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PEREGRINE r e t l e h S g n i d Fin
Volume 39 Issue 5
Jersey Village High School
7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040
April ‘11
Most teenagers spend their time watching television and playing videos games, but a few volunteer their hours to help better animals’ futures. Four students spend time at three different shelters in hopes of making a difference in an animal’s and a family’s life.
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Jersey Village alumni rockbands are to perform at Free Press SummerFest.
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Faculty member and students join together to showcase performances celebrating Black History.
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Swim team’s determination results in success at state competition in Austin.
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April’s
Save The Date: 5th - National Honor Society meeting, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Baseball game at Cy Creek HS, 7 p.m.
Engine running Starting her car’s ignition, Kinsey Button, junior, drives to and from school every day.
7th - Track and field meet at Hightower HS, 2:30 p.m.
9th - ACT testing 11th - Senior Spotlight practice audition, 2:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Project Prom parent meeting in the downstairs LGI, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
12th - Senior Spotlight dress rehearsal, 2:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
13th - Senior Spotlight performance, 7 p.m.
14th - 16th - Nunsense musical in Black Box Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
14th - King of the Court, 7 p.m. - Track and Field district meet finals at Cypress Falls HS
19th - Baseball game at Cy Ridge HS, 7 p.m.
21st - Blood donations, 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Baseball game at Cy Springs HS, 7 p.m. - Last softball game of the regular season, at home, 4:30 p.m.
Less Tears, More Years photo by Sara Zatopek
Texas legislature passes stricter driving laws, hoping to make roads safer for teens
SaraZATOPEK
using phones and other distractions in their curriculums. These new laws mean to make Texas roads a safer place. Teens agree that they are a step in the right direction. “[The new act] shows kids to keep their eyes on the road. It shows the dangers and consequences you suffer if you text and drive. More hours of practice will help improve driving,” Jordan Prangner, senior, said. Other students feel safer knowing that driving courses must now teach defensive driving tactics and give students more supervised experience while they learn the basics. “I think [the act] is good because every time I get in the car I have to be careful of those drivers who don’t know what to do because they never learned,” Grace Adams, sophomore, said. Jonathan Dadbeh, senior, has witnessed what happens when teens let distractions take their attention from the road. With almost two years of experience, he knows that he still cannot predict how the inattention of others might put him in danger. “I’ve seen people get hurt, if not killed, by people who were texting while driving,” Dadbeh said. As driving schools implement the changes required by Less Tears More Years, perhaps future teen drivers will have fewer worries when they take to the roads.
>> staff writer
Car accidents. Crashes. Collisions. Call them what one will, hundreds occur in Texas every day. The risk of 16 to 19-year-olds having an accident exceeds the risk of any other age group. Most of those accidents happen due to lack of experience or because of distractions, like texting while driving. Last year Texas lawmakers took measures to decrease the risks for teen drivers, amending laws with tougher requirements and restrictions for new drivers. Under the “Less Tears More Years” act, which went into effect March 1, 2010, drivers’ education courses must require teens to complete seven hours of supervised driving with an instructor and seven hours observing another driver. Teens under 18 cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for a year after receiving their license except to go to work, school, or in the case of an emergency. In addition to the driving time with an instructor, new drivers must log 34 hours of driving time supervised by an adult over the age of 21, ten of those hours at night, before receiving a license. A separate bill passed in the Texas Senate requires driver education courses to include information about the risks of
“Every time I get in the car I have to be careful of those drivers who don’t know what to do because they never learned.”
- Last baseball game of the regular season at Cy Woods HS
30th - Gold Duster Dance Clinic begins, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
May’s
29th - Band leaves for Spring Trip
Save The Date:
26th - 29th - TAKS testing 2nd - 6th - AP testing
7th - Gold Duster Spring Show, 7 p.m.
2nd - Awards night
9th - Senior Awards Night
(underclassmen)
12th - Choir concert
- Track and field regional meet at Turner Stadium
4th - FFA banquet, 2:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
13th - Prom
- Track and field state meet at Univesity of Texas stadium
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Biked and PSYCHED
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Two enthusiasts express their passion for off-road racing KinseyBUTTON
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The engine revs as the gas handle secures back and movement occurs. Brown sediment flies behind the catalyst in forms of dirt. The catalyst, a Suzuki RM 125, consists of a yellow streak across the sky displaying a glimpse of the number 721 on the anterior edge. The rider of the dirt bike, Michael Brand, junior, faces grueling obstacles without an ounce of recollection. For the past six consecutive years, Brand has ridden dirt bikes. Along the way, he has encountered numerous obstacles including a leg injury and, most recently, a broken hand. “It was my first time on my new bike and I gave it too much. I didn’t have my boots on and the bike decided it was going to try and take me out,” Brand said. In the end, the bike remained victorious. Brand spent the night in the hospital having emergency surgery, piecing his leg back together bit by bit. For the next three months Brand could not walk nor ride. “This experience gave me a lot of time to contemplate my future of riding. I finally decided I ride dirt bikes; injuries are just a risk that I’m willing to take,” Brand said. 1. WARMING UP Preparing for a race, Michael Brand, junior, revs up his engine. 2. Focusing Getting himself ready for race, Brand gets his head in the game. 3. Practicing While balancing on his bike, Brand waits for his turn on the track. 4. Racing Pulling ahead of the opponent Troy Kevil shows his talent.
