Ni HaobeccaRIOS // Sophomore staff writer

2013 In GeneralThe Dog is always giving and this year is a great year to finally get a little back.

Your year in general for all Zodiac signs:

The Year of the Water Snake

will offer a wide range of

opportunities; it will be filled with

a lot of highs and a few lows. The lesson to learn

for everyone is to observe, learn, and be open-

hearted. 2013 In General

You will think quickly and take action this year. It’s a weakness and a strength.

The key to 2013 is to learn when to speak out and when to calm down.

2013 In General This year will be

filled of hard work for you. You’re extremely competitive and you will accomplish your goals. This year will be an exciting year for the Ox.

2013 In General This year you will see a lot of changes happen in your life. Most of them will be positive and it’s up to you to use your talents and knowledge.

2013 In GeneralYou have a big

heart, but this year it can also get you in trouble. Stand up for yourself, and live your life.

NEW YEaRBorn in 1994 Born in 1995

Born in 1996 Born in 1997

Born in 1998

Music is the reason we dance, sing, play an instrument, and for some of us, have a dream. Music started as sounds from archaic instruments, but transformed into technological artistry. Music is something we can all relate to. It’s something everyone goes to whether they’re feeling down, pumped, or excited.

Throughout history, music has impacted our world. But over the past fifty years, American music has undergone some radical changes. Styles, sounds, genres, and technology have all pushed forward.

“In the 80’s and 90’s music was more instrumental comparing to now where it is more computer operated,” Hunter Corb11 said.

Many believe that music has changed for the worse. Not only are genres mixing together, but the profanity in songs is increasing. This is one of the reasons why music is highly influential on the world. However, in a lot of ways music can

influence us positively. “Music is one of the

few things that brings everyone together like a connection,” Corb11 said.

Most believe music from the past has made a more positive impact more than our generation of music. Music made in the past centuries was more for the fun and for the passion of it. Most of the songs on the radio these days are all cliché, talking about the same topic but in different ways. It seems to others that music genres in the 21st century are more of a trend.

“More than half of people I know don’t even like dub step but they listen to it because everyone else does” said Julian Ranz12.

Back in the days, record labels truly cared about developing their artists. Today, most record labels give you one shot and want you to just have hit songs. The history of rock bands has even changed a lot. Bands used to fit loosely into the genres. Now there

are 30 sub-genres for each genre and most musicians don’t cross over. This shows how much music has become very specific.

Not only rock and roll, but R&B has made a huge change the last decades. “To me R&B has gotten way more vulgar then it was before,” said Julia Najm12. . R&B music was less popular before the 1960s. After the Civil Rights Movement showed black pride, it was rediscovered. Now, R&B/soul is very prevalent.

American music might never be the same to some people. What was once popular goes out of fashion, then often returns several decades later (just look at the eighties and nineties boy bands making a comeback today). The negative is that we may never get another Beatles or Pink Floyd, but the positive is, if that band is out there, the internet is sure to help us find them. “My only hope is for music to go back to the way it should be,” CJ Burton10 said.

andreaSTENDER / / Junior staff writer

Kenny Chesney -March 12Pitbull -March 14th

Alicia Keys -March 18thOwl City -March 19th

Maroon 5 -March 19thPierce the Veil -April 14th

Rihanna -April 15th

Upcoming Concerts

F.U.N. -February 13thPink -February 21st

Mary J Blige -March 1stDemi Lovato -March 3rd

Bruno Mars -March 7th Tim McGraw -March 8th

Jason Aldean -March 11th

THE EVOLUTION OF MUSICWhat song

brings the best

memory?

“Cheers” by: Rihanna“It reminds me of the weekend” Karuna Kankani10

“Hips don’t lie” by: Shakira“This song played at the dance where my best friend and I were at before she left”Brittany Lawson11

THE ACADEMIC RACE

It is 10 o’clock, the streets are empty, the sky is dark and patrol officers are ready to disperse. The targets are not murderers or thieves, but criminals just the same and they are violating one of the most controversial laws in South Korea by studying past 10 p.m. Deep into the late-nights, these government officers are constantly storming illegal study sessions attended by high-school students. In 2009, the South Korean government implemented laws forcing after-school tutoring schools to close earlier in order for students to obtain enough sleep. This educational obsession has payed off substantially and catapulted South Korea to the top tiers of academic achievement. Finland accompanies South Korea with the best education system. Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore are close behind. In the Program on International Student Assessment (PISA), American students ranked 35th out of a total of 57 nations that participated. “One of the reasons for America’s ranks is the fact that the US is not a homogeneous

nation like many of the other countries that took this exam,” said Principal Vierling. “America contains many different cultures and ethnicities that affect the ranks.” Despite the outstanding ratings of South Korea, these achievements come at times with fatal costs. The high-pressure educational system that has been ground into the culture for countless years has led to high depression and suicide rates among young students. Compared to the top-ranking countries where leisure time is barely spent, American students are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. While many students in the U.S. are tossing a football after school, those in more competitive countries are diving into a textbook. “Students in America are creative, well-rounded, and are exposed to life and the world,” said Principal Vierling. “Even though being exposed to the real world might not be pleasant, it gets the students ready for their future.” America’s academic rank cannot be traced to a single source. The teaching standard,

