W.P.

Clements High School

Volume 2 Issue 7

April 2014

prama
p. 9

avoiding

Index
From the Editors desks Lifestyles
Educational technology, media needed in classroom...pg. 4 Mediation takes root in daily life... pg. 4 Why go to prom?...pg. 8 Prom + Drama = Prama....pg. 9

Perspectives

News

Underclassmen not welcome...pg. 10 Underclassmen have rights...pg. 11

AP test dates draw closer...pg. 5 Extraordinary students to showcase talents...pg. 5

Sports

Features

Kabir Karnani dreams of UN job... pg. 6 Ana Gonzales pushes to succed...pg. 6 In urban travel, Uber takes over...pg. 7 Obscure indie bands rule top 40... pg. 7

PUBLICATION POLICY The Round Up, a feature magazine published by the students in Clements High Schools Magazine Journalism class, is a designated forum for student expression. The Round Up is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost. PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES The Round Up is printed eight times a year in October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May. All Round Up is archived-and available at http://rangerwire. wordpress.com.

Michael Ericson tracks down future...pg. 12 Sylvia LeBlanc marks her milestones...pg. 12 Hats off to Jackie Robinson, #42... pg. 13 Coach Ericson leads his team to victory...pg. 13

Voices

Which fictional character would you be?...pg. 15

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From the Editors desks

Educational technology, media needed in classroom

,mostly, visual learners. Research suggests that people learn abstract, new, and novel concepts more easily when they are presented in both verbal and visual form. Other research shows that visual media makes concepts more accessible to a person than text media and help with later recall. This research supports the fact that there are no real, or proven, disadvantages to using media in the classroom environment. By using media in the classroom, students have an endless amount of resources at their fingertips. So why is that teachers are hesitant to have all these resources within a students grasp? There are several reasons. One reason is that teachers fear students will exploit the freedom given them. Another reason is that they fear students cannot multi-task, which is an action that media usually requires. To refute the latter reason, what some may not realize is that Generation Z is the champion of multi-tasking. To be clear, if multi-tasking were an Olympic sport, someone born in the 2000s would take the gold. As for the former, media is a tool like any other, and any tool can be misused. Both of these reasons are only excuses for fearing change. Learning should be interesting and worthwhile. No student is going to enjoy going to school or learning if they feel they are being put through a machine that turns out students who spent four years simply memorizing facts. Using media can teach students in a way that interests them, and it can break the endless cycle of worksheets some educators insist upon. Media in the classroom can help learning become global. Here are some ways that Edutopia suggests teachers and students across the U.S. use media to further their classroom experience. *Let students write for the world about learning and classroom happenings. *Use YouTube for your students to host a show or a podcast. *Communicate with other classrooms. The Global Read Aloud, Global Classrooms Project, and Physics of the Future are three social media groups that help students communicate Clements is slowly moving in this direction, but maybe too slowly. To compete in this world, we need the latest in educational technology. Let us join the 21st century and make the classroom experience more engaging and more meaningful.

Meditation takes root in daily life

By SAMANTHA JREIJ Co-Editor-in-Chief What happened is kind of brilliant. What happened here is that I had writers block for a really long time while doing this. Something happened that made me second guess literally every word my little hands could type out onto this laptop that suddenly to me seemed like my worst enemy. I was worried about the reaction this article would get. I was worried about everything that it was, or could be, or was going to be, or everything it was not going to be. Everything I wrote was wrong once and I believed that it would be wrong again. And again. And again. Sometimes, I think, that happens. This happens. Even the people who, like me, foolishly walk around trying to completely disregard the worlds opinions for the sake of their own happiness and self-assurance, listen to others opinions and let others judgments stifle them. So many things in this world are stifling. Society is stifling, life is stifling, and that word sums it up perfectly- which is probably why I keep using it. I found an outlet, a way to un-stifle myself, if you will. About six months ago I happened upon meditation. Im not quite sure why; it was not at all an extremely stressful time in my life, or no more than usual at least. I think my open mind got the best of me and I tried this thing that truly sounded crazy to me. How does it make sense for a human being to sit for extended periods of time and think about nothing? How is that even possible? But I tried it and fell in love. Even as I type this, I realize how outlandish and ridiculous I sound, and I am okay with that. Maybe I sound just crazy enough to make a point. Meditation is truly the key to a happier, healthier, more compassionate and peaceful lifestyle. Some of the benefits of meditation are factual, such as decreased high blood pressure, younger biological age, and lowered levels of cortisol and lactate- two chemicals associated with stress. Other psychological benefits include increased brain wave coherence, which is associated with greater creativity, improved moral reasoning, and higher IQ.

