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PEREGRINE
Volume 39 Issue 6
Jersey Village High School
7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040
May ‘11
coming to a close With the school year coming to an end, most prepare for their summer antics and adventures and cannot even picture the day they must return back to the high school. Seniors, however, do not have to imagine returning to the purple and gold walls that have housed most for four years, but must worry about what is in store outside of high school. The school year is ending, and new doors are opening.
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Senior allowed to work with doctor to help research a cure for cancer.
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Girls Varsity Soccer advances to play-offs for first time in 10 years; baseball, softball also advance.
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Four-year AFJROTC member plans to attend university to fulfill dreams of becoming pilot for the Air Force.
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2 news/feature Mo’ money less problems PEREGRINE
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enforcing The “Title One” program was introduced in 1965 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and made stronger by the “No Child Left Behind” government policy.
TannerSTOGSDILL
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Walking through the hall way, students see motivated peers. The students see other happy students, and know that their environment offers safety. He is comforted to walk into the office of a new adviser hired specifically to help students who are not financially eligible to get into college, or help them join the job force with knowledge of what to expect. Next year, this high school is projected to have 46% of the students with access to free and reduced lunches, and is therefore considered economically disadvantaged. Because of this percentage, the school will become a Title One school. A Title One school is a school with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and is given money from the state to help motivate students to succeed. Money is sent from the district fro schools with 44% economically disadvantaged students. With this school at 46%, money will be sent to help better this student body. The
Title One status acquired due to number of economically disadvantaged students school will be receiving roughly $200,000 next year. “We are working with the program to help not only the economically disadvantaged, but to make a school wide impact,” Norma Phelan, J house counselor, said. The school needs to use the money in a wise way, and show improvements due to the money. The school’s administration is working on looking at research, and is doing a book study on “Teaching With Poverty in minM” by Eric Jensen, a book about working with students who are economically disadvantaged. The money is given to the school and they are free to allocate it how they wish, as long as it benefits students. According to Stacie Wicke, associate principal, planned changes to the school involve new teachers, primarily at the freshman level, and a new guidance counselor. New teachers are being hired to lighten class loads, and help other teachers build more personal relationships with students. With primarily new freshmen teachers coming in, it is the hope of the administration to help get students interested in school starting in their first year. In a program that is being called the Freshman Initiative, more work will be done with the freshmen level teachers to make the student’s year a better experience. Dropouts occur because a student does not feel a connection to the school, and the Freshman Initiative was created to help the transition from middle school to high school go smoother, and help students feel that
E.C.P.erfect AlissaGUERRA
>> staff writer
Pencils and pens placed neatly aligned on her desk, with not a speck of dust in site. The small children’s chairs are slid under the three feet tables. Her heart races to the thought of the reaction of the kids, as well as the student teachers. She strives for a positive reaction towards her presence, as the new and official Early Childhood Professions teacher.
photos by LEANDRA LEE
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better connection to the high school. Some of the incoming money is also for professional development to make this connection easier. The idea of a Title One school is to help students succeed, and prepare themselves for college or a profession after high school. The Title One money will help drive the Freshman Initiative. “We are not just working on the transition from middle school into high school. We are working on the transition from middle school to high school and beyond,” Greg Brock, director of instruction, said. The new college/ career adviser will have multiple purposes. This adviser will be able to talk to students who are economically disadvantaged, as well as the rest of the student body, and will be able to help students pick colleges or will help students pick classes to build skills based on their likes, and the projected job force wants and needs. They will make materials available to the economically disadvantaged such as personality test, and career tests to help the students understand their skills, and guide them on the road to the work force, or college. Most of what the school will do with the money is still under discussion, but there is high hope for the future. The money will be spent in the ways that the principal sees best fit to help, and staff will become prepared to make the school a better environment that can better inspire more students.
New teacher steps up, exceeds expectations
Kimberly Williams took on the roll of Brenda Trott’s past position, the former ECP teacher. Surprisingly the reaction of the kids and student teachers is better than she could ever imagine. Williams shoots high for her expectations of her students. “I want to make sure students are capable of knowing early childhood professions, and make sure that my students are capable of running a preschool,” Williams said. Williams had to study hard to obtain certification in order to reach her ultimate profession as an ECP teacher. “It did not take me that long to become certified after I knew that ECP was what I wanted to do. I had to qualify to teach all eight Consumer Science classes, to get my Family Consumer Science certification. It was a stressful process passing the tests but through my strong belief in myself I overcame the stress of it all,” Williams said. Williams has been involved with the same type of career most of her adult life. “I was the director of the Teen-parenting nursery program, and director of La Petite academy. La Petite academy is a program that works with pre-K to the age of 11. I ended up doing that for 11 years,” Williams said. Williams is exactly where she wants to be in her career. The student teachers that are enrolled in the two period class love the change of her as the new teacher. “I like everything overall about the class now. It is less stressful and the kids behave a lot better. I’ve also noticed that the class feels more organized since Mrs. Williams took over,” Jeff Lee, junior, said.
