October 2019

ORACLE

the

Stratford High School • Friday, October 18, 2019 • Vol. 47 • Issue 2

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Read up on the superintendent’s plan to address school safety and technology in the schools

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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Oracle examines the disease and its effects.

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Take a closer look at the details of former Spartan Andrew Luck’s recent retirement from the NFL @SHSOracle @StratfordOracle www.shsoracle.org

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The Oracle • October 18, 2019

News in Brief

COMPILED BY MCKENNA TANNER

NATIONAL LOCAL STRATFORD

• Oct. 21: Pennsylvania State University and Pepperdine University visit in the library at 7:45 a.m.

• Oct. 22: University of Michigan and Wichita State University visit in the library at 2:30 pm.

• Oct. 23: Colby College and Smith College visit in the cafeteria at 10:54 a.m.

• Oct. 29: University of Houston visits in the library at 10:20 a.m.

• Nov. 8: Columbia University International Dual BA Programs visit in the library at 10:20 a.m.

• Nov. 25 to Nov. 29: Students and staff get the week off for Thanksgiving break.

• Sept. 30: A candlelight vigil was held in honor of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

• Oct. 10: The Houston Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays to advance to the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.

• Nov. 5: Houstonians choose one of the 12 candidates for mayor and elect city council members.

• Sept. 1: Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm.

After battering the islands, it continued up the U.S. east coast, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

• Sept. 20: An estimated four million people left their offices and schools to participate in the global climate strike.

• Sept. 21: “Game of Thrones” and “Fleabag” won the top awards at the 71st annual Emmys.

• Sept. 24: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared that the House would open an official impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump.

PINK POWER

PHOTO BY NATHAN SICILIANO EDITED BY MADDIE DAWSON Spartanaires use their classic pink poms while the football players sport pink laces on their shoes to support breast cancer awareness month.

news

Starting the Season with a Star

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is the Stratford Playhouse’s first show of the season WRITTEN BY MCKENNA TANNER PHOTO BY MIRCEA TATULESCU “Peter and the Starcatcher,” the Payne, who plays the titular character, Tony-award-winning comedy, opened turned to movies for inspiration, Thursday after an 8-week rehearsal including watching Disney’s “Peter process, kicking off Playhouse’s season.

Pan,” which the play serves as a sort of The show, adapted by Rick Elice, prequel to, “400 times.” follows an orphan boy and his friends “I’ve watched movies with orphans in as they try to protect a magical treasure it, just trying to find the grasp of ‘I have from greedy pirates. The play is also no food, home, friends, or anything,’” meant to be viewed as if the audience is Payne said. watching a still-developing, unpolished production, according to senior and student director Sydni Moon.

“Part of its concept is that the people on stage are really just actors, and that they are creating this whole story themselves,” Moon said.

It takes plenty of work to make a show look purposefully rough. “Peter” demands a lot from its crew, especially the lights and props crews, junior and stage manager Gabriel Letchford said, Cabin Fever and the cast had to be flexible about Juniors Kori Spaulding, Sophia Robinson, longer rehearsals, including some and Luke Lyster rehearse a scene that during lunch. takes place in a ship’s cabin. Robinson The show also presents a special and Lyster are both playing gender-bent challenge as it includes several songs roles. involving the entire cast, despite being a straight play. Rehearsal time had Some of the cast had more unusual to be given up every week to go over routes to their characters because their vocals for these songs. roles are being gender-bent. Junior “Even though it’s not a musical, Luke Lyster is one of them, playing a ‘Peter’ still has some complicated songs, nanny named Mrs. Bumbrake. and we’re taking them seriously,” Moon “I start with the voice, and the voice said. was a big thing for my character The actors took a variety of routes because the critical point of having me to find their characters. Junior Brett being a believable woman is the voice,”

Lyster said.

Junior Sophia Robinson, who plays the male sailor, Alf, focused on altering her posture to get into her character.

“I try to embody how my older brother would stand and compose himself,” Robinson said.

Senior Izzy Flores also plays a genderbent role—the pirate Smee—but, additionally, she, like Robinson, is a crew head for “Peter.” Both Flores, who is in charge of lights crew, and Robinson, who designed the show’s hair and makeup, agree being a part of the show from the beginning is an advantage.

“At rehearsal, I’m able to bounce ideas off the directors and take notes of each character’s blocking to use later during programming,” Flores said.

Moon said the show’s unusual aspects drew her to it when applying to be its student director.

“I loved the script and the whole basis of the show, and it just clicked with me,” Moon said.

Tickets are sold at shsplayhouse. org and at the box office before each performance. Performances are tonight, Saturday, and Oct. 24 through Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

“Peter and the Starcatcher” is performed by special arrangement with Musical Theatre International.

Gun Violence and Our School District How our school district is prioritizing student safety WRITTEN BY GRACE HARE PHOTO BY PAIGE CLARK safety,” Dr. Blaine said.

The district has encouraged principals to lock outside doors, and left it to the discretion of the teachers on whether their individual classrooms are locked.

The 2017 bond money will also finance bullet resistant glass for front vestibule windows, or anywhere students are visible. Additional officers have been recruited. At least two officers have been put on duty on each high school campus.

On the personal aspect of preventing tragedy, technology has been installed to pick up threats and alert the chief of police.

“Mentally healthy people do not use acts of violence to inflict pain or revenge,” Blaine said.

She believes the most important part of ensuring the mental health of our school system as a whole is to implement the values that make students feel supported.

“We require our campuses to have robust social and emotional support systems,” Blaine said.

Prioritizing Safety Blaine supports the extracurriculars Dr. Jennifer Blaine discusses at the student that are a fundamental piece of press conference on Sept. 26, the changes a student’s social success and our district faces with the 2017 bond and benefit a student’s mental health. new initiatives.

“Extracurriculars are a connection to

The safety of students has become of increasing importance with the threats of violence within our nation. The fear has crept into our community and our school system.

There have been more mass shootings than days this year, but the district has initiatives to protect our schools.

“There are two aspects of school

the school,” she said.

When teachers are prepared to recognize warning signs, they can begin to help student’s find the support they need. “It’s important that the school understands and is connected to a student’s home life, and what they might be going through,” Blaine said.

Blaine also initiated the “Harris Center,” an opportunity for families who cannot afford an alternative to receive the diagnosis and development of their child they need. The medic center can also provide prescriptions and help with mental health, to keep the community as mentally healthy as possible.

Modern technology adds another type of threat. “It’s super easy to bully people when you don’t have to look them in the eyes,” Blaine said.

When used correctly, she believes technology and social media are great advancements. “It’s important that we educate kids on how to use their tools appropriately,” she said.

Overall, our generation is faced with a series of advancements and dangers, but we have an unwritten future full of potential, and that means protecting the lives of students through whatever means necessary.

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The Oracle • October 18, 2019

You Have The Power

How your vote is fundamental to the future WRITTEN BY GRACE HARE

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALTAMIRANO FAMILY

the United States since 1998.

“The upcoming election is important to me because it is my first time voting in this country, and I am proud to be a part of the family that is the U.S.,” Altamirano said. He believes that it is important to vote not only because it is the voice of Americans that determines the future of our country, but also because the impact of the vote is wide spread.

