too soft spoken or singing, they fixed the microphones to produce a louder sound. Zak Hubenak, senior, volunteered his time and efforts as the Sound Board Operator. Hubenak and the rest of the sound team worked to make everyone else’s jobs easier and were silently appreciated. Scene Change “The appreciation that I received Eddie Gomez, sophomore, is ten times better than anything takes the initiative else because the thanks and praise changing the scene. for “techies” really goes unsaid. If we were thanked too much, then praise wouldn’t be as rewarding. When they [the actors, directors, etc.] gave it to you [praise], they really meant it,” Hubenak said. photo by GLORIA LERMA
A lot of the people backstage choose to work there because they have stage fright, but it was fortunate that Adam Foger, junior, did not also have a fear of heights. During a theatre production, the lights were very important. In the “Cat Walk,” the light board above the audience, Foger provided the proper illumination. “Without the lights, everyone would just be in the dark. It’s fun to know that you have power, people were counting on me and we all got to rise to that responsibility,” Foger said. It took a lot of people to put on the play. The brains of theatrical operation go by the name of Assistant Stage Manager and Stage Manager. Wired with headsets, Jackie Ontiveros, sophomore, and Jordan Fauser, senior, rose to the challenge of the ultimate positions of leadership. Whatever Fauser said, went. “I called cues; made sure everyone knew where they needed to be, what they were supposed to be doing, and how they were supposed to do it. I just made sure that every aspect of the play ran smoothly,” Fauser said. Fauser ran the show, but Ontiveros made sure that chaos was not brewing in the wings and backstage when Fauser was not around. Even though they both had tough love jobs, they truly enjoyed the cast of the play. Calling Cues “I loved this cast! I actually looked Jacquelyne forward to staying at school 15 hours a Ontiveros, day just to hang out with cool people,” sophomore, instructs Ontiveros said. drama members Though they were unseen and backstage. unheard, the “techies” were always there, backstage working diligently. These people form a tight bond like brothers and sisters all matching in black clothes. Without the “Techies” there would have been no production. Without this group of drama students, there would be no such thing as Theatre. photo by STEPHANIE GALLAGHER
Perfectly
Junior earns highest SAT score ANNIE kELLUM
staff writer One three letter acronym can make a senior cringe, SAT. Most students find this test nerve-racking. Many consider a good score more than they could wish for, much less a perfect score. Graduation, college applications, aptitude tests, all just some of the stress filled events that take place during senior year. Given the stress that most seniors undergo, Cybil Zhang managed to do what all college bound teenagers would not even think possible without so much as breaking a sweat. The 16 year old junior took the SAT test last October and a short while later received her scores. Zhang had accomplished the impossible with a perfect score of 2400 on her first time to take the test. “At first when I found out, I just didn’t believe [I had done
Cybil that well]. Pretty much, the whole day I was in disbelief. I thought I would have to re-take it,” Zhang said. Those that know Zhang did not seem surprised at all. All of her friends and teachers know her as someone who works hard and excels in everything she puts her mind to. “I have had Cybil three years now and am very proud of her success. She is a very smart, and creative girl. She is very well-balanced, always talking with friends but focusing on schoolwork when she is asked to,” Joelyn Laughlin, photo teacher, said. She has always done well in school and participates in many school activities such as Student Council, NHS, Science Olympiad, and Interact. Zhang’s family was very intent on her studies and making sure she was fully prepared for school and her precollege tests, making sure she kept up with school work and enrolling her in a summer Test Masters program to
PEREGRINE
the
issue four
photo by VERONICA LLANO
help her test taking skills. “I would say [all the studying I had done] was for my parents. It’s very important to them for me to do well and go to college. They have always pushed me so hard, and I give them the most credit for why I do so well.” Zhang said. “Some advice I would give to students taking the SAT would be to focus on your weaknesses and work
Hometown Hero Sam Kelly staff writer
During his teen and adult life Jeremy Ray served his country and community. At 26 years old he was killed in Iraq by a suicide bomber. On February 7, 2009, a little over one year after his death, a scholarship was established in his name. The event was called “Salute to Our Heroes” hosted by the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, which raises funds to help increase college access for graduates of Cy-Fair ISD by awarding scholarships. “The memory of our son will live on through the many scholarships given in his name. This event will help individuals who strive to better themselves, by providing the much needed funds to succeed,” stated
feature
7
Mixing it up Zhang completes an experiment for her Chemistry II AP class, one of the many advanced classes she takes. to make them better. I spent a lot of my time studying vocabulary because that’s where I felt I was weakest in,” Zhang said. Though she has not decided yet what she wants to do after high school, she will no doubt have plenty of choices due to her high achieving performance.
