The Oracle-May 2023

Hello Spartans!

It is Oracle tradition to have the next year’s editors manage the last issue of the year. So, give it up for the 2023-2024 Editorial Board! We are so excited to see what they do in the future.

Our goal with a magazine is to re-engage our audience with recurring columns and interactive sections, so you can be a part of the publication as well.

Our publication is entirely studentproduced and student-funded, so please keep in mind that we might make mistakes.

While the Oracle is Stratford’s official student magazine, opinions expressed by writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration, or the school district. Enjoy!

Cover Designed By 2023-2024 Editorial Board

3 - 7

TALKING POINTS*

Behind Bathroom Breaks, a Breaking Staff (pg. 3)

Planet in Peril (pg. 4)

TikTok Bans: Suppression or Protection? (pg. 4)

The Power is in the Palm of Your Hand (pg. 6)

Mental Health is Wealth (pg. 7)

8-12

SENIORS

Saying Goodbye to Stratford’s Finest (pg. 8)

Reflections on Four Years (pg. 8)

Spartans Across the Country (pg. 10-11)

Spartans Take on Texas (pg. 12)

Editors-in-Chief

Ashley Cooper

Nic Rhew

Associate

Editors

Anna Rigo

Nathan Seelig

Mircea Tatulescu

Design Editor

Kate Sullivan

Photo Editors

Dana Akkad

Macy Delgadillo

Ava Johnson

Caroline Larrabee

Christian Vandenburg

News Editor

Isabella Villalobos

Sports Editor

Jacob Hare

Student Life Editor

Ella McWilliams

Perspectives Editor

Abby Stallworth

Reporters

Cristina Amado Cobo

Amanda Ashebu

Abdulaziz Aziz

Eszter Badescu

Alexandra Bell

Riana Bhattacharjee

Caleb Boerm

Leslie Garcia

Trey Gardner

William Jones

Emma Manalo

Anna Petruzzi

Ellie Presa

Russell Robinson

Sophie Sagastume

Caroline Walker

Mariam Zaghloul

JP Zambrano

Photographers

Xavier Alexander

Semra Berilgen

Andrew Cannon

Emily Capps

Audrey Connolly

Cesar Garza Pamanes

Giselle Gillett

Montanah Hobbs

Ireh Kang

Benjamin Pearl

Mariana Rodriguez

J’Mari Shorter

Kamari Stanfill

Bruno Tobias

Caroline Walker

Copy Editors

Shelby Blackwood

Catherine McClees

Adviser: Sara Boyle

14-16

ATHLETICS

Rockets and Flop-ets (pg. 14)

A New Level (pg. 16)

18

SPARTANS SAY

Singing Peers and Ringing Ears (pg. 18)

Overheard (pg. 18)

pg.7 pg.16

*Our new Talking Points section is intended to spotlight issues students are concerned about. These articles are students’ opinions and do not reflect the views of SBISD.

Behind Bathroom Breaks, a

Breaking Staff

Head custodian attributes locked bathrooms and messy spaces to student behavior

After 161 days of school this year, I’d say many of us have set a daily routine. Wake up, drive to school, go to class and waste 10 minutes of math class looking for a usable restroom.

It’s fine, really. I’m not particularly fond of integrals and derivatives, anyway.

But it makes you wonder: for a school that boasts a bathroom on each floor’s corner, is it really some thing to be proud of when nearly every one is locked? And when they are unlocked, I can’t say clogged toilets, broken doors and scribbled vulgarities make for decent scenery, either.

Head custodian Rosa Monge agrees. But as one person, the burden of cleaning up after 2192 students is one she is unable to carry.

And she shouldn’t have to. Because while students may find it unfair that the irresponsibilities of some of their peers affect the flow of their school day, the most unfair aspect of the matter is the neglect with which they are willing to treat the custodians they don’t see, the custodians they don’t hear, yet the custodians they need.

Monge blames restrooms’ disarray on students. In her opinion, “90% of [the problem] is students’ fault, while only about 10% falls on custodians.”

That 10% isn’t because custodians aren’t doing their job and suddenly don’t want to clean. It’s because their already toosmall group is stretched too thin.

To handle the current state of the restrooms, the custodian staff “needs to have 11 members,” Monge said. “Today, I have six, but two started yesterday.”

When Monge worked at Memorial Middle School, a similar-sized team was responsible for maintaining two floors and 18 bathrooms. Now, however, she’s responsible for three floors and 25 bathrooms.

Even so, three bathrooms per custodian appears strenuous, but Memorial Middle’s bathrooms are entirely unlike ours. That’s because they had unique ways to balance custodians’ workload — ways that Strat-

“[The Memorial Middle administration] would have one teacher at each restroom that observed when students entered and when they left,” Monge said. “Then, they would go in and make sure it wasn’t left dirty.”

High school students should, in theory, expect a little more freedom than middle schoolers. However, when their actions lend themselves to the belief that their freedom will come before the well-being of others, staff members should step in and take some of it away. Mr. Barnes and the assistant principals do not have the power to assign more custodians to Monge’s group, but they have a unique power nonetheless: ensuring that each student at Stratford is respectful of custodians and their wishes.

