PeregrineSeeking Equality

Common misconceptions prevail regarding empowerment

Clearly distressed, the girl waits for help as the men argue amongst themselves on who gets to serve the girl. Assuming she’s clueless about vehicle costs, they assess the damage and charge her $200 more than they would have charged a man. Although society has devel-oped immensely since the feminist movement of the 60’s, women still remain the target of sexism and ste-reotypes in many areas of life.

“Feminism is a movement to em-power women and make them real-ize their worth and that they should be treated as equals to men,” Anna

Irwin, senior, said. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Mi-

ley Cyrus identify as feminists, un-like Shailene Woodley (from The Fault in our Stars) who expressed to the media that she does not like the idea of women trying to overpower men and that women do not need feminism anymore. The opinions of celebrities shape the ideas teenag-ers have about feminism.

“I think feminism is very im-portant when done correctly. A lot of people call themselves feminists but instead of advocating women’s rights on the grounds for equality to

men, they act like women are better than men, which is counterproduc-tive,” Joel Holmes, senior, said.

According to Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, a world renowned feminist, and the voice who spoke in Beyonce’s “Flawless”, a feminist “is a person who believes in the so-cial, economic, and political equal-ity of the sexes”. Therefore, men could identify as feminists as well as women. However, the idea that women want to overpower men re-mains a common misconception of feminism, because in reality true feminists seek equality.

By Kelsey Hodges

Working Diligently Perched on the edge of Auto-Tech teacher James Clouse’s car, Hailey McBroom, junior, practices her lesson. As one of two girls in her Auto-Tech class, McBroom represents gender equality. Focusing intently, she fixes the engine under her instructor’s supervision while the guys observe. Proving that women can do the same jobs as men, McBroom stands as a symbol of feminism.

Jersey Village High School 7600 Solomon Houston, Texas 77040 Volume 43, Issue 2 December 2014

A bell rings, and fifteen men look up curiously at the young, beautiful girl entering their car repair shop.

The

photo by KelseyHodges

Seniorvolunteerswithmounted patrolPage 7

Volleyball closes

playoff bid

Page13photo by Cade Schaudel photo by Crystal Hernandez

News2 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

ScholarShip athlete awardAttending the Touchdown Club of Hous-ton’s luncheon David Snokhous, athletic director, and Ralph Funk, principal, at-tend the event with Mitchell Fly, senior, who received the second place award from the organization.

The Touchdown Club of Houston recognized Mitchell Fly, senior, as the second place recipient for their High School Football Scholar Athlete Award. He received the award during the 16th Annual Scholar-Athlete Luncheon on Nov. 12 at the JW Marriott.

Fly earned a $1,250 scholarship from the Touch-down Club of Houston for his runner-up award.

“Mitchell is an amazing young man who has rep-resented Jersey Village High School with the utmost amount of respect and integrity,” David Snokhous, head football coach and athletics coordinator, said.

A total of 25 finalists representing high school football teams from the Greater Houston area were invited to the luncheon. Clements High School’s Luke Mayock won the first-place award and a $1,500 scholarship.

The 25 finalists were required to be considered starters and maintain the highest grade-point average on their respective football teams. They were also judged on citizenship as embodied in extra-curricular activities.

Touchdown Club awards Fly 2nd place

JAVA programmer takes 1st At the Texas State AITP Java Programming

Competition Enoc Balderas, senior, placed first with his program for selling movie tickets.

“I was happy that I won and it was a very com-petitive competition lasting about two hours,” Balderas said.

Wrestling wins first matchThe boys wrestling team opened the wrestling

season at Cypress Woods High School. Jairo Rico and Macoy Hampton secured wins in

the Falcons opening match against Cinco Ranch. The boys then faced the host, Cypress Woods

Wildcats. Ruben Salazar, Chris Pacetti, Patrick Navarro, Brandon Henriquez, Jairo Rico, Dar-ryl Lebus, Khoa Nguyen, and Chris Martinez all earned victories to help Jersey Village defeat Cy Woods 49-24.

The girls wrestling team also started their season. In the opening match Ninoska Molina, Roxana Yanes, and Jennifer Landaverde got wins against Cinco Ranch. While wrestling Cy Woods Roxana Yanes and Jennifer Landaverde won their matches.

photo by Neal Farmer

To celebrate its grand opening of its Houston – Jones Road facility, located at 9350 Jones Road, First Choice Emergency Room (FCER) presented the band program with a $5,000 check.

The donation was made during FCER’s ribbon cutting ceremony with the Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce and the

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Com-merce on Nov. 6.

FCER hosted a community event at the new location on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., during which time the Jersey Village band performed.

FCER offered an additional in-centive for the Jersey Village band: a $10 donation would be made to

the program for every visitor 21 or older who took a tour of the FCER facility any time through Nov. 23.

“Our entire team is excited to be a part of First Choice Emergency Room and look forward to deliver-ing the highest quality emergency medical care here,” Dr. Boyle, facil-ity medical director of the Jones Road location, said in a release.

Band receives donation from First Choice Emergency Room

Yearbook encourages Class of 2015 to take senior portraitsThe Falcon yearbook staff is

calling on all seniors to take their yearbook portrait in order to repre-sent their class in its entirety in the yearbook.

According to yearbook adviser Margie Comstock, if seniors did not receive a notification card from Prestige Portraits they need to call to make an appointment before the end of January. Students are encouraged to call now to schedule an appointment.

The company is located at 18739 State Highway 249 and an

appointment can be made by call-ing 281-897-8300.

“We are hoping that the Class of 2015 will be better represented in the yearbook than previous senior classes. Often only 50 percent of those classes has their portrait taken for the yearbook,” Comstock said.

The portrait studio has moved from last year’s location which was in the Fiesta Shopping Center on SH 249. It is now located a block down SH 249 in front of the Pres-tonwood subdivision.

The Prestige Studio is the only company from which the yearbook accepts the senior portrait. The yearbook receives digital images of all seniors who take their portrait, after the deadline date.

For senior parents who would like to have more than the senior portrait in the yearbook, the year-book staff offers senior messages in the yearbook. For information on senior messages any staffer can be contacted, payment can be made at www.smart-pay.com or call the journalism department.

Yearbook editorS prepare Conferring with each other Jackie Solano and Christine Le, juniors and yearbook co-editors, discuss color options on the design of the endsheet for Falcon 2015.

Students place in contestThe following placed in the ATPI (Association of

Texas Photography Instructors) state contest: Sec-ond Place: Advanced PSA: “Think Twice Before You Tweet”: Natalie Rodriguez, Cruz Fernandez, and Ariana Perez; Third Place: Advanced PSA: “Don’t Let It Get to You”: Vanessa Halastaras and Haley Boling; Third Place: Advanced Music Video: “Lost In My Bedroom”: Clare Wineman; First Hon-orable Mention: Beginning Sports Action: “Moore More”: Christine Le; Honorable Mention: Begin-ning Open: “Arms” Damaris DeLeon; Honorable Mention: Beginning Cell Phone: “Backyard Flower”: Taylor Shukri.

photo by Christine Le

News Feature 3December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

Writers type furiously on their keyboards as deadlines for stories near closer and closer and people run out the door for last minute interviews or photo shoots. But a group stands in the corner, gathering around one screen, pointing and talk-ing, all working together on a single story nearly complete.

