As many of you have already seen, this summer while you were sleeping in and lounging by the pool, the school had a new mural painted.
So, say goodbye to the dull, bare walls of last year and hello to a bright, stunning wall of the future.
This mural, located in the commons, was painted by Rissa Thomas. Rissa actually graduated from Kempner in 2000 and is known for creating the other mural in the gym.
The bright, eloquent painting proves Rissa to be a talented artist and adds a nice spruce of color to our once plain walls. This mural shows our school mascot emerging from its cave, which has many symbols on it that represent our talents and skills, into the world. The new mural adds beauty to the school and should inspire you with the new mission statement.
The new mission statement is Embrace, Cultivate, Innovate. So embrace your time here at Kempner, cultivate your work, and innovate yourself into something new.
This beautiful painting not only conveys the mission statement but also how your skills and talents you inquire here at Kempner help you throughout your life and in the real world.
I hope as you walk by that it inspires you to always give 100% and never give up.
Inspiration in the Walls
by Rachel Long
Turn it up Kempner!!!!!!!!!
My name is D.J. Ray and I'm here to talk to y’all about music. I will be letting y’all know what’s new, what’s in, and give a diverse set of music. Every week I’ll post a new song list of different genres (at bottom of articles) for your enjoyment. I bet you’re tired of hearing me chat about the post so let’s crank it to eleven and get this thing rolling.
The Hottest Summer Jams
Hitting in at number one is Taylor Swift with her song “I knew were you trouble”. This song is about her getting with a guy, and he has this “I don’t really care” kind of attitude. They get together and she is happy and loves him. Then he leaves her and she gets heartbroken and she is basically saying she should’ve known better than to be with a guy like him. Ouch!!
Next up at number two we have “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers. The meaning of this song is about a guy who wants to be with a girl but there’s only one problem. She is already with another man. He is trying to convince her that the other guy is not right for her and that he is the man for her. Could he be talking about our friend Taylor, maybe so? Just kidding, I don’t want to throw y’all off.
Coming in our final song of the hour, “Its time” by Imagine Dragons. Another song about a man and his beloved, the girl is wanting him to change who he is and he told her that if she is to love him then to not change him. He leaves her and after a while she begs for him back and he wants to go back to her but he knows it’ll just be the same song and dance.
Well I will do my best to update on new music and popular songs. I do not have an exact email yet to take requests on songs, but when I have all the info you can email me, tell me what you want to talk about, and I will take it under consideration. Take care, stay gold, and don’t light an ant hill on fire. Word of the wise.
D.J. Ray over and out!
The Roar on Music
By D.J. Ray
Song List of the Week
Pop:
Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
Rock:
Alice in chains – Your Decision
Rap:
SPM - Swim
Country:
Mumford and sons – I Will Wait
Punk:
The Offspring – Meaning of Life
Techno:
Deadmau5 – Ghosts N Stuff
Metal:
Manowar - Die for Metal
Calm rock –
The Police – Every Breath you Take
Courtesy of Google Images
Preparing for Final Exams
By Hailey Taylor, Simin Chhapra, Tayo Madojutimi
Preparing for final exams is a hectic time for all students. Cramming information for multiple classes, managing homework and other responsibilities, and still getting enough sleep in order to focus on these tasks is nearly impossible. Final exams induce a delicate, internal balance, in every student, between success and sanity. However, as hair-pulling as this time of the school year can be, there are some very basic tips to help relieve this stress. Not only are there many good habits to possess during the exam season, but also a few things not to do in order to stay relaxed and feel prepared.
Before the Test
1) The first and foremost thing you should do to prepare and study for exams is get rid of any distractions. We all know how our Instagrams and Twitters are suddenly so interesting the second we sit down to study. Somehow we start with a pencil and end up with a cell phone. The best thing to do is get rid of distractions like phones; out of sight, out of mind. This way, the only thing you’ll be focusing on is your work.
2) Another thing to prep for exams is to know the material. Almost all teachers have tutorial sessions and are willing to help if you are having trouble understanding something. If you are unfamiliar with the material, how will you be able to study it? So make sure you get the help you need! Also, make sure you organize and prioritize your time between exams. We all know how exams are split over four days and we have about two exams every day. Make sure you know which of your subjects are on which day so that you are familiar with which of your exams require more studying. This way, you can start studying early for your harder exams so that you are not cramming the night before.
3) Last but not least, make sure you’re eating and sleeping over the course of your aggressive studying mode. Although these are simple things, lack of them may result in grumpiness as well as sleepiness which is not something you want at the time of semester exams. Sleep and food will keep you going and help you focus when you’re studying for as well as taking the actual exam.
