The Oracle-May 2024

theOracle the senior issue

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

We write letters for many reasons: to express support for others, to request something, to convey gratitude or to provide updates on life. Letters can be formal, conversational, casual or anything in between. But how we close a letter reflects both the purpose of the letter and our feelings for the reader. We say “Sincerely” to convey earnestness or “Yours truly” to express affection. “Love” is reserved for those nearest and dearest to our hearts. I purposefully chose to close each letter from the editor to you this year the same way: “By the students. For the students. About the students.”

The Oracle is entirely student-produced. Our remarkable staff researches, investigates, writes and edits every article of this paper. Our photographers shoot every picture. Our team designs every layout. I am grateful to every member of our editorial board and our staff for their efforts this year. As is our tradition, we use our final issue of the school year to transition the Oracle to the next group of students - the 2024-2025 Editorial Board - who will be responsible for its continued success because the Oracle will always be by the students

This issue highlights parting advice from beloved staff members because the Oracle will always be for the students.

My time as editor-in-chief of the Stratford Oracle has come to an end, along with my high school career. Just like all the other Stratford and SBAI seniors, my part of this story is over, but the story of Stratford America does not end with us, and our personal stories do not end with graduation. And so, in this issue, we feature the post-graduation plans for our graduating seniors because the Oracle will always be about the students.

By the students. For the students. About the students

Happy reading,

Caroline Larrabee, Editor-in-Chief

The Stratford High School Oracle works to develop student skills while following the standards of professional journalists. Our mission is as follows:

To provide a forum for student writing, photography, and art: the Oracle creates a community of students who share a common passion through group learning, mentorship, and fostering an atmosphere of creative collaboration.

To provide training for not only journalism, but in marketing and business: the Oracle is entirely self-funded. Students must sell ads to local businesses to pay for printing. Members of the ads staff practice business techniques by speaking to other companies to secure finances that allow paper production to continue.

To open dialogue and give students a voice — Few other outlets allow students to inform and express themselves to a large audience. Whether an article is about Stratford’s newest teacher or nationwide change, student voices will always be heard.

MISSION STAFF

Editor-in-Chief*

Caroline Larrabee

Associate Editors*

Eszter Badescu

Catherine McClees

Business Managers*

Jacob Hare

Emma Manalo

Online Editor*

Sophie Sagastume

Photo Editor*

Reese Spradling

Sports Editor

Ryan McDowell

News Editor

Natalie Patranella

Opinion Editor

Mawara Khan

Student Life Editor

Elizabeth Meadows

Ads Editor

Erin Grace Kelley

Photography Manager

Emmie Hanvey

Reporters

Alejandro Aponte

Melina Banan

Nico Boza

Aleeya Davis

Trey Gardner

Yahya Hasoon

Sebastian Mendoza

Nicholas Neumann

Ellie Presa

Kim Sterling

Photographers

Escarlet Molero Aponte

Milton Guevara

Jackson Hiler

Christian Nafziger

Allie Richardson

Gavin Rump

Bella Smith

Caroline Walker

Adviser

Sara Boyle

*Editorial Board

04-14 Seniors

Stratford Wrapped

The key events of seniors’ secondary school careers

Getting in the Last Word

Senior Valerie Igbikiowubo prepares as commencement speaker

In a Pickle

Senior Emily Hopkins sells chamoy pickle kits

Go Army!

Senior Austin Chao heads to the U.S. Military Academy

Pushing the Limit

Seniors break long-standing athletic records

Senior Travels

The post-graduate plans of the Class of 2024

Taking on Texas

The in-state destinations of the Class of 2024

16-19 Feature

Calling it a Day

Familiar teachers get ready to say goodbye

Classroom Curiosities

Teachers add interest to classrooms via unique room decor

So Long, Seniors

Staff members share advice for graduating students

SNEAK PEEK

1

AUGUST 2020

COVID-19 forces the Class of 2024 to begin high school virtually

FEBRUARY 2021

2

APRIL 2022

Playhouse performs Peter Pan in the newly constructed auditorium

Great Texas Freeze shuts down school, becoming the coldest winter storm since December 1989

