Varsity tennis player advances to Regionals
Upperclassmen take part in district’s largest ECP program
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Pay raise sparks discussion among teachers
Volume thirty-eight Issue six
Jersey Village High School
pages
7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040
th the 6 e n Ju on nd on he questi a n o ati is t gradu t’s next?” s i s i t ha ori es. r seni st that. “W rent futur o f e r e u nly cu l do j ry diff The o f 2010 wil rs with ve o io class o four sen t asked
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On the Rise
Educators of all kinds across CFISD receive much debated raise
photo by James Barton
Kimberly Sheeran
staff writer Through the past year, Jersey Village has seen many cutbacks and budget revisions, such as the elimination of late buses and extracurricular transportation or the school-wide paper shortage. These cut backs have plagued students and teachers through the entirety of the year, making tutoring unavailable to many students and hand outs in the classroom a nuisance to obtain. With increasing experience and time spent in the classroom, teacher’s salaries increase by several hundred dollars a year, but it is not enough for many. “We are talking about the men On April 12th and women who are caring for educators were rewarded with a 5.5% and educating their kids. Maybe pay raise across the you have to look beyond the district after a long business aspect of it all...” debate. District board members that voted against the raise were Larry Youngblood, Ethel Wolfe and Bill Morris. Some see contradiction in these board members, particularly in Ethel Wolfe, a teacher in the Houston Independent School District. Wolfe supported the Cy Fair raise before receiving her own 7% raise, upon that point she withdrew her support for the editorial-
Academic All-District Girls’ Soccer Team Stacy Boyd Ashley Criswell Caitlin Farmer Nicole Funderburke Sarah Guerrero Amrinder Lamba Megan Mugavero Talice Nieto Rebeca Perales Brittany Robinett Jamie Taylor Alejandra Valencia Joselyn Vides Kadie Walaszczyk
Athletic Commitments Austin Sarabia Ouachita Baptist University-Golf Katie Jennett Oklahoma PanHandle State University-Volleyball Tori Salazar Mcmurry University-Basketball
photo by James Barton
photo by James Barton
bragging rights
Assertive opinions Teachers Timothy Nesser, Melissa Daniel and Marte Parham may teach differently but all agree that the recent 5.5% raise is well deserved for all educators, new and old. In recent years, the workload for teachers has increased while their pay has not. “We have deserved raises every year that should represent the workload we carry,” Marte Parham said.
izing change. During her campaign for election, Wolfe’s main areas she strived to improve in the district were financing and teacher pay. Lawrence Youngblood voted against the raise, although while also campaigning he declared that CFISD under protected and under paid its employees. His only viable connection to this district can be summed into several of his words; he worked a prom night. Last, Bill Morris, a man who chose to live in CFISD not because of high quality of education the schools provide, but because of the area’s safety, shopping and lower taxes, which would make his retirement more enjoyable. Many teachers feel strongly about these board members that would decide their wages. “If a board member cannot see the value of keeping high quality educators with periodic raises in salary, then they need to reevaluate who they are representing. We are talking about the men and women who are caring for and educating their kids. Maybe you have to look beyond the business aspect of it all and see the role teachers play in improving society,” Timothy Nesser, English teacher, said. The new budget cuts $10 million, requiring teachers to work six out of seven
class periods, custodians responsible for more square footage, elimination of the D.A.R.E. program and a change in special education classes. Speculation exists that if these cuts had not been made to help raise teacher salary, other districts with higher pay may have attracted CFISD teachers. “When I went to Spring ISD for a year I did get paid more. Cy Fair needs to stay competitive with the other districts in order to keep the quality teachers they already have,” Melissa Daniels, government and economics teacher, said. A power point presentation was given by Stuart Snow, associate superintendent for business and financial services for the district, on the day of the vote. Snow’s presentation compared CFISD teachers pay to those in other districts. Teachers in Cy-Fair were paid lower than teacher in Klein, Katy, Tomball and Spring ISDs. “If I were going to go to another district, I would have gone long before now. Plenty of other reasons besides money exist to cause a teacher to flee to another district. I have lived on a teacher’s salary for 36 years. It’s just a shame and disgrace that the phrase “teacher’s salary” needs no explanation no matter who hears it,” Martha Parham, English teacher, said.
Megan McCann Third place, Current Year Entry - Academic Spread Meredith Steffen Honorable mention, Feature Story Deby Thorp Honorable mention, Sports Action Photo
Cristian Sandoval Honorable mention, Student Life Photo
Chelsea Boyer & Evie Sweeten Honorable mention, Current Year Entry – Student Life Spread Carmen Brown Honorable mention, Current Year Entry – Sports Spread Justin Jones Honorable mention, Current Year Entry – Club/Organization Spread
Newspaper Awarded a Silver Star Award & an Award of Distinguished Merit Laura Hebert & Jacqui Bontke First Place, Feature/ Dirstict Academic UIL Entertainment Page Design Thien Nga Vo Kelsey O’Briant Fourth place, Calculator Applica- Second place, Editorial Cartoon; tions Honorable mention, Double-Truck Kelsey O’Briant Design; Honorable mention, First place, Editorial Writing General News Photo Fourth place, Headline Writing Jacqui Bontke Kim Allen Second place, Feature Photo; Fourth place, Informative Speaking Third place, Editorial Writing; Mikel Baxter Third place, Computer Art Sixth place, Literary Criticism Mikela Melakis Orfa Palacios Third place, News Feature; Third place, News Writing Honorable mention, Personal Column Jesus Esparza Jacqui Bontke & Third place, Poetry Interpretation Nica Llano Olivia Reed Honorable mention, Photo Story Fifth place, Prose Interpretation Yahya Khan Quill and Scroll NationFourth place, Ready Writing al Gold Key Winners Christian Dominguez Laura Hebert Second place, Spelling and Feature for “Jacob’s Journey” Vocabulary Mikela Melakis Zach Abeyta Feature for “A Crucial Moment” Third place, Spelling and Vocabulary JVTV-Lone Star College Quack Attack UIL Interscholastic Film Festival League Press Adam Mendry ConferenceFirst place-Public Service Announcement, JVTV First place-Documentary Awarded a Gold Star Award & an Erica Lewandoski Award of Distinguished Merit First place-Newscast Package Austin Sarabia Shane O’Neal First place, Sports Play-by-Play First place-Comedy Erica Lewandowski & Jorge Rodriguez Texas Art Education First place, Newscast Editing Association-Visual Art Steven Bierwagen Scholastic Education Honorable Mention, News Story State Award David Cantu Yearbook Excellent, Drawing Awarded an Award of Distinguished Merit Science Olympiad Skye Comstock Third place, Write It, Do It First place, Ads; Third place, Ads; Honorable mention, Student Life Destination ImaginaSpread tion State Competitors, Anthony Espinosa Renaissance Award Second place, Student Life Feature Lauren Coats Jacqui Bontke Laetan Gaspard Third place, Academic Spread; Third Ally Piotrowski place, Academic Feature Story Trey Stoker Emily Johnson Krislyn Koehn Third place, Academic Photo
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all for ones, ones for all Fine Arts programs earn Sweepstakes award at contest emma mckenzie
staff writer At UIL contest, University Interscholastic League, six bands, choirs and orchestras received superior ratings. The string and full orchestras, Symphonic I and Symphonic II bands and the Varsity Men and Varsity Mixed choirs earned the Sweepstakes rating, or made all ones, in both the on stage performance, and in the sight-reading room. In the past, these fine arts programs have been successful in rating well at the UIL competition.
