R ANGERR EVIEW

February 2012

WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS HIGH SCHOOL

Volume 27, Issue 5

Sneak Singing Valentines to serenade students peek... with popular songs about love, friendship
News
By YASMEEN YAHYA News/Parents Editor Valentines Day, the day of love, romance, and appreciation, is right around the corner. Although it may be considered a wonderful holiday to some, others dread the day of love and worry about what to get their sweetheart. The perfect gift is closer than those people might think. At Clements, the Varsity Mixed Choir is continuing the annual tradition of selling singing Valentines. To prepare for distributing the Valentines, the choir practices their song selection mostly out of school. We do get some time in class, though, said Shelby McKay, senior. Every year they sell the Valentines to raise money for the choir program. The proceeds from this event will go to the choir board to help pay for concert venues, equipment, and other things that keep the choir program going. Each Valentine costs ve dollars. Also, these may be singing Valentines but each student gets more than just a song. You get to write a note to your Valentine, and the song comes with a lollipop as well as a ower, said McKay. For each Valentine, students may choose which song is to be sung. An example of a modern song that is available is If it Means a Lot to You by A Day to Remember. The song selection that McKays group will be singing is Ill be There for You by the Rembrandts, also known as the theme song for the hit I personally think that love songs are cute, and everyone should give the one they love a song that shows how they feel about them when they can not seem to nd the words themselves, said McKay. attered to get one, and I think it is always exciting. Of course, with many different kinds of students in the school, there are many different kinds of reactions. More outgoing students feel embarrassed. I have seen a lot of blushing cheeks and giggle ts. They always make me so happy, said McKay. The Varsity Mixed choir has made a tradition of selling Singing Valentines for many years now. Hopefully, the Valentines will continue to be an ongoing tradition, said McKay. The students who receive the Valentines are not the only ones who have fun with this event. The Varsity choir students are happy to deliver these. Also, it makes them feel accomplished. I love delivering Valentines to people. They really are an awesome three days, said McKay. However, for those who might not be in the holiday spirit, it is now the time to turn around that attitude and not be a Scrooge. Sending Valentines shows someone you care, plus it is always fun to have someone come in your class and sing, said McKay. The Valentines will be distributed on February 12, 13, and 14, during fourth period. Anyone at Clements can send and/or receive these Valentines. Valentines Day week is always a great time at Clements. The choirs wish is for students to make it special and help their fundraiser so they can continue their program and spread a little joy while they are at it.

Find out about All-State nalists preparing for spring.

pg. 2

Features

Photo by Nia Wheat

Choir students will come into fourth period classes to serenade lucky students and deliver special messages. TV show, Friends. The Scrooges of Valentines Day may say bah-humbug to love songs, but many people embrace love songs and nd that they bring joy. Although students might feel reluctant to give a Valentine to a person they care about, they should remember that everyone likes to be thought of on Valentines Day. Even McKay said, I would feel are not usually embarrassed and think nothing of the Valentine other than how sweet it was. More shy students tend to feel a bit timid, although they have no reason to be. I love the reactions of students who

Read about budding fascination with Bromances.

pg. 4

Lifestyles

Latin students prepare to conquer area competition

By FAROHA KHAN Reporter Vini, Vidi, Vici. I came, I saw, I conquered. The former describes perfectly what the Latin JCL team hopes to do in the coming competition and has done successfully in the past. JCL is the abbreviation for the Junior Classical League and is an area-wide competition between students from different schools taking Latin or interested in Latin. The goal of the JCL at Clements is, according to the ofcers, to spread the love of Latin, Roman, and Greek heritage. The goal of the National League is to encourage an interest in and an appreciation of the language, literature, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and to impart an understanding of the debt of our own culture to that of Classical antiquity, the National Junior Classical League website said. The Latin JCL is on February 18. It will be held at Clements for the rst time, which the Latin students and the Latin Club ofcers are really thrilled about. It is their opportunity to represent Clements and to shine on their home turf. It is not clear to the ofcers and to the sponsor exactly when the JCL made its introduction to Clements and how long Clements has been participating in the JCL and NJCL program, but it has been present for a long time. Im not sure how long Clements has gone to JCL. I know that the Latin teacher before me took students to JCL and the students got at least fth place. Recently, it has become that the students get at least third place. Thats due to the brilliant ofcers and competitors we have, Alan Brown, Latin teacher, said. There are many aspects to the JCL. They include an oral competition between Latin student orators, a Latin art competition, and a Decathlon type competition. Additionally, there is karaoke and talent shows.

See what to get for a funny Valentines day gift.

pg. 6

Perspectives

Should Clements have Wi-Fi? Read this to nd out.

pg. 8

BHO to celebrate black history with performance

By DEVIKA SINGH Copy Editor In a school as diverse and ethnically involved as Clements, one of the many cultural organizations is the Black Heritage Organization. BHO was created years ago with its main goal to reach a level of cultural awareness with heritage. February is Black History Month, and this group of students plan to help educate their peers. Black History Month has been observed in the United States since 1976, celebrating African-American history. The observance began in 1926 and went by the name of Negro History Week. It was created by Carter G. Woodson, historian. He set out to inform the American population about African-American history and heritage, highlighting their triumphs and accomplishments. Woodsons work has greatly inuenced CHS students, as they also set out with motives similar to his. Some of their main targets include informing the student body about black history, and also discussing important issues, especially ones that are prevalent in everyday life. BHO was an organization formed before I came to Clements, said Cameron Bell, senior and BHO President. We go out and do community service and socials a In modern day, and especially in the current society, club members maintain that everyone needs to be aware of matters which concern race and the meaning it constitutes. BHO is an organization that tries to keep said. During Black History Month, the members and ofcers are now extraactive in their activities. The evidence is obvious, in classrooms, on walls, taped to poles and windows. For Black History Month, we are planning to make the student body more aware by placing posters and information cards with Black History facts around the school, for each day of February, Bell said. These facts, which can now be seen everywhere, display information which is not often spoken of, events in history, or even people, leaders, and inuential gures who have made a difference. Besides the presentation of facts in writing, BHO has planned an event which takes place every other year. Our goal is for every other year to do a show in the auditorium, where we do some type of showcase illustrating the places from where Blacks have come. Last year we were fortunate enough to do one in the auditorium, and even got the faculty involved. The whole thing was a huge success, Bell said. Moreover, BHO is not only at

Finally, there are Olympic sports competition, in which contestants attempt to earn the best time in sports resembling the Olympics in the past, and quiz bowls, much like for those in other subjects. The Junior Classical League is a series of competitions. There are denitely written exams and tests, but its not all exams, Rochelle Reyes, Latin Club co-publicist and junior, said. Clements has won many awards, plaques, and trophies in the past and usually comes rst place in the Sweepstakes. The winner of the Sweepstakes is chosen and awarded by totaling the points from all of the competitions that the teams competed in. The team with the highest score out of all the other ones wins the Sweepstakes competition. Winning and competing is denitely a big part of any competition, especially the JCL. We are Clements, so we do have that competitive spirit and want to

Third year Latin students prepare for the Junior Classical League. beat the others, Reyes said. People who are enrolled in the Latin class can participate in the contest. Students who are uent in or can speak Latin moderately can join Latin Club and ask to participate in the JCL. Brown is the Latin teacher and also the sole sponsor of the Latin Club and the Junior Classical League. He can be asked for information about the JCL. Among the many Latin Club ofcers that can be approached for information, Abby Hughes, junior and president, Catherine Han, junior, and Reyes, co-publicists, are a few. Additionally, any of the past or current members of the JCL team are good sources of information. We hope that its fun and that everyone has a good time, Han said. Texas has the most Latin chapters in the organization, with over 1500 members, and the Clements team is part of that number. Each area has its own competition before the winners advance to the yearly state competition. The state winners have the opportunity to compete at the national level and earn their school and state the title of being one of the best Latin charters.

Photo courtesy of Alan Brown

Sports

pg. 10
Catch up on how the golf team is doing this season.

Photo courtesy of Tori Diggs

BHO meets twice a month to discuss how to celebrate black history. couple of times during a semester, the students attentive about racial and we have meetings twice a month. issues that take place every day. The ofcer team presented a At the meetings, we talk about current racial issues in society and condence module earlier at this even what we see in the classroom months meeting, and it went over on a day-to-day basis. pretty well with the members, Bell

its height in February, but actively working beginning from the start of the year. The members and ofcers have been keen on building relationships with peers and fellow classmates. Also, at the beginning of the school year we have a heavy recruiting plan where we take one of our meeting times and we go around the school and actually talk with other students to persuade them to be active and join our club. That also seemed to work very well this year, Bell said. Through such interaction, the BHO has developed an interest in students, and every year, more and more of the student body continues to stay informed about the organization. We are hoping the best for this years Black History Month. We want the end product to be that the school is more aware of some of the great things people of color have accomplished, Bell said. As the Black Heritage Organization remains steadfast and encouraging towards important matters of society, members hope that students continue to be encouraged and informed though its activities.

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By DEVIKA SINGH Copy Editor This year has been quite an eventful one for the Clements Fine Arts groups. Orchestra, band, and choir have all been busy with regional, district, and area competitions, but the nal step has yet to be taken. Beginning with Region, District follows, with the next rung on the ladder being Area, then nally, AllState. All three of the groups have auditioned for State, and they already know who made it, considering AllState takes place during the spring. For orchestra, the All-State process has been one of the many events, since the top group was given the title as the Honor Orchestra by TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association), and will be attending the TMEA Conference in April in San Antonio. The students who made All-State Orchestra are the following: Grant Zhao, sophomore, violin, Priscilla Oh, sophomore, harp, Gerald Liu, senior, viola, Dana Zhang, sophomore, violin, and Andrea Chen, sophomore, violin. Also, junior, Shavon Carvin, bassist and pianist, got a chance to perform in an All-Region Jazz ensemble on Saturday, January 14. State auditions, starting from the region level, already impacted my schedule heavily, Oh said. I had to learn to get things done then and there and not put things off because my homework schedule had

to be compatible with my practice schedule. I prepared for State by practicing my music starting in the summer. I worked with a metronome and also memorized most if not all of each audition piece so that I would

News
school, music is tough to balance, and sometimes, there is just not enough time in the day to incorporate everything. I try not to let my academics get in the way of my music. I vowed

February 2012 Ranger Review

Amy Farrell, Alternate. The Region process has always been a fun experience. We get to meet new people, and most importantly, we have the chance to be able to interact with people with the same interests, and who are on the same level, Hines, a senior, said. Since choir is also time-consuming, as is any other competition, it does interfere with academics, but the key is to be able to balance the time, and prioritize it wisely. On the other hand, some instances just cannot be helped, since time clashes are difcult to deal with, but students who aim for it also make time for it. Obviously, there are times when you have to balance homework and studying with preparation for State. I had nights where there was so much to do, that I had to be very careful when and how I planned my activities, Kahn, sophomore, said. But you have to remember that when you are dealing with a competition, you cannot go in without a good nights rest because full focus and energy are extremely important. Last, but not least, the Region process has not been any less eventful for band. With not very many All-State chairs up for grabs, the students who made State are the following: Erin Dierker, junior, Katherine Wong, junior, and Neil Jain, junior. Similar to the other two groups, band is also very competitive, requiring determination, ambition,

All-State nalists chosen await spring competition

group of high-achieving vocalists, has had a remarkable a year, with the students going on to All-State as follows: Michelle Kratol, All-State Mixed, Avani Patel, AllState Mixed, Evan Hines, All-State

Photo by Devika Singh All-State TMEA nalists take pride in themselves as they represent their high school at the next level. be able to play it more musically. to myself that no matter how much Mixed, Munfarid Zaidi, All-State If there was one big life lesson I homework I have, I have to touch Mixed, David Catalano, All-State learned during this process, it was the piano once a day at least, Carvin Mixed, John Ayroso, All-State Men, that 24 hours are most denitely not said. Also, I started practicing the Sindhu Satees, All-State Women, music the very day I received it. enough hours in a day. Jennifer Kahn, All-State Women, Just like the orchestra, choir, a Shelby McKay, All-State Women, But as always, preoccupied with

Stars to take Disney World by storm

By YASMEEN YAHYA News/Parents Editor Clements prestigious dance team has performed and showcased their talent at many different times throughout the years. The Stars work hard and practice as much as they can so they can show off their talent. Once again, the Stars dance team has the chance to showcase their talent. What makes this particular showcase special is the fact that the Stars once again have the opportunity to perform in the most magical place on earth, Disney World. Although the seniors on the team are excited, they were not as surprised as their younger teammates to nd out that they would have the opportunity to go to Disney World. I have known since my freshman year that we would get to go to Disney World this year. The dance team goes once every three years, said senior and Stars Colonel, Tori Fortenberry. Regardless, Fortenberry is as excited to go as the rest of the team. Fortenberry, though, has previously been to Disney World at the ages of 11 and 14. She thinks she will have another great time at Disney World this year because, Disney World is magical. The Stars will leave on March 8 and will return to Houston on the March 11. Once they arrive in Florida, the Stars will receive Park Hoppers passes, so they can go to whichever parks they please. Some of the parks they get to go to are the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. The team has been working on their routine since last November for this showcase. Not only will their routine be performed at the showcase in March, but also at their other competitions that are coming up this month. We Stars will be doing a mash up of our team military, contemporary, and modern competition dances. The songs the dances are set to are Jet Set, New York is Killing Me, and The Pathway, said Fortenberry. To prepare themselves for the Disney showcase and their other competitions, the Stars practice for hours after school. They work on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 5:30, Wednesdays from 2:30 to ve, Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 or six to nine, and on Fridays from 2:30 to 4:30. During rehearsals the girls warm up and then work on their routine to make it as good as they can make it. We also practice on some Saturdays from eight to ve for the competitions we will attend in February. When those competitions end we will have other practices for our Disney mash-up, said Fortenberry. By practicing this much and attending the competitions in February, the Stars can get down their routine and they will be well prepared for their long-anticipated trip to Disney World. In Disney World the Stars schedules will be lled with fun days, park hopping with fellow team mates and riding rides at the parks. It does not hurt that we get to leave for Spring break earlier than everyone else either, said Fortenberry. Even though the team will be park hopping, riding roller coasters, and eating Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream they know that they have an

and lots of time. Making State takes both a certain attitude and work ethic. You denitely have to practice a lot, but I think that having the right mindset about it is really important, too. You have to believe that you can make it, and then go in and show them that you are good enough (thats where the practicing comes in), Dierker said. Because the level of competition constitutes for such a strong mentality, students train themselves as such by preparing ahead of time, replicating the meaning of the phrase, do not procrastinate. Well, to start it off, you get to attend a giant music convention called TMEA from February 8-11 where you get to play with the top two per cent of the players in Texas, Dierker said. The audition music for that is really hard so time up to there, after area (rst weekend of January), is spent preparing the music. Last year I had 23 pages and this year I have 25. The cooler part for me, though, is the new opportunities that state opens up for the summer. Theres a fantastic UT camp group called the Honors Wind Ensemble that only invites all-state musicians, and thats a really amazing experience, too. Thus, as orchestra, choir, and band prepare for All-State and TMEA, the young musicians look to ambition and determination to make their way through this cumbersome process.