“I’ve tried to tell [students eating in restrooms] that they shouldn’t be doing it, but they’ll insult me or simply not listen,” Monge said.

The descriptions of the bathrooms she walks into paint students in an unforgiving light. In fact, her insight goes directly against that of most students: while students feel failed by Monge, Monge and her team have been failed by students.

“We clean in the evenings, so in the mornings the restrooms are clean,” she said. “But by lunchtime, they’re back to a mess.”

Scattered paper, bodily fluids and food scraps on the floor are some of the visuals she frequently encounters. When they mar the walls or the smell of vapes lingers, the only solution is to lock the restroom off completely.

“The bathrooms themselves have been getting better, but students’ behavior has been worsening,” Monge continued. “There are some calm periods, but [students] get particularly bad near the end of the month.”

An environment where students don’t respect others and an environment where they don’t feel respected aren’t mutually exclusive. But taking frustrations aimed at classmates or administrators out on custodians will only worsen that environment further.

“When students continue dirtying the restrooms, [custodians] have less time to clean other [communal spaces],” Monge said. “In some classrooms, we may only have time to clean the floors, so the desks might not have been cleaned that day.”

If students are after change, their best course of action is to look after their behavior and that of their friends. For example, don’t eat lunch upstairs, even if a teacher has given you permission.

“I know some teachers let their students eat in their class, but we have to clean the crumbs off their floor, even if they don’t care what their classroom looks like,” Monge said. “I’m not referring to [snacks], I mean the full lunch [students are] served.”

When you’re in the restroom, take an extra second to make sure your toilet paper and paper towels have gone in their respective places. Just because there are other papers on the floor doesn’t mean yours belong there, too. And just because Monge and her team are currently picking them up doesn’t mean they should have to.

I’ve been annoyed with the state of some of our facilities in the past. But the reality is clear: petty complaints among our social circles are unproductive and will not procure a solution. Not while the problem has been permeating the school for years. Not while the problem is largely ignored by both students and the current administration. Not while some of our most dedicated staff members are locked out of the conversation as frequently as we’re getting locked out of restrooms.

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In a changing climate, little of the world is safe.

Human activities have significantly advanced climate change. Many point to use of greenhouse gasses, ineffective waste management and poor environmental care as significant factors.

Specific cities feel the effects to a greater extent than others.

Venice, for example, is threatened as its canals continue to flood.

Many other cities near or below sea level, such as New Orleans, New York City, and London, will eventually be underwater, so long as climate change persists.

Beyond potential cultural losses, the economic uncertainties in a warming world are dire.

The Great Salt Lake, for instance, is expected to dry up within five years; this would decimate the global supply of

brine shrimp and devastate the seafood industry.

There are several solutions you can carry out in your daily life in order to ease the effects of climate change. One way is trying a plant-based diet. According to the U.S. Food and Agriculture Organization, the meat and dairy industries alone use one third of the Earth's fresh water.

At SHS, Life Skills classes help implement one of the most effective solutions: recycling. On Fridays, students collect the paper scraps and cardboard boxes teachers have in their classrooms.

The effects of climate change are undoubtedly alarming, but awareness is motivation to improve personal behavior. Partaking in these solutions not only shows support for a healthy environment, but mitigates the harms of previous human activities.

TIKTOK BANS: SUPPRESSION OR PROTECTION?

Implementing the RESTRICT Act and DATA Act will void long-standing legislation WRITTENBYCRISTINAAMADOCOBO(12)ANDCHRISTIANVANDENBURG(12)

For most teenagers, TikTok is an integral part of their daily routine, and statistics clearly support this assumption. Currently, the average user spends 95 minutes on the app daily.

As a result, many parents are worried that their children’s data is stored and potentially utilized without their consent.

To combat this, Senator Mark Warner proposed two new bills to address TikTok and its parent company, Byte Dance: The RESTRICT Act and the DATA Act.

The RESTRICT Act, introduced Mar. 7, 2023, will restrict the Chinese owned ByteDance from potentially harvesting data from United States citizens.

The bill would help mitigate foreign technological threats. Despite the intended benefits,

the act has been met with a lot of pushback for various reasons.

RESTRICT Act opponents often refer to the vague language throughout the bill. For example, the legislation fails to clarify what the oft-used term “foreign adversary” is. Many also mention that there is a clear lack of transparency throughout the bill.

The RESTRICT Act also potentially voids other statutes that have been passed prior to this bill’s introduction, including the Berman Amendments, which protect the free flow of information in and out of the United States.

The RESTRICT Act would also void the Berman Amendments as it allows the Executive Branch to block “transactions” and “holdings” of “foreign adversaries” that

involve “information and communication technology” and create “undue or unacceptable risk” to national security.

The DATA act, introduced on Feb. 24, 2023, works alongside the RESTRICT Act, similarly intending prohibit the transfer of “sensitive personal data” to “foreign persons influenced by China.”

The DATA Act clarifies language used in The International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which clarifies what the president can regulate regarding foreign owned property.