Event honors Iraq veteran, alumnus with scholarship in his name
the family of 1st Lt. Jeremy Ray in the program for “Salute to our Heroes”. The day that the news had reached his parents, the same information reached Ray’s pastor, Ed Hogan, from Jersey Village Baptist Church. Upon hearing the news, Hogan promptly went to the Ray household where Jeremy’s mother, Debbie Ray, had just received the news from two soldiers about her son’s death. Ed Hogan made a promise that Jeremy would never be forgotten. Hogan kept this promise to the family after he was called by Marie Holmes, who is the Executive Director and trustee for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation. “Marie called me and said someone wanted to name a scholarship in honor of a soldier from the Cy-Fair area who had died in Iraq or Afghanistan. I told her about Jeremy and they named the scholar-
ship after him,” Hogan said. The proceeds from the event honoring Ray and other fallen heroes will go into an endowment for CFISD students to attend college. “This first year event brought in over $36,000,” Holmes said. The cadets at A&M were not going to forget him either. Two cadets, Michael Johnson and Sam Lutz, helped raise money to create a memorial for the 2000 JV alumni and 2004 A&M graduate. “We sent out letters to friends and family and raised about $6,000. We used that money to buy a plaque, a bench, and tree that was placed on the quad outside of our dorm,” Johnson said. Ray was a man who believed in honor, duty, and selflessness. He lived a life full of integrity and morals and he died valiantly protecting the country that he loved.
PEREGRINE
the
8
in-depth
1910
The first year a licensing law w effect in Ameri
cruising Tony Morrow, senior, glances at his mirror while driving his truck out of the parking lot.
The age at which o can obtain a licens some form of Drive Education
1
Car collision list of cause
Youth at the
photo by Jacqui Bontke
The Young freedom, and the
Reckless
responsibility meet through driving
kelsey o’briant managing editor
Two minutes from his home Barrett Jones, senior, almost met death. Jones found himself in a near fatal automobile accident. On December 7, 2008, Jones was driving home from an all-nighter at a friend’s house, driving down Phillipine, coming towards JV from Gessner. “I fell asleep as I was driving along and I came across the center line and off into the ditch on the road's opposite side. I was woken up after I hit a manhole cover about 100 feet away from a 48" diameter concrete culvert, but I was going 50MPH. A split second later, I hit the culvert, which apparently knocked me out for a few minutes,” Jones said. Jones’ truck was totaled, and he climbed out of the back doors because the front ones were smashed in. A friend, Clint Whately, senior, happened upon the scene and got people to come to the accident to assist.
teen driver
Both Jones and his truck were worse for the wear. “Unfortunately, my truck was the other casualty of my wreck. Hitting concrete at 50+MPH is not good for the truck, apparently. There was no saving the truck, and was totaled immediately. I loved the truck, but it was dead,” Jones said. Fortunately, Jones came out of the experience in better shape than the truck. Though he shattered vertebrae and will be forced to wear a brace until early March, Jones has gained a strong appreciation for his life. “I have learned to get my rest, and also to value everything, everyone and every moment of life. All the personnel on scene were…surprised I was conscious, and amazed that I was even alive. So I have learned to appreciate life itself. I've been given a second chance,” Jones said. Considering circumstances like these, the statistics on teenage driving remain and ring true. Auto accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths, and likewise, teenagers are three times more likely to die in an accident than any other age group. This trend even causes economic setbacks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that the economic impact of auto crashes involving drivers aged 15-20 is over $40 billion, the bulk of that generated by the 15-17 year old age group. Even among students, expression of concern about young drivers occurs. “[16 year olds] are more likely to drive recklessly and dangerously. They take unnecessary risks and speed excessively, which puts not only them in danger but everyone around them. I personally think that 18 is a much more reasonable age,” Tony Morrow, senior, said. Some feel that a freshly learned skill can be more cautiously utilized both personally and to help others. “My parents always chastise teenagers from inside their cars and mumble
th pu th
iz R an
be
so
ca m
th dr bu w bu th th w no ca
in-depth
costs to renew a license at 18 years old
51 numbers
n’s place on the es of teen deaths
Number of total accidents in the city of Jersey Village in December 2008 The percentage of drivers aged 15-20 who admit to using a cell phone while driving
56
ers onW heel today’s roads
hings about, ‘probably texting’ but I find myself having to remind my parents to ut blinkers on, to use their mirrors, to make full stops at stop signs, to get out of he middle of the road,” Victoria Silva, senior, said. Carrie Thompson, junior, shows the case of a safe teen driver who was patronzed because of her age. On January 28, 2008, Thompson was driving down West Road when a car turning left who was supposed to yield to her ran into her car nd totaled it. “Even though it was his fault, he was mad and thought it was my fault just ecause I was younger than him,” Thompson said. Thompson has to reap what the other driver sowed, but has learned a few lesons along the way. “Now I don’t have a car because we have to wait for insurance, so I haven’t had a ar for two weeks, but now I’m way more cautious. I notice more things coming at me because I know how scary it is to actually be in a wreck,” Thompson said. Transportation is a vital part of many young lives, and those who can transport hemselves hold the keys. The journey that is riving seems paved with easy streets, ut the experience does not come without a few umps in he road hat are worthy of otice and aution. photo by Jacqui Bontke
