May 15 Issue

ORACLE the

Stratford High School • Friday, May 15, 2020 • Vol. 47 • Issue 6

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Playhouse sweeps the local Tommy Tune awards, winning five awards including one for Best Musical.

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Check out our center spread to see where the Class of 2020 will be heading to school next fall.

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A letter to the Class of 2020 as they celebrate the end of their senior year in an unconventional way.

@SHSOracle

@StratfordOracle

www.shsoracle.org

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news Drowsy Chaperone Racks Up Recognition News in Brief The The Drowsy Chaperone awarded at the annual Tommy Tune Awards Ceremony The Oracle • May 15, 2020

NATIONAL LOCAL STRATFORD

COMPILED BY MICHAEL BENES

April 24: Student Council is recognized as a Texas Association of Student Councils Sweepstakes Council.

April 25: Spartanaires have a drive by parade in place of the spring show for the seniors April 27: Teacher Crystal Fain is named one of three finalists for the SBISD Teacher of the Year Award.

April 6: Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros announced that he will be donating to Coronavirus relief efforts.

May 6: The Blue Angels fly over Houston hospitals to honor healthcare workers.

April 20: President Trump announced he will suspend immigration due to COVID-19.

April 22: Donald Trump lays out plan for reopening America.

PHOTO

BY BECCA DAWSON

Regular class instruction replaced with Zoom.

WRITTEN BY JACK WEATHERLY The curtain is up, the lights turn Supporting Actor, Best Ensemble, Best legacy”. on and Stratford Playhouses’ last Costume Design, and Best Direction.

Aldolpho’s iconic line, “Whaaaat?”, show before renovation, Drowsy his unique latin accent, or his cane Chaperone, is beginning. The Man is what most audience members in the Chair, Will Larabee, shares will remember, but for Centanni with us an exquisite Broadway tale transforming himself into Aldolpho throwing us straight into a musical was full of experimenting and physical with misunderstanding, love, and challenges. lots of humor - that comes alive “I loved figuring out what was funny in his apartment. Janet Van De to different people, why it was funny Graaff is a bride-to-be struggling and then trying to make it even to decide on whether to choose funnier,” Centanni said. “To transform marriage or her career, the Drowsy myself into Aldolpho, it started with Chaperone, Janet’s personal the physicality. I had to learn to walk, confidante is always drunk, and talk and even stand up and fall down Janet’s producer doesn’t want in a completely new way, but her to quit her career, so he Toledo Surprise! As the Playhouse closed for the last time, the more I worked with the sends in Aldolpho, a selfish, character, the more it felt natural Drowsy Chaperone closed in a fabulous finale consisting of 13 womanizing, latin lothario to be Aldolpho.”

Tommy Tune nominations including 5 Tommy Tune awards. whose goal is to seduce Stratford also won the awards Janet. In a mistake, he seduces the Best Supporting Actor went to of Best Ensemble which consists of Drowsy Chaperone, instead, creating Aldolpho, junior Luke Centanni. the chorus and was led by junior Ryan confusion as laughs serenade through Centanni has been in many playhouse McCall and sophomore Leah Howlyne. the audience. The 1920s costumes look productions in his three years as well Theater director CeCe Prudhomme original and spotless, and the curtain as participating in crew, but winning a believes that “a show is only as good as closes on another excellent Playhouse Tommy Tune is definitely the pinnacle. its ensemble, they’re the heart of the masterpiece.

“It feels surreal. Ever since I knew show.”

The Drowsy Chaperone was about Tommy Tune awards, I dreamed “We had to write all of the formations nominated for thirteen Tommy Tune of receiving an award, but I never and counts for the choreography Awards including best actor, Will thought I could win until we started and some of the numbers had very Larabee, best actress Lindsay Bates, working on the Drowsy Chaperone,” intricate choreography, so it made gangsters Matthew Prudhomme Centanni said. “I had been doing theater for a challenge,” McCall said. “It was and Conor Padron for best featured for awhile, and I knew I had it in me to a little bittersweet to win the award, performers and Catherine Piskurich as win, but I am honored to receive this though, because it is an amazing Kitty for best supporting actress this award under the Stratford Playhouse accomplishment, but it would have year winning five: Best Musical, Best name because of its Houston theater Continued on page 3

news Continued from page 2 meant so much more to physically be on the TUTS stage to accept the award.”

