Jersey Village High School 7600 Solomon Houston, Texas 77040
Gold Duster Colonel represents high school
Peregrine The
Volume 44 Issue 3 February 2016
Famous Alumnus
Music, video director advises JVTV
Gerardo Garcia Staff Reporter Lights, judges, mats, 500 dance directors, and 200 girls competing stood before Caitlyn Tellez, senior, at the All State Regional Dance Championship. “There were a lot of people there, and I got to know some of the girls especially the other Cy-Fair ISD kids. We eventually got to do the performance, and a lot of what I saw was the lights, and a lot of heads. It was kind of cool just to be dancing with that many girls in front of judges and 500 directors,” Tellez said. This was Tellez’s eighth year of dance and first year being the Colonel for the Gold Duster Dance team. Last year she was the junior lieutenant. The colonel is required to go to the All State Regional Dance Championships. Tellez represented JV at the dance competition alongside 199 girls, who represented their own schools. “Caitlyn is a great student and leader. She is dedicated and motivated and talented in many aspects. This is my fourth year with her, and I am very proud of her,” Courtney Nelson, Gold Duster director, said. Tellez devotes most of her time to Gold Dusters, but mainly to dance in general. She is not only busy being colonel of the school’s dance team, but she is always dancing, if she is not dancing with the Gold Dusters then it’s for her own pleasure. “We used to dance in the same dance studio when we were little and that’s where we met. Then, we saw each other again when we got to high school. Caitlyn is a great leader and I loved having her as officer,” Cynthia Garcia, senior said. Tellez has formed friendships that have lasted outside and inside of school because of her devotion to dance. “We have been friends since freshman year, because we had the same dance class. She is always dancing, even outside of school,” Breanna Wagner, senior, said. As a Gold Duster Tellez has practice almost every day and it has kept her grounded all through high school. “Gold Dusters has given me a large group of friends, 45 other girls that I am best friends with. We are own community,” Tellez said.
ALWAYS DANCING. Performing together at the Annual Christmas Choir Concert Caitlin Tellez, senior,and Deana Harris, junior, show their love for dance. Photo by Lauren Middleton
SPECIALIZE, SPECIALIZE, SPECIALIZE. As Joseph Kahn, 1990 alumnus, film, video and music director shares his story of success with JVTV students, he offers them a different perspective on pursing careers in the film industry. Kahn was recently awarded a 2016 Best Music Video Grammy for Bad Blood with Taylor Swift. Photo by Christine Le
Christine Le Contributing Writer Returning to his high school for a session with the Jersey Village TV (JVTV) broadcast students, Joseph Kahn, 1990 alum and film, video and music director shared his story of success on Friday morning. Kahn carries the distinction as being named by Buzzfeed as the most important music video director of the modern era. “The only thing I could really do that allowed me to imagine but didn’t require using my hands, was cameras. It wasn’t about how the cameras work, it was about the pictures that I could see in my head. It’s like being able to arrange things without having to touch it. That’s what it came down to, it was the one art form that I could do where you could be smart but not too smart, and you didn’t have to touch but you could be artistic,” Kahn said. Kahn found his passion for filmmaking at an early age through an odd realization. Throughout his high school experience, Kahn came to the understanding that he would have never reached the academic standard that was set and what was expected from his parents. As an artist, the first aspiration was to become a comic book artist, but that was laid to rest because of his overly sweaty hands. With the passion that developed at that early age came a success that has included working with top music artists, including Taylor Swift, Brittney Spears, U2, Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Backstreet Boys, Destiny’s Child, Chris Brown, and many more as well as the making of two feature films, Torque and Detention.
“While everyone else is believing in themselves, I’m working for 10 hours a day. If you want to be the best, you have to have insane levels of dedication,” Kahn said. “The industry is not as smart as me,” he added. Kahn returned to the school to talk to the JVTV students at the invitation of Cindy Stoker, JVTV teacher. He was in town filming and Stoker took a chance and sent him a text message to ask if he had time to come talk to her students. “He talked about getting a specialization in the industry and I think that cleared up my mind on what to do because I didn’t know if I needed to go after one certain job or just generalize, but now that he said specialize, I know to find one thing and be the best at it,” George Rosales, junior, said. Kahn gave advice from his point of view of the industry to JVTV students that gave them a different perspective on pursuing careers in the film industry. “This industry is so competitive, but from an inside perspective, awards don’t mean anything. I’ve won many awards but I swear not a single award has changed my view on anything. The only thing I care about is if I’m getting better as an artist,” Kahn said. With Kahn’s in-depth advice from 26 years of experience in the industry, JVTV students took his pieces of wisdom into consideration to better their skill and to further their passions for film. “I would like to follow in Joseph’s steps in some ways, where I can come with ideas and collaborate with whatever clientele I am working with and not have many restrictions,” Edwin Chavez, senior, said.
Featured Stories
Volunteers Page 2 - 3
Junior Olympians Page 10 - 11
Livestock Show Page 13
Mr. Falcon Page 16
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“You are missing out if you have not felt the joy of knowing you made a person’s day better somewhere,” Albert Xia said.
Lin Vu Staff Reporter The harsh sunshine beats down on the back of bustling volunteers, each tending to their assigned duty. Determination swells in their hearts as they pass down heavy boxes filled with canned food for the underprivileged. The knowledge that their work will provide another meal for a family in need allows them to continue their efforts, wrapping their hands tightly around the loose boxes of assorted canned foods. A large community of students engage in volunteering. HOPE Club, KEY Club and Interact Club are three major contenders of clubs that involve volunteering. Each year, each club arrives to multiple events to aid our area and help in major festivals, charity runs and gatherings as well as many others. Albert Xia, junior, holds his volunteering activities close to his heart. Xia holds the position of Secretary in HOPE Club, an organization dedicated to helping other people every day, as that also represents the acronym for their club. “A friend in HOPE Club first introduced me to volunteering. At first I was a bit indecisive but after my first event I knew it was something I wanted to do. I think volunteering and helping others gives the school a better reputation and makes the school look exceptional. It shows that our school is selfless and has potential leadership in society,” Xia said. Xia views volunteering as an open door for potential opportunities. His involvement in the activity provides him scholarly benefits as well as a sense of virtue.
