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Jersey Village Fire Department gives ECP student hero award
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Varsity golfer proves skills, ranked eleventh in the nation
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Student Council meets to prepare for Battle of the Falcons
Volume thirty-eight Issue two
Jersey Village High School
7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040
Young artists take their creations off the canvas and onto their clothes. Creative students use talents to make wearable art and some plan for fashion future careers. pages
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Visionary Blind teen overcomes obstacles LAURA HEBERT
co-managing editor he walks with determination. She knows where she is going and she knows what surrounds her. With her walking stick in hand, she navigates her way. This freshman, Amelia Pellicciotti, is fully capable, motivated, and blind. Pellicciotti has had Lebers Congenital Amaurosis since she was born. She can only see shadows and light but she has not let that stop her from performing any activity. She lives the life of a normal teenage girl. She texts, surfs the internet, and takes part in sports and debate. “I recently took third place in student congress in Debate. I play piano, drums, and guitar. Next semester I plan on joining the track team,” Pellicciotti said. Pellicciotti constantly adapts to her surroundings. She will get a feel for track through a system of ropes. Someone will run in front of her, and the ropes tied between them will
S
DID YOU KNOW
• Braille is the system of six raised dots created in 1821 by French schoolboy Louis Braille. It is the only medium through which children with profound or total loss of sight can learn to read and write. • In recent studies, blind people who learn braille at an early age have generally been found to complete more years of school, have higher incomes and employment rates, and read more in adulthood than do blind people who do not learn braille in childhood.
guide her in the direction of the track. In debate one learns from watching, considering Pellicciotti’s lack of sight, she cannot do that. Those around her are also forced to adapt but through time and patience, she preservers. Peter Paul Wong, junior, mentors Pellicciotti in the speech and debate program. “I have learned a lot from teaching [Pellicciotti]. Sometimes it is hard because I cannot use visual aids, but we work through it because she is so eager to learn. She is very special in the way that she does not let her disability get to her,” Wong said. Pellicciotti’s speech and debate teacher, Leslie Wendt, was also forced to adjust. She did not know what to expect when she found out that she would have a blind debate student. “I was nervous about the accommodations that would need to be made, but excited about the challenge,” Wendt said. In school and at home, she has speech software to trans-
Braille Alphabet
photo illustration by LAURA HEBERT, JACQUI BONTKE
late words on the computer. Pellicciotti reads Braille, and has gone to camps at the Texas School for the Blind since she was young. Although she has achieved much, she feels the hardest part of being blind is that people treat her differently or feel bad for her. Often, when first meeting Pellicciotti, people assume that she suffers from a mental disability which she does not. She just does her best to explain that she is fully capable of doing any activity; she is only lacking the advantage of sight. “You shouldn’t feel sorry for someone with a disability because they have a disability, you should feel sorry that they do not get the advantage that others get. I can do all the same stuff as everyone else,” Pellicciotti said. No surgery exists yet to correct Pellicciotti’s form of blindness. But even if it did she feels that she would not have the procedure done. “I am happy with who I am, an eye surgery is not going to change that,” Pellicciotti said.
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BATTLE OF THE FALCONS
Student Council prepares school wide charity event THILYE RINKE
photo by Thilye Rinke
UNDECIDED Comtemplating on whether he should compete for Battle of the Falcons, Rique Garza, senior, signs up his band just in case.
staff writer Magic glides across the guitar strings as a band member summons the melodious sound of charity. To promote giving to charities Student Council will hold Battle of the Falcons, a talent show, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. In the tradition of supporting causes such as Love 146, Invisible Children, or Charity Water, Battle of the Falcons will give students the opportunity to give to a charity of their choice. Neha Vaidya, a junior Student Council officer, has put a lot of effort to make this project come true and get the student body involved. “I am pumped to finally have another charity event that the entire school can get involved with, other than homecoming,” Vaidya said. Marco Luz, a senior student council officer as well as Senior Class President has become very involved with Battle of the Falcons, by making flyers and promoting the
event on social networks. “I am personally very interested in watching what kind of talents individuals will share in order to win. I’m even more excited about the amount of expected people that are willing to watch, as well as the amount of money we can raise for a good cause,” Luz said. Each group that performs will choose a charity that they will represent during the Battle. The talent that wins will not only win a cash prize but a donation to their charity. “This project is also meant to raise awareness of the different charity organizations; and motivate students to contribute to charity functions,” Luz said. Student Council expects a great outcome on November 21st. The officers feel that students will be willing to jump in at the opportunity to support their friends, but more so to donate to a great cause. “Hopefully as the word spreads around a lot of people will want to go,” Adrian Rillon, Senior Student Council Officer, said. On October 20th the first Battle of the
Falcon meeting was held. Nickolas Pedrana, a member of the Arcadia Storm, has been with his band for three months and cannot wait to perform at Battle of the Falcons. “I would love to express our music, especially to our fellow classmates,” Pedrana said. Like Pedrana, Andrea Andrade, junior, loves her art. Andrade has been dancing for 10 years. At Battle of the bands she will perform with her friend Starr McFarland, junior. The girls hope the crowd will love their dance moves as much as they enjoy dancing. “We are looking forward to the Battle of the Falcons, because we want to show our talent and love for dance,” Andrade said. The expectations are high, and Student Council hopes the student body will make Battle of the Falcons a great show, not only for the joy of performing but for the fulfilling experience that donating can bring.