home life, culture, and entertainment influence are all fair factors. In Finland, diagnostic testing is begun at an early age in order to provide the necessary attention to the student. In addition, school funding is purposely diverted to middle schools, where students are most likely to drop out. As an attempted educational reform, President Obama is beginning to implement a plan to make math and science advancement the nation’s priority. President Obama’s Zero to Five plan hopes to administer critical care upon early education for infants and children entering kindergarten. While it is unclear if America will augment it’s international position hopefully, the reforms that are underway will help this country of opportunity live to its potential.

sanjanaMADAKSHIRE // Junior staff writer

angelVALDES // Junior staff writer

ALEXIS VALDES A freshman taking on the challenge to go

vegan for a week, finding it hard to stay strong without her hot Cheeto’s.

DAY 1My first thought, “Sure I’m a meat lover, but a week without it won’t kill me.” After raiding my pantry and fridge, scanning the ingredients of all the food I normally eat, I realized that just about everything I own has some kind of milk or cheese ingredient! Guess it’s time to go shopping.

DAY 2My friend’s birthday was today! She passed out

cupcakes that I’m assuming were good, but I wouldn’t know. Why did I agree to give up sweets? No chocolate, ice cream, cake, cookies. And as I’m still getting used to finding vegan worthy food, all I had today was a fruit cup and then a couple of peanut butter jelly sandwiches. I’ve been eating a lot of peanut butter jelly sandwiches.

DAY 3It’s the weekend, and my self-control is disappearing. I was actually planning on cheating a little (my cravings were getting out of control), but my sister was only too happy keeping me away from anything meaty or sweet. Today all I had was an all veggie sandwich from Subway.Is it really only Day 3?

DAY 4Halfway there! I made a discovery today at Wal-Mart, an Asian diner that is a little sketchy,

but hey, it tastes pretty good. Actually the absence of all my regular unhealthy food

is getting a little easier, especially now that my family has hidden all the meats

and milk based products deep within the fridge and pantry. Being vegan is starting not to seem so bad.

DAY 5The school food doesn’t have much to offer, so now I bring my own lunch. My friends are oddly supportive, giving me all these reasons why the meat in their sandwich isn’t as good as the vegetables in mine. All of this support worked until I got home. All I wanted to do was lie down and watch T.V with a bag of chips. Then I read the label on my bag of hot Cheeto’s: “May contain some milk products.” I wanted to cry.

DAY 6 It’s just not fun eating anymore. I would look forward to eating hearty meals of unhealthy foods filled with

fat and meat and oil and sugar… I miss homemade cooking so much. Now all I have to eat is soup, salad and some meat substitutes. Aren’t those considered appetizers at restaurants? So far this is the

hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

DAY 7Finally! The last day! I’m getting through the day just thinking about all the foods I’ll be able to eat tomorrow. No more sandwiches, veggie or peanut butter and jelly. I’m most likely going to gorge myself to the brink of obesity, but it’ll be worth it just to have ice cream again. This dare hit me harder than normal because of my eating habits, but I made it! Oh, how I wish tomorrow was Thanksgiving.

A WEEK WITHOUT...

VEGAN STYLE

MEET EXHIBIT A:

Vegans, like v e g e t a r i a n s , refrain from eating any meat, fish or poultry. In addition, vegans exclude all animal-based products, such as eggs, milk, animal clothing, and animal tested products.

W

H

A

T

IS VEGAN?

why do it?Those who go vegan do it for several reasons, including health, the environment, and personal ethic issues. Animal byproducts are avoided due to the conditions that might be associated with their production. For example, many view the slaughter of animals for food and clothing inhumane, along with animal testing in products such as make-up.

Q Bows on strings quieted down as assistant orchestra director Maya Mathews turned from conducting Arioso, a popular piece by Bach. The song seemed out of place with the atmosphere of the room; students and parents at the annual winter concert were subdued as news of the Newtown shooting, happening only hours before, pressed like an invisible weight.

In between Arioso and Oseh Shalom, Mathews dropped a bombshell: she was, after having deliberated over the incident in Newtown, resigning from her position to spend more time with her young children.

“Nobody knew,” Mathews said. “I didn’t even.”

After receiving a call from her husband earlier in the day about the Connecticut shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, Mathews thought about the incident for the rest of the day. When it came time for her to give a routine speech at the orchestra concert a few hours later, she decided on stage what she was going to do.

“It just affected me so strongly,” she said. “I thought, ‘Am I going to do this?’ And then I decided.”

Despite the spontaneous nature of Mathews’ decision, she had been thinking about leaving her position prior to the incident in Connecticut. A few weeks after these events, however, she has since had the chance to reconsider her options.