Volume 44, Issue 3
VOLUNTEERING BETTERS COMMUNITIES
To Xia, volunteering offers little to no disadvantage to the participant. “I would recommend volunteering to other students because of how much it helps you as a person. Volunteering and getting active in clubs helps you meet new people and grow to learn and appreciate the things you have at the moment. It offers a plethora of benefits. If you have a leadership position in one of the volunteering clubs, colleges offer you scholarships. Also, volunteering gives a myriad of community service hours which are required for college. You will learn so many things about yourself you never knew,” Xia said. Xia recalls the events that were most impactful to him, listing the Bubble Rum, Food Bank and Color Run as his top favorites. Bubble Run is a run that filled the streets with whimsical foam bubbles reaching and frothing past the tops of runners and volunteers’ heads alike. Color Run is a similar run that involved colorful packets of powder streaming the running track, painting a canvas of amusement. The Food Bank was an event that allowed volunteers to transport and locate boxes of donated food, working together as one to benefit their community. “My favorite events to participate in were the Color Run and the Food Bank. Throwing color at people is exciting, while the Food Bank is enjoyable because you know every box you make is contributing to the people that struggle and that’s one of the best feelings in the world. You are missing out if you have not felt the joy of knowing you made a person’s day better somewhere. Many of the volunteering events are amazing but if I had to decide on one that most memorable I would choose the Bubble Run. The clear weather and amount of bubbles made it amazing, and at the end of
the day I realized bubbles are very, very, evil,” Xia said. Ky Trinh, junior and member of HOPE Club, recollects her volunteering experience as well as she participated in the 2015 Korean Festival. The Korean Festival was a celebration of authentic Korean culture, involving food, song, dance and traditional practices. The festival, chock full of people bustling with exhilaration, was an unforgettable moment for volunteers and audiences alike. “My experience volunteering at the Korean Festival was amazing. I arrived with my friends during the early hours to help set up, it was just basic work at first, just moving boxes and tables and setting up tents. As we got into the day, more people started showing up one after another and we began to get busier. There was this one man who entrusted me with his huge flat screen TV, not knowing where his tent was or the area. I remember that we ended up walking everywhere with this giant TV for 20 minutes! It was difficult handling the equipment and heavy items but it was truly a bonding experience because you get to do it with the help of other people and you friends. It really brings everyone closer together and it really helps you take in that so much effort and work is put into these festivals. You don’t often think about that,” Trinh said. Trinh’s experience at the Korean festival was enriched by performances, food and fellow club members. She demonstrates that with volunteering, it is not just beneficial to those you are aiding, but the volunteer themselves gains an unforgettable experience. While volunteering, there are certain aspects that are uncovered which make the volunteer treasure miniscule details. “The most engaging thing after my shift at the fes-
Volume 44, Issue 3 tival was the food, especially the home made kimchi. I got the chance to try out many foods I didn’t try before and at the same time upgrading my tolerance to spicy foods. The small little cute gift shops and merchandise shops made me so thrilled, they were adorable! I’m not even going to go into how many dogs there were at the park because I’d end up talking forever. But all in all, my experience was a one in a lifetime chance. I wish I could do it all over again next year, it was a phenomenal event. I’ll never forget the smiling faces of my friends as the sun glided down the sky or how lovely it felt to help people and lift some weight off their backs. I was a fragment of a puzzle that was a part of a huge beautiful picture,” Trinh said. Elvira Turcios, junior and member of Interact Club, sees volunteering as an opportunity for her to refine social relationships as well as reveling in the atmosphere. “My good friend Abigal introduced me into volunteering, she’s the president and convinced me it would be amusing! The overall atmosphere at events is in high spirits, everyone talks to each other and we’re always laughing and having a good time. So far, my favorite event has been the district hang out. We meet other Interact clubs from all around the district and we were even awarded an award,” Turcios said. Christy Cao, junior and member of Key Club, allows
The Peregrine volunteering to kindle her skills and release pent up stress. Cao sees the whole experience as a positive and relaxing escape from the normal rigid routine of her schedule. “Volunteering is positive for your mind, it makes you feel better after you’ve helped someone and it takes you mind off stress. It can help you learn and strengthen skills that could help you later on in life. I just feel content knowing that my actions are helping others out there somewhere,” Cao said. Cao’s experience at an elderly home left a mark on her, fondly remembering the gratitude of the seniors. Though just providing small favors seemed trivial, their reactions were far more heartwarming. “When I was volunteering at a nursing home, the elderly living there were very thankful for everyone that came to celebrate the holidays with them. All the Key Club members did was provide them with food and gifts yet they were so appreciative. This was a fond memory to me because I was grateful that I was able to visit the elderly and bring them a bit of happiness in their nursing home,” Cao said. Jennifer Rodriguez, freshman and member of Key Club is a frequent participant in club events. Rodriguez uncovered uncanny friendships through charming encounters and deeds, allowing her to open the doors to new relationships and sentimental memories.
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She experienced a heartwarming moment at Reach Unlimited, a Key Club event that is dedicated to providing support for people with disabilities. “Once I was volunteering at Reach Unlimited which is a place where people with developmental disabilities have a safe and secure environment, and I made a new friend, Abby. We played bingo the whole time and she won the last game and also a prize. She hugged me and told me I was pretty but she was the one who had true beauty. She was very sweet and I was so glad to of met her,” Rodriguez said. Volunteering allows Rodriguez to feel as if she is a part in a whole picture, each part working together to create something beneficial and beautiful to the community. Volunteering is a decision that not only helps and make others feel uplifted but draws the volunteer to a joyous state. “I love Key club because we don’t make key but we make people smile. I’ve learned many new skills that will help me in the future such as responsibility, commitment and confidence. It really helped me break out of my shell and become more confident. My experiences in volunteering are all memorable and the best of times. It makes me feel really good as a person, like I’m part of something big,” Rodriguez said.