FBISD discloses district vision plans

Fort Bend ISD has released is district strategic plan which will be implemented and practiced through the year 2016. It was approved and released by the FBISD Board of Trustees in the latter part of 2011. The Vision Statement for the district is as follows: the school system of choice to prepare our community for a global tomorrow. The districts Mission Statement says, Fort Bend ISD provides an environment for each student to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and build character to lead a productive and responsible life. Within the strategic plan, certain values are stressed. These values are: Students First, Teamwork, Quality Service, Continuous Learning, Safety, Data-informed Decisions, and Integrity,. There are seven specic goals and strategic objectives included in this ve year plan for the district. Goal 1: Implement strategies that result in students meeting high standards of achievement. 1.1 Develop an e-curriculum in science for grades two through eight 1.2 Close the achievement gap between and among student groups 1.3 Increase student participation in advanced academies 1.4 Increase student college and career readiness Goal 2: Foster partnerships with the community and improve communication to support our students and school system 1.1 Expand the use of electronic 3.2 Continue the implementation of the comprehensive leadership development and succession planning initiative 3.3 Develop and implement training on the FBISD Standards of exceptional customer service Goal 4: Be scally responsible 1.1 Expand programs to increase

Photo courtesy of Brianne Cooke The Stars practice a lot out of class for their upcoming competitions.

important showcase to stay focused for. They will perform their mashup routine at the Magic Kingdom. They hope to impress many people, including the other dancers, after all the work they put into their showcase. As a competitive person, I like to see how our team matches up to other teams at our February contests, but when we go to Disney World, I am excited to ride some roller coasters with my girls, said Fortenberry. Some of Disney Worlds most famous rides are Splash Mountain, It is a Small World After All, Space Mountain, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Mad Tea Party. Those are just some the Magic Kingdoms most famous and popular rides. At the other Disney Parks, there are even more rides and attractions. The Stars will have the chance to ride all those rides, and more, once they arrive. The team is anticipating their trip like any other person would, full of excitement and hope that the days until March 8 will go by quicker.

1.2 Develop and implement policies, standards, and controls for the purchase and use of technology 1.3 Provide educational technology training to integrate technology into the curriculum Goal 6: Provide facilities and transportation services that address enrollment and capacity needs in a manner that is scally responsible 1.1 Conduct recurring assessments of district facilities and enrollment for the identication of capital projects 1.2 Expand district standards to maintain facilities 1.3 Complete construction projects on time and under proposed funding requirements 1.4 Operate effective transportation services Goal 7: Foster character development of students and create a safe and healthy environment for all students 1.1 Integrate district life safety systems 1.2 Implement a comprehensive bullying awareness, prevention, and intervention program

Clements High School to host Holocaust Program A Decade of Outreach WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8th, 2012

This year marks the 10th and nal year that Clements High School will be hosting an Outreach Program to explore the evils of hatred, bigotry and prejudice through the lessons of the Holocaust. This program will take place on Wednesday, February 8th, 2012. The program will feature testimony from Helen Colin and Walter Kase, both Houston area Holocaust Survivors; The Shoah, a riveting and moving multi-media docu-drama that examines the Holocaust through the eyes of a little girl and her American liberator; and, The Hall of Remembrance, a 175-foot hallway comprised of studentgenerated projects, poignant artwork, poetry and other creative work by current students of nine Clements High School United States History classes. Admission is free. TIMELINE OF EVENTS Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 4pm 9pm Hall of Remembrance Viewing (Upstairs lecture hall hallway overlooking library) 5pm 5:45pm The Shoah (a multi-media docu-drama) (Upstairs Lecture Hall) 6pm 7pm Holocaust Survivor Helen Colin Testimony (Clements High School Auditorium)

communication methods 1.2 Develop a voice of the customer strategy 1.3 Develop a content management system to improve campus web sites 1.4 Raise community awareness of the districts character education program 1.5 Increase volunteer and community partner resources Goal 3: Attract, develop, and retain quality staff for all district jobs 3.1 Revise the teacher recruitment and retention plans

the scal awareness of the community and staff 1.2 Expand the supplier diversity program 1.3 Develop strategies to respond to changes in the funding cycle 1.4 Investigate the use of advertising within the district Goal 5: Implement technology to meet the educational and administrative requirements of the district 1.1 Develop seamless technology infrastructure solutions

7:30pm-8:30pm Holocaust Survivor Walter Kase Testimony (ClementsHigh School Auditorium) Please contact Michael Madden at mike.madden@fortbendisd.com if you have any questions.

February 2012 Ranger Review

parents
managers. Parents will become involved at the appropriate level of need, become more involved as necessary and help their children when they appear to need help. The childs behavior determines whether or not parents need to make decisions for their children and give them more directions. 5. Children will not carry, hold or to manage this responsibility. 10. Children will not push, use physical force, spit, break or throw anything to get what they want, to hurt anyone or because they did not get what they wanted. 11. Children will come to dinner and family meetings on time and wait until excused from the meeting or meal. 15. Parents will try to help, support and solve problems if children are having problems. Children will lose some freedoms, choices and privileges if they do not cooperate or if they refuse to follow the house rules. Following through with grounding, taking away privileges Thursday, February 2 5:00pm Boys Sophomore Soccer vs Austin 7:00pm Musical Performance Friday, February 3 3:00pm Lady Rangers JVB Soccer vs Austin 5:00pm Boys JV Soccer vs Austin 5:00pm Lady Rangers JVA Soccer vs Austin 5:30pm Lady Rangers Varsity Basketball vs Bush @ Wheeler Field House 7:00pm Musical Performance 7:00pm Boys Varsity Soccer vs Austin @ Austin HS 7:00pm Lady Rangers Varsity Soccer vs Austin @ Kempner Stadium Saturday, February 4 8:00am Houstonfest German Competition 9:00am Lady Rangers JV/Varsity Softball vs Memorial/Ridge Point (Scrimmage) 10:00am Boys Sophomore Soccer vs Kempner 4:00pm Boys Varsity Basketball vs Travis @ Wheeler Field House 7:00pm Musical Performance Monday, February 6 4:00pm Boys Varsity Baseball vs Deer Park (Scrimmage) 4:30pm Boys Sophomore Baseball vs Deer Park (Scrimmage) 6:30pm Boys JV Baseball vs Deer Park (Scrimmage) 7:00pm Musical Performance 7:00pm Athletic Booster Club Meeting 7:00pm Lady Rangers Varsity Basketball vs Kempner @ Wheeler Field House Tuesday, February 7 4:00pm Lady Rangers JV/Varsity Softball vs Katy/Spring (Scrimmage) 4:00pm Lady Rangers JVA Soccer vs Bellaire 4:00pm Boys Varsity Basketball vs Elkins @ Hopson Field House 5:00pm Boys JV Soccer vs Kempner 5:00pm Lady Rangers JVB Soccer vs Kempner 5:30pm Stars Booster Club Meeting 7:00pm Boys Varsity Soccer vs Kempner @ Kempner Stadium 7:00pm Lady Rangers Varsity Soccer vs Kempner @ Kempner HS 7:00pm Theatre Booster Club Meeting Wednesday, February 8 4:00pm CHS JV/Freshman Track @ Ridge Point 5:00pm Holocaust Outreach Program Thursday, February 9 CHS Diving Varsity Region VI Championship Meet 4:00pm Boys Basketball FBISD Freshman A Tournament 4:00pm Boys Basketball FBISD JV Tournament 5:00pm Boys Sophomore Soccer vs Hightower 7:00pm ProGrad Committee Meeting 7:00pm GSA Booster Club Meeting Friday, February 10 CHS Swimming Varsity Region VI Preliminaries 4:00pm Boys Basketball FBISD Freshman A Tournament 4:00pm

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Boys Basketball FBISD JV Tournament 4:00pm Boys Sophomore Baseball vs Cy Ranch (Scrimmage) 5:00pm Boys JV Soccer vs Dulles 5:00pm Boys Varsity Baseball vs Cy Ranch (Scrimmage) 5:00pm Lady Rangers JVA Soccer vs Dulles 6:00pm Boys JV Baseball vs Cy Ranch (Scrimmage) 6:30pm Boys JV Soccer Baytown Tournament vs Columbia 7:00pm CTV Clements Idol 7:00pm Boys Varsity Soccer vs Dulles @ Dulles HS 7:00pm Lady Rangers Varsity Soccer vs Dulles @ Kempner Stadium 8:00pm Boys Sophomore Soccer Baytown Tournament vs Bay City Saturday, February 11 CHS Swimming Varsity Region VI Finals 7:00am ACT Test 8:30am NAHS Elementary Art Workshop 9:00am Lady Rangers JVB Soccer Dickinson Tournament 9:30am Boys Sophomore Soccer Baytown Tournament vs Columbia 11:00am Boys JV Soccer Baytown Tournament vs Brazosport 12:30pm Boys Sophomore Soccer Baytown Tournament vs Brazosport 2:00pm Boys JV Soccer Baytown Tournament vs Bay City 2:30pm Boys Varsity Basketball vs Dulles @ Wheeler Field House Monday, February 13 5:00pm Lady Rangers JVA Soccer vs Woodlands 5:00pm Boys Sophomore Baseball vs Lamar (Scrimmage) 6:30pm German NHS Induction Dinner 7:00pm ProGrad General Meeting Tuesday, February 14 3:30pm Boys JV Baseball vs Lamar (Scrimmage) 3:30pm Boys Varsity Baseball vs Lamar (Scrimmage) 5:00pm Boys JV Soccer vs Hightower 5:00pm Lady Rangers JVB Soccer vs Hightower 5:30pm Boys Varsity Basketball vs Bush @ Wheeler Field House 5:30pm Lady Rangers JV Softball vs Austin 7:00pm Boys Varsity Soccer vs Hightower @ Kempner Stadium 7:00pm Lady Rangers Varsity Soccer vs Hightower @ Hightower HS 7:00pm Lady Rangers Varsity Softball vs Austin @ Austin HS Wednesday, February 15 4:00pm CHS JV/Freshman Track @ Bush 7:00pm Stars Contest Parent Sneak Peek Thursday, February 16 Lady Rangers Varsity Softball Bryan Tournament 5:00pm Boys Sophomore Soccer vs Bush 6:00pm NHS Induction Ceremony Friday, February 17 Lady Rangers Varsity Softball Bryan Tournament 5:00pm Boys JV Soccer vs Elkins 5:00pm Lady Rangers Soccer vs Elkins about who gets to use the bathroom rst. Good luck! Love, Amy

Dear moms (and dads, too): reassess Parent Information house rules, as well as teen behavior
Dear Moms and Dads, It is time to ask the all-important question in the life of parents who have teens: Who is in charge? In other words, who is the one who ultimately has the nal say, whom everyone in the family looks to for answers, whose decision is the one carved in stone? It doesnt matter if you answer Mom or Dad, just as long as it is one of you and not your teen who has the upper hand. In todays world, too many families are controlled or manipulated by the children. What has changed? Personally, I feel that many parents are more concerned with being their teens best friend, rather than being their parent. They have plenty of friends. What they need is someone who will be consistent and constant in setting down guidelines. Teens will never admit it, but they like boundaries. It makes them feel safe. In their hormone-driven and constantly changing world, rules are something that can be counted on not to change. By setting clear, consistent guidelines and most importantly, sticking to them, you will be providing your teen the basis for ethical conduct and making your household a lot more peaceful. Below you will nd a number of rules that have been devised by experts. Please bear in mind, that when it comes to your family, you are the expert. These rules can be altered to t an individual familys needs. House Rules & Expectations For Teens (provided by www. CrisisCounseling.Com) 1. Children are not adults. They have no authority over their parents. That means children have some choices and some freedom but only those that parents give them. Parents have a responsibility to raise their children the best they know how. 2. Children have a legal right to adequate food, shelter, education, health care, clothing and protection from abuse. Parents are not required to give their children anything else. 3. Children follow directions and requests made by parents. Parents may discuss the matter and explain their reasons, but parents are not required to explain or justify their decisions. 4. Children are expected to be self-

Photo by Nia Wheat Photo courtesy of Chris Banks Teenagers and parents can get along and create a lasting bond if house rules and respect are present. use drugs, alcohol or tobacco. They 12. No other children will be and the like is the key. If you sway will not ride in a car with anyone allowed in the house without with the wind and are not consistent using or under the inuence of permission or unless a parent is in consequences, your guidelines drugs or alcohol. present who gives permission. will have no effect on behavior. 6. Children will get up for school or Parents can designate who can come It sounds simple, and really it work on time. Parents will specify a into the house without permission is. Most parents fail because they time and may help children get up if during appropriate times. scream, shout, get irrational or just children are late or not on time. 13. Children must ask for do not follow through. You say 7. Children will discuss and admit permission at least 24 hours in this in a clear calm voice and with errors, mistakes and inappropriate advance in order to go out at night, no emotion attached. This is not a behavior when this is pointed out participate in unscheduled activities punishment for them, just a show by parents. Children will talk with or stay over at friends. Parents may of you standing up for what is right their parents or will communicate give permission but may also say and wrong in your house. with family members to resolve no because 24 hours notice was not People are busy taking back Wall problems and misunderstandings. given. Street and other areas of the United 8. There will be no use of profanity, 14. The internet will be used for States. Lets all agree to take back cruel, sarcastic or insulting remarks. school/educational related activities control of our families, especially 9. Homework will be completed and for e-mail to known friends and our teens. I believe that would on time and turned in to teachers. family. Parents will be given access impact the world much more. Parents will designate when and and may monitor all e-mail and Love, what must be done of children fail internet use. Mom