Girl loses father in auto accident
KELSEY O’BRIANT One evening in January, a 19 year old college student found himself on the road back to Blinn College from his home in Houston. The traffic was heavy, and he suddenly realized he missed an important exit. Flustered, he exited at his next opportunity just to have to double back. He flew back on to the freeway, when he dropped something. I will not be watching the road for just a moment, he thought as he powered forward, reaching down. Meanwhile a man of almost 50 waited to exit the freeway. The traffic was terribly thick, and he was moving at a slow crawl to exit. He was fairly careless though, listening and singing along to a CD in his car as he made his way to a music lesson that night. He had the whole night ahead of him and a family waiting at home for him later. The 19 year old looked up. Red. That was all he saw. The sea of moving vehicles he had remembered only seconds earlier had transformed into a wall of merciless red lights. There was no time for thought. There was no time for braking. With nothing but shock and fear, he barreled into the car in front of him at 60 miles per hour. From this point forward in the story, I do not know how the 19 year old reacted, except that he was barely hurt. I cannot comprehend what he felt or what he went through mentally as the two vehicles hit. I do however know what happened to the other man. Unfortunately, I find myself in that car at that moment with that man every single day as I live through the horror in my mind. I feel his instantaneous fear as his CRV is propelled into an 18 wheeler. I hear the deafening scream of immanent fate, while experiencing the overwhelming calm of finality. I watch the car spin and I see the man. The man is my father, and he was killed in this very accident. It is a greatly accepted fact among even my most distant friends and family that my father was my very best friend. We were very much on the same wave length both emotionally and mentally, which was exasperating to my mother at times, but nothing but pure ecstasy for us. That being said, my life is now irrevocably and irreparably stained because he is no longer physically managing editor
driving 16 by
one se after er’s
9
forgotten the
Gone but not
25 Number of dollars it
a driver’s went into ica
PEREGRINE
present. I will never again step foot onto the driving range at Mulligan’s golf course and receive tips on my swing from my father. I will never again watch a silly movie on the couch while my dad doubles over in his recliner from uncontrollable, wonderful laughter. I will never admit my father into my room to have an earnest discussion about decision making, the future, and life itself. His music, his humor, and his irreplaceable serenity are forever absent from my life and my mother’s life. All of it was ripped away in a mere moment. I never used to pay too much attention to car accidents. They simply happened, I figured, and the people involved would be fine, because death was never real or at least tangible to me. Any moment of distraction I experienced while driving had no impact upon my conscience or natural thought process whatsoever. I can only assume that the 19 year old was the same way. I am not ignorant to his life change. While mine is as overwhelming as I could have possibly imagined, his exists. He was not intoxicated and had no illegal substances in his body. His intention was not to kill my father that night; he was simply heading back to school. Now, every day, he must remember that he is responsible for the death of a man. He took a life that was not his to take. That young man must live with his mistake and probably tortures himself day after day-- it all originated in one simple moment. Now I beg and plead that my friends drive safely, and not in an obligatory or polite manner. In my own driving as well, I realize the surreal weight of distraction. I know that every decision makes every difference. I am responsible for every life on the road, but mostly mine and the people I travel with. Losing my father caused a very big part of me to permanently change, but if nothing else, I have gained an impenetrable appreciation for awareness on the road. Mostly though, I cry tears of joy daily that I was best friends with one of the greatest men to ever walk the earth, and I drink life in gulps.
PEREGRINE
the
10
sports
Banding Together
february ‘09
Softball coach uses new strategy to promote collaboration, supportive sportsmanship KATHY ROMERO
staff writer The pitcher, the catcher, the first basemen, and every player on the varsity softball team shares one desire, reaching the playoffs. To achieve their goal they all need to have the one necessary ingredient, teamwork. To advance their goal Coach Karyl Bitting, junior varsity softball coach, has introduced the team to the rubber band ball. They wanted an object they could watch grow, regarding their behavior. Bitting got the idea Each rubber band from the Tennessee Titans added to the ball who used medical tape inrepresents the act of good stead of rubber bands. The behavior and teamwork.