Tips During The Test
Going into the Test
1) Change your attitude
2) Remind yourself that it is only a test and there will be others.
3)Think of yourself in a positive way. Think of all the hard work you have done already or think of what you do know.
During the Test Tips
1)Read the entire question and pay attention to the details Always read the whole question carefully. Don't make assumptions about what the question might be..
2)Ask the instructor for clarification if you don't understand what they are asking for on the test.
3)If you don't know an answer, skip it. Go on with the rest of the test and come back to it later. Other parts of the test may have some information that will help you out with that question.
4)Don't worry if others finish before you. Focus on the test in front of you.
5)If you have time left when you are finished, look over your test. Make sure that you have answered all the questions. Only change an answer if you misread or misinterpreted the question because the first answer that you put is usually the correct one. Watch out for careless mistakes and proofread your essay and/or short answer questions.
Good Luck to all!!
Country Fair Day
Allison wins Big
By Alexandria Brewer
Have you ever wanted to walk around a circle with a large pig next to you, showing of the skills, patience and practice after hard months of raising that pig from birth? Allison Kübenka has and is proud of her darling Trixie for their big win at the Country Fair.
As many of you know, the Fort Bend County Fair was here! Friday September 29th morning was the parade, where flouts, balloons, marching bands and more traveled 3 and half miles as Fort Bend citizens watched in awe of the music, talent and proud members of Fort Bend.
After the parade, the fair grounds were opened and hundreds of waiting boys and girls rushed in to ride the rides and play amazing booth games like Duck run, Ring toss and eat fried, battered and grease food you can only get at the fair.
However, some come not for the fun and sun but to win, win, win. Hundred of Future Farmer of America teens came from all over Fort Bend to try and win the big prize with their goats, pigs, cows and chickens they had raised from birth.
Our own Alison Kübenka won the ultimate prize, The Grand Champion belt buckle; with her beautiful swine Trixie.
“I felt amazing. I didn’t know what to say but I can’t believe it. I started getting really emotional, because since I started raising pigs I dreamed about winning [the belt]. Kubenka said.
After winning Allison went to comfort those who lost, celebrate with those who won and enjoy the rest of the fair with her fellow fair members.
She is already preparing for next year show
“I have to go out with a bang,”Kübenka said.
She can’t wait to show one more time and hold on to the Grand Champion Belt Buckle she now proudly wears.
Fun rides, greasy foods, carnival games and pig showing seemed to make the perfect combination for our Kempner FFA and many are waiting at the edge of their seats for next year’s showing.
Our FFA shows that with hard work and dedication, you can do whatever you put your mind to and no one can stand in you and your pig’s way.
International Festival in Sugar Land
By Rachel Long
Imagine hating someone for their culture, or how they dress, speak or believe? Those some people that are hated hate other cultural, ethnic groups and races for the same reasons.
Why, do they hate one another, because of their way of life or because they don’t understand their way of life? These differences make our world colorful and beautiful but many frown on this beauty they can’t seem to understand. Diversity is something to be celebrated, because without it, life would be boring, dull ad dry.
International Festival and Vendor Fair are dedicated to celebrating our difference and allowing cultural to better understand one another. These yearly events help us enjoy our world diversity and color for what it truly is… beautiful.
On November 2nd, Fort Bend Education Foundation is hosting Ifest at the home of the Sugar Land Skeeters, Constellation Field. Many ethic groups such as Chinese, Vietnam, Arabic, Indian, Judaism, European, Mediterranean, and even Japanese will be there to showcase their homes and cultural.
There will be lots of entertainment including, performances from talented dancers and musicians and an assortment of booths that display different culture’s clothing/dress, crafts, and many of their traditions.
It is being held from 10a.m. to 2p.m. and admission is free to the public. So take this day to discover the intriguing backgrounds of the world we call our home.
Courtesy of Google Images
Book Review: The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
By Stephanie Nguyen
Set in modern times but with an ancient background filled with warriors, mages, and coliseums battles, the Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima is a work of art.
Jack Swift, as a normal teenage boy, thought that his biggest problem would have to be sorting through his feelings for the new girl, Ellen Stephenson, and his ex-girlfriend, Leesha Middleton. He’s also juggling team tryouts and passing his classes.
He was wrong. A chain of cascading events put him in mortal danger, such as finding out he has a magic stone in his chest and that his medication was really a suppression formula stopping his warrior powers from coming to light.He battles a new and strange evil trying to capture him and make him fight in a competition between two groups called the white and red roses.
