10 - 11 PEREGRINE4

PEREGRINE

Administrators work to break the student-teacher boundary by cre-ating new lines of communication.

Assistant principal makes weight loss a challenge among school staff with a competition.

Geometry teacher adds Girl’s Varsity Coach to title, hopes to bring wins to team.

Volume 39 Issue 4 Jersey Village High School 7600 Solomon Houston, TX 77040

pages 8-9

page6 page12

For some teenagers, acne and Attention Deficit disorders are worsened with the pressures brought about by school, work, and home life. These students turn to extreme medications to relieve symptoms. However, with these medications, come adverse side effects.

the

4page

February ‘11

waRNING: may cause serious

adverse side effects

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Creative imagination wins recognition in scholastic photography contest

P h o t o G a l l e r y

Stormingthe competition

In the back yard working on a photo assignment, Marcel Mattern, senior, snaps a quirky photo of her friend in a storm trooper mask. Mattern always strives to take a different ap-proach to her photography.

“I wanted to go for a different angle when I took my pic-ture, because most people just think of photography as land-scapes and buildings, so I wanted to do something different,” Mattern, senior said.

Marcel had not even thought about entering her photo into a competition, until her photo teacher suggested she do so.

“I encourage all of my students to enter, and I thought her photo would do well,” Ms. Alana Jordan, photography teacher, said.

Mattern thought about it and decided it was a good deci-sion. Although she was not sure what photo she would enter into the competition at the time, after much thought she de-cided to use her storm trooper photograph.

“Originally, I was not going to send that picture in, I was just going to send a self portrait, but then I decided, why not?” Mattern said.

Mattern thinks that photography is a unique form of art, where she can express herself freely. So she finds it very in-teresting when people can relate to her photos, or find the strangeness appealing, as she does.

“Because this picture was so different, I didn’t think it would win. I thought it was more my style, so it is really cool to see that people understand and appreciate the uniqueness of the photo,” Mattern said.

In the Scholastic competition the student, or competitor, is required to submit the art form via the internet by the re-gional deadline, mail in the submission form and processing fees. The art work is judged on three criteria; originality, tech-

nical skill, and the emergence of a personal vision or voice. “I really like her imagination. She is a very creative and

talented photographer,” Meghan Gallagher, senior, said.So after all of the submitting and judging, all Marcel had

to do was wait. After about two weeks of anticipation, Mar-cel received word that she had in fact won. And not just any award, a silver key award.

“I won a gold key for my scholastic portfolio when I was a se-nior at Cy-Falls high school, so it is cool to have a s t u d e n t win some-thing as well,” Jor-dan said.

T h i s m e a n s M a t t e r n had work worthy of recognition on the regional level. And she looks forward to take more photos and continue expressing her creativity through her favorite art form.

“Looking back at it, I am so happy that photo won. Know-ing that people appreciate some of the things I do, means a lot,” Mattern said.

JoeyBethGILBERT>> staff writer

“I wanted to go for a different angle when I took my picture, because most people just think of photography as landscapes and buildings.”

photo courtesy of MaRcEL MaTTERN

Posing Balancing on a bike, Jessica Martinez, junior, waits for Marcel Mattern, senior, to snap her photo.




sPotlight Gazing at the cloudy skies outside through a fogged up window, Marcel Mattern, senior, models in her own self-portrait. She likes to look for natural lighting to give her art an elegant feel, so many of her indoor photographs involve windows.

Art subject Almost obscured by a computer screen, it appears as though Marcel Mattern, senior, has snuck up on Jessica Martinez, junior. Marti-nez often finds herself the object of her friend’s photographs.

eye cAtching Staring, Jessica Martinez, junior, looks directly into Marcel Mattern, senior’s, lens as the water makes a double image of her intense expres-sion. Mattern put a twist on an assignment to use a water element in a photo. The water could easily belong to a huge, still lake rather than the pool Mattern used for the shot.

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the PEREGRINEissue four

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three WORLDS uniteDepartments come together to build anchor desk

Sitting in his drafting class after finishing an assignment, Manjot Jawa, junior, began to come up with the idea of con-structing an anchor desk for JVTV.

“It was random, but then I just got to think about it as one of my crazy projects,” Jawa said.

The idea arose two years ago, but Jawa decided to make the idea a reality. Jawa, who initiated the project, overlooked the entire process with the advantage of being in both the computer drafting and JVTV class. The inspiration came to him from hours of watching the local news and looking up designs for desks. Through the multi view drawing program, Jawa began the basic layout for the desk.

Along with Jawa, Cynthia Stoker, Video Technology teacher, and Richard Hight, Engineer Design and Pre-sentation teacher, worked

together on the basic design and look of the desk. Then both Jason Epps, Advanced En-gineering Design and

Presentation teacher, and Hight helped improved the designs.

