Valedictorians pg. 9
The Year in Sports pg. 12
Photo by Gil Sanchez
Stratford High School
THE Volume 40, Issue 10
377
O
Photo by Gil Sanchez
Graphic by Victoria Shin
14555 Fern Drive, Houston TX 77079
RACLE
freshmen, 2010• Prom/Project Prom budget
pionships • 3 National Merit Scholars 375 in-state students • 24.5
Seniors pgs. 7-10
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
$75,000
•
2
Photo by Katherine Kennedy
State Swimming Cham-
• 5.5 average GPA • 1620 average SAT • average ACT • 84 out-of-state students •
6250 service hours in NHS • 19 valedictorians • House of Blues Prom • 7 Tommy Tune awards • $4,507,000 SCHOLARHSIP MONEY •454 seniors graduating on JUne 1, 2013
2
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
A Tweet Success
2012-2013 the most record-breaking year in school history Justin Todes
Let’s take a moment to reflect on this past year. We have stood strong from the beginning, consistently excelling and making school history as the year has progressed. In all areas, the Spartans truly are the best. Massive achievements have been made in both athletics and academics. For the first time in Stratford history, every athletic team made it into the playoffs, and boys’ swimming took home the State Champion title for the second year in a row. In academics, Stratford won first place at district, and Journalism made it to the UIL Academics State meet. Just recently, Stratford was ranked by U.S. News as the No. 500 high school in the nation, placing us in the top 1% of all high schools. We have a lot to be proud of as Spartans. We truly are committed to excellence.
The Oracle
For a complete listing of the successes in sports, check out MAKES HISTORY on page 12.
Photo by Maddy Penarrieta
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Oracle
The Oracle 2013-2014 Staff Editors-in-Chief: Kali Venable Elaine Parizot Assistant Editors: Layla Shahhosseini Elyse’ Stieber News Editor: Justin Todes Muse Editors: Aldo Martinez Ashley Karolys Opinions Editors: Claire Galbraith Maxine Tran Sports Editors: Scott Kennedy Kelly Hewitt Graphics editor: Victoria Shin Photo Editors: Katherine Kennedy Rebecca Williamson
Gil Sanchez Ads Editors: Katherine Mavergeorge Sarah Sturgis Allison Rice Emily Copeland Photographers: Will Klussmann Megan Klarrit Harper Jones Cassidy Menard Michael Martin Phillip Chen Alex McNees Reporters: Katelyn Darmond Hunter Baker Courtney James Natalie Raley Emily Fishman Ad Staff: Phoebe Lamay
Emily Brown Lindsey Jenkins Meredith Burch Brice Stevenson Erin Higginbotham Paige Barber Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Anne Hodges Magaret Hoffman Tara Breen Copy Editors: Amanda Sturm Natasha Eades Staff Artists: Molly Richter Claire Pena Advisor: Janice Cummons Visit shsoracle.com to see a complete list of the Stratford Oracle online staff!
INFO AND SHORTS
SPRING FOOTBALL
Stratford football will play their spring game on Tues., May 28. This is a great opportunity to see next year’s football players, cheerleaders, and Spartanaires. The game begins at 7 p.m. on the Stratford field.
STAY UP-TO-DATE The Stratford Oracle is your source for current SHS news. For daily updates, check out The Oracle online at shsoracle.com.
The Stratford Oracle Your news. Your way.