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Making
Mumories
Freshman becomes crafty with new business COURTNEY CALBAT
delivery manager s the weather began to cool and Homecoming approached students had a lot going on; from finding a date to getting ready for the dance. The Homecoming Friday was filled with the sounds of little bells and ribbons rustling in the halls, as students wore their mums or garters while decked out head to toe in purple. Micaela Firestone, freshman, had many more responsibilities than the average student to prepare for this big day at school. This Homecoming Firestone took orders from fellow students to make mums and garters for the Jersey Village Homecoming. It was challenging for not only did she have to make them, but she was up against a major deadline. “It was challenging because we have to gather a lot of materials, arrange them all to look good, and it’s time consuming,” Firestone said. She got the idea when her mom and she were in a store and saw mums for sale. They both agreed it would be exciting to try to make mums and garters and it would allow them to spend quality time together. It was official then, Firestone’s mum and garter business was open.
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“The mum was really full with ribbons, and gorgeous.”
Building mums and garters involves a complex and detailed process. They bought supplies, glued the ribbons to a circle then glued the flower on top; then they added stickers or other decorations. Firestone and her mom went through all these processes to get the job done, having to go to many stores to get all the utensils. “We mostly got ribbons and other supplies from Arnies and Hobby Lobby,” Firestone said. After gathering all the supplies the next step involved was actually making each mum, which took around five hours, and garters took around three hours. “It was not so much a hard process as it was just very time consuming to make them,” Firestone said. Firestone made a total of eight mums and four garters. Morgan Mugavero, freshman, was one student who ordered a mum from Firestone. “The mum was really full with ribbons, and gorgeous. It had everything from bells, stickers, a bear, to band trinkets,” Mugavero said. Jasmine White, freshman, was also a student who purchased a mum from Firestone. “It had a lot of ribbons, and little decorations. I thought it turned out really good,” White said. After the long hours Firestone and her mom put into it making mums and garters, they made nearly $600, charging a starting rate of $75 for each mum and garter. However additional charges were added for special requested items on the mum. Even though Firestone spent numerous hours creating these works of art she would re-open the Firestone business. “I would definitely do it again next year, because it is something my mom and I enjoyed doing this year,” Firestone said.
STYLIN’ Jasmine White proudly wears her home-made crafted mum by Micaela Firestone to school Friday before the dance.
photo byCourtney Calbat
HOMECOMING WRAP-UP
October 10-17 Spirit week at JVHS Pom Pom The Gold Dusters dance their way down the streets at the annual Homecoming parade. Spirit The Varsity Cheerleaders show their support for the football team by performing their color shout.
photo by Cristian Sandoval
photo by Meredith Steffen
Proud MOm As he threw his arms around his mother, Kevin Cardenas, senior, was named Homecoming King. ROYALTY After Sonia Rivera’s, senior, name was called as Homecoming Queen, her face lit with excitement.
Tuesday
photo by Vanesa Adan
photo by Jacqui Bontke
Wednesday
photo by Megan McCann
ExTRA POINT At the Homecoming game verses Langham Creek, Chris Grossman, senior, kicked a feild goal earring the Falcons an extra point.
photo by Chelsea Boyer
Wednesday
photo by Cristian Sandoval
photo by Chelsea Boyer
Thursday
photo by Vanesa Adan
Friday
photo by Kelsey Carroll
Friday Night
photo by Chelsea Boyer
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A CRUCIAL Moment Senior in Early Child Professions class saves a little boy’s life Mikela MElakis sports editor One minute the four year old happily froliced around the playground engaging in silly childish games, the next hives covered his body and an ambulance rushed him to the hospital. He was just moments away from death, but the quick thinking of one senior girl saved his life. The preschoolers in Early Childhood Professions, also known as ECP, were all enjoying their first recess on the playground when Breeshawna Pierson, senior, noticed a wasp sitting on Frankie Escalante’s forehead. Pierson instructed him to stay still and he obeyed. The wasp flew away leaving no sign that it had stung Frankie, so he continued on playing. Minutes later Natalie Brown, senior, noticed Frankie’s face appeared red and that he was scratching at himself. “I just thought to myself, something is not right. So I took a close look, and someone asked, ‘Is that hives?’ and I was like ‘that is definitely hives’. My first thought after I determined that, ‘oh my god his airway could close up, he could stop breathing!’” Brown said. Knowing the severity of the situation and acting instinctively, Brown scooped up Frankie and yelled for someone to follow her to the nurse’s office. On the way to the nurse Brown spotted the assistant principals sitting at the cafeteria tables and asked them to radio the nurse to tell her a kid with hives was coming in. Upon arrival Brown answered as many questions she could to help the nurse diagnose the little boy. Meanwhile someone alerted Judy Thrall, ECP teacher, who was sitting inside on her lunch break, about Frankie’s situation. Another student had already gone to retrieve Frankie’s medical history, which all parents with children enrolled in ECP are required to fill out, and found no allergic reactions on record. “As soon as I heard his name I knew he had a mother who was a teacher at the school. So I ran and informed her that Frankie was with the nurse,” Thrall said. Jean Escalante was in the middle of teaching her class when Thrall informed her that Frankie was in the nurse’s office and that he had hives. Trying not to worry her, she only advised her that she should get down there. Escalante who did not quite grasp the gravity of the situation, and had no one to cover her class, patiently waited for someone to take her place. “I didn’t think it was an emergency emergency. I thought I had a few minutes to get down there. I didn’t realize how life threatening it was, because I get hives sometimes and it’s nothing serious,” Escalante said. In the nurse’s office, Sally Syer, the school nurse, and Brown were checking to make sure Frankie’s airways had not
HONORED Standing beside Jean and Frankie Escalante and Rob Missall of Jersey Village Emergency Services, Natalie Brown receives an award.