“This project really was a great way to get kids involved that are in different classes to come together for a common goal,” Stoker said.

After the design was set, Austin Thayer, junior, built the desk, which took six weeks, in his Advanced Engineering Design and Presentation class.

“Being in woodshop, I was the one who constructed it. First I made the rounded top. Second I put on the plywood frame.

Third I trimmed most of the desk with ma-hogany. Finally I put some stain on certain

parts to darken it and put on polyurethane (it makes it shiny and protects it, which required several layers),” Thayer said.

The JVTV cast also gave their input on the final design of the desk. They were presented with Jawa’s sketches and discussed their opinions. Wayne Beaumier, senior, felt proud that his fellow cast member partook in such a project that would benefit the cast.

“I feel that our new anchor desk is amazing. When I first heard about the idea I was impressed that our president, Manjot Jawa, came up with an idea that would benefit us so much. I was very impressed with how he applied something he learned in his drafting class to a project outside of class,”

Beaumier said.Stacie Wicke, Associate Princi-

pal, believes that this project dem-onstrated how great students can be in working off each others’ strengths and weaknesses and reating what she feels is a magnificent and fully func-tional piece of furniture.

“One of the primary goals of edu-cation is to prepare students for the real world and this project could not have been more rel-evant. Part of a good team is surrounding yourself with people that compliment each other, and that is

exactly what I believe happened here. Groups of students that may never have known one another were able to come together and create something that will be here for a long time,” Wicke said.

The new anchor desk, which cost them $350 for the entire construction project, was specially designed for JVTV with a modern green screen compartment. The computer drafting, JVTV and wood shop departments came together to construct a new anchor desk, in what they called a learning adventure.

“Cooperating with people in different de-partments and working together to make one finished product was amazing. It felt like being in the real world,” Jawa said.

“This project really was a great way to get kids

involved that are in different

classes.”

OrfaPaLacIOS>> staff writer

building After weeks of constructing and painting, Austin Thayer, junior, moved the new anchor desk into the JVTV room where the cast anxiously awaited it.

PlAnning Creating the basic design of the anchor desk, Manjot Jawa, junior, hoped that Austin Thayer, junior would make his plans come to live.

The Process:

photo by ORfa PaLacIOS

photo courtesy of Richard Hight

photo courtesy of MaNJOT Jawa

phot

o by O

Rfa

Pa

LacI

OS

To most, spring break is still a far way off. However, for Shannon Fisch, S house as-sistant principal, spring break is just around the corner. To prepare for the swimsuit sea-son that is ever so close for her, Fisch has put together a biggest loser competition.

The competition received lots of buzz early on, and by the time that it began, 85 members of the administration had joined in. To join in the festivities, each member had to pay a small entry fee of $10. All of the entry fees are going to weekly prizes for each week’s biggest loser and to the prize money for the winners. First place in this competition yields $300. With a large cash prize, and the motivation to look great for swimsuit season, teachers feel the pres-

sure to work and win. Fisch started the Biggest Looser

Competition for of two reasons. The first is

because she heard that Cy Fair High School did it last year, and it was a success. She decided that after the holiday season there needed to be a big push to look great for the next holiday. Another reason is because she was a dance teacher before her current job, and since she became an assistant principal, there has been a void of exercise in her life.

Fisch wanted to work out with motivation that she could not shake. When 85 people stood behind her idea with an entry fee paid, it was hard to back out. Along with the weight loss, the competition will also bring a connection to staff members, and it will help the staff understand certain benefits in the school, like using the weight room for free, any time they want to use the weight room.

One of the reasons I made it a competition instead of just working out myself, was because I would feel more motivated if I was a competing,” Fisch said.

The competition is helping motivate staff members, and make staff parties calm down a bit and stray away from unhealthy food. The final weigh in will be mid-way through the Spring semester.

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TannerSTOGSDILL>> staff writer

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No more Tardy sweep: - Due to the fact that the school does not want to pay someone to watch students

stand for a teacher’s salary, therefore, there is no person to run it.

FCA is now on Fridays:-Fellowship of Christian Athletes was nor-mally held on Tuesday mornings, and it is now held Friday afternoons.

SCALINGdown

New Fiction Friday:- Amy Mitton, librarian, brings books down to the commons for students to check out every other Friday.

New Staff book club: - Amy Mit-ton, librar-ian, decided to create a book club for

the teachers. They meet once a month and there is about 12-15 members.