Williams approaches learning in a variety of ways and tries to pass this on to her students. “I’ve learned a lot from Mrs. Williams. I have long lasting skills of preparation, readiness, and I just feel I am a good person overall because of this program,” Eugene Bernabe, senior, said. Students also plan to take what they have learned in the class outside of high school. “The techniques I’ve studied, and learned from Mrs. Williams I will apply in the future when I have children of my own,” Lee said. ECP student teachers appreciate William unique personality and enjoy her presence. “Mrs. Williams jokes with us. Though, at the same time she is very serious when she needs to be. Because we all get along with her, we treat her with respect and it makes everything run a whole lot smoother. Her organization shows me that she knows exactly what she is doing,” Christina DeWolf, senior, said. coMforting (left) While bending down to get eye level with a student, Kimberly Williams, ECP teacher, comforts a distressed child.
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DOWNwith cancer TaylorESPINOSA
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Aspiring scholar looks to find cure for cancer
>> staff writer
She enters every class with a warm welcoming smile and kind eyes that make everyone feel comfortable and socially accepted. To many, she is known as the sweet and innocent type, however, Amy Doan senior, has a drive within her to make the best grades, to overcome all barriers, and to dedicate her only life in order to save the lives of many. Amy Doan wants to find the cure for cancer. Accepted into the College of Natural Science at the University of Texas at Austin, with a $40,000 President’s scholarship, Doan plans on majoring in biochemistry where she hopes to specialize in leukemia research. Before entering her freshman year at UT, Doan has also been accepted to an oncology student mentor program with Dr. Frankie Ann Holmes at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center over the summer of 2011. A private and prestigious internship only awarded to one person, Doan will gain more experience for her specific major and for her overall dream to find a cure for cancer. “Even though [Dr. Holmes and her research team] specializes in breast cancer, this is still a good opportunity to gain more experience in the field of cancer research because all forms of cancer relate to each other,” Doan said. As a child, Doan lived in Vietnam where she was very close with her grandfather, who was a dedicated physician diagnosed with cancer. Throughout Doan’s childhood, they maintained a tight bond in which Doan and her grandfather both shared similar interests of research and medicine. At the age of nine, her grandfather passed away, and ever since his death, Doan has remained determined to find a cure for cancer not only for her grandfather, but for everyone who has suffered or known someone who has suffered from this illness. “His diagnosis of cancer and his departure from my life initiated my desires to one day find a cure for cancer, even though I would have to find it without him,” Doan said. Though her beloved grandfather was not by her side, Doan overcame many social, cultural, and language barriers after moving from Vietnam to the United States in order to accomplish her dream. “Looking back at my life without Grandfather, I have traveled a substantially long way to become who I am today. Departing from my home country five years ago, I have ceaselessly tried and failed, only to try again, never without circumspection of what Grandfather would think of me. Learning English, understanding school assignments and simultaneously assimilating to the social order of my foreign environment awakened in me the greatest aspiration galvanized so long ago by Grandfather -- to cure cancer and to be the best that I can be -- to be his champion,” Doan said. Doan has faced many hardships in her life, but still
remains as a positive influence to others around her. Close friends and classmates recognize her dedication and will to work. “Amy’s very hard working and determined in school. She takes the hardest classes and even has a job, but she manages her schedule really well, still making all A’s in school. Outside [of school], she volunteers at church every Saturday, assisting teachers and dedicating her time singing in the choir,” Thien Vo, senior, said. Juggling a busy schedule of school, work, and volunteering, Doan has still managed to come up with possible solutions to add to her own individual research. However, Doan is ready to make her dream into a reality by working in a real cancer research lab in a professional environment where she will get some hands-on learning. “I’m one of those people who can get up each morning and work in a lab all day,” Doan said. Not only interested in the field of oncology, and biochemistry, Doan is also interested in computer science in which she hopes to minor in college. “I truly believe technology is the key to science. It all relates. I want to use technology to cut DNA sequences,” Doan said. Having been involved in numerous AP and honor courses such as Computer science, Chemistry II, and Biology II, Doan has maintained a close bond with her biology teacher, who has encouraged Doan, to go forth with her goals. “The oncology program is an opportunity for Amy to choose from medicine, research, or any other field of science. Amy is a strong, contentious individual that always asks questions when she doesn’t understand, and overall is a great student to teach. Whatever Amy chooses to do, she will be successful in the long run,” Cora Dickson, Biology AP teacher, said. Also involved in extra curricular activities such as National Science Honor Society, and Student Council, Doan believes she has taken the right steps in high school in order to pursue her dream. “In 10 years I see myself receiving my PhD, in a research group, and writing up my thesis,” Doan said. Some science researchers say that the cure for cancer is unobtainable; however, Doan’s determination and competitive nature triumphs over all doubts. She is on a mission to find the cure and to save the lives of many. “Science is all about politics, and it is everyone’s job to prove you wrong,” Amy Doan, said. “But for me, I would rather die knowing I worked for a cause.”
“Science is all about politics, and it is everyones job to prove you wrong, but for me, I would rather die knowing I worked for a cause.”
Showing off with her physics project in hand, Amy Doan, senior, poses with friend, Vivian Lu, senior. posing with friend, Catherine Gomez, Amy Doan smiles outside of Rice University. Achieving shaking the hand of Angela Williams, assistant principal, Amy Doan receives one of many awards.