TODDLERS TO TEACHERS Girls, once kids in ECP, now teach the class Kimberly ShEeran
started closing up, and rubbing hydrocortisone to reduce swelling. When the paramedics showed up Frankie began to cry so Brown pick him up and started rocking him to comfort him. Frankie started coughing and then began throwing up. “He threw up on me, but that was not what I was concerned about,” Brown said. The paramedics, realizing that the little boy’s symptoms were progressing, gave him a shot with an epinephrine pen. “I watched his face when they stuck it in and it was so awful. It was a mix of terror, pain, and confusion, but the neat thing about it was that immediately after, his swelling started to go down. It was one of the most amazing things I had ever seen,” Brown said. The paramedics, for precaution, took Frankie to the hospital and Brown was sent back to class. The hard part for Brown was not the process of saving his life, but was what she experienced after. “I went back to class and I just broke down. I wanted to know if he was okay, if I did all the right things, IF HE WAS OKAY!” Brown said. Brown was not the only one worried though. By the time Escalante got to the nurse’s office her son was already in the ambulance and being taken to the hospital. “I was just in shock. And then I just started panicking,” Escalante said. She quickly left to go meet him there, and was thankful to see that her only child was in good condition. “The people from the EMS called and said that if Natalie had not reacted as quickly as she did, that Frankie would have been a goner. I am so proud of her,” Thrall said. Escalante and Thrall had no idea that Frankie was allergic to wasps. This was due to the fact that he was adopted from China, where little medical background is offered. “My family and I are very grateful. I can’t even find the words. I mean she saved his life. She is our hero,” Escalante said. She was not the only one who acknowledged Brown’s heroic actions. On Tuesday, October 21 the Jersey Village Fire Department presented Brown with a certificate praising her heroic actions that saved Frankie’s life.
staff editor Toys line the walls and cover the floor. Kids sing songs with their teachers, who are high school students,` who spend two class periods working with them. Tuesdays through Thursdays are filled with lessons in Math, Science, Language, Art and Music and snacks. Separated from the rest of the main building, the ECP, Early Childhood Development Professions, attracts a dedicated group of young teachers. Among these are two who have especially fond memories of ECP, Erin Cuming and Meagan Cooney, both seniors. These two girls were enrolled in the ECP program as children and now, 12 years later, they involve themselves as teachers in the program. Since the girls attend ECP as children many details of the program have changed. “Back when I was in ECP, our scrapbooks were little binders, now the scrapbooks are huge and filled with pictures of the kids,” Cuming said. As far as inspiration goes, both girls want to work with children in the future. “I do plan on dealing with children, mainly children with speech development problems,” Cooney said. She takes after her mother, an elementary school teacher of 25 years. “She enjoys being around children and is very creative so whatever path she chooses in college, I feel it will involve children,” Mari Cooney, mother, said. Cuming has taken a different route with her interest in children as well. “I am thinking about going into nursing, maybe pediatrics,” Cuming said. Erin’s mother has supported both of her ECP experiences. “I love it because Erin loves it and comes home with fun stories,” Connie Cuming, mother, said. ECP provides a structured environment for children to begin their learning in. Cooney and Cuming were both inspired by their experiences as small children to join to the program as teachers and continue the program. PLAYFUL On the phone, Meagan Cooney, senior, practices for the future. With pigtails, Erin Cuming, senior, smiles on the playground.
Smiles Brought By Siblings New club works to raise money for children with cleft lip leandra lee staff writer Taylor Knigge, sophomore, rushes to class as the two minute bell rings. As she tries to avoid hallway traffic she comes across an Operation Smile poster, and continues walking. As she ponders on what the club is, she walks into class. In class she is met by her friend Daniel Bastidas, who ironically is the president of the club with his sister, Camila, who is vice-president. “Operation Smile is a non-profit organization that travels throughout the world to change the lives of many children. The children suffer from facial deformities. Volunteer medical doctors travel to perform a 45 minute surgery, while the high school students help advocate the amazing cause. One surgery only cost $240, and together we hope to change lives of more than a 100 kids. The JVHS Operation Smile Club is only one chapter of many,” Daniel said. Some kids in foreign countries suffer with slits in their lips. Cleft pallet causes suffering in many ways: they
cannot eat so they starve, and are often made fun of, or have speech problems. In Operation Smile the student body will organize fundraisers throughout the year and also service projects, like going to go visit the kids at the hospital. They help the kids in other countries by fundraising money to allow them to have a free reconstructive surgery that can sometimes be life changing. Operation smile has left a positive impact on students who attend the meetings. It has helped them realize that they should not take their health for granted. “It is a chance for me to give handson help to those who are in real need of it,” Citlalli Alvarez, sophomore, said. Camila and Daniel decided to start this club because they like the idea of helping the kids in Colombia with cleft pallet. They started the club by talking to Stacie Wicke, associate principal. After her approval they talked to Lakina Williams, chemistry teacher, and asked
her to be the sponsor and she agreed. After informing the sponsors they contacted student programs at Operation Smile’s main office, and they have been up and running. “The process of putting this organization together was very easy because it was during summer and the sponsors were more than happy to help,” Daniel said. The effect of Operation Smile has inspired so many people to help others and leave them with a good feeling. “I received the best Christmas present from a student a few years ago. She and her parents had donated an operation for a child to have the cleft palette surgery in my name. I really admire what Operation Smile wants to do for these kids,” Margie Comstock, journalism teacher, said.