Fall Semester change:-Next year for the first semes-ter, students will receive a whole week off for Thanksgiving, and two less days for Christmas Break.

new Semester new Stuff

Teachers, staff join together to reach weight goals

photo by JOEy BETH GILBERT



checKing in Being weighed in by Sally Syer, nurse, Cheryl Simon, teacher, anticipates a showing of weight loss.

thinKing thin Showing Joanell Jones, teacher, how to work the medical scale Sally Syer, nurse, makes an adjustment.

TaylorESPINOSa>> staff writer

Nervous, as her heart fi lled with a wild passion, that readied her to yell out as she heard her queue to perform she awaited the spot light. As that spotlight hit her skin, that passion let loose. It projects from her heart and moves the audience, listening in awe. Her strong voice, her clear, concise words resounded breaking an eerie silence in the dark auditorium.

Battle of the Falcons, was just one of the many performances Ma-laysia Jackson, junior, has taken part in. Jackson, an experienced poet and speaker, writes, performs, and competes her own poetry for an audience.

“[It] was actually my fi rst time sharing my self-written poetry with JV, which I thought was really exciting. I wanted [students] to re-ceive the message from the words of my work more so than having people pat me on the back for my performance,” Jackson said.

Her poem, called “Th is Too Shall Pass,” a powerful poetry performance, contains serious issues such as bullying, suicide, and the way teachers choose to educate in the classroom.

“My poem addressed the school board, and students who commit the act of verbal or physical bullying. I felt the need to speak on behalf of the victims of suicide who struggled with acceptance from their peers. Th e poem also reveals the truth how much some teachers could care less about the students they edu-cate,” Jackson said.

Taking second place at Battle of the Fal-cons, Jackson collaborated her spoken poetry with one of her fellow peers at Battle of the Falcons who played guitar as a musical “back up” for her performance.

“Working with Malaysia was like Simon working with Garfunkel, Bobby working with Whitney or Lilo and Stitch. We just understood what the other was looking for and never tried to change the other person.” Brandt Henley, senior, said.

Other than working one on one with performers, Jackson is an ac-tive member of the Meta-Four Houston slam team which is a youth development organization that uses performance poetry to help teen-agers identify issues that matter to them and to address them eff ec-tively as a form of communication.

“Slamming is basically competing with others with original poetry. Meta-Four is my slam team, and my second family,” Jackson said.

Th is unique way of art is a way of expression, communication, and a passion for Jackson. Slam poetry exposes teens to a type of “literary expression” that increases self-confi dence, as well as literacy.

“I’ve always been the type to write my feelings in a little diary. I enjoy writing and expressing poetry to the public,” Jackson said.

Other than poetry, Jackson is an all around performer who does a little bit of everything, including music. She combines her poetry performance with her singing.

“I love performing in plays, playing the piano, and giving a little vo-cal performance every now and then. It’s a joy when confusing music with poetry,” Jackson said.

Apart from her outside performances, in school, Jackson keeps herself busy in the JV Players club and maintains a tight bond with her dra-ma teacher, who she is currently working with to direct the Black History Show for the month of February.

“Malaysia is above average, beautiful, compassionate, and mature. I love her ability to take the initiative when she wants to do something. She doesn’t wait around for others to hold her hand,” Elizabeth Crocker, drama teacher, said.

As a talented performer, Jackson’s performances never fail to leave any audience, or fellow friend, in awe.

“Malaysia is an amazing speaker and even more talented as a poet. [Her] words move me, but when she starts reading them there’s a whole diff erent ele-

ment of her lyrical passion. She moves with the poem, and it seems more like she’s talking to you rather than her just reading a piece. Be looking out for Malaysia after she’s out of high school, because she’s probably going to have Alicia Keys opening for her someday,” Henley said.

Expanding her poetry and artistic growth, Jackson plans to compete with her slam team July 2011 at the Brave New Voices International Poetry Slam Festival in San Francisco, California.

“I enjoy performing for others. Poetry is art, expression, healing, love, and anything you want it to be,” Jackson said. “I love what I do and would perform for anyone.”

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“I enjoy performing for others. Poetry is art, expression, healing, love, and anything you want it to be,” Jackson said. “I healing, love, and anything you want it to be,” Jackson said. “I photo by KaTIE caRVaLHO

“Working with Ma-laysia was like Simon working with Gar-funkel, Bobby work-ing with Whitney or Lilo with Stitch. We just understood what the other was looking for and nev-er tried to change the other person.”

Behind the WordsTeenager expresses underlying emotions through slam poetry

insPiring (left) During Battle of the falcons, Malaysia Jackson, junior, recites slam poetry concerning the troubles of school. The performance by Jackson received second place.

collAborAting (right) Before perform-ing in Battle of the falcons, Malaysia Jackson, junior, and Brandt Henley, senior, practice their

piece. Henley plays the guitar while Jackson practices her slam poetry.

photo by REBEcca MOScOSOphoto by KaTIE caRVaLHO

A student is excused from class to go to the LGI room for a meet-ing. He walks through the quiet halls until he reaches the room. The other side of the door holds a few tables pushed together in a circle, filled with welcoming people and warm food. The student sits down and writes his name on a name tag provided. He is now ready to discuss issues in the school, and propose so-lutions.