A program called the High School Journalism Network started as an idea over the sum-mer, and evolved into a real-ity early August. The network’s goal will try and unite all the high school student publica-tions in order to spread and share ideas and news relative to the area.

“The CFISD High School Journalism Network serves to increase the depth and reach of our positive news cover-age throughout the school dis-trict while offering an outlet for students to gain invaluable journalistic experience in a professional-style setting,” Joel Weckerly, Assistant Director of Communication in CFISD, said.

Despite working in differ-ent classes and positions, the schools team works together through calling, texting, and e-mails. But the group did not

join because of an opportunity; they united under their passion for writing.

“I first heard about the high school journalism network through our advisor Mrs. Com-stock and I knew immediately that I wanted to join because journalism is something I’m re-ally enthusiastic about,” Dam-aris De Leon, sophomore, said.

Students who accepted the deal are offered multiple oppor-tunities to further their journal-ism careers and skills. They get contacted by Weckerly or Com-stock with information about a topic such as what happened where, and if they think it will make a good story.

“The network has given me many possible choices and a chance to experience what it’s really like to work in the jour-nalism field,” De Leon said.

The network has recruited nine out of the 10 high schools in the district and hopes to completely connect them all. However, members that have already joined have their own dreams alongside that of the programs.

“This really has provided us with so many new oppor-tunities, we get to start learn-

ing about how the job actu-ally works and start to get our names out there as writers and photographers,” Camilla Bot-tini, senior, said.

Despite being new, the net-work has already gotten some stories out into the media. Both the Houston Chronicle and the Cypress Creek Mirror have showcased articles written by members in the program.

“I expect that this will show-case the high-caliber journalis-tic talent that we have through-out our CFISD campuses. And although we have just gotten started, I’m confident the fre-quency will pick up significantly as the school year moves for-ward,” Weckerly said.

The network has already helped students with plans for after high school and their future careers. Learning in a friendly, informative environ-ment, the members could then clarify where and what they wanted to do in the future.

“Before the HSJN I had ob-viously thought about pursuing journalism as a career, but this program made me completely certain that it is what I want to do. The HSJN has allowed me to experience what the field of

journalism is really like and giv-en me the opportunity to have my stories and photographs published,” Lesly De Leon, se-nior, said.

Not only does the network apply to writers and photogra-phers, but it spreads to the limit of connections as it also in-cludes video and audio students as well. A sister network called the High School Audio/Video Production (AVP) Network also runs in effect to give those more broadcasting inclined a chance to shine as well.

“We are hoping that students gain industry experience by participating and ultimately we would like to prepare students for their future in this field by not only giving them opportu-nities to cover events, but also help them build their résumés and/or portfolios,” Stephanie Migl, Director for Communica-tion for CFISD, said.

This program has already done some creative projects that require talented work-ers from the schools. A team formed, consisting of different people from production classes and even outside members in order to provide quality broad-casts and videos.

“We have selected a team of approximately 30 students that will work with us throughout the year to produce video news packages and help us launch our first sports show for CFTV, the district’s TV station. This is the first year that we have opened the door to students outside of our audio/video produc-tion classes. We are constantly working to improve our pro-gram to benefit our students,” Migl said.

These two programs run by experienced journalists and media producers allow students access to large amounts of ad-vice and encouragement. This combined with seeing how the job works first hand will give students the knowledge they need in order to make it in their line of work.

“I am very excited about col-laborating with students and I truly believe that not only will our students grow in develop-ing skills in this industry, but our department will grow in establishing long-term relation-ships with skillful and talented students that could potentially work for us in the future,” Migl said.

By Cade SChaudel

Journalism NetworkDistrict connects scholastic talent

Second PreSS conference Camilla Bottini (far left) and Kayla Torres (left), seniors, listen to the guest speakers. At the end, Kelsey Hodges (below), senior, asks Kristina Perez (bottom left), director of community programs, about different events.

network IntervIew ProceSS Joel Weckerly, assistant director of communications for CFISD (left), talks to the students to determine their interest level and explain the requirements to be in the network. Isabel Cruz (far left), sophomore, listens with the other students as they are told the specifics of the job and their potential involvement in the network.

fIrSt PreSS conference Journalism students talk to Don Ryan, school board president, about various topics including the district and other subjects regarding the schools and its students at the first High School Journalism Network press conference.

Photo by Brian StreitPhoto by Brian Streit

Advertising4 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

In for the Nguyen Wiping the sweat from his brow, the

cellist positions his bow, awaiting the sound technician’s cue. With one op-portunity to record his etude, Thomas Nguyen’s chance in All-State hung in the air. Making it through All-Region elimi-nations against 500 students, this re-mains his last step. Nguyen placed ninth out of 150 qualifiers, cinching one of 16 spots in the Texas Music Educators As-sociation’s (TMEA) All-State Symphony Orchestra for the second time in his high school career.

For All-Region, Nguyen and the other contestants received their music in May of last year. As a requirement, the musi-cians learned to play a four to five page college level etude by October. At the All-Region competition, between 50 to 70 students auditioned before judges, but they selected only 16 cellists from this region, including Nguyen. The se-lected musician’s auditioned again for All-State, and had to learn another five page etude, within the span of three weeks. Next, the competitors from all 30 regions in Texas recorded eight different excerpts for the judges to listen to.

“We get to re-cord on CD’s, and the thing with that is you can only do one cut through. There is no re-recording, there’s no doing it until it’s perfect. You meet up at a school with a re-cording engineer and you just play it through once,” Nguyen said.

With only three weeks to learn his piece, Nguyen spent hours a day perfecting it. Seven years of playing the cello pre-pared him for the competition, along with private tutors and dedication. Un-like All-Region, where they play in front of judges, Nguyen only had once chance to perform on a recording, increasing the difficulty of placing.

“I had an epiphany. What people don’t realize is when you’re looking at the ex-cerpts, it’s not just playing through the music, it’s more than that. You immerse yourself in the music; you have to learn it by heart,” Nguyen said.

By the time of the competition, Nguy-en no longer needed the sheet music to play his music; he had memorized all eight pieces. His passion for playing the cello fueled his drive to succeed in All-State. To Nguyen, the cello means more

than an instrument, it has transformed into his lifestyle.

“The interesting thing about the cello is that violins have this really high rang and bases have a really low rang, but the range of the cello is unique because it mimics the human voice. All the notes you’re playing on a cello, you can sing it,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen chose to play the cello because of its diverse range of notes, and his deci-sion paid off by taking him to state. Start-ing in the sixth grade in the Cook Middle School orchestra, he learned quickly and skipped the intermediate class and went straight into the advanced one. While in high school, his skills developed even further and as a senior have brought him farther than he originally imagined. As a sophomore, Nguyen also made All-State, placing 10th.

“I was with my parents when I found out I made All-State, so I got really excit-ed. The directors sent the results out and it’s a list, so you have to look through that list, so it’s heartbreaking trying to look down and see if your names there.

The whole experience is nerve-wrecking in some way because you don’t know what placement you got,” Nguyen said.