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Say Cheese The operation takes 45 minutes and cost $250
before
after
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art
Three fashion artists share work, experiences, self expression photos by Jacqui bontke
Christine Ko
Christine Ko’s passion for couture and clothes has manifested itself into a project of epic proportion Houston area, featuring her own designs, for close to a year. Ko takes charge of every aspect of the sho The key to the entire show, of course, is the clothes. Ko will premier her very own designs, which she ha show features a line inspired by the fight against human trafficking, an issue close to Ko’s heart. She va to the cause. The rest of the profits will go toward Ko’s future in fashion, as she hopes to attend fashion this before her, the wheels of style and design turn in Ko’s mind. She hopes that through her designs and her tireless efforts she can affect the course of her future, p time of the show draws near, Ko reflects on all that she has willingly sacrificed and all she dreams to ac
How do you believe fashion fits into the definition of art? photo by Kelsey O’Briant
best dressed (Below) Christine Ko has sketched designs for years, some for her show and some for aesthetic pleasure out of inspiration. Ko designs all of the pieces used in her show, and sews many of them with the help of some outside seamstresses. Ko’s years in art have helped her develop her design skills.
Fashion is art. Fashion is history. Fashion is diverse; it speaks from the soul of the creator. An idea, an inspiration, a thought can be transformed into styles and creations that are wearable. A true designer must think in the 3 dimensional form and be able to construct a work of art from a piece of 2D fabric.
about, and I b never occur. Th is the name o unique, beaut unique that si
A majority of my thoughts have been trained to focus on design and style. I like to observe what people are wearing, how they are wearing it, and any new ideas that show up in the way people pair their clothes, and accessorize as well. When I look at nature, I feel the passion to design something to resemble it or to honor it in a way. Fashion is the way I speak my mind.
I hope that th day…you’re o can raise a go college fun. I an 18 year old
How much does fashion influence your day to day thoughts and actions?
Now that you have focused your efforts on this fashion show, what specific planning and prep has gone into the show?
I’ve been planning for this show since the second half of junior year until now. Since my decision to host this show, I’ve been learning to sew more, and understand the techniques, as well as increase my skills as a designer by sketching more and finding new ideas and ways to create my lines. I have been searching for the models, training them to walk, finding a place to host the show, looking for companies to help support the show as well as volunteer seamstresses to aid me in producing the outfits in due time. Many logistics go through this, and it’s a bit overwhelming at times, but equally rewarding.
Why is this show important to you?
One third of the profit of this show is going towards the charity of my choice; Exodus Cry that fights human trafficking. Trafficking has been the number one issue I care
sketches courtesy of CHRISTINE KO
What are yo
What is you
Well, as for m design school get a good int of everything,
What else d and this sho
I’d really like t (Dillard, Dan of the aspects need to make really excited dream until y
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Christian Wright
free-thinker communicates vision, passion through paint, clothing
“eye jerk” pants
Back to school
competition cardigan
“A lot of people ask me if I jerk. The easiest way to let everybody know is to say that I jerk on the back of my pants. People will stop me in the hall and say, ‘Do you...oh,nevermind.’”
“I made this the night before school started. I had shoes but nothing to go with them. I just wanted to start the year off with something original.”
“A couple of people said they could paint better than me, and instead of arguing I thought I might as well just make this cardigan to show I’m better than them.”
stories and interviews by kelsey o’briant managing editor
ns. Ko, a senior, has planned and prepared to put on a fashion show in the ow from the tiniest lighting detail to the all-too imperative model struts. as sketched and sewed since the idea for the show first came to mind. The alues this issue so deeply that much of the revenue from the show will go n and design schools, as well as enter into fashion internships. With all of
pushing toward a career in fashion and life driven by compassion. As the chieve.
believe that the misuse and mistreatment of women is a sin and should Therefore, one of my three lines, I dedicated to this cause. “Distinguished” of the line because I believe that every woman is distinguished; special, tiful, and amazing in their own way. Thus, each piece will have something ignifies the theme of Distinguished.
our hopes for the fashion show?
he public likes it. To quote Project Runway, “One day you’re in, the next out.” So I really hope to be…in! At least for that day. I also hope that I ood, solid amount to donate to Exodus Cry as well as build my current just would love to say, “my senior year? I put on my own fashion show as d!”
ur future with fashion as you see it now?
my future, I believe that it all lies in God’s hands. But I hope to go to a l with enough money to support the expensive schools, and then perhaps ternship or open a boutique of my own. I’m excited to see the prospects g, and I’m ready for whatever flies my way.
do you want people to know about your current efforts in fashion ow?
to thank God and my parents for supporting me as well as my art teachers niel, and Laughlin) for being on the go and ready to help me in every one s and needs to be put together a portfolio, as well as develop the art skills I e the show better. The rest of the secrets of the show are mine to hold. I’m for this, and although it can get scary and frustrating, a dream is only a you make it into a reality.
