Oracle October, 2020 Issue

ORACLE

the

Stratford High School • Friday, October 16, 2020 • Vol. 48 • Issue 2

03

Comparing Influenza Virus vs.

Coronavirus 2019

6-7

2020 Presidential Elections

10

Carrie CampbellBishop Farewell Address

Socially Distancing at Tully COVID safeguards dictate that Tully Stadium can only have 850 people on each side. This photo illustration is based on a photo from last year’s pink out game when the home side was able to have 6,000 people on each side. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA DAWSON

@SHSOracle

@StratfordOracle

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The Oracle • October 16, 2020

News in Brief WRITTEN BY LAURA KOERNER

NATIONAL LOCAL STRATFORD

Sept. 12: After 26 years of impacting students’ lives on and off the field, head football coach Oscar Cripps has passed away at 78 years old.

Oct. 1: Band and Color Guard take to the field and bleachers for the first time this football season while enforcing social distancing for a safe and virus-free game. Go Spartans!

Oct. 23: This year’s Homecoming football game is set to finally take place against Spring Woods High School.

Oct. 30: Our Spartans are poised to face districtrivals Memorial High School at Tully Stadium.

Oct. 4: The Houston Texans football team invites fans to attend their games to NGR Stadium.

Oct. 5: The 46th Annual Texas Renaissance Festival begins to allow people into their gates this year. Tickets will be sold virtually.

Oct. 12: Houston celebrates Indigenous People’s Day with the official recognition of the Holiday along in addition to Columbus Day by the Houston City Council.

Oct. 1: President Trump and many of his advisors test postive for the COVID-19 virus.

Oct. 7: Vice President Mike Pence faced off with Democratic challenger Senator Kamala Harris in Utah for the Vice Presidential debate.

Oct. 12: The congressional confirmation hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett is schedule to take place in the Senate.

Oct. 22: The next Presidential Debate was scheduled to take place, but President Trump has since refused to take part in it due to it being hosted virtually.

Red Ribbon Week1 10/26

Monday 10/26 Color War seniorsgreen, juniors white, sophomores gold(yellow, freshmen black Wednesday 10/28 Hawaiian - Lei off drugs Friday 10/30 White out Our future is bright, wear white

A Retro Mum or a New Mum?

news

With Band not making Homecoming Mums this year, students are encouraged to wear a “Retro Mum” from years past to show their school spirit.

WRITTEN BY NATHAN SICILIANO PHOTO COURTESY OF STRATFORD BAND

Further Information Pictured above is a Stratford Band flyer concerning Retro Mums and Homcoming information.

Homecoming is approaching quickly, Oct. 23, in fact. This year, the Band Booster Board made the difficult decision to not make Homcoming Mums. Band typically starts mum making in August, but unsure if we would even have a football season, marching band, a homecoming and or in-person school, Mum Central unfortunately couldn’t happen.

Although mums are their largest fundraising activity, the Stratford Band has found another way to be involved in Homecoming 2020. Asking for the community’s continued support, students are encouraged to wear a “Retro Mum.” These are mums from years past, which can be repurposed to serve the needs of you and your date. In a recent email from our building principal, Mr. Raymorris Barnes, he recommends “The older and funkier, the better.” “Retro Mums” are a cost-effective way to show school spirit while still being involved in the usual homecoming activites.

However, wearing a “Retro Mum” is not mandatory. Students can still purchase a mum from nearby grocery stores, such as Randalls or Kroger. Along with this, there are multiple Stratford Parents who are offering their services. In a recent poll of 30 students, 96.7% said they were going to purchase a new mum. When asked to explain their decision, one student said “I really like getting a mum every year and I want it to be special for my senior year.” What will you be doing? Let us know @shsoracle!

A Message From Student Council

The Class of 2021 Student Council Executive Board lays out the plan for what Homecoming 2020 will look like during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Dear Stratford Students and Family,

As most of you may know, our Homecoming is going to look a little different this year. However, as your Student Council Executive Board, we are looking forward to continuing the traditions the best we can and make Homecoming a positive memory for our students and parents. We have listed a couple key points of about Homecoming below…

1. The Homecoming Football Game will be on October 23rd, we will be playing Spring Woods High School at Tully Stadium.

2. We are encouraging everyone to ask dates, as we normally would.

3. We will also be sending out a comprehensive list of where students can purchase mums and garters. Unfortunately, due to extinuating circumstances and Covid, the band will not be selling them this year.

4. Tickets sales will open online the Wednesday before the game at noon.

5. There will NOT be a Homecoming Dance this year due to social distancing and public health protocols.

6. Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime during the game.

7. Homecoming Court voting will take place the week of the game.

8. Each day of Homecoming Week will have specific dress up theme days.

This year’s COVID-19 Pandemic presents us all with a lot of difficulties. In order for Homecoming to happen, we ask for everyone’s optimism and cooperation, as well as their support in making this year as normal as possible. It will require everyone’s support. We ask all of our community members to please wear your masks properly, continue to socially distance, and help Stratford America continue to be the amazing and tight-knit community that it is. We are extremely optimistic and excited for this year’s Homecoming festivities, and we cannot wait to see Stratford America as it once was, supporting our athletes, band-members, Spartanaires, Cheerleaders, and Color Guard members at this year’s celebration of tradition this fall.

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The Oracle • October 16, 2020

Influenza Virus Vs. Coronavirus 2019

news

As the season of the Common Flu kicks off, healthcare workers will begin to prepare for a predicted onslaught of confusion between Flu infection and COVID-19 infection. WRITTEN BY JACK WEATHERLY

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hile sitting in a quiet classroom taking a on one, currently, there is no vaccine for test, the sound of a loud, labored cough COVID-19. This fact has brought much reverberates throughout the class. The sound comparison to the last major pandemic of a mucus-filled sneeze quickly follows, that went on without a vaccine--the 1918 and rings out among the bustle of a packed Spanish Flu or Influenza pandemic. hallway. A runny nose at lunch sniffles and During the 1918 Influenza pandemic, aches, while walking back up to the third 500 million people, a third of the world’s floor; it soon causes a sense of concern from population at that time, became infected the students surrounding it. The minds of with the Flu. This mass infection caused 50 peers wander: is it COVID-19, or is it Influenza, million deaths around the world, one of the also known as the common flu? greatest mass-losses of life the Human race These symptoms are all the red flags of flu has seen in the Modern Era. season, as it starts to get underway in October Similar to COVID-19, the lack of a vaccine amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. The led to solutions such as quarantining, maskpairing of these two deadly viruses has begun wearing, limitations of public gatherings, to pose a greater problem for our heroic as well as encouragement of good personal Healthcare workers, still in the fight of their hygiene, and the use of disinfectants. lives against the 2019 strand of coronavirus, Today, through the use of social distancing but there are differences, ways to be safe, and guidelines, the wearing of masks, and many a comparison point between the common flu other precautions, the spread of COVID-19 or Influenza, and COVID-19. has been slowed.