“I had been thinking about it for a little bit. Even though it’s a great place to be, it is very time consuming, and I have two small children that aren’t in school,” Mathews said, “But after the incident at Sandy Hook, working at a school and knowing how easy it is, unfortunately, for somebody who wants to come in and wreak havoc, it’s not a place where I want to send my child.”

Mathews has two young children, both of whom are not yet of school

age. The youngest of her children may possibly attend public school starting in August of this year, but Mathews is now deciding whether or not to home-school them both.

“Incidents like this are on the rise, and while the likelihood is slim, it’s just as likely to happen at any school that my child goes to as it was at any school it already happened at,” Mathews said, “So I can’t control how [schools] react—like whether they arm teachers or put in metal detectors, or anything—but I can control how I react.”

In light of her opinions on the issue of school safety, Mathews can also appreciate the new security measures put in place by SLHS to make students and teachers feel safer.

“I think the measures that [Seven Lakes] is taking are commendable, and I’m glad that they’re doing it and I hope nothing happens,” Mathews said, “With the preparations that we’ve started to make, I think that it’s a move in the right direction.”

Mathews’ opinions appear in opposition to those of some other teachers who may be feeling less than content with the new safety measures, such as locking the doors during classes.

“It’s hard to break a habit, and nobody likes to inconvenience themselves. Not surprisingly, a lot of people are just going to go back to their same old habits,” Mathews said, “Locking the doors is a huge pain, but it’s for the safety of the children.”

In spite of the amount of work she herself puts in as assistant orchestra director at this school, Mathews is currently still considering her decision to leave, having taken back her original decision to leave SLHS.

“I am going to try some other options before resigning, although I am quite sure my stay will not be for much longer as my sentiments are the same,” Mathews said, “As it stands, though, I am not resigning.”

&With Assistant Principal for Student Support and Campus Safety Liaison, Ryan Labay

A

A difficult decisionTeacher considers resignation in light of recent eventskamiaRATHORE // Junior co-editor & katieBLAND // Senior feature editor

HAs tHe protocol in cAse of An intruder been modified in Any wAy?

Yes, teachers have been trained differently, and there is a new concept now being implemented. It’s a new kind of way of thinking. I think it’s all for better, and I think it’s going to all be for the positive. It has merit to it.Are tHese meAsures more preventAtive or proActive?We’re definitely being a little more proactive. We’re still learning, and in a lot of these cases, you can’t predict what exactly happened. I think a lot more resources are now more available, and they’ve kind of taken a look back and learned how to handle emergency situations. It’s all about just being prepared and having options in place and resources in place.were tAlks of revising protocol in tHe works before tHe incident in connecticut?Talks were in before. It just highlights it, and sadly enough, it makes it more of a sense of urgency to kind of get things right, but there have been talks before.wHAt is tHe best tHing to tAke from tHe incident, from A sAfety stAndpoint? Awareness. Awareness of surroundings. Awareness of what emergency procedures you have in place on campus. I just say, continue to look at what procedures you have in place and continue to research the best practices to protect the students and staff of every single school. That should never end. We’ve got to assure our students that you are safe here, and we are going to do whatever it takes to keep you safe.

“You’dbetter

rednecken-ize!” Honey Boo

Boo

BEST OF 2012

Op Op Opaan

Gangnam Style...Nuff said

We

are still alive…

no zom-bie apoc-

alypse soon!

Elena became a

vampire on Vampire Diaries

Breaking Dawn part 2!

Effie Trinket’s outfit in the

hunger games

Katy Perry’s election dress

The new phrase aca-

awkward from Pitch

Perfect

Last season of Gossip

Girl

The announcement

of the royal baby

What made last year the most

memorable?

anoshkaKALLIE // Sophomore staff writer

We all feel it. The post-holiday guilt. The fear of stepping on the scale and cracking the balance the first time since December. Yup, the after-the-holidays weight crisis strikes again.

“This is the first time I’ve tried dieting, and it’s been pretty difficult so far,” Ilhaam Ali10

said. “But I know that if I don’t do it now, it’ll never happen.”

Students and staff have committed to new diet plans, gone through dessert withdrawals, and committed to after school workout drills in order to achieve their New Year’s Resolution: drop some pounds and get in shape.

“Everyone’s busy now, so they really need to make an effort to take care of themselves,” librarian Mrs. Curcio said. “It’s difficult to find the time, and people get lazy and don’t take their health seriously.”

It’s no secret weight loss comes with its own set of challenges, but before you begin pointing fingers at the calorie-charged cheeseburger you just had for lunch, take a step back and look in the mirror instead: Your worst diet enemy is in fact, yourself.

“It’s very tempting to cheat and eat unhealthy foods, so self

control and moderation is very important,” Ali10 said.

Scarfing down a bag of Cheeto’s while complaining about your diet won’t make you feel better or lose weight. Of course, a tight wallet and the increasing number of McD’s in town isn’t helping either.