This bill also contains new powers for the president to impose sanctions on foreign persons that “knowingly [operate], [direct], or [deal] in a connected software application that is subject to

the jurisdiction of China.” Again, this bill has developed controversy regarding its language and lack of transparency.

Many parents recognize potential concerns but believe that the app provides helpful content.

"I don't like that it's run through servers the Chinese government has control of, but I like that it shows me content based on my interests," parent Frank Whyte said.

Students also appreciated the highly digestible content.

"I like TikTok because it's brainless," senior Isabella Sanchez said.

The RESTRICT Act and DATA Act must be passed into law before they affect any users, but vague wording and political controversey threaten success.

The Power is in the Palm of Your Hand

How social media has reshaped the idea of student activism

WRITTENBYCAROLINELARRABEE(11)ANDSOPHIESAGASTUME(10)

Many have seen them. Many have shared them. Many have written them. And many have wondered: Are those Instagram posts actually going to change anything?

In response to growing social turmoil on a local, state, national and even global level, teens have found manners of sharing their opinions and beliefs on online platforms. The most widespread? Instagram slideshows packed with statistics and resources for adults and students alike.

Our hesitations with this form of advocacy were, understandably, two-fold: “Is it effective enough?” and “Is it fear mongering instead of educating?”

After the violent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, passionate advocates walked down streets, while millions scrolled down Instagram feeds.

That disparity isn’t inherently harmful, though. The hashtag “Black Lives Matter” garnered over 26 million posts, serving as an effective platform for anti-racist resources and anecdotes directly from those impacted. However, on June 2, 2020, Instagram users added a new layer to their advocacy through #BlackoutTuesday.

Movement proponents agreed to post a black square on their feeds in protest against police brutality. Black music executives Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang began their movement as a day “to intentionally disrupt the work week, to take a beat for an honest, reflective and productive conversation around what actions we need to collectively take to support the Black community.”

The campaign was quickly warped to fit the performative wants of younger activists. The once resource-filled hashtag was now void of information, decorated with unproductive squares. By the end of that day, #BlackoutTuesday had amassed 24 million posts, while petitions to arrest George Floyd’s killers barely scratched 12 million signatures, Ahmaud Arbery’s petition had just over 3 million signatures and Breonna Taylor’s petition had under 2 million signatures. While this movement was not ill-intentioned, it publicized a

harmful image of the dangers of performative activism.

Even if they share helpful resources, however, some advocates take their rhetoric to the extreme. Shortly before President Joe Biden approved the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska, climate activists began sharing information on social media in an attempt to persuade the administration to reject the proposal.

The problem arose when these users took their emotional appeals too far. Instead of instilling a desire to act within everyday citizens, these posts instilled fear within many of their viewers. While they were circulating, Google search trends reflected the public’s panic: the search “Will the Willow Project kill us?” was a trending topic on the engine.

Environmental engineer Berry (@theberrybestt) said it best via a post of her own: “Misinformation and fear mongering is another means of controlling the public.” She went on to note multiple posts that use inaccurate and exaggerated statistics.

One of these statistics, that the Willow Project would release 287 million metric tons of CO2, was taken from a credible estimate from the Biden administration, but necessary context wasn’t provided. The administration stated the project could generate enough oil to release 9.2 million metric tons of CO2 a year — 287 million is derived from using that estimate to calculate what could be released over 30 years.

The simple nature of most posts makes it easy for creators to exclude important information, and without widespread means of fact-checking, millions of users are exposed to inaccurate content via explore pages.

Not every user aims to distress their followers, though. In fact, as long as outlets and other accounts are transparent about their sources and research, posts like these may be the key to getting a younger generation involved in important discussions.

Currently, many high school students feel that their voice or actions aren’t “enough” to propel advocacy further. In fact, some express worry that, by speaking out or

saying “the wrong thing,” discussion may be stopped altogether.

“Sometimes I fear that, if I say what I’m really thinking, classmates — or even random strangers — may judge me for my opinions,” sophomore Sophie Myers said.

When news organizations cater to younger audiences’ interests and personal connections to an event, however, those audiences are more likely to engage with a post and research or act of their own accord.

We saw this scenario play out when the Oracle posted an infographic that highlighted key points from Superintendent Jennifer Blaine’s press conference on April 13, 2023. The post shared pressing statistics about SBISD’s quickly diminishing budget in a highly digestible format, reaching over 2,200 students and faculty members.

High schoolers across the district had access to clear, concise information that they could easily spread to their friends and family. With the phone numbers of state representatives and a simple script to follow, advocating for SBISD was simplified tremendously.

Digital advocacy often finds itself struggling between sharing facts and sharing falsities. However, after observing how Stratford students interacted with posts of this nature following news of SBISD’s potential budget cuts, we’ve determined that,

ofSBISD’spotentialbudgetcuts?Finditon

Mental Health is Wealth

The importance of supporting mental well-being on campus

WRITTENBYESZTERBADESCU(11)ANDISABELLAVILLALOBOS(12) ADDITIONALREPORTINGBY EMILYCAPPS(11)ANDCAROLINEWALKER(11)

Many are fully cognizant of the importance of mental health. At Stratford, weekly Spartan Time lessons often emphasize that prioritizing our well-being will help us handle stress, connect with others and make healthy, rational decisions. Are these brief lessons enough, or can Stratford adapt its resources to better serve an evolving population? We interviewed students and faculty to address whether the provided services were sufficient enough to counterbalance school stresses and how Community In Schools (CIS) could potentially fill this gap.

