TSTRATFORD HE
RACLE O
Monday, December 15, 2014
Volume 42, Issue 5
Debunking the Frosty Myth pg. 3 Teen Leadership Summit pg. 6 Going Backstage at the AMAs pg. 10
shsoracle.com
ALWAYS A SPARTAN
@stratfordoracle
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Bathroom Insults: Can’t just wipe ‘em away A call for Spartans to clean up their act
OPINION OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD Stratford America is a comSend an email, make a phone munity, a family, and a culture call, send a text, or use a carof our own; it is this culture that rier pigeon. These methods of makes us so unique. There is a communication are all far more reason why so many students credible than a message written are proud to be Spartans. on a toilet paper dispenser. Engaged classrooms, success From what it looks like, howin athletics events, abundant ever, none of these messages are student achievements, school important. They are, however, pride — this is all Stratford pretty eye-opening and often America, and it is embraced in carry consequences. just about everything we do. Last year was the final year But there is still one place on of the Stall Street Journal, which campus that seems to be bewas banned by Spring Branch hind on embracing the Stratford ISD Police after unknown stuAmerica culture: the bathrooms. dents wrote repeated bomb Rather than taking pride in threats on the plastic sheet protheir school, some students tectors. First off, it is pretty sad would rather vandalize it. Take a that somebody felt a need to trip to the nearest bathroom and vandalize a sheet protector. But you will find an array of snide really, if someone feels a need to comments, profanities, and ofwrite a bomb threat, they have fensive slurs carved into stall some serious problems. doors and toilet paper dispensDon’t we have better things to ers. do? If you’re so concerned about Making unwelcoming, defailing a test, your time would be grading remarks about others is far better spent studying than certainly not how a true Spartan trying to get school cancelled should act. However, while we with a bomb threat. Let’s face it: feel strongly about this disgracevandalism is not worth the time ful and insulting behavior, the or effort. Editorial Board feels that it is So how do we put an end to necessary to address a different the problem, you ask? issue: students feel like it is okay We can start by replacing the to disrespect school property. current toilet paper dispensers When did it suddenly bewith metal ones, and perhaps come acceptable to vandalize painting them with vandal-rethe bathrooms? Toilet paper sistant epoxy paint. This will at dispensers are for dispensing least make insult carving a more toilet paper, and nothing more. challenging task. They are not forums, message But this alone is not going to boards, or canvases on which necessarily change student beto draw perverted images. Keep havior. your nasty thoughts to yourself, Stall doors, bathroom walls, save your “creativity” for art mirrors, soap dispensers, and class, and become engaged with paper towel holders all serve as the rest of the student body. additional temptation. If a message is truly an imDo we need to revert back portant one, there are more civito the days of the 1980s, when lized ways of communicating. smoking in the restrooms was
an issue, and lock the restrooms during classes? Or perhaps we need to reassign some Office Aides to act as bathroom attendants. Better yet, anyone caught vandalizing should receive one week of restroom cleaning, in addition to having to replace damaged property. One school district instituted Honors Restrooms, two restrooms that are restricted only to students who are willing to sign an honor code to keep them clean. Access is granted with computerized cards, which students swipe to gain entry. Seems like a bit much, but the system is working; there have only been two problems after over 10,000 visits. As Spartans, however, we shouldn’t need Honors Restrooms. We all should be honorable students with the ability to make good judgments. We shouldn’t need locked restrooms or bathroom attendants. We shouldn’t have to write about the restrooms in The Oracle. We are Stratford America. We need to be proud of our school, and that includes our bathrooms. And until we can be proud of our bathrooms, and treat them with respect, we cannot be proud of our school.
If you are interested in reaching out to the Editorial Board, send an email to editors@ shsoracle.com. For additional stories, daily news and updates, go to shsoracle.com. Sofia Jarrard helped contribute to this Staff Editorial.
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STRATFORD ORACLE STAFF 2014-15 Editors-in-Chief Justin Todes Scott Kennedy
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Associate Editor Ashley Karolys
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Opinions Editors Emily Fishman David Humphrey
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News Editors Cameron Henkel Maxine Tran Culture Editors Ashleigh Garrett Olivia Siciliano Sports Editor Jacqui Comparin Reporters Taylor Morris Tina Kang Noelle Flores Caroline Harger Devin Mitchell
Photo Editors Maggie Vickers Rebecca Williamson
Taylor Brittain Photographers Arturo Benitez Abigail Boessling Riley Timmreck Devin Mitchell Matthew Makowski Christi Gregory Suzy Frazelle Gabby Broussard Hannah Davis Tea Sharp Kailie Henkel Ads Editors Abbey Duke Emily Copeland Sarah Sturgis Ads Staff Rebecca Tarver Kendall Marbach Phoebe Lamay
Nathaly Cortez Alexandra Economides
Harper Jones Lindsey Jenkins Natalie Raley Grace Heckmann Emily Brown Lauren Carr Kara Ferguson Matthew Chavira Design Editor Victoria Shin Staff Artists Erica Jeon Molly Richter Rachel Torres Allison Rice Claire Pena Advisor Janice Cummons Building Principal Christopher Juntti
*Editorial Board Members
The Oracle newspaper is the official, school-sponsored student media of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454. The Oracle is published monthly by the Journalism Department, and is also available online at shsoracle.com. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference. The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression, and is open to contributions submitted by the readers. Readers may submit material via email to info@shsoracle.com. All letters to the editor must be
typed and contain the author’s full name, grade and signature. Submitted material is subject to editing based on space and/or content. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration or the school district. The staff is responsible for the content of the publication, and strives maintain professional standards of accuracy, objectivity and fairness. The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published. The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community, and welcomes freelance submissions.
Cover Photo: “Always a Spartan.” Christopher Juntti gets in his car and pre-
pares to move on to his position as Executive Director of Operation. Photo taken by Arturo Benitez.