BASKING IN BLISS. Crouching on a pier at Discovery Green, Andy Wu, junior, relaxes with Victor Xia, freshman, Hao Pham, junior, and Veronica Cespedes, junior. After a toiling day of volunteer work, the quartet rest near the waters edge. Carrying Caela Interas, junior, Quynh Nguyen, junior, shares a moment of intimacy on the field at HOPE and Key Club’s Thanksgiving Social. Loading and moving ice boxes, Andrew Vilaysane, junior, aids at the Korean Festival. Blowing a balloon enthusiastically, Thomas Nguyen, sophomore, helps set up the social party. Photo by Lin Vu
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The Peregrine
Balancing Act
Volume 44, Issue 13
Job commitment vies with academic priority Cade Schaudel Staff Reporter In today’s world, two traits determine how much someone will achieve and how much power they can carry: knowledge and money. The clash of the mind versus the body’s desires creates the burning question of which one deserves more priority over the other. With the pressure of completing homework and going to work all on the same night, it creates stress on a student. Procrastination offers a temporary ‘off the hook’ for many high school students, and often causes problems with projects as more and more work starts to pile up, causing more effort in order to catch up. Seemingly immune to the temptations of the word, Bryant Myers, senior, not only works at Kroger, but also deals with daily homework and other assignments from AP classes. “It’s hard to keep a good schedule with work taking 22-25 hours a week, so I just do all my school work as soon as I can so I don’t have to worry about missing assignments or having to finish later. While work does sometimes get in the way of doing other stuff, I have learned some important lessons on money and time management that will really help me as a mechanical engineer in the future,” Myers said. However, some cases cannot afford a single second of slacking off due to the massive workload and responsibility they must carry. The same applies to Jessica Rodriguez, junior, who must overcome the hardship of school against work more than many could believe. “I realized last year as a sophomore that I wasn’t doing all that I could or needed to do in school, but it was too late and now I’m trying to get it all back together. I work 25-30 hours a week at Studio Movie Grill and have to plan my hours around doing extra credit for
classes or going to HCC every day after school to make up for lost credits. It takes a lot to keep it all scheduled, but I need the money for a car and my classes and hope I can still make my dream of becoming an ultrasound technician,” Rodriguez said. The more time and effort needed to accomplish an assignment or project typically applies more stress and pressure to the person receiving them. As the president of Key Club, a tennis player, working around 18 hours a week, and enrolled in either AP or DC classes, Ketty Lam, senior, has her fair share of responsibility. “When I originally started working, it was mainly to start learning to grow up and take care of myself and be more responsible. I usually only work weekends because I get a lot of homework from my classes and have all these events with Key Club, but my time is mostly taken up with scholarships and college applications. It can be scary to just blindly do all the things required, so I make an agenda of sorts that I constantly check and update to make sure I get everything done. I’ll even multi task by doing either the assignments due soonest, or those that would take more time while taking care of other business online. I really appreciate the help Mr. Hernandez and Mrs. Mendoza gave me for finding scholarships and getting applications for colleges filled,” Lam said. Whether working or unemployed, students have a person they can go to with their worries about the future and what it may hold. Eric Hernandez, the college and career adviser, helps from giving helpful information to actively pursuing a student’s progress and to help as much as he can. “We aren’t here to force someone onto a certain path, we’re here so that whatever choice a student wants to make after high school leads to success and that they know what they need to know about what they want to do,” Hernandez said.
BAGGING THE MONEY. Working at Kroger’s for three months, Bryant Myers stocks the shelves, collects the carts, and packages the products with his objectives in mind. “I’ve been using the money to pay for insurance, helping the family, prepare for emergencies like repairing my car, or getting gas. I’m also saving up to hopefully get a laptop which would really help in and out of school,” Myers said. Photo by Cade Schaudel
Volume 44, Issue 3
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February ‘16
JVTV
Volume 44, Issue 3
Broadcast program develops beyond mere assignments
ies, news casts, PSA’s. Not just the filming aspect of it, but directing, the writing and editing,” Getting a new assignment, figuring Kourtney Williams, sophout what angle to take, brainstorming, omore, said. The late nights and writing, filming, editing, some more filming, some more editing, and finally putting so much of effort into a project, putting it the constant all together hassle and compose feel like while stress, in the every JVTV end does not project. I’m in this matter. Finally seeing every“I signed thing put together, makes all up for JVTV organization I’m not of the hard work worth it. mainly be“The feeling of being done cause I have only improving it, feels like a huge bolder being always been lifted off of your shoulders. interested but also improving Spending several weeks in the film filming for everything that’s industry. It myself. Asbel, needed, even if it’s only a opens your minute. Planning and figeyes and inMartinez, uring out what goes where, forms you adding in effects is always a and makes junior, said. you realize very lengthy process. There’s a lot of pressure going into everything making just how you want it. that happens off and on camera, but also what hap- Finally seeing the final product, makes pens behind the scenes of making mov- everything pay off immensely,” WilPamela Jimenez Staff Reporter
“I
liams said. Having to talk to, interview, and work with different types of people has made several feel fearless. Confidence has sprouted within the students due to this. “JVTV has helped me work better and make decisions. It has also given me a lot of courage and made me more social, and to speak up more. Speaking up help my ideas get out there, also has made me overall a stronger individual.” Logan Nemeth, junior, said. Friendships have developed quickly, spending most days with the ones assigned to the project slowly makes everyone closer and forms a family-like bond.
