Thursday May 22, 2014
R A C L E O
Valedictorians pg. 6 Photo by Rebecca Williamson
Volume 41, Issue 10
,.
shsoracle.com
“Learning how to do what I love with people who share my interests.” -Steve Kruger
Past Theatre Shows pg. 11 Photo by Anila Ademi
@spartanoracle
“The freedom of knowing you don’t have to go back to school. You can go WR êYH FRQFHUWV LQ D URZ DQG QRW ZRUU\ about sleeping. Who needs sleep?” -Sarah Davis
Ï2IêFLDOO\ VWDUWLQJ P\ OLIH DV D young adult.” -Iya Abraham “Seeing what independence is like AKA not having my mom bring me Starbucks everyday...It will be good for me.” -Clay Lamberton
“Everything.” -Matt Shlimak
Sports Highlights pg. 15 Photo by Rebecca Williamson
14555 Fern Drive, Houston TX 77079
@stratfordoracle
“Living in New York City and the “The opportunity to take wealth of opportunity. I can’t classes that I’m actually inter- wait for the ability to blossom ested in.” OLNH D ORWXV ëRZHU LQ WZLOLJKW Ð -Andrea Sklar -Hannah Lindsey “To get out there and serve my country.” “To living in Austin and studying -Chris Parker art.” -Rahel McCleary “Not having a seven hour school day” “Living in a dorm because it’s like summer camp, except for a year.” -Leah Hunt
“Having more freedom, choosing my classes, and being in a sorority.” -Wendy Holloway
-Jennifer Swanson “Taking a gap year to go travel. I’m excited to go to Argentina and visit family mem- bers I’ve never met before.” -Lizbeth Umazor
CLASS OF
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TSTRATFORD HE
Where Seniors are Headed Photo by Katherine Kennedy pgs. 7-10
r Pullout io n e S r o f 10 7 See pgs.
Photo by Gil Shanchez and design by Kali Venable
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NEWS
Thursday May 22, 2014
The Oracle
Music is in the Air 2
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1
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (1) Band members rehearse. (2)
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Choir warms up their voices through a mix of scales and warm-up drills. (3) Freshman Rubianne Wagner looks at the audition list for Bye Bye Birdie. (4) Choir prepares for their annual Pop Concert. (5) Senior Jason Rodriguez hones his skills in percussion on a drum set. Photos by Lana Ferguson and Ben Fairchild
Updated Transfer Policy
Incoming year brings new changes to transfer program Maxine Tran
The transfer policy was reinstated this spring due to a number of factors. The district aims to maintain a certain teacher to student ratio on each campus, and the number of transfers allowed is determined at the
end of every year. This year, once the school’s student body was evaluated, including the projections of the number of students who plan on attending the following year, the number of openings were decided. The window of opportu-
nity for transfers ran expired on March 14. Students who wanted to transfer had to file an application that was posted online. Students who are accepted are expected to maintain a passing average and encouraged to participate in campus activities.
799 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 200 Houston, TX 77024 Above Urban Outfitters
T (713) 827-7157 citycentre@grubburgerbar.com
grubburgerbar.com
With purchase of an entrée
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NEWS
Thursday May 22, 2014
News In 90 Seconds Spring Football
As this school year comes to a close, new beginnings start taking place on the football field. With seniors leaving to start new chapters in their lives, they leave behind the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen to carry on their legacy. These students waste no time preparing for their upcoming season by scrimmaging and working hard during their off season. In order for the coaches to have a better idea of who they want on which team, the athletes participate in Spring Game. In this event, the “green” and “white” teams play against each other, with both consisting of only Stratford players. This is also a time for the new Spartanaires to perform for the first time, and same with the new cheerleaders. The Spring Game is a preview of what is to come for the upcoming year.
The Oracle
Final Exam Schedule 2014
Monday, June 2nd [7:50-9:50] Pd. 2 Exam [9:58-11:11] Pd. 4 Class [11:11-11:41] A Lunch [11:46-12:54] Pd. 6 Class [11:17-12:24] Pd. 6 Class [12:24-12:54] B Lunch Chicago [1:00-3:00] Pd. 8 Exam Student Director: Reilly Lawrence Tuesday, June 3rd Stage Manager: Kate Snelling [7:50-9:45] Pd. 1 Exam [9:55-11:50] Pd. 7 Exam Radio Shows [11:50-12:05] Lunch Student Director: Jack Goss [12:05] Buses Leave Stage Manager: Melanie LeaRussa Wednesday, June 4th Bye Bye Birdie [7:50-9:45 ] Pd. 4 Exam Student Director: Keeley Flynn [9:55-11:50] Pd. 6 Exam Stage Manager: Emily Lindsey [11:50-12:05] Lunch [12:05] Buses Leave Bright Ideas Thursday, June 5th Student Director: Madison Shyer [7:50-9:45] Pd. 3 Exam 39 Steps [9:55-11:50] Pd. 5 Exam Student Director: David Humphrey [11:50-12:05] Lunch Stage Manager: Rachel Warwick [12:05] Buses Leave
2014-15 Theatre
Summer Conditioning
The summer training and conditioning program will start June 11 and end July 26. There are both morning and afternoon sessions. The cost is $100. For more information, visit the SHS Booster Club website.