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Taste bud takeover
Aspriring chef makes plans to learn foreign cuisine JoeyBethGILBERT
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Taking a leap into the world, Jenni Vallier, senior, plans on saving money and obtaining the knowledge it will take to get her started as a chef. Whether it is babysitting or bartending, she plans to get herself to the Philippines so she can study culinary arts. After finishing her senior year here, Vallier will spend her summer babysitting the child she has come accustomed to being around, Amanda Cameron. This is the girl that she was assigned to in her Early Childhood Program class. She will be earning money watching her every week of the summer. “I accepted the job because I enjoy being around my ECP kid and I do need to start saving money for my trip,” Vallier said. Vallier also plans on working bar back, or bartenders’ assistant, at either Fitzgerald’s or House of Blues for extra income. “I was going to be a bartender, but I am too young, so I will just be working bar back, which is like one step under bartender,” Vallier said. Vallier is determined to get herself to the Philippines. Once she is there, she will be visiting family and studying culinary arts. Also, when she comes back, she photo by Sara zatopek
Sizzling With a head full of new recipes she wants to try out and perfect, Jenni Vallier, senior, intends to move across the world to study cooking techniques in the Philippines. Calculating the cost of traveling to another country on her own, Vallier has to put in many hours of work, in and out of the kitchen, to prepare herself.
[Focused] on the future Dream of opening photography business evolves from passion for snapping pictures JoeyBethGILBERT
>> staff writer
photo by Sara Zatopek
Picturesque Sitting outdoorsin the grass, Meghan Gallagher, senior, enjoys a sunny day and looks for a subject to capture in a photograph. With a focus on various artistic elements from lighting to composition, she remains on the lookout for inspiration wherever she goes. Gallagher hopes to make a career of her hobby.
plans on attending Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School in Austin Texas. “I plan on becoming a chef and I think it would be a great opportunity for me to not only visit my family but to also pick up some culinary skills that I might not be able to learn here,” Vallier said. Leaving the United States, even for just a while, can be a difficult experience, especially when she will be leaving behind her friends, family, and boyfriend of eight months. “I am happy that she will be learning about the world on her own, but I will be sad when she leaves. I’m just afraid she won’t want to come back,” Andrew Garcia, her boyfriend, said. Vallier’s mother was born and raised in the Philippines, so her mother is excited for her to experience the culture of the place she grew up and get out into the world. “I am so happy that she will learn how I grew up, experiencing the culture and environment that I lived my whole life,” Josie Vallier said. Vallier has always wanted to be a chef, and now she is being given the opportunity to do so. “I can’t wait to get out into the world, and start doing what I have always dreamed of,” Vallier said.
With a head full of dreams and a heart full of passion, Meghan Gallagher heads off to college. Although it may be difficult, she will be establishing herself as a photographer and going to school as she goes along. “I will be attending Stephen F. Austen art school for photography, and while in college, my mentor, Bao, will be helping me establish myself as a photographer and helping me start my own photo company,” Gallagher said. Starting a photo company takes much more than just being able to take photographs. Although this plays a large part in the process, the photographer must be able to handle money and must also be good with people. “Because you are working with people and taking pictures of them, you have to be able to talk to them and be comfortable around them,” Gallagher said. Gallagher does not only participate in photography at school and
home, she is also part of the choir at her church and she has been in several school plays and musicals. “I have always been active with art in many forms, but photography just seemed like the right thing for me,” Gallagher said. But for Gallagher, photography means much more than just taking photographs. It means a way to show who she really is. “Photography is a way that I can express myself and tell a story without using words,” Gallagher said. Photography has always been part of Gallagher’s life, due to her grandfather being a photographer. His love and dedication to photography is what inspired Meghan to become a photographer. “My Grandpa gave me my first film camera, and I still use it to this day. He is the reason I wanted to become a photographer in the first place,” Gallagher said. At home, Meghan has a support system. With her family’s love of art, it is no surprise that she is given the support she needs to fol-
low her dreams. “I couldn’t be more proud of Meghan. The way she is following her dreams, and how hard she is working to do so, makes me the proudest mother out there,” Susan Gallagher, said. Gallagher also has a mentor that helps her develop her skills while she is not at school. His name is Bao Huygn, and he has been a photographer for most of his life. “He and I went on a mission trip to Guatemala and talked about Meghan and how she wanted to be a photographer. And after he saw what she was capable of doing and how bad she wanted this, he offered to be her mentor,” Susan Gallagher said. With a mentor and a dream, Gallagher now goes on regular photo shoots to develop her skills. And with high hopes she plans to go to college and continue to do what she loves: photography. “I am more than excited to be doing what I love for the rest of my life,” Gallagher said.
