The Oracle: December 2022

Editors-in-Chief

theOracle staff table of contents

Ashley Cooper

Nic Rhew

Associate Editors

Anna Rigo

Nathan Seelig

Mircea Tatulescu Design Editor

Kate Sullivan Photo Editors

Dana Akkad

Macy Delgadillo

Ava Johnson

Caroline Larrabee

Christian Vandenburg News Editor

Isabella Villalobos Sports Editor

Jacob Hare Student Life Editor

Ella McWilliams

Perspectives Editor

Abby Stallworth

Reporters

Amanda Ashebu

Abdulaziz Aziz

Eszter Badescu

Alexandra Bell

Riana Bhattacharjee

Caleb Boerm

Cristina Amado Cobo

Leslie Garcia

Trey Gardner William Jones

Emma Manalo

Anna Petruzzi

Ellie Presa Russell Robinson

Sophie Sagastume

Caroline Walker Mariam Zaghloul

JP Zambrano

Photographers

Xavier Alexander Semra Berilgen

Andrew Cannon

Emily Capps

Audrey Connolly

Cesar Garza Pamanes

Giselle Gillett

Montanah Hobbs

Ireh Kang Benjamin Pearl Mariana Rodriguez

J’Mari Shorter Kamari Stanfill

Bruno Tobias

Caroline Walker Copy Editors

Shelby Blackwood Catherine McClees

Adviser: Sara Boyle

letter from the editors

Hello Spartans!

The first ever issue of the Oracle magazine was a huge success! Our goal with a magazine is to re-engage our audience with recurring columns and interactive sections, so you can be a part of the publication as well. We are really proud of what we were able to create, and we hope you will enjoy it, too!

Our publication is entirely student-produced and student-funded, so please keep in mind that we might make mistakes! While the Oracle is Stratford’s official student media, opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration, or the school district.

The Colleen Hoover Curse

3 - 5

Controversy surrounds popular romance novelist

Sports Photo Essay Title

Spartans dominate on the court and field

It’s Alive!

Playhouse presents “Young Frankenstein”

The Conclusion

on Concussions

The reality of concussions at Stratford High

feature

Midnights Review

A track-by-track review of Taylor Swift’s new album

COVER PHOTOS

BY MIRCEA TATULESCU, MEGAN WOLF, SARA BOYLE, IREH KANG

Conservative to the Core Republican Wesley Hunt prepares to represent Texas’ 38th Congressional District

The

Legacy Lives On

6 - 7 8 - 10

Young Stratford alumni share their careers and current students reveal their future plans

Overheard

Students share the craziest things they’ve heard in the hallway

Spartans ' Stories

Featuring a student’s creative writing submission

news life perspectives

Teacher

’

s Pet

Learn about the pets of Stratford teachers

12 - 15

Advice: Freshmen to Seniors

Freshmen reverse roles and give seniors advice

Hot Takes

Match the hot take to the student who said it!

’

JP

s Picks

JP reveals his perfect song list, an album review, and more Tis the Season for Holiday Movies

Stratford students share their favorite holiday movies

Holiday Recipe and Gift Ideas

Make some chocolate crinkle cookies and get ideas for holiday gifts

THE COLLEEN HOOVER CURSE

WRITTEN BY ESZTER BADESCU AND ISABELLA VILLALOBOS

Colleen Hoover is a romance novelist taking the world by storm with her drama-infused books. It appears that her novels have exploded in popularity overnight due to the social media phenomenon, “BookTok.” After interviewing some fans, we discovered another side to her fame: a controversial aspect. Some people claim that Hoover glamorizes sexual assault and domestic violence in her novels. Others disagree, noting that Hoover has experienced domestic violence herself, which is revealed in her most popular novel, It Ends With Us, selling over 4 million copies.

FOR:

The popularity surrounding Colleen Hoover’s works clearly outweighs the controversy.