Junior Lucy Weiss elaborated on her mental health journey, most importantly about how schoolwork has contributed to her stresses. Weiss is extremely concerned over the way mental health is discussed.

Weiss vouches that caring for one’s mental wellness can improve many aspects of life.

“I believe mental health strongly contributes to your appearance, motivation, and general well being,” Weiss said.

Weiss feels that school work is clearly a leading factor of her mental health struggles.

“My mental health is so much worse when I’m in school,” Weiss said. “I’m always under so much pressure and stress because of school and it’s this huge burden on [me].”

Weiss explains that sometimes school sets unrealistic expectations, which can be too much for students to handle all at once.

“Schools should have a better understanding that mental health is a severe issue and that school is actually a leading factor for poor mental health in students,” Weiss said.

She does believe that there is ample room for growth, especially if Stratford can better implement its services.

“Maybe being a little less strict about some things, because [students] already go through so much,” she said.

Weiss believes that schools must strive to change the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health.

“I think [mental health] should be talked

about and even taken care of all the time,” Weiss said. “Not just when something [bad] happens.”

Change on campus is possible if Stratford can plan new ways to address mental health crises. Most importantly, Weiss believes that schools should be more vocal and articulate about the resources they have to offer struggling students.

CIS counselor Mandy Kolbaba agrees that many students don’t know her services are available.

“We are underutilized but we are here,” Ms. Mandy said.

Ms. Mandy works alongside Melody Hall (Ms. Mel), and both are always eager to speak with whoever needs assistance.

“CIS is a good mental health resource for students and faculty members on campus,” Ms. Mandy said.

The CIS social workers have been working hard to publicize their resources.

“We are partnered with Stratford PTSA to help spread the word about who we are and what we do,” Ms. Mandy said.

The Stratford PTSA and Spartans For Change, a club sponsored by Ms. Mel, work hard to advertise their resources, but believe true change starts outside of the campus.

“I honestly think Stratford can improve their mental health services with parental involvement,” Ms. Mel said. “Students can create a more supportive and aware environment.”

Stratford students and faculty often experience extreme mental strain, frequently due to their schoolwork. Stratford must adapt their current policies to accommodate for the distress they impose.

And while significant strides must be made, Stratford is currently providing ample resources that many students remain unaware of. Ms. Mandy and Ms. Mel are ready to discuss with students, no matter how significant a problem may seem.

Mental health must be a priority at Stratford, and resources are always avaliable to those willing to reach out.

“You can come in for mental health resources or supportive guidance and outside support,” the CIS workers said. “We are here for you. Whatever that may look like.”

• Globally, one out of seven 10-19-yearolds experiences a mental disorder (World Health Organization)

• 50% of lifetime cases of mental illness begins at 14 years of age (Adolescent Wellness Academy)

• Among children living below 100% of the federal poverty level, more than 1 in 5 (22%) had a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (CDC)

• Having another mental disorder was most common in children with depression: about 3 in 4 children with depression also had anxiety (CDC)

Mental Health Resources

At Stratford: Ms. Mandy (MKolbaba@cishouston.org)

Ms. Mel (MHall@cis-houston. org)

Both counselors are available in the nurse hallway and grade level counselors can be found in the grade level offices.

National Hotlines:

Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

National Helpline: (800) 6624357

Saying Goodbye to Stratford’s Finest

Reflections on the Last Four Years

For the past 43 years, accounting teacher and Student Council sponsor Mary Jackson has been serving our school and community in the most uplifting way.

Jackson began to teach at Stratford in 1980 after graduating from Texas A&M University.

She originally taught social studies, but she quickly moved to teaching business classes.

Jackson has experienced many changes while at Stratford America. When she first started teaching, there were no computers, and every student had to be taught on electric typewriters.

“Computers and cell phones have probably been the biggest changes I’ve seen in the classes I teach,” Jackson said.

When coming into high school, many people have certain expectations about what their classes are going to be like, what activities or clubs they will participate in and who they will be friends with throughout their time at Stratford.

We asked seniors to look back on their high school years and describe the expectations — and realities — of their experiences.

Q: What did you think was going to be the hardest part of high school?

Camille Gagnon: I thought the hardest part of high school was going to be finding my way through the school.

Cade Hanlen: Junior year. It’s just a known tale that it sucks. The curriculum is definitely the hardest.

Mircea Tatulescu: I thought the hardest part of high school was going to be the SAT and college application process during my junior and senior years.

Jackson has implemented many of the traditions that students know and love today.

As the Student Council sponsor, she was the trailblazer for projects like Big Day, painting the water tower, installing the granite sign in front of the school, Food Truck Fridays, Hall Street Journals, lip dubs, courtyard beautification, 5th Quarter, and the annual Homecoming Canned Food Drive, just to name a few.

