March issuu

ORACLE Friday, March 9, 2018 // Vol 45 // Issue 6

When is Enough, Enough?

@SHSOracle @StratfordOracle www.shsoracle.org

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Opinions

Walk out Or Walk in: Where Do You Stand?

Whether or not a walkout will be effective WRITTEN BY: ANONYMOUS Do I think a ‘Walk-Out’ is necessary in order to get a point across? No, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t fully believe that voicing an opinion is important. I think a walk-out will have the opposite effect from what most people expect. I think, rather than bringing people together, it will drive people apart.

At this point, many people that are choosing to walk-out see it as, ‘You are either with us or against us’. But, I believe that many students won’t walkout because they don’t agree with the principal of the thing. This does not mean that they have hate in their hearts, it simply means that they aren’t walking out. We must stop looking at each other as the enemy, but rather as the ally. Yelling and screaming at each other will never get the job done.

If you want to compel someone of your argument and have them walk-out with you, make sound reasoning and explain the reasoning behind it in a calm manner.

There is a song that was released last year, around this same time called Bleed The Same by Mandisa featuring TobyMac and it calls everyone to stop fighting each other, but rather fight for each other , and if we are to shout, then let the cry be of love.

If we all bleed the same, then why are divided? If you really think about it, we shouldn’t be thinking that walking out is the only right option, because to someone else, having a seat and staying in class

could be what they are doing to take a stand.

It depends on what you believe is right. If I have learned anything from Selena Gomez, in the movie Monte Carlo, it’s that Gandhi once said, “You must be the change that you want to see in the world”, which is why I will continue to have conversations with others ,that might not agree with me, and I will continue to voice my opinion, rather than turning my back on others and creating more walls that divide us.

Get Heard! We took this poll on our Instagram. If you would like to participate in future polls, follow us @shsoracle.

Would you take part in a walkout, regardless of the consequences?

The Oracle /March 9, 2018

When is Enough, Enough?

DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION BY JORDAN KOUNS Following the February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl., we take a look back on the rise of school shootings. See pages 8 and 9 for more information on the Florida shooting and the history of school shootings.

ORACLE Editors-in-Chief *Emma Holland *Lauren Byram

Associate Editors *Elizabeth Cole *Charlotte Benes

Photo Editors *Zaina Ateyea *Presley Graves *Perry Shepard *Maddie Dawson

Opinions Editors Bayle Goldman Rachel Dietert

News Editors Rachel Cole Alex Parizot Yasmin Talbi

Features Editors Abby Gex Maddie Suerth Sebastian Droz

Sports Editors

Niki Whiteford

Reporters

Daniela Trujillo Alexis Garza Libby Grizzell Hannah Khartri Joy Meyers Hannah Timmreck Isabella Waltz Ben Burnham Tuesday Pears Blake Todes Tatyanna Lett

Photographers Dan Tatulescu Grayson Hart Nicklas Rizzo Finley Capshaw Meghan Martinez Makowski Ashley Cahalan Miles Harper Brayden Yim

No

Yes

43%

57%

The Oracle serves as a

Lindell Lewis Lauren Perry

Ads Staff Gigi Meredith Haley Grace Francis Kaitlyn White Erin Walsh Samantha Wagner

Design Editors Jordan Kouns Caroline Bucek

Staff Artists William Thiele Alexia van der Dys

Copy Editor Carolyn Koerner

Building Principal Chad Crowson

Advisor Janice Cummons *Editorial Board Members

Mariana Rincon

The Oracle newspaper is the official, schoolsponsored student media of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454.

The Oracle is published monthly by the Journalism Department and is also available online at shsoracle.org. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

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public forum of student expression and is open to contributions submitted by the readers.

Readers may submit material via e-mail to info@shsoracle.org.

All letters to the editors must be typed and contain the author’s full name, grade and signature. Submitted material is subject to editing based on space and/or content. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the

administration or the school district.

The staff is responsible for the content of the publication and strives to maintain professional standards of accuracy, objectivity and fairness.

The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published.

The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community and welcomes freelance submissions.

Publication costs are covered through advertisements.

For more information, contact thestratfordoracle@gmail.com OR call at 713-251-3454

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Opinions The Oracle / March 9, 2018

Spartan Time or Waste of Time?

What students are really getting from it WRITTEN BY: BAYLE GOLDMAN

GRAPHIC BY: CAROLINE BUCEK

Nearly every Thursday, students are delighted to have a shortened class schedule because of Spartan Time, a 45 minute period designed to help students learn how to become better citizens. However, for many, Spartan Time feels more like sitting in detention.

At the beginning of my freshman year, Spartan Time seemed like a good idea; getting a period to rest every week with our Link Crew leaders while sharing snacks was fine. But by the second semester the leaders went back to their respective classes and chaos erupted. I can’t speak for every class, but I dreaded going to my Spartan Time every week. For three years my class was full of noisy, troublemaking, immature classmates who liked to play loud music during the announcements and scream to each other the whole time.