The Death of “Mom” and “Dad”
Teenagers have a bad habit of calling their parents by their first names OPINION OF EMILY FISHMAN
Mom and Dad. Two simple words that are often among the first spoken by a baby. Many small children will tell you that their parents’ names are Mom and Dad. We grow up calling our parents by these names - so why is there an increasing trend of high school students refusing to use them? This is wrong, and needs to stop. Mom and Dad are more than just terms of endearment, they are signs of respect. They aren’t just names, they’re titles. Your parents earned those titles. Every time they wiped your snot or drove you to soccer practice, every time they helped you with your home-
work or bought you new boots, they were parenting you. They were being your mom and dad, jobs that are deserving of titles far greater than just “Cynthia” or “Jeff.” This problem seems to stem from one simple issue: teenagers have lost respect for their parents. We no longer view our parents as the giants and heroes they were back in elementary and middle school. We grow taller (or perhaps parents grow shorter) and no longer view the people who raised us as objects of reverence or respect. As teenagers grow up, they start to notice only the flaws in their parents. In short, they
begin to see their parents as real people with actual problems, idiosyncracies, and faults. They’ve always been like this, but the realization that their parents are not perfect often leads to the dropping of the Mom and Dad titles all together. Another troubling cause of the “firstname-epidemic” is the idea that calling your parents “Mom” or “Dad” is inherently childish. Teenagers, now more than ever, seem to be in a hurry to grow up, and calling parents by their first names is perhaps the easiest way to do it. If if seems far cooler to call your mom “Carol” rather than “Mom,” then there is no
doubt the word “mom” will rarely ever pass your lips again. However, teenagers need to realize that calling their parents by their first names doesn’t make you look cool, it makes you look stupid. I’ll be the first to admit that I am guilty of this far too often (sorry, Mom and Dad, if you ever read this), and have only just realized how ungrateful it makes me sound. These are the people that raised me, fed me, and are paying for my college tuition. They deserve, at the very least, to be acknowledged for what they are: Mom and Dad. After all, no teenager is really ever too cool for their parents.
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Homemade or Store-bought?
Where has time gone?
Are homemade gifts better than store bought presents? OPINION OF SARAH STURGIS
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GRAPHIC BY ALLISON RICE
How many store-bought presents do you remember receiving in your lifetime? You might recall a pair of shoes or a piece of technology because you use those items frequently. But how often do you receive those gifts and think to yourself - this gift is thoughtful because it was specially shopped for and purchased for me? Drawing a blank, right? Homemade gifts are always much more meaningful to receive, and to give. Most of the time, the giver thinks about the receiver and what they might like. During the holiday season, when so many presents are exchanged, a homemade gift will stand out to the recipient and be more memorable for them. It might be a good idea to rethink what you are going to give this year; DIY, or do it yourself gifts, are always a great way to go. You might say you’re not creative enough or that you don’t have any good ideas for what to make for people. If so, then Pinterest is the site for you. You don’t have to be super creative to make a great homemade present - people have already come up with the ideas for you. All you have to do is follow the
instructions. It’s a laid-out plan for your creative and thoughtful gift with little hassle in finding ideas. Handmade or homemade gifts don’t have to be really fancy, either. You can buy some simple materials and put them together well, and it can look professionally made. You don’t need to have experience or a large budget to create a great-looking and thoughtful gift. Making a present as opposed to buying i t c a n also save you some money. Item prices a r e marked up, especially during the holidays. Buying only the supplies to do it yourself can save you money, and your efforts will be more heartfelt to the recipient. Though it can be cheaper to make presents yourself, it does cost more of your time. Shopping for a present from a gift list can be a quick process, and it is certainly easier to give. However, the time taken out of your busy schedule to
make a gift shows the person you are giving it to that you care about them and know what they would like, something that’s harder to portray in a purchased gift. Sentiment can be hard to weigh in store-bought presents from a gift list. Yes, giving a present that you k n o w they will
love is nice, but the sentiment is lost. When receiving a handmade gift, you know that person took the time and cares enough to make something personalized and special just for you. As the giver, you know they will appreciate how much effort and love you put into your gift. Furthermore, with homemade gifts, you cannot outgrow it or easily forget who gave it to you. You will always have the memory of the gift and the very special person who made it for you. Many times, the
gift can be something useful as well as sentimental. You could make a decorated picture frame, food, bath products, or even candles. Making something yourself that can be bought at a store can mean even more because it is personalized by your creative touch that they will remember. Knowing that you made it is even better for the recipient. Making your friends and family presents may seems childish and even cheap, but if you give it a try, you may find out that you are skilled at something you never knew you were good at. Crafts like this can be fun too; getting in touch with your inner artist may surprise you by showing how unique and inventive you can be. Overall, giving a hand-made present, especially around the holidays, can make all the difference to someone. They can be more fun to give and receive, even with the extra time spent making them. The holiday season has never been more Pinteresty.
Discovering the Frosty truth
Why everyone’s favorite snowman isn’t what he appears to be OPINION OF DAVID HUMPHREY
I’ll be the first to admit it: I hate Frosty the Snowman. Before you go calling me a Grinch, let me explain myself. In my childhood, I must have watched the Frosty the Snowman special once, maybe twice. In 4th Grade music class we had to sing Frosty the Snowman, and I was the only one who didn’t know the words. Because of this public embarrassment at an early age, a general resentment for this wintery character was born in me. With the gift of hindsight, however, perhaps my long-held dislike for Frosty is war-
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GRAPHIC BY ERICA JEON
ranted. When one looks at Frosty on the surface level, he seems to be the same jolly-friend-created-by-random-children character that we see in any Christmas special. But if one delves deeper into the character, examining his actions, his motives, and his personality, his true self shines through. L o o k ing at him through this lens, it is easy to see that Frosty the Snowman is one of the worst Christmas characters of all time.
Frosty is a creep, who hangs out mostly with children. These are, of course, the children who gave him life, so it’s understandable to a point, but this adult snowman has about the maturity level of a fouryear-old in the body of a thirtyyear-old. This snow “man” should really be renamed “Frosty the Snow Manchild.” Additionally, Frosty is a bad influence. The children, after creating their jolly magical friend, begin following him everywhere. Frosty’s position as the role model for these children could be likened to one of a cult leader, as they follow him wherever he goes, doing whatever he says. This would not be a problem if Frosty was responsible, but he has the responsibility capacity of a toddler. He leads the children quite dangerously into the middle of a busy street, where they are miraculously not hit by any cars, and proceeds to question the authority of the local constable. Is this the role model we want for the children of America? I think not. Frosty is just lame. His magic
power comes from a hat. A hat. You had all the world of magical objects to choose from, and you chose a hat. Even a magic carrot would have been cooler. His song is stupid. I’m not just saying this because of my traumatic elementary school experience. Put Frosty’s song up against Rudolph, Deck the Halls, or any Santa song, and it will be obvious which song is inferior. Any song where the words “thumpity-thump-thump” make up a majority of the lyrics is a poorly-written song indeed. I feel very sorry for the sad, strange little snowball the children molded into Frosty’s wife. How does Mrs. Frosty put up with him all year? I only catch him on TV once a year, and I can barely stand him then. It is time we put the silly snowman behind us. There are plenty of better television specials for you to spend your free time watching. Even if you’re looking specifically for a bad special, you have options like Peter Pan Live, which will leave you speechless. So ditch the melty snowman and good riddance.
