ORACLE Friday, December 8, 2017
// Vol 44 // Issue 4
Checking off First Semester
@SpartanOracle @StratfordOracle
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Opinions
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
Reading and Success - Are They Connected?
WRITTEN BY: EMMA HOLLAND
Checking Off First Semester For the first time in school history, fall finals have been cancelled.
PHOTO BY: LAUREN BYRAM
It’s Never too Early English teacher Charlotte McHale started reading to her son, aged 6, as a newborn. He now has a passion for reading.
“You’re learning the language, and once you’ve learned you can start to put together complex thoughts about what you’ve read.”
PHOTO BY: PERRY SHEPARD
ORACLE Editors-in-Chief *Emma Holland *Lauren Byram
Associate Editors *Elizabeth Cole *Charlotte Benes
Photo Editors *Zaina Ateyea *Presley Graves *Perry Shepard *Maddie Dawson
Opinions Editors Bayle Goldman Rachel Dietert
News Editors
How reading can drastically affect one’s future success
Rachel Cole Alex Parizot Yasmin Talbi
Reading - some people love it, others hate it. Some have been reading continuously for years, and others haven’t picked up a book since the reading log ended in fifth grade. Most people would probably agree that reading strengthens one’s thinking abilities. Some, however, may not see the benefits of reading at all. However, without a doubt, the amount that one reads has a clear positive correlation between one’s educational and personal success. Senior Catherine Parnell has been reading ever since she was 3 years old. “I remember that I used to memorize the book Princess Penelope by reading it over and over again with my parents until I could eventually read the book by myself,” Parnell said. She was a frequent reader in elementary school and middle school, reading every single day. “In middle school, I read a trilogy in a night,” Parnell said. “Lots of times I finished a full-sized novel in one or two days.” She claims that she read even more in elementary than middle and high school because of all of the free time she had. Parnell believes that avidly reading throughout her childhood has helped her tremendously in her education. “Reading has really broadened my vocabulary because I am exposed to a lot of words and ways in which authors use words,” Parnell said. “In turn, I know how to use words in a variety of different ways.” In the category of standardized tests, Parnell tends to perform well, as her strong reading skills allow her to read questions and answers quickly and thoroughly. In addition, in reading and writing sections, she is able to read at a quick pace while comprehending the story. In the end, there is a clear positive correlation between her active reading level and her standardized test scores. In addition, senior Ben Touchstone is a strong
Abby Gex Maddie Suerth Sebastian Droz
reader and has been reading since a young age. “My mom made me read two hours a day in elementary school,” Touchstone said. Touchstone believes that reading has strongly benefitted him in all subjects in high school, not only reading and writing. “I am stronger in math and science than reading and writing,” Touchstone said, “and reading has definitely given me greater focus and analytical skills to strengthen me in those subjects.” Touchstone is happy with his standardized test scores and thinks that the amount he read as a child impacted his success. “I finished with time to spare on the reading tests, and I used the rules I learned from reading to help me on the grammar sections,” he said. As Parnell and Touchstone prove, the amount one reads as a child has tremendous benefits into one’s future. Educationally, reading is beneficial in every subject, as not only can a student read faster and more effectively, but they grow in their capability to focus and think clearly and deeply. Specifically, strong reading skills can speed up time on standardized tests and allow students to answer challenging questions quickly and effectively. And personally, reading is a form of enjoyment that can change the way one perceives the world around them. So, what does all of this mean? Next time you want to cuddle up on the couch and turn on the TV, reach for a good book instead. In addition, the easiest and simplest way to prepare for standardized tests is to start reading every day. Read one challenging article or a chapter of a challenging novel every day. The benefits of reading may seem minimal up front, but in the long run, the effects add up. And for those who dislike reading, challenge yourself to start reading, and who knows, you might grow to enjoy it.
Feature Editors
Sports Editors Mariana Rincon
The Oracle newspaper is the official, schoolsponsored 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.org. 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
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Reporters
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expression and is open to contributions submitted by the readers. Readers may submit material via e-mail to info@shsoracle.org. All letters to the editors 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.
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Opinions The Oracle / December 8, 2017
“Home” For The Holidays
Learning to celebrate in a new environment WRITTEN BY: ELIZABETH COLE
PHOTO BY: ELIZABETH COLE
New traditions The Cole family decorated their temporary home with new decorations this year after losing their old ones in the flood.
As a senior, this year has been a lot of “Lasts- Last first swim meet, last first day of school, last homecoming, last everything. Right now, the “last” that many seniors are focused on is that it is the last time the class of 2018 will be truly “home for the holidays” to decorate the house for Christmas and celebrate the season with family. However, this year has brought on considerable change to this famous phrase, as the flooding will leave many displaced for the holidays. For many displaced this holiday season, the phrase “home for the holidays” has taken on a sad meaning. The holidays is a benchmark for how long we have been displaced, and a bitter reminder that many of us are not in a
place we would call our home. It has become more and more apparent that many families will not be able to return to their house for a while due to the widespread damage. The demand for construction is too high to be able to dedicate getting a house fixed efficiently. Therefore, many are looking for “home” elsewhere. Some families are staying with friends and family, while others are living in apartments or rent houses. What used to be a temporary place to stay has now become more of a long term living space. For my family, our lease needs to be extended because our home will not be reconstructed until the late spring. The Cole family, like so many others, lost most of our house and belongings to the flooding due to Hurricane Harvey. All our Christmas decorations were destroyed, many of which were all our ornaments that we had collected ever since my sisters and I were born. As I move onto this new chapter of my life this next year, I miss the fact that a lot of things that I defined as home are gone. However, I have come to realize that my
definition of home has changed to not one specific place. In this way, “home” is flexible. I believe that home is not defined by not the physical means of a house or possessions. It is defined by the people, experiences and memories. Our decorations held memories for each year of our life, because our family would choose ornaments that had to do with our best memories that year. The other day, I came home after practice to find the apartment smelling like Fir, Christmas music playing, and a wreath on our front door. Even though these traditions we used to have at the house are changed, decorating our new space makes celebrating with my family feel like it used to. My family is still putting lights up on our house this year, despite not living there. On the surface, it is proving that one day we will return to “normal” life there. We still want to find “home” in our Christmas traditions that we have lost this year. We may be stringing up new lights and putting on new ornaments, but we are still doing it together - not only by ourselves, but with our whole community. In this sense, we are home for the holidays.
