dec2006

Clear Creek HiLife

H2305 East Main

League City, Texas 77573

Vol. 81/Issue 3

Mrs. Jameson, the HiLife advisor, wrote her first guest editorial in her 26 years of teaching at Clear Creek. Read what she had to say on page 3.

Photo by Micah Wesley

PostSecret takes the population by storm. Get in on the action and reveal your most well-kept secret. Find out why this is so enticing on page 5.Photo by http://www.amazon.com/My-Secret-PostSecret-Book-Postsecret/dp/0061196681/sr=8-1/qid=1166030148/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3331885-9468146?ie=UTF8&s=books

The recent pit bull attacks have caused people to question the breed. Find out why dogs attack on page 12.

Photo by www.realpitbull.com

Creek welcomes wrestling into the athletic program and is off to a great start. Read more about this sport on page 15.

Photo by Andy Holcomb

ifeiLDecember, 2006

The board of trustees for Clear Creek Independent School District recently approved a new list of courses to be offered at the four high schools in the 2007-2008 school year. These courses will be outlined in the new course catalog that will be distributed to students in January.

Tina Farrell, the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, said in the December 7 issue of The Citizen, “By Spring Break, we should have a good idea of which courses made and which ones didn’t have enough students enrolled to make a class, which will allow us to make any necessary staffing additions.”

The state has also passed new guidelines that require all students to complete four years of math and science in high school. To meet this standard, all four CCISD high schools will be offering conceptual physics beginning next year.

Some courses will be available at all high schools including Fashion Marketing, Hospitality Services, and Introduction to Veterinary Technology.

New courses at Creek include Computer Integrated Manufacturing Engineering and Business Marketing Programming, which will also be offered at Clear Lake. Clear Lake will offer Aerospace Engineering and American Sign

Language 4 and Clear Brook will hold Civil Engineering classes. Since Clear Springs opens next year, Introduction to Culinary Arts and Introduction to Transportation Services will be offered there.

When students complete the Transportation Service Careers program at Clear Springs, they will graduate with a National Automotive Technician Education Foundation certificate. This will allow the students to go straight into the automotive field upon graduation.

Some new advanced classes will also be introduced such as English Leadership Gifted and Talented that will be offered at all campuses. Clear Creek will have

a Gifted and Talented Global Political Science class, while Lake will expand their foreign language department to include Pre-AP French 1, 2 and 3.

All of the new courses will be offered to all high school students in the district, even ones that are not at a student’s school, which means that students will be responsible for providing their own transportation to the other campuses that offer the courses they wish to take.

Due to the board’s approval of these new courses, the educational experience at all of the CCISD high schools will widen and students will be able to learn subjects that are on a much wider spectrum.

Tori Wycoff

CCISD approves new courses for 2008

Creek is losing a dedicated staff memberAs students leave Creek for winter

break, everyone is thinking of holidays and being out of school for two weeks, but when classes resume, there will be a big difference here. Mrs. Pat Dovidio, the school registrar, is retiring this December and Creek will not be the same without her.

Mrs. Dovidio has worked at Creek for twenty years and knows this school better than anyone. She works on students’ transcripts, she keeps all the records, and she calculates class rank and grade point averages by hand. By the time a student graduates from Creek, Mrs. Dovidio would have checked and re-checked their GPA multiple times. She cannot rest unless she knows that the records are perfect.

This is a huge task for one person to take on, but Mrs. Dovidio does it every day and enjoys it. She arrives at school at 4:00 a.m. and stays late in the afternoon to get everything done. “I love Creek and I love my job!”, said Mrs. Dovidio.

Mrs. Dovidio wakes up at three every morning and when she gets to school, she makes coffee for the faculty. She also buys the supplies and even cleans Mrs. Collins’ coffee cup. When asked about leaving Creek, Mrs. Dovidio responded, “It’s going to be hard to leave here- I have a lot of friends that I will miss very much. I will think of them every morning when I drink

my coffee!”After retiring, Mrs. Dovidio plans to

head to Florida to look for another job. This is not surprising coming from such a dedicated woman that remains so busy all of the time.

Mrs. Dovidio has affected many lives here at Creek and has made many lifelong

friendships. Mrs. Radicioni, the school’s receptionist, has worked with Mrs. Dovidio for eighteen years. Mrs. Radicioni describes Mrs. Dovidio as a dependable hard worker who also happens to be her best friend. “I will miss Mrs. Dovidio from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes,” says Mrs. Radicioni.

Tori Wycoff

Another person that Mrs. Dovidio has greatly impacted is Mr. Judd, also known as Copy Man. They have worked together for twenty years and he describes Mrs. Dovidio as “my bestest friend in the whole world- I’ll miss her!”

From the counseling center’s perspective, losing Mrs. Dovidio is a huge setback. She works so hard to make sure that the senior’s transcripts get to every college on time and that will be something that will be greatly missed. Mrs. McNaughton said about Mrs. Dovidio, “She will be missed greatly. Her depth of information from experiences is amazing. No one will be able to fill her shoes, no matter how good they are.”

Mrs. Dovidio leaving will greatly impact Creek in a way that is unimaginable. We are losing the cornerstone of Creek and she will be greatly missed by everyone that has crossed her path. Dr. Fred Hayes described Mrs. Dovidio perfectly when he said, “She is the heart and soul of Clear Creek High School.”

Mrs. Dovidio will be very difficult to replace and the entire school should thank her for all she does. Creek would not be what it is today without her and we all hope that she has a wonderful time in Florida.

Photo by Alyssa Solomon

O pinion Survey

Clear Creek HiLife

Freshmen

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

E-mail us at [email protected] us at http://my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/leaguecity/

cchs/For advertising rates call:

(281) 284-2377or fax (281) 284-1705

Principal:Adviser:Technical Adviser:Executive Editor:Editor-In-Chief:

News Editor:Features Editor:Sports Editor:Creek Speaks Editor:Fishbowl Editor:Centerspread Editor:

Layout Editor:Online Editor:Ads Manager:Ads Designer:Photographers:Bookkeeper:

Gail LoveWynette JamesonAlyssa SolomonJan O’NeilRachel Rodgers

Hayley Boultinghouse Haley RushSarah PooreTori WycoffBobby MurphyAlyssa Solomon

Olivia HuynhAmanda ComptonDrew WalkerAdam Vencil & Olivia HuynhMicah Wesley & Fallan DragoAustin Young

2006-2007 HiLife Staff

Reporters:Rebecca BellayAmanda ComptonLauren GillespieRyan GriponStephanie HaechtenCassie LeeTaylor LongAlbert NkansahRyan OwensDhevi RajendranKirsty ReidRebecca RodriguezKearston Rowe

2

Clear Creek High School HiLife Newspaper

What is your most memorable winter holiday experience and why?

** These quotes are taken directly from the opinion survey. The HiLife is not responsible for spelling or grammatical errors. **

The year I got to help my parents be Santa for my little brother. - Corey Word

When my family & I walked into the dining area and my 2 dogs Ying & Yang were devouring & eating the Christmas ham & dinner was ruined. -Delayna Painter

My mom told me I’d get a pony. She gave me a stick w/ a plastic horse head, I cried. - Sarah Gibler

My favorite Christmas experience was when my dog knocked down our Christmas tree which hit a lamp and messed up all the electricity in our living room.

- Megan Pendergast

My favorite Christmas was when it snowed here in Texas because I got to have a snowball fight with Brandon Backe. He lives around the corner from me.

