Seven Advanced, One Placed 8-9
Going for a Pin Trying to roll his opponent onto his back to pin his shoulders to the mat, Andrew Campbell, senior, gets as much leverage as he can. Campbell placed third in the 132 weight class at the regional tournament, and advanced onto the state tournament with six of his teammates, where only Jairo Rico, sophomore, placed. Rico placed sixth in the 106 weight class. photo by Natalie Solano
Also Inside • Exceeding Expectations - 6
The PEREGRINE Vol. 42 Issue 4, March 2014
Jersey Village High School 7600 Solomon Houston TX 77040
• Festival of Talents - 7 • Battling for a Cause- 10 • Great Gatsby- 11 • Hooking It In - 12 • Senior Dress Up Days - 16
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The Issue 4 PEREGRINE
Feature
March 2014
A Real Reason to Write
Holly Charles recalls her experience as an author
“Dust rises slowly in the South, like little brown ghosts, unsettled souls of sacred ground. Ludie’s bare feet uncovered a team of haints as she wandered into town. And, her feeble limbs carried with them a film of those dusty ghosts all the way from Carthage. She had made the 30 mile trek from Carthage to Marshall with only the clothes on her back and a bundle of misery strapped by an old sheet. At the start of the journey she had a ragged pair of shoes, as well. But, raggedy as they were, their ankle straps burst open and had begun to open at the toe and flop against the ground with a pitiful thud. It made for a laborious walk and the tiny muscle between the top of her foot and her ankle began to ache for all her effort to walk and keep the shoes on at the same time. Before long, she pulled the Mary Janes from her feet, hurling them into the thicket beside the path of railroad tracks. She limped along, wincing from the pain of hidden stones. Sticks and stones. Sticks and stones. Stones.” -Velvet excerpt Today students universally recognize publishing a novel as an accomplishment deserving of praise and respect. Doing so requires tremendous dedication; not only must an author have the ability to write convincingly and creatively, but also the ability to see a task through to the end—to take confidence in their work, and to continue pushing forward even when the process slows. Among today’s students, the ability to persevere toward an end-goal for the time
required to write and publish a novel is virtually unheard of, and students rarely have the opportunity to see such resolve in action. Holly Charles, English IV instructor, has proven to her students with her novel Velvet that becoming published is a reasonable aspiration and that in doing so a person can achieve a distinct kind of personal satisfaction. Charles started her journey as an author at Prairie View A&M University, where she was getting her Master’s degree in English. As graduation loomed nearer in the distance, Miss Charles considered her options for finalizing her degree. “When you get your master’s you have the option to take a test or write a thesis, and that involves a lot of research—I wasn’t excited about writing about somebody else’s work; I had done that the entire time I was there. Then I heard the word ‘creative’ put in front of thesis, and I realized there was the option to be creative as a writer. I could do poetry, I could write fiction…whatever I wanted to do,” Charles said. The Velvet concept began to formulate when Miss Charles found an old copy of a short-story she had written about her relationship with her mother, and some of their struggles. After rereading her story, Charles decided that a focus on mother-daughter relationships was something she could connect to—not only a topic she could take pride in writing about, but a topic she felt others could relate to as well. “There was a conflict my mother and I had about our views on marriage. My mother was married at 17 years old and had two children. She didn’t go to college, and had a lot of fears about the outside world…I’m not afraid of the same things that she is afraid of. When we start talking what happens is she’s telling me her truth, which is not the truth to me,” Charles said. The topic of mother-daughter relationships plays an essential role in Velvet. The novel highlights the conflicts which occur when parents
protectively force their doubts and insecurities upon their children, who become frustrated and are unable to understand their parent’s concerns; at least until they are old enough to appreciate their parent’s point of view. Charles knew that her close-knit yet sometimes conflicted relationship with her mother was a product of her mother’s relationship with her mother, and this inspired Charles to use her grandmother’s experiences as a young woman in the novel, along with a childhood full of stories about how interesting her grandmother’s life had been. When the time came to start writing, Charles knew that she wanted to provide insight into the dynamic between mothers and daughters in the African American community, and to historically connect the women of her family through past generations. The research for the novel was long and in-depth. Charles spent hours ensuring the geographic legitimacy of her story, checking the names of businesses and certain locations, and even longer in structured interview sessions with her grandmother, whom she is very close to. Accuracy was essential. Charles wanted to vividly capture the experiences of the characters, to properly represent the t i m e
periods even at their worst. She was determined to accurately portray the landscape, the culture, the views of the 1920s South; later the oppression experienced by African-Americans in the 1960s; the hardship, the joy of the characters. At times ensuring accuracy was a difficult task. Tracing family records was somewhat difficult, as in Southern Black communities of the early 20th century, one of the periods in which the story takes place, records were not always well kept, and lineage is sometimes hard to trace. For example, Charles’ great-grandmother successfully relocated and assumed a new identity at a very young age, forgetting her past life entirely. After Velvet was finalized as a thesis, Miss Charles endeavored to have it published. This was something she had to accomplish on her own, as in most cases authors must pay out-ofpocket to have their writing published. For this purpose Charles started a fund-raiser, and once she had raised enough money, she eventually decided on the Author House publishing company, who graciously assisted with the publishing process. For Charles, an experienced English teacher, editing Velvet was a significantly shorter process than it is for most firstCon’t on Page 3 Real Reason
photo by Monica Garcia
March 2014
The Issue 4 PEREGRINE
Con’t from Page 2 Real Reason time authors; however, self-criticism and last minute changes delayed the finished product. Finally, on October 23, 2013, Charles’ first novel— and all of the history and emotion contained in it, was published by Author House; her permanent imprint on the world. Velvet received an enthusiastic response from its early readers, and since its publishing Charles has read excerpts at several colleges and events such as Indiana University, New Beulah Baptist, and Houston’s Creative Women Unite. Listeners were deeply affected by Miss Charles’ personal, honest style, and heartfelt emails flooded in. Although the book has impacted the lives of many individuals and is praised by all who read it, making the novel into a financial success became somewhat challenging after it was published. When people today read for pleasure, they read popular novels by prominent names. A novel like Velvet, although not
Feature
particularly lengthy, is easily overlooked by the average bookstore customer. Nevertheless, Velvet has been a success for Miss Charles and all of its readers, who are proud of Charles’ achievement as an author, and touched by work. “A student looks at her as an everyday person, but with dreams and ambition there is no limit to what a regular person can achieve,” said Deborah McFarland, V-house secretary. People like Miss Charles show that a grand accomplishment such as publishing a novel as passionate and earnest as Velvet is possible with dedication, and a personal connection to one’s work; a determined reason to write. Her commitment and perseverance throughout the process is inspiring to her students and coworkers both. By Joel Montfort