In the new reality of COVID-19, there have Though often confused for one another, been many changes to the world, but what is these two global pandemics differ in the difference between COVID-19, the upper a significant way: the age groups most respiratory disease that has been controlling affected. The 1918 Influenza pandemic our lives for the past six months, and the targeted younger people with a surprisingly common flu that 8% of the U.S. population, high amount of deaths for people ages 20 26,176,000 million people, contract each year? to 40--nearly half of the Influenza-related According to the Center for Disease Control and deaths in 1918 fell in this age group. On Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 and Influenza share Since its first mysterious infection in Wuhan, China in late 2019, the other hand, the coronavirus targets common symptoms such as a cough, fever and more vulnerable populations such as the COVID-19 has ravaged countries worldwide, and reached 1 million total chills, fatigue, sore throat, as well as muscle pain deaths on Sept. 29. In contrast, the CDC estimates from last Flu season, elderly, people over 65, who make up 8 out and body aches. First discovered by researchers of 10 COVID-19 deaths reported in the U.S., Oct. 1, 2019- April 4, 2020, show that there were between 39 and 56 at the Harvard Medical School, a determining according to the CDC. million cases of the Flu. symptom that signals COVID-19 is the temporary As flu season begins in this pandemicloss of smell, a symptom that the virus does not hold in common with the struck year of 2020, and the sounds of coughs and sneezes increase side-by-side common Flu. Though not all people with COVID-19 get this symptom, this is with the fear of infection, be cautious of the similarities--a cough, fever and chills proven by analysis of electronic health records which indicate that patients and simple body aches, and the differences between the two, the presence of loss with COVID-19 are 27 times more likely to lose their sense of smell than patients of smell and taste in COVID-19 patients. According to infectious disease expert, without COVID-19.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, “there will be an end to this, and we will be able to get back to The CDC recommends anyone over the age of six months get the flu vaccine normal.” Until then, as American all we can do is remember to hope for the best, near the end of October and during the 2018-2019 Flu season 49.2% of people but prepare for the worst, and always wear your mask. in the U.S. got the flu vaccine in the U.S. even though the vaccine doesn’t work 100% of the time. Although countries around the world are working tirelessly

Flu vs. COVID-19

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life

The Oracle • October 16, 2020

A First-Hand Account of the California Wildfires

Junior Meredith Hudson tells her story about the horrors of the destruction in California regarding the lethal wildfires, forcing many people out of their homes.

WRITTEN BY MONICA DERU “Our clothes smelled like smoke, everything smelled like smoke,” junior Meredith Hudson said, “It was just sickening, the strong kind of smoke that makes you want to throw up.”

At three in the morning after fleeing their home in the California Napa Valley, the Hudson family waited anxiously for news about their neighborhood in a hotel. The California wildfires were raging through their community; and sitting with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, the family had no idea if they would have a house to go home to.

When the electricity went out in their Napa Valley home at 9 pm in October 2017, the Hudson family did not know what was going to happen next. In Napa, families open their windows at night to let in the cool evening air, but as the night waned, their house filled with thick smoke.

“We heard from our neighbors that a power line had fallen down about a mile away and started a fire. We had never been through wildfires, but we decided to leave because of all the smoke,” Mrs. Brenda Hudson said.

Standing in their front yard, a small fire had spread into their neighbor’s yard and was approaching her house. While her husband ran to help wake up their neighbors, Brenda Hudson called 911.

“I called 911 and said there’s a fire, and they said that we were on our own. A mandatory evacuation was all they could do right now,” Brenda Hudson said.

There was only one way in and out of the Napa Valley. In the early hours of the morning, the Hudson family drove through winds so strong that they had to slow down so that their car would not be blown over. On a drive to a nearby town that would usually only take 30 minutes, their trip stretched into two

hours. doing okay but the air quality is horrible,” he said “The wind was so strong that the fire was blowing to his niece, freshman Melanie Ponce. “We get a sideways,” Brenda Hudson said. “It was treacherous lot of ash and the smoke is killing my asthma. You to cross because of all the winds, smoke, and the fire can’t even tell if the sky is blue, that is how thick the we had to drive through.” smoke is,” he said.

Once they had reached For Meredith Hudson, many safety, after her children of her friends still live in had fallen asleep, the California and have watched smell of smoke clinging the fire destroy their schools, to their clothes in a and even trap the elderly in strange hotel room, their own houses with no Brenda Hudson sat in the chance to escape. “Old people bathtub and called her died in their homes and they mother. had to watch the fire come for “I knew that things were them, with nothing to do,” she just things and they said. could be replaced. I The tragic events happening had the most important in California have created things with me, my destruction, and also shown family, but it was a very the great compassion people helpless feeling. You just are capable of. don’t know where to From strangers helping start,” she said. the Hudson family shop for For so many families, the Forests Ablaze in California necessities when they arrived California wildfires had without anything, to receiving This is one of the many example of 2.5 million acres destroyed homes, jobs, and a VIP tour of a local aquarium, of land that was destroyed during this years’ blaze. taken lives. and their college friends Junior Meredith Hudson recounts her experiences “There were so many opening up their home to with the dangerous fires that destroyed her home people who jumped into them while they waited for state. their swimming pools, the clear to go back to Napa, nothing but their mouths the generosity of people and noses out of the water to escape the fires as they shines a light on the true kindness and sense of engulfed their homes,” said Brenda Hudson. community in mankind.

Californian Herbe Ponce lived close to one of the “It was the most kindness I had ever experienced in fires happening in California this September. “We’re California,” Meredith Hudson said.

The Value of Your Vote Senior Sara Montoya on the importance of casting your vote in this year’s Presidential and Congressional Elections. WRITTEN BY SARA MONTOYA

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his year, we’ve seen the way politics has dramatically changed the United States in the past seven months, ranging from the outcomes of social justice movements to the degree in which the pandemic has impacted communities around us.

Within the next 3 weeks, the decisions made by voters all across the country will affect every citizen no matter the outcome. There has been a significant increase in the number of registrations due to much campaigning from various celebrities and high-profile companies on TV advertisements.

There has also been advocacy for equal access to voting, and encouragement for education on the history of the battle for suffrage of many minority communities. In order to make sure that your voice is heard-not only in the general election--but in district and state elections, it is imperative to stay educated on policies that are important to you. At the same time, it is equally as important to learn about general legislation that politicians are in favor of or against. Choosing not to vote would be like ripping up your once-in-a-lifetime train ticket to a better place. Although it will always

be your choice, voting is your right as an American citizen and it would be irresponsible to not use that privilege.

The essence of our government is to have all citizens participate to some degree. Every election has an impact on the manner in which the money you contribute to the economy is used, regardless of your age or whether you work or not.