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NEWS
Thursday May 22, 2014
The Oracle
Over 200 Years of Experience Leaving Stratford America
Mary Stephens Classes: Every math course except calculus Years of service: 36 years (19741979,1984-2014) New location: Retiring to spend time with family and travel Best bit of Stratford: The students and coaches Most missed part of Stratford: Students, teachers, and parents, but most importantly the golf team.
Jean Borzik Classes: English II before becoming a counselor Years of service: 9 years (20052014) New location: Taylor H.S. Best bit of Stratford: The amazing staff, students and parents that support the school Most missed part of Stratford: The other counselors, especially Mrs. Green, and the 10th grade class.
Victoria Argeroplos Classes: Algebra I and II Years of service: 2 years (20122014) New location: University of Houston learning law Best bit of Stratford: The whole department, it’s such a great team Most missed part of Stratford: All the students.
Jose Copa Classes: Soccer and Spanish Years of service: 6 years (20082014) New location: Chilling in Argentina Best bit of Stratford: The diverse student body and supportive administration Most missed part of Stratford: Everything that makes this the Best School in America.
Richard Carroll Classes: World History and European History Years of service: 2 years (20122014) New location: Retirement Best bit of Stratford: All the superb teachers and administration Most missed part of Stratford: The interaction with students.
Linda Parker Classes: Algebra, Precalculus, Statistics, Computer Math, and Computer Science Years of service: 30 years (19842014) New location: Relaxing over summer Best bit of Stratford: The great students and staff Most missed part of Stratford: The energy and spirit.
Jana Stiffel Classes: AP Art, Studio Art Years of service: 40 years New location: Retiring to spend time with family Best bit of Stratford: Seeing my creation of the “S” sticker makes me smile. Most missed part of Stratford: Students and friends.
1\UL /H[ÄLSK Classes: English III, English III AP, English IV Years of service: 40 years New Location: Retirement Best bit of Stratford: The people Most missed part of Stratford: The students, my friends, the English department.
Dan Seitz Classes: English I and Football Years of service: 8 years New Location: Hill Country Best bit of Stratford: All the coaches Most missed part of Stratford: The athletes and the hard work they do.
9774 Katy Fwy #600, Houston, TX 77055 Jessica Segraves Classes: Algebra and Calculus AB/BC Years of service: 7 years (20072014) New location: Portland, Oregon Best bit of Stratford: All the wonderful students and staff members Most missed part of Stratford: The community.
Photos by Taylor Brittain and Cassidy Menard
Rory Frazee Classes: English, Woodworking, AUTOCAD, and introduction to engineering design Years of service: 28 years (19862014) New location: Moving to Florida in the spring of 2015 Best bit of Stratford: Being able to work in an environment of high expectations Most missed part of Stratford: The tennis players and closest colleagues.
Jane Riddle Classes: All math courses except Calculus BC and Statistics Years of service: 32 years (19822014) New location: Retiring to rest and relax Best bit of Stratford: The faculty, students, and of course the parents Most missed part of Stratford: Students past and present as well as fellow teachers.
Phone: (713) 461-2230 Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am–7 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
10% off all Prom Alterations!
