TH

ETORCHS e v e n L a k e S H i g H S c H o o L 9251 S. FRY RoaD kaTY, TX, 77494. 281.237.2865. voLUMe 7. iSSUe 4. DeceMBeR 2011.

2 // Christen Inman: 1000th career point5 // Coming Soon: Grease

8-9 // Tribute to Coach O’Keefe14 // Fall Exam Schedule

what’sI NSID

E

finalseDiTion

What is victorious? What is committed? What shows teamwork?

The answer to all of these is a strong basketball player of which christen inman11 is the epitome. inman has been playing on the varsity team since her freshman year, and recently achieved the great feat of 1,000 career points. The catch is that inman accomplished this in the first game of her junior year (versus cy-Ranch).

When asked how often a junior reaches this point, coach Spurlock said, “not very often; it’s rare.”

according to coach Spurlock, inman probably would have even reached that score during her sophomore year if it hadn’t been for sitting out of a few games due to injuries.

inman must not have known how close she was to her 1,000 career points the night she finally

achieved it because it was far from her focused mind.

“i was on the free throw line and after i hit my 1,000th point. The announcer made an announcement to everyone, and then i found out,” christen inman said, “i was really surprised.”

in part, some of her success is based on her natural ability and work ethic. inman has always been an elite player. Sydney Buchel11, varsity basketball player and close friend of inman, recalls being inman;s teammate since 7th grade.

“i’ve always played with her; it would be weird without her,” Buchel said.

But inman couldn’t possibly have gotten this far if it weren’t for her team.

“She’s definitely a big offense leader but all around everyone contributes,” Buchel said.

“Her teammates make her better

and she improves every day both in class and in basketball,” Spurlock said.

inman continues to strive and push herself to do greater each day she is on the court.

“I want to finish [2,000 points] by my senior year,” inman said.

She continues to be very goal oriented and plans to play in college. With an outstanding record like this, that’s no surprise. inman is dedicated, never ceasing to try her best for her team.

HOOP AFTER HOOP AFTER HOOP . . .Christen Inman scores her 1,000th career pointstephanieDEREFINKO // Junior Staff Writer

Jersey number: 24Height: 5’10”Favorite nBa Team: chicago BullsFavorite Player: Derrick RoseFavorite college Team: DukeFuture goals: Play in college and double major in Economics and Psychology

CHRISTEN INMAN

**AS OF DECEMBER 9th, INMAN HAS 1,329

CAREER POINTS.

nov. 8 W vs cy-Ranch 58-40nov. 11 W vs Travis 82-36nov. 15 W vs Jersey villagenov. 17 W vs Washington 75-10nov. 18 L vs Manvel 44-61nov. 18 W vs Dulles 62-33nov. 19 W vs austin 60-43nov. 19 L vs cy-Woods 45-50nov. 21 W vs kingwood 73-46nov. 26 W vs cy-Lakes 61-34nov. 28 W vs Spring 64-45Dec. 1 W vs cc carroll 59-36Dec. 2 L vs Hightower 27-36Dec. 2 W vs north Shore 55-52

Dec. 3 W vs Barbers Hill 53-46Dec. 3 W vs cinco Ranch 46-34Dec. 6 W vs katy 60-37coMing UPDec. 9 @cinco Ranch 7pmDec. 16 @channelview 7pmDec. 20 vs austin 1pmJan. 3 vs Morton Ranch 7pmJan. 6 @Mayde creek 7pmJan. 10 vs Memorial 7pmJan. 13 @Taylor 7pmJan. 17 @katy 7pmJan. 20 vs cinco Ranch 7pmJan. 27 @Morton Ranch 7pm

vaRSiTY giRLS BaSkeTBaLL ScoReS & ScHeDULe

NEWSDECEMBER 2011 3

For the first time since the school opened in 2005, Seven Lakes finished with a winning season in varsity football. also with this historic accomplishment, the Freshman A team finished as the district champions, beating katy and other rivals.

While the players’ should be recognized for their efforts, our beloved coach o’keefe also deserves major credit for his behind the scenes work.

coach o’keefe has been working as the Head Football coach and as the campus athletic coordinator for seven years. Parents, players, and staff have all appreciated o’keefe for his commitment to the sports programs.

at a coaches’ meeting on november 4th this year, o’keefe announced that he is retiring. He will be greatly missed and always remembered as the first Spartan coach. However, this retirement announcement brings about anticipation for Seven Lakes future. on november 17th, the position of campus athletic coordinator/Head Football coach was posted as open on the Texas High School coaches association website for members to see.

The steps to find the new coach will begin. “The job will be posted for 10 working days by

the Human Resources Department for katy iSD,” Principal vierling said. “coaches across the country will then have the opportunity to send in their resume.”

“We will have a first round paper screening of the applications, then a reduced number of

contenders will be invited for an

i n t e r v i e w, ” v i e r l i n g

s a i d . “ T h e

interview team consists of a katy iSD team, including Rusty Dowling, the district coordinator, a campus team representing Seven Lakes, and people from the katy iSD Human Resource Department.”

along with the football that starts in the spring, the new coach will be responsible for all sports. With Seven Lakes being a power school in the district, Vierling and his team are working hard to find the best man for the job.

