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Peregrine The Not Yet Forgotten; Scout brings Falcon Memorial back pages 8-9 Jersey Village High School 7600 Solomon Houston, Tx 77040 Issue 1 - October ‘11

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Jersey Village High School official school newspaper.

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Page 1: 11-12 Peregrine 1

PeregrineThe

Not Yet Forgotten;Scout brings Falcon

Memorial backpages8-9

Jersey Village High School 7600 Solomon Houston, Tx 77040 Issue 1 - October ‘11

Page 2: 11-12 Peregrine 1

l by ManjotJAWA, staff writer Met with long applications, extensive

essays, and tedious paperwork, seniors will start to travel the road to college. With the venture they will also get a chance to shine, showing their future colleges what they have done throughout their years in school. Not many steps along the way can be described as “easy”, but seniors will slowly start to real-ize what it takes to get to the college at the end of the road.

Although the year has just started, seniors have already busied themselves in classes and in constructing their own paths to college educations. And with an early start, no limit exists as to the discoveries the road will bring or what challenges there will be to face and learn from.

“The earlier you start, the earlier you can improve your SAT scores or apply for schol-arships through the school,” Ally Piotrowski, senior, said.

Piotrowski worked toward her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor that the Girl Scouts of The USA gives to its members. To achieve her Gold Award, Piotrowski directed a full length play that she performed at two nursing homes, including the Second Age Learning Center through All Saints Catholic Church. Her challenges through the venture included organizing, finding, and in some cases even building the intricate costumes to the set. Learning to sew and build was just one of the many problems she solved, yet the

road to the gold award and col-lege has shown Piotrowski just how vital organization and leadership skills can be vital in the world, and how she can apply those skills to her life in the future.

“The gold award is really a test of charac-ter. When a college sees that you have earned it, they know that you are a dedi-cated and hardworking individual. That’s the

kind of a student they want for their schools,” Piotrowksi said.

Similarly, Drew Skweres, senior, earned his Eagle Scout Award this past summer. Skweres constructed a bird blind to provide shade and a halfway marker for a property. It also provides an area for birdwatchers to safely and easily visit the area and enjoy their hobby.

“It helped me figure out that I have more responsibilities than I realize and gave me a working mind set that will help me stay on track for the rest of my life,” Skweres said.

Skweres suggests seniors find a college that suits their own needs and style of learn-ing.

“You don’t want to go to a school that is just constant parties or a school that’s non-stop studying. Find a place that is right for balance for you,” Skweres said.

Although long and tedious, applications mark an important step on the road to col-lege. Colleges examine the applications to determine the type of student an applicant has been and can become. Further, they look at how the prospective student will fit into the college campus, and if their grades and activities match up to the college expecta-tions. Using the Common Application, which many colleges have adopted, will aid in alleviating the pressure of submitting multiple applications.

“Everything. If I’ve done it, I put it on there … Band, Girls’ State, Bowling,

Creative Writing Club, Des-tination Imagination, and my Gold Award,” Krislyn Koehn, senior, said.

Kohen sets her sights on colleges such in the likes of Texas A&M, University of North Texas, and Uni-versity of Texas Austin. With a heavy schedule including Biology AP,

Calculus BC, English Dual Credit, and Gov-

ernment Dual Credit; Koehn keeps her-

self busy on the road to college. Scholarships have taken a backseat for her, for applica-tions take priority in her venture to college. Koehn, also a recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, organized and started running a craft group at her church and through that helped to make decorations and door prizes for monthly Prime Time Senior luncheon.

“If there’s one thing I learned is how all I have to do is take the lead and it’s amaz-ing how far a little time and energy can go. Others will run with your idea and kindness really spreads,” Kohen said.

With a full year ahead of them, seniors still have a chance to show the talents and skills they have come to learn; things like drama, film, journalism, debate, all the way to sports.

Chuck Fly, kicker on the varsity football team, keeps himself challenged with dual credit and AP classes. Both off and on the field have taught Fly the importance of both team work and to never give up.

“...focus on the things that make you stand out and special. Colleges really like seeing things that show dedication, so play-ing a sport throughout high school makes colleges more likely to accept me,” Fly said.

Fly hopes to find a college that has a va-riety of programs in case the need to change majors occurs. Colleges such as Texas A&M, Oklahoma University, and the Uni-

versity of Chicago make the top of his college list.

While each senior trav-els a unique road to their college education, even with the challenges they

will face, it will be worth it in the end as they go on to make the world their own. From scout awards to sports, each extracur-ricular activity helps in its

own way, combined with academ-ics makes any student stand

out to colleges.

Traveling the road to collegeSeniors set their sights towards higher education

2 Featurel l l

ThePeregrine Issue 1 - October ‘11

Lauren Caton

Gold Award ReceiepntRegion Band Memeber

StuCo PresidentTexas Children’s Hospital Jr. Volunteer

PurPose Determination DeDication With the highest scouting awards as part of their resumes Krislyn Kohen, Chuck Fly, Ally Piotrowski, and Drew Skweres, seniors, add scholastic and extracurricular activites to their college applications.

Oscar Gonzalez

Class President - 2012StuCo Officer

Boys State Particpant Band Drill Insturctor

Leadership paves road

to future

Page 3: 11-12 Peregrine 1

3l l l

ThePeregrineIssue 1 - October ‘11 Advertising

Page 4: 11-12 Peregrine 1

l by AmberDAY, staff writer On the beautiful green fields of Kenya, lies

Mike Eden Ministries, an old British-style plan-tation home that houses orphans. This summer, 70 orphaned children eagerly awaited the arrival of visitors from the other side of the world who were headed to the ministries’ Little Eden Chil-dren’s Home, to interact with them. One of the visitors was Gabby Garcia, senior. She was on a mission to help spread the word of Christ, along with her church group from Houston’s First Bap-tist Church. Their goal was to help enlighten and teach the children about Christ’s teachings. Dur-ing the visit, Garcia and her church group also showed the children love and compassion.

“We did a vacation Bible school when they got home every day from school. We taught them Bi-ble songs and brought them love because they had been through a lot. We had Bible and story time, played games with them and showed them God through music,” Garcia said.

The orphanage was founded by Mike Eden after his life-changing experience in Kenya. He witnessed young orphans living in the back of a church and was inspired to change their way of

life by providing them with a home.“In 2000, I made my first mission trip to Kenya

to help build a school near a village church. While there, I noticed children living in the back of the church. Upon questioning the pastor, I learned these were orphan children who had no one to care for them. Their parents had died of AIDS, pneumonia or drowning. This so impacted my life, that I came home feeling that God had given me a responsibility to build a home for these children. And with the help of volunteers from Texas, we built a building to house those children,” Eden said.

To travel to the opposite side of the world, Garcia endured 48 hours of flying and was con-fined to a small chair with limited legroom. For-tunately, she was familiar with long flights and knew what to expect when she boarded the plane. Initially, Garcia intended to volunteer for a mis-sion in Japan this summer. However, when she was given the opportunity to go to Kenya to help the orphans of Eden Ministries, she took advan-tage of it.

“Gabby traveled to Kenya with Houstons First Baptist Church to visit our orphanage, Little Eden

Children’s Home, in South Kinangop, high in the mountain region, 50 miles north of the capital of Nairobi. Their main objective was to interact with our children in vacation bible school, stories and games in a one on one companionship. Our or-phanage houses 70 children, ages 4 years to 15 years of age. Gabby was part of the praise team, playing her guitar, singing and entertaining the children with her extreme talent,” Eden said.

