10 - 11 PEREGRINE2

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PEREGRINE

Volume 39 Issue 2

Jersey Village High School

7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040

November ‘10

a virtual reality pages

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There is no doubt the way in which people communicate has dramatically changed since the introduction of social networking. Social networking has increased the brutality and severity of online bullying. Students and administrators struggle to battle the new wave of cyber bullying..

Club allows students to learn new style of dancing.

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Active scholar trades in instrument for position as mascot, Freddie the Falcon.

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Varsity volleyball player signs with the University of Texas at Arlington.

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photo by EmmA mckENZIE

victory With her pacemaker in hand, Taylor Espinosa is joyful that she no longer has to live with it in her..

photo courtesy of TAyLOR EsPINOsA

post-op After having her pacemaker put in, Taylor Espinosa, enjoys a dinner with her family .

gel with curly hair.”

The first surgery, which put in the temporary pacemaker, and the second surgery, which put the permanent pacemaker into place, were frightening experiences for the family, because Espinosa was so close to death, but they ended well.

At first, Espinosa’s pacemaker was supposed to be taken out around the age of ten, but Beltran was nervous to get the device removed.

“I could’ve, and should’ve, had the surgery to remove the pacemaker years ago, h owe ve r, my mother wanted to leave it inside of my body just in case I’d ever need it,” Espinosa said. “She was protective, and didn’t want me to have surgery at that age.”

As the years past, the pacemaker remained inside of Espinosa, doing nothing. Eight years later, Espinosa’s doctor recommended the removal of the device, because it could begin to cause more problems with Espinosa.

“The doctor told me it could be dangerous having a battery inside my body because with one blow to the stomach, who knows what could happen,” Espinosa said. “[The pacemaker] was becoming a health hazard.”

On August 11th, Espinosa underwent the surgery to remove her pacemaker at Texas Children’s Hospital, with the same doctor who had saved her life 16 years earlier, Doctor Friedman.

“I wasn’t nervous [about the surgery], but excited to get my pacemaker out,” Espinosa said.

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“ I didn’t want to lose her and I fought not to lose her. I went to hell and back. I fought against death and I wasn’t going to let her go.”

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hospital where she was taken by Life Flight to Texas Children’s Hospital.

At Texas Children’s Hospital, Chief Cardiologist, Richard Friedman, waited for Espinosa’s arrival.

“Friedman just so happened to be working that very night,” Beltran said. “He was waiting for her.”

After examination, Friedman explained to Beltran what was causing her daughter to be so ill, and the procedures necessary to save Espinosa’s life. The cardiologist decided that putting in a pacemaker, an electronic device that monitors, and if necessary, corrects irregular heart rhythms by sending electrical charges to the heart, would solve the abnormal heart beats that Espinosa was experiencing.

“At first I didn’t know what was wrong, and then the doctor explained that Taylor was going to have two back to back surgeries. The first one was going to be putting in a temporary pacemaker, and the second was going to put the permanent pace maker in place,” Beltran said.

Both of these operations were major surgeries that were essential for Espinosa’s survival and without the immediate act of putting in a pacemaker, the outcome could have been fatal.

Beltran, though worried for her daughter’s life, knew that the operations were risky, but necessary.

“I didn’t want to lose [Taylor], and I fought not to lose her. I went to hell and back. I fought against death and I wasn’t going to let her go,” Beltran said. “I saw [Taylor] before she w e n t into

“[The experience] was a tad emotional since Dr. Friedman had saved my life many years ago, and now he was letting me live my life with no restrictions by removing my pacemaker.”

Espinosa, a passionate cross-country runner, had to take a break from running after the removal of her pacemaker.

She missed about three to four weeks of running due to her having to recover. “[Taylor] took a few weeks off from cross-country, however, she is able to run now and we’re glad to have her back on the team,” Cathy Culpepper, senior, said.

Sixteen years after the initial scare of Espinosa’s illness, and three major surgeries later, Espinosa has had a complete recovery and can live a restriction free life without a pacemaker in place.

“My cardiologist told me my heart was in its own rhythm. There are no abnormalities,” Espinosa said. “I’m a healthy young being with a strong heart. A pacemaker is no racinG Taylor Espinosa, senior, longer necesestablishes her pace at Cross Country sary. Ever.”

District meet. sO

Overwhelming fear engulfed Joyce Beltran, mother, as her toddler seized in her arms. A virus, attacking her daughter’s heart, had Beltran worried that her child would not make it to her first day of school, let alone, her next birthday. Then, two-year old, Taylor Espinosa, was having life-threatening heart palpitations and was immediately rushed to the hospital for two back-toback life-saving surgeries to put a temporary, and then a permanent, pacemaker in place. Espinosa went back to the operating table, to have the device which saved her life, 16 years earlier, removed.

At the age of two, Taylor Espinosa, senior, caught a life-threatening, air borne, virus that attacks the heart muscle. On the night of April 12, 1994, Joyce Beltran, mother, noticed that Espinosa was slipping in and out of consciousness, before the convulsions began.

“I knew something was wrong. [Taylor] was ashy looking,” Beltran said. “She looked like a ghost, and she was dying in my arms.”

Right away, Beltran called an ambulance that rushed Es-

t suru o gery. She was h asleep and a little an-

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photo by ALLIsON ARTZ

teamworK After a meet, Taylor Espinosa, senior, stands next to Coach Crystal Day for a photo.

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principal becomes president

Funk assumes top leadership position in state organization TannersTOGsDILL

ciency. For 88 years now, they have strived to provide professional services fore principals On June 11, 2010, at a meeting for the of middle and high schools.

After being an administrator for 27 years Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, Ralph Funk, principal, stepped up and a member of TASSP for 25, Funk has to the position of president. After years of had many opportunities to learn how schools dedication to the organization, and moving work. He has been in schools with as few up through the ranks, he was finally put in people as 200, to schools as big as Jersey Vilcharge of a state wide organization of prin- lage.

“His range of experiences makes cipals. him worthy, and able to relate to The Texas Association of Secondary everyone,” Stacie Wicke, associate School Principals is a group of prinprincipal, said. cipals all across the state that meets Funk had to go through a long and share ideas. The organization process to become president. He strives to help the principals esfist first needed to be nominated; tablish a close learning from there he submitted an applienvironment where cation to a board of selectors. the students and the adminisThe selectors narrowed down tration get the nominations, and released along with the edited list. From there he great efhad to be voted in and there fihe was able to beat out the rest of the candidates and took his place as president. The presidency goes through a cycle of big high schools, small high schools, and middle schools. It also goes through different regions of Texas. Once elected the person who advances through the ranks does not immediately accept the title of president. They are the second vice president, and have to rise to president.

