The
Peregrine
- Issue 2
Jersey Village HigH scHool
Houston, tX
To Ren-Fest or Not
New Shakespeare class forms
December 2012
pg 8 - 9
photo by alexander Cruz
Blast From the Past Sporting fantasy clothes, Cecilia Rodriguez, and Joseph Reyes, sophomores and theatre students, participated in competitions at the Renaissance Festival. Some of which included, group acting, duet acting, monologues and costume contest. They attended the special event at the Renaissance Festival with other members of the drama department’s new Shakespeare class.
Also Inside:
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Managing Agriculture pg 2 Volunteering for Success pg 5
Cosmo
photo by Vi Vo
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When Two Worlds Collide pg 6
Signing
Welding
photo by Vi Vo
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Feature
December 2012
Managing Agriculture
FFA members raise livestock for life lessons TIME FOR FEEDING Taking time out of his day to feed his day old turkeys, Shawn Montalbano, junior, begins to raise his third flock of turkeys for his upcoming shows. He has plans on making sales on these turkeys just as he has for his past two. The turkeys might start off at a small size, but they can grow to be as big as fourty pounds when they are ready for the show.
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he sight of the barn every morning before school. The smell of the pine; refreshing, just like coffee. Pigs squeal, oooiiiinnnnkkk, in hunger as their owners stumble in through the doors. Time for feeding, the pigs have a schedule and know when they should be fed. The squealing intensifies as the pigs see their food. The squeals from the pigs shock Blake Aden and Wallace Ellis, juniors, awake every morning. Every morning. Every morning they repeat the same steps, relive the deafening squeals of the picks in the barn. Every morning. Routine. They do not have the privilege of sleeping in, they have pigs to feed. The life of an FFA student gets repetitive and exhausting. “This is my life, I do not know what I would do without it,” Wallace said. A student in FFA has to dedicate all of their time to raising that animal if they want it to make sales. All of the time they spend raising and caring for the animal could go to school, friends, their own life, but they choose raising animals as a life style. Without shows and FFA some students would be lost. Some students show in one show while others show in multiple. “I only show my pig in one show a year, the CFISD FFA livestock show,” Aden said. Raising a pig takes much longer than raising some other animals like chickens or turkeys. When the students in FFA get their pig, they pick out the newborn one they think will grow the best. The shape, weight, and hygiene are all important factors when a pig gets judged, and these are what Aden looks for when raising his pig. Not everyone in FFA raises just one animal. Shawn Montalbano, junior, raises turkeys and chickens. He has a turkey pen in his backyard
along with a chicken coop. Montalbano plans on showing in the CyFair, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin livestock shows. “I’m in FFA because the people in it are like family to me, and I can earn money for my future,” Montalbano said. Montalbano has been a part of FFA since his freshman year, and has had the privilege of growing closer together with members of the class. His background and family led him into the culture of FFA, and he takes pride in his animals and in FFA. He has already participated in two shows with turkeys; the Youth Expo and the Harris County show. He got fourth place in the Youth Expo which qualified him for sale, and barely made it to sales in the Harris County show. If an animal makes it to sales, it is auctioned off to the highest bidder. The higher the animal placed, the more money people bid on it. Fourth place gets around $1,000 whereas first place gets about $15,000. Turkeys are judged on shape, weight, and hygiene as well. Montalbano works his best to maintain all these for all of his turkeys and chickens because for each show he raises more than just one. Before show he picks the one he thinks will give him the best results at the show, and takes that one. The work each member of FFA puts into their animal is more than most students put into homework. The members of FFA do not see their animals as homework or as money, they see them as part of their family until they go to show. Show becomes a sad day for the members because the raiser of the animal watches their animal be treated like an item. After the show, if the animals make sale, they go to the butcher for the true purpose of raising their animal. Food. The buyer wants the animal for food, while the raiser of the animal hates to see their newly found family member go. by Matt DuBose ONLY A DAY OLD At a day old they might look like any other bird but as they age they take on their own stature. Shawn Montalbano starts off with over thirty turkeys, but only the fittest will survive to the show. Only about five or six turkeys live long enough to be selected for show, and only one bird can go to the show. If they are too weak at a young age they will die on their own, and become useless, but if they make it to show selection all of them get killed to use for food.
F F A for Dummies
ENJOYING THEIR RELATIONSHIP In between feeding and grooming, Blake Aden, junior, plays in the pen with his pig. He sees the pig everyday, but spends more time grooming and cleaning his pig than anything else, so he makes sure the time they spend playing lasts as long as it can.