Fans of her books are said to be under the Colleen Hoover Curse, and are eager to read her addictive novels. Anytime you step into a bookstore, you are almost guaranteed to be greeted by a large Colleen Hoover display. The majority of her fans never fail to mention how they cannot put her books down. “I love Colleen Hoover books; I think that they are so beautifully written,” remarks senior Charlotte Stephanow. “I love how she puts two [characters] together who should never be together, but then somehow [they find their way back to each other].”

Stratford alumna Ayah Chreidi, who works at Blue Willow Bookshop, mentioned that many customers have been flocking to Blue Willow to buy Colleen Hoover novels. Chreidi herself said that she loves how Hoover novels “get [her] out of a book slump,” mostly because of their ability to tug on your heart strings and ensnare you.

It is evident that Hoover is not slowing down anytime soon. It Starts With Us came out in 2022 and she is scheduled to publish five books in the next five years.

AGAINST:

People around the world have begun to pay a lot of attention when they hear the name “Colleen Hoover.”

Speculation arises when uncovering controversies in her novels. While intervewing some readers, we began to delve deeper into what makes up the Colleen Hoover Curse. Some fans believe that Hoover’s books seem to carry troubling ongoing plot lines.

“A lot of the things she writes about are problematic and romanticize abusive relationships,” sophomore Trinity Rosas said.

A popular theory is that Hoover obsesses over these topics, and some wonder how she can come up with such heartwrenching and troublesome novels. It is important to note that Hoover has gone through some of these experiences herself, which seems to play a key factor and has inspired many of her novels.

Some non-CoHort fans can’t get enough of her books either. Juniors Addison Lanning and Ella Pezzia are not huge fans but admit her books are “addicting” and “hard to put down.”

“Her books always have a twist and each chapter makes you want to read more,” Pezzia said.

Whether or not you support her, it is evident that Colleen Hoover can only go up from here.

Controversies don’t seem to phase her, and fans can’t seem to get enough of her novels. It is worth noting that she is mysterious; she has declined book tours and many interviews. Content aside, Hoover’s novels have driven many young adults and adults alike to start or rekindle their reading journeys.

What do you think? Are her novels overrated or are you under the Colleen Hoover Curse

?

Fall Sports

Stratford Playhouse presentsYoungFrankenstein

WRITTENBYCAROLINELARRABEE,PHOTOCOURTESYOFSTRATFORDPLAYHOUSE

Inspired by the movie with the same title, YoungFrankenstein has amassed a massive cult following. Composed by author and actor Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein follows a madman, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who yearns to reanimate life. Aided by henchman Igor and his grandfather Victor Frankenstein’s scientific notes, Frankenstein successfully creates his Monster. Despite this scientific achievement, Frankenstein’s experiment creates dangerous repercussions for the rest of the play.

While critically acclaimed, Young Frankenstein has suffered controversy. The musical’s comedy often relies on overtly sexual innuendos and degrading comments toward the female protagonists.

Cece Prudhomme, the musical director, addresses various aspects of the show and explains that while the musical will remain PG-13, “there will definitely be modifications and changes.”

She elaborates that she consults with the principal actors to determine what content will stay in the show.

Prudhomme notes that while the

content can be intense, young children will probably not understand the jokes that are more geared towards older audiences.

“I know when my children saw the movie when they were [very young], so lots went over their heads,” Prudhomme said.

Prudhomme notes that this show selection will “push boundaries” and “challenge [her] students.”

She emphasizes that Young Frankenstein “has not been done by a non-professional group” and believes the show will showcase her ensembles’ vast capabilities. Prudhomme suspects this “advantageous” production will excite many community members and draw a supportive - and older - audience.

Some may view this potentially controversial musical as a daring selection for the city-wide Tommy Tune Awards - which help provide recognition for Houston’s most talented performers.

Mrs. Prudhomme, alternatively, believes this will be an auspicious staging. She notes that YoungFrankenstein “has never been in Tommy Tunes,” which

will potentially provide a unique performance.