“Because Coach O’Keefe has done a fantastic job with building up our team, we are really hoping to find someone who will keep the work going,” vierling said. “We are really going to do an exhaustive search and this job covers all the aspects of sports at Seven Lakes, so we want to find someone who fills the big shoes of coach o’keefe.”

The announcement of the new coach is hoping to be made by late January in order to get spring football rolling, but there is no actual date set.

Finding a new coach with as much dedication to our school as coach o’keefe will be a hard task, but Mr. Vierling and his team promise to find someone who we will admire also.

“We know everybody is anxious because leadership changes are difficult to handle,” Vierling said. “But rest assured, we will make the best decision for Seven Lakes.”

THE SEARCH BEGINSThe selection of new head football coach process revealeddaniWARDINSKY // Sophomore Staff Writer

THE COMPETITION OVER GRADESStudents fight to be in the top of their classdagnyHAMILTON // Junior Staff Writer

our teachers say that Seven Lakes is where the best of the best go to school; this is only too true. The competition is so extreme that students striving to rank in the top ten ofen sacrifice an extracurricular activity, such as band or a sport, so that their gPas are not affected and brought down by the 4.0 that these extracurriculars offer. To balance these courses, katy iSD offers the gPa exempt option and keep students in extracurriculars in their junior and/or senior years.

For some, such as swimmer Miles Mallinger11, the competition is not much of a factor. With a gPa

of 4.60, schoolwork comes easily to Mallinger. He is currently taking three advanced Placement (aP) classes and two PreaP classes. Some would call this a full class load, but Mallinger claims that he does not spend an overwhelming amount of time on schoolwork. “i spend 10 hours at the most on schoolwork each week,” Mallinger said.

Mallinger finds the competitive streak at work here to be primarily unavoidable. “There are so many people in our school that there is bound to be competition in sports and academics,” he said.

Band member and soccer player, kara Miller10,

maintains a GPA of 4.44 through her five PreAP courses. The competition is quite evident to Miller. “i spend probably 24 or more hours on schoolwork each week,” Miller said.

Miller sees this same tendency in extracurricular activities as well. She says that as most of the extracurricular activities “do very well at competition and in district play, it is still very competitive.”

But Miller finds the competition to be mostly beneficial. “A lot of people excel when they take AP classes. The intense competition can be stressful but i think it causes people to work harder,” Miller said.

5 5FEATURENOVEMBER2011 5FEATUREDECEMBER 2011 5

Just imagine: You already have your pink dress, over the top girly song, and your best bend and snap ready for auditions for Legally Blonde the Musical, set to be a week away. Then “PSYcH! We aren’t doing it anymore!” Well, the directors weren’t so discourteous about it, but the musical has been changed.

Theatre Under the Stars, a professional theatre where Seven Lakes’ very own Ragan Richardson12 and carley nunn12 have performed (also known as acT at TUTS) is planning on doing Legally Blonde the Musical next fall, they have backed the show from the beginning and have bought out the rights for the popular show. as a result, anyone within a hundred mile radius of downtown Houston is blocked from doing the show until September. Officials at TUTS insist they mean no harm by it, but in the cut-throat world of musical theatre you do not always get what you want.

“i was disappointed . . . it was my dream show,” Britney Skillman12 said.

Picture this: the Black Box is full of kids who are more excited for Legally Blonde than for the holidays are being told that it has fallen through. Mouths dropped and eyes burned. Many students alluded to the idea that you could literally feel the shock in the room and somehow the Black Box got a lot darker. once that dramatic (no surprise there) moment passed, the most important question was asked . . .”what musical are we doing...?”

At first Maggie Rodriquez, theatre director, teased the students before revealing that . . .gReaSe is the word! That is right!

Bring on the leather and T-Birds with a side of hopeless devotion and a little high school rebellion!

The show, written by Jim Jacobs and Warren casey follows the story of two high school seniors trying to rekindle their “summer lovin’” while keeping their reputations in check.

“Grease isn’t my favorite musical, but the dancing is a lot less brutal than Legally Blonde and i love the music, it is probably the most well known part of this musical, i mean it iS electrifying,” Danielle grisko10 said..

Legally Blonde would have been a sight to see but it certainly had its flaws. For instance, the number of people in the cast would have been hard

to fill. With Grease that is not the case, there are far fewer roles which are sure to be filled with the great talent of Studio vii.

according to Rodriguez, affectionately know as Mrs. Rod, there was a bit of concern about the costume and abundance of pink Legally Blonde would have called for.

“i was not very excited about the costumes for Legally Blonde, but for Grease the ideas are flowing. i can’t wait!” Mrs. Rod said.

The directors were not expecting this change in events, but have taken it well and helped the

students to see all the PoSiTive (Legally Blonde reference) aspects of this sticky situation. all three of the theatre directors are getting excited!