By YASMEEN YAHYA Co-Editor-in-Chief We live in a world where technology is being produced at an exponential rate. As a society, we are constantly growing and changing. It seems, however, that schools have a hard time keeping up with the everchanging times. Media, for example, is a tool that needs to be more welcomed and emphasized in the classroom environment. Introducing media to the classroom is an engaging and stimulating way of learning, particularly for Generation Z, or the generation born between 1995 and 2012. This generation has grown up using computers and technology all their lives. They are

Also, meditation has been proven to effectively make people happier, decreasing depression, a n x i e t y, irritabiland ity moodiness. Meditation is an altered state of consciousness. The liberation of emptying your mind of all thoughts is truly incredible, and before I wrote this article, my thoughts were jumbled- there was too much going on, too many thoughts, too much second-guessing, and too much worrying. I could not write like that. It was a futile attempt. But after I meditated, thoughts began to flow easier, I began to understand that none of it really mattered. So you see, what happened is kind of brilliant.

AP tests dates draw closer

By PATRICIA ANNE MANZINARES News Editor May has come around again and it is time for students to begin taking AP tests. AP exams are standardized tests that judge how much students have excelled in their courses. AP testing can also provide high school students with college credit if they make a score high enough to be approved by their university. Students should be aware that AP tests are not checked by teachers; rather they are scored by the College Board. Here are important facts that students should

NEWS

know: Taking the AP exams is optional. Students that will be taking the AP exams pay $90 per exam. (Free and reduced lunch students should see Mr. Faust in room 2003). The AP information booklet along with the CHS information packet are available for pickup in the commons office Refund policy: There will be no refunds for AP exams once registration has closed.

WEEK 1 Mon, May 5th Tues, May 6th Wed, May 7th Thurs, May 8th Fri, May 9th WEEK 2 Mon, May 12th

Morning 7:15 AM Chemistry/ Environmental Science Computer Science/ Spanish Language (IV) Calculus AB/ Calculus BC English Literature (IV) English Literature (III) Morning 7:15 AM Biology/ Music Theory

Afternoon 12:00 PM Psychology Art History

Tues, May 13th US Government

Chinese Language (IV) Latin Language (IV) Japanese Language (IV) Statisitcs Afternoon 12:00 PM Afternoon 2:00 PM Physics B & Physics C: Mechanics Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Human Geography French Language (IV)

AP EXAM DATES

Extraordinary students to showcase talents

people with the same passion as their own. We had so many talented acts that we normally have ten acts but this year we extended it to twelve, said Mason Williams, CTV Senior Producer. CONTESTANTS: Zara Agha Shreya Bhadriraju Jadha Gunnerwan (2013 winner) Jasmine McLam and Valencia Vara Brian Miao and David Wie Emma Millard Ooha Nakka Mara Nisnisaan Taahira ONeal Mary Parco and Bianca Tan Rex Tang Eddie Zhan and Minh Do Clements Idol is that the winner is chosen by the audience. It makes the competition more interactive with the audience and it gives the contestants a fair choice. Contestants get really into it by creating blogs and other social media content in order to get people to vote for them, said Linda Carroll, CTV sponsor. While also a chance for students to show their talent, it is also a fundraiser for CTV broadcasting. We have kept the price very reasonable. Tickets are $5 for everybody. The event is open to the public and tickets are sold only at the door, said Zoha Alaam, senior and CTV producer. Clements Idol is an opportunity to see what talent the Clements student body has to 5 offer.