From Kids to Parents: let nature take its course, beware of sibling competion
By AMY WAGNER Co-Editor-in-Chief Dear Parents, Competition has always been the driving factor in society, even back in the days of good ole George Washington and the gang. Whether youre running for president or simply looking for a parking spot at the Target down the street, competition is around us all the time. The most more, and even who has the most friends. It never ends and from the looks of it, it probably never will. Im going to stop, throw a hissy t, and cry a little bit inside. Okay, now, I can continue. You see, as Im sure most of you know, growing up with siblings is tough. Its like competing with the valedictorian in your own home. Teenagers, especially, see everything they want to be in their sibling and thats how it all gets started. Lets use my favorite fake teens as an example. We have Sally, the popular girl, and we have Bob, the nerdy boy. Bob will always view Sally as being obnoxious with her partying and her desire to constantly be out of the house. That is because deep down he wants to be cool and popular. He wants to throw all of the parties and be the King of the School. Unfortunately, Sally has already lled that role so hes going to have to deal for now. Sally, on the other hand, will always view Bob as being the intelligent one. She secretly wishes that she could match up to him on the report card. However, she will never dare admit that in public because it would ruin her reputation with the cool crowd. As would Bobs, but with the chess club and National Honor Society. So, what happens when two siblings both secretly wish they were like each other? They just happen to lash out against the other. They both are so nave You see, as teenagers, we feel this peer pressure to conform and be like our friends. If Bob befriends the captain of the chess team, he will probably end up in that crowd. The same is with Sally. If she were to befriend the cheerleading squad, she would be in that crowd. When we get into the home setting, we are surrounded by a different kind of peer pressure. Its called jealousy and it doesnt look good on anybody. For the parents out there that grew up only children and have multiple children of your own, sibling rivalry is simply jealousy. Bob sees the popular side hes itching to have in Sally and Sally sees the intelligence Bob possesses and wishes it was her own. Like I said earlier, there really is no cure for the bickering blues. You can sleep with some earmuffs and prepare for the worst. The good news is, though, that eventually Bob and Sally will put aside their differences and, hopefully, grow to be close. According to the University of Michigan, one of the biggest ways to prevent sibling rivalry is quite simple. Dont play favorites. Spend an equal amount of time with both children. Maybe take Sally shopping and then watch some enlightening History Channel special with Bob. There are many other ways to prevent sibling rivalry and how to deal with ghts and arguments. For more information, Google the University of Michigan Health Systems Guide to Sibling Rivalry. From a teens viewpoint, the guide is actually quite fascinating and seems like it would be a very benecial thing to read and maybe print out. Growing up with siblings is, in my opinion, much more competitive than dealing with the average class at Clements. While Clements is academically challenging, competing with siblings for love, attention, grades, and anything else under the sun is an incredibly different and difcult task. If one wins an award, the other has to hear about it forever. Putting it in terms that, I think, everybody will understand, every family has a Mary-Kate and an Ashley. Theres the sporty, smart one and the popular, pretty one. There are many different routes to take in xing sibling rivalry but honestly, it is just one of those things that seem to pass with age. Many scientists cite sibling rivalry as an immature response to jealousy. So,

common form of competition occurs in your own home between your own children. Yes, Im talking about sibling rivalry. We bicker about who gets to use the bathroom rst in the mornings, who loves Mom and Dad

grab your earmuffs and plan on spending time with your children while Bob and Sally bicker upstairs

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By NATALIA NARANJO Co-Editor-in-Chief Teenagers are not typically involved with politics, and the workings of government are foreign concepts for most but some Clements students have taken the initiative and involved themselves in government. With elections coming up and many students getting closer to the voting age, politicians are focusing on young adults, hoping to get their message across effectively and in turn getting young people involved in politics. The American youth is one of the most unrepresented voting populations which are a growing concern for the political sector, since young people are the future. A small group of Clements students have taken the rst step into the real world and started working alongside a promising congressional candidate. When I got into debate and extemporaneous speaking, I started researching politics and the major political players. This then led me to watch the Sunday political shows, said Siddharth Sridhar, senior. There are a lot of activities that can lead students in the direction of politics, and from politics they can do bigger and better things. Learning more about politics brought me to help lead a protest against state budget cuts in education, said Sridhar. Like most things with teenagers, gaining the internship with the congressional candidate KP George spread through word of mouth by mutual friends. I learned about the KP George campaign through a friend of mine who was already involved in it, said

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Sridhar. To get the internship, students had to ll out an application explaining why they thought politics was important and what they would bring to the campaign. This application once submitted, was followed by an interview with the candidate himself. The students would then share their strengths and what they would contribute to the cause. By working on the campaign, the students which are from a wide variety of high schools in the district and surrounding areas all learn to collaborate for a common cause. So far, I have learned about networking with people, working with a team, leadership skills and communication, said Sridhar. Those are the most important aspects of a campaign and they are even applicable in real life situations. Working on this campaign is very important for building life skills that can later come in handy. Interns are continuously exposed to local representatives and state ofcials at dinners and general get together events. It is not every day that a 17 year old gets to meet and question their representatives in person, which is one of many perks of being involved in the campaign. It is a very exciting environment, the air buzzes with everyones hopes and enthusiasm, said Sridhar. The interns are directly involved with the campaign and are the momentum for the candidate KP Georges movement. KP George is always available to talk to and extremely approachable, his wife and kids are also involved with the campaign doing what the interns do.

February 2012 Ranger Review

Students contribute to, participate in government

Photo courtesy of KP George

The interns and volunteers are all a part of a big family made up of a conglomerate of different backgrounds and perspectives. The activities for the interns are consistent for any grassroots campaign and can take a long time to accomplish, but in the end are worth it. Ive had to block walk for signatures, help set up a meet and greet for KP George to meet potential voters, and attend events with local political groups among other things, said Sridhar. Accomplishing these tasks are satisfying and very much worth it for students interested in government and its proceedings. Being involved in a campaign looks great on college applications, so young people interested in getting involved should start searching for opportunities now. Students can implement the skills they learn with the campaign in school, since many things learned in class applies to the real world. Students directly speak with voters and are involved in the process from the primaries to the actual voting days. It works vice versa too, with students using the knowledge they gained through school in the campaign. With campaigning, students gain charisma, and the experience of working and a real-life situation is absolutely invaluable, especially on a rsum. As young people, it is important to realize the signicance of building a basis of political knowledge. As much as we would like to put it off, the future is almost here. As seniors turns eighteen, therefore eligible to vote, our opinions nally matter. The youth are the most politically apathetic of any age group yet the

right to vote is really a citizens most powerful inuence on the political process and the government. The Baby Boomer generation has racked up massive decits and debt with little thought about the future and its time we looked ahead, said Sridhar. Rangers who are interested in getting an internship and getting involved with government, be on the look out for any candidates looking for volunteers. Being politically active is a huge part of being an adult, and it is up to students like us to take the rst step.

Senior Spotlight

High school has been a roller coaster ride lled with new experiences. I learned a lot academically, socially, and emotionally.

-Holland Mak
Photo Courtesy of Brooke Tolle of the world that need his help as well. Although he is willing to travel to contribute to important causes, Mak admits that he actually does prefer Houston weather unlike many of his fellow peers. However, he thinks it would be interesting to move to another country like Puerto Rico. Mak currently works at Dulce Tapioca as a drink mixer and cashier and at American First National Bank as a note processor. As graduation draws nearer, Mak remembers all of the people who have helped him through high school and life in general. My friends and family are an essential part of my life, Mak said. My friends are indispensable, and my family has been there for me through thick and thin. To all of the underclassmen, Mak would like to offer some words of advice. Do not procrastinate, and do not overwork yourself, Mak said. Just have fun and learn. Mak looks forward to the future and his next four years in college, which he hopes will help him learn even more academically and socially. He hopes to meet new people, while still keeping in touch with his old friends. According to Mak, these past four years have been incredible and unforgettable, and he will always hold on tight to the memories and friendships that he has made. By RABAB ZEHRA Sports Editor For many, college applications have been turned in, and SATs and exitlevels are done. Now the only thing many seniors await is graduation day. High school has been a good experience for some and the exact opposite for others. But for Brooke Tolle, a 17 year old senior, high school has given her the opportunity to make many new friends and the past four years have been great for her. High school started out pretty rough but every year got better. Its been a learning experience, both in the sense that I learn from my classes, and Ive learned a lot about myself and about life, said Tolle. Tolle was born and raised in Sugar Land and is half-Persian, even though she is not in touch with her Middle Eastern side. Im half Persian, half American, but I cant even speak Farsi. I guess you could say Im in touch with my American half, said Tolle. Tolle is fond of acting and is involved in theater. Since her sophomore year, all of Tolles energy has been put into the Clements theater troupe. I am the treasurer in Japanese National Honor Society, and I am a member in Clements Philosophy Club, English Honor Society, and National Honor Society. But extracurricular is theater. I drop all my other clubs whenever Im cast in a show. Besides schoolwork, its my focus of high school said Tolle. Theater requires lots of hours

High school has been a learning experience, both in the sense that I learn from my classes, and Ive learned a lot about myself and about life. -Brooke Tolle

Photo Courtesy of Holland Mak By ZAREEN KHAYRATTEE Lifestyles Editor There have been many outstanding students at Clements who exhibit great leadership skills and determination. One such student is 17 year-old Holland Mak, a senior who is well-liked by many of his classmates and has left a lasting impression on his teachers. Mak was born and raised in Houston, but both of his parents are from Hong Kong. Mak loves to explore his Chinese heritage and learn as much as he can of both the language and the customs. Interact and Generation are the two clubs I am currently involved in, Mak said. I am president of Interact and co-president of Generation. Interact is sponsored by MariBeth French, an English teacher who happens to be one of Maks favorite teachers. Generation is an organization sponsored by the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and focuses on helping less fortunate children. They do this by volunteering and organizing many events and fundraisers that could potentially aid their cause. In my free time, I like to volunteer and make people smile, Mak said. I volunteer at church, school, and the hospital. At church, I help to lead Bible studies and organize events such as camping and socials.

Mak also utilizes his spare time watching movies when he has no homework. Over the years, he has engaged in many activities, such as swimming and tennis. He even used to play a variety of musical instruments, including the violin and the viola. If Mak were to describe himself in one word, he would choose optimistic since he always looks at the brighter side of situations and does not dwell on unfortunate circumstances. One of my pet peeves is when people do not contribute to group projects or assignments when they are supposed to, Mak said. High school has led Mak to discover many things about himself. He gured out that he wanted to major in chemical engineering after he realized that chemistry was his favorite subject. High school has been a really long roller coaster ride lled with ups, downs, and new experiences, Mak said. I learned a lot academically, socially, and emotionally. Throughout his high school years, Mak has also learned the importance of generosity and giving back to the community. Even when he grows older, he does not see himself outgrowing his passion to volunteer. He still views himself as a humanitarian continuing to volunteer not only in his very own community but also in different parts

before and after school, as well as during the weekends. The time that Tolle does get apart from school, she plays video games, reads, and spends time with her family. I spend most of my time and energy doing things for theater. I became involved in our school theater troupe my sophomore year and its become a bigger and bigger part of my life each year, said Tolle. Tolle likes to volunteer and loves working with people. Over the summer, she volunteered with Queen Theater, which is a budding community theater. She worked as a camp counselor. I think maybe Ill turn out to be a teacher or a psychologist. I think California is really pretty, so I might move there when I get a job or out to the east coast, said Tolle. Tolle loves to read and sing in her free time. I dont really have one specic favorite author. Lately Ive been reading books by John Green, so I guess Id say him, at the moment. He writes the kind of books that make you feel like youve changed by the time youre done with it, said Tolle. As for role models, Tolle has a certain belief. Theres no one person I look up to. I look up to Johnny Depp as an actor, and my mom inspires me to be a good person, said Tolle. Making choices about where to go to college is very hard. Colleges require good SAT scores, and look at how involved the applicant is at school. Fortunately Tolle has both of these things. I will hopefully be attending the

University of Texas at Austin, if they accept me. I dont really know where I want to work. I think it would be fun to continue with acting, but its a very difcult industry that Im reluctant to get into. Tolle loves acting and being a part of theater but her passion is going to be put on the backburner. If I tried to become an actor, it would be when Im much older, after living a more conventional lifestyle for a long while and getting bored with that, said Tolle. Tolle is not a big fan of sports, so she does not follow any particular team. Her favorite subject is English. Ive always really liked English. I like reading, and I liked writing back when it was more creative and less analytic, said Tolle. Some of Tolles favorite teachers from high school are Jennifer Craddock, Ashley. Taylor, and John Damon. They make me laugh and their classes are somehow both fun and very informative, said Tolle. Tolle describes herself as a very cynical person. Her favorite quote is, Lifes as kind as you let it be. This quote is a reminder to look at things on the bright side, or there is no bright side, said Tolle. Lastly, Tolle gave some good advice for freshman. Work hard. Study. Get good grades. Do it now, because youll probably only get lazier as you get older, said Tolle. With college is right around the corner, Tolle dreads moving away from her friends but she is certain she will enjoy her new independent life.

February 2012 Ranger Review

Guys no longer afraid; Bromance taking over

By ABBY RUNNELS Reporter Over the past few years, a new term has come into common use that describes the formerly indescribable relationship between two guy friends. This term, known as bromance, is now a staple relationship in most television shows, especially sitcoms. The origins of this word are as unusual as the word itself, which is redening our culture, especially in entertainment. Bromance was added to the dictionary a couple of years ago. It is dened as a close, nonsexual relationship between two men. The word was taken from the combination of the words bro, which means male friends or brothers, and romance. It is a secure and healthy friendship between two friends who are usually single. These two men often like to hang out, go to sporting events, play video games together, or whatever other hobbies or interests they have in common. The roots of bromance go back thousands of years. Men valued the bond of friendship among themselves during the rise of Western civilization. Having a bromantic partner was the ultimate sign of manliness then. The Sacred Band of Thebes in ancient Greece was formed by pairs of bromantically linked men, all willing to defend their partners to the last breath. These men were said to have drawn bravery in battle from their inextricable ties to each other. Also during that time, bromance was esteemed in the arts as it was in war. Arguably the rst to philosophize bromance, Plato founded his work almost entirely on the notion of love between men. He knew well the formidable, singular bond binding man to another. It was Platonic. Since that time, bromance was not heard of until the 1900s. Fast-forward a few thousand years to the twentieth century. Twenty to thirty years ago, this kind of relationship would have been the same as being gay. It would not have been allowed or appropriate to talk about one straight mans love for another straight man since being gay was almost a taboo in American society. Two main factors may have caused the resurgence of the bromance in

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society. Today, with the gradual acceptance of homosexuality, people, especially men, are less afraid of being labeled as gay, and are more open to having friendships with other guys. Also, feminist-mothers may have raised their male children since the 1970s to be more expressive of their feelings, preparing them for emotional attachments to others and teaching them that this is healthy. The reemergence of the bromance has been aided by famous duos on television and in movies. From everyday sitcoms to epic movies, these kinds of relationships enhance the plot lines and make the best entertainment even more entertaining. Crime-ghting bromances date back to the 1960s with the partnership of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson have had an enduring crime-solving bromance, from the book series to the BBC television series. Comedic bromances have the same entertaining appeal, and help to offer a few more laughs to already good movies.

