TH

ETORCHS e v e n L a k e S H i g H S c H o o L 9251 FRY RoaD kaTY, TX. 77494 281.237.2865 voLUMe 7. iSSUe 1 SePTeMBeR 2011

7WHAT’S INSIDE:2//REMEMBERING 9-113//TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOL3//FIRED TO HIRED6-7//MEET MR. VIERLING8-9//SPORTS UPDATE10//SPARTAN SPEAK11//TBH12//SPARTAN SUMMER SNAPSHOTS

Seven YeaRS2005-2012

Do you remember what where you doing last Tuesday? Football practice? Band rehearsal? auditioning for the school play? Ten years ago on Tuesday, September 11th, kids everywhere had plans just like ours. Little did they know the world was about to change.

We all remember our parents watching in disbelief as two commercial planes, Flights 175 and 93, crashed into the World Trade center’s twin towers. on that fateful day at 8:46 aM the north tower was attacked. Just 17 minutes later the south tower was hit. There were also two other planes; one that hit the Pentagon at 9:37 aM, and one that was repossessed by its passengers yet still crashed in Pennsylvania. The media was immediately in an uproar.

“i was taking my son to school, listening to the radio,” aP Mr. Pope said, “they said it looked like a big fire coming from one of the Twin Towers…they thought it was an accident.”

after the attacks, america was overcome with patriotism. Red, white, and blue hung everywhere, and americans showed their pride and came together as a country. However, there was still the presence of fear.

“i am as macho as the next guy,” Pope said, “but i cried everyday on my way home from work for weeks.”

For years after, families and friends grieved their losses from the tragic event, and soon, other effects started to set in. The country was put on a system of terror levels and we have not been off of since the attacks. also, the airport is a world’s difference from what it was ten years ago; we must now tack on an extra hour to go through security checks.

not to mention the unnecessary pressure and prejudice forrced upon certain races. For years now, americans have subconsciously pointed fingers at innocent individuals. americans tend to use 9/11 as an excuse to play the blame game.

“This event is definitely used politically,” Mr. Smith said.

Whether or not some agree with the politics that go along with the event, we still come together each year to pay tribute to those whose lives were ripped away from them. This year marks the tenth anniversary; memorials have been in the works for at least a year now. our own state capital plans to host a 110-story stair walk in honor of those who died in the towers. “What’s happening in austin is pretty cool, and when we can sacrifice a little bit of our day for those who sacrificed so much for is, I just think it’s very wonderful.” Mrs. Fowler said.

Something that started out as just a normal date, has become a symbol of fear, destruction, and grief, but nevertheless it has helped us grow as a nation as we come together to put forth our patriotism.

TEN YEARS LATER...lakenRAY // Senior Staff Writer & olyaGRYNYSHYN // Junior Staff Writer

Remembering the fallen

200 FELL TO THEIR DEATHS 107 died in the streets

355 in the north tower TRAPPED

125 in the pentagon 246 on the planes 2,606 in New York CitY

TEN YEARS LATER...lakenRAY // Senior Staff Writer & olyaGRYNYSHYN // Junior Staff Writer

Remembering the fallenAt first there were whispers. a hushed murmur here and there turned into

tentative hopes when the katy independent School District board announced cinco Ranch government classes would be the trial subjects for technology integration. Fingers crossed, students whispered, ‘next year, it’ll be here.’

Well, it finally arrived. according to the statement issued to all

Katy ISD families, “filtered Internet access” will be offered for use on personal devices such as electronic readers, laptop computers, and cell phones. The supposed goal is to “provide students with the best academic resources available.”

Harold Mcgee, computer science teacher, certainly agrees with that regard. To him, the new policy is welcomed in the sense that it will allow students to use their own devices. giving them access to run newer software will allow time to be spent more productively. That being said, he still remains a little wary.

“The verdict’s still out, i’ll have to wait and see how things turn out,” he said. “i understand the need to allow more technology; we’ll just have to see if it’s abused.”

Many people hold a “half-way stance”—

excited about the possibilities, but cautious about some of the consequences that may come with it.