When the plane hit the runway in Africa, Gar-cia knew what she was there to do. She was sent on a mission to help the less fortunate. Garcia ar-rived during the night and saw images that would be engrained in her memory forever. Although she was in the mist of extreme poverty, she knew she was called to be there.

“We did see a lot of poverty stricken places. Shacks on top of shacks, the sick and the dead were everywhere. I really did not know why the Lord was calling me there because I never really liked kids. So when I worked at the orphanage, my heart was really softened,” Garcia said.

Garcia noticed that although the orphans did not have common American amenities like elec-tricity, they were just happy to have a roof over

Sharingher heart

with the Worldmaasai mara safari After a safari to view the beauty of the Maa-sai Mara Rain Forest Gabby Garcia, senior, and the rest of her Houston First Baptist Church crew unload from the safari car. They were accompa-nied by a Maasai warrior, their driver and a man in traditional Maasai wear named Daniel.

chain of Love Smiling with the kids from Yaanga school, Gabby Gar-cia, senior, participated in a water well dedication.

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

an internationaL BonD With her sponsor’s daughter, Monicah, Gabby Garcia, senior, spends time getting to know her and share her faith. Although they live on opposite sides of the world, they will always have the photographs they took to keep them connected.

motivating BiBLicaL WorDs Inside the walls of the special needs school called Yaanga, there are words of motivation and encouragement.

African mission trip impacts senioras she answers God’s call to aid orphans

4 Feature Issue 1 - October ‘11l l l

ThePeregrine

Page 5: 11-12 Peregrine 1

their heads. Despite the poverty, they were still able to find inner happiness while having faith in Christ.

“The kids would say, ‘I have nothing, but I have Christ’,” Garcia said.

The Eden ministries team and Garcia were determined to ac-

complish their goal of teaching the orphans about God. The team was compassionate in showing the orphans how to have faith and most importantly how to love. Without their parents in their lives, the orphans had to be-come independent at a young age.

“We taught them love because they have all been through a lot. One of the older girls there, Monicah, who is eleven, really stole my heart. She really looked after the younger ones,” Garcia said.

Garcia was shocked when she saw the texture the children’s feet. The orphans were accustomed to walking and playing without shoes. The team was able to help by provid-ing shoes for all of the children. The team also treated the children to foot baths and massages.

“One day, when we were driving to Eden’s Orphanage, we saw a shop with a bunch of shoes. We all stopped and used all the money we had with us to buy the whole shop’s sup-ply of shoes!

“We also brought soap and tubs to the orphanage that day

and decided to wash the village kid’s feet. Many of them had never felt soap before or washed or tended to their feet. I remember the texture of their skin, it was cracked, hard and rough like the foot of an elephant.”

“My heart broke and something inside of me clicked with the realization of their everyday life. My love for the kids in Kenya grew from then on, and I miss them every-day,” Garcia said.

Music is a part of most American chil-dren’s way of life, but many of the orphans were never exposed to music. When Garcia strummed her guitar, the orphans were filled with excitement as they listened to the mu-sic. Garcia admired the beauty in their ability to completely enjoy the simplicity of life.

“Those kids lit up with excitement when they heard my guitar. A lot of them had nev-er heard music before and they were amazed. They totally cherished human life. Every time they woke up, they were so thankful for what they had in general,” Garcia said.

Garcia also had a unique experience when she helped prepare the food for the children. She faced the challenge the kids faced every-day, cooking with no electricity, pots or pans. However, Garcia successfully helped prepare a traditional African pastry called Samosa.

“I got a chance to help the women work-ers at the orphanage cook for the kids. It sure is hard to feed 100 people with no electricity, gas, pots or pans! We had Samosas and they were the best,” Garcia said.

Garcia also picked up a lot of the African culture

during her stay. She learned the language and customs of the Kikuyu and Maasai culture.

On her way back home, she brought some souvenirs and African candies to share with her family and friends.

“I brought back like three spheres a lot of jewelry, spoons, musical instruments and Ke-nyan and Arabic candy,” Garcia said.

Garcia also got the opportunity to experi-ence the beauty of the Masai Maria rainfor-est on a safari. She also got to see Dubai as well as the border of Tanzania.

“We got the see the border of Tanzania. Dubai was really cool. We got to see a lot of the city and the islands. It looked like the Lion King or something out of National Geographic times a million,” Garcia said.

Seen as a good hearted friend, it is not hard for Garcia’s friends to imagine her trav-eling such a long distance to help people in need. Her kind and warm personality helped her achieve spreading the word of Christ to the orphans easily.

“She’s always happy and smil-ing. I’m glad she could

do something she loves and help people who do not have what we do,” True Hernandez, senior, said.

Garcia represents herself as an affection-ate individual. Not many people possess the qualities to travel across the world to help the unfortunate. Garcia was an excellent role model not only to the orphans but also to her friends by setting a good example of what a truly good person is.

“She is a very gifted young lady with a sin-cere love for the less fortunate. The children loved her and were amazed at her talent. She was a real asset to the team. After 7 days spent interacting with them, the children were very sad to see the HFBC team leave. Many tears were shed as they waved good bye to their new Texas friends,” Eden said.

When it was time to return home, Garcia had a difficult time parting with the chil-dren. Garcia formed unbreakable bonds and relationships with them and even became a sponsor mother for one of the orphans, Monicah.

“I had to say goodbye to Monica which was my sponsor’s child. It

was the hardest thing I had to do. She had to wipe the tears from my eyes and tell me that I would see her again. It was hard because I knew I would not see her in a long time,” Garcia said.

Garcia put her heart into impacting the children’s lives by introducing them to Christ. Although she was sent to the orphanage to help the kids, Garcia said the children helped her to understand the value of life.

By observing the orphan’s complete ap-preciation for the few belongings they do have, Garcia was able to completely appreci-ate her life and all her advantages.

“I know that I have been through tough times but when I look back I know that the Lord was faithful with what ever I have been through. Just compared to those kids I am so blessed. Those kids taught me a lot about how precious each and everyday we are given is,” Garcia said.

heart Warming smiLes Two of the children from the village of Cheese join others for Bible story time and smile for the camera.

a constant reminDer Two young brothers from a village in Kenya hug each other during Bible story time.

sPreaDing her faith While on a mission trip to Africa Gabby Garcia, senior, spent some of her time using her musical abilities to lead the children in worship songs. The Eden’s Orphanage children often gathered around Garcia and the other missionar-ies for the song fest and joyously sang out.

game time PLay During Vacation Bible School time at Eden’s orphan-age everyone, the children, the teachers and Houston’s First Baptist Church missionary group join in the musical games that delighted the children.

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

lphoto courtesy of GabbyGarcia

5Featurel l l

ThePeregrineIssue 1 - October ‘11

l Continued from page 4 - Sharing her heart

one of 54 Kenya is one of 54 nations that make up the continent of Africa.

across the gLoBe As part of a mission trip Gabby Garcia, senior, traveled with her church to Kenya in Africa.

Gabby Garcia was here.

Page 6: 11-12 Peregrine 1

l by KiaraBOOKER, staff writer Pom Poms in the air, bow ties in their hair, landing every

jump, and hitting their points, the high school cheerleaders performed their routine for the camp judges. Eager to per-form, their hearts pound to the roaring of electrifying fans.

Praying to achieve their goal, the cheerleaders were en-thused to arrive at camp . They prepared hours and hours for this day to come. Each day going home legs, and arms sore. The cheerleaders could not wait to wake up in the morning to reach their destination. Energized and ecstatic that the

day had come, the cheerleaders were up for the punch.

“I expected that the team would be great. These girls were meticulous and

did the stunts, jumps, and tumbling with-out hesitation. I’m looking forward for this year,” Madeline Heard, senior said.