No Finals, No Problem
How students and teachers are reacting to the cancellation of final exams
WRITTEN BY: BAYLE GOLDMAN
GRAPHIC BY: CAROLINE BUCEK
As a result of two weeks without school during Hurricane Harvey, SBISD has cancelled final exams for the fall semester. What would be finals week will now be full school days, with one half day on Friday, Dec.15. SBISD decided that teachers should not have to cram two weeks’ worth of class time into a few days in order to catch up, and that students and faculty are facing enough obstacles following the devastating floods. English teacher Kathy Suerth was happy to hear that finals were cancelled. Her own family, including her two kids who are both Stratford students, was displaced when their home was flooded. Mrs. Suerth’s class will be using finals time to “have a project with Antigone that is a skit project, and students will be presenting and performing them.” Overall, Mrs. Suerth believes that not having finals will be a “positive thing for those who have flooded” and notes that the extra instructional time classes will have will be helpful for catching up on the curriculum. Pre Calculus and Principles of Engineering teacher William Hall was relieved by the lack of final exams. His Pre Calculus class
will be using finals time to wrap up a unit and have “a little chapter test.” Mr. Hall was also relieved that there is no reason for Power Reviews this year. In addition to having to prepare the review packets, “it is an extra workday for teachers” that he will not miss. Speaking of Power Reviews, freshmen will not get to experience them this year. The name might be new to them entirely.
Older students who have attended in previous years know of its usefulness. However, most students and teachers are relieved that Power Reviews are not necessary this year. No fall finals means that many seniors will not have to take another high school final again, since they get to exempt all finals if eligible. With college applications to finish, seniors are under enough stress already.
Senior Nya Reyes said she was “excited and happy” to not have finals because they “wouldn’t affect grades.” As far as assignments go, she is expecting “projects and small worksheets” from teachers during the last couple weeks of the semester. Senior Steven Bradshaw was “really happy” when exams were cancelled because it “was going to make the semester a lot easier.” Bradshaw’s life has been filled with chaos since his house flooded during Harvey. “Everything didn’t feel right for a while and still doesn’t,” said Bradshaw, adding “it won’t for a while.” He expects projects from teachers around finals time but also plans to take it easy. Freshmen Jocelyn Concha and Noelle Brown admit to being nervous to take a high school final for the first time, but are glad that they have until the spring semester exams to study efficiently. They expect to have projects and worksheets up until winter break. It seems that both students and teachers are relieved that there will not be finals this semester. There is a lack of stress in the air and a feeling that students can focus on learning rather than memorizing material for exams. After a challenging few months for everyone, not having finals is one thing to look forward to.
The Oracle Staff’s Favorite Part of Holiday Break WRITTEN BY: TUESDAY PEARS
“Going out and being in the cold.” -Cindy San Martin, Video Production “Time off and watching movies.” -Yasmin Talibi, News Editor “Christmas and New Years parties.” -Amora Flores, Online Reporter “Not having school, and Christmas!” -Jordan Kouns, Design Editor “Being able to sleep and have free time.” -Andrew Park, Online Reporter “The smell of Christmas!” -Elizabeth Cole, Associate Editor “Cold weather, being done with college applications, and reading a book until I fall asleep.” -Presley Graves, Photo Editor “Being able to sleep in, spending time with my family, baking, and Christmas!” -Tuesday Pears, Reporter “Having two weeks of blissful, stress free time to relax.” -Bayle Goldman, Online and Opinions Editor
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News
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
Anniversary of the National Women’s Conference
As the anniversary of the National Women’s Conference passes, how has the role of women in our society changed?
WRITTEN BY: YASMIN TALB
GRAPHICS BY: JORDAN KOUNS
Nov. 18, 1977. The streets of Houston flooded with people with the prospect of the future lighting their path. Two thousand delegates from all 50 states and territories as well as 20,000 observers all gathered in Houston for a conference that was authorized by public law and supported by federal funds. The air was crisp and hundreds of wide eyes gazed in curiosity. This convention came after many steps were taken to get gender equality issues in the country seriously starting with President Gerald Ford. President Ford created programs for equality between men and women, including a national committee of 35 people to talk about and respond to these issues. Two years later, President Jimmy Carter gave the responsibility and honor to Congresswomen Bella S. Abzug and Patsy Mink to hold a national conference where people all across the country could convene and have their voices truly heard and taken into account. This conference represented hope for the future and what it held for women in any industry. It required people of varying economic, racial, ethnic, religious, and age groups not only to encourage female empowerment but also diversity in a society that had a lack thereof.
This conference was held in 1977, exactly 40 years ago. The anniversary of this conference was held on the University of Houston campus on the 6th and 7th of November. Even though this conference was held in what feels like forever ago when looking at the way the women dressed and did their hair, the problems that those women talked about are still prevalent today. The Women’s March that occurred earlier this year, a day after President Trumpwas inaugurated, was the sequel to the story that started in 1977. The more pressing point is, why did we need a sequel anyway? Shouldn’t this story have already gotten closure closer to when it started? Women’s rights and gender equality has had a roller coaster of ups and downs in the years since the conference in 1977. With the recent allegations against many people in Hollywood and in other industries, the questions and issues on women’s rights and gender equality have become even more prevalent. The fight for better respect for women’s rights hasn’t died out, as seen from the Women’s March, the National Women’s Conference, and its anniversary. The fight for women’s rights is not over and won’t be until we live in a society where everyone is treated equally.
This space can be yours for $90! Stratford High School Phone: (713) 251 - 3454 Journalism Department E-mail: thestratfordoracle@gmail.com 14555 Fern Houston, TX 77079
News
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
New Changes Call for New Traditions
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Students affected by Hurricane Harvey reinvent their holiday traditions WRITTEN BY: RACHEL COLE PHOTOS BY: RACHEL COLE GRAPHICS BY: RACHEL TORRES As many know, several families in our school togetherness, and although Harvey may have have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. A strongly impacted many family plans, the good majority of these victims were also disholidays will continue and new memories will placed from their homes. Due to this displacebe made. ment, families have had to alter their plans for While this may seem like a time of sadness, the upcoming holidays. most people are looking forward to their new Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and and improved holiday traditions. News Year Eve all have family festivities and are “Although I won’t be able to see all of my full of traditions and memories. Unfortunately, family this year, we were still able to make a lot of students and their families are having new plans for Thanksgiving. We are going to to turn their traditions around and completely a football game, and I’m really excited for it,” make new traditions. Some families are even sophomore Guinndalyn Cloud said. Many having to cancel some of their annual plans. students are optimistic for their new holiday The holidays are meant for family and friend traditions. Some students didn’t even flood, but
their holiday traditions are changing. “My house didn’t flood, thankfully, but the house we usually spend most our holidays in flooded, which is our grandparents house. So instead, we just had to change our usual plans for the holidays to something different. It is kind of weird and sad to change, but I’m sure the holidays will be just as good,” junior Claire Barber said. Many families in Houston and surrounding cities are having to alter their plans for the Holidays. However, many are seeing this new change as a new opportunity.