3

AUGUST 2022

SBISD requires students to wear IDs during the school day

4

NOVEMBER 2022

Houston Astros win the World Series for a second time

APRIL 2023

NRG Stadium is renamed “NRG Stadium (Taylor’s Version)” in honor of the Eras Tour

5

6

7

NOVEMBER 2023

AUGUST 2023

The Class of 2024, Stratford’s 50th graduating class, begins their senior year

SBISD Board of Trustees approves the elimination of block schedule starting next

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Senior Staff

COMPILEDBYEMMIEHANVEY(10)ANDBELLASMITH(10)

ESZTER BADESCU ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Thank you to these student journalists for their dedication to the Oracle. Their work is forever a part of Stratford history.

“When students learn to make sense out of their world, they become the people who will transform it.”

JOHN SPENCER

CAROLINE LARRABEE

CATHERINE MCCLEES ASSOCIATE EDITOR

JACOB HARE BUSINESS MANAGER

EMMA MANALO BUSINESS MANAGER

ERIN GRACE KELLEY ADS EDITOR

NICO BOZA REPORTER

TREY GARDNER REPORTER

ESCARLET MOLERO APONTE PHOTOGRAPHER

ELLIE PRESA REPORTER

KIM STERLING REPORTER

CAROLINE WALKER PHOTOGRAPHER

MOLERO APONTE(12)

Getting in the Last Word

Senior Valerie Igbikiowubo prepares as commencement speaker

As graduation approaches, Valerie Igbikiowubo prepares to take the stage as the school’s first African American female to give the commencement speech. Her speech sheds light on her experiences as an African American woman living in America, with eye-opening perspectives all students deserve to hear.

When asked about her reasoning for applying to be the commencement speaker, Igbikiowubo shared a simple answer:

“Honestly, I’m a yapper,” she said. “And who doesn’t want to walk uncharted territory?”

This uncharted territory, however, has proven to be difficult to traverse.

“This is going to sound cliche, but I didn’t even believe my speech when writing it,” Igbikiuwubo said. “There’s a part in the beginning that goes, ‘Are people really that incapable of change?’ And I said, ‘I don’t think so,’ but I genuinely am scared to change.”

Igbikiowubo spent much of her childhood relocating, which included immigrating to the United States from Nigeria when she was only 5 years old.

“I think with moving around a lot, I became scared of change, in the sense of the unknown,” she said.

Fear of change is something many seniors can empathize with. Change for the class of 2024 may involve moving to

a different state, living with new people or living away from family, even if they’re only a couple of hours away.

“Not knowing is scary [regarding] adulthood, academics, life, family or where you’re going to live,” Igbikiowubo said.

After four years of rigorous coursework and several different leadership positions, Igbikiowubo was accepted into prestigious schools but couldn’t afford them.

Many students face this dilemma: go to one of their top schools and be in debt, or go to a different school and spend less money.

Luckily for Igbikiowubo, her hard work paid off, at least in Texas.

“I got a full-ride [scholarship] to schools in the state,” Igbikiowubo said. “Even though I was trying to get out of Texas, how many people can say they’re going to school debt-free?”

It seems cliche, but it’s actually her own speech that helped her make the pivotal decision.

“A big part of my speech is that life is not a spectator sport, and instead of seeing the glass half-empty, [we should] see it halffull,” she said.

In trying to give her classmates this advice, Igbikiowubo herself learned how to “see the glass half-full.” She plans to attend Texas State University on a full-ride scholarship and major in Nursing.

“I feel like I was faking it till I made it, [but] now, I’m at a point of positivity,” Igbikiowubo said. “I like where I’m going to school, and I like that I’m not in debt for college. Now I believe in my speech.”

The most significant point she wants to make in her commencement speech is that the Class of 2024 is resilient.

Seniors entered middle school the same month as Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Their first two weeks of freshman year (and for some students, their whole school year) was held over Zoom because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just when their freshman year was gaining a sense of normalcy, there were statewide power outages due to the 2021 Great Texas Freeze.

