With technology becoming the main source of reading news and information everywhere, we make it our goal to ensure our articles are read in our traditional print form, and again on our online paper. Below, you'll read about student body turmoil with the student council, supply and demand problems the world is facing, and our student spotlight of recognizing players on and off the field.
Turmoil of the Student Body
Seniors Trump the Council During Spirit Weeks.
In a way to make the most out of their senior year, a small group of seniors have come together to come up with their own interactive and enjoyable spirit weeks, disregarding the authorized spirit weeks made by Clemens student council officers. In doing so, those that worked hard to make the spirit weeks feel unappreciated and upset over their hard work being thrown out, causing turmoil over the different groups of the class.
When COVID-19 took over and locked everything down, our past two senior classes weren’t able to have a true and complete senior year. Now that everything is slowly going back to normal, our 2022 senior class is definitely ensuring they get everything they can out of their senior year. Recently, for our Homecoming, Pink Out, and Battle of 3009 spirit weeks, it’s found that the whole school has two to three different spirit weeks going on throughout the school day. For example, during Homecoming week, the spirit weeks were changed from jersey day to throwbacks/early 2000s day, animal print day to frat day, and so on. In publishing these new spirit weeks for all of their social media to see, more students deem the new spirit days more fun and go with that, instead of the spirit weeks that were chosen specifically and allowed by administration.
With these same changes happening every spirit week thus far, student council members are frustrated with their time and energy being wasted by hardly anybody participating in the previously decided themes. Many of the new spirit days have come from the huge social platform, TikTok. Themes such as “Anything but a backpack day”, “dad day”, “dress up day”, and the “early 2000s day” are all examples of ideas found on TikTok that motivated the seniors to utilize them. Although the spirit weeks may be fun and silly to dress like a dad, or carry around a dresser instead of a backpack for a day, but all that has been amounted from these is constant dress coding and confiscations of students' items because the spirit day wasn’t approved prior.
The biggest cause for the changes, as stated by students, is the fact that the student council neglects the changing times and is okay with using the same spirit days that we have all seen and participated in in previous years, and it’s just time for change. Many of the seniors responsible for the changes are found in a group chat, and also has some students from the council. To ensure no confusion, something they could all do is come to a compromise and discuss possible spirit days before they are made and approved in that group chat. That way, the student council has a good idea of what the seniors want to see. That being said, regardless of what happens, the division being created isn’t what we need this senior year. We all wish to leave on a good note, and communication and inclusion would help to create the entertaining environment that we all deserve.
Kennedi Adams (12) Editor-in-Chief
When COVID-19 took over and locked everything down, our past two senior classes weren’t able to have a true and complete senior year. Now that everything is slowly going back to normal, our 2022 senior class is definitely ensuring they get everything they can out of their senior year. Recently, for our Homecoming, Pink Out, and Battle of 3009 spirit weeks, it’s found that the whole school has two to three different spirit weeks going on throughout the school day. For example, during Homecoming week, the spirit weeks were changed from jersey day to throwbacks/early 2000s day, animal print day to frat day, and so on. In publishing these new spirit weeks for all of their social media to see, more students deem the new spirit days more fun and go with that, instead of the spirit weeks that were chosen specifically and allowed by administration.
With these same changes happening every spirit week thus far, student council members are frustrated with their time and energy being wasted by hardly anybody participating in the previously decided themes. Many of the new spirit days have come from the huge social platform, TikTok. Themes such as “Anything but a backpack day”, “dad day”, “dress up day”, and the “early 2000s day” are all examples of ideas found on TikTok that motivated the seniors to utilize them. Although the spirit weeks may be fun and silly to dress like a dad, or carry around a dresser instead of a backpack for a day, but all that has been amounted from these is constant dress coding and confiscations of students' items because the spirit day wasn’t approved prior.
The biggest cause for the changes, as stated by students, is the fact that the student council neglects the changing times and is okay with using the same spirit days that we have all seen and participated in in previous years, and it’s just time for change. Many of the seniors responsible for the changes are found in a group chat, and also has some students from the council. To ensure no confusion, something they could all do is come to a compromise and discuss possible spirit days before they are made and approved in that group chat. That way, the student council has a good idea of what the seniors want to see. That being said, regardless of what happens, the division being created isn’t what we need this senior year. We all wish to leave on a good note, and communication and inclusion would help to create the entertaining environment that we all deserve.