team expects to have the same outcome. The purpose of the ball is to constantly remind the athletes what they are working for in a form they can look at and touch. “With all the talent and intangibles they are very capable of being great,” Bitting said. To earn rubber bands the team has to show the coaches that they really do deserve a rubber band. The players earn a rubber band by showing positive attitude towards other teammates and by motivating or helping out. A rubber band does not mean a lot to the normal student body, but to a softball player it gives their future hope. They also keep in mind that the coaches have the power to decrease the size of the ball. “The ball symbolizes unity and our motivation for success,” Molly Gorrie, junior, said.
photo by ERIN CUMING
BATTER UP Courtney Ladner, junior, steps up to the plate at a home game against Katy’s Seven Lakes High School.
sports
PEREGRINE
the
issue four
ALL-Star G alie
11
Smith takes life passion to excel DEBY THORP
sports editor At four, Ryan Smith, senior, kicked her first soccer ball across the field beginning what would become her life time goal. Smith had grown up watching her brother, AJ Smith, play soccer and quickly decided to follow in his footsteps. “After watching my brother, AJ, play soccer I knew I wanted to play as well, it looked like so much fun and I knew I would enjoy it,” Smith said. Since entering high school she has played for not only the school but also US Club Soccer where she has had the opportunity to travel around the country perfecting her skills. Through her work with US Club Soccer, and the combined successes of her time with the Lady Falcons as a District 15-5A MVP ranked goalie, Smith has been signed to a full-scholarship at Troy University. “Many hours above and beyond the normal players and good training have led her to this point. Also her determination to prove to so many that she could do this,” Michelle Smith, mother, said. Smith’s involvement in soccer is not just dotted with success and glory but also has very real consequences. Soccer is still a dangerous sport and can result in broken arms, torn ACLs and knee injuries. Smith has always known these risks and acknowledges them but that does not stop her family’s fear. “Like any parent we are proud of our kids and I just hope that each game will always end injury free,”
Greg Smith, her father, said. With her senior year already in full sway; Smith just focuses on the outcome she wants. Smith might just get her way with the starting 17 games in which they are 14-3, making the Lady Falcons prime candidates for the district playoffs. “I want us to make the playoffs this year and I also want to make All-Greater Houston area,” Smith said. One way that Smith is insuring that her team makes it is by taking charge and stepping into a leadership position that she is uniquely qualified. From her position at the goal post, Smith can be found directing her teammates and calling out shots. “I know that I can see the entire field from my position so I can see things that they might miss,” Smith said. Smith has to have lightening quick reflexives and be capable of performing under pressure. Many times in a soccer game the goalie will be the last person standing between victory and defeat. “She has become a mature and responsible individual. She is always striving to be the best. She always has high expectations for herself and teammates.” Roberto Lopez, soccer coach, said. During the last game of her junior year, Smith emerged as a leader as she directed her teammates to a victory that left many of the fans stunned. Calling out directions and at times leaving her post to be instrumental to plays that needed an assist, Smith shone that day as a leader.
Upsetting the Status Quo
Blocked Again Kicking the ball back out to her team during the game against Langham Creek, Ryan Smith, senior, stops another ball from reaching the net and enabling another win. photo by CHELSEA BOYER
“Ryan is really talented and it’s been a lot of fun playing with her. She has accomplished so much,” Lindsey Griffin, senior, said. Smith’s talents have only begun to unfold and her game can only continue to improve.
Lady Falcon’s journey to make the playoffs
DEBY THORP
sports editor Exploding onto the scene, the Lady Falcon varsity soccer team is challenging the top three teams in the district. After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, the team, as well as their coach, are determined to go to the playoffs. “Overall, I believe that we have good quality players at every position. When somebody comes off the bench into the game they are players who will do just as well as the starters,” Robert Lopez, coach, said. back The season progressed in play with their first district game Throwing the ball back to her against Cy-Falls with a fellow players, win of 2-0 and quickly Raven White, followed with two more senior, delivers wins against Cythe penalty throw. Springs, 5-0 and Langphoto by CHELSEA BOYER
ham Creek, 3-1, though they did lose against CyWoods 0-4. On February 13, the girls went against Cy-Creek and suffered another loss of 0-3 and then at the game against Cy-Fair on Feb. 17 was another loss at 0-3. None of the losses dampened their spirit and the team went on to win against Cy-Woods 3-2 on Feb. 20. “The top 3 have always been the top 3. I’m sick of losing to them year after year, its frustrating. I think if we beat one of the top three this year, it will give our freshmen motivation for next year,” Ryan Smith, senior, said. With the return of players such as Ryan Smith, senior, a 15-5A MVP goalie, Yosselyn Aguilar, senior, an All-District fielder, Lindsey Griffin, senior, and first team midfielder, and finally Sarah Guerrero, junior, a second team forward, the playoffs is a certainty and the district title a possibility. “The passion I have for soccer, it makes me feel like I am on top of the world when I play,” Tracey Rogers, senior, said.