One year after, they are past president. It helps have even representation of all schools and all reobservinG Checking on classrooms Ralph Funk, principal, stops to talk with gions. students like Angelo Cataban, junior, about their assignments.

Funk has worked hard

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to make this school what it is, and now to see what is going on and if he needs to help. lead the TASSP in a positive direction, he has There is also the fact that he recently got a to leave the school to travel all over Texas to phone where he can receive and send emails, attend meetings around the state with differ- and the administration has reported that it is ent areas of principals. Although, this means easy to connect to him via email. that he is not at school as often as he has been “I became president because of my inin the past years. Funk will be gone for about volvement in TASSP, and I love the opportu75 to 80 days this school year. While most nity to give back, and to represent principals schools would panic at the loss of so much all over Texas,” Funk said. time with such an important figure in the school, the administration of Jersey Village is on top of any problem that may arise.

“Because we have such great supervisors, they know how to handle things, and they know that [Mr. Funk] is just an email away,” Charlotte Krysinsky, principal secretary, said. assistinG While monitoring Claralee Andrews and Lauren Williamson, juniors, Funk tries not to Ralph Funk , principal, checks the progress students as they work in class. let his absence get in his way, When he gets back to the school, he takes care of what needs to be done, and picks up right where he left off. While gone though, Funk ties to keep in contact with the school and make sure that everything is ok.

He calls to check in with the school acceptinG While accepting his new position as president, Ralph Funk, principal, every day, and to gives a speech at a meeting for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.

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Break into dance

photo by kATIE cARVALHO

dANCING Balancing on only one hand, Eric Rodriguez, senior, concentrates to pull off a tough move.

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Members of new club practice their moves >> sports editor

Music flowed throughout the house, and the rhythm could be heard from miles away as Tai Dihn put together multiple choreographies in his room. As the music played in his room, thoughts sparked upon him. He decided to share his love of dancing with others at the school, and create an after school dance club.

The club meets every Tuesday after school, in the main hall and is in the process of getting the approval to meet every Tuesday and Thursday for additional dance practices.

“I wanted to start the club at JV because I believed that there were other students out there who wanted a place that they can come to every week and just dance their hears out and have fun like I do every week. It was also because it was my senior year and I wanted to enjoy it while it lasts,” Dihn, senior, said.

Putting together the club was not hard for Dihn. First he found a few people which then turned into a lot of people. Then Dihn found a former dancer to be the sponsor. Af-

ter finding a sponsor, he got the approval for hip-hop, and shuffling, which is a type of street dancing. the club from the associate principal.

“The choreography is good so far. We “I was very excited when I was asked to be the sponsor when Tai asked me I was like have been learning a lot, and progressing yeah! I just assumed they already had one, more and more each time we meet. I am excited to go out and but when he told me show off the routine,” they did not I thought Alexis Nguyen, freshit would be very cool. man, said.

I am very excited to The club members see what the students do not just include stucan do,” Blair Roy, dents from Jersey VilCulinary arts teacher lage High School; they said. also have members The after school from other schools such dance club also known as Cypress Ridge High as “The Jersey Village School, and Cypress DanceCru” is learning Creek High School, a dance routine, that photo by kATIE cARVALHO and even from colleges will be performed at Dedication Tai Dinh, senior, practices his break including University of Battle of the Falcons, dancing routine.

Houston Downtown. and they also plan to “I wanted to go to the dance club because perform at every single event possible such I love dancing, and I love meeting other as Mr. Falcon and Fine Arts.

The type of dancing the club learns and dancers. Being there is fun, and being able to practices include break dancing, popping, help teach is very enjoyable,” Nathan Loven,

Building new beginnings Student Council volunteers their time to build houses for Habitat for Humanity LeandraLEE

photo by Daisy moreno

>> sports editor

Cooperation Adding the finishing touches to a house, Vanesa Adan, senior, and Daniel Bastidas , junior, work together.

Hammers hit the wood, and nails were driven in, as members of student council, StuCo, helped build a home, for Habitat for Humanity.

“Having the chance to work on a house for someone else felt really good, I enjoy doing volunteer work like that,” Oscar Gonzales, junior, said.

Every year Student Council members donate portions of the money earned from homecoming to different charities.

They chose to donate to Habitat for Humanity, which is a non-profit organization to help those who are in need of a new home.

“We chose to donate to this charity because we knew Key Club built houses for them last year and it would be a great way to open the opportunity for the whole school,” Jeffrey Nguyen, StuCo officer and senior, said.

As a way to unite the school and foster a sense of unity, StuCo invited many other clubs; including Interact, Hope,

freshman at UHD, said.

Although the members from the other schools enjoy the club, others may not know the hassle it may be for them to attend the meetings. Some members from other schools can not drive yet, or may not have a license or a car which does not make attending practice as easy as it may be for others.

“Too get a ride, I have to ask a friend who is a junior at JV, and he has to pick me up from my house, which is a little far from JV, but it is all really worth it, cause I love that club a lot,” Alvin Pham, sophomore at CyCreek, said.

As for Dinh, he plans to continue dancing and continue to teach and help others as much as he can. ” I would like to continue to get better and better because as of now I’m basically learning just as many of the people who are joining this club. I would like to become a choreographer one day and perhaps teach a class,” Dinh, said.

Key Club, and, Wrecking Crew to come build houses together, on different days.

“Working with Student Council gave us a variety of people rather than just the same HOPE members and many people got to work with other people they did not know. It was great to see everyone together for a great cause,” Lawrence Paragas, HOPE member and senior, said.

This high school is the first school in the district to have such a large number of students commit to this in one year.

The faculty and staff of Cypress Falls High School have also built homes for the charity this year.

The StuCo members work on the homes on Saturdays.

The charity has set away three weekends for the members of the clubs to work together on the houses. Along with the home owners, the students build homes for those who are economically strained and those living in poverty.

Having the experience to volunteer and be able to make a difference in a stranger’s life has left many emotions on the students. Helping built houses has taught the students many skills with craftsmanship.

“I have never done any kind of volunteer work of this sort before. I learned lots of skills like laying tile and putting up fences and it is not as hard as I thought it would be. I plan on doing much more work like this in the future that has to do with helping others,” Gonzales said.