The direction that drove the play was by student director, senior Janet Hagedorn. Not only being nominated and winning a Tommy Tune, but also as director in the final Playhouse show before the auditorium is renovated, Hagedorn felt honored.

“Ever since student-directing Lend Me a Tenor, I have found a new passion for directing and to be recognized for that has been so humbling,” Hagedorn said.

“On closing day all of our past directors and dozens of alumni gathered to watch the show, and it was so fulfilling to see them enjoy the show that I spent nine months working on. Because I have seen shows in the auditorium since I was in kindergarten, it was an honor to have such a big part in its final show.”

The show truly came alive with its authentic 1920s costumes, and was kept on its feet by numerous, speedy costume changes and that effort paid off with a best costumes award, headed by seniors Ellie DiPaolo and Jenny Calhoun.

“Costumes make the actors look great!

But their behind the scene work is incredible from quick changes like girls to wedding gowns in 30 seconds to all the construction, they are amazing,” Prudhomme said.

The Oracle • May 15, 2020 “I was super excited for this show because it involved some really intricate costumes and changes, including a transition where Lindsay Bates’ character, Janet Van De Graff, changes in about 3 seconds, so figuring out how to think of creative solutions for different costume changes was fun,” DiPaolo said. “I was very surprised that we won because I was so happy we won Best Costumes last year, but I doubted that we would win two years in a row, so it was an awesome way to end my time with the playhouse.”

Needless to say, all of the endless hours, great direction, perfectly-timed movements and costume changes, as well as, all of the talented members on and behind the stage created a show that won the award for Best Musical.

“We don’t do the show for the awards.

It’s about the journey from beginning to end as we ‘stumble along’ life’s funny journey,” Prudhomme said.

As Playhouse turned off its lights to a magnificent final play, Stratford can be proud and remember The Drowsy Chaperone: Aldolpho’s seduction song, two funny gangsters disguised as pastry chefs, “Toledo Surprise”, the bride’s lament, a drunk, “tipsy” Chaperone, the recurring cane drop scene as the Man in the Chair rushed to stop the repeating record, and all the tearbringing laughs along the way during a great finale.

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Staying Social During Social Distancing

Using social media to stay connected during the fight against Covid-19 WRITTEN BY GRACE HARE As the world joins together in efforts to help regain some normality, millions of people are doing everything they can to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, while remaining connected to friends and family.

Studies prove that the developing brains of teenagers are more susceptible to change and need to have regular social interactions to grow.

Staying socially and mentally active is necessary during this unprecedented time. Luckily, media and technology are allowing connections to remain close to the usual.

Sophomore Emma Podvorec has found that the most difficult part of staying at home has been not being able to talk in person with her friends.

“I’m a pretty social person and I feel like I’m not able to share about the crazy things that have happened to me in quarantine,” Podvorec said.

Isolation is pressuring people to depend on their access to social media to stay entertained and connected.

A few different apps are helping sophomore Andy Urista while he

follows social distancing guidelines.

“I’m taking social distancing guidelines seriously,” he says. “I am connecting with people by texting or calling and using Instagram or Snapchat,” said Urista.

Not only are media platforms allowing people to connect, but throughout the world, social media icons and celebrities are making sure to bring connectivity. Many pop culture icons have stepped up to support the people on the front lines fighting Covid-19. Recently released by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber the “Stuck With U,” music video features footage of families in quarantine showing the blessing of being stuck with the people they love.

The music video is supporting the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

As we stay six feet apart, the world is being brought closer together than ever before. It is important to remember that we are not alone and that we take advantage of this opportunity for all of the blessings in disguise it presents.

4 valedictorians

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

valedictorians

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The Oracle •May 15, 2020

Can you match each valedictorian to their favorite memory at Stratford?