With all the talent, drive, and motivation swirling around the 2009 team, the season promises to continue to be an exciting one. Freshmen players such as Caitlyn Cooney and Kadie Walaszczyk have erupted and quickly climbed into the position of top scorers with photo by CHELSEA BOYER a combine goal average Grand Debut Running across the field Nicole Funderof 18 and 10 assists. “My older sister burke, freshman, showcases her talent. As one of the four freshman on the played. I wanted to fol- team Funderburke, has to compete with low in her footsteps,” girls older and more experienced. Walaszczyk said. The entire team is driven to defeat the top three and to show that Lady Falcon soccer can compete on all levels.
PEREGRINE
the
12
sports
Defining Expectations
Falcon women break social standards to compete with male wrestlers GLORIA LERMA
photo illustration by KATHY ROMERO and photos by ANNIE KELLUM staff writer In a country where equality MAP TIME Two of the three girls, Sonia Rivera and Staci Leitko, seems to be a driving force, three juniors, of the wrestling team, competed in the Sam Houston meet. lady Falcons are fully on their way The girls overcame obstacles to pursue a predominantly male to achieve that equality. At the sport. start of the wrestling season three or looking like a boy, two, stunt- off. They could have more pracvery motivated girls decided to ing growth and three, having poor tice,” Abad said. Regardless of the difficulties take a risk, join a predominantly nutrition,” Coach Kevin Casula they had to face, the girls’ dedicasaid. male sport, and have given it their tion was so strong that in order to Aside from the social barriers, all to learn and achieve the remake weight they skipped meals the girl wrestlers have experienced spect from ––––-their male team and went a full day without food. some uncomfortable situations. mates. Not all odds were against this A b a d Cecilia Abad, se“It has been predominately trio. Their fellow male teammates confessed nior, Staci Leitko a guys’ sport throughout the supported and encouraged them. that it and Sonia Rivera, country with little to no ac“I thought it was really cool was unjuniors, made up the cess for girls to participate.” that girls joined the team since a comfortwrestling girls team. lot of people think it is a guy thing. able to Being the only girls on the team, they were forced to wear the low cut attire, allowing They are accepted and treated part of her undergarments to equally. We gave each other tips. face several obstacles. “There were two main barri- show. Secondly, due to the fact We helped each other through ers to overcome, one, social ste- that there were only three girls words,” Steven Fly, junior, said. They have shown support and reotype and two, myths. It has they could not obtain as much dedication to each other and the been predominately a guys’ sport practice as their competitors. “Since we were just three girls, sport itself. throughout the country with little “It was inspirational to those to no access for girls to partici- the bad thing about us was that pate. With that said, the sport of we already knew how the girls who watched the wrestlers wrestling has taken on a mascu- worked. I knew what kind of throughout the year by noticing line image regarding participation moves they used and since there the on-mat achievements,” Coach for girls, one becoming masculine were more guys they could switch Casula said.
february‘09
Academic Win
Studies, athletics become priority for three players Mikela Melakis staff writer After completing hours of a rigorous workouts on the ever stretching green field most players are consumed with exhaustion and retreat to their homes for a rest. However for three young men their day does not end there. After practice they spend countless hours studying Robert Ottman for school and after four years they are finally being recognized by the state of Texas. Every year the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) composes a list of people who qualify for the Academic All-State Football teams. The program is in its eighth year and consists of over 2,000 applicants. Three footballs players Lance Siragusa, Jonathon Baubie, and Robert Ottmann fought their way onto the list. “It means a lot to me because I have worked really hard to maintain my grades while juggling practice,” Baubie, senior, said. The teams are arranged by points that are based off of GPA, class rank, and SAT or ACT Lance Siragusa score. Players are required to have a GPA of 3.68 (on 4 point scale) or above and usually be in the top 10-12% of their class. Achieving and maintaining this high academic standing involves hours of brutal and diligent studying. “I pretty much stay up later than most people. I get around an average of five hours of sleep because after sports I stay up and study,” Siragusa, senior, said. Balancing school with football forces players to excel in the area of time management. However despite the extreme circumstances, they remain motivated in school, earning them a spot of Jonathan Baubie recognition on the team. “Making the team is an honor and signifies a true student athlete. It shows they’re taking care of business on and off the field,” David Snokhous, school athletic director, said.