Emily Whittemore For Emily Whittemore, painting has never presented difficulty. The flow of the brush, smooth with paint, moves in synch with the sophomore’s ever-moving thought. Whittemore fills canvas after canvas, producing a string of portraits and landscapes, realities and fantasies. But when the paper runs out and self expression leaks off of the square board, she turns to clothing. Whittemore began painting on clothes, backpacks, and shoes last year, even offering to paint for her fellow Gold Dusters. “I’ve painted backpacks and shoes for myself and my friends. I’ve also been asked to paint shirts. Clothes and paper are similar, because I see them both as canvases that I can paint my life on,” Whittemore said. As for her style, Whittemore tends to depict what any artist does: whatever inspires them in an isolated moment. Whittemore finds her muse in people she admires and the outdoors. “I enjoy painting people that I see and people that I admire, as well as scenes and nature. Mostly for the people that I paint, it’s a way of showing my love for them. As far as nature, you can see beauty in anything and I like
to paint that,” Whittemore said. Whittemore’s claim to fame takes the form of backpacks and shoes. Everyday, she carries a backpack adorned with bits of inspiration that she painted over time, adding here and there. On her feet, a collage of painted images bounce with each step she makes. Each of these items change with the season and Whittemore’s frame of mind. “The backpacks and shoes I work on, I consider a work in progress. When you’re wearing them and maybe you’re bored, you can just reach down and start painting them again. Just paint to reflect your day or how you’re feeling and just wear that until something new comes,” Whittemore said. Whittemore paints for herself and essentially anyone willing to ask for work. Whittemore keeps an open mind about the customer situation, and always remains flexible. “I really will paint anything someone tells me to; nothing is taboo for me. There’s really nothing I can’t do. If someone asks me to paint something
seemingly inappropriate I will go ahead and do it because it will expand me as an artist,” Whittemore said. Whittemore’s fervor for painting brought her an escape from some of life’s lower points, but ushered her into the world of fashion. Now Whittemore has more than a square piece of canvas on which to express herself, she has an endless wardrobe.
photo by Kelsey O’Briant
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Orchestra Triumph Young musician earns scholarship MUMTA MITTAL
layout editor Though Einstein did not perfect his theory of relativity in a matter of minutes and it took years to win the west, Andrew Shiau, freshman, exceeded expectations with an instrument he began playing only a few years ago. “I have been studying and playing music for about eight years now but I have only learned cello for three years because my middle school orchestra director needed more cellists,” Shiau said. Shiau started his musical career in kindergarten when his parents first encouraged him to play the piano, which would later establish a unique and meticulous relationship with music. At first, we let him play piano because we think piano is the most fundamental instrument. But when he got to middle school, we let him choose for himself and he chose cello,” Shiau’s parents said. The first piece of music he learned to play was “Twinkle Tinkle Little Star” but now he has the skills to play pieces such as “Duorak’s Cello Concerto”.
october ‘09
“Duorak is my favorite composer because his Cello Concerto was magnificent and poignant,” Shiau said. Now, with cello being his interest at heart, Shiau not only practices five hours a day but has succeeded in many competitions. He not only placed first chair at the Principle Region 27 Orchestra, but he also received a $1,500 scholarship to Madeline Island music group. Aside from awards, Shiau feels his best achievement stemmed from being in the right place at the right time. “My best achievement was sneaking into a quartet full of all-staters when their cellist dropped out,” Shiau said. While parents are often motivational, his parents actually encourage him to play less since he spends the majority of his days practicing and support him unconditionally. “Andrew is very self motivated. As parents, we just give him all our support and enjoy his music. We are very proud of his talent and hard work,” Shiau’s parents said.
Pianist receives first chair at all-state MUMTA MITTAL layout editor
As his breathing slowly and steadily deepens and the hours practice flows from his fingers on to the keys, Joseph Micheal Sliepka, sophomore, places first chair in the TMEA All States Orchestra. After ten years of dedication to music, his perseverance is not only displayed in performance but represented through a variety of awards. “I was excited and proud for Joseph when he got first chair at all-state,” Denis Kidwell, band director, said. Aside from All State, he also won the International Chopin Youth Competition, a rigorous competition that takes place every two years based off of the music of Fryderyk Chopin, and the Houston Young Artist Competition. “Winning the International Chopin Youth Competition was my best achievement because it was a very hard competition and I practiced really
photo by MUMTA MITTAL
hard to prepare for it,” Sliepka said. Sliepka first used music simply for enjoyment but found encouragement in his ability to achieve from his parents and teachers. “We had a piano in the house; we thought it would be good for him to learn. He showed interest and ability so he stayed with it. Shirley, his mother works with him almost daily. He is taken to competitions and weekly lessons; we found hin the best instruction available in Houston,” Sliepka’s father said. Sliepka’s unique talent pushed him to work harder and refuse failure. His parents also believe playing an instrument at such a young age both matured and developed his character. “He has shown a great respect and responsibility. He has shown talent and we told him he should never waste the ability he was given. He listened and worked with great discipline. He put in the time to practice when he had many other activities he could have participated in,” Sliepka’s father said.
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Canned meats for charity Campus organization collects food for district wide drive EMMA MCKENZIE
staff writer With the holiday season nearing, Cy Fair ISD conducted a district wide food drive. Throughout October, PALS hung signs in classrooms and made announcements about collecting cans for the less fortunate in the area. The district asked PALS to participate in this food drive, again, and PALS accepted the offer and started getting the word out about the collection. “The district did this food drive and each school collected different canned goods,” Sarah Shelby, junior, said. “Jersey Village was assigned canned meats.” All high schools collected different canned foods for the district. “The cans were going to the district food pantry.The district, then, distributed the food to families in need. We collected canned meats, and, Cy-Ridge is collected vegetables,” Austin Alsguth, senior, said. All first period classes were asked to place a box in the front of their classroom for students to donate the canned meats. “Ms. Wendt, the PALS sponsor, has asked all students to bring the canned goods to their first period classes because it is easier to collect and count up the number of cans brought in,” Shelby said.