All the years of prac-tice and the last few months of memorizing music in preparation finally paid off when Nguyen discovered his name on the list. From All-Region to All-state, he competed against about 500 other cel-lists and came out on top. As the only person at this school to place,

his achievement impressed numerous people.

“What happens now basically is in February they will take us to San Anto-nio on an all-expense paid trip for four days. They pay for our food, and they pay for our hotel. Once we get there, I get to meet with the Arkansas symphony con-ductor, and meet up with all these other people who made all-state who are all wonderful and passionate about their music,” Nguyen said.

The prestige around making it to state revolves around the concert put on by the All-State Symphony. Other kinds of musicians also go through the same pro-cess, making the Symphony full of the best players in the state. The whole expe-rience prepares students pursuing a ca-

reer in music for the professional world.“You spend three days recording

which cumulates into a really big con-cert where we perform at the Gonzales Conference center. The attendance there is like 20,000 people, and our concert is attended by a few thousand people. Ev-erything just goes up to that experience, that big moment of being able to work with other people throughout All-State,” Nguyen said.

”Getting ninth chair in All State Or-chestra is a huge accomplishment. There were hundreds of talented young cellists who auditioned, but only 42 were cho-sen. Out of those 42, only 16 made it into the top Orchestra, called “Symphony”, in which they are performing the highest level music with a professional conduc-tor,” Chauvin said.

Watching Nguyen grow musically and technically as cellist and leader from ninth to twelfth grade, Chauvin felt he earned his spot in state. As his teacher, she served as a mentor for Nguyen and instructed him through the process, along with his private cello teacher.

“Thomas is very intelligent and an extremely talented young man. He’s especially driven and has always been very dedicated to music and to the cel-lo. He has “grit”, meaning he sticks to something without quitting. He’s one of the hardest working teenagers I’ve ever known,” Chauvin said.

Proud of Nguyen, Chauvin has spread the word of his accomplishment throughout the school and community. In addition to Chauvin, Phuong Thai, Nguyen’s mother, is also impressed with his achievement. Since his youth, Thai has supported her son through his entire musical journey.

Thai encouraged Nguyen to increase his musical skills and did not feel sur-prised when he made All-State. Since his youth, Thai knew her son had a musical

gift, starting with the piano, all the way through his high school career. Confi-dent Nguyen in his last All-State compe-tition, Thai believed he would do well in this one as well.

“I was sure he would make it this time, because I’ve heard him, and I know he plays very well. He has passed audi-tions for a youth orchestra, Virtuosi of Houston, and his audition for cello has gone up, so his sound has continued to mature throughout the year. It was mo-ment to always remember for all us, to be able to celebrate his achievements,” Thai said.

Aware of her son’s talent, Thai as-sisted him by taking him to rehearsals and auditions for music programs out of school so he could explore possibili-ties. She also influenced his decision to audition for All-region and All-State this year.

“Thomas is a very ambitious and hardworking son. He always has an open ear and listens to my suggestions. For instance, he was very close to playing a different instrument before I suggested cello. He was very close to not trying out this year for all - state. Normally he had two months to learn his excerpts, but he had to learn them in less than three weeks. But knowing him, I had confi-dence in him, and I told him so, and he took my advice and my encouragement,” Thai said.

Influenced by his mother, Nguyen fol-lowed her advice and it paid off in the end. After he graduates, plans to play for a symphony in college as well. Impress-ing his parents, teachers, fellow stu-dents, and community with his musical talent, Nguyen continues practicing for the concert in February with the hopes of ending his experience as a high-school cellist on a high note.

By Kelsey Hodges

He has “grit”,

meaning he sticks

to something

without quitting.

Lauren Chauvin,

orchestra

director

“

“A EclEctic EnsEmblE Cellist Thomas Nguyen practices with fellow All- Region Orchestra members. Nguyen earned one of 16 spots in the TMEA All State Orchestra.

photo by Christine Le

Cellist adds to ensemble of achievments,with placement in state symphony orchestra

News Feature 5December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

Advertising6 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 1

FEATURE 7December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

Men in blue uniforms rush around horses, splashing soap and water on them. Majestic horses glisting in the sun neigh as the men rubbed them dry in giant towels. The men cleaned the stables and also prepped the arena as their supervisors watch over them.

“Good jobs guys! Keep up the good work!’’ One of the supervi-sors said. After A long exhaust-ing day from volunteering at the HPD Mounted Patrol, all the men left to go home.

John Schaudel, senior, is one of those who volunteers his time to work with the Houston Police’s mounted patrol. He typically vol-unteers on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon.

After his father, George Schau-del, sergeant, asked him if he wanted to volunteer for the HPD Mounted Patrol, John agreed be-cause he needed volunteer work for his college resume.

“I have been a police officer for over 22 years. I have been a ser-geant for 10 of those 22 years,’’ George Schaudel said.

John is proud and happy to work for the HPD Mounted Pa-trol.

“It feels great to volunteer for the Mounted Patrol, because I have yet to give back to those who protect and watch over Houston and I really needed the volun-teering hours,’’ John said.

John liked working for the HPD Mounted Patrol and loved that his supervisor was his father.

“Since John was under 18, he must be accompanied by an adult. Therefore we drive in to-gether and he is under my super-vision and I’m proud of him for volunteering at the stables and expect him to work hard, since he’s my son, ’’ George Schaudel said.

Prepping the arena for his father to train the horses tops John‘s list of favorite activities.

“I would fill the water trough up and gathering all the teaching instruments for my dad that he may need. After I finish prepping the arena I would watch my dad train his horses,’’ John said.

In the Mounted Patrol stables, John would feed two horses and

clean their stables for his father every morning.

“I typically take care of two horses, Smokey, 17 years old and Burt, eight years old,’’ John said.

Activity at the stables made memorable days for John.

“One time a horse escaped when I got in its stable to feed it and I had to chase him across the stables,’’ John said.

Schaudel and his father were surprised that the horse escaped from its own stable on that Satur-day morning.

“I was shocked and tired af-ter I caught the horse and locked him in his stables and I was not frighting him when I got in his stable,’’ John said.

His father and he wanted high school teens to volunteer for the HPD Mounted Patrol.

“If anybody wants to volun-teer they have to be physical fit, especially during the summer. I would say that John receives satisfaction that his hard work is for a good cause. I usually take him out for lunch after his shift,’’ George Schaudel said.

John loved and enjoyed volun-teering for the HPD Mounted Pa-trol, but sadly after he graduates high school, John has to leave the HPD Mounted Patrol and move on to college.

“When I go to college next year, I will not be able to go vol-unteer due to distance and time sadly,’’ John said.

He will miss his father’s hors-es, Smokey and Burt. His father will also be sad to see John leave for college.

“I will miss John and him coming with me to the stables ev-ery Saturday morning,’’ George Schaudel.

John’s college agenda includes mechanical engineering or get-ting a degree in business.

‘‘But if my decisions don’t work of being an engineer, then my fall back would become a po-lice officer just like my father,’’ John said.