“It’s definitely easier to just grab some takeout on the way home from work than to make a trip to HEB and stock up on more expensive goods,” librarian Mrs. Wulf said. “And certain fast food specials, like the McDonald’s $1 Menu, definitely encourages this practice even more.”

However, it is possible to lose weight and still enjoy life.

“I try to find healthier replacements for my favorite foods,” Karthika Krishnan10th said. “I also try different cooking techniques to make vegetables taste better.”

Eating healthier doesn’t necessarily mean committing to salads and lemon water forever. In fact, a well balanced diet is more sustainable and better for you than any extreme cutbacks.

“In the morning, I eat cereal or eggs for breakfast. For lunch I either have fish or a wrap, and for dinner I

just have whatever my mom is making that night,” Ali10 said.

But there’s more to weight loss than simply eating right. Routine exercise plays a significant role as well.

“No matter how tired you are, try to work out a few times a week, because even though everything seems hard at first, it will pay off in the end,” Ali10th said.

For some, such as Mrs. Curcio and Mrs. Wulf, working out with friends is a great way to stay motivated and committed to an exercise plan.

“The aspect of accountability really helps. When people expect me to show up and encourage me on, working out and staying healthy becomes easier and fun,” Mrs. Curcio said.

The librarians attend an after school strength and resistance class for staff twice a week.

“Finding a workout buddy is a great way to keep yourself on top of your exercise,” Mrs. Wulf said.

A healthy diet and exercise routine will definitely help you shed pounds, but you must remember the importance of patience and balance.

The key to beating the scale is to keep on trying.

WEIGHING DOWN THE NEW YEAR

Diet Do’s & Don’ts Do’s Don’ts

jessieCHAN // Sophomore staff writer

Tone It UpFor Lean Legs: Lunges

1.Placing your arms either out to the sides or on your hips, begin with two feet together.2.Lift your right leg up, knee bent, while rising onto your toes on your left foot.3.Set down your right foot a step forward, bending down in a lunge position.4.Without letting the right knee touch the floor, hold the position for 3-5 seconds.5.Stand up slowly on the right foot. 6.Repeat procedure with left leg, alternating both sides.

For a Tight Tummy: Planks

1.Keeping your hands clasped together, rest your arms on the floor to make a triangular shape. 2.Lying on your stomach, extend legs straight back and together on the floor.3.Rise up on your arms and toes, keeping back, knees and legs aligned and straight.4.Hold position ½-1 minute.

Mom is in the living room watching a movie with Alley.

Amanda is in the kitchen, she coughs lightly.

“Mommy is she going to die tonight?” Alley asks mom.

Amanda Graham began experiencing extreme amounts of stomach pain after finals during her freshman year of high school. High school; the best time of most teenagers lives, has become the roughest time for Amanda.

“I had a plan,” said Graham. “Get into dance team, get my lettermen’s jacket from there, and do all the academic stuff [but] my plan was ruined.”

So what does that mean for Amanda?

No banana.No Dispermox.No Pen-200 (Grapefruit extract).No Suprax.No Latex.No Morphine.No pineapple concentrate.No peanuts.The list goes on.Besides all these things, the

processing in most packaged foods causes Amanda to have dangerous allergic reactions.

Itching and scratching occurs along with coughing which could lead to hospitalization.

Amanda has a condition known as Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis. It is a lack of natural eosinophils in the blood stream which results in the malfunction of the digestive system, causing the deterioration

of the stomach and other organs. Foods, chemicals, the outdoors and all types of ingredients can trigger a reaction internally and externally.

“That was almost the hardest part of realizing how sick I was because I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I can’t even go out of the house,” said Graham.

Hence, her reason for being a part of KATY ISD’s Homebound program, a program designed for students who continue their education with KATY ISD between home and the classroom. Many hospital students use this program as well.

“The past week was the first time I’d been out other than the

hospital,” said Amanda.Her nearly unbearable pain

began in her finals week of her freshman year just before winter break 2011.

“It felt like my stomach was burning from the inside out,” said Graham. “Looking back I don’t see how I could go through that,

because it was a lot of pain.”But on top of all that pain

was another pain raging inside her. Looking up to her elder brother’s girlfriend, Amanda aspired to be a Seven Lakes

Sapphire. “It was horrible...” Amanda said.

“A week before finals, I tried out for the dance team and I didn’t get in, and so I was kinda crushed then.”

All at once, all the things Amanda loved were dying.

“It’s not just dancing, it’s dancing to dance, I love to do it.”

However, Amanda and her family recognize that all things happen for a reason.

“I cried for days,” Amanda said. “It’s better that I didn’t get into dance because, I cant imagine how bad I would feel if I couldn’t do it after all, with the money and everything, it worked out.”

FINDS

HOMEBOUNDSTUDENT

HOPE

“Mommy, is she going to die tonight?”

Photos provided by: Amanda Graham lindaFLORES // Senior entertainment editor

So what does Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis mean to Amanda? No chocolate.