the Journalism Room, 1720
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THE Issue 4 PEREGRINE
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Feature
Moving Up Through Auditions The glares of the bright lights blinded them as they sat down and relaxed. A quick overview of notes ran through their head as they prepared for the performance. The cold chill of November weather contrasted with how they felt inside. Emotions swirled inside them; palms sweating slightly as they gripped the instrument or microphone. They knew that the audition would determine if they would continue to state. The Texas Music Educators Association, the largest music educators association in the country, holds auditions that not only provide challenge but also the opportunity to perform at an annual convention in San Antonio during February for those that receive all-state membership. Blake Gates and Jonathan Pham, juniors, and Tresor Brill, Joshua Chang, and Wynn Duncan, seniors, received the invitation to perform in the San Antonio TMEA 2014 Clinic Convention on February 15th, making these five students stand out in the areas of Band, Choir, and Orchestra.
For Gates, listening to his mother’s voice helped him find his passion for singing. As a fifth grader, he joined a small choir group in school. Although he had to confront certain obstacles and difficulties, that did not prevent him from performing during the auditions. “Probably one of the most nervewracking experiences of my life [were the auditions in November] mainly because, I mean, I’d gotten used to the auditioning process in general, it was like the other ones, the only difference was that I was the only one there from our choir and it was really nerve-wracking but I did have a lot of support from back home,” Gates said. Having friends in band would also influence Duncan into playing the clarinet. Although starting during seventh grade, a year later than most people who join band, Duncan made the decision to improve in his playing, despite his original reason to meet new people. “I made the choice at the beginning of the year to work harder than I ever had before. I made obtainable goals from week to week, and after auditions, worked harder to improve my playing. Eventually, it all paid off,” Duncan said. Although few obstacles made themselves present during his playing, Duncan overcame his selfdoubt as he practiced, performed, and auditioned more. During the first audition in Region, 100 clarinets competed, only 11 advanced to area where photo by Megan Flores Playing With Passion ”To me, music is one of the purest forms of expression,” Tresor Brill, junior, said.
Band, Choir, Orchestra earn state recognition
Singing His Soul ”It was crazy, sometimes you just love yourself in stage lights,” Blake Gates, junior, said. Duncan placed sixth. The Area audition featured 11 people representing four regions from Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, where only nine advanced to state with Duncan placing third. “I was completely shocked. When the list of results came out I could not find my name until I searched the very top. When I saw I was ranked third, I could not breathe for the next hour,” Duncan said. Chang, who plays the piccolo, joined band during sixth grade playing the flute, and in eighth grade changed to the piccolo. Through constant practice, Chang developed his initial sound of the piccolo to change to a sweet and mellow one. “[I felt] eager and prepared. I had been practicing with my private lesson teacher, Dr. Kimberly Clark, and I have learned to play expressively and to phrase musically,” Chang said. Despite the time taken away for him to practice individually due to marching band practice, and rehearsals leaving him exhausted to do homework, Chang still forced himself to look over TMEA études, knowing that the auditions were close. “The TMEA music has always intimated me since eighth grade with all the weird rhythms and fast tempos. Now after four years, I can see phrases and groupings in the music and I can make the audition sound easy and like a musical étude,” Chang said. Chang first auditioned in November for Region Orchestra and received first chair, automatically qualifying him for Area auditions. He also received first chair for Region Band in December and finally received first chair in Area auditions at Austin. “I’ve always imagined to play with many more talented musicians. Instead of competing for the pride, I have the opportunity to encounter different styles for making music and open myself to
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photo by Natalie Solano
learn from others,” Chang said. Instantly fascinated by the double bass, Brill began to play during sixth grade. She had initially joined orchestra with the purpose of playing the violin but then saw the double bass and felt drawn to it. “I believe that what allowed me to be where I am right now has been the support from family, friends, and teachers. Not only have they given me knowledge and argued my abilities, but they never allowed me to give up and served as a constant inspiration,” Brill said. Even with apathy sometimes an obstacle for Brill, she would remember her future goals and the support given to her over the years to fight off the apathetic feeling, knowing how much the feeling could hurt her playing. “Whenever you have any sort of art or hobby, you have to dedicate significant portions of your time to get better at it, and if you feel one day ‘not in the mood’, that can lead to a drought of practice, which can seriously hurt your progress,” Brill said. Following a similar process to get accepted into TMEA, Brill first auditioned for the Region 27 Orchestra, made second place and advanced to Area Division. Feeling confident during her November audition and knowing that she had prepared, Brill focused on relaxing during the audition in order to perform well. She finally auditioned and made state Orchestra. “To be playing timeless music with first-rate conductors and with incredibly talented peers grants an experience unlike any other, all state has consistently yielded to me the best weeks of my high school experience and I relish the opportunity to participate once more,” Brill said. By Iveth Garcia
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Exceeding Expectations
2014
School alumni prosper in New York culinary school
Crowded in a compact, ill-equipped kitchen, three aspiring chefs strive to perfect their recipe. Four years in the most outdated kitchen in the district prepared Christian Washington, Hannah Graves, and Johnny Lee, school alumni, to pursue the future of their dreams at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Mentored by Blair Roy, culinary teacher, the former students from diverse backgrounds set the example for others to prosper from the culinary department. “I’m super excited and proud of Christian, Hannah, and Johnny, because they’re the first three that I know of at this school to go to a very prestigious culinary school,” Roy said. The achievements of Roy’s former students set the precedent for other members of the culinary department to pursue a career in the industry. Washington, Graves, and Lee prospered from Roy teaching and motivating them to follow their dreams. “It’s important to me that my students went so far because it shows that our program is working and students are finding their passion and following it. I’m so happy that they’re learning what that is in high school, because if they don’t they could spend years and lots of money trying to figure that out,” Roy said. The culinary class benefited Washington, Graves, and Lee by providing the experience and skill they needed to get into the Culinary Institute of America. The future chefs overcame different circumstances to obtain the opportunity to attend a prestigious college across the nation. “Ms. Roy’s class helped me learn about food safety and to take this industry seriously. There are so many things that could go wrong with the simplest ingredient,” Lee said.