- Katie Rosinke

When I could have sworn I saw Santa in the kitchen fridge :-) really I checked the house and everyone was asleep and someone was in the fridge. Turns out it wasn’t him - Danielle Reed

My best X-Mas memory was definitely when I got my pink Barbie corvette!- Lauren Lanclos

When I found out Santa wasn’t real. He left us a note Christmas morning and it was in my dad’s handwriting. - Dana Hanson

My family and I always go visit my relatives in Mexico. One year, on Christmas Eve, I was at my Great Grandma’s house and she suprised me with exactly what I was hoping for. It meant a lot to get a gift from her! - Allyson Christian

Last year was my most memorable Christmas experience because it was my first Christmas in the U.S. - Hanh Hong Hua

When I was like 8, I was sitting on Santa’s lap and then his wig came off and I screamed my head off and don’t believe in him until this day - Cassie Hernandez

Going to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World in California. - Tori Hogan

2004 Christmas I got the stomach flu. It was not fun! That is my memorable Christmas. - Emily Winston

My best time was when I was 5 and w/ my dad in El Paso & it started to snow we rode up the mountain & drank egg nog! - Sarah Schen

Mine was the last Christmas my grandpa was alive. We threw my gram’s first birthday party, and she taught me how to double decker sled. - Brian Bittner

When I was 9 years old I went to Australia & I rode a kangaroo.-Jake Braeckner

I went to Michigan and went snowboarding. I broke my arm. -Chris Reynolds

I remember when I was little, I woke up Christmas morning and ran downstaris & there was this amazing pink, sparkly bike waiting for me. It was what I always wanted! - Sami Gilliam

When my mom sent us on a scavenger hunt for Christmas presents and she suprised us with a new game room. - Karen Murray

When I was in North Texas and it snowed. I made my little brother cry by throwing a snowball at hin. - Katie Berend

When I spent it with the homeless. - Jeff Chaumet

When my grandpa bit into a piece of jerky and tried to rip the jerky off. Instead, he pulled his dentures out. - Payton Mitchell

When my cousin leaned over a candle and caught her hair on fire. - Georgie Conway

Last year because I got to go to California to visit my brother that I havent seen since I was 6 - Brittani Graham

Last year I went to Breckonridge Colorado and skied. I had a great time. - Brantley Welborn

My most memorable Chritsmas experience was a Christmas that included no presents. And I hold it dear to my heart becuase I felt the true meaning of the season. - Amanda Onochie

On Christmas Eve me & my family were at Clear Creek Community Church and when the service had ended and everyone went out to the cars, it was snowing & the cars were covered as well. - Ryan Eldred

When I got the limited edition N64 for Christmas and it came with Donkey Kong 64! - Jarred Johnson

My parents got me a brand new stereo system for my car. - Danielle Bailey

Hands down when it snowed a couple of years ago cause we made a snowman & had a big snowball fight! - Stephanie Hobaugh

It would have to be when I woke up and opened my first gift and it was a NINTENDO 64! - Robert MeLemore

When all of the guys in my family climb up on the house & pee at midnight. It’s a tradition....... - Amelia Fontana

I got to shoot the Christmas ham. - Ben Gibbons

When my cat climed up the Christmas tree, pulling it over. - Christina Schramm

Last Christmas when my dad got a two week leave from Iraq to come home. - Laura Hartford

Clear Creek HiLife

Editorial 3It’s A

Beautiful Day In The

Neighborhood...

Guest editorial: Wynette JamesonWyneTTe jameson

rachel rodgers

I preface this editorial by saying I have never, in twenty-six years, written a guest column. In 1990 when my son was an editor and I was in grad school, I did a teacher forum addressing the misconceptions the public holds about teachers called This Witch Hunt Burns Me Up. It contained facts lsuch as; teachers are only paid for 187 days. We are not paid for all of those holidays that we have even though everyone believes we are.

My incredible editor in chief, Rachel Rodgers, gave me the opportunity to write this month. She has heard me speak of the two legends that will walk away during our winter holiday break. If you have not spent some quality time with either Pat Dovidio or Major General John Bailey, you have missed two of the greatest people on earth. Combined, they have over forty years at Creek and so much more. There are no words to describe all that they have done for this school, this district. Both have done so quietly, in their unassuming manner.

Pat Dovidio drove me to the hospital for brain surgery in 1996. When she and a friend went for breakfast, they wheeled me away, and I never saw them again. I accused her of leaving me, but she did not leave. She stayed to talk to my neurosurgeon, Dr. Richard Harper. That is

the kind of person Pat is. She carried me all over town countless times. She covered my classes when I was too weak to continue throughout the day. She shared books and stories and pain with me.

Pat’s appetite for the written word is unparalleled and she loves Kellerman, King and Koontz. She reads faster than Evelyn Wood. Most fiction holds her interest, but she really likes espionage, mystery and the scary reads. Good writing is like fine wine to her, and she loves the high she gets from a great book Nothing scares her. She was a huge X-Files fan too. Okay during the X-Files movie she did jump out of her seat and throw her glasses halfway across the theater but usually nothing scares her.

Her life has not been an easy one and she can tell you tales of her own horror and tragedy. Pat is a fairly private person, so I will respect her privacy and not tell you the sad parts of her life. Those of you who took some time with her know already. She is one of the bravest women I know.

To say she is a workaholic is unfair. I like the way someone else described her, as a district legend, instead. She is at work by four every morning, and I can count the sick days she has taken on one hand. A doctor must force bed rest on her. I have seen her work with a high fever, the pain

of shingles and so very much more without a word of complaint…not one. She works every weekend and rarely has she taken a vacation. She has given her life to this school and the students who have passed through these halls. The 2002 Weber award winner, Chris Kirkham, wrote about her in the HiLife. As salutatorian, he knew and appreciated all she did. He almost did not make the Superintendent Scholars’ List, but Pat caught the error. One of many she has caught through the years.

She likes bingo and slots and can play Cranium with a vengeance. To say she is competitive is an understatement. She can hum better than most can sing, so I hope that she appreciated our musical tribute to her. She loves Josh Groban, Il Divo, Neil Diamond and anything Italian, including her one-of-a-kind Italian husband, James. Together they look like salt and pepper shakers and are quite the match. Laughter follows them wherever they go. Pat Dovidio has been a blessing to this school and she will be missed more than most of you will ever know.

Maureen Cullen’s tribute to John Bailey was great so I cannot add much. We will reprint her speech in Creek Speaks, so please read her words there. I can add that he is a man that I have always admired.

We have become closer since we lost Ray Hutchinson. He knows the pain of losing a son, and he can relate to so much that the Hutchinson’s and I feel. He gave a wonderful speech at our tree planting in 2004. He donated 500 Ray dog tags to the scholarship for fundraising purposes out of his own pocket. John has told me so many “ghost stories” about how the number 101 Airborne Division keeps appearing at the oddest times. He and Ray were in the same unit of the US Army. This district will keep using the “Bailey Way” for JROTC. We here at Creek will miss the Bailey Way in so many arenas. He will never fade away to us…Thank you both for all you have done for so many. Just a one line thank you to Gail Love for stepping in to save us for all of these months.

And, as a simple post script…Good-bye Robbie Judd. So many kids owe you so much. You have given selflessly to Creek, to Pat and to me. Thank you for that. Henry Thornton we will miss you too. Come out one and all and see the final Faculty Play. Rob and Pat ALWAYS put their whole heart into it. All money goes to a scholarship for deserving kids. Make this your final gift to these two.

As my senior year comes to a close, I can not help but look back and remember all the people who have made my high school career memorable and the best years of my life. I would like to use this space to thank some of my teachers and friends who have impacted my life and who I will never forget.

For starters, I would like to thank my freshmen geography teacher, Coach Cherry. You are probably the most intellectual person I know. Not only do you know so much about so many things, but, also, you have a way of teaching those things to your students so that they understand and enjoy learning. Even though your class was difficult for me, I have to say that it’s the class I retained the most information from, not necessarily about geography (I definitely couldn’t tell you all the countries in Africa still), but about life in general. I was given the opportunity to take a trip of a lifetime and travel to Italy and Greece with you and experience culture first hand. You opened my eyes to a different way of life and instilled in me a drive that made me want to learn and experience new things,

and I will always have you to thank for that.

Mrs. O’Neil, I have you to thank for introducing me to Mrs. Jameson and for encouraging me to get involved in journalism. Thank you for believing in me and seeing my potential; who knew I would eventually become Editor In Chief. Each time I am around you, rather it be in the classroom or with all the crazy shoppers in Garden Ridge the day after Thanksgiving, I always feel a sense of goodness. You exude joyfulness and happiness and I am happy you were put in my life. Thank you for everything you taught me throughout the years and I hope we continue to stay in contact.

To the most awesome physics teacher ever, Mrs. Bosworth. All of your stories definitely kept me entertained and kept me laughing all year. Your class was difficult, but I learned so much, and had fun doing it. You are a wonderful teacher and an amazing leader. Thank you for staying with me on so many occasions to give me one on one advice and instruction when I didn’t understand a concept. If it hadn’t

been for the roller coaster assignment I probably wouldn’t be with my boyfriend today, which leads me to thank my next person.

Matt, without you I would not be the person I am today. The past year has been an absolute dream come true. You have stood beside me and you have supported every decision I’ve made throughout the past couple of months. Thank you for putting up with me when I am being difficult and thank you for loving me unconditionally. You mean the world to me and I look forward to our future together. I could not have asked for a better companion.

Katelyn, what an amazing friend you have been over the years. We’ve been through everything together and I am so glad I had someone I trusted to confide in when I was going through tough times. Thank you for just being you and making laugh. I want us to promise to keep in tough after graduation because I want you to stand next to me at my wedding.