NEWS 3
The Yearbook 2013-2014 Staff Editors-in-Chief : Jackie John Andrea Sklar Design Editor: Christy Zhang Photo Editor : Kylen Chen-Troester Assistant Photo Editor: Gil Sanchez Sports Editors: Trevor Morris Haley Wilson Advertising Editor: Anna Powell Student Life Editor: Olivia Brady Clubs Editor: Elizabeth Jones Assistant Clubs Editor: Lucas Nash
People Editor : Julia MacDonald Academics Editor : Sarah Calhoun Reporters: Caroline Addison Sandra Castro Dana Denney Felix Hollaway Joscline Lara Meredith Magnuson Katie Newsom Laura Petruzzi Tori Pfeifer Jessica Romero Angella Son Erika Stephenson Dominique Thai Photographers: Darby Alexander
Rachel Allen Rebecca Biestek Essie Clayton Axel Garcia Ben Johnson Haley Mandy Maddy Penarrieta Jackie Pineda Sydney Slack Elizabeth Taber Nick Terrazas Romina Vaczian Josh Wright Ad Staffers: Jason Leon Devin New Katie Velez Advisor: Kim Lynch
4
MUSE
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Oracle
Hottest Festival of The Summer FPSF 2013
“Aside from the incredible line up, Summer Fest has an atmosphere that captures the essence of Houston, I think that is probably what I am most excited about.” -Cara Dudley, 11
When: June 1-2, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Where: Eleanor Tinsley Park
What: A two-day music festival
Who: The Postal Service, Basenectar, Iggy and the Stooges, Passion Pit, TV on the Radio, Calvin Harris, Alabama Shakes, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Of Monsters and Men, Arctic Monkeys, Social Distortion, Gogol Bordello, 2 Chainz, Cat Power, Geto Boys, and many more Houston and area artists How do I go: General admission is sold out, but see fpsf.com for available packages
“I am so excited about just being at Free Press, it has such a great atmosphere and everyone there shares the same love for the music and activities.” -Carolyn Arthur, 12
For more info, visit fpsf.com
Graphic by Victoria Shin
Summer Vacation
What students do with three months of freedom Amy Brajenovich Kali Venable
As this year comes to an end, people are beginning to make plans for the soon-toarrive summer. Each person has their own traditions, whether they are summer camps that they have visited since they were little, or vacations to weekend homes or foreign places. Some students even take on jobs or venture out to do volunteer work; every person’s two-and-a-half month break is spent differently. “I love summer vacation because every year my family and I go to Disney World. Even my 19 year old sister still loves going,” junior Casey Sparks said. Summer camps are very popular in and around Houston. Common camps in Texas are Cho Yeh, T Bar M, Olympia, Pine Cove, Mystic, Champions, and Longhorn. Many students also vacation to tropical beaches in sunny paradises like Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and other parts of Central America. “This summer I’m going to the Caribbean Islands
with my family and friends, I can’t wait,” junior Katy Gallion said. If a student’s family is very active, hiking up some of the worlds prettiest elevations might be a good adventure. California has some of the best hiking areas in the country, but nearly every U.S. state has some sort of hiking worth trying. A large portion of students stay in Houston during the summer, a choice that can still lead to a wonderful and productive few weeks. Students often take on jobs at local restaurants, retail stores, and donate their time to charity work at animal shelters or their place of worship. There is a variety of places that hire teenagers during summer, as long as you beat the tons of broke and jobless college kids that return home in May. Working for an entire summer can give students a lot of experience and life skills that are useful as they began to grow up and take on more responsibilities. “I like to have a summer
job so I have something to do during the week instead of being bored or not having any responsibilities,” junior Louis Birdsong said. Teenagers also participate in mission work such as Memorial Drive United Methodist Church (MDUMC) Work Camp or the Amigos for Christ mission trip that quite a few Spartans attend with former Spanish teacher, Bill Dooley. Both groups spend a week in communities (Work Camp travels to towns in Texas and Amigos for Christ heads to villages in Nicaragua) to help develop and work with the local people through building homes, water piping and catering to family needs. High school students are excited to began their summers regardless if they are venturing to the other side of the world or only a few streets over. No matter the destination, summer holds expectations for lasting memories, laughable moments and a chance to discover a the person you are or the person you wish to become.