Chicken Coop: The chickens belong in the chicken coop, and remember a clean coop is a happy coop. Turkey Pen: The turkeys go in the turkey pen, not the chicken coop; hence the name turkey pen. Pig Sty: Just like your room, a pigs room is called a pig sty too; it is very messy, but must be maintained. Pig Feed: Used to feed the pig, but do not over feed because this will lead to a fat, unhealthy pig which is bad. Turkey/Chicken Feed: Used to feed the turkeys and chickens, but do not mix up with pig feed because birds do not eat pig feed. photo by Ashton Smith
SportS
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Senior baseball stars commit to colleges
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Peek, Rojas sign letters of intent to University of Houston, Oklahoma State
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tanding atop of the mound, Kirby Peek, senior, with his baseball mitt in hand, looks around the field and begins to realize his dreams slowly coming to life. He then looks toward Robie Rojas, senior, and they both realize that diligence and work ethic do pay off. Peek describes his journey from his first pitch and to him, now being able to play baseball in college for the University of Houston, as an experience. “It is all a bittersweet experience, to be able to represent my city and community at the next level,” Peek said. Staring up at the baseball flying around 90 to 95 mph, Robie Rojas, senior, catches the ball with his leather woven mitt. “I feel like my work ethic has paid off because I am going to live my dream by playing for a big D-I school,” Rojas said. Peek explains that he started playing baseball as soon as he was able to stand. ““It is honestly a dream come true, to go to my dream school and see that all of my sacrifices has paid off,” Peek said. Peek pulls back his hand and throws it forward as hard as he can. He has done it many times, and now he will continue do it in college. “I joined the baseball team because it will keep my skills sharp for my summer baseball team,” Rojas said. Rojas also talks about his plans this upcoming season. “This season I hope to lead my team to a district title and make a run into the playoffs,” Rojas said. In Rojas’ sophomore year, the team went to the second round in the playoffs. This was his first time starting as a catcher. Staying committed to baseball takes a lot of dedication, especially when there are other obstacles that get in the way. “The journey is only going to get harder,” Rojas said. Peek and Rojas also plan to play professionally. They are both heading on a similar path to become professional athletes. “I hope to be drafted this June in the 2013 draft,” Rojas said. Now that he is signed to a college, he does photo by Megan Flores
Bio Box Kirby Peek
Selected as Honorable Mention pitcher in 17-5A district. Has been on the the varsity team since his sophomore year. Has been playing baseball since he could stand.
not feel stressed and is feeling confident about his last year. “I feel relaxed and now I can relax my senior year,” Rojas said. It takes a lot of sacrifice to be where they are now. Both athletes understand the mentality needed to go to the next level in their journey. “That is my number one goal, and with determination we will see how long it takes for me to achieve that goal,” Peek said. Both Peek and Rojas have started their baseball career early on. “Robie has always had the physical tools, but he has matured as a person and will be counted on heavily this year for a leader by example role,” Robb Jensen, varsity baseball coach said. Coach Jensen expressed his congratulations and pride in the two baseball stars. “We are very proud that both young men will be representing Jersey Village at the college level,” Jensen said Jensen is proud of these two leading athletes. He sees this as opening doors for the rest of the baseball team. “I think they will both be very successful and the successes that these young men will have, will hopefully open doors to future Falcon players,” Jensen said. by Semon Adams
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io ox Robie Rojas Started playing baseball when he was four years old. During the summer and fall, he plays for the Banditos. Hopes to be drafted by June 2013. He is also an exceptional hitter and can throw as well. Will be playing in the Big 10 Conference.
Signing ceremony takes place in gym BaseBall signing CeleBration With his parents Denise and Stan Peek present, Kirby Peek, senior, signs with the University of Houston. Also present at the signing was Head Baseball Coach Robb Jensen.
Family time event Gathering together to watch Robie Rojas, senior, sign his letter of intent with Oklahoma State University are his sister Leeza Rojas, father Rob Rojas, mother Linda Rojas, coach Robb Jensen and sister Lori Alaniz.
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Feature
December12
Stepping Toward, Brighter Future
Alex Mancilla undergoes radical change in right direction When
people first discover that “Going to school with Alex is kind of eighteen year old Alex strange and awkward, but overall I like going Mancilla is classified as a ninth grader, they with him,” Stephanie Mancilla said. might judge him blindly. However, they do Never expecting to go to school with her not know his unique story. The past few years brother who is many years her senior, Stephahe made mistakes like getting suspended, not nie Mancilla adjusted to the bizarre circumconcentrating on schoolwork and just gener- stances. Likewise, she attains a very personal ally not caring about his grades. Therefore, view of the situation, along with memories of he failed again, and again. Being classified as how Mancilla was before he changed. a freshman for the fourth time really opened “When I found out that Alex was doing badhis eyes and made him realize that he needed ly in school I worried about him. He was just to change. He decided to take a monumental bad everywhere in every kind of way, but now step this year by going to all he is nice and always doof his classes, focusing on ing something,” Stepha“I never thought I nie Mancilla said. his schoolwork and overall staying out of trouble. Stephanie Mancilla would make it there. It “The main thing I did no longer has to face wrong over the past years made me want to keep the time consuming in the first place was skiptask of worrying about ping classes and not doing going forward because her older brother now any of my work,” Mancilla hopefully students that that he has turned said. around. She even acWhen the occasion of are doing bad right now quired a role model to Mancilla going to class look up to. did occur, he was distant, can get encouraged to Ms. Angela Wildid not pay any attention do well after the shock of liams, assistant printo his lessons, and did not cipal, received Mancare about what his teach- seeing me up there,” Alex cilla when he was ers had to say. Therefore, he transferred to her