Not Pictured Dennis Butts Alexis Garza Jadon Lau Emily Madaras Kieran Morford Daniela Perez

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counselors

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

The Legacy of the Class of 2020 Going back in time with the class of 2020 COMPILED BY HANNAH TIMMRECK

Held freshman homecoming in the cafeteria, something unheard of for the rest of current students

“Homecoming freshman year was really crowded and definitely sweaty. Randall Royall did the Saturday night fever dance which was cool! Homecoming now is a bit more spread out and harder to find friends, but it’s still just as fun and has the same magical feeling!”

- Carolina Rincon

“Having two tragedies during high school definitely made it challenging to focus on learning. My friends that I made at Stratford made these times a little easier and less stressful for sure.

Now I’m just looking forward to the challenges that college will throw my way knowing that I already dealt with a pandemic and a once in a lifetime hurricane.” -Oliver Smith

Hurricane Harvey

“I enjoyed the power reviews that we had during my freshman year. We would go to school on a Saturday and see our teachers while they gave us an hour-long review that specifically prepared us for their final. I feel like it really helped us do well on our finals, and I liked that it was optional, so the only people that were there truly wanted to be there.” - Meredith Clark

The last class to remember the original power reviews “The whole situation with the virus is bad and all, and it stinks that our prom and graduation have been moved or have a possibility of being canceled, but I understand it. It’s better to be safe and cautious rather than to risk the safety and well-being of hundreds of people by having those events that we’ve looked forward to for years.” - Luke Reed

Quarantined as a senior

TIMELINE 2016: Freshman homecoming held in the cafeteria for the last time 2017: Last year that power reviews were avaliable for finals 2017: Hurricane Harvey delays school two weeks 2020: Coronavirus cuts the year short, with in-person school ending in March.

senior pullout

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

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heading off...

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The Oracle • May 15, 2020

ALABAMA UNIVERSITY

Michael Hedge Caroline LaVern John Troutman Meredith Clark Brooke Moore

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY Amaris Smith Caleb Jones

ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY

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ALABAMA LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

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Ashley Guy

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APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY Ethan Benson

Elise Latiolais

MISSISSIPPI

UNIVERSITY

ST. LOUIS

NIVERSITY

Clayton Miller

NORTH CAROLINA

TULANE UNIVERSITY

ARKANSAS

Sarah Eiser Natalie Lewis Grant Shyer Daniela Ameijerias Mena Miguel Denson Ian Tippitt Zoe Wensel Ally Reichel Christopher Grow

ASHINGTON

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Vaughn Beyer

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Izzy Flores

MISSISSIPPI

MILLSAPS COLLEGE Jackson Ware

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Jordan Queal Ashlyn Whitefield Spencer Johnston Madelyn Willet Garrett Smeraldi

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COLORADO MARY Carolyn Koerner ROANOKE COLLEGE Joy Meyers

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Jenny Calhoun

ENNSYLVANIA COLORADO STATE U NIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY Emily Truong

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COLORADO SCHOOL Katherine Latiolais Cole Rincon

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Claire Loud

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Catherine Hastings Donya Ghalayini

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COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO Madi Sanders

INDIANA OHIO

BELMONT UNIVERSITY Caroline Shea-han

MASSACHUSSETTES

PURDUE UNIVERSITY Andrew Askounis

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Caroline Mohn

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UNIVERSITY

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senior•pullout 9 The Oracle •May 15, 2020

