Cheerleaders2012-2013

Avery Birdwell

Brooke BrAdshAw

lindsey Burr

kAtherine Cokinos ellie hopper CAsey klein

leslie lugrin MAggie pipkin

Allyson poujol pAtriCiA rotAn

lizzie russo sArAh skolnik

kAtie ustik

CArinA wolk

george gAllowAy MArC luCrezi ty MCgowen ethAn pAtt

tyler sAle BoBBy stevenson tyler thiBodeAux

justin wAlker

MAsCots: AMy douthit joshuA BAird

In the midst of controversy, the varsity cheerleading team will have separate squads next year.

The red squad will be a co-ed team comprised of nine girls and eight boys. The white squad will consist of five girls.

Nine girls and two boys were voted on to the cheer squad by the student body, judges and teachers. Each year, cheerleader candidates tryout in front of the student body, the election accounting for one-third of the tryout process. The other two-thirds is based on teacher recommendations and a process decided upon by official cheer judges from the National Cheerleading Association. The major motivation for the second tryout is the fact that only two males tried out. This called for a second tryout in which both boys and girls had the opportunity to make the team, without student body votes. “Anytime we have the oppertunity

to advantage students, I see it as a win-win,” Principal Bill Lakin said. “In this case providing a fair and equal oppertunity to both boys and girls was important to the process.” Candidates who had previously tried out in front of the student body were allowed to tryout again. “I thought the policy was fair and necessary because the cheer team needed to have more boy cheerleaders

for there to be the same number of boys as girls,” junior Bobby Stevenson said. The second set of tryouts consisted of learning a cheer and a dance routine and performing them in front of judges from the NCA . Lakin and Cheer Sponsor Callie Holland were also present for the re-tryouts. “The guys have no hard feelings towards each other, and we are glad to be on the team together,”

junior Ty McGowen said. The two squads will follow the same constitution and be held to the same standards. They will both participate at all varsity football games but cheer at different spots on the sideline. “In the end there are still some things that need to be worked out, but hopes are we can all work it out and have a fantastic squad next year,” Carine Wolk said.

www.memorialanvil.com VOLUME 50 • ISSUE 8MAY 2012

ANVILThe 50 Years of Coverage

Varsity Cheer splits into two squads

see SEO, page 5 see GYPSY, page 5STORY ON PAGE 8

Go Mustangs! Cheer candidates show their spirit during the all-school tryout on March 9. Next year’s team will be split into a red squad and a white squad.

By Hannah VergultOpinions Editor

Senior Issue - Section 2

The Annual Talent Show took place on April 27 in Memo-rial’s Auditorium. With 11 dif-

ferent acts, the show drew a variety of performers, ranging from vocal-ists to dancers.

“I decided to sign up for two reasons,” junior Mary Beth Schatzman said. “The first reason was that I participated in it last year and really enjoyed it. The second reason is that I love performing and singing for people. It’s something that I’ve always really enjoyed.”

While some participants were new to the show, others have performed in past years.

“I had a lot of fun doing it freshman and sophomore year, so I decided to sing again this year,” junior Katie Dundas said.

Prior to performing in front of the student body, auditions were held for hopeful participants.

“I set myself up in Mr. McCardle’s room, and I gave the judges a copy of the lyrics for the song I was going to perform,” Schatzman said. “I had been so anxious all day, so by the time I began the song I was full

of adrenaline. Before I knew it, I finished the song and my audition was over.”

Once the contestants were selected, they spent their spare time prepping for their acts.

“Carter Smith, Aaron Sunstrum, Kyle Dobbins, and I started preparing for our dance two weeks before the talent show,” senior Austin Pipkin said. “Some days we worked up to four hours.”

Although nerves typically accompany performing in front of an audience, performers were able to set that aside to enjoy the show.

“I felt nervous at first, but after the show I was pumped,” junior Aaron Sunstrum said.

The adrenaline rush helped to ease the nerves of the contestants as they summoned the strength to perform.

“All the things I had worried about like forgetting the words, messing up the piano chords, and tripping onstage didn’t happen, and I was very proud of my performance,” Schatzman said.

“I was happy to see all of my friends and family who came to support me, too; it meant so much to me that they could be there.”

A panel of five students and two

teachers presided over the show to select three performances to place.