from Mancilla said. failed. Mr. Michael Ray, assisMancilla made up his tant principal, due to a mind that where he was headed with the deci- change in House assignments. She automatisions he was making would be detrimental to cally started to prepare herself for what she his future, so he turned over a new leaf. As a expected to be a rough year with a difficult sturesult, he decided that instead of skipping and dent, but the events that occurred afterwards blowing off his work, he would show up and proved her first thoughts to be incorrect. focus in all of his classes. “When I first found out I would be Alex’s “The different choices I made were to attend A.P I was a bit leery because of his background, classes and put my best effort in my work,” I thought great, he will be in my office all the Mancilla said. time, but I was so wrong,” Williams said. Even though changing his basic way of life After Mancilla proved to Williams that her was extremely challenging, Mancilla tried his first impression of him was wrong, she dehardest to turn his school around. Further- cided that such a behavioral change should more, his sister Stephanie Mancilla, freshman, be rewarded. Therefore to everyone’s surprise, witnessed his radical change. she rewarded his new outlook by nominating
Mancilla for student of the week. “I nominated Alex because I believe that kids need to be recognized when they change for the better. We all need and want recognition for doing what is right,” Williams said. When Williams decided that she had been wrong about Mancilla and realized that he really did turn his life around, she gave him the acknowledgement that he deserved. Never expecting to be chosen for such an award, Mancilla was astonished by the fact that he was just changing to be a better person, not to get any attention. “It really hit me by surprise when I found out I had been nominated for student of the week due to the fact that I never thought I would make it there. It made me want to keep going forward because hopefully students that are doing bad right now can get encouraged to do well after the shock of seeing me up there,” Mancilla said. Overall Mancilla transformed from a trouble making student who was throwing his education down the drain, to a respectful young man who is looking forward to a different future. by Kelsey Hodges
VICTORIOUS Walking the halls with confidence and his head held high, Mancilla has a refreshing new outlook on his life at school. With his complicated past behind him, Mancilla can finally see the possible future ahead of him. Mancilla’s family, teachers and friends close to him insist that he has had a change of heart.
STAYING ORGANIZED Alex Mancilla concentrates on his work in English with the dedication that he has acquired. Working through the chatter and constant distractions, Mancilla focuses on the task before him. Bent on his work, he tries not to look up from the papers covering his desk. Although Mancilla has been under a lot of pressure, he chose this moment to complete his work to the best of his ablility. “Alex is taking his academic studies seriously by staying after for tutorials, getting to class on time and not skipping,”Angela Williams, assistant principal said.
photo by Kelsey Hodges
Q & A with Alex
photo by Ashley Escando
Q- How much has your average changed this year compared to last year? A- My average has changed significantly and I hope it keeps on increasing; I’ll work hard for that. Q- What were your relationships like between your teachers last year? How are they this year? A- My relationship with my teachers has always been respectful, even when I wasn’t doing well. Q- Who is your favorite teacher? Why? A-There are a couple I have in mind, but I wouldn’t want to single anyone out.
Feature
December 2012
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olunteering For Success
Participation in club earns scholarship to university of choice
Volunteers prepare for another day. Everyone has prepared. Only a few minutes left until everyone arrives. Anxiousness and happiness engulf the staff, specifically one boy. Finally, children rush through the doors and immediately feel the love pouring in the air. Many activities like sports, art, and tutoring from others wait for the young minds eager to learn something new. Such activities help children become responsible, develop leadership skills and develop long-lasting relationships with others. For many kids and volunteers alike, the club has become a place to call home. Daniel Jefferson, sophomore, serves as an example to many as he volunteers for the Boys and Girls club in Houston. Being not only a volunteer but also a Junior Staff member and also president of the Teen Outreach, Jefferson has become a model for many of his friends. “Some things I do at the Boys and Girls club are help the young kids with their homework, work the snack bar, and play with the children as well as provide them with advice when needed,” Jefferson said. Along with also being involved in the Boys and Girls club, he also
contributes to AFJROTC with close friend Vanessa Morales, sophomore, being the public affairs officer, and constantly interacts with elders that have authority in school. Jefferson has been Youth of the Year for two years in a row, gaining him a scholarship and a more certain future for college. The contest for Youth of the Year, held every year, consists of being interviewed by a panel of prestigious Houston people and giving a speech about what the Boys and Girls club means in a personal level as well as writing nine essays about school, family, goals, etc. Jefferson’s friends also praise him for his many qualities and his intellectual, complex, and unique characteristics that hide behind a reserved and calm façade. “He volunteered not knowing he would be offered a scholarship and with his willingness to help without reward in the beginning only shows his kind side,” Morales said. Jefferson has been a member of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club for four years and only being a sophomore, Jefferson already has plans for his future in mind. “I plan on using the scholarship to attend The University of Texas
at Austin to study Pre-Law with a minor in Business,” Jefferson said. Becoming a volunteer for Jefferson has gained him many close friends as well as an experience that cannot be compared. “I am very blessed to participate in this club; I have met many of my close friends in it, as well as being provided with opportunities to do things I wouldn’t normally receive,” Jefferson said. Role models like Jefferson serve as a great example to many students in school and motivate to start doing simple things to become su c c e ss f u l in life. by Iveth Garcia
SERVING WITH HEART Along with his volunteering for his community, Daniel Jefferson, sophomore, helps kids also become successful in life by interacting with them in many forms including helping with homework and playing games with them.