And last, but most certainly not least, Mrs. Jameson. For the past two years you have been my mentor and my shining light.

I feel like I can talk to you about anything, and I think it’s safe to say that we have covered almost every topic. You always make me smile when I am feeling down or stressed out. I can not even remember how many times you have stayed until 5 O’ clock in the afternoon with me while I finished up the paper. We always seem to have a conflict and always manage to pull through it. Thank you for caring so much about me and believing in me, it really means so much. Thank you for sleeping in a football field with me when it was freezing and raining. You have opened my eyes to so many programs like Invisible Children and the passion you have for these programs is so uplifting and makes me want to do what you do in my years to come. It is so inspiring how you continue to be involved in your past students lives and I look forward to staying in touch with you. Thank you for just being you and doing what you do because it has made such an incredible impact in my life and you have truly made me in to a better person.

News4

Clear Creek HiLife

Final Exam Schedule

Final Exam Schedule

Thursday, December 14

7:20 - 9:20 EXAM - 1st period

9:20 - 9:30 Morning Break

9:30 - 11:30 EXAM - 2nd period

1:00 - 2:30 Tutorials/Make-up Exams

Friday, December 15

7:20 - 9:20 EXAM - 3rd period


9:30 - 11:30 EXAM - 4th period

1:00 - 2:30 Tutorials/ Make-up Exams

Monday, December 18





Tuesday, December 19





5

Clear Creek HiLife

A change in latitude: France

News

sTephanie haechTen

How would it feel to have the world know your deepest darkest secret? Surprisingly, many PostSecret participants would say that sharing their secrets has allowed them to deal with their issues and release enigma.

PostSecret is a community project where people from all over the world submit their secrets anonymously on a 4X6 inch postcard.

Frank Warren is the founder of PostSecret. Warren, also acclaimed as “the most trusted stranger in America,” began this accidental art endeavor in November 2004, by passing out blank postcards. He handed many to strangers on the streets and left some in library books with simple instruction. “You are invited to anonymously contribute a secret to a group art project. Your secret can be a regret, fear,

betrayal, desire, confession, or childhood humiliation. Reveal anything — as long as it is true and you have never shared it with anyone before. Be brief. Be legible. Be creative. Mail to:

PostSecret13345 Copper Ridge RdGermantown, Maryland 20784.”

Senior Stephanie Ratliff was asked how she would feel if she had to share her secret with the whole world. “It’s anonymous, right?” she said with a laugh, “It would feel therapeutic in a way because you could get it off your chest.”

During an interview with Wikinews, Frank Warren said, “I have received postcards from all over the world: Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Australia, Ireland,

PostSecret becomes increasingly popularIndia. I think some people are looking to share a funny story…but most people, I believe, are looking to better understand their own secrets and perhaps use this project as a first step in taking action upon their own secrets.”

In the past two years, PostSecret has found itself in the public’s eye a great deal. Since the start of the project, Frank Warren has published three books, PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Live, My Secret: A PostSecret Book, and The Secret Lives of Men and Women: A PostSecret Book. He has also received over thirty thousand postcards and there seems to be no end in sight, because over a hundred postcards are placed in his mailbox weekly.

PostSecret is anything but secret. Many people have been influenced by

this activity, including the famous rock band The All-American Rejects. The band approached Frank Warren a year ago, asking permission to use PostSecret cards in their video, “Dirty Little Secret.” Frank Warren generously said yes, but requested that the band donate $2,000 to The National Hopeline, a 24-hour suicide hotline. The All-American Rejects trendy video only sparked more interest in PostSecret.

“People are drawn to this because it’s something powerful and raw and real that speaks to them,” said Warren during an interview with USA Today.

Join the thousands who have made PostSecret personal, by checking out this extremely enticing reading at www.postsecret.com.

Prodcedure for students appealing for credit

The spirit of Christmas and New Years is alive and bustling in the cities and towns of France.

Most French provinces celebrate Christmas on the traditional date of December 25. For some French people living in the north and east, however, Christmas begins as early as December 6. In the province of Lyon, December 8 is the la Fete de lumieres, Festival of Lights. Candles are placed in the windows of all shops, churches and homes to illuminate the village and pay respect to the Virgin Mary.

While Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular, the traditional French Christmas decoration is simply a manger or la crèche. Manger figures, or santons, are passed down through generations and are lovingly displayed around the home. Some manger scenes even include members of the homeowner’s family alongside the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and Wise Men. Homes are adorned with an assortment of apples, paper flowers, and ribbons alongside the mangers. This custom is referred to as sapin de Noel, and was brought to France in 1837 from Alsace.

While American children await a visit from jolly, plump Santa Clause, French boys and girls are watching for tall, thin Pere Noel. He brings gifts and

toys and leaves them in the shoes of French children, who set out the shoes for him by the fireplace. In 1962, it was decided that kids who wrote to Pere Noel to express their Christmas wishes deserved a reply.

Now, every child’s letter is answered to with a card from a member of the French government.

A Christmas Eve mass is followed by La Reveillon. This is a feast that means, “to wake or revive.” It is a symbolic awakening to the birth of Christ. La Reveillon is

considered the culinary highlight of the season. Some families celebrate with large gatherings at their homes, while others enjoy the night in a local café. It is customary to leave a candle burning while

participating in La Revelllion, in case the Virgin Mary passes by.

Each region of France has its own distinct local Christmas menu. In the south of France, Le pain calendeau is a popular Christmas loaf, half of which is given to a poor person. La Galette des rois is a

cake that is also a popular French treat. Like the Mardi Gras King Cake, a toy is hidden inside and whoever finds it is King or Queen, along with a friend of their choice, for the whole day. Large portions of French people create a La buche de Noel. This is an edible recreation of the Yule Log which is burned from Christmas Day to New Years Eve.

Another quirky French Christmas tradition is the love of mistletoe. The French hang it on doors, mantle pieces-everywhere. Mistletoe means more to the French than an unexpected kiss. It is thought to bring good fortune throughout the year. The French also enjoy a number of carols, including their own version of “Jingle Bells”:

“Tintez Cloches, Tintez Cloches (Jingle Bells Jingle Bells)

Tintez dans la nuit (Ring in the night)

Pere Noel et ses grand daims (Pere Noel and his big reindeer)

Arrivent toute de suite…ite (Are coming soon)”

Joyeux Noel and Bonne Anneee. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

hayley BoulTinghouse

Photo by Humphreys, Steve. versailles179945.jpg. July 1986. Pics4Learning. 13 Dec 2006 <http://pics.tech4learning.com>

News bulletin from the CCHS Administration

Students may lose credits in classes they are currently passing due to excessive absences in that class. Students who have excessive absences will be receiving information and forms from their SLC office starting on Monday.

In order to maintain credit, students will need to attend

attendance d-hall(s) on December 14, 15, 18 and/or 19, 2006. The attendance d-hall hours are from 12:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day. Transportation will NOT be provided. The number of attendance d-halls required for reinstatement is based on the number of absences (unexcused) per class period.

We will be extending an

opportunity for students who qualify to make up class time if the following conditions are met:

1. No food or drinks allowed2. Attend assigned d-hall3. Bring school appropriate

materials to work or to read. No socializing, use of electronics or sleeping will be allowed.

4. Sign in and out on supervisor’s approved sign in/out sheet.

5. Be respectful to others. If you

asked to leave for unruly behavior or sleeping you will lose any accrued time for that day. If asked to leave on more than one occasion, course credit will automatically be denied.

Questions should be directed to your student’s appropriate SLC office.

6

Clear Creek HiLife

NewsHPD’s safety tips for holiday shoppers

hayley BoulTinghouse

College’s say grades are just not enoughhayley BoulTinghouse

“Grade Inflation”- is a phenomenon that is sweeping the country. With so many kids achieving high marks in school, colleges are finding it harder and harder to use grades alone as a tool for acceptance.

Between 1990 and 2000 the average high school GPA increased from 2.68 to 2.94 around the country. In 2005, 23 percent of college freshmen reported having an A average or better during their high school career. Thirty years ago, the percentage was about half that.

Schools in all states are reporting classes with 30 or 40 valedictorians.

“There’s a protection and encouragement of self esteem I don’t agree with,” said Jess Lord, the dean

of admissions at Haverford College, Pennsylvania.

In other words colleges are more interested in students who overcome failure, than ones who have never been anything less than perfect, and the high schools are preaching otherwise.

For those students caught between the middle of perfect and failure, the challenge is to find ways to stand out from the crowd on the college application.