Every summer junior varsity and the varsity cheerlead-

ers attend a s u m m e r c h e e r

c amp. At the

camp the judges observe the squads

spirit, skill, and motions. Judges also judge the cheer-

leaders individually based on jumps, spirit, and their attitude, and will award the top cheer-leader the All American Award.

The All American Award is the top cheerleader that has

the highest overall score out of the cheerleaders at the camp. The award is based on tumbling, jumps,

spirit, and cheer ability.“One of the things that made me stick out was my tumbling and

also I try to be very excited when

I am cheering and al-ways keep a smile on my

face,” Whitney Jatzlau, senior, said. Five varsity cheerleaders were given the Top All American

Award. Among the winners were Randi Carroll and Heard seniors, Jatzlau, Kelli Gilbert, juniors, and Brittany Widacki, sophomore. They were thrilled when their name was called among all the cheerleaders.

“I was so shocked when I heard my name called for the award. I honestly had no idea they even gave out an award like that at camp. I was very excited and honored,” Widacki said.

Surprised her named was called Jatzlau ran up to the stage to accept her award. Sweating out the palm of her hands, screaming at the top of her lungs, and smiling from ear to ear, she could not believe the judges called her name.

“When I won the award I was surprised because I messed up when I tried out. However, I was really excited when I got the award and couldn’t wait to tell my mother,” Jatzlau said.

At camp, the cheerleader’s also won the Herky award. The award is given to the overall best team. Winning the award meant the cheerleaders stood out from all the other schools. They were thrilled to have achieved

such an honor.“I was really eager and couldn’t believe that they had just

called my name when I heard it. When the team won the Herky Award that was a real shock because there were a lot of good teams,” Kelli Gilbert, junior, said.

Winning the Herky Award meant the cheerleader brought an excellent routine which included tumbling jumps, spirit, and cheer ability.

“What made me stick out was my jumps, and motions. I have pretty decent jumps and my motions are sharp. My tumbling tood out as well,” Gilbert said.

At camp, mascots are also very important. They bring school spirit and exhilaration. Mascots also receive the All American Award for the most spirit and energy.

Nervous and shaking when he heard the crowd scream, Jonathan Preston, senior, as the mascot for the school gave his best to represent the school and his squad. He also re-ceived the All American Award for best mascot.

“I felt accomplished and I was shocked being that it was my first time and I didn’t know anything about being a mas-cot. I felt like I represented my school and squad very well,” Preston said.

The squad had an amazing time taking home first place at camp . The cheerleaders were very pleased and happy for their accomplishments while at camp. The girls could not wait to get back home to tell their parents and to hang their trophy’s on the wall.

PomPomPowerCheerleaders win All American Award, Herky Award during summer camp

faith Passion aBiLity All American Award winning cheerleader Randi Car-roll, senior, brings excitement and a spirited flair to the cheerleading squad. “I think this cheer team is great .These girls are hard working and do the stunts, jumps, and tumbling without hesitation. I’m looking forward to this year,” Carroll said.

lphoto by Cameron Korenek

lphoto by Cameron Korenek

6 Featurel l l

ThePeregrine Issue 1 - October ‘11

All American CheerleadersKelli Gilbert, junior -

All American

Whitney Jatzlau, junior - All American Kodi Qualls, junior - All

American Nominee

Maddie Heard, senior - All American

Randi Carroll, senior - All American LeAnn Dang, senior - All American Nominee

Amanda Brodie, senior - All American Nominee

Katie Logsdon, junior - All American Nominee

Mariah Bennett, sophomoreAll American Nominee

Brittany Widacki, sophomoreTop All American Brianna Wright, sophomoreAll American

Jonathan Preston, senior All American Mascot has faLcon sPirit As a Top All American Award winning cheerleader

Brittany Widacki, sophomore, brings her talent and spirit to the varsity football game. “I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years. I think all of my experiences in training and performing helped me a lot,” Widacki said.

Page 7: 11-12 Peregrine 1

7l l l

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Page 8: 11-12 Peregrine 1

Seppo Arnos:The artist

behind the Falcon by LeandraLEE, Senior EditorTwenty two years ago Falcon memorial

was erected at the back of the school by the buses, honoring a former principal, Ronnie Truitt. �e memorial was built by Seppo Aarnos. Aarnos was born and raised in Fin-land and comes from a large artistic family. Aarnos has a Bachelor of Arts in sculp-ture from Lake Forest College, Illinois, a Master of Arts from Roosevelt University, Chicago, and Continuing Studies from the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Texas.

Aarnos specializes in metal sculpture utilizing cor-ten, and stainless steel. He also sculpts and paints in various media, but always returns to metal as his first passion. Most of Aarnos’ sculptures can be found in homes, businesses, and public locations throughout 24 states of the United States. Other states which display his sculptures include Finland, Sweden, Canada, Austra-lia, and Mexico.

Some of his public outdoor sculptures can be found at Young Junior High School in Arlington Texas, Mid-Cities Bible Church in Bedford, Texas, and Saxony Subdivision

Entry in Pflugerville Texas. Some of his public indoor sculptures can be found at; Suomi College in Hancock Michigan, La-dysmith High School in Ladysmith Wis-consin, and Caesar’s at Sheraton Hotel in Waukegan Illinois.

His sculpting style was influenced by modern greats such as Alberto Giacom-meti, and Henry Moore. Aarnos’ impulsive, yet controlled, forms convey realism, surre-alistic art, abstract modernism and imagi-native ways.

Aarnos transforms cold sheets of steel into imaginative, occasionally humorous pieces which employ fluid use of mass and space. In his sculptures Aarnos allows the viewer to see, to imagine, to experience and to be mentally involved with his creations.

He has participated in select groups in-addition to solo shows. He ihas exhibited in numerous fine art galleries across Texas, and Illinois.

Aarnos has now rebuilt the Falcon Me-morial that was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008. �e sculpture was completed on October 15, 2011, and it was placed by the bus loading area.

8 InDepth

ThePeregrine Issue 1 - October ‘11 9ThePeregrineIssue 1 - October ‘11 InDepth

by Tammy Crouse (Nohr) 1989 GraduateIt began back in 1954 when the Milan Indians became Indiana

state champions. Ron Truitt added his five points to the winning game and took part in the making of history.

“It’s still called a miracle. I’m not for a lot of notoriety,” he was quoted saying. But, as time wore on, he received more and more of it.

“He never made a move to take credit for things. He always tried to give it to others,” then Superintendent Don �ornton said. “He was a humble man.”

Truitt’s sisters were the ones who wrote of his accomplishments to the University of Houston, which consequently offered him a scholarship.

“I would never even have considered college, never even thought about it. �at’s what winning did for me. It was more than just a miracle on the basketball floor. It was a miracle of living, too,” Truitt said.

He first coached at Black Junior High and then next coached at Cy-Fair High School, and relived the dream. Truitt led their varsity basketball team to the same kind of victory he had participated in 16 years earlier.

“It paralleled the situation almost exactly,” Truitt said at the time.

As coach, he felt that he did not have enough time with his chil-dren, so he brought his commitment to education at Jersey Village High School.

“What I remember most is how much he loved J.V. I worked with him for 11 years and watched him work with this small school to see it become an outstanding high school,” then Associate Prin-cipal Jodie Smith said.

“I saw first-hand how he handled problems associated with run-ning a school the size of Jersey Village. He always knew when to speak and when to listen,” Mrs. Linda White, Truitt’s secretary said.

A man like Ronnie Truitt is remembered by everyone in many different ways.