FORMING CLOSER BONDS As Daniel Jefferson, sophomore, occupies his time helping children with school-related work, he interacts with kids from all ages and develops long-lasting friendships, always with a big, warm smile.
photos by Iveth Garcia
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December 2012
When Two Worlds Collide
Gold Dusters collaborate with band to compete in UIL
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photo by Paolo Lacanlale
he announcer finally speaks over the intercom to the loud crowd. “Please welcome the 2012-2013 Jersey Village marching band and Gold Dusters, Virtues vs. Vices show piece.” And then the roar of the drum begins. The sound of the music fills the air. The harmony from the band signals all 48 Gold Dusters to move. Five, Six, Seven, Eight… go. On October 20 the drill team and band collaborated to perform the Virtues vs. Vices show for the 2012 Region UIL competition. Jersey Village competed against several southern Texas schools and advanced to Area with scores of all ones. Being scored on a scale of one through four, one being the ideal score and four being a poor score, Virtues vs. Vices continued on in the competition. “I feel like working with the Gold Dusters really helped our chances of doing well at competitions because they added an extra visual effect that we were lacking,” Amelia Falcon, senior, said. On October 27 the Gold Dusters and band advanced to Area with their show. Competing against 22 other bands, Virtues vs. Vices had the arithmetic balance of the music with the visual effect that the Gold Dusters add to show. “It has been great having the Gold Dusters. They make our show so much more interesting and exciting,” Mitchell Brackett, senior, said. As the day progressed the group advanced to area finals, competing against nine other shows including two other Cypress Fairbanks ISD high schools, Cy-Fair and Langham Creek. This determined which show would advance to finals. Unfortunately, the journey ended there. Placing seven out of ten in the area finals, only the top three schools were taken to finals. “The competition was an overall success. Everyone put the best product out there possible and honestly, that’s all I could ever ask for,” Falcon said. The audience clapped for the band, as they waited for the sound of their music to fill the air. A sea of purple and white begins to cover the green football field. Seconds pass and all the band members stand with their instruments in place, uniforms tucked in, and awaiting their cue. As the seconds turn into minutes, the announcer finally speaks over the intercom. “Please welcome the 2012-2013 Jersey Village marching band and Gold Dusters, Virtues vs. Vices show piece.” The crowd’s applause overwhelms the last few words spoken over the intercom. Instruments rise to players lips. Drumsticks rise into position. While the drum majors take their throne, their arms rise and the sound of a beat is heard. Loud and clear. Five, Six, Seven, Eight… go. By Alexander Cruz
GOOD VS. EVIL During a football halftime performance Kristyn Alvarez, sophomore, performs the competition piece with her fellow Gold Dusters.
photo by Paolo Lacanlale
STEPPING INTO PLACE Coordinating the band’s music with the Gold Duster performance, Connor Knight, senior, marches into position on the football field
december 2012
Advertising
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InDepth
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Name that Quote! Guess the play from which these lines come.
1. “To be or not to be: that is the question” 2. “So wise so young, they say, do never live long” 3. “Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow” 4. “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble” 5. “The course of true love never did run smooth”
December 2012
Speaking Shakespeare’s
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New class allows study of classic works, competition at Renaissance Festival Tucked away in the
theater 24 students act out death scenes with Nerf guns and play swords to memorize Shakespearean death scenes. Stepping onto stage Alex Kalke, senior, stands alone as he performs Sonnet 116. Not a complete theater class, not an English class, students can learn about both Shakespeare and performing. Beth Crocker, theater teacher, brought back a new option for seventh period; a class focused entirely on Shakespeare and his works. “I hope this class brings a new understanding and appreciation for the works of Shakespeare, as well as all other classical forms of art,” Crocker said. Students each have their own reasons for wanting to take the class. Some hope to better acting skills while others wish to learn more about how Shakespeare intertwines with modern times. “I hope to learn what it takes to become a complete actor. Being a first time actor and trying to learn as much as possible. The only way that can happen is by being challenged to act and talk some of the most famous plays ever,” Keyla Torres, sophomore, said. The class involves performing scenes, speaking Shakespearean English, studying rhythms of
1.Hamlet 2. King Richard III 3. Romeo and Juliet 4. Macbeth 5. A Midsummer Night’s Dream SETTING THE SCENE Singing Jessica Priest, senior, plays the role of a citizen of London. Concerned for his daughter, Emily Atkinson, sophomore’s well being her father Jake Woodson, senior, tries to warn her about Dr. Jekyll. Letting his darker side take over Mr. Hyde, Blake Gates, sophomore, chokes one of the council members, Jazmine Rivera, junior. “It was invigorating! I’ve never had such an incredible and enlightening experience in my life,” Gates said. Almost at the end of the play Lucy Harris, Cecilia Rodriguez, sophomore, sings her final solo. “My favorite scene in the whole play was the ending scene because of all the emotion that goes into it and the way Jekyll dies,” Rodriguez said.
poems and getting feedback on acting skills. “We study Shakespeare’s work on all levels- his plays were meant to be performed, not just read like in an English class,” Stacey Jones, junior, said. But the one of the most exciting events for these students lies in competition. On November 14th they traveled to Plantersville, Texas for the Renaissance Festival to perform scenes from classic works in several categories. Duets, group scenes, monologues and costume contests awaited an eager group of students. “At Ren Fest I performed in a group scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. My favorite scene I’ve performed so far was probably the group scene because that play is one of my absolute favorite Shakespearean plays,” Myranda Cuellar, sophomore, said. The students were able to experience the Renaissance period with authentic food, shopping and shows. “Blake Gates and I performed a hilarious scene from Taming of the Shrew. The best part was probably performing. We also rode many cool rides that ran on no electricity and ate some strange, but great food. It was a great day to spend with my best friends,” Jones said.
