Letter from the Editor
Ahh, spring break. We’re rounding up into our last nine weeks! Can we believe it!? Our senioritis is itching and clawing its way to the surface and is definitely making us push extra EXTRA hard. For all grades, this last quarter finally being here means major tests are right around the corner, not to rain on the parade or anything. I’ll lighten the mood with an April Fools joke…ahem. Did you hear about the guy who swapped the labels on the pumps at the gas station? It was an April ‘Fuels’ joke ;). Don’t worry, I know I heard a giggle. Maybe too soon for that with these outrageous gas prices…(learn about why on page six). But regardless, it’s not too late to still have fun with the time left. Prom preparations have begun, Student Council is sponsoring a movie night, and Decision Day! Hold on just a little bit longer Buffs, patience will prevail beautifully.
New Face for the Supreme Court
President Biden nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson for Supreme Court judge. Jackson is 51 years old, and has a Harvard law school education, earning her law degree in 1996. She advocates for the Democratic party, and plans to replace Justice Stephen Breyer, one of three liberal judges on the Supreme Court, along with sIx conservative judges. She would be the first African-American female Justice for the Supreme Court, and something of this relevancy in today’s society is much needed in office. She is someone who is qualiitfied and who can bring in a diffrent persective.
President Biden said himself that Jackson is hardworking and would be dedicated to this position. It’d be good for her to be elected as a judge because she could open up new opportunities for the Supreme Court, and she can also influence other aspects of the government with her points of view.
We believe the Supreme Court judge is a considerable position to fill, and as long as she’s qualified, her official election should not be a problem. Although the controversy around this nomination is that she is an African American woman, and women in office are often looked down upon. Problems are to arise if she’s elected, and if she isn’t. in an ever changing and biased society, typically ridden with men, a new face and new ideas are needed to be brought to the table.
Our staff thinks whether or not Jackson decides to run for the chair, her new position will result in backlash. If Jackson’s nomination is successful, all eyes will be on her and people will expect to see her live up to the presidents expectations. If she is deemed untruthful to the people regarding her motives and beliefs, the press will be upset and address her as something she’s not. So in many ways, Jackson will face hardships. Lastly, we feel that she will be the change that the Supreme Court needs and the change society deserves.
Julissa Tootle (09)
President Biden said himself that Jackson is hardworking and would be dedicated to this position. It’d be good for her to be elected as a judge because she could open up new opportunities for the Supreme Court, and she can also influence other aspects of the government with her points of view.
We believe the Supreme Court judge is a considerable position to fill, and as long as she’s qualified, her official election should not be a problem. Although the controversy around this nomination is that she is an African American woman, and women in office are often looked down upon. Problems are to arise if she’s elected, and if she isn’t. in an ever changing and biased society, typically ridden with men, a new face and new ideas are needed to be brought to the table.
Our staff thinks whether or not Jackson decides to run for the chair, her new position will result in backlash. If Jackson’s nomination is successful, all eyes will be on her and people will expect to see her live up to the presidents expectations. If she is deemed untruthful to the people regarding her motives and beliefs, the press will be upset and address her as something she’s not. So in many ways, Jackson will face hardships. Lastly, we feel that she will be the change that the Supreme Court needs and the change society deserves.
Julissa Tootle (09)
Texas Bill Troubles Transgender Kids
Texas Governor Attempts to Pass Bill That Will Investigate Parents
Texas Governor Greg Abbott constructed a bill that would succumb parents of transgender kids to be investigated for child abuse.
On Feb. 22, 2022 Governor Greg Abbott put out a bill stating that if transgender kids went through the transition process, their parents could be investigated by The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. This bill blocks kids from receiving medical treatment and opens up the opportunity for their parents to receive criminal punishments if found guilty.
Kids across Texas opened up and expressed their thoughts on the bill. Antonio McGrew (12) said, “I don’t see the merit in the bill. I think it’s kind of poorly thought out, and it honestly just irks me to my core, because I am lucky that it was passed after I came out as transgender. However, I am worried about the youths who are starting their transition and their journey into this. This really sucks.”