My teacher did not try to keep us quiet, not even during the Pledge of Allegiance, and he did not make much of an effort to instill in us the valuable lesson for the week. I hoped that everyone would mature by the end of the year and that the next 3 years of Spartan Time wouldn’t look like it currently did. My class eventually did quiet down, but not until senior year.

PHOTOS BY: DAN TATULESCU

partially because we have seen some of the same ones every year. The lessons are wordy, repetitive, and lecture-like, which is the last thing students want added to their other 4 classes that day.

Because of Guthrie, not every student is in a Spartan Time and therefore does not receive the information handed out at assemblies, fill out their scantron for the PSAT, or vote for homecoming king.

Another problem with Spartan Time is that the dates are inconsistent. The dates seem to be put on the calendar wherever there’s room. If students are going to get anything out of Spartan Time, it should be held on the same day every week, even if it means changing it from Thursday to another day.

We also need to have consistent, engaging lessons

meeting combined of all of the staff periods, clubs like Dungeons and Dragons, National Honor and Junior Girls even pep rallies held.

Spartan Time Is Not Effective Each Spartan Time, students are usually presented with power points, videos, and discussion questions. Spartan Time is also used for voting for Student Council members and the homecoming court, as well as taking surveys and bubbling in scantrons for standardized tests. Additionally, assemblies are held to brief students on class fund raisers and graduation procedures. In reality, Spartan Time is the most practical time to hold such assemblies, since the whole school is on the same page; in other words, the administration knows they will not be interrupting an English class for an assembly.

However, when it comes to the Spartan Time power points, many teachers just click right through the slides and students do not pay any attention. They do not respect that a team of teachers took time to make such a detailed, informational slide show for the students’ benefit. I appreciate that the teachers have put so much care into Spartan Time lessons, but at this point, no one in our class pays any attention to the power point, including me,

time? If we must carve those 45 minutes out of our schedule, give everyone in school a study hall once a week instead of trying to force life lessons on us.

Alternatively, the time can always be used by clubs and organizations to be productive. Think: Newspaper or Yearbook could have a

A Final Solution

What We Could Use The Time For Most students already use Spartan Time as a study hall, because it is basically what the school is giving us. Why not just get rid of the name and slide show, and keep the

What is your ideal Spartan Time?

Red Cross, Society, could meet, could be

A final suggestion is to scrap Spartan Time, and add on 15-30 minutes to the second class of the day on Thursdays. Students would stay with whichever teacher they have and view the Spartan Time lesson there. If there is not a lesson planned, this time can be used for students to just be together. Making the second class longer would eliminate passing period time as well as one less roll call for teachers to complete.

that students will actually benefit from. Spartan Time should be treated like any other class, so no music, cell phones, or other distractions should be permitted.

they will restructure Spartan Time for the coming years.

Of course, Spartan Time could always just be eliminated. Without that random time slot in the week, our schedule would be more consistent, which could be very beneficial to students’ growth and development.

As the administrators begin to plan out next year, I hope they consider whether we will continue having Spartan Time.

After all, do we really need 45 minutes of sitting and doing nothing on Thursdays?

If administrators truly care about what we will benefit most from during our day,

“It’s a waste of time and no one cares.

My ideal Spartan Time is no Spartan Time.” - Sophomore Caroline Shea-han

“Make it shorter.” -Sophomore Katie Wilson

“Make it longer.” -Senior Max Carr

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News

Amazon Go or Amazon No? The Oracle / March 9, 2018 Is this futuristic business the future we want?

WRITTEN BY: YASMIN TALBI

3/9 Powder Puff Game

2:15 p.m.

Tickets: $5 Must purchase tickets at lunch in order to leave class

3/12-16 Spring Break

4/12-14 Spartanaire Spring Show

4/12-13 @ 7 p.m.

4/14 @ 5 p.m.

Standard Tickets: $16 Student Tickets at Door: $8

4/24-27 Spartanaire Tryouts

4-6 p.m.

Mandatory Informational Meeting: 4/17 @ 6:30 in the SHS cafeteria

3/23 Food Truck Friday 3/30 Good Friday No School PHOTO BY: ASHLEY CAHALAN

Every 90s kid believed that the 2000s would bring a new era of robotic butlers, flying cars, and even “smart” phones. Now, everyone can be seen with an iPhone glued to their face and even appliances that talk to them (ahem, Alexa). If our goal was to create a society where the thing we have the most personal contact with is an inanimate object with a pre-recorded voice, then we’ve definitely achieved it.

Most of these dreams were far-fetched and only existed in the smallest corners of our brains. But now imagine walking into a store with no cashier, no checkout, and no visible employees. No, this is not a scene from an apocalypse movie. It’s the new Amazon Go store that has left us one step closer to achieving this new futuristic perception of our society.

When you first walk in, it catches you off-guard.

Void of cashiers or registers, from its entrance the store looks like a subway station, sleek and trendy with little signs and trinkets - everything that would excite a hipster. To top it all off, the store doesn’t require you to pay at all, your Amazon account is instantly charged when you walk out of the store with the things you want to buy.

Now, this may seem like the perfect supermarket experience for most of us: no need to bring a credit card, no unnecessary human interaction, no need

for extra effort, and no waiting in the lengthy lines at checkout. But, is this really what we want?