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Kick it to win it OrfaPALACIOS
>> staff writer
photo by vANESA ADAN
Cy Lakes Cy Falls Langham Creek Cy Ranch Cy Ridge Cy Springs Cy Woods Cy Fair Cy Creek Hastings Bellaire
4-6 12-1 9-3 6-3 13-0 11-9 7-4 4-13 13-3 15-0 0-20
JocKeYing Stealing the ball from her opponent, Megan Mugavero, sophomore, passes the ball to her teammate. Taking a group shot before their play off game against Aldine, the soccer girls mentally prepare themselves for victory.
photo by MONICA GARCIA
Varsity Baseball
x-x 10-0 14-1 11-5 12-0 15-0 6-8 2-9 8-1 13-4 14-0 1-9 Westside
6-7 4-3 2-3 3-4 10-0 9-3 7-1 2-7 0-10 17-6 1 -2
7-3 4-2 4-2 4-2 4-3 10-0 7-0 17-6 10-0 13-5 10-0 1 - 13
photo by vANESA ADAN
District Record: Playoff games:
JVHS vs
Varsity Softball
GARCIA
Homerun into playoffs
groups, when it came to game time the girls left all conflict outside the field and focused purely on the game. “Our team had such great success because we all got along so well on the field. We left all differences aside and clicked perfectly,” Walaszczyk said. The journey filled with laughter, arguments, sweat and tears towards playoffs turned the divided group into a family with a common goal in mind. “We all became one huge family of girls pushing each other into better players for playoffs,” Melendez said. In the second round the girls lost against Cinco Ranch 2-0. Regardless of the loss, the girls were bi district champs, receiving a banner to be placed in the large gym, as reminder of the hard work endured throught the season. “It felt great that our team made it so far after so many years of people not making it,” Walaszczyk said.
ONICA
photo by MONICA GARCIA
Girls advance to playoffs becoming bi-district champs
photo by M
Holding one another, the girls varsity soccer players prayed and prepared for the whistle that would signal the beginning of the next playoff game. “Before each game we always prayed which boosted our energy even more and got our minds focused on the play,” Kadie Walaszczyk, junior, said. The varsity girl’s soccer team had not advanced to playoffs since 2004. Excitement was felt throughout the school, as many students, teachers and family members cheered on the team during the season. With a new set of players and a new coach the g i r l s
triumphantly advanced. The 5-0 victory against Aldine sent the girls to the second round of playoffs. “No one thought we’d ever make it, but we were determined to get there. When we found out we’d made it to playoffs a huge burden came off our shoulders,” Talice Melendez, junior, said. The girls strived to prove the school and themselves wrong, setting high goals for one another to achieve throughout the season. “It felt great making it to the playoffs. It was great proving everyone wrong and getting more people interested in soccer,” Jasmine White, said. New girl’s varsity soccer Coach Christie Mesteyer brought in an entirely new work out regime for the girls. The girls ran two miles per day and practiced the new formations made by Mesteyer. “We really grew together this year, adapting to new positions, starters and a new coach. I think these much needed changes were a major contributor to our win,” White said. The girls were quick to jump into the new regimen imposed by Mesteyer in hope to advance further than the years before. “As a first year head coach, I felt very fortunate to have such a talented group of girls. The past couple of years the girls fell short in making it to playoffs and when they made it this year I felt very excited for them. They deserved to make it to playoffs,” Mesteyer said. To achieve those self imposed goals the girls spent hours practicing the new formations in and out of practice, while both keeping up with their health and grades to ensure success on the field. “We had such great success because we fought for every bit of it. Our new coach had a lot to do with it as well. New formations, practice drills, and even team bonding helped us as players and people in general,” Melendez said. Even though the team itself was divided into
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Congratulations
V House Seniors
Zachary Abeyta, Chastity Adams, Vanesa Adan, Quinn Aden, Sara Adolph, Rolando Araujo, Nancy Baez, Callye Baker, Jeremy Barnett, Ceyiarra Bell, Joshua Bibbs, Zachary Boelsterli, Justin Boualiane, Darelle Brooks, Bianca Buenavista, Justin Bustamante, Hillary Camp, Daniel Chapman, Anabel Chavez, Cameron Chumley, Huy Co, Ashley Collins, Mannix Colomer Munoz, William Cooper, Courtney Cope, Hannah Cory, Colten Cougot, Justin Courtney, Bradin Couvillion, Laura Cruz, Darien Dabney-Williams, Johnathan Dadbeh, Kimberly Dang, Kali Davis, Tai Dinh ,Antoinique Dixon, Brittney Doby, Elias El-Kareh, Alejandro Escobedo, Karen Favela, Laura Flores, Connor Floyd ,Jena Foreman, Renyae Fuller, Vanessa Galicia, Myrna Garcia, Moises Garcia, Vanessa Garza, David Garza, Laetan Gaspard, Nickalos Gibson, Maciel Godoy, William Gomez, Dominique Gooding, Irazema Granados, Kandice Grantham ,Jonathan Guerra, Wenceslao Guerrero Flores, Stacey Gutierrez, James Hance, Torey Hand-y, Shane Hendrix, Evan Hewett, April Holland, Kelli Hudgins, Julianne James, Joshua Jarman, Drake Jones, Gregory Judkins, Ashley Kelley, Samuel Kely, Casey Keyworth, Kristen Kneer, Huy Lam, Amy Le, Thong Le, Rebeca Loera, Ulises Lopez, Eddie Lopez, Brenda Lozano, Amy Macias, Kristina Mallillin, Davinder Mand, Xavier Martinez , Marcel Mattern. Geysy Matul, Kelsey McCabe, Starr McFarland, Eric Mejia, Alonzo Mejia, Mikela Melakis, Isidro Mendoza, Michael Miller, Jennifer Montano, Julian Moreno, Michael Mosley, Matthew Mugavero, Maria Munoz, Cindy Nguyen , Thuy Duong Nguyen, Vikki Nguyen, Tai Nguyen, Duc Nguyen, Chastity Oluyide, Andrew Ortega, Abraham Ortiz, Orfa Palacios, Carian Parker, Christian Paz, Alex Peters, Ashley Pham, Christopher Pham, John Phillips, Joselyn Portillo, Ahmad Qandeel, De’andria Ramsey, Jesse Rangel, Analisa Reyes, Blake Ricci, Devin Richards, Nicolas Richardson, Tabitha Roby, Erik Rodriguez, Jonathan Rogers, JulioRoman Garcia, Daniel Roniger, Isaiah Ross, Yarlin Rubio, Veyan Saed, Gabriella Salinas, Heriberto Sanchez, Sergio Santos, Neesa Savarese, Tyler Shafer, Brandon Shelton, Ajit Singh, Hunter Smith, Ethan Stark, Miquelle Stewart, Manuel Tanahara, Tate Telschow, Maryssa Teran, Skye Tipton, Lan Vy Tran, Garrett Turner, Hannah Vachule, Eloy Vela, Jacqueline Vu, Thuy-Duong Vu, Paige West, Kimberly Whitford, Emily Whittemore, Darius Woodbury, Angel Ybarra, Gloria Ybarra