an opinion of
JUSTIN TODES Time really does fly. The year feels like it just started, but here I am at the end of my last firstsemester of high school. The year isn’t over yet, but I’ve been looking forward to 2015 for a long time. I present to you my top five reasons why I am looking forward to second semester (and why you should too): 1. I will know my plans for after high school. Knowing where I will be going to college next year will relieve the pressure associated with college apps, allowing me to truly focus on my academics. 2. It will be meaningful to those who take it seriously. Sure, some will blow off their second semester and drop all of their AP classes, but I plan to keep up my grades (for the most part). While some may think otherwise, I’d prefer to do well on AP exams so I don’t to have to take classes like English in college. 3. The stress will be gone. As stated above, this is not to say that second semester is one to blow off; that is absolutely not the case. However, my GPA and class rank are locked in, which means that now I won’t feel as stressed out if I am struggling and bomb a physics test or two... or three. 4. Prom... and senior skip day. May 22 will definitely be unforgettable. The annual, infamous day of (most) seniors skipping a meaningless day school, followed by an incredible night of dancing and fun at prom is something that will certainly be a highlight of every senior’s high school experience. 5. Making friendships stronger. After so many years together, we will all be going our separate ways. This semester will be a time to really connect so friendships will last wherever we end up. So there you have it. Make it a great second semester or not seniors — the choice is yours.
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Is complaining worth the effort?
Students should not be afraid to vocalize their concerns OPINION OF MAXINE TRAN What is the role of a teacher? To provide education to students and help to best utilize their time in class. Teachers are also there to aid students in reaching their individual maximum potential. Because class sizes may not allow for each student to receive one on one attention, if something isn’t working for you as a student then why not say something? 1. Teachers are lifetime learners, no one is perfect. While it is definitely true that teachers are the authority figures and have more experience than students, this does not mean that they are suddenly all-knowing and able to anticipate the needs of students. How is a teacher supposed to know that the class can’t read the lecture with a yellow background? How are they to understand the issues that happens with websites like Turnitin if you don’t tell them? The answer is they don’t. There is no way that teachers are able to be all knowing and know every single thing that is happening in their classroom. Teachers interact with hundreds of students a day. Simply sitting back and allowing your grades to suffer just because they have no knowledge of the issues you are having is not an excuse. Consequently, if there is an issue in the classroom that could easily be fixed, it is a detriment to neither you nor your teacher to make it known. 2. They’re experts in their subject but not necessarily the students they’re teaching. Where student’s success lies in their understanding of subjects, teachers are validated by each student’s success in the classroom. Although years of education and teaching has given teachers experience, they are constantly looking for ways to better reach their unique students. There is absolutely no harm in respectfully expressing difficulty in a certain aspect of class. It is the teacher’s objective to aide students in learning. Although students often elect to be in these more challenging classes, it is more the reason to let the teacher know if you are struggling with a certain element in the classroom. Teachers will often be surprisingly accommodating when it comes to assisting their students. At the end of the day, teachers want their
Questioning a teacher is disrespectful and thoughtless
GRAPHICS BY VICTORIA SHIN students to succeed, and are capable of making mistakes when it comes to imparting their knowledge to students. 3. Execution is everything. The main issue a majority of teachers have with student complaints isn’t the complaint itself. A complaint should not be a whine or accusation. Many times when students bring up an issue they have they do not assume any blame and unknowingly challenge teacher’s authorities. When approaching teachers students should outline the trouble they’re having and understand that any changes or help they will receive is a favor from the teacher not necessarily a right. When teachers are approached by a student who politely and appropriately informs them that they are having a particular issue with a component in the curriculum they are more likely to be open to making adjustments, helping you, and just generally understanding what is wrong.
The teachers are the adult in the situation, which means they definitely know what is best. While students may not necessarily love or understand a particular teaching style or the teacher in general, it is rude to take those complaints and vocalize them. If you don’t like it, get over it. Here’s just a few reasons why teachers, despite what you may think, truly know better.
4. Teachers are accountable for every action. If a student is having trouble with the learning environment or teaching style of the class there is no reason not to complain. A request is much different than what people most commonly do when placing a complaint. Teachers are responsible for what happens in their classroom including all of the issues and accommodations students have. If a student is not learning because of something the teacher is doing or not doing, then it is partially the teacher’s responsibility to fix it.
1. They are four year college graduates, which means teachers have far more experience than their students. The same thing you experience as a student, your teachers have experienced at least once during their academic years. They know how ugly piles of work are and how sad it is to get a big fat zero on the test which they studied all day long for. Throughout their academic lives, they also have met all kinds of teachers, whether good or bad. They understand students’ point of view because they sat on the desk with a pencil in their hands to listen to the teacher. Therefore, they know what is best for the students and what is not. They know what assignments they enjoyed, and most importantly, what the teachers did to blow up their brains and make them run away from class. Teachers have a college degree that enables them to instruct students in a way that is both informative and engaging. In short, they know what they’re doing. If a student has a problem learning in a class, it is most likely a result of failings on the student’s part, not the teacher’s.
5. Above all, respect is key. This is not to say that you should be constantly questioning your teachers authority and making demands. Teachers are, over anything, mentors. As mentors it is their duty to remain diligent to the needs of their students. So if you feel like there is something you urgently and respectfully need to speak to a teacher about, there’s no reason you shouldn’t. However, use this responsibility in moderation, as placing excessive complaints can be insulting and irritating. In the end, if a student is really struggling it is to the benefit of both the teacher and the student to politely make it known.
2. Teacher do what they do to prepare you for college and the rest of your life. Some students complain to teachers that the class is too hard, and the amount of work is ridiculous. Despite what some students may think, teachers do not assign two hour homework assignments or critical thinking essays to fail you or make you miserable. It is their job to balance hard and easy assignments so that you learn something new. All the challenging work and long lectures prepare students for the difficulty of college and the working world. Teachers instruct the class at the right level and pace, whether it be Grade Level, PreAP, or AP, and it is a student’s job to promptly
OPINION OF TINA KANG and politely ask for help if needed. If it is the student who chose to take hard, demanding classes, then there is no reason to complain. Consider your schedule choice before you speak up and say the teacher moves too fast or the work is too hard. 3. They are experts in whatever area they are teaching. Each year teachers review the materials they have already learned, unless they change what they teach, which is a rare case. They know everything from the beginning to the end of the year, and they know it well. Often, they have been teaching this material for years, and have had every type of student imaginable. They know what old materials you need to be able to digest so you can understand the new concept. The experience that teachers have is invaluable when teaching a class. They know what materials will be tricky and what will be easy to grasp. They know how to adjust for the lowest denominator and make sure the whole class understands. 4. They expect questions, not complaints. Complaints sound whiny and disrespectful. A complaint has negative emotions implied, which is step away from a fiery argument. When you blurt out to your teacher that the project is so hard and meaningless, what do you expect them to say? There is a far better way to communicate with teachers: questions. Unlike complaints, questions are productive in that they get the student and the teacher to collaborate on the best solution to the problem. Politely ask for help and explain what parts are difficult, and you are on the right track. 5. Unfortunately, teachers are not allknowing and cannot understand the real source of your complaints. It would be awesome if they could look at how awful your day has been and sympathize. However, a teacher cannot keep track of over 200 students’ lives. They have their own just as you do. They are not responsible for your power going out or your printer breaking. They are not at fault when you pull an all-nighter and subsequently fail a test. Teachers are often not the source of the issues that students have, yet they take the brunt of the complaints. This is disrespectful, and needs to stop. Find another way to succeed in the class.