“He wanted the school to be the best in everything- best SAT, ACT, National Merit, football, basketball, band – and we are get-ting there,” Smith said.

Mr. Truitt was proud of all public attention JV received, but he was more concerned about the individual students.

He is also remembered as being very committed to excelling in all he did, but with humility.

“It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice,” Mary Lou Wood, wife of Truitt’s high school coach, said. �ose words described Truitt then and forever.

During the Hoosier movie media coverage, Bill �ompson, a former employer of Truitt’s said, “I think Ron Truitt may have ac-complished more than any of the Tigers. What he has done has been amazing.”

(Story originally published in �e Peregrine, April 1989)

Statue pays tribute to former principal, Ronnie Truitt

Step by Step Falcon returns to Village perch

by JoeyBethGILBERT, Editor-in-ChiefGreat ambitions and a strong heart can make for one amaz-

ing person. For this outstanding sophomore, it could make or break him. Blake Aden is working to have the honor of becom-ing an Eagle Scout, and doing it in an outstanding way.

“It is no surprise that Blake sought to do an Eagle Proj-ect of this magnitude. He has always wanted to do something meaningful that would benefit the school and community,” Lisa Aden, Blake’s mother, said.

For his Eagle Scout project, Adenplanned, coordinated, and managed the production and rebuilding of the Falcon statue that honored a former Principal, Ronnie Truitt. Aden is not only exceeding expectations, but exceeding limits set upon him.

“Most people in my troop normally do a bench for their Eagle Scout project, which is only $300 dollars, but my project is $16,000. So, what I am doing is much more difficult to com-plete,” Aden said.

Being in Scouts requires a lot of responsibility that takes time and commitment to uphold a position. But, sticking with it long enough to become an Eagle Scout presents a real chal-lenge and an honor.

“I joined Cub scouts when I was in first grade, and have just been going up from there. I just love the outdoors so much, it would feel wrong for me to not be in Scouts,” Aden said.

Aden chose to do this project to become an eagle scout be-

cause his coach brought up the idea when he was unsure of what to do. Aden also thought it would be a great way to “keep Falcon spirit ALIVE.”

When Hurricane Ike occurred in 2008, the memorial Falcon statue was ruined. With one wing bent, the other missing en-tirely, it became an eyesore and a possible hazard to the student at the high school. �erefore, over this past summer, the memo-rial was taken down; out of sight, but not out of mind.

“When that hurricane hit it, it tore it to shreds. It really broke my heart to see our mascot so broken,” Aden said.

After much thought and consideration, Aden made the de-cision to rebuild the memorial for his Eagle Scout project. He knew it would take a lot more time and effort than most Eagle Scout projects, so he got right to work.

“First, I wanted to find the artist that did the original memo-rial, so I could work with him for the rebuilding process. �en, I knew that I was going to need a lot of money if I wanted to get this done, so I started asking for donations,” Aden said.

For the actual reconstruction process, the artist, Seppo Aar-nos, used the same design that he used for the old statue, but used a sturdier, more reliable metal.

“�e artist used the same basic design, but instead of using steal, he used cor-ten steel. �is material will guarantee that the statue will last much longer,” Aden said.

With all of the excitement of the memorial being rebuilt,

Aden is receiving quite a bit of help, and a lot of support. Many people have offered to provide him with more money and as-sistance during the process.

Aden made fliers, and posted them all over the Houston area, describing what he was doing, and how the person could help. He also sent emails to members of the staff and community to see if they could provide him with assistance.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to do this all by myself, I would need help raising the money and getting the supplies,” Aden said.

�e construction and placement of the Falcon statue took place on October 15, 2011 and was a process that took many people and a lot of perseverance. But this project could not have been done, if Blake did not have to heart and drive to make it happen.

“We have provided guidance for Blake seeking out commu-nity and business leaders that have a connection to the high school and Ronnie Truitt through contacts and alumni who were willing to provide support for the project,” Steve Aden, Blake’s father, said.

�e Falcon statue is, and always will be, a source of pride and a loving memory for the students and teachers at the high school. But as for Blake Aden, it will be a constant reminder of his work and all his accomplishments as a Boy Scout.

NotyetforgottenStudent seeks to rebuild memorial for Eagle Scout award

photo courtesy of Seppo Arnos

photos by MannyJawa

photo by SkyeComstock

photos by JulieMontgomery (Class of 1989)

Page 9: 11-12 Peregrine 1

Seppo Arnos:The artist

behind the Falcon by LeandraLEE, Senior EditorTwenty two years ago Falcon memorial

was erected at the back of the school by the buses, honoring a former principal, Ronnie Truitt. �e memorial was built by Seppo Aarnos. Aarnos was born and raised in Fin-land and comes from a large artistic family. Aarnos has a Bachelor of Arts in sculp-ture from Lake Forest College, Illinois, a Master of Arts from Roosevelt University, Chicago, and Continuing Studies from the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Texas.

Aarnos specializes in metal sculpture utilizing cor-ten, and stainless steel. He also sculpts and paints in various media, but always returns to metal as his first passion. Most of Aarnos’ sculptures can be found in homes, businesses, and public locations throughout 24 states of the United States. Other states which display his sculptures include Finland, Sweden, Canada, Austra-lia, and Mexico.

Some of his public outdoor sculptures can be found at Young Junior High School in Arlington Texas, Mid-Cities Bible Church in Bedford, Texas, and Saxony Subdivision

Entry in Pflugerville Texas. Some of his public indoor sculptures can be found at; Suomi College in Hancock Michigan, La-dysmith High School in Ladysmith Wis-consin, and Caesar’s at Sheraton Hotel in Waukegan Illinois.

His sculpting style was influenced by modern greats such as Alberto Giacom-meti, and Henry Moore. Aarnos’ impulsive, yet controlled, forms convey realism, surre-alistic art, abstract modernism and imagi-native ways.

Aarnos transforms cold sheets of steel into imaginative, occasionally humorous pieces which employ fluid use of mass and space. In his sculptures Aarnos allows the viewer to see, to imagine, to experience and to be mentally involved with his creations.

He has participated in select groups in-addition to solo shows. He ihas exhibited in numerous fine art galleries across Texas, and Illinois.

Aarnos has now rebuilt the Falcon Me-morial that was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008. �e sculpture was completed on October 15, 2011, and it was placed by the bus loading area.

8 InDepth

ThePeregrine Issue 1 - October ‘11 9ThePeregrineIssue 1 - October ‘11 InDepth

by Tammy Crouse (Nohr) 1989 GraduateIt began back in 1954 when the Milan Indians became Indiana

state champions. Ron Truitt added his five points to the winning game and took part in the making of history.

“It’s still called a miracle. I’m not for a lot of notoriety,” he was quoted saying. But, as time wore on, he received more and more of it.

“He never made a move to take credit for things. He always tried to give it to others,” then Superintendent Don �ornton said. “He was a humble man.”

Truitt’s sisters were the ones who wrote of his accomplishments to the University of Houston, which consequently offered him a scholarship.

“I would never even have considered college, never even thought about it. �at’s what winning did for me. It was more than just a miracle on the basketball floor. It was a miracle of living, too,” Truitt said.

He first coached at Black Junior High and then next coached at Cy-Fair High School, and relived the dream. Truitt led their varsity basketball team to the same kind of victory he had participated in 16 years earlier.

“It paralleled the situation almost exactly,” Truitt said at the time.

As coach, he felt that he did not have enough time with his chil-dren, so he brought his commitment to education at Jersey Village High School.

“What I remember most is how much he loved J.V. I worked with him for 11 years and watched him work with this small school to see it become an outstanding high school,” then Associate Prin-cipal Jodie Smith said.