Students with a Voice is a pro-gram to help bridge the gap between the student body and the adminis-tration. The program is headed by Stacie Wicke, Associate Principal, and Greg Brock, Director of In-struction.

To help students with a voice run smoothly, the students picked come from all different grade levels, races, genders, and many other factors to

ensure that the batch of students is diverse. The rea-son behind the diversity is to make sure that all stu-dent groups are represented in the program. From there, the students will meet 5 times this semester

to key in on problems in the school, and start to generate ideas to fix them.

“We are looking to make it a school where stu-dents say, ‘that’s my school,’ not just because they go there, but because they are proud,” Brock said.

The idea began because meetings with staff and administrators often led to questions about what students would think. Staff members were urged to talk to students, but it never got done. To solve the problem, Wicke started Students with a Voice to bridge the gap between the two and meet in a way where problems can be solved.

“I want to create a common understanding,” Wicke said.

Some signed up through teachers to be consid-ered, others were just invited to go, but most of the members were proud to be invited. The students were picked very specifically to make sure all stu-dents’ voices could be heard. People where called from all different races, ages, GPA’s, and school in-volvement.

The council of students sitting around the table in the meeting showed the true diversity of the school. This was done so that all students can find an ambassador in many places, to have them help make the school a better place.

“It’s just nice to know that I have a voice,” Ga-brielle Ybarra, junior, said.

One January 14, 2011 Students with a Voice first got together to discuss the problems that need to be solved in the school. The meeting started with an activity to try to find words that accurately describe the school. By the end of the activity, the students chose that two words that adequately describe the school were social, and un-spirited. Throughout the

meeting, one key idea that was discussed was the lack of school spirit.

“The first meeting was good because a lot of problems that needed to be [addressed] were put out there and talked about,” Nymph Gill, sopho-more, said.

The students in the meeting addressed many topics about issues that they felt were important. Some topics were approached with caution due to the fact that they were complaints about different things such as administration, but in the end the group formed a strong council that is trusting, and eager to make a change. The excitement was easily seen by the students who were voicing their opin-ion to make the school a better place, and a school to be proud of.

“You can’t gripe if you don’t take action. I ap-plaud those who stepped up to this task,” Wicke said.

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fixing issues Discussing problems in the school, Zach Abeyta and Molly Matzdorff, seniors, try to solve issues that face the student body.

photo by TaNNER STOGSDILL

photo by TaNNER STOGSDILL

PEREGRINE

StudentsSpeakTannerSTOGSDILL

>> feature editor

administration bridges gap

sPeAKing out Problem solving, Christian Paz, senior, consults with other students to find out what problems plague the school.

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Two sophomores, Julian Mateo and Joel Silva, apply their talent and love of drawing to create a T-shirt design for the

students of J house. Even in the short amount of time given, both students were able to come up with a de-sign to please the staff.

“It took me about 45 to 60 minutes,” Silva said. “We didn’t have a lot of time because we were making a portfolio in web mastering.”

For Mateo, the design took him about three or four days. The two students spent their time in order to

create a masterpiece for their peers.Silva had focused on working without a selfish mind; he

did not even know that there was a prize.“I entered the contest because I like graphic design, not

because of a prize,” Silva said.In fact, winning the contest surprised him.“I thought I was going to get in trouble,

because I got a pass to the AP office. But af-ter that, I felt accomplished,” Silva said. “I feel really good; I honestly never thought I could win. I feel proud because someone actually thought my design was good and is wearing it in a shirt.”

Similarly, Mateo had no idea that he had won the contest or that there was a prize.

“I thought I was in trouble because I got called into the AP’s office.” Mateo said. “But when I found out I won, I couldn’t help but smile.”

Mateo has been drawing for as long as he can remember. He used this talent to create a design for others.

“I can still see myself drawing this blue dinosaur back be-fore first grade. I draw as a hobby.” Mateo said.

The sophomore is pleased with the results of the contest.“I usually don’t win in anything. I feel kind of proud of

myself. The feeling where I look in the mirror and give myself a double thumbs-up,” Mateo said. “I feel that other students

wearing the shirt I designed as an honor. Every time I see someone wearing the shirt with the design on it, I can say, ‘Hey I worked on that.’”

The two students had used their talent for drawing for oth-ers, and look forward to the days where their peers will be wearing the shirts that they designed.

new house shirtTwo young creative artists’ passions

lead to creation of J House logo

drAWing During freetime Julian Mateo, sopho-more, sketches a design for the J House T-shirt logo.

