Clubs and Electives
Pro Grad
By Rachel Long
You have probably heard of Pro Grad before but may not have known what it was. The organization’s full name is Project Graduation, and although any one can get involved, it especially benefits the seniors.
After the graduation ceremony, a grand lock-in is held for the graduating class. This year’s theme is Catch the Wave, which is a type of beach theme.
There will be tons of activities to participate in including: laser tag, dancing, black jack/ gambling, movies, an ice cream and coffee bar, henna tattoos, and food all night long. At the lock in, seniors will have the chance to win door prizes such as TVs, iPads, toasters, refrigerators, and much more.
One way to get raffle tickets is by getting Paw Points. You can earn Paw Points by helping at events or just liking the Kempner Pro Grad 2014 Facebook Page. Pro Grad also has a Twitter and Instagram page. But in order to have such a successful lock in, Pro grad must fundraise.
For fundraising, some events Pro Grad sponsors are Rock-Fest, Market Days, a fashion show, a carwash, and even a dunking booth on Spirit Week. Anyone can help Pro Grad, which will benefit the seniors. The more money they raise, the more fun opportunities Pro Grad can provide seniors with. So help Pro Grad and get involved!
Courtesy of Google Images
Business Professionals of America
By Jennifer Dang
BPA, or Business Professionals of America, has received state and nationwide recognition over the past few years.
Many people associate BPA with strictly business events, but BPA provides students with a wide variety of career related events. Through these events and three levels of competition, students develop teamwork and public speaking skills.
With Mrs. Mack as their sponsor, students not only compete, but also participate in annual events such as the JDRF walk. Early this year in January, BPA regional competitions were held at Kempner High School and represented Kempner with high standards as most of them were awarded qualifying and alternative medals.
“A lot of us were first time competitors so winning gold and silver medals made the whole experience extremely thrilling,” current treasurer, Jennifer Dang said.
Students with qualifying medals advanced to state competition, which was held in Houston, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Although, no one won a qualifying award to compete at Nationals, each of the members are thankful for their experiences.
“At the end of the day, it didn’t matter how many medals we got, but how many friends we earned along the way,” current secretary, Jaibella Mayikil, recollects.
AFJROTC Finishes Their Best Year Yet
By Priya Pai
The distinguished cadets of Kempner Air Force JROTC are walking signs of respect and dignity in these halls.
This year has been the most successful year for the organization yet. AFJROTC worked with determination and excellence all year, earning 75 trophies, marking a record high in Kempner history.
At the Fort Bend District Drill meet, which was hosted by Kempner, the Kempner JROTC earned second place to Bush High School in the closest competition ever.
The cadets earned second place at the Bayou Classic Drill Meet and first place at the Kempner Junior Varsity Drill Meet. They defended their title as champions in the Texas Joint-Service Physical Training, winning the overall championship two years in a row.
The JROTC has also attended trips to Wings over Houston, an annual airshow with aerobatics and demonstrations and to the U.S.S Lexington in Corpus Christi. Some cadets joined the Civil Airport, a program intended to build citizenship as well as teach students about America’s military. These cadets who partook in this program were given an opportunity to fly a Cessna 172, the “best-selling, most flown plane ever.”
As well as working hard this year, JROTC also participated in many service projects to give back to the community of Sugar Land. The cadets completed nearly 2800 hours of volunteering, such as helping Kroger raise $8000 for Souper Bowl of Caring and sorting and packing over 62,000 meals at the Houston Food Bank.
The Kempner AFJROTC finished the year off by accomplishing one of the most prestigious achievements, being named a “Distinguished Unit” by the Air Force, which is the highest level of recognition given to a successful organization.
“It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call our competitions family outings, as we all really are just one big family,” junior Matthew Lively said. “Nothing, even winning that coveted first place trophy, which we often do, compares to the brotherhood fostered through all the sweat and all the tears shed on the drill pad.”
FFA Sets New School Record at Fort Bend County Fair
By Priya Pai
As the sun comes up, many people are yawning and stretching, sleepily stumbling out of bed, while Kempner FFA students have been laboriously working in the barn for hours. Cleaning the pens, feeding, weighing, bathing the animals, the students have to prep for the most important event of the year, the Fort Bend County Fair.
This year, Kempner’s FFA set a new school record of winnings at the Fort Bend County Fair. The organization earned over $108,000 in sales of SAE projects.
In the Steers show, senior Grant Willis earned the title of Reserve Champion Steer Showmanship, as well as his fellow FFA members Cassidy Burke receiving 3rd place and Alek Torres receiving 4th.
“My lamb and steer placing so well at the Fort Bend County Fair is proof that hard work pays off,” Grant Willis said. “I might have not wanted to work with my animals every day, but I don't regret it one bit."