“I saw first-hand how he handled problems associated with run-ning a school the size of Jersey Village. He always knew when to speak and when to listen,” Mrs. Linda White, Truitt’s secretary said.

A man like Ronnie Truitt is remembered by everyone in many different ways.

“He wanted the school to be the best in everything- best SAT, ACT, National Merit, football, basketball, band – and we are get-ting there,” Smith said.

Mr. Truitt was proud of all public attention JV received, but he was more concerned about the individual students.

He is also remembered as being very committed to excelling in all he did, but with humility.

“It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice,” Mary Lou Wood, wife of Truitt’s high school coach, said. �ose words described Truitt then and forever.

During the Hoosier movie media coverage, Bill �ompson, a former employer of Truitt’s said, “I think Ron Truitt may have ac-complished more than any of the Tigers. What he has done has been amazing.”

(Story originally published in �e Peregrine, April 1989)

Statue pays tribute to former principal, Ronnie Truitt

Step by Step Falcon returns to Village perch

by JoeyBethGILBERT, Editor-in-ChiefGreat ambitions and a strong heart can make for one amaz-

ing person. For this outstanding sophomore, it could make or break him. Blake Aden is working to have the honor of becom-ing an Eagle Scout, and doing it in an outstanding way.

“It is no surprise that Blake sought to do an Eagle Proj-ect of this magnitude. He has always wanted to do something meaningful that would benefit the school and community,” Lisa Aden, Blake’s mother, said.

For his Eagle Scout project, Adenplanned, coordinated, and managed the production and rebuilding of the Falcon statue that honored a former Principal, Ronnie Truitt. Aden is not only exceeding expectations, but exceeding limits set upon him.

“Most people in my troop normally do a bench for their Eagle Scout project, which is only $300 dollars, but my project is $16,000. So, what I am doing is much more difficult to com-plete,” Aden said.

Being in Scouts requires a lot of responsibility that takes time and commitment to uphold a position. But, sticking with it long enough to become an Eagle Scout presents a real chal-lenge and an honor.

“I joined Cub scouts when I was in first grade, and have just been going up from there. I just love the outdoors so much, it would feel wrong for me to not be in Scouts,” Aden said.

Aden chose to do this project to become an eagle scout be-

cause his coach brought up the idea when he was unsure of what to do. Aden also thought it would be a great way to “keep Falcon spirit ALIVE.”

When Hurricane Ike occurred in 2008, the memorial Falcon statue was ruined. With one wing bent, the other missing en-tirely, it became an eyesore and a possible hazard to the student at the high school. �erefore, over this past summer, the memo-rial was taken down; out of sight, but not out of mind.

“When that hurricane hit it, it tore it to shreds. It really broke my heart to see our mascot so broken,” Aden said.

After much thought and consideration, Aden made the de-cision to rebuild the memorial for his Eagle Scout project. He knew it would take a lot more time and effort than most Eagle Scout projects, so he got right to work.

“First, I wanted to find the artist that did the original memo-rial, so I could work with him for the rebuilding process. �en, I knew that I was going to need a lot of money if I wanted to get this done, so I started asking for donations,” Aden said.

For the actual reconstruction process, the artist, Seppo Aar-nos, used the same design that he used for the old statue, but used a sturdier, more reliable metal.

“�e artist used the same basic design, but instead of using steal, he used cor-ten steel. �is material will guarantee that the statue will last much longer,” Aden said.

With all of the excitement of the memorial being rebuilt,

Aden is receiving quite a bit of help, and a lot of support. Many people have offered to provide him with more money and as-sistance during the process.

Aden made fliers, and posted them all over the Houston area, describing what he was doing, and how the person could help. He also sent emails to members of the staff and community to see if they could provide him with assistance.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to do this all by myself, I would need help raising the money and getting the supplies,” Aden said.

�e construction and placement of the Falcon statue took place on October 15, 2011 and was a process that took many people and a lot of perseverance. But this project could not have been done, if Blake did not have to heart and drive to make it happen.

“We have provided guidance for Blake seeking out commu-nity and business leaders that have a connection to the high school and Ronnie Truitt through contacts and alumni who were willing to provide support for the project,” Steve Aden, Blake’s father, said.

�e Falcon statue is, and always will be, a source of pride and a loving memory for the students and teachers at the high school. But as for Blake Aden, it will be a constant reminder of his work and all his accomplishments as a Boy Scout.

NotyetforgottenStudent seeks to rebuild memorial for Eagle Scout award

photo courtesy of Seppo Arnos

photos by MannyJawa

photo by SkyeComstock

photos by JulieMontgomery (Class of 1989)

Page 10: 11-12 Peregrine 1

10l l l

ThePeregrine Issue 1 - October ‘11Advertising

Senior Congratulatory Messages

Senior Congratulatory Message

1/8 page = $451/4 page = $90+1/2 page = $170+full page = $340+

If you would like to add a video or photo story to your senior message, this year we will be able to add a QR code to your senior message. You will be responsible for producing the video or photo story. We will upload it to the site. The video will be online for at least 30 years. We will accept the video through April 30, 2012. A parent doesn’t need to have the video ready to purchase a code. In order to add this to your senior message, the cost is $60.00 added to the 1/4 page, 1/2 page or full page senior message price. The school must reserve the right to review the video for school appropriate content.See example at: http://www.bal4.tv/sth6jbg8

What is a QR Code?A QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be read by QR readers on smartphones and tablets. Similar to a bar code, the QR code high-contrast symbol contains encoded information, such as links to URLS (will be viewable on the web) or videos, which are revealed when read by a compatible device.

How long will the codes be active?All codes in the platform will be supported for a period of 30 years.

Come by 1720 for flyer wtih more information.

Add a movie or photo story to your yearbook message

QR Codes

Contact any yearbook memberJulie WisnoskiChloe WaltonJessica ThongTa’Mera ThomasSandy TangEvie SweetenNatalie SolanoPeyton SmithAnnie SandersDanny RomeroCarmen Resendiz

Susy QuinonesKoriana PetersonMaria PeralesNina PenaChristin OngRebeca MoscosoMelissa MorenoTalice MelendezMichelle LeeYesenia LagunasPaolo Lacanlale

Cameron KorenekBreann GonzalezMonica GarciaMegan FloresKhoi DaoAngelea CatonAllie ArtzNatassha ArreolaLauren AncellMarieke Alsguth

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11l l l

ThePeregrineIssue 1 - October ‘11 Feature

l by SarahCho, staff writer Sullen cheeks and hollow eyes stared as a whole wheat

ham and turkey sandwich, milk, and fruit delivery arrived at his home. A frail, undernourished arm reached up to receive his meal. He bit into the sandwich, savoring the taste for as long as he could, not knowing when he would be given to opportunity to eat again.

With the image of this hungry child in their minds, Am-ber Day and Olivia Murphy, juniors, made 200 sandwiches through a program called Kids’ Meals. This non-profit orga-nization feeds the hungry mouths of 1,400 pre-school aged children year-round, free of cost. It strives to end hunger among children in Houston by delivering nutritious meals to the doors of children in need. Because these kids live be-low the poverty line, many of them are not enrolled in the school system. With the help of over 9,000 volunteers, Kids’ Meals delivered over 343,340 meals in 2010. The two girls volunteered for this group hoping to change at least one kid’s life by feeding his or her grumbling stomach.

“I was excited to volunteer,” Mur-phy said. “You don’t have time to wor-ry about your problems because there are so many other people that I could be helping.”

This experience inspired the girls to be grateful for what they have. They now have an understanding of how valuable food really is for others in need.