No Sonic.No Cheezits.No Sour Patch Kids.No pizza.No dance.No high school.Welcome to Amanda’s world.But Amanda’s fight for her life

did not start last year. It began 15 years go.

“My ring fit on her wrist,” said Graham’s dad, as he took off his wedding ring, size 9 ½.

Her mother delivered Amanda at 7 ½ months. A premature infant with congenital issues.

“The first year of her life she was in the hospital more than at home. We found out when she was about 6 months old that she had severe allergies,” said Graham’s mother. “She ended up having to have surgery when she was four months old, her stomach was herniated into her esophagus so they had to

pull down the stomach, rotate it and sew it in place.”

A thick rigid scar runs from Amanda’s sternum to her pelvic bone on her unmarred skin.

During ages 5 to 13 Amanda experienced several allergic reactions; however, none that required bed rest, hospital stays, or inactivity with the outside world.

She only experienced a reaction about every four months.

Finally, after being confined to her home for several months, Amanda had the opportunity to go out. June 29 2012: the first life threatening reaction Amanda experienced.

“I was at an Astros game with Amanda, Alley, and Alley’s friend,” said Amanda’s mom, “I had eaten a couple of peanut M&M’s earlier in the day… I should have known better.”

At the bottom of the ninth ending Amanda got thirsty and took a sip of her mom’s Sprite.

“Immediately [she] went

into anaphylactic shock,” said Amanda’s mom.

The responsible paramedics stabilized her and sent her off to Texas Children’s Hospital. The hospital that has been a blessing to Amanda’s family.

With over thirty to forty epi shots to the thigh things have gotten worse since then.

“I had sixteen [epi’s] in a week,” said Amanda “by the time you need it you can’t breathe so you’re not really thinking about if it hurts or not.-”

The freckles on Amanda’s thigh are the proof of her many epi shots. Each one leaves a scar of remembrance.

“It could always be worse,” said Amanda.

It really hit home about a month ago... her brother came home after working for 7 days in the oil fields.

**Look in issue five for Part Two**

September 2011

January 2013

FIGHT THE FLU...SENIORITISjuneLIU // Senior staff writer

ALEX CORBIN

Illustration by: Christine Hatch

ALYJAN DAYA

VICTOR NGEI HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED: 1) Deferrals are hard, but take them as motivation to keep working. 2) Your grades are half the battle with exemptions. Keep your grades up and keep your exemptions.3) Remember, you still have to pass all your classes in order to graduate...WHAT COLLEGES EXPECT:1) Colleges see both a midyear grade report and a final (year-end) transcript. 2) Colleges want students to stay in their upper level classes, maintaining the same amount of previous success.3) No failing classes.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES: According to the New York Times:1) The University of Colorado Boulder rescinded admission for 45 of its accepted students, 10 of whom had already attended freshman orientation, selected classes or met roommates. 2) The University of Michigan sent out three different letters to its incoming freshmen with poor final grades: 62 issuing gentle warnings, 180 requesting an explanation and nine revoking admission. 3) Twenty-three would-be freshmen found themselves without a college when the University of Washington revoked their acceptances during the summer because of poor final grades.

At what point did you start slacking?“Probably the beginning of senior year”Why do you think you started slacking?“I already got into Dartmouth”What advice do you have for future seniors on how to stay motivated?“Stay motivated because getting B’s is bad. Senioritis is real”

At what point did you start slacking? “Ever since I finished my apps. I just play iPhone games and pay less attention in class. I just don’t want my rank to crash, and I don’t want my midyear report to be bad”What advice do you have for future seniors on how to stay motivated? “You can’t have Senioritis unless you’re a senior. Work hard till second semester senior year. We deserve to relax”

Do you think you have senioritis, and is it acceptable?“No, I don’t, and it’s acceptable” What advice do you have for future seniors on how to stay motivated? “Winners win and losers lose. Make sure you’re a winner”

Seniors fight an epidemic, offer advice to underclassmen

Illustration by: Christine Hatch

REVIE

WEDDOWNTON ABBEYSQUARESVILLE

THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE OKAY

Loyal servants, scandalous Turkish men, world war one and what’s this? Recent death of Sybil, one of the shows most favored characters. That was the last episode at least. This show follows three (well two now) aristocratic sisters and their family during the most exciting time in history, the late 1800’s and early 1900. The story line is just the right mix of the CW’s Gossip girl and history channel’s Men who built America put together, as cheesy as it may sound. Believe it or not the 1800’s had their share of issues. From the Titanic to WWI, Downton Abbey follows it all. Besides the fabulous story line the show also has an amazing cast with the handsome Dan Stevens (aka Matthew Crawley) and the elegant Joanne Froggat (Ana Smith). Those are just two of the dozens of talented actors on the show. Overall, though Downton Abbey is truly a Masterpiece classic.

lindaFLORES // senior entertainment editor

As more of our lives shifts to the digital expanse of the internet, entertainment follows. While television is likely to remain a stronghold of media into the foreseeable future, internet-based series and webshows are emerging as viable alternatives to the humdrum entertainment churned out by TV networks. Among these, a gem has emerged: a small, quirky drama called Squaresville.