“There are more scenes in Grease, giving the students more work opportunities and experience,” Mr. Heerssen said.

Joshua Heerssen, the technical director, is sure to go all out with the set. His imagination paired with Mrs. Rod’s flair for fun and hilarious timing and charles Landgrebe’s (better known as chocs) awesome directing skills, will have Studio vii being “the one that you want” for your entertainment this February.

“knowing Mr. Heerssen, this set will take us back in time to the 50s,” Mel Leece10 said.

Some may be skeptical about the appropriateness of the show, but don’t worry: they will be doing the school version that pushes the limit without ever crossing the line, much like Danny does while trying to run track.

“i’m happy we are doing something less offensive that is risky but still appropriate. it is simple and has great music,” chocs, the director said.

Grease even holds a special place in our very own Mr. vierling’s heart: it was Mr. v’s senior year musical and his wife was even in the show!

“it is such a classic, fun show . . . i was all for Legally Blonde and i am all for Grease!” Mr. vierling says.

So it looks like all hands are on deck! The show is casted and pink ladies jackets are being sewn! So you better shape up Seven Lakes, cause the cast needs an audience, and their heart is set on you!

WHY IT’S GREASE LIGHTNINGUnexpected changes for Studio VII bring mixed feelingslakenRAY // Senior Staff Writer

&february 23-25 @ 7pmfebruary 25 @ 2pm

VISIT

www.studiovii7.comfor ticket prices, show details and box office

information in the coming months.

break a leg, STUDIO VII!

This Sikh holiday marks the birthday of its founder, guru nanak, and was celebrated on november 10. Devotees go to temples, or gurdwaras, and usually say a few prayers to honor his life. “We go every year to the gurdwara,” Shihaab Punia10 said. “You’re supposed to give back to the community so we give to charities like the Red cross.”

This holiday comes from Judaism and will be celebrated from December 21 to the 28 this year. it lasts for eight days and is sometimes called the Festival of Lights, since a candle is lit for day and left until the morning. “The story behind it is that the Jews only had enough oil for one night, but it lasted eight,” Peri Berman9 said. “We light candles every night and eat lotkas—potato pancakes. They’re delicious.”

FESTIVITIES ON GLOBAL SCALEHolidays around the worldkamiaRATHORE // Sophomore Staff Writer

HANUKKAH GURU NANAK DEV SAHIB’S BIRTHDAY

A GENUINE “HEART IN ART”Cancer survivor Samantha Loos-Polk wins award from Culture ShaperskatieBLAND // Junior Staff Writer

Surviving high school is tough enough for any regular student. Samantha Loos-Polk12 battled cancer and various other illnesses against all odds, not to mention the daily onslaught of classes and homework. now having completed her treatments, the Seven Lakes senior has been honored with the “Heart in art” award for overcoming adversity by the culture Shapers organization in Houston.

“it’s a very big, prestigious art contest that goes on in the city,” art teacher Madelene Buzan said.

according to the organization’s website, the award is presented to students who exhibit character traits such as leadership, social skills, service, and who have overcome adversity.

“You just have to be enrolled in art, and the art teacher nominates a student who shows really strong characteristics, like resiliency, or who is charismatic,” Samantha Loos-Polk12 said.

Mrs. Buzan, Samantha’s art teacher, nominated her for the award as soon as she heard about it.

“i started reading about it, and i immediately thought of Samantha,” Buzan said, “She’s a happy child, she’s a giving child, she works to the best of her abilities at all times, and she is just incredible.”

according to Mrs. Buzan, Lyn Fitzpatrick, one of the leaders of the culture Shapers organization, responded immediately to her application.

“She said that it was the most amazing story they’d ever had, in the eleven years of this contest,” Buzan said.

Following a two-hour interview with Mrs. Fitzpatrick in which she discussed her life story and experience with cancer, Samantha was presented with the “Heart in art” award at a ceremony downtown.

“all of my art colleagues agreed with me that she is remarkable,” Buzan said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg of what i can say about her.”

now Samantha plans to participate in another,

slightly different art contest at Texas children’s Hospital.

“Making a Mark® is where the hospital allows any patient to draw something,” Loos-Polk12 said, “Little kids from five and up can draw whatever they want to put up in the hospital, and whoever wins gets their art posted.”

Samantha is still deciding on a subject for her Making a Mark® piece.

“i want to draw either my cat, Binx, or a periwinkle flower because that’s actually where they get some of their medication for chemo, and it’s a really pretty flower,” Loos-Polk12 said.

Samantha’s experience with cancer has helped her with some important life decisions, as well as giving her the opportunity to help out some other kids going through similar situations.

“i want to be a pediatric oncology nurse. During my outpatient chemotherapy, I would visit the floor and see my old nurses. i still do,” Loos-Polk12 said, “It’s just wonderful, meeting little kids and helping them.”

Painting a picture to hang on the walls of the Texas children’s Hospital provides a way for Samantha to remain involved with these children, after all the adversity she has overcome to reach this point.