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Competition in the Lanes
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Bowling captain takes on other leagues at state SarahCHO
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He takes a deep breath as his name appears on the bowling screen, indicating his turn. He wipes his sweaty hands on his pants and walks up to the lane. The ball swishes across the middle with great strength and speed, knocking down every pin in
sight. The team’s captain, Matthew Nation, senior, considers bowling a part of his life. He first started bowling because he moved from Wisconsin, a state in which students played hockey and ice skating. Because Nation did not know how to ice skate or play hockey, he turned to bowling, got in a league, and participated in it for three years. When he moved to Texas, he was excited to learn that this high school had a bowling team, and he stayed on it for four years. He won first place in regionals and fifth place in state. “I was expectant of him to make state since he has been in state for the last three years,” Kevin
photo by TAyLOR ESPINOSA
Benjamin, bowling coach, said. “But it is not an easy thing to win in regionals. It felt good to beat the other Cy-Fair boys.” Nation believes that he deserves the first place title because of the time and effort he has contributed to bowling. He practices a few times a week, going over his techniques. He starts his routine by getting his arm loose and used to bowling. He reviews his spare shots, and tries different spots, such as scooting forward, backward, left, and right, or even changing the speed of the ball. “When I practiced, I did everything I could,” Nation said. “When I wasn’t bowling, I let my fingers rest.” He is pleased with the results of the competition and believes that his practicing has paid off. “I was extremely happy; I already knew I was advancing, since I was in the top seven. But it was a close decision,” Nation said. His teammates distinguish Matt as a motivated, determined player who earned first place. “Matt is one of the best bowler’s in the district and is a great team player,” Eugene Bernabe, senior, said. “He works really hard every time we practice
and is a determined, hard-working leader.” The bowling team practiced two to three times a week, and participated in a game every two weeks. As a team, the players placed sixth in regionals. “I’m proud of how our team did. Everybody worked well and there were points where teammates would help other teammates,” Bernabe said. “I had motivation to know that I have support and encouragement from teammates and coaches.” Alexandria Salinas, Sarah Keppler, Amand Gomez, Megan Roch, Sidtany Meow, seniors, Krislyn Koechn, Caitlin Russet, Marisa Howatt, juniors, and Jennifer Keppler, sophomore, the girl’s bowling team, placed 17th in state.
Life Saver
Swimmer takes love for water further through life guarding
SaraZATOPEk
>> staff writer
Cutting through the water with expert grace and speed, swim team member Jillian Covey, senior, decided to extend her interest in swimming to keeping other swimmers safe. For the past three years she has volunteered as a lifeguard at local pools. The idea of getting a lifeguard certification first came to Covey because, with her comfort in the water as part of the swim team, life guarding seemed natural. “I’m around a pool all the time, and [life guarding] is easy money,” Covey said. As Covey soon found out, getting a lifeguard certification requires time and dedication. “You have to take a life guarding class where you learn all of the water skills, and take a CPR/ First Aid class,”
Covey said. Once she completed training, Covey could start working at local pools. All the time spent at the pool carries over to the rest of her life. In addition to swimming twice a day from six to seven days a week, Covey will sometimes talk with her friends about the less serious aspects of her work. “We talk about any interesting things that go on, such as pool parties or incidents. We also discuss the cutest little kids at the pool,” Covey said. Even after hours of experience handing out minor infractions and telling kids not to run around the pool, the reality of protecting the safety of strangers can still come as a shock while working what many consider a casual summer job. With children dashing around the hard concrete, chaotic shrieks and splashing adding to the confusion she had to
“ The most rewarding thing about being a lifeguard is knowing that you have so many skills to keep a community safe at the pool.”
monitor, Covey faced one of her most unnerving experiences. “I’ve made one save out of all my life guarding years. My stomach dropped when I realized I had to jump in to save this little boy. Everything happens so fast that your skills need to be nailed into your brain so you don’t make a mistake,” Covey said. Though every lifeguard hopes never to encounter a truly dangerous situation, the experience helped to remind Covey why lifeguards are needed in the first place. The task can be frustrating, even boring at times, but the pluses, in her opinion, far outweigh the inconveniences. After learning how to deal with the various pressures put on her while still enjoying her summer job, Covey has disproved the assumption of many, including herself, that balancing safety and fun takes little effort. In the end, whether in the pool, herself, or keeping others in it safe, Covey has found her passion. “I will be a lifeguard again this summer. Swimming is my life. I got a scholarship to swim in college and am very stoked,” Covey said.