In turn for all these small, little details that change this store from any other grocery store, like Randalls or Kroger, we sacrifice the humbleness and modesty of the past.

Our society has become riddled with the effects of technology, leaving us almost completely lacking of real human interaction. Nowadays, seeing a millennial walking down the street with their head glued to their phones isn’t anything new, it has become our social norm. We’ve sacrificed that human interaction that we all want, that we all need, for the flashiness and glistening “newness” of technology.

Amazon Go may have only opened in Seattle as of now, but the company has already announced that they are planning to set up new stores in different locations. The store echoes sentiments of these dreams that every 90s kid had, but like every single futuristic movie shows us: it’s not what you might expect. If any of you have watched the Black Mirror episode “Fifteen Million Merits”, the problem is daunting.

We are in charge of our own future and the kind of society that we want to live in. We must step back and take a look at what we’ve become to better understand what we want to be in the future.

The Flu Epidemic Takes Over Flu season is here, and it’s attacking harder than ever

WRITTEN BY: JOY MEYERS PHOTO BY: MADDIE DAWSON Flu Season – the time of year when the weather gets colder and the coughs get louder. Most people are aware of the flu outbreak this year. The flu has killed 63 kids this season as of Feb. 9. Hospitals are filling up at an astonishing rate. Hospitals are even putting surge tents outside for extra space for flu victims.

Government reports show that 1 in every 13 visits to the doctor is for a fever, cough and other symptoms of the flu. It tied for the highest level of doctor visits seen in the U.S. during the swine flu in 2009. In 2009, 42 kids were killed by the swine flu season.

With finals just months away, most students are worried about exemptions. Many choose to come to school sick just so they can exempt finals in May. “I recently had the flu and was sick in bed for about five days,” freshman Tressa Roark said. “I was very worried about exemptions, and I would come to school if I wasn’t throwing up.” Students may have no more than five absences in any class, and no more than two absences in the exempted class. Two tardies count as an absence, and an OSS or ISS eliminates all possibility of exemptions. With the possibility of losing exemptions, students come to school sick which spreads the flu to even more people. This year especially, some students are very determined come to school sick with the flu, spreading the flu to one person at a time. “When students come to school sick, they spread illnesses to a classroom of students who would have been safe otherwise,” nurse Connie Hamon said.

“Something a lot of students do not understand is that staying home and resting allows you will get back to school faster.” The bacteria from the flu can stay alive on a hard surface for 24 hours and on tissues for 15 minutes. The bacteria can also survive in the air for several hours. Viruses in dry cold air can stay active for several hours.

As a result of the flu, the school clinic is experiencing a greater crowd than normal. “Before the flu, we would have about two students per week come into the clinic with fevers over 102,” Hamon said, “but now we have about three to four students per day come in.” There is only one room in the clinic, so there’s not enough space to keep students all day. “We have four cots and a 20 minute limit per cot.

When

we have a student with a fever, we give them a mask and try to isolate them in an effort to not spread the illness to other students.”

The clinic tries to encourage students to call their parents to come get them. “Being in high school, the students are good with caring for themselves, so we really want them to be independent with their health by going home when they need too. In the long run, we love the students and want what is best for them.

To return to school, students should be fever free for 24 hours without medication. If they take Advil to lower their temperature before coming to school, they

are still contagious. Also, if they are repeatedly vomiting they need to stay home.”

Even with flu shots, it is still possible to get the flu. The flu shot doesn’t prevent the flu, but rather weakens the symptoms of the flu, making them less severe. Some strains of the flu are missed. Some doctors have started giving out two flu shots to some patients.

The C.D.C. put out a statement saying, “Some children 6 months through 8 years of age require two doses of the influenza vaccine.” If you haven’t gotten your flu shot, it’s not too late! They are offered at most clinics.

“I got the flu shot, and it didn’t help at all,” Roark said. “I originally thought I had Strep Throat, but my doctor diagnosed me with the flu.”

One of the biggest problems with the flu is self misdiagnosis. Many people mistake their sore throat, runny nose, and fever to a cold, and they avoid taking action until later. This is where it goes wrong. The misdiagnosis can lead you to believe that you can put your sickness off, but really, it’s just getting worse.

Be sure to do research and call the doctor if you are unsure whether your symptoms are the result of a common cold or the more serious flu.

The flu had killed 22 more children since the last week, bringing the total up to 84. As of Feb. 12, the C.D.C. has put out a statement saying, “14% of all Texas deaths are flu related.” With the death toll slowly rising and no signs of stopping anytime soon, stay safe and wash your hands.

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News

The Oracle / March 9, 2018

Staycation?

If you’re sticking around town for spring break this year, check out a few of the many activities Houston has to offer!

WRITTEN BY: ALEXIS GARZA

#1 Houston Rodeo

#2 Explore the Musuem District

Go learn something new in Houston’s impressive museum district. For a good deal, the following museums are free on Thursday during these times.