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ImmIGRATING TO AmERIcA US experience produces hardships, opportunities that change lives sarahcHO

photo courtesy of Nancy Jaquez

celebratinG Sitting in her new home in America, Nancy Jaquez, sophomore, celebrates Mexico Day with her younger brother.

photo courtesy of Adrian Viera

playinG In his home in Mexico, Adrian Viera, sophomore, plays soccer with his mom at the age of three.

photo courtesy of Stefania Hurtado

eatinG In her home in Peru, Stefania Hurtado, sophomore, eats spinach at the age of two.

>> staff writer

An oblivious third grader giggles with her friends as the school van rolls along the sidewalk to her brick white house in Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico. She skips inside, humming a cheerful tune, finding two anxious faces at the kitchen table. “Nancy, dear,” her mother says. “We’re moving to America.”

Nancy Jaquez, sophomore, moved from Guanajuato to the United States in December, 2003 because of her mother’s new marriage to her step dad, whose home was located in America.

She had also previously moved to Canada for 3 years because of her dad’s occupation of a professional downhill racer. Because of the races located in Canada, she moved to Canada, moved back to Mexico, and now to her current home in America.

She had numerous opportunities along with hardships that followed the move to the U.S. Her main hardship, however, was leaving her family and friends behind.

“I miss them very much. Excluding my mom and brother, I had to leave my whole family behind. I still keep in contact with them, but it’s just not the same as seeing them face to face everyday,” Jaquez said. “I felt sad because I usually saw my dad every weekend but when I got here, I realized I couldn’t see him anymore unless I went on a long vacation to Mexico. I felt depressed about that and I still do.”

Even when Jaquez had the chance to visit Mexico, she could not meet with her friends and hang out with them like she used to because of the different vacation days.

“Whenever I went to Mexico, my friends were in school,” Jaquez said.

“That’s another reason why I lost contact with them.”

The difference in vacation days was not the only school-related problem she had.

“I had trouble getting used to the school system because in Mexico, we were ahead by one year and when I got here, I had to get used to the new learning system. I felt frustrated because I had to relearn everything in English. History class was especially

hard because they didn’t teach us U.S.A. History in Mexico, so I had to learn everything when other students already knew the basics.” Jaquez said.

Not only did she have to cope with academic problems, but she also had to part with her native home – for the second time.

“After living in Mexico for six years, I couldn’t bear to part with the country that I called home,” Jaquez said.

She remembers her last day in Salamanca as one of her saddest.

“When I went to school, everyone gave me good-bye presents. I even had one of my teachers cry,” Jaquez said.

“When I was leaving and I was in the car, I looked back at my whole family crying and waving good-bye.”

“I felt super left out. It was really depressing for me because I had to leave my family and friends and home.”

Despite her hardships that she faced socially and educationally, she found opportunities. One of the opportunities she came across was the chance to learn a new language and improve her speaking skills.

“At first, I had a hard time communicating with my step dad because he doesn’t speak Spanish well, and I couldn’t speak English well. I was frustrated that I always had to ask my mom to translate. People used to make fun of me because of my accent, but people don’t do that anymore,” Jaquez said. “My English has definitely improved.”

She also had the chance to meet new people and adapt to new cultures and diversities.

“I met a lot of new people and I’m really glad,” Jaquez said. “If I hadn’t moved, I wouldn’t have met the wonderful friends that I have now.”

Jaquez, however, is only one of many who have started a new life in America. Adrian Viera and Stefania

Hurtado, sophomores, are also immigrants from foreign countries.

Viera moved to Houston from Juarez, Mexico in his seventh grade year because his mother got a job as a teacher. His hardships, unlike Jaquez’s, outweighed the positive points of the move. He was forced to depart from his home and the everyday life he was familiar with.

“I had to leave behind all my friends, all my family, and all the things I loved,” Viera said.

After leaving all his friends behind in Juarez, Viera had a difficult time meeting new people and forming close friendships with them.

“I felt super left out,” Viera said. “It was really depressing for me because I had to leave my family and friends and home.”

Despite the obstacles, he has now grown accustomed to life in America. He met new people and had the opportunity to learn another language.

“I was happy because I was meeting new people, new places, and learning new stuff,” Viera said.

Hurtado, like Jaquez and Viera, also had similar obstacles and opportunities. She moved to America from Peru in the summer before third grade because of her relatives living in America.

“I had to leave most of my family members and friends. I felt extremely sad and upset,” Hurtado said. “I had no choice but to move.”

The move was not all negative, however.

“I had mixed impressions when I first found out that I was going to move. I felt sad, mad, nervous, happy, excited, and nervous,” Hurtado said.

“I learned more English and I got to meet lots of wonderful people. Other than leaving family and friends behind, there were no other negative points to the move.”

Making the transition from one country to another takes time and patience in adapting to a new country and its people. Jaquez, Viera, and Hurtado have all adapted to this transition.

“I can’t imagine that happening to me. “ Ileana Marquez, sophomore, said.

“I would be so depressed and I would miss all my family and friends.”

6feature Behind the Mascot Freddy the Falcon reveals true identity the

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Third quarter, down 10 to 24, the football players felt the pressure, the crowd felt the pressure. Freddy the Falcon knew what to do. Pump up the crowd. Along with the cheerleaders, Freddy Falcon began dancing with the beat of the marching band. A few jumps, a few fist pumps and plenty of running around. The crowd began to cheer.

“Being in front of all those people is very nerve racking because I worry that people won’t be entertained by me,” Isaiah Ross, senior, said. “But it’s easier because I am hiding behind my costume.”

Ross tired of band and in need of P.E. credit, decided to try out for school mascot at the end of his sophomore year.

“I saw how much fun Emily Johnson was having and how free she was and how she could do anything,” Ross said.

His junior year, Ross became Freddy the Falcon, school mascot.

He became one with the costume, Freddy becoming his alter ego. The comfort of concealing his identity during his performance gave Ross the chance to entertain the crowd in ways he would normally be to embarrass to do.

“I wouldn’t do a lot of things, like the crazy dancing, without the costume. It brings out my alter ego,” Ross said.

Being a mascot took more effort than it might have seemed. Not only did he have to be physically fit but also have to oblige to certain rules, like maintaining the silence code. Another struggle Ross faces is the hot and heavy brown-feathered costume.

“It’s extremely hot in there, and it’s hard to breath,” Ross said. “But it does not stink, it smells really good.”