“Being a part of the process affects everybody,”Altamirano said, “It is important as a citizen that I have a say also.” Any person over the age of 17 is able to register to vote in local and national office elections.

Becoming a Citizen Forms to register to vote can be picked Orchestra director Marcos Altamirano and his family at his citizenship up in any government office and must be ceremony. Altamirano received his citizenship on Sept. 4. filled out at least six weeks before voting.

“There are online forums that people The right to vote allows us to have a say in who leads can use, and you can also look up the ballot before our government. voting,” Dietert said, referring to the website “Voting is your voice, and your voice matters,” ballotpedia.com.

Stratford graduate Rachel Dietert said.

The importance of young people voting has wideFor the new orchestra director, Marcos Altamirano, spread impacts on not only our government now, but the right to vote is exciting and something to be proud the future of society. of. He just became a citizen of the United States this “Our local government has just as much, if not more past year. He was born in Honduras, but has lived in power than our national government, because the

impact will affect us much more directly,” Dietert said.

Before voting, understand that who you elect can potentially affect you directly. For example, the judge you elect could impact your sentencing if you are ever faced with legal troubles. The city council member you elect may be the difference between new, effective city policies and an unchanged, broken government.

Most importantly, Dietert has advice for firsttime voters on how to properly prepare for voting: “Research the candidates and check out their social media, watch the local news, review their policies and websites.” Keeping up with candidates over time is necessary when deciding who to vote for.“It’s surprising how quickly you will discover their agenda,” Dietert said.

While doing independent preparation for voting is crucial, it is equally important to learn about the issues in classrooms, and by listening to debates.

Teaching children about the value of voting at an early age would lead them to consider political participation a priority when they turn 18.

“It’s important that voting is a social norm; Everyone should know that you can be politically active, even before you vote, especially on a local level,” Dietert said.

Voting is not only a right, but an obligation.

2019 Mayoral Race WRITTEN BY ELEANORE WILLIAMS

GRAPHICS COURTESY OF MAYORAL CAMPAIGNS

On Nov. 5, Houston will hold its quadrennial mayoral election in which some seniors will be voting for the first time. There are currently 12 candidates for the position; even if you can't vote this year, familiarize yourself with these major contenders.

Bill King: King ran for mayor against Tony Buzbee: Multi- millionaire Dwight Boykins: City Councilman Turner in 2015. The former mayor of Sylvester Turner: Current mayor lawyer Buzbee is self-funding his Boykins is a native Houstonian who Kemah is Turner is up for reelection this year. mayoral has represented District D since 2013. basing his From 1989 to 2016, he served as campaign.

The Democrat is a former supporter campaign the Democratic representative for The former of Mayor Turner; he now bases his on “getting Texas House District 139. As mayor Marine has campaign on his support for Houston back to the Turner resolved a $5.6 billion public taken on firefighters and disapproval of Turner’s basics” and pensions crisis, cut $80 million of city many highresponse to Prop B. Boykins claims to “cleaning spending without increasing taxes, profile cases be “a servant of the people” and would up city and coordinated the city’s response to including strive to continue to help Houstonians hall.” King Hurricane Harvey. However, Turner former Governor Rick Perry’s trial as mayor. is a self-proclaimed moderate and opposed the controversial Proposition on two felony accounts. Buzbee’s conservative. He often commends B, which campaign approach is unconventional, his experience as the president aimed to and he dislikes partisan labels. He of Southwest Airport Services, raise pay believes that his bold, outspoken considerable writing about city policy for Houston personality will be fit for mayor. issues for the Houston Chronicle, and firefighters. decades of attorney service to Houston.

4 Leave No Man Behind

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The Oracle • October 18, 2019

The Welcome Committee makes sure everyone has a welcoming place to eat and meet WRITTEN BY MICHAEL BENES

PHOTOS BY KYLE ZOBOROSKI

Meeting New People

The welcome committee chats with new people at their table during lunch. They are seated by the door to the courtyard Its important to the committee that the new students at the table feel welcome; that is the mission of the table.

The sign is simple. It says “R u new 2 Stratford? Come chat with us.” To students like senior Christopher Valdez, it’s not so simple.

The Welcome Committee sets up a table at lunch and asks people who sit alone to sit with them. The group started forming this summer, and they went into action on the first day of school.

The students that sit with the Welcome Committee are very grateful to have a place to sit and people that will sit and talk with them.

“I was very confused when they asked me at first. Then after they invited me over I was very happy. I got to meet new people I didn’t know and learn more about the clubs here. That is very

special to me,” Valdez said.

The table was put together by sophomore Valentina Chelala and her mother, Heidi Chelala, who teaches Spanish.

“It was Valentina’s idea and she’s been talking about it since her freshman year. I didn’t do much more than host a meeting in my class before the first day of school, and order the pizza. The students do most of the work,” Mrs Chelala said. She also helped contact some of the members and asked them to join before the school year started.

Valentina is very passionate about the Welcome Committee. She worked hard to put together the group over the summer, compiling names of people she believed should be part of

the table. Then she and her mom contacted people and asked them to join.

Valentina is the founder of the group, and the members of the Welcome Committee look up to her.

“During my freshman year I saw a lot of people sitting by themselves spread across the school.

I didn’t want them to be lonely so I decided to start the Welcome Committee,” said Valentina. She is proud of the table and how successful it is.

The table has many members composed of older students who want to make others feel comfortable and safe in a friendly

environment.

These people were asked by Mrs. Chelala to join the committee due to their connections to Valentina. Then they had a meeting before the first day of school.

“Mrs. Chelala texted me and explained to me what it was and asked me if I was willing to do it. I said yes. We had a meeting before school even started and they explained what we were doing and why we were doing it,” junior Daphne Morford said.

Members sign up for the days they sit at the table. Every day they

sweep around areas of school like the courtyards, and ask people who are sitting alone if they would like to sit with them. They usually get around 3 or 4 people.

“A lot of people decline when asked,” senior Fay Gibb said.“The people with the headphones are hard because you can’t tell if they can hear you.”

After their sweep, the committee sits with the new students and spend time getting to know them.

Gibb and her friend, senior Jenny Dias, sit at the table every day possible.

They care a great deal about the table and are very committed to it. Gibb was asked to join due to her being in track with Valentina last school year, and Dias was asked to join the committee by a friend. “The people that we meet aren’t always the people you hear about and everyone has something very interesting about themselves. So, I always am interested in finding out about a new person I meet,” Gibb said.

The Welcome Committee is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining then stop by the table, or talk to one of the members.

Supporting the Table

Spanish teacher Heidi Chelala helped her daughter Valentina create the group and is a big believer in the goal of the group. “Some students don’t know where to go during lunch. They go to their first few classes just fine but when they get to lunch they don’t know where to sit.

That is why the committee exists.”

life

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The Oracle • October 18, 2019

Overcoming Impossible Odds, a Story of Perseverance How a life can change in an instant, and never be the same again

WRITTEN BY ANA SOFIA MEYER PHOTOS BY KYLA LYLES AND COURTESY OF ADRIAN STOREY Almost dying multiple times within a few Landon acted quickly and efficiently, enacting the emergency action plan. days is not a common problem for the “Landon was the first to get out there. average 16 year old, but if you know anything She brought the AED, attached it to about Adrian Storey, you know that for a time in his [Storey] and at that point he regained life, that was the norm. consciousness,” Head Trainer Melissa Aug 28, 2018 started out as a normal Tuesday, as it Quigley said. would for any teenager. Storey was in his baseball “I woke up and my vision was blurry class period, running sprints with his teammates: And and then I felt the AED on my chest. then his life changed forever.