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Senior Secures Scholarship
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news in brief
WRITTEN BY CAMERON HENKEL PHOTO BY TAYLOR BRITTAIN
PHOTO BY KATELYN BALEVIK
Texas All State Choir Auditions Five singers competed at the pre-area auditions for 2015 Texas All State Choir on Dec. 4. Junior Eliza Masewicz will progress to the last round for admission. Area auditions will be held in January in San Antonio. Freshman Amy Deaton was chosen as the first alternate to Area Auditions.
2014 ATPI Photo Contest Winners
Winning the $5,000 payoff
J.J. Moses presents scholarship to senior Keith Woodruff with his proud parents by his side. Senior year is arguably the hardest for a high school student. Half the time is spent waiting for an acceptance letter, the other half trying to figure out how to pay for tuition. Senior Keith Woodruff, a star player on the golf team, recently got a little help with the latter. Woodruff has just
received a $5,000 scholarship from Reliant. Part of being a 2014 Reliant Scholarships for Champions Winner is receiving the actual check, and the scholarship was presented by J.J. Moses, Houston Texans Ambassador and former wide receiver for the Texans. Woodruff achieved the scholarship for displaying ex-
cellence in sports and in the classroom, He has overcome many obstacles to achieve his current success. With Woodruff during the announcement were his parents, Mary and Stephen Woodruff, as well as head golf coach Tim Johnson and Athletic Director Elliot Allen.
On Nov. 15, six judges evaluated more than 6,500 photo entries in thirty-one different categories from nearly 100 schools and five different states. After six hours of going through all of the entries, the Association of Texas Photography Instructors, or ATPI, bestowed five of Stratford’s own with awards. Congratulations to sophomore Zachary Harkins (3rd Place, Beginning Thematic Category), junior Nikki Garazayde (Honorable Mention, Beginning Advertising Category), freshman Sofia Del Aguila (Honorable Mention, Beginning Animal Category), junior Maddie Dyer (Honorable Mention, Beginning Informal/ Environmental Portrait Category), and junior Katelyn Balevic (Honorable Mention, Beginning In f o r m a l / E n v i r o n m e n t a l The winning shot Katelyn Balevic’s photo earned an honorable mention. Portrait Category).
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Students learn valuable skills at Teen Leadership Summit Conference educates sophomores and juniors on business, media, politics, and community WRITTEN BY DEVIN MITCHELL
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It has been said that “leaders aren’t born, they are made.” On Nov. 22, several students attended the first West Houston Teen Leadership Summit, hosted by Texas Representative Jim Murphy of District 133. The Summit, held in the Norris Conference Center in City Centre, was host to over 100 students from various schools around west Houston. Representative Murphy called on sophomores and juniors to attend and listen to four different panels over the subjects, business, media, politics, and community.
Rep. Jim Murphy, with a few of the Welcoming and Breakfast leaders. Everyone who attended was allowed to chose two additional seminars to listen in and obtain information on, either education, transportation, healthcare and quality of life. The business panel was about oil and gas, healthcare and construction in Houston. Many of the speakers talked about how Houston’s success was bringing in major job opportunities and benefits of living in Houston and San Antonio. The media panel covered advertisements, entertainment and television news. Many of the speakers stressed the importance on getting a clear, concise, simple point to your intended audience and how to appeal to the changes in technology. Politics addressed the differences in the rural and urban persons in Texas within the Democrat and Republican parties. In addition the importance that of teens and young adults to getting involved in politics was discussed. Philanthropy was based on community and volunteer work. The four panelists talked about giving back to the community and raising awareness for causes.
PHOTOS BY ARTURO BENITEZ AND COURTESY OF WEST HOUSTON LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Breakout Groups Education stressed the importance of getting a good education and making the best of Spring Branch’s T-2-4 program. Transportation covered the importance of road efficiency and traffic control along with public transportation. The Healthcare breakout group gave insight on the importance of finding cures for diseases, robotic surgery, wellness, and the prevention of illnesses. The quality of life group discussed how Houston’s parks and other public areas are maintained and how they affect society. Infrastructure takes a surprising role in the upkeep of public grounds. All of these groups made a huge impact on the students that attended. Every panel and breakout group stressed the importance that as young adults, we need to start becoming more involved in networking, community projects, and involving ourselves in the issues of today.
While listening to one of the leaders during the breakout breakfast, junior Devin Mitchell, learned about giving others your full attention.
group, a break then both of the remaining panels and dessert; would be a big help in keeping everyone awake and interested,” junior Hayden Ferrari said. Many of the students had opinions on how the spacing of all of the panels were set, where everyone was sitting for an hour to two hours before getting up, and getting some lunch or going to breakout group. All of the students that attended the focus group agreed that the time constraints were long but overall the entire summit was beneficial and interesting. Another opinion was how many speakers there were, four per panel and each of them spoke for long periods of time. “Having less speakers or keeping the ones that really made an impact like Tim Stone [who was apart of the media panel] made it interesting and was lively,” junior Sydney Slack said. Many spoke highly of many of the panelists which included, Bob Rehak, Tim Stone, Scott Evans and Todd Caliva. Everyone who attended had many great ideas for Harrington and Siddiqui, who were taking notes and really getting into the conversation, and asking questions to get a better understanding of how students felt. Every panel had an impact on how students perceive Houston as a community today, what improvements can be made, and how students can choose a career that will impact Houston, and even the world itself.
Summit Focus Group What were the opinions after the summit? Deanna Harrington and Eimann Siddiqui most appreciatively donated their time to attend a focus group with the students that attended, to get input on the Summit’s strengths and weaknesses. Students who attended the summit, included juniors Claire Koenig, Emily Gex, and Natalie Raley. They later attended a focus group on the summit and had great ideas on how the time span of each panel and breakout groups could be organized. “Maybe if we had the introduction, panel then a breakout group, then a break or lunch then another panel and breakout
Focus Group Spartans help the organizers shape the next summit at a recent survey
Joined by Intern and District Assistant, Mr. Eiman Siddiqui, the group continues to discuss the importance of leadership, networking, internships and the benefits of attending small conventions. Everyone was enthralled and focused on what each other had to say.