Business teacher Ms. Schaper, her colleague of more than 30 years, wonders how the school will run without her next year.

“MJ is Stratford America,” Schaper said. “She has the pulse of Stratford. I’ll miss her energy and enthusiasm about everything the most.”

Above all else, however, Jackson wants to be remembered on campus for “hopefully making a positive impact on the 7500 students [she has] taught over the years.”

There is no denying the magnitude of the impact she has had on our school.

She owes her fulfilling career to working at her dream job.

“My advice to future students is find your passion and always do what makes you happy,” she said. “If you enjoy your job, you don’t work a day in your life.”

8 seniors

Q: What was actually the hardest part of high school?

Camille Gagnon: The hardest part of high school was actually balancing extracurriculars, homework, and studying.

Mircea Tatulescu: The hardest part of high school was understanding electromagnetism (but it was worth it).

Cade Hanlen: How busy you are and just trying to juggle everything.

Q: What was the most fun part of high school?

Hank Hall: Being able to choose my schedule, take classes I want to take, and hang out with the people I wanted to be with.

Cade Hanlen: Definitely the sports. Whether you’re playing in the game or watching it, it’s always so much fun.

Q: What class were you surprised you enjoyed?

Camille Gagnon: Economics.

Mircea Tatulescu: Physics C.

Q: If you could change one thing about your high school experience, what would it be?

Hank Hall: I would say to involve myself more socially. I wasn’t zoned to go here, I was zoned to Memorial, so my friend groups shifted and I didn’t take an active role in creating new friend groups.

Cade Hanlen: I wish I studied more during junior year.

Mircea Tatulescu: I wish I had started orchestra earlier and tried harder in my classes.

“I’ll always be a Spartan! No Spartan stands alone!”

Mary Jackson

Mary Jackson retires after 43 years, leaving behind a powerful legacy

WRITTENBYNICRHEW(12)

Seniors discuss the highlights and lowlights of their high school career

WRITTENBYELLAMCWILLIAMS(12)

class of 2023

COMPILEDBYCAROLINELARRABEE(11)ANDEMMAMANALO(11)