Photo by Natalia Naranjo

Students share creative ways to surprise their loved ones

By DEVIKA SINGH Copy Editor Valentines Day is usually quite a special time for lovers. Roses, chocolates, balloons, and jewelry are some of the many gifts given to one another, yet the list keeps going on and on. One of the most celebrated holidays in America, the day brings the smell of owers, the sounds of hugs and kisses, and the taste of sweet food. All Valentines Day experiences, though, are not always hunky dory. When it comes to relationships, there come those peculiar moments that can make a great story to be told for ages. There are some stories that are just sweet, and make a girls heart melt and knees weak. In addition to those, there are some that are just one of a kind. Freshman year Valentines Day, I had brought all these sweet gifts for my boyfriend, like chocolates, a teddy bear, etc., and I put it in my locker till I saw him in class, Madelyn Mohr, junior, said. Then, in the middle of classes, I went to my locker to grab the presents, but they were all gone. I started panicking because I didnt know what to tell him. So I walked in to class with this brilliant story planned, ready to lie, and I see him sitting with the presents I got him. I had been locker-hacked. Evidently, Valentines Day is always known as the day when girlfriends can cleverly surprise their boyfriends, and vice versa. In this case, she brought him quite a shock, even though unintentional, yet he was still prepared. Sometimes, these shocks and unexpected happening can be some of the cutest ways to approach a relationship. My junior year Valentines Day, I had nothing special going on, so I just thought I could enjoy with my friends, Nicole Naik, junior, said. My best friend, though, was also my crush, and had been for a long time now, but that particular day, he kept on ignoring me. Every time I would try to talk to him, he would avoid me and walk away. I became really upset, but in the class we had together, we were doing a group PowerPoint presentation, and obviously, we were in the same group. It felt awkward, but at the end of the presentation, when everyone started clapping, he said that there was one

Teen males today openly embrace bromance as they celebrate thier close and loving bonds of friendship. Mike Myers Wayne and Dana while saving their fellow toys. best friend Gus to provide the voice Carveys Garth took their weekly In the 1990s, the everyday sitcom of reason. Naturally, hilarity ensues. bromance on Saturday Night Live Friends took bromance to a new Troy and Abed of Community to the movies in 1992 with Waynes level with Joey and Chandlers have also become one of the most World, along with their silly antics relationship, since Joey was single entertaining bromances of all time. and love of rock music. Napoleon and Chandler was married to another From their childlike ways to their Dynamite features two high-school character, Monica. Apparently, this constant television references, they friends trying to win the class tactic worked, since the show had a provide an excellent end to every presidency, along with a bizarre long run with ten full seasons. episode with their interactions. family and deadpan humor. However These past few years, there have The most honest bromance award great these movies are, one of the been a ood of new bromances on goes to J.D. and Turk of Scrubs, greatest bromances belongs not to television. Many have become the who broke down barriers by taking men, but to toys. Woody and Buzz most memorable of all time. Psychs bromance to the absolute extreme of the Toy Story franchise exhibit the Gus and Shawn provide for a hilarious and dening exactly what it is in truest bromance of all, helping each pairing, since Shawn fakes psychic a musical episode: Its guy love other to realize their full potential powers to solve crimes, leaving his between two guys.

more slide left. On the last slide, it said my name, and then Will you be my Valentine? He was on one knee with a rose in his hand, and I just couldnt say no. Stories like these sure show ones sweet side, but the stories of love do not end there. Aside from cute, adorable couples who do the sweetest things on Valentines Day, everyone has heard of the typical, ironic break-ups on the famous February 14. However, all heartbreaking coincidences are not about breakups. Some just involve the wrong incident happening at the wrong time. I sent my girlfriend our favorite song through a singing Valentine, and they came to her class on Valentines Day to sing it for her. I also sent her a rose with it, and I knew she would love it. Unfortunately, that was the very day she missed school, Korbin Hranac, junior, said. Another group of very special people on this day are Secret Admirers. They make this occasion all the more exciting by adding suspense and mystery, topping it with secrecy, and sprinkling it with

Photo by Nia Wheat Valentines day presents are often expected, but some go out of thier way to surprise thier special someone. Clearly, Valentines Day is made climax. a letter telling me to meet my Secret admirers are the perfect admirer at the park for a kiss. So, extremely special, yet peculiar way to love someone from afar, but the afternoon of Valentines Day, I through many of these types of sooner or later, the truth has to be headed on over to the park, and wait experiences. Shock, awe, laughter, and irony revealed. there for her. Then, I saw someone The whole week before Valentines on the swing set, and recognized her are only some of the many emotions Day, I began receiving letters, cards, at once. I crept up behind her and stumbled upon by couples. Many chocolates, and stuffed animals surprised her. My Grandma turned of these, though, can be real eyefrom my secret admirer, Shavon around, and surprised me with a big openers, yet others can make people Carvin, junior, said. Finally, the kiss and a warm hug, better than that want to close their eyes and keep on dreaming. day before February 14, I received of any ordinary girls.

Many teens deal with diabetes

Farrell was diagnosed with diabetes the summer before her fth year of elementary school at nine years old. Another student was diagnosed with diabetes under a more dramatic circumstance. The summer before seventh grade I was about to board a plane to go to Atlanta when my doctor called and told me to go to the hospital immediately, said Bynes. Bynes, diagnosed at age 12, had also had symptoms of excessive thirst, dizziness, and shivering. After being diagnosed with this condition, people must change daily functions in order to adapt. The younger the person is, the harder it is for them to control their blood sugar on their own. When I was younger my mom had to constantly monitor my blood sugar, and now that Im older Im able to this on my own, said Farrell. After having diabetes for a couple years, students start to get used to the condition. Diabetes is really just another thing I have to do in life. It isnt a chore, but sometimes it is a little hard and annoying to keep up with. To me, diabetes is just another necessary thing to life, just like breathing, said Bynes. Taking care of diabetes may be something people get used to over time. It does, however, require constant monitoring every day and especially when physically active. When diabetics exercise, they must keep track of their blood sugar because it may uctuate. Another name for high or low blood sugar levels is hypoglycemia. When blood sugar uctuates, it makes the pancreas work really hard to make glucose which can cause serious health concerns. Diabetes makes things difcult sometimes. I am in color guard and sometimes I have to sit out of practice. Also when my numbers are high or low it can cause me to miss class and feel bad, said Alice Millard, a junior who was diagnosed at age seven. While diabetes can sometimes leave you feeling sick, it doesnt prevent you from doing exercise. When Im playing a sport, I just need to monitor my blood sugar more carefully, said Bynes. She is currently on the freshman volleyball team. Another important aspect of having a disorder is how people or your friends may judge the person because of it. Luckily, people can not just look at someone who is diabetic and can tell they have that condition.

Picture by Nia Wheat Diabetes is becoming a growing problem as an increasing number of young people are diagnosed with it. BY LAURENCE GOLDINBLAIS ADVERTISING EDITOR Whether it is heard in health class or seen on a poster in the doctors ofce, a majority of students have learned the term diabetes. Even though a lot of students may know this term, they still do not understand what this condition is and how their peers deal with it on an everyday basis. Sophomore Amy Farrell and freshman Mason Bynes know all about it. They both have juvenile diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Food is every persons main source of fuel. It provides energy and growth for our cells. As food is digested it turns into glucose. However in order for glucose to enter a cell it needs insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Usually when a person eats, their pancreas automatically releases insulin for their cells. However a person who has diabetes can either not produce enough insulin, does not produce insulin at all, or the cells dont accept the insulin given by the pancreas. This results in high blood sugar because there is too much glucose outside the cell and not enough inside allowing you to grow and have energy. Eventually the excess glucose is eliminated through urination. Diabetes can start at any age with many different symptoms. Some include excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, and also fatigue and irritability. I started not feeling well and I had lost almost 12 pounds, said Farrell. I was really hungry and thirsty. I was also very tired. All my symptoms lined up for diabetes so I went to the doctor and he checked my blood sugar. He said it was really high so I had to go to the hospital immediately so they could control it.

A lot of the time my friends forget I even have diabetes. I have never had anyone look down on me because of it, but sometimes in the hallway people do wonder why I have a device clipped onto my jean pocket, said Farrell. Family also has a big impact on students with diabetes. People have always been very protective of me and have always watched out for me. My friends and family have been really supportive and just great, said Millard. Technology can play many different roles. It can be used for fun and games such as Gameboys and Playstations. It can also be used as a social aspect such as cell phones and computers. But one role people do not think about is how technology helps monitor and save lives. For diabetes, multiple devices are used in order to control blood sugars. Technology has denitely helped people deal with diabetes, because without pumps, insulin pens, or meters, we would not be able to keep control of diabetes, said Bynes. Even though diabetes is an incurable disorder, it can be managed and dealt with. A diabetic isnt what you are - its a part of your life, said Bynes.

lifestyles
not bad, but a scrapbook may have a better effect. This project is not only limited to girls. Guys can do it, too, in their own manly and macho style, and it adds a bit of humor to the gift. Scrapbooks lled with pictures and objects from the receiver and the givers time together shows the receiver that the other person really cherishes their time together. In addition, it can be fun for the person making the scrapbook or photo album. A handmade gift tells you that they took time out of what they normally do to think about you all because they care about you, Riya Santra, freshman, said. Another option is to head towards the food department and bake something. I love edible stuff made out of edible material, Guna Kondapaneni, sophomore, said. Most everyone enjoys some kind of food or delicacy and a baked desert always makes a bigger statement than anything store-bought. Cookies and cake are great, but adding something particular or special to them makes the gift thoughtful. Heart shaped cookies are great because they require more work than plain circular cookies. And cakes topped with all of the receivers favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolates can truly work. Some people can go far out and bake a desert that the other person has never tried before. Deserts are usually what people usually lean towards, but any type of food can work because people truly love eating. Additionally, one can give someone a gift bag lled with their favorite snacks. Of course, the food should taste good. Family members will always love whatever they are given, but that is no excuse to slack off on their Valentines Day presents. In theory, the gifts that are presented to family members should be the easier ones and they can be. There are often many little secrets or inside jokes between family members that can be used to come up with the perfect present and family members know each other the best. Once, I got a CD where the cover was handmade and contained secret riddles, inside jokes, and puzzles. So great, Lindsay Harris, math teacher, said. Instead of getting a family member one gift, many small gifts might be better. Or, if one is on a budget, one can head towards the technology end of presents. It may sound difcult and expensive, but there is an endless amount of things that can be done using ones available skill and money. Videos, Power Points, slideshows, or other unique ideas are sure to be amazing. An electronic slideshow with sentimental music is great and a video lled with wit and humor will denitely make the other persons day brighter. In the end, the project can be given to the receiver in the form of a CD or ash-drive. Presents headed for friends may be a bit harder. For long-time friends, it can be difcult to choose a present because, over the course of the friendship, the best gifts have already been given. That is when a unique gift comes in handy. A

February 2012 Ranger Review

Students subsitute usual cliched Valentine gis with unique ideas

FAROHA KHAN Reporter Each year before Valentines Day, everyone panics as they ponder over what to give their signicant others. After much hair-pulling and nail biting, they generally end up settling with owers, candy, or other clichd gifts. Those presents are denitely classics, but it never hurts to do something different and show that special someone that his or her present was truly thought out and is unique. I usually get gift cards, Michael Li, sophomore, said. Valentines Day is a day to pour out creativity and love. Many people may scoff at the idea of the former, but it can be entertaining to plan and make gifts. The same presents year after year can get tedious for the receiver and make it appear to him or her that the giver does not really care. Diamonds and gems are always going to be a great present, but occasionally, substituting the stones for a special and unique present can make the gift shine more than anything. An alternative that most people do not usually head towards are handmade gifts. Handmade gifts are not only for children and can frequently make a bigger statement than a purchased present. A handmade gift shows me that the present came from the heart, not from money, Pooja Ohja, sophomore, said. The best handmade gifts, however, are ones that involve hard work and some form of prior planning. A fancy card or bookmark, for example, is

Cozy up with great books this Valentines

anc characters who, although a bit obvious, make the story come alive. The ending could have potentially been a bit stronger but the rest of the book makes up for it. The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero. Rick Riordan struck again with another popular series. Percy Jackson, the primary character of the intriguing ending, making the Lost Hero an interesting novel to peruse. Stars Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Outcast stars the famous Jedi Luke Skywalker, his son Ben Skywalker, the infamous smuggler Han Solo and his wife Leia, and many other characters old and new. There is trouble brewing in the galaxy and

By FAROHA KHAN AND BRTTNEY SCAHEFER Reporters As school life settles down and a schedule is formed, many people have free time, to play video games, to go outside, or maybe read. For those who would like to engage in the last activity, the following books are some to consider. Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo is a book about a mysterious gate, a girl named Winter, and a charming sycophant. Interested? Obert Skye, the hilarious author of the book, has written an incredible book. The book begins with the introduction of Leven Thumps, the main character who does not yet know what he is capable of. He soon meets Clover, a sycophant, and Winter, a girl with the power to freeze objects, and his journey to the gateway of Foo begins. Along the way, he encounters problems, obstacles, and a malevolent villain. This book is sure to make you laugh out loud and fall in love with the characters, especially Clover. It is a book that can not be put down once started. So B It is composed of profound emotion and immense suspense. It is inspiring and devastating simultaneously, a perfect read for any people. Heidi, the protagonist, is a girl with a lot of luck, but has a disabled mom who only knows one word: soof. Determined to nd the meaning of the word, Heidi sets off to nd some answers...and, in the process, nds out more than she would have thought she could. So B It is a book that, once picked it up, is hard to put it down. Its perfect for everyone and can touch your heart and make you cry. Avalon High, written by Meg Cabot, the author of this and many other books, transforms clichd Arthurian Mythology into something new. In the novel, Elaine Harrison is the sole daughter of two professors who are experts in mythology about Camelot and King Arthur. As she moves to a new high school, Avalon High, she discovers that not everyone is who they seem and may in fact be reincarnations of the infamous characters of Arthurian mythology. Cabot produces a great story, lled with real emotions