“going through this, i now know what i want to do with my life,” Loos-Polk12 said, “art has actually relaxed me.”

AL-HIJRAThis Islamic holiday marks the Muslim New Year, started by the first lunar month. “The only two islamic holidays where there are festivities are the two Eids,” Sofia Ahmed10 said. “[On Hijra,] you just pray.”

NOVEMBER 2011

FESTIVITIES ON GLOBAL SCALE

A GENUINE “HEART IN ART”Cancer survivor Samantha Loos-Polk wins award from Culture Shapers

AL-HIJRAFEATUREDECEMBER 2011 7

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WARDROBE

NIGERIA

Students dress to represent as they model the clothes from their countries

sanjanaMADAKSHIRE // Sophomore Staff Writer

PAKISTAN VIETNAM

SWEDEN

TEMI OGUNSOLA10

TARAB NAQVI12VINH NHAM12

DANI WARDINSKY10

He’s been the head football coach and athletics coordinator since the school opened. He started the football program; saw its losing seasons, and its first winning season. Now, coach o’keefe’s reign is coming to an end.

On November 4, O’Keefe officially announced his retirement. He’s been involved in football for 42 years, 23 of which he spent coaching. now, he will reside by canyon Lake in new Braunfels with his wife.

“There are a lot of good reasons I’ve decided to [retire]: family, health, and it’s a good time” coach o’keefe said.

The team “could’ve won a couple more games”; and, some of the losses were “tough

Colten StanberrySenior Football Player

““He’s always there. . .When you need him, his office door is always open.”

Karson OtaSenior Football Player

“I know he’s excited for what comes next, but this school is going to miss him.”

GOODBYE TO THE GRIDIRONCoach O’Keefe retires from coaching hannahCURCIO // Sophomore Staff Writer

“He’s got this way about conducting himself where he relies

on the people he hires. He’s a great guy…it’s been a privilege to be here while he’s still grinding at

the job.”

Coach Krueger

“I think he has the welfare of all the sports in mind when he makes

decisions… and that makes a big impact on all the athletic

programs.”

Coach Davis

“He is dedicated to each player...He has built a relationship with all of us.”

Carter Hollo12

“Coach is very level headed and balances the needs of all the very successful programs here at Seven

Lakes.”

Coach Demarchi

“Coach O’Keefe is one of the most down to earth people. I

have the utmost respect for him and everything he has taught

me over the years. He’s a great leader, individual, and coach.”

Coach Beck

He’s been the head football coach and athletics coordinator since the school opened. He started the football program; saw its losing seasons, and its first winning season. Now, coach o’keefe’s reign is coming to an end.

On November 4, O’Keefe officially announced his retirement. He’s been involved in football for 42 years, 23 of which he spent coaching. now, he will reside by canyon Lake in new Braunfels with his wife.

“There are a lot of good reasons I’ve decided to [retire]: family, health, and it’s a good time” coach o’keefe said.

The team “could’ve won a couple more games”; and, some of the losses were “tough

to swallow” according to O’Keefe. However, the varsity football team still had its first winning season this year. This is a significant point in the growth of the program – another reason for coach o’keefe to pass on the torch.

it goes without saying that coach o’keefe will miss many things at Seven Lakes. He said he will stay involved with the team, no matter what. o’keefe also has family in the area, so you can expect to see him at a game or two in the following years.

“There are a lot of mixed feelings; [it’s] a very good and scary feeling at the same time,” o’keefe said.

Karson OtaSenior Football Player

“I know he’s excited for what comes next, but this school is going to miss him.”

Denzel GuillardSenior Football Player

“He’s a great coach but he’s also a great person. . .anything you need you can go to

him.”

GOODBYE TO THE GRIDIRONCoach O’Keefe retires from coaching

“He has done a great job of supporting coaches and their

decisions. He’s also always been easy to talk to.”

Coach Ewing

“He has always been supportive. Coach O’ Keefe helped me when

no one else would.”

Jorge Manrique12

“The way he teaches us and the way he stays on us [makes him a good coach]. He is an all-around good

person.”

Adam Jones12

“He has had a desire to coach...He really wants us to succeed.”

Jeff Sydner12

“Coach O’ Keefe is a very kind, caring man that is always

available to help. He is an extremely patient person…and truly cares about his coaching

staff and our program’s success.”