“The last time we made sweepstakes at UIL was [in 2009],” Robert Carlin, Symphonic II band director, said. Making Sweepstakes is not an easy task to accomplish. It takes hours of rehearsal and dedication from the students and directors to achieve the honor. “It’s the first time in at least four years that Varsity Men’s (Choir) has made sweepstakes,” Benjamin Brown, senior, said. “And it is the first year for our new Varsity men’s director. I’m proud of him for turning us around.” The goal every year, is to achieve the Sweepstakes award. For both orchestras, Denis Kidwell, director, feels a sense of growth in the program. “I know how much stronger the program is now than when I was first named head director,” Kidwell said. “My highest expectations are that we have the best performance we can and that it is representing the work the students have done. The string program has greater ‘depth’ than in past years, too. Since I began teaching the orchestra program, it has grown larger and ultimately getting ready Practicing her Viola, Emily Whittemore, junior, warms up before going on stage to perform at the Winter Concert.
photos by taylor espinosa
Butterflies shed light on dark past kinsey button
staff writer After cutting, coloring, and tracing beautiful butterflies a thread hung them from the ceiling. Some depicted happy and bright moments, while others represented sorrowful and tragic stories. Houston’s Holocaust Museum asked schools to create butterflies in order to represent a new life for the 1.5 million child that died as a result. The sophomore English and World History classes paired up in an effort to help the cause, while also learning about the history and analyzing the hardships the Holocaust implemented. In English, students received a poem written by someone, who was a part of the Holocaust. The poem told of the author’s stories and tragedies the author faced. The assignment was to draw pictures on the butterflies that represent the poem. As students walked into their World History classes, they saw their butterflies on display. Each day, while digging deeper into the Holocaust and learning more, an author of
stronger.” It is a rare find to have so many programs in one school achieve the highest ranking possible. The teachers of each are ecstatic to have their students be so successful. “I was very proud of our performance. We selected some very challenging pieces and [the] students have set high standards,” Carlin said. For seniors, making Sweepstakes was a goal of theirs and an award that they strived for. “It’s a good ending to my high school year. [I am] leaving behind a legacy,” Brown said. hitting the note During Choir’s Dinner Theater, Travis Jones, senior, sings a solo for the audience to enjoy.
photos by justin jones
Sophomores memorialize Holocaust through drawings
a poem “died”. When an author “died”, the butterfly equating their poem was removed and taken off of display. This method was to show to students how fast people were killed in concentration camps. “The butterfly project allowed for me to visually illustrate the atrocity of the Holocaust, helping students to better understand an event that should never occur again,” Paula Martinson, World History teacher, said. This butterfly project deeply affected Aaron Cohen, sophomore, because many of his family members were killed in the Holocaust. On his mother’s side his great grandparents died. On his father’s side his great aunts and uncles died. As a result, this project has caused Cohen to become much more religious than ever before. “I’m glad that we made butterflies because it showed how many children died as a result of the Holocaust. I’m also very proud to be Jewish because it makes me stand out from everyone,” Cohen, said. Even other students who are not Jewish were impacted by the butterflies. “The butterflies made me realize how many people lost
their lives for an unfair reason, and it really touched my heart,” Nicole Drake, sophomore, said. This is the first year in nearly six years that students made butterflies. In the past other issues have interfered. This is also the first year, English and World History classes collaborated. “The butterfly project should definitely continue. It’s a good way for students to read the poems and participate in class. It is also a good representation of the people who died,” Lynda Nesrtra, English teacher, said. photos by james barton
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OPTIMISTIC Even through years of struggle with dialysis, Sky Soto, senior, remains strong .
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Hopeful recipient awaits kidney transplant
photos by JAMES BARTON
Laura Hebert co-managing editor
She walks into the cold hospital without fear. With no hesitation she quickly signs in and awaits her dialysis. Sky Soto, senior, shows her unbreakable strength each passing day while she fights the end stage of renal disease causing her to receive a kidney transplant. In 2008, Soto grew ill and began having unusual fevers; her parents quickly sought medical attention. After many unanswered questions, one doctor ran a kidney tests, and found that one of Soto’s kidney’s had no function and the other only had 17 percent function, leaving her in the end stage of renal disease. With Sky being an only child, it only magnified the pain of hearing the tragic news. But the family knew that staying crumbled only worsened the pain. “At that moment I wished that I could take her place and not have to watch her go through anymore suffering than she had gone through while being hospitalized. To me, it was the deepest pain that I have gone through in my life. My husband and I and Sky cried a lot that day. My advice was, ok let's cry and get all these emotions out, but after this, no more crying, it was going to be all about moving forward,” Veronica Pruneda-Soto, mother, said. At Memorial Herman Pediatric Dialysis Unit, Soto is under the care of Dr. Rita Swinford. Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, she attends her exhausting, four hour, dialysis treatments. “I'm at a Pediatric dialysis unit and I'm 19 so I understand what is going on but to see these little ones and to know that they don't know what is going on and they don't know how long they're are going to have to be on the machine, I hope [people] donate to save lives,” Soto said. Soto’s family stepped up to get tested in hopes of being a match for the kidney transplant; they found that her uncle, Frank Pruneda, Jr. was an extremely close match. Pruneda agreed to undergo the kidney removal in hopes that it will save the life of his niece. “My brother and his wife happened to be first on the list and after several tests, it resulted that he was almost a perfect match. Before testing he had a deep conversation with her, where they both cried, he assured her that she wasn't going to have to be on dialysis for long. He told her, ‘I'm going to be your match, just watch’, and thank God he is,” SotoPruneda said. The process of this surgery has created a lifelong bond between Soto and her uncle. “His decision to donate his kidney has brought us closer. We were already close, but knowing that he would sacrifice an organ for me has brought us much closer. I admire him for that,” Soto said. Soto will undergo surgery on June 6th, but wants to receive it earlier so she will not have to continue her dialysis treatment. “I am not really nervous about it, I'm actually excited. I know that after my transplant I will be able to continue to achieve my goals,” Soto said.
Soto’s perseverance serves as an inspiration to many, including her own mother who believes that her daughter’s commitment to overcoming this condition has made both of them stronger people. “Sky has made me a stronger person by watching her go through this. I tell a story that when I go to the doctor or to the dentist and I think about Sky and what she has gone through, I realize there is no comparison and it makes me stronger, my fear disappears. So many people that speak with her tell us that she is an amazing, compassionate person and that they are astonished by the way she carries herself,” Soto-Pruneda said. Soto is now an avid promoter of people donating organs after death. She has given speeches to inspire others to donate and reaches out to her community by sharing her story. “I feel that [donating] is very important. I also feel that until it affects you personally, it’s hard to relate. So I hope that through my experience I will touch as many lives as possible and they will be motivated to donate their organs,” Soto said. Soto’s family remains positive through this journey and has embraced the realization of what is most important in life. “These situations that come to you unexpectedly change your life completely. Your perception on life changes dramatically. You don't take life for granted and the simple things are what matter most,” Soto-Pruneda said. Because of this life altering condition, the Soto family relies heavily on the power of prayer for support. “I feel that God has a plan for everyone and that somehow this is what I have to go through to see the final outcome. I trust in him that I will overcome this ordeal and be able to touch a lot of lives and send a positive message,” Soto said. Soto’s undeniable perseverance is what leads her to each treatment until she can receive surgery. With the support of her friends and family, she faces each day with a positive attitude and only looks forward to what is to come.
PERSEVERANCE Waiting for her transplant on June 6th, Sky Soto, senior, relies on her family and friends for support and compassion.