5
ADS
Thusday May 22, 2014
The Oracle
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AFFORDABLE  MUFFLER  LLC Manuel  Trevino 841 Dairy Ashford Houston, Texas 77079 www.affordablemuffler.com
281.493.5700 Fax 281. 496.4999 tux2020@yahoo.com
The Oracle Staff wishes you a happy summer! Keep in touch at shsoracle.com
Graphic by Rachel Torres
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NEWS
Top 30
Thursday May 22, 2014
The Oracle
s Davi SHS: h a r at Sa lass C e t i r rt Favo AP A
Joseph Kwak Childhood Dream Job: Missionary
The Valedictorians are Revealed Being a valedictorian is one of the highest honors at Stratford. These 30 students have worked extremely hard over the past four years to get to this point. This designation means that the student has the high-
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
est GPA, or grade point average, out of the entire class. While many high schools determine GPA based on specific number scores, schools in Spring Branch ISD do it a little bit differently, with all numerical values
Brown Abby out SHS: ost ab Miss M p Rallies Pe
change the world." -Nelson Mandela
Ha
nn
a Lo H h L uis er ind se Bi o: y rd so ng
within a certain letter grade counting the same. This creates a unique group of valedictorians, rather than just a single person. n: d or oria f aw dict y 1 r C le tr ily t Va mis Em los Che t os -AP m Al Pre
Nonetheless, every one of these outstanding Spartans have earned all “A”s in all higher level (Pre-AP, GT, or AP) classes. All of these students have a perfect 6.5 GPA, and many of them of have been involved in multiple clubs, organizations, and extra-curricular activities along the way.
e Kelly Carolin classmen: o Under t rs e ic v d A r teache u o y w o n Get to k Graphics by Victoria Shin
Visit shsoracle.com to see the rest of the Valedictorians’ remarks MAKING THE GRADE The students pictured above are the Class of 2014 Valedictorians. (top row) Joseph Kwak, Weijie Cheng, Katherine Mavergeorge, Ben Riedel, Brian Quinlan, Alison Utz, Ahmed Butt, Sarah Davis, Mary Kate Goss, (middle row) Annie Ye, Emily Crawford, Zeriba Jahangir, Christy Zhang, Hernan Cepeda, Libby Gahn, Meg Mathias, Annie O’Keefe, Abby Brown, Katherine Kennedy, (bottom row) Elaine Parizot, Anya Vaporciyan, Taylor Troutman, Phillip Chen, Eila Motley, Sarah Finklestein, Caroline Kelly, Anna Bergersen (Not pictured: Nathaniel Barbour, Hannah Lindsey, Justin Raine). Photo by Rebecca Williamson
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SENIORS
The Oracle Oracle The
ThursdayMay May22, 22,2014 2014 Thursday
WASHINGTON
Graphics
by Victori a
Washington State University Sabrina Horn Edmonds Community College Sarah Grice Kara Griffin
Shin and
Layla Sha
hhosseini
CANADA
JAPAN
Vancouver Film School Michael Cabrera
Kaho Mori Keisuke Oida
UTAH Brigham Young University Brian Quinlan
GAP YEAR COLORADO
OKLAHOMA
Colorado School of Mines Liv Morgan Kelly Snyder
UNITED KINGDOM University of Richmond Meg McConville
MEXICO Universidad Anรกhuac Mariana Cerezo
AIR FORCE Emily Chanthavong Marcus Charles Christopher Parker
MARINES Cameron Long
NAVY
Yovelin Gomez
Veronica Echavarria Addison Haight Darrin Lyons Lizbeth Umanzor
University of Oklahoma Ryan Balke Oklahoma City University David Bartell Callie Michaud Bradley Bates Wade Benninger Nikki Economides Rebecca Dubner Oklahoma State University Ross Fenton Cody Finger Charlotte Foster Josh Weyer Casey Gex Samantha Grooms Cassie Marchand Zack Martin Sophie Moll Shannon Mullins Sydney Sprague Justine White
WEST
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SENIORS
Austin College Eliot Nirider
Austin Community College Irma Campos Will Collier Maria Serrano
Baylor University Claire Allen Grant Johnson Zeb Kaminski Eisha Khan Maddie Reguera Aron Sharp Carrie Whittlesey
Blinn College
Ashton Belcher Leslie Bustamante Hunter Clay Luis Lerma Casey Sparks Chase Villarreal Javoris Woods
Houston Baptist University Anne Bang Terrance Peters
Houston Community College Collin Busby Hadi Chreidi Jonathan Colon Serena Elizondo Iris Garcia Niyah Gilbert Vanessa Guerrero Elvis Guzman Marcos Hernandez Arlanda Ingram Chanoa Johnson Hammad Khan Hannah Lee Mayra Lopez Manuel Martinez Cordell Smith Quentin Williams
ITT Technical Institute Luis Lopez Aurora Posadas
Kilgore College Keenan Powell
Thursday May 22, 2014
Lamar University
Iya Abraham
Rice University Weije Chen Justin Raine Leila Wahab
Sam Houston State University Kendrick Adams Alecia Campbell
San Jacinto College
Stockton Schipul Jennifer Swanson Jeremy Tushnet Carson Van Wart Kaysey Weber Ashley Wood Justin Wood Debra Yang Sabrina Yun Graphic by Christi Gregory