By HAANIYA DAWOODALLY Reporter Every year Clements students have the chance to show the public their talent through Clements Idol. On Saturday, May at 7 p.m. the CHS broadcasting classes will be hosting the 9th annual Clements Idol competition in the auditorium. This gives students the opportunity to showcase their gift and meet

Features
Kabir Karnani dreams of UN job
By CHANDNI THAKKAR Ads Editor Kabir Karnani is involved in many activities in and out of the community. He has many leadership positions as well as many talents. This year Kamani is the president of the Global Studies Academy, a student council member, a National Honor Society member, as well as a German National Honor Society Member. Outside of school he volunteers at the Texas Childrens Hospital. Kabir also plays tennis for the school team on varsity two. Kamani is currently enrolled in German III, Anatomy, Photo Journalism, Calculus AB, Government, and Tennis. His favorite class is anatomy because, Ms. Lebita is an amazing teacher and the class itself is very interesting. Kamani currently works at The Tutoring Center, but has different hopes for the future. Down the road, he would like to work for the United Nations and slowly work his way up to becoming the United Nations Secretary General. He has been accepted to UT and is waiting on NYU. NYU is ideally his first choice. Kaminis favorite pastime is spending time with his friends, going to muWhen asked about advice for incoming freshman or high school students in general, Kamani said, Stick to what you like and follow your passions. You dont always have to comply with what the norms are, be unique. This talented senior tries to always keep a positive outlook on life no matter what. He has learned how to maintain his work ethics, social skills, and leadership skills throughout his high school career. Although, if he had one thing to improve on,in the future it would be his procrastination. Kamani is not completely sure about what he would miss the most at Clements because there is so much to miss. He will miss the people, the classes, the teachers, and much more. Kamini said, So far senior year has been pretty awesome. No complaints, especially after getting college acceptances. Kamani is a hard working and very dedicated student. He puts a tremendous amount of time into volunteering and helping out in the community. He has many leadership qualities and is very ambitious. He has already set up a major goal to achieve in his future.

sic festivals, and travelling. Travelling to Spain with the Global Studies Academy was his favorite memory from Clements.

Ana An a Gonzales pushes to succeed

these challenging classes on her plate, she still finds time to volunteer. REACH, the club Gonzales co-founded and is president of, provides tutoring help for refugees. Also, Gonzales is Parliamentarian of National Honor Society, Secretary of Spanish Club, a part of French National Honor Society. Gonzales long term goal is to be a doctor. That is why I took a lot of science-related classes in school; I also took all APs. In order to achieve this long-term goal she tries her best to maintain good grades, although, she admits that she still has a long way to go. Another factor that sets Gonzales apart is that she has worked at doctors offices for the past two years. Gonzales plans on attending Rice University to to major in chemistry and bio-chemistry. Gonzales describes herself as a very driven person that stays on task. She describes Clements atmosphere as very challenging. Although it is challenging, Clements has helped Gonzales in the past three years by pushing her. In order to overcome some very difficult classes, one needs to try, said Gonzales. She is proud to be a member of the Clements band. She describes the experience as amazing. Gonzales really looked forward to the band trip to Disney World that took place during spring break. Like most people, Gonzales also has a favorite saying, the sun will come up tomorrow because all our problems have solutions. As a senior, Gonzales will look back at the memories that she has made along her entire four years in high school. My most memorable moments would include going to the state marching band contest, winning the Texas Marching Classic, and starting REACH. Gonzales advice for underclassmen to survive high school is to, always do your work with time to spare; do not procrastinate too much. Do not forget to make new friends because making friends will always be the best part in your high school years.