However, Igbikiowubo believes that high school hasn’t been all that bad. From Food Truck Fridays and Lip Dubs to Powderpuff Games, Spirit Days and Mr. SHS to Nerf Mafia, she believes Stratford allows students to “be the kids we want to be.”

“Only once in life will we get to do anything in high school,” Igbikiowubo said. “No matter how hard or stressful [it] has been, only once in a lifetime will you get to experience these events.”

So, Igbikiowubo wants to leave her classmates with one last piece of advice:

“Live the dreams you want. Who cares if society doesn’t like it? It’s your life. Don’t live it with regrets.”

Right: Valerie Igbikiowubu poses with a graduation cap and gown.

In a Pickle

Senior Emily Hopkins sells chamoy pickle kits

WRITTEN BY ALEEYA DAVIS (11)ANDSOPHIE

SAGASTUME(11);PHOTOBY CAROLINELARRABEE(12)

TikTok Shop: for most, it’s social media’s version of Amazon that allows users to sell products directly from their videos. For senior Emily Hopkins, it’s the source of business inspiration. When Hopkins scrolled through videos advertising “chamoy pickle kits,” she was intrigued but unconvinced.

The unique snack, which requires a pickle to be soaked in salty, tangy chamoy brine and topped with candy, is a recent online craze.

“My friends and I have wanted to try a chamoy pickle for so long, but we didn’t trust sellers on TikTok Shop,” she said. “So, I bought all of the ingredients separately.”

After purchasing the items from wholesale companies, Hopkins used excess ingredients to assemble and sell kits. Each contains a chamoy pickle, chamoy powder and liquid, Skwinkles Salsagheti, Fruit Gushers, Fruit Roll-Ups, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Takis.

“I serve my pickles the ‘Ocky’ way: compared to [other kits] on TikTok, I’ve put

a special twist on them,” she said. “Most come with a single bag of chips. Mine come with three, and I make sure to add complimentary candy to every order.”

Purchasing ingredients in bulk has allowed Hopkins’ customers to save money.

“Everything [in a kit] is sold in big packs, sometimes packs of 40,” she said. “If you want to buy one serving [from the grocery store], you’ll have to buy 10.”

Kits begin at $16. Discounts are available when purchasing multiple pickles, such as $30 for 2.

“Most of the cost comes from the expense of purchasing the chamoy pickle itself,” Hopkins said. “It’s $7 per pickle and [there are] shipping costs.”

While selling chamoy pickles has been a recent endeavor, Hopkins is no stranger to owning businesses.

“In middle school, I sold stickers, drinks, brownies, cookies and slime,” she said. “I’d love to continue the chamoy pickle business [while in college] as long as I have

Scan

returning customers.”

For those interested in purchasing a kit, Hopkins recommends visiting the Instagram account she made for advertisement and order-placing purposes, @chiefchamoy.

“The name was actually one of the last things I came up with,” Hopkins said. “I consulted with my friends to find an original name that conveyed the core values of my brand [while being] punny.”

Hopkins hopes her Instagram presence will increase her customer base while allowing her to showcase greater personality.

“I thought [the brand name] would be a great way to combine a personal interest of mine, Chief Keef, with my business,” she said. “Someone told me I was the chief of chamoy pickles, and I just ran with it.”

Above: Emily Hopkins holds a prepared chamoy pickle.

Senior Austin Chao will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the fall. Many people don’t realize how long the school’s application process is.

“I hadn’t even heard about West Point, or any of the service academies, until my sophomore year,” Chao said. “The idea interested me, and as I did more research, I began to consider it a real possibility.”

Chao began the first stage of his application in the spring of his junior year when he applied for the school’s summer program, which he attended in June. He then moved on to the second stage, which included gathering recommendation letters, crafting essays, passing fitness assessments and completing questionnaires.

One of the most challenging steps in this process was obtaining a congressional nomination from a representative, a senator or the vice president. To receive a nomination, he had to write 16 essays and pass two interviews. Ultimately, he got two nominations: one from Representative Wesley Hunt and another from Senator John Cornyn.

Go Army!