Numerous protests have broken out as a result of this bill as “Generation Z” takes a stand to end this crisis. The ACLU have also taken the next step to ensure safety by blocking the investigation of a family of a transgender child. Social media platforms, such as TikTok, have become a major source of information for this bill. This bill makes kids feel unsafe and uncomfortable in their body.
Kayla Kuntscher (9) said, “Well I have some knowledge about it and I know that the ACLU, if nobody else, is more than willing to attack if necessary. There is already a similar bill passed in Arkansas, which the ACLU has sued for and is tied up in the court; there will definitely be a lot of opposition.”
The Texas voting population is predominantly made up of a demographic of 50-70 year old white males. They grew up in a time period where this topic was considered wrong and where gender norms/ identity were not talked about and assumed. Whereas this generation is more accepting and relates better to those struggling with their gender identity.
“This will not affect them very well,” Kuntscher said. “ I think that many who would normally seek some sort of help will not anymore, because even if they could get help, it would be made illegal.”
Madyson Isenberg (10)
On Feb. 22, 2022 Governor Greg Abbott put out a bill stating that if transgender kids went through the transition process, their parents could be investigated by The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. This bill blocks kids from receiving medical treatment and opens up the opportunity for their parents to receive criminal punishments if found guilty.
Kids across Texas opened up and expressed their thoughts on the bill. Antonio McGrew (12) said, “I don’t see the merit in the bill. I think it’s kind of poorly thought out, and it honestly just irks me to my core, because I am lucky that it was passed after I came out as transgender. However, I am worried about the youths who are starting their transition and their journey into this. This really sucks.”
Numerous protests have broken out as a result of this bill as “Generation Z” takes a stand to end this crisis. The ACLU have also taken the next step to ensure safety by blocking the investigation of a family of a transgender child. Social media platforms, such as TikTok, have become a major source of information for this bill. This bill makes kids feel unsafe and uncomfortable in their body.
Kayla Kuntscher (9) said, “Well I have some knowledge about it and I know that the ACLU, if nobody else, is more than willing to attack if necessary. There is already a similar bill passed in Arkansas, which the ACLU has sued for and is tied up in the court; there will definitely be a lot of opposition.”
The Texas voting population is predominantly made up of a demographic of 50-70 year old white males. They grew up in a time period where this topic was considered wrong and where gender norms/ identity were not talked about and assumed. Whereas this generation is more accepting and relates better to those struggling with their gender identity.
“This will not affect them very well,” Kuntscher said. “ I think that many who would normally seek some sort of help will not anymore, because even if they could get help, it would be made illegal.”
Madyson Isenberg (10)
21-22 Teacher of the Year
Educator Honored for Work with Students
The honor went to Clemens U.S history instructor Jessica Poole for Teacher of the Year. Poole attended Stephen F. Austin State University, and gained her bachelors degree in Kinesiology with a double major. Poole also obtained her master’s degree in Education from University of Houston-Victoria.
This year is Ms. Poole’s tenth year on campus and her eighteenth in her teaching career. If anyone has ever had her as a teacher, her classroom is a very cooperative and positive environment.
Ms. Poole loves engagement with groups and values in her teaching. Poole’s safe and positive classroom creates a comfortable enviroment for students to be more engaged in learning.
Her hard work and dedication to the students in the classroom gained her the Teacher of the Year title. Poole is dedicated to getting to know each of her students all year long and watching their hard work pay off. She’s able to get her students to work and balance with having a good time.
As teachers struggle getting their students engaged in their classroom, Ms. Poole designs her lesson plans in favor of her students, so they’ll be able to cooperate and communicate while they learn.
“I LOVE being a teacher at Clemens, because I feel like all teachers work hard to get their students to be successful,” Ms. Poole said. “Students have so many opportunities in academics, clubs and extracurricular activities. There is something for everyone at Clemens.”
Mary Mithanga(12)
This year is Ms. Poole’s tenth year on campus and her eighteenth in her teaching career. If anyone has ever had her as a teacher, her classroom is a very cooperative and positive environment.