Noting the award show’s numerous “ensemble” categories, Prudhomme is ecstatic that YoungFrankenstein’s talented cast will have ample opportunity for recognition.

While there are high stakes for this award show, Prudhomme highlights the importance of not solely focusing on the competition.

“It is easy to get caught up in the competition, but it is art,” Prudhomme said.

YoungFrankenstein runs January 27February 4. For more information, visit https://www.shsplayhouse.org.

The Conclusion on Concussions

The realities and risks of playing contact sports at Stratford

WRITTEN BY JACOB HARE, TREY GARDNER, AND IREH KANG

A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when the brain collides with the inside of the skull. They can lead to negative health effects such as brain trauma, headaches, and impacts in concentration, memory, balance, and coordination.

The effects of concussions are temporary when acknowledged and monitored by a doctor, but long term effects can occur when left untreated.

Concussions are put into three categories: Category one is the lowest and includes mild symptoms that last less than 15 minutes with no loss of consciousness; category two includes moderate symptoms that last no more than 15 minutes, still no loss of consciousness; category three includes severe symptoms and a loss of consciousness.

Loss of consciousness can lead to severe brain trauma and can be very problematic for a number of reasons.

High school sports have adapted to be able to minimize concussions, and when a concussion inevitably occurs in a contact sport, there is a fast response time and a procedure that follows to maximize the safety of students.

So far this school year, there have been beween 10 and 20 concussions which occured as a result of UIL sports.

When asking the campus trainer, Ms Landon, about the procedure for concussions, she outlined the following process:

If a head injury occurs during the school day, the student gets evaluated by the school nurse or trainer, and then the parents get notified.

The student then must go see a healthcare provider. If a concussion is found, the nurse or trainer will alert coaches and school staff.

The student will no longer be able to participate in sports until 24 hours of no concussion symptoms and until they are cleared by their healthcare provider.

Concussions are a particularly high risk for contact sports like football. High school athletes in the US experience concussions at a rate of 4.17 per 10,000 students per year According to the CDC.

Concussions for high school football players are extraordinarily dangerous because their brains are still in the process of developing.

According to the CDC, the brain stops developing at age 25, so any damage to the brain in high school can be very consequential.

With a quick diagnosis and the

proper recovery process, the effects of a concussion can be minimized for the developing brain. When a concussion remains undiagnosed, the presence of further brain damage increases. Without a diagnosis, a person might be unaware of the injury and continue to harm their brain in a very consequential way.

Unfortunately, high contact sports have lead to many injuries including concussions.

This especially affects football players due to the sport’s constant colliding among the contending players.

Despite the dangers that concussions pose to athletes, with engaged coaches, trainers and teamates, they can be attended to treated quickly by appropriate medical professionals.

In conclusion, high contact sports lead to injuries such as concussions. This is an unfortunate outcome that athletes face that can lead to permanent damages to the brain. As a result, precautions such as quick diagnosis and efficient recovery process are required to minimize further damages to the athletes.

Stratford High School does not take lightly to the subject and follows all UIL rules.

SWIFTLY LISTENING

A Track-by-Track Review of Taylor Swift’s “Midnights”

BY SOPHIE SAGASTUME

On October 21, 2022, Taylor Swift released her tenth studio album, Midnights, marking her first album composed entirely of new songs since 2020’s evermore. Shortly after the initial release, Swift revealed two extended versions: Midnights (3am Edition), containing seven bonus tracks, and Midnights: Deluxe CD, containing three. The album broke various commercial records, notably, making Swift the first artist to claim the first 10 spots on Billboard’s Hot 100. I swiftly listened to the original track list to present a comprehensive review.

Track 1: Lavender Haze

This song flows like Lover’s “I Think He Knows,” and the intro beat is reminiscent of the saxophone at the start of “False God.” It consistently climbs my rankings and sets up the album’s synth-pop sound all too well.