SMiling In congratulatory terms, Stuart Webb, swim coach, Jillian Covey, senior, and Jamie Webley, assistant, respectively, pose for the picture. photo courtesy of JILLIAN COvEy
plAYing Gliding through the water, Jillian Covey, senior, reaches for the water polo ball.
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Mac to the Future
may ‘11
Prospective cadet to attend top aeronautical university in nation
photo by sandy tang
Leading McIlhenny sets an example by standing tall while giving the corps instructions and guidlines
AmberDAY
>> staff writer
As he opens his acceptance letter from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Senior Michael McIlhenny is overfilled with joy as he becomes one step closer to exploring his potential as a pilot. By attending ERAU McIlhenny will learn how to conduct a variety of jets and airplanes which will prepare him for being a better pilot. “I felt relieved. I was happy to be accepted into Embry Riddle because I did not get accepted into my first choice. I applied for the Air Force Academy and I went through the long process. But they had to make cuts and I did not get in. But I’m happy I got accepted to the college that I did,” McIlhenny said. Besides the fact that ERAU is rated one of the best aviation and aerospace universities in the world, McIlhenny was drawn to all the cool equipment the university will provide him with. Interested in being a pilot, McIlhenny wanted to achieve his education somewhere where he felt he would be assured the best learning experience piloting could offer. McIlhenny was introduced into ERAU from a few associates who recommended him to apply. “I was searching the internet for aeronautical engineering and I have heard about it before from my uncle and a few generals
I was speaking to. It is rated one of the top aeronautical schools in the nation. They have some of the best equipment available for my degree path, I am excited for all the opportunities they have available. Because the collage is so prestigious it opens a lot of doors for me,” McIlhenny said. McIlhenny will have the sweet taste of independence once he embarks on a new life in Prescott, Arizona at one of ERAU’s two campuses. Like typical parents, McIlhenny parents are supportive of seeing their son start a new life, although he will have to endure Arizona’s scorching heat. “My dad is happy about what ever school I go to, my mom’s supportive as well. I’m glad to leave but I am not too excited about the environment,” McIlhenny said. As a kid McIlhenny was fascinated with varieties of aircrafts and fast moving objects. McIlhenny always had ambitions of being a pilot and flying planes, fighter jets in particular. Soon McIlhenny will live out his childhood pass times. Instead of playing with planes, ERAU will grant him the opportunity to fly and fully experience the open skies. “I love the freedom that flying has to offer. I have always loved planes since I was little,” McIlhenny said. Since freshman year, Major Denis Martinez and TSgt Joe Campbell, AFJ ROTC instructors, have watched McIlhenny mature into a young adult. Mentoring him through out the AFJ ROTC Martinez and Campbell are pleased with his success. “He used to be a jokester, he has gotten more serious now. He has always wanted to go into the Air Force as a pilot and once he has gotten his training it will become more of a goal to him to become a pilot. It is a positive feeling to watch him grow,” Martinez said. Seeing his leadership skills improve, Campbell is enthusiastic about McIlhenny’s transition into becoming more mature and seeing him live out his goals and aspirations by using the objectives he has learned in ROTC to get him there. “I think what influenced him the most
AFJROTC Acheviements Columbus Day Military Drill Meet: Male Color Gaurd- 1st place Junior Varsity Metal- 1st place
Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award was awarded to the core for the fourth year in a row
Cy-fair Isd Presidents Day Military Drill Meet: Academics- 2nd place Armed Drill Inspection- 2nd place Armed Drill Regulations- 3rd place Armed Dril Exhibition- 3rd place Physical Fitness- 3rd place
Sheldon ISD Veterans’ Day Military Drill Meet: Academics- 1st place Novist Color Gaurd Division: 3rd place
from AFJ ROTC is probably the fact that he gets to perform leadership skills, it gives him the ability to lead others. He is a very good student his overall performance is very good he is becoming more responsible with his duties. He is energetic, positive, punctual and reliable. It feels good watching all of the cadets become adults and not only improve physically but mentally as well,” Campbell said. With a bright future ahead of him, there is no doubt that McIlhenny will not prevail in his venture for being a pilot and flying fighter jets. “I want to constantly feel the rush of going faster than the speed of sound,” McIlhenny said.