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Instead of skipping over a whoop, a series of short, deep, jumps, Brand flips across the bars flying head first into a banked turn, resulting in a broken hand. “This incident is only a minor set back really, once the doctor gives the ok, I’ll be back out there for sure,” Brand said. Brand’s cousin, Brad Devillier from southern California, rides dirt bikes as well. He would have ridden professional until a neck injury caused uncertainty in his career. Devillier views his unexpected impact on Brand as a positive influence. “I am honored to know that I can make such an impact and inspire someone while doing what that I love,” Devillier said. “He is my biggest influence because he never stopped riding, no matter how hurt he got; he always got back on the bike,” Brand said. Recently, Brand’s friend, Troy Kevil, junior, started riding dirt bikes and the two ride together frequently at Rio Bravo Motor Cross. When Kevil’s little brother received a dirt bike for Christmas he observed how much pleasure the vehicle provided. Then one day his father brought home a dirt bike for him so he gave it a shot and from there on the passion grew.
“Every time I’m on the bike I get an adrenaline rush and it never gets old,” Kevil said. The dirt bike Kevil possesses consists of a Kawasaki k250 exhibiting green hubs with black wheels standing on 230 lbs at a little over waist length high at the seat. Kevil views his father as the main influence for him riding. “He didn’t have to let me ride dirt bikes, which is full of risks. He gives me confidence to go ride the best I can while being safe. He also helps me take care of the bike,” Kevil said. Unlike Brand, Kevil never received an injury from dirt biking; however, he remains fully aware of the risks and dangers dirt biking presents. “My biggest fear is hitting a jump wrong and landing on my head because most of the time you can end up breaking your neck, dying, or end up being paralyzed,” Kevil said. After overcoming multiple obstacles and injuries Brand induces optimism and confidence concerning his future in riding. “I feel like nothing can bring me down. Riding is better than any drug, it’s like what I was put on this Earth to do,” Brand said.
photo courtesy of Troy Kevil
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photos courtesy of Michael brand
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Houston’s Best Summer Fest Alumni bands RIVERS, The Dead Revolt to perform at Free Press Summerfest EmilyWHITTEMORE
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Last month, fans of live music of the City of Houston collectively held their breaths in anticipation of the big reveal of the Free Press Summer Fest line up. Since its start three years ago, big name acts such as Of Montreal, The Flaming Lips, Slim Thug, Girl Talk, and Bun B have performed. The line up this year is even bigger. Huge names such as Weezer, Ween, Yeasayer, Z-Ro, Beirut, Big Boi, and numerous other world-recognized bands and artists are set to perform at the festival. Among the bands playing are Jersey Village alumni rock bands, RIVERS, and The Dead Revolt. RIVERS includes one alumnus, Phillip Bennett, and two other members, Chris Tamez and Sam Usnick. The Dead Revolt consists of three alumni, George Baba, Spencer Golvach and Dylan Golvach. Baba, Bennett, and Spencer all graduated together in 2008 and remain good friends, photo courtesy of THE DEAD REVOLT sometimes even playing shows with each other. ON BASS Playing at one of their shows, Spencer “We’re all pretty good buds. We like Golvach of The Dead Revolt focuses on feeling the music and playing together because it’s enriching to performing for the crowd. play shows with bands you know. We all like having a good time and it always is when we play together,” Spencer said. RIVERS and The Dead Revolt have received a decent amount of exposure. The Dead Revolt and RIVERS have had multiple articles featuring them in Houston Press newspaper, and The Dead Revolt was recently featured in a face to face article in Free Press Houston newspaper. Both RIVERS and The Dead Revolt have enjoyed success in the local music scene and predict the exposure they will receive from Free Press, which will take place on June 4 and 5, will open new doors of opportunity for them. “Free Press will expose us. It’s an ever-growing festival with something for everyone, so I think we’ll at least get some new ears. photo courtesy of THE DEAD REVOLT My favorite drummer, Thomas Pridgen of The Mars Volta will be GUITAR STAR The Dead Revolt guitarist and vocalist, performing, so it’s a huge honor for me to play on the same ground George Baba, plays one of the band’s signature riffs at Last as him,” Dylan said. This will be the third year the Free Press Houston newspaper will Concert Cafe, a popular Houston music venue. run the festival.