“JVTV is honestly a big family, a really big family, helping others and giving advice. Taking consideration of every person’s idea and their perspective on the project,” Asbel Martinez, junior, said. Signing up for a class usually means being in there a period. Signing up for JVTV, however, means much more than that. “My favorite thing about this program is that students can help it develop. I don’t know many other classes or clubs that the students can have a say in everything that goes on. JVTV has upgraded and will continue to improve as time goes on,” Martinez said.
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HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE! Visit your College Connections Advisor Tuesdays at your high school or sign up for LSC-CyFair campus tours Tuesdays through Fridays! For information, call 281.290.3430. LoneStar.edu Three convenient locations! LSC-CyFair
9191 Barker Cypress at West Road
LSC-Fairbanks Center
14955 Northwest Freeway near Beltway 8
LSC-Cypress Center 19710 Clay Road at Fry Road
Open Doors
Volume 44, Issue 3
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In depth February ‘16
Volume 44, Issue 3
Trends o
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Students speak up about popular culture, affects on society Emmilyne Thomas Editor With such impressionable people filling the current generation, trends have a major impact on society. Whether a new makeup technique takes makeup gurus by storm, or a political event that starts a movement, trends have a way to shape how teenagers see the world. Trends can take any form at any time, and can start from anything. With vegetarianism and veganism acting as an up and coming lifestyle fad, many people face the challenges of finding suitable food to meet their dietary needs. “A trend I wish to start in 2016 would be to increase vegetarianism/veganism in order to make it a more common lifestyle so more restaurants will be able to accommodate the special dietary needs of a vegetarian or a vegan,” Sydney Morlock, junior, said. In addition to dietary trends, fashion always has a big presence in the life of teenagers. Dani Williams, senior, plans to keep an eye out for upcoming styles in the fashion world. “I look forward to more fashion
Monograms – embroidered/printed lettering using first initial, last initial, middle initial, respectively, to decorate a range of objects including clothes, purses, and cars
trends in 2016 I always love seeing what people are going to come up with when it comes to summer fashion transitioning into fall fashion,” Williams said. Trends also have the power to bring people together. Ivan Rodriguez, senior, expands on his idea of the possibilities of trendbonding. “I think when trends bring people together it’s just something to laugh about for participating together. If you want to make a video of you doing the Harlem shake, you do it with friends you think are funny,” Rodriguez said. Throughout social media, new dances have taken the teen age group by storm. Every few months, it seems, a new dance emerges and Twitter and Vine fill with various versions of this new fad. “One positive trend that came out of 2015 is the whip because it gives people something to do when people can’t dance,” Nick Gorrie, sophomore, said. With nearly two months of the year gone, the question of what trends the new year brings and how today’s teenagers will take them.
Riding boots – leather knee high boots, usually brown or black, typically worn with leggings, jeans, or high knee socks and skirts or dresses Tattoo chokers - close fitting necklace made out of stretchy (usually black) cord, weaved to mimic the look of a hand drawn tattoo around one’s neck Jogger pants – usually sweat pant material, pants offering increased mobility due to the bagginess in waist to knee area yet still fashionable due to the fitted area from knee to ankle Man buns – hair bun worn by a man Undercut – shaved sides of head while leaving a mass of hair on the top of head long
Mixtapes – a compilation of songs created by underground an artist(s) Lit – a statement used to express excitement to describe an event Salty – a state of mind where one is being extremely petty for a miniscule reason Fam – term of endearment used only in a close relationship Bruh – a term used to express exasperation with a person or situation
January 2015
Shia LeBouf makes appearance in “Sia’s Elastic” Heart music video alongside dancer Maddie Ziegler.
February 2015
Beloved actor Lenoard Nimoy, best known for his longtime work in the Star Trek series, passes away at the age of 83.
March 2015
The hearts of millions of fans are shattered as Zayn Malike leaves British boy band, One Direction.
April 2015
Bruce Jenner reveals himself as trans in a series of interviews, later to introduce herself as Caitlyn Jenner .
May 2015
Royal baby Princess Charlotte is born to Kate Middleton and Prince William, becoming fourth in line to inherit the British throne.
June 2015
Jurassic World is released to theatres, topping the charts as #1 and making a total of $208 million during the opening weekend.
Volume 44, Issue 3
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In Depth
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Teens share opinions, personal experiences on everyday styles
Glitter roots – parting and styling a girls hair to expose the roots and covering the roots in glitter Emoji clothes – sweat-like apparel with vibrantly colored emojicons adorning the material
Juli Perez Managing Editor
Headbands – women’s headbands worn by men to keep excessively long hair out of the way during athletic or everyday activities
With 2015 gone and wrapped up, there comes the time to assess what trends and crazes stay in the last year, and is deemed acceptable to bring into the new year. As a school that has been incredibly blessed to not have an extraordinarily strict dress code or uniform system, students have taken it upon themselves to actively bring trends and unique creativity into the monotonous white walls seen every day. As with every mass spread cultural phenomenon there will positive and negative comments to go along with them. The likelihood of every person agreeing with a single craze that was passed around would stands as slim to zero. “If I had the chance to wish away any trends that appeared over the year, I would get rid of the porcupine hair and the socks with sandals in a heartbeat,” Almalía BerRíos, senior said. With magazines, the internet,
Bubble nails – layering of acrylic nails to achieve a bulbous look Bucket hats – hat with a wide and downward sloping brim made out of a heavy cotton material Clown contouring/strobing – the process of contouring using shapes of color to make the before seem artistic What are those? - a statement used to ridicule one for their poor taste in footwear Fire – a statement used to express the superb quality of ones music Shade – typically accompanied with the word throw or throwing, to talk trash slyly about a friend, acquaintance, or stranger to publicly denounce or disrespect
and all other different forms of viewing and communication, it can be much easier for styles to spread at a much faster and more consistent rate. Sometimes it may prove difficult to escape the urging of peers. “I don’t really care for the mainstream culture. I prefer to be unique and stand as my own person. Following what everyone else does doesn’t interest me as much,” Acxel Zambrano, junior, said. Aside from those who stay away from the calling of what the rest of the population is doing, some students pick and choose, “I’ve never felt pressured, per se, but seeing different kids dressing differently and trying new trends so often made me want to try them as well. Not all of them worked out, but there are other things that I kept doing, like cat eyeliner and wearing jogger pants,” BerRíos said. As the year progresses, students will continue to incorporate the upcoming fads into their everyday lives.