Completing the Serve Safe program offered by the department, Lee walked into his first freshman class, with Graves and Washington, ahead of the crowd. Serve Safe teaches students how to properly handle food and prevent food-borne illnesses. “Making it this far is crazy. It’s been different with the weather change and not being close to family. The chefs and people here are really smart and there is so much to learn,” Lee said. Lee traveled thousands of miles away to a foreign state to major in the Culinary Arts. Adapting to a new life in New York seemed minuscule to the big picture of his dream of attending CIA. “Culinary takes time and dedication and lots of thinking if it’s the right career for you. It’s not all clean and easy as TV makes it seem. There’s a lot of cuts and burns and hours of standing,” Lee said. Roy and CIA taught Lee the ins and outs of the industry and the endurance needed for success. The long hours of training will pay off when Lee achieves his dream of making it as a chef. In addition, Washington and Graves have shared the same experiences. “It’s tough to get into the Culinary Institute of America; they could easily toss your dreams and say no. So many people apply and you write your essay and send in your application and just hope. They look at the quality of person and work ethic by your letters of recommendations,” Washington said. Although CIA has a challenging process for admittance, Washington strived to get the chance to attend his dream school. The institute searched for the best and acquired Washington, Graves, and Lee. “This school isn’t for everyone. It takes some self-determination and stamina to make it through. None of the teachers hold your hand and say let’s make it good together. They want to see that you know what you’re doing, that you need little to no direction. Expectations are high and you can’t disappoint,” Washington said. The difficulty of the institute challenges Washington to reach his goals of prospering in the culinary industry. The high expectations act as Washington’s motivation to finish his bachelor degree of professional studies in culinary arts management. “Making it this far feels weird for lack of better words. I have come a long way from where I started, but because I have such a long way to go, I rarely look back and say ‘gee I’ve come far’. The length I have come is nothing compared to how far I’m planning on going,” Washington said. With his whole future ahead of him, Washington’s journey to a successful chef only starts at CIA. With the help of Roy and a prestigious culinary school, Washington, Graves and Lee intend to push the boundaries of the industry and make it big in New York. “They’re just some really great kids with great qualities and characteristics and I’m happy that they didn’t let anything that was going on in their family or their personal life be an excuse or a reason to not pursue their dreams. They didn’t let the decisions of their parents or friends or family or living situScooping Chocolate Meaation dictate their dreams and if they were going suring ingredients, Jorge to follow them or not,” Roy said. Guerrero,junior, prepares the by Kelsey Hodges recipe necessary for a meal in the culinary class.
photos by Kennesha Lewis
Preparing a meal Sporting chef hats, aprons and rubber gloves, Karen Castiillo, senior, and Taylor Brandiburg, sophomore, collaborate to prepare the food. Focused on the recipe, the classmates select the right ingredients for the meal. The students take the necessary procedures to cook the meal in the culinary class. Striving to perfect her food, Elaina Gonzales, senior, cooks with the help of Blair Roy, culinary teacher, in the advanced class, Culinary Practicum. Under Roy’s supervision, the culinary students produce delicious food.