I was super confused. But after my “Out of nowhere, I saw this blinding, white light. vision cleared, I was able to stand up, I had collapsed, but I didn’t know it. It was like walk onto the stretcher, and wait for falling asleep,” Storey said, describing one of the the ambulance in most dramatic and heartthe training room,” stopping events (literally Storey said. “It was and figuratively) that would almost like nothing happen in the 2018-19 school had happened. I felt year. He had collapsed, completely fine.” blacked out, and started From the ambulance, convulsing and seizing. he was taken to Coach Keith Humphreys Memorial Hermann immediately took action, hospital, where sending students for the AED doctors performed and the trainers. tests. After a few hours Junior Carson Dodds they released him, recounts the experience, “I just remember running saying that dehydration was the issue. and then seeing Adrian collapse. He started seizing The next morning, Storey hardly on the ground and his face went completely purple. noticed the nervous chatter about his That’s when Coach Humphreys checked his breathing accident from the sophomore class. and started CPR. It was a really scary experience.”

“The next morning was pretty There were no preexisting conditions. No signs normal. I came to school, I had of anything that could’ve told anyone what would basically an entire day of school,” happen. Out of nowhere, he was down.

Storey said. “But every time I stood Ready for Anything Athletic Trainers Melissa Quigley and Marrianne up, my heartbeat would go up a lot, it As a key and cherished member of the baseball program, Storey’s was like 160-180 beats per minute, injury sent a shock through every team. Getting back to baseball was just walking. And I felt like I needed to his only goal for almost a year. Now, after being officially cleared by pass out. I remember drinking a lot of the district, Storey can and will return to his role as a player. Storey water.” hopes to play catcher again.

When he got out to the South Lot for practice that day, he almost thing. He couldn’t play baseball. Everyday Adrian sat collapsed again. Thankfully, Coach Humphreys was in the training room, understandably unable to play there to send him to the nurse’s office. He got an or practice with his team. appointment with a cardiologist that day.

“Adrian was always very positive. He was always The next morning, Storey had barely woken up very confident he would be able to make a return to when it happened again. “I hit my head when I fell, sport, and I think Adrian knew the severity of what it made a sound, my brother came in and saw me had happened to him,” Quigley said. and screamed for my dad. My dad came in and did Seven months after being released from the hospital, CPR for two rounds,” Storey said. The ambulance Adrian visited the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis to arrived in about five minutes, just in time to save be tested in hopes of finding a diagnosis for his Storey’s life. His heart had stopped completely for condition. He had already been playing on a spring two minutes. tournament team for a few weeks. But even despite ¨I could’ve sworn I fell asleep and woke up in the playing for a club baseball team, the district was ICU,” Storey said. “I vaguely remember riding in extremely reluctant to clear him. an ambulance and trying to get this tube out of my “They did 15 to 20 tests on me. It went pretty quick,” throat, but otherwise I was completely out of it.”

Storey said. “I saw a doctor there, Dr. Akerman. He After dying for the second time in three days, told me that my case was extremely rare. He said I Storey was taken to Texas have less of a chance of having Children’s hospital where he another attack than someone was monitored constantly. with a peanut allergy or someone People visited. Days went by with Diabetes.” slowly and anxiously.

The results of his tests were sent “The whole time I was pretty back to Houston, and soon after, worried about my dad.” Storey Storey was released to play by emphasized. “He had been every doctor he’d seen. But not by through all of it with me, and the district.

Stress Testing really saved my life.” Without Coach Humphreys The results of all of the tests were sent to the district, After his accident, Storey undergoes stress tests. A Stress and his dad knowing CPR and administering it to so they could take them into consideration while Test is intended to test how well your heart responds when him at the right moment, it’s likely that Adrian deciding whether to allow Storey to play again. it is under the stress of exercise. When stress testing, a perwould’ve died.

Finally, a decision was made. On August 16, his 17th son starts out walking on a treadmill a heart rate and oxygen Storey spent eight days in the hospital. He had an birthday, Storey was officially cleared by the district monitors, and slowly the speed and incline increases. After ICD defibrillator implanted in the left side of his to play for the school. months of testing, Storey was finally diagnosed with CPVT chest.

This upcoming season, Storey hopes to play catcher Lite, a condition characterized by abnormal heart beats.

After Storey was healthy enough to leave the again. Mainly, he’s just excited to be able to do what hospital, things went back to normal, except for one he loves with his friends.

“I saw this blinding white light. I had collapsed but I didn’t know it. It was like falling asleep.”

On Aug. 16, his 17th birthday, Storey was officially cleared by the district.

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life

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

The Best Things Come in Threes

The Hagedorn triplets take leadership roles inside Stratford fine arts department WRITTEN BY JACK WEATHERLY

PHOTO BY JACKSON COSSEY

Meet the Hagedorns: Jenny, Kyle, and Janet. Jenny, the head band drum major and clarinetist, is the youngest. Janet, the middle child, is the student director of the upcoming Stratford Playhouse show, “The Drowsy Chaperone”, and Kyle, the oldest, is the loading crew captain of the band and also a clarinetist.

Being a triplet is just the norm for the Hagedorns, but, like other sibling relationships, it has its ups and downs.

“It’s like picking two random kids in your grade, and you live with them and share a birthday ,” Janet said.

“It’s not all bad, but it’s definitely not all good,” Kyle said. Although you may refer to them as “the triplets”, the Hagedorns prefer being identified by name. According to Jenny, Kyle, and Janet, the main downside of being a triplet is not being recognized as individuals.

On the other hand there are benefits to being a triplet.

“Jenny and I auditioned for a TV

show in seventh grade,” Janet said.

Kyle, who didn’t join band until he “They called us back because they was a sophomore, has enjoyed the wanted two prior the twin marching storyline”. shows he has Sadly, the participated sisters were in: Treasure not featured and on Gordon Persephone.

Ramsey’s His fondest show, band MasterChef memory was Junior. returning Janet, the from only sibling Hurricane not in band, Harvey in enjoys 2017 and Three’s A Crowd participating getting 1’s Even though they’re a tight-knit trio, each one of the in separate at UIL (the Hagedorns has a completely different story to tell! things. “I’m highest score perfectly fine at marching with not being in band; I like having band competition). my own things,” Janet said. She is this “We were all really proud of the year’s ComedySportz team captain. Last accomplishment because of what year, she led the Stratford Playhouse’s happened with Harvey”, Kyle said. production of Lend Me a Tenor.

Jenny, this year’s head drum major, is

How Stratford Is Adjusting To Change The change leaves plenty of room for improvement WRITTEN BY GRACE HARE

PHOTOS BY KENDALL KOSTER

The cafeteria was littered with trash after lunch. many positive impacts.