Yas – term used to display a great deal of positive emotion towards a person, object, or event Got ‘em – primarily used as an interjection or after a brilliant comeback
July 2015
Clueless, the movie that signified the ending of Generation X and gave a preview to what the Millenials may bring, turns 20.
August 2015 Broadway and Billboard 100 hit Hamilton debuts and takes the world by storm, quickly attracting fans of every demographic.
September 2015
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration discovers and announces the liquid flow of water on Mars.
October 2015
The internet breaks into a frenzy, celebrating ‘Back to the Future’ day, on October 21, 2015, the day Marty travels back to in order to save his children.
November 2015
December 2015
Adele tells the word Star wars trumps the “Hello” after being on global opening weekend a career hiatus since record with a charted her last album, 21, $247 million, topping which was released in Jurassic World’s 2011. previous Record.
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PLAYING THROUGH CONTACT. Trying to score with the additional pressure of a defender, Maggie Montgomery, sophomore, still manages to get the shot off.
The Peregrine
Volume 44, Issue 3
Junior Olympians
Competiton inspires growth in both body, mind
Angelo Gonzales Staff Reporter A bullet rings in the air and suddenly an explosion of force propels a line of athletes into motion for the glory of their state and country. Miles away, the same inspirational force moves swimmers into a glide along the pool to capture the ball and gain an edge over their opponents. The Junior Olympics showcase the most talented, skilled, and strongest-willed young athletes around the world and in the country. The athletes who qualify for these
to Florida with the USA Track and Field Organization so he may take on the Junior Olympics last summer. Displaying his skills in the javelin toss and triple jump in his run, he met many diverse athletes who amazed him in their talent, physique, and personality. “A lot of them have so much heart and passion for the sport, it’s what makes them train so hard, and makes the training with their teammates so much more fun because everyone seems to get along,” Howard said. Similarly, Jamiah Satra, sophomore, learned very quickly to refrain from underestimating her new opponents in the heating rooms when reaching the regional level of competition. “Regionals is where you start seeing new faces and new teams, and immediately you’re trying to evaluate those new teams, wondering what they’re gonna do and when. It gets very judgemental, we’re all guilty of it, you see someone who looks fast and then they end up being really slow on the track, but someone else you underestimated ends up being at the top above you,”
TRACING THE SHOT. Confidently releasing the ball over her defender , Katy Gill, freshman, hopes to score and gain an advantage for her team.
events dedicate themselves to their craft and will do what they need to in order to succeed. For the Junior Olympians of the high school they never could have known the people they would meet, the experiences they would have, the lessons they would learn, and the competition they faced. Andrew Howard, sophomore, embraced this opportunity to travel
Satra said. The USATF and AAU track and field competitions serve the purpose of providing athletes with the two of the largest annual Junior Olympic level competitions in the summer. These events allow athletes to compete with the best athletes around the nation, and prepare the athletes for the Youth Olympic Games, held every year in correspondence with
the major Olympic Games. The coaches in these programs range from high-level year-round coaches to former Olympians that have retired. Satra has run with USATF for the past four years and finds herself in the routine of training and qualifying for the heptathlon, a large scale event that entails the 100-meter hurdles, shot put, high jump, 200-meter dash, javelin, long jump, and the 800-meter run. With this massive event comes different Olympic veterans coaching each event with separate programs and expectations. “They immediately become role models, like, I want to be her, and it makes you want to get after your dream. Then you start to work and train so much harder to get where you want to be,” Satra said. Howard also analyzed the effect of working out in preparation for the events he participated in, but the enigma he discovered could only improve his wisdom in training. “The coach’s program and my own are based upon the same thing, but I won’t get better with how much I do it, it’s more of how much effort and time I put into it,” Howard said. Meanwhile, Creshaun Cresser, sophomore, has run the 400-meter dash, relay, and the 800-meter dash for the AAU track and field organization for the past six years. She found herself among some of the best friends she could have ever met and cherishes their relationships to this day off the track, but intense training together formed those closelyknit bonds. “With track, we’re there every day, so we run against each other and see each other so often. We just push each other while we’re running, no one is allowed to fall back, and no one is allowed to slack because that’s a part of our relay. We just help each other by pushing each other,talking in between the breaks, and being in the gym together so often,” Cresser said. Brief drowning, kicking, and punching sound similar to interrogation techniques, but instead form a list of the ways competitors on Junior Olympic water polo teams fight for an edge to win a match. Elizabeth Hunt, senior, found herself both victim and witness to these methods, but would not let the fearless tactics
of other competitors overwhelm her. ”It was an eye opener for to participate, I had seen water polo being played at a high school level, so seeing it being played at a higher level was intimidating,” Hunt said. Experiencing the intensity of a match with high-stakes allowed Hunt and her teammates raise a new bar of standards for themselves and match the level of competitiveness they faced. With teams often times asserting their dominance in the physicality of the match, teammate Jordan Hoye, senior, recalls having to out-swim many of the teams they faced.
LONG-TIME TEAMMATES. Jordan Hoye, far right, senior, and Elizabeth Hunt, middle, senior, have shared the opportunity to be teammates in the Junior Olympics through high school.
“They were just built bigger than us, but the bigger you are, the harder it is to swim fast. We had to use being agile to our advantage,” Hoye said. The USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics holds the largest water polo competition across the nation in varying cities in California every year around late July; select members of the Jersey Village team get to travel to California along with other top players from our district to represent the West Houston area. Each age group is divided by two years and the team’s gender. (For example, a 10 and under boys’ team, or a 16 and under girls’ team.)