Starring Mary Kate Wiles (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries), Kylie Sparks (Pizza, Complete Savages), and Austin Rogers (How to Eat Fried Worms), Squaresville centers on the exploits of Zelda (Wiles) and Ester (Sparks) in their suburban small town. Both feel trapped and wonder if they’ll ever

“get out,” but cautiously seek out adventure and navigate the pitfalls of adolescence. It’s easy to relate to, and the series deftly weaves comedy with more serious moments to create a realistic portrayal of teenage life.

If you’ve ever read Paper Towns by John Green, you’ll definitely love this short and sweet comedy series. And the connection between creators and the audience is a refreshing change from the disconnect you often get from more established television programs.

Totaling a little over and hour, Squaresville is definitely worth the time spent. Quirky, funny, and realistic, it has all the hallmarks of a beloved growing-up story relevant to any teenager.

kamiaRATHORE // junior co-editor

THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE OKAY

As the heat of the soccer season hits full swing, both boys’ and girls’ varsity have kicked their 2013 teams into high gear. With growing reputations, the pressure begins to mount and both teams are fighting to maintain their district supremacy.

After a near state championship last year, the girls’ varsity soccer team has returned once again, hoping to tackle the 5A district.

“Our main team goals for this season are to make it to the regional tournament and to play well together as a team,” forward Lauren Harrington11 said.

The rest of her team agrees, but after the graduation of many key senior players, the team is reestablishing its foundations.

“The work that has gone into this year's training has been extremely demanding, both physically and mentally,” defender Kellie Johnston12 said. “In addition to getting in shape and getting stronger, we've had to learn how to play together because we're a fairly new team that consists of mostly sophomores.”

These obstacles have not gotten in the way as the Lady Spartans continue to pursue a successful season, their recent win against San Antonio Johnson marking a highlight in the season thus far. Putting in long hours of training, the girls have emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

“We work hard, we weightlift and condition but mainly just everyone giving 110% at practice has been our main focus when it comes to training and doing high intensity drills,” forward Sarah Eads12 said. “Working with your teammates is

something you can’t really describe. You become so close with everyone on the team that every time you step out onto the field it's like you are playing for each and every one of your teammates and you depend on them to give their best and they rely on you to give your best.”

The boys’ varsity soccer team, currently holding an undefeated record, continues this trend.

“Our team goal for the season is to keep progressing as a team, work hard on getting better, to keep getting points so we can be at the top of the table for district,” defender Andres Hurtado11 said.

This goal has been upheld as the Spartan Boys look to maintaining their winning streak throughout the season, as well as the survival of Coach Leonard’s mustache.

“We want Coach Leonard to keep his mustache all season,” goalie Michael Nelson12 said. “He shaves it if we lose and we are 8-0 so far, so we'd love for him to have a handlebar come April.”

As seen on January 22 at the Pasadena Memorial tournament, the boys have trained hard and stepped up their game.

“The highlight of the season has to be beating Cy Springs in the Pasadena tournament final to win Seven Lakes boys their first tournament,” striker Jack Wheaton11 said.

Hard work and determination went into this large tournament win, along with team unity.

“There is a lot of running and off-field work,” Nelson12 continues. “As Coach Krueger says, complacency is a team's worst enemy.”

Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Soccer Teams start the 2013 seasonbrittanySCOFIELD // Junior sports writer

soccer kicks off tHe new yeAr

2/8/13: v. Katy HS (7:30pm @ Katy HS)

2/12/13: v. Cinco Ranch (7:30pm @ SLHS)

2/15/13: v. Memorial (7:30pm @ Memorial HS)2/19/13: v. Morton Ranch

(7:00pm @ SLHS)2/22/13: v. Mayde Creek

{7:30pm @ SLHS)

2/5/13: v. Strake Jesuit (7:30pm @ Seven Lakes HS)

2/8/13: v. Katy HS (7:30pm @ SLHS)2/12/13: v. Cinco

(7:30pm @ Cinco HS)2/15/13: v. Memorial

(7:00pm @ SLHS)2/19/13: v. Mortan Ranch

(7:30pm @ Morton Ranch HS)2/22/13: v. Mayde Creek

(7:30pm @ Mayde Creek)2/26/13: v. Taylor (7:30pm @ SLHS)

With only 3 district games left in the 2012-2013 season, players and coaches among the Seven Lakes Basketball program are looking to end the year on a high note. They face three opponents, all of which they have played, and defeated, earlier in the season.

“I think we are the best team in district right now,” guard Jeff Martin12 said. “We got a group of guys that just enjoy playing together and are willing to do anything to win.”