By PATRICIA ANNE MANZINARES Reporter Ana Gonzales considers herself to be taking rigorous classes during her senior year. She is currently taking all AP classes. With

In urban travel, Uber takes over

By ANUSHA CHARANIA Reporter You will feel like a rock star with your own private car to whisk you from place to place. Uber transportation is nothing like taxis, a stinky old typical taxi. Wanting a ride from Uber is only one tap away from receiving a ride along with clear pricing, so you will never pay more than what you should and you will know what exactly you are paying for. Uber transportation is safe and worldwide. You could get a ride any time any day . The concept of Uber was conceived by a young computer whiz a few years ago. He hired regular people to drive their own cars as taxis for other regular people. Prospective taxi drivers send a picture of their late model clean car along with their drivers license and a copy of their insurance. If met with Uber approval, they are hired. They set their own work times, so it appeals very much to college students with cars. Another unique aspect of Uber is the fact that no money changes hands. It is all done through internet transfer of cash. The driver keeps 80 per cent of the profit and Uber receives 20 per cent. The company is already making a profit of over two million dollars annually, worldwide. This transportation company connects with passengers to ensure a comfortable environment and memorable ride. There is no need to pay for a tip. On demand car service by using a smartphone is what everyone needs at some point. From point A to point whereever Uber got you. Initially, Uber drivers had nice cars such as Cadillac Escalades, BMW 7 series, and Mercdes-Benz S550 sedans. Later, Uber added a wider range of vehicles to market a broader cross-section of the market.

Uber cars are reserved by sending a text or using the app. With the app, users can track the location of the car at any given moment. Ubers pricing is similar to meter taxis, although hiring and payment is controlled by Uber. If the Uber car is travelling at a speed greater than 11 mph, the price is calculated on a distance basis. Otherwise, the price is calculated on a time basis. In fact Uber has become so in that when asked how they are going somewhere, they sometimes respond, I am going to Uber.

Obscure indie bands rule top 40

pop, making the 1975, John Newman, and HAIM the best up and coming artists. It may seem strange to name a band the 1975, but their music makes up for it. As a British alternative/indie band, many people assume they are a pop band, which is not true at all. Their music elicits a really mellow vibe that relaxes straight away. As for lyrics, they explore things every person goes through and thinks about, which makes each song relatable. In September 2013, they released an album named, ironically, the 1975. This album hit number 1 on the UK charts, and number 28 in the U.S. Also British, is singer and musician John Newman. Few people have not heard his single Love Me Again but that definitely is not the only song keeping him in the headlines. In America, Newman is way less known then the UK. His song Feel the Love, was not only a number 1 single on the UK charts, but was a Top 5 hit in 4 other European countries. After that, Newman released a follow-up single that was featured in the first episode of the third season of popular MTV show, Teen Wolf. Last but most certainly not least, is sisterband HAIM. It may seem clich to name their band after their surname, but music has been a life long dream for them. The sisters, Este, Alana, and Danielle grew up in San Fernando Valley, California. They decided to form in 2006 after spending most of their childhood in family band Rockinhaim. Their music is influenced by Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, and Santana, giving them an soft rock sound mixed with R&B. In 2012, they were the first ever female group to win the BBC influential Sound of 2013 award. After that, they took the world by storm when they released their debut album Days Are Gone in September 2013. There are many new artists just waiting for fame to come to them. But the truth is, it is not earned without hard work. It may take months or even years just to get noticed by someone important. But only the best get what they have been waiting for.

By KELSEE AVERY Reporter The music industry is seemingly one of the hardest businesses to get into. People can spend their whole lives waiting for the big break that changes everything. But for some, that never comes. And for others it is just around the corner. It seems as though alternative and indie are the new

Lifestyles
By ZAHRA KHERAJ Voices Editor Prom. It is hyped as the biggest event of a students high school life, but many wonder if it is even worth attending.