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o Keep good times rolling Assistants share skating adventures during P.E. class
The day started by finding skates in their size and lacing them up. As staff writer They walk into the big gym and they headed out to the court Hebert find their size skates. Senior Laura stood behind Perez and began to Hebert and David Aaron Perez help him skate. are ready to skate and dance. Perez Downing yelled to Hebert, “Do skates around the gym with Hebert not let him fall!” beside him every step of the way. Shortly after Perez fell to the They fall and giggle, but never give gym floor and Hebert looked back up on skating, for Perez is a macho at Downing with a half panicked man. At the end of the class Coach face. However Perez was laughing Kathryn Downing’s students have and all was fine. Hebert and Perez learned to skate. returned to skating except Perez Downing’s P.E. students dance fell three more times before he and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fri- Hebert reached the other side of the days and on Tuesdays and Thurs- gym floor. As time went on skating days do various activities. This day and falling with Hebert became however, was a skating day. a game to Perez. He kept growlDowning’s student assistants ing and being macho which would Laura Hebert and Vanessa Rivera, make Hebert laugh and fall once seniors, have helped with the class again. for the second semester, and both Shortly Neesa Savarese, junior, would like to continue to work with and Jonathan Stokes, freshman, students in their future. both regular ed students in a P.E. class came along to help Hebert keep Perez on his feet. DOWN LOW Vanessa Rivera and Andrew “I loved seeing the reguGarcia- Leyden hold on to each other while trying lar P.E. students help Coach a new skating method. Downing’s P.E. students, without hesitation. My students are so sweet and it renewed my faith in the kindness of humanity to see average kids reach out and help others in need,” Hebert said. Rivera found it difficult to wear skates while helping Andrew Garcia-Leyden skate so she kept her tennis shoes on and walked around the gym beside Garcia-Leyden. Before the day was over Stokes and Yareli, another regular ed student, stood on either side of Garcia-Leyden as he made it around the whole gym without falling. “The best reward of helping the students learn to skate was their
COURTNEY CALBAT
photos by Chelsea boyer
smiles and excitement,” Rivera said. Next, it was time to dance. All the students came together holding hands in the middle of the gym floor. They slide a few feet on their skates when they noticed a yearbook student taking pictures of the event. Shortly the students decided to strike a pose for the camera. After posing for the camera some of the students danced to “YMCA”, “Hokie Pokie” and “Cha Cha Slide.” As the period ended Downing asked her students what they liked most about skating. “I like skating with my friends!” Tamera Hagan said. None of the students could skate on their own, but the act of skating with their friends was excitement enough. “I liked the fact that Coach Downing’s P.E. class and regular P.E. class were mixed. Being in a social situation like that helped all the students learn to interact with one another,” Hebert said. When Hebert asked how fun today was, Hagan responded, “Five funs!”
HOLDING ON Laura Hebert, senior, and Johnathan Stokes, freshman, try to balance David Aaron Perez. As Downings’ kids were instructed to leave the gym Hagan said goodbye to the new friends she had met today. “These students are so exciting and kind. In second period I am bombarded with high fives, hugs, and handshakes the minute I walk in. I am so glad to have been given this opportunity. They really have brightened my life,” Hebert said.
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LEAD to South Africa
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Organization holds an academic program in Johannesburg
emma mckenzie
staff writer This summer, Oscar Gonzalez, sophomore, will be joining 180 other students, from both the United States and South Africa, on a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. During his three week long trip, Gonzalez will be focusing on studying the health science aspect of the LEAD, Leadership Education And Development program, as well as various other medical fields. Gonzalez was told about LEAD through the sponsor, Becky Rodriguez, of the National Hispanic Institute. “The project administrator of NHI, Miss Becky, urged me to do this program, [in the U.S.],” Gonzalez said. “Many of the kids in (NHI) have done LEAD about one or two times before. [This is only] the second time [LEAD] has been held in South Africa.” When applying, Gonzales had to complete an extensive application process which was designed to choose the handful of students allowed into the South Africa program. “I (had to write) two essays, a questionnaire and two recommendation letters,” Gonzalez said. “(The program) also took into consideration my GPA and PSAT test scores.” Both Gonzalez’s family and teachers were on his side throughout the application process. They hoped for him to be accepted into the program and experience all that LEAD South Africa has to offer. “Oscar took it upon himself to send the application [in] to be considered among 48 other students in the U.S.,” Maria Gonzalez, mother, said. “We (believed) that this would be a great opportunity for Oscar to expend his knowl-
edge in this program.” During the program, Gonzalez will have the chance to learn more about his expected profession. “Oscar will get the exposure to the health science field, as well as rehabili tation science, occupational therapy and many other medical aspects. (This is) a unique experience for Oscar to explore (the career) as well as the diversity of people in South Africa,” Maria Gonzalez said. “He will also learn about (the locals) roots, origins and daily life and challenges they face.” Along with Gonzalez, Melissa Larios, junior, also got accepted into the LEAD summer program, though she will be doing her studies at Duke University. “I applied to LEAD business, and got accepted to Duke University/The Fugua School of Business,” Larias said. “This summer at LEAD I will be studying every aspect of the business world, and get first-hand exposure to Duke University’s campus.” Gonzalez and Larios are ready and excited to experience what LEAD has to offer them this summer. “I am extremely excited. I can’t even describe how excited I am and I can’t wait to go,” Gonzalez said.
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Publication Success Three seniors share experiences that led to editorial leadership positions
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delivery manager They sat at their desks determined, concentrated, and ready to work. They went out into the student body to interview and take photographs. They connected with people and brought their stories to life, through photographs, layouts, and stories. Now seniors and fifth year journalism students, it was time for their story to be told. Kelsey O’Briant, Jacqui Bontke, and Chelsea Boyer have all three been a part of journalism for the past five years. All three worked together on the yearbook staff in eighth grade at Cook Middle School. As the years progressed, journalism affected each one in different ways. Whether it was the newspaper for O’Briant and Bontke, or yearbook for Boyer, they all took away valuable lessons over the years. “Within the last four years Newspaper has really allowed me to meet dozens of people with great stories. As a freshman I wrote stories about upperclassmen and got comfortable meeting a person and telling their story. Now when I meet someone new I find myself asking lots of questions even when I do not have to
write a story about them. I guess it has changed the way I interact with others,” Bontke said. O’Briant and Bontke have held many different positions on the school newspaper, The Peregrine, over their high school careers. O’Briant serves as Managing Editor while Bontke currently serves as Editor-in-Chief. These seniors have been a part of journalism for the Peregrine’s first 24 page paper to winning its first Star Awards at the Interscholastic League Press Conference, the state journalism association.. The past four years Boyer has been on the yearbook staff contributing countless hours, and long days to create books that people cherish for years. Currently she holds the position of Co-Editor in Chief as she has for the last two years. During her time on staff she has received individual as well as staff awards on the state and national level. “The award I am most proud of is the Award of Distinguished Merit that last year’s book won, because it has been several years since the book had won that level of award. I was glad I could be a part of that,” Boyer said. As with every class, journalism comes along with challenges. Through the daily tasks of trying to find stories
in every day high school lives, meeting deadlines combined with honors course loads, changing a blank page into a visually enticing layout each journalist found their own reward. For Bontke and O’Briant, it came in the washing away of black ink off their hands after delivering newspapers to the classroom. For Boyer it came after hauling that 49th yearbook box off the delivery truck and opening the first box and smelling the delightful aroma of a freshly printed yearbook. During the past two years The Peregrine has received a Bronze and Silver Star awards from ILPC when before their junior year the paper had only been nominated but not awarded. Not only has the paper won awards but so have O’Briant and Bontke. “I am most proud of a national award I won from The National Federation of Press Women for a double I made last year. This was a huge honor for me. I never expected to be recognized on a national level,” O’Briant said. Journalism has also led these seniors to anticipated career paths. O’Briant is attending the University of Missouri, which is one of the best journalism schools in the nation, where she plans on getting a degree and hopefully pursue a
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career. Bontke is attending The University of Texas at San Antonio, with a major in graphic advertising, which is an aspect of communications and journalism. While Boyer is attending Baylor University, where she plans on majoring in business, but she knows she will use many skills she has learned in her publication classes. All three would agree any student should join a journalism class. People need to have a passion for the elements of journalism by growing as a person, creating a book that will be part of people’s lives for years to come, and learning knowledge that can form you into the person you are. As the last issue is published, and the last yearbook spread has been finished, these three journalists will always have the memories, and friendships of being on a publication staff. “The journalism class room has become my home and I am going to be as sad to leave it as I will be to leave my real home,” Bontke said.
PLANNING, On June 26, 2009 publication students including Chelsea Boyer, senior, headed to University of Texas for a summer workshop to begin planning the next year’s publications.
photo by justin jones
EDITOR DUTIES At a late night layout session Editor Jacqui Bontke, senior, helps Mikela Melakis, junior, on her page assignment. During late nights the staff completes the layout, and shares food and time together.
CELEBRATING At ILPC at the University of Texas, Kelsey O’Briant, Peregrine co-managing editor, Bobby Hawthorne, former ILPC and UIL academic director, Jacqui Bontke, Peregrine editor, and Laura Hebert, Peregrine co-managing editor, celebrate the Silver Star Award, a first for the Peregrine.
PROUD On March 27, 2010 students from across the district met at Cypress Ranch High School for the district UIL Academic meet. Kelsey O’Briant, senior, took first place in editorial writing.