Ross has taken part in Advance Placement and Dual Credit classes. Not only does he exceed academically, but has played in the band for a total of five years, was previously a cheerleader, partook in the ECP program, joined National Honors Society and has worked at the nursery in his high school. “ The majority of the time I have a good balance on school work, work, other activities and being the mascot because I’ve been lucky enough to have things scheduled around games and work so I’m not too stressed during

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the week,” Ross said. “I’ve managed time for all of my activities.”

The many hours spent with the cheerleaders has created a tight bond between them and Ross.

“The cheerleaders and I go together like peanut butter and jelly,” Ross said. “We have a special connection. They somehow understand me even though I can’t talk.”

Ross reached a sort of “fame” status among his peers through being Freddy. Freddy the Falcon even has his own Facebook page, with 496 friends.

“He definitely livens the school up and he takes spirit to an all-time high,” Jasmine Brooks, senior, said.

As the mascot, Ross plays an important role at football games, pep rallies and other spirited school activities. Brooks, along with the rest of the cheerleaders, views Ross as the school’s ambassador of cheer, pumping up school events and bringing motivation.

“I think Isaiah was by far the best choice as a mascot. He becomes one with the costume and is a true crowd pleaser,” Brooks said.

Paige Popovich, junior, became close to Ross through cheering and sees him as one of her best friends. Becoming Freddy the Falcon gave Ross the opportunity to make new friendships and bring about his new found talent.

“I enjoy having Isaiah as our mascot. He’s hysterical and always has something interesting to say. He’s the falcon of Jersey Village, the mascot. If he doesn’t contribute to the school, I don’t know what does,” Popovich said.

The person behind the brown feathered costume is far more than just the school mascot. Ross manages to live a double life; the spirited life of Freddy the Falcon, with lights and hundreds of eyes focused in on his yellow beak with the music pumping, and the regular life of Isaiah Ross, a student who excels academically while maintaining a vivid social life.

Ross wishes to continue his cheer career in college, hoping to become a cheerleader for the University of Texas.

“The past two years as Freddy the Falcon has truly been an amazing blessing and journey. I was in doubt as to whether I could ‘fill the beak’ as so many others did before me. It still amazes me that I’m the mascot,” Ross said.

“I was in doubt as to whether I could ‘fill the beak’ as so many others did.”

photo by ORFA PALAcIOs

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Wrestles America

Foreign exchange student adapts to new country kinseyBUTTON

size of the school and the amount of students attending.

On a normal day to day basis, he looks Butti’s school in Sao Paulo portrays many up into the vibrant blue sky and sees vast differences compared to his new school lifeskyscrapers soaring above him. Every week style. Grade levels do not mix and students day morning he walks out of his apartment r e m a i n in the same class with the same building and jumps on a subway teacher and classmates for or walks a few blocks to school. the entire year. The school “it is a huge For lunch he enjoys a helping year exists as continuum with experience of rice and beans and talks the various breaks. The year starts to stay away native tongue of Portuguese off in January and finishes in from home among his peers. However, afDecember. The school day for one year ter crossing two large bodies of also finishes a half an hour in another water totaling 4,908 miles away shorter. country and in a new city and a new culture, “In Algebra, Bruno is learn its Bruno Butti, adapts to a Texan adapting really well. He alculture.” way of life. ways receives good grades on Butti, junior, a foreign exthe assignments, and he is change student from Sao Paulo, even helping me. He is a nice Brazil, lives with a host family until the guy who is friends with everyone,” Alonzo school year ends. Sao Paul is a city inside the Mejia, junior, said. state of Sao Paulo.

In school, Butti par“I wanted to be an exchange student be- ticipates as a memcause I could learn more English, and it is a ber of the wreshuge experience to stay away from home for one year in another country and learn its culture,” Butti said.

On the first day of school in a new continent, Butti’s eyes remained wide open, glaring around the building in which he would learn in for the next nine months. He begins taking in the

>> feature editor

photo by myRNA GARcIA

tling team.

Out of all the sports available he chose to participate in wrestling because in Brazil he photo by kAREN ROmERO performs DetermineD Ready for his fi rst wrestling match in the United States Bruno Butti, foreign martial arts, exchange student from Brazil, prepares to enter the mat at the Morton Ranch High School meet. and wrestling almost equates to the Brazilian form of martial arts.

“Bruno is doing quite well so far; his technique is progressing the way it should for the time of the year. He works hard tends practice on a regular basis; it is those qualiLena Hartl (Junior) ties that I have seen in him thus far that will From: Berlin, Germany ultimately translate into success on the mat,” Favorite American fast food place: Kevin Casula, wrestling coach, said.

Jack in the Box Even though he lives far away from his Favorite American store: Victoria homeland, Butti connects with his famSecret ily frequently. Butti chats via webcam with “People in America are a lot them, and he has learned a valuable lesson friendlier than where I live. People concerning the miles of separation. who you barely know will come up “Now that I am away from my family, I to you and hug you.” am learning how to be by myself and be independent. In the beginning I didn’t know a lot of things here, I didn’t know anybody Natalia Vosalkova (Junior) here and my English was worse than it is From: Slovakia now,” Butti said.

Slovakia vs. Houston biggest After nine months of attending school in difference: Number of historical another continent, there lies one perk Butti buildings will miss the most.

“I will miss being asked by everyone all Janet Woori the time about me, my country, my famFrom: North Korea ily, the program, my life in Brazil and other things,” Butti said.

strenGth Using all his skills as a wrestler Bruno Butti, foreign exchange student from Brazil, fights to win a spot on the varsity team as he battles with Juan Garcia- Perez, junior.

Other Foreign Exchange students attending JVHS

Xingyi su From: Beijing, China

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Falcon FLIGHT

Winners qualify for rewards ranging from cookies to $100 saraZATOPEk

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ost of the students talk among themselves, paying little attention to the announcements going on, but when the speaker begins to reveal the week’s winners of the Falcon FLIGHT drawing, the room quiets as students listen for their names. In most cases, the anticipation they feel has less to do with the prize, a 50-cent cookie, than it has to do with the recognition of effort and good behavior.

“While Ms. Parham was busy during seventh period I helped another student edit his work and Ms. Parham rewarded me with a Falcon Flight ticket. I later won a cookie and was pleasantly surprised,” Cathy Culpepper, senior, said.

For those who possess these simple yet important qualities, a little acknowledgement provides encouragement; the school’s way of telling them to keep doing what they do.