Aaron Kucherca Devon Wilson
Texas Christian University Ashton Cabla Bennett Ferrari Margaret Ginn Clark Mask Sarah Shelton Trent Simpson Jackie Velarde
Texas State University Nick Bozyk Ross Collins Michael Harmon Reason Russell Amanda Singley Samantha Stazo
St. Edward’s University Brendan Jaggars Layla Shahhosseini
St. Mary’s University Kaylin Kruseman
Stephen F. Austin State University Alex White Nathalia De La Esperiella
Texas A&M University
Divya Ahuja Zain Ali Raj Aragon Taylor Aycock Louis Birdsong Abby Brown Blake Denney Valerie Dietz Claire Galbraith Will Hachtman Trevor Hennington Wendy Holloway Jackie John Rohail Khan Chae Kim Alli Klasing Katie Leggett Brian Linderman Katherine Mavergeorge Freddy Price Kylie Schaper
Texas A&MBlinn Team
Will Bredthauer Gary Casatelli Danny Ceballos Cara Dudley Mahdiyar Hamiditadar Trinity University Martha Kuhn Maddie Byers Matt Martin Sam Cordova Tripp Thorne Scotty Wimberley Texas A&MLeo Young Corpus Christi Said Zanati Hudson Lively Texas Tech Univer-
Texas A&MGalveston
Alexa DeVlieger Caroline Dougher Trey Edwards Alex Milstead Margarita Romero Colin Smith
sity
Brendon Bessiere Jack Brice Elizabeth Downs Allie Eggert Matt Englund Faith Evans Fiona Fahey
The Oracle
Sarah Finkelstein Alexis Frederick Katy Gallion Aidan Goembel Jay Harper Sarah Henkel Erin Higginbotham Caroline Hilton Zeriba Jahangir University of Houston Elizabeth Jones Katherine Kennedy Sue Jin Ahn Danny Kim Justine Akue Joseph Kwak Merritt Barnes Clementine Berranger Makayla Lara Nick Butler Andrew Lee Pearce Cash Jonathan Martinez Ricky Chelala Meg Mathias Michael Gallery Rachel McCleary Alex Garcia Eila Motley Sam Gharagozlou Campbell Ross Aaron Herring Paul Shin Angie Hicks Knox Sides John Ryan HorElyse’ Stieber mell Becca Swan Leah Hunt Taylor Troutman Vanessa IraAlison Utz zoque Kali Venable Fariha Jawed Holly Kim Alli Weitzel Clay Lamberton Avery West Amy Mata Emily Wissel Cecilia Sanchez Michelle Yang Ellie Weaver Christy Zhang Crystal Wilson University of Texas Sean Winata - Dallas Ian Wu University of North Cordell Smith Greta Guajardo Rachel Hancock Kelly Hewitt Nick McMahon Dana Rowe Nasr Sheikh Logan Tinkler Karla Tobar Abigail White Walker Wichmann
Haley Newbanks
University of Texas - Permian Basin
Gloria Elizondo
University of Texas - San Antonio
Texas
University of St. Thomas
Brandon Hay
University of Texas- Maddie Brazan Nico Colorado Austin Stacie Agnew Maddy Allred Caroline Baerg Jae Barroga Jon Bouwhuis Ahmed Butt Philip Chen Woohyun Choe
Kelly Cuevas Karla Gonzalez Nicholas Loew Katherine Myers Sarah Wong
See the complete list of majors at shsoracle.com
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SENIORS
EAST ILLINOIS Northwestern University Mary Kate Goss Elaine Parizot
Thursday May 22, 2014
The Oracle
MASSACHUSETTS Boston College Justin Tung CONNECTICUT
MICHIGAN
Michigan State University
Paul Bunch
University of Michigan
Margaret Gray Anya Vaporciyan
MISSOURI
Washington University in St. Louis
Boston University Janelle Blackwood
Yale University Nathaniel Barbour
Northeastern University Steve Krueger Kristen Laws
NEW YORK Columbia University Hannah Lindsey
Harvard University Hernan Cepeda Zach Miller
Cornell University Emily Crawford New York University Caitlin Makin
Sarah Davis
ARKANSAS University of Arkansas Caroline Hooper
RHODE ISLAND
University of the Ozarks
Rhode Island School of Design Justin S.H. Lee
Parker Smith
PENNSYLVANIA
LOUISIANA
University of Pennsylvania Ben Riedel
Louisiana State University Meredith Burch Annie O’Keefe Ragan Robinson William Talbert Shawn Taylor
NEW JERSEY Montclair State University McGregor Dalton
VIRGINIA
Tulane University Andrea Sklar
University of Virginia Anna Bergersen Libby Gahn Arden Johnson
MISSISSIPPI Mississippi State University Graham Burns Awbry Foster University of Mississippi Hayley Day Olivia Lee Christian Osso Emily Tekell
ALABAMA Auburn University Farah Nematpour Caroline Stone Tuskegee University Kryshtan Satchell
NORTH CAROLINA
University of North Carolina Caroline Kelly Matt Shlimak Lee’s McRae Tim Tirado Graphics by Victoria Shin and Layla Shahhosseini
The Oracle
Thursday May 22, 2014
Letters from the Faculty