UNIVERSITY TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY Sydney Hollingsworth HOUSTON Janet Hagedorn Hailey Atchinson COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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Ava Tran Fay Gibb Isabella Waltz Alexis Garza Brooks Ballard Sophie Rustam Kyla Lyles Tiani Chen-Troester NIVERSITY OF OUSTON Jesus Sanchez Rachel Cole OUTHERN ETHODIST NIVERSITY John Alvey Dylan Smith Emily Erwin Sloan Pyle Milly Stephenson Dylan Dunavin Michael Goolsby AYLOR Daniel Velarde Benyamin Rezvan EXAS HRISTIAN NIVERSITY Jenny Hagedorn Sana Al Taima NIVERSITY Dawson Hastings Guinndalyn Cloud Camila Campos Matthew Howell Hope Sage Caleb Balladares Paul Choi Jacob Kim Taylor Belger John McGee Kylie Koithan Rin Wagner Isis Sandoval Connor Padron Hudson Burkhart Tristan Smith Katie Park Marshall McDuffie Eman Ahmed Oliver Smith Alexia van der Dys EXAS Dan Tatelescu Hannah Timmrek NIVERSITY Blake Todes Jacob Ferrari Eleanore Williams John Graham Katie Wilson Elizabeth Grizzell Caroline Harper Luke Hillman Caroline Bruce Liam Jones Katherine Whelen Joe Ledet Tatum Jones Charlie O’Block Audrey Crawford Kiley Rogers RLINGTON Taylor Yun Kyle Hagedorn Ola Hamdi ALLAS Elizabeth Baker Nahaleh Alisirat Maddie Burke Nathan Shugart Robbie Eckert Aaron Fairchild YLER Allison Fuller Rebecca Cha Will Haney AN Nicholas Hay NTONIO Anna Hermann Kirby Koster Maddie Fumey Alex Lamprecht Tomas Meyer ONE TAR Wyatt Miller OLLEGE Molly Miller Luke Reed Madison Hightower Matthew Weaver Phoebe Makin Maddie Dawson Ivy Martinez Seth Weitzel Jasmin Sandoval Patrick Work EXAS ECH David Mouton NIVERSITY Nathan Brown Emma Brown McCaul Barnett ALVESTON Olivia Lyster Jessica Bucek Maxwell Sheppard Meggie Nop MacKenzie Jump Jack Suerth Caleb Oliphant Christian Pena Nathan Spann Clare Gibbenus Grayson Peter Wyatt Storts AM OUSTON TATE NIVERSITY Blake Allen Jorge Coscio NIVERSITY OF Gywn Kosik ORPUS HRISTI James Presley T HOMAS Rachel Lee ICE NIVERSITY Meghan Martinez-Makowski Jennifer Tax Kody Ray Alana Thomas Van Heitmann

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senior pullout

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

Mr. Blaze Stratford High School 14555 Fern Drive Houston, Tx 77079

To The Class of 2020 At an airport I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together.

They had announced her plane’s departure and standing near the door, he said to his daughter, “I love you, I wish you enough.” She said, “Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy.” They kissed good-bye and she left.

He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, “Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?”

“Yes, I have,” I replied.

Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me. So I knew what this man was experiencing.

“Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?” I asked.

“I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, her next trip back will be for my funeral, “ he said.

The past four years have been quite the ride as The Class of 2020 Grade Level Principal.

We managed to endure the transitions of freshmen year together as you acclimated yourselves to the overall challenges of high school and challenging, as well as competitive, academic culture while learning to balance your extracurricular activities and social life.

Sophomore year we experienced the devastation and destruction of Hurricane Harvey as a community. Some of us were spared with little to no damages to our homes while others lost it all and were faced with significant challenges ahead them. Through it all we came together as Stratford America and rallied around and supported one another through the hardships and rebuilding process. I’ve never been more proud as a native Houstonian and a part of the Spartan community. Junior year, I watched maturation take its place as you juggled the academics and social aspects of your high school experience while you formulated decisions about your post-secondary career and path. You were proactive and self-advocated for yourself engaging our Counseling Team and making all of us aware of what we could do to support you towards your goals. And here we are now Senior year! I can’t tell you how difficult it is to try and summarize four years in a paragraph or so and do it justice. So that’s my version of “Four Years with the Class of 2020” in a flash. But through it all, I can truly say it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Principal. We have had our fair share of ups and downs during the past four

“When you were saying good-bye I heard you say, ‘I wish you enough.’ May I ask what that means?”

He began to smile. “That’s a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.” He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more.

“When we said ‘I wish you enough,’ we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with enough good things to sustain them,” he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Good-bye.”