Houston Museum of Natural Science — 3 pm – 6 pm Children’s Museum of Houston — 5 pm – 8 pm Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — 10 am – 9 pm The Health Museum — 2 pm – 7 pm Houston Museum of African American Culture — 6 pm – 8 pm Buffalo Soldiers National Museum — 1 pm – 5 pm Rosenberg Railroad Museum — This railroad-themed museum in Rosenberg is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and 1 pm – 5 pm Sundays.

Sam Houston Boat Tour- Take a free 90 minute boat tour of the Houston Ship Channel. Tour address is 7300 Clinton Drive, Houston, Texas 77020. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Open from 10-2:30 p.m. TuesdayFriday and 10-2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in full swing during Spring Break. Go to the carnival, livestock show, rodeo, and end your evening with a concert!

Rodeo lineup- prices vary.

Cody Johnson: Saturday, March 10 at 3:45 p.m.

Calibre 50: Sunday, March 11 at 3:45 p.m.

Zac Brown Band: Monday, March 12 at 6:45 p.m.

J Balvin: Tuesday, March 13 at 6:45 p.m.

OneRepublic: Wednesday, March 14 at 6:45 p.m.

Keith Urban: Thursday, March 15 at 6:45 p.m.

Chris Stapleton: Friday, March 16 at 6:45 p.m.

Brad Paisley: Saturday, March 17 at 3:45 p.m.

Garth Brooks: Sunday, March 18 at 3:45 p.m.

PHOTO BY ALEXIS GARZA

DINO-MITE “The dinoasur exhbit is my favorite

part of the science museum, “ said sophomore Maddie PHOTO BY: EVIE UDSTUEN Burke.

RODEO GOAT Hayes the goat poses before he struts his stuff at the FFA

#3 Bayou Bend Collection and other Gardens show at the Rodeo

Sundays at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston PHOTOS BY CHARLOTTE BENES

#4 Take A Day Trip To Galveston

Check out the beautiful gardens, Azalea Trail, and art collection at Bayou Bend. Adult admission, $10. Free Family Day is on March 19, 1 pm – 5 pm. Located at 6003 Memorial.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center- explore the trails for free!

Go Strawberry picking! Participate in Blessington Pick your Own Strawberries for just $5 per pound (no admission fee required). Blessington Farms is located in Simonton about 40 miles west of downtown Houston.

Spring break hours are 10 am – 5 pm March 11-19.

#5 Visit one of the National

Parks around Houston

Take a day trip to one of the various national parks around Houston. Go hiking, picnicking, or sightseeing! These parks are found within 50 miles of Houston- the perfect distance for a quick road trip and a day outside!

Galveston Island State Park Brazos Bend State Park- you might see a few alligators!

San Jacinto Monument State Historic Site Battleship Texas State Historic Site Sheldon Lake State Park Stephen F. Austin State Park Barrington Farm Site PHOTO BY LAUREN BYRAM

PHOTO BY ALEXIS GARZA

JELLYFISH Check out the various sea life,

A day trip to the beach is the perfect way to spend spring break. Leaving early enough will lessen traffic going to Galveston, and allow for a beautiful view of the sunrise. Hang out at the beach, go eat places on the strip, and explore the island.

The beach is not the only option, though. For only $89.99, the Spring Break Pass offers unlimited rides and visits at the Downtown Aquarium, Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston’s Pleasure Pier until March 19.

including jellyfish- in Galveston,

CHILLIN’ LIKE A VILLIAN An alligator hangs out and watches visitors at Brazos Bend State Park

#6 Go Roller Skating The ice rink has been replaced with an outdoor roller skating rink. Go skating at Discovery Green! During Spring Break the rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Skate tickets are $8 per person and $4 for a skate rental. For something a little closer, go to the Dairy Ashord Roller Rink.

Skate rentals are $5 for 2 hours.

SOLO SHOT! Sophomore Katherine Whelen poses for a quick pic in front of the backdrop at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

PHOTO BY ALEXIS GARZA

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News

The Big Day

The Oracle / March 9, 2018

Touching Hearts With Song

WRITTEN BY: LIBBY GRIZZELL PHOTOS BY: DAN TATULESCU, TUESDAY PEARS, AND CHARLOTTE BENES Each year around 600 students sign up to volunteer for The Big Day. Students sign up to offer services with a club or organization that they are apart of at school and go around our community and do small service projects. The goal is to not only encourage people to get involved, but also to make an impact in our community.

The behind the scenes of The Big Day was what made it happen. This year, there was a larger committee of 20 people to plan the day, rather than the normal four person committee.

The teacher sponsors, Mrs. Yonkin and Mrs. Johnson, decided to make the group larger this year, because it made planning a lot easier. Also, this year Big Day came earlier in the calender year which provided a shorter amount of time to execute all that needed to be accomplished.

The Big Day committee, including me, had to call businesses, follow up with them in person, and plan out spirit nights that would help us reach our goal for the amount of money needed.

Since we don’t get any funding from the school, we relied purely on the donations we recieved from businesses and parents who were willing to donate.

At times it was really hard to talk to people on the phone because a lot of the adults wouldn’t take us seriously, but the businesses around the school, like Freddy’s and Chick-fil-A, were all super

The Brooke Dale retirees sat in rows of chairs, watching the students perform songs. The choir performed classics like Edelweiss and Somewhere Over The Rainbow, tugging at everybody’s heartstrings with every note.

eager to help out.