According to the website PREPME.com, the first thing a student should ask in the college admissions process is, “What parts of myself do I want to portray?” It is advised to expand on one or two activities or interests to make a strong case for yourself

and your character. It is more admirable to be fully active in a few passions than in and out of several. The website goes on to say that mentioning these attributes may not be enough. An admissions essay is not the time to be boring and dry. While it should be taken seriously, there is an allowance for creativity.

Before writing a rough draft, a meeting with a guidance counselor or a representative from the college of choice is advised by college essay adviser, Jay Brody. This way a student will know exactly what is wanted and be able to expand on it with the details about themselves they decided on previously. Once all research is done, outline the essay then dive into the rough

draft. If a student is happy with what they wrote the first time, they should put it in a drawer and walk away from it for awhile. “This will help you have a fresh perspective when you’re ready to revise and edit,” said Brody.

The worst thing a student can do is to misrepresent himself or herself on the admissions application. Doing this only leads to disaster. Admissions officers know the right matches for their schools. And while a student may not get into a college of his first choice, with an honest essay, with his own spin, willl get one into a college that will allow success.

The winter holiday season is a prime time for being assaulted.

The Houston Police Department offers several tips for staying safe during from criminals with a “desire” to commit crimes against the public this holiday season.

Start with not giving them the “opportunity” to.

While shopping, stay alert and shop with a friend, for there is safety in numbers. Avoid shopping until the store closes because there are fewer people around at that time. Do not carry large sums of money and do not pay with cash. Use a check, credit or debit card instead. If a purse is

carried, do not wrap straps around arms and shoulders as an injury could occur from a would be purse-snatcher. Carry the purse under the arm. Wallets should be placed in the front pocket for easy access to the owner and no one else. Also, when leaving a more “high dollar store” try to slip your purchase into a plain or nondescript bag.

When leaving, walk confidently, quickly and with the car keys in hand. Keys can be used as a weapon if there is a need to defend oneself. Remember that security officers are available to walk customers to their cars if they feel uncomfortable at all. Avoid carrying too many bags and

packages out of the store. Make several trips instead. Remember to lock valuables in the trunk of the car. Never leave a purse or laptop in the car. Covering things with a coat is not wise either.

Watch for followers. This can happen in and out of the store but whatever the case, if someone feels like they are being followed it should be reported immediately. Always try to park in a high visibility area and never next to another car with darkly tinted windows. An assaulter on the watch could be inside. Be cautious of people handing out fliers or asking questions in the parking area as well.

The most important thing is to stay calm and use common sense. Know your surroundings. By doing this the chances of being taken advantage of is lessened. Most targets are people who are unaware of what is going on around them or ones who are in a foreign environment.

Keep these tips in mind as you continue your outings this holiday season. For more tips and information, including sections on traveling wisely and safety around the home, please visit the Houston Police Department’s website: www.houstontx.gov/police/crime_prevention.htm

7Fish Bowl

Clear Creek HiLife

Every year there are countless students in Spanish who will face the problems of verb conjugation, and until recently, they were on their own. They would receive no help outside of what they could get from their teachers in class and in tutorials. In October, all of that changed.

Stella Rodery, a Spanish II an III teacher new to Clear Creek High School, decided that something should be done about the numerous Spanish students who face troubles with everyday work. In order to solve the problem, the ambitious Spanish teacher started a club called Auxillio, which means help in Spanish, and that is exactly what the club offers. Not only does Mrs. Rodery offer her personal help to the students, but club members can also receive help from actual students in AP Spanish V. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the club for whatever type of Spanish help needed.

The Auxillio club has humble origins. “There was a need for extra tutoring, especially for the Spanish II students who

lost their teachers last year and may not have gotten all the skill they needed to make it at the second level,” Rodery said about the origin of her club. “My daughter and I were talking about it and then she talked about it in her Spanish V class, and her fellow students got on board to help,” she continued. Cori Rodery, Mrs. Rodery’s daughter, and a Spanish V student set up the paperwork with Mrs. Latulippe, and the Spanish V students signed up to help those in the lower levels.

The club meets every day except for Friday for at least an hour, longer if students require extra help. On tutorial days, students are welcome at Auxillio, but are encouraged to visit their regular Spanish teacher for help instead. Nothing is necessary to become a member, simply that the student be in Spanish and have a desire to learn more.

As for the club right now, it is just getting started. “Not many members attend the club, except for those that come to help Mrs. Rodery, and maybe just a few kids,”

said David Bui, one of Mrs. Rodery’s sophomore Spanish III students.” Bui has attended the club two times. “Perhaps people think the T-buildings are way too far away to walk to get some help. The cheapest professional [Spanish] tutors usually start at fifteen dollars an hour,” Rodery said.

To promote the club, Rodery has implored the help of her fellow Spanish teachers. In the rooms of other Spanish teachers like Diana Bartlett and Carole Sotomayor, the teachers have placed flyers around their room advertising when and where the club meets, and even an arrow that generally points in the direction of T-11 where the club meets.

Patricia Franklin is one teacher in particular who has gone out of her way to promote Auxillio. Scattered all about the walls in Franklin’s room are multiple blue flyers that advertise the club. Two of the flyers are posted on her podium in the front of the classroom. “I also have it [club information] on K12Planet and on my

Auxillio is here to help students in Spanishschoolnotes.com site,” Rodery added.

For those not in Spanish, there is not a club designed specifically for help in any other language, however, French teacher, Marie St. Pierre, sponsors a French club that focuses not only on the French language, but also on French culture. The club offers help to French students, but unlike Auxillio, that is not the clubs’ main priority.

Auxillio is there for the students’ benefit, in a time where homework comes hard-hitting from all sides and from every subject. The club can really prove to be useful for students in any level of Spanish.

Although the club has not been around enough to tell for sure, Rodery hopes that students attending will see an improvement in their grade. Or, if they are not trying to improve their grade, that maybe they can come to the club and learn something new.

BoBBy murphy

Freshmen prepare to take their first finalslauren nunez

Competition arises in the band hallThe holiday spirit has come to life in

the CCHS band hall. After returning from the Thanksgiving holiday, students were geared up and ready to decorate. Some sections such as the trombone-euphonium and the tuba sections had already begun to decorate, even before the Thanksgiving break began.

Decorating the band hall was a tradition that began last year. A group of trombone players in the CCHS wind ensemble, Ricky Blake, senior, Michael Hild, junior, Garret Bridges, junior, and Andy Bourne, senior; decided to decorate the band hall for the holidays by bringing in a small four foot artificial tree. Seeing this as a challenge, other sections began to decorate their cubbies, like french horn player Jonathan Cardinal, and percussionist Tony Restivo,

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who soon decided to coordinate the decoration of their respective sections. A few weeks later, the entire band hall was

vividly decorated with lights and trees.This year, the four-foot tree is still

the centerpiece of the trombone section’s

decorations, but a larger 12-foot tree has also been placed up on top of the tuba cubbies provided by freshman euphonium player Brendan Crouch. Two four foot inflatable decorations have been put on top of the trombone cubbies, which were bought with money donated by members of the trombone and euphonium sections. Other decorations from the low brass section include a seasons greetings sign and a reindeer with a rotating head. “We did our best to stay politically correct,” said tuba player, Brett Siders. “It was decided that if we were going to put up a greeting light it would have to be one that did not promote any holiday,” Siders said. The low Continued on page 11

Photo by Bobby Murphy

The freshmen at Clear Creek High School are anticipating their semester exams, which are rapidly approaching. Many students are still confused and need to grasp lots of information before the finals actually come.

The finals will be held on four consecutive school days: Thursday, December 14, Friday, December 15, Monday, December 18 and Tuesday December 19. The tests will be taken in the student’s normal scheduled classrooms, and each day, two tests will be given.

On Thursday, all students will report to their first period teacher’s classroom for the semester exam for that class. The testing period will last until 9:20, then the students will be released for a ten-minute passing period. At 9:30, students should be in their second period class for that semester exam. The students will be allowed to go home at 11:30. The remaining three testing days

will follow the same schedule, but in 3rd and 4th periods on Friday, 5th and 6th periods on Monday, and 7th and 8th period classes on Tuesday.

At 11:30 every day the testing will be over, and students will be allowed to go home, but the buses will not be running until 2:30. Students are encouraged to have someone pick them up from school at 11:30, walk, or drive home. However, students who choose to stay until 2:30 will be required to attend tutorials in the libraries on both campuses. Also, according to the schedule, students can make up exams during this time, but only at the discretion of the teacher.