Olympian series, has been kidnapped and Camp Half-Blood is hustling to nd him. During all this, three new demigods are revealed. One is handy with his hands, the other is an independent girl and the third...is a bit unique. It seemed like a book that would simply be a repeat of the Percy Jackson series. But there is an entirely new story, with exciting new characters and the introduction of more gods. Its a great book to read, but, near the end, the book seems to be disorderly and jumbled However, Riordan wraps up the book with a suspenseful and

its up to Luke and his friends to stop it. Written by Aaron Allston, this book is lled with action packed adventure. In the book, Allston continues the on-going Star Wars series by creating trouble between the government of the planet, Coruscant and the Jedi Order led by Luke. Further problems are in store when Jedi start going insane and attack their fellow Jedi, creating more friction between the Order and the government, no thanks to the media always trying to get the inside scoop. Luke is arrested for failing to prevent his

funny poem lled with innuendos or a random email sent to the friends inbox every day for a week before Valentines Day are ideas that can be hits. If its someone you care, think about who they are and what they mean to you and think about something that would speak to them, Santra said. There are many things that can be done to make the stress of choosing a gift easier. Listening closely to the receiver of the gift at least two weeks before Valentines Day can give one an idea of what to get them because many people begin to give hints about Photo by Nia Wheat what they want Students may want to make creative handmade gifts that express their true feelings. to get or do prior to the big day, sometimes without meaning to. Paying attention to their current problems or issues can also help. It can make the work of thinking up a brilliant present much easier because the gift can be something that will help the receiver By NATALIA NARANJO feeling as excited as me, but at the relax or will solve their problems. Co-Editor-in-Chief same time, feeling vastly different, I have a severe craving to feel music because each song brings a new, again. To feel the beat of a song in individual experience. my chest and to be moved by a song Another music festival that is on and I think I know exactly how to my wish list is a bit more feasible to nephew, Jacen Solos, fall to the Dark Side, but chooses exile so that satisfy this thirst: music festivals. attend. I have heard of the brave few he and his son can nd out the reason It has always been a dream of mine who together faced the road to get for Solos fall and what is behind the to get in a car with friends, drive to their Austin destination and have insanity that the Jedi are facing. This off into the open road, and spend a come back with unforgettable stories science-ction adventure will have weekend together just listening to of the trip there, the people they met, readers anxious to read all the books unique, live music. Alas, it is but a but most of all, of the music they in the series and will ignite a spark of dream, but one day Ill do it, and it were lucky enough to absorb. Yes, you guessed it. Im talking adventure in the reader, for there is a will be great. If someone has never felt the about Austin City Limits, also new menace in the in the galaxy that will challenge the heroes to the very awesomeness of a live band or artist known to local hipsters as simply performing, you have to do it soon, ACL. This music festival is world core and decide the fate of the Jedi. Warriors: Into the Wild, the or at least put it on a bucket list. My renowned for bringing in acts and rst of a series by Erin Hunter, rst concert was my sophomore artists from everywhere. To name a introduces readers to a world of wild year in a beat up part of town in a few, Nas, Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, cats and adventure. Rusty was just huge warehouse where I got to see Ray LaMontagne, Skrillex and many an ordinary house cat until the call my four favorite bands perform, many more performed in front of a of the wild became too much for him and it was incredibly breathtaking huge, sweaty, swaying audience. The setting is so simple, just a to resist going into the woods near and rather deafening at that. The lights, the sounds, the feeling of your big Texas-sized eld of grass with his home. Rusty ends up becoming part of whole body moving because of the a big main stage and a couple of a life where wild cats live in clans over-exaggerated bass, and the fact smaller ones and a few tents for food and believe in Star Clan, the clan of that youre in the crowd, along with and water and other activities. Of cats that have died. Rusty is also everyone else who knows the lyrics course, with such a mass of people, confronted by secrecy and choices word for word, all mix in to create and it being Texas, it will be a bit hot but that is the purpose that the air that can decide the fate of all the one of the best experiences ever. That was only a simple concert, my conditioned stations serve. clans. This book is lled with action This year the festival is in October, and suspense and will keep the rst and only real concert so far, but I know what I want to do for my next but the best tickets are already sold reader wondering what will happen one. There are several major music out. I am determined to go to this in the next book. The Haunted Mesa is a novel festivals that have caught my eye one day, and if I end up in Austin by Louis LAmour. It is a modern and have earned a spot on my bucket for school, Ill make it my duty western full of mystery and perils list. First and foremost, I would be to go to this at least once. With a based on the Hopi Indians of the extremely excited to have the chance couple good friends, a trusty pair of sunglasses and about a gallon of Southwest. Mike Raglan, an author to go to Coachella. There are only a few problems with sun block, Ill be set to make some who specializes in unexplained phenomenon, is summoned by his that. One, it is in California which everlasting memories. Someday I will get to experience old friend, Erik Hokart to the mesas is far away, and second, it is fairly expensive for a meager student the magic it is to assist one of these of southeastern Utah. Yet, when he gets there, he nds Hokart gone and budget. Coachella is this amazing music festivals lled with Farmers interesting people, discovers that he has been kidnapped three day festival where underground Markets, artists and other indie-type movers dreadlocks, and some of my favorite by people from the Third World, a place mentioned in Hopi legends and shakers get together and make artists. It feels like going to one where the Anasazi Indians originated great music in the open air. Im sure of these events would be a rite of from before entering Raglans world it is nothing like Woodstock, but its passage of sorts. For now, Ill just close enough for me. pretend that Im there and go to my known as the Fourth World. Each day is different and every backyard, get a lawn chair, close my Embarking on a mission to rescue his friend and discover the secrets year people wait in great anticipation eyes and turn up the music. of the Anasazi, Raglan is joined by for the set list to come out. This a young Native American woman, years list has come out, and it looks a romance is born and a mystery exceptional. The Black Keys are is under way. This book will pull headlining on the rst day along with readers into the legends of the other fantastic acts like Frank Ocean, Anasazi and the secrets of the Afrojack and Arctic Monkeys. The Southwest that has inspired LAmour next two days are equally, if not even to write this book and so many others. more amazing, with Radiohead, From fantasy to mystery novels, Childish Gambino, The Shins, Dr. these books will keep readers busy, Dre and Snoop Dogg and David whether during free time or even Guetta. The whole weekend is over the break. There is only one devoted to music and musicians who thing readers have to do and that is to have not gotten the publicity they open a book and let their imagination deserve. I can absolutely imagine Photo by Nia Wheat myself there, in the sea of people take over.

Concerts, festivals feature new artists

February 2012 Ranger Review

plan, the local unlimited plan, and the pre-paid plan. The stand-alone plan is where a teen has their own account and receives a bill for the service they are using. It also involves a perminute cost when a teen has gone over the limit of minutes they were designated. The companion plan is where the phone is added to the account of a parent and the minutes are shared between multiple phones within a family, though the phones must be of the same plan. The local unlimited plan is when there are minutes are unlimited for local and incoming calls, while long distance call minutes have to be paid for perminute. This is good for teens who like to call friends and family most of the time. Last, the pre-paid plan is when the minutes are prepaid, but, unfortunately, after theyre used up you end up losing your cell service. For teens that can not afford to pay for a cell phone plan but are willing to pitch in their money and help pay for a plan, then there is an option known as The Family Plan. Parents pay for the whole plan, but teens are allowed to have their own phone. However, this may involve limitations on certain things such as how long the teen can talk on the phone and whether or not they are

lifestyles
allowed to text. The good thing is that unlimited text and voice can be added to this plan so that teens do not have to worry too much about being limited. Another good thing is that there are usually free minutes available, mostly after 9:00 pm and on weekends, so teens are given a chance to talk without worrying about the amount of time they are on the phone. Another opportunity for teens who do not want to spend a lot of money on a cell phone plan is the share provider option which sometimes gives teens the opportunity to have unlimited free calling between friends who share the same provider. That way, teens do not have to spend money and can call their friends as much as they want and whenever they want. This is helpful since some teens like to call their friends more than emailing them or texting them. The next thing to do is to nd the right company that provides a teen the plan they want. As of 2012, the top ten companies were: Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobil, Boost Mobil, Cricket, Virgin Mobil, U.S. Cellular, MetroPCS, and TracFone. Verizon Wireless was chosen number one for its individual plans, international plans, family plans, data plans, pre-paid plans, and its other attributes. Unlike AT&T, however, it did not have the choice of roll over minutes, which helped

Students search for quality cell phone plans within price range
By BRITTNEY SCHAFER Reporter New technological innovations are appearing all the time and teenagers nd ways to make use of them. The one innovation that teens use most is the cell phone. Sometimes, parents are willing to pay for cell phone plans while the teen just has to pay for the phone. Lucky is the teen whose parents pay for both. The worst case scenario involves the teens paying for the cell phone plan and their phone. Teens that pay for their own cell phone plans have a lot to consider. The rst part of the process is whether the teen can afford to pay for the plan at all. Teens who have jobs with good pay may have it easier than those who only receive a monthly allowance of little amount. Then follows thinking about what is the best cell phone plan that can t within a teens budget. This is where a teen may want to consider how often he or she may call or text. This includes whether the teen wants to use internet on their phone or download data. There are different types of plans that are offered to teens depending on how they are going to use their phones. These types of plans include: the stand-alone plan, the companion

February horoscopes

By FAROHA KHAN Reporter Taurus- Stop thinking about yourself. Its harsh, but sadly true. Despite all that, your days will go well and your relationship with your family will get better as they give you a surprise that you vaguely suspected. Finally, be aware that there might be some serious and immense changes for you. This month, consider giving those you care about special gifts which will lead to greater self rewards. Leo- February will be the month that will challenge you. Everything will be surprisingly neat and organized work-wise, and, socially, your ends will swarm around you, asking for your help or advice. Aid them, but remember that you have priorities too. Make the right decision! Finally, in the past, you may have been able to slide by and still get adequate grades, but its time for you to step up as things become more challenging. Aquarius - Blurry, foggy, unclear. Thats how most of your days will feel this February. Contrary to the past, where you could understand what was going around you, this month will present some challenges. Peoples feelings and actions will be confusing and teachers lectures will go over your head. It will be frustrating, denitely, but distract yourself by submerging yourself in something useful and fun, like drawing or sports. Avoid television and chocolate as a distraction! Pisces - Calm down. Your hassled nature is taking a toll on you and preventing you from getting anything done. Make a schedule and attempt to get organized. Time is passing by as you worry. Additionally, its time to realize what you like and dislike and stop letting others control you. People will respect you for standing up for yourself. Capricorn - Be healthy. Stop that daily scofng at apples and oranges and reaching for a cookie instead. Get out there and exercise, no matter how lled your schedule might be. When you become healthy, you will be more focused and feel better about yourself. Thus, you will do better in school as your mind becomes clearer due to all those nutrients rushing to your brain as a result of your great food choices and that extra energy from the work-out. Cancer - Listening to others will, surprisingly, help you. Friends, teachers, and parents will all have great advice for you. Just listen to them and use their words to create your own decision and path. Obviously, that doesnt mean blindly following what others suggest. In

addition, dont venture into anything you dont want and dont take too much onto your plate. Virgo - Show others that you actually like them. Others might feel that you are either oblivious to them or really dont care what about what they are saying. You might not even notice how you are treating them. Yes, you are important but so are the people around you. Dont be afraid to show yourself emotionally. Aries - There will denitely be problems for you this month and they will, circuitously, cause you to become thoroughly devoted to something or other. February will be a dynamic month for you and full of random changes, so be prepared mentally. Additionally, be positive that what you tell others is true because it will come back to haunt you if your facts are wrong. That applies vice versa, too. Gemini - You have talents that youre not letting out. Let them out! You will surprise, not only others but, yourself at the immense ability you have hidden inside you. Stay on track of everything because this month will be really busy and one act of procrastination might drag you down. Take care of everything and dont take advantage of others good natures. Libra - Dont let others stop you. If you want to run for something or do something that you know that you could never succeed in, but want to try anyways...do it. Who knows? You might win and, even if you dont, you can feel good that you tried. But dont get impatient. Breath and think things through. Plan things out because you dont want to put too much pressure on yourself or tire yourself. Scorpio - Talk to others. You might feel that you are better off without talking to others about what you feel and all, but it will seriously benet you to let yourself out. But dont just talk. Listen and pay close attention to the little tips and advice that you might get. Make a commitment and stick t it. Youll learn that you have the capability to devote to something. Sagittarius - You have many ambitions. You know, others know it. Now, do something about it. Work harder. Getting by wont help you achieve your goals. You have to stand out. Give appreciation to others, including your friend. Give them a small gift to show them that you want to give thanks to them for all they do for you and for begin by you. When you do, dont expect anything in return. You are doing this to make someone happier, not to get something better in return.

By ZAINAB DHANANI Reporter It is often said in the fashion world that accessorizing is an art. Believe it or not, accessorizing the right way does involve focal points and symmetry, just like art does. Most days, we nd ourselves stumbling in our closet trying to nd the perfect outt- the perfect dress or blouse we wish we had. The clothes we wear are important in making us look fashion-forward; however, what makes an outt pop are the accessories that go along with it. Accessories make an outt stand out; they make all the difference between looking polished and looking trendy.