1
2
3
4
HOT SPOTS TO TRAVEL TO• (1) Carowinds, a theme park located in both North and South Carolina, is one of many theme parks in the US. These are popular venues for families with children. (2) Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado is snow-covered in the winter season, but has a more mild summer. Ski resorts are very populated throughout the year. (3) San Diego, CA is a popular hiking destination. Hiking is available throughout the U.S. (4) Laguna Beach, CA is one of the most iconic destinations along the California Coast. California is home to various vacation options ranging from beaches to lakes to deserts. All photos by Amy Brajenovich
The Oracle
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
ADS
5
6
PUZZLE PAGE
Wednesday. May 22, 2013
The Oracle
The Oracle
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
ARIZONA
KANSAS
Arizona State- Metro Phoenix Jordon Gutierrez University of ArizonaTucson Jaime Hewitt- Broadcast Journalism
University of St. Mary’sLeavenworth Sebastian Arango- Physical Therapy
Management Allison Demiano - Business Michelle Evans - International Business Matthew Foster Tracee Greenwood - Business
Engineering Hannah Redfield- Communications Sarah Ross-Nursing Troy Rucker-Petroleum Engineering
SENIORS 7
Oklahoma State UniversityStillwater Amanda Escamilla- Psychology Taylor Friedman- Psychology Whitney Kilduff- Communications
CALIFORNIA
Mari Alex Littlefield- Modeling San Diego State UniversitySan Diego Jack Clark-Accounting Shadee Mozafari-Psychology University of California Berkeley-Berkeley Rachel Rapier-Mechanical Engineering
COLORADO
Colorado College- Colorado Springs David Candler Fort Lewis College-Durango Mireille Pinedo University of ColoradoBoulder Katelyn MacCrory-Dance/ Art Colorado School of MinesGolden Shogo Iwasaki Colorado State- Fort Collins Alexandra Baker-Zoology Breane Fuentez-Marine Biology
UTAH
Brigham Young UniversityProvo Jacob Cribbs- Business/Accounting
WEST BOUND WASHINGTON University of WashingtonSeattle Lydia Sweet-Microbiology
OKLAHOMA
University of OklahomaNorman Kaela Beasley - Marketing Grant Brann Camila Castaneda- PreVeterinary Avery Croley - Marketing Christian Daimler - Energy
Kelly Griffin Matthew Holland-Energy Management Steffi Humburg-Meaux- International Business Graham Jones-Energy Management Davis Mitcham- Energy Management David Radecki- Mechanical
ARMEDFORCES Air Force
FOREIGNLANDS Marines
Brian Baker Alexander Bugerenko Alex Hagen
Alex Newton- Sports Media Matthew Stein- Communica- Oklahoma City Universitytions Oklahoma City Evan Stone-Mechanical Hannah Goodearle- Dance Engineering Performance Daniel Tomlinson-Energy Hayden Parsley- Dance PerManagement formance Samantha Vargas-Occupational Therapy
Robbie Boyd Deeter Rincon
MEXICO
Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Diego Calzoncit Universidad del Valle Mexico- Nuevo Leon Melanie Gil- Communications/International Relations
Navy
Isaiah Jackson Malik Gamble Jonathan Martinez Fermin Suero
JAPAN
Waseda University- Tokyo Ashley Yashino Mizuho Suzuki Graphics by Victoria Shin
8
SENIORS
Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo Hazel Hadebe- Pre- Nursing
Angelina College-Lufkin
Jordan Comparin-Journalism & Mass Communications
Austin Community College Alex Ayres- Film/Writing Dane Conge- Marine Biology
Baylor University- Waco
Nick Jones- Accounting Angela Meraz Dawson Morby- Mechanical Engineering Alexandra Napuri Emily Rucker- Secondary Education Othniel Tay- Pre-Medication in Nutrition Science Stacey Torres- Business Grace Touchstone- Elementary Education Samantha Vanston- Cellular Biology Khang Vo Gordon Walker- Chemistry
The Art Institute of Houston
Malik Bishop-Culinary Arts Jamia’ Cormier-Fashion Retail & Merchandising
Blinn College- Bryan
Victoria Bravo- Forensic Science Maggie Coleman- Education Tamara Ingram- Education Marshall Jackson- Sales and Marketing/ Business Sarah Johnston Ashley Keel-Biomedical Sciences Bobby Leach- Business Austin Nichols Karly Shimerka- Veterinary Medical Applications Pribodi Sulistyadi- Petroleum Engineering
Hardins-Simmons University - Abilene
Mallory Parker- History
Houston Baptist University
Steven Chettipally- Biology
Houston Community College
