Emerging Business Leaders
All DECA Competitors Advance to State
by Hailey Gorzell
For the first time in Clemens history, every contestant at the district-two DECA meet qualified for the state competition. Competitors dominated across the board in marketing, finance, hospitality and management events. DECA members exhibited their skills at the District Two Career Development Conference in the Schertz Civic Center on Jan. 12.
G. Weiler (12) worked to improve hyper-personalization over the course of eight months.
“I was really nervous,” Weiler said. “I was afraid that I was going to mess up my part, but luckily it was okay when we actually presented it.”
The cost to enter a district competitive event was $40, which was paid by each contestant individually. Competitors choose from a wide variety of events involving role-play scenarios, essay compositions, presentations, and exams. Contestants prepared well in advance, with some practicing for their event months ahead of the competition.
H. Long (11), I. Allen (11) and L. Gambrel (11) taught students financial literacy at Wilder Intermediate and Rose Garden Elementary. They composed a paper over the findings of their project. Long was motivated by advancing to nationals last year.
“Being in DECA has shown me how to be a better leader, and honestly just be more confident in myself because we have to present in front of people,” Long said. “I’ve grown in confidence and my leadership qualities.”
According to the Texas DECA organization, over 16,000 people participate in DECA across the state of Texas, forming the largest school association in the world. DECA promotes public speaking, professionalism, leadership skills and preparation for a career beyond college and high school.
M. Lagasse (12) and J. Alfonsin (11) created an independent business plan called ‘Travel With Mickey’ to assist lower to middle class families with transportation to Disney World.
“My motivation to be in DECA is pursuing my business career and being able to meet new people and do challenging things in this world,” Alfonsin said.
The innovation plan is an entrepreneurial event which requires competitors to produce a service or product, write an essay composition about the proposition, and pitch their idea in under 15 minutes to a judge.
H. Bean (10) and A. Newman (10) dedicated numerous hours to rehearsing their project and fine tuning elements of their product.
“To prepare, I drew several rough sketches of my group’s project,” Bean said. “I was my group’s lead graphic designer, so I worked to make sure the paper and slideshow looked professional.”
The State Career Development Conference will be held at the Hilton Anatole Conference Center in Dallas, Texas from March 9-11. Stakes are high for competitors as districts across Texas unite to contend for a place at the international conference in Orlando, Florida.
“I am very excited to go to state with H. Bean and H. Gorzell,” Newman said. “I think it’s going to be an amazing experience, and I am thrilled to represent our school.”
G. Weiler (12) worked to improve hyper-personalization over the course of eight months.
“I was really nervous,” Weiler said. “I was afraid that I was going to mess up my part, but luckily it was okay when we actually presented it.”
The cost to enter a district competitive event was $40, which was paid by each contestant individually. Competitors choose from a wide variety of events involving role-play scenarios, essay compositions, presentations, and exams. Contestants prepared well in advance, with some practicing for their event months ahead of the competition.
H. Long (11), I. Allen (11) and L. Gambrel (11) taught students financial literacy at Wilder Intermediate and Rose Garden Elementary. They composed a paper over the findings of their project. Long was motivated by advancing to nationals last year.
“Being in DECA has shown me how to be a better leader, and honestly just be more confident in myself because we have to present in front of people,” Long said. “I’ve grown in confidence and my leadership qualities.”
According to the Texas DECA organization, over 16,000 people participate in DECA across the state of Texas, forming the largest school association in the world. DECA promotes public speaking, professionalism, leadership skills and preparation for a career beyond college and high school.
M. Lagasse (12) and J. Alfonsin (11) created an independent business plan called ‘Travel With Mickey’ to assist lower to middle class families with transportation to Disney World.
“My motivation to be in DECA is pursuing my business career and being able to meet new people and do challenging things in this world,” Alfonsin said.
The innovation plan is an entrepreneurial event which requires competitors to produce a service or product, write an essay composition about the proposition, and pitch their idea in under 15 minutes to a judge.
H. Bean (10) and A. Newman (10) dedicated numerous hours to rehearsing their project and fine tuning elements of their product.
“To prepare, I drew several rough sketches of my group’s project,” Bean said. “I was my group’s lead graphic designer, so I worked to make sure the paper and slideshow looked professional.”
The State Career Development Conference will be held at the Hilton Anatole Conference Center in Dallas, Texas from March 9-11. Stakes are high for competitors as districts across Texas unite to contend for a place at the international conference in Orlando, Florida.