Scattered remains of packaged lunch materials lay “I actually love it,” cafeteria manager Jenny Quiroz crumpled across the floor. Uneaten tray lunches said. were left completely unmanned on cafeteria tablesThe change of an early lunch rush of students, and a all while students packed their bags and left. “It’s period of time where the cafeteria staff can begin to exhausting,” a janitor said, in response to the cleanup clean up is more clearly defined with just one lunch of block lunch. than before.

“But at this point, “We have everyone except set times, we the students are know to cook doing everything everything they can,” he at once, and adds, sweeping preparation is away the impact easier because of the day’s lunch. we know when The transition people are into a block lunch coming,” Quiroz schedule was said. initially strange Despite this, and peculiar, the rush of because students teenagers have more time Littered with Trash had created to do what they annoyance The new block lunch has had a serious toll on the janitorial staff, taking want, and have when they could them twice as long to clean up the messes left behind by students who do not clean up after themselves. to adjust to the not easily reach the discomfort of front of the line. being pressured to learn time management skills.

“When students get upset they skip the line, or they However, building principal Chad Crowson found it cuss you out, but they need to be mindful, because frustrating when people did not give the concept of other people are hungry too,” Quiroz said. “I hear block lunch a “fair shake.” about the fights happening during lunch, but I don’t “Naysayers need to give the idea a try, to challenge normally notice them,” she adds. themselves, and they need to offer feedback if they The final factor that leads to the success of block dislike something. It’s frustrating when they dismiss lunch is up to the students. From the janitorial staff the idea,” Crowson said. Throughout the first weeks responsibilities, cleaning up after students that don’t of having a block lunch schedule, the change has had clean up after themselves; to taking advantage of the

excited about carrying on special band tradition. Her band accomplishments hold a special place in her heart because she has been watching the Spartan band at football games since she was little.

“I’ve dedicated so much of my time for band and being recognized really meant a lot to me,” Jenny said.

Kyle, Janet, and Jenny are busy with senior year ahead of them, college applications, football games, theater productions, marching band competitions and all the fears and excitement that come with it.

“I’m looking forward to studentdirecting “the Drowsy Chaperone”Janet said. “It’s really exciting, it’s nice to be the one with knowledge as a senior, it’s fun to teach that to younger people”.

“I’m really excited to graduate and go off to college,” Kyle said. “Senioritis doesn’t start until the second semester, after college applications.”

With the Hagedorns leading the way, this school year looks promising.

Block Lunch By the Numbers Class time lost the week of Sept. 23 to 27 Regular day: 30 minutes x 5 days Spartan Time: 40 minutes Food Truck Friday: 30 additional minutes Total: 220 minutes of instruction lost

opportunities given during an hour long lunch- is up to the individual.

“The only problem is that we have groups of students not taking appropriate advantage. We have additional choices as a privilege, and tutorials, time to complete exams or quizzes and time to decompress, are all benefits to the students,” Crowson said.

For the students, everyone feels differently. “I think that students can have a lot of benefits with tutorials and stuff, and having a longer time to really enjoy their lunch, but I also think that it would be much better if students could have off campus lunch,” junior Luke Delgadillo said.

“If teachers gave The Lunch Line Rush students an hour With the schedule change, the to go off campus cafeteria staff appreciates that to Chick-fil-A or now they have arranged prep something, it would and clean up times. definitely help with the issue,” Delgadillo adds. While the adjustment to a block lunch has been different and requires everyone’s cooperation, what every individual chooses to make of it, is completely up to them.

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The Oracle • October 18, 2019

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The Oracle • October 18, 2019

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

October Awareness Month

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY ISABELLA WALTZ AND ALEXIS GARZA October celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honoring those who have been affected. After Skin Cancer, Breast Cancer is the most diagnosed cancer for women, and has the second highest death rates. In the Stratford Community, the month is acknowledged through the colors on the football player’s socks to the Spartanaires’ poms.

Nationwide, the purpose of the month is to raise awareness for the disease and to raise funds to fight it. The first year celebrating the month was in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and has been celebrated every year since. While the month is used to raise awareness, it is also used to honor those who are fighting, have fought, or have lost to the disease.

It is said that every one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Translating this into cases predicted for 2019 alone, it was said that 268,600 women were expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and then 62,930 women with non-invasive. The death rate in diagnosed women has been decreasing since 1989 as there have been more medical advances. The chance now of a women dying of breast cancer is about one in every thirty-eight, so about 2.6% of women.

SOURCES INCLUDE SUSAN G. KOMEN

PHOTO BY NATHAN SICILIANO

involved organized events in one month. It can be a small event, like a lemonade stand, or something more large, like organizing a fundraiser. Whatever it is, those affected should not only be honored in the month of October, but also in the eleven other months, January through December.

h o n o r i n g

t h o s e

a f f e c t e d

Many students and families in our community have been affected by breast cancer. Two students in particular have had a close member in their family battle the disease. Freshman Sophie Lasater and senior Brooke Moore have both felt the impact in the families and have even gone as far as taking action against the disease.

Student Stories

Increased technology has helped detect early cancer and tackle the disease early, but one thing that never fails to triumph is the community that cares for those affected. In the month of October, you may see pink ribbons tied around trees or many businesses will donate part of their proceedings towards the cure.

Almost everyone knows someone affected by the disease and many view the month as a way to rise to the challenge and help in the effort to combat the disease.

While October is a month to honor those affected by breast cancer, it is important to remember the other eleven months in the year. Not only are people combatting breast cancer in October, but also throughout the course of the year. October is not the only time we can take steps against breast cancer. There are so many other opportunities out there that don’t

Stratford Stats Has anyone in your immediate family been diagnosed with breast cancer?

How has the Stratford community been affected by breast cancer? We asked our community about their experiences.

Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer?

How to Decrease Risk 1 2 3 Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Making healthy choices is always a good idea when decreasing your risk.

Many doctors suggest obtaining a healthy diet and being aware of the ingredients you are putting in your body. Doctors also suggest staying physically active and say that most women should be active for at least 30 minutes a day.

Know your family history

Being aware of your family history can help you identify problems before they develop. If women have a strong family history of breast cancer, there are many steps they can take in their early lives to prevent breast cancer later down the road. These steps can include a healthy diet, start getting screenings at an earlier age, and notifying your doctor to be aware of all risks.

Often get screening

While screening does not decrease your risk of breast cancer, it can catch it earlier and stop it from developing. It is always important to consult your doctor before doing so, but it is definitely something to think about as many women approach preventing contracting the disease as early as possible.

Controversial Drug

A popular pill taken by many teenage girls has been proven to increase the risk for breast cancer.

Studies show that the common birth control drug can increase a woman’s chance of breast cancer by 20 to 30 percent. This percentage is higher than most women who have never taken the pill. Although this percentage is small, it is still beneficial to always weigh the pros and cons.

Pros The pill does have its risks, but it is a safe choice when wanting to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Not only does it protect women from this risk, but it also can decrease a woman’s risk of uterine and ovarian cancers.

Cons One of the most major downsides is the previously mentioned increased chance for breast cancer. The pill can also increase your risk for other cancers and can cause cardiovascular problems, like blood clots or even strokes.

b y

Local Support Houston has many opportunities to get involved with the fight against Breast Cancer, but you don’t have to be affiliated with a certain organization in order to participate in the fight. During October, many kids can be seen having pink lemonade stands and donating the money towards research or organizations.