Ms. Poole loves engagement with groups and values in her teaching. Poole’s safe and positive classroom creates a comfortable enviroment for students to be more engaged in learning.
Her hard work and dedication to the students in the classroom gained her the Teacher of the Year title. Poole is dedicated to getting to know each of her students all year long and watching their hard work pay off. She’s able to get her students to work and balance with having a good time.
As teachers struggle getting their students engaged in their classroom, Ms. Poole designs her lesson plans in favor of her students, so they’ll be able to cooperate and communicate while they learn.
“I LOVE being a teacher at Clemens, because I feel like all teachers work hard to get their students to be successful,” Ms. Poole said. “Students have so many opportunities in academics, clubs and extracurricular activities. There is something for everyone at Clemens.”
Mary Mithanga(12)
The Batman : A Thrilling, Woeful Tale
Batman is Back Brooding and Bold as Ever
Directed by Matt Reeves and released on March 4, 2022, The Batman was bound to be a force to be reckoned with. The movie received 8.5 out of 10 stars on IMDb and was certified ‘fresh’ by Rotten Tomatoes.
The Batman takes place about two years into Bruce Wayne’s time as the ‘Caped Crusader.’
Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, struggles to navigate the criminal underbelly of Gotham City as a mysterious villain disrupts the peace of citizens. The villain, known as the Riddler, leaves behind codes in his crimes and the statement “No more lies” to send a message to the city about the corrupt people he kills.
Batman works closely with detective James Gordon and discovers Catwoman, portrayed by Zoë Kravitz, who leads a double life just as he does. As the ‘Bat and the Cat’ each struggle with their own issues, they fight crime that often coincides and clashes with one another.
When the Riddler’s ultimate plan is revealed, there is a messy attempt by Batman and Catwoman to save the city and those they love. Although the city is left in ruin and pain, there is hope that new political officials can bring about peace and change.
Creative camera shots capture the anguish of Batman’s life and the thrilling stakes of his adventures. Batman fights crime as a vigilante because his parents were murdered when he was young. Rumors about his parents’ lives cause him to question who they were and who he is, with and without the mask.
The tone of the story is dark and troubling as Batman struggles to balance justice with his own thirst for revenge. Through the complex plot line and themes of corruption, justice, and vengeance, The Batman weaves a detective story that is wholly worthwhile.
Menacing background music adds to the experience of watching the movie by building tension and mood. The soundtrack was created by Micheal Giacchino, who also composed music for other movies such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Ratatouille.
The acting shows no remnants of prior roles peeking through the performance. My only criticism is that there needed to be more of Bruce Wayne and his personality compared to his alter ego, Batman.
For the gripping masterpiece, four out of five stars are necessary.
Hailey Gorzell(09)
The Batman takes place about two years into Bruce Wayne’s time as the ‘Caped Crusader.’
Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, struggles to navigate the criminal underbelly of Gotham City as a mysterious villain disrupts the peace of citizens. The villain, known as the Riddler, leaves behind codes in his crimes and the statement “No more lies” to send a message to the city about the corrupt people he kills.
Batman works closely with detective James Gordon and discovers Catwoman, portrayed by Zoë Kravitz, who leads a double life just as he does. As the ‘Bat and the Cat’ each struggle with their own issues, they fight crime that often coincides and clashes with one another.
When the Riddler’s ultimate plan is revealed, there is a messy attempt by Batman and Catwoman to save the city and those they love. Although the city is left in ruin and pain, there is hope that new political officials can bring about peace and change.
Creative camera shots capture the anguish of Batman’s life and the thrilling stakes of his adventures. Batman fights crime as a vigilante because his parents were murdered when he was young. Rumors about his parents’ lives cause him to question who they were and who he is, with and without the mask.
The tone of the story is dark and troubling as Batman struggles to balance justice with his own thirst for revenge. Through the complex plot line and themes of corruption, justice, and vengeance, The Batman weaves a detective story that is wholly worthwhile.
Menacing background music adds to the experience of watching the movie by building tension and mood. The soundtrack was created by Micheal Giacchino, who also composed music for other movies such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Ratatouille.