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Kidding Around
photo by MUMTA MITTAL
Early Childhood Professions dominates district in student participation
RIDING At the ECP zoo trip, Vince Phommatheth, junior, gets a push from his student.
photo by jUSTIN JONES
SIPPIN’ During the bear picnic, Lizbeth Alcantar, senior, eats lunch with her ECP child.
photo by jUSTIN JONES
SWINGING Enjoying his time with his ECP child, Shelby Huff, senior, plays around during Donuts wih Dad.
photo by jUSTIN JONES
PIGGY BACK While playing around at the zoo, Gabe Lacanlale, senior, and his ECP student climb on a monkey sculpture.
photo by jUSTIN JONES
photo by MEREDITH STEFFEN photo by MEREDITH STEFFEN
DANCING During her free time, Lindsay Safi, senior, gets her groove on with her ECP student.
KNUCKS While relaxing in class, Vinnie Lam, senior, shows his ECP child a handshake. photo by jUSTIN JONES
LEANDRA LEE
staff writer With the largest Early Childhood Program in the district ECP mingles student teachers with eager to learn three and four year old preschoolers. Laughter, hugs, high fives and pick me ups fill the classroom. “I am very excited that the program has grown over the years and that students feel that it is a worthwhile class that requires such a time investment, two hours. It is also the largest program in the state,” Judy Thrall,
ECP teacher, said. Early Childhood Professions gives high school students a hands-on chance to work with children from the ages of three to four. They have the opportunity to learn whether they want to pursue a career with children or not. In the two hour class the students teach the preschoolers math, science, music, and art. “My favorite thing about ECP is helping the kids learn in a variety of ways. The thing that made me want to join is just the joy
photo by jUSTIN JONES
of working with young children and seeing their smiles and their creativity flow,” Adrianna Marinez, senior, said. About 35 out of the 103 students in the program are boys. Getting male students to join the program is a struggle for other CyFair schools. “I wanted to join the ECP program because I would be able to work and teach children for two hours, and still be in school. I have always loved being around kids, they brighten up my day,” Austin Meekes, senior,
said. Other than the joy of being surrounded by children, and helping them heighten their education, students in ECP learn from the children such as; how children behave and how they act towards others. “When I walked in the pre-school I felt like I was missing out. I learned how kids learn so quickly. I learned that the moments I experienced and cherish with these gifted children will be treasured forever,” Vinnie Lam, senior, said.
Lilysto the Rescue Philanthropist organizes school wide awareness LAURA HEBERT
co-managing editor On one end of the world, in Northern Uganda, her life revolves around survival. She must do whatever possible to protect herself, and must work to receive the most valuable gift, education. On the other end, in the United States, her life revolves around charity. She does whatever possible to protect her world, and give them the most valuable gift, education. On March 31st, Ajok Lillian, and Lily Nhoisaykham, senior, used both of their skills in an effort to broaden student’s perspective through the Invisible Children program. The mission of Invisible Children is to use the power of the media to inform people of the tragedies going on in Uganda, in an effort to end the longest running war in African history. After watching the Invisible Children film her freshman year, Nhoisaykham’s interest in the program was quickly sparked. Because of Nhoisaykham’s passion for this affiliation, she made it her mission to organize the school wide event, to raise both money and awareness. With the help of her fellow Student Council members, Jeff Roth, assistant principal, and Stacie Wicke, associate principal, teach-
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POWER OF HELPING In between presentations, Lilly Nhoisaykham, senior, and Ajok Lillian, Invisible Children speaker, talk to students including, Jennifer Montano, junior, and provide further information about the program.
ers agreed to let their classes attend the seminar. “Organizing the event was important to me because I wanted to raise awareness about the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) activities and the atrocities going on in Northern Uganda. I wanted to open people’s eyes up about things going on all over the world. I also wanted something to unite school and show kids that they shouldn’t take their education for granted. Most importantly though, I wanted photos by SHELBY CARTER kids to connect a face to the problem; by meeting Lillian the problems become more personal and not something you just heard from the news or intertwine charity events within her Student Council events, read about in your textbook,” Nhoisaykham said. A Stuco president, it is no surprise that she believes in the such as her organization of Battle of the Falcons. Giving to power of education. After graduation she plans on attending these charities has given Nhoisaykham rewarding life lesthe University of Texas at Austin to double major in busi- sons. “Being involved with charities has helped me become an ness and engineering. She wants to do Engineering with out Borders for a year and then open her own non-profit organi- all around better person. I have become a better leader, orgazation. Because of her extensive knowledge of charities, she nizer, and speaker, as well as become a more compassionate supports programs that help not only raise money, but fully person. Working with various charities is a very humbling experience and really makes me appreciate the little things, educate the people they involve. “I really like Invisible Children’s approach to rebuilding like dinner with my family, having a conversation with one Uganda, instead of just handing the citizens money; they are of my best friends, or just the fact that I don’t have to worry actually trying to educate the citizens so they can build a where I will rest my head at night,” Nhoisaykham said. With Nhoisaykham’s dedication to exposing various charlong-lasting society. Education, in my belief, is the most important tool for success in life and I fully support Invisible ities to students, the Invisible Children seminar was possible. Children’s program as well as providing mentors for these Although they live very different lives, Nhoisaykham and Lillian‘s mission is simple, expose students to what is going kids,” Nhoisaykham said. Other programs Nhoisaykham has worked for include, on outside of their world. These “Lily’s” are making a differLove146, Vitamin Angels, and Charity Water. She tries to ence.
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feature PEREGRINE
As four seniors say goodbye to high school, they venture into their colorful futures. stories by kelsey O’briant managing editor
the
graduate bookGirlsmarts sets sights on MIT
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assachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, resides in Cambridge just outside of Boston, and exists among the top schools in the nation, drawing scientifically driven minds from all over this country and the world. People often regard MIT as the top technological institute in the nation, rivaling many Ivy Leagues in its prestige. For many, attendance at MIT is a distant dream. For Monica Neugebauer, it is an eminent reality. Neugebauer will attend MIT in the fall, and even though she has a solidified future now, she did not have that certainty before she applied. “I was absolutely not expecting an acceptance. [MIT] was my long-shot school,” Neugebauer said. Neugebauer’s goal of attending MIT has never been less than a conscious and constant effort. She puts in hours of studying for a number of upper level and AP classes every week. “I’ve been [preparing] since elementary school, and that’s mostly because my parents have drilled that into me,” Neugebauer said. “But after a certain point, it becomes self motivation. If you don’t start out that way, it’s hard to make yourself want it. It’s really stressful, and I’m pretty sure I don’t have as much fun as most people do, but I think in the end it pays off,”
photo by kelsey o’briant
Lap Star C
All of the preparation to get into the Neugebauer afloat in the intense academic MIT. “I’ve talked to a lot of people, and [the ronment] is really strenuous, and they say A, you have to put in about 15 hours of w with about four classes, you’re putting in 10 ing a day,” Neugebauer said, “I think the c good, and I know that I’m definitely not g when I go there. I’m going to use the oppo given to me.” Neugebauer looks with optimistic eyes in the north, despite the difficulties that l including her distance from her loved one vironment among some of the greatest mi will make all of her work and distance wor “Initially, part of my reason for applying something really different. After I got accep to wane when I started to worry about what to be far away from people that I’ve kn long time,” Neugebauer said. “Bu to see it, any misgivings I had w swept away. It is going to be di going to be scary, but I think that I really need that. It feels re think it will be a good thing.”