Join Jack as he enters a secret world, full of Mages, Enchanters, Soothsayers, Sorcerers, and a magical sword that people would kill for. All this and more becomes a recipe for an all out war with Jack stuck right in the center of it.
Jack soon realizes that he is the last of a dying breed and that, alone, brings him closer to the impending battle. Both sides want him to fight in the tournament to see who gets the power over their magical world.
But is he up for his greatest challenge yet? The suspense, the drama, the danger, can keep a reader glued to its pages for hours at end.
However, the third person point of view can be confusing at times and makes the reader jump from the main character Jack to other characters of the book. It does bring a depth and understanding to this amazing story.
If you enjoyed Book One don't stop until you read the second and third, which are out and the fourth in the works.
I give the Warrior Heir 9 out of 10!
Everyone has been talking about the newest iPhones that were released Friday, September 20th. Apple has made some changes to their products in the past but the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c differ significantly.
“It’s way better than the iPhone 5 and has much cooler features,” sophomore Kinjal Patel said.
The iPhone 5s has a slimmer, longer, and lighter frame. It only weighs 112 grams which is almost as heavy as a chocolate bar. The graphics have been improved and the A6 processor has been upgraded to be quicker.
“I needed a new phone so I decided to buy one. It seems really cool,” sophomore Jayden Key said.
Not to mention that you no longer have to memorize a password. You are the password now! The iPhone 5s uses an advanced fingerprint identity sensor that reads your fingerprint as the password. So if your friend usually steals your phone to play games, they can’t anymore.
If you want a new iPhone but are a hundred dollars short then consider getting the iPhone 5c.A 32GB iPhone 5s cost roughly $300 and the iPhone 5c is about $200 for a 32GB. Some people are a bit distraught about the price. “The cost isn’t good but I think they are going in a good direction with the new iPhone,” sophomore Jeryln Pineda said.
The iPhone 5c unlike any iPhone before is made of a strong plastic and is considered unlike any plastic phone before. Also the iPhone 5c comes in the pastel colors of yellow, blue, pink, green, and white.
“I think it is neat how Apple made the iPhone 5c. I love how colorful they are!” sophomore Katie Adkison said.
Once again, Apple has succeeded everyone’s expectations with the iPhone 5s and 5c. Crystal clear graphics, vibrant colors, and a more effective, faster streaming add up to the ultimate phone of the season.
Two New iPhones
Apple Strikes Again
By Rachel Long
Courtesy of Google Images
UIL District Meet Results
By Priya Pai
On March 21st and 22nd, students from all over Fort Bend ISD competed in the UIL District Meet at Austin High School. Once a year, students have the chance to compete against students in events such as Speech/Debate, Mathematics, Journalism, etc.
This year, Kempner scored 3rd in the entire district with Clements as 1st and Dulles as 2nd. The journalism department was awarded 2nd place overall and the Speech/debate department was awarded 2nd place overall as well. Kempner students gave it their all, and their hard work paid off. Here are the results:
Miguel Bitanga- 3rd in Computer Applications; 2nd in Ready Writing; 3rd in Spelling and Vocabulary
Priya Pai- 4th Editorial Writing; 3rd in Feature Writing; 1st in Headline Writing; 1st in News Writing (our very own editor of the website!) ;)
Washma Anwar: 5th in Informative Speaking
Vincent Nguyen: 2nd in LD Debate
Shane O’Dwyer: 3rd in LD Debate; 4th in Persuasive Speaking
Brandon Nguyen: 5th in Literary Criticism
Jaibella Makiyil: 6th in Literary Criticism
Evan Rossi: 2nd in Poetry
Hoai My Ho: 1st in Prose
Fatima Quadri: 3rd in Prose
Anupriya Gupta: 5th in Spelling and Vocabulary
Students who received 3rd place and above qualify to Regionals which will be held at Cypress Woods High School on May 2nd and 3rd. From there they have the chance to qualify for State Competition which is usually held in Austin.
Congratulations to all people who competed and placed! Please be sure to congratulate these students next time you see them.
Good luck at regionals!
On November 21st and 22nd, theatre students, part of the Thespian society competed in a competition, which took place in Dallas, Texas.
"I had a great time spending the days with my theatre family and cheering them on," junior Evan Rossi said.
Who Competed:
Vanessa Lau- Solo Musical
Evan Rossi-Monologue
Jake Brinks and Jacob Sorsoleil-Duet Acting
Tori Bures and Laura Pepper- Duet Musical
Ricardo Colchado-Solo Film
Vanessa Lau and Jake Brinks advanced to nationals, which will take place in the summer of next year in Nebraska. Jake Brinks was chosen to serve on the Texas Thespian Office Board in 2014-2015.