Middle
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Others classmates had similar feelings about their trip back into time. “We ventured around observing the amazing things to see. We saw the things that people worked on in their daily lives. The best part was being with my friends and getting to dress up in a barbaric costume,” Kalke said. While competing in the Renaissance Festival proved exciting there still lies another big project for Crocker’s seventh period. “It’s a secret but I’ll say this: Did William Shakespeare really write the works that were attached to his name? We will investigate and reveal our results in performance,” Crocker said. by Evie Sweeten LOOKING AROUND Walking around the Renaissance festival Holly Burris, senior, takes in the interesting shows and people that also went back in time for a day. She went to the festival with the class to compete in the monologue contest. “The best thing about the whole experience was that everyone there was just as immersed in the illusion of a Renaissance era. People who weren’t dressed up looked out of place,” Burris said.
In Depth
December 2012
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They Say “I
competed
performance
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the role of the third witch in the Shakespearean play Macbeth. Then I explored shops and saw the mud show. The shops and actors all seemed so authentic, which created a very authentic atmosphere,”
Maegan
Blue,
senior, said.
Human Duality Victorian
End
photos by Marieke Alsguth
dresses and dapper hats fly across the dressing room as the JV Players scramble to prepare for the opening night of Jekyll and Hyde. Then the house lights come on as Blake Gates, sophomore, takes his place on stage as Dr. Jekyll and the show begins. Set in London in the late 1800’s, Jekyll and Hyde tells the tragic story of how a scientist trying to separate good from evil in people goes terribly wrong. “A doctor’s father acquires a mental illness, and in the process of trying to heal his father, he creates a formula which splits man into two personalities- good and evil. He uses the formula on himself in an attempt to eliminate evil from his soul, and in the process destroys himself,” Gates said.
photo by Alex Cruz
JV players explore human nature through good, evil
Along with Jekyll other key characters are Lucy Harris, a prostitute that steals his darker side’s heart played by Cecilia Rodriguez, sophomore and Emma Carew, Jekyll’s fiancee played by Emily Atkinson, sophomore. Both show the duality of human nature. “I love this play because it’s so dark and after watching it you walk away learning a lesson about hypocrisy that you didn’t even know you learned,” Rodriguez said. The play combined multiple genres for mass appeal. “I love how it has a bit of everything, including romance, horror, comedy, tragedy and science fiction,” Atkinson said. Each actor found something new to like about the play. “This play means a lot to me because Jekyll
was trying to find his purpose in life, much like I. It also appeals to me due to its everyday revealing of hypocrisy in everyday life,” Gates said. When it came time to perform, jitters did not matter. “I was really relaxed and confident because I knew we had worked to get there and put our all into it,” Atkinson said. Final thoughts could be summed up in a few sentences. “Performing in this show was so inspiring. It helped me evolve as an actress and singer but most importantly as a person. I never used to see the useful side of criticism until I was in this show,” Rodriguez said. By Evie Sweeten
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Features
December 2012
JVTV movie productions involve others Palm sweating. Legs shaking. The studio fills overcome their shyness like Meun did. People with nervous actors, waiting for their name to who do these types of productions really can be called for their audition time. They enter, make an impact on others. For students on JVTV, the staff is more open perform, and then leave hurriedly as if ready to barf due to the nervousness with the program, because they have more exassociated with auditioning. JVTV’s perience. Some of the semester project last year inmovie making teams began the task of searching for actors for their se- cluded movies titled The Right Moves, Warning Signs mester movie projects. and Bruised. On September 21, Jamie Meun, se“Usually I get camera shy, but Each director came nior, auditioned I swallowed my throat and from the for a part in a JVTV’s movie. performed my pieces,” Jamie JVTV program and He is currently Meun, senior, said. the actors really involved with school. To came from some students JVTV is just an- the halls of the high school. Shane O’Neal, senior, and president of JVTV other club, but to some others it directed a movie in 2011 called The Right is a passion. “Usually I get camera shy, but Moves. I swallowed my throat and per“What I like about directing is getting to formed my pieces,” Meun said. work with the actors and everyone in my Some people are too shy movie group,” O’Neal said. As the president of JVTV, people expect to audition, but mainly they
photo by Pablo Vazqez
edthere to be a lot of pressure. “It’s is a lot of pressure, but it’s not too difficult to handle,” O’Neal said. So as a senior he can take on much, and not be as stressed or pressured. “I like having the ability to collaborate with other people and be able to express our creativity through the videos we make,” Trevor Hargis, junior, said. Being in this program, students experience a lot and get a lot of experience that everyone can relate to. Cindy Stoker, the teacher of JVTV started the program at the school. According to her students there would be no JVTV program without her. “What I like the most about teaching is the students. Every year I think they can’t get better, and they always do,” Stoker said. To Stoker, the students willingness to step up and do different productions is great. From JVTV Productions, the best movie to Stoker are Dream, directed by Adam Mendry and The Hollow, directed by Kayman Coons. By Elizabeth Ybarra
photo by Vanessa Morales
Directors take charge
The Top Movies Of JVTV Productions Blood Money- 2011 Bruised- 2011 The Right Moves2011 No Mercy- 2011 Lesson in Time-2011 50\50 – 2012 The Hollow- 2012 Underbelly Undone2012 2143 Assault- 2012 Bridging the Gap- 2012
Inside Room 1700