Favorite Lyric: “Talk your talk and go viral / I just need this love spiral”--Rating: 9/10

Track 2: Maroon

THIS CHORUS. The low register. The red imagery. I would call it the older, more mature “Red (Taylor’s Version)” older, more mature sister. It’s a stark contrast to the previous song, but one that hints at the album’s somber, more poetic songs.

Favorite Lyric: “The rust that grew between telephones / The lips I used to call home”--Rating: 9.2/10

Track 3: Anti-Hero

Don’t get me wrong, I love “Anti-Hero,” but I don’t think it’s Taylor’s most vulnerable song on the album. I like that it follows a happy rhythm while weaving in deeper lyrics (e.g.: “All You Had To Do Was Stay”), but its chorus pales in comparison to those in the rest of the album.

Favorite Lyric: “Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism / Like some kind of congressman?”--Rating: 8.7/10

Track 4: Snow on the Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)

I’ll be the first to admit that I was originally disappointed with Lana being cast off to the background of this track. However, I’ve come to enjoy the harmony between her and Taylor and her presence in the bridge is *chef’s kiss*. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy the Janet Jackson reference? Favorite Lyric: “But your eyes are flying saucers from another planet / Now I’m all for you like Janet / Can this be a real thing, can it?”--Rating: 9.7/10

Track 5: You’re on Your Own, Kid

Even if you aren’t a Swiftie or don’t have any interest in listening to Taylor’s songs in the future, LISTEN TO THIS SONG. Everyone can sympathize with at least one of its lyrics. In reference to the vulnerability comment under “Anti-Hero,” this song is the reason I don’t believe the former is the “most vulnerable.” YOYOK is a wonderful addition to the Track 5 family.

Favorite Lyric: “I search the party of better bodies / Just to learn that my dreams aren’t rare”--Rating: 9.8/10

Track 6: Midnight Rain “Hmm.” That was my first reaction to “Midnight Rain.” I still wouldn’t call myself its biggest fan, but it has climbed my rankings since my first listen. I’m a big fan of the outro, and I like to believe that this is another one of Taylor’s songs about Taylor (IYKYK).

Favorite Lyric: “I guess sometimes we all get / Just what we wanted, just what we wanted / And he never thinks of me / Except for when I’m on TV” Rating: 8.3/10

Track 7: Question…?

This song is passive-aggressive, making me a big fan! The lyrics being a bunch of questions? The questions being slightly out-ofpocket? I love!

Favorite Lyric: “I swear that it was somethin’/ ‘Cause I don’t remember who I was/ Before you painted all my nights/ A color I’ve searched for since” Rating: 8.5/10

Track 8: Vigilante S***

Favorite Lyric: : “Now she gets the house, gets the kids, gets the pride/ Picture me thick as thieves with your ex-wife” --Rating: 8.2/10

Track 9: Bejeweled

After rating each song, I realized this one comes in at the bottom. Even my mother disagreed. I love the dance popularized by a Swiftie on TikTok, but even the cute choreography wasn’t enough for me to raise the rating. I like “Bejeweled,” but I prefer other songs from the album. Its music video, however, is top-tier.

Favorite Lyric: “Familiarity breeds contempt / Don’t put me in the basement / When I want the penthouse of your heart”--Rating: 8.1/10

Track 10: Labyrinth

Favorite Lyric: “Uh-oh, I’m fallin’ in love / Oh no, I’m fallin’ in love again / Oh, I’m fallin’ in love / I thought the plane was goin’ down How’d you turn it right around?”--Rating: 8.8/10

Track 11: Karma

Favorite Lyric: “Spider-boy, king of thieves / Weave your little webs of opacity / My pennies made your crown”--Rating: 8.9/10

Track 12: Sweet Nothing

Favorite Lyric: “Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors / And smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other / And the voices that implore, “You should be doing more” / To you, I can admit that I’m just too soft for all of it”--Rating: 9.6/10

Track 13: Mastermind

Favorite Lyric: “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid / So I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since / To make them love me and make it seem effortless”--Rating: 9.5/10

Let us know what you thought of the album on Insta @shsoracle!