“I am very excited to go to state with H. Bean and H. Gorzell,” Newman said. “I think it’s going to be an amazing experience, and I am thrilled to represent our school.”
A Legacy to Live On
Vivienne Westwood Dies at 81
by Rocco Monteverdi
In a time of bright colored disco and hippie fashion, Vivienne Westwood found inspiration in the less popular, and made her mark in the world by taking inspiration from punk and biker styles. When her work became mainstream, Westwood drove into the opposite direction and took inspiration from the classics, both Renaissance fashion and paintings. Despite her passing on December 29, it is certain that her legacy will live on strong.
“Vivienne Westwood was an iconic pioneer in fashion. Westwood brought punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream; throughout her career she often used fashion and the clothing she designed as a medium to promote and express political causes like climate change and civil rights,” F. Buitron (12) said.
Westwood’s abnormal styles were at first hard for the world to accept, but soon became a well known style.
“She sold clothing and at that time it was very provocative and they (Westwood’s company) got a lot of hate for it. They did stuff with cutouts and very rock and roll and she still does that type of thing today. She does a lot of stuff in your face, and is very different, so she really changed fashion in that way,” R. Davis (11) said.
Despite the hate she received long ago, Westwood made a large mark in modern fashion with items such as corsets and pearl necklaces.
“I looked into her work as a designer and I was stunned by her edge and designs. One thing that really stood out to me was her pearl necklace that she made, they were really big,” T. Brown (11) said.
No matter how many years pass, Westwood’s bravery and creativity will continue to inspire others.
“Westwood’s designs and fearless attitude to push boundaries inspire me a lot. I love experimenting with the clothing I own and buying weird or non conventional pieces,” Buitron said. “What people wear and put on their backs is a form of self expression. Everyday is an opportunity to wear something new.”
“Vivienne Westwood was an iconic pioneer in fashion. Westwood brought punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream; throughout her career she often used fashion and the clothing she designed as a medium to promote and express political causes like climate change and civil rights,” F. Buitron (12) said.
Westwood’s abnormal styles were at first hard for the world to accept, but soon became a well known style.
“She sold clothing and at that time it was very provocative and they (Westwood’s company) got a lot of hate for it. They did stuff with cutouts and very rock and roll and she still does that type of thing today. She does a lot of stuff in your face, and is very different, so she really changed fashion in that way,” R. Davis (11) said.
Despite the hate she received long ago, Westwood made a large mark in modern fashion with items such as corsets and pearl necklaces.
“I looked into her work as a designer and I was stunned by her edge and designs. One thing that really stood out to me was her pearl necklace that she made, they were really big,” T. Brown (11) said.
No matter how many years pass, Westwood’s bravery and creativity will continue to inspire others.
“Westwood’s designs and fearless attitude to push boundaries inspire me a lot. I love experimenting with the clothing I own and buying weird or non conventional pieces,” Buitron said. “What people wear and put on their backs is a form of self expression. Everyday is an opportunity to wear something new.”
Celebrities Fall of Fame
Kanye West, Andrew Tait Surge the Internet
by Tristan Perez
Between the famous moguls, both Kanye West’s and Andrew Tate’s careers have recently plummeted over platforms such as Twitter, with West spreading antisemitic comments and Tate being exposed for rape and sexual harassment.
West’s account on Instagram was frozen, leaving him to post on Twitter for the first time in two years.
West said, “I’m a bit sleepy tonight, but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.”
By stating “death con 3” he is referring to the military term DEFCON 3, which means there is an increase in readiness of U.S forces above normal levels.
“I wonder, like, why would you want to say that? That’s career-ruining,” B. Pacheco (11) said. “So, it’s like thinking ‘yeah let me tell everybody something that can ruin my entire career.’”
In addition to West’s divorce with Kim Kardashian and announcing to run for president, he has made public comments that are keeping the Internet on edge.
“If he said he was a Nazi, I don’t think he’d be serious about it,” E. Alvarado (09) said. “There are still Nazis left, and people are finding them everywhere, and they know what’s going to happen if they say something out loud like that.”
In December 2022, Andrew and Tristan Tate were imprisoned over recordings of Andrew Tate admitting to raping a woman, and Tristan has been detained, as police build their case. A judge ruled that the brothers will remain in custody until Feb. 27.