Gaby Cardenas- Accounting Kelly Carpenter- Hospitality Tiffany Decker- Culinary Farah Elmajzoub- Pre-Medical Kimberley Escobar Anthony Freeman Samuel Granda Andy Guardado- Medical Field Cristina Hernandez- Business Marcos Hernandez- Television/ Radio/Film Andrew Kim- Film Making Tae Won Kim- Biology Woosun Kim- Computer Programming Hyun Kyung You Diana LeeBusiness Communications Ara Luz- Biochemistry Carlos Mendieta- Dentistry Chan Moon- Engineering Sebastian Pestana- Business Zachary Perez- Fire Eng. Henry Salazar
The Oracle
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Milad Salehi- Biology Fayn Shmad- Petroleum Engineering Citalli Tobias- Business Teresa Velazquez- Criminal Justice Wahida Zoud
Lamar UniversityBeaumont
Chasity Barnes Yanaira Botello- Biology Khalia Hardwell- Social Work Patrick Kibble- Culinary Arts
LoneStar Community College- Houston
Cesar Avila Taylor Cash- Business Economics Ricardo Plancarte CoriaSports Medicine Dylon Laudat- Mechanical Engineering Michael Nicol- Psychology Maranda Wareham- Paleogenetics
Kyle Casanover-Telecommunications Campbell Craig-Geology Caroline Demeris- Education Katie Dickinson-Biochemistry Ivy Do- Biomedical Science Mallory Edwards-Mathematics Emily Frazelle- Parks & Rec Hayley Friedman Jordan Haynes-Finance Juan Hirsch-Business Jimmy Hodges-Industrial Distribution Taylor Hubbard-Business Trevor Jackson-Petroleum Engineering Patrick Janacek-Mech. Engineering
Kyle Schafer John Scott-Aerospace Engineering Ian Sharp-Civil Engineering Matthew Sibley-Petroleum Engineering Jake Soltis- Construction Science Anna Vickers-Nursing Daniel Yang-Biology
Texas A&M Kingsville
Dennis Gathungu- Petroleum Engineering
Texas A&M Prairie View Shardae Davis-Pre-Med
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth Travis Hanes- Business/ Finance
Northwood UniversityDallas
Rice University-Houston
Isabel DeakinsBiology Amy Fox-Biomedical Engineering Jack Lynch-Engineering
Matthew Innes- Biology Katie Temple- Political Science
St. Edwards UniversityAustin Harris Foster- Interactive Games Business
Stephen F. AustinNacogdoches
Andrew Brillon- Exercise Science Kelly Ann Craig-Communications Gene Crocker-Forestry Mackenzie Wilson-Education
Texas A&M at College Station
Amy Baek- Communications Lizzy Bozeman-Business
Trinity University- San Antonio
Tyler Junior CollegeTyler Mildred PolancoAthletic Training
University of Houston
Mirko Ruiz-UrriloagoitiaSports Marketing
Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown
Desirae Bunch-Forensic Science Alex Eggert- Journalism Will Hammond-Education David Hatcher-M.I.S./3D Programming Brandon Lyne-Pre-Veterinary Emily Nguyen-Architecture Conner Parker Lacie Stevens-Pre-Veterinary Sciences Pribadi Sulistyawan- Chemical Engineering Rachel Whatley- Pre- Med
Class of 2013
Tyler Garcia- Political Science
Timothy Conner-Criminology Katherine Guzman-Medical Examiner Crystal Tobias-Criminal Justice
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
Cullen Moore-Computer Science or Music Composition
Midwestern UniversityWichita Falls
Sam Houston State University-Huntsville
Caroline Suchman- Elementary Education
Taylor Johnson-Education and Dance John Kaminski-Business Melanie Klassen- Civil Engineering Eric Lee-Biology Hanna Lee-Linguistics Parker Lund-Business Jeff Mah Will Maham-Business Stephen Martinez Mackenzie Mayo Kyle McAndrews-Architecture Abby McMurtry-Business Kennedy Meek-Communications Abby Moore-Psychology Jennifer Morris-Sports Marketing Landon Neumann-Geology Lindsey Neumann-Education Katherine Noel-Communications Joseph Palughi- Chemical Engineering Machaela Pierce-Business Madison Raley- Business
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
Josh Asch- Business Sylvie Burkholder Jasmine Decarlo- Business Emily Gonzales-Athletic Training Ali Hassanien Sioux Hazelwood- Nursing Keara LeDet- Kinesiology Kevin McAdams- Marketing/ Finance Meredith Park Taylor Salvatierra- Radiation Therapy Ashley Sherrard- Pre- Medicine- Neurology/Psychology
Betty AllenCriminal Justice Sidrah AzizPhysician Walter BakerPhysics Elizabeth Butler- Psychology Alex Carwile- Computer Engineering Trinh Doan- Biochemistry Francisco Elizondo-Psychology Shayan GharagozlouPre-Med Lianna Gregorian-Biomedical Engineering Omid Hadj- Biology Clyde Harvey- Criminal Justice Caitlin Hilton-Public Relations John Kim Jasmine Lee-Pre-Pharmacy Jared Lowrie Georgina Cipriani Sara Milic- Clinical Psychology Courtney Morales-Criminal Justice Fatima Mujahid- Forensic Science Cesar Muniz-Accounting Cori Rawlins- Mechanical Engineering Ashley Romero-Physical Therapy Armin Sarvi- Biology Hira Siddiaui- Psychology Yassmin Soudjani Bronte Ye- Business