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Festival of Talents
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Performance flair takes stage for day long event
Beads of sweat ran down his cheek as he nervously entered the limelight of the seemingly enormous auditorium stage. With instrument in hand and obscure thoughts in his head, he wondered what his classmates might think of his talents. Will they like it? What if they don’t? He throws all these pessimistic thoughts aside as he readjusts himself and began to perform; all eyes stared at him now. He has devoted himself to learning the fine arts of singing, dancing, and painting. They all interested him, and he wished to share his enthusiasm for the fine arts with all his fellow classmates. The Fine Arts Festival was a venue for some of the most talented students from all over the school to show their fellow students different forms of art and the devotion it took to master their art form. True art came out as an expression, whether it was in the form of a dance, song, or painting. One of the main teachers in charge of organizing and making the Fine Arts Festival a reality was Kay Evans, math teacher. She was in charge of organizing and auditioning the talent for the three cultural shows in the auditorium that run 3rd, 6th, and 7th period. She also helped coordinate many of the different areas that Fine Arts Festival takes up. Evans puts many hours of work and planning into the festival so that the students will be able to enjoy this event. One thing she strives to achieve is to create a cultural experience for the students with acts coming from many different spectrums of culture and backgrounds. “We spend about two weeks auditioning students after school. We looked for a mix of talent (some singing, some dancing, and a variety of instruments and groupings). We attempted to have many cultures and genres of music represented so that our show was entertaining,” Evans said. Most of the students who participated in this event either participated in some kind of artistic program, like band, choir, and theater, or had an artistic background and participated in the arts outside of school. Some students participating in the Fine Arts Festival were already recognized by the many accomplishments they have received in different artistic fields. One student who participated in the Fine Arts Festival was Homero Flores, senior. Flores traveled all around the country dancing with his crew SOREAL, a nationally acclaimed HipHop dance crew. “I joined the Fine Arts Festival to share what I do. It was more so of making it a clearer image of the type of dancing I do. Hip-Hop Choreography is widely controversial because it’s seen for popularity or fame and not for its originality and
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credibility. I don’t do it for the game or for attention, but because I want to share my talent and inspire others to do so,” Flores said. Evans and the students who participate in the event put many hours into making this festival happen; they went through auditions, rehearsals, and many different stages of preparation in order to give a good show to the students, but Fine Arts Festival was not just some kind of entertainment for students to eat up or ignore. There were many different reasons that the Fine Arts Festival became an annual occurrence. “Our purpose for the Fine Arts Festival is two-fold,” Evans said. “First, it exposed students to some of the fine art opportunities that existed at our school. Some of our student b o d y never come at night to see a play or attend a concert. Secondly, we think that the Fine Arts F e s t i v a l promoted positive relationships among students and teachers. We love to see students shine in a non-academic setting” Evans said. With Fine Arts Festival’s popularity came some concerns. One common concern that some have was that students would take advantage of the event as a way to get out of class for the entire day. Evans recognized the issue, but explained how she, and many other teachers, were not worried by these concerns. “We don’t worry too much about kid’s thinking it’s just a way to get out of class. Once they were in a performance they were learning something new about the arts, cheering on their fellow students, and being exposed to the many cultures here at JVHS,” Evans said. From Fine Arts Festival’s start in 1993, from an idea by Betty Buchner, former Gold Duster director, to now, the event has evolved into a much anticipated show that many students take a part in; either by performing an original act, or by just watching, learning, and cheering on from the auditorium seats. By Trevor Hargis
I want to share my talent and inspire others. Homero Flores
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The Issue 4 PEREGRINE
Cultural Hit Showing cultural diversity, a group of students perform a Chinese Lion Dance routine.
Taming The Shrew During their Shakespeare performance for the Fine Arts Festival, Stacey Jones, senior, smacks Blake Gates, junior, over the head with a bouquet of flowers.
photos by Natalie Solano
Dont Forget Dancing The Gold Dusters perform an array of different routines in the gym for the Fine Arts Festival.
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THE Issue 4 PEREGRINE
SportS In-Depth
Pinned For State March 2014
Seven wrestlers head to Garland for championships Sweat, blood, and bruises all remain on him as he in only his third year wrestling, he placed at the state stands with his head held high. He stands on the bottom championships. The amount of work he put into of the podium, but on the podium. As the only Falcon wrestling helped him along the way, but his talent also wrestler to place at the state championships, Jairo Rico, added to his success. “Jairo is a really talented wrestler, and has a good sophomore took pride in standing over that number six, above his peers and teammates. A medal hangs future in the sport,” Manuel Yanes, senior, said. Yanes has wrestled ever since his freshman year, around his neck; a medal that will always remind him and made it to state this year by placing of what huge achievement he made his fourth at the regional tournament. He sophomore year. Jairo’s work ethic resides in the 160 weight class while As the ceremony took place at the Rico wrestles in the 106 weight class, end of the meet, Rico, with all pride, is what got him but at tournaments they would watch only grinned on the podium. He started either. When they sat on the side wrestling in the eighth grade, placed on the podium. waiting for their match, they would third in his weight class at regionals this watch their teammates to see how year, his sophomore year, and finished Danny Guillory they did and even offer advice. As each his season by placing sixth in state. As a sophomore, placing in state seemed only grew throughout the year, they both like a dream for Rico, but when he actually took pride in making it to the state placed, he could not believe what he had just done. tournament. For Yanes it was his favorite memory “At first it was so surreal; I couldn’t believe that I made of the season. For another teammate, his favorite it that far. It was an awesome moment to get that medal memory was how he made it to state. “My favorite memory of the season was from and represent Jersey Village,” Rico said. Once that medal was placed around his neck, the regionals. I beat our current district champion in my thought hit him that he finally did it. As a sophomore, weight class from Cy-Woods. I had lost to him earlier in the season,” Andrew Campbell, senior, said. Campbell wrestles in the 132 weight class, and qualified for state by placing third at regionals. He has wrestled since his sophomore year, and never placed at state, but as he saw Rico place sixth his sophomore year, he thinks that Rico will stand on the very top of the podium next year, smiling as a state champion. Campbell did not place at state, but was proud of making it that far this year. Most of Rico’s teammates believe he has a bright future in wrestling, including Jennifer Landaverde, sophomore. “My favorite part in wrestling is going out to the mat, shaking everything off my shoulders and just wrestling,” Landaverde said. As a sophomore who has wrestled since her freshman year, she has the same amount of experience as Rico. Her favorite memory of the season was traveling to the state tournament with the team and having their support. She also enjoyed supporting her teammates. She believes that with the amount of work that Rico put in, should have made it as far as he did, and is proud that he did. Sabrina Salazar, junior, also shares going to state as her favorite memory, but she does not have the same favorite part of wrestling as Landaverde has. “My favorite part of wrestling is being with the team and always having someone to just be there for me,” Salazar said. As she viewed the team as someone to fall back on, she Standing tall After his last grueling match, Jairo Rico, sophomore, has a medal placed around his neck and stands with his head held high on the podium. He placed sixth place at the State Championships.