Sophomore Guinndalyn Cloud “Because my house flooded, our plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas have changed. We usually stay home for Thanksgiving and have a large family dinner at our house, and all my family comes in from Utah for dinner. But this year, my family and I went to the TCU game on Thanksgiving. For Christmas, we are going to Bear Creek, when we usually go to the beach on the two-week break. My family decided to go to Break Creek instead of the beach because we are traumatized by water for a while. On Christmas, we are spending the day in our temporary home, which is our apartment.”
Senior Bayle Goldman “My family usually has the holidays together at home. We deck our house out in our Hanukkah decorations. We usually have a family Hanukkah party at mine or one of my cousin’s houses. However, both of my cousins and my house flooded this year, so we are not sure if we are having a party this year. My family is still going to buy new decorations at our new house this year and enjoy Hanukkah best we can.”
Sophomore Nathan Brown “It has always been a tradition in our family to have Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner at our grandparents’ house in Houston. Unfortunately, when Harvey hit, their house flooded, so now we didn’t have Thanksgiving dinner there, and we won’t be able to celebrate Christmas their either. Instead, my family celebrated Thanksgiving in Dallas, and went to a football game after. For Christmas, we decided on to have our grandparents come over to our house for dinner. It’s weird having all these traditions that we have had for so long change, but I’m still looking forward towards the holidays and making new traditions.”
1/3 First day back to school for second semester
1/15
No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1/25
Opening night of Addams Family
12/9 SHS Playhouse
preforms numbers from The Addams Family at Barnes and Nobles
12/12 - 12/15
No Finals There will not be final exams this semester
12/15 Last day of the
semester Early dismissal and last day of school
12/25 Merry Christmas 1/2 Staff Development day
Approved 20182019 School Calendar
The 2018-2019 school calendar has been approved. Next year school will start on Aug. 16. This year it started on Aug. 21. This year school will end on June. 1, with school next year ending on May 24. The entire week of Thanksgiving will still be off, and school will conclude for the first semester on Dec. 21. Go to shsoracle.org to see the full calendar for yourself!
WRITTEN BY PRESLEY GRAVES, CHARLOTTE BENES, ISABELLA WALTZ PHOTO COURTESEY OF KRISTIN HOPPER On Nov. 16-18, 49 Thespians went to Grapevine, TX to compete in this year’s Thespian Convention. More than 7,000 other students, from around Teaxs, attended this year’s festival. And out of those 7,000, Stratford won big. Over a dozen Stratford Thespians competed in Individual Events (IE’s) including prepared theatricle performances and technical design presentatons. The following students qualified for the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln,
Nebraska, this Summer, congratulations to: Emily Mashburn for Costume Design, Lauren Dodds and Rachel K. Harlsey for duet musical, Jordan Jones and Jaymie Jones for duet musical, Nick Perdomo and Ethan Robinson for duet acting, Lindsay Bates and Isabella Waltz for duet acting, Katie Hopper for monologue, Sydni Moon for solo musical, Marey Mouton for lighting design, and Lauren Menard for stage management.
Thinking on Their Feet. The Stratford Im-
provisation Team includes Abby Haralson (Team Captain), Hagen Bach, Izzy Flores, JJ Isabel, and Isabella Terrazas. Their team took first place in the Texas Thespian Improvisation Competition, against more than 60 teams.
Stratford America’s favorite registrar
WRITTEN BY: ALEX PARIZOT PHOTOS BY: PRESLEY GRAVES Middle School where he taught the husband of Susan Boessling (the building administrative assistant) Latin. “Mr. Rutland has been everything in the district, and he’s the most helpful person. Registrars from other schools in
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the district will call him if they need help,” said Ms. Boessling. Any senior who has desperately needed a transcript as soon as possible can also vouch for how friendly and helpful Mr. Rutland is. In 2004, Stratford was found to have major structural issues, with bricks literally falling off of the school. Rutland and
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
A Standing Ovation For the Thespians
The Tale of Stratford and Rutland 43 years after Stratford’s founding, there is only one faculty member who worked here when the school opened its doors, Gene Rutland. Mr. Rutland is the Registrar, and he has the very important job of managing students records, which includes retrieving every transcript a senior needs to send to each college they’re applying to, and he’s retrieved every transcript for the last 30 years, with the exception of one senior class. Stratford has changed a lot since Mr. Rutland started as a counselor here, for instance, when students first began attending Stratford, they actually went to classes at Westchester until the Stratford campus opened in March of 1974. Rutland moved from Landrum
News
the rest of the school moved to Westchester for a year while the school was repaired. Through all of this, he never stopped getting transcripts. In Mr. Rutland’s years of working at Stratford, he’s had multiple students return as teachers, and even the building principal in Mr. Gex. “When I was a senior, my friends and I, especially Chris Overtree, would come up with any excuse we could to go see Mr. Rutland, even if we didn’t really need a transcript. This was back in ‘91,” math teacher Karl Poetzl said, “Even now, anytime I have to tell him anything, instead of just sending him an e-mail I just use it as another excuse to go down to his office to talk to him. He’s a wonderful man.” Another student turned employee is assistant choir director Ms. Baker, class of 2010. “As a student, you knew that he was doing a lot of work for every senior, but on the work side, you actually can see him do it and realize how much he really does for the students,” Ms. Baker said, “I served with him on the
Character without question committee, and he would talk about how hard the kids work and all the things they do, and it really inspired how I teach.” Sadly, this will be the last year that Mr. Rutland will be working at Stratford. Despite the multiple times tales of his retirement that have spread through the school and proved to be false, this time he will actually be leaving Stratford America and enjoying a well deserved retirement. “Stratford has become much more diverse since we first opened,” Rutland said, “We still have very involved parents who work really hard for their kids. Our teachers have always cared a lot about their students, and I can’t see that changing.” Mr. Rutland has been at Stratford longer than anyone else, helping every student who came to him however he could, and by managing all transcripts and transfers, very few students have not encountered Mr. Rutland. So from everyone here at Stratford America, thank you Mr. Rutland.