“i’m a little on the edge of what might happen with a lot of kids and wi-fi,” Alex Pena10 said. “There might be trouble from it, but a lot of good might come from it, too.”

Previously, phones were hid in backpacks and under desks , allowing students to quickly sneak a text or two. if caught, teachers were required to confiscate the telecommunication device from the student, and parents had to pick up the phone along with a $15 fine. This year, there is no fine and no communication with parents. one can simply get their electronic device back at the end of class.

“Before [the new policy], they were really strict about phones, so i’m happy that they trust us to keep our phones out,” Pena10 said.

Some students also complained about the fact that teachers were free to use their personal devices during the school day. Mr. vierling, principal of Seven Lakes, even admitted that “teachers pull out their phones in meetings.” The new policy has evened out these differences and has terminated the students’ concerns.

With the new policy starting off this 2011-2012 school year, many would agree it seems like a good advancement. Hopes are for a smooth continuance of this change.

government and world history teacher Mr. glosson believes “with the world changing the way it is, we need to change, too.”

3NEWSSEPTEMBER 2011

THESE ARE WIRELESS TIMES, THERE’S NO DENYINGhannahCURCIO & kamiaRATHORE // Sophmore Staff Writers

HIRED TO FIRED TO HIRED Slashes to the budget results in cuts to the teaching force

in the middle of teaching, there was a knock on the door. Her heart dropped. She knew what was next. Last spring, teachers all over katyiSD suffered the heartbreak of losing their jobs. The school budget needed to be altered due to the reduction of state funding.

Some teachers believe that mistakes were made and certain people were at fault.

“We can all play the blame game but when it boils down to it,” said Seven Lakes teacher, “it was a mismanagement of funds.”

Mrs. irving, a biology teacher at Seven Lakes experienced this ordeal.

“They took me down to the office,” said Mrs. irving, “someone from human resources came in and told me my job was eliminated.”

Thinking this is her last year at Seven Lakes, she was devastated until the following day she received a phone call.

“christie Whitbeck called me and told me she could hire back one teacher,” said Mrs. irving, “That was me.”

Unfortunately, another teacher was not

rehired from her pervious school, but instead hired here at Seven Lakes.

“I was at Morton Ranch and it was my first year,” said another Seven Lakes teacher, “i was pulled out in the middle of a lesson and a sub was brought in.”

She saw someone at her door and knew what was next.

“But for that one moment i’d secretly been hoping [it wasn’t me]” said this Seven Lakes teacher.

once this teacher received the bad news, she was given the option, “of going back into class and finishing the lesson or going home to “collect” herself.

Because she knew that “there was no one else that could do it [teach the lesson]” she chose to stay. and teach her class.

Through all this hardship and heartbreak teachers everywhere still persevered and found their way back to the classroom.

juliaNAJM & shreyaBAGALI & lindaFLORES// Junior Staff Writers

New technology policy changes Seven Lakes

HELPFUL THINGS FOR IN AND OUT THE CLASS-Sites:EdModo.comVoiceThread.comWikiSpaces.comiTunes U +Educational PodcastsApps:College Board The Official SAT Question of the DayFlashcards+

5ADSSEPTEMBER 2011

Aggie posters, signs, flags, and pictures fill the office with a sense of pride. A small, almost hidden R2-D2 sits in the bottom corner of a bookshelf. The sign on the desk reads: Ted vierling, Seven Lakes High School Principal.

except for our new freshmen, most of us can probably remember the day Ms. Whitbeck announced she was leaving Seven Lakes. The anticipation started soon after that, with students, teachers, and even parents wondering whom Ms. Whitbeck would leave the legacy of our school up to. on June 20th, Mr. Ted vierling was announced as the new principal of Seven Lakes.

“i know i have quite the example to live up to, but Ms. Whitbeck left an easy job for me,” Mr. vierling said. “The students, teachers, families, are all so supportive and such fantastic people and i feel so honored to be given this position.”

including his work at Beckendorff Junior High, Mr. vierling has spent almost nine years as an administrator, and he is hoping

to bring school spirit this time around more than ever.