All the food donated will be collected by the district and put into the Cy Fair’s food pantry. “The food drive will help people who don’t have food, and who don’t have a way to get their own food,” Kimberly Merz, senior, said. “We helped provide a meal for the less fortunate.” Knowing that they made a difference in peoples lives, students and teachers constantly pushed for more people to donate. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that I helped people,” Merz said. “I felt PAL-rific.” The PALS program was an active participant in the district’s canned food drive, but without constant reminders about the event, many students did not donate cans. “First period teachers did not emphasize the collection enough,” Shelby said. “If they had announced the collection on the school website or hung up more posters, I think the school could have collected a lot more cans.” Though Jersey Village was able to donate a considerable amount for the district, Mrs. Wendt has high hopes for the, larger, holiday collection. “Hopefully the efforts will increase drastically for the Thanksgiving food drive,” Wendt said. One class, however, did prevail over the rest. Ms.
Daniel’s first period government class collected the most canned meats for the food drive and won the donut party that the school provided. Even though the school did not collect as many canned meats as hoped, the PALS program is still proud of their work. “I think what PALS did was really kind and I am proud that I was able to help make a difference in other people’s lives,” Shelby said.
photo by kathy romero
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Tragedy
Motivation
Positive outcome evolves from recent loss of cousin Jesse Uppal
staff writer SMACK Austin Sarabia knocks the golf ball off the tee a good 189 yards through the fairway and it lands onto the green. “I can do it. I can do it. I can do it,” Sarabia, senior, said, hoping his ball would land and make it a hole in one. Sarabia has been preparing for his upcoming golf tournament set for October 31st and November 1st. He enters his “mental management” mode, where he constantly boosts his confidence by repeating visualizing the course and strategically attacking it. He first began golfing at age four with his father, who got him started in golf, but he did not strive to excel until his cousin was killed in a car accident on April 25, 2009. Sarabia and his cousin golfed together and his death deeply affected Sarabia. “He was more like a brother than a cousin,” Sarabia said. His cousin’s death brought out the golfer in Sarabia. Sarabia, a varsity golfer, has competed in a
multitude of tournaments including the Under Armour College Golf Combine, which ranked him eleventh in the nation. He won his first tournament, the Little Linksters Golf Competition, at age eight. Sarabia practices with either his school coach, Richard Kitterman, or Max Garrett, his private coach. Garrett and Sarabia have been training for the past 18 months and are still training for many months to come. Sarabia hits the course everyday until 6:30 p.m. or the sun goes down. He wants to play golf in college. Many coaches have looked at him including, Bethel College, Regis, Mary Hardin Baylor and Kansas Wesleyan. He has been talking to coaches and admission officers for five months. He is currently undecided as to what college he will attend. Sarabia golfs today and wants to golf in the future as well. “Although my cousin’s passing was tragic, I have found the positive from the negative. I am thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me and I owe it all to my cousin,” Sarabia said.
october ‘09
SWING At Jersey Meadows Golf Course, austin Sarabia, senior, tees off at a varsity golf tournament. using his driver club, Sarabia hit the golf ball 250+ yards through the fairway.
photo by Meredith Steffen
reflections
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I n s ta n t gratification
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Polaroid buff bids bittersweet good-bye to retro style photography JACQUI BONTKE editor-in-chief
VANDALS Bontke’s mother and sister try to climb the fence at Big Tree in Port Aransas, TX.
and That’s
the Way it Was
SWEET Bontke’s brother stuffs his face with cherry sours and Swedish fish as they drive through downtown Houston.
Blossoming journalist challenges bias in today’s transforming media KELSEY O’BRIANT co-managing editor
For some reason the brown tinted unfocused images that appear in tiny plastic squares in less than three and half minutes fill me with happiness. This summer I made a hobby of documenting my life in Polaroid pictures. From the picture of my brother with cherry sours up his nose to glamour shot of my friends after banquet, I cherish my vintage quality memories. My obsession began at age eight when I begged my parents for a Polaroid camera, but like the Skip It and Rollerblades, that phase was short lived. I picked it back up sadly after Polaroid film had stopped production. Regardless of the minor setback I managed to purchase several ridiculously overpriced packages of film. Paying $18 for a pack of ten photos made my hobby a pricey one. The memories I made, however were, for lack of a better word, priceless. Summer nights were not complete without stopping all conversation to debate over who got to be photographed or what they were going to be doing in the photo. The over thinking normally led to a photo that my friends later regretted taking, but that made taking the photos so much more interesting. We would make cupcakes and someone would say “this would make a great Polaroid.” We would cover a table at Chipolte with trash and document the mess. We would see the side of a building covered in graffiti and ‘click’ instant gratification. Contrary to The Black Eyed Peas, I urged my friends to refrain from shaking it like a Polaroid picture. These over thought, silly, stupid, and hilarious memories now decorate my closet doors. I cannot get dressed in the morning without looking at my friends and me pretending to be Sims in that little plastic square. My undertaking had an obvious ticking clock on it, and this month the last batch of Polaroid film ever made passed the ‘use by date’ marking the end of an era. My hobby may cease to exist, and I will not say that the memories are going to last forever, because that is entirely too cliché. The fact is Polaroid is an art form. I feel I have create a piece of art that only my friends and family can truly appreciate and the instant gratification we received from the ‘click’, ‘flash’ and ‘dispense’ is the real memory that will be salvaged.