“Free Press is a huge show that we cannot wait for. We are stoked to get our music out to all the people attending,” Bennett said. Having only been around since the summer, RIVERS has recorded a seven-song EP titled Mind Your Mind, and is working on an album titled Fables in Slang, and has already played several shows including a South by Southwest showcase. “Lately we have been playing more and more, at places like Fitzgerald’s and Mango’s, as well as different places around town,” Bennett said. Because they are a new band, RIVERS samples styles from influences such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The White Stripes and The Black Keys. “We have a pretty broad style that can go good with any genre, if we have a gig with a punk band, chances are fans will dig us, if we have a gig with a hard core band chances are the fans will like us, since it’s rock n’ roll, or rock n’ soul as we call it,” Bennett said. The Dead Revolt started two years ago and has kept the original line up of George Baba-guitar and vocals, Spencer Golvach, bass, and Dylan Golvach, drums. “I think we all just love to play so we’d like to be bigger, but we have a lot of other stuff going on. I’m just happy I get to play and write music with two very good musicians.” Spencer said. Regarding their sound, The Dead Revolt fancies themselves a fusion of their most beloved influences. “If Led Zeppelin and The Mars Volta had a baby, and if Pink Floyd and The Fall of Troy had a baby and those babies had a baby…that would be us,” Dylan said. A busy and ever-growing band, The Dead Revolt has recorded roughly two and a half hours of music including an EP entitled “The Substance of Things Unseen.” “We play every other week if we aren’t recording. We play spurts of shows, and then we record again.” Dylan said. Despite their early successes, both bands remain down to earth, but optimistic about their musical careers. “The goals for us are to just play music. If we get big, we get big; if not, it’s ok with me. We are just going to continue to do what we do and hope that people enjoy the music we make,” Bennett said.
ROCK N’ ROLL RIVERS’ guitarist Phillip Bennett, drummer Chris Tamez, and bassist Sam Usnick play an outdoor show for several of their dedicated fans.
photo courtesy of THE DEAD REVOLT
FEEL THE BEAT The Dead Revolt drummer, Dylan Golvach, sophomore, performs using the drumset of close friends, RIVERS.
photo courtesy of rivers
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CodeFreaks
Entrepreneur starts computer programming company
OrfaPAlAcIOS
Future Products
photo by ORFA PAlAcIOS
“The group that makes up our company is very important to me because I am able to share my knowledge with them and because they >> staff writer share my love for electronics and programming,” Flores said. Down the hallway a flashing backpack catches everyone’s eyes. Nick A second project, a top down shooter zombie game named The Infected, Pedrana, senior, installed mini light bulbs into the outer part of his is in the process of developing with the help of another programmer backpack, not as a fashion statement, but as a small project. Drew Skweres, junior. Entrepreneur Pedrana, began the company Code Freaks. His fascination Pedrana chose people who not only shared his passion for programming for the inner workings of computers that began in his computer science but were knowledgeable to be a part of his team. class drove him into the world of programming. “I love the aspect of programming as a whole. The thought of “I’ve always been into computers. I always wanted to know how a programmers making more intense programs by putting our minds computer works and how I can make it do what I want it to do. I actually together motivates me,” Skweres said. started learning HTML and CSS to program websites since seventh Another one of their major ideas is a chat line for students named grade, so I have been at it for a while,” Pedrana said. Falcon Chat. Th e concept being a link found in the school’s homepage Alongside co-founder Hector Flores, senior, they began developing that would connect to a main server, where teachers and students would computer games and from there expanded into a company ranging from discuss class work. computer programming to creation of electronic devices. “The concept is, let’s say, it’s Thursday night, you have a Chemistry test “Code Freaks got started when Hector and I decided to make a game tomorrow so you pull out your review. You realize that you don’t know together. I was in charge of the intro screen and the main menu. In the what you are looking at so you go on Falcon Chat, log into your account intro I decided to put a screen that gave Hector and I a name people and look for your teacher’s chat room. Once you are in you find all your could call us by, that name being Code Freaks. One day that blew out of classmates asking your teacher questions. It’s a great way to raise grades proportion and I decided to make it a full on company,” and keep students and teachers involved,” Pedrana said. Pedrana said. Besides games, Pedrana creates electronics. From key pad controlled The interest for programming brought Pedrana and Flores into their first project as a group, a physics puzzle door openers to infrared remote controlled security systems. He hopes to game named The Goldberg Experiment. Flores viewed expand into a mega-corporation. “Code Freaks has a mind of its own. It grows by itself. Code Freaks, to joining the group as a chance to make his ideas into me, will be as big as Microsoft or Google,” Pedrana said. reality.
PLAnning Pedrana sketched an idea for an MP3 player/game console that will contain both internal and external game cartridges plus an SD card for music.
sKEtcHing Pedrana claims his sketch for a six sided LCD touch screen will be like an iPod x six, and he calls it InfinaCube.
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issue five conversing Preparing for the show, Fay Kirby, Geometry teacher, and Christy Shows, Fashion Design and Nutrition teacher, discuss the upcoming program. Both teachers collaborated in efforts to help make the show a success. strutting As the trio joins together, Kourtney Holmes, junior, Malaysia Jackson, junior, and Rebekah Preston, freshman, sing and dance to a song honoring Black History.