Why go to prom?
Pros Cons
*The biggest con of going to prom is the cost. Girls spend hundreds of dollars on a dress, as well as on makeup, hair and manicures and pedicures. Guys spend hundreds on a suit, and if he has a date, a limo, the tickets, a corsage, and dinner. It all adds up to be a lot for one party. And the money goes to things that will not last, like a dress that will not be worn again and hair and makeup that will not even look the same after a few hours, or a limo because it is a little more fabulous to get to prom that way instead of taking a normal car. *Prom is mainly a fun experience, because it is one spent with friends. But there are also other, cheaper, more fun things that students could do together, and have just as good a time and make memories that are equally amazing. Many students that have gone to prom have said that the most fun part of the evening was getting ready and going to dinner with their friends, so why not just do that and save a few hundred dollars? *Prom just is not meant for everyone. No one should feel like they need to go, just because everyone else is going, or if their friends try to force them. At the end of the day, it is just one big party. *A major reason to go is just for the experience. Prom is like an American high school tradition, and many students that decide not to go end up regretting that decision later on. It is not like being a high school junior or senior can be repeated, and the opportunity will not come up again. It would be better to go and feel like it was not worth it than to miss it and regret it years later. *Another reason to go is that prom is a night that most parents realize as a big event, and curfew will probably be extended. So if that is the case and prom is not as fun as expected, seniors can go out with friends at three in the morning without worrying about consequences. *The whole point of the night is for upperclassmen to enjoy the last few weeks of the year and celebrate that high school is almost over. Almost all seniors go, and for many it can be one of the last times they have to see classmates socially before everyone goes their own way. *Prom can be one of the most amazing experiences of high school. For girls especially, it is always fun to go dress shopping and get hair and nails done. The only way to find out if the hype is worth it is to go, and it may end up being great.

OMG!!

SHES WEARING WHAT??!! * WHO DIDNT PAY?? * HE BROKE UP WITH HER?? I FORGOT TO MAKE AN APPT !!! * THERES JUST TOO MUCH DRAMA!!

WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO RESERVATIONS??? * THAT COUPLE IS NO FUN - UNINVITE THEM!! *

Prom + Drama = Prama

By LAURYN MERRIETT Lifestyles Editor Every year around prom time, there is stress about planning, finding that perfect dress, and making sure that prom will be a night to remember. With all that tends to come uninvited drama and no one wants their night to be ruined by that, prom is a one time thing after all. So here are five ways to avoid a horrible situation fondly known as prama (prom drama). 1) Make sure everything is paid in advance. If everyone was supposed to pitch in money for a limo but that one person forgot their share, no one wants to be stuck paying for their part or wondering why the limo did not show up because the person responsible for sending in the money forgot. Long story short, just make sure all the necessary arrangements are handled. 2) Avoid dress duplication. Repeat, avoid dress duplication. It may seem like a small thing, and for some girls it is, but for most girls it is not. When dancing around the dance floor the only thing worse then getting punch spilled on the dress, as is seen in all the movies, is seeing another girl in that same dress. Every girl wants to feel special on prom night. She wants to walk down a staircase, princess style, and have her dates mouth drop from the sheer beauty that is her in her prom dress. It just would not be the same if another girl were wearing it. So one of the best ways to avoid this is to look for a dress in a place where it is least likely for other classmates to go shopping. Another way is using social media. It sounds crazy but by creating a group on Facebook, for example, where everyone can post their dresses, it prevents duplication. Make sure the Facebook page is a private group of course. It would be horrible if a girls date saw her dress

before the actual night. 3) Make appointments way head of time. Prom is also an occasion where it is time to get pampered. Hair, makeup, and nails must all be done and for that there must be appointments. People start scheduling those weeks, even months in advance, so just remember to stay on top of things to make sure there is space left. 4) Go with people who will have a good time. No one wants to go with the Debbie Downer who hates dancing and is going to sit in the corner all night. Go with a group of friends who will make fools out of themselves on the dance floor and just have fun. 5) Think about it. It is as simple as that, just think about how prom should be remembered and if little things that could be stressful should ruin a great night.