He then began to sob and walked away. [ Original story by Bob Perks, in Chicken Soup For the Grieving Soul ]Courtesy of kindspring.com

years. Sometimes we’ve agreed, sometimes we’ve disagreed and other times we’ve had to agree to disagree. And I’m perfectly ok with that because it’s typical of how things work in a family. I’m sure you don’t always agree with your parents but you understand that they love you and are only looking out for what is in your best interest. For the past four years that is all that I’ve tried to do, advocate for you and look out for what was in your best interest. I’ve tried my best to be an extension of your parents by modeling and reinforcing the importance of personal integrity, high morals and character and good work ethic. I’ve done my best to partner with our teachers and staff to make sure that you’ve acquired and are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead you to success in all your endeavors beyond your high school career so you can be great! Like a proud parent, I swell with pride as I’ve watched you matriculate your way through your high school career and mature into intelligent, talented, compassionate and caring responsible young men and women prepared to embark upon life’s pilgrimage and journey and make your mark in the world. And just as your parents, I will wait in anticipation to see where your gifts and talents take you as you find your niche and how you make your imprint upon the world while becoming productive citizens and “living your best life.”

By the time you read this our time together as a class will be rapidly coming to an end. You will have received your acceptance letter(s) from

the 2 or 4 year college/university of choice, be preparing for basic training and your career in the military or readying yourself to acquire a skillset or trade for the workforce by attending a technical school, or maybe even planning for a gap year. You will celebrate and cap off your high school career with the best high school prom and project prom experience you could have ever hoped for or imagined. You will attend graduation rehearsal with your peers, some of whom you have known and been a part of one another’s lives since elementary and middle school, and it will feel surreal as you realize that this day you’ve prepared yourself for for the previous years in high school is finally upon you. Thereafter, you will enter Don Coleman Coliseum on that blessed day in your cap and gown with your peers only to finally have it hit you, “This will be the last time we will be together as a class, The Class of 2020!”

You will take your seat during the graduation ceremony and listen to each speaker in anticipation of getting to the moment you have been waiting for all of your high school career!

Your name will be announced in the presence of your classmates, friends, family and loved ones followed by loud cheers of excitement and celebration as you walk the stage and have your picture taken. Near the end of the ceremony you will move the tassel on your cap over only to become a graduate of your beloved Stratford America. And as you visit with your classmates for the last time and say your final “farewell,” I want you to know that I love you and I wish you enough.

seniors

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

Dear Class of 2020, Well, Class of 2020, you made it. I really mean, WE made it. You all were my first bunch of high school kids and all I wanted to do was do right by you and make sure you all survived the first semester……and graduate, too! My brain hurt for six weeks as I tried to learn everything about high school and about my 500 plus students.

That first day of school in August 2016, we were all new to high school…including me.

I was not a counselor in an elementary school anymore. You were not in middle school anymore. The hallways seemed huge, the building felt gigantic, and we all walked around with big eyes and hoped that we were in the right place, doing the right thing. That first year was one I will always remember. Loads of you I knew since you were in 3rd grade at Wilchester Elementary. Others, I got to know quickly and over the course of our four years

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The counselors are the backbone of our school. Between the four of them, every student at Stratford is accounted for and watched with a close eye. Their hard work and compassion for the seniors has not gone unnoticed. Here are some final words and pieces of advice they have for the Class of 2020.

together. There were times I was tough on some of you….it was because I saw in you, what you did not know yet. The thing is…. you all made it! Every one of you have a place to go, a path to run, and a life to live.

You have become the success that you were destined to become, while at Stratford High School.

As you venture off into a new world, whether you are going to work, taking a gap year, or heading to some type of training or higher education, you got to this point because you did the hard work and had the support of many people. Never forget those that helped you along the way. Sometimes, help came in a way you may not have liked, but it was help. Many times, help came in the way of laughs, tears, lessons to be learned, and from love.

Times may be different, things may not go as we want at the end of your time

Dear Class of 2020, Can this insanity end? You began your sophomore year with Hurricane Harvey and that devastation and you are ending your senior year in social isolation. Who could have dreamed up these scenarios?

Not I, nor your counselors. I am truly sorry you are at home away from your friends, away from the big senior events, away from walking down the hall talking to your best friend and teacher.