Houston Size Some of the facts thrown out during the business panel about the city’s growth
3x 12% CO2 26th growth in exports since 2005
Emissions decrease since 2005
If Houston was a sovereign nation it would have the 26th largest world economy
Here State Representative Jim Murphy explains to a group of attendees his role in the city of Houston and Texas as a whole as well as the importance of body language while communicating with others.
Norway Venezuela Belgium
#1
Houston is now the top creator of jobs in America
3.1m total number of oil barrels exported from texas a day.
Houston’s gross domestic product or GDP, is higher than these countries
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Ringing in the New Year Resolutions to help you make 2015 a fantastic year WRITTEN BY OLIVIA SICILIANO
Be more heartfelt with people. Nowadays, technology dominates how we interact with others. Instead of texting or checking your phone during a meal with friends, enjoy their presence free from distractions. All too often technology is the distraction that prevents people from experiencing a moment and cherishing it.
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Worry less. This year, try not to let worry overwhelm you or anxieties dominate your thoughts. Let tomorrow worry about itself!
2 7 Try something. Listen more. 3 8 Enjoy the outdoors. Keep your attitude in check. 4 9 Make new friends. Send thank you cards. 5 10 Spread joy!
Learn to commit.
Life isn’t a race, so find joy in the journey! Slow down this year and enjoy what you have here and now. Also, be an encourager, the world has enough critics.
Give 100% in everything you’ve committed to this new year. Whether it be to people, school, sports, etc... Push to your potential and see how far hard work takes you, and always try to go the extra mile.
Don’t be afraid to dare. Go out of your comfort zone and try something different or new this year. If you never try, you’ll never know!
Make an effort to be a great listener. This year, allow your talking skills to be just as great as your ability to just stop and listen.
This year, set time to go outside and just be. It’s important to enjoy the outdoors and step outside to recharge every once in awhile.
A bad attitude never really got anybody anywhere. Radiate a good attitude this year in whatever you do, even if you don’t really like what you’re doing. Good energy is contagious, and an even greater attitude makes a difference.
Make an effort to create new friendships this year. “The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend”
Taking the time to handwrite a simple thank you to somebody will make their day. Not only is it thoughtful, but it’s a great way to let someone know just how appreciated they are.
How do Teachers Spend their Break? Teachers share their special holiday traditions, memories, and vacation plans WRITTEN BY NOELLE FLORES
MR. DARROH
“For break I’m planning on just spending time with family, sleeping in, and just relaxing. I may just drive to Austin for Christmas. There is a tradition in my family called Christmas Eve gift. This is where the first person to say ‘Christmas Eve Gift’ to the other person has to give that person a gift, so it’s like a competition to see who can say it first.”
t
PHOTOS BY ABBY BOESSLING AND RILEY TIMMRECK
MR. BLAZE
“We generally rotate who hosts Christmas; sometimes it’s at my house, sometimes it’s at another family member’s place. We collectively decide where it’s gonna be every year, and then everybody talks about what they’re gonna bring dish-wise - we have what some people might like to call a potluck - and it’s our time to come together in fellowship and enjoy one another. Christmas is one of my most favorite times of the year; for the most part during the year, you have plenty of times and opportunities to get together with your family, but there’s something a little more special about Christmas.”
MRS. MENNES
“I always do Christmas with my immediate family at home; my boys open presents, and then later that night, we go to either my husband’s mom’s house or my mom’s house. My sister lives in San Francisco, and my husband’s sister lives in Portland, and they come down for Christmas every year. We have a tradition in my family where every other year, instead of buying each other gifts, we actually just spend the time together and save our money so we can go on a vacation that summer. Instead of buying each other gifts, we spend the money on our plane tickets. So this past summer, we were in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and then we went to Yellowstone National Park. It was really neat because I think Christmas can sometimes get too commercial.”
COACH SLAY
“My family and I go to my grandmother and grandfather’s house, open presents, and eat Christmas lunch and dinner. We spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together. This year, we’re going to Vail the day after Christmas to go skiing. My favorite holiday memory is getting to open presents on Christmas Eve in our pajamas, and then watching the movies Meet Me in St. Louis and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Being with family and friends is my favorite part about the holidays.”
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ALWAYS A SPARTAN
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Looking back on the career and legacy of Stratford’s promoted principal WRITTEN BY SCOTT KENNEDY
Michigan State. Seven Lakes. Stratford. Different places. Different schools. But every time a Spartan. * * * Christopher Juntti has been the Building Principal of Stratford High School for the past seven and a half years, and was recently promoted. Starting at the beginning of next semester, Juntti will work as the Executive Director of Operations for Spring Branch ISD.
The Road to Stratford
Juntti began his career in education in college, at Michigan State University. After graduating, he held a variety of teaching and coaching positions, including jobs within Spring Branch ISD, and he even taught and coached at Stratford. Juntti left Stratford to take an administrative job with Seven Lakes High School in Katy ISD. (see the time line on page 9 for a more detailed look of his career) But about seven and a half years ago, Juntti
returned to Stratford, this time as the Building Principal. And upon his arrival, he saw Stratford’s unique potential. “When I got here, I felt like the staff was yearning, wanting, to really have this place be special,� Juntti said. “It was just up to me to say, ‘Okay. We’re going to make that happen for you.’� And it wasn’t just the staff that was unique; Juntti also saw something in the students that was rare. “I didn’t have to work at getting the students proud of their school. I think that’s always been here.� When Juntti arrived, he was inspired not only by students’ pride, but by their sense of community, as well. “When I came here the first year, the message that I got from the kids, across the board, was ‘We don’t care where you live, we don’t care how much money your parents make, we don’t care what you look like; if you’re a Spartan, you’re a Spartan.’� Although Juntti saw the potential for what the school could become, he also knew there was a lot of work to be done. “There were some areas that needed some tightening up, some better processes, just to make sure that everyone was on the same page, that the campus ran well, and kids’ needs were met.�
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“He is the kind of principal to never be seen sitting around in his office, but to be on his feet, constantly looking for something to do.� As Building Principal, Juntti had the opportunity to impact the school greatly, and the most effective way for him to do this was though hiring. “The number one way that a principal can positively impact a school is to hire great people,� Juntti said. “It isn’t necessarily the stereotypical ‘yes man,’ but we want to find somebody who’s an expert in their content and loves kids. And we’re going to look until we find that person.� Besides hiring great teachers, much of Juntti’s job is very hands-off. “I’m not a micro manager,� Juntti said. “If the staff has a problem they can come to me and I can help them, but I’m not the content-area expert in all of the classes that they teach. My job is to get a great person, get them training, get them everything they need to do a great job, and then let them do it.� Juntti takes a similar approach when working with students. “He trusts students and has faith in our generation,� class of 2014 alumna Katherine Kennedy said. “He was always there to guide, advise, and support students, but he let us run with our ideas.� Last year, Juntti let students run with two such ideas— the Leadership Council and The Big Day. Juntti played a large role in the creation of both. Kennedy, who worked alongside Juntti in both developments, sees his commitment to the projects, especially The Big Day, as evidence of his care for the school, students, and community. But to Juntti, The Big Day was primarily proof of the students’ care for the community. “I think The Big Day was a really visual way for people in this community to see how much
He brought us back together as a family. We feel like Stratford America again.� —Mary Jackson
Building a Better School
Throughout his seven and a half years as principal, Juntti’s top priority was making sure students always felt cared for when they were within the school’s walls. “When I came in, my mantra with the staff was that every kid in this building needs to feel like at least one person on the campus truly cares about them,� he said. “We’re going to build appropriate relationships with kids and let them know we care.� “He always has a great concern for the staff and student body,� junior Carlos Bulnes said.