Christopher Juntti To the Class of 2014, I write these words in an attempt to express my gratitude to the members of this class and the positive impact you have had on our school. The list of accomplishments; academically, athletically, and in the area of Fine Arts is very long. I am continually amazed by the talents your class has displayed and the wonderful gifts you have been given. From amazing singing voices, to athletic skills, to the ability to comprehend complex information, you are a very gifted bunch. I am also grateful and pleased at the way your class has led the campus and community in giving back. I wish I had a list of all the charities and fund raisers that your class has initiated to help people around the world and close to home, deal with disasters and heartache. That spirit of giving and helping makes you true Spartans and shows the community and the world the depth of your character. From fund raising for mosquito netting in Africa to The Big Day in our own backyard, the focus on others in need has never changed. Your class has added a few words to the side of the building— “State Champions.” Looks wonderful and is the type of addition I like. While that type of successes that members of your class had each day are also real victories. As you moved through your four years, I have been impressed with your focus and your drive. It has really become evident to everyone during your senior year when you look at the high rate of college acceptances for your class. The ability to do what it takes to secure a bright future has been a trademark of your class. Now you are just a few days from graduation. While I will enjoy handing each of you a Stratford diploma, I will also be sorry to see such a great group of young men an women leave us. You may travel far away, but you will always be a Stratford Spartan. My wish is that you can look back at your time here with fond memories and really believe how much we like having you here and how much we care about you. May you be truly blessed all the days of your life. With great appreciation and affection, Mr. Juntti
Darrell Pickard
CL
AS
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F To the Class of 2014, You are my first class of Stratford Spartans to take from 9th to 12th grade. I remember like it was yesterday, seeing most of you for the first time as 8th graders, to sign up for 9th grade classes. Throughout these past four years. I have enjoyed and valued each and every moment spent with you, either individually, in the classroom or auditorium as we worked together to plan for your future, work through personal issues or just to touch base and review your transcript. Whatever the case, you all have been so courteous, patient and respectful as a class and I want to say THANK YOU. You represent our future, in this city, nation,and world. When you listen to the news, or read about things happening with young people in the world, most often it is negative. I’m here to say that for every one person that might make a bad decision, there are five of you making good ones. We are all human and make mistakes. Learn from them and move forward in a positive way. I’m so impressed with what you as individuals have worked hard to achieve. You are prepared for the next level in your education and life. The Class of 2014— Bright, motivated, compassionate, driven and going places. Each and every one of you has a bright future... never give up. Strive to be your best in everything you do. Believe in yourself and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. I wish you all the very best and I’m confident our city, nation and world is in good hands because of the quality of people in this class alone. Again, thank you. It’s been an awesome four years together. Remember we are a Stratford family. That means we are here for you after you graduate for help, guidance or just to say hello. P an hoto d M by eg Br yn ia Sc n Q hr ui ey nl an
SENIORS
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Counselor, Class of 2014 Mr. Pickard
To the Class of 2014: I will always remember you as the last class that I was able to teach for my final full year at Stratford. That, among other things, makes you a special group to me. You are special for any other number of reasons, of course, and you are to be commended for all of your accomplishments, achievements, and contributions to the school. -June Hatfield, 11th Grade GT English To see more letters from teachers, visit shsoracle.com
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MUSE
Thursday, May 22, 2014
The Oracle
Playhouse Past Senior memories of the Stratford Playhouse Many of the seniors getting ready to graduate have spent countless hours putting on productions with the Stratford Playhouse. Over the past
Ashley Karolys four years, they have won seven Tommy Tune Awards, twelve main stage shows have been performed, and a lot of hard work has paid off.