Students, especially freshmen, are trying to make plans for each day. Freshman Dustin Alexander said, “My Mom will pick me up at 11:30, but I haven’t told her this yet so she’ll probably be upset.” Another freshman, Samantha Stachowiak said, “I

am going to try to find a ride home, but if I can’t then I’ll be walking”. To students like Alexander and Stachowiak, the bus schedule for these days proves to be an inconvenience.

The format of semester exams is unknown to the freshmen students, so many are trying very hard to be well prepared by using their own techniques. Alexander said, “I will complete the reviews given by the teachers and work hard studying every night.”

Lindsey Holden, another freshman student, shared her own method for preparation. “I have a photographic memory and I am able to memorize most of the information given to me. I don’t usually study at all unless I find it absolutely necessary, but that doesn’t happen often. I’m pretty confident.”

Teachers are required to create a review of the information that will be covered

this semester. Reviews usually come in the form of an outline or a worksheet, but one teacher, Ms. Wharten, Art I, is doing something a little different. “We’ll do a review game so that it will be more fun and interesting,” Wharten said. The review game may be just the thing to make sure her students are well prepared.

Many freshmen students are unaware of the effects the final exams have on their grades. The first semester is broken down into three major grades. Both the first and the second nine weeks account for 40 percent of the first semester grade. The other 20 percent is reserved for the final exams. This percentage should not be taken lightly, but it is also important not to stress out over it. After the tests are completed, students will be able to take a break, and enjoy a winter vacation that will last for two homework-free weeks.

8

Clear Creek HiLife

Wrapping up a few things that have happened this semester

Dr. Fred Hayes left for Athens ISD to be it’s new superintendent

Mr. Judd, better known as “Copyman”

Lets say goodbye to these Clear Creek veterans as they start a new chapter in their lives. They will be gone but never forgotten

Mrs.Dovidio, the registrar

Mrs. Dovidio is moving to Florida to retire.

9

Clear Creek HiLife

Wrapping up a few things that have happened this semester

Mrs. Love became our new interim

principal until a permanent principal can

be found. She will return to her new

school, Clear Springs High School.

Lets say goodbye to these Clear Creek veterans as they start a new chapter in their lives. They will be gone but never forgotten

General Bailey, the director of ROTC

“It’s time to move on to something different.

I’ve loved my time at Creek but I need a change.”

-Mrs.Collins

Mr.Thornton Mrs. Collins will be a grandmother soon.

10

Clear Creek HiLife

Creek Clubs

Auxillio

“Auxillio” means help in Spanish and that is exactly what the club offers. Every week, Monday though Thursday, the club meets an hour after school in room T-11 to help each other with Spanish. Students in lower level Spanish can get help from their peers in Spanish IV and V, and all students in Spanish are invited to participate. For more information on the club check The Fish Bowl on page 7.

Ping Pong ClubThe Ping Pong club is meeting in

B-216 in the science hallway. Students in physics are especially encouraged to attend, because the club applies physics to the everyday game of ping pong. Of course, other students are welcome and those planning to enter physics in the future will indeed learn something useful.

PALsOn December 2 and 3, the PALs,

along with other organizations at Creek, will be participated in Holiday in the Park. PALs sponsored a booth and helped during the parade, escorting Santa. The week before finals, PALs will begin to see their PALees at local elementary and intermediate schools. In January, PALs will be attending a convention in Austin to learn about leadership and meet with other PALs throughout Texas.

Photo and Video Making Club is currently in search of a new sponsor. Meetings may be suspended during this process. When a new sponsor is found, meetings will resume and the day and place of the meetings will be announced. Meetings will continue to be held on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:15 in room G107 until the Winter break.

Photo and Video Making Club

Best BuddiesThis month, Best Buddies will be busy.

Best Buddies had tit’s own float at the Holiday in the Park parade, which some of the club members helped make. On December 1, some of the peer buddies volunteered to help at the Clear Creek Community Church holiday party. On December 8, Best Buddies took a field trip to the mall to help the kids buy their holiday gifts. Best Buddies will be having a holiday party toward the end of the month but no final date has been set.

Key ClubThe Key Club does all kinds of great

community service. They have a booth at the Christmas in the Park festival. They are also collecting gifts for Toys for Tots. In addition, they will be visiting the Baywind Nursing home to give the residents a Christmas party.

Robotics

The Robotics Team recently sponsored “The Best and Lego League Lone Star Robotics Tournament” at the University of Houston. They also helped out elementary and intermediate schools with one-on-one instruction on robotics. Come join the fun in Mrs. St. John’s room, B-219.

HOSA

This is a club for students that are interested in the health industry. The President is Bette Redus of Hosa. She will decide when the meetings will be sometime before Christmas break during the regular meetings. For now the meetings are every Wednesday in room G112 after school 2:45-3:00.

C.L.E.A.R.C.L.E.A.R club is in the winter holiday spirit. At

Inter Faith Caring Ministry in South Shore Harbor, C.L.E.A.R members volunteered at the church, decorateing their Christmas tree and donating a holiday basket with lots of goodies. Coming up in the new year, C.L.E.A.R is planning their “Drug Awareness” program on campus, and in February the members will be sponsoring a 70’s dance. Also, the C.L.E.A.R club will be continuing it’s plan for the first annual bowl-a-thon. The C.L.E.A.R club meetings are every other Thursday. Come, enjoy, and have fun

11

Clear Creek HiLife

Creek SpeaksCreek alumni accomplish amazing things

Tori Wycoff

While many students have anonymously passed through Clear Creek High School, some have gone on to be very accomplished in their fields of study. Some of the “famous” Wildcats include Jay Buhner and Richard Garriott.

Jay Buhner was born on August 13, 1964 in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from CCHS in 1982 and debuted for Major League Baseball on September 11, 1987. He played outfield for the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners and played his final game on October 7, 2001. His number 19 jersey was never reissued by the Mariners.

Richard Garriott was born on July 4, 1961 in Cambridge, England, but he was raised in League City. He was nicknamed “Lord British” in high school due to his accent. He programmed his first computer game, Akalabeth, in 1980 and attended the University of Texas in Austin. He created the Ultima series and owns a company called Origin System. Garriott also built a haunted house out of his mansion called the

Britannia Manor. He also became the ninth inductee into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 2006.

Riley Salmon graduated from CCHS in 1994. He played tennis and baseball as a child but picked up volleyball during high school. He played Junior Olympic volleyball through Club Texas and attended Pierce College in California where he also played. Salmon competed in the AVP Tour and played in Italy, Greece, Puerto Rico and Russia. He was named to the U.S. National Team in 2001 and played for Team U.S.A. in the 2004 Summer Olympics where he helped the team win a silver medal. In 2006, Salmon helped the U.S. to a gold medal at the inaugural Pan American Cup in Mexico.

Lars Meyerson was a 1979 graduate of Creek and he received a full scholarship to the University of Texas for golf. He turned professional at the age of 21 to become the youngest member of the PGA tour at the time. He competed for five years and played for a small time on the South

African Tour. Meyerson now owns his own business called Meyerson & Pardue Consulting Company.

Tinker Murray graduated from Creek in 1969. He was a state champion cross-country runner and earned a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin. He won the Texas Relay Marathon in 1977 and then went on to earn a doctorate in Physical Education and Cardiac Rehabilitation. He is currently a professor at Texas State University and is the co-author of the high school textbook used all over the United States, Foundations of Personal Fitness.

John Rando was a 1979 graduate of CCHS and attended the University of Texas and graduated with a Humanities degree. He directed plays at UCLA while completing his Masters of Fine Arts degree. He was the assistant director of the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and directed Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party starring John Ritter and Henry Winkler. Rando won the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical in 2002 and directed

brass has combined their decorating efforts in hopes of outdoing the other sections in the band.

Members of the french horn section have also begun decorating for 2006. Their efforts are coordinated once again by Jonathan Cardinal. This year, the section hopes to surpass the low brass by purchasing a gigantic moving inflatable, bought with money donated by the french horn section. Apart from the giant inflatable, the section cubbies also sport lights and a poster boasting their holiday spirit. One decoration

Be My Baby at Houston’s Alley Theatre in October 2005. Rando is currently running the Broadway production of The Wedding Singer.

Nito Guajardo graduated from Creek in 1998 and was a member of Ladder 1 of the Baytown Fire Department. He played football at Southeastern Oklahoma State University but was killed on December 20, 2004 in a house fire, after only being a firefighter for less than a year. He received the Chamber of Commerce Firefighter of the Year for 2005 award which was accepted by his family. Guajardo received the 2005 Star of Texas Award and was added to the Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial in Colorado Springs. The Saving Your Own RIT Building in Baytown is dedicated to him.