“All our kids did a great job, and I know they did the best that they could,” Kempner theatre director, Mr.Ramirez said. “It’s always difficult to perform alone in front of three people, and know exactly what the judges are looking for. I’m extremely proud of all of my theatre kids.”
Congratulations to everyone who competed!
Thespian Competition Results
By Priya Pai
Courtesy of Google Images
Easter Traditions
By Rachel Long
Easter is a very special holiday that is underappreciated. It isn't just about chocolate bunnies, egg hunts, and special treats. There is an extensive history behind this holiday.
For Christians it is the reminder that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we could go to heaven and then three days later he resurrected.
For others, Easter is a time to enjoy the blossoming of spring, seeing newborn animal life and playing outdoors.
Some interesting ways to spend this unique holiday are...
-Church: Since this is a religious holiday many people go to church on Easter and the Friday before Easter (Good Friday)
-Candy: Easter candy is some of the BEST candy. Chocolate bunnies, marshmallow peeps, chocolate eggs, jelly beans, and any candy bar you can think of. What more could you want?
-Easter egg hunt: You aren't too old and you know it! One of the best parts of Easter is running outside searching for eggs.
-Spending time with family: Show how much you care for you family and spend time with them this holiday.
-Dying eggs: Many people dye hard boiled eggs colorful colors and leave them out for decoration.
Catching Fire Movie Review
By Ann Johnson
Catching Fire. The epic sequel to Hunger Games and the second book of the bestselling series written by Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire promises 146 minutes of non-stop adventure and drama.
The movie begins with Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, victors of the 74th annual Hunger Games, returning home to District 12. Upon their return, Katniss must learn to live with the choices and decisions she made during the Games. Unknown to either of them, their last act during the Games is the spark that ignites the flame of rebellion in the other districts. President Snow, who is concerned about the state of Panem, visits Katniss with a warning.
If Katniss and Peeta don't prove to the people of Panem that they are madly in love he will kill their families. With this threat, Katniss tries harder to create feelings for Peeta, especially as they embark on the Victory Tour. The Victory Tour is when the victor(s) tour the other districts, pay their respect to the families of the fallen tributes and concludes in a lavish reception at the Capitol.
With the Hunger Games coming once again, Panem is ready to celebrate another Quarter Quell. Quarter Quell have special conditions than the regular Hunger Games. This year, the tributes will be reaped from among the existing pool of victors. Katniss, the only female victor from District 12, is forced to return to the arena.
What she doesn't know is that this Hunger Games may change the future of Panem forever.
One thing that makes this movie so entertaining is the cast. Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) and Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne) are the returning cast of the Hunger Games.
However, there are some new faces in this movie. Jena Malone (Johanna Mason) and Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair) are some of the new actors on set. Even though every actor contributed to the success of this movie, one performance stood out in particular.
Jennifer Lawrence as the movie's female heroine brought an extra something to the movie. She was perfectly cast as Katniss and kept us entertained from her grimace in the elevator scene to her determination in the Games. Lawrence, who recently won an Oscar, brings out Katniss with all her flaws and triumphs onto the big screen.
In this author's opinion, Catching Fire is a must watch. And as far as book to movie adaptions go, Catching Fire sticks true to the book and readers will not be disappointed. After watching Catching Fire, I had only one question left. When is the next one coming out?
Pictures courtesy of Google Images
2013 Trends
By Brioni Jones, Halle Smith
Trends have been a part of history and today’s lifestyles include fashion, places, hairstyles, routines, and even mental state.
After asking Kempner High School’s student body and faculty on their personal insight on the trends for 2013, we found out quite a bit more about the popular trends going on!
The most popular trends we recorded were yoga pants, legging, and oversized tops and sweaters which makes sense considering that more than half of the Kempner female population have worn an outfit such as that more than twice since the beginning of the school year.
Mesh has also been a big trend in the fashion world which I believe has been inspired by the prosperous and influencing Tumblr website. These sheer/ see through tops and dresses have really turned the fashion world around provocatively. Showing off a bit of skin or a little more than others have become more accepting in the world of fashion.
Styles from the 80’s are also resurfacing. Designers are now taking a linear approach to such patterns, stamping their collections with stripes, chevrons and op-art zigzag. Elongated cuts and largely monochrome palette complete the streamlined sensibility. The high waist bottoms from the 80’s have also made a comeback and have also been remade taking today’s designs and fabric.