“Every time I see someone

wearing the shirt with the design on it, I can say, ‘Hey I worked on

that.’”

SarahcHO>> staff writer

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LeandraLEE>> staff writer

antastic FitzgeraldMath teacher dedicates 32 years

photo by LEaNDRa LEE

On her fi rst day of school Debbie Fitzgerald walked into a classroom full of occupied desks, textbooks on the shelf, and a class full of loud and unfamiliar faces. She began her fi rst day, of her last year with a simple greeting, then went on and talked a little bit about her self. Her class listened and learned that she has been teaching at Jersey Village High School for 32 years, and has been head of the math department for 14 years.

Fitzgerald went into teaching because two of her grandparents were teachers in a rural area. She used to going to school with her grandmother and worked with her students. Also, in high school Fitzgerald was a member of FTA, Future Teachers of America. Th e club members would get to go into elementary schools and middle schools and help teach the students in various grade levels.

“I decided to retire because of some health issues. I am a diabetic and that has taken its toll on me in the last couple of years. I still feel that I am an eff ective teacher in the classroom and I want to leave on a positive note. Being a teacher is how I defi ne myself,” Fitzgerald said.

In the past years Fitzgerald only taught Algebra II K, and Precalculus, and as of the beginning of this year, she began teaching SAT prep, co-teaching with Shannon Th omas, and head of the Advanced Academic Strategy, also known as AAS. Also, Fitzgerald once co-sponsored Texas Association of Future Educators, TAFE, with Juli Wade.

Various students of Fitzgerald would describe her teaching styles as traditional, eff ective, and helpful.

“Mrs. Fitz’s teaching style is the best around, you can tell that she is a veteran teacher and knows math really well. I would say that her teaching style is more traditional, than a lot of other teachers,” Peter Paul Wong, senior, said.

Teaching for a long period of time, Fitzgerald connected with many students, as well as faculty members. Being head of the math department she worked with many teachers and did all possible to help other teachers become more eff ective in their teaching skills.

“I will remember the many years that we were cheerleader sponsors together and the good friendships we formed. I will also remember all the laughing,” Karen Miller, Algebra II teacher, said.

Being a teacher for a long period of time, Fitzgerald wants to leave a memorable experience behind, for students, and the faculty to remember her by.

“I want the faculty to remember me as someone who was always willing to help out when asked. I want my students to remember me as a teacher with expectation that cared about them. Overall I want to be remembered as someone that was positive and fun to be around,” Fitzgerald said.

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the PEREGRINE february ‘11

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LeandraLEE>> staff writer

antastic FitzgeraldMath teacher dedicates 32 years

photo by LEaNDRa LEE

On her fi rst day of school Debbie Fitzgerald walked into a classroom full of occupied desks, textbooks on the shelf, and a class full of loud and unfamiliar faces. She began her fi rst day, of her last year with a simple greeting, then went on and talked a little bit about her self. Her class listened and learned that she has been teaching at Jersey Village High School for 32 years, and has been head of the math department for 14 years.

Fitzgerald went into teaching because two of her grandparents were teachers in a rural area. She used to going to school with her grandmother and worked with her students. Also, in high school Fitzgerald was a member of FTA, Future Teachers of America. Th e club members would get to go into elementary schools and middle schools and help teach the students in various grade levels.

“I decided to retire because of some health issues. I am a diabetic and that has taken its toll on me in the last couple of years. I still feel that I am an eff ective teacher in the classroom and I want to leave on a positive note. Being a teacher is how I defi ne myself,” Fitzgerald said.

In the past years Fitzgerald only taught Algebra II K, and Precalculus, and as of the beginning of this year, she began teaching SAT prep, co-teaching with Shannon Th omas, and head of the Advanced Academic Strategy, also known as AAS. Also, Fitzgerald once co-sponsored Texas Association of Future Educators, TAFE, with Juli Wade.

Various students of Fitzgerald would describe her teaching styles as traditional, eff ective, and helpful.

“Mrs. Fitz’s teaching style is the best around, you can tell that she is a veteran teacher and knows math really well. I would say that her teaching style is more traditional, than a lot of other teachers,” Peter Paul Wong, senior, said.

Teaching for a long period of time, Fitzgerald connected with many students, as well as faculty members. Being head of the math department she worked with many teachers and did all possible to help other teachers become more eff ective in their teaching skills.

“I will remember the many years that we were cheerleader sponsors together and the good friendships we formed. I will also remember all the laughing,” Karen Miller, Algebra II teacher, said.

Being a teacher for a long period of time, Fitzgerald wants to leave a memorable experience behind, for students, and the faculty to remember her by.