Senior ladies of cosmetology prepare for state exam Weeks, days, and hours pass as senior girls try to finish their time in cosmetology. When people walk into the cosmetology room they see girls doing nails, facials, and cutting hair. Also they see girls in the same room studying for their big test. Each student takes their state test to get certified different days, after getting the 1,000 hours necessary. “I feel a great deal of pressure, but I know all of the work and studying will pay off in the end,” Stephanie Sanchez, senior, said. For some students cosmetology would be just another ordinary class, but it’s much more than what students may say or may think. Student work hard to accomplish their long term goal of getting licensed. Being in cosmetology, students may get their license when they have completed the hours necessary for the class. Cosmetology take stime, but is worth it at the end. Once students get their license they can start planning their future. Cosmetology takes two class periods up including the six minutes break. In order to do the classes students must have their mandatory classesdone. “To be in cosmetology, you have to have open space in your schedule. It would be recommended that your main courses should be taken before you sign up,” Sanchez said. When trying to be in cosmetology, students must be prepared schedule wise. Students must be prepared by having all your course classes completed.
“I stay interested because I like doing girly things and I feel good about myself when I accomplish whatever we learned at the time,” Danielle Davis, senior, said. Cosmetology can be exciting because of the activities they do in the classroom. “Cosmetology does not affect my school work. Although we don’t have much homework we have to learn about chemicals, like the chemistry when dying hair, and all the diseases that we could encounter, we have to memorize them,” Davis said. The program entails more than just nails and hair; it deals with chemicals and diseases so student would need to be very focused in chemistry and how the body works in order to be in the class. “After school I plan to go further with my education in cosmetology,” Davis said. Cosmetology teaches students much more than expected. This class can be really helpful, because if the students do not follow through with their career choice they can successfully have their cosmetology license. So if they are on the verge of giving up they always have a back up plan. “We stay after to do clients. We cut hair, polish nails, and styles hair, do facials, and do fake nails,” Davis said. Senior girls are almost ready for their license stay after school to cut hair, give facials, and pedicures. All of these services are performed in room 1700. by Elizabeth Ybarra photo by Elizabeth Ybarra
December 2012
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Feature
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December 2012
Features
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Sparks Fly Program promotes life skills, discipline, plus sense of camaraderie
W
ith earplugs placed inside his ears, safety glasses protecting his eyes, and thick gauntlet style gloves to protect his hands from the very high temperature emitted from the electrode, Pedro Zagal, senior, makes final adjustments right before he starts his steady weld. Zagal strikes his electrode and performs a steady bead to fuse his metal together. He has to make sure everything is falling in place correctly and that the weld is straight and has no perforations along the fusion. Pedro finally chips off remaining slag off his piece and brushes it clean, leaving the metal ready for the next weld. Welding has become a great hobby and skill for young welders such as Pedro Zagal,senior, and Juan Robles, sophomore. Both Zagal and Robles have learned the skills from members of their families and also from their great teacher Mr. Pearson. It takes time to develop a steady hand and master the fine art of welding; Zagal has been welding for quite some time. “I’ve been welding a little before my junior year, so I’ve developed a steady hand and a passion for working with metal”. Zagal, senior, said. Apart from being able to weld, Zagal has also built nu-
GRINDING DOWN Making finishing touches, Bowin Gutierrez, senior, grinds and polish up metals to prepare a finished products. merous projects for himself and for TSA that placed in state competitions. Pedro has built a barbeque pit along with many other side projects for himself and friends. He has even put together a rose made from thin sheet metal, which was time consuming, but well worth the labor for his girlfriend. “I was reading a paragraph on a welding project website, gathering ideas for Valentine’s Day and such, and I stumbled upon plans on creating a flower from thin sheet metal! Right away I got dimensions on my usb and cut out my pieces on the plasma cutter, and started right away,” Zagal, said. Another young welder chasing his dream is Juan Robles, junior. Robles has been welding and learning about construction for about two years now. Since he first got the chance to weld in school, he automatically knew how to strike his electrode and set up a welding station. Robles is proud of how far he has come in such a short time, all thanks to his incredible instructor. “I’ve been welding small things with my pop, but since Pearson started teaching me even more, my skills and steadiness have increased so much,” Robles said Robles has been very helpful around the shop, partaking in many small projects and helping other students ready their
photo byVi Vo products. Robles has even started cutting materials to make some soccer goals for his neighborhood since someone stole their poles.“Our soccer goals were ripped from the ground, and our field was vandalized, slowly but surely me and the neighborhood kids started fixing our field again, and I started putting together the soccer goals,” Robles said. Robles ultimate goal is to become a welding inspector after completing a course in Tulsa welding academy. Tulsa welding academy in Oklahoma offers courses in all branches of welding including pipe fitter, inspector and master welder. Many young welders go to Tulsa to study welding, Zagal and Robles plan on attending after they both graduate from high school. Robles and Zagal have big dreams in going into the welding field after graduating and earning their certification in Tulsa welding school. “I know if I stick with welding and go to Tulsa to take the welding inspector course, I will be able to work and make good money. My motto is “Weld, Work. and Win,”. Robles said. by Juan Garcia
photos by VIVo HANDS ON HELP With the help of Doug Pearson, welding teacher, both Juan Robles and Pedro Zagal sharpen their skills for the long road ahead of them. They both know they can make it far in the welding field, even if it’s just producing small things such as outdoor grills or welding on coupons; Everything will prepare them for big time jobs in the oil fields and fabrication factories.