Coach Holder

FEATUREDECEMBER 2011 9

Seven Lakes Varsity Hockey

Front row: Ryan Buczkowski, Brandon Keck, John Boyle, Casey Johnson, John Stevens, Tyler Shulman, Kyle Hunter, Victor Zimmerman, Justin Pfile, Stine Kleven. Back row: Asst. Coach Dan Wlodkowski, Vlad Polovtsev, Mike White, Jake Schiller, Riley Marotta, Zach Brust, Alex Bragg, Kai Knight-Turcan, Luke Hef-fernan, Chase Smith, Coach Ken Wlodkowski. Missing: Asst. coaches Jim Stevens, Jeff Johnson

www.sevenlakesvarsityhockey.com

Go Spartans!October 14 Brazos Valley Sugar Land Ice Arena Won 5-1October 16 PFC Sugar Land Ice Arena Won 7-1 October 21 Memorial Sugar Land Ice Arena Won 7-0October 30 Cy Woods Sugar Land Ice Arena Won November 4 Clear Lake Sugar Land Ice Arena Won 8-4November 6 Kingwood/Tomball Willowbrook Aerodrome Won 7-2November 13 Woodlands Willowbrook Aerodrome Lost 4-3November 20 Cy Fair/Creek Toyota Center Tie 1-1 December 2 Sugar Land Sugar Land Ice Arena Won 6-1December 9 Cinco Ranch Sugar Land Ice Arena 6:45 pmDecember 11 Klein Willowbrook Aerodrome 8:40 pmDecember 16 Clear Lake Space City Ice Station 8:10 pmJanuary 1 All Star Game Toyota Center 7:35 pmJanuary 6 Cy Fair/Creek Sugar Land Ice Arena 8:15 pmJanuary 13 Memorial Sugar Land Ice Arena 6:45 pmJanuary 20 Sugar Land Sugar Land Ice Arena 6:45 pmJanuary 22 Brazos Valley Arctic Wolf Center 7:15 pmJanuary 27 Klein Sugar Land Ice Arena 8:15 pmFebruary 3 Kingwood/Tomball Sugar Land Ice Arena 8:15 pmFebruary 10 PFC Space City Ice Station 8:10 pmFebruary 19 Woodlands Willowbrook Aerodrome 7:15 pmFebruary 24 Cinco Ranch Sugar Land Ice Arena 6:45 pm

SPORTSDECEMBER 2011 11

GRAPPLERS LOOK TO IMPROVE STATE PERFORMANCE

in the recesses of the Seven Lakes High School athletic department, there lies a small but steady sport, relatively hidden from public view but thriving nonetheless. The Spartan Wrestling team has only one girl member, and seventy-two boys. Yet every year they achieve honors for their achievements.

“This year, we’ve got new starters,” alex Wascom12. said. “We lost a bunch of seniors from last year, but we got a lot of juniors to step in and take spots. We’re looking pretty tight.”

Wascom12 competed at the state level in 2010 and

received the honor of state champion. as a focused player, she has many of her own goals she wishes to accomplish this year. “First at districts, first at regions, state champ,” she lists confidently.

She also, however, does not forget the goals of her teammates and her fellow wrestlers as a whole.

“We’re going to try to get as many guys to state as possible,” she said, in addition to other ambitions at the district and regional levels.

although she has only been wrestling since her freshman year at SLHS, she has come far. “it’s exhilarating,” she said.

Spartan wrestlers discuss this year’s seasonshreyaBAGALI // Junior News Editor

SPARTAN BASKETBALL PREVIEWSpartan Girls and Boys prepare themselves for the seasonolyaGRYNYSHYN // Junior Staff Writer

BoYS Spartans are preparing for this year’s District Basketball Season, despite injuries that have kept star player Trey Pinkney off the court. Ranked 37th in the state, the Spartan boys have quite the challenge ahead of them, playing against teams such as Memorial, Katy Taylor, and Strake Jesuit – schools ranked highly in the state. “We feel like the team is making good progress and playing strong. However, there is a lot of room for improvement on both ends. our goal is simple this year: get better every day! By practicing hard we feel like we will be playing our best basketball come district play,”explains head coach coach Miller.

giRLS a very successful streak of wins for the Spartans girls this year has established the strength of the department. “The girls have done a great job making sure we’re ready to play,” says head coach coach Spurlock. christen inman11 made SLHS history when she scored her 1000th career point last month. “Everyone’s work ethic has really shown these first games of the season,” Spurlock adds. as for now, the Spartan girls are practicing hard to defeat the opposition in upcoming games with ranked schools such as channelview, Morton Ranch, and cinco Ranch High School.

12/17 Strake Jesuit @ SLHS 01/17 katy @ SLHS12/19 Fort Bend kempner @ SLHS 01/20 cinco Ranch @ cRHS12/20 Fort Bend Marshall @ MHS 01/24 Strake Jesuit @SJHS01/03 Morton Ranch @ MRHS 01/27 Morton Ranch @ SLHS01/06 Mayde creek @ SLHS 01/31 Mayde creek @ McHS01/13 katy Taylor @ SLHS 02/03 Memorial @ SLHS

12/16 channelview @ cvHS 01/17 katy @ kHS12/20 Fort Bend austin @SLHS 01/20 cinco Ranch @ SLHS01/03 Morton Ranch @ SLHS 01/27 Morton Ranch @ MRHS01/06 Mayde creek @ McHS 01/31 Mayde creek @ SLHS01/10 Memorial @ SLHS 02/03 Memorial @ MHS01/13 katy Taylor @ THS 0207 katy Taylor @ SLHS