CONSERVATIVE TO THE CORE

Republican Wesley Hunt prepares to represent Texas’ 38th Congressional District

WRITTEN BY NATHAN SEELIG, PHOTOS BY DANA AKKAD

On Nov. 8, Republican Wesley Hunt won his race to represent the 38th Congressional District in Texas in the House of Representatives, defeating the Democratic nominee, Duncan Klussmann, who served as Spring Branch ISD’s superintendent for 11 years.

Hunt, having narrowly lost in 2020 to incumbent Democrat Lizzie Fletcher who represents the 7th Congressional District, sailed to victory with 63% of the vote in the newly-drawn 38th Congressional District, which heavily favors Republicans. The district covers much of the Houston area, including Spring Branch.

Speaking to supporters on election night, Hunt said that “serving the people of Texas’s 38th Congressional District will be the greatest honor of my life.”

“The support our campaign received from every corner of the district has been overwhelming, and I am incredibly grateful to all of my supporters for dedicating their time and resources to this extremely important cause,” he continued.

Hunt also discussed the historical significance of his election to Congress as a Black man.

“Standing before you is the greatgreat-grandson of a man that was born on a plantation, and here I am, the Congressman-elect from a 72% White district,” he said.

“It’s not because of the color of my skin,” Hunt continued. “It’s not because of the way I look. It’s because you believe in me, the person.”

Hunt will join 61 other Black

members of the House of Representatives, three of which being Black Republicans, the highest number since Reconstruction.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, who is likely to be the next Speaker of the House, cited Hunt’s victory as a sign that the Republicans are “expanding” their base.

Hunt outlined his priorities in Congress and vowed to prioritize energy independence, inflation reduction, border security and crime reduction.

“The American people have spoken, and they have overwhelmingly rejected the Biden administration’s agenda and one-party Democratic rule in Washington,” Hunt said in a statement on election night.

Hunt is part of a narrow Republican majority that will control the House of Representatives in January, after four years of Democratic control. The Republicans gained fewer House seats in a midterm election than any party not holding the presidency since 2002. Democrats will retain their majority in the Senate.

In a brief interview with the Oracle, Hunt elaborated on his policy positions especially impactful to younger voters such as school safety and student debt.

Hunt does not support most proposals in Congress to improve school safety, labeling it as a “state issue. We don’t have a one-size-fitsall solution, so it needs to be discussed at the local level,” he said.

Hunt, a self-described “strong sup-

porter of the Second Amendment,” would not have supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that increased gun regulations and provided additional funding for school safety, which Biden signed into law in June.

On student debt, Hunt expressed strong opposition to Biden’s student debt cancellations earlier this year. “It’s not someone’s responsibility to pay for somebody else’s loans,” he said. “I’m still paying back my loans that I took out for Cornell.”

Hunt did express openness to examining the high tuition of public universities, and said he supports lowering interest rates for student loans at the federal level.

Despite his staunchly conservative views, Hunt believes he can find common ground with other Houston-area Democrats, such as Fletcher, on the issue of funds for flooding and infrastructure.

Even as a political newcomer, Hunt has already inserted himself into national politics, endorsing former President Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency in 2024 immediately after his announcement.

“Donald J. Trump is exactly the man America needs to save our nation from its rapid decline, courtesy of Joe Biden and the Democratic party,” Hunt said in a statement.

“As President Trump campaigns for President of the United States, he will have my full support everywhere I go.”

Hunt is set to take office on January 3, 2023.

Nathan Seelig interviews a Wesley Hunt supporter at the election watch party.

Nathan Seelig poses with Representative-Elect Wesley Hunt.