University of North TexasDenton Anila Ademi- Communication Media Alexia Diaz-Photography Calli Martin Evan Moore-Psychology
University of Texas at Austin
Claire Aven-Business Jordan Bernstein-Business Hannah Bevers- Civil Engineering Sarah Bostick-Nursing Hannah Byatt-Communications Steven Cisneros-Engineering Anna Chong-Business Cathleen Evans-Nursing Catherine Frost-Communications & Business Katie Gregory-Visual Arts/ Communications Ashley Hess-Education Samantha Hicks-Public Relations Kathleen Higgins-Public Relations Kurt Kaiser-Business Christiana Kim-Nursing Elaine Lui- Mechanical Engineering Martha Mai-Nursing Andrew McCleary-Neuroscience Stephanie MontemayorBusiness Olivia Pope-Business Kyle Rathgeb- Biology Pre Med Mary Elizabeth SchnakeEducation William Strong Paige Tormey-Business Oscar Truong- Fine Arts & Biology Alec Willrodt Rosie Wu-Computer Science Sarah Zschappel- Public Relations/Communications
University of St.ThomasHouston Jason Brancato- Petroleum Engineering Jesus Ramos
University of Texas at Dallas
Qiaoyu Yang-Arts and Technology
University of Texas at El Paso Andrea Sojka- Nursing
University of Texas at San Antonio Nathan Byerly- Engineering Christy Koo- Education Joshua Lee-Computer Engineering Anthony Lee-Electrical Engineering
University of Texas at Tyler Sarah Makiyama- Public Relations
West Texas A&M University-Canyon
Erin Lindsay-Music Therapy
SENIORS CLASS OF 2013 VALEDICTORIANS Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Oracle
9
To graduate a Valedictorian, students must earn an A average in every class, every semester, for all four years of their high school career. The 2013 Valedictorians share their thoughts on schoolwork and life in general.
Katie Dickinson
Esther Jeon
Advice to Underclassmen: When nothing’s right, go to sleep
Isabel Deakins
Song that Describes High School:Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride by Jump 5
Jack Lynch (right)
Steven Cisneros
Favorite Class: Creative Writing
Kyle Rathgeb (left)
Advice to Underclassmen: Do your best 1st and 4th six weeks so you can slack off the rest of the semester and still get the grade
What I will miss most: Getting to work on play with the Stratford Playhouse
Olivia Pope
Christiana Kim
Joseph Palughi
Hero: Dr. Michio Kaku
Anna Chong
KK Goss
Jordan Bernstein Hero: Jesus Christ
Elaine Lui
Hero: Eleanor Roosevelt
Matt Lastrapes
Favorite Class: Off-Campus Study Hall
Paige Tormey
Advice to Underclassmen: “Live every week like it’s Shark Week”- Tracy Jordan
Rosie Wu
Amy Fox
Timothee Flichy
Hero: Mr. Nakadate
Kurt Kaiser
Song that Describes High School:Checkin’ It Out by Van Morrison
10
SENIORS
ALABAMA
Auburn University-Auburn Liz Hallmark-Communication Disorders Alison Sunderhaft- Chemical Engineering Jarrett Tang University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa Emma Koydemir- Education Amber Milan-Psychology Porter Thames
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Hope Wiggins- Business University of Miami- Coral Gables Emily Davis-Theatre and Social Work University of TampaTampa Chandler CallahanJournalism
The Oracle Thea Fjerstad Fredericka Jordan- Environmental Analysis Risk MGT. Nicole Juneau Erica Lefaive Ali Pentecost- Marketing/Business Tiera Terrell
Maryland Institute College of ArtBaltimore Paige Yim- Painting/Ceramics Jackie Mask-Fine Arts
MASSACHUSETTS
Will Choice- Business Management
Mary Margaret Weaver-Business
Southern Arkansas UniversityMagnolia Ricardo Coria
FLORIDA
Florida State University-Tallahassee Connor Duffy-Finance Jessie Hall-Geology
MISSOURI
MARYLAND
University of Arkansas- Fayetteville
Disorders
Belhaven University - St. Jackson Alonso Acosta- Sports Medicine Mississippi College- St. Jackson Bonnie Slattery- Marketing
NEW YORK
ARKANSAS
Holly Heckmann- Communication
MISSISSIPPI
Kansas City Art Institute-Kansas City Zakeia Lloyd- Film Missouri Western State- St. Joseph Paige Brown
EAST BOUND Sophie Collins- Accounting
Macey Smith- Biology Mcneese State University- Lake Charles LaDarrius Nelson
Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Cambridge Fernando Trujano- Computer Engineering Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Harrison Vaporciyan-Robotics
INDIANA
Indiana University -Bloomington Sara Boyle-Journalism Purdue- West Lafayette Cai Rohleder- Engineering
LOUISIANA
Louisiana State University- Baton Rouge Carolyn Arthur- Business