Teens glam up outts with accessories

I believe that accessories are truly a gift from the fashion Gods. The multitude of accessories out there has the ability to transform a simple outt into something glamorous. Go bold with jewelry! Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings are all great accessories to add to any outt. If you are wearing a simple outt, do not be afraid to wear bold pieces of jewelry that stand out. Earrings because they can dress up or dress down any outt. They are easy to nd, and you have lots of options with all the different types of earrings out there, Isabel Colon, junior, said. When accessorizing with jewelry, though, make sure to not overdo it, as this goes for all accessories. Fashion consultant Stacy London, says that a good rule of thumb is not to put items too close together on a body. Do not wear big earrings and a statement necklace together; you can look trendy while still looking simple. I really love chunky necklaces right now because they complete any outt. You can dress it up or dress it down, Fiona Gunawan, senior, said. Clutches and handbags are fabulous accessories; while handbags are convenient for every day outts, evening clutches easily glam up night-time outts. When wearing an outt with color, carry a metallic or neutral colored handbag or clutch. When wearing a neutral colored outt, choose a pop color handbag or clutch to really accessorize and give your outt that wow factor! Headbands, hats, and other hair accessories take you from localsuburbs girl to big-city girl. As long as it is not a headband for an elementary school girl, headbands are truly wonderful to complete the chic look. Hats are very in style right now, also, particularly the fedora. The fedora is a very urban chic inspired hat that is great for accessorizing during the spring and summer times. Look for the perfect t, and the fedora hat is ready to give you that urban California look. Other hair accessories, like sparkly and beautifully embellished clips

AT&T come in second. Both companies require $89.99 for unlimited voice and text and unlimited voice only costs $69.99 for the both of them as well. However, if a teen wanted unlimited everything for $99.99 and does not want a prepaid plan, then Sprint is a choice that teens may want to consider. So, when a teenager is planning on buying their own cell phone plan they have to rst think about their budget, how they are going to use their cell phone, what they are going to use their phone for, what features do they want on their phone, and how much they prefer to spend on the cell phone and the plan that they want. The best cell phone plan for a teenager Photo by Nia Wheat is the plan that ts their budget and their Many teens look for the most efcient cell phone plan that is within their budget. purpose for using the phone. to a group plan where everyone in choice is theirs and sometimes, due Whether it is just for emergencies, the family pitches in and they have to certain circumstances, the rest of or for socializing or even both is up free minutes, or they have unlimited their family. All they have to do is to the individual themselves. They free calling with others who have nd the cell phone plan that they feel even have the choice of just sticking the same provider as them. The comfortable with and can afford.

Photo by Nia Wheat Accessories can spice up any outt and make teens appear trendy.

Oscar nominations stir movie industry

By DANIEL TORRES Perspectives Editor Oscars are around the corner on February, and after the brouhaha about hosting it, the Oscars themselves should prove just as exciting. Comedian Billy Crystal has agreed to another year as host. Many people plan Oscar parties, so to help out, the following is a list of the nominations in major categories. BEST PICTURE The nominees this year are The Artist, The Descendents, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. The Help, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, and lastly War Horse. The big surprise nomination of the bunch is Extremely Loud, whose divisive and polarizing reaction made it an unlikely candidate to snatch a nomination. The silent French lm The Artist will likely walk away with the prize. BEST DIRECTOR The nominees this year are Woody Allen for Midnight in Paris, Michel Hazanivicus for The Artist, Terrence Malik for The Tree of Life, Alexander Payne for The Descendents, and Martin Scorcesee for Hugo. On the surface the French Hazanivicus may seem like the frontrunner, but it is very seldom that the Academy recognizes foreign directors. BEST ACTOR The nominees this year are Demian Bichir for A Better Life, George Clooney for The Descendents, Jean Dujardin for The Artist, Gary Oldman for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Brad Pitt for Moneyball. This is a three man race between Clooney, Dujardin, and Pitt. My prediction is despite Clooneys success in precursor awards, Pitt will win due to many voters viwing this as an opportunity to reward Pitts lengthy and successful career. BEST ACTRESS The nominees for this category are Glenn Close for Albert Nobbs, Viola Davis for The Help, Rooney Mara for The Girl with the Dragon Tatto, Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady, and Michelle Williams for My Week with Marilyn. Davis will win due to her strong performance and the popularity of The Help. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR The nominees are Kenneth Branagh for My Week with Marilyn, Jonah Hill for Moneyball, Nick Nolte for Warrior, Christopher Plummer for Beginners, and in a surprise Max von Sydow was able to score a nomination for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. This is Plummers category to lose. Plummers been a terric actor for decades and is overdue for an Oscar win. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

with rhinestones and crystals, are great for accessorizing as well. Shoes are like a womans best friend. It is often said that girls can never have too many shoes; it is because they are the ultimate accessory! The shoe you wear often attracts many peoples attention. A nice pair of wedges is great during the spring and summer with a dress or capris and a casual top. A pair of colored or sparkly stiletto pumps can be great for accessorizing, as it can easily transform a day-time outt to a night-time outt. Boots are perfect accessories for fall and winter; whether they are ankle boots, leather, or over-the-knee, boots go with virtually anything. Shoes are my favorite way to add something different and exciting to any outt. They add a pop of color or sparkle, Mariana Molina, junior, said. Scarves not only keep one warm during the cooler months, but they also look very New York Chic. Your scarf does not have to be a designer brand to accomplish the spiffy look. My favorite accessories are scarves because they are so versatile; they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and they dress up any outt. You can wear them for any season, too, Stephanie Sun, junior, said. Accessorizing is truly an art; it involves planning and mixing colors, shapes, and sizes, with the nal product never ceasing to be anything short of amazing.

Photo by Nia Wheat

The nominees this year are Berenice Bejo for The Artist, Jessica Chastain for The Help, Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids, Janet McTeer for Albert Nobbs, and Octavia Spencer for The Help. Spencer seems to be a sure lock here due to winning some key precursor awards and the popularity of The Help, but if the academy really loves The Artist they might pick Berenice Bejo.

8 perspectives
Wi- possible, valuable tool in refreshing education style
By ANN KENNEY Ads Editor There are many advantages for having a Wi-Fi connection at Clements. Some people may think that having Wi-Fi is a bad thing for schools, but it would vastly improve technology use on campus. While having Wi-Fi may increase the possibility of students playing on their phones, this risk can be met with preliminary measures like slow and freeze, but with Wi-Fi, those problems rarely occur. This means students can have more time working on their schoolwork rather than waiting for their computer to start working. Wi-Fi also limits the amount of cords around the classroom. In some classes there are many computers in one classroom that are being used all at once, and the clutter of the cords is bad. By using Wi- the distict could also eliminate the costs of having to buy so many cords. Thus in this case Wi- would not only save money, but time as well. Not only are classes using the computers all at once, but the library is full of students on computers, and printing. Teachers are also doing the same thing, since we see bored kids in classrooms every day. If and when teachers integrate online activities to their lessons, it will add stimulation to everyday tasks, and in turn will keep students alert and interested. Having Wi-Fi again would only facilitate this transition to keeping up with the latest in technology for ease of learning. We would not be the rst school

February 2012 Ranger Review

Should Wi-Fi be ava

The benets that can come from having wireless internet outweigh the negatives. WiFi access make presentations and sharing data more convenient
rewalls and limiting the internet sites that students can access, will surely prevent most students from goong off on their phones or computer devices. The benets that can come from having wireless internet outweigh the negatives. Wi-Fi access can make presentations and sharing data more convenient and simple for both students and teachers. Teachers can connect their personal computer to the network to show students work or share presentations with their classes. Principals, librarians and guest speakers can connect their personal computers and iPads when they make large presentations in the auditorium. Wi-Fi connections also make things easier for printing. There can be several computers linked to one printer instead using one certain computer for printing, scanning and faxing. The network is connected around the entire campus, which makes it possible for portable devices to work anywhere on campus which includes the eld house, auditorium, and tshacks. When using the computers at school, connections can often be

As technology advances, schools must make an effort to adapt and utilize what is best for the students and teachers.
to do so. Many schools both in and out of the district and even private schools in the area have taken the initiative and turned on the WiFi in school. Some have even gone to provide school-issued laptops or iPads. It is evident that with our current budget situation, handing out pricey electronics is not possible, but having overall accessible wireless internet is feasible and positive. Currently, the foreign language department of CHS for the Global Studies Academy has a mobile lab set up for student use. Having mobile labs equipped with WiFi for all classes would give teachers the ability to utilize the resources available, and subsequently help students learn in a different way. Without Wi-Fi, the learning capability is vastly limited, which is not efcient. As technology advances, schools must make an effort to adapt and utilize what is best for the students and teachers. Wi-Fi brings with it easy accessibility and new techniques of teaching and learning. Schools should take advantage of the It seems as though whenever technology advances, there are those who are skeptical. However this is not the time to doubt, but to realize the great potential of Wi-Fi.

If Clements had Wi-Fi, it would make the students and teachers able to get things done on computers much faster and more efciently.
constantly on their computers, and with that many computers being used, the network would be much faster with Wi-Fi. If Clements had Wi-Fi, it would make the students and teachers able to get things done on computers much faster and more efciently. We must move forward with the educational system in this country and for now, the step forward may be a leap into the future of education. Many coutries in Europe and Latin America already have Wi equipped in their schools, so why not the US? To better learn how to apply lessons taught in school to real life situations, the internet has to be involved in the process. Students of the current technological era cannot function without having a handy gadget or quick access to the internet. It is obvious that many kids attention spans do not span greater than ten to fteen minutes when

RANGER REVIEW

SOPA, PIPA bills go one step too far in

By NATALIA NARANJO Co-Editor-Chief Recently, a lot of social networking websites have been adding an HTML code to their websites to join the ght against the infamous SOPA bill and the PIPA. Adding these two lines of code to any blog or website will censor out the name of the site and may censor words out of the posts. These bills, both led by representatives, have several bipartisan co-sponsors and backers, but also have a growing army against them. Basically, this bill, if it passes, will give the US government the right to block us from certain websites they deem contain illegal content. This method of censorship, if implemented would be the same method used by countries such as China, Iran and Syria. There has been a lot of controversy concerning the passing of this bill, including huge online petitions, the building of websites completely dedicated to informing the public about the bill, and there has even been a song written about this bill. The hullabaloo around the SOPA bill is detracting from the severity of another very similar bill called the Protect IP Act, which is very similar to the SOPA bill but together they can cause a huge difference in the way we use and see the internet today. Imagine an internet that has been tampered with by the government, censored and controlled before we can have a proper say in it. Many people are against this bill, including large corporations such as Wikipedia and Google, and have already made plans and continue to act on their plans to x the problem. Recently, Wikipedia, the English version completely blacked out late at night to prove their point that the possible passing of these bills could have a catastrophic effect on useful internet sites and search engines. Google took a more moderate approach and simply pretended to censor their logo, upon clicking it the internet user would be redirected to a page explaining each bill in depth. The whole purpose of these bills is to put an end to online piracy and copyright infringement on intellectual property. In fact, several big corporations such as notable recording companies and movie studios have supported the movement, seeing as to how it is difcult for their possibility of growth if others are stealing their work. Lobbyists have done their fair share of work as well, helping the bill gain momentum within the congress. The bill is ambiguous, but many companies that produce music and movies are taking a positive stance towards it because it contains strong repercussions for people who commit the crimes of piracy. The opposing side has had many other points. Censoring the internet will stie the creativity and freedom of speech that we as American are proud to posses. Not only will America be implementing this law, but many think that the possible passing of this bill will create a sort of domino effect and other countries, with a bigger reputation of being corrupt will go along for the ride. It creates huge, somewhat crazy consequences for websites that may infringe on the bills requests. Websites can be shut down or ned if only a commenter posts

STAFF

W.P. CLEMENTS HIGH SCHOOL P.O. BOX 1004 SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479
Editors: Editor-in-Chief.........................................Natalia Naranjo Editor-in-Chief............................................Amy Wagner News Editor.............................................Yasmeen Yahya Parents Editor...........................................Yasmeen Yahya Sports Editor.................................................Rabab Zehra Features Editor......................................Maha Muhammad Lifestyles Editor..................................Zareen Khayrattee Perspectives Editor.......................................Daniel Torres Photography Editor.........................................Nia Wheat Voices Editor............................................Sarah Jacobson Advertising Editor........................................Ann Kenney Advertising Editor........................Laurence Golden Blais Copy Editor.................................................Devika Singh Copy Editor...........................................Rebecca Plunkett Cartoonist....................................................Juan Chacin Reporters: Faroha Khan, Brittney Schafer, Zainab Dhanani, and Abby Runnels Sponsor: Ms. Linda Carroll Awards: Columbia Press Association medalist, 19871993; Silver Crown, 1989, 1994; Cold Crown, 19921993; Interscholastic League Press Conference Award of Distinguished Merit, 1987-1993; National Scholastic Press Association All-American Honor Rating, 19901992; Regional Pacemaker, 1990; National Pacemaker, 1990; Pacemaker Finalist, 1995-1996; Gold Medalist, 1995-1997; Columbia Press Association Silver Medalist 2000-2001, Columbia Press Association Bronze Medalist, 2008-2009
The contents of this newspaper are the private expressions of the students and do not reect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the District.

Even in today, chivalry stands impor

By BRITTNEY SCHAFER Reporter Is chivalry dead? Or is chivalry on life support? To ponder this question, some may be asking, What the heck is chivalry, anyway? Wikipedia.com denes chivalry as Gallantry, courtesy and honor. The noble qualities a knight was supposed to have, such as courage and a readiness to help the weak. The demonstration of any of these qualities. But chivalry goes further than this. It is simply doing the right thing. It is about being a gentleman or gentlewoman. For the sake of argument, let us assume that chivalry is dying. What has happened to cause this change in attitude? One can submit several hypotheses. Throughout the years, chivalry has become almost a lost art. It has digressed from a knight in shining armor who protects a damsel in distress to a twenty-rst century teenager that honks the horn for his date instead of greeting her at the boy and girl exhibited to each other, chivalry was a strong concept in a today, chivalry has declined, and relationship. Chivalry in a relationship involves both genders are utilizing chivalry the decency between boys and girls involving manners, honesty, and compassion. Examples of chivalry include the extreme of a boy laying his coat over a puddle and letting the girl walk on it so as not to get her feet wet, or simply a guy waiting for his date to sit down before he does, or pulling out her chair for her to sit. Chivalry has affected girls as well. If a guy were to get her a gift, the girl used to be grateful instead of complaining that it was cheap or that she did not like it. Another part of chivalry is, of course, honesty between each other. Opening the door for a girl is an act of chivalry, said sophomore Cindy Hong. less and less. Many changes Today, chivalry in a relationship have occurred since the time that almost does not exist. New

door. Instead of the decent manners and courteous behavior that both

February 2012 Ranger Review

perspectives 9

By ABBY RUNNELS Reporter In the current age of accessing information instantly through cell phones, tablets and computers, the question arises as to whether Wi-Fi should be allowed in schools. And the obvious answer is no. It is true that there are many ways

ailable at Clements?