WASHINGTON

University of Washington

Yuto Komiya

COLORADO

Fort Lewis College

Siena Yoder

University of Colorado

Boulder

Callye Alpard

Avery Johnston

Imogen Parenti

University of Denver

Sophia Cornell

CALIFORNIA

San Diego State University

Bennett Swires

Southern California

Institute of Architecture

Sofia Talbi

Stanford University

Jean Hoang

University of California

Davis

Anna Petruzzi

UTAH

Brigham Young University

Patricia Suarez

Elias Tacam

University of Utah

Skylar George

Austin LaRue

Macey Timmerman

MILITARY

Air Force

Richard Beasley

Marines

Alexa Huerta

Isaiah Matias

Ethan Todd

Army

Maybel Mendez

Chloe Taylor

Navy

Emely Zelaya

IDAHO

Brigham Young University

Karla Chazari

IOWA

Grand View University

Triston Williams

OKLAHOMA

University of Oklahoma

Austin Beaver

Lauren Boerm

Belle Burkhart

Ava Cofran

Mattie Edwards

Kendall Emery

Ella Everett

Charlotte Genez

Jason Kaimann

Molly Johnson

Ava Zander

INTERNATIONAL

University of Stirling in Scotland

Sophia VanderHorst

ARKANSAS

Arkansas State University

Wyatt McCulley

Hendrix College

Asia Mackey

University of Arkansas

Ella Bagnall

Lana Colburn

Tucker Copeland

Jessica Jones

Ethan Kling

Elise LaVern

Colten Schick

WORK/GAP YR

Jose Bruno

Christian Cavazos

Irving Dimas

Adrian Estrada

MISSOURI

University of Missouri

Caroline Youngjohn

KANSAS

Southwestern College

Travis Dunwoody

Maya Lopez

Cynthia McCollum

Jairo Moreno

Brandon Nava

Nikki Pardo

Julian Perez

David Rivas

Pedro Sosa

Andrew Witt

ILLINOIS

Northwestern University

Anna Rigo

Loyola University Chicago

Dany Sosa

OHIO

Baldwin Wallace University

Nic Rhew

INDIANA

Indiana University

Megan Broom

Mackenna Mullins

MINNESOTA

University of Minnesota

Elle Pickett

Fred Kunick

MICHIGAN

University of Michigan

Sammer Ali

MASSACHUSSETTS

Massachussetts Institute of Technology

Emma Hickman

Northeastern University

Sami Talje

NEW YORK

Hofstra University

Lela Brinkley

Manhattan College

Lauren Ahearn

Julien Stuckwisch

New York University

Sofia Fageria

SUNY ESF

Alexander Bautista

West Point

Kristin Geczik

RHODE ISLAND

Brown University

Nathan Seelig

PENNSYLVANIA

Bryn Mawr College

Bianca Perez Ouhirra

Penn State University

Isabella Villalobos

University of Pennsylvania

Peter Hong

TENNESSEE

Belmont University

Cristina Antunez

Vanderbilt University

Emily Manuel

University of Tennessee

Sarah White

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State University

Alex Bell

Marissa Benson

Sophia Choi

Mazen Johar

Zach Moore

Recharde Pride

Christian Vandenburg

Louisiana Tech University

Brianna George

Tulane University

JoJo Olagues

UL-Lafayette

Anaya Menjivar

ALABAMA

Auburn University

Kirby Crow

Molly Ledet

Ethan Manry

Will Messer

Sarah Ryan

Reagan Weber

University of Alabama

Annika de Jager

Anna Kovacs

Camille LaVern

Abby Murphy

Jackson Potter

Campbell Timmerman

Audrey Ware

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

University of Georgia

Hailey Bates

Ella Crabtree

Caroline Smith

Lucy Tomlinson

SCAD-Atlanta

Janeen Abante

Florida International University

Efren Alvarez

Florida State University

Ava Johnson

Paul Skoutelakis

University of Florida

Claire Shea-han

SOUTH

CAROLINA

University of South Carolina

Aiken

Justin Kaimann

Clemson

Sara Cate Cromack

Emerson Pettey

Abby Stallworth

VIRGINIA

Virginia Tech

University

Paige Dial

MISSISSIPPI

University of Mississippi

Carolina Fisher

Miah Hopkins

Ashley Mahood

seniors

Taking on Texas

Abilene Christian University

Ellie Stephenson

Austin Community College

Cade Hanlen

Baylor University

Mackenzie Arend

Ellie Cunningham

Andrew Erwin

Jenna French

Taylor Sanders

Cody Zyroll

Blinn College

Matthew Avery

Blake Eschberger

Elle Howell

Fredrick Kang

J’Mari Shorter

Jordan Small

Joshua Thornton

Julia Waltz

Galveston College

Amirah Witt

Hardin-Sim-

mons University

Jared Botary

Nash Rankin

Houston Christian University

Camila Herrero-Ve-

larde

Jenna Ramirez

Houston Community College

Ali Alani

Kasem Al Saleh

Christian Arriaga

Marilin Banda

Santiago Colina

Valentina Delgado

Angel De la Rosa

Kevin Gluck

Izabella Imamovic

Isaiah Kang

Dayra Machado

Samiyah Madrill

Nevaeh Mahoney

Daniel Moran

Inaya Noor

Russell Robinson

Hayan Rajoub

Mikey Vincent

Radiance Willson

Ashley Zavala

Lamar University

Iris Rodriguez

Lone Star College

Salman Abuhussein

Desiree Bradley

Mariana Bran

Isabella Brooks

Sergio Caballero

Rice University

Keanu Dawes

Cooper King

Hudson Perroni

Sam Houston

State University

Alessandra Acosta

Adrianna Estrada

Camden Evans

William Watts

Southern Meth-

odist University

Nico Gualy

Bailey Reoh

Karina Rodgerson

St. Edwards University

Ella Ten Wolde

Stephen F. Austin University

Antonia Conkright

Ryder Anderson

Katelyn Valdez

Texas A&M University Col-

lege Station

Haley Ash

Alex Borg

Kyle Brown

Caroline Bush

Nataly Callaway

Ashley Cardin

Nicholas Castro

Giancarlo Chelala

Avery Crider

Cameron Cronin

Blake Daniels

Ava de la Mora

Cade Diamond

Natalie Dinh

Erica Eastman

Maddie Ferrari

Annie Gauderman

Olivia Gonzalez

Victoria Jimenez

Gage Lancaster

Abby Lumpkin

Mary Mitchell

Lily Morrow

Michael Mouton

Ameera Muzny

Patricia Muzny

Bryce Oliphant

Cole Overbergen

Kristin Perry

Meredith Piercy

Luke Richardson

Aiden Reichstein

Paige Shepard

Jacob Smith

Willem Sola

Isabel Stowe

Paxton Terveen

Zayn Tippitt

Lindsey Thomas

John White

Will Youngblood

Olivia Zander

Texas A&M

University San

Antonio

Boniface Byshimo

Texas Christian University

Luke Barre

Alyssa Dearing

Libby Dolan

Melanie Genez

Jillian Harris

Charlotte Stephanow

Ashley Zindler

Megan Zuanich

JP Zambrano

Texas State University

Melanie Anzaldua

Gwendolyn Beach

Anna Cashiola

Alex Cruz

Meagan Dickinson

Lilah Epps

Sultan Evans

Vincenza Houck

Ella Mai

Antwone McDonald

Isabella Sanchez

Choyce Scranton

Georges Servat

Gabriella Thurow

Ellie Whyte

Texas Tech University

Travis Britt

Campbell Hayden

Sydney Hayden

Jos Johnson

Texas Woman’s University

Emma Whitton

Trinity University

Ashley Cooper

Stephanie Machado

Pena

Isabella Oliver