Can you guess what year these teachers started at Stratford? 1. Mary Jackson 2. Gene Rutland 3. Janice Cummons 4. Mathew Darroh 5. Charles Avis
6. William Hall
7. Cece Prudhome
8. Janna Lucas
ANSWER KEY 1.) 1980 2.) 1974 3.) 1981 4.)2001 5.) 2006 6.) 2007 7.) 1993 8.) 1999
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Features The Oracle / December 8, 2017
More Than Just Raising Animals The Future Farmers of America learn valuable skills WRITTEN BY: LIBBY GRIZZELL
GRAPHIC BY: CAROLINE BUCEK
Goat Hugs Early in the morning, senior Kailie Henckel warms this cute goat with a big hug.
Holy Cow! On a cloudy day, senior Casey Brooks still shows her cow some love.
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skills important for the business side of agricultural science, like public speaking, leadership, working with a team, and even agricultural mechanics. “The hardest part of raising animals is the time commitment. You have to be committed to your animals one hundred percent” Storts said. During the holidays, if FFA students plan on traveling, they have to pay someone to take care of their animals. They still have to tend to their animals twice a day, everyday and make sure the animals are healthy. During the colder seasons, animals can get sick more easily so tending them and making sure they are healthy is very important. “Sometimes it’s stressful but it’s worth it”, said Storts. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I’m glad now I can. There are definitely responsibilities that come along with raising an animal but I love it.”
In a Good Mooood Senior Kailie Henckel smiles with her cow.
Hogs and Kisses Betty Lou and junior Wyatt Storts pose for a picture.
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course for someone interested in growing up and raising agriculture or pursuing a career in agricultural science and livestock. Not all students in FFA have to raise an animal. Many students choose to pursue the business and social aspect of FFA. Instead of raising livestock, they learn
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in to competitions and livestock shows at the end of the school year to potentially win money and scholarships. “In the future I want to own a ranch and raise livestock such as cattle and zebras,” Storts said. FFA is a great
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Future Farmers of America is an underrated class taken through the Guthrie Center that teaches students much more than just raising animals. Students learn a handful of important skills that become valuable for the rest of their lives. Tending their own animals seven days a week, and twice a day also gives them a strong sense of responsibility and obligation. Sophomore Wyatt Storts has been involved in FFA for two years now. He has always been into animals and wildlife and took the opportunity to be able to continue his interests in school. Right now, he is in charge of raising a pig named Betty Lou, and last year he raised 25 chickens. “When I heard about being able to raise my own animal and being able to showcase it in Houston I instantly wanted to join FFA,” Storts said. Each year, students pick an animal to raise and enter
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF: KAILIE HENCKEL, HUYEN TRAN, AND CASSIDY STORTS
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SADDLE MILK ROCK GRAIN LADDER FARMHOUSE HORSE LOFT CHORES MANURE FARMER TOOLS TREES FEED BARN CHICKENS TRACTOR FENCE KIDS GRASS
8 In Depth The Oracle / December 8, 2017
Know What you’r e up against
Understandin
WRITTEN BY: CH
g the menta l health aff lictions
Case # 73
ARLOTTE BENES
GRAPHIC
that plague hig
BY CAROLYN KO h schoolers In today’s society, ERNER everywh we can hardly go a month without hearing of some horrific pa st fo ur ye ars has been a hu tragedy on the news. We can ha ge source of anxie rdly go a week wi and I feel like mos ty, thout being t of my teachers bombarded by th simply having to and coaches e rigorous deman either don’t know deal with the ever ds or of We can hardly go don’t care how ha yday exp sc ho tio ol ns of society (read . a day, nay, a few rd ha vin it ca g n : parents, teache to be ju ggle schoolwork hours, without being plugged in rs, peer ad m an iss d io ou ns t of to social media. of tie fices, future empl class activis,” an anonymou The demands oy s senior said. “It of society on teen er s, etc.) w he av ily on the minds almost feels like agers coupled wi it’s impossible to of today’s student th the delicacy succeed in school of the not-yet-fu s. “I fe el like it’s unreason unless you aren’t lly-developed ad involved in any ex able of them to as olescent brain tracurricular activ combine in the pe to co m k m it to iti a particular care es. And I know that’s not always rfect recipe for th er path at such true but I think it’s e ever increasing epidemic of young age. We do ho anxiety and depr fe w el. m n’t know what we ost of us Students who su ession affecting students today. ’re doing ri cceed in school now, how should and in sports and clubs are th we know what we e exception, not When asked to wh ’ll be doing ye ar s fro th m e no rule.” w? There is so m And yet, aren’t we at extent she belie uc h ves that the supposed to be ex general student pr essure on to figure out our fu population is affe perimenting with different ac ture and be taking cted by anxiety, tivities and hobb Lynn Hollister, th classes t he lp pr epare us for what ies during our hi e student service school years? Th is to come,” the gh s counselor, is is supposed to said “I would gu an on same ym ou be s senior said. ess 50%, but the a safe time and number is probably higher. Ever Planning for colle yone has some an ge. Making good xiety or worry, but clinical anxie grades. Ma taining a social lif ty interferes with e. Walking in the yo ur fo Likewise, Holliste daily life.” otsteps of ol de r sib lin g (or even a youn r “would say that ger one). All of th 20% of students at SHS are are some of the re e affected by true asons students gi depression. We all feel down fro ve for their anxiety. The com m time to time, it’s m on thread? Socie part of life. We make a bad grad tal expectations. e on a test, we ha ve an argument with a friend or pa rent; or we have losses in our life such as a brea kup… A combina THE AFFECTED tion of more than one of thes e things can lead to depression, We are the post 9/ and living with a 11 generation, th prolonged perio e last of the d of stress or Millennials and anxiety can also the first of Gene lead to depressio ration Z, or the n.” iGeneration. We are the bearers of the burden of the social med ia boom, which THE CAUSES happened to perfectly coincid e with a time of de There is no clear velopmental ly bound cause fo sensitivity for th r anxiety and e vast majority of depression in te us enagers, and mor . We have ne ve r known a world e often than not the factors vary fro without numerou m person to pers Fears that range s fears. on. far and wide from One of the post pr the fear of a evalent anxiety-in school shooting or a deadly terro ducing factors affecting teen rist attack, to the s today is an ever fear of missing ou increasing t on a social even dependence on technology and t, to the more ab str ac t but equally crip social media. “I think that a lo pling fear of failu t of my peers are Th re. e Na tio na l Institute of Men dependent on social media and tal Health reports it makes them an th at an xie ty is th xious because e most common they’re just lookin mental health g at the pictures disorder in the Un and thinking ited States today, its real life even pl ac e fo r stu de nts to test the wa though most peop and affects ne ar ly on e third of adults an ters and begin le only post the best sides of them finding their nich d adolescents al e in life, whether selves, not who th Th e te ike. en ag e br that be through ain is actually, ph ey really