American school system not advanced enough for Wi-Fi

which is one of the better ones in the Houston area, who do not even have textbooks for their classes? Having Wi-Fi in schools really should not be the topic of a conversation about improving our schools, and other, more cost-effective methods should be considered. Something that many people do not know about installing Wi-Fi in schools is the unknown health problems it may have on children, especially on elementary-age students. The installation of Wi-Fi comes with the emission of micro-waves. There is not yet conclusive research on the health impact from large amounts of this radiation, but it does not seem like a good idea to run this health risk, especially with young children, when there is possible harm. If the district does indeed decide to proceed with using Wi-,

Installing Wi-Fi in schools would be very costly, and we just do not have the money in this current economic climate
that having that kind of technology available to students and teachers could lead to benets all around in education. However, the use of Wi-Fi in schools as an aid to education may sound like an idea that would be benecial and ahead of current times, but there are also way more dangerous and impractical side effects that come with its use, that could be detrimental for learning. Being a school of the future sure sounds like a good idea, but could we really make that work? How can we be that kind of school when our education system in America is not even up to par with other education systems in countries all around the globe? The USA consistenly ranks as one of the poorest education systems among developed nations. Our school system has just been through extreme budget cuts from both the federal and state governments, with teachers being laid off. Installing Wi-Fi in schools would be very costly, and we just do not have the money in this current economic climate to go through with that kind of costly decision. How could this possibly be justied, when there are kids in our own district,

Also, the district is not in a secure nancial situation to provide laptops for its students, so those who are unable to afford laptops will be at a severe and unfair disadvantage. All of these reasons sum up why Wi-Fi is a generally bad idea for schools, but there are still two more, and perhaps the most obvious and important reasons why it should not be allowed. We have all seen it: the sneaky

Despite the potential benets of having Wi-Fi technology, there is always the fact that they are of no use if students cannot keep on task in school.

This might work for those types of schools, but in American public school system is not in good enough shape
they should wait for more accurate and conclusive data. Wi-Fi is used in many schools, especially in Europe. But the difference is they are allowed to bring laptops to school, unlike us. Like many private schools in America, schools overseas utilize laptops to enhance learning, with students taking tests online and taking notes in class on their computers. This might work for those types of schools, but the American public school system is not in good enough shape to be making those types of advancements. Many students cannot afford laptops, even at Clements.

Photo by Nia Wheat

under-the-desk texting during class, the Words with Friends game happening during lunch, the web surng during a science lab, or even the playing of the latest craze, Temple Run. This is just another common occurence in almost every highschool. Despite the potential benets of having Wi-Fi technology, there is always the fact that they are of no use if students cannot keep on task in school. If kids continue to waste their time playing games and socializing, there is no point to making it easier for them to do so. Aside from this, there is also the cheating aspect. Cheating is a huge problem, even at Clements, and WiFi would only make it easier and faster to send answers to fellow classmates via the Internet. Bottom line, if we want to take this step of integrating new technology into our school system, we have to be able to handle the consequences. And right now, we are not in a good position to do so. So a school of the future may be too far into the future to be practical right now. Cartoon by Felicia Chiao

scope, infringe on freedoms

a sketchy link or some information that the government deems to be infringing. The commenter may also be in trouble though, getting up to ve years in jail for posting such things. It does not stop there. Many are censure and infringe on our rights. This regulation will affect popular sites such as Tumblr, Vimeo, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and any social media site. Another belief is that social networking internet startups, the backbone of the American economic boosts will start to diminish as the risk of lawsuit increases, further diminishing our creativity and the opportunity to create new internet jobs. There have been a slew of protests, not the kind we are used to with shouting and passive aggressive signs, and instead it has been a silent protest to show what happens when you get the internet mad. Websites that would be directly affected have made a note to show their users the risks of this bill passing. At one point, David Karp, the founder of the popular blog site, Tumblr put a banner on the main page

This regulation will affect popular sites such as Tumblr, Vimeo, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and any social media sites.
speculating that even e-mail will get searched, sites that one may visit daily can be blocked, and because of these strict regulations, social networking sites will start to limit what people can say and inevitably

of the site, making it easier for Tumblr users to protest the bill. Simply clicking the button and putting in the required name and e-mail would automatically trigger a call from a local representative so the users could voice their opposition toward the bill directly. Other sites just provided links to the various petitions to stop SOPA. Everyone is waiting for further developments from congress to see if SOPA and PIPA will become law, although President Obama has already stated that he would automatically veto it the minute it hit his desk. Recently, both sponsors of the bill have requested to have their names removed from it. This may signal of the end of this effort. All we have to be aware of, is that if this bill passes, everyone and everything will be affected.

rtant factor in relationships

technology is also a contributor. Instead of being social as much as teens in times before computers and cell phones, couples now spend more time texting, emailing, chatting in chat rooms, and visiting each others Facebook. Less face-to-face and vocal socialization serves to widen the gap between couples. I believe in showing manners to a woman simply because it was the way I was raised, said Ian Kennaugh, junior. I believe that rap and negative media has changed the public opinions of what a man should be. Another major factor for the decrease in chivalry is that girls are more independent today than they were in the mid 1900s. Some girls do not want to have a guy opening and holding doors for her or helping her take her coat off, because sometimes they feel they can do things themselves. I think it has become less, and one thing that pertains to that is womens rights, and also that some women dont want their man to be chivalrous, said AP Biology teacher

With chivalry going down the drain, it does not mean that it does not or can not exist within this world of new ideas, behavior, and technology.
Fred Steinkamp. Another main reason chivalry is dying is because guys and girls think that the opposite gender does not understand the other or the way that the other thinks. This can serve as a gap that can cause a couple to break up With chivalry going down the drain, it does not mean that it does not or can not exist within this world of new

ideas, behavior, and technology. By adopting a few guidelines, both men and women can ensure that chivalry will survive. 1. Be loyal. Do not cheat on your partner. Ever. 2. Call when you say you will. If you cant for some really, really, really good reason, then send an email or text that apologizes to your partner and send it before the time you are supposed to talk to him or her. 3. Never disrespect your boyfriend or girlfriend, in public or alone. There is a reason they call it a slam, because that is the next sound you will hear the door of your relationship loudly closing. 4. Only make promises you can keep. This goes hand in hand with being honest. 5. Make sure to be nice to your partners parents. Nuff said.

Cartoon by Juan Chacin

10
By BRITTNEY SCHAFER Reporter Last month, four senior CHS football players were named to the All Sun football team and four senior players were named to the Academic All-State team. The four players that made it for the All Sun football team are Lawrenzo Minor, Ryker Elkins, Mitch Matthews, and Collin Cole. The four individuals that made it for Second Team Academic AllState Football was Kyle Mazabob, Matthews, Blake Hermes, and Alec Davidson. For their hard work, both academically and athletically, these eight individuals earned their way to the top and made it for the all district football teams. It means so much! Elkins said. Being recognized as one of the best football players in Sugar Land makes the long practices, weight lifting and lm sessions worth it. To achieve something like this you need to be disciplined in the weight room and in practice. District football teams are made up of football players chosen from different schools for being the best in the entire district. This district team is divided into two teams. Minor is in the rst team as a running back, while Elkins was named as offensive lineman and Matthews was chosen as punter in the second team. Cole meanwhile received the title of Honorable Mention. I was really happy that I made All Sun Football Second Team, but at the same time I was disappointed that I didnt make rst team, Elkins said. I was surprised and excited to hear that I made the All-Sun Football Team as a punter and THSCA Academic All-State, Matthews said. Meanwhile, those in the Academic All-State team are players recognized

sports
for being the top in their academic classes and for having a high GPA out of everyone on their whole team. The players must also have good moral character. I have worked hard in the weight room and have almost never missed an entire practice, plus I have played football for nine years, so I have a bit of experience, said Elkins. Also, I have an amazing Offensive Line Coach, Coach Byrd. At the beginning of the season I wasnt the greatest punter, said Matthews. Being a soccer player, I naturally had the leg strength to be a decent punter, and over the course of the season

February 2012 Ranger Review

Senior football players recognized at All-State

Photo by Natalia Naranjo

I improved my punts just from The All-Star athletes consists of four very hardworking and determined seniors from the Clements football team. because it was my only year to play punting at practice each said Elkins. They come to all my football in college, Elkins said. For the players that have had high school football and I managed games and have taken me to and day. This award involves a lot from practice and many other things. dreams of achieving this award and to win an award with very little of effort, determination, All of my coaches have supported have been playing since an early age, experience playing in the past, Mathews said. and consistency. For me as well, especially Coach Byrd. this is a dream come true for them. All in all, the coaches, the teachers Well my dad is the one that Curtis Duncan, a former NFL the Academic All-State, players needed to work player, has always been one of my suggested I play football in fourth and most certainly Ranger fans are hard in their classes and idols, and he has always encouraged grade and I thought it was tons of very proud of our Clements boys in try to have a high GPA. me to play football and was really fun, so I kept on playing, Elkins blue that have gotten the honor of being All-Star athletes. For those on the All Sun, excited to hear that I decided to play said. It takes a lot of time, effort and Elkins had a suggestion for those players had to work hard this year, Matthews said. Achieving this award can look good players hoping to be nominated next dedication for an athlete to be named during football practice an All-Star player. and even work out through on college resumes, especially if the year. Luckily at Clements there are a lot Keep working hard, Elkins said. weight lifting, benching, football player is looking forward and even eating right so to play football in college and can If you want to be the best, then you of student athletes willing to go the that they can perform their also help the player receive football have to be disciplined and you have extra mile to bring a good name for their team and for their school. to want to get better! best when football games scholarships. Gaining this recognition will leave Not only does pride, glory, and Yet, there are some who do not arrive. Another thing that is important is receiving think that this achievement will have joy come with getting this award, a legacy of excellence for future Clements students who aspire to do but also memories. an effect on their future in college. support from others. Being named for the All-Sun the same and hopefully the students I have already turned in all my My family has supported me from the beginning! apps, and I dont plan on playing Football Team will be memorable will make CHS proud in the future.

Photo by Natalia Naranjo

Player Prole

Photo courtesy of Harrison Bui Photo courtesy of Jack Burrows By ZAINAB DHANANI Reporter Hard work, determination, and motivation all keep Jack Burrows on path to accomplish goals for his sport of golf. For Burrows, golf has always been a big part of life for as long as he could remember. It has been a hobby and activity that has encompassed his life. Having begun playing golf in the seventh grade, he has been playing the sport for CHS ever since freshman year and has progressed to be on the varsity team as a junior. He started off being on the CHS freshman golf team. Sophomore year, he made it to the junior varsity team. He hopes to continue on the varsity team next year in his senior year. Burrows inspiration to play and succeed in his sport comes mainly from his dad, friends, coach, and professional golfers. Some professional golfers he admires and watches to help improve his game are Ian Poulter and Luke Donald. I admire these professional golfers because of their hard work, determination to achieve success, and their skills, Burrows said. Burrows has had many accomplishments in golf this year, including placing twice at tournaments. This year, I have placed at two CHS golf tournaments. I hope to continue to place at tournaments,

I admire these professional golfers because of their hard work, determination to achieve success, and their skills. -Jack Burrows

Burrows said. Aiming to never stop aspiring, Burrows has set goals for himself this year. I want to succeed in all of the tournaments that I play, as well as go to districts, Burrows said. Even though golf is his main sport, Burrows plays soccer and basketball occasionally with friends. Apart from golf, I like to hang out with my friends and we usually play some sports, Burrows said. Being at the level of golf he is at, Burrows really works hard and stays motivated in playing his sport. Nonstop practices are the reason why Burrows is as far as he is. I practice about ve to seven times a week, with my team, and also, by myself, Burrows said. What keeps him motivated in his sport is the never-ending enjoyment he gets from playing the game. My favorite thing about the sport is the feeling you get when you are playing well, and the rhythm you get into, Burrows said. Just like any other hobby, balancing a sport with academics proves very difcult for many people. Stress of the game is already enough and then tests and quizzes add on to the load. While taking a hard load of classes this year- including PreCalculus, AP English III, AP U.S. History, AP French, AP Chemistry II, and Physics- and while being

an active DECA member, Burrows has an incredibly busy schedule. He remembers his favorite quote which inspires him. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Though golf is Burrows favorite sport, he does not plan on playing professional golf as a career. I want to be a surgeon but continue on with golf has a hobby for life. I might even become a volunteer golf coach when Im older, Burrows said. Burrows has a great relationship with his CHS golf team and coach. I have a good relationship with my teammates and coach. We all help each other improve at practice and we are there for each other for support and help, Burrows said. Burrows likes many things about golf, including the camaraderie he has developed with his teammates and the overall environment of the game. I love the feeling of competition, and the atmosphere is really fun, Burrows said. Burrows looks foward for next year because he will be on varsity. Burrows has learned many lessons from being involved in particular, golf, and in general, a sport. By being in a sport, I have learned life lessons including leadership skills and teamwork, Burrows said.