These Wildcat alums have left CCHS to go on and achieve amazing things and we are proud to be affiliated with them.

Competition arises in the band hallis missing though. The section is the only one in the band hall that does not have a vividly decorated artificial tree. Members of the section declined to comment on this fact, suggesting that they have something in store for their competitors before all of the decorating is over.

The CCHS percussion section has also decided to participate in the decorating this year, and percussionist Tony Restivo coordinated these efforts. The CCHS drum room sports two giant candy canes on either side of their door, a ladder decorated

with garland, and also a 6-foot artificial tree. Inside the drum room. percussionists decorate their lockers and hung stockings in hopes of getting something from fellow members of their section.

The remainder of the band hall is doing their best to keep up with the fast pace of the french horns, percussion and low brass. The combined trumpet, flute and clarinet cubbies have a snow-white tree decorated with blue ornaments and colorful lights, provided by flute player Fallan Drago, and a smaller green tree, provided by another

member of the combined section trio.Some people really wonder why the

band members bother. The decorations are for the satisfaction of outdoing another section and brightening the spirit of the holiday season. There is no contest or reward for decorating, and the work done by members of their respective section comes directly from the heart in the spirit of the season.

A tribute to the great General Baileymaureen cullen

The year was 1949. An eight year old John Bailey was sitting in a field on a farm near Beulah, Mississippi. John and his Daddy were watching a crop duster cross the fields, doing its work to fertilize the crops. They stared in wonder at the wonderful machine flying though the air. John Bailey loved the airplane he saw, and wondered…

A white man that was standing nearby John and his Daddy, looked at John and said “ You know, Jack, you can’t do that – they did a study a while back, and they proved that every time a colored man reaches a certain altitude in the sky – something happens inside of his head and he loses control.”

After the white man left, young John Bailey turned to his Daddy and said, “Daddy, is that true?”

His Daddy replied, “No, Bubba, he doesn’t know what he is talking about.”

Later that day, John Bailey’s father, a tractor driver with a third grade education, went into town and purchased a Life Magazine for his son, John. The magazine had an airplane on the front cover, and featured an article written about a white pilot who described a mission during World War 2. He and many fellow pilots were in a tough dog fight with many Germans, and suddenly he saw 12 or 13 more German

planes coming to attack them. He knew he was going to die – and started praying to God for help.

Suddenly out of the sky came a large contingent of American planes – when the pilot looked at the window of the plane that flew right up next to him, all he saw was dark skin, white teeth and a big thumbs up. What he was seeing was the Tuskegee Airmen – an all-black pilot group. The Tuskegee Airmen saved the day, shot down all the German planes, and saved the pilot’s life.

John Bailey, at the age of 8, wrote a poem that day, called Challenge. That poem, completed when he was in college at Embry-Riddle University earning his Bachelor’s degree, is now registered with the Library of Congress.

In 1970, when he was the only black pilot candidate on the bus, all of his other white classmates were sharing their life stories with each other – many of these men were sons of doctors, lawyers, commercial pilots and other professional men. As they described their stories, John stayed quiet. Then someone asked what John’s father did.

John Bailey replied “My father is deceased, but he was a tractor driver in Mississippi.”

A man asked him “How does the son

of a tractor driver get on the bus with all of us?:”

John’s friend BJ, a friend to this day, looked at John and said. “That says A LOT about YOU, Jack Bailey.”

General John Bailey, will retire from this place so he can spend time with his grandchildren and travel the world with his wife, Ruth.

In 1984 John Bailey came to Clear Creek High School. At that time, there were 72 ROTC cadets at Clear Creek High School and 35 cadets at Clear Lake High School – a total of 107.

John Bailey led the charge and soon developed ROTC programs for all three High Schools in CCISD, and has developed the program that will begin at Clear Springs this fall. Currently there are over 400 student cadets in the CCISD ROTC Program. As the Director of Military Science for CCISD, General Bailey oversees all programs. He also developed a Junior High Leadership program that exists at all our district Intermediate Schools, and many other campuses in many different states.

He always tells his students, “You can do whatever you want to do – if you put your mind to it.”

General Bailey has modeled life-long learning and has been the greatest

positive role model that the students of Clear Creek High School could ever have. He exemplifies character and service to his country and to our field of education.

Challenge

To fly an airplane is my goalI’m not smart enough I’ve been toldBrains and guts are what I lackMainly because my face is black

I asked my father if this was trueHe said I wouldn’t worry if I were youJust set your goals and set them highAnd let them lift you to the sky

Next time my father went to townA book about airmen, somehow he foundIt told of men, some black, some fairWho met their glory in the air.

I read through tearsAs chills raced by back…My God, I smiled…These pilots are black.

By John H. Bailey, II (written when he was 8 years old)

12 Features

Clear Creek HiLife

Restaurant review: Texas Roadhouse

Reasons behind the recent pit bull attackshaley rush

The pit bull: friend or killer? Many people ask this question due to the recent injuries and deaths caused by pit bulls. This just goes to show, in some cases, a dog is not always a man’s best friend.

Every time a dog attacks a human the dog is always the one to blame. Stop and think that the dog’s owner could be the problem.

When people want guard dogs for their home, their first instinct is a pit bull because of its protective reputation. Dogs are not magically made to be killers, they are trained. The pit bull doesn’t have better odds of attacking a person then any other dog. In fact, based on temperament testing, statistics show these dogs to be calm and stable.

Every large breed of dog, and even some small breeds, has been involved in attacks on humans, so banning the pit bull is not the answer. There is no way to predict an attack from a dog based on the breed, but most dog attacks have

very clear trends.If a dog is poorly bred, the possibility

of it attacking is more likely than a dog with a known pedigree. When people buy

a new dog, they should always know where the dog came from, and if the mother had any birth problems when delivering the puppy. People should take a real close look

at the way the dog interacts with the people around it. If the dog is timid, or does not interact with the family, the dog is not family material. The most important point is when a dog is poorly bred, it does not act the way it should and that could cause a random attack.

Many owners do not give the proper attention to their dog and it hurts the dog a lot more than people might think. When a dog is neglected, it does not become comfortable around humans. Also, when the dog does not come in contact with humans,it is not very trusting of people. A very common thing people do is put their dogs on chains. Chaining dogs

needs to be banned because it makes the dog feel isolated and more eager to attack, and several states have done this already.

It seems like more and more dogs are appearing on the streets each day. The more animals not neutered or spayed, the easier it is for dogs to breed with other dogs. Vets need to make it easier for dogs to be neutered, because some people do not only because they can not afford it, but there are places like SNAP that do it more cheaply.

Training a dog should always be a top priority. An untrained dog does not know the difference from right and wrong. They most certainly do not have discipline and feel free to do as they please. Dogs that are trained are less likely to attack a human because they respect the human and know the human is the boss.

People need to stop looking for reasons why the pit bull is not safe and start addressing the humans behind the behavior of dangerous dogs. Banning the pit bull is not the answer and pit bulls are not the problem.

Photo by www.realpitbull.com

Texan cuisine and a Texan attitude is what guests find at Texas Roadhouse. The restaurant is located off the Gulf Freeway in front of the Wal-Mart in Friendswood and brings the “true” Texan out in everybody who walks through the door.

When guests enter the restaurant they are greeted by a clown that makes balloon animals for tips. Guests are asked by the hostess to sit in the waiting area until their table is ready. The waiting area is a hallway with benches and a TV to keep the customers entertained. However, the waiters are always active and there is never a long wait.

When seated, delicious rolls and a bucket of peanuts are brought immediately to guests, along with homemade cinnamon butter. It is tradition to throw the empty peanut shells on the floor. The moment guests are seated, the waiter is there to take drink and appetizer orders. The appetizers range from buffalo wings to cheese fries to red chili.

For the guests trying to eat healthy, there are different kinds of salads served with fresh baked bread and dressing.

The salads have a multitude of different toppings including grilled chicken, tomato, eggs, and cheddar cheese, depending on which kind of salad is selected.

Since this is a steak house, there are fresh, hand- cut steaks. Texas Roadhouse has all kinds of steaks such as USDA choice sirloin, rib eye, kebob, prime ribs and more. These meals come with a choice of two side dishes like mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, chili, caesar salad, steak fries, fresh vegetables, etc.

Chicken is another specialty of Texas Roadhouse. Dishes like smothered chicken, oven roasted chicken, chicken critters, and grilled BBQ chicken are just a few choices. Other entrees include the smokehouse burgers and grilled pork chops. For the children there are kids meals and Ranger Meals.