An organization that helps kids do this is #MakeAStand.

The motion was started by a young girl from Rhode Island who wanted to support her mom, then in treatment, and others. She did this by opening a lemonade stand, selling pink lemonade, and vowing to donate all proceeds to research.

Due to the success of the stand, the movement has since grown and now encourages students nationwide to open their own pink lemonade stands in order to raise money.

This is only one of the many ways to get involved. Events will be taking place all through the month of October in order to support those affected.

b r e a s t

c a n c e r

Sophie Lasater Sophomore Sophie Lasater may have been young when her mom was diagnosed with the disease, but she can still recall many memories.

“I didn’t really know what to think,” Lasater said when remembering her first reaction to the news. At a young age, it was hard for her to comprehend the life-changing effects the disease would have. However, she was concerned for her mom regardless of her limited knowledge on the subject.

One thing she does remember is how the community came together to support her family during that time.

“People would come over and bring us food,” Lasater recalls. “I would go to my grandparents house so my mom could get all of her surgeries done.” She remembers being at her grandparents church where people were constantly praying for her mom.

Once Lasater’s mom was cured, her point of view on how she appreciated things.

She has since then developed a newfound gratefulness for her mom due to her strength she showed during a difficult time.

Events October 5

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the largest fundraising event for breast cancer awareness. A series of 5k races are run across the nation to raise money and honor those impacted.

November 9 Making Strides in Houston is happening right in our backyard. The event will take place at City Centre and will consist of a three to five mile walk.

October All month, Panera will be donating proceeds towards the cause. 100% of their infamous pink ribbon bagel’s sales will be donated towards local breast cancer organizations.

Brooke Moore Senior Brooke Moore became involved with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure last year when she put together a team of her friends to participate in race day. Brooke’s grandmother is a nine year breast cancer survivor. She wanted to find a way to show support for her grandmother and raise awareness for breast cancer.

Brooke started by reaching out to a small group of friends. Ten people immediately said yes, which inspired her to reach out to more people and grow the team. More than 40 people of Brooke’s friends came together to honor her grandmother and support the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Each person signed up and paid the race fee, and donated to the Brooke’s team. They ended up raising $1600 to donate to breast cancer research and rehabilitation.

On race day, all the participants woke up at six in the morning and convened at the Moore’s house at 6:30. “It was an early morning, but everyone was so excited and had a positive attitude which made it so fun” Moore said.

During the early hours of the morning, everyone was covering themselves in pink glitter, tattoos, and tutus. When it was finally time to set off to the race downtown, the group looked like a giant pink mob.

The Moore family has donated money to breast caner causes before, but this was the first interactive fundraiser Brooke had been a part of. “I’m so glad I ended up creating a team and getting so much support behind my grandmother because it meant a lot to her,” Moore said.

Brooke says she hopes to organize a group again, but if she can’t, will continue to advocate for Susan G. Komen and encourage people to become involved in donating to breast cancer research.

Seeing how many people were willing and excited to support a cause so near and dear to her family was “so touching, and it made my grandmother so happy”, Moore said.

If you are looking for a fun way to spend some time giving back, Brooke suggests taking a look at Susan G. Komen. You can participate in race day solo, create a team, or volunteer to pass out water and cheer on runners. There are so many great options for getting involved!

10

sports

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

ONE ON

ONE Q: What can you tell us about the future of the football program?

A: This year’s freshmen has done

with Coach Schwartz WRITTEN BY JACKSON ALLRED PHOTO BY JACKSON ALLRED

great chemistry together and genuinely love to be around each other.

Q: As you well know, former

Stratford quarterback Andrew Luck some good things so far. I like where has just recently retired from the NFL. we’re at. We’re Do you have a long way off any thoughts to where we on your former want to be. teammate’s We preach to retirement/ them every career? single day to be tough, : To disciplined tell you the players. Some truth, I was have bought surprised at the into that. They announcement. now represent I told him that more than Stratford was themselves in Coaching from the Sideline so proud of the classroom Coach Schwartz talks to senior Nick Baerenstecher how he handled and outside of from the sideline of the season opener. Coach himself on the school.

Schwartz graduated from Stratford in 2007. and off the field. He put so : What are much into being the best player and your thoughts on this year’s varsity person. If you look at his stats, he was team? right up there with the best. What the stats don’t tell you was how much of a : Just like the freshman teams, leader he was in the locker room. He is I like where we’re at, but a long way an incredible person and I can’t wait to to go where we want to be. They have see what he has planned next.

A

Q

A

The Green Swarm

ATHLETEOFTHEWEEK

Caleb Oliphant gives it his all his senior year

WRITTEN BY REED HOWELL PHOTO BY DENISE OLIPHANT Waking up at 5:30 in the morning, is largely a mental sport, and having running 8 miles, then going to school the support of strong teammates can afterwards sounds like a nightmare make all the difference in the world. to most people, but for Teammates impact senior Caleb Oliphant you for many different it’s been routine for the reasons, but Oliphant last four years. says he likes having a lot “I wanted to do a of different personalities sport, but I had terrible on the team, which is hand eye coordination, great for getting to know so I did running,” new people.

Oliphant said. Adjusting For a lot of his running to such a rigorous career, Oliphant has schedule is not easy, but focused more on he has worked hard. enjoying his sport Many might find it instead of reaching a tough to be motivated, specific achievement. He but Oliphant credits it to prefers to run to push his desire to succeed. himself and improve Now running every his self-discipline. “I In the Running morning is normal to Caleb Oliphant runs in one of the haven’t had a fantastic him. last races of his senior season. He running career,” For his senior year Oliphant said, but hopes to place in district or win some things have his main priority is state this year changed. He has working harder than taken a leadership position on the team he did on his previous run. this year. “I always want to compete, Oliphant is aiming to hit below 5:10 but knowing that these are my last few on the mile during district. races always reminds me that I should “That gives me a very good spot not be cutting corners whatsoever,” to bring down my mile another 20 Oliphant said. seconds this year,” Oliphant said.

Having teammates who try and Throughout these four years Oliphant actually care makes a big difference has continued to prove his dedication in a sport like cross country. Running to cross country and his teammates.

PHOTOS BY JACKSON ALLRED

As the boys’ varsity football team wraps up their season, we recap their year through photos Earning the Right to Win

Picked Off

With 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns, junior Darese Steptoe stepped up his game in the Spartans’ season opener against Alvin High School.

Steptoe is the starting running back on the varsity squad and led the team to a 28-0 win against the Yellow Jackets.

District Competition To put the Spartans up 37-0 against Spring Woods, William Kight runs for a 33-yard touchdown after a screen pass from AJ Abbott. Kight’s touchdown in the second quarter fueled the Spartans’ 44-0 victory over district rival Spring Woods.

In the first quarter, senior Jaevon Brandon makes an interception against Cy-Ridge.

Brandon forced two pivotal turnovers in the game that pushed the Spartans to victory. The Spartans currently have a 3-2 record in distrcit play, and look forward to challenges against Cy-Fair, Cy-Falls and Jersey VIllage

Filling Up the Stat Sheet

Against district rival Spring Woods, junior Mason Jones tackles a receiver to the ground near the scrimmage line.