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Old tradition returns more popular than ever due to school’s effort
passion Microphone in hand, Jasmine Brooks, senior, sings a soulful melody entitled “Killing me Softly”.
unity Together as a team, the Cook Middle School Step tTam performs a routine. The members use their hands and stomp their feet in accordance to the music in order to appeal to the audience.
harmonizing Strumming the guitar, Brandt Henley, senior, accompanies Chris Mosely, freshman, as he sings a powerful ballad.
photos by annie sanders
AmberDAY
>> staff writer
Rhythmic African dances, motivating poetry and inspirational songs captivated the audience as they were beautifully performed in celebration of Black History Month. In addition to the performances, a variety of musically and politically influential African Americans were honored throughout the show. Although the show came together as planned, weeks of organizing, series of auditions and lots of practice were all necessary for the successful outcome. Being the multitasker that she is, not only did Malaysia Jackson, junior, perform in two acts but she also was responsible for managing the whole production, as well as making sure each performance was uniquely interesting. “I have always wanted to direct a show and thought it would be a great opportunity to do something that has not been done in years. I wanted the show to have a variety of acts in it to keep the audience at the edge of their seats,” Jackson said. Traditional Black History programs include going over the prominent achievements in African Americans history, but Jackson wanted the show to be seen differently than the traditional Black History, she wanted to share the artistic side of African American culture by including many different types of art such as songs, music, poetry and dances. “This show is what I always wanted to do, but instead of doing typical Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks tribute I wanted to celebrate the beauty of African American Art,”
Jackson said. Jackson dedicated her heart and time to make the show happen by putting in long hours of work, with the pressure of knowing that the show had not been performed in eight years. Jackson created announcements and posted flyers and posters around the school to promote the much anticipated show. While managing the show Jackson stayed hours after school everyday during the selection of acts. Organizing the immense set of performances in the Black History Show was challenging, but with the help of Ms. Christy Shows, Jackson was able to accomplish all that she intended. “Ms. Shows handled some things I could not do on my own and stayed with me for every rehearsal,” Jackson said. Shows, the sponsor, as well as one of the coordinators, was there from the start to the finish of the show helping Jackson and all the other performers. Although the journey of developing such a large show in a short amount of time may have been stressful, it all paid off. “We had about a month and a half total, the stress came from trying to put a show together in a small amount of time. I was very proud and excited to watch this grow into an annual production,” Shows said. After weeks of practice and patience, Jackson anticipated seeing her vision come into play. The show consisted of several passionate artist and performers which included Courtney Holmes, junior, who sang No One by Alicia Keys. “Singing is absolutely my passion. It’s such a big part of me and I would not feel complete with out it. The show was really important to me because I got a chance to share what
I love with an audience. I was determined to put on a good show and celebrate Black History month,” Holmes said. As the show took place, Jackson scurried on and off the stage getting people ready for acts. Once she heard the audience’s loud cheers of encouragement as each performer stepped off stage, Jackson knew that all her vision for the show had become complete. “The most rewarding part of the show was knowing the audience loved it just as much as we enjoyed performing,” Jackson said. As the show ended all the teachers that participated in the show were rewarded with flowers. In particular Shows was congratulated with a large bouquet of flowers and a gift for her strong work ethic, a sign of appreciation from the members of the show. “I was surprised and felt very honored that people, who I grew close to over the span of preparing the show, thought I did a job worthy of honor. The most rewarding part of this was getting to see how talented the performers were and working with students and faculty I normally would not get to work with,” Shows said. Although the show was filled with heart warming performances and inspiring poems, the essence of the show is based upon Black History. The historical hardships that African Americans have faced in the past are harsh but are not meant to be seen from that perspective. Instead, they are shared to bring feelings of encouragement to people and shed light that many of the past African American problems are not a part of our society today.