Continued on next page
Volume 44, Issue 3
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Feature
The Peregrine
February ‘16
Junior Olympians - Continued from previous page This event allows numerous players from different teams across the nation to be scouted by colleges, develop their performance abilities, and let them understand the competitive atmosphere outside of their own state. Even though the event is annual, the honor and pride that comes along with competing at such a prestigious level still captures the rapture of athletes at differing ages and skill levels. Katy Gill, freshman, commented on the fact that even some teams in lower competitive levels go to this event to gain experience and improve based on the skill of other teams. “If you’re going for the experience, you’re going to improve your skills and learn to have fun with the game while not having to worry about wins and losses. Obviously you’re going to want to win, but if you’re going for the experience, your focus is on ‘Did I learn anything and did I get better at the sport?’ That’s what I feel like it’s
more about than winning or losing in those games,” Gill said. Hoye took the opportunity of competing multiple times in her high school career and applied it to the local scene, and found herself in a new position entirely. “I think the Junior Olympics works as a great way to learn because I was able to take what I learned and apply it to here in Texas with my teammates, and now we’re one of the bigger competitors in the state. I think that’s really exciting that now we have a one-up over our competitors,” Hoye said. The athletes participating in any of these Junior Olympic competitions experience unforgettable moments that impact their lives in athletics and off the field in all the different levels of competition. Howard recalls the great equalizer that broke the boundaries of stereotypes and labels among the athletes at the national competition. “There are people all
over the world with different backgrounds and situations, but they can all come together and make an amazing competition. The competition is always marginal in victory, and what race or ethnicity you are doesn’t matter because we all share the same passion for the sport,” Howard said. Taking a moment to reminisce on his past experiences, Michael Lewandowski, junior, mentions the reason why he loves playing water polo at these prestigious events, and how he has grown in more ways than just an athlete. “It’s definitely helpful to have a sport where it’s not always fair, because it’s very similar to real life. Sometimes you’re going to get punished for things you didn’t do, and sometimes you’re get away with stuff you shouldn’t have done. I think that’s helpful for growing up and seeing what real life is about,” Lewandowski said. Lewandowski also found
a way to explain how such deep bonds form between the athletes in their short time together. “It comes from being a teammate and knowing that they have my back in a game. It’s not necessarily like a war, but when I get into the pool, I want to beat the other team, and they’re going to help me do that. We just need to work together to win,” Lewandowski said. With the insight of past experiences, most of the athletes agree that going to such prestigious levels of competitions like the Junior Olympics allow them to plant seeds that will tremendously extend their growth in strength and knowledge of the sport they love. However, the consensus stands across the board that the athletes learn much more about themselves and their love for the sport than anything, and their bonds with other teammates they share cannot and will not be forgotten any time soon.
STRESS AND RELEASE. “I feel every single muscle in my body being pushed to the limit when I’m hurling the javelin, but with all of my force going out, I feel really relaxed afterwards.” Andrew Howard, sophomore, said.
Water Polo Junior Olympians Seniors Joshua Bolado Jordan Hoye Reece Dubaniewictz Elizabeth Hunt Joshua Listi Chris Onorato Maeson Rodriguez Tori Woodruff Juniors John Anton Collin Dubros Noah Kopesky Jeffery Newman
Dalia Torres Michael Lewandowski Sophomores Bailey Davis Darien Holley Isabella Houston Alexander Hunt Aaron Jacobs Maggie Montgomery Matthew Onorato Brooke Sontag Brady Stonebreaker Freshmen Katy Gill James White
MOVING THE BALL. Foucsing on the teammate ahead, Michael Lewandowski, junior, passes the ball up the pool with the flick of the wrist.
12
The Peregrine
Advertising February ‘16
Volume 44, Issue 3
Join the Journalists Peter Parker
and Clark Kent were both journalists. Coincidence? We think not.
Be a HERO! Sign up for these courses for next year -
Advanced Journalism - Newspaper Advanced Journalism - Yearbook or Photojournalism
See your counselor or come by the Journalism room, 1720
Volume 44, Issue 3
8
Things about FFA you might not know
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Feature
The Peregrine
February ‘16
13
CFISD Livestock show gives all opportunity to compete Eric Williams Staff Reporter
“There is more than just farming to FFA. We raise livestock, go to many different competitions, and many other things.”- Zach Broussard, senior
SHOWTIME FOR FFA. At the Livestock Show Dylan Broussard and Chelsea Dominquex, senior, prepare their animals for judging. Photos by Ashlynn Smith, Emmilyne Thomas
FFA helps students discover who they are and rise to the challenge, no matter what the challenge is.
SPREADING HER WINGS. With her turkey Jordan Hoye, 12th grade, walks before the panel of judges. Photo by Damaris De Leon
Students keep the animals healthy with daily consistent maintenance, exercise and medical treatment if needed.
JV’s FFA Livestock Show Results Kelli Roque (1st in her class)
Rabbits
Kelli Rouqe Horticulture (7th in her class)
Not until 1969 did females gain full FFA membership privileges by vote of the national convention delegates, despite many state associations permitting female members long before.
Madison Hendrix
Horticulture
Zachary Goin
Broilers
Jordan Hoye
Broilers
Chelsea Dominquez
Broilers
Haley Dominquez
Broilers
Chelsea Dominquez
Prem Goat
Britian Beets
Prem goats
Haley Dominquez
Prem Lamb
Hannah Egliht
Prem Lamb
Rachel Rogers
Prem Rabbit
Josh Bolado
Prem Steer
Zachary Broussard
Prem Swine
Dylan Broussard
Prem Swine
Nathan Silva
Prem Swine
Zachary Goin
Prem Turkey
Jordan Hoye
Prem Turkey
Bryce Bolado
Prem Turkey
(1st in her class & Reserve Champinon overall) (10th)
(3rd overall)
Livestock are purchased for and by the students at the beginning of the year, in additon to being selected by the student.