Swimmer achieves athletic ideal
harlie Moore spent the past four years laying low. Even though he possessed skill in swimming, he did not swim on the school team, and even though he made some of the best grades in the class, he never went out of his way to show it. Now, as he moves onto college, Moore will begin to come into his own academically and athletically, swimming at the University of Texas. “The first time I realized I wanted to go to Texas was when I was 11 and went to a swim camp there. It was so impactful on me. It was at that point too that I realized swimming is what I wanted to do. Being on campus and being in that facility and seeing the tradition, the winning tradition that Texas brings, I knew that that was what I wanted to do,” Moore said. Moore thought out his commitment to swimming carefully at an early age with the knowledge that swimming could change the rest of his life. “In the club that I swim for, Cy-Fair Swim Club or Fleet, the swim coach has done an extraordinary job of
sending kids to big division one schools to swim, and that’s so different about swimming. It was never so much the short term of ‘we need to win this game’ it was putting in the hard work now and seeing what it will do for you in the long run,” Moore said. He feels that his school of choice, University of Texas, will help him achieve his longest-term swimming goals, and will push him as hard as he has pushed himself thus far. “Texas is a place where you truly have the opportunity to win a national championship on any year. Texas is consistently a top three team,” Moore said. “The guys that are on the team are Olympians who swim on the team that you’re competing with everyday and if you get an opportunity like that, you don’t pass it up because being around those guys really pushes you to reach your full potential.” Moore’s experience in college will rival his experience with swimming and academics, now only in fatigue and independence. “[In college, swimming] won’t take up much more
time than it is now, but there’s going to be a lot more going on with the freedom I have, and trying to balance that out. From strictly a swimming standpoint, a lot more exhaustion will settle in because of the increased workload in the same period of time, which will make things more difficult to figure everything out and keep my academic goals straight,” Moore said. “But there’s no reason I shouldn’t do well academically. I have no excuse not to.” Like most college students, Moore must consider how his college career will relate to the rest of his life. When it comes to swimming, Moore is unsure, yet optimistic. “It would be great to do something [with swimming] after college, but that is really out of my control, past working really hard and reaching my full potential. If that means that I go on and make an Olympic team, great, but right now, I have to think that I can be done in four and a half years. That could be the end of the line. But if it’s permitted, if there is still more to do and more to achieve, I will definitely keep going,” Moore said.
may ‘10
photo by kelsey o’briant
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school will keep c environment at
s into her future lay ahead of her, es. Her new eninds in America rth it. g is that I wanted pted, that started t it would be like nown for such a ut after I went up were pretty much ifferent, and it is now is the time eally weird, but I
the few, the proud Marine hopeful pursues honor
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immie Dubuque, senior, discovered his destiny in the middle of the commons. During his junior year, Dubuque stopped at the Marine recruiting booth and realized what he wanted from his life. Dubuque now has plans to enter the Marines immediately following high school. “[I’m joining] the United States Marine Corp because I believe that to be the best, you’ve got to learn from the best,” Dubuque said. In preparation, Dubuque has met with his recruiter for physical training, which includes a vigorous routine of crunches, pull-ups, and running. Dubuque wants to improve his body and his mind through his experience in the military. He also wants to ensure the best future for
himself that he can. “I believe I will be more respected, and I’ll be more mentally and physically prepared for any obstacle in my future,” Dubuque said. “I’m using the military to instill discipline and honor, and to perform my future careers in the best way I can.” Dubuque hopes to make the military his career for at least 20 years. In that time, he will train and then move up through the ranks until he reaches Sergeant Major of the Marine Corp. Dubuque wants to show the world what he can achieve, and anticipates a positive response when he does just that. “I feel I will be looked up to by kids and respected by adults,” Dubuque said.
photo courtesy of charlie moore
Cakester
photo by kelsey o’briant
e academic envithat to make an week per class, so 0 hours of studychallenge will be going to slack off ortunity that was
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Pastry chef-to-be whips up future
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t all started with a double layer ganache cake,” Susan Tran, senior said. A couple years ago, Tran made the cake for her cousin’s birthday, and set the future events of her life and education in motion. “I found out that being able to create good food to make others happy made me really happy too,” Tran said. In the fall, as a result of a fairly new-found devotion to baking, Tran will attend the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin. In life, Tran searches for more than just academic success. Similarly, she hopes that her future career as a pastry chef can offer her a satisfaction that conventional subjects will not. “Being a chef calls upon creative skills and hands on work. I've always been capable of doing well on most subjects but I never felt accomplished or found anything particularly pleasing even if I got a good grade,” Tran said, “I wanted my line of work to be creative and something I can make my own, something that no
one else could get an A on. I wanted to be a chef because I can please others by making good food and also because it allows me to be unique.” Currently, to gain experience and to feed her passion, Tran works at two bakeries: Bella Cibo and Croissant Brioche. “[At Bella Cibo] I bake and decorate cakeslike those on Ace of Cakes or Cake Boss,” Tran said, “At Croissant Brioche, I’m just a cashier, but on my free time I get to spend time with the pastry chef and also learn more about bakery business from the owner.” Tran will study business at University of Houston after completing a year of baking school so that she can then open up her own shop somewhere down the line. Until then, she has a few key recipes to keep her occupied. “I'm really not that experienced to say that I'm really good at anything. But I do love my banana cream pie. It’s so yum. I also love my Italian chocolate butter cream frosting,” Tran said.
PEREGRINE
may ‘10
the
12
feature
Awesome Argumentistas
Pronounce Standing in front of the Spanish Club, Allyse Griffin, junior, delivers a powerful speech. Olé Enjoying her time in San Antonio, Citlalli Alvarez, sophomore, tries on a sombrero.
Spanish Club members earn opportunity to debate in Washington, D.C. in November
THILYE RINKE
staff writer Their voices affirmative, their speaking skills well developed, with every single topic memorized for the debate, the two girls enter the Texas Area Model Organization of American States (TMOAS) debate room for the Spanish Club debate competition in San Antonio, Texas. They walked out winners with a trip to the nation’s capital. Allyse Griffin, junior, and Spanish Club President, and Citlalli Alvarez, sophomore, both experienced debaters, received exposure to a debate procedure where students represented a counsel of countries. “To any non debater, the congregation resembled C-SPAN or a picture of congress in session,” Griffin said. The girls did not expect to win the
debate, especially Alvarez who had never done the TMOAS style of debate until competition day. “I felt awkward and uncomfortable in the field because I had never done TMOAS before,” Alvarez said. “I had done something like it when I participated in Model United Nations; however this had a different procedure and feel.” Alvarez entered the counsel with an unsure sense of confidence, yet as always determined to show her best and strongest voice for her cause. “I went in feeling like any other debate I’ve done in the past, not expecting anything, but working my hardest to succeed,” Alvarez said. As the girls walked out of the room winners to a trip to the nations capital, they were shocked with disbelief. “After I spilled my water all over my
desk during the debate round I wasn’t expecting to go to Washington, let alone win Best Delegate,” Griffin said. The girls are looking forward to the trip and cannot wait to land in Washington, D.C. on November 5, 2010. “I’m pretty excited! I’ve wanted to visit D.C. all my life, and having this opportunity is just amazing,” Alvarez said. “This by all means is my greatest accomplishment.” Griffin said. “It’s made me a much more confident and comfortable public speaker.” Although Spanish Club participates in many functions and is recognized state wide, this success story could change how the school views the club. “I like to think that this will bring more appreciation for a club that really does a lot in Jersey Village,” Alvarez said.