Senior Austin Chao heads to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point WRITTENBYELIZABETHMEADOWS(10); PHOTOSBYCAROLINEWALKER(12)

Left/Below: Austin Chao shows school spirit through a U.S. Military Academy cap and windbreaker.

“The application process is extremely long and complex,” Chao said. “[It was] much more in-depth and complicated than any other that I have gone through and acts as a preliminary screening for many hopeful applicants.”

Despite the difficulties in applying, Chao believes the effort is a worthy investment in his education.

“[The school] has outstanding professors and numerous resources for [students],” he said. “[Staff members] are willing to do what it takes to ensure your success.”

While his post-secondary options were extensive, Chao favored the prestige and opportunities at West Point.

“[West Point has a] strong national and international reputation,” he said. “[I get the] opportunity to do cool things, including shooting howitzers and jumping out of airplanes.”

Chao also appreciates the academy’s unique structure.

“They don’t only focus on academics,” he said. “They also work to make you stronger physically and mentally with an emphasis

on character [improvement].”

He notes how the school specifically prioritizes developing leadership skills. “Through logistics work, tech development, or leading soldiers into combat, [West Point] is investing in you to be the best and most qualified individual to lead it and become its future,” Chao said.

Chao will be commissioned as an army officer when he graduates in four years.

Since the government covers all schooling expenses, each West Point student “pays back” by serving a five-year active duty requirement and an additional three years in the Army Reserve.

After his service, Chao wants to pursue a career in investment banking and private equity. While unsure of a full-time military career, he is confident in his school choice.

“I [will] grow the most in character at West Point over any other university,” Chao said. “The U.S. Military wants you to be the best, and they will make you succeed.”

mdumc.org/youth

NIAMH COLLINS

800 meters

“Don’t wait for college coaches to come to you, email them with your stats and grades so you stand out, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Pushing the Limit