By John Le

Volunteer serves HPDwith Saturday stable duty

Mounted Patrol

Stable Feeding time In the stable arena area John Schuadel, senior, feeds and brushes one of the Houston Police Department’s Mounted Patrol horses for which he volunteers to care for. Father, Son moment Saturday mornings were spent together at the stables for HPD Mounted Patrol office George Schaudel and his son, John Schaudel, senior.

photo by Cade Schaudel

photo by Cade Schaudel

photo by Cade Schaudel

photo by Cade Schaudel

Caring Volunteer After graduation John Schaudel, senior, said that he will miss his time volunteering to care for the HPD Mounted Patrol horses.

InDepth8 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2 InDepth 9December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

“Feminism is needed in today’s society because without it, women can grow up accepting society’s preconceived notion that men are greater than women which is incorrect. As long as feminists are fighting for women to be treat-ed as equals to men, they are doing society a favor by balancing out human rights so that supremacy doesn’t ex-ist,” Holmes said.

Holmes believes that feminism still re-mains a necessity in today’s society, as long as women do not over-power men. The idea that feminists want fe-male supremacy con-tributes to why some women want nothing to with feminism and why some men make fun of feminist values.

Instead of assuming feminism revolves around women supremacy, those who have questions should seek to educate them on the true meaning.

“Women need equality, but do not need extreme feminism. The idea that there will ever be full equality though, is foolish. Women and men have different strengths that create the society we have now, and there isn’t a way to neutralize that as long as certain groups are receiving specialized treatment designed to equalize, but does the opposite,” Mitch Fly, senior, said.

Many teenagers share Fly’s idea of fem-inism, but some older people disagree. Fly believes women will never reach full equality to men in our society and that women no longer have the need for ex-treme feminism.

Barbara Carlin, English teacher, and feminist disagrees but has witnessed changes in feminism in the years since her youth.

The debate between feminism’s need remains prevalent in society today among politicians and business leaders.

“Women still need feminism for a couple of reason. The first is the support women can give each other when it comes to equitable pay for the work women do. Among executive positions men still hold the majority,” Carlin said.

Even in 2014, men still make more money than women. The median income

in 2010 of full time workers men made $42,800, compared to $34,700 for wom-en. Equality in the workplace in 2014 re-mains overlooked by a large portion of the population because people assume that it

does not still affect women. Women receive less work for the same amount of work their male co-work-ers, and make 82 cents for every dollar a man makes.

“Therefore, the support of other women is crucial to rising up the corporate ladder and shattering the glass ceiling. Second, no matter what side you are on women need to support each other in their choices to prevent the government and politicians from tak-ing away a women’s right to choose what she can do with her body,” Car-

lin said.Carlin developed her

ideas on women’s rights after witnessing oppres-sion throughout the 60’s and 70’s and teaches her students of the impor-tance of feminism based off her experiences. Al-though some downgrade the need for feminism in today’s society, Carlin in-sists women still use it to support each other.

For example, Iwrin be-lieves she still has a need for it as a female golfer and Ameri-can woman.

“I believe women in today’s society need feminism because too many women are shamed for the things they like or they want to pursue because it is “not feminine”. I think that’s irrel-evant. I also believe women need femi-nism because there is an apparent need for respect and equality amongst men and women,” Irwin said.

Irwin has experienced the stereotypes against women in the sports world while playing golf. A lot of teenagers assume that only men play golf well, when in fact the schools girl’s golf team has multiple experienced players who play their sport along with the guys. Over the past 50

years, the number of high school sports available for girls has increased drastical-ly. However, girls still lack the opportuni-ties boys receive.

In addition, Clare Wineman, senior, considers herself a feminist after experi-encing sexism in school and shares simi-lar ideas with Irwin.

“Feminism is not just a movement; it’s a big part of who we are and who I am as a woman because I believe that we should all be equal. And it’s obvious in today’s society in the 2000’s that feminism is not recognized as it should be,” Wineman said.

Wineman developed her thoughts to-ward sexism after her friend could not es-

cape an abusive relationship and received the excuse that “boys will be boys”. In-stead of making excuses for boys to be-have inappropriately, feminists argue that we should teach them to respect women.

“I believe I have been discriminated against because of my sex, especially now in schools when they do the whole dress code thing where they talk about how girls can’t wear Nike shorts and tank tops, but I’ve seen a lot of guys get away with tank tops and chubbies, and it’s not really fair because I’ve seen a lot of girls go home and they are taking time out of their edu-cation to do this,” Wineman said.

Dress code regulations has sparked a debate over sexism and caused feminists to question the fairness of the rules be-tween girls and guys. Feminists argue

that women should not receive pun-ishment for the clothes that they

wear, and that instead men should not over sexualize

what shows. Making girls cover up so they do not

distract men teaches them to conform to

a man’s needs, not their own.

“Yes feminism is still neces-sary in today’s society because we should still be promoting ourselves and saying we are still equal to you.

The government moves extremely

slow in order to get some change done, it

took years in order for us to vote so the fact is

we have to keep going and keep pushing or we’re never

going to get change like getting paid a dollar to every dollar a man

makes,” Wineman said. The need of feminism remains a debate

between men and women of every age, but if women want to make a change in this nation, and the world as a whole, they need to educate themselves on the true meaning on feminism; equality to men socially, economically, and politically.

By Kelsey Hodges

Relevance of Feminism Diverse attitudes spark range of opinions

“Feminism was necessary 50

years ago and it is still nec-

essary today. It is a movement to

empower women. Feminism is just

as necessary as oxygen. Women

should try and build each other to

help ensure the quality of future

generations, “ Anna Irwin, senior,

said.

The support of

other women is

crucial to rising

up the corporate

ladder and

shattering the glass

ceiling.

Barbara Carlin

“

“

“Inequality is still a big is-

sue, and in schools it’s still

becoming a big issue with dress

code and punishments, so it still

needs to be recognized. Femi-

nism to me is important and part

of who I am as a woman,” Clare

Wineman, senior, said.

(Left)

(Right)

Photo by Monica Garcia Photo by Jackie Solano

InDepth8 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2 InDepth 9December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

“Feminism is needed in today’s society because without it, women can grow up accepting society’s preconceived notion that men are greater than women which is incorrect. As long as feminists are fighting for women to be treat-ed as equals to men, they are doing society a favor by balancing out human rights so that supremacy doesn’t ex-ist,” Holmes said.

Holmes believes that feminism still re-mains a necessity in today’s society, as long as women do not over-power men. The idea that feminists want fe-male supremacy con-tributes to why some women want nothing to with feminism and why some men make fun of feminist values.

Instead of assuming feminism revolves around women supremacy, those who have questions should seek to educate them on the true meaning.

“Women need equality, but do not need extreme feminism. The idea that there will ever be full equality though, is foolish. Women and men have different strengths that create the society we have now, and there isn’t a way to neutralize that as long as certain groups are receiving specialized treatment designed to equalize, but does the opposite,” Mitch Fly, senior, said.

Many teenagers share Fly’s idea of fem-inism, but some older people disagree. Fly believes women will never reach full equality to men in our society and that women no longer have the need for ex-treme feminism.

Barbara Carlin, English teacher, and feminist disagrees but has witnessed changes in feminism in the years since her youth.

The debate between feminism’s need remains prevalent in society today among politicians and business leaders.

“Women still need feminism for a couple of reason. The first is the support women can give each other when it comes to equitable pay for the work women do. Among executive positions men still hold the majority,” Carlin said.