We definitely ran into problems along the way. We had to plan for 600 plus students to be split up into groups and go to 20 plus different places all doing different volunteer tasks for our community. Alongside raising enough money to buy T-shirts, which we designed, we had to also raise enough money to buy supplies for the groups to use, as well as water bottles to pass out.

During the event, the committee went around and made sure that everything was going smoothly and that everyone was doing their jobs. The adults we reached out to organize what places needed work done, were all super grateful and appreciated our help.

This year, we added a field day for the Thornwood Elementary students to attend and have 80 kids showed up as well as their families. We gave them The Big Day shirts and had a soccer game going as well as face paint, silly string, and hair dye.

Seeing students all come together willing to spend their Saturday morning helping out our community is really encouraging. It’s nice to know that in light of the things going on around us, in our community and outside of our community, students are still willing to come together to do something that will make a huge impact on someone they do not know and a huge impact on our community.

Cards For Campers

The Soccer Program got together around a table with markers and paper to make cards. They made birthday cards for campers at Camp Blessing, a camp for special needs children.

Field Day Fun

Girls’ and boys’ soccer as well as Cheer, hosted a field day on campus for the kids around the neighborhood.

They played around with silly string and colored hair spray, leaving the field and themselves bright in a rainbow of colors.

Golf Gives Back The golf team helped to clean up Benwood Park. With gardening tools in hand, the team helped to make the park beautiful.

Entertainment For The Elderly The One World Club volunteered at Brooke Dale Senior Living at Memorial City along with Choir and Comedy Sports. They served the members food while Choir and Comedy Sports entertained them by singing melodic tunes and making the members laugh whole heartily.

Features The Oracle / March 9, 2018

Shattered Dreams: Behind the Scenes Participant shares his life-changing experience WRITTEN BY: ALEX PARIZOT

7

PHOTOS BY: ASHLEY CAHALAN AND NATHAN WRIGHT

I was the last person to be pulled out of class for Shattered Dreams. At 2:15, my “heartbeat” was played over the announcements followed by its flat line.

After being taken to the gym, I stood dead in the hallway after school. It was strange to not be able to react or say anything to my friends as they walked past me, and the experience was just beginning.

At 4 p.m. we were all taken to the level 1 trauma center Ben Taub Hospital.

From around 6 p.m. to 9p.m., we had a multitude of speakers come and talk to us about different aspects of drinking and driving, including one man who actually killed someone while driving under the influence. His name was Alan and he looked like a guy you would pass on the street without a thought about him, but a man was dead because of him. He went out to a friend’s birthday party, going to dinner then a club. He only had a few drinks but his reactions were slowed enough that he hit a construction worker who had a wife and daughter to support. This happened seven years ago, yet Alan’s voice showed the regret and guilt he still felt.

In between speakers, groups would tour different parts of the hospital and see some of the longer term residents as well as a couple of people sitting in handcuffs with police guards. After 9 the night became a bit of a waiting game, waiting for something bad to happen in Houston so we could see it and learn from it.

Sadly one man that we saw did die from a gunshot wound while we were at the hospital, making the night even more intense.

We returned to Stratford around 6 a.m., where we all slept in the gym until school started. For the assembly we sat in the middle of the gym and had the opportunity to share experiences from the previous night. Afterwards, a few more speakers got up to tell stories of people they had lost to drunk drivers.

The combination of the physical and mental exhaustion with the stories we heard made Shattered Dreams unable to forget whether I want to or not.

Don’t drink and drive.

Promising Future Ruined

Senior Ben Howell is taken away in handcuffs after being arrested for driving under the influence while his mother watches on. Later at the courthouse, Howell was charged with multiple counts of manslaughter and faced the possibility of being locked away for 60 years.

Heartbreaking Loss

Learning The Lesson Juniors Nick and

Madelyn Perdomo are checked on by a fire fighter.

They were in the car with Isabella Terrazas, but the twins were able to walk away with only minor injuries.

Junior Isabella Terrazas is placed under a sheet while her father mourns the realistic loss of his daughter. Emotions ran high as this was the moment students realized the full weight of an accident such as this.

Safety Protocols Students remain in the cars under sheets to be protected from any breaking glass. Shards of glass littered the ground as first responders worked.

Parents Grieve

Breaking Free Another body is pulled out of a car as one of the firefighters looks on. The firefighters used this experience for training for a real-life crash.

Senior Kaelen Benefield waits to be taken away after “dying” of alcohol poisoning while her parents grieve her mock death.

8 In Depth The Oracle / March 9, 2018

Inside of Stoneman Douglas High School Through The Eyes of Sophomore Julia Wachsman A Parkland student shares her story

WRITTEN BY: BAYLE GOLDMAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKE BIRO WACHSMAN

GRAPHIC BY: RACHEL DIETERT

Sophomore Julia Wachsman is a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl..