photo by Cristian Sandoval
National Spanish Examination Achivement:
• Citlalli Alvarez Gold, Spanish 4 Outside Experience • Catherine Chica Bronze, Spanish 4 Outside Experience • Allison Popovich Bronze, Spanish 4 Regular • Elizabeth Tran Bronze, Spanish 4 Regular • Sara Abdelkhaleq Bronze, Spanish 5 Regular • Maria Alza Bronze, Spanish 5 Bilingual Native • Yessica Castro Bronze, Spanish 5 Bilingual Native • Jennie Do
photo courtesy of Citlalli Alvarez
Premio Excelencia, Spanish 4 Regular • Charles Fly Premio Excelencia, Spanish 4 Regular • Sandy Lam Premio Excelencia, Spanish 4 Regular • Reena Kankaria Premio Excelencia, Spanish 5 Regular • Madelyn Mattern Premio Excelencia, Spanish 5 Regular • Adiam Tesfalul Premio Excelencia, Spanish 5 Regular • Neha Vaidya Premio Excelencia, Spanish 5 Regular • Rosa Perales Premio Excelencia, Spanish 5 Bilingual Native • Juanita McCullough Bronze, Spanish 5 Outside Experience
feature
the
PEREGRINE
Music to MOORE’S ears
13
New choir director reaches into students’ hearts Tanner Stogsdill staff writer
The choir department has welcomed former member back, but this time to teach. Greg Moore joined the choir at the beginning of the year and has made a tremendous impact. Students are very fond of him, because he makes it clear that he is pushing the students to do the very best that they can do. “At the beginning of the year, he gave us a speech about how he is passionate about music, and will push us to be the best,” Angelea Caton, sophomore, said. Moore admitted to being nervous coming to this school. He was scared that he would need to learn traditions before being able to really direct, but before he was a director at the school, the choir had a welcoming party for him and he fit right in. In only one year, the general view of Moore by choir students is positive. Students and teachers agree that his popularity is due to the fact that he gets to know the students on a personal level; he does not see them as merely students. “I try to get to know the student as a person, and help them with more than just singing. The members of choir are people to me, not just numbers,” Moore said. Moore spends time with all of his students and makes sure that he can help them reach their full potential. He gets to know his students as friends to help build a trust and respect, and it helps him push the singers to the heights he knows they can reach. He also has the ability to point out mistakes in a kind way, and help fix the problem from the start. He has gained the respect to move the music in the choir on and make it sound worthy of the superior ratings. Moore has been singing since childhood. He sang for different outlets such as church. During his junior year of high school, he joined choir and refined his love of singing. He continued into his senior year, when DIRECTING he made the Greg Moore, All- State Choir. choir director
From his success in high school, he moved on to Baylor to study music. At Baylor he graduated with a bachelor of music, and began teaching at Cy Creek. “Singing is just one of those things I can’t imagine my life without,” Moore said. His current direction of Freshman Men’s Choir, and the Sophomore Women’s Choir, along with assisting the direction of the A Cappella choir, Chamber Choir, and the 5th and 6th period Women’s Choirs, has been a major success. Choir members agreed that Moore knows how to work music, and has a vision of most steps of the song. He plans out the song and helps the choir along to make it the superior song that he sees it as. He helped the choirs bring in high ratings, and is a major help in directing male singers. “He knows how to talk to male singers. He knows how to model what to do and help you improve,.” Ben Brown, senior, said. Students have seen Moore’s first year here as a major success. He has gained the respect of the students, and helped push the choirs to awards. “Its always tough to get that first year under your belt and learn traditions. Next year I will know the traditions and expectations, and have a great year,” Moore said. Students have seen Moore’s first year here as a major success. He has gained the respect SIGNING of the students, and helped Students sign push the choirs to awards. the note as Greg “Its always tough to get Moore, choir that first year under your director, accombelt and learn traditions. panies them with Next year I will know the the piano during traditions and expectations, class rehearsal. and have a great year,” Moore said.
photo by cristian sandoval
PERFORMING During their Christmas Concert, at Foundry Church, the Men’s choir sings with the direction of Greg Moore, choir director.
photo by jAMES BARTON
guides his boys choir students during a song. SINGING Carl London, Chase Walling, Nick Cordray, Josh Humada, and Jordan Holocomb are lead by greg, choir director, during a group piece.
photo by jAMES BARTON
photo by jAMES BARTON
14 sports the
PEREGRINE
tennis player remains focused; ALL around Passionate waits for most important tournament ALL-STAR MIKELA MELAKIS sports editor
photo by Cristian sandoval
FOCUSED Chu stands ready anticipating her opponent’s next shot during a JV hosted tournament.
Natalie Chu, junior, moves swiftly around the court eyes fixated on the tennis ball. She studies her opponent observing her technique and form. Every shot from her opposition Chu quickly meets with her eager racket. Every move Chu makes she does with complete confidence and without hesitation. Chu lives for this thrill. The tan lines on her feet from her tennis shoes however she could live without. “I was about nine years old when I first started playing. I didn’t really know anything about tennis initially. I only started playing because my dad told me too,” Chu said. She also did not know that this seemingly meaningless tennis match with her father would quickly evolve into her life’s passion. Almost immediately after picking up her first racket she became engulfed in the tennis world. “When I was younger my role
model was professional tennis player Justine Henin,” Chu said. “She was not your typical six foot tennis player; she was five feet and four inches. She gave me hope that I could play and actually be good since I am also a short person.” Before Chu began competing competitively she loved being on the court and playing against her friends. She spent almost everyday of her summer vacations on the court practicing from the midafternoon till either it was too dark to play or her parents called her home. “Playing tennis is just like being in a different world for me,” Chu said. Friends often complained about the amount of time she dedicated to tennis, but a determined Chu remained focus. Eventually as a freshman Chu tried out and made the varsity tennis team. Now as a junior involved in Student Council and taking several AP classes Chu finds it harder to balance her schedule and include all the time she used to spend
practicing for tennis. “I can honestly say I still feel the same way about tennis as I did when I first started playing, except that now that I’m older, I feel more pressure and sometimes it can be stressful,” Chu said. Chu’s tennis coaches continuously push her to reach her full athletic potential, teaching her not only how to refine her racket skills but also improve her mental game that plays a crucial role in a match. “I get really frustrated on the court and that ultimately affects the way I play and can be the reason as to why I will lose a match,” Chu said. Chu’s busy schedule and occasional frustration does not prevent her talent from shinning on the court. Her teammates are very supportive and confident in her abilities. “We figured if anyone was going to qualify for regionals it would be Natalie. She is a straight up beast on the court,” Zach Boelsterli, teammate and junior,
may ‘10
said. C h u on the other hand was surprised but proud of her accomplishment in qualifying for the regional tennis competition. The tournament lasted from April 19th to the 21st. Even though Chu did not place at the tournament, she has not let that discourage her from staying focused and optimistic about her other upcoming tournaments. In fact she already has plans to begin her intensive training after her advance placement tests so that she can be as prepared as possible for the Texas Grand Slam, a week long tennis tournament, which is considered to be the most important tournament of the whole year. “Even though I didn’t do well at regionals it just makes me all the more determined to win my next match. I know I have what it takes to beat any competitor I might face. It’s just a matter of whether or not I can perform come game day,” Chu said.
a striking team
Bowling advances to state tournament with determination TANNER STOGSDILL
staff writer Sweat dripped from the heads of the 65 bowlers at the state competition, with seven representing the high school. Whether the sweat fell from the anticipation of the big tournament, or that no cool air-conditioned air blew threw the facility created debate among the bowlers. Their family and team members screamed as the ball slid down the lanes to kiss the pins and make them fall. The bowlers at the head of the respective lanes gave a sigh of relief as the last pin falls at the end of the 10th frame. The Girls and Boys bowling teams made it to the state competition. Both teams have been to the state level numerous times, and have bowled better than most other levels of the competition. Once there, the teams did not take home a winning trophy, but they bowled better than most of their games this year. Both the girls team, consisting of Christina Maxfield, Taylor Jones, seniors, Amanda Gomez, Sarah Keppler, ju-
niors, and Caitlin Russett, sophomore, and boys Matthew Nation, junior, and Matthew Mazola, senior, qualified for the state competition. Although the school teams followed a recent history of being champions, the state title remained a conquest for another year. “They are good kids, they don’t get in trouble, and they do well in school. Most of the time people tell me how they are impressed by the teams,” John Henthorn, coach, said. The girls’ team broke records as they were undefeated through regionals. They made first place each step of the way until state. Five of these bowlers managed to make the All District Girls team. The bowling team must overcome many challenges to reach the prestigious level of state. Women’s bowling is increasing in popularity as colleges around the nation form teams. The girls’ team at this school excels as well. The girls’ team was able to break a record, being the only team in the region to advance past the Regional level undefeated. This
put the girls’ team in a lane between the two best teams in the state. The last time the boys’ team made it to state was in 2008, but the team has seen state every year, with the exception of three years, since John Henthorn became the coach. The boys also had members that made it into the all district team. The team has attracted notable skill and competitive bowlers with a long history of the sport. “Knowing that you are one of the top 65 in the state is an incredible feeling,” Nation said. The teams also have a dedicated coach. In 2004, John Henthorn was approached by members of the bowling team, and asked if he would be their sponsor. He decided that since the current team was so persistent, he would gauge their interest with a mock tryout for the team at the end of the year. There was a large turnout, and since then he has been coaching the team. “It feels good to motivate the kids to be successful, always helping them with a new challenge,” Henthorn said.