Similar programs in middle schools and some other high schools in the district inspired Jeff Roth and Shannon Fisch, assistant principals, to create FLIGHT. The acronym stands for Focus, Leadership, Integrity, Greatness, Honesty, and Teamwork, behaviors Roth and Fisch hope to see in students.

Thinking of an acronym was just the start. Student Council contributed money to pay for prizes, and donations from teachers make up the rest of the budget.

Although the prizes started out small, the winners of the last drawing of the six weeks

received either $25 gift cards or authentic NFL jerseys, donated to the program

by Tiffany Po l a s e k , art teacher.

In addition, two lucky students can expect to win $100 gift cards by the end of the semester. Tickets stay in the drawings after each week, so students who accumulate several during the course of the semester have a good chance of winning big.

With school underway, administrators depend on teachers to build enthusiasm for the program in order to increase its effectiveness.

Focus Leadership Integrity Greatness Honesty Teamwork Many teachers help a great deal, promoting the values of FLIGHT and passing out purple tickets to students they see exhibiting them, but some teachers forget.

“We’re trying to get more teachers to remember and remind kids about the program. We also want to see more FLIGHT posters in classrooms, and we’re trying to make banners to hang around the building,” Roth said.

Polasek thinks that advertising the prizes more could lead to an even better

response from students.

“I don’t think a lot of kids know what they can win. When my students saw me with the jerseys, a lot of them got excited, even asking if they could buy them. I think that if they knew more about the prizes they would take [the program] more seriously,” Polasek said.

Falcon FLIGHT does not forget the teachers, whose generosity helped to make it possible. Teachers also have the opportunity to earn tickets for excellence, allowing them to have casual “jean days”.

Teachers have noticed a positive change since the implementation of FLIGHT. Assistant principals hand out tickets for keeping the cafeteria and bathrooms clean, leading to an overall improvement in the school’s appearance, and students make a more conscious effort to show leadership qualities. After seeing its early success, administrators plan to continue the program next year.

“The ideal is to see kids getting into a habit of living by the values in FLIGHT, but that takes time. We can’t control what they do at home, but we hope that with time exposing them to programs like FLIGHT at school will have an affect,” Roth said.

feature

in it to kill it

Athlete accepts scholarship to play volleyball at UTA TaylorEsPINOsA

PEREGRINE

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issue two

>> staff writer

Every game, every practice, every moment. Amy Davault readies herself to make a kill. She is ready to play, ready to receive a set, ready to win.

Since her freshman year, Davault, senior, maintained her position as an outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team Throughout high school, Davault’s accomplishments include an honorable mention her freshman year with the most kills out of the entire varsity team, earning the First Team All-District title her sophomore and junior year, and with her last year of high school she has received a UT Arlington athletic scholarship, which will pay for all of her expenses.

Having been committed to the volleyball program, and put in years of dedication, Davault has earned her way to receive such a high honor. “[I found out about the scholarship] about the end of this summer, and I was overwhelmed with happiness and relief,” Davault said.

With it being her last year of high school, Davault reflected on her days when she began her choice of sport.

“I’ve been playing [volleyball] since fifth grade, with teams like the Willowbrook Sports Complex, and Cy-Fair Sports,” Davault said.

Playing volleyball her whole life, Davault has made sure that volleyball is her first priority.

“Volleyball is everything to me, and everything else is scheduled around it,” Davault said.

With every year Davault has been on varsity, she has always maintained a tight bond with her teammates, which was necessary in order to compete and function as a team.

“The team is very close to each other, we always have team bonding with eating or just hanging out,” Davault said. “Every year all the girls have been very close.”

As the varsity volleyball team connected, they also united through one common goal; winning the game.

“Every game we had, Amy was one of our strongest players on the team. [The volleyball team] wouldn’t be the same without her,” Carly Coen,

11 >>

It Runs in Lopez family Brothers connect through love of cross country sport TaylorEsPINOsA

>> staff writer senior, said.

Not only has The gun sounds, a stamDavault held a pede charges, and the two boys close relationship know only seconds remain for with every team she them to reach the narrow path has played with, but she that must be followed towards has also maintained a the finish. Light on their feet, they closer relationship with strike one foot ahead of the other as they her coach, in which she force their legs to push harder and highhas spent almost four er. Fighting their way to the front of the years with. pack, Daniel and Christian Lopez, dem“Amy loves the sport, onstrate strength not only by passing their and it shows every time competition in a cross-country race, but by she plays. She wants to building a stronger bond as brothers. continue on at the college Both being competitive runners, Daniel level and has the skills Lopez, junior, and Christian Lopez, freshand work ethic to make man, were on the same crossthat happen. [Amy] has country team, and competed sprintinG At the district meet grown in leadership, both Christian Lopez, freshman, keeps a steady at the varsity level. physical and mental abili- pace until he reaches the finsih line.

“Since we are both on ties, and character,” varsity, we run together, race Lori Boyles, together, and usually [Chrisvolleyball coach, said. tian] keeps up with me,” Daniel said.

With a bright future Though Christian is the younger of the two ahead of her, Davault plans siblings, he trained to gain his position on the varon attending the University sity team. However, he still looks up to his older of Texas at Arlington, brother for guidance when it comes to running. where she will “He always tells me times I should make, who continue to purI should beat, and how courses at [cross-country] sue her passion meets are set up,” Christian said. for volleyball.

Growing up in the same household, running “ Volleyball played a major part in both brothers’ lives. It was has impacted me not just a sport, but a way of connection. greatly, and one “My brother and I have been running since we of the most imwere each in fifth grade. We were both involved portant things in in club track called the Northwest Flyers, where my life,” Davault we learned the basics of running,” Christian said. said. “It is a part of It was not until high school when older brothme.” er, Daniel made the switch from club track to cross-country.

“I love the thrill you get from racing against another runner, and how every course is different servinG Taking with different obstacles,” Daniel said. control of her serve Amy Younger brother, Christian, soon followed his Davault, senior, readies brother’s footsteps and joined cross-country his to score for the lady first year in high school.

Falcons.

“I like the pressure and intensity before, during, and after a race,” Christian said.

In cross-country, runners and their teams compete to gain first place on a course, usually from two to three miles, over open or rough terrain making it difficult to “win” or place in the top runners. However, because of both brothers’ training and dedication over the years, both siblings have placed first or second in their school runs as well as 5K races outside of school.

Though both brother’s have their own personal record times to beat, they each share the same work ethic of practice makes perfect.

“We usually do all of our workouts together, and we go to the track on our off days to time each other,” Christian said.