“You know, it’s tough sometimes to come into a new school being the new guy around and trying to bring up the spirit and make connections,” vierling said. “i’m really hoping we all take our school spirit to heart this year, and show a lot of support and work together to encourage all of our teams and organizations to do well, as we always do.”

But beyond his school enthusiasm, Mr. vierling has some interests of his own.

not only has he adopted orange and blue in his office, but he also is a big, maroon aggie fan. He played in the Texas a&M band before he went off to teach history. However, his love for Star Wars might overshadow his aggie pride.

“i’m trying to outgrow the whole Star Wars obsession thing. i was three when the movies came out and it was such a big deal growing up for me and my friends then,” vierling said. “it gave me something to grow up with. i loved my childhood.”

although Mr. vierling wouldn’t tell us whether he liked Padme or Princess Leia better, he did let us find out a bit about himself. in his free time, Mr. vierling does woodwork, watches The Office or the Big Bang theory, and yes, he does enjoy singing and jamming to Duran Duran in the shower. He has two children, 8 and 5, and they both attend kilpatrick elementary.

“even my kids think this new job is cool. You know, it’s really strange. People are treating me like i’m famous!” said vierling. “i was at Target the other day and someone came up to me and asked me if i was the new principal of Seven Lakes. it’s crazy.”

While he may not be as famous as Justin Bieber, with his face on the cover of the Houston chronicle and people wondering how this year will go, Mr. vierling is planning to make the seventh year of Seven Lakes magnificent.

“Let’s gig’ em, Spartans.”

JUST CALL HIM MASTER YODATed Vierling as new principal of Seven Lakes High daniWARDINSKY & andreaSTENDER // Sophomore Staff Writers

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

What’s your life motto?

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?

Where’s Waldo?

If you could create a holiday to get off school, what would it be?

What’s your car jam?

the torch ASKS 1 2

85

743

9

7FEATURESEPTEMBER

VIERLING answers The fourties. It’s basically where every-thing started, and it’s a cool time in American history.

Live long and prosper.

Take a nap, because every time I try, I al-ways get

bothered.

You can’t find him because there are

too many people in the hall!

If a new Star Wars movie came out, I’d tell everyone to take that day off: Wookie 8

5 43

9

fish tipslet’s get things straight...

First and foremost, the most impor-tant rule, respect your elders.

Don’t slack off; freshman year is one-third of your overall gPa (you are applying for college after junior year)

ask for help- two words: Power Wednesdays

Learn to sleep with your eyes open in class.

Running to class- no, no, and no. You’ll be fine. Just don’t do it.

Put yourself out there and get involved because high school flies by...

...but don’t take more than you can handle.

Have fun in high school. it can be hard, but make it enjoyable too.

1.3.5.7.

2.4.6.8.

august 25th a sea of blue and orange lines up on the Mercer Stadium turf. Across the field stands their opponents, the kempner cougars, both ready for the first game of the season. Three hours later the Spartans would be walking away victoriously.

kicking this season off with a win means a lot to the school and the football team, starting out on a different note then the previous seasons. With high expectations the football team is up to the challenge of winning.

“it feels great to win our opener because it sort of sets the tone for our season.” John Duplantier11 said. “i believe we can have one of the best seasons our school has ever had, and change how our school sees our football team.”

Duplantier during the game ran the ball three times, two of which became touchdowns, after sneaking into the end zone. one of Duplantier’s key moments was his first pass to Carter Hollo12, putting them in the red zone (which after extensive research on Wikipedia i discovered meant: The area between the 20 yard line and

the goal of the defensive team). The man who started the game off with the first touchdown though was Denzel guillard12.

“it was a 76 yard run that i owe to my offensive line and receivers blocking hard,” guillard said. “There was a rush, nothing can compare to the feeling of the football under the lights.”

Later, guillard went on to score another touchdown, in total the Spartans scored 21 points in the first half, the opponents only getting around our defense once. The second half though the opponents did not allow the Spartans to decimate them again.

“They didn’t just roll over at halftime and give us any easy win.” Duplantier said. “They came out the second half and really challenged us.”

During the second half, after the Spartan band played a fantastic mix of Led Zeppelin, kempner scored two touchdowns, tying the two teams. But when it finally came down to crunch time Spartan, Bryce Brown10, pulled through making a field goal, which ended up being the chief deciding factor on who one the game.