Kennedi Adams (12) Editor-in-Chief
New School, New Life
Students Adjust to a Different Environment at a New School.
The crowded halls buzzing with the sounds of friendships, the overwhelming anxiety of trying to fit in, the friendships and cliques already being formed, these are the troubles new students face as they transfer to different schools throughout the school year.
Whether it be by military or just moving, new kids transfer to different schools throughout the year.
“Coming to this school as a senior and having to fit in has been challenging. Cliques have already been formed and there’s not enough time for teachers to learn what kind of student I am. However, after the first few months, I’ve found my friend group and now I look forward to school,” said Isabella Martinez (12).
Martinez mentions that shes attended many different schools, including Frank L. Madla Early College High School, Harlan High School, Texas Connections Academy,Veterans Memorial High School, and now attends Clemens.
“I left Madla because of personal problems, after my freshman year at Harlan we moved to Selma where I started an online academy because I didn’t want to start a new school ‘career’ and then after my many failing grades doing school online, I transferred to Veterans,” Martinez said.
As new kids transfer to different schools it is important to make them feel welcomed and like they belong.
“I fit in just fine, it’s all about making your own way,” Justine Owens (12) said, “This school is very big compared to the one I attended previously, and the people here are much nicer here as far as pleasantries go.”
Madyson Isenberg (10) Business Manager
Whether it be by military or just moving, new kids transfer to different schools throughout the year.
“Coming to this school as a senior and having to fit in has been challenging. Cliques have already been formed and there’s not enough time for teachers to learn what kind of student I am. However, after the first few months, I’ve found my friend group and now I look forward to school,” said Isabella Martinez (12).
Martinez mentions that shes attended many different schools, including Frank L. Madla Early College High School, Harlan High School, Texas Connections Academy,Veterans Memorial High School, and now attends Clemens.
“I left Madla because of personal problems, after my freshman year at Harlan we moved to Selma where I started an online academy because I didn’t want to start a new school ‘career’ and then after my many failing grades doing school online, I transferred to Veterans,” Martinez said.
As new kids transfer to different schools it is important to make them feel welcomed and like they belong.
“I fit in just fine, it’s all about making your own way,” Justine Owens (12) said, “This school is very big compared to the one I attended previously, and the people here are much nicer here as far as pleasantries go.”
Madyson Isenberg (10) Business Manager
The Taste of Tradition
A Brief History of What Americans do for Thanksgiving
From feasting on turkey to dozing at dusk, there are many ways to observe Thanksgiving with friends and family. Different people do different things like watching parades, breaking the wishbone or even just taking a nap.
One popular tradition is to break the turkey’s wishbone . This stems from a tradition an ancient Italian civilization performed. They believed that birds could predict the future, so they would dry out the bone then make wishes, hence naming it the wishbone. This tradition spread to the Romans who added to the tradition by breaking the wishbone and making wishes on the bigger piece. Later, the English also adopted the tradition. When the Pilgrims came to America, they brought the wishbone breaking tradition with them and it is still done to this day.
Another way some people celebrate is by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Compared to the wishbone breaking tradition, this is more recent. While the first parade occurred on Thanksgiving day of 1924, it was meant to be a Christmas parade. It featured nursery rhyme character floats that coordinated with winter window displays. The parade also featured animals on loan from the zoo. After the first parade, the real animals were replaced with balloons. Back then, the entire parade was only a couple of blocks long, Now it is more than 20 floats, 10 balloons and there are many performers.
The Turkey Pardoning is another big event that people look forward to on Thanksgiving day. Throughout the years, many presidents have been gifted turkeys by different farms and organizations. The first recorded president to keep his gift and unofficially pardon it was Abraham Lincoln. The first official turkey pardon was by John F. Kennedy in 1963. Since then, Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump have all pardoned turkeys. These turkeys go on to live the rest of their lives in farms or zoos.
There are many other ways people celebrate, but these are some of the more well-known ones. Other ways include shopping on Black Friday, watching football and more. It’s a time to be thankful for what one has and there’s no wrong way to be thankful.