Whether they are practicing together, or achieving new personal records, the Lopez brothers participate in the same races, and share similar goals.

“We try to participate in every 5K race downtown like the Race for the Cure and the Dynamos Go for Goal, and after the cross-country season, we plan to run half-marathons,” Daniel said.

Having been actively involved with crosscountry throughout his freshman, sophomore, and junior year of high school, there is only one more season left in Daniel’s high school career to participate in his sport, and it is time to pass the reigns of running down to his younger brother.

“If you compare [Christian] to my freshman year, and even my sophomore year, he has already caught up to my personal times. I know how fast he can be with the right amount of training, and one day he will surpass me,” Daniel said.

The Lopez brothers’ have been consistent within their running and continue to be dedicated to the cross-country program.

“Both Daniel and Christian are dedicated runners, and it shines through their work outs. They attend practices on a consistent basis, give it all they got when it comes to meets, and most of all they are committed to the team,” Crystal Day, cross country coach said.

Being the new boy’s cross-country coach, Coach Crystal Day has had an impact on each of the brothers’ running careers, but a little more so in older brother, Daniel’s life.

“Coach Day motivates me because she knows how fast I can be, how I should maintain my rank on the team, and my potential,” Daniel said.

Both brothers’ motivate one another on and off the cross-country course.

“Our bond is pretty strong. I probably wouldn’t even be in cross-country if it weren’t for [Daniel],” Christian said.

The Lopez brothers’ have trained, met their personal goals, and continue to strengthen their brotherly bond as they continue their passion for a sport they love.

“Our relationship is like our running,” Daniel said. “As we grow stronger in our running, our relationship does too.” heart racinG Conditioning pushes Daniel Lopez, junior, through the race.

reflections PEREGRINE

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Munchkin

Booty

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OUT TO SAVE A STATION Supportive fan creates radio loss awareness

Bizarre card game develops into passion TannersTOGsDILL

13

EmilyWHITTEmORE

>> illustrator

>> feature editor

When Christmas rolled round last year, I had to take a trip to my grandmother’s house. Upon arriving I said hello to my family, and found my cousins sitting around the kitchen table playing a cartoonish card game. Seeing my cousins in their mid twenties sitting around a table and playing a card game was odd enough. To add to the oddity, the cards all had over the top cartoon characters. I was completely baffled by the situation. The box was titled, “The good, the bad, and the Munchkin,” and had a cowboy on the front. I decided to pass up the game, and move on to socializing with others.

I went on talking to my uncles and aunts, but I heard my cousins laughing quite loudly, and frequently. I overheard loud debates about “mounts”, head gear, and weapons. Being the nerd I am, I was drawn to the game to give it another shot. I watched my cousins, who are normally very friendly to each other, pulling out all of the stops to utterly crush each other. It seemed like the game would have put them all at wit’s end, but there was lots of laughter to be had. I was suddenly seeing a fun side of these people that I had never seen before. After three hours of an intense battle based off of silly cards, the game finally ended. I desperately wanted to start another round with my cousins, but it was time to eat dinner, and afterward a few had to leave. I knew that was not the last time I would see that game.

As soon as I got home, I ran rushed to my room to learn as much as I could about this “The good, the bad, and the Munchkin.” I typed the title into google, and I was directed to Steve Jackson’s creation of the Munchkin franchise. Jackson created a card game that was an entertaining, over the top, and a fun parody of the popular role playing game dungeons and dragons. His game won the award for the best traditional card game in 2001 from the Academy of Adventures and Gaming Art Design. From there, Jackson decided that parodying the cult hit role playing game was not enough. He made versions to parody star wars and star trek, James Bond, super heroes, vampires, H.P. Lovecraft, ninjas, cowboys, and pirates.

My findings all led me to where I could buy the game.

I ventured to Barnes and Nobel to snatch up one of these works of art.

The version I chose, was munchkin booty, the pirate version. It took no time at all for me to feel the unbreakable urge to play the game. I first introduced it to a group of close friends, who where frightened of the idea of playing munchkin booty, for they feared that it was not exactly going to be a family friendly game.

I opened the box and explained the basics of the game. Explaining the rules was a bit hard though, because they where mostly a joke and endorsed cheating. Round one of Munchkin Booty put me right back into the feeling of watching my cousin’s play their cowboy version. That first round that I played with my highly competitive friends was two hours of a highly intense death match. Every time one person was one level away from winning, we would smack the person down by piling on powerups on the army of attacking the person closest to victory.

Playing the game became a weekly ritual. I began to play Munchkin Booty with friends whenever possible. People started to get excited when they saw me because they knew that they had a shot at three hours of hilarious chaos. I have since wanted to blend many different versions, but I have only experience it once. I enjoy the game quite a bit, and I am excited to pass the game around. I hope to have every version together for a super battle one day. That would be a great 24 hour card game!

What do improvisational jazz, spoken-word, metal, Africana and kids’ songs have in common? Each of these genres share a home on Houston’s KTRU Rice Radio. Since 1967, students at Rice University have operated one of Houston’s most eclectic radio stations. Operating on FM frequency 91.7, KTRU transmits the most musically diverse catalog in Houston, including an outlet for local and independent musicians who otherwise would not have exposure to a mass audience.

However, as of August 17, 2010, fans of the station were shocked to learn Rice has been negotiating to sell the radio station to the University of Houston for approximately $10 million.

Should the transaction be finalized, KTRU will lose both its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and its 50,000 watt transmitter to the University of Houston. Furthermore, the transaction will result in the loss of the musical diversity, uniqueness, and the voice of the Rice students dedicated to operating the station. Although the station will continue to broadcast online on the KTRU website, concerned students and KTRU listeners fear this will diminish the audience and integrity of the station. The purchase of KTRU’s FCC license and transmitter will become the University of Houston’s second radio station, the first being FM 88.7, which broadcasts classical and operatic music and National Public Radio (NPR). The new KTRU is proposed to be a non-for-profit radio station which will play exclusively classical music. Many critics of the transaction argue that because the University of Houston already owns a radio station and that Rice is not struggling financially, the purchase of KTRU is both unnecessary and unfair to loyal listeners of the often off-color music variety.

In lieu of the announcement, several listeners, students, and Rice alumni formed “Save KTRU”, which is an organization which puts forth efforts to stop the transaction from taking effect. The Save KTRU cause has organized petitions, fundraisers, benefit concerts featuring local artists upset with the announcement, and has launched an online campaign aimed to address what they call the injustice behind the KTRU take over.