Nathan Seelig interviews at the Post Oak Hotel.

The Stratford

What are our current Spartans up to?

FRESHMAN

MASON DAVIS

FUTURE CAREER: The Military

CLASSES TAKEN AT SHS TO FURTHER CAREER GOALS: JROTC

FAVORITE TEACHER: Commander Couful DREAM COLLEGE: Undecided

SOPHOMORE SARINA BOTARY

FUTURE CAREER: Entertainment Manager

CLASSES TAKEN AT SHS TO FURTHER CAREER GOALS: Principles of Business Finance and Management

FAVORITE TEACHER: Undecided

DREAM COLLEGE: The New School NYC or Columbia College Chicago

CHANGING YOUR PATH

AMBER MORTON (‘11)

Amber Morton (class of 2011) is a current therapist at a group practice. However, in high school, she had much different interests. “In high school, I wanted to be an engineer because I love math. Just before I started college, I did some soul searching and realized that I would really like to work with individuals experiencing mental health related challenges.” Morton spent her freshman year at Texas A&M before transferring to UT Austin to major in psychology.

PURSUE YOUR DREAMS

ZACK BARTH (‘11)

Zack Barth (class of 2011) currently works as a Special Advisor for the U.S. Department of Justice. From a very early age, Barth knew he was born to give back to his community and had a dream to work in politics. He earned his B.A. in Government from UT Austin and quickly thereafter moved to Washington D.C. Barth worked for a local Texas Congressman where he learned a lot about the function of politics. After earning his Master of Business Administration from Rice University, he moved back to D.C. and has worked there ever since, fulfilling his dream.

Legacy Lives On

RETURNING HOME STACY WALKER (‘12)

Stacy Walker (class of 2012) is a current life skills teacher here at Stratford. Walker has always had the passion to work with special needs students. “In high school, I was the president of Best Buddies and the Teacher’s Aide for the life skills class all 4 years.” Her favorite teacher was Melissa Stokes, the life skill teacher that served as Walker’s mentor. Walker is honored to now be teaching in her old classroom. Walker attended Texas State University and majored in All Level Special Education.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF

OSCAR TRUONG (‘13)

Oscar Truong (class of 2013) is currently a fifth year Ph.D. student in the Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. Truong says that science has always interested him, and he is grateful that he gets to work in a field where there is so much left to discover. “Cancer biology and molecular virology are some of the most exciting fields to be in right now, with so much unknown and so much left to be discovered.” Truong said that after his graduation, he really hopes “to continue [his] interest in science on the business side and work in life sciences, healthcare, and biotech private equity at Bain & Company.”

JUNIOR CORDELIA PORTALES

FUTURE CAREER: Lawyer

CLASSES TAKEN AT SHS TO FURTHER CAREER GOALS: Business Law and English DE FAVORITE TEACHER: Mr. Bryant DREAM COLLEGE: Vanderbilt, Yale, and Princeton

SENIOR GARRETT SUGG

FUTURE CAREER: Renewable Energy Engineer

CLASSES TAKEN AT SHS TO FURTHER CAREER GOALS: Academy of Science and Engineering

FAVORITE TEACHER: Ms. Glover and Coach Karcher

DREAM COLLEGE: A&M and CU Boulder

Overheard

Compiled by Abby Stallworth

Stories from spartans

Stories from students will be a recurring section that will feature a student’s creative writing submission. This submission can be a story, poem, song, or any other piece of creative writing. For the next issue, be sure to look at flyers from around the English hallways for more information.

Log WRITTEN001BY

ELLIOT HAMLIN

Dear nobody, My home planet is somewhere out there. I miss it. “It” being everything. I miss my mom and I miss my dog, Duggy. I miss insignificant things like blueberries and sweeter things. I don’t think I’m going back anytime soon.

I’m a lone ranger drifting through space, no purpose and no end in sight. A cowboy with no cow. I’m not even a boy. I’m not even anything. Yeehaw.