The news is at war. Despite popular belief that “news” should be factual and without bias, various major networks conflict over hot button issues daily, if not hourly. Each station assumed their position on the battle line, conservative or liberal, democrat or republican, and willl not back down or compromise. Meanwhile, the American viewers stand in the cross-fire, either taking up arms with thte side of their choice or raising a white flag. Biased news sources have plagued the population more recently than ever before. The days of Walter Cronkite delivering unadulterated, unopinionated, well-intended news are days I know not of. I was born into a world high on progress, finding new wyas, seemingly every moment, to tell people how the cookie crumbled. This onslaught of technology and mindset made “the people” more active in the news, which sounds like a good idea in theory. Our country was, in fact, built on the principal of popular sovereignty, power to the people. The knowledge that the everyday man has the opportunity to influence on a grand scale, via the internet or even national television, is truly intoxicating to nearly every citizen of the United States. That being said, I live in a more competitive and self important society than either of my parents did. The aforementioned power is much to blame for that. With this new boldness and sense of entitlement,
today’s “news” is filled with radical and ridiculous opinions coupled with blatant disrespect and overall lack of concern for an objective truth. This is not a purely republican issue. This is not a purely democrat issue. This is an American issue. Effortlessly, citizens of the US, including me, stand back and shake fingers at the shamefully tainted news we all take in. Liberals reprimand the audacity and the ideas of stations like Fox News, while conservatives scoff at the liberal agenda of stations like CNN or MSNBC. Immediately after throwing such insults, they return home to their respective biased news stations, comfortably letting the validation of their narrow mindedness lull them into a pleasant slumber. In this way, the news stations themselves are only partially to blame for their bias. American citizens act as both the kindling that started the fire and the fuel that keeps it blazing on. When Americans stop demanding a bias that makes them feel comfortable, the bias will disappear- a simple supply and demand idea. Recently, I have tried to challenge myself to stand up for what I believe, but to give my opponents the opportunity to change my mind. I have challenged myself to not merely accept the testimonies and opinions of those I look up to but to challenge them internally before I repeat them. I will never exist without judgment, as no has existed free of judgmental tendencies. I will, however, make personal steps to bring America closer to an understanding and objective nation, the way the founding fathers intended.
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october ‘09
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New perspective on
DUB-YA Moderate establishes new view on former president MUMTA MITTAL
so suddenly. It almost made me second guess all of my judgment calls, but most of all it made me realize that a person is not defined by their job or position. The documentary not only presented genuine personalities, it made me realize that media perception is often our perception. Instead of making the effort t o understand our politicians and leader we follow the manipulation of media, though it is debatable on whether or not they are trying to change public opinion. Now I know making my judgment calls will reflect my true emotions towards an individual instead of the general consensus.
In(vince)able Martial artist obtains black belt
Vince Flores Sweating with nerves and anxiety, I roll around in bed searching for an ounce of sleep. But I just could not close my eyes. The biggest day of my life was the next morning, the day I have been waiting for, three years; the testing for my black belt in Taekwon-Do. So as I woke up on Saturday morning, filled with nervousness, I was ready to puke. Entering the doors of the testing facility was like walking up to a giant gavel. The material I worked on for the last three years was about to be judged by one of Taekwon-Do’s experts, Master John Tompkins, an eighth degree black belt. The test he administered is designed to test staff writer
layout editor
His favorite food is a bologna sandwich. When asked what his favorite tree is, he responds enthusiastically with, “Why would I have a favorite tree when I’m a Bush?” He dealt with the single most terrorizing acts in American history and he spread democracy to a land suffering from dictatorship. Ever since the age of about eight years old, all of the “problems” in America— were the fault of one person, George W. Bush, according to my parents (the overly democratic immigrants). As young and innocent child, I followed in their footsteps hating the “tyrant” that was driving our economy into the ground and causing mischief in the Middle East. Yet, it only took one simple documentary to 360 my opinions toward the former
president, and the way I usually make judgments in general. Journeys with George, by Alexandra Pelosi, not only depicted the hardships of the press during a campaign, but it also shed light on the child in all of us, even the big bad president. In the documentary, the daughter of Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, Alexandra Pelosi narrates her journey as a member of the 2000 Republican Presidential Campaign Press team. As a democrat Alexandra expresses her hardships with supporting the republican nominee yet also realizes that bigger picture is more important than her personal opinion. Amongst all the seriousness, the film portrays Bush as a friendly, humorous, and admirable man, a side I never expected to see. Suddenly, the man that gave horrible speeches and daily delivered “bushisms” such as, “Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning,” became a comedian and a very lovable dork that I could not help but adore. It felt strange to have my perception change
Photos by Kathy Romero
people’s dedication to the martial art and if I did not pass one part out of the five parts, then I failed the test and did not promote. As the test started my nerves slowly started to fade away due to the fact of my adequate performance so far. The last part of the test approached, breaking. The entire test depended on my ability to break however many boards Master Tompkins presented me with, no matter what. When it was my turn to break, I went up to the head table and he assigned me five boards to break with my standing kick. After Tompkins told me what to do, I stuck my five boards in the holder and just stared at them with great anxiety. All the emotions I felt when I had first woke up that morning had come
back to haunt me, all of my hard work and dedication rested solely on this very difficult break. Standing there motionless for a while I just said to myself “man I have got to just get this over with,” and that is exactly what I did. I lifted my leg up and just fired all the power I had in my body at the center of the boards, and then they just exploded with such ferocity that everyone turned their heads to watch in amazement. After my break was done I was the happiest man in the world, I had passed my black belt test with flying colors. Nothing in my life had ever felt so good then getting to have that black belt wrapped around my waist.
editorial the
technology
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he 2007 Bond Reform granted money to fund the High School Laptop Program, also known as the HSLP. The HSLP’s original purpose teaches Cy-Fair students how to use laptops so that the transition from high school to college and the workforce runs more smoothly. The logic behind this intent is that students who know how to use laptops will spend less time adjusting to new technology, more time focusing on their studies, and in turn would perform better overall. The HSLP provides students with one year of technology-intensive coursework. Technology based tests and quizzes were the route students would take to demonstrate their knowledge of certain curriculum. At Jersey Village the original intent of the HSLP is not quite executed. Though the Bond that provided laptops is already in effect, the district has more important financial issues that could be solved with the removal of this program. To ensure a shift to technology based learning, a proposed $9 million funded laptops for the district at $850.00 each. All the funding came from the Bond passed in 2007.