The halls at Stratford America are silent, except for our amazing custodial staff sterilizing the campus and preparing for next year.

The administration is on campus a few hours a week trying to make sure everyone is safe and well.

Right now, everything is on hold with walking across a stage in June and then an actual prom in July. We should be celebrating prom next week and graduation in 2 weeks. However, life gave us a huge wake up call.

Life gave us time to treasure the time we have with our families, a time to reconnect, to slow down, to “smell the roses.” Social isolation has given me time to reflect on my 67 years of life and to remember the over 30,000 lives that have come across my path as students. I have had time to wonder what they are doing now. Are they senators, judges, doctors, teachers, ironworkers, or clerks? Whatever they are doing and wherever they are, I hope they are reflecting back on their high school years, just as you are doing now.

Soon the Zoom conferences will be over. You may never see your fellow classmates and teachers again. High school is where you go to learn what sort of person you would like to be, both inside and outside the classroom. Video classes can be hard to engage.

in high school, but know that Stratford High School will always be here for you.

Life brings many challenges and those challenges will never end, just remember your roots, find those that will listen to you, and seek what makes you happy.

My parting words to you are those that my grandfather told me…. “Many things can happen in life. People can take things away from you. You can lose many things.

But the one thing that cannot be taken away, is your EDUCATION.” Go forward, do what is right for you.

Live the life you want and do not stop until you find what you want in life. It has been an honor and a privileged to have been a part of your life, even if it was for a short time.

Ms.Campbell-Bishop

Talking to your friends over an Xbox headset is not the same as seeing each other in the halls or sitting together at lunch.

One thing I do know is you will learn lessons from social distancing that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. It might not feel like it right now. You probably feel restless and so, so bored.

People are getting very sick from COVID-19 and thousands are dying. You are living through a serious and defining moment in history. You will talk about this pandemic for the rest of your life.

By doing your part and staying home, you are helping the world heal.

When we finally get to go to prom in person in July and walk across that stage at graduation, it will be a moment to cherish, a moment that almost did not happen.

A few things to ponder: • When you face distinctive challenges in the future, you know you have the tools and the fortitude to overcome any obstacle.

• You will face challenges differently in the future because you have a new perspective on life.

• Do not ever take relationships for granted; they can disappear in an instant.

There must be a reason why you are graduating in such a numerically balanced year; class of 2020, you will be a prolific generation.

Go forth with power, with purpose, with determination to succeed.

Adalante! (Spanish term you need to learn) Jim Herrington, Counselor

Dear Seniors: I am so sorry that your senior year has to end this way. Your cohort has experienced something incredibly unique; that ironically, will bond you forever with students all over the world due to this shared crisis. While Covid-19 may have been a major sidestep along the way, your destiny is still yours to seize.

Take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you. As Covid-19 has reminded us, no future plan is certain or promised. Cherish each and every moment and live life to the fullest. We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.

-Mr. White Dear Seniors, Undeniably you all have been through quite a bit just in the past three months alone. Please know that though things didn’t go exactly as we planned, the strength that you are exhibiting during this unprecedented time speaks volumes. You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Let me tell you-you all have officially nailed it!

You are the class of 2020 for a reason: you have vision, you are the masters of Senior Skip Day and others will have to watch out for you!

All the best, Ms.Arrington

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sports

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

Spring Sports Cut Short Many teams are experiencing short seasons due to the Coronavirus WRITTEN BY REED HOWELL PHOTOS COURTESOUY OF STRATFORD BOOSTER CLUB

The Coronavirus outbreak was unexpected and affected many aspects of highschooler’s lives. While everyone experienced cancellations, few other organizations felt the repercussions of the dissolving of their entire season.

Spring athletics such as soccer, track, baseball, and softball were cut short or cancelled.

Many senior athletes had played the last game of their senior season without even knowing.

Still, spring sport experienced plenty of success in the few games they were able to play. The boys soccer team defeated Jersey Village 1-0 in the final game of their regular season, sliding them into first place in the 17-6A district.