“They were tough and they fought and

played hard until the game was over,” guillard said. “They portrayed great character.”

The success of the team was well worked for after a summer of vigorous training. Transforming into a real brute of Spartans, without the metal plated uniforms and chariots, they trained during their summer strength and conditioning camp. Lifting weights, practicing drills, running around in what felt like the Sahara Desert, prepared them mentally and physically for the season.

“It feels amazing. Winning the first game, relieves a lot of stress.” guillard said. “We have waited a long time for this game, working through off season and spring training. its a big load off of our shoulders knowing that our hard work paid off.”

Though Duplantier and guillard were crucial players within this game, the execution was a team effort. after reuniting on the field for the first game they showed each player was prepared to put their game face on after a summer away. The players were not alone though on this away game their fellow Spartan followers came to cheer them on, filling up the stadium more when

SPARTAN FOOTBALL STARTS STRONGTeam kicks off season with 3 straight winsbrittanySCOFIELD // Sophomore Contributor

cross country season is almost half over. With two state qualifying boys graduating and the girls’ regional champion moving to The Woodlands, the season didn’t begin without its challenges.

kailey Hill11 won the UiL Region iii championship last year and led the team the entire season but moved to college Park. alex LeRoux was the 3200 meter district champ and state qualifier and is now running for the Baylor Bears. Drew kogut was top ten at the regional meet last year and a four year varsity letterman and is running for the Mcneese State cowboys.

“eventually i realized i’m faced with this challenge. it is an opportunity to grow as a team and overcome this,” Head girls coach Scott kenney said of losing his top runner this year.

So far the boys and girls teams have competed at U of H, cy-Ranch, The Woodlands and hosted the Seven Lakes

Showcase. The girls have been led every meet by

erica Brown10. Brown is coming off of a

track season where she not only ran varsity every meet but qualified and scored at the regional track meet in the 3200 meter run.

“(Track) gave me a lot of confidence. I beat Pagano (of Cinco Ranch) who qualified for state last year, so i’m hoping i can do what she did,” Brown said.

on the boys side nathan Ricketts12 and greg White12 have taken turns leading the team. Ricketts is also coming off a track season where he qualified for the Congress avenue Mile all-Star Team and White was all-state last year in cross country.

“My goal is to finish top five in the state,” Ricketts said of his chances this year.

The big news on the boys’ side however, is the rapid improvement of the freshmen team. The team had five runners finish within 11 seconds of each other at the The Woodlands where they placed seventh as a team. They improved to a third place team finish at the Seven Lakes Showcase. chandler Rathke, Pablo Frias, Tyler Winter, kyle kushnir, Roderick Bell, Scott Shannon, andrew cramer and Magnus Sletfjerding make up

HARRIERS FACE ADVERSITY TO START THE Loss of key contributors reveals opportunity for Spartan

Pablo Frias9 sprints to the finish line at Friday night Lights on September 2nd.

SPARTAN FOOTBALL STARTS STRONG

9SPORTSSEPTEMBER

“i get this rush that overwhelms me, i think, ‘i should be nervous, but i’m not,” kiayana o’neal said. on the other side of the net this huge player is waiting for me. But i feel completely calm because i just love playing the game.”

The Seven Lakes High School volleyball team’s middle blocker, kiayna o’neal is a sure star on the court with her mix of courage and determination.

Her great talent didn’t begin with glamour; through a few initial trials and tribulations, o’neal gradually earned herself a rewarding career in volleyball. o’neal’s interest in volleyball was discovered during eighth grade. after an unsuccessful attempt at trying out for the Beckendorff volleyball team, o’neal decided to join her local one at the YMca.

“My mom put me on the YMca team for a while, but when i reached ninth grade, i made the B Team at school.” o’neal said.

currently a senior, o’neal has acquired a talent for the game and an extraordinary attitude towards school, family, and exceeding her limits. in addition to holding 64 kills, the most on her entire team, other events have changed the path of kiayana o’neal’s life.