As far as hair is concerned, the pixie cut is back! Everybody is out with the long hairstyles and in with the short. Celebrities are taking bold steps and cutting off their long locks. Taking the “everybody is doing it” approach, young teens and average adults are copying their favorite celebrities. While guys are starting to dye the top of their hair blond, copying the famous rapper and R&B star Chris Brown.
Moms having baby girls are beginning to take notice of baby boy names. Moms are taking a new approach by giving their baby girls boy names, such as Casey, Tanner, or Kyle. Of course there is a slight twist in the way the names are spelled, but the meaning remains the same. Girls with girl names are so last year!
Trends of 2013
1. Leggings
2. Coffee (Starbucks)
3. Yoga Pants
4. Nike
5. Mesh (tops, skirts, dresses, etc)
6. “Selfies” (confidence/self-esteem)
7. Oversized clothing
8. High waist bottoms
9. Beanies
10. Scarves
Sophomore Priya Pai Participates in Journalism Regional UIL Meet
By Ali Brewer
Saturday May 3, 2014 journalism students from around Texas met at Cy Woods High School for the Newspaper UIL Regional competition. One such Kempner editor was present at this writing fest.
Newspaper, journalism and yearbook students from the south-east Texas region met to test their writing and journalistic skills in competitions including headlines, features, news and editorials.
One of our own editors’ participated in two of these competitions. Priya Pai took second in feature writing and sixth in headline writing
Coming in second in feature writing advanced her to state, which will be occurring May 19th through the 21st at the Unviersity of Texas Austin along with Shane O’Dwyer, who advanced in his own disciple of debate.
Priya Pai will face off with the best in the state to test their skills in the news and journalism industry. More updates to come as these and many other battle it out in our great Capital City.
Sophomore and Senior participate in State UIL Competition
Staff Report
Having good communication skills is essential to being successful in life.
If this year is any indication sophomore Priya Pai and senior Shane O’Dwyer are well on their way.
Both qualified in their respective communication based fields of writing and debate for the State meet held at the University of Texas in Austin May 19-21.
Pai not only competed at State but captured fifth place in feature writing to earn a medal. Feature contestants did a 30 minute press conference style interview with Catherine Shellman, the founder of Unsilence the Violence organization. She spoke about her daughter’s death that was a result of dating violence then contestants had one hour to turn that into a feature story based off the interview therefore giving students the firsthand experience of writing on a deadline.
“I am so proud of Priya’s accomplishment,” Mrs. Earls said. “She is an extremely talented writer that already has the skill set of a college writer.”
Pai advanced to State Feature writing after finishing second at Regionals and third at the 23-5A District meet. The editor of the school newspaper also advanced to Regionals in Newswriting and Headlines. At District, Pai captured first place in both events and at Regionals she finished sixth in Headlines. She also finished fourth in Editorials at District and was the alternate.
O’Dwyer advanced to the State meet in Lincoln Douglas Debate and held his own but did not make the break. The Spring topic for Lincoln Douglas was -The influence of the media is detrimental to the American Political Process and this year marked the 30th anniversary of LD competition at State.
O’Dwyer polished off his UIL debate career placing first at Regionals to qualify for State. This was his second year in a row to advance to State. He finished third at Districts and won several debate medals throughout the year. He will close out his entire debate career this summer at Nationals. O’Dwyer plans to attend UT next year and major in Business and Computer Science.
Kempner Loses Beloved Assistant Principal, Mr. Patterson
By Priya Pai
On Monday June 30th, Larry Patterson, one of our assistant principals, passed away due to a sudden heart attack.
Mr. Patterson retired just this year after working in Fort Bend Independent School District for 35 years, serving as a coach, teacher, and assistant principal. His colleagues and peers described him as calm, professional, and always positive.
“He was great working with our students and families and he will be sorely missed,” principal Dr. Indelicato said. “I respected him a great deal and he was an asset for our Kempner family.”
Mr. Patterson retired in hopes of traveling all over America with his wife. He wanted to see five states a year and Canada. He was to travel to Sedona, Arizona as his first destination this summer.
He was loved deeply by all of Kempner, especially the students.
“Mr. Patterson always had a relaxed attitude and was an extremely fun person,” junior Alex Phuong said. “He was one of the people that made school fun for me.”
Mr. Patterson will be greatly missed, and his legacy of good character, positivity, and hard work will live on in the hearts of everyone at Kempner.
I will dearly miss him because of how much he loved the students at Kempner and how caring he always was,” junior Laura Pepper said. “I never heard one negative comment about him, and he really made Kempner a joyful place to be.”