Allison Ortiz

Erik Rankin

Bernice Thongdara

Universal Technical Institute

David Spisak

University of

Dallas

Allison Zilafro

University of Houston

Dana Akkad

Abdulaziz Aziz

Shalimar Bachachi

Nathan Garcia

Kyla Key

Darwin Moreno

Kolbye Sangi

Davian Vazquez

University of Houston Downtown

Karla Aliendres Yanez

Marian Mavarez

Nina Terry

University of Mary-Hardin

Baylor

James Tejeda

University of North Texas

Ciara Williams

Isabella Lester

University of St. Thomas

Cristina Amado

Ebun Oyewole

University of

Texas at Arlington

Molly Higgins

University of

Texas at Austin

Weam Aldojan

Charlie Baird

Ryan Banan

Eugenia Blanco

Ivan Chan

Audrey Clayton

Tara Daryani

Hank Davis

Caden DiPaolo

Mia Gaal

Camille Gagnon

Jaquelyn Galvan

Abby Gannon

Bennett Garza

Meredith Greer

Arthur Ha

Maja Jokic

Hunter Jones

Will Jones

Ella Juarez

Katherine Kim

Payton Kooyman

Mia Law

Ella LeBoeuf

Avery Lucksinger

Lily McClanahan

Ella McWilliams

Lowell Moss

Dylan Nakayama

David Nederveld

Amber Nguyen

Quinn Otermat

Julia Petruzzi

Georgia Ritchie

Asher Rigo

Griffin Ross

Matthew Seiler

Kate Sullivan

Mircea Tatulescu

Anna Thielemann

Harris Timmreck

Peyton White

William Wu

University of Texas at DallaTristan Morrison

University of Texas at San Antonio

Andi Mercado

Christian Merchan

Melany Rodriguez

Bruno Tobias

University of the Incarnate Word

Olivia Abbott

Rocket Dixon

West Texas

A&M University

Brayden Jones

COMPILED BY CAROLINELARRABEE(11) ANDEMMAMANALO(11)

Rockets and Flop-ets

In a city with sports teams that many love to hate, there is a lot to critique about the rebuilding process and management of each franchise

TEAMS, CUT THE SLACKING

The lack of success for Houston sports teams can be attributed to a number of factors.

One major factor is the challenge of building and maintaining a successful sports franchise in a highly competitive landscape.

Houston is home to teams in all major professional sports leagues, which means that there is significant competition for both talent and fan attention.

In addition to that, each individual team in Houston has faced its own unique obstacles that have contributed to its lack of success.

For example, the Houston Texans have struggled to establish a consistent and effective quarterback in recent years. The instability at the quarterback position can make it difficult for the team to establish an effective offensive strategy and has been a major factor in the team’s struggles on the field.

The Houston Astros have received criticism related to both on-field performance and off-field reputation.

The team was implicated in a sign-stealing scandal in 2019, which led to the suspension and firing of several key members of the coaching staff.

While the team has since made changes to address the issue, this scandal has had a lasting impact on the team’s name and achievements.

The Rockets have also faced challenges related to player turnover and rebuilding.

The team has historically been heavily reliant on star players, and the departure of those players can create speed bumps in terms of team chemistry and offensive strategy.

Unsurprisingly, the team’s rebuilding phase seeks to develop new talent and establish a new identity.

The Dynamo have dealt with complications related to both performance and

FANS, STOP ATTACKING

The city of Houston is no stranger to sports; it houses famed baseball, football and basketball teams.

As of recently, there has been a lot of hate directed at our teams — most notably the Rockets and the Texans.

While they have had some really disappointing seasons in the past couple of years, there are many things to look forward to for each franchise.

The one thing that is important to note about both of these teams is that they are in the rebuilding phase, which means that they have lots of draft picks and are tanking for higher draft spots.

The Rockets just came out of a stunning season with a record of 22-60, which, while at face value is very disappointing, is actually a much better season than you would think.

First of all, the team was tanking this season to get the first overall pick and draft

Victor Wembanyama, the highest praised draft prospect ever.

The team also has many young and developing players, with Jalen Green continuing to have offensive explosions and Alperen Sengun emerging as one of the best steals of the 2021 draft.

The Rockets organization is developing a strong core to build around for years to come, and if they have a successful offseason they can hopefully land in a much better spot the next.

They also went on a couple of runs where they beat out the top teams in the league.

A solid draft along with the hiring of good veteran players and an experienced head coach would be a win.

As for the Texans, they’re having an even more interesting offseason.

Ending the 2022-23 season, the Texans somehow made a last ditch effort and won their final game of the season, which, com-

financial resources.

The team has struggled with inconsistency in recent years, with a record of alternating between playoff appearances and non-qualifying seasons.

This lack of consistency can make it difficult to establish a sense of momentum. It can also create difficulties with player retention and in team development.

Additionally, the Dynamo may face challenges in terms of financial resources compared to other teams in the league, which can impact the team’s ability to attract and retain top talent.

Overall, Houston’s lackluster sports presence is less due to a single reason and more due to a myriad of issues: heavy competition for talent and fan attention, lack of consistent leadership and vision, hurdles regarding on-field performance, a souring reputation, and cracking financial resources.

ically, lost them the first overall pick.

This was a final goodbye from their previous head coach Lovey Smith, which frustrated the whole Texans fanbase, and rightfully so.

However, the Texans organization has wasted no time and started making moves. With the hiring of its new head coach DeMeco Ryans and many solid signings like Devin Singletary and Dalton Schultz, this team is headed in the right direction.