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The concept of technology based learning has not yet been fully grasped here due to constant troubleshooting the teachers must go though in order to have a classroom of fully functionary laptops. Lessons are put on hold when the equipment is not working properly and in a 50 minute class period, time is of the essence. Students are required to bring the laptops to school every day, as well as pay a $25 insurance fee in case any incident occurs. During the 2008-2009 school year juniors were guinea pigged with the same laptop concept and many of the same problems teachers and students are running now, occurred then. Many students have found the laptops requirement more of a chore than a benefit, and teachers have failed to see the positive as well. Shifting to technology does happen naturally for young adults. Their use of online social networks instead of study groups, search engines instead of libraries, and e-mailing teachers instead of only using class time to ask questions are all ways they increase their knowledge of technology. Computers are second nature to teenagers, and laptop assignments that explore the inner workings of Microsoft Word
are not teaching technology. As far as a need to teach technology, there are numerous free sources that serve as informative study tools. The JVHS Counselors have created a Facebook Page where they post reminders about information like PSAT Registration and Dual Credit deadlines. This is a form of education because it allows students to interact in an online network, which is a large part of the internet and modern technology. Colleges use online networks like Blackboard to communicate with students, so knowledge in online networks seems like a good place to begin expanding technology education. Students are surrounded by opportunities to expand one’s knowledge of technology. There is not a necessity for issuing personal laptops to students, especially if the technology within each lesson does not function correctly.
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“I like the laptops because they don’t work most of the time so they take a lot of class time away,” THOMAS LOTERO, junior, said.
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“When I hear the word laptop, only profane words come to mind. They are a waste of time, money and resources,” HUNTER SMITH, junior, said.
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Staff Grant gives U.S. History Juniors laptops Peregrine 2009-2010 but fails to provide beneficial education
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“The laptops are a waste of time and energy in class. It’s taking away from actual instruction which juniors can’t afford to lose,” CARIAN PARKER, junior, said.
editor-in-chief JACQUI BONTKE managing editors KELSEY O’BRIANT LAURA HEBERT sports editor MIKELA MELAKIS photo editor KATHY ROMERO layout editor MUMTA MITTAL advertising designer VINCE FLORES delivery manager COURTNEY CALBAT staff writers KINSEY BUTTON, ALISSA GUERRA, LEANDRA LEE, EMMA MCKENZIE, THILYE RINKE, KIMBERLY SHEERAN, TANNER STOGSDILL, JESSE UPPAL staff 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 (713-896-3400). 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 Mirror Publishers, Inc in Texas City, 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.
tuesday wednesday
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Red Ribbon Week photo by CARMEN RESENDIZ
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photo editor ne PAL yelled out to another, “Crazy Hair Day!” Another yelled back, “No! Tie Day!” The PALs brainstormed ideas for Red Ribbon Week, which happens across the nation every year during the last week of October. PALs hung posters around the school and organized dress up days for the student body to promote drug awareness and illegal drug prevention. Using this week to make a difference PALs encouraged students to stay off drugs. “Dressing up and showing a drug free spirit might inspire others to be drug free,” PALS Kelcie Tisher, Karina Garcia, Christian Trammell, Sydnee Davis, Christine Weber, Kylie Ruffin, Vivianne Manrriquez, Sarai Salazar, Alyssa Huddle, Meagan Cooney, Gloria Mondragon, Samantha Salazar, Alex Salazar, Danielle Sandlin, Wendy Corral, Samantha Rhoden, Daniela Cardona, Lindsay Roberts, Alex Salazar, Sara Mattingly, Kayla Heine, Thanh Nguyen, and Kirk Trygstad.
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Myrna Garcia, junior, said. The organization wants the high school to always be a drug free school and they want the student body to recognize that although drugs may seem harmless they are strongly hazardous to the human body. “Drug prevention is a huge part of our mission statement,” Chris Udeh, senior, said. During the week of October 19 through 23 JV students took part in Red Ribbon Week by wearing the dress up assigned to that day. PALs also passed out red wristbands that displayed the message “live drug free.” “We just want to make a difference in our school,” Garcia said.
1. PUTTING A CAP ON DRUGS Sporting their caps in support of putting a cap on drugs Zeus Aguilar and Abraham Saed, seniors, look for others supporting the day and the cause. 2. MIXIN’ IT UP With mixed and matched clothes to show they are drug free Erinn Johnson, Trameisha Williams, and Letisha Jefferson, juniors, laugh as they look at each others’ outfit.
3. TEAMING UP In tune with other wearing their
photo by KATHY ROMERO
favorite team’s shirt Cristian Flores and Emerson Lemus, sophomores, show off team spirit. 4. ALL TIED UP Adam Foger, senior, shows his tie style by wearing multiple ties to put a tie on drugs. 5.GETTING REDDY For “Red Day” Karina Garcia and Chance Burney, seniors, gears up by painting their faces to prepare to get rid (red) of drugs. 6. DANCING IT UP During PALS fifth period Kelcie Tisher, Alex Salazar, Simone Robinson, Sara Mattingly, Jasmon Jordan-Jones, Danielle Sandlin, Alex Baltazar, and Meagan Cooney, seniors, dance in their Team PAL shirts that were ordered for “team up against drugs day.”