(6th overall)
(12th overall)
(3rd in class) (16th overall) (38th overall) (8th in class)
FFA was founded in 1928 by a group of farmers who wanted offered farm boys greater opportunities for selfexpression and for the development of leadership.
(9th in classs) (34th overall) (4th in class) (24th overall) (13th overall)
(6th in class) (28th overall)
Students participate in leadership development events, career development events, speaker development events, and community service.
(8th in class)
(10th in class) (8th in class)
“Joining FFA has been a life changing experience. I have grown as a person and met a lot of new people along the way. ”- Zach Broussard, senior
FOUR LEGS WALKING. Walking her goat Britain Beets, 12th grade, escorts her show goat in the area. Photo by Emmilyne Thomas
(5th) (9th)
(17th)
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Commentary February ‘16
The Peregrine
Volume 44, Issue 3
Time travel or dimension jumping, taking one forward, backward, creates dilemmas
Time travel, a staple of science-fiction films, a theoretical wonder, and the solution to every time someone sits too long in the friend-zone. I have come to believe that this concept solidifies the most human aspect of our lives: regret and the wish to improve Angelo Gonzalez, our past mistakes. Staff Reporter This concept still endlessly intrigues people, forcing them to analyze every action they have taken in life, and more importantly, what they would do to change the outcome. In theory, time travel allows someone to go back in time to the exact same world they live in, the exact same circumstance, and the exact same order of events, only with an altered mind from the future. Now, whether this travel involves a high speed car that ejects flames from the exhaust pipes or a large cylindershaped pod cannot be determined yet, but, everyone knows exactly what they would change in their lives, when they would do it, and why. However, time travel has found itself compromised in its limitless curiosity and wonder by the idea of a multiverse: a wide range of worlds and existences parallel to our own, only where someone could find a world in which nothing has gone wrong in their life, and this does not require travel through any form of time. Many think that exploring the multiverses serves a better function than time travel, but I disagree for a key reason: time travel revolves around this idea of righting the wrongs of one’s life, and taking responsibility for oneself. When someone travels into another dimension or universe, that person simply abandons their life and mistakes, maybe even forgetting why they left in the first place, because they never thought of their own fault. They never face their fears, their mistakes, or even the possible consequences of trying to interfere with time and space, so the individual cannot learn from the experience. Personally, I entertain the idea of time travel more than dimension travel for the morality and lessons that come with it. To me, dimension travel allows cowards to run away from their mistakes instead of correcting them and accepting some responsibility in their downfall. A time traveler represents someone who wants to help both themselves and the people around them by choosing the right decisions the second time around, and will accept responsibility for the actions no one will ever know they had previously taken.
Illustration by Lin Vu
Relationships should remain personal, not public Whatever a person’s views on dating in high school are, the common whispers that can be heard through the halls are either “they’ll never last” or “they’re going Juli Perez, to be together forManaging Editor ever”. In high school supposedly, nothing is permanent. A student can pull their grade up by the next progress report and everyone will forget the bad haircut in a week or two. No instance will stay the same and universal constants seem almost completely nonexistent in the personal lives of students.
With that said, the longevity of high school relationships should remain the personal business of those who are involved in the relationship, rather than public speculation. Sure, the couple one sees holding hands in the hallway every day at the same exact time in the same exact place on their way to class could absolutely make it to marriage, children, and yelling at children from their rockers on the porch at the tender age of 80 years old, just as equally as the chance that they might not even want to look at each other the very next day after a very nasty text message exchange. Nonetheless, whether the relationship lasts until the retirement home or until fifth period, the rest of the student body’s noses should be placed elsewhere.
Better understanding of gun safety and care needed With gun control and anti-gun laws beginning to emerge, many Americans believe that guns should have no place in modern day America. I disagree. Emmilyne Thomas, Guns do Editor in Chief not kill people. People use guns to kill other people, just the same way people use bombs and knives to kill people. If people attempt to outlaw guns, they should outlaw cars, chemicals, diseases, drugs, alcohol, and natural disasters while they are at it because those kill people, too.
Guns, used properly, can protect and save countless lives. I understand that some people use guns to intentionally hurt others, and I understand the concerns many people have about the true safety of guns. However, if you do not understand a book, should we outlaw that book? With a better understanding of gun safety, many people will feel more comfortable around guns. With proper care and storage, many of the accidental shooting in homes would not happen. Storing guns in locked safes with only adults knowing the codes and/or combinations prevents the possibility of children getting ahold of the gun from ever happening.
The major and immediate difference from time traveling to dimension jumping narrows down to where time traveling lets one go back in time to fix an event, that does not mean that they necessarily can. Dimension jumping basically means Cade Schaudel, “wanting this specific Staff Reporter outcome and all the sudden having it happen instantly”. Basing the powers in an actual world with super heroes and villains, many incidents can go wrong from here to there, like Ekko from League of Legends who has the power to go back in time to certain points and redo events or fights. In his trailer, he used this power multiple times to try and counter his enemies moves and ended up beating him, but failed protecting his target, thus making him restart and find a different way. This example shows that while one can go back to certain points, they may not always have the ability change it. With dimension jumping however, he could have easily just jumped to the dimension where he defeated the enemy, but the target also remained safe. The basis of jumping means to switch with another version of oneself, not altering anything other than the specified event. How important and long ago an event took place determines the amount of pressure it exerts on the user and how smoothly they will make the jump. A test failed a week ago may cost little, however, going to a time where ones semester average has changed would take much more due to its importance to their time line. This also explains why someone cannot simply jump to a dimension where they have mass amounts of money, it all has to come from somewhere and that dimensions version had to have done something in order to receive it. But dimension jumping changes outcomes, not a whole series of events to lead up to something. When one jumps, the bodies do not necessarily switch, more of the conscience transfers over. The jumper keeps his or her mind in the new dimension and must adapt to the changes, but the version that swapped with the original gains a copy of their life story up to that point and lives as a perfect replica. Put into simple terms, dimension jumping lets the user have a better scenario without having the ability to actually create it normally, but could also put them in danger of messing up the new dimension by failing to live the same life as the previous person.