are,” sophomore Blak success on the at ysiologically e Todes said. hletic field, in th more susceptible e cla to ssroom, or in one of the many The trend of look anxiety and depr extracurricular ac ing to social med ession due the developmen tivities offered to ia for actal sensitivity that ceptance has incr us in and out of is characteristic school. Success eased tenfold in of hi gh sc ho ol in such activities age students. recent years. Students can spen that are groomin g us into the men d hours scrolling “A lot of people do and women we through pages and posts and tw will soon becom n’t know that the e, shouldn’t have eets, constantly brain isn’t fully developed un comparing to come at the til age 25,” Henr themselves to th price of our men y said. As the eir peers and setti tal health. te en ag e br ai n is growing and ng unrealistic, idealistic standar “I do think that of developing, it is ds for themselve ten times, teache lot more sensitive a s based on the rs are unaware to the external pr airbrushed view of what is going essures that of life that such sit on in the minds stu de nt s are constantly of their students es provide. because you guys Another prevalen bombarded with t factor of widesp are so good at hi mention the fact . Not to ding it,” Psycholread student that the teenaged anxiety is school ogy teacher Julia amygdala, the work, or, more sp nne Henry said. ce nt er fo r em ot In ec ion in the brain, all likelihood, ifically, balancing copious am we have a ways to is particularly go in breaching ounts of said scho sensitive at this sta the communiolwork with out-of-school ac ge of developmen cation gap betw een students and tivities. t, leading to he ig ht en ed emotions, which teachers in the interest of more “Balancing scho manifest themse honesty about an ol and sports thro as m oo di lves ne ss or irritability but d awareness of ughout the mental health iss often suggest ues like anxiety an deeper underlyin d g depression. mental health pr On top of having oblems such to balance school as depression or anxiety. with real life,
In Depth 9 The Oracle / December 8, 2017
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“I always felt behind and like something was missing from my life because of my depression. Two years ago I was put on meds and I started to find an outlet for my self. Ever since then I’ve had a much easier time concentrating in school and finding happiness.” -Male, Senior
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“I constantly feel like I’m comparing myself to my ol der sibling who made nearly perfect grades in high scho ol, whereas I can only make B’s mostly.” -Male, Sophomore
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Features
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
Christmas Around the World
How people celebrate the holiday season from all over the world WRITTEN BY: DANIELA TRUJILLO
PHOTO BY: RACHEL COLE
we do not eat pork. It is forbidden in our religion.” Christmas is one of everyone’s favorite holidays. Al Salim decided to do this interview in order to But have you ever wondered what Christmas is like practice his English. “We have different holidays for the people who have never experienced it? and I am interested to see what Christmas looks Senior Andrea Villalobos Vargas, born in Bogotá, like at my new school.” Colombia says, “Christmas is different here. Here Sophomore Dan Tatulescu was born in Katy, TX. it is just family celebrating and not really many “My parents moved from Romania in 2001 for work friend reunions. In Colombia, they have a fireplace purposes. My favorite holiday is Christmas. I get with a bonfire, lots of singing, las novenas. Here it’s to spend time with my family and receive presents just family, but back there it is friends and family, just everyone. Also friends of friends are included.” and eat food. The main important religious holidays in Romania are Easter Sunday and Christmas, These traditions in Colombia are important to Varmuch like the U.S.,” he said. There are some Romagas because it “helps a lot when it comes to talknian churches in Houston such as St. Mary Magdaing to people. Everyone is diverse. The traditions lene Orthodox Church. Instead of bells, they would opened me up as a person.” use a block of wood, SemanImmigrants can feel tron. Some traditions that indifferent to traditions might not be known here here, however Vargas that are Romanian: Tradisaid, “I love it here, and tional Romanian caroling I’m good at adapting to songs. One of the carols in new situations. There Romania is called “Beans are more traditions on and Sausage”. Chocolate time. In Colombia, it nuts and oranges are given is all over the place. to the kids, sort of similar Colombians are always trick or treating but for late to parties.” Christmas. Some kids come Vargas always tries to over during the Christmas be the exception to that season, and sleigh rides common stereotype. In are an event for the whole Colombia, it was just family. Christian Eastern her and her mom, with Orthodox have numerous family. Her and her church services during the mom were alone for Christmas season just like in two Christmases and America but a big part of the then they had a family. celebration is the killing of “My family grew from a pig, making it part of the two to four.” meal. Colombia is known for “These traditions bring violence amongst its people together,” Tatulescu people; however it is a Holiday Cheer The Christmas tree found in the feels that traditions in the wonderful country that front office shows the school’s holiday pride and us U.S. are definitely a different should be recognized coming together during the holiday season. way of celebrating; there are for its amazing people different holidays in Romaand hospitality. Vargas nia and there are holidays most people in Romania said, “ I would say that Colombia is big, diverse, don’t celebrate there. and it is the same way in Houston, only they speak Tatulescu also shares the food found in RomaSpanish. The biggest differences is that everyone nia: “The food is very good on a basis of meat and walks everywhere. Everything is close so really cheese. The pork skin is fried or grilled in oil, and cars aren’t necessary. Something that represented then they take the fat and salt and smoke it. It’s my childhood a lot was Monserate Mountain, La Calera because it is a restaurant and there is a barn eaten with bread and onion. It has a strong taste, it doesn’t melt like mozzarella; it’s crumbly and with horses and you can ride them.” Syrian immigrant, Mohammed Al Salim, was born pleasant. Polenta is a dish of cornmeal that was historically made from other grains. We put the fir in Austria, but he has lived in many countries. “We tree cheese on it, you put it on a sheet of metal and moved to Syria when I was about 5 years old. We put it on the fire.” also lived in Jordan, Dubai, Turkey and Lebanon. Wherever it is celebrated around the world, We came to the U.S. because of the war in Syria. Christmas is a time to reunite, relax, make memoRamadan is my favorite holiday because it is celries, and spread holiday cheer. Although there are ebrated by all Muslims. It is important to us. There various and many ways it is celebrated, the one are many similarities in our cultures. For example goal of Christmas is to come together as one. we eat much of the same food but in my culture,
Song Reviews By Sophomores
Are these songs worth your time to enjoy? WRITTEN BY: HANNAH TIMMRECK AND FINLEY CAPSHAW
“Rockstar” by Post Malone ft. 21 Savage Since Post Malone’s last album included many radio hits, there’s been much anticipation as to see what will next been released. “Rockstar” has been at the top of the charts since the song’s release in mid September. The hit is full of hype vibes perfect for anytime you’re in need of a break from the stress of school work or you’re getting excited for the weekend.