In the pig show, Sara Colorado was named the Champion Showmanship Pigs and Michelle Grahmann earned 1st place. Alison Kubenka, Leah Emert, Megan Grahmann, and Stephanie Boehm all took home 4th place.
“This is the hardest I’ve had to work with a pig,” Kubenka said. “The rewards make it all worth it if you place in the auction.”
The Ag Mechanics team, made up of Anthony Gonzales, Issac Live, Paige Zukywich, Angie Diaz, Collin Willis, and Jordan Jones received 1st place Champion Ag Mechanics Team with the patio chair project.
In the Livestock Judging contest, Megan Grahmann earned 25th out of 226 contestants, and Michelle Grahmann earned 77th.
“"I always get nervous before I show my animals, but I felt relieved after the show is done, knowing I tried my best,” Megan Grahmann said.
Kempner FFA took home a number of awards this year (full list below), and it’s certain that the organization will continue to represent Kempner with prestige and dignity wherever their animals take them.
Pen of 3 Broilers Show:
Jordan Farmer 11th
Riley Kocich 12th
Sophie Kocich 5th
Stephanie Bohem 40th
Roasters:
Jordan Farber 13th
Stephanie Bohem 23rd
Steers Show:
Cassidy Burke 3rd
Grant Willis 2nd
Alek Torres 4th
Pig Show:
Leah Emert 4th
Megan Grahmann 4th
Michelle Grahmann 1st
Allison Kubenka 4th
Haley Brown 3rd
Sadie Thompson 7th
Courtney Ramirez 2nd
Sara Colorado 2nd
Emilee Fullick 5th
Julianna Brames 3rd
Stephanie Bohem 4th
Austin Escobedo 12th
Tanner McVey 7th
Madie McVey
Anabelle Simmons
Isaac Blakeman 10th
Lamb Show:
Megan Grahmann 3rd
Amanda Messer 2nd
Elizabeth Liska 6th
Grant Willis 3rd
Madie McVey 17th
Morgan McVey
Tanner McVey
Rabbit Show:
Anthony Amy
Bryan Baez
Grace Ward
Samantha Jo Donnel 43rd
Images by Google Images
Images by Google Images
Touch System Data Entry
By Patrick Paguio
In today’s world, most careers require all of their employees to have effective keyboarding skills. Whether or not it is in the field of business, science, or law—it is everywhere.
As a matter of fact, a course is offered at KHS that will emphasize the usage of the keyboard. The name of the course: Touch System Data Entry, also known as Keyboarding.
“Touch System is basic keyboarding class where students learn how to type using correct finger technique, correct posture, and correct format of learning how to use the keyboard,” said Ms. Mack, who has been teaching the subject for about 20 years.
“There’s no job that you can have today in which you will not be using a computer--everything is in the computer—and being able to work efficiently, accurately on a computer is one of the greatest assets, I think today.” The course is “the foundation for all of the computer classes.”
In addition to learning the correct way of using the keyboard, this class can also be the gateway to participate in the Business Professionals of America, or BPA.
After all, the keyboard has been the important instrument of the real world, and being able to have a valuable class like Keyboarding will definitely enhance and prepare every single Kempner High School student wherever they may go.
“It doesn’t matter what your future job may look like you’re gonna be using the computer to do some aspect of that job,” Mack said.
Consider taking Touch System Date Entry course if you would like to learn the valuable ability of typing properly.
Image from Google Images
Posted February 25th,2015
BPA members
By Rachel Long
Business Professionals of America recently concluded their contest season. They participated in two competitions this year and bought home several accolades.
At their regional competition the following people placed:
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Cassandra Munsayac-2nd in Entrepreneurship
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Michelle Acedera, Riya Thomas, Cassandra Munsayac, Renji Kakkanatt- 1st in Broadcast News Team
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Hanh Dang- 6th in Fundamental Accounting
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Carmin Robson-1st in Personal Finance Management and 2nd in Banking and Financing
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Sahil Mutti, Carmin Robson, Anusha Dhukka- 1st in Global Marketing Team
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Anupriya Gupta, Dominique Cooks, Neha Aamir, and Sherlyn Daniels- 1st in Presentation Management Team
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Renji Kakkanatt- 3rd in Digital Media Production
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Sherlyn Daniels-2nd in Administrative Support Research
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Neha Aamir-3rd in Advanced Interview Skills
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Zain Tariq- 2nd in Economic Research Project
BPA’s State Competition in Dallas was held on March 4th through the 7th. They had a total of twelve participates in the contest. Here are their results:
State Competition Results:
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Carmin Robson-6th in Banking and Finance (places as a National Alternate)
-6th in Financial Math and Analysis
-8th in Personal Finance Management