PEREGRINE
Striking a
Chord
news editor
Istanbul, TurkeyThe Call for Prayer, screeching from the minarets, obliterates all sound. The conversation at my table ceases. I look around the crowded street; some people stop but others continue walking. My table resumes talking about shoes and sun block. My eyes and ears scope the street. The bright clothes contrast with the dingy alleyway. The unfamiliar sounds and accents frighten me. I hear mothers calling for their children, chefs shouting orders and priests whispering prayers. In the cacophony, I hear a violin. I spy a man, obviously a Gypsy, playing violin. I cannot focus on anyone else in this alley; I only see him. I cautiously watch the Gypsy, dancing around the cafes, filled with Americans. My father notices my preoccupation with the Gypsy and calls to him. I try to stop my father, stretching my
arm across the table to swat his hand. My plea means nothing; the Gypsy sees the coins in my father’s hand and dashes to our table. Dad points to the violin, then to me. The Gypsy points to the coins. Dad hands him the change and the Gypsy hands me the violin. I can clearly see the anxiety in his eyes. I want to list my credentials. Yet, I understand his worry. As I hold the violin in my hands, I bear his life. My mind races for things to play. I did not prepare for my impromptu Turkish premiere. As always, I start with Bach. First, I play a simple Gigue. I stop myself and search my heart. Hymns from my childhood pour from my fingers; Come Thou Fount and Be Thou My Vision come naturally. Dad tells me to give the violin back. I begrudgingly hand the violin over. He smiles, plays a Gypsy song and returns the violin. I repeat the tune and answer with Amazing Grace. We both
Mop Head STEPHANIE GALLAGHER
staff writer
It seems like every time I walk through the halls between classes I bump into at least one of my friends. We exchange our hellos, smile and then continue on to class. But occasionally I will lock eyes with people who do not necessarily have a person to wave at and say “hi” to. These people remind me of the person that I used to be. My name is Stephanie Gallagher, and I used to be called “Mop Head.”
When I was younger, more specifically the middle school days, I was the girl in the front of the classroom who generally never spoke to anyone except when someone would ask to copy off of my paper or borrow a pencil. I was pretty anti-social, overweight, and obviously, from the adorable nick-name I was given, I did not have very nice hair. I believe the term is called “teen angst.” Every day I would wake up and wish the day would be over before it began. I could never understand why people would pick on me, or just not give me the time of day at all.
the
issue four
MANDY HOGAN
13
reflections
Senior learns how to communicate via music from a native in a foreign land smile as I return the instrument. He plays the hymn as he walks away. The Americans smile as they hear the familiar
tune. Between every cafe, the Gypsy shoots me a large, toothless grin. I sit watching him in amazement. For those few moments, music connects us. Our nationalities, socioeconomic status, language, technique and lives have no significance. The energy of music washes over us. In that circumstance, the Gypsy taught me more than any teacher. The Gypsy showed me the overwhelming power of music. We did not speak the same language, but we shared a sacred moment. Music became our sole method of communication. When forced to use notes instead of words to narrate my own journey, my fingers moved with passion and technique became secondary. Musicians develop their own dialects. However, the tongue is the same. Music allows all nations to converse, despite their differences in language and heritage.
Student reflects on her past years as an outsider, learns to love life After a while, I realized how immature those “bullies” were. I realized that the only opinion that needed to really matter was my own. I stopped caring what everyone else had to say and branched out. Now, I know who I am. I know what I stand for, and I have not been called “Mop Head” ever since. Now, when I see someone who looks like they could use a friend I say “hello”, because I wish someone had done the same for me. Our school consists of the popular scene, the outcasts, the nerds, the artists, the overachievers, the athletes, and everyone else in
between. Segregated but the same, we are all people; even the Mop Heads...
PEREGRINE
february ‘09
the
14
reflections
Hot off the Press I hate to say it, but print journalism is dying. This fact that washes the ashy color from my fingers, also breaks my heart. I understand that is “green” to read online papers, and of course the 5 o’clock news is convenient, but there is a wholesomeness about a Sunday morning paper that makes its way onto lawns everywhere. However, I may have found a pulse in the art of print newspapers. Starbucks Coffee has recently taken part in Good. Good is newspapers, web broadcasts, avid bloggers, small business and non-profit organizations
that have a common purpose to move the world forward in any way it can be done. Online videos that share news briefs read by a little blue man, blogs published by passionate contributors, and Good Sheets that are stocked on Starbuck shelves every Thursday all make Good, what it is. Ongoing exploration of issues like education reform, service of an American, the stances of political parties, and the economy for dummies, make Good what it can be. I now make a regular stop in Starbucks for my copy of the Good Sheet. I see it as a little beacon of hope in a field that is sadly becoming, well not so glamorous. I appreciate its content and its purpose. A four
inch by four inch newspaper makes for pocket sized circulation. The coverage on one and only one topic makes for a readable expression of news. Its wide appeal makes for a small change in every reader. A Good Sheet speaks for itself. Newspapers may soon need a tombstone that reads, “A well read Informer Who will Always be Recycled.” I am not ready to give up on my gray sheets covered with uncovered ideas, but for the time being I can be Good. Thursdays are not Sundays, and Starbucks is not my lawn, but Good Sheets are a small organism, whose role will improve what newspapers do, make people smarter. But also make Good.