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also sparred with Rico. She wrestled in the 110 weight class, which is close enough to Rico’s 106 that they sparred during practice to make each other better. They worked with each other at practice every day. As the season ended, and six of the seven wrestlers who qualified for state got eliminated from the tournament, one stood above the rest. One wrestler made his way all the way to the podium. Jairo Rico, a sophomore in the weight class of 106, at the end of the day, stood awestricken on the podium with a medal around his neck and a grin on his face. By Matt DuBose
March 2014
THE Issue 4 PEREGRINE
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SportS In-Depth Jairo Rico
Christina Maldanado
10th 106
Regionals: Third Place State: Sixth Place “My favorite memory from the season was winning districts as a team and becoming the first boy to ear All-State honors for JV.” 11th 119
Danny Guillory
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12th
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District Champion Regionals: Fourth Place “Jairo and I joke around a lot about who is a better wrestler. I tell him about me being district champ and having more wins than him, and he tells me about how he placed at state. With the way he gives 110% everday at practice, he can eventually do better.”
Manuel Yanes
12th 160
Regionals: Fourth Place “My favorite part of wrestling is the fact that you compete on your own skill, not the team’s.”
Andrew Campbell12th
Regionals: Third Place “My favorite memory from the year was from regionals when I beat our current district champ from Cy-Woods. I had lost to him earlier in the year.”
J V Sabrina Salazar
132
11th 110
Jennifer Landaverda
Regionals: Third Place “My favorite part of wrestling is being with the team and always having someone there for me.”
10th 138
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THE Issue 4 PEREGRINE
Feature
Battling for a Cause
Student Council raises money for cancer research
photos by Marilyn Renderos
The perfume of gooey, warm nacho cheese whirled around in the large commons. The soft murmur coming from the crowd behind them soon began to burst into a rambunctious roar. With eager smiles on their faces, they hold out jars labeled with different grade levels on them. Three STUCO members pursue the massive crowd of students in hopes to get donations for leukemia and lymphoma victims. They aspire to properly educate students about the foundation that will receive the money, and inform them what kind impact it will have. “I like thinking about the impact in terms of its effect on an individual who has Leukemia. To one person that money can make a world of difference,” Katie Horstman, junior said. Proud of the impact that the money raised will have on the organization, Horstman feels ecstatic to contribute to such a powerful cause. She has faith that the publicity that the organization received will encourage students to donate on their own. “I like thinking about the impact in terms of its effect on an individual who has Leukemia. To one person that money can make a world of difference.” Horstman said. Proud of the impact that the money raised will have on the organization, Horstman feels ecstatic to contribute to such a powerful cause. She hopes Giving Possibilities Actions of kidness occur while Alex Kramer, junior, and Rafael Kappell, senior, hold out containers for Lorenzo Gallegos, senior while he inserts money into containers of opposing grade levels
March 2014 the exposure to the organization will encourage students to donate on their own. “Because these high students are now exposed to this organization they could also be prompted to donate on their own,” Horstman said. Horstman knows that if students do not donate to STUCO, they will at least obtain some knowledge about the organization. In response, this could lead to donations made by students, or faculty outside of school. STUCO hoped to raise money for the cancer victims any way they managed to do so, even if it did not happen directly through their organization. As long as some contribution had been made, they had achieved their goal. The organization has faith in strategies they used to influence the students body to donate. “It is a competition between grade levels, so it will influence the students to participate,” Angelica Duong said. STUCO strategically had grade levels contend against each other, because competition, cleverly encourages them to surpass the other grade levels’ accomplishment. The amount of money made increases this way, because students have another incentive to donate to the cause. Pennies for Patients has had an incredible effect on the student body. It brought all four grade levels together to participate in a friendly competition that raised money for an astounding cause. STUCO hopes to continue to have many projects that have an identical impression to the one Pennies for Patients has created. By Marilyn Renderos
The Results: Freshmen $22.96 Sophomores $52.17 Juniors $79.90 Seniors $89.32 Reaching for Hope During lunch periods students Ashton Boren, junior, and Emily Hickey, senior, extend their arms out to old juice containers to insert change into them. They hope their efforts outshine the other grade levels’ while still aiding blood cancer victims in the process.
