On Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th, the Kempner Speech and Debate team competed at the CyFair/CyWoods tournament. This was the first tournament in which novice debaters competed in. Congratulations to all of the members who competed.
**Special congratulations for those who placed**
Hoai My and Evan Rossi- First place Duo interpretation
Evan Rossi - First place Poetry, Third place Prose, and Third place Dramatic Interpretation.
Obie Okafor - Third place Novice Oratory and Second place Novice Oratory
Washma Anwar - Seventh place Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking
Zamin Kugshia - Seventh place Novice Extemporaneous speaking, Third place Novice Extemporaneous Speaking, and Double Octos in Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Moona Ghumro - Seventh place Novice Oral Interpretation
Corey Holmes - Double Octos novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Azam Baig - Double Octos Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Shane O’Dwyner - Double Octos Lincoln-Douglas debate
Vincent Nguyen- Double Octos Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Debate Update
By Nima Mistry
Spanish 2
By Andriana Falafivka
One of the requirements to graduate from high school on the 26 credit plan is having two foreign language credits. While most students sign up for Spanish II solely to complete the graduating requirements, students learn about the Hispanic culture and language, letting them expand their knowledge of other people and places around the world.
“It was a bit hard, but fun. We got to learn new vocabulary, use those words to play games (in order to easily memorize the unfamiliar vocabulary), and apply them to daily life,” junior Ann Le said.
The course does not give unbearable amounts of homework and is easily passed as long as a student pays attention and completes the assignments given. Even if Spanish isn't a student's strong point, with a reasonable amount of effort, the student can complete the course with an average of 95% or higher, which will make the student eligible for the Spanish Honor Society in Spanish III if the combined averages of Spanish I and II are 95% or higher.
Some of the former students of Spanish II began to express great interest towards the Hispanic culture after this course and would like to continue learning more of the language and about the people of Spanish-speaking countries around the world.
Courtesy of Google Images
Architecture has been around for ages, highly valued by the Greek and Roman empires. During the last few decades, it has come to a point where architects have the luxury of digitally designing blueprints. Even though the programs used may seem difficult at first, they can easily be mastered with a bit of practice and patience.
Our school offers an elective titled Architecture, which lets students work with digital design programs that are used by professional architects. The course does not assign much homework and can easily be passed by completing the assignments and paying attention in class. There are multiple projects throughout the year, including some group projects. This is a full year course and provides a student with an elective credit after completion with a passing grade.
In this course, students have the chance to experiment with AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop and learn the basics of Architecture to help them discover their passions and set them on the right career path for their future.
Architecture
By Andriana Falafivka
Courtesy of Wix Images
On Friday October 25th and Saturday October 26th, the Kempner Speech and Debate team competed at their second team tournament at Lamar Consolidated High School. Congratulations to all who competed and special congratulations to all who placed.
Rose Greenslate(left)-8th place Novice Poetry
Nima Mistry-2nd place Novice Prose
Aamir Mukadam(left) and Ali Khan-Novice Public Forum Debate Semi-finalists
Armaan Bhimani-3rd place Public Forum Debate
Debate Update and Awards
By Nima Mistry
Marching Band
By Rachel Long
The Kempner Marching Cougar Band had a very successful marching season. At all marching contests, the band received 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in rank. The KHS Band won superior ratings at Region UIL.
In 2012, 93% of band members acquired a one or superior rating at Solo and Ensemble. Forty seven of the students in band committed themselves to preforming in the 2012 Region Band.
The KHS Marching Band has a remarkable ensemble of approximately 200 musicians, color guard and brigade members. Many members strive and thrive in academic endeavors, in addition to band, such as National Honors Society, French and English Honors Societies. Last year, one, member scored a perfect score on the ACT and many band students are in the top quarter of their class.
Members also indulge in after school activities and clubs, for example Criminal Justice, C2, and Interact. Out of school, some participate in Girl or Boy Scouts. One member won the Boy Scouts of America National Court of Honor and Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Award for 2013 and many members have earned the eagle rank (the highest rank of Boy Scouts).
The Kempner Band’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of ALL band members by providing music and visual experiences and performances. Their motto is “A standard above excellence, A goal beyond victory.” The band hopes to continue their success through concert season and in future years.