Although Seven Lakes fell to Strake 55-45 2 weeks prior, they still hold the top spot in district and have been the dominant force everyone is used to.

Coach Miller is looking to add to his is third District Championship in just 5 years, to improve on his all-time record of 180-58. Miller has brought quick success to a basketball program that is just seven years old.

“Coach Miller is a great coach that really knows how to put each player in the best position for them to succeed,” guard King Turnbull11 said.

The Spartans are 12-1 at home, and look to keep that way with two of their last three games on their own court. The Spartan

Crazies have played yet another prominent role this year by making Seven Lakes one of the toughest gyms to play at in Katy.

“The fan support has been amazing, the Spartan Crazies have showed out to all the games and been wild,” center Ryan McClurg12 said. “We really appreciate the support because it makes it easy to get momentum going as a

team. It helps us perform and we don’t want to let them down”

Standing at 6’5’’, McClurg has served as the centerpiece of the offense as he leads the team in points, averaging 15 per game. He has also recorded 252 boards, 85 offensively.

“My teammates provide me with motivation to perform in games and I strive to not let them

down with my play, toughness, and energy,” McClurg12 said. “They help me get better every day in practice and I try to do the same.”

With talented 3 point shooting from guards Alec Colhoff, Jacob Ranta, and Robby Byrne, Seven Lakes is a tough team to stop offensively.

And with the defensive mindset Miller brings to the table, this team has an extremely high ceiling going into the playoffs.

“I love all my teammates like family and I think Coach Miller is a phenomenal coach,” forward Boaz Williams10 said. “He helps players improve and win games.”

Improve and win games. That will be the goal for Seven Lakes as they close out the season and head into the State Playoffs.

BASKETBALL CONTINUES DISTRICT DOMINANCE Seven Lakes looks to carry over hot streak into the Playoffs

trentWEBER // Sophomore sports writer

The team during the National Anthem, prior to a 53-35 win over at Clear Falls.

Ryan McClurg knocks down 2 free throws with the Spartan Crazies in the background.

The clock is ticking for congress. And time is about to run out.

In the United States, a messy series of negotiations over how to avert the fiscal cliff and bring down the nation’s large budget deficits continues to head nowhere.

However, does this fiscal cliff even exist?

Well, it’s obvious our country appears to be struggling with the vast world of investments, budgets, and savings. Thanks to a frenzied, news-hungry media, it seems that America could be heading toward a so-called fiscal cliff.

So fact or fiction: what is really going on?

Over the years, the goal for many was not so much to get a big yield on their savings, but rather to ensure that they will get their money back when they need it. Although in the past decade, shareholders cried for bigger and bigger dividends at the expense of the companies they have invested in. Everyone wants something for nothing, and they want it now.

Sound familiar? The 1920’s and 30’s? Essentially, everything ties in

together from poor decisions in government operations, businesses, household spendings to create this ongoing problem.

If Congress has to hold a special session to lift the budget ceiling, then yes, there is a fiscal cliff. But America still has time, and we should use it wisely.

I care about my financial future. I know that if my checking account is running low, I have to cut spending and make budget cuts on Sonic drinks after swim practice. Do the adults who run this country realize that they also have to make spending cuts?

When Mitt Romney said he would favor cutting support to certain PBS entities, such as Sesame Street, the media went into an uproar and said he wanted to “kill Big Bird”.

Sesame Street has had enough revenue to make them extremely successful from baby chew toys, Tickle Me Elmo’s, and 25 years of making TV jingles.

Does Sesame Street really need a bail out from the tax payers?

Politicians have a tough job

deciding when and where to cut or spend, assuredly. But when the media uses a beloved childhood symbol to turn Romney into a Grinch, no other politician wants to be seen as someone who has their heart two sizes too small.

The media could have supported Romney; after all, spending cuts would not hurt Sesame Street. Yet, Sesame Street is part of the media and they didn’t want to lose any inch of their empire. Rather than being part of the solution, the media held to the party line, much like the congress they criticize relentlessly for not crossing party lines.

It’s time for government to be realistic about their checking account in order to make the United States a safe place to park money, and the media could make a difference by encouraging responsible decisions instead of ridiculing them.

Obama and his elected officials should put their money where their mouth is, and make some “change” for America.

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daniWARDINSKY // Junior co-editorImage provided by Dave Granlund

MY CRAzY, SOMETIMES

WEIRD, BUT MOSTLY TRUE

THOUGHTS… Is it time for graduation yet? No. Unfortunately,

for us seniors, time is literally dragging on and on and on (do I need to use another “on” or do y’all get it?). Like most of our class, I thought that after I apply to college and know where I am going to attend, then I’m done with high school. Naturally, I did the ceremonial burning of the backpack and dance around the fire (not really).

Sadly, I did not have the pleasure of knowing about the MIDYEAR REPORT: a horrible torture device that colleges use to weed out the slackers and those stricken with Senioritis. Imagine my surprise when I received an email from commonapp.com saying my counselor needed to send my MIDYEAR REPORT to the colleges I applied to.