Photos courtesy of Kim Ehlinger, Dana Fox-Lynde, and Keeley Flynn
Damn Yankees
Seniors: McGregor
Dalton, Alli Klasing, Hannah Lindsey Tommy Tune Awards: Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Ensemble/ Chorus, Best Crew and Technical Execution, Best Orchestra
Favorite memory: “My favorite memory was definitely when we won best musical. When it was announced I jumped out of my chair and hugged all my cast members sitting by me.” -McGregor Dalton
The Will Roger’s Follies
Seniors: McGregor
Dalton, Stacie Agnew, Jae Barroga, Alli Klasing, Arden Johnson, Hannah Lindsey, Taylor Troutman, Cody Finger, Allyson Levine Tommy Tune Awards: Best Costume Design Favorite memory: “Cowboy Doug taught us how to rope. We spent like eight hours just practicing roping. It was really hard but it was fun.” -Cody Finger
2012 2011 FPSF Music Festival
Students gear up for large-scale Houston festival Michaela Warren
Screams fill the air as energy runs through the crowd. Sounds of guitar and drums blast through the speakers on the stage. Now weeks before the event, the excitement about the 2014 Free Press Summer Fest is buzzing through school. On May 31, people will flock to Eleanor Tinsley park to dance to their favorite songs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Large crowds come to enjoy the festival, which features artists such as Cage the Elephant, Dwight Yoakam, Ms. Lauren Hill, Paper Diamond, Vampire Weekend and DJ Fredster. A lot of artists at FPSF aren’t as well known, however, and the festival is an opportunity for them to boost their popularity.
“
In turn, FPSF isn’t just a place to listen to your favorite bands, but also to search for new favorites. Music festivals are unique opportunities for friends to join together and listen to a distinctive collection of tunes.
shine through their songs, and help people to see things from their point of view. Festival goers get the opportunity to see the artists as they pour out their heartfilled lyrics to everyone in attendance. No matter what the reason is for attending, Free Press is a place for The point of a music festival is not to friends and fans to dissee a specific person, ‘cause you easily cover new music and just pay to go to their concert.” have an adventure. -Chemistry Teacher Jenna David Filled with ex“I like going to the festival,, cited crowds of thousands of hanging out with friends, and dancing and jumping fans, seeing bands we like,” sopho- there will be no boring momore Roxanne Wood said. ments at FPSF. People also experience the For those of you that will atvibrant culture of the festi- tend, make sure to take lots val by listening to the artists’ of pictures and bring a water ideas and perceptions of our bottle and sun block because generation. the sun is sure to be shining Their feelings and emotions at on these two days.
Crazy for You
Seniors: McGregor
Dalton, Alli Klasing, Allyson Levine, Stacie Agnew, Hannah Lindsey, Arden Johnson, Janelle Blackwood, Cody Finger, Stephen Swank, Steve Krueger, AveryWest Tommy Tune Awards: Best Direction Favorite memory: “My favorite memory would be during one of the bar fights, Tucker May (Junior) actually punched me right in the face, and immediately after the directors talked to us about how fake the fighting looked.” - Stephen Swank
2013
West Side Story Seniors: Mc-
Gregor Dalton, Cody Finger, Jeremy Tushnet, Bradley Bates, Steve Krueger, Alli Klasing, Stacie Agnew, Arden Johnson, Caroline Hooper, Farah Nematpour, Charday Williams, Stephen Swank, Christian Lee, Jesus Ortega, Daniel McGuire, Louis Birdsong Favorite memory: “My favorite memory was dancing in ‘Cool’ and hearing in unison the final pow at the end..” - Alli Klasing
2014
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SENIORS
Thursday May 22, 2014
Katherine Mavergeorge “Sharkbait! HOO HA HA!”