Adriana Strang (11) Assistant Editor-in-Chief
One popular tradition is to break the turkey’s wishbone . This stems from a tradition an ancient Italian civilization performed. They believed that birds could predict the future, so they would dry out the bone then make wishes, hence naming it the wishbone. This tradition spread to the Romans who added to the tradition by breaking the wishbone and making wishes on the bigger piece. Later, the English also adopted the tradition. When the Pilgrims came to America, they brought the wishbone breaking tradition with them and it is still done to this day.
Another way some people celebrate is by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Compared to the wishbone breaking tradition, this is more recent. While the first parade occurred on Thanksgiving day of 1924, it was meant to be a Christmas parade. It featured nursery rhyme character floats that coordinated with winter window displays. The parade also featured animals on loan from the zoo. After the first parade, the real animals were replaced with balloons. Back then, the entire parade was only a couple of blocks long, Now it is more than 20 floats, 10 balloons and there are many performers.
The Turkey Pardoning is another big event that people look forward to on Thanksgiving day. Throughout the years, many presidents have been gifted turkeys by different farms and organizations. The first recorded president to keep his gift and unofficially pardon it was Abraham Lincoln. The first official turkey pardon was by John F. Kennedy in 1963. Since then, Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump have all pardoned turkeys. These turkeys go on to live the rest of their lives in farms or zoos.
There are many other ways people celebrate, but these are some of the more well-known ones. Other ways include shopping on Black Friday, watching football and more. It’s a time to be thankful for what one has and there’s no wrong way to be thankful.
Adriana Strang (11) Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Supply and Demand Difficulties
How the U.S. and the rest of the world have experienced shortages due to COVID-19 and other issues.
Empty shelves and shipping delays are more common occurrences for consumers due to the chronic supply shortages the world has been facing.
Koen Kelm (11) has experienced obstacles due to the supply and demand issue.
“I’ve been trying to get a graphics card for eight months now and you just can’t find them in stock or at a reasonable price because of the supply and demand issue, because we can’t get them imported from China and Taiwan where all of our silicon manufacturing is and so we just can’t get them in stock here,” Kelm said.
Because of the pandemic, factories across the world had to shut down, and some of them are still closed, which has resulted in a large loss of workers. That has in turn reduced manufacturing productivity and created rippling effects on the supply chain. On top of that issue, more people shopped online during the pandemic, which created demand that far surpassed the supply available.
“I do think that we have experienced shortages for longer than I thought we would,” Coach House said. “I think that in America we tend to rebound pretty quickly or at least our manufacturing chain rebounds pretty quickly but I do think we’ve seen more delay than I would have anticipated.”
Because of globalization, the world is highly interconnected in its trade systems, and effects on one supply chain can impact another. The United States is heavily reliant on imported goods, which are not coming in as quickly due to supply chain issues.
“I feel like the government needs to stop buying stuff from China and start making its own stuff because I feel like that would help the economy not to have such a supply and demand issue,” Sarah Jeffreys (12) said.
With the holidays coming up, people are already anticipating shortages and an increase in prices to happen.
“My mom got our Thanksgiving turkey on October 30th because she was worried there would be no turkeys around Thanksgiving,” Sylvia Teipel (09) said.
There is not a certain date for when the supply shortage will end, but experts predict it could last well into next year.
Jeffreys has seen impacts on stores from the supply and demand shortages.
“Even just going to Walmart the shelves are empty and like you know the people want the stuff that goes on the shelves,” Jeffreys said. “But they can’t get it.”
Hailey Gorzell (09) Staff Writer
Koen Kelm (11) has experienced obstacles due to the supply and demand issue.
“I’ve been trying to get a graphics card for eight months now and you just can’t find them in stock or at a reasonable price because of the supply and demand issue, because we can’t get them imported from China and Taiwan where all of our silicon manufacturing is and so we just can’t get them in stock here,” Kelm said.
Because of the pandemic, factories across the world had to shut down, and some of them are still closed, which has resulted in a large loss of workers. That has in turn reduced manufacturing productivity and created rippling effects on the supply chain. On top of that issue, more people shopped online during the pandemic, which created demand that far surpassed the supply available.