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reat atsby
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JV Players flashback to 1920s with stunning stage visuals
With the girls set in glittering beads and feathers and the boys dressed to the nines in suits fit for a stroll down Wall Street, the actors stand ready to work the stage and set the scene. On stage, party goers mingling, flapper girls dancing, and hot shots chatting amongst themselves make up the scene. As the night plays on, the man of the hour emerges from the crowd, Mr. Jay Gatsby, played by Blake Gates, junior. The JV Players have struck the 11th grade literacy standards by bringing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby to life in the theatre. With director, Daniel Kutsko, and set designer, Elizabeth Crocker, guiding the students, they managed to send the stage back to the 1920s with a good combination of costumes, music selections, and choreography. “My favorite aspect was definitely the costumes and party scenes, all the party-goers looked straight from the 1920s- and danced like it too. They were stunning.” Stage manager Stacey Jones, senior, said. Crediting the myriad of suits the boys wore during the production to the Men’s Wearhouse and the girls flapper costumes to various families of the students, the staff had the textile aspect of the production covered. The costumes boosted the visual effect of the time and thus, added to the success. With clothing out of the way, another challenge presented itself to the staff, sound. “My least favorite aspect was the sound, though the techies did everything right. Sometimes the sound board would just decide not to work. It got pretty scary at times,” Jones said. Although the newly applied stage manager had her slight doubts about the sound equipment, Crocker stood a bit more confident in the technology. “I count completely on the techies;
they are trained for exactly this,” Crocker said. Making it through the performances with little to no sound or technical problems that the public could have noticed, the techies did their jobs. Now that the last production for the Players in the Black Box Theatre has finished, a good deal of pride floats about Crocker, not only for her actors, but for her partner in theatre arts as well. Daniel Kutsko is a retired Physics teacher and he comes every year to do these productions. “I think it is really cool that a retired teacher comes back to help and direct the students. It shows how loyal he is to the students and how much he cares,” Crocker said. As well as a respect for Kutsko, Crocker has grown prouder of her actors over the last production, speaking highly of how far her advanced actors have come. “I was proud to see my actors out there, we did a great job and I am happy with how it turned out. I saw some of my advanced actors take leaps I did not think I would be able to see before they graduated,” Crocker said. Along with a bit of pride from Crocker, Gates had something to say. “I think it has probably been one of my harder performances. I have said that it is easier than others, but this is really the first play I have taken on as a more experienced character. It was easy, but I have never had to put so much worry into a play before,” Gates said. With the show wrapped up and only the UIL competition left, the players have committed The Black Box Theatre to retirement before the next tryouts begin in May for the fall musical. Starting off the year with Pippin!, followed by Harvey, and finishing with The Great Gatsby, the year has been eventful. By Julianna Perez
1 2
Actors Onstage 1. Mr. McKee (Sean Nanowsky, right), Mrs. McKee (Brittney Issacs, left), and Nick Carraway (Joshua McHahan, middle) converse over the mysterious Jay Gatsby and the numerous rumors that cloud his reputation, including his possible relation to Kaiser Wilhelm, German ruler in World War I. 2. Jay Gatsby (Blake Gates, left) and Daisy Buchanon (Maia Hawkins, right) meet for a suprise afternoon tea in Nick’ Carraway’s West Egg home on Long Island, New York.
Drama Amid Characters Tom Buchanon (Daniel Faraldo, left) and Myrtle Wilson (Jazmine Rivera, right) take part in a notwell kept secret and somewhat blissful affair. The couples share a more tense than loving dance at an impromptu party in their shared apartment. “It felt different portraying a character with such a background. Affairs did not happen regularly then. It was more of a methaphor of how things were in the 20s, times were changing and unheard of events were happening,” Faraldo said.
photos by Will Scales
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THE Issue 4 PEREGRINE
Victory After Victory When the team took first place in the sixth Annual Padedena ISD Soccer Tournament, the hopes for a successful season were high. The team finished the season with a 14-3-4 record that made them District Champions for the first time in the school’s history. They made the playoffs and started their playoff run Friday, March 28th, at Thome Stadium at 7:30 p.m. against Aldine Nimitz.
Sports
photo by Christin Ong
March 2014
Hooking it in
Soccer heads to playoffs against Nimitz
photo by Monica Garcia
photo by Christin Ong
photo by Christin Ong
photo by Monica Garcia
Remember Us for all your Prom needs
March 2014
The Issue 4 PEREGRINE
Sports
Four of a Kind
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Varsity girls soccer introduces multiple freshmen on team, into their family have each other to help the other one up and to remind each other not to give up,” Chrystal Vargas said.
“
I feel like soccer has
increased
my
work
ethic and it keeps me in
shape
physically
so overall I’m happy with the way soccer has impacted my life,
“
Anxieties build up as the four girls wait patiently for the list to go up. Four dreams wait to come true. Four girls that have practiced their whole life, hold their breath as the girls’ varsity lists goes up. Four smiles rise, and four sighs of relief fill the atmosphere because four freshmen just made the team. Girls’ varsity soccer welcomes not only one freshman, but four. The cheerful spirits of Chrystal Vargas, Estrella Vargas, Brittnay Boyd, and Avery Cortez, freshmen joined the ranks of the upper class man of the team. “When I found out I made varsity I was beyond excited. Making varsity was and continues to be a very humbling experience for me,” Cortez said. Years of dedication has pursued all of the girls into participating in soccer their whole life. All four freshmen have been actively involved in this sport from ages that vary from four to six years young. “I was really happy the day that we got the results. To be a varsity player is a big deal and I was so excited for the season,” Boyd said. Soccer was not the only tie between two players. The Vargas sisters are the only twins on the team. Observing their older brothers and father play soccer, ignited their interest in the sport. Throughout the years the Vargas sisters have grown with the sport supporting and motivating each other inside and outside of the school grounds. “Having my sister on the team helps me keep my confidence up because if we fall we
Avery Cortez
Practice does not end for them once the coach dismisses them from the field. After all the school work is done at home the Vargas twins would spend time to practice to perfect their skills. “If we have to practice on getting better we can do it together and we can help each other on getting better,” Estrella Vargas said. Participating in club soccer, outside of school, Cortez and Boyd averages about 10 hours a week playing their sport. Boyd participates for Challenge Aggieland, while
Cortez currently plays for the Albion Hurricanes qq ECNL team. “I play soccer at least 11 hours a week if not more with friends or just playing with the ball,” Boyd said. Soccer has not only been an active sport in the young women’s lives, but has had the ability to bring each family together. Bringing her family closer together Cortez’s family unites on the stands to cheer on their fellow family member. “My parents are divorced but they never fail to sit by each other and watch me play on Tuesdays and Fridays,” Cortez said. With balancing school, soccer, and club soccer free time hardly exists in Boyd’s everyday life. When given the opportunity Boyd does not hesitate to go outside and simply play with her family in the backyard. “I feel like playing soccer has brought us together because it’s something that we all enjoy and something that we’ve all played,” Boyd said. Soccer not only acts as an after school activity for the four freshman passing the point of a basic game, the sport has grown with each girl helping develop the person they are today. “I feel like soccer has increased my work ethic and it keeps me in shape physically so overall I’m happy with the way soccer has impacted my life,” Cortez said. By Alexander Cruz
“T
his year and for the rest of my athletic career I plan on playing only soccer,” Avery Cortez, freshman, said.