Seniors break long-standing athletic records

LUKE RIVES

Careerreceivingyards,careerreceivingtouchdownsandseasonreceiving touchdowns

Senior Commitments

VOLLEYBALL

Sophie Corbeil – Wesleyan University

Emma Dunwoody – Colorado School of Mines

Addison Lanning – Arkansas Tech University

Chloe Popkin – Davidson College

Izzy Rodriguez – Southwestern University

FOOTBALL

Elia Aruor – Shasta College

Christian Bell – Friends University

Luke Rives – Dartmouth College

BASEBALL

Caden Baker – Texas State University

Braxton Wakefield – Southeastern Louisiana University

XC/TRACK

Niamh Collins – Rice University

Nathaniel Grant – Texas A&M University Kingsville

BASKETBALL

Emma Adisa – Fitchburg State University

GOLF

Ben Potter – Dallas Baptist University

LACROSSE

Audrey Connolly – Missouri Valley College

SOCCER

Lizzie Emerson – United States Naval Academy

SOFTBALL

Ashlyn Bell – Ranger College

Above: Caden Baker signs commitment to Texas State University

ALABAMA

Auburn University

Julia Laird

Piper Miller

Lauren Turner

University of Alabama

Ashley Thomas

Bizza Venz

ARIZONA

Northern Arizona University

Rylie Jacobs

University of Arizona

Harry Pontone

ARKANSAS

Arkansas Tech University

Addison Lanning

University of Arkansas

Katie Brennan

Angelina Carvelli

Luke Covington

Sean Eagleston

Jasper Hartman

Travis Jones

Connor Oxspring

Julia Pawlak

Cassidy Syamken

CALIFORNIA

Chapman University

Megan Cockrum

Marlowe Taylor

Loyola Marymount University

Cooper Harrison

Shasta College

Elia Aruor

University of Southern

California

Kate Diers

COLORADO

Colorado School of Mines

Emma Dunwoody

University of Colorado Boulder

Maclane Bany

CONNECTICUT

Wesleyan University

Sophie Corbeil

Isabel Keery

FLORIDA

Full Sail University

Axel Gutierrez

Miami Dade College

Sariam Oliveros

12 Seniors

GEORGIA

University of Georgia

Lydia Macia

Abbilyn McEvoy

Abigail Stern

IDAHO

Brigham Young University

Idaho

Jona Morford

ILLINOIS

DePaul University

Evynn Stallwitz

INDIANA

Purdue University

Lily Askounis

Saint Mary’s College

Caroline Steranko

KANSAS

Friends University

Christian Bell

KENTUCKY

University of Louisville

Sean-Thomas Madden

LOUISIANA

Grambling State University

Ciara McDonald

Daya Steptoe

Louisiana State University

Meshaila Favard

Hannah Moreida

Senior

Kenneth Neal

Loyola University New Orleans

David Osorio

Southeastern Louisiana University

Braxton Wakefield

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Colette Burdin

MARYLAND

Johns Hopkins University

Tatum Marye

United States Naval Academy

Lizzie Emerson

MASSACHUSETTS

Fitchburg State University

Emma Adisa

Smith College

Citlali Vega

The post-graduate plans

COMPILEDBYSOPHIE

MINNESOTA Carleton

MISSISSIPPI

Valley College

Connolly

Melanie Suerth

Maggie Whisler

PENNSYLVANIA

Carnegie Mellon University

Amelia Bommer

Yutai Long

Pennsylvania State University

Eszter Badescu

Andy Zhuri

SOUTH CAROLINA

Clemson University

Lauren Long

TENNESSEE

University of Missouri

School of Visual Arts

United States Military Academy

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina State University

Belmont University

Michael Deis

Rhodes College

Catherine McClees

Vanderbilt University

Emma Taylor

UTAH

Utah State University

Aislinn Morford

VIRGINIA

Shenandoah University

Kira Sledge

University of Virginia Ehsan Almassi

GAP YEAR/WORK

Andre Bullard

Emily Capps

Sophia Cocheu

James Davenport

Taylor Fletcher

Romario Medrano

Kristin Plouse

Caroline Walker

Myles Wheeler

Oklahoma State University

University of Oklahoma

Lone

National

Sam

Taking on Texas

The in-state destinations of the Class of 2024

COMPILEDBYSOPHIESAGASTUME(11)

Texas

Elie

Vet

West Texas A&M University

Calling it a Day

Familiar teachers get ready to say goodbye

Whether you know him from his iconic performance in the faculty talent show, your place in the famous 100% Club, or his friendly “Howdy!”, William Hall has probably left a positive impact on you.

After an impressive 26 years as a math and engineering teacher, Hall is preparing to bid Stratford goodbye.

Before stepping into the classroom, Hall pursued engineering at Mississippi State University and served seven years in the Army, focusing on engineering research.

“I joined the Army because a friend in college was doing so,” Hall said. “When I was in high school, I’d never even thought about joining the military.”

Years later, Hall requested an honorable discharge to chase his newfound passion: teaching.

Hall then attended Dallas Theological Seminary to refine his teaching skills, earning his master’s degree in education.

“Since I had served both timeframes I’d requested – four years then three years –the army let me get discharged with no problem,” Hall said.

With a natural talent for teaching, Hall enriched the minds of math and engineering students for over two decades.

“I taught Sunday school [at church], and a lot of times when I’d be helping soldiers, they’d be saying things like, ‘Wow, you taught us well. You should be a teacher,’” Hall said.

Beyond the classroom, Hall is very involved in extracurriculars, from chaperoning dances, to cheering on sports teams and even shining on stage in the Playhouse

Senior Spartanaires weren’t the only ones who had their “Last Dance” at Spring Show this year.

After seniors were honored, two former Spartanaires took the stage to celebrate a special person: their mom. The daughters of Spartanaire assistant director Julie Vinyard, widely known as “Vinny,” gave a speech congratulating her on her nine years at Stratford.

Dance has always been Vinyard’s passion, influenced by her mother’s time as a professional roller skater.

“I had to take [roller] skating because of my mom, but all my friends took dance,” Vinyard said. “Around the age of 8, my mom told me I had to choose [dance or roller skating], so I chose dance.”

Vinyard’s love for dance led her to pursue fine arts at Sam Houston State University.