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Successful Recovery Patient overcomes tumor, stays strong through brain surgery to remove cyst leandralEE
Galvan went on with her day, as Hamlin went to Sally Syer, school nurse, and inOn a sunny day in November, Health Sci- formed her about Galvan’s conditions. It was ence Technology Education or, HSTE stu- not until later that Thursday morning that dents got out of bed and began to get ready Galvan was called down to the nurse’s offor school. They put on their scrubs and drive fice and had neurological test done. The test to school. In school the HSTE class meets included; walking in a straight line, reaction up and all as a group load onto the bus for to the light for her right pupil, and gripping their clinical rotations. Clinical rotations are onto objects. All of which Galvan failed. Imfor the second and third year students, they mediately Galvan was rushed to Memorial go to the hospitals, and have an on sight op- City hospital by her mother. By the time she portunity to learn. While on the bus back reached the hospital she lost sight. to the school many students chat amongst Once she was in the hospital she was put themselves as Paula Galvan, senior, talks into neurological ICU for two days and was to Sharon Hamlin, HSTE teacher about a told she needed to have surgery because the tumor was causing pressure on the right side throbbing headache. Galvan was diagnosed with a cyst, or a of her brain, the doctors told Galvan the tusac full of fluid for her whole life, but was mor was so big that her brain was slightly told surgery was too risky. Two years ago shifted to the left. On December 6, 2010 Galvan underwent Galvan was diagnosed with a tumor, but did not need any procedure done unless it caused surgery and was told that she would remain problems. The tumor was in the rear back in the hospital for two plus weeks because the surgery was going to be a serious proceside of her brain “Paula first came to me on the bus, she dure. The surgery was seven hours long inwas telling me that she woke up blind the day cluding recovering after the anesthesia, the before and was having a headache, knowing surgery itself was six hours long. The docabout her condition I told her to go to school tors predicted that she would have to be on a breathing and feeding tube but she did so nurse immediately,” Hamlin said. well, tubes were not needed. “I was let out of ICU two days after surgery, it was a miracle. Also, my recovery went a lot better than expected, I was told not to even get up for at least a month but two weeks later I was up and using the restroom on my own,” Galvan said. Since the surgery Galvan has recovered but has not been able to perform with her drill team, the Gold Dusters. Galvan will continue once her doctor’s tell her she can. Too much movement for Galvan can lead to spinal fluid leaks. “Even though Paula could not perform with us she was supportive. She came to every practice she could and helped out whenever possible just to support us in anyway she could, because she knew she would not be able to dance for a while,” Samantha Eadeh, junior said. Many would say that one would not be able to tell that Galvan had a tumor, or cyst removed. Current teachers and former teachers of Galvan admire her genuine personality. “I always called, and still call photo courtesy of PAUlA GAlvAN Paula ‘Perky Paula’ just because before and after her surgery she was HEALing Getting stitches on the side of her head, Paula Galvan, always smiling, even in excruciating senior, goes through the process of rejenerating. headaches she was still always smiling, and never complained,” Hamlin said.
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Beyond Textbooks
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Opportunity for hands-on experience, inspires classes to continue studies JoeyGIlBERT
>> staff writer
andria Dixon, junior, said. The students who participated in this class trip took home a new understanding for the world of anatomy, and a memory they will never forget.
The students walked single file into the Texas Chiropractic College open minded and ready to learn. When they set down their bags and walked into the first room all they saw was a dead body with its skin pealed away. Then they were told they must spend an hour in the room with the body, and the smell of formaldehyde. “Whenever I heard that we would be spending an hour with the body, I got really excited for the experience,” Marcel Mattern, senior, said. When the students first heard that they would be going on a field trip to the Texas Chiropractic College, they automatically assumed they would be learning about the technical form of being a chiropractor. “I didn’t know we would actually be seeing a real cadaver. I just thought we would be learning about chiropractic things, so it was a really great experience,” photo by JAcKIE ONTIvEROS Mattern said. The woman who was showing AnAtoMy t-sHirt In anatomy class mode Alexandra them around talked to the students Dixon, junior, shows her Anatomy t-shirt that class members wear about the body and showed them on test days. parts of the human anatomy they had only seen in the text book. “I think the students were surprised as to just how educational and hands on the entire experience truly was,” Keilah Todeschini, anatomy teacher, said. Todeschini decided to take the students memories on this trip in order to gear them towards of the Anatomy Field Trip medical science and the functions that truly go on in the human body. She also wanted to give them a memorable experience that Students were able to see a can prepare them for that field of work. cadaver first-hand, which pro“I thought it would be a great way for vided a great deal of underthe students to get a more hands on expestanding of the human body rience with that field of work,” Todeschini and body systems. said. The Anatomy classes got to The students were able to speak with meet and interact with experidifferent professors from the school and enced doctors who were able ask them any questions they had. Many of to provide insight into both the students were surprised that they were anatomy and medical careers. able to take so much from this trip. Some of the students have even decided that they The students were given an plan to become a chiropractor due to this opportunity to perform chiexperience. ropractic maneuvers on each “I have always been interested in anatoother, which they learned at the my, but now that I was able to go and see college. it out of the text book, I was even more inspired to continue with my studies,” Alex-
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Band versus Recovery
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Singer risks wounded appendix for local show performance with Versus the Ascent
OrfaPAlAcIOS
>> staff writer
“Pain. Pain like a knife stabbing the right side of my abdomen,” Israel Sanchez, sophomore, said. It was the day after Thanksgiving and the Sanchez family rushed to the clinic to investigate the reoccurring pain in Israel’s stomach. Bad news, the doctor had no explanation and advised the family to take their son to the hospital. Israel arrived at the hospital, curling up from the pain almost unable to walk, and was immediately put in a wheel chair. After blood samples and x-rays were taken, the doctors concluded that his appendix had burst, spreading the infection throughout his stomach. The operation was scheduled for the next morning but after the surgeon got his hands on the x-rays he saw it was too bad to wait. After the removal of his appendix a tube was inserted into his nose and the remains were vacuumed out. After the anesthesia wore out, Israel had no sense of his abdomen. “I could barely walk. I needed help getting up and moving around,” Israel said. For the next four days Israel was kept in the hospital, three of those days unable to eat or drink. His brother, Raul Sanchez, senior, and his parents did their best to help out Israel. “Nothing I did to help him was enough for me. I was there the first two days at the hospital, two whole days, helping him get up and helping him walk. I’ve never felt so useless in my life. That was the only thing I could do to help him out. The doctors cleaned out his three inch incisions, and they only taught my parents how to clean them,” Raul said. Israel left the hospital with two holes in his stomach and doctors orders for nine weeks of recovery. Three weeks later his band, Versus the Ascent, was scheduled to headline a show.