PERSPECTIVES

2014

Underclassmen not welcome

By YASMEEN YAHYA
Co-Editor-in-Chief Prom. Even the word itself has an air of excitement. It is the event of the season. Seniors have been counting down to the day of prom since the first of the year. Time and effort is put in to make sure every detail is perfect. Would prom be such a highly anticipated event if it were open to everyone, though? I think not. Prom is a special occasion meant to celebrate the upperclassmen; we would not want to taint that image of success and excitement by allowing underclassmen to spoil the fun. Logistically, it does not make economic sense to invite underclassmen to the prom. Having more people would require more money and would require a larger space to hold all the students. If Clements had a smaller population of students, it might be possible. Some small high schools, especially private schools, hold proms for each class. Realistically speaking, however, CHS has over 2,000 students. If prom was opened up to underclassmen, it would be chaotic. Because prom is more extravagant than homecoming, it would require more money, especially if students decide to attend more than one year. Limousine rental businesses would be at a loss when the entire student population is scrambling to find transportation. Girls would be on the hunt to find the perfect dress, or just a dress, before the racks are stripped bare. Also, instead of a ballroom, the location would have to downsize to a place that is not as nice. Clements holds one dance a year that is open to all students, and that is the homecoming dance. If underclassmen could attend prom, there would be little to distinguish between the two dances. One of the most important reasons prom should be an upperclassmen-only event is

because prom is distinctive; it is special. It defines a students senior year. Although the prom is just a dance, it is also a celebration. It celebrates how far the senior class has gone and what they have achieved in their years of high school. Prom gives seniors one last chance to make memories and go out with a bang. If anyone could attend prom, it would lose its allure. Prom is supposed to be a celebration for the seniors, they do not want an infiltration of underclassmen running around. Seniors typically have a disdain for underclassmen, especially freshmen. Having an additional, younger group of students there would dampen the experience. The idea of a prom open to underclassmen is a bit ridiculous when looking at it from an economic perspective, as well as the perspective of the upperclassmen. Freshmen and sophomores, you will appreciate prom so much more if you are patient.

Underclassmen have rights

By ANNE-MARIE PLUNKETT Copy Editor Being a freshman or sophomore definitely has its downsides. Nicknames like fishy tend to make freshman feel as if they are in kindergarten all over again just when they thought it was over. Older bullies, pranks, and worst of all, exclusion tends to make underclassmen feel even less a part of the school than they already do. The very definition of exclusion says it all. According to dictionary.com, it means: 1. to shut or keep out; prevent the entrance of. 2. to shut out from consideration, privilege, etc. 3. to expel and keep out; thrust out. This is what happens every year when underclassmen are not allowed to buy tickets for the prom. Prom is the most memorable moment in high school whether it turns out bad or good, which is exactly why it should be open to underclassmen. In case it turns out to be bad, they can wash away the bad proms with the amazing experiences they can later have. It also gives underclassmen an excuse to get all dressed up not once a year, but twice at CHS dances. Sure, they can score a date with a senior and call it that, but the odds of that happening are slim to none. Prom should not be an exclusive event for upperclassmen for another reason.. Younger students should have the same equal right to attend. Otherwise, it is discrimination. Our school is known for its diversity. We celebrate the differences in students whether it is race, religion, or creed. It then stands to reason that we should recognize age discrimination and eliminate it. One way to do so is to allow underclassmen to buy tickets to prom. The poufy, princess dress, the tuxedos, limos, and fun times with friends are what makes prom so special. Missing out on it because of age is sad and unjust. It is not like freshman and sophomores will

PERSPECTIVES

s.

infest the prom like a swarm of cockroaches. Most know how to behave at a formal event just as well as seniors. In fact, they might even be better behaved, because they will not be drinking and driving. That is probably the only advantage to not having a drivers license. Freshmen and sophomores usually have earlier curfews, too, so they most likely will not be staying out all night after prom. This means they are less apt to get into trouble than upperclassmen. Underclassmen just want to be a part of something and enjoy the high school experience to the fullest, just like the upper classmen do. Just because they have not attended CHS for a full four years should not be a reason to exclude them from an event. After all, all other events such as sports games, clubs, plays, and concerts are open to all students. Making prom the exclusive territory of seniors is completely unfair. Underclassmen deserve equal rights.