An authentic trademark of Texas Roadhouse is Willie’s Corner. This is a corner of

the restaurant full of Willie Nelson memorabilia. Customers can sit in a booth beside the corner so they feel like they are dining with Willie. There are decorative

alBerT nkansah

deer heads, and other Southern decorations all over the restaurant to contribute to the Texas atmosphere.

The most authentic and noticeable decoration in the environment is the jukebox in the front of the restaurant. The jukebox only plays country music, and guests may choose the songs that play throughout the restaurant.

There are three big screen TVs located in front of the bar, each showing a different sports game. Roadhouse knows which games are important and shows the “big” games to keep customers content.

At the Texas Roadhouse, the waiters are relaxed, joyful, and outgoing. They are ready to respond to the customers every request. For more information about Texas Roadhouse, visit their website at www.texasroadhouse.com

Photo by www.texasroadhouse.com/restaurant/124

13

Clear Creek HiLife

FeaturesOprah’s audience makes a difference

Tori Wycoff

In October, Oprah surprised her audience with a innovative idea. She called it her “Kindness Challenge” and she gave each person a $1000 gift card from Bank of America. She also let them each borrow a DVD HandyCam to capture what they did. She gave them a week to go out in their communities and spread kindness in any way they could. They had to report back to her what they did, and then on Monday, November 27, Oprah had her follow-up show to learn what the audience had done.

Many people had simply handed out the money or given gift cards. But some people went above and beyond and really made a difference.

Minnie Schiedt of Centrailia. Illinois raised over $70,000 for the Newcomb family who has a brain tumor, with a scholarship donated for the family’s oldest son.

Megan O’Gourman purchased four tickets from GO! Airlines for families in Hawaii to visit their children in a cancer hospital on another island. When the airline heard what she was doing, they donated 40 more tickets for her cause.

Abbie Silverman and her mother, Claudette, wanted to donate shoes to the school in Pittsburgh where Abbie works. Merrell shoes ended up donating all 425 pairs of shoes and the mother-daughter pair went on to use the money to organize a walk-a-thon for a local children’s hospital. With the kids help, they ended up raising $63,000.

Kassie Osboure and Kristy O’Connor wanted to help a women’s shelter in Atlanta so they got help from Home Depot, Target, Pottery Barn, IKEA and Kroger and they raised over $200,000.

Heather Kallahan, who was stabbed

when she was younger, wanted to help a woman who had been shot at point blank range by her boyfriend. Heather added to the money from Oprah out of her personal savings and gave Martha, the victim, $2,600.

Four women pooled their money to give a deserving mother of four a car to get her to and from work so she no longer had to ride the public transportation.

Nicole Seitz of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina furnished a single mother’s apartment and helped to get her a scholarship to complete high school.

A man from Mississippi donated shoes to a junior high boy’s basketball team that had lost everything during Hurricane Katrina. The boys were scared at first when the principal called them to the gym, but the surprise they received was amazing to witness on the home video.

One woman heard about a 68-year old man going back to school since he had missed out on his education. He is reading on a first grade level and she donated a box of books to help him succeed in learning how to read.

At the end of the show, Oprah had all of the audience members give themselves a round of applause. Oprah remarked that this was her favorite giveaway ever, and she said to the audience, “I think what you all did was a miracle; what the world needs today is a few miracles.”

Oprah usually does a yearly giveaway show where she gives every member of her audience all of her “favorite things,” but this task was a giveaway that the entire nation benefited from and it showed that there is still compassion in a world where it is sometimes hard to find.

Clear Lake Area Ski Club hosts the exclusive screening of Warren Miller’s 2006 “Off the Grid”

“The largest action sports film on the planet”, the deepest snow, the steepest mountains and the world’s gnarlist snowball fight” presented in high definition. The proceeds from this screening will benefit the Sunshine Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer.

Place: Space Center Houston Theater, Nasa Parkway, Houston

Date: Friday, January 19, 2007Time: Doors open 6 PM, Film starts

at 7:30 PMPrice: $10.00 at the door or by calling

Sunshine Kids Organization at (713)524-1264

More Info: www.clasc.org

On November 24, 2006, the alarm clocks of millions of Americans went off early in the morning, before the sun even began to shine through their windows. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, was the reason that many people got up as early as 3 o’clock all in the name of one thing, shopping.

The term “Black Friday” comes from the profits that each store makes. The profits are shown on lists in black, thus giving the day its name. Stores such as Target, Best Buy, Wal-mart, and many others had sales that brought hundreds and even thousands to their doors. At some stores, like Best Buy, people began camping out the day before, waiting to get in. Other people, who were not as ambitious, just waited until the day arrived.

“I loved it,” said Jordan McAfee, a CCHS student who participated in the shopping flurry. “I went to Target, and it was really crowded” she said. Stores like

Target, and those in the Baybrook Mall had an especially busy day. Andrew Benjamin, another student, made his way into the Foot Locker at Baybrook Mall, with only one ambition, to come out with a new pair of shoes. Natasha Peters, another student went to Baybrook Mall for another reason,

which she said was “For their clothes sales, they were really good.”

Not only had students taken advantage of the shopping bargains on Black Friday, but teachers had as well. Mrs. Mill who

teaches French at the high school said “It was crazy, and it was really early in the morning, but we had a lot of fun, it’s like a tradition for all of the ladies of the [my] family to go shopping.” Some other teachers went shopping, but weren’t up to taking on the Black Friday rush. Mrs. Dalpe, Biology teacher, said, “We [my family] waited until Saturday night and it wasn’t bad. It was fun to be with the family.

On this day though, hectic things can happen. “I hate the day after Thanksgiving” said Samantha Stachowiak, a Creek student. “The day after Thanksgiving means crowds everywhere you go.” Many felt the pressure of the early hours and heavy spending. The crowded aisles and long checkout lines brought about stress in many people. Many waited for hours on end.

Despite many bargains, some people avoided stores on Black Friday. “I didn’t even know you were supposed to go

Bargain shoppers venture out on Black Fridaychinedu onochie

shopping,” said Mark Sarmeinto. Many others did not go either, and chose not to take advantage of early bird specials and sales. They spent time at home with family, did other activities, and disregarded the shopping. Like Sarmeinto, it did not appeal to them. No matter what anyone did, all of the stores received a hefty income. Marina Shanhat, who has a brother that works at Best Buy said “My brother told me that Best Buy made about a million dollars in sales in sales on Black Friday alone,” and that’s not counting the other days of the weekend that the store had sales. As income shows, that is a lot of people buying for the holidays, and before the rush is over, bargains and values are going to get even better for all of the shoppers out there.

Photo by www.unitedstreaming.com

14 portsS

Clear Creek HiLife

Football says goodbye to another seasonsarah poore

Photo by Sarah Poore

Coach Randall: a new coach for a new seasonalBerT nkansah

The Wildcats crushed the Alvin Yellow Jackets 39-8, a score that would leave them motivated for their last District game against Galveston Ball. Although the outcome of the final game wouldn’t affect their chance at playoffs, it would determine how Creek was positioned in the District rankings.

The Golden Tornadoes came into the game with an impressive season, claiming six wins and only three loses. Late in the first quarter, Ball put the first points on the scoreboard as well as in the second quarter when they managed to score an 85-yard touchdown. Creek then gained 7 points of their own thanks to Neal Warden’s touchdown. Wildcat fans hoped this was the start of a turn around in the game’s direction, but the Tornadoes moved ahead with the final touchdown scored. The night ended with Galveston Ball as the victor,

wining 21-7.Creek headed to playoffs even though

they lost, hoping to surpass last years two game run. The game was set against the Hightower Hurricanes, who were entering District with season record of 7-3. The Wildcats geared up for what they hoped would be another win. The game began with a scoreless first quarter, but Hightower started the second quarter with a bang, scoring a touchdown in the first minute and another one later in the quarter. Creek followed with their own 25-yard

touchdown. Jereme Brooks ran the ball off Neal Warden’s pass and Andy Collin’s kick for the extra point. As the quarter came down to its final moments, Hightower pulled off another touchdown with only 37

seconds remaining. This led the two teams into another scoreless quarter, keeping 7-20 as the score at the close of the third quarter. The Wildcats kept fighting, managing to prevent the Hurricanes from gaining any more points, and scoring in the fourth. The 40-yard score was completed by Jereme Brooks’ run, Neal Warden’s pass, and Andy Collins’ kick.