Jones plays at the safety position on varsity.

Special Teams Senior Nick Baerenstecher catches a punt in the season opener against Alvin High School.

Baerenstecher would go on to score a 10-yard touchdown off of a screen pass from Dylan Shoemake. The Spartans play the Cy-Fair Bobcats Oct.19 at Tully Stadium.

Kickoff will be at 1 p.m.

sports

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

11

Hometown Hero Retires

An in-depth look at Andrew Luck’s time at Stratford High School, Stanford University, and his career in the NFL

Flipping Fantastic

Diving into the Deep End

The diving team practiced their dives to prepare for the next meet. They hope to win district once again this year. Their next meet is Nov. 1 in the Conroe, and the team is expected to make a splash!

Diving team dives head first into a new season WRITTEN BY REED HOWELL

PHOTO BY KENDALL KOSTER

When you think of afternoon sports at Stratford, you might think of football or basketball or track. But what many people don’t know is that the diving team is practicing every day after school.

Many people don’t even realize there is a diving team. Those who know about it usually associate the diving team with swimming, but almost everything they do is completely separate. Swimming practices in the morning, while the divers practice separately in the afternoon. Sophomore Robbie Howell looks forward to the upcoming season and what he could accomplish this year.

“I’m most excited for working on more advanced dives and getting even better,” Howell said.

Stratford only has four divers on the team right now, but they have often been successful.

Last year they won the first, second, and third at district. Staying strong and keeping momentum is important for their upcoming season. It is difficult to have anybody place in the top three, but they hope to win all three spots again this year.

“Practice can be really repetitive,

having to do the same thing over and over again just to get it right, can be exhausting. That’s how we make sure it’s good,” Howell said. It can be hard to stay motivated, but despite the all of the necessary repetition Howell is able to continue to enjoy it.

Diving is not a popular sport for somebody to pick, but it has its upsides.

They have a very small team and Howell prefers to only have a few people.

“We have a small team and we all know each other pretty well, and we’re all good friends.” Having a small group of people you wouldn’t normally know, but have something in common is one of his favorite parts of diving. Joining diving is not a very common path to take, but for Howell it was a simple decision. Originally, he didn’t put very much thought into his decision, but he is happy he made it. “I did it a little bit in middle school because my parents wanted me to do a sport.”

Every day they work on making sure they are fully prepared to repeat last years successes. It may be difficult but they believe they will be able to succeed.

The diving team began their season the Oct. 10.

STORY BY NATHAN SICILIANO Andrew Luck shocked the football world with his retirement from the National Football League in August of 2019. He was 29 years old at the time of his retirement. In comparison, Tom Brady and Drew Brees are both in their forties, and still slingin’ it.

While his career in the NFL may not have been long by any means, and well short of illustrious, his time at Stratford High School was incredible.

Graduating from Stratford in 2008, Andrew Luck truly embodied what it meant to be a Stratford Spartan.

Playing varsity football all four years of high school, Andrew was extremely athletically talented. In his sophomore year, Andrew was heavily involved with a varsity football team that went 5-5 overall. Having used the past year to mature, Andrew led the Spartans to a district championship the following season. The team dominated, and had a undefeated record of 7-0 in district play. Along with beating Memorial 17-0, and an overall record of 10-2, the team clinched Stratford’s first district title since 1988. This led to the team’s first playoff birth since 1993, where Stratford went into the third round. Stratford heartbreakingly lost to CyFalls 34-33, ending their season.

However, with one year of high school left, Andrew Luck shined in his senior season. Guiding Stratford to a consecutive playoff birth, Stratford again went to the 3rd round of playoffs. Beating Cy-Falls, the team who had ended their season the year before, Stratford unfortunately fell to Fort Bend Clements,

ending Andrew Luck’s time as a Stratford football player. Finishing the season with 9-4 record, Andrew gained the attention of several top colleges in the United States.

Besides being an incredible athlete, Andrew excelled in the classroom.

He graduated at the top of his class as a Co- Valedictorian, along with 28 other students. Andrew Luck was also beloved by students, teammates, and teachers. Nominated Mr. SHS and Homecoming King, Andrew captivated others around him as an upstanding young man who took advantage of his opportunists in life.

Luck decided to continue his athletic and academic career at Stanford University in Stanford, California, majoring in architecture. Andrew then proceeded to excel at football, where he was the #1 pick overall the 2012 NFL Draft. However, Andrew Luck’s NFL career was riddled with injuries.

After sustaining at least one concussion, a lacerated kidney, torn abdominal muscles, torn cartilage in his throwing shoulder, a calf strain, and being sacked 72 times in his first two seasons , Andrew Luck understandably decided to call time on his career.

12

sports

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

Serving it Up Spartan Style

Wildcat Support

The tennis team closes another successful season

PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS BY DAN TATULESCU

Senior and team captain William Chinchankar, alongside junior Yuta Haratsu, exchange sides with their opponents from Jersey Village on Oct. 1.

Stratford Spirit Junior Kara Nagasaki returns a ball during her singles match at Cinco Ranch on Sept. 27 while senior Jadon Lau has a brief respite from his own match.

Team Spirit A group of seniors and juniors cheer on their teammates from the sideline as they went up against Spring Woods on Sept. 3.

New Additions Sisters and Partners Serving Up a Storm Junior Yuta Haratsu serves a fast one during a tough match against Memorial on Sept. 23. The doubles match ended in a win for Stratford.

Senior and team captain Yo Kimura heads toward her doubles match together with junior and sister Haru Kimura. The match took place at Spring Woods on Sept. 3.

This year, the tennis team welcomed freshman Annie Gauderman and junior Jack Gauderman. Annie battled it out in her singles match while at Spring Woods on Sept. 3.

perspectives

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

E-Cigarette Emergency

13

Food for Thought

A new lung disease has resulted in calls for e-cig bans, regulation

Students give their thoughts on the block lunch

WRITTEN BY BLAKE TODES PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS In recent events, vaping has nicotine, as it is the third most come under severe scrutiny, with addictive drug, with heroin and six people dying from a disease cocaine being the only two drugs potentially linked to vaping. The that are more addictive. The federal government is developing British Medical Research Council a plan to ban flavored e-cigarettes, gave nicotine a score of 2.21 out of including mint and menthol, after 3 on dependence and addiction.

JUUL announced in November While vaping does not contain of 2018 that they would begin to carbon monoxide or tar found in move all of their sales online. cigarettes, nicotine ingestion is still Individual states are even taking linked to an increased risk of heart measures to decrease e-cigarette attacks and high blood pressure, in use with 18 states, including addition to gastrointestinal issues.