sports
PEREGRINE
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photo brief:
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audrey koncaba
Varsity golfer obtains scholarship, competes in 4th regional competition MEREDITH STEFFEN
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staff writer earning and practicing her swing and technique began early for Audrey Koncaba, senior. “My dad got me into playing golf when I was eight. I also started playing some golf tournaments during the summer,” Koncaba said. These continual practices resulted in Koncaba’s fourth consecutive regional golf tournament. “Our district is pretty competitive. The top two teams and the top two individuals go to regionals. I have been preparing for district all year. I put a lot of hours of practice to make it to regionals,” Koncaba said. She began this year’s competition with the knowledge of
T
her previous tournaments and the scores she had received, but Koncaba’s performance exceeded her expectations. “The first round of district I played the best I ever have, I posted a 68 (four under par). I was in the lead by ten strokes,” Koncaba said. A dream of playing on a high school team was not the only thing on Koncaba’s mind. In addition she started high school with thoughts of what would come after graduation. “It had been my goal for the longest time to go to college on a golf scholarship. I knew that if I worked my hardest I would become successful,” Koncaba said. This dream came true and Koncaba will be attending school in Lake Charles, Louisiana at McNeese State University on a golf scholarship.
1
photos by MEREDITH STEFFEN
op Reasons to become part of the Advanced Journalism “Seeing my by-lines and photo Newspaper staff credits is an incredible feeling.” YOUR NAME HERE
2 3 4
staff writer
“My writing is now part of the school’s history.”
JVHS 2009
August September October November December
May/June April March February January
JVHS 2010
“I was able to work with an amazing group of people. Just WOW!”
“I can still get my technology credit through the course.”
It is not too late, GO see your counselor today and ask about taking
Advanced Journalism - Newspaper. You will be glad you did at this time next year.
Junior expresses frustration over standardized test for college admission
MIKELA MELAKIS Peering out of the car window I saw what most Houstonians would consider an all too familiar site, a grungy homeless man begging on the side of the street. His clothes were tattered, his dirty hair loosely tied back in a bandana, and he held a cardboard sign above his head that read ‘My family was abducted by aliens’. My heart ached for this sad little man. Usually when I see homeless people I wonder where their family is, or if they have always been homeless. Sometimes I even create story lines in my head of how this person came to be where they are. I came to the conclusion that this man probably had dreams of becoming an astronaut, until his dreams and mental psyche were destroyed with a pathetic SAT score. This assumption might seem over dramatic, but for me it is a very real possibility that undoubtedly stems from my own paranoia about the impact of my SAT score. Over the years my parents, my teachers, and my dream college have all morphed together to create this trifecta of pressure over my SAT results. I find myself imagining that I am that delusional homeless man begging on the side of the road, all because of a mediocre score. Colleges have created this whole idea that whether I am intelligent, driven enough to do well in college, or have the potential to be success all boils down to what I made on my SAT. SAT prep classes are formed, encyclopedia sized books are created, all in effort to help kids like me prepare, or so they claim. Conveniently for the people (oh so considerate enough to create the classes and books) the cost is an outrageous sum of money. For those who cannot afford these books and classes, those who do not have the time to devote to preparation or those who did prepare but find that their score is still insufficient, cannot help but feel like opportunity’s door is suddenly being slammed shut in their face, all because they are not up to par. In fact I am not the only person who has noticed. Small prestigious schools like Middlebury and Bennington have decided to make the SAT optional claiming that the SAT leans in the privileged students’ favor. The original goal of the SAT was to identify intellectual talent with a test that did not discriminate between race, color, creed, or geography, and give that talent a fair opportunity at college. Sadly, the SAT does not achieve this anymore. It is primarily used now to predict incoming freshmen grades in college; however, more and more studies reveal that the SAT is virtually worthless in comparison to high school grade point averages and end of course exam achievement tests. Psychologist Robert Sternberg breaks down intelligence into three different categories: analytical, practical, and creative. According to Sternberg while one might score extremely high in one area such as analytics, in order to be successful one needs to score well in all three areas. The SAT only looks at my analytical ability and how well I have prepared. It does not tell my college that I have a natural ability to mediate conflicts, that I have uncanny people skills, that I can think of a completely original approach to a problem, or that I can easily adapt to unfamiliar environments. The SAT tests me on how well I can take the SAT. Granted this test is the one of few ways a college can fairly measure a student’s academic abilities, but I refuse to let this test determine my intelligence or predict my success. Often times in life I have witnessed that it does not matter how qualified you are or how much you know, but instead it matters who you know, how well you can interact with other people, and your ability to take fresh approach to complicated situations.
CITIZENSHIP the
SAT The Official
PEREGRINE
Fellow American contemplates meaning of nationalism MUMTA MITTAL
Citizenship is not an expression that can be defined by a dictionary or a simplistic phase; instead it is an essence that can only be described and carried out through experiences and occurrences in one’s lifetime. Throughout my life I have struggled with what the word ‘citizenship’ means to me and how it can be applied to others, but I am certain that the latent meaning of ‘citizenship’ can most accurately be depicted by my very own mother. While countless are aware of the “American dream” cliché, none can actually describe the meaning of it unless experienced first hand. My mother became one of those individuals when she crossed the American borders at the age of 21. She arrived with empty pockets and the burden of two younger siblings to support, while across the world the rest of her family was skeptical of her decision to come to this country. That one choice detached her from her three older siblings, yet she knew her judgment would lead to a happy ending. While she worked two jobs and enrolled herself in English classes, she raised my two aunts and found her way to a better lifestyle. Though she started out with nothing, she became an individual that lived the American dream and truly understands the meaning of what it is to be a citizen. She has taught me that this country is full of opportunities
layout editor
issue six
sports editor
17
reflections
that can open a door to a journey many only dream of even if one is fighting all odds. From her I learn that citizenship is not just patriotism but instead the ability to channel one’s motivation to beat expectations. It is the ability to turn one’s lifestyle into the opposite of what it may have been by utilizing the tools the country can offer them. It is the underlying factor that runs through American blood and finds it way to those that will make a difference. Everyday I hear about issues that chase the world into unresolved chaos and yet many turn their backs towards taking initiative to make a change. I as an American know that we are all destined to do great things but whether or not we actually affect the world is up to us. I try to express my concern by helping others and arguing my standpoint on issues such as poverty, energy, and immigration. Just as my mother did, I long to stand against the odds and make the difference we are all capable of. Many do not realize what paying it forward can do and the impact of small actions, but small actions is actually the hidden opportunity to make a greater impact. Though concern reaches those that are willing and actions reach those that are need, life is long enough to reach everyone in every way, and that is the only way one can truly give back to their community. My mother encouraged me to achieve, my concern showed me how to give, but life will teach me citizenship.
The SAT... was first offered in
1926
is required by
92%
of colleges
was developed by Carl Campbell
affect college admission rates by about
10%
has an 8% chance of predicting a college freshman GPA
18 reflections PEREGRINE
the
may 2010
Gettting the Gold Successful student reflects on past experiences with failure LAURA HEBERT managing editor
Failure. It seems as though every time I try a new activity, we are reacquainted. So I decided to embrace it, and this acquaintance introduced me to a good friend, success. I walked into the journalism room sophomore year, with wide eyes and a fresh face, knowing close to nothing about writing or how a newspaper staff even worked. One of the first steps to creating a newspaper is coming up with topics to write about, so when prompted to contribute story ideas I, with my lack of knowledge, blurted out what I thought was a great suggestion. “Well, Brittney Spears is making a comeback,” I will probably never live that one down.
gold star At the 2010 Interscholastic League Press Confrence, Laura Hebert, senior, accepted JVTV’s Gold Star Award.