You can help the representatives you support by phone banking, canvassing, putting up fliers, volunteering for their campaign, or simply sharing their campaign information on social media.

Even if you are unable to do any of these things, there are still more opportunities such as writing or reaching out to public officials or nonpartisan participation like poll workers.

Every vote counts, and if just one voter per voting location changed their decision or didn’t show up, the results from any given election in any given year could have been completely different.

Regardless of your stance, voting is not only your opportunity to vocalize your priorities, but to advocate for those who don’t have the opportunity or privilege to do so.

life

The Oracle • October 16, 2020

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WRITTEN BY GRACE HARE PHOTOS BY MELANIE PONCE

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Protecting your health and raising awareness about the bravery of breast cancer survivors is a priority.

As men, women, and children gather to run the During her treatment, Mrs. Prudhomme underwent annual Susan G. Komen 5k, the crowds of runners several different treatments before deciding to do gather to empower and a mastectomy. celebrate the countless The eleven-hour survivors and victims of surgery was breast cancer. Sporting physically and pink clothes, pins, and emotionally even dyed hair, the Susan exhausting, G. Komen pink breast and the team of cancer awareness ribbon surgeons did the became a symbol of reconstruction hope when the founder and mastectomy Nancy G. Brinker made at the same time. a promise to her dying “The recovery sister Susan G. Komen, to was a lot more do what she could to find than I thought it a cure. would be,” said Now, throughout the Mrs. Prudhomme, month of October, “I hurt a lot more. countless groups make Nothing tasted an effort to recognize good, and I was the survivors of breast tired a lot of the Pink for Awareness cancer. As the second time.”

A group of girls stand together wearing the color pink. During most common cancer in the month of October, countless organizations make an effort to Throughout the American women, the painful transitions recognize breast cancer awareness. month of October has and changes that developed into a time for she endured, Mrs. people to reflect and celebrate their health, and Prudhomme was surrounded by a supportive system also become aware of how to better prevent and of people who helped remind her that she was not advocate for a cure to breast cancer. alone.

In 2017, Cece Prudhomme, director of the Stratford “There were a lot of people in the Playhouse who playhouse, went in for a mammogram and received had been diagnosed with breast cancer around the news that something did not look right. After an same time as me. They called me and came to talk to ultrasound biopsy, she found out that she had been me like it was its own little sorority. Everyone takes diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer. care of everyone. There was lots of support and “I called my husband when he was on his way people that I could talk to,” she said. home from work. I was a little in shock. I remember Overall, Mrs. Prudhomme believes that prevention thinking to myself, ‘I’m only 47 years old,’” said Mrs. and early recognition of breast cancer can make Prudhomme. a difference and that it is our responsibility to

prioritize our health. By taking initiative to make sure to have regular checkups and follow up on any abnormalities; we can all become more healthconscious.

“Start getting mammograms early. Even if you’re not feeling good, don’t shrug it off,” said Mrs. Prudhomme. By finding out the signs of her breast cancer early, she was able to take the proper precautions. Potentially, that one mammogram might have saved her life.

For Mrs. Prudhomme, the adversity she faced during her fight against breast cancer made her stronger. She is grateful that during the time of advanced medicine and science, there were many more options for her as she endured the changes happening to her physically, as well as psychologically. “ I don’t think the stigma is how it used to be surrounding breast cancer,” Mrs. Prudhomme said.

“It used to be a big challenge for women to come to a point where it was acceptable for them to have had a mastectomy. We have come so far, that now women and victims of breast cancer know that the breast does not define you.”

In the world we live in today, protecting your health is an utmost priority. From wearing masks, to washing your hands regularly, going to regular doctor’s appointments to protect your body is no different.

Mrs. Prudhomme’s fight against breast cancer became a reminder to her; that life is short, and that we should fill our little moments of life with joy.

“I remember one day realizing that I might not be there to see my kids graduate or get married. That all of it could just end. It was a sense of a wake-up call- that you can’t take life for granted. You have to live each day to the fullest,” she said.

Houston Fun During COVID

Fun events and things to do in Houston during a global pandemic During these times, it’s hard to find something to do that’s safe in Houston. Almost everything people did for fun before Coronavirus seems to be a no-zone.

Even though some places are being opened now, it’s still a bit scary. But people have found ways to enjoy life in public again while staying safe from the virus.

The Museum District in Houston is filled with so much creativity...specifically the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH). By requiring masks at all times, enforcing social distancing, and having sanitizers stationed everywhere, MFAH is dedicated to keeping visitors safe. You can enjoy endless amounts of art for an entire day without worrying. Just remember

WRITTEN BY VERONICA DASLIVA

“Through an African Lens”, and outdoors again.

“Rienzi European Art”. Head over Furthermore, movies have to their website to see all discounts always been a great way to and upcoming events they have! spend time with loved ones, Admission is free every single and many were saddened Thursday for everyone, so keep when movie theaters closed that in mind. If you want to explore for months. Some are still MFAH’s glory without leaving your uncertain about going back, house, their website also has virtual but luckily there is a ‘retro’ galleries and experiences to check solution: Drive-in movie out. theaters! In Houston, there An outdoor option to enjoy safely are quite a few, but they all Memorial Park Views is Memorial Park! Full of greenery, encompass the same things.

Memorial Park is beautiful place to hang long trails, and open space, out with your family or friends while At drive-ins you get to enjoy a National Mueseum of it’s the perfect place to stay making the effort to stay healthy while great movie just like regular outside. safe while spending time cinemas, except in the Science comfort of your own car. It’s This picture of the National in the fresh air. Social Museum of science is distancing is enforced, and while masks completely safe, plus masks are required to be worn one place where people aren’t required, the space is more than big anytime you need to step out of your car with social can visit exhibitions with enough to ensure you don’t get too close distancing imposed. many social distancing to anyone. The water fountains there are Most people go prepared to never leave their cars. and Covid-19 safety also extremely limited, so make sure you One of the most popular drive-in spots in Houston implementations. Caption Here Aquiaectae aut hit bring your own refreshments. is “The Drive-In at Sawyer Yards”. They have a liquam at earcit laces Memorial Park has seven trails that are calendar up on their website where they post the to follow safety guidelines at all times. many miles long. You can bike, walk, movie showings for every month. Check it out, stay People aren’t allowed to touch anything in museums jog, bring your dog, or bring a blanket for a picnic safe, and don’t let yourself get bored. There’s always anyways, so it’s even safer! somewhere in the endless grass! Quarantining due something to do out there!

MFAH has tons of exhibitions such as “Glory of to COVID-19 forced people to stay at home everyday, Spain,” “Italian Design,” “Art of Islamic Lands,” so a trip to the park is a great way to appreciate the

6 in•depth

The Oracle • October 16, 2020

the 2020 Preside

Donald J.

T RU M P E A R LY L I F E

Donald John Trump was born to wealthy real estate developer Fred Trump in 1946 in Queens, New York. At the age of thirteen, young Trump was sent to the New York Military Academy by his parents, in the hope that the school would tame his energetic ways.