Overheard is a recurring section that will feature different things that students have heard around school. This column is completely anonymous, so don’t hesitate to let us know what you heard. Before each issue we will post a link to a survey to submit your responses. This link will be available under the New Online highlight on the @shsoracle instagram page. You can also scan the QR code!

I’ll try not to be too nihilistic though, there’s beauty in nothing. The stars comfort me. There’s a lot of time to think when you’re stuck in space. I often think of past lovers of mine, conversations I could do over, words that escaped my lips before I could think them over.

I think I shouldn’t talk before I think. I mean it doesn’t matter now since no one is around, but still. I should be more thoughtful. Logging off.

“JV is the backbone of this program”

“Did you know Britney Spears is Irish, which means she’s a real leprechaun, but she’s retired”

“I wish my legs had a respiratory system, so they wouldn’t get so tired walking up 3 flights of stairs”

“Get on my head and make me make some pasta” (about ratatouille)

“Is ‘weirdo’ a slur? It should be, it’s very negative”

“I’m wikiHow certified on how to beatbox”

“Spread hummus not hate”

“Next time I feel violent, I’m just going to find a baguette and hit someone”

Teachers

Pets

Bean

Mrs. Sharp - Bean can sit and shake hands. She also thinks she’s a dog and growls when she hears the doorbell!

Ms. Bono found them when they were only about two days old and bottle fed them for 8 weeks! Both girls were super loving and knew their names!

Sunny & Mini-Me

Paisley

Ms. Bono has another cat, too! She isn’t as cuddly as her sisters, but she is super fast and can jump really high.

Mrs. Terry - Sadie is a registered AKC hunting dog, and she can fetch a canned coke or water bottle out of a cooler and bring it to you on command! She also loves Whataburger fries.

Sadie

Mr. Lassiter - Luna is named after the moon because Mr. Lassiter really loves outer space.

Mrs. McHale won a $20 bet against her husband that Clark was 100% Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog! He barks a lot to protect his family.

Luna Clark Luna

Mr. Marvin - Luna is a Finnish Spitz and her favorite food is baby carrots. She is very vocal and a great conversationalist.

ads

Compiled by Ashley Cooper

Teachers' Pets

Mrs. Brisbin - Kaya and Delilah were adopted from SPCA and love anything that is not dog food! Delilah plays dead to get out of going outside in the rain.

If you didn’t see your pet here, check in our next issue!

& Delilah

Ms. Adcock - Millie, aka “Meemers,” is 13 ½ years old and loves Rice Krispies with a little milk – but only on game day!

Oliver, inspired by “Oliver Twist” because he was an orphan, was a stray that Ms. Fuller found at her old school. The kids snuck him in, and she ended up taking him. He loves cheese!

Mr. Plake - Summer loved peanut butter and could catch a ball or frisbee in the air!

Summer

Ms. Anestis - Amy is a 5 year old Schnauzer who loves biting fingers because chew toys are too boring!

Sully & Mike

Ms. Servat - Sully and Mike are labs named after the Monsters Inc. characters. Mike came from Craigslist and could fetch forever. Sully can jump up to the counter even at his age!

Mrs. Jackson - Shiloh was found running down Memorial Drive and has a fighting spirit just like the Aggies, the team she was named for!

Advice Column

freshmen to seniors

1

WRITTEN BY ANNA RIGO

What’s

“When they only hang out with each other and don’t reach out to other grades.”

-Zoe Ju

“When they say ‘fish’ literally any time I speak.” -Valeria Portales

“Not being involved in spirit days and pep rallies.” -Kristabella Van Gaston

2

What’s something important about Stratford that a senior never told you?

“How amazing the school spirit is!.”

-Zoe Ju

“The homework load is way different than middle school.” -Sophie Bryant “There’s no pool on the 4th floor.” -Bryan Ung

3

“Honestly, just give them food.”