“1-800-273-8255” by Logic ft. Khalid, Alessia Cara Logic’s single from his album “Everybody” focuses on the subject of suicide, and the feelings that lead up to it. The song is catchy which makes it all the more influential, it has a global appeal to many people who say they can relate to it. Listeners all over the world have posted online about how much the song has helped them overcome their struggles. I love this song, and have loved it since the album released, though I feel I must add that I loved it more before it was overplayed on every radio station.
“Feel It Still” by Portugal. the man Portugal. The man has many upbeat, fun songs and this is one of the few that have become popular and given spots on the radio. At first listen I liked this song, but I was easily annoyed by the generic rhyme scheme. The entire song sounds the same.
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran If you’re ever in need of a sweet song with cozy vibes this is it. Ed has such a warm voice that makes every song of his worth listening to. This song is “perfect” for the cold weather coming in. I’m a huge fan of Ed Sheeran and 100% recommend that you take the time to listen to this single, you won’t regret it.
“Too Good At Goodbyes” by Sam Smith I’ve personally never been a huge fan of Sam Smith, but this song stands out to me. It talks about being so used to people leaving, that saying goodbye is easy. It’s most definitely a sad song and it easily brings out emotions, so if you’re in need of a good cry I recommend giving this song a listen.
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Features The Oracle / December 8, 2017
Spartanaire Beginnings
An interview with one of the first line members, Carrie Pawlik WRITTEN BY: MADDIE SUERTH PHOTOS FROM: 1975 MNEMOSYNE AND MADDIE DAWSON The year Stratford opened, Carrie Pawlik was on the very first line of Spartanaires as a freshman. She later went on to be captain in her senior year (equivalent to Colonel now) and has returned to Stratford to be a long term substitute for the Spartanaire drill team.
Q: What year did you try out and what grade were you in? A: I know that I was a freshman because it was the very first year that Stratford opened. I made it first year when I was a freshman, fall of ‘73, and I was on all four years. They had some sophomores and juniors try out earlier in the spring that knew they were going to be on the team. They had decided to let freshman try out the very first week of school because they wanted more bodies on the line. I think about 75 of us (freshman) tried out but only 10 made it.
Q: What motivated you to try out? A: I was in dance and was going to sign up
for another class and my mother told the receptionist that I was going to try out for the drill team and was wondering if they had a pre drill class. I was kind of like really? I’m going to try out for drill team? So I was just kind of like that sounds good even though we hadn’t really talked about it. I had been dancing on and off since I was a little girl, about from the time I was 6 to the time I was 13 or 14.
Lining up
Pawlik (right) and fellow teammates line up for Bicentennial salute, deviating from their traditional uniforms. Q: What was the atmosphere of the team like? A: It was very strict. We had a lot of fun, but worked very hard as all Spartanaires do. I know. Our first director, Elaine Edgington (Hansen after she was married) had been a Kilgore Rangerette so we focussed on precision and had a lot of emphasis on high kicks. Back then the band didn’t march a complete show like they do now so they gave us extra time. We had to prepare two different routines every week, a kick and a jazz or pom. We had long after school practices and the thing that is very different is that we didn’t have a dance room or a practice space to practice in so we were outside in all weather. It was completely outside so if it
was hot you were hot, and it was on concrete so lots of girls had shin splints since we kicked so much.
school days. Some stayed in the neighborhood like we did, I raised my kids out here and had two boys play football at Stratford.
Q: From what you have observed, what are the major differences from then to now?
Q: What do you think you got out of being on the team, what was the most valuable lesson you learned?
A: We practiced after school instead of before school and did a lot more kick, you didn’t make the kick line unless you kicked your shoulder or your hat. Most of the time unless you were a junior or senior you didn’t make the kick line because you were probably still getting your kicks up. Of course practicing outside, but another thing was the costumes.
A: You had to be very organized with all of your Spartanaire activities and school. Some girls worked so you had to stay so organized to stay on top of it all. The demerit system was very strict back then, if you talked in practice you got a demerit. Since it was so strict it was very disciplined which I think prepares you for anything you were going to go into. We had to keep track of all our uniforms and that stuff. We didn’t have any managers back then we had to do it ourselves.
Q: How were the uniforms you wore different from ours? A: For our first field uniform I think they were trying to go with the whole Spartan Grecian thing, a bib top and a belt, with gauntlets. It was military style, Aussie hats, and white gloves. For a while we wore boots on the field, they were rock hard and hurt. It was hard to point our toes, but we pointed our toes. After a while we just got white ked shoes and wore long white socks. The thing with those, though, was that they had to be white-white-white, so before every game we were using white shoe polish on our keds.
Q: If you could do it all again, would you? A: Absolutely, it was the time of my life. My favorite part was getting to work with the girls, just that team effort and team spirit. To put on something that everyone was proud of and we just had a lot of school pride. At the end of the day it was just about the girls, I put in a lot because I wanted a lot out of it and what you get out of it is what you put into it. It was my teammates inspired me to do that.
Q: Have you spoken with any of your old team mates since you were on the line? A: Oh yes, I am friends with lots of them on Facebook and several of my best friends were on Spartanaires. They are still my best friends, we have stayed in touch past high
Returning to Stratford
Pawlik now works as the long term sub for the Spartanaire drill team.
Playing Her Way To State
No Cellphones In Class
WRITTEN BY: CAROLYN KOERNER PHOTO BY: MADISON SANGI Thousands of students across the state of Texas compete to make it to the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra. Students learn and perfect the audition music to play in front of judges to get in. Out of the 5700 violin students that audition for TMEA orchestras, only 40 make it into the All-State Symphony Orchestra out of the entire state of Texas. So how has sophomore Catherine Wu made the All-State Orchestra two years in a row? “Typically I practice two hours for the All-State stuff. You want to make sure you practice a lot before. Don’t just practice the last day like I did two years Sophomore ago. You have to practice since summer,” sophomore Catherine Wu said.