Texas, raising the age to purchase The nicotine concentration of nicotine products from 18 to 21. an e-cigarette is also higher than Companies, such as HEB, Kroger cigarettes. One JUUL pod, which and Walgreens, have moved to is equivalent to a full pack of remove e-cigarettes from shelves. cigarettes, is enough to cause However, the issue of e-cigarettes nicotine poisoning. is not necessarily related to safety, In addition, more parents are as there still is no evidence that taking action against vaping, using e-cigarettes is more harmful many as a result of the mysterious than smoking cigarettes. In lung disease. Utilizing grassroots addition, most cases of mysterious funding and Facebook groups, “vaping disease” have come from parents are urging politicians at black market products. the local, state and federal level The major issue of the rise in to ban e-cigarette products to vaping is companies, such as JUUL, eliminate teen vaping. marketing the products towards While vaping may not be healthy, teenagers. JUUL takes advantage it is still not realistic to ban the of the high addictiveness of products completely. Banning

COMPILED BY MCKENNA TANNER PHOTOS BY JACKSON COSSEY AND DAN TATALESCU

The Vaporizing Reality

Contrary to e-cigarette companies’ advertising, vaping is still not healthy and should be minimized. From heart to vision issues, the risks of vaping are widespread. e-cigarettes will lead teenagers and other users to black market products, which have been the products resulting in most of the cases of the very rare lung disease currently associated with vaping. Until more evidence is released, vaping should still be acknowledged as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes.

Houston-area stores that have stopped selling e-cigarettes: • H-E-B • Kroger • Walgreens • Walmart

Here’s what students said about Halloween in our online poll COMPILED BY MCKENNA TANNER

Do you decorate your house for Halloween?

18%

No

No

78%

I don’t feel strongly either way

39%

Trick-or-treat Watch some horror movies

I won’t do anything for Halloween this year

“I understand the point of the hour lunch, and that it’s not just an hour lunch but that it’s an opportunity for people to have more time, you know. Not all of us have the opportunity to stay after school.

I think it’s a good idea that we can go to tutorials during lunch and still get the opportunity to go back to lunch. You’re not missing much, just 30 minutes.”

61%

“I’m kind of indifferent. I like it that you don’t have to go before or after school for tutorials, and I use it as a study hall for 30 minutes. That’s really helpful to get homework done and stuff like that. Seatings a little weird, but there’s a spot for everybody.”

“I think block lunch is very helpful with tutorials, and I think it allows students to finish homework for their next class that they should have done the night before.”

13% 7%

Monica Deru, sophomore

45%

9%

Other Hand out candy or trick-or-treaters

“I can really enjoy the new implementation of block lunch.

It’s a great time to pursue interests and allows for enough time to eat and relax with friends before hopping back into your studies.”

Elizabeth Pfeil, senior

What will you do for Halloween?

Go to or host a party

Jared Simons, sophomore

José Bruno, freshman

Yes Yes

“I think it’s helpful because, for kids who maybe don’t have enough time out of school to complete their work, they’ll be able to do that during school and, also, it gives a bigger break for the kids who might find school more stressful than others, so that they can be able to just kind of clear their mind for the last two periods of school.”

Nathan Shugart, senior

What Do You Think?

Should teenagers be allowed to trick-or-treat?

4%

The block lunch schedule has been in effect for almost two months now, giving students and faculty time to settle into the new routine and decide how they feel about the extended time. We asked students how they felt about having an hour long lunch, and this is what they said.

17% 9%

“It’s nice for doing homework.

I have Bible study on Thursdays.

You can do stuff with your sport or random stuff. [Cross country teammates] hang out in Coach’s room sometimes. I like it.”

Hope Sage, senior

14

perspectives

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

Toxic High School Relationships The dark stories of teenage dating are revealed WRITTEN BY CARSEN BLEVINS AND TAILOR WILLIAMS

Venomous. Poisonous. Toxic. These are common words used to describe 1.5 million teen relationships across the United States. When speaking on the subject of abuse, communities go blind to the constant threat it poses to modern day students.

We’ve seen this issue first hand destroy some of our closest friends; It’s important to know the signs before you let anyone negatively affect you or people you know this way.

Due to the normalization of toxic behaviors, in men and women, steadfast social constructs, and the way women are sexualized, unhealthy teenage relationships are often overlooked by society.

Our first story is about a girl who was alienated, ignored, and pressured to be someone she wasn’t; her personality warped beyond her own recognition.

Perhaps, though, there was no shapeshifting, or body switching, but she was molded into this person that she was afraid to be in society. An incoming freshman, like many others, was swarmed with attention that she had never experienced coming from middle school. “You don’t look like a freshman.” Degrading messages in the form of compliments were thrown at her from every direction. “They made me feel special- wanted, important.”

It’s not uncommon for people to use flattery to peak your interest. You

think, “It’s harmless! It’s just a joke”, until you realize you can’t live without this person because they fuel your self worth. Usually, two emotionally-secure people don’t find themselves in an unhealthy relationship.

When someone’s deeprooted insecurities come out in a regressive and destructive manner, they can cripple someone emotionally for weeks, months, even years. And this is the reason seniors, or anyone above 18, shouldn’t pursue freshman. They leave them with their emotions festering and anger building, therefore leaving a cycle of hurt. “He was 19. I was a minor.” mentioned the anonymous sophomore.

To even younger victims, their first relationships are often unhealthy and can skew their view of what’s to be expected of a normal relationship.

Male victims of abusive/toxic relationships are currently made light of in the media because of the toxic masculinity that was taught and passed down to our generation. There’s only an 18 percent difference in the amount of dating abuse that boys experience than girls, but it’s still abuse and should be looked at with the same perspective as a man being abusive to a woman.

“You don’t look like a freshman.”

Chick-fil-A The battered battle of the century ensues

Our second story comes from a boy who was just in love. He first saw his ex girlfriend in his sophomore history class, and never thought he would go through what he did.

She had bipolar disorder, and all he wanted to do was be there for her, but she made it difficult on him.

They argued often. “The arguments were basically screaming matches,” said the anonymous senior. “But we both always got our part out. We both listened.” Even though their relationship didn’t involve physical hurt, the mental hurt was there. He fell into a deep depression within their 9 month relationship. “She prioritized her own feelings over mine.” he said. That’s not rare when it comes to high school relationships. Everyone wants to be happy, but are damaging other people in the process.

Luckily for this senior, he had friends who were willing to listen and not judge him for being emotional about his girl. “That’s the thing, boys don’t want to voice how they feel about that type of person.” he mentioned.

He’s completely right. Most boys are afraid to tell anyone they’re in a toxic/abusive relationship because society teaches boys that they can’t be

vulnerable. That makes them “weak” or “feminine.” When asked if he feels like the boys here at Stratford wouldn’t judge him or console him if we put his name in this article he said no. A “hard” no. That’s something our society needs to work on.

We always think the patriarchy has only affected women negatively, but look at men. So afraid to have feelings as if it’s abnormal. We need to do better. We need to show boys that it’s okay to cry and have feelings so that we can stop the cycle of men who grow to be emotionally unavailable and that hurt other people.

Speaking up is important. We know it’s hard because of the environment of a home, or the lack of support from friends or maybe even just because you’re embarrassed. It’s a process; Look around at your peers and notice that everyone has issues beyond their physical appearance. Think about the relationship you’re in, if you’re in one, and try to catch the signs that you’re not being respected; Because if someone doesn’t respect you, they cannot love you.

If you are facing problems in a relationship, please do not hesitate to call this hotine.

Take this to heart: “If someone doesn’t respect you, they cannot love you.”

“He was nineteen, I was a minor,” mentioned the anonymous sophomore.

VS.