Later, the University District Champs Interscholastic The boys soccer team was named district champions with League, or UIL, a 9-2-5 record. Coach Wallace was named Coach of the announced the Year, with many other players receiving various honors and cancellation of accomplishments. playoffs, something the team had been working towards the entire year. Collectively ending the season for the seniors on the team, three of which had earned All-District honors.

“It’s very disappointing to have the season cut short. We had a special group of guys this year and I think we could’ve made a run in the playoffs,” senior goalkeeper Nick Hay said. “it’s a shame that the season ended this way.”

The girls soccer team also made the playoffs after finishing second in district with a 12-3-1 record.

“It’s disappointing because we never even got the chance to compete,” said junior center defender Caroline Parnell. “It’s sad for the seniors who were blindsided because they never even knew they were playing their last game.”

In addition to the success of the soccer teams, the softball team had fought their way to the second place slot in the district.

In a similar situation, the baseball team had started out well and was undefeated two games into district.

Unfortunately, the team’s strong starts Second in District will be left behind, but the Junior Caroline Emery helps lead the ball down experience gained by the the field, leading to victory against Jersey Village. underclassmen will likely contribute to more success in Many players were selected for all-district, while others celebrated the rank as second in district. their coming seasons.

This year’s track was also looking like they would be very competitive with good showing in the early meets against some of the top schools. The team was made up of many underclassmen,

but some seniors on the team lost most of their last season. The team still continues to work in any way they can during quarantine to prepare for next season.

The unexpected outbreak of the Coronavirus cut many seasons short, which was disappointing for many, especially graduating seniors. Many sports are now seeking alternative ways to honor all the seniors and Undefeated! their accomplishments.

The baseball team was doing well in their season, when Throughout this they were suddenly cut short. They were undefeated in ongoing pandemic, the district and had a 10-4 record overall achievements of each team will not go unrecognized.

The ads that you will see on the following pages recognize our senior staffers. Each and every one of them have worked so hard these last few years to make the production of the newspaper possible. Thank you all!

seniors

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

Caroline Mohn

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Thank you newspaper for helping me branch out and find the story behind everything. Thank you Mrs. Cummons for providing such a wonderful experience.

Carolyn Koerner

Eleanore Williams

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The Oracle • May 15, 2020

Blake Todes

Thank you to Mrs. Cummons for being the best newspaper adviser in the world and the entire Oracle staff for their hard work and contributions.

Joy Meyers

Thank you Mrs. Cummons for helping so much throughout the past 4 years. I’m going to miss you and your class so much.

seniors

perspectives

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The Oracle • May 15, 2020

Celebrating ourselves during a time of crisis

ORACLE

WRITTEN BY ISABELLA WALTZ

Editors-in-Chief

Reis Berilgn

*Alexis Garza *Isabella Waltz

Photographers

A Message for the Class of 2020 reasons why we are all sitting at home, skipping out on graduation and prom. Frankly, the true reason is out of Resilience: our hands and has nothing to do with us. We didn’t do (n.) The ability to become strong, healthy, or anything wrong. No matter how much time or energy we successful again after something bad happens. put into trying to blame ourselves, friends, classmates, teachers, district officials, the government, none of those Being born in the wake of a national tragedy is something are the answers. that has landmarked the Class of 2020. Over eighteen I know I had expectations of how my senior year would years ago, two planes crashed into the Twin Towers go. I would spend all year taking advantage of all my on September 11. 2001. This changed the course of the moments left with my friends, classmates, teachers, and American lifestyle. neighbors. There wouldn’t be a dull moment as we would As someone who was born into this, tragedy was not all look forward to graduation and prom, something something that was new to us. Events such as this have I started planning as a young elementary schooler. I continued to work their way into our stories. In 2008, remember being in middle school and seeing all the Hurricane Ike tore seniors in high school through Houston. off to the “You know, the smallest thing can change heading It shut our city “greatest night of their a life. In the blink of an eye, something down, closing down lives”. The excitement businesses, tearing up anticipation of the happens by change- and when you least and neighborhoods, and last three months of shutting down schools. expect it- since we’re on a course that you high school had been We felt the impact building up for years. could have never planned, into a future However, our last three at such a young age.