“When i made the ava (absolute volleyball academy) team, it was life changing,” o’neal said. “i worked my butt off to make it. Making the varsity team also marked a very important moment.”

o’neal is constantly aspiring to improve her

personal best. Whether it’s on the court or not, her longing for success is clear.

“i want to be better and better every day and i strive to overcome obstacles,” she said.

The Seven Lakes High School volleyball

team recently won a game against colleyville Heritage High School and has an upcoming matches with our district rivals.

“i think that our team is doing pretty good so far, we have had a few losses and a few wins, but i feel we are well off,” o’neal said.

apart from her strenuous days of volleyball, o’neal proves to be a well-rounded student. During her pastime, o’neal creates a variety of fabric pieces such as curtains. Before volleyball, o’neal was a part of the track team and theater department. Presently, she is trying to attract volleyball scholarships from Lamar University, Howard University and several others across the country.

“after college i want to enter a profession in Broadcast Journalism or the fashion industry,” o’neal said.

Family is a key factor in the performances o’neal gives. Her mother, father, and sister play an important role in improving her skill and confidence in all aspects.

“My mom is a huge critic for me. She tells me flat out if I am playing well or not. She doesn’t try to sugar-coat anything. it helps me improve my game,” she said.

in addition to her viewpoint on volleyball,

BLockeR BRingS BeST To coURT

Devoted volleyball player discusses on-court experiences, family and future goals sanjanaMADAKSHIRE // Sophmore Staff Writer

SPARTAN SPEAKdagnyHAMILTON // Junior Staff Writer & stephanieDEREFINKO // Junior Staff

//MEET THE STAFF//

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING

IN THE NEWSPA-SIZE 1/81/41/2FULL

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EMAIL: JeremiahADye@katyisd.

How

was your SUMMER

spent?“I volunteered at Becken-dorff and did two hours every day working in the front office.”~Sahil Ajmeri11

“I was a delivery man and delivered pizzas to people.”

“I worked for 100 hours at Memorial Herman Hospital.”~Sanjana Palla12

“I lived in Panama for two months with a host family and a partner from California and we built a soccer field.”

“I just helped organize the first-day packets for all the upperclassmen, sophomores, and fresh-

ADVISOR:coachDYECO-EDITORS:ryannANDRESjaneWEBER

SECTION EDITORS: shreyaBAGALIlindaFLORESjuliaNAJM

STAFF:katieBLANDhannahCURCIOstephanieDEREFINKOolyaGRYNYSHYN

dagnyHAMILTONjuneLIUsanjanaMADAKSHIREsanazNAMAKIkamiaRATHORE

lakenRAY tarynSANDERSONandreaSTENDERdaniWARDINSKY

11EDITORIALSEPTEMBER

We have all seen it. at least on a daily basis. The famous F a c e b o o k status that says, “tbh…” Well let me be honest with you, i don’t understand this. if you know why people post this as their status and why people

choose to “like” it, please, fill me in on the scoop. obviously i am not getting the point.

i feel as if this is just a way to build your self esteem. Someone posts the status and you “like” it for them to write something nice on your wall. Seriously? if you need a little pep talk and need to feel better about yourself….Facebook is not the way to do it, my friend. This is just a simple act

of desperation.While i have the chance “to be honest”

with you all, how many of you that have posted the “tbh…” have ever talked to or cared about half the people that have “liked” your post? i can answer that, all of you. When someone you haven’t talked to since freshman year “likes” your “tbh…” status, it’s awkward and you just come up with some lies and post it on their wall. You can’t say you havent’t done it. all of this just sounds like a great way to be fake, if you ask me.