Though she has lived in Parkland all her life, her mother, Brooke Biro Wachsman, is a Stratford alum. Julia was in class on Feb. 14 when she heard the fire alarm ring. She recalled her experience as well as her response in an interview conducted via text message.

Q: Where were you when everything began?

A: “I️ was in the 700 building which is about 300 feet from the freshmen building. I️ ran back in my room and sat in the corner with my class.”

Q: How did the school go about announcing a lock down?

A: “People were screaming ‘code red’. Supposedly there was an announcement but I️ didn’t hear.”

Q: Did you know a victim? If so, what was their name and how did you know them?

A: “Yes, I️ knew a victim. I️ knew most of them but

not personally. I️ did know Scott Beigel from summer camp, where he worked for his whole life.”

Q: Has Douglas had classes the past two weeks?

What will you all do about the class time you missed?

A: “We haven’t had class; we start tomorrow on the

28th. We are not going back to teaching immediately.

I️ don’t know right now what we will do for the future.”

From Houston to Parkland junior Dylan Redshaw (left) and sophomore Julia Wachsman (right) pose w

Q: How is the community dealing with the attention it

School. Julia’s mother, Brooke Biro Wachsman, is a Stratford alum. Her close friend from high school, Dr. Penny Spell cial Education here. When Dr. Spellman told her students that she had a friend in Parkland, they created the banner a

A: “The community is very appreciative of all the

School, where it was hung up on the students’ second day back on March 1.

is receiving from the whole nation?

support from everywhere. My school received a lot of school supplies and over 1,500 banners from across the country.”

Q: What are students at your school doing in response to the shooting?

A: “Students are coming

“People were screaming ‘code red’. Supposedly there was an announcement but I️ didn’t hear.”

together to form movements and protest against gun control. My friends and I️ went to Tallahassee to talk to legislators about gun control and how we can make school safer.”

Q: I understand you went to the State Capital recently. Tell me about your experience.

A: “We drove 7 hours to the Capital and had several meetings with state senators

about their views and our views. We wanted them to improve the laws on who could own guns. We told them our personal experience and tried to get them on our side.

Lots of high schools in the area protested in front of the Capital that day too. We also met with Governor Rick Scott and he told us about raising the age for acquiring an AR-15.”

with a banner at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High lman, is also a Stratford grad who now teaches Speabove and sent it to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High

In Depth 9 The Oracle / March 9, 2018

See Something, Say Something

What Students should look for and how to report WRITTEN AND GRAPHIC BY: RACHEL DIETERT INFORMATION CURTOSY OF: KRISTEN SULEMAN When students see these signs and signals, they often ask ‘When should I tell?’. According to Kristen Suleman, Stratford’s Communities in Schools Counselor “The sooner the better.”

She goes on to explain that “these signs do not guarantee that something bad might happen, but it is best to go ahead and report your concern.”

One way to report is through the Anonymous Reporting link found on the school’s website.

Some people may find that Anonymous Reporting is a better option, so that they don’t feel like they are telling on someone. However, “Saying something is very different than telling on someone. The motives are different,” Suleman said. When you say something, you are helping your peers get the emotional support they

need.

However, “in addressing the issue of school safety, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of people who experience a mental health struggle do not engage in violent behavior,” Suleman said. “Not only is it perfectly acceptable, it is encourage for each of us to seek support when it comes to our mentalhealth states.

The biggest take away is that if someone is experiencing a mental health struggle, we want to help them,” she added.

Saying something not only keeps the school safe, but it also provides students with the emotional support that they need to succeed in high school in a healthy and safe manner.

111 total

= deaths

Features

10

The Oracle / March 9, 2018

All About Art

Students celebrate Youth Art Month WRITTEN BY: SEBASTIAN DROZ

PHOTOS BY: ABBY GEX AND ALEXIA VAN DER DYS

Creativity, observation, and communication are skills acquired by participating in visual arts.

Youth Art Month is a celebration of the visual arts, held in March. The Council for Art Education administers the program, and it provides a medium for recognizing those skills. Art shows and special exhibits take place to celebrate visual art education from kindergarten to senior year.

A lot of students have been submitting their artwork to national competitions throughout the year.

On Feb. 10, the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) took place at Stratford for the second year in a row.

Many students submitted their work, including senior Emma Spillios, and junior Julia Papapanagiotou, “It was very nerve racking having to be interviewed for my artwork,” Spillios said.

The interviewers ask simple questions, like: What process did you go through to make this, or what fundamentals of art did you use? “I think they’re a good tool to help judge, because without them art judging is very subjective,” Papapanagiotou said. Being interviewed can also hurt people’s chances, “I think they could probably standardize the questions better, because Working Hard Mr. Nguyen, along with other volunteers, tally the final from past experience, it’s total score from judge’s remarks on student’s artwork. luck if you get a good judge or not,” Papapanagiotou said.

Regardless, it’s a growing opportunity for students to show off their work, and gain inspiration from observing other people’s work. “I think it’s rad that young people have the opportunity to show off their art because it allows them to create a name for themselves in the community,” Spillios said. Young artists can gain recognition from these contests. One of Spillios’ pieces even advanced to state. Students have the opportunity to gain an experience they can’t anywhere else, “It’s a good way to learn how to handle constructive criticism as an artist, and just see other art forms in the community,” Papapanagiotou said.