The acting shows no remnants of prior roles peeking through the performance. My only criticism is that there needed to be more of Bruce Wayne and his personality compared to his alter ego, Batman.
For the gripping masterpiece, four out of five stars are necessary.
Hailey Gorzell(09)
Russia, Ukraine on the Brink of World War III
Second World Countries in Turmoil over Attacks
Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and water on Thursday, Feb. 24. Countries such as France, Poland, and others are rushing to Ukraine’s aid while Belarus among others are scrambling to aid Russia. Companies around the world are discontinuing their services in Russia and donating to Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin threatened any country that intervenes in the war with nuclear retaliation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself is on the battlefield fighting for his country. Nazar Tsubera (09), a Ukrainian immigrant, shares his story of the invasion of Russia.
“My family, who lives in Kharkiv, they’re by the Romanian border and they moved to my grandmother’s house, and the house was destroyed because of this war,” Tsubera said. “The problem is that Russia is attacking and they’re putting a lot of aggression to my lands because they want to occupy it.”
The conflict is affecting the whole world with both military and economic effects. Multiple countries have cut off all trade with Russia, and the economy of Russia is at its worst after the conflict. Gas prices in the U.S have nearly tripled in the last couple of months. Switzerland is abandoning decades of neutrality to send troops to Ukraine. Aftermath of the war is falling onto the other countries of the world.
“My friends in Korea are being affected by it because the prices for everything like food and gas are going up. If I was Russia, I would not fight because there’s no point in fighting,” Mya Pineda (12) said.
In the beginning of the invasion, missiles hit Ukraine’s airports, Russia took control of several port cities to further cut off Ukrainians from escape. After a week, footage shows that Russian tanks and soldiers did not show much violence or aggression towards the citizens, therefore confusion was floating around the media.
“It’s very horrible what they’re (Russia) is doing there in my country. They want to destroy the nation. They want to occupy my country because they want to renew or create a Russian empire and the Soviet Union. If they occupy my country, then they can control the Black Sea because my country has many coasts there, so they will be dominating there. I see that as their main purpose,” Tsubera said.
While some organizations like NATO and the EU are refusing to send troops to Ukraine, others came to Ukraine’s aid. Hackers targeted Russian government websites and officials with disruptions online, American, Japanese, and British Special Forces veterans are joining Ukraine on the field, Ukrainian musicians became military fundraisers. But Ukraine has been fending off Russia for so long that the morale of the Russian soldiers is failing.
“Russia is one of the biggest military powers in the world and Ukraine being able to hold them off for this long is impressive, so it’s a great feat for them to even go against Russia themselves as well,” Vance Fredrick (09) said.
Russia ordered a limited ceasefire to enable citizens to flee the country to start on March 7, but their forces are still pummeling through the cities of Ukraine. Russia is known for its lack of diplomacy, therefore some people are worried of their tactics for ending the war.
“I think it didn’t have to happen, there would’ve been other ways to solve it, and I’m fully with Ukraine. It’s been going on for years and like nothing broke out back then, so it didn’t really have to happen now,” Sanja Schroeder (11) said. “Especially with the allies and stuff. I would have it as just no war and just sitting together, talking, or even sanctions or something, but no war.”
Tristan Perez (09)
“My family, who lives in Kharkiv, they’re by the Romanian border and they moved to my grandmother’s house, and the house was destroyed because of this war,” Tsubera said. “The problem is that Russia is attacking and they’re putting a lot of aggression to my lands because they want to occupy it.”
The conflict is affecting the whole world with both military and economic effects. Multiple countries have cut off all trade with Russia, and the economy of Russia is at its worst after the conflict. Gas prices in the U.S have nearly tripled in the last couple of months. Switzerland is abandoning decades of neutrality to send troops to Ukraine. Aftermath of the war is falling onto the other countries of the world.
“My friends in Korea are being affected by it because the prices for everything like food and gas are going up. If I was Russia, I would not fight because there’s no point in fighting,” Mya Pineda (12) said.