Even in 2014, men still make more money than women. The median income

in 2010 of full time workers men made $42,800, compared to $34,700 for wom-en. Equality in the workplace in 2014 re-mains overlooked by a large portion of the population because people assume that it

does not still affect women. Women receive less work for the same amount of work their male co-work-ers, and make 82 cents for every dollar a man makes.

“Therefore, the support of other women is crucial to rising up the corporate ladder and shattering the glass ceiling. Second, no matter what side you are on women need to support each other in their choices to prevent the government and politicians from tak-ing away a women’s right to choose what she can do with her body,” Car-

lin said.Carlin developed her

ideas on women’s rights after witnessing oppres-sion throughout the 60’s and 70’s and teaches her students of the impor-tance of feminism based off her experiences. Al-though some downgrade the need for feminism in today’s society, Carlin in-sists women still use it to support each other.

For example, Iwrin be-lieves she still has a need for it as a female golfer and Ameri-can woman.

“I believe women in today’s society need feminism because too many women are shamed for the things they like or they want to pursue because it is “not feminine”. I think that’s irrel-evant. I also believe women need femi-nism because there is an apparent need for respect and equality amongst men and women,” Irwin said.

Irwin has experienced the stereotypes against women in the sports world while playing golf. A lot of teenagers assume that only men play golf well, when in fact the schools girl’s golf team has multiple experienced players who play their sport along with the guys. Over the past 50

years, the number of high school sports available for girls has increased drastical-ly. However, girls still lack the opportuni-ties boys receive.

In addition, Clare Wineman, senior, considers herself a feminist after experi-encing sexism in school and shares simi-lar ideas with Irwin.

“Feminism is not just a movement; it’s a big part of who we are and who I am as a woman because I believe that we should all be equal. And it’s obvious in today’s society in the 2000’s that feminism is not recognized as it should be,” Wineman said.

Wineman developed her thoughts to-ward sexism after her friend could not es-

cape an abusive relationship and received the excuse that “boys will be boys”. In-stead of making excuses for boys to be-have inappropriately, feminists argue that we should teach them to respect women.

“I believe I have been discriminated against because of my sex, especially now in schools when they do the whole dress code thing where they talk about how girls can’t wear Nike shorts and tank tops, but I’ve seen a lot of guys get away with tank tops and chubbies, and it’s not really fair because I’ve seen a lot of girls go home and they are taking time out of their edu-cation to do this,” Wineman said.

Dress code regulations has sparked a debate over sexism and caused feminists to question the fairness of the rules be-tween girls and guys. Feminists argue

that women should not receive pun-ishment for the clothes that they

wear, and that instead men should not over sexualize

what shows. Making girls cover up so they do not

distract men teaches them to conform to

a man’s needs, not their own.

“Yes feminism is still neces-sary in today’s society because we should still be promoting ourselves and saying we are still equal to you.

The government moves extremely

slow in order to get some change done, it

took years in order for us to vote so the fact is

we have to keep going and keep pushing or we’re never

going to get change like getting paid a dollar to every dollar a man

makes,” Wineman said. The need of feminism remains a debate

between men and women of every age, but if women want to make a change in this nation, and the world as a whole, they need to educate themselves on the true meaning on feminism; equality to men socially, economically, and politically.

By Kelsey Hodges

Relevance of Feminism Diverse attitudes spark range of opinions

“Feminism was necessary 50

years ago and it is still nec-

essary today. It is a movement to

empower women. Feminism is just

as necessary as oxygen. Women

should try and build each other to

help ensure the quality of future

generations, “ Anna Irwin, senior,

said.

The support of

other women is

crucial to rising

up the corporate

ladder and

shattering the glass

ceiling.

Barbara Carlin

“

“

“Inequality is still a big is-

sue, and in schools it’s still

becoming a big issue with dress

code and punishments, so it still

needs to be recognized. Femi-

nism to me is important and part

of who I am as a woman,” Clare

Wineman, senior, said.

(Left)

(Right)

Photo by Monica Garcia Photo by Jackie Solano

Advertising10 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

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Issue 1

Her nerves trembling, she takes a deep breath to con-template the task at hand. All eyes gaze at her intensely as she steps forth to break the thick, wooden board. Her adrenaline kicking in, Katherine Flores, sophomore, takes the challenge and slices the rough board in half.

After four years of time consuming practice almost ev-ery day, Flores achieved her ultimate goal of receiving a black belt at the age of 14. Her love for taekwondo has flourished throughout the years. Taekwondo is seen to numerous people as nothing but chopping boards and exaggerated high kicks, but in reality it is the sport that teaches discipline and respect.

“Most people think that taekwondo is to fight or hurt people, but it is so much more than that. Taekwondo teaches you about self-control, respect, perseverance, courtesy, and integrity,” Flores said.

Receiving your black belt requires an intricate test that consists of all the skills the students have learned throughout their years in taekwondo. The test consumes about six to seven hours to complete because of all the requirements needed for the test.

“During the test we start off by doing warm-ups and around two hundred pushups, sit-ups, squats, then stationary kicks, punches, and forms. We have to memorize at least twelve of the forms, and then we get paired up with anoth-er student our age and size to spar, or fight,” Flores said.

Not only do the students need to ob-tain defensive and memory skills, they also need to have the ability to break at least two or three wooden boards with three different board breaking options.

The boards are approximately two inches thick, and the board size is determined by the age of the taekwondo student.

“We have different techniques we use to break the boards. We can break with our foot, elbow, or fist. Because I was 14 I had to break the large board, with the boards ranging from small to large,” Flores said.

Flores puts forth all her effort to attend every taekwondo class when she has the chance, al-though she has school work and varsity tennis practices to work around her busy schedule. Even though she already attained her black

belt, she still wants to show her dedication and persevere in the sport.

Flores still wants to retain more skills past getting her black belt, like learning more ways to defend herself and being the personnel that younger children look up to for guidance and inspiration.

“I try to go to class every day for at least 3 hours. On Saturdays I go to class from 10 to 12. I also commit to other times when we have tournaments and competitions. For the previous tournament we had practice on Satur-days from 8 to 10 in the morning, so my practices con-sisted spending 5 hours at taekwondo, ”Flores said.

However, the years leading up to receiving her black belt were not a simple task. When her outside complica-tions interfered with taekwondo, she contemplated al-most quitting the sport. Continuing taekwondo required her full determination, and after realizing the im-

portance of all the hard work she had put in, she decided to continue. Flores refused to give up a hobby she loved just because mental

factors were bringing her down in life.

“When I was younger and thought life was so hard and

school was terrible, I almost quit taekwondo. Then, I thought about how much work and time I spent into getting my black belt,

and how much my master put in to teaching me, and I just couldn’t quit,” Flores said.

Flores’ decision to continue with taekwondo took the convincing of two

people who drove her physically and mental-ly. Flores’ mother and master gave her the en-

couragement and support she needed to make her final decision.

“My mom kept on telling me, ‘Katherine, are you sure you want to quit? You’ve come a really long way to give up now.’ Also, my master’s deter-mination to keep me from leaving also helped. He

had a long conversation with me about when you reach black belt. He talked to me about how much

more you learn and the fun you have, and that made me re-consider my decision to quit,”Flores said.