What is Good? NEWSPAPER
WEB BROADCAST
BLOGGING
GOOD
editor-in-cheif
JACQUI BONTKE
Years of the press A series of Peregrine news papers collected during Jacqui Bontke’s time here.
ne cure. One ride. One destination. O MS150 ERIN CUMING
staff writer
I force myself to reach the top and when I finally manage to struggle just enough to get there, I see the slope of another dreadful hill I have yet to conquer. Meanwhile, I enjoy the breeze that comes effortlessly with a downward slope. It takes great effort to start pedaling again and my whole body aches with pain. I think about getting off my bike and walking the rest of the seemingly endless hill, but when I hear the voices of many cheering me on, I rethink the idea. As I pedal over the final hill, my heart fills with exuberance as I achieve my goal of completing my first MS150. I am a cyclist who rides in the MS150, an annual bicycle ride to raise money for people suffering from the incurable disease multiple sclerosis. The ride goes from Houston to Austin in two days, a total of approximately 180 miles. The night before the ride, I loaded myself with carbs, and the next morning woke up psyched. The first 50 miles were great; the weather was just about perfect, and my body was pumped and ready for action. However, I also had my full share of road kill
and cow manure, but the positives definitely outweighed the negatives. Toward the end of the first day, the only incentive that kept me going was the friendly, helpful people I met along the way. I got so much motivation from the people who struggled to push up the hill along side me, the volunteers at the rest stops who filled my body with energy boosters, and most of all, my mom, who had the patience and kindness to stand by my side and be there with me to cross the finish line. The first day of my journey was over and I had ridden a total of 103 miles so far. I was halfway to reaching my goal. The second day I woke up sore but it felt good to be on my bike again. The final day came with pain and many meaningful experiences. The feeling I got when I saw all those people standing on the side cheering me on let me know that I had accomplished an extraordinary feat. That last couples of miles made me realize that I was not just riding for my own personal benefit. I had done this to raise money for a cause, to help people with multiple sclerosis, and it felt good. After pedaling my way over many, many, excruciating hills, I finally crossed the finish line and when I did, I felt as though I had just conquered the
world. It is amazing to me that so many people are willing to sacrifice their own time and energy to help others. My mom has been a big part in my participation of the sport. She has completed the MS150 for four years now and really inspires me to keep going. It is a lot harder than it One More Lap. Striving for the finish line, looks, but is defiErin Cuming, junior, pedals nitely worth the over another hill during the time and sweat. MS150. The whole experience was simply incredible and I am really glad I gave it a try. I fully intend on riding for years to come and would encourage anyone interested to go for it.
PEREGRINE Peregrine Staff
issue two
the
Generation Inauguration Historic ceremony missed by many, causes concern for students
students speak out
“
My teacher told me that there was nothing important happening on that day. I felt like something that I had the right to experience was taken from me.
”
“
I watched in my agriculture class. Watching didn’t really make a difference to me but I paid attention because it was a new experience.
”
the events of September 11th now have their own chapter. The ceremony marked a day without republican verses democrat, because the day was only American. Moments like these are rare and with that they bring precious experiences. News reports can give highlights, and families can Tivo a program while away from home, but many students and teachers would agree that watching a ‘Tivoed’ version of a historic Inauguration is not nearly the same as experiencing the moment first hand. In generations prior it was not as simple for teachers to turn on CNN in classrooms and let students soak up history in the making. In the future, schools should utilize their advanced technologies and allow students to experience history when it is happening before their very eyes.
21 Y
ays
0N
ays
the
PEREGRINE position
DARON EUBANKS 10th
Publishing, Advanced Journalism and few others. The rest simply went on with scheduled curriculum. This decision, made by Greg Brock, director of instruction, was based on that classes viewing already lost instruction time due to Hurricane Ike and could not spend time focusing on events that did not relate to their subject. Brock said that history happens everyday and the school cannot forgo its duties of educating its students in order to watch a historic ceremony. However, some classes that did not have permission to watch spent the period listening to radio broadcasts and searching the web for live streams of the ceremony. If a student was in a Math or English class at 11:30 a.m., the time when President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were sworn in, they were denied the right to watch the ceremony. For those students, a day that was far from ordinary seemed like a regular Tuesday. Though this event took place during a regular instructional day, it seems fit to allow students to view a ceremony that will one day fill their history books just as
SHELBY BUCHANAN 12th
Grandparents sat around radios on Black Tuesday to hear the news of the 1929 stock market crash. Moms and dads watched as Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon in 1969. On January 20, 2009 the most note-worthy event of the 21st century took place in Washington D.C. The first African American President was inaugurated before 1.8 million people in D.C. and 37.8 million across the nation. Here at Jersey Village the highly significant ceremony was viewed by few, longed for by some and missed by many. Those ‘many’ are now without the actual experience of being part of history. Prior to the Inauguration teachers were informed that only history classes, government classes and journalism or media classes were allowed to view the Inaugural program because those classes could fit the event in to their curriculum. Watching was not mandatory, but the option was given and at the teacher’s discretion. A handful of classes took time to watch the ceremony. These included JVTV, Journalism I Desktop
BRETT ROBINSON 11th
15
editorial
“
I was there in Washington to experience the Inauguration. Why would I wanna miss out on something so important?