“I think that it saved a lot of people, to be honest,” M. Jenkins (11) said. “It’s very helpful for a lot of people that he’s no longer out and about in the world. I think it was really funny how he got caught. I feel like this has been coming for a while.”
For the past few years, Tate has become popular from his misogynistic comments made on podcasts, videos, etc. He and his brother have both been making these comments for some time, and Romanian authorities received the recording of Tate admitting to rape.
“There’s some parts of these things that are influencing people, but to be changing us wouldn’t necessarily be ideal,” Alvarado said. “He’s trying to tell us something, and some of us are listening.”
West’s account on Instagram was frozen, leaving him to post on Twitter for the first time in two years.
West said, “I’m a bit sleepy tonight, but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.”
By stating “death con 3” he is referring to the military term DEFCON 3, which means there is an increase in readiness of U.S forces above normal levels.
“I wonder, like, why would you want to say that? That’s career-ruining,” B. Pacheco (11) said. “So, it’s like thinking ‘yeah let me tell everybody something that can ruin my entire career.’”
In addition to West’s divorce with Kim Kardashian and announcing to run for president, he has made public comments that are keeping the Internet on edge.
“If he said he was a Nazi, I don’t think he’d be serious about it,” E. Alvarado (09) said. “There are still Nazis left, and people are finding them everywhere, and they know what’s going to happen if they say something out loud like that.”
In December 2022, Andrew and Tristan Tate were imprisoned over recordings of Andrew Tate admitting to raping a woman, and Tristan has been detained, as police build their case. A judge ruled that the brothers will remain in custody until Feb. 27.
“I think that it saved a lot of people, to be honest,” M. Jenkins (11) said. “It’s very helpful for a lot of people that he’s no longer out and about in the world. I think it was really funny how he got caught. I feel like this has been coming for a while.”
For the past few years, Tate has become popular from his misogynistic comments made on podcasts, videos, etc. He and his brother have both been making these comments for some time, and Romanian authorities received the recording of Tate admitting to rape.
“There’s some parts of these things that are influencing people, but to be changing us wouldn’t necessarily be ideal,” Alvarado said. “He’s trying to tell us something, and some of us are listening.”
Cancel Culture by Rihanna Perez
Editorial in production
Stay tuned Jan 24, 2023
Off the Deep End
News
by Tristan Perez (10)
News4SA has a new initiative to promote student journalists in the area. This article features impact within the community and allows student voices to be heard beyond the SC Correspondent.
This article originally was printed in the 2022 Winter Magazine.
news4sanantonio.com/news/local/off-the-deep-end-clemens-high-school-swim-team-dives-into-winter-season#
News
by Tristan Perez (10)
News4SA has a new initiative to promote student journalists in the area. This article features impact within the community and allows student voices to be heard beyond the SC Correspondent.
This article originally was printed in the 2022 Winter Magazine.
news4sanantonio.com/news/local/off-the-deep-end-clemens-high-school-swim-team-dives-into-winter-season#
Samuel Clemens Wrestling by Madyson Isenberg
|
Photo by Fatima Buitron (12)
|
Spotify Wrapped by Alison Boening
Feature
Coming Jan. 24, 2023
2023 Resolutions by Keyla Ruiz
Feature
Under production
Around the World and Back Again
The Foreign Exchange Program Experience
by Hailey Gorzell (10)
An adolescent rests on a plane destined for a foreign land. The rigorous requirements to reach the exchange status are fulfilled, and the expectation and anticipation of the unknown is almost too much to bear. The echoes of goodbyes resonate in their minds as they leave the comforts of their home for an adventurous other land.
Through a government approved foreign exchange program, students are able to acquire a visa to enter the United States.
C. Biefnot (11) is a foreign exchange student from Belgium, and she followed in the footsteps of her sister by enrolling in the exchange program.
“I joined the exchange program because I just love to travel, and in Belgium the school is too serious. I just wanted to live something different and also become bilingual,” Biefnot said.
Foreign exchange students choose to study abroad for various reasons: some seek to expand their horizons through travel, some wish to learn a new language in a diverse educational environment, and some desire to experience the grandeur of American culture.
I. Gosamkee (10) is a foreign exchange student from Hong Kong, and she observed societal differences in daily life.
“In Hong Kong, everything is very fast and forced. Like the people there are just going to work and that’s all they do, and here, everyone is a lot more free and a lot more open,” Gosamkee said. “We live in apartments over there, and here we live in houses.”