I remember my dad months have been you never imagined. Where will it take boarding up all the uncontrollably halted by you? That’s the journey of our lives, our something no one ever windows and sleeping in my parents closet the search for the light. But sometimes, finding could have seen coming. night it passed through.

In the midst of an the light means you must past through the uncontrollable situation, I still remember having my first-grade field trip we look for things that deepest darkness.” -Nicholas Sparks canceled because of the we can control. I can storm. I was devastated. testify for myself that I We were raised on devastation. Disaster is no stranger to have searched for something to put all this unused energy us. towards, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to find Once high school arrived, we all expected to live the something that would fulfill this gap in our lives. normal, stereotypical, high school experience. Our There is one thing we can do that is in our control, and definition of normalcy was tested right as sophomore year that is how we handle the situation. We could choose started. to dwell over all that is being robbed from us. We could In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas find people or things to blame and stay angry at the and caused some of the most catastrophic world. Not only is this draining and ineffective, flooding Houston has ever seen. Many but it will also never give us the answers close neighborhoods were seven feet or closure we are looking for. Rather than under in water. Streets turned into rivers, looking for reasons to justify our disappointment, neighborhoods turned into lakes. Most people we should look for reasons to celebrate ourselves. could not walk ten feet out of their house without Instead of being angry at ourselves, one their feet submerged in the street water. Others another, and the world, we should be celebrating lost everything, causing school to be shut down ourselves. We have successfully finished thirteen for two weeks right at the beginning of the year. years of schooling and are now on to greater There becomes a point after years of continuous things. This is the last time we will all be together. disaster that it no longer seems to affect us as This is the last time we will all be this young. strongly as it usually would others. Events My encouragement is that we discover would happen to our grade that many people ways to find light in the darkness. Now would usually find shocking, but our is the time to celebrate us and our response was always dimmed down by accomplishments. Let this event be us almost expecting disaster to strike. another thing that sets us apart The Coronavirus pandemic is just from everyone else. Look at it another one of those events that is as us being different rather acting as a damper. than letting it diminish our Why us? success. We have not worked While there is no conclusive hard for thirteen years for the answer, we can always theorize celebration of our success to about all the hypotheticals. Did be hindered by uncontrollable we do something to deserve causes. this? Were we not good We are going to be enough? Should we have remembered for being tried harder? Sometimes different. We are going these questions seem like the to be remembered for easiest resort to justify our finding unique ways to feelings when dealing with celebrate us. We won’t be our year being cut short. remembered for suffering However, we know these are through a pandemic, not the reasons. we will be remembered None of these are the because we were resilient.

the

staff

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

Photo Editors *Paige Clark *Becca Dawson

News Editors Michael Benes Hannah Timmreck

Life Editors Franco Grimoldi Calo Grace Hare

Sports Editors Jackson Allred Nathan Siciliano

Perspectives Editor Blake Todes

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

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

The Oracle is published monthly by the Journalism Department and is also available online at shsoracle.org.

The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Interscholastic League Press Conference.

The Oracle serves as a public forum of student expression

Aniesa Campos Jackson Cossey Hossein Farahani Paige Litner Kyla Lyles Bailey Maloy Elizabeth Noble Lucia Roma Mircea Tatulescu Eleanore Williams Kyle Zabroski Kendall Koster

Head Photographer Dan Tatulescu

Ads Editors Kate Delgado Libby Grizzell Joy Meyers

Ads Staff Selby Funk Isabella Leal Hannah Morris Ellie Noble

Building Principal Raymorris Barnes

Advisor Janice Cummons

*Editorial Board Members

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.

Publication costs are covered through advertisements.

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

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seniors

The Oracle • May 15, 2020

Alexis Garza And just like that, “someday” is today. What a wonderful four years we have had. Toodles and hook ‘em!

Isabella Waltz

Thank you so much Mrs. Cummons for the past few years. You have taught me how to be a leader and I am incredibly grateful. Thank you to the staff for working through all the crazy times in order to produce a successful paper. Y’all are the best!