Modern chauffeur replaces traditional taxi-cab ride for getting from here to there and back again, via app Getting transportation from school to my house is a pain, especially when I stay after school for clubs and debate tournaments. When my parents cannot pick me up after the event because of work or other issue, it means Gerardo Garcia, I will have to cancel. Staff Reporter
A recent discovery means I won’t have to, and that discovery was Uber. Uber is a cheaper more reliable form of taxi service and with a tap of a button on their official app, I can now request an Uber to come and pick me up. I do not need to worry if I miss my cab because Uber will send a text on the phone I requested the ride on. I will know when it is outside. Uber drivers are not your typical old angry
cab driver, but instead they are normal people like you and me. Yes, it is very terrifying that a random stranger is driving you, but Uber does its best to keep its clients out of harm’s way by offering background checks of the drivers. It also gives reviews from the people who rode with them in the past, directly from the app and it supplies gives the client with the driver’s phone number so that contact can be made before the pick up.
Instead of the normal cash you give to a cab driver, Uber will let you pay with your credit/ debit card. It will even give you an estimate of how much your ride will cost. Uber is not just a ride from school and back. I also use it for leisure for when I want to go to the mall or to the movies, but I use it mostly for school reasons. Uber is an option for the next time you are stuck at school because of an extra-curricular club or because of practice.
Volume 44, Issue 3
Kai’s travels thru high school
The Peregrine
Editorial February ‘16
Applaud lunch servers
15
Open Conversations How do you think the lunch ladies should be treated?
Ale Garcia Contributing Cartoonist
Gilbert Perez senior
Illustration by Ashlynn Smith
Right on cue, students begin to stampede towards the lunch lines after a chiming bell. Shoulders start to graze against backpacks and perhaps the occasional shoelace gets stomped on. While a large number of students bustle and rush to grab their food, there remains a piece of the lunch line that we tend to forget, lunch servers. Lunch servers are an essential part in having the line efficiently move along. They serve us food with wide smiles, endure angsty teens and the pressure of running the kitchen. A majority of students will not experience the hectic kitchen, and yet this is a struggle many lunch servers go through each week. While the student’s job is to just keep the line moving, lunch ladies all play a part in making the lunch line possible. From serving food, restocking items, running the cashier and working in the back, these lovely lunch servers do it all. The lunch line has become a place where several students either brush off the staff or even in some events, act rudely. Often in these circumstances students forget that their lunch staff are just people as well, people with stories, families and problems just like a majority of the school population. Behind the glass panel and behind all the foam trays lies a person with personality, love and compassion. When seeing someone mistreat a lunch server, it should make any student’s gut wrench. The lunch servers deserve respect from students, and even the smallest admiration can make a huge difference in their day. The lunch staff works exceptionally hard for the students to have a meal during lunch and breakfast as well, any discourteous actions towards the staff is uncalled for and unappreciative. Though there are a few selective rude students, many do pay their reverence towards lunch servers. After all, for the all hard work they go through, it is greatly deserved. Highschool should not only stay a positive environment for students but lunch staff as well. Next time when being served, students can try giving compliments, saying thank you and please or smiling; even if a student is having a bad day, there should be no need for any snarky comments. To the lunch servers, we all appreciate what you do.
“They should be treated better because, they are really nice ladies and they are here helping us during the day dealing with us even if we have bitter and bad moods, and they don’t complain about it.”
Robert Fields freshman “Very respectfully, they make our food and they have to give it out with a smile so I think very respectfully, becauase they try their best to get you and everyone’s food on time.” Compiled by/Photo by Gerardo Garcia 2016 Peregrine Staff Editor - Emmilyne Thomas; Managing Editor - Juli Perez; Staff - Cade Schaudel, Lin Vu, Angelo Gonzales, Eric
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.
Williams, Pamela Jimenez, Gustavo Rangel, Gerardo Garcia, Damaris DeLeon, Ale Garcia, Ashlynn Smith. Contributing Staff Christine Le, Jackie Solano, Lauren Middleton. Adviser - Margie Comstock. JVHS Principal - Ralph Funk.
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Photo Essay February 2016
The Peregrine
Volume 44, Issue 3
DANCING, SINGING, HUMOR. Strutting the stage, Zach Garza, senior, dances along with the beat as his partner, Jacob Quintero, senior, sings. With passion, Urian Washington, senior, demonstrates his musical inclination. “The reaction I got after my performance was what I enjoyed most. It made me feel special,” Washington said. Performing their rendition of a scene from High School Musical, Frank Sheehy and Diego Flores, seniors, amuse the crowd. Christopher Onorato, senior, breaks the norm by giving a powerful speech as his talent. After finding his mother, who coordinated the contest, Sam Childress, senior, presents her with flowers. “It was a great opportunity to hang out with friends,” Childress said. Photos by Damaris De Leon, Jackie Solano
Mr. Falcon Contest
Annual event delights, amuses, entertains Damaris De Leon Staff Reporter
WORKING THE STAGE. After being introduced, Collin Rougeau, senior, strikes a suggestive pose at front and center stage. During the talent portion of the contest, Ben Calkins, senior, imitates the infamous Napoleon Dynamite alongside his partner, who imitates Pedro. Photos by Damaris De Leon
CELEBRATING MR. FALCON. Carried by his friends, peers and fellow contestants, Josh Ferreira, senior, celebrates his win, concluding the Mr. Falcon contest. “It is one of the most amazing experiences I have had throughout my high school career,” Ferreira said. Photo by Christine Le