AP and AP courses are still going on to higher ed,� Juntti said. “I don’t care what classroom our kids step into, it ought to be well run, it ought to challenge them academically to get the very best out of them, and I think that’s something that’s been a consistent commitment of ours.�
Next Stop on the Road
the kids care,� Juntti said. “We talk a lot about the need to give back, but you’ve gotta put it into action, otherwise it’s just talk.� Juntti has made countless improvements to the school, and one of his proudest accomplishments is the creation of Power Reviews. “I think it’s a really powerful thing to show the commitment of the students and the staff, and that we really want kids to be successful,� Juntti said. Power Reviews are just one way in which Juntti has shown his commitment to academics at Stratford; one of his biggest goals has been making sure that every student, regardless of what classes they choose, receives a great education. “There was a perception that if you really wanted to get a good education at Stratford, you had to take Pre-AP and AP courses. And while, if you do that, you will get a tremendous education, I think it was really important that we up the rigor in our academic classes,� Juntti said. Roughly 45% of students never take a single Pre-AP or AP class, and yet around 92% of students go on to higher education. “Our students who may not take those Pre-
Juntti Over the Years 1987—
Graduated from Michigan State with a degree in Social Studies Education; Spring Forest MS: taught Texas History and coached there and at SHS
1989—
Juntti’s hard work and dedication to the school did not go unnoticed; before school started this year, he was approached about a promotion within the district to the position of Executive Director of Operations. Juntti was offered the job, and he accepted. But it was not an easy decision. “Being in the school building for 28 years, it was not easy for me to decide to leave being around kids every day in this role. It’s hard.� The role Juntti accepted involves managing a lot of the factors students often overlook, including transportation, maintenance, planning and construction, and custodial services. Juntti believes that he is a good fit for the job, due to his experience with construction at Seven Lakes. Another key aspect of Juntti’s new job will be working with employees who work outside of the classroom, like bus drivers and custodians, and he is excited for the interaction. “I feel like I’m really good at making people feel valued and really good about themselves in the jobs they do everyday,� Juntti said. “I think that’s a strength of mine.� After accepting the job, Juntti made plans for a faceto-face meeting with his staff, to tell them the news. “We wanted to let them know exactly what was going to happen, and to tell them, ‘Here’s the process that will occur,’� he said. “I think it’s kind of a double-edged sword, kind of bittersweet,� Junior Principal Carl Blaze, said. “But I think that anytime you have great people, you run that risk. Because they’re the outstanding people that they are, they’re going
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to do a great job, and people are going to see that, and they’re going to be asked to do greater things.� Blaze wasn’t the only one with bittersweet feelings toward the news; many staff members took the time to express to Juntti their mixed feelings. “I was very touched,� Juntti said. “People here are very kind. They said, ‘We’re disappointed for the school, but we’re happy for you.’� Even past students of Stratford expressed their mixed emotions regarding the news. “He without a doubt deserves the promotion, but I’m sad to know he won’t be there anymore,� Kennedy said. “My fellow alums felt the same way. We’re sad that younger classes won’t get the chance to be at Stratford under his leadership.�
Leaving a Legacy
Even though Juntti won’t be at Stratford much longer, he has undoubtedly left a legacy that will persist for years to come. “I know that Mr. Juntti has been a great leader at Stratford, and has created a truly positive environment for the students of ‘Stratford America,’� SBISD School Board President Chris Vierra said. “I believe that this culture will be part of his legacy, so I expect my kids will still benefit from Mr. Juntti’s leadership, even though he will not be at the campus when they attend Stratford.� Juntti’s biggest legacy may lie in the atmosphere he has revived in his time here. “He brought us back together as a family,� Student Council Sponsor Mary Jackson said. “We feel like Stratford America again.� That term—“Stratford America�—is used often to describe the culture of the campus— a culture that students have come to love over the years. “If there’s a legacy, I’d love that to be my legacy,� Juntti said. “That the students love this campus. That they love to come here and feel cared for and valued while they’re here.�
The culture that we have created here transcends any one person.� — Chris Juntti
The Road Ahead
1991—
Spring Woods HS: taught US History and coached football, baseball, and track
Oak Ridge HS (Conroe): taught US History and Psychology and coached football and baseball
1995—
1997— Stratford HS: taught geography and coached football and baseball
James E. Taylor HS (Katy): Grade Level Assistant Principal
2005—
2007— Seven Lakes HS (Katy): Administrative Assistant Principal
Stratford HS: Building Principal
2015—
SBISD: Executive Director of Operations
While the culture of the school will remain, students can expect to see some changes beginning next semester, when Juntti begins his new job. Current Associate Principal Danny Gex will step in as the Interim Building Principal, as the search for Stratford’s next principal continues. “I would like to think that the number one quality that they look for in a principal is someone who loves and cares about kids,� Juntti said. “I think they’re going to look for someone who understands what quality teaching looks
like and someone with a great work ethic. This is not a job for the faint of heart. I don’t think I ever work less than 70 hours a week, that’s just the way it is.� The group deciding on the school’s next principal will take into account many qualities, and has even gotten input from staff members about what they think the next principal should be like. Juntti is confident that the next principal will be more than capable of doing a great job, and hopes it will be someone who honors the traditions of the campus, yet sees the potential for more and takes risks to take the school to the next level. Even though he has only a few more days as Stratford’s Building Principal, Juntti will still affect students’ experience at school in his new job. “We will make sure that when kids come to school they are riding on busses that are safe, they come to buildings that are comfortable, and they come to buildings that are clean, so that when a kid hits the door of a classroom, all they’re thinking about is what they’re going to learn that day.� And while Juntti’s new job involves working with every school in the district, he won’t forget Stratford.