Gorgeous Gallery

Student’s artwork line the floor of the competition gym in rows based on the students division.

Artwork judged around the school was given a score from one to four. Threes and fours were sent down to the gym for viewing after being sorted. State pieces were set aside for their advancement onto the next level.

From Top To Bottom Ryan Banafshay (12), Meggie Nop (10), Ally Reichel (10), Angela Villarreal (9), and Ally Murphy (11) standing next to their VASE entered artwork.

11

Features The Oracle / March 9, 2018

West Houston Teen Leadership Summit Jim Murphy provides insight on what makes a leader PHOTOS BY: DAN TATULESCU

Houston Pride Leadership at Stratford

Back row: junior Isabel Vierra, junior Hannah Keller, junior Annie Goss, Representative Jim Murphy, sophomore Kate Majewski, sophomore Libby Grizzell, sophomore Eleanore Williams, junior Maddie Suerth.

Front row: junior Rachel Dietert, sophomore Maddie Dawson, sophomore Alexis Garza, sophomore Dan Tatulescu, sophomore Connor Padron, sophomore Abby Gex, and junior Jamauri Bagby.

Media Talk

Linda Lorelle, Giselle Greenwood, and Jeff Linder discuss the importance of media and viewpoints.

Daylight Savings It’s time to spring forward

Don’t forget to change your clocks on March 11!

Teens listen to Patrick Jankowski from Greater Houston Partnership discuss the benefits of Houston’s economy and growing community.

Table 13

Team thirteen listens to Chase Untermeyer. Students include: junior Hannah Keller, sophomore Libby Grizzell, and junior Caroline Piskurich.

Beginning the Summit Representative Jim Murphy opens the summit with a networking breakfast.

Turner and Friends

Mayor Turner speaks at the breakfast while junior Hannah Keller poses with a friend at the first panel.

Workshops

Teens visit their first workshop of Career Planning with Lauren Berryhill from the University of Houston to learn about different career paths.

Sudoku

Check your answers on shsoracle.org!

12

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The Oracle / March 9, 2018

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Sports

The Oracle / March 9, 2018

13

Baseball Versus Softball If these two teams were to go head-to-head, playing by softball rules, who would win?

Boys

Girls

WRITTEN BY: MARIANA RINCON AND ISABELLA WALTZ PHOTOS BY : How long would it take the boys to adapt to softball rules?

How long would it take the boys to adapt MADDIE DAWSON “It would take us a few innings to get used to the softball rules since it’s to softball rules?

According to a way different than baseball. I think baseball is harder since you are pitch“I think it would take the boys a couple of weeks to ing overhand, but softball is pretty difficult as well, even though they are poll on Twitter: adapt to softball rules,” said Plitt. pitching underhand. We would still be able to pick up the game faster than I “I think some of the boys would do well adapting to think they would expect us to,” said Reichle the softball rules, but others would not and try way too “I think it would take us a couple of hours for us to learn how to play by hard,” said Clark. softball rules. The sports have the same concept, but minor things are different, ” said Peter.

What does the other team have

that you don’t?

What does the other team have that you don’t?

“The boys are stronger than us so they can throw the ball further and faster,” said Clark.

“The softball team can throw harder underhand, they know the field better, and they are used to the ball since it is bigger,” said Reichle.

What do you have over the other team?

“The baseball team is much stronger than the softball team and probably much faster. Other than that, I would say we’re pretty even,” said Peter.

What do you have over the other team?

“The softball team has typically done better in their seasons and we are better at communicating with another to get the game moving,” said Plitt.

What’s the main difference between the two sports?

“The main difference between baseball and softball is that softball has a smaller field, their infield is all dirt, and their ball is bigger,” said Reichle “The differences are that softball has a smaller field, a bigger ball, and closer dimensions,” said Peter.

BASEBALL SOFTBALL

According to 100 random students:

What’s the main difference between the two sports?

“The main difference is that softball has a smaller field with a larger ball and a different pitching style. I think underhand pitching is harder because you have to practice releasing at the hip and snapping the ball instead of throwing overhand,” said Plitt.

“The main difference is the different ball, we don’t take leads, and the field is smaller,” said Clark.

Who Would Win? “I think softball would win, especially if it’s softball rules.

The pitching is very different and everything is more confined,” said Plitt

Who Would Win? “I think we would win, it depends if we can get used to the softball rules, but Georgia Clark would probably crush us. If not, we would win, but if so, they would win,” said Reichle “Softball would win because we would be playing by softball rules for the first time where they have been playing softball much longer,” said Peter

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

“I think softball would win since we are used to the rules,” said Clark

PICTURED ABOVE:

Senior Georgia Clark, short stop.

What Students Think:

PICTURED ABOVE:

Senior Brandon Reichle, first baseman.

“I think softball would win because girl power and I believe in the softball team.

Also, based on how I’ve heard they’ve played, they seem really good,” senior Nathalie Van Domselaar said.

“I think softball would win because they’ve had a good season and they have lots of benefits over the baseball team,” senior Emma Parish said.