“I want the faculty to remember me as someone who was always willing to help out when asked. I want my students to remember me as a teacher with expectation that cared about them. Overall I want to be remembered as someone that was positive and fun to be around,” Fitzgerald said.

Not So Easy

11sports


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Sweat drips from out of the boys pores, and with every movement comes the reminder of their aching muscles. Th e football players strive to reach the goal of a “perfect day”, in boot camp. A perfect day consists of no mess ups, and everyone tries their hardest and fi nishes. When they achieve the goal of a perfect day boot camp will end.

In boot camp if the perfect day is not reached there will still be a deadline.

“Boot camp usually goes on hopefully until the perfect day is met, but if that’s not fulfi lled than it will end in around two weeks,” Coach Robert Walker said.

Boot camp is divided into groups. Th e best group for the foot ball players to be in Falcon, the second is purple, the third is white and at the bottom of the

chain there is the improve-ment group.

“To be in the im-provement group you have to be either hurt or if our coaches hear from

one of our teach-ers that you do not have good

behavior. Th e point of the groups is to try to i m p r o v e from your group to the higher rank, until you reach F a l c o n .

However you can still move down from our group as

much as we can move up,” Jordan Tray-lor, junior, said.

Boot camp can take a toll on the majority of the boys’ bodies, so much to where they must maintain a healthy diet.

“I try to eat very healthy and drink water and Gatorade to keep myself very hydrated and in a good condition. My diet consists of around 2800 calories and I get at least an eight hour sleep ev-ery night,” Traylor said.

Th e boy’s exercises in boot camp are made up of mats, jump ropes, and in the gym the boys do curl ups with a 45 pound bar. Unless they are in improve-ment group the boys will be outside working out.

“On the mats it is very exhaust-ing. We start off with one forward roll, which leads to two forward rolls, one backwards roll, than two backwards rolls. Th en when that is all completed we do what call a wild out. Wild out means we can do whatever we want, but it must be in a form of aerobics,” Edwin Cardenas, junior, said.

Overall boot camp is meant to bring the team together as one. To not leave the “team” out in football team.

“Boot camp is very good for the team because it instills discipline, trust, great work ethic, and builds their brother bond. It is also a character test for the athletes,” David Snokhous, head coach, said.

He starts his day by rising bright and early to fi nish up on any undone homework. He then endures through challenging AP/K courses for a seven hour day. Afterwards, he might get a quick snack before heading off to football practice, lasting for about two hours every day. Th e fatigued student will then head home to study, staying up late to memorize vocabulary and write essays. He wakes up early the next day, able to go on with a bright smile on his face, repeating his daily routine.

Four students struggle through this de-manding schedule daily in order to excel in both sports and academics. Victor Le, Travis Jatzlau, Avery Smith, and Matthew Ebewe-ber, seniors, were recognized with the 2010 Texas High School Coaches Association Ac-ademic All-State Team Award for their eff ort to succeed. Ebeweber made the fi rst All-state team, Le and Smith made the second All-state team, and Jatzalu made district.

With a game every week and enrollment in challenging courses, making an A is not an easy task. Th ese four students, however, used their time wisely in order to make the best grades possible.

“Academics and football basically con-trolled my life,” Jatzlau said. “I gave both 110% on and off the fi eld because I want-ed to accomplish all my goals.”

Le agrees on the extent of time spent on both academics and football.

“It takes up a lot of time and en-ergy to excel on a day to day ba-sis. I was always so tired,” Le said. “With practice lasting until later hours of the day, there was not much time for schoolwork.”

With a demanding schedule dominating their lives, some of these students sought motivation.

“Rich people motivate me because I strive to live in a life of luxury,” Jatzlau said.

For others, motivation just came naturally.

“I just love playing football and I want to be successful in school,” Le said.

Smith, similarly, had natural motivation.

“I am just hard working and

smart,” Smith said.Working hard, however, has paid off in the

long run.“I was pretty excited about receiving this

reward,” Ebeweber said. “My parents are su-per proud.”

Jatzlau is also congratulated for his ef-forts.

“I felt accomplished because all the time and eff ort I put into football and school showed in that award. I also felt achieved be-cause I know this experience and the educa-tion will help me in the long run,” Jatzlau said. “My mom is proud because she pushed me to get all my homework done, and she forced me to go work out in order to get stronger.”

Le is also proud of his hard-earned ac-complishments.

“I feel very accomplished and proud to be recognized by my work and eff orts,” Le said. “My family is proud; they are always there to support me through everything.”

David Snokhous, head football coach and atheletic director, praises these students for their eff orts.

“I would describe these students as dedi-cated, disciplined, and intellectual,” Snokhous said. “Th at’s just their personality, hardwork-ing and dedicated student athletes.”