To this year’s seniors on newspaper staff: I always dread this day- you leaving the fold MXVW ZKHQ \RX EHFDPH UHDOO\ SURßFLHQW DW \RXU jobs. This door is always open to you and you truly will be missed. Please keep in touch and know that I am always here for you. Love, JC
The Oracle
Oracle Readers,
I subconsciously knew this day would come, although a part of me thought that if I never turned in my senior ad then I could go on writing in this here paper forever. Over these past four years I’ve experienced so many moments that I want to hold onto. I’ve tried writing them down in journals and capturing them in photographs but now that it is all said and done I realize that for most of these snapshots you had to have just been there. ½¶Ëº ¶ ÁÄÉ Ä» ÀÃÄÌÁº¹¼º ÉÄ É½¶ÃÀ ɽºÈº ½¶ÁÁÈ »ÄÇ Èź¸¾IJ¸¶ÁÁÎ ÇÄÄ ¥ÇĹʸ¾Ã¼ ɽº ¤Ç¶¸Áº ¾È ¹ºIJþɺÁΠ̽¶É ĩÁÁ Ǻº·ºÇ ÂÄÈÉ ¶·ÄÊÉ ¨ÉǶɻÄǹ ¶Ã¹ ÂΠŶÈȾÄà »ÄÇ writing that I found in this very room will carry me into the uncertainty that comes after graduation. Before I conclude I want to thank anyone who has been so kind as to read my work ÄËºÇ É½º ŶÈÉ »ÄÊÇ Îº¶ÇÈ ¾Ã ɽº ¤Ç¶¸Áº ¨ ¨ ¨¸½ÄÄÁ ¯Äú ÄÊÈÉÄà ½ÇÄþ¸Áº Á¾Éº ¶¾ÁÎ ¶Ã¹ ÂÎ ·Áļ ¶Â ÅÁº¶Èº¹ ÉÄ ÁºÉ ÎÄÊ ÀÃÄÌ É½¶É ÂÎ ÈÉÄÇÎ ¾È »¶Ç »ÇÄ ¸ÄÂÅÁºÉº ̾ÁÁ ¸ÄÃɾÃʺ ÉÄ ÅÄÈÉ ¶Çɾ¸ÁºÈ Äà ÂÎ ·Áļ ©½º ¯ÎÂÊǼΠ¥ÇĸºÈÈ ¶É ÏÎÂÊǼÎÅÇĸºÈÈ com throughout college where I will pursue journalism as my major. ¾¶ÃÉ ½Ê¼È ¼Ä ÄÊÉ ÉÄ ¢ÇÈ ÊÂÂÄÃÈ ÂΠȺ¸Äù ÂÄ ¶Ã¹ Á¶¾Ãº ¡¶ÎÁ¶ ÁÎȺ ¶Ã¹ Katherine K. for making newspaper such an incredible experience. ®ÄÊÇ »ÄÇ异 ¹¾ÉÄÇ ¾Ã ½¾º»
Kali Venable
Elaine Parizot
“If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try” -Seth Godin
~Samantha Stazo
5QKPMTTM /QT >MZWVQKI is born at “Friendship that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You Too? I Thought i was the only one’ – C.S. Lewis
”
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OPINIONS
Editors-in-Chief Kali Venable Elaine Parizot Associate Editors Layla Shahhosseini Elyse’ Stieber News Editor Justin Todes Muse Editors Ashley Karolys Ashleigh Garrett Emily Fishman Sports Editors Scott Kennedy Kelly Hewitt Opinions Editors Claire Galbraith Maxine Tran Photo Editors Gil Sanchez Rebecca Williamson Katherine Kennedy
Thursday May 22, 2014
Photographers Rebecca Meek Cassidy Menard Michael Martin Philip Chen Maggie Vickers Alex Milstead Graphics Editor Victoria Shin Reporters Courtney James Emily Adams Staff Artists Claire Pena Molly Richter Ads Editors Katherine Mavergeorge Emily Copeland Allison Rice Sarah Sturgis
Ads Staff Harper Jones Emily Brown Lindsey Jenkins Meredith Burch Erin Higginbotham Paige Barber Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Phoebe Lamay Natalie Raley Copy Editors Amanda Sturm Natasha Eades Philip Chen Building Principal Christopher Juntti Advisor Janice Cummons
The Oracle newspaper is the official, school-sponsored student media of Stratford High School. The Oracle is published every three weeks by the Journalism Department of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454. The Oracle is also available online at shsoracle.com. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Journalism Association, National Scholastic Journalism Educators, and International League Press Conference. The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression, and is open to contributions submitted by the readers. Readers may submit material by e-mail to info@shsoracle.com, to Room 120, or to Janice Cummons’ mailbox. All letters to the editor must be signed by the author. The staff is responsible for the content of the publication, and strives to produce media based upon professional standards of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness. The editors reserve the right to determine whether submissions will be published, subject to space availability and content. All submitted material must be typed and include the author’s full name and grade. The opinions expressed are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, the staff, the administration, or the school district. The Oracle staff strives to produce a newspaper that covers the entire Stratford community. The staff welcomes freelance submissions and is eager to hear from readers regarding story and photo opportunities.