Trump did quite well at the Academy, growing to be a star athlete and student leader before his graduation in 1964.

After his stint at the Academy, Trump went on to attend Fordham University in the Bronx district of New York City.

Later he transferred to the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania.

During his years in college at Pennsylvania, Trump worked at his father’s real estate business in order to gain experience in the field he knew he would pursue: business.

After graduation, the young Trump went into his father’s business of real estate development, although he would prove to be much more ambitious in his goals than his father. His business ventures included the Trump Organization, Trump Tower, multiple casinos in Atlantic City, and the television franchises of Miss Universe and The Apprentice. He also owns multiple golf courses in Florida, which are speculated to produce the majority of his income.

Despite the speculation, there is still much mystery surrounding President Trump’s assets and wealth, as he has not publicly released his tax returns. However, he claims to have a yearly income in the range of 434 million dollars per year. In May of 2019, the New York Times reported that his businesses lost about 1 billion dollars over the course of ten years. President Trump has vehemently denied the Times’ report, calling it “a highly inaccurate Fake News hit job!” through his Twitter.

Trump began his political career in June of 2015, when he announced his bid for President. At the beginning of his bid for the Republican nomination, it seemed that not many of his opponents did not take him as seriously as the other

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• • •

candidates with more practical experience in United States politics.

As the campaign progressed, Trump became a frontrunner, eventually beating prominent politicians such as Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush. Although many polls showed Hillary Clinton defeating the notable businessman in November, Trump ended up winning 306 electoral votes to Clinton’s 232.

During his presidency, Trump has faced many controversies, including impeachment, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various allegations of sexual assault. Still the President has been able to hang on to his strong base of conservativeevangelical christians that make up most of the voter base.

This year, polls resemble what they were this time in 2016, bar a few differences in the polling average of key states such as Arizona and North Carolina. Still, the results of the election are far from set. nationwide, it’s safe to say that this race is far from over and anything can happen.

C A M PA I G N S T R AT E G Y

Prior to the pandemic, Donald Trump campaign strategy mostly consisted of marketing to his main base of Christian-Evangelical voters with lots of rhetoric about his work on the economy and running America as one of his businesses. Since the start of Gain considerable ground in Battleground the pandemic, that has mostly changed. He has gone from downplaying the dangers of the pandemic to now taking the States in the Midwest such as Wisconsin, consequences of its effect much more seriously, taking into Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio. account the large negative impact the disease has had on the economy, one of his primary talking-points.

Limit controversies that polarize Moderate It is safe to say the the handling of the pandemic has been voters away from choosing his side, such one of President Trump’s greatest faults in the eyes of the American people. This fact, howerver, was not reinforced as failing to decisively condemn White by the first Presidential debate between former Vice Supremacists and White Nationalist Domestic President and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, where topics tended to swing more in the direction of personal insults Terror Organizations. and false claims rather than citicisms on policy, regarding Place more emphasis on difference in policy both men. has also been polling much lower than expected and ideology rather than fueling conspiracy inTrump notably Republican battheground states including North theories and misleading “alternative truths.” Carolina, Florida, and Arizona. The loss of these states would almost certainly lose President Trump the election, Bring more attention to the positive impacts despite efforts to discredit it through attacks on Mail-inBallots. of the Administration that would appeal to The President has also very notably lost support from conservative moderates and independents many moderate voters, a very important group of voters for his reelection. Polls point to his divisive language on the Gain back ground with significant voting handing of the March Black Lives Matter protests and his groups such as white, suburban and senior failure to unequivocally condemn white supremacy during the Sept. 29 debate. voters.

MUST DO TO WIN

ORAC

the

PREDIC

Since the beginning of election season in 2019, the American people have been put through the wringer. It appears that every day we are hit with another natural disaster or controversy on the nightly news, another time to shake our heads and question what the world has come to. Despite what seemed like the end of life as we knew it, we are still faced with a difficult decision to make this November, a decision no Pandemic, Wildfire, or Hurricane could’ve stopped, in spite of any efforts.

This decision is one that cannot be avoided through any measure, no matter how the options may appear. As the moment of truth approaches us, divisiveness continues to loom over Americans

ential Election

in•depth 7

The Oracle • October 16, 2020

Joseph R.

BI DE N E A R LY L I F E C A M P A I G N S T R A T E G Y

ACLE

staff

CTION

like a dark storm cloud threatening a clear day. Like yet another hurricane, this division between people is one that cannot be taken lightly.

It is one that can only be helped by one thing: voting. As Americans, one of our greatest luxuries is our power of Suffrage: a power that has not always been granted to every one of us. We must use this power to head back in a direction of prosperity and unity rather than division and destruction.

As outcome predictions shift every day from candidate to candidate, it seems that only one thing may be guaranteed: someone will win this election, and the American people will lose it.

Joseph R. Biden Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1942 to parents Joseph Biden Sr. and Catherine Eugenia Finnegan. During his upbringing, Biden grew accustomed to a blue-collar and middle-class atmosphere, attending school in Mayfield, Delaware, before he was accepted to the prestigious Archmere Academy, where he had to work to afford the costly tuition by washing windows and weeding the gardens. During his youth, Biden also struggled with a speech impediment.

Biden then attended the University of Delaware where he studied Political Science and History and played football.

After graduating in 1965, Biden went on to attend Syracuse University’s Law School where he was admittedly a “mediocre student.” The future-vice president found more success after graduating, where he practiced law and became an active member of the Democratic Party.

In 1972, Biden was encouraged to challenge Incumbent J. Caleb Boggs for a seat in the United States Senate. The young politician won an upset victory against the popular Republican and became the fifth-youngest senator to be elected in the nation’s history.

Later that year, Biden’s wife Neilia Hunter, and daughter were killed in a tragic car accident; his sons Joseph II and Beau were both injured severely. Biden took his oath of office to the United States Senate in his sons’ hospital room.

Biden served in the Senate from 1973 to 2009, during which he won much respect for his expertise on foreign policy. In addition to foreign policy, Biden was an outspoken advocate of tougher crime laws. In 1994, he sponsored the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act which added 100,000 police officers and increased sentences for many crimes.

In 2007, Biden decided to run for the Presidency against prominent Democratic Party members Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Later, Biden dropped out of the race after failing to perform well in the crucial Iowa Caucuses.

Fortunately, Biden was selected to run along-side of his previous rival, Barack Obama as Vice President.

During his Vice Presidency, Biden served as a behind-thescenes adviser to the President, taking particularly active roles in forming with Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as helping to construct a successfully bipartisan tax bill.

Even after the heartbreaking loss of his first-wife and daughter, Biden lost his son Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015. Soon after his loss, Biden announced he would not seek the 2016 presidential nomination for the Democratic Party.