-Sophie Bryant “They usually like you more the less you talk.” -Brynn Pera “Don’t tell them you’re a freshman.”

-Avery Jackson

4

“You can’t.”

-Tizita Cristini

“If they’re mean to their friends, that can show how they treat other people outside of their friend group.”

-Zoe Ju

“Honestly, most seniors are approachable.”

-Valeria Portales

“Honestly, you can’t. They all seem intimidating!” -Sophie Bryant

Compiled by Ashley Cooper

something seniors think is cool that really is not?

What’s the best way to get a senior to like you?

How can you tell which seniors are approachable and which are mean?

Millie

Kaya

Oliver

Amy Shiloh

HOT TAKES

WRITTEN BY ELLA MCWILLIAMS

Welcome back to Hot Takes! Match the hot take with the person you think said it and bring your copy of The Oracle to Ms. Boyle’s room (231). The first person to do this correctly will win a prize!

Taylor Swift is the most overrated artist of the century.

Stratford cares way more about the Stratford v. Memorial rivalry.

The iPhone 13 and 14 are the same, just priced more.

Elf is overrated and childish. Cold pizza is better than hot.

Cava is better than Chipotle. Pugs are ugly.

Who do you think said it?

Natalie Gleason (9), Sebi Mendoza (9), Sarah Ryan (12), Patricia Muzny (12), Olivia Kurek (12), Izzy Glover (10), Isabella Villalobos (12)

JP’s Picks

Album Reviews

-Waiting to Spill (The Backseat Lovers) This new album by The Backseat Lovers is super creative and takes on a more acoustic tone. It features many sad and reflective songs, with “Viciously Lonely” and “Snowbank Blues” being highlights on the album. I would rate this album a 9/10. Each song stands on its own and is a great sequel to their previous album When We Were Friends.

10 Perfect Songs

- “Snowbank Blues” (The Backseat Lovers)

- “For Once In My Life” (Stevie Wonder)

- “20 Something” (SZA)

- “Breakeven” (The Script)

- “Doomsday” (MF DOOM feat. Pebbles the Invisible Girl)

- “N.Y. State of Mind” (Nas) - “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” (Tyler, The Creator)

- “New Slang” (The Shins) - “Let’s Stay Together” (Al Green)

Tis’ The Season for Holiday Movies

BY ELLA MCWILLIAMS

Ireh Kang

Jacob Hare

WRITTEN

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

WRITTEN BY AVA JOHNSON

Ingredients

- I cup all purpose flour

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- pinch of salt

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2 large eggs

- 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a half sheet baking pan. Place confectioners sugar into a shallow plate.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

3. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the oil and sugars on medium-low speed. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and beat on low speed.

5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chil in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

6. Remove dough from the refrigerator and scoop out one tablespoon of cookie dough and roll into a ball. Roll the cookie ball into the shallow plate of confectioners’ sugar and coat it completely. Place the cookie balls two inches apart on the lined baking sheet. Repeat until you have used up all the cookie dough.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. They will be soft to the touch and will appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for around five minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely!

Gifts For Everyone On Your List!

WRITTEN BY ELLA MCWILLIAMS

It’s that time of year again! The holidays are right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about what to get your loved ones. Whether it’s for your mom, best friend, great uncle, or math teacher, we have some gift ideas for you! Check out these ideas below, and then let us know the best gift you have given or received on The Oracle instagram @shsoracle.

Parents Siblings Friends Teachers

• sunglasses

• record player

• purse

• concert iiiiiiiitickets

• perfume

• slippers

• massage gun

• coffee maker

• legos

• nail polish

• shoes

• nerf guns

• clothes

• video games

• makeup

• candy

• sports equipment

• pajamas

• candle

• gift cards

• sweatpants

• jewelry

• blanket

• restaurant gift cards

• something that pertains to their interest like books or coffee mugs

• holiday themed homemade treats