YouthLine Teen Dating Hotline: 877-968-8491

Popeyes

WRITTEN BY ELLIOT SCHEIN

When the Chick-fil-A on Dairy Ashford opened a few years ago, it became an immediate hit. Every day after school, without fail, it is bustling with students far into the afternoon, with some even attending religiously. The popularity of Chickfil-A continued to rise, and while this was great for fans of the famous chicken sandwich, it caused other surrounding fast food chains to suffer. The once beloved food icons like Popeyes and Wendy’s were getting less business each day as they were dwarfed by Chick-fil-A’s success.

The game was changed in August of this year when Popeyes came out with a new and improved chicken sandwich. In acknowledgment of this news, Chickfil-A posted a tweet claiming the superiority of their already cherished sandwich.

Popeyes then responded with the simple tweet, “... y’all good?”.

What ensued was a full-on chicken sandwich war that brought a flood of customers to any establishment boasting a comparable sandwich.

This sudden surge publicity finally got Popeyes out of Chick-fil-A’s shadow and into the spotlight, but perhaps it was more than they could handle. Within two weeks, supplies ran completely dry.

As much as I want to compare the two top competitors, it has been impossible to get my hands on sandwich from Popeyes. This means that until Popeyes replenishes its inventory, by default, Chick-fil-A reigns supreme, although that could change in an instant.

Chick-fil-A

Popeyes

Price

$3.59

$3.99

Ingredients

Breaded chicken breast, buttered bun, dill pickles

Battered chicken breast filet, toasted brioche bun, barrel cured pickle, classic or spicy mayonnaise

Review

Chick-fil-A never fails to impress the crowd with its simple yet flavorful approach. The chicken has a unique flavor and slight crunch that can only be re-created at Chick-fil-A. The bun doesn’t taste like much but pairs well with the chicken and array of sauce choices.

Popeyes was sold out! Have you tried Popeyes new chicken sandwich? Tell us your thoughts on the Oracle Instagram @shsoracle

perspectives Many Americans fail to realize the high costs of healthcare in America Some politicians call the “public option” a half step. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren want to go one step further by adopting “Medicare for All,” which would effectively ban private insurance but guarantee every American resident essential healthcare. Some business leaders even support this plan, as it would drastically simplify the health insurance paperwork.

Senior Sage Pollock believes Medicare for All is the best solution for America’s healthcare crisis.

“I think there should be a system to help those that can’t afford insurance and keep hospitalization costs low,” Pollock said. “In a perfect world.

Medicare for All fits within morals.”

However, as this plan would raise taxes to finance costs, there has been major backlash over the practicality and potential middle-class tax hikes.

The most practical solution to the American healthcare crisis is to add a “public option” to the Affordable Care Act and build on the ACA by capping co-pays, premiums, and prescription drug costs, similar to former Vice President Joe Biden’s healthcare proposal. Over a period of roughly five years, the proposal would be able to insure about 97 percent of Americans without drastic tax hikes, lengthy appointment wait times or a decrease in the quality of healthcare that would potentially be brought by Medicare-for-All.

Halloween Word Search

ORACLE

the

Bank Breaking Healthcare WRITTEN BY BLAKE TODES PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in light of this, the Oracle is exploring America’s massive increase in healthcare costs over the past two decades.

According to Healthline, nearly three in eight women were concerned about their finances after breast cancer treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is one of the cheapest cancers to treat, but patients can still expect to pay up to $25,000 for treatment, even with a good insurance plan.

As a result of the rising costs of healthcare, politicians have debated changing our healthcare system for decades. By decreasing the number of people uninsured by about 40 percent, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has saved millions of lives.

In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, discrepancies in insurance coverage have resulted in one-third of the survival disparities between low-income and highincome patients.

In an attempt to increase insurance rates and hopefully survival rates, politicians such as Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden have proposed creating a “public option,” where people can buy into a government insurance program if they cannot and do not receive private insurance. This type of plan was included in the original version of the ACA but was removed to end a filibuster.

15

The Oracle • October 18, 2019

staff

Editors-in-Chief

Reis Berilgn

*Alexis Garza *Isabella Waltz

Photographers

Associate Editors *Maddie Dawson *Ana Sofia Meyer *McKenna Tanner

Photo Editors *Paige Clark *Becca Dawson

Crippling Costs According to the

Kaiser Family Foundation, healthcare costs have increased by 67 percent from 2009. Politicians, mostly Democrats, are currently striving to formulate a health care plan that would attempt to lower costs of health insurance and prescription drugs.

The Congressional Budget Office analysis of the current Medicarefor-All bill does state the plan will lower costs, however, quality of care and access to healthcare could be compromised.

Clearly, something must be done to decrease American healthcare and prescription drug costs. This is why a “public option” is a good middle ground, as it allows people who are unemployed, switching jobs or have a job that does not provide insurance to buy into an insurance plan without compromising the quality of health care by scrapping the system and starting from new.

Sudoku

If you complete the sudoku and turn it into the box in the journalism room (room 120) by Friday, Oct. 25, you will have a chance to win a Chick-Fil-A Gift Card. The two winners will be randomly chosen to receive a Chick-Fil-A gift card during Spartan time on Thursday, Oct. 31.

News Editors Michael Benes Hannah Timmreck

Life Editors Franco Grimoldi Calo Grace Hare

Sports Editors Jackson Allred Nathan Siciliano

Perspectives Editor Blake Todes

Reporters Carsen Blevins Reed Howell Nathan Keyworth Laura Koerner Tailor Williams Emma Wright Griffin Ross Kaleb Vu Jack Weatherly

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 expression

Aniesa Campos Jackson Cossey Hossein Farahami Paige Lintner Kyla Lyles Bailey Maloy Elizabeth Noble Lucia Roma Mircea Tatalescu Eleanore Williams Kyle Zabroski Kendall Koster

Head Photographer Dan Tatulescu

Ads Editors Kate Delgado Libby Grizzell Joy Meyers

Ads Staff Selby Funk Isabella Leal Hannah Morris Ellie Noble

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The Oracle • October 18, 2019

Football Season is Back

Spartans get excited as we get into football season CAPTIONS BY BECCA DAWSON

PHOTOS BY HOSSEIN FARAHANI

Cake Time At the first pep rally of the year, there was a lot of school spirit. The cheerleaders chose one person from each grade to play the pep rally game. The football playing boys tried to eat the most cake possible. Sophomore Cole Kubala ate all of his cake and won for the Class of 2022.

Friday Night Lights As football season starts back up again, the Varsity football players are always encouraging each other and working together to be one strong unbeatable force. At the first game of the year, we played against Alvin High School where we won 28-0.

Sparties Bringing the Spirit The Spartanaires put on an energized dance for the first pep rally of the year. It was the Stratford America pep rally, so everyone dressed up in green and came down to the gym. It was exciting to see the Spartanaires perform a dance that got everyone pumped up for the game.

Go Spartans!

The cheerleaders put on an awesome cheer routine for the pep rally. They performed some awesome stunts that amazed the crowd.

Go, Fight, Win! The football team gets hyped up whenever they score a touchdown. At this game Thomas Fitzpatick, number 7, is jumping for joy after the team makes another winning touchdown.

Winning the game was a great start to the beginning of football season.