Israel had not yet recovered. “I immediately knew that he would be unable to sing. In response to this, Connor and I decided that we would ‘sing’ instead of my brother. We searched for temporary replacements, but their schedules couldn’t fit with our band practice times,” Raul said. Israel saw the bands desperation and decided he would perform. “Israel actually told us straight up ‘I’m singing at the show.’ Yes I was worried but he agreed to let us know when he gets a bit sick so Connor and I could take over,” Raul said. Israel knew the risks of getting on stage and performing. The strain singing could cause to the stomach could reopen the wound. “I was feeling better so I thought to myself, I guess I can do it,” Israel said. The band members weighted the consequences but ultimately left the decision to Israel. “I really wanted him to sing at our show but I also didn’t want him to risk his well-being for one simple show. We were all aware of what could happen if he sang at the show and that’s why we let him decide on whether he thought he was ready or not,” Jorge Rodriguez, senior, said. The band felt uneasy letting Israel on stage after just a few weeks of recovery. “After he decided he was up for it, we all took precaution on how long he could sing before he started feeling bad,” Rodriguez said. During the performance, Israel would run out of breath due to the singing but ultimately the show went well. The band felt a sense of relief when the show finished without any casualties. “I had faith in Israel and thank God that everything went well,” Raul said. The band felt grateful for Israel’s dedication to his band even in the face of danger.
photos courtesy of RAUl SANchEZ
sWEAting never missing a beat Connor Floyd, senior strums his guitar.
rocKin’ out While performing at a show, Raul Sanchez, senior, does his guitar solo.
Can You Tell Who’s Who? “I’ve been told that i am a great singer.”
“My guitar is something soulful, I try to make my music as innovative as possible, taking genres and combining them”
“I love anything that has to do with music or video. I’m on JVTV and i love drumming.”
1. Connor Floyd 2. Israel Sanchez 3 Raul Sanchez 4. Jorge Rodriguez
“Most people know that i used to play football, and that i play in bass in Versus the Ascent”
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Still Learning To Say Good Bye FFA sophomores gain strong attachment to their goats while earning monetary reward
AmberDAY
photo courtesy of Josh humada
Ecstatic Experiencing owning his own goat for the first time, Josh Humada takes pride in Rocky.
photo courtesy of Karisa Harney
Adorable After feeding Earl, Karissa Harney, snapped a photo only days before the show.
photo courtesy of nick cordray
Confidence With the other competitors, Cordray stands with pride next to his goat Rusty while preparing to be judged.
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Tears filled her eyes as FFA member, sophmore Karissa Harney watched as her beloved goat was loaded onto a moving truck to be sent to the Boys and Girls’ Farm House. Harney still reminisces on the precious moments that she once had with her goat before he was sold. Sophomores Josh Humada and Nick Cordray share the same feelings of nostalgia for their goats as well. Harney, Humada and Cordray each contributed to spending time caring for their animals. At the end of their training in FFA, each animal was auctioned off at the Cy-Fair Livestock Show. All of the proceeds from the auction were given to the person who raised the animal. Convinced to join FFA for the large sums of money received after auctioning off the animals, Humada did not expect to develop affection for his animal. “At first you tell yourself you will not get attached to your animal but almost everybody ends up attached to them by the end when show comes,” Humada said. Harney, Cordray and Humada spent six months on their goats. At the end of their training period their animals were accustomed to them, but it was not always like that. Harney and Hamada’s first encounter with their goats was dramatic, and it took a while for the boys’ goats to get used to them. “When I first got my goat he hated me. He always ran when I got near him. It took about one month for him to fully get used to me,” Humada said. While Cordray’s goat took less time than Humada’s goat to warm up to him, his goat was very nervous meeting him for the first time. “He was really scared and it took about two weeks to warm up to me,” Cordray said. While training for the show, Harney and Humada spent their time wisely by training their animals daily. They had the responsibility of training with their goats and making sure the goats were properly fed and groomed. “The hardest part was making sure he got exercise everyday. I paid attention to his muscle. I made sure that he ran everyday and monitored his food intake,” Harney said. In order to properly present their goats to the judges at auction, Humada, Cordray and Harney had to prep their goats and make sure they were calm and ready for showcase. Before their animals could enter the auction for the showcase, all the animals had to pass an inspection. Harney, Cordray and
Humada nervously waited as their goats were critiqued. To comfort their nerves, motivation came from the thought of the money they would earn for all their hard work and dedication to their goats. “I was nervous and upset, but I was mainly thinking about getting money after selling him,” Harney said. Although their goats did not make it into showcase, they did win money. Harney, Cordray and Humada raked in three hundred dollars each and have plans on how to use their money. While Humada and Cordray planned on saving up their cash to invest in their animals for next year, Harney also plans on saving her money with hopes of benefiting her in the future. Taking care of an animal for six months took a lot of time and patience, but FFA students were willing to tackle such a challenging task. Throughout the long process of preparing her goat Harney gained a new sense of responsibility. “I liked having the responsibility that my animal relied on me the whole time. He was very sweet, laid back and had random outbursts of energy,” Harney said. Although the money might have been rewarding the true reward lies in the experience with their goats. Now that their goats have been sold to Boys and Girls Farm House to live with other goats, Harney, Cordray and Humada will always have memories of their goats’ unique personality traits. “He did the weirdest things when I was walking with him. He liked to stop and climb on the brink wall at the barn to look around. He was always real relaxed and nothing bothered him. He had the highest “bah” in the whole barn. He loved me to death. I think it is pretty cool to say that I have raised a goat,” Humada said.