“First, I thought I wanted to be a child psychologist, so when I was at [Sam Houston State University], I started out as a social work major,” Vinyard said. “But then I decided I missed dance.”

Following college, Vinyard’s career path took her through various roles, from teaching English at a private school to co-owning a dance studio for 10 years.

Her journey at Stratford began when her eldest daughter joined the dance team, sparking Vinyard’s involvement in the program.

“I was the booster club president and I chaired the Spring Show,” Vinyard said. “I was very involved while my daughter was on the team.”

Her close relationship with the thendance director paved the way for Vinyard to step into the role of assistant director, eventually ascending to become one of the

production “West Side Story” in 2014.

“I’m not an onstage person, but it was fun,” Hall said. “That was probably my favorite memory [at Stratford].”

Hall’s involvement led him to sponsor various clubs, from the Latin Rhythm Club to the Persian Club.

“Once or twice a semester, [Persian Club would] go to eat at [a] Persian restaurant down on Westheimer,” Hall said.

Hall is continuing to pursue his interests in retirement. He is contemplating avenues like ministry work or employment with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

“I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, and I like helping restore or improve the environment we live in,” Hall said.

While his classroom might be fading into the rearview, Hall’s journey is far from over. Thank you for your service, Mr. Hall!

dance directors herself.

“The director knew my dance background and asked me if I would be interested in taking that assistant role as a part-time assistant,” Vinyard said. “That’s what we thought it was going to be.”

Next year, she will be working with a much younger age group. Vinyard has accepted a position as an aide in 4-year-old classrooms at a private school.

“I am looking forward to having my weekends and evenings free to travel and spend more time with my family,” Vinyard said.

Despite leaving her dance director title behind, Vinyard’s Stratford legacy will remain strong. And don’t worry, she’ll be back for football games!

JIM LEFEBER SBAI ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

His office is decorated with his students’ artwork; fifth grade paintings, collages and even a drawing of him as a mosquito adorn his bookshelf.

After nine rewarding years, though, SBAI Assistant Director

Jim Lefeber is taking it down.

Lefeber began working with SBAI’s first director, Lynda Maxwell, in the district’s curriculum department.

“I was in charge of secondary social studies [and] going through my [assistant principal] certification at the time,” Lefeber said. “I saw the job opening [at

KRISTY SCHAPER BUSINESS

In 38 years, a lot has changed at Stratford. Hundreds of teachers and thousands of students have passed through the halls.

One instructor has remained a consistent presence: business teacher Kristy Schaper.

Graduating from Stratford herself, Schaper carries a legacy deeply connected to education, a tradition passed down through her family’s long line of educators. She is a proud member of the Class of 1979.

BETH CAVE CULINARY ARTS

Even if you’ve never taken a cooking class, you have probably felt the impact of culinary arts teacher Beth Cave. You may not want to walk by room 233 when you’re hungry, though; her students’ concoctions often leave the hallway lingering with a sweet smell.

For a total of 12 years, Cave has been a devoted staff member at Stratford, exposing her students to a variety of skills and topics. Cave’s love for teaching began at Otterbein University in Ohio, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in home

SBAI], and I wanted to work with [Maxwell] again.”

While he understands the program will undergo changes when he leaves, Lefeber is confident that SBAI will continue to grow and improve despite his retirement.

“I think it’s pretty established now, so I don’t think there’s gonna be a lot of major changes,” Lefeber said. “Teachers will remain here to do their very best, so I trust that they will continue providing opportunities for my students.”

Although learning on the job has been challenging, Lefeber recommends cherishing the highlights of the role.

“Remember all the good times, it’s human nature to remember the things that went wrong, things that you made mistakes about,” he said. “As long as you

“They can say they’re super great because we won state in ‘78, but we are super fine because we’re Class of ‘79!” Schaper said.

With a bachelor’s degree in business from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Houston, Schaper dedicated her years at Stratford to teaching business classes.

“I love teaching the career classes because I truly think the kids get a lot out of it,” Schaper said. “The lifelong skills we teach are important.”