“That day I learned the value of food and time,” Day said. “You can do so much help and impact so many lives just by giving up one hour of your day to help someone in need. At the end of that one hour, I felt like I accomplished a whole day’s worth of work. I was pleased to know that I helped impact over 200 children. In one hour, you can literally feed families. And that’s one of the best feelings you can get.”

Day feels as if this experience has opened her eyes to the reality of poverty. She got a taste of what the less fortunate have to endure, from worrying about what to eat for the day or having enough money to feed the entire family.

“We formed an assembly line so we could produce more sandwiches in a shorter amount of time,” Day said. “I re-member one of the staff told us to only put the mayo and mustard on one side of the sandwich. They said this because a little boy came in and told them that the mayo made the bread soggy and uncomfortable to eat for the whole week. The thought of a little boy savaging one sandwich for a

whole week really broke my heart. I t made me even more motivated to make more sandwiches, I was willing to contribute the whole day to making sandwiches.”

Like Day, Murphy believes that volunteering has taught herself to be more grateful for the food and life we take for granted.

“Kids’ Meals is caring and dedicated,” Murphy said. “It felt good giving back. It’s your time, but it’s for a good cause. I definitely want to continue

doing it.”Finding out about this program

through Desiree Day, Amber’s mother, the two girls started volunteering be-cause they needed volunteer hours, and it sounded like it would be a good experi-ence. They now want to continue volun-teering, because the girls enjoy giving back to the community, and seeing others feel prosperous.

“I work for a large corporation that is committed to being a good global cor-porate citizen. Employees are given the opportunity to volunteer at local organi-zations. Last year, Kids’ Meals was one of the Houston-based nonprofit organiza-tions that needed help. My coworkers and I are focused on helping children, so we jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at Kids’ Meals,” Desiree Day said.

“This year, Amber wanted to also focus on Houston and asked me to arrange for her to make sandwiches at Kids’ Meals. The staff welcomed the help and she in-vited her friend Olivia.,” Desiree Day added. “By the end of the volunteer pe-riod, I was proud that the kids clearly understand that their efforts could re-ally make a significant difference. They

know—undoubtedly—that “time” is a valuable resource they could use to help improve our world. ”

Overall, volunteering for Kid’s Meals had a positive im-pact on the girls. They now have a better understanding of the realities of poverty and the steps they can take to help.

“I felt very accomplished,” Day said. “Knowing that I actually helped feed two hundred kids made me really con-sider what I do with my free time. Instead of going to the mall and going shopping, I decided to reevaluate my time by doing something useful that would really help people in need. It was a life-changing experience.”

Reality of Poverty

Girls give time to feed childrenone sandwich at a time

Defeating hunger Pains Determined to help others, Amber Day, junior, makes sandwiches to feed children that will appreciate receving a this meal.

Kid’s Meal Food Facts

miLk sanDWich fruit The Kids’ Meals paper bag contains milk, a whole wheat sandwich, and fruit. The Kids Meals pro-grams tries to deleiver this bag to the door step of one of 1,200 children each day.

lEach lunch contains three components: juice or milk, a whole wheat sandwich, and a fruit.

lDuring the school year, children five and under receive the meals. During the summer and holidays, siblings also receive meals.

lThrough this program, 1,200 mouths are fed each day. During the summer, 1,400 children are fed each day.

lThis organization is open every third Saturday of the month for volunteers to come and make sandwiches.

lKids’ Meals accept donations of any non-perishable items, such as fruit cups and granola bars. They also accept juice, wheat bread, snacks, peanut butter, jelly, and shelf life milk.

lThis organizaton supplies children school supplies when school starts.

lThey provide family resource referrals to assist with needs such as GEDs, medical, counseling, meal planning, and budget planning.

Source - kidsmealshouston.org

l Photo courtesy of Amber Day

Page 12: 11-12 Peregrine 1

New coaching staffAdditions hope to guide players to success

l by MattDUBOSE, staff writer The varsity football team beat Tomball, a playoff team last year, in the

opening game of the season 36-7, a huge turn around from their 1-8 district record from last year. Beating Tomball was a huge step forward for this ma-ture football team. David Satcher, Chad Getschmann, and Beau Burruss; the new coaches of the Falcon football team arrived to help turn around

them around.Getschmann indicated his plans on working

with the players. “My plans are to help mold these young boys into

becoming men as well as great athletes,” Getchmann said.

Because Getchmann teaches World History he wants his players to perform well both in the classroom and on the field. This means learning plays well and fast

and not forgetting them. “I wanted to join an enthusiastic coaching staff,

great athletic program, and a wonderful faculty to work for,” Getschmann said.

JV has great coaches, great talent, and good play-ers. The key this team has been missing the past few years has been a defense. New coaches with a new plan can change this for the better. Although a vet-eran JV coach B.J. McNutt replaced Jason Speights as the new defensive coordinator.

“I believe the group has a great upside if they stay together and play as a team” Getchmann said. “The team is very young, talented and very athletic” Getchmann added.

Younger members of the team mean in the fu-ture seniority and skill will be a key for this team to make the playoffs. Seniority as well as talent is a factor for the experienced players.

“The gravity of greatness, mixed with the path of destiny, and the will of fate brought me here,” Bur-russ, the defensive end coach for varsity, said. “I bring more hustle and swag than anything else,” Burruss added.

Players need to hustle more to get better, so a coach that brings more hustle is always a good asset for the Falcons.

“My plans for this team are victory dances,” Bur-russ said.

They have already gotten to do two victory dances with many more to come.

“This team can be as good as they want to be,” Burruss said. “This team has all the potential and talent in the world, the question is: Will they live up to it?” Burruss added.

So far this team has lived up to the potential they have, beating Tomball in week one and Cy-Lakes in week four. The play-ers are loving these coaches.

“They are good at explaining stuff, and have college experience,” Andrew Hacker, junior and cornerback, said.

College experience is a good asset for a coach to have at any high school. It can lead to better players and a more developed team. Any player wants a coach with college experience because they know it can lead to a better team. A coach from college brings the way he coaches down to high school, the strict coaching, the skills and the ability to make a good player better.

“In one or two years I see our team at or just above .500,” Hacker said. In order to make playoffs a team needs to have a record of at least one

game over .500. “The coaches bring new techniques to our team,” Hacker said. A coach with new techniques usually means new offensive or defensive

schemes. This means a lot of learning before they can fully understand all the plays they bring to the program.

“The coaches are exciting and challenging,” Victor Brown, senior and run-ning back said. “I see a lot of potential in these coaches, they cope with all the players very well which indeed leads to great relationships in the future,” Brown said.

A player who wants to get better needs a challenging coach to push him. This leads to better players and most of the time player/coach relationships.

“The harder we work the better we become,” Brown said. Every player on the Falcons football team has worked hard from fresh-

man year to where they are now, which if Brown is right means the team is matured.

“The new coaches care about the football team. They care about winning and having enthusiasm,” Zach Rash, junior and defensive end, said.

The coaching staff has brought more success to the Falcons.“I see the defense being better than it already is,” Rash said.Because Rash is a defensive end he wants a bet-

ter defense than the team already has because it means he and the other Falcons are doing their job better than they were before.

“I like the coaches because they work with everyone. They give equal playing time,” Rash said.

Players like coaches who work with every-one and give equal playing time. Those are the coaches every player wants to have.

“They are good teachers in the classroom and on the field, which is what we are looking for,” Da-vid Snokhous, head coach, said.

A coach with experience in the classroom is a coach good at teaching plays or forms on the gridiron.

“These coaches were found from, networking or were rec-ommended from other people. Satcher came from El Paso and Clear Lake, and Getschmann came from La-mar Consolidated,” Snokhous said.