“I think the girls would win because based on what some of my friend have told me, I know they’re good,” sophomore Sarah Ritchie said.

14

Spartans Realign for 2018 2019 Year

Sports Athletes of the Week

Clayton Bobo

The Oracle / March 9, 2018

Emma Stephenson

State Swimming Champion

State Swimming Champion

PHOTO BY: JASON FOCHTMAN

PHOTO BY: JASON FOCHTMAN

Senior Clayton Bobo is not a new face on the state swimming roster. Bobo has a rigorous practice schedule that has earned him his fourth and fifth individual state titles in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, as well as his eighth title with the Stratford swim team. “I, as well as my teammates, felt pretty confident going into our races, that we would do well, because we work so hard everyday,” said Bobo. Clayton, as well as the rest of the swim team arrive at the natatorium at 6:15 to begin practice before school starts. Bobo then proceeds to practice after school from 4:00 to 6:30 with his club.

Junior Emma Stephenson has been waiting for the state swimming competition with high hopes of winning a state title. “Going into state, I am the second chair swimmer, meaning that I am the second fastest swimmer in Texas, in the girls’ 6A division,” said Stephenson. Stephenson’s hard work and dedication paid off as she won her state title in the 50 freestyle. Emma has been swimming almost her whole life, making this victory very exciting. “I have been in club swimming for about 4 years and I have been in summer league since I was 3 or 4 years old,” said Stephenson.

PHOTO BY MILES HARPER

The realignment process is nothing new to athletics. Every year, schools are recounted in order to determine if they should stay in their current division or move to another. UIL has a breakpoint where different schools are then classified as 6A, 5A, 4A and so on. How many kids you have at your school is where you would be divided into a region or division.

Stratford will remain in the 6A division, but will be competing against new schools, including the 5 CyFair schools and 4 in Spring Branch. These schools will make up our competitive district within the 6A division.

Last year, we were in a competitive district with the Klein schools, who we won’t be competing with this year.

Another thing that has changed is our regions.

Last year, we were in region 2, and this year, we will be in region 3. The difference between those, is that region 2 contained some schools from Austin and the Houston areas while region 3 consists of only Houston area high schools.

As far as football goes, it’s hard to project whether or not we will win more. All we know is that our football district is very competitive, same with the Cy-Fair district who just took home the state title.

Puffing Up Football PHOTOS BY: TAYLOR BRITTAIN

A look back at old Powder Puff Games. It has been a long-standing tradition that the game is played the Friday before Spring Break. Tickets for the game are $5.00, and students must have a ticket to leave last period.

15

Sports

The Oracle / March 9, 2018

Finally Official

Students and parents gather together for signing day WRITTEN BY: NICOLE WHITEFORD

PHOTOS BY: DAN TATULESCU

Full House

The Big Day

The crowd packed into the cafeteria to watch the players sign their college offers.

Athletic director and head football coach Elliot Allen introduces the players to the electrified crowd.

Ready For the Future

Seniors Colin Christman-Gourley, Valeria Smith, and Morgan Reyna are excited to continue their athletic careers at the college level.

Not Just Texas Chicago, Colorado, and even Iowa are just some of the out of state destinations for our future collegiate athletes.

It’s Official!

Senior varsity tennis player Isabella Hutchins smiles to the camera on her big day as she signs to play tennis at Millsaps College.

They Made It!

These 17 seniors have made it to the collegiate level of their sports.

Whether it be football, softball, volleyball, baseball, tennis, or golf, they are headed to the next level.

Swimmers Soar To State The swim team gains hardware at 6A state WRITTEN BY: HANNAH KHATRI

PHOTOS BY: LAUREN WHITE

The swim team went off to compete at a state swim meet on February 15 and 16. The swimmers came back home with several wins and also came back home with things learned from their experience competing.

The swim team competed at state with their best hard work and effort. “The whole team walked into state with a positive attitude which made it easier for the team to relax but also maintain a serious mind-set.” Junior Kelsie Stephenson said, “Having a fun team and great coaches makes everything ten times better” continuing talking about her memorable experience at state.

The team also learned that it is very important it is to work

collectively towards their goal.

The swimmers came in 10th place for the girls and 4th place for the boys. The team cheered on while they watched the 50 freestyle their fellow teammates Clayton Bobo, who won the gold in both the 50 free and 100 free, and Emma Stephenson, who also won gold in the 50 free.

Overall the swim team did their best putting their hard work during their long season, which starts in August, and everything paid off at state. The team came back with a great experience and also two new state champions. Our swimming program has a history of success,with several region and district championships, and they did not disappoint here.

Back It Up

Freshman Emma Venghaus prepares for her race in the State Championships. The 100 backstroke had intense competition, but Venghaus made it to the A final.

Long For The Finish

Reaching long to out-touch her opponent, Junior Kaitlyn White finishes her 100 breaststroke. She also swam the breaststroke leg in the 200 women’s medley.

Swimmers, Take Your Mark

After five months of intense sprint practices, junior Kristin Kight readies for the start of the 50 free to try and beat her best time.

16

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