The game ended with the Wildcats losing 14-20. The 2006 season was over for the varsity boys, and although it didn’t end as well as they hoped, it was a season to be proud of. Creek worked hard and provided Wildcat fans with many exciting Friday nights. Creek is already preparing for next year, working toward another great season.

Photo by Sarah Poore

When people think about Clear Creek basketball, they think about success and the phenomenal season Creek has had in the past years. Great coaching also comes to mind.

For the past two decades, Coach Buddy Carlisle has graced our presence. Now that he has retired, the question is Can the new basketball coach continue the winning tradition. Our field house is named after Creek’s first basketball coach, George B. Carlisle. His son, Buddy Carlisle, retired last year with over 300 victories. Now, the players, faculty, and students have to turn to a new name-Randall.

Coach Danny Randall is the new head coach for Clear Creek basketball In his 6’7” exterior, Randall is a person who wants to carry on the winning tradition. “The tradition is one of the reasons I came to Creek,” said Coach Randall. He would like to have just as much success as the Carlisle’s but would like to do it his way. With the help of players like Ian Davis, Logan Lancon, and Corey Caskey, it looks as though he will achieve those victories with ease.

Daniel Randall started his basketball career as a one of the key players for Rockdale High School and helped his school win 90 games. He later went on to win All-Conference honors for Temple University and Texas Lutheran University and played in Europe for a year. When he decided to coach, he started out as a graduate assistant for TLU for 3 years. After that, he went to coach at Rosebud High for eight years, Bastrop High for nine years, and Sante Fe High for three years. With such an impressive coaching past, Randall should have a long stay here at Creek.

He has his first game under his belt.The Wildcats were able to pull out a 60-59 close win over Friendswood. However, he has his first non- conference loss as Creek lost to the experienced and challenging Smiley team, 75-48. After the disappointing loss, Creek played an emotional game against Deer Park.

Coach George Carlisle is a coaching

legend at Creek, who started a Wildcat basketball tradition. Two of his sons decided to follow in his footsteps. The older son, Buddy, decided to continue the family business and coach at Clear Creek, but the younger son, Billy, ended up coaching at Deer Park, thus sparking a brother vs.

brother rivalry.Last February, the rivalry ended

when Billy Carlisle passed away due to heart failure, and Buddy Carlisle coached his last game. Now, Clear Creek’s Coach Randall and Deer Park’s Coach Means are in charge of these two teams and hope to have just as much success as the Carlisles.

Ian Davis led the Wildcats with 22 points, five rebounds, five steals, and four blocks, as Creek beat Deer Park 62-38.

It was a great win for Creek, but once again, they had to regroup quickly. This time it was to get ready for the CCISD tournament. The 16- team tournament is one of the more prestigious tournaments in the area, and Creek tried to pull out a championship on Clear Lake’s newly designed gymnasium.

It was raining three-pointers in the first round game against Woodlands College Park, as Creek made seven threes enroute to a 64- 46 win. Morgan Veil helped the

team with 18 points, his season high. Creek was eager to shoot lights out against College Park ’s zone defense.

Despite Creek’s big win in the first round, they could not find an answer for La Porte’s postproduction. La Porte took a commanding first quarter lead and

the Wildcats were never able to bounce back, as La Porte won 57-35. The double elimination format of the tournament gave the Wildcats another opportunity to redeem themselves, as they earned a chance to shut down their archrival, Clear Brook.

Creek tried to keep it close early, but

Brook pulled away in the second quarter. Corey Caskey was able to put up 16 points but Creek could not regain the lead, losing 59-41.

Creek guys are not the only ones hitting the court. Girls’ basketball has had their share of winning and losing. The girls started the season right,, with a 50-29 win over Deer Park. Kourtnee Pevehouse contributed 16 out of the 50 points. The girls proved to be successful as they took care of business against Madison (65-58), Angleton (45-36) and Cypress Creek (51-45). However, the Lady Cats hit their first speed bump against Eisenhower. Creek could not stop Eisenhower in the first half as they lost 48-31.

Creek had a very close game against Aleif Hastings. The Lady Wildcats outscored Hastings in the second and fourth quarter, however, they were not able to score in the third quarter which cost them the game, losing 38-34. After the two losses on the road, the girls were happy to be home to play Baytown Sterling. The Creek girls were able to beat Sterling by more than double their points (53-25).

With the boys’ 6-5 record and the girls’ 7-4 record, Creek basketball is off to a phenomenal start that, hopefully, will continue for the rest of the season.

15

Clear Creek HiLife

Athlete of the Month

portsS

alBerT nkansah alBerT nkansah

Wrestling joins the CCISD athletic progam

sarah poore

Photo by Andy Holcomb. Chance Lambert tied up with an opponent from Mayde Creek

A new sport is hitting the mats this year at schools across the district. The girls and guys of Creek’s wrestling team are making history this season as the very first team at our school.

Wrestling is quickly gaining popularity among CCISD high schools. With over 50 students participating at Creek, it’s sure to be an eventful and exciting first season.

Texas is one of the only states in the nation that does not permit girls to wrestle against boys at meets. Separate teams are required for both genders. Creek has

complied with this, however, the two teams practice together. Practices are held from 3:30-6:00 every day, during which the athletes work on perfecting moves and conditioning for upcoming meets.

Coach Thompson, normally a football coach, is taking up a new roll and teaching wrestling this year, leading the teams into their rookie season with eager ambition and high hopes for the first year. Creek is glad to have such a passionate contribution to the teams.

The boys had their first meet at home, the first Saturday of Thanksgiving break. Three teams arrived at Creek ready to

compete with the other newcomers to the sport. Creek went home with a score of 2-1, beating La Marque and Klein Forrest, but losing to our rivals, the Clear Lake Falcons. The boys were pleased with this successful opening to the season.

“So far the season has gone pretty well, we have a really determined team. I just want our team to beat Lake next chance we get,” says senior Andy Holcomb.

Although the Creek girl’s wrestling team only has four members, it is one of the largest in the district. These Lady

Wildcats plan on leaving an impression as they make their way into the season.

They had their first meet at home as well and walked away with the same results as the boys, 2-1

This is an exciting time for Clear Creek athletics as it welcomes a new sport to the campus. The wrestling team has done a great job of upholding the Wildcat character and spirit and hopes to start a legacy of excellence in this primary season.

Kacie Baker Curtis DonahoeSwimming is an activity that many

people do in the summer or as an exercise to increase their endurance, but as the female player of December, Kacie Baker proves swimming can be more than just a hobby.

Kacie has been on the Varsity swimming team since her freshman year, and has been swimming since she was little. “I joined a summer league team when I was four and started swimming year-round at five,” Kacie said. “ My goal every year is to keep getting better and better at what I do.” So far Kacie has made this goal a reality, improving every year she swims.

Last year, the girls’ swimming team came second in district, and with Kacie graduating from Creek in 2009, hopefully in the next two years they can win district.

Even with all of her talent, Kacie knows that school comes first. “Yes, I want a swimming scholarship and need to practice to get better, but no college would love to give you a scholarship if you have poor grades,” she said.

Kacie is the reigning district champion in the 100-meter breaststroke, and she hopes to keep this title and take first at regionals. Kacie also plans to swim and swim well all the way through college. “I plan to swim at least through college and maybe here and there on the side as I grow older,” she said.

As Kacie continues to do what she does best, its seems that our player of December will have a colorful swimming career throughout her life.

Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, and Tiger Woods are some of the best golfers in the world today, but one of the best golfers at Creek right now is Curtis Donahue, male player of December.

Curtis has been golfing for most of his life, and the more he plays, the better he gets . “I play seven times a week,” said Donahue. The lowest score for Curtis is 70, which in two under par. He plays golf all the time at any local golf course, but mostly at South Shore Harbour’s course. Curtis spent at least one day this summer raising money for the Clear Creek Education Foundation at their first annual golf tournament.

Not many freshman get letter jackets, but last year Curtis was one of the few that made a Varsity team.

Curtis said, “Blake [Wilson], John [Becker], and I compete all the time to see who can get the lower scores.” Curtis plans to be a better golfer, and says he will always play golf. “I am decent, but could be better.” Curtis is hoping to help continue Creek golf’s five district championship streak. “I am hoping this year we can actually win regionals,” said Curtis.

“I fully support Curtis’ participation in golf. Golf is a game for life. It teaches integrity and honesty and it promotes self disipline by having to set your own goals. He works very hard and hopes to play Division 1 college golf,” said Kathy Donahoe, Curtis’ mom, who is filling in for Mrs. Barnett

With the success of last year and the success he hopes to have in the future, the scores should continue to drop for our player of December.

Photo by Albert Nkansah Photo by Albert Nkansah

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