Story continued on page 16
The World According to Juntti
Philosophies and ideals of Stratford’s departing principal
“ “
I got in this job because I love kids— that’s never changed.�
I think this is a place where you definitely need to honor the traditions of the campus. But at the same time, I really believe that our students are capable of more, and I think that we need to take a look at the challenges that we have and be innovative, take risks, and encourage our teachers to do that as well, to try to move the campus to the next level.�
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Our goal is that everybody in this building really feels like ‘Wow, they really do care about me; they really understand Family First,’ which are my two words with employees all the time.�
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I think that athletics, fine arts, or anything that kids are involved in that’s beyond them just going to school really makes them feel more a part of the school, and more committed.�
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I really feel like high school ought to be fun, and if kids like coming here, we can teach them anything we need to teach them. But you can’t do it if they’re not here, and you can’t do it if they’re checked out.�
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The bottom line is that we make sure that the students and staff of the district are served as efficiently and effectively as possible.� Stratford’s always going to have a special place in my heart.�
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FXOWXUH
Backstage Rebecca: The AMAs Staffer goes behind the scenes at award show WRITTEN BY REBECCA WILLIAMSON I was recently given the opportunity to attend the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 24. After being contacted by someone from the AMAs and asked to go, I flew out to Los Angeles for the weekend to begin my experience. I was in a group with 19 other teenagers, and our job was to be as enthusiastic as possible the entire day. We started off our day on the red carpet before many of the celebrities arrived, where we participated in a taping of a performance by Becky G. My job was to sit on the stage and use the phone that Samsung gave me, as they were sponsoring the red carpet stage. We sat through seven performances of the same song, until they finally got a recording that was adequate for TV. After that, we had a lunch break. On the way to lunch, I was fortunate enough to meet One Direction again, which was one of the highlights of the day. We ate under a giant tent on top of a parking garage, and I was incredibly surprised to see that the tables were filled with celebrities. It was quite intimidating eating lunch at the table next to Sam Smith, whilst Taylor Swift walked by, but it was also refreshing to see how down to earth all of the performers were, as they went through the same buffet line as us and sat in the same folding chairs that we did. Following lunch, we were escorted back to the red carpet where celebrities were beginning to arrive. We were positioned by the Samsung Stage, and once again were told to act enthusiastic and take lots of photos. I was able to meet so many of my favorite performers, such as Bastille and Imagine Dragons, and got to watch lots of performances up close, while being on TV most of the time. After the red carpet, our group was rushed into the Nokia Theater, where the actual show was held, and brought to our seats in the front row. I was incredibly surprised at how chaotic the minutes before the show were. There were people run-
ning around everywhere while the producer gave us strict instructions about when to stand, when to sit, when to cheer, and when to be quiet. I was honestly quite nervous before the show due to the rules that we had to follow, but once the show started I was able to relax and just have fun. We were instructed to act like each performer was our favorite band or singer, and my entire group did just that. We screamed, danced, and sang along to every performance, and had a whole lot of fun doing so. During commercial breaks, things got crazy. Instructions were yelled, people rushed around, and others spewed out information and commands over the speakers. This was perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the show because commercial breaks are not something that you usually think about. From my spot in the front row, I got to see so many performers that I have never had to opportunity to see. I was shown on TV multiple times during the show, primarily during Lorde’s performance. The show seemed to end far too quickly, and before I knew it I was heading back to my hotel. Looking back on the event, I am beyond grateful for the amazing opportunity, and it is something that I will never forget. I hope to continue going to award shows like this, and plan to pursue a career in the entertainment business, where I will be able to continue working alongside celebrities. Seeing the whole process happen was very eye-opening. So much work goes into every single aspect of the show, and it is evident that attention to detail is crucial there was even a man who’s only job was to hold an umbrella over Becky G in between her performances. Every aspect of the show was timed down to the second, and thankfully everything went smoothly. It is an experience that I am extremely grateful for, and will never be able to forget.
Walking the Red Carpet
Selfies with One Direction
The red carpet was an incredible experience, and the whole show secured my passion for the entertainment industry, which I hope to pursue a career in.
I got to meet One Direction, and took photos with both Harry Styles and Niall Horan. It was my first time getting photos with them.
Hanging with 5sos
Front Row Seats
I got to spend some time with Luke Hemmings and Michael Clifford from 5 Seconds of Summer. We were all quite nervous, as red carpets were a relatively new experience.
My seat was in the front row, so I had an incredible view during the entire show. I could turn around and see Taylor Swift and Lorde.
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FXOWXUH
Beautiful Christmas Lights Around Houston Must-see festive lights this season
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PHOTOS BY ELLIE HERRMANN
To see these lights for yourself, visit the Gaywood and River Oaks neighborhoods.
FOR MORE CHRISTMAS PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.SHSORACLE.COM
Cassidy’s Styles
Walk in a winter wonderland while looking wonderful WRITTEN BY CASSIDY MENARD
· PHOTOS BY NATALIE BROUSSARD
A flirtacious skirt and a semi-fitted sweater could not be a more perfect combination for any fancy event. Add tights and close-toed shoes to really make the outfit pop!
Christmas parties are happening all the time. Be prepared with a long-sleeve, flowy top and the ever trendy riding boots. Wear a puffy vest to finish off this perfect outfit. GRAPHIC BY: MOLLY RICHTER
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FXOWXUH
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Best of the Best White Elephant Gifts Awesome white elephant gifts of Stratford America WRITTEN BY JESSICA SHELDON
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GRAPHIC BY VICTORIA SHIN
“Oh thanks... I love it...� We’ve all heard that line before, whether it’s coming from our own mouth or the person we have given a gift to. With the holidays fast approaching, the race for the perfect gift rages on. But what to do with the many “ehh� gifts? A white elephant party is the perfect place to swap that present from the weird long-lost aunt who doesn’t really know you. There are lots of different ways to play, but the most common way is a game of picking, swapping, and stealing gifts. First, all participants draw a number to determine when they will pick a gift. When the player’s number is up, they can choose to pick a gift from the pile or steal a gift that had already been picked. A gift can be stolen from a maximum of three people. If someone’s gift is stolen, that person can pick an unopened gift. The game continues until all the presents have been opened or all players have a gift. White elephant is ideal for a post-holiday lull party. You can get rid of that one unwanted present and hopefully return victorious with a gift you actually want. However, it’s hard to end up with the good gift. If you open a “hot� gift, don’t get too attached because it will most likely be stolen by the next player. Just like any other game, there are some tricks of the trade, so try to bring a hot item.