The first story I ever wrote was a half-page double-spaced disaster area. When I got it back from the editor, it was bleeding in red ink, I am pretty sure she had more writing on it than I did. I look back on it now and feel so bad that she even had read such a mess. It was not even until the fourth issue that one of my stories made it into the paper. That is sort of how it always goes for me though. I really do not have much natural talent. The first time I auditioned for a play, I turned ghost white and cried. Sadly, I was the oldest butterfly in the neighborhood production of Beauty and the Beast. The first time I ever had a chair test in Orchestra, I got 13th chair out of a 16 piece orchestra, because I did not understand what notes meant. The first newscast story I ever did for JVTV, was 45 seconds of misery. Even in school, my first few years of elementary, I
was a D-student due to that evil multiplication table. I am honestly not being hard on myself, it’s the truth. But I am okay with that because I got the failure out of the way. I know how it feels to do really badly, so now I know I can not do any worse than I already have. I can succeed now, and I truly believe I have come very far from the time when Brittney Spears’ “I have come way further than comeback inter- that, I have been the extremes.” ested me. I am pleased with myself, and my accomplishments, because I earned them. I now hold officer positions in the activities that I failed at a first. Failure makes success that much better. I was never simply mediocre and just got a little better over time, I have come way further than that, I have been the extremes, and I am proud.
the perfect time for a College bound senior compares similarities of leaving home with greatly anticipated sequel JACQUI BONTKE editor-in-chief
In 1995 I turned four and Sheriff Woody worried that Buzz Lightyear replaced him. In 1999 I turned seven and Andy went off to summer camp leaving his toys to have new adventures and make new friends. Now, I am 18 and the story where toys come to life has grown up. When I leave for school in the morning or turn out the lights at night, I am almost positive that my toys do not come to life. I also doubt my teddy bears, Lite Brite, and Skydancer could pull of the same stunts as the toys from Toy Story. However, watching the Pixar animated movie as a child gave me the imagination to dream. Toy Story was probably one of the first movies I was old enough to call my favorite and the sequel did not disappoint me either. One of the most exciting Christmas gifts I ever received was the Toy Story and Toy Story 2 DVD box set. My mom and dad like to embrace the last days of my childhood before I leave for college. One evening at dinner, my dad asked me what my favorite movie was. “I mean, I guess I’d have to say Toy Story,” I answered. I then went on to explain that I am anticipating the release of the third Toy Story because it will sort of mark the end of my life as a child. It almost seems as if Andy, the child from the films, grew up with me, for he will gradu-
ate from high school in this next movie and deals with the parting of his old toys as he leaves for college. My parents were instantly nostalgic of taking my siblings and me to see Toy Story and thought the timing of the new film was just all too perfect. As we sat, I played the trailer for the film on my laptop and when it was finished I looked over to see my mom’s eyes welling with tears. Not that she does not show her emotions each time I mention leaving for college, but this particular instance created a realization that was both honest and reminiscent. Since the first two Toy Story mov- ies came out I really have not played with toys. Instead I have been growing up, starting high school, learning to drive and getting a job, and like Andy, I will spend the week before leaving for college packing up my old toys, parting with some and cherishing others. The 3D film,
Toy Story 3 revisits the old toys as they struggle to keep being toys while they are shelved away and donated to new children. No toy gets left behind, as always and I am sure movie watchers will be inspired to ‘reach for the sky’ and go ‘to infinity and beyond’. On June 6th I will graduate from high school leaving my childhood at home ‘where I’m miles and miles from my nice warm bed’ and on June 18th so will Andy, leaving his toys behind to tell another toy story.
editorial
PEREGRINE
Fee Free
the
issue six
expensive policy proves ineffective when compared to fundraising alternative
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Peregrine Staff 2009-2010
JACQUI BONTKE
editor-in-chief
KELSEY O’BRIANT
managing editor
LAURA HEBERT
managing editor
MIKELA MELAKIS
sports editor
MUMTA MITTAL
layout editor
VINCE FLORES
advertising designer COURTNEY CALBAT
delivery manager THILYE RINKE
staff writer
KIMBERLY SHEERAN
staff writer
MEREDITH STEFFEN
itself. Constant announcements, giant banners and threats to raises fees haunt all senior classes much more than fundraising ever did. Both the senior classes of 2008 and 2009 fees were raised to $100 for those who had failed to pay, however the fee itself is completely optional. The now total $100 guarantees students a ticket to Senior Breakfast, Senior Spotlight, and Prom, however dates that do not go to Jersey Village or are not seniors must pay $70 to attend Prom. 2010 was the first class to forgo all additional opportunities, like fundraising to earn money for their class. The role of class officers became very limited this year with the required fee of $100, because their original duties to organize class wide fundraisers were replaced with the task of pleading with fellow classmates to pay their fee. Fundraising, when allowed, provided students with the experience of a small community of people working together for a common goal. They found their own way of raising money. Sending out Facebook invites to garage sales and car washes, students were anticipating the finances of their senior year with eager and open minds. Though class sponsors may have been overwhelmed by fundraisers in the past, it is their duty as class
sponsors to guide class representatives in direction that promotes success. There is very little failure in the lessons behind fundraising. Each student at Jersey Village is not entirely capable of writing $100 checks, but they are capable of bring in the community’s money through fundraising. If students are going to refuse to pay a completely optional fee, students who want to fundraise should be allowed to make a donation to their senior class. Even if fundraising only brings in a portion of the cost, it still has the power to decrease senior fees. $25 or $40 comes across a lot less scary than $100 dollars. In a public school, the extras like Prom and Senior Breakfast are costly, but they also make memories and should not be left out of the picture. If the best in life is free, the education at here at school has delivered. Now it is time to allow one more lesson, the lesson of fundraising, to give classes as communities, back their independence.
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PEREGRINE position
JAMES BARTON
photographer
KATHY ROMERO
staff writer
EMMA MCKENZINE
staff writer
ALINA DEKKER
staff writer
TANNER STOGSDILL
staff writer
KINSEY BUTTON
staff writer
ALISSA GUERRA
staff writer
the
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staff writer
ess than ten years ago classes of students made their legacies not by how loud they sounded at pep rallies or what their senior shirts looked like, but by hard work. Fundraising was King at Jersey Village and left many students and parents with a little more cash in their pockets after graduation day. The current policy that restricts fundraising, and instead calls for senior fees has been shrinking bill folds since 2007 and proves ineffective when compared to the alternative. The current plan in place for senior finances asks that all students pay $12.50 each semester which in theory creates revenue of roughly $70,000 for one class coming in as freshman. In 2007 seniors were asked to pay $25, which was collected and added to an already three years of class fundraising. Because fundraising was a student effort, the amount in each class’s account at the end of the 2007 school year varied according to the enthusiasm of the student government. 2008 class officers had great fundraising potential. As sophomores, the starryeyed students were out in Houston’s heat washing cars on Saturdays with hopes of a free Prom. Their efforts were quickly halted and replaced with a $50 fee by the time they were juniors. The concept of senior fees does not exactly sell
LEANDRA LEE
staff writer
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.
JESSE UPPAL
staff writer
staff adviser MARGIE COMSTOCK principal RALPH FUNK
HIGH KNEES Showing off their old school workout gear, Chris Grossman and Justin Wallace, seniors, stop for a between class exercise.
Costume closet
OUT OF THE BOX For Twin Day Katrina Dang and Kathy Nguyen, seniors, matched by choosing colors from a crayon box.
Graduating class spends year exploring colorful wardrobe
POWER PUFF Taking a twist on the theme, Meghan Contreras, Nichole Buchala, Sarah Garcia, seniors, dress up as a world saving trio.
photo by CARMEN RESENDIZ
photo by ORFA PALACIOS
photo by SHELBY CARTER
GEEK GETS THE GIRLS During Nerd Day Paige Carrow , Oscar Guzman , Gabrielle Bozeman and Katherine Church ,seniors, strike a pose in their attire for the day. photo by NICA LLANO
photo by ERICA MORLEY
OLDIES BUT GOODIES Preparing for a photo Deniecia Moore and Letisha Jefferson, seniors, hand a camera to a friend in order to remember their senior citizen look.
FORMAL GREETING Staying in the rice farmer character, Ming-Ming Chen, senior, bows to greet her peers. photo by VANESA ADAN
photo by VANESA ADAN
photo by ERICA MORLEY
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU During Character Day Oscar Nguyen and Josh Kunkel, seniors, performed a battle for the students eating lunch in the small commons.
PAINTING HER FUTURE Equipped with an apron, brush and paint, Hannah Luchak, senior, portrayed her dream career of an artist.