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Running Government, for New Position economics teacher takes on long distance team TaylorESPINOSA
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photo by taylor espinosa
Pacing During the Cy-Fair Invitational meet at Cy-Woods, Gregory Higgins, long distance track coach, discusses an upcoming race with his runners.
Through all the dreary reds, greens, and other dull colors of participating schools, bright purple catches the eyes of many. As the runners line up behind the chalk white line of the tough track, the announcer shouts, “Runners ready.” Though each runner stands together with their team, they are in their own zone. As the gun sounds off, the distance runners take off on the lonesome journey of 3200 meters of pure track. “Track in general is unique,” Coach Gregory Higgins said. “Yes, track is considered a team effort, but when you’re out there racing by yourself, [it is] a whole different pressure all together.” Wanting to get into physical shape as well as to help out the boys long distance track team, Higgins made the decision over the summer of 2010 to become an assistant track coach. “I found myself running a lot. Along with that, I was reading about running on my off time. Why not get paid to do what I love,” Higgins said. An experienced long distance runner since 2007, Higgins has trained for and ran in four marathons (a distance of 42.2 kilometers, converting to 26.2 miles), and two half marathons. Knowledgeable of the sport of track and distance running, Higgins was qualified to become the new boys assistant coach in track. In addition to coaching the boys long distance team, Higgins works with the distance girls as well. “Usually distance runners are overlooked in track, but Higgins is there to help us through workouts, which
makes us stronger as the distance crew,” Risa Steinecke, junior said. With a new coach comes new coaching methods and techniques. Some workouts usually include long runs anywhere from one to three miles, “hills” which are running exercises up and down the retention pond, and weight room. However they choose to workout, everyone including Higgins works together as a unit. “They work very hard. I would say that their workouts are harder than most other sports punishments. We’re always making up new ways to workout,” Higgins said. As a new coach, Higgins has not fully established a bond with the team, but for the distance runners, many see their new coach as a source of encouragement. “Higgins and I are like bros. He pushes [the distance track team] through any workout, and actually makes it fun because you don’t even realize it’s a workout,” Andrew Ortega, senior, said. As a runner, Higgins can relate to his team by understanding the fact that running takes motivation to keep moving forward. “I think motivation comes from within. Any success they get, it is because of their ability to push themselves to the limit. A typical run includes pain and pride,” Higgins said. In the middle of the track season, Higgins is not just determined to win, but wants his team to run the best way they can. “I want them to work hard and improve everyday. If they can fight through the workout and run a hard race, then I’m happy,” Higgins said.
Gliding to All State
Swim team members excel at state competition in Austin SarahCHO
>> staff writer
A surge of water splashes out of the pool as her arm powerfully slices through the cool water. She comes up for a quick breath every few seconds, careful not to disrupt her coordination. She smiles as she finishes her final glide, confident that she has made state qualifications with the amount of practice and time she has put into swimming. On the early mornings of February 18th and 19th, the Jersey Village High School varsity swim team prepare themselves for the State Competition, at the University of Texas, with nearly a 1,000 onlookers there. The overall team made 22nd place in state. Chelsie Miller, junior, made 3rd place in the 200 yard individual medley on the 1st team. She also placed 6th place in the 500 mile freestyle. Callye Baker, Allison Hickey, April Holland, seniors, and Chelsie Miller made 10th place in
the 200 mile relay race. Hunter Smith, senior, Jillian Covey, senior, Holland, and Miller received honorable mention. “I was excited but confident because we trained all year,” Holland said. “I’m very satisfied; it feels good to accomplish goals that have been set.” Getting into state was not an easy task; it took a lot of time, preparation, and dedication. “Having practice five days a week was always tiring, even though I was used to getting up early,” Miller said. “I had to come to school with wet hair all the time.” Hickey also admits that being accepted into state took a lot of effort. “It’s really hard to wake up at 4:30 every morning. It takes a lot of dedication,” Hickey said. “And I always smelled like chlorine.” Despite these obstacles, the players enjoy being on the team. They believe that the benefits that come from swim-
ming overpower the struggles. “Being on the swim team keeps you in shape and teaches you dedication,” Miller said. “I knew it was a big accomplishment and it looks really good for college.” The players are proud of their current accomplishments as a team. “I feel really good about the swim team coming this far,” Hickey said. “The swim team has never done this good before, and our coach is proud.” Stuart Webb, who has been a swim coach for 12 years, is devoted to his team and is pleased with how far his players have come. “I have the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with the athletes over a number of years. It’s an opportunity to watch them come into the program as kids and leave as young adults,” Webb said. “The swim team coming this far is a great reflection on the work ethic of the kids. They put in a lot of time and work, and it has paid off.”