After the Texans picked Kenyon Green in round one of the draft, it sets them up for a winning future.

Yes, it is frustrating to see these teams be so unsuccessful for so long; it makes complete sense why the fan base is so upset at times.

That being said, however, I believe that there are many things to look forward to as Houston teams rebuild. We should trust the process.

WRITTENBYTREYGARDNER(11)

WRITTENBY JPZAMBRANO(12)

A New Level

Class of 2023 commits speak about their experience in high school sports

WRITTENBYJACOBHARE(11)

PHOTOSBYDANAAKKAD(12)

SENIOR COMMITMENTS

FOOTBALL

JaredBotary—Hardin-Simmons University

CooperKing—RiceUniversity

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in your sport and why?

A: Coach Siemers. He always wanted the best and was always there to help motivate. [He] always saw the potential you had.

Q: What has been your main motivation to continue?

A: Seeing what I am capable of.

Q: What year at Stratford was your favorite for your sport?

A: Freshman year [because the team was] undefeated [and a] top ten state team.

Q: What do you think made you stand out to these colleges?

A: My academics, progression and speed.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence in your sport and why?

A: Probably mom, she motivates me, I play for her.

Q: What has been your main motivation to continue?

A: Seeing people improve and improving with them.

Q: What year at Stratford was your favorite for your sport?

A: This year because as a team it was super together and I loved playing.

Q: What do you think made you stand out to these colleges?

A: Versatility, heights and my ability as a guard.

AustinLaRue—UniversityofUtah

HudsonPerroni—RiceUniversity

HawkinsPolley—BaylorUniversity

Nash Rankin — Hardin-Simmons

University

JamesTejeda—UniversityofMary-Hardin Baylor

TristonWilliams—GrandViewUniversity

VOLLEYBALL

OliviaAbbott—UniversityofIncarnate Word

Sharlotte McClintock — West Texas A&M

SkylarGeorge—UniversityofUtah

Emma Hickman — MIT

NinaTerry—MaryvilleUniversity

SOCCER

LaurenAhearn—ManhattanCollege

Kristin Geczik — USMA-West Point

ElizabethPretzantzin—ShawUniversity

AllisonZilafro—UniversityofDallas

BASEBALL

BreckenMenuet—McLennanCollege

PaxtonTerveen—TexasA&MUniversity

BASKETBALL

KeanuDawes—RiceUniversity

TravisDunwoody—SouthwesternCollege

XC/TRACK

JustinKaimann—SouthCarolina-Aiken

SiennaYoder—Ft.LewisCollege

GOLF

AndrewFerworn—UniversityofAlabama

SWIMMING

AllisonOrtiz—TrinityUniversity

Justin Kaimann

University of South Carolina Aiken Cross Country/Track

SINGING PEERS AND RINGING EARS

Houston’s hottest summer concerts

TheKillers:May14@ ToyotaCenter

The Killers are best known for their hit song “Mr. Brightside,” but they have lots of great rock songs. This show has been rescheduled a couple of times so here’s your sign to get tickets now!

Boygenius:June8@ White Oak Music Hall

This newer band was formed only in 2018 and features well-known soloist Phoebe Bridgers. They just dropped an album in March, and every song seems to be a hit!

MorganWallen:May 26@MinuteMaid Park

Who doesn’t love Morgan Wallen? This country singer has too many hit songs to count. His “One Night at a Time” World Tour is sure to be a great time for anybody.

D4vd:June25@White

Oak Music Hall

This Houston native is touring with his hits “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.” At only 18, he’s got a great future ahead of him and is worth seeing while he plays at smaller venues!

MelanieMartinez:June 16@713MusicHall

Known for alternative pop and her fun hair colors, Martinez is a super fun performer! If you’re into dark bubblegum pop, give her songs a listen.

LouisTomlinson:July 8@CynthiaWoods Mitchell Pavilion

This former member of One Direction is touring his second album, “Faith in the Future,” over the summer. It’s sure to be a great show!

Drake:June21and22

@ToyotaCenter

Drake’s got hit after hit song, and it’s guaranteed you love at least a few of them. He hasn’t toured in North America in five years, so be sure to see him while he’s here!

Paramore:July11@ ToyotaCenter

This classic early 2000s rock band is best known for the song “Still Into You.” They have come out with loads of music since then and their concerts are always full of nostalgia.

JanetJackson:June3@ CynthiaWoodsMitchell Pavilion

THE Janet Jackson is coming to Houston! She’s an amazing performer with both vocals and dance moves. Even if you’re not her biggest fan, you’re bound to have a great time at this show.

DermotKennedy:May 26@713MusicHall

This Irish singer-songwriter sings powerful ballads such as “Outnumbered.” He’s got a great voice and is definitely worth a listen!

Overheard is a recurring section featuring different things students have heard around school. This section is completely anonymous, so don’t hesitate to let us know what you heard. Before each issue, we post a survey link to submit responses. You can also scan the QR code!

“I literally love fellowship”

“Children have squishy bones”

“Country music is like… Southern”

“I told Mr. Clayton that I fell down the stairs, and he walked away”