Flores is extremely happy with her decision to continue, and she enjoys going to taekwondo every-day knowing she made the right choice. Flores is now guidance to the younger children participating in tae-

kwondo and gives them hope to always continue with a hobby that they love, and to never let their problems dic-tate their final decision.

“When you get your black belt you don’t stop learning. There is still a lot more to learn, and I like learning the different ways of defending myself. I also like being the person that the younger kids look up to,” Flores said.

Flores’ peers also admire her perseverance to stay dedicated to taekwondo. They enjoy working alongside a positive person that cares deeply for the sport.

“You can see Katherine’s determination through how hard she works and how she gives taekwondo 110 percent every time,” Cade Barnes, sophomore, said.

Maria Kilburn, Flores’ taekwondo instructor, appre-ciates her tenacity to always follow through on her tasks and hold an optimistic attitude with all she does. Her per-sistence is shown every day to always do her work, despite any unfortunate circumstances.

When testing for her black belt, Flores was actually very sick. However, she refused to let that throw her back from reaching her long time goal.

“When she tested for her black belt, she was very ill. She had fever and had to take trips to the restroom to throw up. But she didn’t quit. She stayed and was able to finish her test,” Kilburn said.

Flores had many obstacles occurring in her life, but she never let that keep her from reaching any of her goals. She pushes herself always, and serves as an amazing inspira-tion.

“She has been able to overcome many personal chal-lenges in her life. We are very proud of her,” Kilburn said.

By Alanna Mullins

Earning hEr rEwardGripping her new earned medal, Katherine Flores, sophomore, displays one of the rewards for her efforts after the competetive tournament.

Taking ThE ChallEngEWhile sparring (fighting), Katherine Flores, sophomre, takes a fall. Afterwards she got right back up and continued to duel with her competitor.

aCknowlEdgEmEnT from insTruCTorAs Katherine Flores, sophomore, ascended into Taekwondo and earned her black belt, her instructor gave her recognition for her accomplishment.

Breaking through expectationsDetermined taekwondo student earns black belt despite hardships

Sports12 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

Causing a RacquetShe eyes down her opponent, doing her best

to intimidate the other side. She has to win this match, her teams district standing depends on it. Her sweaty palms loosen her grip on her racket as she begins her serve. The ball flies across the court and the other side swings and misses, securing her win for the match.

Laura Galvan, senior, has landed her spot on the varsity tennis team for the fourth year. Gal-van began playing tennis seven years ago and continues to enjoy the sport. As any other ath-lete would, she has a favorite part of tennis.

“I’d have to say doubles is what I like most. It’s more relaxed, but just as competitive. I like having a partner to pump up or to have cheer me up and joke around with, yet have the same goal,” Galvan said.

Galvan, like most student athletes, has a plan of where she wants to go in life, and tries to keep her goals in sight. Naturally, she pushes herself to achieve the goals she sets for herself.

“What keeps me motivated is the main goal I am trying to achieve which is trying to earn a tennis scholarship to make it easier on my par-ents. They’ve supported me and it’s just a way to pay them back for everything,” Galvan said.

Galvan has many memories from her beloved sport. Many include friends and coaches; how-ever one always brings a smile to her face when-ever the memory resurfaces. It took place on the tennis court at Cy Springs during the match.

“The music started playing and I started mov-ing. I pretended my racket was a guitar, busted out the Bernie, the disco and did the sprinkler. I embarrassed my partner which was the best part,” Galvan said.

Another star tennis player, David Estrada, sophomore, also plays varsity tennis for the school. He began his second year on the school’s tennis team and second year on the varsity team. He started at a young age, much like Galvan.

“I started playing tennis because I was intro-duced by my uncle. That was about eight years

ago and ever since then I’ve played it,” Estrada said.

Like all thriving athletes, being good does not fulfill his expectations for himself. Something always pushes him to do better and to keep im-proving his game. Whether it’s taking private lessons or practicing with his team, Estrada al-ways works to enhance his skill.

“The wanting, the wish to get better and the desire to keep improving is what keeps me go-ing,” Estrada said.

Every teenager has a favorite success story, someone who unknowingly pushes him or her to get better and better at whatever they dream of pursuing. For Estrada, tennis means much more than just a sport he plays in high school, and Roger Federer stands for more than just a symbol of what could happen.

“Roger Federer is the best. He won it all. He’s so graceful when he plays and he’s a good person not only on the court, but off the court as well,” Estrada said.

Estrada expresses true passion for his sport. He gives his all and continues to work to suc-ceed in his sport, showing a true example of sportsmanship.

“It’s a sport that I’ve really grown to love and I feel like you can always keep improving so there’s no reason not to play,” Estrada said.

Mary Bancroft, varsity tennis coach, admires the devotion her star players, Galvan and Es-trada, have for their sport. She raves about their commitment and camaraderie to their team.

“One characteristic that separates Laura and David from their peers is their dedication to being the best in their sport. Hours and hours of training are required to play tennis at their exceptional level. And even though they excel individually in tennis, they have a great team spirit, and as captains help motivate the rest of the team to do the best that they can and not give up,” Bancroft said.

By EmmilynE Thomas

9/9/14 Cy Springs Won 15-49/12/14 Cy Ridge Won 16-3Winning team players included Laura Galvan, Sofia Dettmers, Katherine Flores, Maddy Murphy, Sarah Muir, David Estrada-Arias, Tommy Hamner, Sean Weinstein, Albert Xia, Kyle Hoang, Hoang Dinh, Son Tran and Michael Ng.9/16/14 Cy Woods Lost 2-179/23/14 Cy Falls Lost 4-159/26/14 Langham Creek Lost 3-169/30/14 Cy Fair Won 12-7Winning team players were David Estrad-Arias, Tommy Hamner, Sean Weinstein, Matthew McKillips, All-bert Xia, Kely Hoan, Son Tran, Laura Galvan, Sofia Dettmers. 10/3/14 Cy Ranch Lost 1-1810/7/14 Cy Lakes Won 18-1Winning team players included Laura Galvan, Sofia Dettmers, Katherine Flores, Sarah Muir, Sofia Espi-noza, Ketty Lam, Vi Tran, David Estrada-Arias, Sean Weinstein, Albert Xia, Kyle Hoang, Hoang Dinh, Son Tran, and Michael Ng. 10/14/14 Cy Creek Won 12-7Winning team players included Laura Galvan, Sofia Espinoza, David Estrada-Arias, Tommy Hamner, Sean Weinstein, Albert Xia, Kyle Hoang, Hoang Dinh, and Son Tran

Team spirit sees season end with successful matches

Jumping HigH “We got fifth in the district, so we didn’t make it to the playoffs, but we did better than last year. That’s a definite improvement,” Kyle Hoang, senior, said.

Track THe BallKeeping her eye on the ball, Laura Galvan, se-nior, gets ready to swing. Galvan recently signed with St. Edwards for a $50,000 scholarship.

consTanT FooT move-menT David Estrada, sophomore, never loses sight of his opponent and always stays in motion.