In the beginning of the invasion, missiles hit Ukraine’s airports, Russia took control of several port cities to further cut off Ukrainians from escape. After a week, footage shows that Russian tanks and soldiers did not show much violence or aggression towards the citizens, therefore confusion was floating around the media.
“It’s very horrible what they’re (Russia) is doing there in my country. They want to destroy the nation. They want to occupy my country because they want to renew or create a Russian empire and the Soviet Union. If they occupy my country, then they can control the Black Sea because my country has many coasts there, so they will be dominating there. I see that as their main purpose,” Tsubera said.
While some organizations like NATO and the EU are refusing to send troops to Ukraine, others came to Ukraine’s aid. Hackers targeted Russian government websites and officials with disruptions online, American, Japanese, and British Special Forces veterans are joining Ukraine on the field, Ukrainian musicians became military fundraisers. But Ukraine has been fending off Russia for so long that the morale of the Russian soldiers is failing.
“Russia is one of the biggest military powers in the world and Ukraine being able to hold them off for this long is impressive, so it’s a great feat for them to even go against Russia themselves as well,” Vance Fredrick (09) said.
Russia ordered a limited ceasefire to enable citizens to flee the country to start on March 7, but their forces are still pummeling through the cities of Ukraine. Russia is known for its lack of diplomacy, therefore some people are worried of their tactics for ending the war.
“I think it didn’t have to happen, there would’ve been other ways to solve it, and I’m fully with Ukraine. It’s been going on for years and like nothing broke out back then, so it didn’t really have to happen now,” Sanja Schroeder (11) said. “Especially with the allies and stuff. I would have it as just no war and just sitting together, talking, or even sanctions or something, but no war.”
Tristan Perez (09)
Spring Season Shindigs
Seasonal Passes for Entertainment Services Now Available
Spring break arrived after what felt like years and people want to do fun activities with their friends and family. Here are the top three places in Texas
with seasonal passes.
Six Flags has three kinds of seasonal passes. The first is ‘The Ultimate Pass’ at the cost of $299.99. It provides unlimited visits to all of the Six Flags outdoor parks, preferred parking, discounts on merchandise and food, The Flash Pass, etc. The second pass is the ‘Extreme Pass’ at the cost of $169.99. It provides unlimited access to all Six Flags parks, general parking, merchandise discount, two single-use skip-the-line passes, five Specialty-Rate Tickets for Friends & Family. The third pass is ‘The Thriller Seeker’ pass at the cost of $89.99. It provides access to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Hurricane Harbor Splashtown on select dates, general parking, one Skip-the-Line Pass, two Specialty-Rate Tickets for Friends & Family, and Six Flags Rewards.
Overall, if someone wants a great experience and wants to splurge some money for a great experience for family or friends.
Schlitterbahn has three kinds of seasonal passes. They all include an easy payment plan, unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, free parking, coolers welcome in the park, resort stay discounts, cabana rental discounts, and food and retail discounts. The season pass of $25/mo does not come with unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn Galveston and all fair parks.The season pass with $29/mo does not come with a all fair parks but does come with unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn Galveston. The pass for $55/mo does come with unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn Galveston and all parks in the area.
Sea World has three kinds of seasonal passes, all of them basically have the same perks such as 12 months of admission, Halloween and Christmas celebrations, free general preferred and general parking, free guest tickets, etc. The discounts they all provide are discounts on in-park shopping, photos, food, beverages, youth summer camps, animal experiences, strollers, etc. All of these are pretty much the same with the exception of the ‘Platinum Pass’ which is just all of those perks but just bumped up a notch.
Keyla Ruiz (09)
with seasonal passes.
Six Flags has three kinds of seasonal passes. The first is ‘The Ultimate Pass’ at the cost of $299.99. It provides unlimited visits to all of the Six Flags outdoor parks, preferred parking, discounts on merchandise and food, The Flash Pass, etc. The second pass is the ‘Extreme Pass’ at the cost of $169.99. It provides unlimited access to all Six Flags parks, general parking, merchandise discount, two single-use skip-the-line passes, five Specialty-Rate Tickets for Friends & Family. The third pass is ‘The Thriller Seeker’ pass at the cost of $89.99. It provides access to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Hurricane Harbor Splashtown on select dates, general parking, one Skip-the-Line Pass, two Specialty-Rate Tickets for Friends & Family, and Six Flags Rewards.