Those behind KTRU argue that not only is the loss of KTRU the loss of a cultural institution, but the negotiation was announced

under suspicious circumstances, for the proposed transaction was completely confidential until the negotiations were already underway. Furthermore, the loss of KTRU signifies another depletion of the Houston-area cultural scent. One of the most obvious examples is the recent closure of one of the few movie theaters in Houston to continuously feature foreign and independent films, the Angelika Theatre in Downtown’s Bayou Place. Like the abruptness of Rice’s announcement, the Angelika closed with absolutely no prior notice; only a sign on the door apologizing for the closure.

To adequately describe the impact of KTRU and what it represents to so many Rice students, alumni, and Houstonians is to quantify the emotional and psychological value of music and expression. Perhaps the best way to describe KTRU is the way they describe themselves (via www.ktru.org): “KTRU doesn’t sound like other Houston radio stations. We put on strange music. Sometimes people say that we sound funny. That’s because we are a free-form, eclectic radio station that thinks it’s a bad thing to play the same song twice in a span of an hour. We play lots of music that isn’t what you’re probably used to hearing.”

KTRU has consistently provided an easily accessible multi-cultural center for its listeners and is one of Houston’s most valuable independent, artistic assets. The loss of KTRU and the Angelika, while depressing in itself, could signify the cultural degradation of the Houston art and music landscape.

14reflections PEREGRINE

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“If I can’t be beautiful...”

Vegan takes on diet, lifestlye with healthy future in mind OrfaPALAcIOs

a vegetarian-based diet, 0.5 of those going even further following vegan diets, who do not consume any product that comes from an animal.

The growing number of people trying to reduce their meat intake has boosted the market of vegetarianism.

From recipe books to completely vegetarian restaurants, products aimed at those who are interested in the topic are popping up everywhere.

In Houston, entirely vegan restaurants like Pat Greer’s Kitchen and Yaya’s Raw Rah have been seeing an increasing amount of new customers, while chain restaurants, such as Denny’s, are now accommodating vegetarians with the introduction of their new veggie burger.

Excluding naturally vegetarian produce, the market as of 2006 has had a growth of 2.8 billion dollars.

The media has played a major part in this growing interest. Celebrities and athletes such as NFL star Tony Gonzales and Hero actress Hayden Panettire have joined the bandwagon both turning vegetarians. Activist groups such as PETA ( People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) have recruited popular celebrities, like Pamela Anderson, to promote vegetarianism.

They mostly aim at the younger generation, having high school and college students protest against major “meat” companies, such as McDonalds and KFC. Whether or not the consumption of animal products is immoral, the growing number of Americans is quickly increasing along with a growing market.

>> staff writer percent Wa k ing up to the smell of sizzling bacon beside two sunny side up eggs and a tall glass of cold milk sounds like a typical American weekend breakfast. Cows frolicking in Californian fields, chickens running around freely and cute pink pigs rolling around in mud is the picture of a farm installed in our minds by mainstream society. But the cruel reality of manufacturing farms is far from this image of a story book farm.

Cows crammed into small spaces with hard concrete floors pumped with hormones in order to produce your precious glass of milk, chickens four to five in a single cage slaughtered while still alive after they can no longer produce those sunny side up eggs, and baby piglets killed for those delicious bacon strips.

The debate of whether or not the consumption of meat and animal products is immoral has lately become a hot topic. Over the past years, more Americans have become inclined to try a vegetarian-based diet, either for moral or health reasons.

In a 2008 study, non-vegetarian were surveyed with 5.2 percent or 11.9 million people responding that they are “definitely interested” in trying a vegetarian diet. Even though it might seem like a small percentage of our population, the increasing curiosity amongst Americans is noted. Of those, 3.2 percents of American adults follow

Book inspires reader to take on charity project EmmamckENZIE

>> co-editor

My eyes moved across the type. “If I can’t be beautiful, I want to be invisible.” Shannon McFarland’s most inner thoughts were laid out on the page. An unspoken motto that I had lived by for the longest time was typed on the crisp, yellow-tinted paper. The ten words imprinted themselves into my brain. The narrator’s voice echoed in my head. I had no idea that a single sentence would change my entire outlook on life; she was the one who influenced me to not just be another person who makes no impact in this world, but to a person who tries to make a difference in people’s lives.

I had finally found an outstanding book in the fall of 2008. Everything said, every word typed, every place visited was spectacular. The book was meant for me. It was the kind of book that does not leave your hands until every last word had been read. A book in which nearly every sentence is one you can relate to, in one way or another. The narrator of this book, in a sense, was who I had been for many years.

Shannon McFarland was a successful model who did what everyone told her to do. She never had a say in anything. Her clothes were picked out, her photographs were posed, and her “friends” were only there for her because she lived a luxurious lifestyle, until she got into a terrible car “accident.” After the accident, her face was damaged, her career was ruined and all of her friends disappeared. She had to restart her life by thinking of a new career, reconnecting with old friends and having her face reconstructed. Isolated, Shannon became a nobody to the fashion industry.

She became another wallflower in the world she had worked so hard for.

As I sat locked in my room, reading, I could only think of that single quote Shannon said in the midst of all of her disfigurement, “if I can’t be beautiful, I want to be invisible.” Invisible from her old life, invisible from her old career and from her old friends.

Shannon wanted to start over anew and feel what it was like to be somebody completely different from the life she had led for so long. She would take change in any way it came to her.

Shannon’s need for change is what altered my outlook on the way I had been living my life. Every conversation, to me, had become monotonous. Every action, repetitious. Every day had been a cookie cutter of the previous one. I began to crave change that Shannon had craved. I needed to do something that would get me out of the boring cycle that was my everyday life. Shannon’s radical lifestyle change influenced me to go from being just another person living and just getting by, to being a person who wanted

to do something of value and help change people’s lives for the better, and thus began my involvement in charities.

I searched to find a charity that I would feel comfortable donating my time, money and effort to. I made sure I knew where the money was going, and how the non-profit organization carried out with all of their promises that they promoted. My final decision on an organization was one which helped provide shoes to kids and adults in underdeveloped countries, where, otherwise, they have to walk without any foot protection, putting them at risk to diseases and infections. The answer was TOMS. It is strange knowing that a fictional character is the reason why I started to get involved in non-profit organizations. Shannon McFarland’s thoughts had been what I was thinking for a major part of my life.

She either wanted to be the best or nothing at all.