WRITTEN BY: ALEXIS GARZA
Catherine Wu makes the All-State Symphony Orchestra
Catherine Wu
Students go through levels of auditions, making it to region, area, and then state. This means multiple auditions, and the competitors are more skillful through each phase. “Right before, I just calm down and think of the tempo in my head, then I breathe and start to play,” Wu said. Though it might seem like it doesn’t take much, Wu works hard for her place in the orchestra. “I once practiced like five hours the last day cause I was so panicked, but that was last year. This year I practiced three hours,” Wu said. Wu not only excels at her instrument but at school work too, but she considers practicing her first priority. “I consider practicing more important because everybody has good grades. What really stands out on resumes is your extracurricular activities, so you really need to do well on those. It’s okay if you have a GPA that’s not all A’s, what stands out is what you’ve achieved outside of school,” Wu said. To some people, extracurriculars seem like just another chore, another thing to cross off the to-do list. Wu sees it differently. “You know how everyday you’re really frustrated because school is terrible, right? When you come home, there is music to help your morale,” Wu said.
Is Kahoot the only exception?
Phone restrictions in class vary from teacher to teacher. Some are okay with students using phones for educational purposes. “I have my students put their phones away outside of the door; this makes the rules clear and there’s no question about whether they should have their phone on in class,” world history teacher Ms. Deborah Owens said. Owens prevents the question of what students are doing on their phones by not allowing them out in class at all. Owens says often times she finds students are fooling around on their phones in class instead of actually doing work. To keep students focused and productive, she says no to phones during class time. Owens does bend her rule when there is a game of Kahoot! or students are looking something up. “I’m not opposed to phones in class, but there needs to be a way kids can’t be on Snapchat or texting when they should be doing class work,” Owens said. Her class isn’t technology free, however. Owens communicates with her students through Remind 101 and a website with assignments and extra resources. “I like promoting in-class discussion and writing because that’s how kids learn best - not by typing or taking pictures,” Owens said. She assigns her students handwritten work and test reviews because brain research shows that the act of writing something down helps students learn and remember the material. “At first I was annoyed that we had to put our phones away during class, but now I don’t even notice that I don’t have my phone. It makes it easier to focus in class when my phone is out of sight,” sophomore Katherine Whelen said. Many students agree that phones in class are fun and sometimes helpful, but can also be distracting. Whelen said, “Homework takes a lot longer when I have my phone out, distracting me. If I have to get finished quickly, I will put my phone away like I do in Ms. Owens class.”
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Ads
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
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Sports
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
One on One With: Coach Cozad
WRITTEN BY: NICOLE WHITEFORD PHOTOS BY: SARAH STOKES
Q: What is your favorite thing about coaching golf? A: I love our kids... Some of the best in the school. I also love being outside. How can you beat being on the golf course by 2:00 everyday? Q: How did you get into golf? A: I grew up playing with my dad. Never thought I’d be coaching. Q: What is your favorite coaching strategy? A: Encouragement to stretch beyond what a player thinks they’re capable of. Q: Who’s your favorite golfer? A: Scott Langley (a friend from college playing on the PGA tour) Q: Why do you enjoy coaching? A: Being a part of a team allows me special influence with kids and the chance to build them up to be men and women that will change their worlds.
The Last Spike
Varsity volleyball players’ last season WRITTEN BY: HANNAH KHATRI
PHOTOS BY: SARAH STOKES
The volleyball season has come to an end, but some varsity volleyball players decided not to continue playing in college after their last year in high school. Senior Amy Deaton and senior Audrey Hudson have both been playing since middle school and in all four years of high school, but, like some other senior players, they won’t be continuing to play volleyball in college. Senior Amy Deaton told us the things she’ll be missing about volleyball. “I’m going to miss the competition in the sport as well as the friendships I’ve made on the team.” She also enjoyed her four years in volleyball and everything she has learned in her volleyball experience. “I’ve learned how to be a leader and how to work well with people of different personalities and skills.” As of right now, Deaton doesn’t plan to play any other sports in college. Senior Audrey Hudson, who has been playing from sixth grade to her senior year, will not be playing in college as well. Although she won’t be playing college volleyball, she will most likely play intramural volleyball. After playing school volleyball for years, she is going to miss the game days the most. “We would
warm up together by dancing and singing to music in the locker room.” Like Deaton, Hudson is also going to miss the friends that she has made on the team. Hudson also followed up about what she has learned in volleyball experience. “Reaching a goal takes a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it in the end,” Hudson said. All the senior varsity players have done an incredible job this season leaving their mark on the volleyball team. Even though some players won’t be continuing, they learned from their experience and enjoyed their years playing the sport.
Championships in one year. The ALC Championship and the World Series Championship.
44k
101
People in attendance at Minute Maid Park on September 26, 2001. This is the record attendance.
The height of Jose Altuve, the Astros starting second baseman.
safasdfasdfasdasdfasdfasdf She’s Not Done Yet Chandler Gorman received a scholarship to the University of Pittsburg to continue playing volleyball. She will trade her Spartan pride for Panther pride.
Dance: sport or an art? WRITTEN BY: SARAH STOKES
astros edition
Total Regular Season wins, not including the 11 Postseason wins.
Audrey Hudson played volleyball all four years of high school, but she does not want to compete on the collegiate level. She’s not finished with the game however, and she still plans to play for fun.
Is Dance A Sport?
BY THE NUMBERS
2
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5’6”
ART BY: ALEXIA VAN DER DYS
For years people have been debating whether dance is a sport or art. The best way to examine this inquiry is to find the definition of both sports and art, and then to decide if dance can be both simultaneously a sport and an art. Sports are any activity that requires physical extension and/or skill, in which two teams compete against each other. Additionally, art is the expression of one’s creativity and imagination. According to junior Katherine Chavez, “Dance is both an art and a sport. It’s an art because you can express yourself emotionally and visually, and you can put yourself out there. It’s also a sport because it’s not easy to dance and it takes lots of practice to achieve what you want.” In addition to her view, other dancers share a
similar opinion. “Dance is a sport because you’re constantly moving and sports require physical movement, and it’s also an art because it requires your artistic ability,” junior Jackie Ortiz said. If the definition of a sport is an activity that requires skill, then yes, dance is a sport. Dance is an activity that requires years of endless amounts of practice and hard work just as football or basketball would. It’s a way of expressing elegance through a physical move-
ment. Although dance does not always involve competition, most dancers would agree that dancing is just as much of a sport as it is an art. So what do you think, is dance a sport, a form of art, or both?