Photo courtesy of Tori Diggs Photo courtesy of Kayle Kuhn By MAHA MUHAMMAD Features Editor Tori Diggs has been playing golf since she was 10. Tori is an active participant in school activities, manages her class work, and puts her full effort into golf. I love that golf is a challenging sport that requires both athletic skill and a high level of logic, said Diggs. Toris interest in golf started at a young age and grew with time as her interest developed in it. My dad brought my younger brother and me to a Tiger Woods Golf Clinic in Pittsburgh when I was 10. That was when he realized I had a good swing, and I realized that golf was a fun and interesting sport, said Diggs. Golf does require a time commitment and effort, of course. As displayed by her success in her golng pursuits, Tori dedicated both of these to it. I practice for around two hours a day for two to three days a week and I play a round of nine holes once a week, said Diggs. Her hard work and dedication to golf has no doubt paid off, as last year she was ranked 9th best golfer in half the state of Texas. I was also MVP of the varsity girls golf team and I nished in 4th place at districts last year. Ive helped the varsity girls team win Districts for

I love that golf is a challenging sport that requires both athletic skill and a high level of logic. -Tori Diggs

the last two years, and Ive played in the regional tournament twice. Every year my team wins districts and plays in the Regional tournament, said Diggs. Golf has also allowed Diggs to discover and establish valuable friendships on the team. They support each other at all times, win or lose. My teammates and I have become a family, because we spend a lot of time together practicing, and we spend entire weekends together competing in the two-day tournaments Coach Jezek brings us to, said Diggs. Tori attributes her success to her parents. Theyve always taught me that if I want to succeed I have to work for it, so I work hard to do well in golf and in my academics, said Diggs. Being the well rounded individual she is, Diggs has a wide array of activities which she is involved in. Im a member of Science National Honor Society, Im a member of DECA, I was Vice President of French National Honor Society last year, and Im in US Congressman Pete Olsons Congressional Youth Advisory Council, said Diggs. With her rigorous classes and dedication to her sport, Tori has found a way to efciently manage both of them in her life. To succeed in golf and school

I make sure to split my focus and time between them in an efcient manner. I go to the golf course and practice and I make sure that during that time thats all I focus on. Then, when I get home I do my homework and study for my tests and quizzes, and during that time thats all I think about. I just make sure that I give myself adequate time to work on both golf and school, and my time management skills have helped me balance and succeed in both of them, said Diggs. In order to make sure that she gives golf and academics her 100 percent effort, Diggs has had to make some compromise in other school involvements. Her ability to sort out her priorities, however, displays Diggs full dedication to all that she does. I havent been able to join every single club that I would like to, because I dedicate most of my time to improving myself in golf and school, said Diggs. Diggs has set the goals for this year, and will strive to meet them. My goals for myself are that I place as an individual in Districts and help my team make it to State, said Diggs. As year rapidly moves by, Diggs will work hard to stay dedicated to her commitments.Through hard work and focus, students can succeed in their sports and excel in academics.

February 2012 Ranger Review

Sports
exible. Its usually not too hard to keep up with school because my practice time for golf is very exible with my homework and my school schedule said Sainslow. The team practices Tuesday through Thursday for sure, and days are long. Usually they leave at about 2:30, and sometimes the last group of players does not nish until nearly dark said Jezek. To try out for the team, students get observed by the coaches to see who will get accepted and get to be a part of the golf team. The tryouts are held during the rst two weeks of school. To tryout for golf, you should get in touch with me, and then compete against the other people interested. If we get the golf course, we go by score, said Jezek. Since there is no course provided on school premises, the athletes have to improvise. If we cant get on the course, I have them go through a series of skill assessments and assign points said Jezek. There are a variety of reasons why people join the team. These reasons range from wanting to nd a new sport to love, to making new friends, or simly getting some physical activity/ I joined to golf team because it was a sport that I enjoy playing outside of school, and it is a chance to make new friends said Sainslow. I joined because I have played golf my whole life and wanted to prove myself to high school that a freshman can make a difference said Murphy. The boys and girls golf teams compete on a regular basis, one that is quite often. We go to tournaments a minimum of one per week, sometimes two. We have 43 players (boys and girls) and different levels, Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity, so it just depends on the course availability said Jezek. Jezek coaches both boys and girls, and vows that is what makes him happy. I love coaching golf. It is what keeps me going here at school. The kids are great, said Jezek. Golf is a one of a kind sport and teaching how to play it can be difcult. It really is a great sport. The circumstances change with every round, every hole, and every shot, so it is fun to work with kids and help them improve themselves and learn to deal with adversity they will face on the golf course and in life, said Jezek. Sometimes, golf can be an intense sport, not only mentally, but physically as well. Practice go on for hours at a time and sometimes without breaks. This is a contribution a student has to be willing to make in order to become a better golfer. Golf is sometimes a physical demanding sport. The players do walk and carry their own clubs, they dont use carts like many people think. The typical tournaments round takes between ve to seven hours without a break in the weather that ranges from ninety ve degrees to sometimes cold and rainy, and that is a long time to be on your feet.

11

Golf team, determined to win this upcoming season

By ANN KENNEY Ads Editor Being on the Clements golf team takes hard work and dedication. Devotion to the team is quality needed. The team practices almost every day after school and still team members manage to keep up with school. It is a bit of a struggle to manage school and golf, but school always comes rst, said Will Murphy, freshman. Some team members say they would not be where they are right now without their coach. I played high school and college golf, and I tried the professional tour for a while, but it is a hard way to make a living, said Jason Jezek, coach. The coach of a team has to have a love for the game. I feel like I have a small level of expertise and a passion for the game. I always believed that you nd something you love and do that. I love golf - the game, the people, the time outdoors, the challenge - I love it all, said Jezek. Many of the players on the team enjoy golf because it is a sport that can be challenging, but also peaceful and fun. I like golf because there is always room for improvements, and at times it can be challenging said Sydney Sainslow, sophomore. I like the fresh air. When you are on the course, you get time to think and admire the atmosphere, said Murphy. Playing on the golf team will take time out of a busy students schedule; however, the golf schedule can be

Photo courtesy of Jason Jezek

Andrew Story, a junior playing on the Clements golf team, makes a winning swing at a recent tournament. And, at the same time, they have to nd a way to hit a little white ball and get it into a hole that is sometimes six hundred yards away, so yes, I would say it requires a bit of physical endurance and ability, said Jezek. Jezeks students agree with him.

helping hand to all in need

Daniels corner: one stop shop CHS sports medicine team for sports news, geing scoop
DANIEL TORRES Perspectives Editor A new labor agreement has been reached between MLB owners and the players union. On the surface, there are many details that are miniscule and appear rather unimportant to the average fan. However, the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) will have a huge impact on the game, due to changes regarding draft. In previous years, the Commissioner, Bud Selig and the ofce of the Commissioner of Baseball have a designated a slot number. This slot number was essentially the amount of money the commissioner recommended a baseball team should spend on a draft pick. However since the slot number is a mere suggestion, most teams have decided to ignore it. This is evident in the recent signings of pitcher Stephen Strasburg who received a record breaking $15.1 million signing bonus and Bryce Harper who signed a ve year contract worth $9.9 million. It is worth noting that both players were number one picks in their respective drafts and were both signed by the Washington Nationals. However under the new CBA, teams will be forced to follow the slot number chosen by Bud Selig and his ofces. Throughout his tenure, Selig has always felt that draft spending has been excessively high and he is not wrong in believing so. Since his st year as commissioner in 1998 to present day, draft spending among teams has increased dramatically, but the simple truth is that this move is incredibly foolish and will affect baseball negatively. Whether Selig likes it or not, teams need to spend big money in order to get high draft picks. Since all of these players are high school graduates or college kids and very athletic, they use their ability to play other sports as leverage to get more money which drives their signing costs to astronomical amounts at times. Is it greedy on their part? Absolutely, but it is only realistic to expect anyone in their situation to take as much money as possible. Imagine if all-star players like Jimmy Rollins, Mark Texiera , and Carl Crawford passed on playing baseball because teams could not match offers from rivaling sports. The point is baseball could lose many promising athletes because of more generous contracts from the NFL and NBA. The notion itself that Selig could be shocked by the amount of money spent by major league teams is absolutely ridiculous. In a sport without salary caps, where there are no limits on what a team can spend

Each day when I practice, my time varies depending on what I am going to practice and work on, said Sainslow.

By REBECCA PLUNKETT a sport thats in season, Scarmardo medicine are not the only ones that Copy Editor said. can benet from this class. Any There are many classes available Whatever the season, there is aspiring doctors out there can give at Clements, all of which shape and always work to do. this class a try, also. Being well dene those who take them. They When football isnt in season, we rounded is important to any doctor, are there to serve as a creative outlet go to the practices for the sports that even a specialized one. or a way to get a heads up in the are, Scarmardo said. Those in the class now are aware career one wishes to pursue. Sports injuries are specic. They of the hard work, but are also willing If that one does not work out, there come from the physical stress that to put forth the effort for the good is still so much from which he or she athletics require, so being able of the athletes and their fellow can choose. Sometimes the perfect to recognize different needs is classmates. niche is found right away. For some, that perfect class is sports medicine. I plan on continuing with sports medicine in college, Jennie Scamardo, senior, said. Others are more reluctant to continue and settle down with the one subject, although they say being in the class is a learning experience. While one of the more obscure classes, it is a vital part to the functioning of athletics. Without sports medicine at every game, when a simple minor injury is sustained, someone else would have to drop what he or she is doing. Even if it is a minor scratch,the sports medicine team are always a help with a smile. We use ice packs, deal with cuts, important. From trying out new things and use therapeutic treatments. We usually use ice and heat to preparing for the future, these When they go to the doctor we take or muscle stimulation, Marisa students say sports medicine serves their recommendations and treat them Nogalas, senior, said. a lot of purposes. appropriately, Scarmardo said. Sports medicine, being a broad term, It can be difcult, fun, and \ Sometimes it pays off to have deals with every injury imaginable. worthwhile all at once. In this class experts there on the spot, ready to Sports injuries can involve both especially, it is important to know treat anything that comes their way. physical and neurological damage. the value of friendship, for everyone Truly mastering the art of sports To those who want to take it must work together to achieve a medicine takes time and patience. next year, I suggest you be hard common goal. During rst semester we all go working because it can be very time Were like a big family and it is a to all of the football games, and for consuming, Nogalas said. very nice environment, Scarmardo second semester were each assigned Those wishing to pursue sports said.

Photo by Nia Wheat on a free agent, big-market teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, have a clear advantage to small-market teams, who are less likely to be able to develop their rosters through free agent signings because they simply do not have the necessary funds. That is why the draft is so important, because it is the most-cost effective method for small-market teams to get high upside talent at a reasonable cost. Take for example one of the players mentioned earlier, Stephen Strasburg, who earned a $15 million signing bonus by the Nationals. Fifteen million dollars is a lot of money, make no mistake about that, but if Strasburg were to hypothetically become a free agent today he would receive a much larger sum. This year the best pitcher on the free agent market, C.J Wilson, signed a ve year contract for $77.5 million with the Angels, while Strasburg is already arguably a better pitcher, and at the very least has much more potential. I would not be shocked at all if some teams would rather

have Strasburg for that amount than Wilson. Signing baseball players through the draft is costly, but when put in baseball economic terms it is very inexpensive. This proves true when you look at some of the teams that have been competitive in recent years. The Tampa Bay Rays (formerly known as the Devil Rays) have become one of the best teams despite having the second lowest payroll in all of baseball, due to very successful drafts. This previous season they shocked the baseball world by being able to win the wild card over the heavily touted Boston Red Sox, who ironically had a team compromised by free agent signings, while the Rays roster was almost completely made up by players they drafted and developed. To put it in stark numerical terms, the $40 million dollar Rays were able to defeat the $160 million dollar Red Sox. Under the new CBA stipulations and policies this would not have been possible. There are other examples of small market teams that are becoming better or are likely to contend soon due to the draft such as the Pirates, Nationals, Royals, and Blue Jays. However, the benets of good drafting are not just cut off to teams with smaller payroll. The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the higher payrolls in baseball, evident in their recent signings of Cliff Lee, and Roy Halladay, but many of their core players such as Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley were acquired through the draft. In fact it is due to that strong core of drafted players that the Phillies were able to become competitive and as a result increase their attendance and revenue which allowed them to transition from being a mid size market team to having a $172 million payroll, the second highest in all of baseball. Many teams look at the Phillies as a model. Ultimately, the draft is a crucial aspect to all teams, and the new CBA policy is foolish and absurd and will hinder many teams ability to have successful drafts, something which may have extremely negative repercussions later down the road.

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Do teenagers get enough sleep?

Voices

February 2012 Ranger Review

Do you think racism will ever die out?

No because if we did, I wouldnt sleep through class. -Amy Chang, senior

No because a lot of students go to bed after 12 which leaves them with 6 hours of sleep and we need at least 8. -Tanya Hussain, senior

No because if there is good in the world then there will be bad (yin-yang). -Jackson Chin, junior

No, as long as there are differences in culture, custom, skin tone, etc. people will demonstrate against others. -Sid Venkataraman, senior

No, because there are certain people that hate certain races and bandwagoners will follow them. -Jonah Perlman, freshman

Here at clements, with only 49% of the student body being white, racism against white people is pervasive. -Jason He, senior

No, because the teachers give us too much homework and expect us to get our 10 hours of sleep. -David Silveira, freshman

No, not at all. -Amanda Dalley, junior

Perhaps were naturally biased against those unlike us by product of evolution. Racism, prejiduce, bias - its all natural. Sad, but true. -Kevin Kuo, senior

Yes, because Im going to marry Graham Duncan. -Katelyn Vidad, sophomore

No because Evan Hines will forever hate me because Im white. -Amy Farrell, sophomore

What is racism if everyone is racist? -Harshin Kennibar, senior

Should Clements get Wi-Fi?

No, because of signicant increase in school workload and after school activities. -Saket Jha, junior No, for example Ive been sleeping past two a.m. for the past week. -Franciscus Sudihardjo, senior

No, because many students have extra activities they need to do after school, plus accomplish their homework. -Arya Behroon, junior

No. There is too much material to learn within the curriculum in such a short amount of time so we get an excessive amount of homework. -Kim Khoo, junior

Yes that would be awesome. -Kellen Hutchinson, sophomore

Yes, because the library isnt open when we need it, and its just more conveniant. -Michele Jafri, senior

Yes, that would be cool. -Brittani Hareld, junior

Yes we should. I need it to play online games on my phone. This would be a great service to all of us slackers. -Naitik Singh, senior

LOL, no. -Kabir Karnani, sophomore

Not even close. -Bianca Bui, junior

Yes so I could play games on my phone nally. -Gabe Costa, sophomore

Yes that would be so much fun. -Robin Marie, sophomore

Yes. -Martin Saa, freshman

I believe that we should to help the students use the internet as a resource to improve their studies and work. -Richard Wang, senior

February 2012 Ranger Review

Voices

13

What would you like to get for Valentines Day?

Box of chocolates and owers. -Adrian Annicchiarico

A singing valentine from Amy Farrell. And my bird Penny and my bunny Ralph to make bunird babies. -Quyen Nguyen, sophomore

Chocolate and a date. Some jewelry too. -Edoardo Sifuentes, senior

The guy should do something really romantic like send you a lot of roses through out the day with little notes attached. Its an idea for all you boyfriends. -Shelby Johnson, sophomore

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February 2012 Ranger Review

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February 2012 Ranger Review