The coaches any school looks for are well-rounded, good in the classroom, and good with a team. Then later they will have a competitive team with the ability to win against any team they play. It takes chemistry and teamwork.

“I see a lot of potential in these coaches; they are dedicated and passionate people who love what they do in the classroom and on the field,” Snokhous said.

David Satcher, Chad Getschmann, and Beau Burruss are two new keys to the Falcon varsity football team turning their record com-pletely around, and making the play-offs. With new coaches, youth, tal-ent, and a good attitude a lot can be accomplished for the Falcons.

“I bring more

hustle and swag than anything

else.” Beau Burruss

Tomball @ Jersey Village 7-36

Jersey Village @Cy- Ranch 21 - 38

Jersey Village @Langham Creek 58 - 65

Cy- Lakes @ Jersey Village 31-48

Jersey Village @ Cy-Woods 24 - 63

Cy- Creek @ Jersey Village 16-48

Jersey Village @ Cy- Ridge 21 - 36

Cy- Springs @ Jersey Village 0 - 0

Jersey Village @ Cy- Falls 0 - 0

Cy- Fair @ Jersey Village 0 - 0

12 Sportsl l l

ThePeregrine Issue 1 - October ‘11

Page 13: 11-12 Peregrine 1

l by MaritzaFLORES, staff writerAs her arms extend forward to pull her-

self through the water, her legs offer support to increase her speed. While her body works together to glide her through the water, she only has one thought that crosses her mind. It is the same thought that crosses her mind every time she competes and it is the thought of winning.

Chelsie Miller, senior, has a love for swim-ming but in addition to that she is extremely talented in it, too. While other teenagers swim for enjoyment, Miller has a reason to swim. She swims for the competition.

During the summer of 2011 Miller swam in a race that would determine if her swim-ming would take an enormous step or not. This particular race would determine if Miller would earn herself a spot at Olympic Trials. Before her race, she admits to being nervous, but after a talk from a friend, her nerves vanished. After completing her race, Miller was not completely confident that she had made her race in time, but after a glance at her supporting family and teammates, she knew she had succeeded.

“I thought I might have missed it so I was kind of bummed, but then I saw my whole team and my mom in the stands jumping up and down and screaming, so I knew I got it,” Miller said.

After the realization that she had made her swim time, her worries were over. Her body no longer felt exhausted because she was overwhelmed with accomplishment. As she walked over to join her teammates and coach she was proud to know that all the ef-fort she put into swimming had paid off.

Lydia Schoelman, junior, along with many other of Miller’s teammates confirm that they are confident in Miller and believe that she can make it further in the sport of swimming. Schoelman has been on the swim

team with Miller and explains that from the start Miller was a very strong swimmer.

“She was always very good, but she also progressed, especially because of her club practice,” Schoelman, said.

Miller started swimming at a young age and even then she showed potential. She be-gan on a REC league when she was five, then moved up to a club team at the age of seven. Her freshman, sophomore, and junior year she made it to swim regionals and even at regionals she outshined competitors by plac-ing. Miller currently does not swim for the school because she wants to be completely focused on practicing and progressing for Olympic Trials, but we still wish her the best in representing our school.

Miller has made it to trials but now she’s set an even bigger goal to make it to the Olympics. She will be competing with about 1,250 swimmers from all over the United States. In order for her to continue the pro-cess of earning a spot on the Olympic Team she has to at least place top 52. Even after that, only four percent of swimmers from trials will actually earn a spot on the team. She has the determination to make it as far as she possibly can.

“I would love to go to the Olympics but it’s a really hard thing to do so I’m going to do everything in my power to try and make it,” Miller said.

Friends and teammates are always sup-portive of Miller but her parents are the ones that she is most thankful for. They have al-ways supported her and encouraged her to do her best.

To better her chances of making it further in the competition, she practices twice a day Monday thru Friday and then once on Sat-urday. She plans on becoming an even more accomplished swimmer and if given the op-portunity, she would love to make it into a career.

13l l l

ThePeregrineIssue 1 - October ‘11 Sports

game face on Swimming her way to the finish line Chelsie Miller, senior, competes at the state UIL meet that took place last year. Proving to be also successful in a competition during the summer of 2011, earned Miller an invitation to compete at Olympic Trials. Miller’s main focus, athletic wise, for this year revoloves around improv-ing her swimming skills in effort to remain a contestant in this competition. Her success would not be complete without the love, encouragement and support from her family, coaches, and teammates.

lphoto by Amy Leder

lphoto by Amy Leder

Target: Olympics Miller sets sights on top competition

Order your yearbook at

www.smart-pay.comwww.smart-pay.com

www.smart-pay.comwww.smart-pay.com

Page 14: 11-12 Peregrine 1

14 Columnsl l l

ThePeregrine Issue 1 - October ‘11

l by MannyJAWA, staff writer “I’m gay. Please don’t

hate me. I don’t know maybe it’s just a phase, maybe I just need to fig-ure things out more, just

don’t…”“Matt, listen to me, I don’t care, you’re still

my brother, and I’ll have your back whatever you do, always and forever, right?”

“Always and forever.”Being four states away from each other;

the months passed and so did life. Both Matt and I were keeping busy with school and looking forward to the rest of our lives. He had told his family, and his brothers told his friends, and it had just gotten out from there. From the few minutes we did talk, he was always filled with laughs, not even a hint of trouble with his life.

Six months later, His mother called me late at night, struggling to say the words no mother would ever want to say, “Matt tried to commit suicide.”

Bullied and tormented, Matt had been pushed to his breaking point. What was I supposed to say to that?

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help him? I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

But I could not just be sorry. Bullying had almost taken the life of my friend, of my brother. I wanted to punch a wall, I wanted to hit something. This should have not been happening.

Different. The world that is full of status quos, the right and wrong ways, the set paths towards goals and happiness. Difference an-gers some people; it makes them want to hurt others. In the past few months the issue of the bullying of gays has raised questions all across the nation. Teenagers beaten within inches of their lives, taught that because you love someone you should not love you will achieve eternal damnation. Scores of teens being outted, tormented, and it all ultimately ends in their lives being cut short.

In a response to the issue, schools all over have started to push teaching the word “tol-erance” as much as they can. However, I do not believe in tolerance. To say that I am tolerant of someone’s life or their choices is to say that I still consider that person wrong, but I will put up with them.

I do believe in acceptance; acceptance of people being themselves. In my mind, it does not matter; gay, straight, lesbian, bi, trans-gender, or whatever, their choice is; they are human, and I will accept all for what each is.

For Matt, life has changed completely since his coming out. Of course he’s had to deal with the prejudice for people, but it has made him a stronger person. “It really does get better.”

Acceptence offriend’s sexualitymakes sense

l by AnnieSANDERS, staff writer

Andrew Taylor’s voice started to lose its bari-tone affect as he went on his eleventh hour of shouting catchy chants about democracy. One could easily tell he had been out in the sultry

Houston weather all day by the sweat bead-ing down his face. A car flew by and honked several times happily met with cheers from the slowly dimming crowd. Soon followed a thundering chant.

“What do we want? Democracy! When do we want it? Now!”

The crowd had dedication. There was no doubt, considering most of the protesters had been there since the night before.

With America being the number one supporter of rebellion for democracy in other countries, it amazed me how hypocritical the nation becomes when it was their own popu-lation rebelling.

Occupy Houston is affiliated with Oc-cupy Wall Street which is an organized, non violent, people powered protest taking place in the financial district of New York City. Heading into their fourth week of being peaceably assembled, which is their constitu-tional right, the group fighting for a change in democracy has been met with police bru-tality, poor media coverage, and the unjusti-fied arrest of several hundred people, includ-ing children. Occupy Wall Street is fighting to end corrupt corporation involvement in government, to bring about economic jus-tice.