Carmen Vallecilla- Public Relations Hannah Vinyard- Business Denzell Williams- Journalism University of Louisiana- Lafayette
MICHIGAN
Michigan State University- East Lansing Mikya Boyd- Child Care
Cornell University- Ithaca Amy Penick- Civil Engineering Tian Yao- Electrical Engineering Johnson & Wales- New York City Precious Scott- Culinary Arts
NORTH CAROLINA
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill KK Goss- Astronomy Salem College- Winston- Salem Amanda Blount - Criminal Studies Duke University- Durham Matthew Lastrapes- Biomedical Engineering Michael Miller- Economics
TENNESSEE
Belmont University- Nashville Hayden McMordie- Music Business
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia University- Morgantown Nicholas Eades- Sport Marketing
FOREIGNLANDS
NEWFOUNDLAND (CANADA) Memorial University of Newfoundland- St. Johns Michael Newman- Sociology
QUEBEC (CANADA)
McGill University- Montreal Tim Flichy- Mechanical Engineering
Graphics by Victoria Shin
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
MUSE 11
Caitlin Hilton Co-Editor-in-Chief
I have yet to get sentimental about my time left in high school. I’m sure it will hit me sometime soon, but I’m too excited about what is ahead of me to dwell on what I’m leaving behind. Next year I will be attending the University of Houston, a school I didn’t apply to until February and one I hadn’t ever planned on attending. But the world moves in strange ways, and I am positive I have ended up where I am supposed to be. My roommate next year is a friend I have known my entire life, someone who shares the same goals and aspirations as myself. I am ready for my future to begin. “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald
Evolution of Beyonce
Queen B to Mrs. Carter, Beyonce “Knowles” how to Succeed Aldo Martinez
From Destiny’s Child to Mrs. Carter, Beyonce Knowles has become one of the most influential women in the music industry. Houston raised, Knowles first captured the public’s eye in a R&B group known as Destiny’s Child. The group included Kelly Rolland, Michelle Williams, and Beyonce. The group was formerly known as Girl’s Tyme, but due to the departure of former co-workers, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, the group changed its name to Destiny’s Child which then became an world famous, all-girl R&B band. After her time with Destiny’s Child, Beyonce then went on to begin her solo career, and released her first single “Crazy In Love”. In the song, she collaborated with her future husband, Jay-Z. The debut of her album, “Dangerously in Love”, gave her a spot in one of the top billboard songs in
2003. But her career was just at the introduction of a long time line of success. Collaborations with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lady Gaga have earned Beyonce top chart singles that revolve around the theme of independent women. Beyonce is not only a musician, but she has also starred in a few movies. ‘‘Carmen: A Hip-Hop Era’’, was Beyonce’s first film. In the film she plays a seductive aspiring actress, that causes trouble everywhere she goes. Not only does she want to be an actress, but she has a rough past that follows her. She also landed a role in the hit musical film drama “Dreamgirls” and worked together with Steve Martin in “Pink
Panther”. In the upcoming film “Epic” she will be the voice over for Queen Tara . “I Am... Sasha Fierce”, was Beyonce’s third studio album. Released in Novermber of 2008 the album dragged along great song such as “Diva”, “Halo”, “Video Phone”, “Sweet Dreams” and the top chart single “Single Ladies”. The song “Single Ladies” peaked number one on the Billboard Top 100 for weeks and earned Knowles three
of the Year. Beyonce’s third album “4”
Graphic by Victoria Shin
Gramm y ’ s for best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, and Song
came w i t h g re at songs, but also g r e a t
news. Beyonce and Jay-z’s marriage newly established also brought the announcement of their child , Blue Ivy Carter. Along with the great news, judgement on her newly r e leased t r a c k spurred quickly through the media. Although her music seems to fascinate the minds of the younger generations the most, her new release for “The Mrs. Carter World Tour’’ , that kicked off last month, has caused a lot of commotion. Titled “Bow Down(I Been On), Beyonce uses the “B” word in which she refers to other females or men. “Mrs.