SarahcHO>> staff writer alissaGUERRa

>> staff writer

Not So EasyAthletes juggle school with football earning Academic All State Award

Brother CampFootball teams awaitperfect day of training

Proud Matthew Ebeweber, senior and 2010 Texas High School Coaches Assocation All State Team Award winner, stands with his fellow teammate and award winner Victor Lee, senior, minus two other falcon award winners, Travis Jatzlau and Avery Smith, seniors.

exhAusted lIifting his last set of weights Edwin Cardenas, junior gets support from his teamates Connor Chapin, junior.

photos by aLISSa GUERRa

SaraZaTOPEK>> staff writer

12sportsth

e february ‘11>>

PEREGRINE

In the fast, action fi lled soccer game the audience focuses on the girls passing the ball across the fi eld, but the girls’ concen-tration remains on the instructions of their coaches. Th ose same coaches, who train them, get them into shape and help hone their talents, watch from the side of the fi eld and wait for the training to pay off .

Corey Waller, coach and biology teach-er, took on the challenge of training the girls’ soccer team during his fi rst year at the school. His small high school did not have a soccer team, and he played soccer in college just in intramural competitions. In spite of his lack of experience playing the game, he knows the secrets of training a team.

“We train like practice is a game so that the games are easy. Seeing development in a player [is the most rewarding part of coaching the team],” Waller said.

Christie Mestayer, head coach and ge-ometry teacher, loves the outdoors and played soccer throughout high school and college.

“Soccer was the sport that I succeeded in at an early age, and I put all of my time and eff ort into it. No other sport com-pared to soccer,” Mestayer said.

She worked with the junior varsity team for two years before becoming head coach.

In that time she found coaching soccer as much of a learning experience as playing it.

“Th ere is a big diff erence in being able to play the game and being able to coach the game. It’s challenging to tell what 17 girls are doing wrong as a team when I am used to just noticing what I was doing wrong on the fi eld,” Mestayer said.

Th e coaches fi nd creative ways to chal-lenge the team and teach them to think and act fast.

“We do a lot of possession drills to learn how to keep control of the momentum of

the game. I also put regulations on the girls, like a 3 touch limit. Th is makes them play quicker and forces them to think a step ahead,” Mestayer said.

Th e coaches have a kind of celebrity status around the school. Students respect and look up to them for their work and ac-complishments with the team.

“Th e students treat you diff erently when you are a coach. Some kids in the hall say ‘Hi Coach,’ and I don’t even know who they are,” Mestayer said.

Engaging in team sports has more benefi ts than just giving players a workout; it also builds character and people skills by teaching students how to respect one another and work to-gether to accomplish a common goal.

“Trying to get 17 girls to be best friends is nearly impossible, and as a coach I don’t expect them to be [best friends],” Mestayer said.

“I do, however, expect them to learn how to get along with each other on the fi eld and be team players. Th ey have to learn how to communicate with each other in a way that does not demean their teammates. A team sport also helps a person build trust in others because you need to depend on your teammates to do their job on

the fi eld so you are able to do yours, ” Mestayer said.

Teaching more than Academics

TIME DATE WHERE AGAINST 7:00 02/22/11 HOME Cy-Lakes

7:00 02/25/11 AWAY Cy-Ranch

7:00 03/02/11 HOME Lang. Creek

7:00 03/04/11 AWAY Cy-Springs

7:00 03/08/11 HOME Cy-Fair

7:00 03/11/11 HOME Cy-Ridge

7:00 03/22/11 AWAY Cy-Creek

7:00 03/25/11 AWAY Cy-Woods

vArsity girls soccer schedule

photo by MyRNa GaRcIa

HEaD to HEaD With bodies slamming into each other at the goal Lauren Contreras, sophomore, attempts to give the falcons control and goes head to head with her Cy-Springs opponent.

TRaMPLING In the middle of soccer action Emily Durbals, junior, fi ghts for possession and position with her Panter opponent.

Geometry, Biology teachers team up to coach varsity girl soccer



“Thestudents treat you diff er-ently when you

are a coach. Some kids in the hall say

“Hi coach” and I don’t even know

who they are.”

KIcKING Concentrating on the direction to send the ball Ashley Criswell, junior, battles against the Panther player.

13the PEREGRINEissue four

>>

>>15editorial


A common sight: crowded lunch rooms. Due to difficulty scheduling lunches with the

system used to generate schedules, lunches have suffered from an extreme overcrowding, especially for B Lunch. Lack of tables in both commons adds to the difficulty of the current situation. Students are forced to sit on the floor in Main Street because of no extra seating. The school has already brought in standing tables for students to eat at, but students disregard their purpose and just place their backpacks on them, instead.