Facebook is a way to talk to friends, keep in touch with people, it’s even a way to organize club meetings, and etc. When was it ever intended to be a diary to vent out all of your feelings or share insightful thoughts? Facebook is not what you need, a poetry club is.

i bet there are a bunch of you reading this and think i’m being harsh. That’s no problem because i would agree with you that i am. But come on now; let’s get

real. We all have that certain someone that we are friends with on Facebook or that we follow on Twitter that blows up your newsfeed and that you wish would just shut up. Don’t try to tell me you don’t get annoyed, because i know you do. You eventually delete them as a friend or even worse than unfriending someone, you unfollow them on twitter.

i don’t think i can state it any clearer, it’s just annoying for everyone else to read. no one cares about your so called honesty.

if you are on Facebook creeping on your newsfeed and you see the “tbh…,”do everyone a favor and don’t “like” it. if you have to be honest with a person, send it in their inbox. i’ll even help you out. Top left hand corner, click the little envelope and you’re there. go for it. Let your heart and feelings go free. i guess people forget that they have the option of sending people inbox messages instead of making it public for their 500 or so friends to read. all i have to say to y’all’s heartfelt and fake

T b h . . . n o o n e c a r e s ryannANDRES // Senior Co-Editor

They say that ignorance is bliss . . . janeWEBER // Senior Co-Editor

i’m going to be honest: coming up with things to write about to fill half a page of this newspaper every issue is one of the most difficult things to do. You would think that, given the

opportunity to just discuss anything in the world, i, a very opinionated person, wouldn’t struggle at all with such a task. But i do. every. Single. Time. (it becomes even more difficult with every attempt to be witty and at least slightly interesting but that’s part of a whole other spiel.)

and every single time, i realize how ignorant i really am to what is going on. Whether it’s within the school, town, state, country or world: i simply don’t know. i am always too focused on school or theatre or making extra time in my life, solely to fill it with hanging out with friends. As a

result, i never watch the news. online, i conveniently have made my home page Facebook so i’m never exposed to any proper news feed from aoL.

Put in simple terms, i am uninformed and have a lack of knowledge- thank you, Wikipedia.

What makes me feel a better about myself is my belief that ignorance describes most of america, though. especially the youth. We’ve grown up in a world where things, for the most part, have been easy. The internet saves us from hours at the library, searching through books to put an essay and works cited together. computers in general save us from ruining our papers with one error like it might have in the typewriter days (i still find typewriters to be pretty awesome). cartoons, video games and reality shows fill up the TV schedule, pulling us away from news channels.

now, i’m not hating on technology and progression in general at all; i love it. i just wish that somehow our ways could magically include a care, in all youth, for what’s going on outside of our own little

worlds and what’s easiest. Rather than only looking at a news website because we were assigned a current event for homework and don’t want to fail.

example: 9/11. Yes, we’ve all heard about it throughout the years and know the gist of things from being a decent age at the time of the crime (it rhymes!). But how many americans have taken the extra step to understand the events and statistics surrounding the tragedy?

another example: politics. in about one month i’ll be 18 and will earn the right to vote. That’s kind of a big deal . . . But i haven’t paid enough attention, let alone had enough care, throughout the years to understand the beliefs of parties and the true issues relevant today. Please tell me i’m not alone . . .

i believe that with a little more time and focus, ignorance can be diminished and our future will seem a lot more promising and fulfilled. If anything, I have AP United States government to force my ignorance of politics to the ground . . .

kaitlyn Berreth11 is spending her junior year studying abroad in germany with a program called Youth For Understanding. Having studied the german language for two years beforehand, she is now living with her host family, shown above, in Barsinghausen, germany, just outside of Hannover. “it’s all on the water, and the buildings are so pretty!” Berreth said.

Haley Jones11 traveled to Uganda, which has had

a big impact on her life so far. She has learned that “joy doesn't come from the

material, selfish, and short term pleasures of life.”

Ryann andres12 headed to costa Rica

with her church; her favorite part of the trip was leading small

children in vBS and spending time with her friends.

Laura Santo Salvo10 (pictured left) and a fellow club

member spent her summer with their soccer club, national Fusion. The soccer club

visited germany, austria, and France together. “There was lots of shopping and many

historic buildings,” Santo Salvo said.

Jeff Beck10 took an unusual athletic trip halfway across

the world to play baseball in Japan with his club, Mizuno

Black. He competed in international tournaments for the

entire week of his stay, and “just played a lot of baseball.”

juneLIU // junior staff writerkatieBLAND // junior staff writer

tarynSANDERSON // senior staff writer

SPaRTanSUMMeR

SnaPSHoTSSee what students were up to on

their international adventures