Since leaving the office of the Vice Presidency, Biden has been outspoken about the faults of his political rival, President Donald Trump.

The road to the nomination has been anything but smooth for Biden, who was faced with defeating a large group of popular and prominent members of the Democratic Party, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.

Throughout this tumultuous election season, the former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign has made a point to capitalize on the many agreed shortcomings of Donald Trump’s administration, more specifically the COVID-19 Pandemic and the catastrophic economic repercussions that have come as a result of its handling. Biden has made a point to market more to suburban, moderate voters in battleground states like Ohio and Wisconsin by discussing key issues like Healthcare, Climate Change, and the Economy.

According to the reputable polling website FiveThirtyEight, Biden has taken a lead in battleground states such as Wisconsin and Arizona, two states that went Republican in the 2016 Election. Still, many states are labeled by pollsters as “toss-ups,” showing too slim of a margin between candidates to warrant a prediction, including Iowa, Florida, Georgia and Ohio.

Since the first Presidential Debate, polls show that many moderate voters who tend to lean Republican have acknowledged President Trump’s shortcomings in his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in the scope of the substantial drop in the economy, and pledged their support to Biden.

Although polls are currently showing Biden leading nationwide, it’s safe to say that this race is far from over and anything can happen.

MUST DO TO WIN

• Hang on to battleground states leaning Democrat: Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

• Continue to appeal towards Moderate voters in suburban areas, but also hang on to the very progressive votes of Millenials who see Biden as tooconservative or not-liberal-enough • Focus on “taking the high road,” and focusing on policy while the President lays down personal attacks • Target the President’s shortcomings during the Pandemic, especially its negative impact on many important voter groups.

• Continue to preform well with senior citizens, Hispanics, Black/African Americans, and working-class voters that Trump won in 2016.

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The Oracle • October 16, 2020

Houston Sports Update

WRITTEN BY JACKSON ALLRED PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

A quick glance at where Houston’s professional teams stand in their respective leagues.

Houston Dash

Several months prior to their 2019 season, the Houston Dash cut ties with head coach Vera Pauw after only one season with the team. Three months later, in December 2018, the Dash hired James Clarkson to be the club’s third manager. Clarkson, who previously worked with the Houston Dynamo Academy for more than a decade, led the club’s 2019 campaign to a 7th place ranking in the 9-team league. For the sixth time in the franchise’s sixyear existence, the Dash failed to make the playoffs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

In an effort to change up the roster, on January 6th, 2020, the Dash announced that the club had traded Kealia Watt to the Chicago Red Stars. Watt, who had been in Houston since the club’s inaugural season, was the second overall pick in the 2014 NWSL Draft and currently holds the club record with 28 goals. The three-time team captain made 114 appearances and started 108 times during her time with the Houston Dash.

As the first professional sports league in the U.S. to resume play during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NWSL hosted a one-month long Challenge Cup in July 2020.

Despite finishing fourth in the tournament after the preliminary round, the Dash shut out each of their three opponents on their way to becoming Challenge Cup champions.

Clutch City The Houston Dash celebrate the organizations’ first championship after defeating the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 in the Champions Cup final. Dash forward Rachel Daly was deemed the tournament’s MVP following her three-goal and two-assist performance.

Houston Rockets

The second season of the Chris Paul/James Harden era in Houston came to a close when the Rockets lost at the hands of the Golden State Warriors for the fourth time in the previous five years. Two months later, in July 2019, Houston made their mark in an eventful 2019 offseason when they traded Paul and draft compensation for Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook.

Even so, the story of the Rockets’ 2019-20 season wasn’t the pairing of two former MVPs in Westbrook and Harden, but rather a historical trade that Houston pulled off in early February.

In an attempt to free up the paint for Westbrook’s offensive drives and to add a capable 3-point shooting wing player, the Rockets traded starting center Clint Capela for Robert Covington as a part of a four-team, 12-player deal. In their first game following the trade, the Rockets became the first NBA team to play an entire game without a player taller than 6’6” since January 1963.

The Houston Rockets continued this unorthodox style of play within the NBA’s bubble in Florida, where the Rockets lost in the second round to the eventual champions: the Los Angeles Lakers. In the forseeable future, the Rockets’ front office will have a busy offseason as they search for a replacement of head coach Mike D’Antoni.

Houston Astros

After losing pitchers Gerrit Cole, Wade Miley, Will Harris, and outfielder Jake Marisnick early in the offseason, the Houston Astros’ 2020 season was already marked with uncertainty.

After Justin Verlander led the Astros to their 8th straight opening day victory on July 24th, it was announced that the 37-year old pitcher had suffered a right forearm sprain.Verlander’s injury was a substantial hit to an already depleted Astros’ bullpen. Along with the addition of Verlander to the injured list, Brad Peacock, Chris Devenski, and former All-Star pitchers Roberto Osuna and Ryan Pressly have had their seasons plagued with injuries as well. In addition to the bullpen having a down year, the team’s batting average dropped from 1st in the AL during the 2019 season to 10th this year.

Despite finishing the regular season with a 29-31 record, the Astros managed to squeeze into the 2020 MLB Playoffs as a 6th seed in the AL. The Astros then swept the Minnesota Twins and defeated the Oakland Athletics in four games to advance to the American League Championship Series for the fourth straight year.

Houston Dynamo

The Houston Dynamo’s 2019 season came to a conclusion by missing the MLS Playoffs for the fifth time in six years.

Despite winning the 2018 US Open Cup and getting off to a 6-1-1 start early in the 2019 season, the team’s success slowly withered away. During a disappointing 14 game stretch in the summer of 2019, the Dynamo managed to only win two games and dropped to ninth place in the Western Conference.

The club parted ways with Wílmer Cabrera after three seasons with the organization and hired Tab Ramos to become the club’s next head coach. The club also made personnel changes, trading for two veteran players in Darwin Quintero and Marko Maric. However, despite these adjustments, the Dynamo displayed more of the same during their 2020 campaign.

In their grand return to competition in the MLS is Back Tournament in July 2020, the Dynamo were eliminated from the tournament after only playing three games.

The team was able to muster a 3-game winning streak in late August against winning clubs, but once again leveled out with a few bad defeats, including a 4-0 loss to the Chicago Fire. After wrapping up their last six games of the season with a 0-3-3 record, the Houston Dynamo ultimately finished their 2020 season in tenth place in the Western Conference.

Houston Texans

In recent years, the Houston Texans have appeared to turn the corner of mediocrity thanks to two-time ProBowl quarterback Deshaun Watson. Since being drafted by the Texans with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 National Football League (NFL) Draft, Watson and the Texans have finished 1stplace in their division twice and appeared in three postseason games.

Despite the Texans’ successesful 10-6 record, their 2019 season came to a screeching halt after their 24-0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the playoffs quickly disappeared. The Chiefs ended the game on 51-7 run, blowing past the Texans 51-31 in dramatic fashion.