These standing tables do not work for everyone, however. Their heights are inconvenient for the shorter students. Petite students place their food on the tables, and realize that their noses barely reach the table top, let alone are they able to eat on them. The tables were brought in for convenience and meant as a place for all students, not just for the taller students.

Opening up the new courtyard, where tables are located, and having all Assistant Principals agreeing that students are allowed to eat there, would also

prevent the over crowding. The students currently sitting on the floor have moved to eat outside, on occasion, but are, more times than not, told that they are not allowed to eat in the courtyard due to the new locked-campus rule. If students could move to the courtyard and eat, which would reduce the fire hazard of having them eat on the floor, lunches would be more comfortable to eat. The tables outside would allow students fresh air and a nice lunch.

Purchasing more tables and placing them in Main Street, instead of the few standing tables, would also reduce overcrowding and the number of people stranded without any place to sit. This purchase would not “break the bank” for the school. Purchasing the tables would reduce fire hazards that are currently taking place, and would significantly better the school.

Buying the tables would be a good investment, because the population of lunches will not be going down in the future, but will only be rising. The lack of space in the commons and the small commons to

place tables would leave the Main Street area, which is empty during lunches, to be put to use. Several tables could be placed there, and the congestion from both eating areas could be relieved.

Buying these tables, however, would be costly, but not unmanageable. Student Council could dedicate a portion of their fund-raiser money to the new additions. StuCo could also design a fundraiser just for these new tables, if they do not already have the money to donate.

Scheduling issues have made for overcrowded lunches, and this cannot be avoided, but by adding new tables to Main Street, or by opening up the new courtyard, students could have more areas to eat in, and overall, have a better lunch experience.

14YaYs 2 NaYs

PEREGRINE positionthe

PereGrine Staff2010-2011

editors emmA mcKenzie miKelA melAKis

sports editor leAndrA leefeature editors

Kinsey buttontAnner stogsdill

news editor advertising manager

vince floresillustrator

emily Whittemorestaff writers

sArAh choAmber dAy

tAylor esPinosAjoey gilbert

AlissA guerrAorfA PAlAcios

monse PortillosArA zAtoPeK

staff adviser mArgie comstocK

principal rAlPh funK

studentsspeakout “Everybody deserves equal rights.

Everyone deserves to sit at a table.”

>> stAcy jones freshman

>>

Jersey Village HigH scHool

student Publications’newsPaPer Policy

The Peregrine is the official student publication of Jersey Village High

School and is published by the Advanced Journalism newspaper

class at Jersey Village HighSchool, 7600 Solomon, Houston,

Texas 77040 (713-896-3400). It is distributed free to the student

body. Subscriptions can bebought 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 adminis-

tration.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 endorse-ment from the staff, the adviser,

the administration, or the Cypress Fairbanks Board of Trustees.

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

sociation.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.

Lack of tables, overcrowded lunches forces students to find

alternative places to eat

“Students should be able to sit at a table instead of the floor, because frankly, it’s cold and uncomfortable .” >> jess dixon

sophomore

“I think it’s unfair that kids are forced to sit on the ground or stand at a lunch table .”

>> Allison holt senior

ConfInED[ [

16image essayth


get with the

IT TaKES TwO Looking out to the crowd, Daniel Rogniger, Bryanda Cantu and Jes-sica Cordero, seniors, sing their hearts out.

BacK IN BLacK Apart of the A Cappella choir, Rebecca Mack, senior, performs her solo to Guys and Dolls while Trameisha Williams, Chas-tity Oluyide, and Caitlin Veach, seniors, listen intently waiting for their cue to sing together.

me dinner theatre 2011odee

SING OUT LOUD, SING OUT STRONGSporting their stunner shades, Alyssa Rucker, junior, and the Concert Women choir sing to I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning. Mic in hand, Gabby Garcia, junior, performs, Express Yourself. The tallest in his row, Austin Whiteley confi dently sings with the Men’s choir.

BREaK INTO SHOwBIZA part of the opening act, Claire Southerland, sophomore, Arabella Jones, Ashlyn Syzdek, and Jade Hoang, freshmen, dance to their choreographed routine. Singing to Everything, Xaiver Montoya, pours his heart into his piece. Front and center, Heather Thayer, freshman, takes part in her fi rst dinner theatre performance.

BEIBER fEVERCoordinating with bright colored hoodies, Trey Stoker, junior and Jake Woodson, sophomore, per-form Justin Beiber’s hit song, Baby, with extreme enthusiasm.

BELT IT OUT Performing Diva’s Lamet, Miranda DonLevy, senior, leaves the crowd speechless with her strong voice. A member of the Chamber choir, DonLevy, attends her last dinner theatre show.

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