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Personal Columns
DeCember 2012
Recognizing Sports
Cheer should have new classification
Why cheerleading is not a sport by Matthew DuBose In the world of sports, athletes debate as to what belongs in the sports category and what does not. For example, in the state of Texas sports include: baseball, basketball, football and volleyball to name a few. Not in the categories of sports includes cheerleading. All that cheerleaders do involves flips, tumbling and cheers. They cheer on the true athletes while they play their game to the fullest of their ability. An athlete of a true sport goes head to head with their competition. Baseball has the pitcher against the batter. Football has O-Line against D-Line. Basketball has offense versus defense. Volleyball follows that pattern as well. Cheer has one group do a routine before the other group does. No one can push themselves harder than the other group because they do not know what the other group’s routine holds. That makes the case of cheer in the sport category false. The state of Texas made the right choice in not making cheer a sport. Cheer might have the most injuries, but if they were more athletic those injuries would not happen. Athletes do all they can to ensure a non-injured body. Injuries do happen, but if someone takes care of themselves and becomes more athletics the injury rating goes down. Cheer should not be a sport until they go head to head with other teams and injury rates goes down. Until then cheer brings a bad name to the word sport.
by Kelsey Hodges Cheerleading is a sport. The word “sport” is defined as a competitive activity or pastime that requires bodily exertion and gives enjoyment. An athlete on the other hand, is defined as a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility or stamina. I would like to point out that cheerleading fits the qualifications that are described in the definition of sport, and that cheerleaders fit into the category of an athlete. Additionally they have teams that compete, practice almost daily and that are made up of superior athletes just like any other sport. Contrary to what most people think, a sport can be a sport without a ball. Wrestling, swimming, diving, track, cross country, gymnastics, ice-skating and boxing are all recognized sports that do not include a ball. Therefore, it does not make any sense for cheerleading to not be classified or recognized as a legitimate sport, which also means that it is irrational for cheerleaders to not be acknowledged as athletes. Also I would like to state that tumbling, jumping, and stunting is not at all an easy or simple thing to do, and not something you can learn overnight like perhaps throwing a ball. Likewise, injuries that occur in cheerleading skyrocket above most of the rates of other sports. Researches from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that last year cheerleaders among the ages of six to twenty-two visited the emergency room for injuries almost 37,000 times. The National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injuries also proved that female cheerleaders make up a whopping 50% of the catastrophic head, neck and spine injuries that are suffered specifically by female athletes. With injury rates that top off most sports like the fact that cheerleading has the second highest injury rate out of all sports, after football, cheerleading needs to be recognized as the extreme sport it is. Therefore the outsiders that view cheerleaders as just the cute girls that chant simple cheers at games should acknowledge that there is so much more to cheerleading than that. For example, tears, sweat, pain, and hours of frustrating practice go into each and every routine that is performed. Also the majority of practices consist of training to be better athletes and performers, not practicing cheers that they have memorized the year before. Furthermore, I would like to inform the people who still do not view cheerleading as a sport that while other athletes grimace from the weights they are lifting, smiling cheerleaders extend teammates to the sky while yelling cheers. In conclusion, cheerleaders are just as much of an athlete as any, if not more, and factually cheerleading is a sport.
Ultimate frisbee along with other new sports wish for district recognition for UIL competitions by Paolo Lacanlale “Who is the football team?”…”Who is the volleyball team?”… “Who is the basketball team?”… Always the same teams called out during pep rallies. What about the water polo team? Or bowling team? Are those not sports? With the development of the school’s first ultimate Frisbee team and the finding out of other schools having teams, I noticed that it seems like if a sport is not considered an “UIL sport”, it does not exist at all. Granted, football and all those other sports are better known, but that does not make others less of a sport. You can find the same excitement you see at a football game at a bowling alley, or the same hustle on a soccer field as at an ultimate match. The only difference between them is the fact that some are UIL sports in the district and the others are only clubs. Schools always push their students to become more involved in campus activities and interact with other schools in the district, but then limits clubs to being just that, clubs. I think that if the UIL program widened their view on what exactly is happening in the district, they will see that there are more than just basketball and volleyball teams in common between the schools. Which, of course, could create new opportunities for those students who may have skills other than throwing an egg shaped ball down a field, or getting a sphere into a hole the size of a pizza. Being a former basketball player for the school, I have room to say that the UIL sports program board could expand their horizons a little, and take additional sports into consideration for the program. I believe that with the potential variety of sports, spectators and players both will increase and show more spirit. There are already sports, such as water polo and bowling, that are district wide and hold district and even state competitions. Along with those, there are also the sports that are clubs in several schools like lacrosse and ultimate. Even though they are only in a few schools that share the sports, their initiation into the UIL program could expand them more and create more opportunities for people. I am not saying that basketball, football, baseball and all those existing UIL sports should be removed or replaced, but rather added to, creating hype for more than just the usual sports.