“I do think that we have experienced shortages for longer than I thought we would,” Coach House said. “I think that in America we tend to rebound pretty quickly or at least our manufacturing chain rebounds pretty quickly but I do think we’ve seen more delay than I would have anticipated.”
Because of globalization, the world is highly interconnected in its trade systems, and effects on one supply chain can impact another. The United States is heavily reliant on imported goods, which are not coming in as quickly due to supply chain issues.
“I feel like the government needs to stop buying stuff from China and start making its own stuff because I feel like that would help the economy not to have such a supply and demand issue,” Sarah Jeffreys (12) said.
With the holidays coming up, people are already anticipating shortages and an increase in prices to happen.
“My mom got our Thanksgiving turkey on October 30th because she was worried there would be no turkeys around Thanksgiving,” Sylvia Teipel (09) said.
There is not a certain date for when the supply shortage will end, but experts predict it could last well into next year.
Jeffreys has seen impacts on stores from the supply and demand shortages.
“Even just going to Walmart the shelves are empty and like you know the people want the stuff that goes on the shelves,” Jeffreys said. “But they can’t get it.”
Hailey Gorzell (09) Staff Writer
Films for the Century
Dune and Eternals Review
DUNE:
The movie Dune is an amazing film and a big hit for 2021. It takes place in the year 10191, where the Emperor assigns House Atreides, ruler of the ocean planet Caladan, to replace House Harkonnen as ruler of the desert planet Arrakis. What to expect from this movie is futuristic spaceships, hard fought battles, and powers of the human mind one has probably never seen before. When I first saw this movie, it reminded me much of Star Wars and Harry Potter. Star Wars relates to the futuristic tech, telekinetic powers, and the various planets in their solar system. Dune’s telekinetic powers strongly resemble The Force from Star Wars as well, which can control people’s actions and thoughts. Dune resembles Harry Potter in the sense that there is an established order of houses to keep things organized to an extent. I think this movie was a very well thought out project with an excellent storyline. The son of the Duke finds out he is possibly the foretold messiah and is determined to bring peace to Arrakis. The actors were perfect for their roles and definitely played the part. However, I did find the cliffhanger at the end of the movie was most surprising and should’ve eased a bit more into it. Other than that, I give this movie a 5/5 stars and definitely recommend it.
Tristan Perez (09) Staff Writer
ETERNALS:
In Eternals, a race of immortal beings known as the Eternals, who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, reunite to battle the evil Deviants.
Chloe Zhao did an incredible job of introducing so many new characters into the MCU. This cast is also notable for its diversity; it was refreshing to see minority representation in every character. I cannot wait to see where the Eternals are taken in the future of the MCU. Eternals is not your typical MCU film, it’s something out of the Marvel norm. With her compelling characters and eye-catching visuals, Zhao tells an emotional and intriguing story. Although it starts with a slow pace and lots of exposition, the movie gets better as the plot moves forward. With fantastic cinematography, the characters were able to showcase their spectacular powers. Overall I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars review and recommend watching it.
Keyla Ruiz(09) Staff Writer
The movie Dune is an amazing film and a big hit for 2021. It takes place in the year 10191, where the Emperor assigns House Atreides, ruler of the ocean planet Caladan, to replace House Harkonnen as ruler of the desert planet Arrakis. What to expect from this movie is futuristic spaceships, hard fought battles, and powers of the human mind one has probably never seen before. When I first saw this movie, it reminded me much of Star Wars and Harry Potter. Star Wars relates to the futuristic tech, telekinetic powers, and the various planets in their solar system. Dune’s telekinetic powers strongly resemble The Force from Star Wars as well, which can control people’s actions and thoughts. Dune resembles Harry Potter in the sense that there is an established order of houses to keep things organized to an extent. I think this movie was a very well thought out project with an excellent storyline. The son of the Duke finds out he is possibly the foretold messiah and is determined to bring peace to Arrakis. The actors were perfect for their roles and definitely played the part. However, I did find the cliffhanger at the end of the movie was most surprising and should’ve eased a bit more into it. Other than that, I give this movie a 5/5 stars and definitely recommend it.
Tristan Perez (09) Staff Writer
ETERNALS:
In Eternals, a race of immortal beings known as the Eternals, who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, reunite to battle the evil Deviants.