photo by Cameron Korenek
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PEREGRINE the
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14reflections PEREGRINE
the
february ‘11
PotterPride SaraZATOPEk
>> staff writer At 6 years old, I had nightmares of Voldemort rising up out of my toilet bowl to get me- perhaps because the toilet’s smooth shininess reminded me of Professor Quirrel’s head. At 7, I hissed at my dad in various intensities with spitting noises thrown in, convinced I could teach myself Parseltongue. At 9, my dad and I laughed and laughed at Archie’s statement, “‘I like to feel a healthy breeze ‘round my privates,
thanks.’” I waited for my letter by owl post until my eleventh birthday passed; then I resigned myself to my dull exis-
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Hogwarts fan muses over childhood book series
tence as a Muggle. I mourned for Sirius and Dumbledore like close friends, and, at the age of 13, when my dad and I finished the last book, I longed to read more about the entire cast of wizards, witches, half-giants, and werewolves with whom, like a huge extended family, I had grown up. Before I could sound out more than a few sight words on my own, my dad read the first book of the Harry Potter series to me out loud. We upheld that tradition until we turned the very last page of the very last book 7 years later. Finishing a book often took us a month or more, as our time together consisted of Wednesday dinner nights and alternate weekends. Each time I saw my dad I anticipated getting to hear what new adventure my “wizard siblings” had gotten into. It was always my dad’s voice growling in the sinister tones of a Death eater or announcing the gang’s arrival at Platform 9 ¾ for the summer break. Every character seemed as alive to me as a pen pal sending me annual updates on his or her life. I idolized Hermione in particular. She served as my bookish personal role model, bushy hair, big front teeth, and all. I insisted that my dad pronounce her name “Her-mee-own” until the first movie made me concede my mistake. After that, I subjected him to recitations of Hermione’s lines until I perfected my British accent. The world of Harry Potter, in which wizards and witches prove that the power of love and friendship can defeat evil and corruption, provided an escape from the incomprehensible mess of what adults called reality. The “Unforgivable Curses,” which stole free will, tortured, and killed, defined a firm set of unacceptable behaviors. Distinguishing between right and wrong in the world of
Harry Potter took little thought, but that simple, straightforward approach to morality helped to shape my views on the less clear issues of my own world as I grew older. And I did grow older. As years passed I metamorphosed from a little girl to an adolescent, much the same way that the students of Hogwarts aged from nervous 11-year-olds to powerful young adults. As I became more critical, not just of myself, but of my father, the story remained a link between us, bridging my angst and moodiness. I could always manage to forget my pettiness for an hour or two while my dad read to me. Now, the books long completed, I near the end of the last tenuous string connecting the magic of my childhood to my present. The final Harry Potter movie, set to reach theatres this year, marks the final installment of the franchise. I know that, no matter how well adapted from the book, no matter how cheerful the typical happy ending,I will leave the theatre crying. I will never again have the experience of growing up with a group of people as diverse as Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. I have loved other books during and since the time of Harry Potter, but none has become a part of my life the way this series did. As the characters I once worshipped stay preserved within the pages, no longer years older than me, and I keep aging, I feel like a deserter. I want to remain the girl who waved sticks at imaginary dementors, while knowing that I must continue moving forward. These days, I get excited over other books, but the mention of my first love always makes me pause for a second, as in memorial. I take the values I learned and the memories I gained with my dad with me everywhere I go. And just in case I ever worry about forgetting some small detail, the books remain, ready any time, to remind me never to pester Cornish pixies.
Abercrombie Zombie Employee explores expectations from marketing
hair because that’s what non-conformists do. I was not suddenly cool by changing some>> illustrator thing as superficial as style, nor was I unique. With the onset of college lurking just Among my favorite ironies of the clotharound the corner, I suddenly became hor- ing industry is Urban Outfitters. There, alrified at the stark realization that I actually ternative youth over pay for retro, hippie or have next to no money saved up for the next beatnik inspired clothing. The target market four years. So I did what any other teenager is to young, stylish liberals due to its popuseeking financial independence does and got larity among young adults and the nature of myself a job. After applying to basically ev- the stylized freedom the brand represents ery place in the mall, I found myself hired (because when was it ever cool to be conin a store so loved and so hated, so adored servative?). However, most Urby preteens, and so mocked by pop culture. ban Outfitters shoppers do not I admit believing I had to wear that par- realize or igbore the brand’s ticular brand in middle school, and rejecting president, Richard Hayne, the brand and the conformist images I be- is a self-proclaimed lieved it represented during my crust punk “Conservative Capitalist phase in high school. I thought by rejecting E n t re p e neur”, the clothes that most high schoolers wore, I has perwould not be like most high schoolers. In- s o n a l l y stead, I looked exactly like the rest of the semi- d o n a t e d crust punk ‘non-conformists’. Soon thereaf- funds to ter, my crust punk phase also disintegrated r e p u b l i upon realizing the punk clothes were sold in can camthe same market and often even produced by p a i g n s , the same companies as the preppy clothes. and even I will also admit to the fact every single discontinued a thing I do is to improve my ability to interact pro-same sex with society. When I wanted to fit in with marriage tee the mainstreamers, I wore typical brand name shirt because of clothes that made me into a bro-clone. When conflicts with I wanted to fit in with the non-conformists, his personal The I wore black and did silly things with my views.
EmilyWHITTEMORE
hip, liberal kids who so ostentatiously support progression and change actually support the opposite by shopping. What no one seems to realize is the brands that people link so closely to their identity are only after money. They are not making clothes to suit individuals; they are making clothes for the masses to purchase. People buy into the lifestyle the marketing perpetuates, but really all anyone gets are clothes that a wearable for a few months before marketing declares old clothes out of style. The strife of the anti-conformists is that no matter how one tries to alienate his or herself from society, their plight is undermined because their goal is to disconnect themselves from the w o r l d , they are ruled more by pop culture even more than the average “follower”.