StAff EditoriAl
dEcEmbEr 2012
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Support for depression Exists Help exists for students facing the darkness within themselves
The Student Voice
If you noticed your friend was depressed how would you try to help them to start feeling better again?
“I
‘d offer to listen and help in any way I could.” Ivan Rodriguez, freshman
“T
ry my best to be there for them even if they don’t want to talk about it.” Rachel Park, senior
“I
would talk to them about it and tell them I am there for them if they ever need anything and just be there for support.” Emily Boyd, junior
“A
sk them what is causing this depression. Help them get over it and adress the problem with them. Do something to get their mind off the topic.” Don Hyuynh, sophomore
Feelings of loneliness and depression engulf teenagers’ minds from day to day. Questions like what friends will say because of appearance become the center of attention in a teenager’s daily life. Family problems began to affect while thoughts of unimportance, unworthiness and abandonment began to overwhelm until the thoughts lead to suicide: the third leading cause of death among adolescents. Creating a closer and safer environment for a teen considering suicide can be one of the most important factors in the school’s atmosphere. Suicide, also being the sixth leading cause of death for kids’ ages 5-14 years old and a tragedy that likewise affects young adults between the ages of 15-24 according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been a problem that seems to increase and affect more young people. Teenagers who experience thoughts of suicide can be victims of many kinds of problems like bullying, depression, problems at home, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual identity, peer pressure and abuse. A teenager with suicidal thoughts can be recognized with symptoms like isolation from friends and family, frequent talk about death, changes in eating or any other normal activities and habits and having trouble with
photos and poll by Evie Sweeten
Peregrine Staff Editor in Chief EVIE SWEETEN Managing Editor MATTHEW DUBOSE staff writers IVETH GARCIA ALEXANDER CRUZ KELSEY HODGES SEMON ADAMS JUAN GARCIA ELIZABETH YBARRA PAOLO LACANLALE
Contributing Photographers VI VO PABLO VAZQUEZ NATHAN NGUYEN MEGAN FLORES ASHLEY ESCANDO MARIEKE ALSGUTH VANESSA MORALES Staff Adviser MARGIE COMSTOCK Principal RALPH FUNK
please. , e m p l e H concentrating or thinking. Also experiencing cheerful periods after depression can imply that a teenager is considering suicide. Although many of the present problems cannot be completely stopped, such as bullying, many methods exist to prevent a teenager from taking his life. Ways to deal with suicidal thoughts can be finding a close teacher or counselor to talk to about a problem and not feel left alone. Organizations in
illustration by Vanessa Morales
school like sports, theater productions, student publications and various clubs can help a teenager cope with their problems as interacting with people is an inevitable part of a club’s routine. High school can be a place where bullying, peer pressure and the stress of trying to fit in are constantly bombarding teens. Although
many of the existing problems cannot be resolved easily, many clubs and organizations provide a closer and safer environment for teens. These clubs tend to bring their staff closer and create more intimate friendships between members. Not being left alone and misunderstood can be a fundamental role in saving a life.
Peregrine Staff Opinion?
9 YAY 0 NAY
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 or email subscriptions can be purchased for $6 and a PDF copy will be sent to your email address. 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 business card, 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, the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Center Law Center. 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 1720. 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 Essay
DEcEmbEr 2012
Bleeding purple and gold
Students show giving spirit, donate blood for St. Luke’s GETTING READY Rising to the occasion, students lined up to fill the large LGI to give blood for this year’s St. Luke’s Blood Drive. Students bravely faced the poke of the needle to benefit those who may need their blood one day. Laying down Christina Wagner was aided by friend Maria Lagunas, seniors, in keeping calm. Trying to relax Joey Beth Gilbert, senior looks away.
FOR A CAUSE Preparing themselves to give blood, students resort to various methods to keep calm. Adrienne Joseph, Connor Knight and Dalton Bowman, seniors, use more relaxing techniques such as distracting themselves and concentrating on their breathing to keep calm. Despite the fear that students had, many of them continued with their decision to give blood, driven by the knowledge that their donations could potentially save the lives of several people in need of it.
photos byNathan Nguyen
STEPPING UP Helping in anyway possible, many of students participated in the school’s annual blood drive, from the form of aids who assisted students with paperwork and refreshments, to those who simply donated. Rearranging water bottles Kelly Baccam, junior, helped move the drive along smoothly as part of her Health Science II duties. Some people donated despite stressful circumstances. Sheila Prabu and Aaron Ebeweber, seniors, both donated despite busy schedules. Prabu donated blood and continued to help with the drive, while Ebeweber took the challenge of giving blood on the same day as having a big test in his government class. Along with the three, many more students stepped up and gave blood to help people that they have never even met before in their lives.