Team Season Highlights

photo by Kassandra Perez

photo by Bryan Streit

photo by Crystal Hernandez

sports 13December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

The moment fills with an intense concentration as the ball flies from hand to hand, back and forth over the net in an attempt to catch the other team off guard. In the background, the members of the Rowdy Refs shout taunts and provocations at the opposing team, but the game continues on with spirits high and advancement to playoffs hanging in the balance. With a final spike, that ball flies over the net for the last time, hitting the ground as a chorus of yells hit the ceiling.

"Our team never gave up when the game was hard or when we were down. We always pushed through it and held each other accountable for our jobs on the team. We just always stayed positive when people doubted us," Shelby Ladewig, senior, co-captain, said.

The varsity volleyball team has made grounds for celebration by making it to the first round of playoffs, not achieved since the 2006 season, and has further advanced to the second round, a feat that has not been accomplished since the 2000 season.

The girls made it that far with practice and training nearly every day, but it paid off, bringing the girls even closer together and bringing them even more victories than they have had in the past.

"We had a very defense oriented-team; we did not have huge hitters across the board. Coach Schneider really worked with us about what our game plans were; and a lot of the plans were just mixing up our shots and not just killing the ball, because we did not necessarily have the hitters that could do that. We definitely worked on playing smarter, and not making simple mistakes," Rebecca Mauer, sophomore, co-captain, said.

Besides just making changes to their game plan and to the team’s players and positions, the girls’ spirits and aspirations brought them further than they could have hoped for the season.

Volleyball put copious amounts of work and built themselves higher to achieve a greater outcome than their predecessors have had in the past.

"I felt like the past years have built up to this year. The years before this were amazing and it just led to greater and greater accomplishments. Last year we were so close to playoffs, and this past season has pushed us to get even closer and to actually make it out of district," Lacie Aden, junior, said.

With the October 24 match against Cypress Springs in the bag with a 3-0 score, the girls made their way to Memorial High School on November 4, where the team won with a 3-1 score and advanced to the second round of playoffs.

Unfortunately, the girls lost the at Seven Lakes High School 0-3 on November 7 and headed back home, but none too defeated and smiles nonetheless.

"It's different to say ‘We lost the second round of playoffs,’ rather than to say ‘We lost the match to go into playoffs last year’. It was sad, because the team was awesome, and I thought we could have held out, but you also have to step back and realize 'You were in the second round of playoffs, you were not just in districts'. I was happy, I am proud of what this team has done and what we have achieved," Mauer said.

Despite the odds and stats against them resulting from previous seasons, a few injuries, and the fact that the lineup had changed almost drastically in the past year, the girls had managed to overcome the naysaying and emerge with victories to their name.

"Making it to playoffs was definitely an accomplishment. We proved a lot of people wrong. Jersey Village is always looked down upon in most sports, so it was nice to change that mindset," Ashley Wechsler, junior, said.

By Julianna Perez

Team Success

“My favorite games were

playing Cy-Fair both times, The atmo-sphere was crazy and exciting to play in. We lost both games, but they were still both great to play,” Shelby Ladewig, senior, said.

“My favorite game of the

season was the first against Cy Falls. it really kicked off the season and gave us a push to go as far as we did. That first game showed every other school what we were capable of doing,” Lacie Aden, junior, said.

“My favorite game was

the first playoff game against Memorial when we won. I had the winning ace for the first match, which motiviated the team to realize that we could win, and intensified our momentum,” Ashley Wechsler, junior, said.

Varsity volleyball makes bi-district playoffs, advances to 2nd round against Seven Lakes

Camaraderie on CourtThe team became a family over the course of the year and previous seasons, growing not only into a strong team, but a group of close and dependable friends. “It has been rough since the very beginning of the season with volleyball and practice almost everyday, but ever since then, we have bonded,” Shelby Ladewig, senior, said.

Serving the CompetitionRebecca Mauer, player #13, serves the ball across the court to the Cy-Falls players during a home game.

Photo by Lesly DeLeon

Photo by Lesly DeLeonPhoto by Lesly DeLeon

Photo by Juan Torres

Photo by Juan Torres

Photo by Lesly DeLeon

When I previously exited my physics class and began my mental-ly exhausting journey down the hallway, and my brain immediately, turned to mush from the horrid music blasted in the hall. I turned to look for the culprit, to throw them my (almost) fearsome glare, and dis-covered the person next to me jamming out to some unknown rapper along with his friends.

I completely supported enjoying yourself with friends in high school because, face it, high school becomes unbearable without someone to

get crazy with. However, when they blared their music and their friends started a dance circle in the middle of the hallway, while people tried to get from one side of the school to the other, they needed to rethink their idea of “enjoyment”.

In the student Code of Conduct, it stated that students can only have one ear bud in and the music cannot be loud enough for the person next to you to hear it. I could hear the mu-sic halfway down the hall, during a passing period. That constituted as loud; either that, or I just had super human hearing. If I brought a speaker to school and started to play show tunes, I could guarantee you that I would get more insults launched at me than if I dissed the entire school population.

I understood that people liked to listen to their music in a booming, rebellious nature as a gesture of “forget you” to the higher levels of authority. Although, the last time I checked, fellow students do not count as authority figures. Ninety five percent of the time, we did not want to listen to Jay-P or 50 Dollar or whatever they go by these days.

I felt like the term “distraction to the learning environment” fits perfectly with this situ-ation. I commend the administration that stopped this practice. I took great displeasure in being unwillingly included in this bonding session over a music category that I have very little interest in, as many other students probably do.

Administration and staff realized that this was pressing situation and actually had an impact on learning. Many students will agree that this needed to be taken care of. I see no issue with allowing the use of speakers during lunch, but hallway use should be prohibited.

Columns14 December 2014ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

The Thin Blue LineOfficers risk their lives to protect all

Police officers. In my world with people my age, the words often elicit other words of disrespect. They throw out words of disrespect towards those who protect them every day. This needs to stop, and not just because my dad is a police officer. My dad has experienced all of this, and he is not alone.

Living in the same home as a police officer is an interesting to say the least, and watching my

father sacrifice his time, patience, and sometimes even his personal health, to chase a crook, solve a murder. He has gone out into a cold and rainy night, already sick, to work a murder scene, and stayed out on the scene until six pm the next day.

After that scene he had to go to the hospital for pneumonia, one of his many sacrifices he has given the community. Police officers make sacrifices like this not for themselves, but for those who need a help-ing hand, or those who cannot find justice themselves.

Many of those who disrespect police officers cite instances where officers have broken the law, or abused their authority, as justifica-tions for their disrespect towards them. These a greatly unjust, for those that are preaching this, are also those who preach against ste-reotypes, and considering a very small percentage of police officers do such things, isn’t that in itself stereotyping.

If we condone violence or disrespect towards officers because of the actions of a small few, then isn’t that in itself condoning the same action from police officers towards criminals, minorities, and those who live in certain areas such as ghettos.

If people desire to move further as a society, we must learn to re-spect those who protect us day to day, and stop ourselves from judging a group of people because of a few. I know from personal experience with my father what police officers sacrifice for their communities, how they put their lives on the line for those who will still turn around and disrespect them to their face.