Shock within the Houston fan base was further exacerbated two months later when the Texans traded wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for the Arizona Cardinals’ running back David Johnson. Hopkins, who ranked fourth in the league in receptions last season, was the go-to receiver for Watson during the previous three seasons, recording 31 receiving touchdowns over that span.

After the Texans dropped their first four games of the 2020 season, head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien, was fired from the organization.The Texans take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, October 25th.

sports One-on-One with Coach Nixon

Getting to know Stratford’s new boy’s basketball head c0ach WRITTEN BY JACK WEATHERLY PHOTO BY MIRCEA TATULESCU

A new boy’s basketball coach is among the many new changes that Stratford will undergo this upcoming year, as Brett Nixon became Stratford’s new boy’s basketball coach over the summer.

Nixon’s coaching stops before arriving at Stratford have been very successful.

He began his coaching career at his high school alma mater, Fort Bend Travis High School, as an assistant coach.

“During the 5 years that we went to the regional tournament four times, state championship twice, and won state in 2013,” Nixon said.

After his successes at Fort Bend Travis, he went on to coach at Memorial High School.

After moving on from Memorial, Nixon became head coach at Fulshear High School, and built a successful program from their inaugural season of 2016-17 to 2019-20, finishing second in district for the last two seasons.

Like all other sports at Stratford, the basketball program will have many obstacles this upcoming season. “We really want to be able to play, but know we just have to be patient and trust that our district will make the best decision in regards to the coaches’ and player’s safety and health,” Nixon said.

Despite the many distractions, Nixon is staying focused on the season. “I think the biggest thing is not getting distracted from our purpose as educators and coaches,” Nixon said. “We coach and teach so that our students can develop the habits and character that are required to become successful people. No matter what this year looks like we are going to be driven by that idea.”

The basketball program will be exciting to watch this upcoming season. “Our teams are going to play hard, play smart, and play together. We are going to have a fun system that people will enjoy playing in and watching,” Nixon said. “Our focus will be on us just getting better every day by doing the little things we need to do to be successful. I am really excited for this year!”

sports

The Oracle • October 16, 2020

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Strong Start for Tennis

16th ranked tennis team looks to reach deep into the playoffs WRITTEN BY REED HOWELL PHOTOS BY MIRCEA TATULESCU

Fain. Throughout the week they adjust The Stratford Tennis team is off to a and practice their lineups to make sure very strong 6-1 start this team season. they are prepared.

This year they “I am excited about had a goal to our chances of a deep crack the top 20 run into the playoffs. state rankings, We have the strongest and when the tennis team in 7 years.” first rankings Of course it hasn’t been came out they normal with the new were #16.

COVID-19 restrictions.

Coach Fain’s “Our season was goal for the team pushed back a month. “is to maintain We usually have all of our ranking and August for preseason possibly move matches, but this year into the top 15.” we had to go straight Each match has into district matches.” more detailed Along with the delay, preparation players have to follow than you would rules; such as wearing expect. their mask when not “We scout our Acing the Competition playing and bringing opponents and Junior Haru Kimura returns a serve their own water. Despite come up with a against Lamar High School on October this the team has been lineup that we 9, leading to a dominant victory. able to practice and are think is best for ready to take this season as far as they winning the most matches.” said Coach can.

9

Senior Marjani Stanfill leads the volleyball team WRITTEN BY REED HOWELL into her final season.

This year Senior Marjani Stanfill and improvement is required to make leads the volleyball it to the college team with hopes of level. She credits making it further than her teammates with she has gone before. helping her get to This is her third year where she is today. on varsity, but after “They have pushed missing the playoffs me to be better on the last year she looks to court and helped me lead the team into the become the athlete later rounds of the that I am.” The playoffs. teamwork they have “I expect us to break is very important to new records and go her, and it’s the most further than playoffs, exciting part of the we are hard working, season. determined, and “I’m most excited overly athletic girls,” for us to be able to be Stanfill said. Last year on the court and play the team fell short, and together.” now as an experienced This year she hopes to senior she takes a lead her team further leadership role on the than they’ve gone Leaping For Success before, and she believes team.

Senior Marjani Stanfill leaps up they can do it because of Stanfill plans on continuing her volleyball alongside her teammate to block how well they are able to the ball as it goes over the net work together as a team. career at West Texas A&M. A lot of hard work against Cy Fair.

The Life and Legacy of Oscar Cripps

Stratford’s first football coach, Oscar Cripps, died at 87, but his career was nothing short of legendary WRITTEN BY JACK WEATHERLY PHOTO COURTESY OF STRATFORD ATHLETICS The only SBISD coach to win the football state championship, Stratford’s first ever varsity football coach, Oscar Cripps, passed away at the age of 78 due to complications of pneumonia. Cripps led the Spartans to the state championship in 1978, just the fourth year of Stratford’s existence, and to the state final in 1987 with many other playoff runs and memories throughout his illustrious Stratford career that spanned from 1974-1999.

Led by Craig James, a running back who led the team and state in rushing with 2,411 yards, the Spartans went 15-0 in the 1978 season. Stratford mastered the wishbone offense under Coach Cripps.

On the way to the state title, Stratford beat the past 3 state champions to win the 1978 state championship under the bright lights of the Astrodome. This feat, defeating the prior three state champions, has only been accomplished two other times in state history.

Despite Cripps’ impressive resume that, along with 2 state final appearances, and the 1978 state championship, includes 156 career wins, 7 district championships, and 8 playoff appearances, his legacy has lasted in the years after his retirement from Stratford for his actions off the gridiron.

Cripps impacted many players, during his tenure showing his great character, love for all and competitive spirit.

“My greatest memory of Coach was his love for all kids. It didn’t matter if you played football or were in the band. He loved all kids and took time to acknowledge everyone he met,” current football coach Matt Ache said. Ache played for Cripps from 1997-1999 at defensive tackle and fullback. “Coach Cripps gave me my first book about the X’s and O’s of football. Ever since that day I wanted to be a coach. Coach impacted the way I teach and coach.

I try to always put the kids first and find something positive in everything they do. Coach is by far the best person I have ever met, and I would not be the person I am today without him in my life,” Ache

said.

“He was a very strong man in his faith; he was very committed to God which spilled over into his

Thank God It’s Today

Coach Cripps was known for his many positive sayings. His most well-known reminded students and players to be thankful and optimistic for the day that God gave them, “Thank God It’s Today,” better known as TGIT. coaching. He treated every single person as equal, it didn’t matter if you were third string or first string,” said Brian Payne, starting quarterback on the 1987 Stratford state final team.

“As a coach he taught and instilled values in his players like integrity, and being respectful to other people. For Coach it wasn’t as much about winning, but getting better every day and doing your best. If you work hard, respect others, and take care of your teammates, the wins will come,” Payne added.

Not only touching former players’ lives even today, Cripps was well-known and liked among teachers, and always showed a great enthusiasm for life and a

competitive drive to get a job done.