Carter World Tour” video was released also a few weeks ago, but in the video she is dressed as a diva queen, that is in synchronized movement and seems to be controlled by the jester. But the video is not the point of focus. What the point of focus is throughout the talk shows, media rooms, and news is the lyrics. Overall the fans will always like her because “Beyonce is Queen B, and her voice is amazing. Who Run the World? Girls and Beyonce,” said sophomore Jasmine Wilson. Through studios and film scenes, Beyonce Knowles has accomplished more than most of the music artist of today. The near future awaits Beyonce with more upcoming great music and more movie roles. Ticket sales for the “Mrs. Carter World Tour” show at Toyota Center are now on sale for Houston. Beyonce will be at the Toyota Center July 13 this summer.
2013
12
SPORTS
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Oracle
Makes History
For The First Time in The History of Stratford, Every Single Sport Has Made An Appearance in Playoffs or Post Season Meets
Boys Soccer Goes Undefeated in Regular Season Play and Makes A Great Run in Playoffs
Girls Basketball Travels to the Third Round of Playoffs
Stratford Football Takes on Reliant Stadium
Back to Back State Champions, Stratford Swimming Brings Back Another Gold
The Spartan Baseball Team Makes it to Round 3 Varsity Tennis Travels to Regionals
Boys Basketball Beats Memorial Shamajue Crockett Jumps in Austin for the State Meet
Girls Lacrosse Makes it to Second Round of Playoffs, First Time in History
Girls Soccer Makes School History Playing in the Regional Finals
Cross Country’s Austin Richards Qualifies for the State Meet
Spartan Football Spring Game Tuesday, May 28 @ 7:00 p.m.
Stratford Field
Christi, Words can’t explain how much I will miss you next year! I don’t know what I will do without you! Hope you continue to have an amazing time at Stratford! I am so blessed to have a sister like you! Love you!
KatieGregory
The Oracle
THE
O
Newspaper Staff Editors-in-Chief Sara Boyle Samantha Hicks Caitlin Hilton News Editors Hannah Bevers Samantha Vargas Samantha Vanston Muse Editors Chandler Callahan Layla Shahosseini Kali Venable Sports Editors Alex Newton Elaine Parizot Elyse Stieber Opinions Editors Michelle Evans Lydia Sweet Esther Jeon Reporters Andres Acosta Dua Mazhar Aldo Martinez Photo Editors Katie Gregory Stephen Martinez Katherine Kennedy Photographers Gil Sanchez Emily Copeland Sarah Sturgis Will Klussmann Maggie Vickers Harper Jones Bonnie Slattery Jordan Comparin
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
OPINIONS 13
Please RACLE Privacy The fine line between personal life and school life
Ads Editor Mary Margaret Weaver Ads Staff Emily Brown Jacob Cribbs Kendall Marbach Jacob Pennington Katherine Mavergeorge Allison Rice Design Staff Claire Galbraith Caroline Suchman Harrison Vaporciyan Ben Fairchild Staff Artists Molly Richter Claire Pena Natalie Yoo Victoria Shin Bronte Ye Online Staff Online Editors Janelle Blackwood Isabel Deakins Samantha Stazo Online Photography Editors Jackie Mask Ariyan Almassi Online Photographers Mark Coffman Michael Martin Claire Pena Rebecca Williamson Online Reporters Jackie Velarde Faith Figueroa
Staff Editorial
As technology continues to consume people’s everyday lives, some are wondering whether students can freely communicate. Others even fear that the line between one’s personal life and one’s school life is gone forever. In recent years student’s social media life has begun to be monitored by school staff and administrations. A teen shouldn’t have to constrict their freedom of expression online because of the fear of what a teacher might think. The school can’t censor all activities done by students outside its’ domain. These websites are where people go to share feelings, opinions, and events with their friends–they have nothing to do with school.