“When choosing a winner, I looked for someone who was confident, well prepared and pleased the crowd,” junior judge Jenni Jenkins said.

After all of the performances, the judges chose dancers Cart Fart and Lil’ Sunny D vs. the Goon Squad for first place, singer Katie Dundas for second place, and singer Ayesha Mirza for third place.

The winning group was comprised of seniors Carter Smith, Kyle Dobbins and Austin Pipkin and junior Aaron Sunstrum.

“Once we found out we won, we felt accomplished and overly satisfied,” Pipkin said.

“All of our hard work paid off and we did what we set our sights on from the beginning.”

All in all, the show was a success as the contestants and audience members enjoyed the acts.

“I really liked going to the talent show this year because I was amazed at the variety of talent in our student body,” junior Claire Rottino said.

“It was cool to see people’s surprising talents and the courage they have to perform them in front of their peers.”

Memorial’s Got TalentBy Lindsey Taylor

Reporter

dance troupe takes top spot in talent showcase

NEWS...1-5 SPORTS...5-7 PHOTO ESSAY...11 SENIOR ISSUE...Section 2

MAYNEWSTHE ANVIL2

3NEWSTHE ANVILMAY

The National Honor Society inducted its largest class ever at Memorial on April 23 with 182 students. In order to qualify for member-ship, students must have both good grades and good conduct. “I applied to be in NHS because it is such a high honor, and I have worked very hard to achieve it,” junior Molly Neyland said. Blair Heitkamp, both the NHS sponsor and a teacher at Memori-al, has watched the organization's continuing growth. “Every year we induct more and more kids because the classes keep getting bigger,” Heitkamp said. At the induction, students' names are called out as they walk across the stage and shake the hands of their principals and a few teachers. “Induction was like a mini graduation ceremony because of the large number of inductees,” junior Timothy Davis said. Membership in the organization rewards students for all their hard work and gives them an opportunity to take part in community service and rep-resent their school. “From being in NHS, I hope to learn about leadership and service and how to be a part of my community,” junior Lindsey McDonald said. Having sponsored NHS for the past eight years, Heitkamp admires the hard work demonstrated by its members. “I like the opportunity to work with really awesome kids that have set it as their goal to get in,” Heitkamp said. “It's nice being able to help them achieve that.”

NHS InductionsBy Alex Seekely

Reporter

Center Stage: After her name was announced, junior Taylor Philips walks across the stage to shake the hand of Principal Lakin. “The induction made us feel really honored,” Philips said. Photo courtesy of Emily Carter.

Anvil wins 19 UIL awardsIn the UIL Journalism competition, the MHS student newspaper won an Award of Distinguished Merit, which places the paper in the top 10 percent of student papers in the state. On top of that, the staff won 19 individual awards. Individual winners are below.

GOLD MEDALS (1st Place)Page One Design: Carson WhiteFeature/Entertainment Page Design: Callie CarsonSports Feature Photo: Patricia Rotan SILVER MEDALS (2nd Place)Sports Column: Emma MattsonSports Page Design: Kirby Smith BRONZE MEDALS (3rd Place)Student Art: Jennifer FanPage One Design: Carson WhitePhoto Captions: Kelsey Smith, Carson White, Emily SnowSports Action Story: David Nosrat HONORABLE MENTION:Sports Column: Kirby SmithStudent Art: Jennifer FanComputer Art: Kelsey SmithFeature/Entertainment Page Design: Adam MrlikFeature Photo: Kimberly LandaSports Feature Photo: Bailey TsuruPortrait: Avery BirdwellNews Feature Story: Kirby SmithSports Feature Story: Emmalee BergezPhoto Story: Bailey Tsuru, Lindsey Limbaugh, Kimberly Landa, Patricia Rotan, Avery Birdwell