During the duration of their stay, foreign exchange students are housed with a host family who provides them with meals, transportation, a living area, and support. Host families come in all shapes and sizes. They are entrusted with fostering a friendly environment to make their student feel more welcome. N. Kamonsunthornroj (11) is a foreign exchange student from Bangkok, Thailand, and she appreciates the efforts of her host family.
“They (host family) are so nice, and they’re friendly. They have hosted exchange students from 1999. They know everything about exchange students, so they can handle me well. They know what to do, and I’m so appreciative,” Kamonsunthornroj said.
Exchange students keep in contact with their friends, family, and acquaintances from their home through social media and other technological mediums. The transition to a new school and country often requires support from a student’s home community.
“I call my friends and family every other day, like maybe two or three times a week, and try to catch up with everything that’s going on back home,” Gosamkee said. “That’s how I cope.”
Resources that I used for information:
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-come-the-us-high-school-exchange-student.html
The Foreign Exchange Program Experience
by Hailey Gorzell (10)
An adolescent rests on a plane destined for a foreign land. The rigorous requirements to reach the exchange status are fulfilled, and the expectation and anticipation of the unknown is almost too much to bear. The echoes of goodbyes resonate in their minds as they leave the comforts of their home for an adventurous other land.
Through a government approved foreign exchange program, students are able to acquire a visa to enter the United States.
C. Biefnot (11) is a foreign exchange student from Belgium, and she followed in the footsteps of her sister by enrolling in the exchange program.
“I joined the exchange program because I just love to travel, and in Belgium the school is too serious. I just wanted to live something different and also become bilingual,” Biefnot said.
Foreign exchange students choose to study abroad for various reasons: some seek to expand their horizons through travel, some wish to learn a new language in a diverse educational environment, and some desire to experience the grandeur of American culture.
I. Gosamkee (10) is a foreign exchange student from Hong Kong, and she observed societal differences in daily life.
“In Hong Kong, everything is very fast and forced. Like the people there are just going to work and that’s all they do, and here, everyone is a lot more free and a lot more open,” Gosamkee said. “We live in apartments over there, and here we live in houses.”
During the duration of their stay, foreign exchange students are housed with a host family who provides them with meals, transportation, a living area, and support. Host families come in all shapes and sizes. They are entrusted with fostering a friendly environment to make their student feel more welcome. N. Kamonsunthornroj (11) is a foreign exchange student from Bangkok, Thailand, and she appreciates the efforts of her host family.
“They (host family) are so nice, and they’re friendly. They have hosted exchange students from 1999. They know everything about exchange students, so they can handle me well. They know what to do, and I’m so appreciative,” Kamonsunthornroj said.
Exchange students keep in contact with their friends, family, and acquaintances from their home through social media and other technological mediums. The transition to a new school and country often requires support from a student’s home community.
“I call my friends and family every other day, like maybe two or three times a week, and try to catch up with everything that’s going on back home,” Gosamkee said. “That’s how I cope.”
Resources that I used for information:
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-come-the-us-high-school-exchange-student.html
Her Hips are Lying After All
Spain Charges Shakira with Tax Fraud
by Tristan Perez (10)
Colombian singer Shakira is set to go to trial for tax fraud charges and could be sent to prison for eight years. Prosecutors from Barcelona, Spain claim Shakira evaded taxes between 2012-2014, and faces a debt close to $15 million Euros. If Shakira is penalized, she will face a fine of $24 million Euros, as well as prison.
“I do see her being in the wrong because it’s her fault for not paying her taxes, and I do think that she does deserve it,” T. Cuevas (10) said. “I feel like I don’t even know who she is anymore, honestly. I really thought she was just somebody famous who made music, which she still is, but now that she’s doing that it’s just weird.”
The Spanish Tax Agency claims that Shakira spent more than half of each year living in Spain from 2012-2014, and was legally required to pay taxes to the government. At that time, Shakira’s official residence was in the Bahamas, but prosecutors say that she spent most of her time in Spain.
“I love her music and I love everything she does, but the fact that she did say how she didn’t live in that specific area, and also she didn’t pay her taxes and stuff, is kind of odd,” M. Mata (10) said. “Spain needs to be more direct too, like ‘hey you need to pay,’ but at the same time I think Spain is in the wrong as well because they didn’t need to also rush to do this.”