For more information and scores please visithttp://www.ballcharts.com/spartanhoops

For more information and scores please visithttp://www.ballcharts.com/7lakesgirlshoops

1/14/12 Spartan Hall of Fame Duals SLHS Main & Aux Gym 9:00am V 1/19/12 Cinco Ranch & Foster SLHS Main Gym 5:00pm All 1/21/12 District 22 Dual Championships MRHS 9:00am All 1/25/12 JV MRHS 5:00pm JV 1/27/12 Westside Duals WHS 5:00pm All 1/28/12 Westside Great 8 WHS 9:00am V & G 2/1/12 District 22 Championships MRHS 5:00pm V & G 2/2/12 District 22 Championships MRHS 9:00am V & G 2/4/12 District 22 JV Championships Foster 9:00am JV 2/10/12 Region III Championships LMC 9:00am V & G 2/11/12 Region III Championships LMC 9:00am V & G 2/24/12 State Championships Delco 9:00am V & G 2/25/12 State Championships Delco 9:00am V & G

Spartan Wrestling Competition ScheduleDate Event Venue Time Levels

1 small box of Jiffy corn bread mix1 can of cream style corn1 can of whole kernel corn3 beaten eggs1/2 cup of gree peepers chopped1 cup of shredded chedder chees

Saute onions and peppers in buuter. Mix all ingredients together exept cheese. Pour into a 9x13 glass baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40minutes. Let it set 5-10 minutes before serving

Baked Corn CasseroleFrom: Mrs. Rebeck

•butter (enough to butter pan) •2 cups pecans (chopped) •2 cups sugar •2 cups butter (a pound, no substitutions) •1/3 cup water •2 (8 ounce) milk chocolate candy bars (chopped) or 16 ounces milk chocolate chips (i use Hersey’s chocolate bars) Prep Time: 10 minsTotal Time: 16 mins1.Spread pecans evenly on a buttered 12 x 17-inch jelly roll pan. 2.Mix sugar, butter and water in a large saucepan. (Don’t skimp on the size pan because it gets very foamy.) cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until tan (295°F at sea level). it needs to be past the point where the mixture begins to turn tan. it will be a foamy, thick, medium tan. Be sure to stir constantly with a wooden spoon. (i timed it to be exactly 10 min after it first started boiling. I have never paid attention to the temperature. Don’t worry, it will definitally be noticable when it starts to change color.)3.Pour over chopped pecans and spread as much as possible. 4.Sprinkle chocolate pieces over immediately. Let melt a minute or two and then spread evenly with knife. (I add a light dusting of finely chopped pecans on top also.)5.When completely cool and chocolate is solid, break into pieces. (I put mine in to the refrigerator to help it solidify.)

Pecan Roca

1 small package red raspberry Jell-o1 small package of black cherry Jell-o(you can use any flavors you want – my gramma likes these the best)1 package strawberries1 package blueberries1 package of cool whip(you can add nuts, coconut, or other fruit too)

1. Make both packages of Jell-o with only 3 cups water in large mixing bowl(This will give a consistency between regular Jell-O and the jigglers )2. Let Jell-o thicken but not set 3.Dice most strawberries (save a few for decoration on top)4.add diced strawberries and most blueberries to Jell-o before it completely sets (if you add too early they rise to top, if you add to late you can’t mix them in).5.Spread cool whip to top after completely set6.cut remaining strawberries lengthwise 7.Place cut strawberries and remaining blueberries in circular pattern on top for decoration

Gelatin Salad

From: Mrs. Riner

From: Mrs. Frazier

juliaNAJM // Junior Feature Editor

HOLIDAY RECIPESFamily favorites from teachers

3

2

2

11

3

FEATUREDECEMBER 2011 13

lindaFLORES // Junior Entertianment EditorWhat we are all really thinking as we watch our favorite holiday moviesHEY, HEY IT’S OK IF...

hopeless romantics

Though there aren’t any mountains, canyons, or fast flowing rivers in Houston, there is a zoo. It’s not as lame as it sounds—trust me. grab a few friends, venture down to the zoo, and just have a fun day looking at the animals, perhaps even ignoring the “Don’t feed the animals sign.”

adventure seekers

if you gush at the site of love struck couples, or just can’t get enough of adorable proposals, then the water wall is where it’s at. guys, take your girlfriends here, girls will eat stuff like this up. You’re welcome.

For you guys, it’s a no brainer. The House of Blues and Fitzgerald’s have live performers every weekend. check it out and discover new music, or go and see your favorite band. oh, and make sure you buy your tickets early, because they sell out fast.

For all you hipsters out there that are too cool to come above ground, it’s okay, you can stay underground! Under the streets of downtown Houston lies 6 miles of shops and eateries. oh, and while you’re downtown, hit up Rice village if you’re up to eat some eclectic food, and meet some questionable people.

HIDDEN HOUSTON HOTSPOTSThe best of H-town might not be right in front of your eyesjuneLIU // Junior Staff Writer

trend

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7. you think Cindy Lou Whoo reminds you of the word poo poo.