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By Callie Phillips

Reporter

Training intensely, competing in playoffs and defeating more than 20 teams has made the Mustang Varsity baseball team very busy this season, but somehow they have managed to fit a charity project into their strenuous schedule. This year, the team of 22 boys adopted Operation Independence, an organization that runs nationwide care package drives for soldiers overseas. Although the team has been involved with the charity in the past, this was the first year that Operation Independence led their packaging efforts. “They were very helpful in working with us and they had experience working with baseball groups, as they work with the Houston Baptist baseball team,” head coach Jeremy York said. The decision to contribute to this charity was an easy one, as the armed forces are near and dear to many of the

players’ hearts. “With some teammates having brothers serving or who plan on serving themselves, this charity seemed like a pretty good choice to team up with,” senior Sean Duffey said. On April 24, the Mustangs

packed enough boxes to reach approximately 1,500 soldiers currently serving our country. “York and the kids did a great job on the whole project,” assistant coach Brian Jasek said. In addition to making care

packages, which were stuffed with supplies ranging from snacks to toiletries, the team dedicated a game to the cause when they played The Woodlands on April 14. The boys wore camouflage baseball caps as a tribute to

service men and women. They also honored all veterans and those currently enrolled in the military by inviting them to the middle of the field for the National Anthem. By the end of the song, the Mustangs were ready to resume playing. In the game, the Mustangs defeated eventual 14-5A champion and state-ranked The Woodlands, 8-3. “The team looked proud to play for their country,” junior Claire Rottino said. “I think that might be why they did so well.” Donating their time and energy to packaging the boxes and playing baseball will benefit countless men and women, but some players feel that they have been helped as well. “This event really helped us come together,” sophomore Will Sikora said. ”We were participating in some thing that matters more than a baseball game.” The Mustangs play Cy-Woods this weekend in the second round of the playoffs.

Clad in camo. The MHS Varsity baseball team poses in camoflage hats before thier big game agianst The Woodlands, during which they honored the armed forces. The Mustangs defeated the Highlanders 8-3 . “This project was the least we could do since the armed forces give us the opportunity to play baseball every day,” senior Sean Duffey said. The team continues their season in the second round of the state playoffs this weekend against Cy-Woods.

Baseball teams up with Operation Independence Varsity team organizes care packages, dedicate The Woodlands game to United States Military

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7NEWSTHE ANVILMAY

With impressive performances at State, the Varsity tennis qualifiers finished in triumph, with Grant Reichman and William Jou coming in as state finalists and Katie Davis and Stefan Lemire as state semi finalists.

“These kids gave it their all,” varsity tennis coach Budd Booth said. “Only eight teams qualify for the state tournament, so it’s really an honor just to qualify.”

Playing doubles, the teams must work together and use each other’s skills to better face their opponet in hopes of a win.

“ I wouldn’t have been able to make it as far as I did without my partner Stefan always encouraging me and keeping me positive,” Katie Davis said.

On April17-18, Grant Reichman and Wiliam Jou, alongside teammates Katie Davis and Stefan Lemire became regional boys doubles champions and regional mixed doubles champions, in which both teams qualified for the State Tournament in Austin, on April 30-31.

“The regional championship was a crucial win for both

teams,” Booth said. “Winning the championship

match at regionals was extremely important to how we were placed in the draw at

the state tournament.” Reichman and Jou lost to

the Johnson brothers from New Braunfels in a nail biting match in the state finals. Jou

and Reichman came down to four intense match points. However, the final score ended with 6-3, 5-7, 5-7.

“Because we won regionals,

our placement in the draw set us up to play the Johnson brothers from New Braunfels in the finals rather than in the semi finals,” junior Reichman said.

“This placement allowed us to advance as far as we did at the state tournament.”

Mixed doubles team Davis and Lemire lost in the state mixed doubles semifinals to San Antonio Churchill, 2-6, 0-6.

“I think we are really lucky to be competing with such great teams,” Davis said.

To cheer them on, fellow members of the tennis team close to the players took off school to support their peers in the tournament.

“It was such an exciting and awesome experience to see fellow classmates participate at such a high level,” junior Molly Neyland said.

Coming home with silver and bronze medals, Memorial returns in high hopes of doing even better next season.

“ Of course we went to the state tournament in hopes of winning, but I couldn’t be prouder of these players. Having two teams rank number two and three in state is much more than I could’ve asked for,” Booth said.

Tennis team earns state honorsBy Sophie Macicek

Reporter

Regionals To State: After winning regional championships, juniors William Jou, Katie Davis, Grant Reichman and senior Stefan Lemire pose for a celebratory picture.