The Oracle
Here’s to a Great Year
A look back at the highlights of the last two semesters Staff Editorial
Just as a whole is the sum of its parts, the school year is often remembered by specific defining moments — that one football game, that one skit at that one pep rally, all these times the student community came together to accomplish something amazing. All the moments here add up to a truly great year. This school year, representatives of the community achieved momentous things all over. They represented the school and students well as they won accolades and made lifelong memories. In the fall, Spartanaires flew to New York City to be a part of an elite group of dancers performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The girls persevered through bitter cold conditions and represented the community in the Big Apple. Football had a great season and advanced to the state semifinals. Students rallied around the team, and spirit seemed to pulse through the school as green paint, flags, and posters appeared all through the halls. The coaches and players worked hard,
and made the school proud. Every department, whether it be fine arts or athletics, debate or journalism, had an amazing year. Teams went to state, performed well at UIL, and showed the world what this school can do. This school year was one of the best years yet. Spartans are lucky. The teachers are supportive of extracurriculars, the principals encourage excellence, and, as cliche as it is, Stratford America really is a place to grow. This year wasn’t without struggle. Students endured bomb threats, disappointments, and a ridiculous rodent problem. Through it all, students continued to achieve great things and put the school’s name on the map. The administration held the campus together through the dreaded “snowpocalypse,” reorganizing the schedules, working with teachers to make sure students missed as little instructional time as possible. Through a ridiculous situation, the school retained its sense of humor, as Principal Juntti cracked jokes on Twitter all throughout.
There’s something special about this place. Somehow, this school holds itself to a high standard that manifests itself in every aspect of student life, and that standard is continually met. In the summer students will circle the globe on mission trips, vacations, internships, and the like. They will be given the opportunity to use some of the valuable skills Stratford has taught them out in the real world, knowing that they have been fully equipped to face any challenges they will meet. This year, like every school year before it, has been unique, frustrating at times, crazy, exhausting, and altogether fun. Students have excelled in every facet of academics as well as sports and fine arts. Yet, not every year marks as many milestones as this one has and while we don’t know for sure what next year will be like, we can hope that it will only get better for this thriving community. You students are at the center of it, you have the choice to succeed, take it.
Roving Reporter What are you doing with your summer? “I’ll be doing an internship in IT work and volunteering at a VBS.” Junior Faith Reyes “I’ll be hot-air-ballooning around the world.” Sophomore Parker Barrett “I’m going to a camp at A&M Galveston to study shipwrecks.” Freshmen Hope Wissel “I’m working at a camp for mentally disabled people called Camp Blessing” Senior Marcus Charles Story by Emily Fishman
Photos by Ben Fairchild and Christi Gregory
Stratford America, <PIVS[ NWZ NW]Z aMIZ[ ÅTTML _Q\P TQNMTWVO NZQMVL[PQX[ NITT NWW\JITT OIUM[ ;\]+W [MZ^QKM AW]VO 4QNM N]V IVL OZMI\ UMUWZQM[ 1\¼[ JMMV I OZMI\ ZQLM Katherine Kennedy Jeremiah 29:13
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SENIORS
Thursday May 22, 2014
The Oracle
Alex Milstead
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Layla Shahhosseini Elyse’ Jean Stieber “love live
the
the
life
life
-Bob
you
you
“When we pray, God hears more than we say, answers more than we ask, gives more than we imagine in his time and in his own way” -Anonymous
live,
love”
Marley
Zerin Ziggy
“You guys were hilarious!” -@chandlerparsons
Meredith Burch :-)
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SPORTS
Thursday May 22, 2014
The Oracle
Reliving the Moments
Highlights from a memorable year in sports
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Brittany Gray-Fitzgerald Elyseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stieber
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1. The Spartan cheerleaders and flag runners run out onto Reliant Field during varsity footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth round playoff game. 2. Seniors Jajuan West and Christian Osso tackle a receiver in the playoff game against Friendswood. 3. Senior varsity baseball players Will Bredthauer and Bradley Bates wait at home plate to congratulate senior Jay Harper after his grand slam. 4. During the Powder Puff football game, senior Emily Tekell runs down the field for a touchdown. The seniors kept up the tradition with a win. 5. Senior soccer players Makayla Lara and Taylor Aycock walk arm and arm with sophomore Maddy Batiz for the Team Maddy soccer game against Memorial. 6. The boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cross country team poses for a picture at a school celebration after winning the state championship. 7. The varsity volleyball team huddles in for a prayer before a district game. Staff Photos
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WE-FRAME-IT
Quality Custom Picture Framers
Story: Brittany Gray-Fitzgerald, Graphics: Scott Kennedy
Family Owned & Operated Since 1985 Mark Robson
14640 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77079 (281) 497-8890 ^Ă&#x201E; 'ZIJNSVIHS UL[ -H_
499
Points: Total number of points earned by the varsity football team during their entire season
Teams: Number of teams that made their way to playoffs this year
35
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Coaches: Number of coaches that work at Stratford
Teams: Number of sports teams that made it to the State Championship
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STRATFORD HIGH SCHOOL
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BACKPAGE
Friday March 28, 2014
The Oracle