Anything that becomes popular is suddenly the enemy. Therefore, the anti-conformists never actually take a stand for anything; they just convert what is stylish for others into what is loathsome for themselves. Meanwhile, the anti-conformists conform to the moors of their anti-conformist friends because, like everyone else, anticonformists fundamentally crave approval and interaction with other human beings. Despite the promises by brands and labels for self fulfillment (or self expression), no matter how unique one thinks he or she is because they look like they came straight from an American Apparel catalog, there are thousands of people dressed exactly like them, living equally empty lives. Whether you worship a brand or reject it for another, all brands are esscentially the same. We are not individuals, we are consumers, and the only hope one can have to express ourselves is to not allow brands and superficiality to dominate perception of self. This change that has to occur within, not through shallow declaration. As for my job, it rules. I have great hours, I work with great people, and I get paid a decent amount of money. However, somewhere a fourteen-year-old boy hates me simply because of what he believes my clothes represent, but little does he know, or will he ever know, that what lies beneath the surface is what really matters.
editorial PEREGRINE
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issue six
CLEAN UP crew
2010-2011
custodians, who are paid to clean the school’s lunchrooms, are not doing their job to their entirety. Having students who put little effort into their punishment, and custodians who are having parts of their jobs taken away is not solving the problem of less tardies. Some students still receive excessive tardies and continue to not be phased by the new forms of punishment thrown at them. Doing away with lunch detention will help teachers and faculty of the students who repeatedly receive the punishment not to have to explain instructions to the excessively tardy any longer. Simply sending students to class after lunches will make little to no difference on how much trash the custodians have to pick up, and will stop the loitering tardy students after lunch.
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the exact reason they were placed in lunch detention. Holding students over for being tardy to classes is adding to the original problem. The students walk into their next class upwards of ten minutes after the bell rings. This has begun to infuriate teachers and many faculty members alike, thus the reason to rid the school of lunch detention. A few years ago, the administration would stand around and simply tell students to pick up their trash, and if the students did not clean up their tables, the next day their table would be folded up and would be unusable the next day. Instead of punishing the regularly tardy students, the school should go back to folding up tables, allowing the tardy ones the opportunity to get to class. There is no need for the administration to force students to stay around and clean the commons’ floor after the bell rings; if only a hand full actually participate. Students in lunch detention stand around and wait for their pass to return back to class, instead of actually participating in the “punishment”. Along with the students not doing their job,
AYS
PEREGRINE position
students
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“I don’t see a point in using the only free time we have to be punished, and I miss the semi-nutritious meal this school offers.”
>> XAvier MontoYA senior
“Lunch detention is lame and I don’t see it as a good enough punishment .”
>> reBecA perAleS senior
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PEREGRINE STAFF
New consequence for excessive tardies leaves students missing more class
The bell rings to dismiss students from lunches. Most continue their conversations with peers until they part ways in the halls, but some stick around the commons. A few dozen students from each lunch sign in to Shannon Fisch, assistant principal, and get to work: Lunch Detention has ensued. A common disciplinary action taken by this school, and others around the district, is to chastise the students who fail to make it to class on time. After enough tardies, depending on the student’s counselor, this school handles the situation differently. Students are called into the office and told that their excessive tardies are becoming a problem and are given lunch dentition. To many, lunch detention is a mystery. They think students have to sit away from friends and eat in silence, but in actuality, it is not that at all. Students who receive lunch detention have to sign in once the lunch dismissal bell rings, and begin their duties: trash clean up. Staying after the bell rings to clean up the trash left behind is ironic. These few dozen students are being punished by missing more of their classes –
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“They should keep [lunch detention] because it is better than coming on Saturdays .”
>> Andre MAth senior
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
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.
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LIGHT GHT SPOT LI Senior the
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Achievements, talents recognized at final show 1. TRUE WINNERS Holding their trophies, Victor Le and Taylor Wilson, senior, smile at being named Most Popular of their class. “I’m so honored that I got an award,“ Wilson said. 2. COURAGEOUS Shaking their hips and whipping their hair, Vincent Phommatheth and Jennifer Do, seniors, dance to Beyonce’s hit song, Diva. 3. DOUBLE TROUBLE Performing their rendition of the hit song, The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson, Lawrence Paragas and Jackie Vu seniors, sing a playful duet together. 4. THAT’S A RAP Comfortable on stage, Shawn Strickland, senior, performs a rap entitled Ghetto Prayer. 5. LIvING LEGEND Overwhelmed with cheers, Emanuel Zaragoza, senior, proudly accepts the Mr. Sportsmanship title. 6. GO ALL OUT Just one of the many performances Eugene Bernabe, senior, took part in, Bernabe gains enough courage to ask a special friend on stage. “I figure it’s my senior year, so you gotta go all out,” Bernabe said. 7. THREE’S A CHARM Singing their rendition of the song, Landslide, Ashley Collins, Ashley Kelley, and Hannah Caylor, seniors, concentrate on their vocals to harmonize with one another. “It felt so natural to be on stage,” Kelley said.
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