1. you don’t

understand why there

is a hobo ghost on the

top of the train in Polar

Express.

2. you haven’t seen

The Muppets Christmas

Carol... they are

n’t all

that.

3. Mr. Smith vaguely reminds you of Tim Allen from The Santa Clause.

4. you count Harry Potter as

a holiday Movie.

5. you think Mr.

Dye makes a killer

Ebenezer. 6. you are alarmed by someone who loves Santa as much as Will Ferrell from Elf.

now that the lock out is about to end, i’m sure you will all be glued to the Tv for that double-header on christmas. For those of you who aren’t basketball fans, try to go out to Reliant Stadium and sit in on a Texans game, or just watch it from your own humble abode.

sports fanatics

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ADVISERcoachDYECO-EDITORSryannANDRESjaneWEBER

SECTION EDITORS shreyaBAGALIlindaFLORESjuliaNAJM

STAFFkatieBLANDhannahCURCIOstephanieDEREFINKOolyaGRYNYSHYN

dagnyHAMILTONjuneLIUsanjanaMADAKSHIREsanazNAMAKIkamiaRATHORE

lakenRAY tarynSANDERSONandreaSTENDERdaniWARDINSKY

FaLL SeMeSTeR eXaM ScHeDULeWeDneSDaY: Full DayPeriod 1 – Class 7:30 – 8:14PERIOD 1 – EXAM 8:24 – 10:14a Lunch 10:14 – 10:444th Period 10:51 – 11:415th Period 11:48 – 12:184th Period 10:21 – 10:44B Lunch 10:44 – 11:114th Period 11:18 – 11:415th Period 11:48 – 12:184th Period 10:21 – 11:11c Lunch 11:11 – 11:415th Period 11:48 – 12:184th Period 10:21 – 11:115th Period 11:18 – 11:48D Lunch 11:48 – 12:18Period 6 – Class 12:25 – 12:45 (No break before exam)PERIOD 6 – EXAM 12:45 – 2:35**

THURSDaY: Half DayPeriod 2 – Class 7:30 – 7:37 (No break before exam)PERIOD 2 – EXAM 7:37 – 9:27Period 7 – Class 9:37 – 9:45 (No break before exam)PERIOD 7 – EXAM 9:45 – 11:35

Requirements for exemptions:-meet the district’s grade and attendance standards for the 1st, 2nd, and

3rd six-weeks and application requirements - have no conduct grade of U in any class;

- have no discipline infractions that lead to more than two, three-hour after-school detentions (or the equivalent), or more than one Saturday

Detention, or any iSS or higher consequences;-owe no fines or fees.

Course average of A (90 – 100) with no more than 3 absencesCourse average of B (80 – 89) with no more than 2 absencesCourse average of C (75 – 79) with no more than 1 absence-a student may not exempt a class in which he/she has an n in conduct-For exemption purposes, three tardies to a class will equal one absence-classes are independent of one another for attendance and grades-Students must meet campus requirements related to submis-sion deadlines, verification procedures etc. for securing ex-emptions.* Students are required to attend school during exam week for all classes / courses (band, choir, study hall, student assistant, athletics, etc.) un-less an exam exemption has been earned in that specific class.

FRiDaY: Half DayPeriod 4 – Class 7:30 – 7:37 (No break before exam)PERIOD 4 – EXAM 7:37 – 9:27Period 5 – Class 9:37 – 9:45 (No break before exam)PERIOD 5 – EXAM 9:45 – 11:35**

TUeSDaY: Full DayPeriod 1 – Class 7:30 – 8:20Period 2 – Class 8:27 – 9:17Period 3 – Class 9:24 – 10:14a Lunch 10:14 – 10:444th Period 10:51 – 11:415th Period 11:48 – 12:184th Period 10:21 – 10:44B Lunch 10:44 – 11:114th Period 11:18 – 11:415th Period 11:48 – 12:184th Period 10:21 – 11:11c Lunch 11:11 – 11:415th Period 11:48 – 12:184th Period 10:21 – 11:115th Period 11:18 – 11:48D Lunch 11:48 – 12:18Period 3 – Class 12:25 – 12:45(no break before exam)PERIOD 3 – EXAM 12:45 – 2:35**

EDITORIALDECEMBER 2011 15

ryannANDRES // Senior Co- EditorHERE’S THE DEAL

in a school with over 3,500 kids, rumors spread like wild fire. This rumor hasn’t only been through our halls, but also around other high schools in katy iSD. i bet you all are wondering what this rumor is. i’m sure you have heard it. Here it is… You

have to be here for all your exam periods. Before all of you freak out, let me clarify. i’ll give you all the accurate deets.