Schaper has also sponsored many student business organizations like Business Professionals of America (BPA) and Academy of Business (AOB), which she has led since 2001.

economics before transitioning to high school teaching.

“I always [wanted to be a teacher],” Cave said. “I didn’t know if it was going to be elementary or high school, but then I got to college and I chose high school.”

With over 22 years of experience in education, Cave has taught an array of subjects, ranging from culinary arts and child development to interior design and fashion design.

Among these, culinary arts has always been her favorite class to teach.

“My favorite memories are of the cooking labs because the kids love them,” Cave said. “That is what I will miss [the most].”

As her retirement approaches, Cave is very excited to spend time with her family and grandchildren, along with doing some

are dedicated to the students, that’s going to guide you.”

As his retirement draws closer, Lefeber looks forward to indulging in hobbies such as gardening and reading.

“I haven’t been able to read much in the past nine years, I’ve just been so busy,” he said. “[I want to] just take the time to slow down.”

As he enjoys his last few weeks at Stratford, Lefeber wants his students to continue living SBAI’s long-standing motto:

“Develop your ability and contribute to society,” Lefeber said. “I’m very proud of you all.”

“I think taking the AOB seniors to New York City is an amazing and great memory every year,” Schaper said.

As Schaper approaches her well-deserved retirement, she eagerly anticipates reconnecting with her family, spending time with friends, and cherishing moments with her grandchildren.

“I just want to enjoy life, enjoy the weather, smell the flowers and complete tasks that I want to get done during the day,” Schaper said.

Schaper’s vibrant personality and enthusiasm has left a mark on countless students, and she will be missed by many.

traveling.

“By the end of May, I will have five grandchildren,” Cave said. “[I am excited to] just [spend] time with family.”

Despite her wealth of experiences, one thing remains unchecked on Cave’s bucket list: a cruise. It’s a dream she plans to fulfill, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter beyond the classroom.

“I have never been on a cruise, so that’s the first thing I am going to plan,” Cave said.

Cave’s passion for cooking and teaching, along with a deep connection with her students, has made her stay at Stratford rewarding and her departure bittersweet.

Classroom Curiosities

Teachers add interest to classrooms via unique room decor

WRITTENBYESZTERBADESCU(12)ANDNICHOLASNEUMANN(10);PHOTOSBYESZTERBADESCU(12)

Do you ever wonder about the unusual things in our teachers’ classrooms? From social studies teacher Nicholas Fraser’s hanging shower curtain to math teacher Kody Bibik’s never-ending supply of plushies, most rooms are as distinctive as the staff members in charge of them. These teachers have mastered the art of decorating.

“I have these things in my room to help kids realize that there is nothing wrong with what you like,” Bibik said. “Embrace it regardless of what others think.”

Have you seen these classroom curios?

“Star Wars” character

Han Solo as a historical figure in Fraser’s room

“Futurama” poster in Fraser’s room

“Star Wars” character Yoda quote in Bibik’s room

Bibik’s “Star Wars” door sign

So Long, Seniors

Staff members share advice for graduating students

COMPILEDBYMILTONGUEVARA(11),NATALIEPATRANELLA(10)ANDBELLASMITH(10); PHOTOSBYALLIERICHARDSON(10)ANDBELLASMITH(10)

JENNY ADCOCK BIOLOGY/VOLLEYBALL

“If it is safe and doesn’t harm, adventure as long as it is legal. Let your yeses mean yes and your noes mean no! It is so cliche, but I am genuinely proud of [the seniors] and want to thank them for leaving their mark, contributing to the culture of the campus and leaving big shoes to fill.”

ALEX DORANTES SPECIAL EDUCATION MATH

“It’s important to enjoy each day because you only have two weeks left. Enjoy the time with your friends because everyone is going to go in different directions. Whenever you come back from college, make sure you meet up with your friends and keep those relationships going for a very long time. ”

SARA GUILLORY 10TH GRADE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

“High school is a small portion of your life, [and] there are more things to come. Keep working hard. Be careful with technology, and be mindful that it is a powerful tool, so use it for something good.”