”
2008-2009
editor-in-chief JACQUI BONTKE managing editors KELSEY O’BRIANT LAURA HEBERT photo editor SHELBY CARTER news editor MANDY HOGAN sports editor DEBY THORP advertising designers
SKYE COMSTOCK, ANTHONY ESPINOSA
business manager JESSE PYLE delivery manager JASPER GATES contributing artist EMILY JOHNSON staff
SHANNON BEEHNER, ERIN CUMING, STEPHANIE GALLAGHER, KELLY HARRISON, ARMANDO HUERECA, ANNIE KELLUM, SAM KELLY, GLORIA LERMA, TIM MARDIS, MIKELA MELAKIS, MUMTA MITTAL, AND KATHY ROMERO
adviser MARGIE COMSTOCK principal RALPH FUNK
Jersey Village High School Student Publications’ Newspaper Policy The Peregrine is the official student publication of Jersey Village High School and is published by the Advanced Journalism Newspaper class at Jersey Village High School, 7600 Solomon, Houston, Texas 77040 (713-8963400). It is distributed free to the student body. Subscriptions can be bought for $15, and copies of the paper will be mailed to your residence. Unsigned editorials represent a majority agreement of the staff. The Peregrine is read in advance of publication by the JVHS administration. Advertising is sold by the 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and full page. The staff has the right to reject, edit, or cancel any advertisement at any time. The advertising policy is stated on the advertising contract. Advertising is not an endorsement from the staff, the adviser, the administration, or the Cypress Fairbanks Board of Trustees. The Peregrine is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, Quill and Scroll, and the National Scholastic Press Association. The Peregrine is printed by Texas Student Media in Austin, TX. The opinion of readers is held in high regard. Please send all feedback or questions to our address or room 1712. Letters to the editor need to be limited to 150 words. We reserve the right to edit for spelling and grammar. Letters must be signed.
BeautyKing
1. 2009 Mr. Falcon, Tyler Cox, wears his crown. “It was a neat experience to participate in and I would definitely encourage next year’s senior guys to do it,” Cox said. 2. Justin Catanese and his escort, Mallory Mayes share a glace while making their way to the judges. “I had one of the best escorts,” Catanese said. 3. Contestant Tyree Chism dazzles the audience with his aquatic display. 4. Joseph Flores performed the Mad Tv skit, entitled Bon Qui Qui. “It was an awesome experience; I would definitely do it again,” Flores said.
1.
Senior men show their talents
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY Lee Barker gives his escort, Kristen Troxler, a rose as he dances his way to the front of the judges.
4.
photo by SKYE COMSTOCK
5.
2. photo by SKYE COMSTOCK
photo by SKYE COMSTOCK
Reaching for the Crown
Contestants compete for the title of Mr. Falcon
O
3.
photo by DEBY THORP
photo by SKYE COMSTOCK
n February 7th, Cy-Ridge High School lent out their auditorium for the Mr. Falcon 2009 contest. With the help of Project Prom moms, 23 senior men represented various school clubs and team organizations, from the girls soccer team to the video technology of JVTV. The contestants and their escorts practiced long hours after school in order to put on the best show possible, and to entertain the audience. The contest consisted of four segments; introduction of the contestants with their escorts, talent section, swimsuit dis-
play, and formal attire exhibition. Throughout each section the participants attempted to showcase their unique personalities to further their chances at winning. After formal wear, only five contestants were selected as the top five finalist. Tyree Chism, Trey Briggs, Justin Catanese, Tyler Cox, and Brett Childress were the last ones standing for the title. The final contestants were asked questions that exposed their personal experiences in high school. Tyler Cox was named 2009 Mr. Falcon after the evaluation of the judges.
6.
photo by DEBY THORP
5. , one of the five finalist, waits to answer the insightful question. 6. Mr. Falcon contestant Trey Woodruff and Taylor Hesketh, junior, interpret “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” dance in order to win over the judges and the crowd.