The annual Running for the Arts, founded by Spring Branch ISD to help students unable able to experience the arts in schools, took place April 28. All proceeds go to the SBISD ARTS Partner’s Program, which aids the arts in SBISD schools, and Health Fitness Programs.Those who

participated arrived at Memorial City Mall in the morning to prepare themselves for the upcoming runs and walks. There were three events available for participants to take part in, which included the 5K run around the mall, the 5k walk, and the kid’s K. For those who were not awake for the event and preferred to sleep in on the Saturday of the event, there is a Saturday Sleep-In Sponsor option, which included a contribution of $70. These contributions to

the Saturday Sleep-In go directly to funding for first through eighth grade field trips. This year also

included a new adaptation of allowing student runners to recruit friends and family to the cause as well, bringing in additional runners and funding. The organization

hoped to have at least 2012 runners participate this year, across all events. The running and

walking events take place in Memorial City Mall, which is a popular spot for in-door walking and exercising. The mall was voted a Best Mall-Walking place by the Houston Press in 2000. Contestants that

participated in the competitive 5K run arrived at 8 a.m. outside of JC Penny on April 28, while other walkers arrived at different points during the day. Winners in their

division were given awards for their placements. After the races, those who ran and walked participated in the celebratory activities afterward including music, activities for children and a party for the runners. The event was

run by the Spring Branch Education Foundation, which relegates funds to aid with better education of students in Spring Branch. The main organizer of the event was Cecilia Thompson, the Executive Director of the Spring Branch Education Foundation. The Running for

the Arts fundraiser raised a large amount of money this year and had a successful season with many adult runners and walkers and children participating as well. The fundraiser had its 20th year this year and hopes to continue to grow as the years go on.

By Abigail GodfreyNews Editor

RFA raises money for schoolsAP Exam Schedule Week I

Monday, May 78 a.m. Chemistry, Environmental Science12 p.m. PsychologyTuesday, May 88 a.m. Computer Science A, Spanish Language12 p.m. Art HistoryWednesday, May 98 a.m. Calculus AB, Calculus BC12 p.m. Chinese Language and CultureThursday, May 108 a.m. English Literature and Composition12 p.m. Japanese Language and Culture, Latin: VergilFriday, May 118 a.m. German Language and Culture, U.S. History12 p.m. European History

AP Exam Schedule Week IIMonday, May 148 a.m. Biology, Music Theory12 p.m. Physics B, Physics C: Mechanics2 p.m. Physics C: Electricity and MagnetismTuesday, May 158 a.m. U.S. Government and Politics12 p.m. Comparative Government and Politics, French Language and CultureWednesday, May 168 a.m. English Language and Composition12 p.m. StatisticsThursday, May 178 a.m. Macroeconomics, World History12 p.m. Microeconomics, Italian Language and CultureFriday, May 188 a.m. Human Geography, Spanish Literature

Davis, Jou, Lemire, Reichman advance, claim the number two and number three 5A state rankings

Photo courtsey of Lynn Davis

MAYNEWSTHE ANVIL8

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9NEWSTHE ANVILMAY

After nearly a year of preparations, the Memorial yearbook will be released on May 17. “We did some things this

year that we hope will re-sult in more kids being in the book,” yearbook teach-er Holly Hartman said. “I’m very proud of this year’s students, and I think this is going to be the best yearbook yet.”The publication of this

yearbook is particularly special, as this will be the 50th edition. “We are hoping this will

be one of the best Memo-rial yearbooks so far,” staff member and junior Claire Rottino said. Last week, the under-

classmen of the staff were assigned editor positions

for next year. Juniors Ellie Hopper and Holly Hepper will both act as Co-Editors in Chief. “I applied for the position

knowing it would be a time commitment and would re-quire me to think of R-206 as my second home, but honestly, I’m looking for-ward to it,” Hepper said. Already, the returning

staff members are making preparations for the 2012-2013 yearbook. “Holly and I work well

together so I’m excited to be obsessive compulsive with her next year,” Hop-per said. “I expect to be using many spreadsheets to stay organized, as well as requiring periodic dance parties at late nights be-cause the stress of year-book can really get to you sometimes.”Also making these crucial

decisions will be junior Grace Palmer, who is the

design editor for next year. “I’m excited to have a big

impact on the way the book looks,” Palmer said. Despite the long hours

and hard work that is re-quired of staff members, there will be 20 returners next year.“I love everything about

the program, even the ex-tra-long late nights,” junior Caroline Peck, who will be both a third-year staff member and Advertise-ment Editor next year, said.Though they are losing

some vital seniors next year, the new editors are qualified to get the job done.“I’m excited about the ed-

itorial staff for next year,” Hartman said. “We have a strong group

of juniors who will have the senior leadership posi-tions next year. I am con-fident that they will do a great job.”