I’m pretty sure I had a heart attack, stroke and aneurysm all at the same time. Y’all are probably wondering why I’m on the verge of a panic attack. The MIDYEAR REPORT is no big deal, right? I disagree. It’s a very BIG deal because if you’re like me and decided that since you’re a senior, homework is no longer necessary and studying for tests is pointless, then you would scream and cry too! Don’t judge. They were going to see my new GPA after a semester of laziness and then think, “Eh, this girl sucks. She doesn’t deserve to go to our school. DENIED!” Sad, but true.

I cannot get denied! My life would be ruined! I frantically tried to come up with ideas to fix this. My list includes: breaking into the school and changing the records (impossible, but nice to fantasize), writing a letter to the college telling them I was a victim of a terrible disease (senioritis), and lastly, doing the sensible, but boring thing and bring up my grades for the END YEAR REPORT (Does the torture ever end?). The point of this insane rambling is to tell you that you can’t slack off. I know it’s difficult to listen in class, especially when you have math 7th period, but YOU HAVE TO. A semester already went by. We’re almost done with this year. So let’s finish off strong.

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The gunman walks in undetected.

The bell rings. Students scramble to their

classrooms. Doors are locked. Is this enough to stop him? Gun violence in schools has

dramatically increased since the Columbine Shooting in 1999. With the recent tragedy of the Sandy Hook Massacre, Katy ISD has enforced new safety measures to ensure parents and the community that their students will be protected. Doors are now to remain shut and locked during class time as a first line of defense.

Since these rules have never

been imposed, some teachers are having a difficult time adjusting.

And some students sigh in frustration when they are locked out after the tardy bell. We are just going to have to get used to it because the fact of the matter is that anything like those terrible tragedies could happen to our school, or to Cinco, or to any school; we need to be able to protect ourselves.

You might find it bothersome or unnecessary, but if a criminal tries to get into your classroom and finds the door locked, then he might sigh in frustration, moving on to the next locked door in a hurry. Keeping this safety

measure is not the issue. The issue that needs addressing is whether or not this is enough?

What else can Katy ISD do? Maybe we need plans of escape or extra security to watch the back doors since they are always open during school hours. Maybe we as students should look out for each other and our community. We should report suspicious behavior and keep an open eye out. It is not about being paranoid. It’s about being cautious and feeling safe in what is supposed to be a safe environment. Katy ISD is on the right track, but we have to do more.

iS it ENougH? juliaNAJM // Senior editor-in-chiefWORD}

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sanazNAMAKI // junior staff writer & kayleeWHITE // junior staff writer & shreyaBAGALI // senior staff writer

Sponsor: SLHS SwimmingEscort: Jessy Godby If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be? “I’d definitely say Ryan Gosling.”

Sponsor: Spanish ClubEscort: Joana SernaWhat song do you sing in the shower? “Someone like you, Adele.”

Sponsor: Student CounselEscort: Jenna BevedereWhat would you do for a Klondike bar? “Something embarrassing.”

Sponsor: Political ForumEscort: Sara GutierrezWhat’s at the top of your bucket list? “To go skydiving.”

Sponsor: SensationsEscort: Torrey HillstromIf you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be? “Steven Jenkins.”

Sponsor:Creative Writing ClubEscort: Elizabeth LopezWhere’s Waldo? “He’s in the UH inner wards.”

Sponsor: Thespian SocietyEscort: Maddie BarnardWho is your celebrity crush? “Lizzie Walker, she’s my star.”

Sponsor: Interact ClubEscort: Mercedes CabanillaWould you rather cut off your foot or eat mustard for the rest of your life? “Cut off my foot.”

Sponsor: Senior WomenEscort: Gianina CerzaIf you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be? “Mr. Pope’s got it all.”

Sponsor: BandEscort: Elizabeth RacineWhat would you do for a Klondike bar? “Honestly, absolutely nothing.”

Sponsor: FBLA Escort: Manisha PatelIf you could have one super power, what would it be? “Flying.”

Sponsor: Bollywood ClubEscort: Vishwa BhattIf you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be? “I’d be a Brown Batman.”

Sponsor: OrchestraEscort: Janelle AbadWhere’s Waldo? “He is in Ba Sing Se.”

Sponsor: Academic Decathlon Escort: Pearl XinCelebrity Crush? “Kim freaking Possible.”

Sponsor: Studio VIIEscort: Louise GoodfellowWhat’s your shower song? “It’s getting hot in here.”

Sponsor: Girl’s BasketballEscort: Sydney BuchelWhat’s your shower song? “My Humps, but just the fergie part.”

Carson Kuzawa Jeffery Algeria Jefferson Algeria Jacob Muggeridge

Andrew CernosekStefan SchaeferMichael Schwin Zavier Mason

Dustin KruthauptJoseph NicholsonAlbert OkTreit Tran

Sahil AjmeriJai BaskaranShane SmithRyne Birk