They are the 99% of people living in so much debt it will take the rest of their lives to pay off and business owners who the govern-ment refused to help. Some of these people are living in poverty, without health care, food stamps, or any light at the end of the tunnel because they work jobs with no future, making just barely enough to not qualify for government financial aid.

“Everything has been destroyed and shipped overseas and stolen from us, so we’re

hoping for a little less of that,” Taylor said. “There are no left and right issues anymore, Congress and the executive branch and the Supreme Court have been captured by the corporations and the banks.”

The government has repeatedly bailed out banks, but when it comes to their citizens, there’s no help, no loans, absolutely nothing. And when a business goes under, there’s not a job to catch the owner. In America, you’re either working hard for the rest of your life to barely be living comfortably, or you’re the top one percent, scamming your way through politics.

Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Houston are fighting to end this, fighting to throw cor-porations out of government. In a supposedly “free” country one would be surprised by the weight of the cost to opposing the govern-ment. The police have become brutal dealing with these protesters, from macing innocent women, to throwing veterans on the ground.

All that is wanted is justice. They are the 99%, and if we don’t do

something about it, we will be too.

Occupy HoustonTexas protesters show support for Occupy Wall Street as New York movement shifts to nation’s cities

lphoto by Annie Sanders

Page 15: 11-12 Peregrine 1

No more teachers rush to finish a lecture on time, no more students guess on the last answers to a test due to lack of

time, and no more last minute studying for tests. Block scheduling has improved the quality of the work and moral of students as it removes the rush that a seven-period day causes.

A full day only consists of 45 minutes in each class period. With attendance to take and students to control, 45 minutes is a short amount of time for tests, quizzes, or even lessons. Block schedul-ing, however, slows down the rush, as one class consists of an hour and a half.

Students now have the chance to take their time on tests, and teachers no longer have the stress of rushing through material. They are now given the opportunity to elaborate more into the lesson, instead of covering only the main points. Students can now fully understand the concept,

without running out of time to ask questions or try homework problems.

Relieving stress is not the only pro that block scheduling has to offer. Instead of going to all sev-en classes in one day, this system allows students to attend three or four a day. Going to seven classes a day requires one to change their way of thinking seven times, whereas going to three or four allows one to think further in to the concept. One does not have to change his or her thinking gears seven times a day with the block schedule.

Block scheduling has also given students early release every Thursday. Students can now spend this time to study for upcoming tests and quizzes. Given more time after school, they now have an hour and a half to prepare for schoolwork.

Teachers must attend a meeting that will im-prove their teaching skills, and aid in the plan-ning of lessons. This allows them to expand their

knowledge to enhance the teaching of students.Despite these beneficial points, block schedul-

ing may cause problems with memory. Students may learn a concept on Tuesday, and then forget it by Thursday. Teachers can, however, give home-work worth of two days, and give quizzes to keep students’ memories up to date.

The block schedule has improved our school system, giving the learners the opportunity to take their time and teachers to elaborate on lessons. An improvement has been seen in students, as grades are advancing through the block schedule.

Peregrine Staff2011-2012

10 YaYs 0NaYs

position

thestudent

VOICE

editor-in-chiefjOEy bEth gIlbErt

senior editorlEandra lEE

illustratorKhOI daOstaff writers

sarah ChOaMbEr day

Manny jaWaannIE sandErs

rItz flOrEsKIara bOOKErMatt dubOsE

staff adviserMargIE COMstOCK

principalralPh funK

SyStem imProveSBlock schedulinggives teachers, studentsneeded time to prepare

Jersey Village HigH scHool

student Publications’newsPaPer Policy

The Peregrine is the official student publication of Jer-sey 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. Sub-scriptions can be bought for $15, and copies of the paper will be mailed to your residence or email subscriptions can be purchased for $6 and a PDF copy will be sent to your email address.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 busi-ness card 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and full page. The staff has the right to reject, edit,or cancel any adver-tisement at any time. The ad-vertising policy is stated on the advertising contract.Advertising is not an endorse-ment from the staff, the adviser, the administration, or the Cy-press Fairbanks Board of Trust-ees.The Peregrine is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, Quill and Scroll, the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Center Law Center.The Peregrine is printed by Mir-ror 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 1720. Letters to the editor need to be limited to 150 words. We reserve the right to edit for spelling and gram-mar. Letters must be signed.

“ Block scheduling gives more time for each class and makes the scheduling process more diverse and less boring.”l l l terry Chuong, sophomore

“I think the new block scheduling is a very good way to get more time to learn and understand the curriculum.” l l l nina Pena, junior

“The longer periods make school feel a lost less rushed, even though some classes get really boring fast.”l l l marieke alSguth, sophomore

15Editoriall l l

ThePeregrineIssue 1 - October ‘11

ThePeregrine

What do you think about the new block scheduling?

lillustration by Khoi Dao

Page 16: 11-12 Peregrine 1

Name: Alain Harvey

Subject: Chemistry and Environmental Science

What to know: Believes a good teacher doesn’t necessarily know all the answers

Name: Gena Rhodes

Subject: World History

What to know: Laid back

Name: Lauren Snead

Subject: Spanish I

What to know: In her class you’ll talk, interact, and have fun

Name: Regina Wells

Subject: PACE, Profession-al Communication, Debate

What to know: Has a ton of enthusiasm

Name: Barbara Carlin

Subject: English

What to know: She’s open, funny, and a total ham, but that does not mean she’s a push over

Name: Emily Woon

Subject: Chemisty

What to know: Thinks you should do your homework and study

Name: Liz Albrecht

Subject: Health Science Technology

What to know: Worked as a medical technologist

Name: Tim Ferrigan

Subject: Biology, Chemistry

What to know: Tries to make science relevent to students

Name: Vicki Wood

Subject: Geometry

What to know: Sings the quadratic equation

Name: Deborah Wheeler

Subject: Art I 2D

What to know: Believes we should all be able to laugh at ourself a little

Name: Amanda Rich

Subject: World Geography

What to know: Gives real world examples for difficult ideas

Name: Tiffany Kinnison

Subject: Algebra 1, Al-gebra Lab

What to know: Believes in making math relevant to the current day and age

Name: David Satcher

Subject: Physical Education

What to know: Been coaching 14 years

Name: Shari Esfandiari

Subject: French

What to know: Has enthusiam for sharing knowledge with her students

Name: Thomas Fishburn

Subject: Chemistry,IPC

What to know: Loves to have a “real” conversation about whatever topic you’re

learning

Name: Julie Bermel

Subject: Geometry and Algebra II

What to know: Pays at-tention to students and

tries to do whats best for them

Name: Nikki Alexander

Subject: Art 3D - Art I,II,III,IV

What to know: Enter her class ready to explore your creative side

Name: Jennifer Scholl

Subject: Chemisty

What to know: Tries to provide a sense of humor and accomodate for the

different types of learning

Name: Carrie Schneider

Subject: Algebra I, Head Volleyball/Golf Coach

What to know: Thinks that group learning is the best way

Name: Chad Getschmann

Subject: World History

What to know: Tries to make class interesting by relating history to students’

personal interest

Name: Moniqua Battle

Subject: Algebra, Math Models

What to know: Fun, entergetic, and loves using foldables

Who’s who in the JV CrewRecent additions to teaching staff reveal facts about themselves

l by AnnieSANDERS, staff writer

16 October ‘11ThePeregrine Photo Essay

l l l