Striding During her medely race, Chelsie Miller, junior, works to move faster and further than her opponets.
photos by amy leder
mentoring Before a race, Callye Baker, senior, gives motivational advice to a teammate before she lunges into the water.
14fadvertising the
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editorial PEREGRINE
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Missing Something?
Proudly hanging from the cafeteria ceiling used to be a myriad of flags; the color and design unique to each individual flag. During renovations these flags were taken down and failed to be put back up. While school athletic teams typically serve as a prime tool in stirring school enthusiasm, clubs are also a major source of school pride. Over the years, club memberships have increased along with new club options. However, since construction and the taking down of the emblems that once surrounded the commons, club participation has been on the decline, as has school spirit. Putting the flags back up would instill in students a renewed sense of pride in their club, which in turn would increase overall school spirit. Promoting all the various clubs through their own personal flags would showcase club diversification. Newer clubs often focus on and foster more specific individual interests. Some clubs find recruiting new members to be a challenge. The flags would help the new smaller clubs increase awareness of their club and help them recruit new members. The flags are especially important in getting students, freshmen in particular, plugged into the school. Clubs pose as not only an
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Rehanging organization flags, taken down during renovation, promotes needed spirit
2010-2011
editors Emma McKenzie Mikela Melakis sports editor leandra lee feature editors kinsey button tanner stogsdill news editor vince flores illustrator emily whittemore staff writers sarah cho Amber Day Taylor Espinosa 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
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“I really liked the flags, it made me feel proud to be a part of something.”
“I think the flags are really good for freshamn because it shows them all the different opportunities at the school.”
“I felt like the flags really encouraged people to get involved and participate in different organizations.”
>> Victor LE
>> David Rawls
>> celina nguyen
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Peregrine Staff
outlet for personal expression and community service, but also allow students to join a fellowship with other students. Clubs are crucial in helping students discover their passions, interests, and in finding their niche in a school as large as this one. Some clubs still have the flags that use to proudly hang in the cafeteria. Many clubs are eager to hang their flags back up. If any of the previous flags were lost, misplaced, or disposed of, the administration could begin spreading a school wide ‘flag recreation project’. This would reenergize club enthusiasm and increase overall school spirit. This ‘flag recreation project’ could bring clubs, and the school, together. Money would not be an issue because making flags are typically inexspensive. Clubs also would not be forced to have a flag. It would simply be left to the clubs discretion. Getting together to create an object that hangs for the three thousand plus student body would help bring back school spirit and pride. Even though the flags have not been in sight for two years now, it is not too late to put them back up. The flags encourage school pride, club pride, and help students explore their passions and interests which are crucial in creating a better school atmosphere.
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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.
16image essay PEREGRINE
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LOOK AT ME NOW 1. Strutting on stage with a full suit and a sweatband, Victor Le, senior, accepts his title as Mr. Falcon 2011 as part of the formalwear entertainment. 2. Earlier during the talent portion, Kenton Smith, senior, given only a microphone and chair, performs a stand up comedy routine impersonating his uncle’s driving.
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photo by ORFA PALACIOS
photo by ORFA PALACIOS
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READY SET OK GO 3. A part of a fourman act, Cameron Grant, senior, performs a unique rendition of the band, OK GO’s treadmill routine to the hit song, “Stereo Love,” by Edward Maya. 4. Sporting a blue swim cap and goggles, David Quiroz, senior, chooses a swim stroke as his entrance for the swimsuit portion of the competition.
RAiNiNG it’s men MR. FALCON 2011
photo by ORFA PALACIOS
AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME Combining talent acts, Rob Castillo, Huy Lam, Devan Kidwell, Collin Courtright, and Thomas Lotero, seniors, dance and sing to a choreographed routine as performed by the vocal group, The Backstreet Boys.
photo by ORFA PALACIOS
photo by ORFA PALACIOS
BOY’S GOT SASS With a quick turn and a glance at the audience, David Rawls, senior, poses in his swimsuit attire. Approving his Hawaiian look, escort Jillian Covey, senior, shows off her contestant.
LET’S GET FIRED UP Deeply focused, Vince Flores, senior, a world champion in Taekwondo, prepares to break through ignited pieces of wood with his bare hands. Dressed up in 80’s workout clothes, Jorge Rodriguez, senior, poses as the celebrity, Richard Simmons.
photo by ORFA PALACIOS
STAY CLASSY Matching with a purple gown and tie, Connor Thomas and Ashley Kelley, seniors, enter on stage for the formal wear entertainment.