Working as One Gaining the ball back Brittany Boyd, freshman, kicks the ball to her teammates as they play against CyFalls. Rooting for her peers Chrystal Vargas, freshman, buddles up to keep warm during the bitterly cold match against Cy-Ridge. Dashing through the wind Estrella Vargas, freshman, dribbles the soccer ball between her coordinated feet in the game against Elsik. “I am really proud of myself about making varsity because its really hard for a freshman to make it,” Estrella Vargas said. photos by Natassha Arreola
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THE Issue 4 PEREGRINE
Columns
March 2014
Zombies: myth or reality?
The idea of zombies originated in the folklore of remote African and Haitian villages from the practice of VooDoo. Dating back to the 18th century, the rumor that magic could bring people back to life contributed to today’s image of zombies. The belief of zombies goes back to the theory that Haitian medicine-men had the power to bring buried and dead people back to life. In 1937, folklorist, anthropologist, and author, Zora Neale Hurston, discovered the case of Felicia Felix-Mentor in Haiti. A peculiar woman appeared in Ennery, Haiti in 1936 with gray crackled skin and wandered around aimlessly. The villagers went into a frenzy trying to identify the women. The Mentor family stepped forward and claimed the stranger as Felicia FelixMentor, their dead relative of 30 years, making the woman a zombie. Since that discovery, multiple movies and TV shows have depicted the living dead as creatures possessed by cravings for human flesh or brains. Although many people think that a zombie apocalypse only exits in fiction, scientists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim that it is possible to see a zombie apocalypse within our lifetime through viruses, animals, and most importantly, parasites. Thousands of viruses exist in our world, many still undiscovered. A zombie-creating virus could exist in some undiscovered forest in a remote part of the world, far from humans. However, as world expansion continues, contact with such virus could spread uncontrollably. Contagion through animals produces another way of starting an epidemic. Animals have different diseases that humans cannot catch, with the expectation of a few. Some diseases, like rabies, can transfer from animal to human. The CDC claims transference of disease from an animal could bring on animalistic qualities that would make humans hunt each other. Brain parasites obtain the highest risk to cause an apocalypse. Parasites self-preserve themselves and have abilities, antibodies, or skills to function to live longer through the host. For example, humans live close to dangerous parasites such as Taxoplasma, found in cat feces. A virus attacks the living cells of any life form. Therefore an outbreak of a virus, animal or disease, or brain parasite could easily produce an actual zombie apocalypse. The CDC even has a zombie preparedness kit available online. Therefore the threat actually exists, despite common belief. I believe an outbreak of flesh eating zombies could happen in our lifetime from the practice of VooDoo or medical science. By Kelsey Hodges
illustration by Vanessa Morales
New path brings exciting journey
I look down at my new schedule, noticing my new classes for the second semester. My heart skips a beat when I notice my fifth period labeled as newspaper. Even though I decided to join newspaper, I started becoming concerned with whether I am suitable for the class or not. Last semester, Mrs. Comstock suggested I join newspaper because she liked some of my writing, and it sounded like a great opportunity for me to have a voice in the school. When I first entered the class, I was immediately intimidated by the other students’ assertiveness. For me, I was always real quiet, and I usually remained mute throughout class. Many times, I have felt like the outcast in a room full of loud, talkative people since my quiet nature was criticized and unaccepted. I always get nervous about getting out of my comfort zone and talking to different people. It is not that I’m antisocial; I am an introvert. I have learned about introversion through an insightful book called Quiet by Susan Cain which describes introverts as people who keep to themselves and gain more energy alone, whereas surrounded by a large group of people might overwhelm them. Even though stereotyped as shy, introverts do not necessarily step away from the spotlight. Performers like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and Emma Watson all identify as introverts. Stereotypical introverts, known as “quiet ones,” may sit alone at a party and play with their phone, but some introverts come off as extroverts- an outgoing and overly expressive person. I have accepted myself as an introvert and learned that I do not need to act more “outgoing” because it’s just not part of my personality, but I have also learned to cooperate with my shyness and build better social skills. By Katelyn Houser
Seeking anger management brings insightfulness to life I slowly walk into the white room and find it full of people from all ages, mostly 30 years or older. I can feel my face getting hot with embarrassment, knowing that I stand out as the youngest one in the room and that everyone wonders why I sit
amongst them. I turn around slightly and find a table with a clipboard and a piece of paper and name tags. My legs feel wobbly, but I manage to walk towards the table and sign in. I take a name tag and write my name in black sharpie, messing up in the process. I feel weird and out of place, but I know I need this class. I notice an empty chair in between a dangerous looking man and a woman who seems distracted. I sit in between them and let out a small sigh as I prepare
my mind to hear a long speech on anger management. Surprisingly, the class turns out to help and interest me. The teacher describes to us how anger feels like and I immediately relate to his words. I began to slowly open my mind to his advice and tips, knowing that my behavior and my own reactions have caused trouble in my family and with my friends. My eyes occasionally wander around the room and I realize that most of the people in the room look at me often, probably wondering why a young girl like me would need help controlling her anger. I laugh internally, knowing that although I may seem sweet and calm, I know that any insignificant comment can provoke me. As the teacher continues to describe situations, I begin to remember some of my own situations that have affected me and that I can somehow still not forget. My eyes burn slightly with tears as I remember the