“To Oscar if you were in extracurriculars, you were a coach,” newspaper sponsor Janice Cummons said.

“Being in charge of the yearbook and newspaper, to him I was Coach Cummons.”

“He was a motivator, very positive, and such an important figure in the school. I asked him to come and talk to the marching band each year, a couple of weeks before marching contest. It was always a wonderful, football coach type pep talk, like you see in a good movie, very compelling,” said former band director Rick Yancey, who was at Stratford with Cripps for 6 years.

“During final exams at the end of the year, the band directors and coaches had to quickly move and relocate a huge number of textbooks. Oscar dove into this with vigor and with a physical pace that was challenging to keep up with, even though all of us were younger than he was. The textbooks were an opponent to be conquered. This actually became fun, and I saw his remarkable leadership and work ethic in action,” Yancey said.

As evident by the testaments of a few of the many lives Oscar Cripps touched, Cripps was a brilliant man who former players have tried to emulate and former teachers have remembered in the 20 years since his retirement from Stratford.

This goes to show that this legendary football coach has had a legacy that spreads far beyond the confines of Tully stadium, and spreads throughout the entire district. His sons, Keith and Craig, are now the head football coach at Spring Woods and defensive coordinator at Memorial, respectively, and Cripps’ assistant coach, Gary Koch, has now been the head coach at Memorial High School for 27 years.

Coach Cripps was a man who will long be remembered for his competitiveness to beat players in games of ping pong and horse, and his love and passion for God, his family, players, fellow faculty, and, of course, football.

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perspectives

The Oracle • October 16, 2020

The Best Spooky Reads for the Fall Season Stories to read that will send a shiver down your spine!

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Written by Alvin Schwartz Written as a collection of short horror stories for children. “It’s great for people who don’t like jump scares, and prefer predictable but still takes you by surprise. These scary stories are great to share with friends!” junior Kelsey Blackwood said.

“It’s a little cheesy,” Mrs. Fuller adds, “but classic scary stories. I read these with my junior high classes with the lights off and we always got creeped out a little!”

Time for Andrew

Written by Mary Downing Hahn

In this ominous tale about a haunted house, this young adult novel delves into the creepiness that we crave the most during the Halloween season- a story about strange spirits and ghosts.

Following Drew, a twelve-year-old boy who moves into his peculiar aunt’s house; the reader experiences what it is like when a strange guest who appears in his bedroom.

A perfect easy read that will still manage to make you squirm, librarian Mrs. Fuller describes this book as her “first experience with something paranormal.”

For a fan of books that explore the strange, this one is for you!

“Everyone has that relative with a spooky house,” Mrs. Fuller adds.

Written by Grace Hare Photos by Melanie Ponce

Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite Written by Zoraida Cordova & Natalie C. Parker These young adult fiction stories are full of thrilling twists and turns!

These short stories are perfect for sharing with friends, or reading throughout the month of October as a read you can “sink your teeth into “In this delicious new collection, you’ll find stories about lurking vampires of social media, rebellious vampires hungry for more than just blood, eager vampires coming out—and going out for their first kill—and other bold, breathtaking, dangerous, dreamy, eerie, iconic, powerful creatures of the night,” said the Bluewillow review.

Spooky

Halloween puzzles

Find the solutions to these Spooky Puzzles on shsoracle.org

A Letter to the Editor

WRITTEN BY LAMIS SAWAF

Student motivates their peers to do their Civic Duty, and get out to the Polls.

DEAR FELLOW STRATFORD As a student who also sees the world changing us, I want to take action. I know that HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, around being young can leave you feeling powerless

but we don’t have to sit back and observe.

Although I wish that I could vote, I know that the next best thing is encouraging people around us to take advantage of that privilege and cast a ballot. There are plenty of people who are 18 or will be by Nov. 3 that have yet to register to vote, because it seems like such a daunting task.

I’m here to tell you that it can be easy and straightforward. Those of us who cannot voe don’t need to sit back and sulk. There are two big ways we can get involved.

Though I am 16, I am still seen as a child, in the eyes of the law. Still, I have been able to start a voter drive to make the registration process easier than ever for Seniors-- and we can all help! I will be hosting these drives every two weeks at or near the campus, and I encourage everyone to come.

I am founding a club to make this all run smoothly and get the gears turning and anyone can join. Even though it is no big commitment on the part of the student, I understand not everyone wants to do this. If you are looking for a different way to make a change, I encourage you to apply or volunteer to work at the polls.

In light of the global pandemic many people who previously worked the polls, namely the elderly and vulnerable, are unable to do so. The need for poll workers is creating lines that last for hours, leaving the working class with a smaller window of leave unable to vote. Making the voting process difficult is a form of voter suppression and as people with our health it is civic duty to step up. If you apply to work the polls and are granted that opportunity, you can get a day off from school and earn $17 dollars an hour. Even if you can’t volunteers are equally important to running the election. With the state of the world today, it is our duty to make a change. We don’t have to just let things happen to us.

Regardless of political views, let’s get out there and make a difference.

The Oracle • October 16, 2020 11 perspectives Moving Forward with Ms. Campbell-Bishop the

Counselor Mrs. Carrie Campell-Bishop officially announces her plans to leave Stratford, in order to become an Assistant Principal at a junior high school in Royal ISD.

W

here do I begin? When I came to SHS in 2016, I was a freshman. Yes, you read that right. I really was scared, not sure what I got myself into, and knew there was a whole lot of things I was about to learn. For over 15 years, I walked tiny halls and playgrounds with tiny people and SHS was a giant building with giant kids!

Moving from being an elementary counselor to a high school counselor overnight was scary and my brain hurt for 6 weeks trying to learn what my new big students needed to graduate. I lived in the world of toys in my office forever! Now, I had to transition to the world of college, career, and scheduling! There were many times I wondered what I had gotten myself into.

There is a reason why I tell this part of my story. It is my parting words of strength, gratitude for opportunities, and my way to illustrate just how thankful I am to have been chosen in 2016 to work at SHS. When it comes to taking new steps, scary moves, and doing something outside of your comfort zone, you will survive. You will stumble, you will worry, you will have to make new friends, but as long as you keep the reason why you are making the change in focus, I promise doors will open and you will find out more about yourself.

Having purpose and a plan is how you survive changes in life. The process of how you get to your goal does change, but that’s a part life. So, yes that sounds cliché’, but it is true.

As of October 16, 2020 I will be embarking on a new adventure….again. Life does that by the way. It changes.

Adventures are opportunities in disguise. Opportunities are never to be overlooked. With that said, I will taking

Sick or Treat

another opportunity and again I am scared, worried, not sure what I have gotten myself into, and I will be learning a whole lot of things. My next opportunity will be an Assistant Principal in a Junior High School with Royal ISD in Brookshire. This is yet another leap in another direction with a purpose in mind for the future. I am sad to leave SHS, but this is not a goodbye but a “see ya around” because I still have kids that are at SHS so I will still be around.