However, staff administrators, principals and teachers are not to blame, because students are using their social media sites to communicate with the school staff, neglecting the fact that their teachers can access the unrelated posts and comments made. It is harder to keep an appropriate bond between teachers and students if they are trying to be friends outside of school. “Any faculty member who checks one’s social media page can get the wrong impression from them posting statuses made under peer pressure,” senior Ricardo Coria said. Though it may seem convenient to use Facebook, Twitter, or any other social site to communicate with a member of the staff, it becomes more difficult to separate the things that are
school appropriate and the things that are not. Punishing students for the comments they make outside of the school’s walls is a gross violation of the separation between school and personal space. It isn’t the staff ’s place to criticize what students do outside of school, as long as it doesn’t affect the productivity of the classroom. However, if a post is inappropriately directed toward the school, then yes, it is the staff ’s duty to step in. High school students should be mature enough to take responsibility for the crude and alarming things they put on social networks, especially if they are hurtful towards not only the people who post them but their friends, family and peers as well. Regardless, if students fail to take responsibility, the teach-
ers and staff have no place to step in, at all. Other issues like cyberbullying, need to be watched and kept in the spotlight at schools in order to protect students from abuse and harm. Teachers and staff can alert students about the dangers of bullying and advise them against such actions. Other than that, it is rather inappropriate to constantly monitor students. It’s apparent that a clear boundary needs to be established between personal and educational matters. Perhaps it would be a good idea to create a guideline of student social media rights in future state legislation. Otherwise, it will be impossible for a professional relationship to be established between students and staff.
This might be the most narcissistic thing ever. Chandler Callahan
Building Principal Christopher Juntti Advisor Janice Cummons
The Oracle is a newspaper published every three weeks by the Journalism Department of Stratford High School, 14555 Fern, Houston, Texas 77079, 713-251-3454. The newspaper is a member of Columbia Scholastic Journalism Association, National Scholastic Journalism Association, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, and Interscholastic League Press Conference. The Oracle is open to any and all contributions submitted by the readers. Any material can be submitted by e-mail to thestratfordoracle@gmail.com, brought in person to Room 120, or placed in Janice Cummons’ mailbox. The editorial board reserves the right to determine whether the submitted material will be published depending on the available space. The submitted material may also be edited to remove libelous or defamatory statements. Any material that is submitted must be typewritten and accompanied with the writer’s full name and grade. The opinions expressed are those of the individual writer 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. They welcome freelance submissions and are eager to hear from their readers regarding story and photo opportunities. The Oracle is also online at spartanoracle.blogspot.com.
Hannah Bevers
Sara Boyle
This was fun
14
OPINIONS
SamanthaHicks
The Oracle
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
NEWTON’S LAST LAW Thank you Stratford America for making Newton’s Law what it is today. Thanks for stopping by and stay classy. “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things, they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” -Steve Jobs
Things Esther Likes: -Doctor Who -kimchi -peace and quiet -sitting down -being passiveaggressive
Here’s to somehow still being friends! (It turns out anything is possible, after all)
Things Bronte Disikes: -Doctor Who -kimchi -peace and quiet -sitting down -being passiveaggressive
You’re Welcome.
Alex Newton
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Oracle
Check out stratfordoracle online and let us know what you would like to see next year. Have a good summer Stratford!
I LOVE ANDRES AND SARA - La-Di-A Sour Mary Margaret Weaver
I honestly never thought I would make it this far. But I have. And that’s what counts. Thank You Stratford for these 4 life changing years and lasting memories. Thank You Mom and Dad, for bringing me in this world. Thank You Mrs. Briggs, Mr. Nakadate, Mr. Marquez, and Ms. Benefield, for being inspiring teachers and being a very resourceful and loving librarian. Thank You Kanza, Mohammad, Angela, Raven, Monica, and Desiree Rabie, Mrs. Lusk, Mrs. Polmeroy, and Ms. Franklin for being a part of my life. - Dua Mazhar
Samantha Vanston “It’s funny how someone who was a stranger last year, can mean so much to you now. It’s terrible that someone who meant so much to you last year, can be a stranger now. It’s amazing what a year can do. “ -Unknown
Samantha Vargas
“Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19
Harrison Vaporciyan
OPINIONS 15
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” -John F. Kennedy
If you ever feel like you’re in over your head, just remember that Justin Bieber is being fined two thousand dollars for illegally tattooing a picture of a cartoon mouse and the word “swaggy” onto a man’s leg and also Jimmy Carter has seriously claimed to be attacked by a swimming rabbit during his (Carter’s) presidency. Anyway, don’t do drugs, stay in school, and join newspaper.
Isabel Deakins Behind these hazel eyes is a tortured soul. I just love Isabel Deakins too much. I don’t know what I will do without her next year...
16
ADS
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Oracle