Shannon didn’t want to be mediocre, and she didn’t want to be just another wallflower in our society. The narrator saw that she wasn’t going to be the best in the fashion industry for much longer, so she took extreme measures to get out of that lifestyle and start over completely. This is what inspired me to begin rethinking my potential power to help people in other countries. Shannon is the sole reason that I love helping out charities.

She inspired me to make a change, though not as drastic as hers, which helped me start over and see the world from a different light. She helped me realize that there is so much more to life than being beautiful, or ordinary, or wealthy. “If I can’t be beautiful, I want to be invisible.” Those are the ten words that made me rethink my entire way of living..

editorial

Abrokenwing

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Delayed repair leaves Peregrine Staff memorial statue 2010-2011 editors damaged Emma McKenzie

amages plagued the high school campus in the midst of hurricane force winds and heavy rains during Hurricane Ike in October 2008.

Along with tangled fences and twisted portables those winds bent the metal Falcon by the buses. This Falcon is not just a statue representing the pride of the school, but a falcon memorializing Ronnie Truitt, the second principal of Jersey Village. Two years after the hurricane, and the Falcon has still not been restored to its original state, honoring a man who was so influential to the school. Two years after the hurricane the Falcon still stands damaged and that needs to change.

Hurricane Ike, a devastating and costly storm for the school, caused water damage to classrooms, portable building damages, and obstruction with the progress of construction. These were the necessities that had to be fixed right away. The remaining item that has yet to be repaired is the Falcon, located in the back parking lot. A wing of the falcon has been bent and not fixed since the hurricane, over two years ago.

Hurricane Ike caused water damage to classrooms, portable damage and obstructed the progress of construction. After the storm those immediate necessities required immediate addressing. However the remaining item to be repair, the Falcon, still remains with its wing bent for over two years.

The bent wing is not just a cosmetic problem, but one far more than that. The statue was built in

Ronnie Truitt’s memory, and having a memorial statue that is not in pristine condition, defaces and counteracts the whole purpose of having a statue to begin with.

Built as a memorial to a man that guided the high school for over ten years the issue of not repairing this memorial brings to light more than a cosmetic concern. Truitt passed away while still holding the position of principal. He had been battling cancer and in 1988, Truitt passed. Having a memorial that stands in disrepair counteracts the whole purpose of having the statue to begin with.

The statue’s repair has been postponed due to construction, because the risk of the Falcon being re-damaged was a possibility, but now that construction is complete, the school should go ahead with seeing what needs to be done to correct the damaged statue.

An examination of the damage is needed to decide whether the Falcon needs to be repaired, or completely replaced. Ralph Funk, principal, has said that “[the school] has contacted individuals to access the Falcon and provide pricing for the repair or replacement.” This contact is a start to the repair, but the problem that stands in the way, is funding.

Funding is the root to why the Falcon has yet to be restored. There is a lot of rusting and damage that the memorial has sustained, due to age and Hurricane Ike. The final cost of fixing the statue depends on how severe the problems are. If there are

many major issues with the Falcon, it will have to be replaced, but if there are just a few minor damages, it will be repaired. Only after this inspection will the school be able to decide if repairing or complete replacement be the best option.

To handle the problem with funding, the school could hold a fundraiser and find companies, or individuals, who would be willing to contribute to the cause. Student Council, in the past, has had an individual meet their total funds gathered from fundraising, and the school could do the same thing. The school, in its entirety, could raise a lot more than just Student Council, so multiple companies and individuals would be necessary to meet the total amount raised.

The copper-colored statue in the back of the school has stood there, memorializing all that Ronnie Truitt accomplished, for over a decade. The second principal of the high school should be remembered and not forgotten as students and faculty pass by the Falcon every day. To continue honoring Truitt, the statue representing the school, should be repaired to its original condition, as quickly as possible, through the funds raised by the student body.

15Y 1 N ays

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“I [don’t] think this repair is necessary.

Many students probably don’t give the statue a second thought and that money, used for repairs, could be used for something more useful.” >> dalton bowman

sophomore

“I think that the repair is necessary.

It symbolizes the school and we can’t just get rid of something that has been memorializing a former principal’s accomplishments.” >> Sandy Tang sophomore

“I think the statue should be repaired if it memorializes somebody, than it should be in the best shape possible so the person can be shown as a good and classy person.” >> Ritz Flores junior

Mikela Melakis sports editor leandra lee feature editors kinsey button tanner stogsdill news editor advertising manager vince flores illustrator emily whittemore staff writers sarah cho Amber Day Taylor Espinosa Henry Garcia Joey Gilbert Alissa Guerra orfa palacios monse portillo Sara zatopek 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 1720. 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.

PEREGRINE

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Image Essay

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TaylorEsPINOsA

W

>> staff writer

photos by ORFA PALAcIOs

ith the will to work, and an inventive mind-set, Physics IK students set off in teams to construct a “working catapault” contraption from materials like pipes, plastic and wood. Teams competed against one another to hurl one pumpkin across a distance of 9-10 meters in the school parking lot.

In the process of this innovative project, students learned the variables needed to set a projectile in motion.

WATER WEIGHT Filling up a pipe apart of her catapult contraption, Analisa Reyes, senior, uses water as a unique way to keep her device stable to the ground.

ONLy OBsERVATION With an audience behind him, John-Albert Arechiga, junior, watches in anticipation, as he launches his pumpkin into mid-air. Arechiga waits for the measurement of the distance traveled.

INNOVATION

GET ON my LEVEL After two practice launches, Rose Nguyen, senior, makes sure that her catapult has all final touches in place, and prepares for her final launch.

GOING THE DIsTANcE Having launched her pumpkin, Kimberly Whitford, senior, watches as her pumpkin forms a projectile.

She watches as the pumpkin travels across the lot. photo by ORFA PALAcIOs

photo by cAmERON kORENEk

photo by ORFA PALAcIOs

photo by ORFA PALAcIOs

ALL ABOUT AccURAcy Carefully pulling back on the contraption’s string, Jeffrey Nguyen and Reena Kankaria, seniors, ready themselves for the final pumpkin launch.

PUmPkIN PREcIsION Setting up their trebuchet, Nick Gonzalez and Lane Preston, juniors, double check their trigger device that they incorporated onto their catapult.

photo by ORFA PALAcIOs

ANTIcIPATION Nervous and on edge, Caitlin Farmer, junior, draws back the wooden arm of the catapult device. Having worked diligently on her mechanism, Farmer prepares for her pumpkin to launch at a distance of 9-10 feet, earning herself a perfect score on the physics catapult project.