Chloe Zhao did an incredible job of introducing so many new characters into the MCU. This cast is also notable for its diversity; it was refreshing to see minority representation in every character. I cannot wait to see where the Eternals are taken in the future of the MCU. Eternals is not your typical MCU film, it’s something out of the Marvel norm. With her compelling characters and eye-catching visuals, Zhao tells an emotional and intriguing story. Although it starts with a slow pace and lots of exposition, the movie gets better as the plot moves forward. With fantastic cinematography, the characters were able to showcase their spectacular powers. Overall I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars review and recommend watching it.
Keyla Ruiz(09) Staff Writer
Athletic Identity
Finding purpose and achievement after sports
Individual identity is what defines a person, what people think of when they hear a person’s name and what they see them do out in public. For many student athletes, they only have one identity associated with the main thing they do. Some take part in school clubs, get artsy, and others even have ridiculous collections. For many, it’s just the sport they play.
When athletes see themselves as just an athlete and let their sport make them who they are, that’s when athletes fall victim to athletic identity, which can lead to a life of anguish and depression after their athletic career is over.
“Football has provided an outlet and opportunity for myself and others, it’s a brotherhood to me and there’s no greater strength and bond than the one we all share. You can also see the growth we’ve all gained from football. So if I had it taken away from me, I’d be disappointed,” Clark Mills (09) said.
As an athlete, there will come a day when an athlete has to give up their sport and transition into something else in life no matter what. Even the greatest athletes had to do it and a lot of them struggled because what they did for so long, essentially became all they knew and who they thought they were.
“Everything isn’t final but I’ve looked into being a firefighter, particularly the paramedic field along with the programs they offer high school graduates. Engineering is also something I love. So, if football isn’t my path after high school, I’d definitely want to pursue one of those careers,” Mills said.
By understanding athletic identity, athletes can all have a better understanding of the context in which they identify as an athlete versus a regular person. Athletic identity can lead an athlete to disregard other things in their life. This pertains to things like frends, family and their education at school. One example of this is recognizing oneself as “I play football” and “I am a football player.” The similarity between the phrases is that both will engrave a mentality in a person’s head which can change how one acts and feels.
“Sports in college is a lot of pressure and high school athletes think that they are going to go pro. So they try to ride the horse till it’s dead just to get their dreams crushed. It’s very sad, but some people forget that we aren’t in college to be athletes. We’re in college to be students,” said Wynter Ramos, D1 Freshman athlete at Missouri Track and Field.
Mary Mithanga (12) Staff Writer
When athletes see themselves as just an athlete and let their sport make them who they are, that’s when athletes fall victim to athletic identity, which can lead to a life of anguish and depression after their athletic career is over.
“Football has provided an outlet and opportunity for myself and others, it’s a brotherhood to me and there’s no greater strength and bond than the one we all share. You can also see the growth we’ve all gained from football. So if I had it taken away from me, I’d be disappointed,” Clark Mills (09) said.
As an athlete, there will come a day when an athlete has to give up their sport and transition into something else in life no matter what. Even the greatest athletes had to do it and a lot of them struggled because what they did for so long, essentially became all they knew and who they thought they were.
“Everything isn’t final but I’ve looked into being a firefighter, particularly the paramedic field along with the programs they offer high school graduates. Engineering is also something I love. So, if football isn’t my path after high school, I’d definitely want to pursue one of those careers,” Mills said.
By understanding athletic identity, athletes can all have a better understanding of the context in which they identify as an athlete versus a regular person. Athletic identity can lead an athlete to disregard other things in their life. This pertains to things like frends, family and their education at school. One example of this is recognizing oneself as “I play football” and “I am a football player.” The similarity between the phrases is that both will engrave a mentality in a person’s head which can change how one acts and feels.
“Sports in college is a lot of pressure and high school athletes think that they are going to go pro. So they try to ride the horse till it’s dead just to get their dreams crushed. It’s very sad, but some people forget that we aren’t in college to be athletes. We’re in college to be students,” said Wynter Ramos, D1 Freshman athlete at Missouri Track and Field.
Mary Mithanga (12) Staff Writer