Just a week ago i met with the superintendent, Mr. Frailey. He mentioned that students may have to be here during the exam week, regardless if they exempt. initially, i had the same reaction as you do right now, reading this article. i regret to inform you that, yes. This rumor is true. or at least half of it is. not everyone knows the nitty gritty of the situation. But i am here to clarify.

no worries, you aren’t getting your exemptions stripped away from you. You can exempt all your

classes. You can exempt any of these and noT be at school for the scheduled time of the exam. Here’s where it changes from the previous years. Last year and all the years before, if you had a study hall, you didn’t have to exempt to not come to the exam period. That all changes now. if you are in a study hall, student aid, athletics, band, choir, anything that does not have a final exam and you Don’T exempt, you are required to be at school for the time of the exam. if you do exempt your study hall, you’re free to go. if not, then you’ll be here.

Yes, this is frustrating. I am frustrated just like all of the rest of you reading this. Before all of you jump to conclusions and blame the school district for trying to make your life miserable, take time to understand why this is happening. When i met with Mr. Frailey, i too was upset that i wouldn’t be able to sleep on those days that we all treasure.

This rule wasn’t because the school board was trying to punish us or make us angry. The school board didn’t have a choice but to implement this new rule. Think about it. With all the hundreds of kids across the district being counted absent, the school district is losing a total of half a million dollars each year because of exemptions. The state pays the school district upon the student’s

attendance. if the attendance is high, katy iSD receives more money. With the half a million dollars we are losing each year, the district can afford new technology, hire more teachers, etc.

at the meeting, the school board mentioned that they were thinking of stripping the students entirely of their privileges to be absent during exam week. This would mean that we all would be here for each and every exam period. aka… no fun. So they met us students half way. You could be here for each and every exam period. We at least get the privilege to be absent for our core classes.

and before all you seniors fret, no worries. This new rule is only implemented for this semester… so far. nothing has been said about next semester. Senior trip, chill out day, college day, and all the other senior festivities that occur that week won’t be interfered by this rule.

For all you rebels reading this and thinking that you’re just going to skip… think twice. The board didn’t clarify the consequence, but made it clear that there will be one for students who skip.

So here it is Seven Lakes. You now have the details. This is what is happening, so this should put an end to all the rumors.

PROM4tarynSANDERSON // Senior Staff Writer

it’s going to be a night to remember…for about 3,500 se-niors. no you did not hear me wrong, i did say 3,500 seniors. Seven Lakes, cinco Ranch, katy, and Taylor’s high school prom are all being held on the evening of May 19, 2012. Whoever said, “Let’s put four katy iSD

High School prom’s together in one night!”clearly did not think this one through. i will state that i have an understanding that our school district has many more important things to worry about at this point in time, but do they seriously not realize how ridiculous this sounds?Prom may be 5 months away, but considering the circumstances i would start planning ahead now. Think about all the limousine/party bus services that are provided and then the number of seniors that will be out that night. if you plan on not driv-ing in your old hammy down car for this once in a lifetime experience, transportation reservations are key. even if you don’t know what group you are

going in yet, book it! now all you girls, i know you’re already shop-ping for prom dresses online. i pass by computer labs and watch girls “ooh” and “awe” over formal dress websites together all the time. it’s ok, i al-ready have my prom dress and i still can’t control myself. and now that you know this night will be shared with many other katy iSD senior girls, get your dress pronto. This can apply to the gentleman as well with their choice of tuxes. This is extremely important. getting that perfect dress/tuxedo is only possible if stores aren’t picked over. Make sure you set up appointments for any needed alterations as well. nail Salons obviously will also be crazy busy so get a date and time to get your nails done far in advance and at a location that maybe not many other nail goers will find. Let’s also not forget our teenage appetites. Brainstorming on restaurants is a good idea and the less popular the restaurant is the better. i feel almost as if senioritis has to do with the anticipation of prom, so to say the least, this whole shindig is kind of a big deal. The saying goes better safe than sorry, which in this case, i could not agree more. Then we encounter the date dilemma. it’s popular for many students to date students that attend other schools. one can assume that these couples would initially want to spend the most exciting night of the

senior year together, right? Right, but unfortunately this will be more difficult to accomplish for these couples during this upcoming prom season. The questions arise…which boy/girl will not go to their respective school’s prom? Who will give up go-ing to their own school’s prom? if they don’t who will they take? Will it even go to the lengths of a breakup? Yes, that last statement may be a little far-fetched but you get the point. This is going to be a tough decision for some couples and i feel for them. cinco Ranch High School is Seven Lakes’ next door neighbor in a way. katy and Taylor High School are not that far away as well. obviously there will be many senior couples that will be dealing with this issue. Prom isn’t necessarily looking bad just for seniors, it just so happens to be bad for the community. Think about all the money they will be losing hav-ing all these prom’s on one night. katy iSD stu-dents will have to pick one prom this year instead of two or three, thus not as much money will be spent on prom tickets. it’s undeniable that the police are going to be everywhere to boot. The seniors as well as the community will be more at risk due to drunk drivers, chaotic parties, and everything else the night of May 19th has in store. This night will definitely be a night to remember, let’s just hope we all make it out alive.

SPaRTan SPeaksanazNAMAKI // Sophomore Staff Writer

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