14 Running for Redemption
Sports The Oracle / December 8, 2017
Seven girls racing towards one goal WRITTEN BY: ISABELLA WALTZ
PHOTO BY: SARAH STOKES
Representing Stratford and Spring Branch ISD, the girl’s it is a privilege and honor to represent one’s school. UIL has cross country team traveled to the State Meet. Being the only a different competition for almost every sport, academics, cross country team in the district that went to the meet, the and for the performing arts. seven girls were full of excitement and nerves. The team left “State was the whole reason why we trained, and it was Friday, Nov. 3, with a send-off from students and faculty. exciting to get to the place we trained so hard for. We worked Supporters cheered loudly so hard the whole race, knowing what our job and filled the parking lot. was, there wasn’t any room for nerves,” said The band and cheerleadSophomore Olivia Hirst. ers made sure to keep All seven girls placed very well, with Grace the crowd excited as the Custer placing fifteenth in the girl’s 6A divirunners loaded the bus sion. She had an overall time of eighteen minand headed to Round utes and ten seconds. The team itself placed Rock, TX. The seven girls 5th out of sixteen places with an average time competed in the UIL Texas of eighteen minutes and fifty-four seconds. State Cross Country meet “State was an incredible experience. It was with only the best. the most competitive meet that I raced in this “State seems huge beseason,” sophomore Hope Sage said. “Racing cause everyone there has the top competition always helps me improve earned it in some way and as a runner.” we are all competitors. No Sage also did very well at the meet. She matter where you were in At the End of the Race... placed fiftieth in the same division as the the race, there was someothers, girl’s 6A. She had an overall time of Junior Grace Custer and senior Sydney Lawrence one you had to beat,” said eighteen minutes and fifty-five seconds. giggle while walking through the cheerleaders’ Sophomore Fay Gibb. Close behind was Olivia Hirst and Georgia UIL holds the competition, celebratory tunnel at the send-off. Harper, placing fifty-fourth and fifty-sixth. which was founded by the The Gibb sisters, Ella and Fay, both ranked University of Texas at Austin. The race teaches students that in the top one-hundred with places ninty-fouth and 99th.
The team has been training together since last year when they also traveled to state. Since the meet last year, the team has improved their time and has bonded with one another. Their team acquired no new members this year, letting the girls form even stronger relationships with one another. With only seven girls on a team, they were all able to get very close and love running with one another. “We were very excited going into the State Meet and extremely motivated after coming out of Regionals. We have been training since the beginning of June and felt ready,” said Senior Sydney Lawrence. Lawrence placed 67th overall in her division with a time of 19 minutes and 14 seconds. She has traveled to the meet a total of four times. The team placed second at Regionals, but going into state, they were determined and sought out redemption. When the final results came out, they discovered that they beat the team they had placed behind in Regionals. The coaches of this unstoppable team are what motivate the girls during practices and meets. Coach Brillon is the head coach, and Lea Carruthers is the assistant coach. The team also has senior Ted Pollock as the manager. The Spartans have approached the end of their season, closing with the Nike South Regional Meet. They are ending on a high note, all of them with better times and stronger bonds.
National Signing Day
Seniors finalize their plans to play college sports PHOTOS BY: ASHLEY CAHALAN AND MEGHAN MARTINEZ MAKOWSKI
A New Place
Senior Georgia Clark plans to attend Louisiana State University to play softball and major in engineering. She committed Freshman year and is excited to hang out with her roommates and teammates. She also looks forward to living in a place far from home, but not too far.
New Experiences
Clayton Bobo plans to attend Texas A&M University for swimming and to major in finance. He chose A&M because it feels like the home he has visualized his whole college experience to be like. He loves the team and is comfortable with the campus. He is excited for something new and to experience a new type of swimming that is different than high school and club.
Signing Off
Higher Stakes
Caston Peter plans to attend the University of Texas to play baseball and major in accounting. He is excited to be able to compete at the highest level of baseball and win some national championships.
Seniors (L-R) Clayton Bobo, Georgia Clark, Caston Peter, and Chandler Gorman sign to play a variety of sports at different schools, each picking a different major. They all express similar emotions on how they are excited for a new place with new people. Chandler Gorman is signing to Pittsburg for Volleyball and plans to major in marketing. She chose the school for its strong academics and volleyball program. She enjoys the campus and is excited to play there.
Sports
The Oracle / December 8, 2017
The Rundown
Athlete Of The Week
PHOTOS BY: DAN TATULESCU
Lauren Dubner
Fencer Jonathan Piskovatskov
PHOTOS BY: DAN TATULESCU Junior Jonathan Piskovatskov began fencing at age 7, making him a 10 year fencer. Piskovatskov found his love for fencing through his step dad, who is a fencing coach at their club. Piskovatskov has competed in many fencing competitions, including the World Cup in Latvia. Piskovatskov plays with an epee blade, a fencing weapon in which a player can receive points by hitting any part of their opponent’s body with the blade.
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Basketball
What is your favorite thing about basketball?
I love the team aspect and the camaraderie of the players.
Kaivon Dixon Diving
What is your favorite thing about diving?
I like the thrill and the adrenaline rush of the sport.
Happy Holidays From Our Sports Family to Yours Tennis Celebrates the holidays with their Tennis-Giving WRITTEN BY: MARIANA RINCON
PHOTOS BY: DAN TATULESCU
To celebrate the holidays, both varsity and JV tennis have potluck dinners that they call Tennis-Giving. The teams meet up at one house to have a meal and make many memories. Each player brings a dish to share, some bringing appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The teams had their first Tennis-Giving this past weekend, and they hope to make it an annual event. For junior Lindsay Richardson, the potluck dinner is a fun opportunity for her to get to spend time with her friends and teammates. Tennis-Giving is a fun way for the varsity and JV teams to bond and create friendships outside of the normal school and tennis court setting. The tennis teams hope to make TennisGiving a new tradition in their program, as it boosts cohesiveness between the two teams and makes the program more enjoyable overall.
Girl Talk
Sophomore Caroline Harper tells her friends about her Thanksgiving break plans.
The Life Of The Party Sophomore Alex Lamprecht laughs with a friend while talking about their past holiday memories.
Picture Perfect Junior Carol Gebhart shows her friends the pictures that she has taken of the evening festivities.
A Night In The Junior Varsity team is excited to have their first annual holiday event together.
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