The thing about opportunities is that they only come because someone supports you and sees something in you that no one else may see. I know there are times that you feel as if no one understands you or understands why you want to do something that they think you need to move past. There were many times that I interviewed for different assistant principal jobs and was not chosen, but I learned. Yes, old people can still learn! What I am trying to say is this, do not give up. If you want to do something, attend college somewhere, or have a dream plan for life, do not stop. But, you must learn each time you do not succeed. You must listen to those who support you, learn from what you did or did not do, and show gratitude to those that have helped you along the way. I would not be embarking on my new job if it had not been for the support, talk sessions, and encouragement of many Stratford High School staff members. To stumble is okay, to learn from that stumble is the key.

To all students, staff, parents, and my family thank you.

It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of the Stratford America family.

WRITTEN BY ELLIOT SCHEIN DRAWING BY KELSEY BLACKWOOD

Will COVID-19 halt our Halloween Activities this fall season?

Every year as the weather gets cooler and the month of October approaches, many people delight at the thought of participating in their favorite autumnal activities. Trickor-treating, going to parties, eating candy with friends, and dressing up are all things to look forward to, as Halloween is the highlight of the season for many.

It is difficult to imagine that all of these fun pastimes may not be able to occur in the way we are used to, but unfortunately that is something that we have become all too familiar with. Although we are all hoping for a vaccine in the next few months, COVID-19 is showing no signs of slowing down in the United States.

Many Halloween events are characterized by the gathering of large groups of people, and while this is exactly what seems to make the season so fun, it may not be the best idea for 2020.

Does this mean that Halloween should be cancelled? Not necessarily. Even though the spread of the coronavirus is a concern that should still be taken very seriously, there are some safe ways that you can still celebrate Halloween this year.

The Stratford Oracle staff wanted to hear some concerns that the community had surrounding Halloween safety this year.

Mrs. Suerth, a mother and Stratford English teacher responded to an online poll and shared her thoughts with us. She wants to remind kids to continue using the common sense they use every year during Halloween.

This means staying in groups (although distanced, of course) and being aware of surroundings. Aside from the general safety that is always important to remember on Halloween, Mrs. Suerth adds that she is not too worried about Halloween this year because most of the activities already take place outside.

“Our plans are usually to sit outside in the front yard with our neighbors anyway, so that won’t be any different. The only thing I’ll do is spread out the trick-or-treat candy on a table rather than have kids tick their hinds and a candy bowl,” Mrs. Suerth shared.

She also encourages those hoping to host parties to take

advantage of the fall weather and outdoor spaces.

Senior Ella Broom also shared her plans for Halloween this year, noting that she will be staying home and eating candy, and she suggests that others do the same as it is the most certain way to steer clear of the coronavirus.

The best thing for each family is to discuss what they are comfortable with and willing to do that will work best for them. We are living in stressful times and no one should be pressured into doing anything they do not want to do.

While you and your family may be comfortable participating in various activities this Halloween, it is still important to take the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines for events and gatherings into account. Of course, the best way to stay safe this year is by staying home, but meeting with small groups outdoors while staying six feet apart is the next safest risk option.

Halloween may look different for some this year, but it is still possible to make this most out of this memorable spooky season. Stay safe Stratford!

ORACLE

staff

Editor-in-Chief *Ana Sofia Meyer

Associate Editors *Jackson Allred *Becca Dawson *Nathan Siciliano

Photo Editors *Paige Clark *Kendall Koster

News Editors Laura Koerner Sophie Lasater

Life Editors Veronica Da Silva Nathan Seeling

Copy Editor Monica Deru

Sports Editors Reed Howell Jack Weatherly

Perspectives Editor Michael Benes Grace Hare

Reporters Harris Timmreck Lucas Bertram Mary Bulnes Maya Carlson Cameron Bailey Campbell Hayden Sydney Hayden

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

Allison Howard Hannah Morris Selby Funk Kolbye Sangi Nathan Keyworth Winston Kibler

Photographers Kyle Zoboroski Ainsley Lewis Kate Sullivan Caroline Bustillo Kristina Hernandez Catherine McClees Andrew Cannon Mircea Tatulescu

Ads Editors Kate Delgado Maggie Vierra Jackson Cossey

Building Principal Raymorris Barnes

Advisor Janice Cummons

Social Media Dana Akkad Sara Zonana

Online Editors Tailor Williams Carsen Blevins

*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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The Oracle • October 16, 2020

Masked-Up for Friday Night Lights

photos

Thursday night football, Oct. 2, Stratford students, teachers, and fans enjoy the first home game.

PICTURES AND CAPTIONS BY KENDALL KOSTER

Safety Under the Bright Lights Senior Linemen Bradly Hoopes made sure to wear his football gaiter when his helment was off. Players are not required to wear their masks while wearing a helment, but the coaching staff has been strict in ensuring players continue to cover their mouths and noses when they are on the sidelines without their helmets.

Training for the Pandemic Assistant Athletic Trainer, Marianne Landon, can be seen on the sidelines, wearing her mask, ready to assist any injured football players. Landon is currently in her fourth year of working as an Athletic Trainer at Stratford, along side Head Athletic Trainer Melissa Quigley. “My favorite part of athletic training is seeing how much work my students put in behind the scenes and how much fun they have at the games.”

Pink-Out for Breast Cancer Spartanaire Hailey Whidden doing ripple cheers. The Spartanaires at games, during this time, sit six feet apart while wearing masks.

While on the field they are now always in formations that allow social distancing. “Even though we have to sit six feet apart and wear masks the whole time, it’s still great to be able to perform again,” said junior Hailey Whidden.

Spartacus Says Safety First Even our mascot, Spartcus, made sure to bring his mask, helping keep everyone safe, during the unusal season of the COVID-19 global Pandemic. As Spartans, teachers and students take the matters of health and safety very seriously, said mascot Sophia Robinson. “I think that continuing to wear masks during football games is really important, so we can stay in school and continue to play football.”

Playing over the Madness

Cheering for a New Normal Senior cheerleader Addie Hillman wears her mask on the sidelines as she motives the team, with cheers like “Let’s Get a Rowdy” and the classic “Go Green Go White.”

Cheerleaders now stand six feet apart and wear their mask at all times when on the field.

The band brings the spirit even during these times of vast uncertainty. In order to play their instruments, members of the band are able to take their masks down, although they have to put them right back up after. “We try and keep everyone as distanced as we can, which has been super different since last year,“ band President Brian Kling said.

Ready and Able to Go Five-Star Senior Longsnapper Connor Able can be seen wearing his Spartan-green football gaiter while walking on the sidelines after his pre-game warmup. “Without a doubt, the coaches are enforcing Social Distancing guidelines [during games],” Able said.