Shakira’s Spanish relations team stated she recently deposited her debt of $15 million Euros to the Spanish Tax Agency, with an extra $3 million Euros in interest. Spain’s prosecutors strongly insist that she still owes them money. In response to Spain’s accusations, Shakira’s publicists from London have begun to accuse the Spanish Tax Agency of causing her mental issues. In addition to these claimed mental issues, last June, Shakira and Barcelonian soccer player Gerard Pique divorced after a 12 year long marriage due to infidelity accusations.
“I feel like she knew what she was doing during that time and her divorce shouldn’t be used as an excuse for her mental distress, it was entirely her choice,” S. Carrasco (10) said. “I’m just saying, I’m sure Shakira is wrong. She was conscious and knew what she was doing was wrong.”
Shakira’s representatives recently told Fox News that “Shakira has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer, and faithfully following the counsel of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, a prestigious and globally recognized tax firm. Unfortunately, the Spanish Tax Office, which loses one out of every two lawsuits with its taxpayers, continues to violate her rights and pursue yet another baseless case. Shakira is confident that her innocence will be proven by the end of the judicial process."
A trial date has yet to be set for Shakira to go to court with the Spanish Tax Agency, but there is no doubt that both sides are in a bad spot.
“She’s really famous, but you know how when you don’t hear from a celebrity or YouTuber in a while you might lose interest,” Mata said. “You might not be as faithful to them. Also, for younger people, they might see her as not as much of a great influence. When I first heard it, I was like ‘that’s not Shakira, that’s a lie, Shakira wouldn’t lie.’”
Spain Charges Shakira with Tax Fraud
by Tristan Perez (10)
Colombian singer Shakira is set to go to trial for tax fraud charges and could be sent to prison for eight years. Prosecutors from Barcelona, Spain claim Shakira evaded taxes between 2012-2014, and faces a debt close to $15 million Euros. If Shakira is penalized, she will face a fine of $24 million Euros, as well as prison.
“I do see her being in the wrong because it’s her fault for not paying her taxes, and I do think that she does deserve it,” T. Cuevas (10) said. “I feel like I don’t even know who she is anymore, honestly. I really thought she was just somebody famous who made music, which she still is, but now that she’s doing that it’s just weird.”
The Spanish Tax Agency claims that Shakira spent more than half of each year living in Spain from 2012-2014, and was legally required to pay taxes to the government. At that time, Shakira’s official residence was in the Bahamas, but prosecutors say that she spent most of her time in Spain.
“I love her music and I love everything she does, but the fact that she did say how she didn’t live in that specific area, and also she didn’t pay her taxes and stuff, is kind of odd,” M. Mata (10) said. “Spain needs to be more direct too, like ‘hey you need to pay,’ but at the same time I think Spain is in the wrong as well because they didn’t need to also rush to do this.”
Shakira’s Spanish relations team stated she recently deposited her debt of $15 million Euros to the Spanish Tax Agency, with an extra $3 million Euros in interest. Spain’s prosecutors strongly insist that she still owes them money. In response to Spain’s accusations, Shakira’s publicists from London have begun to accuse the Spanish Tax Agency of causing her mental issues. In addition to these claimed mental issues, last June, Shakira and Barcelonian soccer player Gerard Pique divorced after a 12 year long marriage due to infidelity accusations.
“I feel like she knew what she was doing during that time and her divorce shouldn’t be used as an excuse for her mental distress, it was entirely her choice,” S. Carrasco (10) said. “I’m just saying, I’m sure Shakira is wrong. She was conscious and knew what she was doing was wrong.”
Shakira’s representatives recently told Fox News that “Shakira has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer, and faithfully following the counsel of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, a prestigious and globally recognized tax firm. Unfortunately, the Spanish Tax Office, which loses one out of every two lawsuits with its taxpayers, continues to violate her rights and pursue yet another baseless case. Shakira is confident that her innocence will be proven by the end of the judicial process."
A trial date has yet to be set for Shakira to go to court with the Spanish Tax Agency, but there is no doubt that both sides are in a bad spot.
“She’s really famous, but you know how when you don’t hear from a celebrity or YouTuber in a while you might lose interest,” Mata said. “You might not be as faithful to them. Also, for younger people, they might see her as not as much of a great influence. When I first heard it, I was like ‘that’s not Shakira, that’s a lie, Shakira wouldn’t lie.’”