Overall, if someone wants a great experience and wants to splurge some money for a great experience for family or friends.
Schlitterbahn has three kinds of seasonal passes. They all include an easy payment plan, unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, free parking, coolers welcome in the park, resort stay discounts, cabana rental discounts, and food and retail discounts. The season pass of $25/mo does not come with unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn Galveston and all fair parks.The season pass with $29/mo does not come with a all fair parks but does come with unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn Galveston. The pass for $55/mo does come with unlimited visits in 2022 to Schlitterbahn Galveston and all parks in the area.
Sea World has three kinds of seasonal passes, all of them basically have the same perks such as 12 months of admission, Halloween and Christmas celebrations, free general preferred and general parking, free guest tickets, etc. The discounts they all provide are discounts on in-park shopping, photos, food, beverages, youth summer camps, animal experiences, strollers, etc. All of these are pretty much the same with the exception of the ‘Platinum Pass’ which is just all of those perks but just bumped up a notch.
Keyla Ruiz (09)
A Girls’ Place is At Home
Girls Softball Goes All Out All the Time Being 2-1 in District
Student led and motivation driven, girls varsity softball team stepped up to bat and hit all bases, doing exceptional throughout their season so far this school year. Players growing mentally and physically, life-long bonds, and continual improvement are sure to be seen on and off the field.
“Our weakness I would say would be maybe having a little bit too much fun,” Myah Olack (12), third baseman, said. “Dealing with hardship is an everyday thing with softball, you just have to always keep a positive mindset no matter the circumstances.”
Communication is key and having each other’s backs is even more important, with the games‘ outcome being based off of those two factors. Up to this point, with their season still in progress, the team has won five games and lost two, leaving them 2-1 in districts. New strengths and weaknesses are discovered in the aftermath of every game, growing the team and its representation by the minute.
“The players definitely take control of what happens and how we let the game play out. Continuing the season, I plan on just doing my best on the field and help my team out, now that we know communication well,” Serenity Stice (10), catcher and right field, said.
With many of the girls having years of experience, some dating all the way back to their elementary years, they’re ready to finish off the season, giving everything they have left to offer. The players have grasped how to be themselves on and off the field, leadership, and time management, and plan to finish off the year as strong as possible, striving for playoffs.
“When we are playing as a team, we have to take charge and get what we need to get done, done. We have to leave everything off the field and have no regrets when walking off the field,” Analisa Soliz (12), pitcher, said. “As a team we plan to finish within the top four of the district, go to playoffs, and just play the game the way we were taught to!”
Kennedi Adams(12)
“Our weakness I would say would be maybe having a little bit too much fun,” Myah Olack (12), third baseman, said. “Dealing with hardship is an everyday thing with softball, you just have to always keep a positive mindset no matter the circumstances.”
Communication is key and having each other’s backs is even more important, with the games‘ outcome being based off of those two factors. Up to this point, with their season still in progress, the team has won five games and lost two, leaving them 2-1 in districts. New strengths and weaknesses are discovered in the aftermath of every game, growing the team and its representation by the minute.
“The players definitely take control of what happens and how we let the game play out. Continuing the season, I plan on just doing my best on the field and help my team out, now that we know communication well,” Serenity Stice (10), catcher and right field, said.
With many of the girls having years of experience, some dating all the way back to their elementary years, they’re ready to finish off the season, giving everything they have left to offer. The players have grasped how to be themselves on and off the field, leadership, and time management, and plan to finish off the year as strong as possible, striving for playoffs.
“When we are playing as a team, we have to take charge and get what we need to get done, done. We have to leave everything off the field and have no regrets when walking off the field,” Analisa Soliz (12), pitcher, said. “As a team we plan to finish within the top four of the district, go to playoffs, and just play the game the way we were taught to!”
Kennedi Adams(12)