Many times, especially when I was younger, my brother and I were told to go upstairs by our mom as she was as the verge of tears. My brother and I would sit at the top of the stairs, another officer killed in a shootout, could be our dad, and as my brother and I became more mature, we realized our dad could’ve been killed every day he left the house to go to work.

This was shocking at first, but we saw how my dad loved his job, and how cool it was for him to chase the bad guys. We understood what he did was necessary, as others should, along with respecting the police officers that risk their lives for them every day, the thin blue line.

By Will ScaleS

By emmilyne ThomaS

illustration by Jarod Nguyen

illustration by Shelby Coleman

Bye, bye hall jammersAdministration stops distraction to learning

Editorial 15December 2014

Junior varsity deserves respect, encouragement

Jersey Village High School Student Publications’Newspaper PolicyThe Peregrine is the official student publication of Jersey Village High School and is published by the Advanced Journalism

newspaper class at Jersey Village High School, 7600 Solomon, Houston, Texas 77040 (713-896-3400). It is distributed free to the student body. Subscriptions can be bought for $15, and copies of the paper will be mailed to your residence.

Unsigned editorials represent a majority agreement of the staff. The Peregrine is read in advance of publication by the JVHS administration.

Advertising is sold by the 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and full page. The staff has the right to reject, edit, or cancel any advertisement at any time. The advertising policy is stated on the advertising contract.

Advertising is not an endorsement from the staff, the adviser, the administration, or the Cypress Fairbanks Board of Trust-ees.

The Peregrine is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, Quill and Scroll, and the National Scholastic Press Association.

The Peregrine is printed by Mirror Publishers, Inc in Texas City, TX. The opinion of readers is held in high regard. Please send all feedback or questions to our address or room 1712. Letters to the editor need to be limited to 150 words. We reserve the right to edit for spelling and grammar. Letters must be signed.

The cuts of the new arranged team are posted and the student hesitantly walks to examine the results. He sees the reaction of several boys shouting-with excitement, and others heart-broken. The ambitious student gets a glimpse of the results and jumps joy-fully; he had made the junior varsity team. His joy quickly ended, howev-er, when other students downgraded his position.

Acquiring a place on an athletic team is considered a treasured feel-ing. It is perceived a major person-al accomplishment, and often one feels that their contentment cannot be broken down. However, count-less number of people automatically downgrade an individual when dis-covering that they were placed on a junior varsity team. This issue is un-acceptable and unfair.

Regardless if one is placed on ju-nior varsity or varsity, the entire sport is one team. The team should not disregard each other because of their rank. No one can become per-fect at anything instantly, and as the old saying goes, “Practice makes per-fect.” Junior varsity simply means that one is not quite experienced enough to get placed on varsity, and one needs more time to get the gist of it.

Many cannot count on their fin-gers how many times they have been looked down upon because they are a junior varsity member. No one should be labeled as “not good enough” because they are not on varsity. In fact, without junior var-sity, varsity would mean absolutely nothing. It would not be considered a privilege because there is only one rank. People can act overly prejudice towards junior varsity, and it is an occurring issue that should end.

Varsity members can also contrib-ute to this issue at times. They occa-sionally treat junior varsity members with less respect and place them-selves on a much higher pedestal. It is a privilege to make varsity, but with that title comes humility and modesty. Whether one makes varsity or junior varsity, everybody needs to treat each other with the same level of respect. Making another rank should not determine the quantity of respect one receives.

However, the factors contribut-ing most to this problem are people’s prejudgment of non-varsity teams. If people did not come up with this invalid theory that junior varsity teams are not important, then pre-judgement would not happen within

teams and their peers. People need to take into consideration that making a team by itself is difficult, especially for underclassmen trying the sport their first or second time. Instead of making one feel ashamed because they’re on junior varsity, encourage them and make them feel inspired to eventually make the varsity team. Refrain from demoting non-varsity members, because all that results is shamefulness and disappointment.

Junior varsity members deserve the same respect and recognition as any varsity member. They deserve to be treated just as fairly and kindly by their peers. We believe that if every-one takes that thought into consider-ation, this issue can easily come to an end.

2014 - 2015 Peregrine StaffEditor - Kelsey Hodges; Staff Writers - John Le, Joel Montfort, Alanna Mullins, Julianna Perez, Will Scales, Cade Schaudel, Emmilyne Thomas. Contributing Photgraphers - Camilla Botinni, Damaris DeLeon, Lesly DeLeon, Crystal Hernandez,Christine Le, Kassandra Perez, Brian Streit, Juan Torres. Contributing Illustrators - Sandy Nguyen, Jarod Nguyen, Shelby Coleman. Adviser - Margie Comstock. JVHS Principal - Ralph Funk.

“Varsity gets more recogni-tion and the coaches focus

on them more, which is unfair to junior varsity because they don’t recieve enough attention,” Sloane Conner, sophomore, said.

How does being on junior varsity compare to being on varsity?

ThePEREGRINE

Issue 2

illustration by Sandy Nguyen

“I don’t think that they should be treated differently, but that

is just how it happens. The differ-ence between varsity and junior varsity is just how the school looks at them,” Jadanesha McCauley, senior, said.

“I don’t think junior varsity should be looked down

upon, but they need to under-stand that people on varsity earned their spot,” Jalaina Douglas, senior, said.

Compiled by

compiled by Alanna Mullins, photos by Joel Montfort

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Issue 2

I C K B A L L

HOMERUN FOR BANANAS“We went through the en-tire tournament and didn’t allow a run. We didn’t give up hope. We went in there with the want to win and we did it. I had a blast,” Jacob Quintero, junior, said.

SERIOUS NO HITTER “We scouted our team, pretty much. We took it very seriously. I threw a no hit-ter my fi rst game, and no one scores in the whole tournament,” Cole Frost, junior, said.

GOOD OUTSIDE TIME“I thought it was a great time. I got to go out with my friends and have a good time with the other AG and FFA members, and spend time with them outside of school,” Tyranny Metcalfe, junior, said.

Cheerleaders sponsor tournament

AMERICAN ALL STAR ”It was cool to play with my friends and the other guys on Team USA since I got about six runs,” Nolan Ellison, sophomore, said.

TAKING HOME GOLD “There is no better feeling than taking home the gold with your buddies,” Nick Wuthrich, senior, said.

photo by Damaris DeLeon

photo by Damaris DeLeon

photo by Camilla Bottini

photo by Camilla Bottiniphoto by Camilla Bottini

photo by Damaris DeLeon

K

After their fi rst attempt at hosting their fundraising, kickball tournament resulted in a cancelation due to weather, the cheerleaders completed the event over the Thanksgiving break. Nineteen teams competed with Hanna’s Bananas winning the tournament.

All of the cheerleaders created teams to compete against each other in the tournament.

“I thought it was great that the stu-dents were so hyped up about the event. They made shirts for their teams and even took time out of their Thanksgiv-ing break to attend the event. There is nothing better than competing against your schoolmates in an awesome game of kickball. This will help support the cheerleaders go to competition in Cali-fornia,” Cassidy Canizaro, senior and cheer captain, said.

UP TO KICK At home plate Toan Pham, soph-more, concentrates on sending the ball into the outfi eld. The temperature turned chilly for the tour-nament but that did not bother Pham.