many times that my sister has gotten away with certain stuff and that I have had to take the blame for. My teeth clench tightly as I remember all the bullying and hateful comments I went through during middle school. As I remember all my anger from years ago, I realize that the teacher’s words make sense now. It seems pointless in holding all that anger. Letting anger take control becomes my decision and only affects me, so why let it hurt me more? As the classes progress, my eyes slowly open up more to what I had blinded me. I began to go home and become more aware of my feelings and reactions. I realize that my sister’s comments do not bother me anymore. I notice that people’s attitudes do not annoy me as much and as I evaluate myself again, I feel proud of myself for learning how to control what seemed impossible. By Iveth Garcia
The Issue 4 PEREGRINE
March 2014
Feature
Internet hides haunting taunts, ridicule, abuse The glow of the small rectangular screen illuminates the dark room. The clicks of the mouse and the short quick sounds of the keyboard began to spell out words on the screen. The person typing makes a few more clicks and posts the words. Words that will hurt and ridicule someone else. Despite the content posted, many people who will see it will ignore it. Others will like it, repost it, or share it with their friends. Some will find it funny and laugh it off. Meanwhile, the words directed towards the person will bully them, make them feel insecure, harassed, and hated. The harm caused by cyberbullying through social media and the internet can cause victims to become depressed and consider suicide. Students should help to prevent cyberbullying and participate in ways on how to stop it. Every day, teenagers walk with their cellphones in hand, checking messages and updates from social networks such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Seeing posts that ridicule somebody circulate around the internet daily, making it inevitable to see on an individual’s newsfeed. The problem with cyberbullying not only relies on the bully posting hateful words, but also those who view it and share it with their friends. Liking, sharing, retweeting, or simply showing it to a friend shows how teenagers easily ignore the meaning behind the words and the impact that it can have on some-
illustration by Joel Montfort
one’s life. Unlike bullying in school, cyberbullying can happen any time of the day or week and can use means such as fake profiles, embarrassing pictures of the victim, videos, hateful texts or posts, and can easily widespread and sometimes make it difficult to track down the bully. What teenagers should do to help stop cyberbullying is to stop sharing mean posts that harass others. Instead of liking those posts or showing them to friends, ignoring the posts, reporting them online or telling an adult can help
stop cyberbullying. Although the bully may only target one person, everyone who sees the post or shares it serves as a witness and their responsibility is to help stop the bully and help the victim as well. Instead of clicking on the like button, teenagers can report the post on the social media. Choosing to ignore a post over showing it to friends and laughing about it can make a difference and help to lower bullying and its consequences. Although teenagers spend most of their time on the internet, therefore making
it impossible to completely stop cyberbullying, helping raise awareness and showing others how to stop bullying through online means serve as small steps towards making a huge difference in someone’s life. Helping to stop cyberbullying can also help stop suicide, feelings of depression, and low self-esteem on someone. The lack of respect shown through hateful and cruel posts shows the importance of how everyone should participate in some way to help stop cyberbullying.
the student
VOICE
What would you do to stop cyber bullying?
“
I would turn off the computer and walk away. I would tell a trusted adult,” Joshua Catbagan, junior, said.
“
There are better things people could be doing other than belittling others,” Jalaina Douglas, junior, said
“
photos by Alexander Cruz
Cyber bullying is not cool, and people are starting to understand the importance of not doing it,’’ Levii Corrales, senior, said.
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PEREGRINE STAFF 2013-2014
co-editors ALEXANDER CRUZ MATT DUBOSE staff writers SEMON ADAMS IVETH GARCIA TREVOR HARGIS KELSEY HODGES KATELYN HOUSER JOEL MONTFORT JULIANNA PEREZ MARILYN RENDEROS WILLIAM SCALES NATALIE SOLANO Contributing Staff NATASSHA ARREOLA MEGAN FLORES MONICA GARCIA KENNESHA LEWIS TANYA MORENO VANESSA MORALES ROSA GONZALEZ DAVID VUONG 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 (713896-3400). 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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photo by Natassha Arreola
THE Issue 4 PEREGRINE
S
Photo Essay
March 2014
eniors celebrate dress up days
People Have to Eat From Septmember to May seniors enjoyed the priviledge of Senior Dress Up Days. “First I thought I would dress up seriously, but instead I decided to be silly and dress up in the most ridiculous costumes I could find,” Shawn Erwin said. However two senior dressed as their intended careers. Andrea Knot dressed as a chef and Dora Campuzano as a pediactrician.
Double Take With Twin Day everyone saw two of the same as Monica Garcia and Christin Ong came as penguins; Cynthia Roman and Gina Nguyen made memories as elves and Heather Twardowski and Katelyn Houser showed their fascination with the movie, “The Crow.” “It was Friday the 13th,” Twardowski said.
photo by Natassha Arreola
Twin Day
Career Day
photo by Megan Flores
photo by Alexander Cruz
photo by Alexander Cruz
photos by Kennesha Lewis, David Vuong
Character Day
photo by Alexander Cruz
photo by Rosa Gonzalez
a ny Ta by M en or o
Childhood Memory Day
oto
photos by Rosa Gonzalez
ph
Memorable Times From trips to Disney to WWE to unforgetable movies Joesheena Rempis, Lorenzo Gallegos and Christy Garcia brought characters alive in the halls of the high school. “Since I am a senior I think it is my turn to express myself,” Garcia said. The next to last dress up day recreated moments of days past for Pierce Gammell, Lexie Bounds and Hugo Vasquez.
Super Mario Hoping to enjoy Character Day Alexander Cruz traveled to Party City with Travis Howell, who dressed as Luigi, and found one of the only costumes in their size. “It was a complete impromtu idea,” Cruz said.