When it is your turn to pick, choose your own gift. If the item is really wanted, it will get stolen from you. This way you stay in the game and can steal the gift you really want. White elephant is known for leaving a player with a weirder gift than what they brought themselves. Here are some of SHS’s weirdest white elephant gifts:
“I once received a 42 G bra from one of my friends.�
-Sophomore Matthew Hopper “Last year I gave someone a Duck Dynasty bobble head.�
-Junior Grayson Wilson
“I got this weird cat statue, it’s still in my room.�
-Freshman Mor gen Reyna “Last year at the student council party, I got a nose hair trimmer.�
-Senior Anna Powell “I gave someone a fireman cookie jar.�
-Junior Chris Nunn “I gave someone a Chia Pet, and I got a signed picture of David Bartell.�
-Senior Courtney Stark
“For student council last year, my gift was eight tacos from Taco Bell and I got an ear cleaner.�
“Every year my family has a whole white elephant game, and I remember one year I gave a Nicholas Cage pillow case. They hated it but it was so funny.�
-Junior Carsen Durham “We were playing a game, and I got a toilet seat cover, a Glade candle, and a bunch of magazines. It was the weirdest thing ever, a bunch of bathroom stuff!�
-Senior Maggie Vickers “A teacher gave me this clown with a brick in it so it could sit on a ledge. But this clown was so creepy. Even if you like clowns, this clown would creep you out.�
-Karl Poetzl
What are some of your weirdest white elephant gifts? Tweet @StratfordOracle and let us know!
-Senior Lauren Newman
Top Tweets of the Year Andrew Demeris @AndrewDemeris
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Looking Back on Senior Football PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BRITTAIN, REBECCA WILLIAMSON, AND MAGGIE VICKERS
Best Memory: The Keller Deal
#72
Advice to younger players: Don’t make
Favorite Athlete: Jordan Work
Coach Greene mad
#81
Favorite Athlete:
#41
Johnny Manziel
Favorite Athlete:
Best memory: Toughness drills with Coach P
DeMarco Murray
College: A&M
Best memory: Team
Biggest Inspiration:
dinners
Erik Boas
My dad
Best Game:
#24
Jacob Frenza
Ridge Point
Jonathan Labaume
#28 Biggest Inspiration: My Dad
Advice for younger players: Watch Alex Miller
#42
Golden yelling at us, a lot!
Tucker Green
Lift as much as you can
Griffin Rathgeb
Best memory: Coach
Christian Cassady
Advice for younger players:
friends that were made, the bonds that were formed, and the 13 different ways each coach pronounced my last name
Houman Ziary
Biggest Inspiration:
#8
Biggest Inspiration: My Uncle James and Coach Allen
Best Memory: Black Out Pep Rally and going to Bucee’s
Tim Banks
#53
Anthony Smith
#10
Best Memory: Hangin’ with the squad
Biggest Inspiration: Andrew Luck
Go to shsoracle.com for THE REMAINING senior football rundowns
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Nothin’ But Net Basketball is Gearing Up for a Great Season
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PHOTOS BY NICK LATIOLAIS, NATALIE BROUSSARD, TREVOR MORRIS, CHRISTI GREGORY
Making the Play. Fresh-
Al l Eyes on the Bal l.
Freshman Sonia Stojic passes the ball to Isa Cuadra in the JV game against Danburry High school on Dec. 6.
man Daniel Corteguera steals the ball before passing to a teammate during the Junior Varsity game against Memorial on Dec. 5.
Makes the Shot. Junior Han-
nah Lee shoots a free throw at the SHS vs. Cy Lakes game on Dec. 2.
Slam Dunk. Junior Torin Justice goes in for the shot against Lamar High School on Nov. .21.
Dribbles Down Court. Sopho-
Spartans Get Competitive. Senior Matthew Adair and Junior Torin Justice fight for the ball with 3 minutes left in the Varsity game against Lamar on Nov. 21.
A Great Start. Freshman Reilly LaGrange tips
off the game against Cy Lakes High School on Dec. 2.
Boys & Girls Basketball Schedule Boys 12/15 SHS vs. Klein @SHS 12/19 SHS vs. Brenham @Brenham 12/30 SHS vs. George Ranch @George Ranch
Girls
12/15 SHS vs. Tomball @Tomball 12/19 SHS vs. Brenham @SHS 12/31 SHS vs. Terry @Terry
more Jacyn Roberson dribbles down the court during the Junior Varsity game against Memorial Dec. 5.
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Continued from page 9
“I have to come up here three times a week for paperwork during the second semester for my job. But outside of my job, I still see myself attending Stratford events. So although I won’t be in this office, people will see me around. But I’ll be in a different capacity: rather than being a driving force out front, I’ll be a supporter.” “Mr. Juntti will not be a stranger here at SHS!” Gex said. “He’s made so many friends with staff, students, and parents that he will make it a purpose to stay involved.”
And to those who are worried about Stratford’s future now, Juntti assures that everything will be alright. “Change is scary for people, we get worried. But here’s the thing: The culture that we have created here transcends any one person. You’ve just gotta trust.” For the first time in his career, Juntti will no longer be working with any one specific school. There will be no Stratford stickers on the cars in his new parking lot. There will be no forest green paint on his new building. But even still— “I will always be a Spartan.”
Stratford America Gets the Last Word “
“
Mr. Juntti doesn’t make Stratford feel like a school. He makes it feel like a home, and treats us all like we’re family— his family.” —Junior Casey Lawrence
He was my high school coach, so it’s especially bittersweet for me. But it’s kind of the best of both worlds, because I’ve had the opportunity to grow under his leadership, and I also have the opportunity to see him go on and do bigger and better things.” th —11 Grade Principal Carl Blaze
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We had the opportunity to learn and grow professionally together, and I would consider him one of my best friends. Over the years he has made the most difficult job in education look pretty easy.” —Associate Principal Danny Gex
He truly cares about the community, the faculty, and the students. Being a building principal wasn’t just a job for him— it was a calling. He led by example and loved what he did, and it showed.” —Class of 2014 alumna Katherine Kennedy
“
Mr. Juntti has added so many things to this school. He is very dedicated, and I see him at almost every sports event, even if it’s all the way in Austin. He shows his support for every student. I know he will do a great job and I wish him the best of luck!” See more quotes at shsoracle.com —Junior David Quinlan
EDFN SDJH
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A Tweet Success
5,133 tweets 1,529 followers
“As an underclassman, I knew Mr. Juntti as the “principal who tweets.’” — Class of 2014 alumna Katherine Kennedy “When I first set this up, I thought the parents would follow it. I didn’t know that the students would follow it.” —Christopher Juntti “Mr. Juntti was a great principal and the best tweeter!” —Senior Angella Son “Mr. Juntti connected with the student body over Twitter in a way that no principal of mine has done before.” —Sophomore Zachary Harkins Christopher Juntti @ ChristopherJunt
No news from the district. Time for a joke. What is brown and sticky? A stick. 6:45 PM - 27 Jan 2014
Christopher Juntti @ChristopherJunt
SHS takes game two 37-35. Holy cow what a game! GO SPARTANS! 4:17 PM - 31 Oct 2014
Christopher Juntti @ ChristopherJunt
Thanks to all those that have congratulated me on my promotion. I am here for another two months AND I WILL ALWAYS BE A SPARTAN! 10:46 AM - 30 Oct 2014