2017

SPORTS
Michael Ericson tracks down future
By JOSEPH VASQUEZ Reporter Michael Ericson is a student who enjoys Clements. One thing he loves more than doing his work is track and field for the Rangers. Ericson is on Varsity track and he could not be happier about it. I think this years group has a lot of overall talent and might be the best group we have had in the past few years, he said. Ericson is not only proud of the team, but he is also thankful for the coaches this year. They are a big part of the victories achieved by players. The coaches are great. They know how to place somebody based on their abilities. I could not have asked for better coaches than the ones this year. said Ericson. Typically in high school most athletes are not big fans of their coaches, but it seems that Ericson is their number one fan. Teammates and fans of Ericson feel it is good to see someone giving the coaches a little appreciation for what they do to help these teams become better overall at what they do. They feel that Ericson is a remarkable athlete and overall person who likes to give credit where credit is due. Ericson usually does the distance races. He placed first in both the 800 and 1600 at the Fort Bend Relays where the team finished third place over all. His running skills also helped the Rangers gain a second place finish at the Foster Relays earlier. As one teammate put it, if Michael is on the track then CHS fans can be sure that he is going to do something great for the Rangers.

Sylvia LeBlanc marks her milestones

By MEGHAN BEYTEBIERE Copy Editor A positive attitude, it seems, can take a person a long way. At least in the case of Silvia Le Blanc, junior, she contributes her consistent success in varsity track as well as in school. I try to always be positive, and overall happy, said Le Blanc. As a CHS distance runner in both the two-mile and the one-mile races she has to dedicate time and energy to practice. It takes a lot of work to balance her athletics with extra-curricular activities and a social life, but she eventually balances it all out. It is very tough. I do not have much time to do all the social stuff, but when I do I usually do it on the weekends, said Le Blanc. To help her with the hard job of balancing everything out, Le Blanc relies on her family for their support. They all provide support and advice that help her get through her races and succeed in school. My parents help give me advice when I get nervous, and they calm me down. My dad helps me with the college stuff, and my mom as a physical therapist gives me advice and helps stretch me out. My brother 12 just motivates me, he tells me to go win and run fast, said Le Blanc. Unlike Le Blanc, her role model Lolo Jones did not have as much support. Jones, an Olympic hurdler, spent most of her early life in and out of homes. Her father was first preoccupied in the air force and then later in prison making him more often than not absent from her life. She came from a tough background, even then though she was still running and worker hard to go to college and do well and then go to the Olympics. No matter how many times she was close to failing, like when she tripped over the hurdle and did not get the gold, but she kept on trying to go to the Olympics again and win again. It really motivates me, because I have had a lot of injuries, and I just remember her and say I can still do it and do well, said Le Blanc. Injuries being the toughest part of her track season, Le Blanc has worked through stress fractures, a pulled hamstring and many others. This season she has remained uninjured and will hopefully continue to do so, and she will be able to top her previous record of undefeated until State which she achieved last year. Le Blanc recommends that anyone who wants to join track should start in the class and not worry about who is faster than you, but just enjoy it and work the hardest they can. With her advice to runners to just enjoy what you do and be the best at what you like, Le Blanc proves the effectiveness of this advice through her success in running and in school.