Reata pick-ups approachingBy Alex Seekely

Reporter

Callie PhilipsReporter

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713‐781‐5548 www.drmizell.com 

E‐mail:  info@drmizell.com    

SPECIALIST IN ORTHODONTICS FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS 

      

Supporting  MUSTANG smiles! 

When can I pick up my yearbook?Yearbooks MUST BE PICKED UP DURING LUNCH on May 17 in the cafeteria.

How do I know if I ordered a yearbook?If you are unsure if you ordered a book, you can check the list hanging in the cafeteria or call 1-800-853-1337.

What if I’m not at school on May 17th?Books MUST be picked up by 3 p.m. on Monday, May 21 in R206, or they will be re-sold.

What if I still want to buy a yearbook?Extra books will be sold the afternoon of May 22 beginning at 3:05 p.m. in R206 for $70, cash only. Students can get in line at any time, but sales will not start until 3:05 p.m.

Yearbook Pick-UpGuidelines

50th Edition of MHS yearbook to be released May 17

The Anvil staff would like to congratulate all Memorial High School students and faculty for

the completion of the 2011-2012 school year, and wish everyone a

safe and fun summer break.

Great job, Mustangs!

10NEWSTHE ANVILMAY

Behind The Lens:A Closer Look By Hannah Vergult

Reporter

Zoom In Each year, students ohh and ahh, turning the glossy pages of the yearbook. There are over 500 pages that range anywhere from discuss-ing the football team to debate to class portraits. Of course, an elemental part of the yearbook is the pictures, which cap-ture memories and mo-ments for safekeeping. An average day for a yearbook photographer includes taking, sort-ing, and editing pictures, largely comprised of full body and mug shots. These photographers are re-sponsible for attending various sporting events, club meetings, or plays. “An important aspect in photographing for the yearbook is being able to relate with a wide variety of people.” junior Timo-thy Davis said. “I am ex-posed to a range of peo-ple at events and sports, so I have to be able to make them comfortable and generate enthusiasm for the yearbook.” While some staff mem-bers have been involved with photography for six years, others have been involved around 18 months. However, each

photographer faces chal-lenges spanning from lighting to knowing the mechanics of a camera. “The hard part is cap-turing a picture in a unique way and adjusting the lighting,” junior Hay-ley Dunn said. Many staff members find yearbook rewarding and enjoy being an in-strumental component in the final product. “The best thing about contributing to the year-book is seeing my work published in such a pro-

fessional medium,” Davis said. “I also enjoy expe-riencing different facets of Memorial High School through a lens.” There are also hard-working teachers that have a significant role in the yearbook as well. “This year’s yearbook has better photography than we’ve ever had,” yearbook teacher Holly Hartman said. “We have extremely good talent on our staff.”

For any questions concern-ing the yearbook or becom-ing a staff member, refer to Ms. Hartman in room R206.

“I also enjoy experiencing different facets of Memorial High School through a lens.”

Hayley Dunn“I like how photography can capture a moment in time. The way each photo turns out and the chal-lenge of getting a good photo draws me to it.”

Timothy Davis“Photography involves a lot of planning. It’s not just picking up a camera and shooting. There are so many things to consid-er at the same time, but that’s exhilarating, and it’s great to see the final product.”

Erin Kreindler“As cliché as it sounds, a picture is worth a thou-sand words, and that saying is so true. You are able to capture such amazing and beautiful things with photogra-phy.”

framed

Frames have been used to show off our photos, paintings, and college diplomas. However frames can be used to capture live moments with real subjects.. Empty frames used as props in a photo shoot, allow the subject to entertain themselves while the photogrpher captures candid moments with ease. Weddings, baby showers, and party invitations galore have been framed and saved toreminisce upon old time. The nexttime you want to get rid of that old frame think twice about how you can use it in a photoinstead of it framing one.

Bailey Tsuru Bailey Tsuru

Bailey Tsuru

Bailey Tsuru

Bailey Tsuru

Bailey Tsuru

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