Hats off to Jackie Robinson, #42

By RABAB ZEHRA Sports Editor Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, and Hank Aaron are just a few of the hundreds of the African-American baseball players who have become legends in MLB history. These hall of famers all applaud the man who made it possible for baseball to be played in a de-segregated environment- Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson is best known for being the first black major league baseball player in the modern era. In 1947, he broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers gave him a #42 jersey and started him out at first base. His incredible talent and bravery made is possible for racial segregation in sports to gradually end, and was a big step for the Civil Rights Movement. Along with his impact on society he had an exceptional career. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame and playing in six World Series are just a few of the many accomplishments Robinson has received. One of the greatest tributes to Robinson is Jackie Robinson Day. This is a traditional event in MLB where every player on every team wears #42 on April 15th. April 15th, 1947 was Opening Day and the first time Robinson league field and ended about sixty years of stepped on a major segregation. Apart from being a prodigy on the field, Robinson also had many other accomplishments. He was the first black television analyst in MLB, and the first black vice president of a major American corporation. His career statistics include: .311 batting average; 1,518 hits; 137 home runs; 734 runs batted in; and 197 stolen bases. Robinsons major league debut brought an end to racial segregation in professional baseball and was one of the most historic events in the history of sports. He is a very important role model and that is why we commemorate his legacy till now. Happy early Jackie Robinson Day!

Coach Ericson leads his team to victory

By SANTIAGO DIAZ Reporter A legend for the Clements Rangers, Todd Ericson has been coaching for 21 years. Alumni of the University of Michigan, Coach Ericsons first experience as a coach was for a U-17 college team along with his head coach Van Demetrio. Ericsons success comes with power, a leader and mentor for young players. His creative and wizard-like styles comes from Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho. Mourinhos interaction with players and his psychological style has converted him to the coach he is today, Ericson said. Ericson played soccer as young boy and continues to coach for boys soccer. His attitude for the game is rather disciplinary and strict. He manages to connect with his players as a leader and a friend. One of the things he looks for in a player is scarification. No, not the death one, but the decisions and the sacrifices the player is willing to make to shape the team into a stronger, well-coordinated squad. He looks for discipline and maturity, along with skill. Ericsons discipline does not always include yelling, but rather connecting with his players in the strongest, healthiest way possible. Coaching is difficult, managing players and juggling time as a teacher is conceivable, but Ericson considers the most difficult way to reach a player is individually and to connect with them. Many players have their own preconceived notions and aspire to reach a certain spot in playoffs, state, region, and/or district, causing a difficult job for Ericson. His decisions impact the team and the team has been successful. As of March 4, Rangers are undefeated in district and hold the #1 spot in district. Placing second in Brenham, expectations are skyrocketing. Preparing for playoffs, Ericson does not care about the drills he uses. He cares for the way he reaches his players. In his own opinion, Ericson believes they will go into region and hopefully take home region finalist. A couple of players, playing exceptionally well and considered under spotlight include, Santiago Padruno, midfielder, Nick Fillip, defender, Trinidad Luna, midfielder, and Kevin Matthews, defender. These players have contributed their skill to a successful squad and dream of holding that state trophy. Ericson mentally and physically has to prepare his team for this dream with little time.

In the end, Ericsons favorite experience in the playoffs was the year they qualified for state. This team had a superior, elite group of players and reached the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, Ericsons squad lost in penalties to the eventual state champions. Coach Ericson provides success, leadership, and futures for these young players and turns them into supreme athletes. He says he could never choose another job besides coaching and loves this school.

Meet iLeader Rabia Kassam, Clements Sophomore who also attends the Sugar Land Principal Jamatkhana. Interestingly Rabia has been volunteering at her religious school to teach preschoolers and outside the State Capitol. Each year, iLeaders travel to Austin to learn about civic leadership at the Texas State Capitol.

iLeads Mission iLead Students Build Leadership Skills through:

me about leadership. So, when I go into the real world I will be able to use that knowledge to lead others. --Rabia Kassam To learn more, visit www.imgh.org/ilead

Clements High School

Voices
Which ctional character would you be?

Spongebob. Megan Jacobs, freshman.

Bella Swan. Johnathan Liu, sophomore.

V, from V for Vendetta. Marc Gebara, junior.

Minnie Mouse. Zibaa Pirani, sophomore.

Holden Caulfield Esther Garcia, senior.

Batman. Berra Akcan, freshman.

Legolas. Sarah Biagiotti, junior.

Captain America. Jeremy Thomas, freshman.

Ash Ketchum. Minh Do, senior. 15