VOLUME 82 April 2008 ISSUE 6

H I L I F E2305 East Main, LEaguE City, tX 77573

Chelsea huebner

Myths about the FITNESSGRAM debunked

Creek golfers are still under par

Photos byStephanie Haechten

During the eightieth legislative session, the U.S Senate passed Senate Bill 530. This bill states that all students in grades 3-12 must be tested for physical fitness once a year, regardless of enrollment in a physical education class or not. Each testing school must compile the results into a summary, not containing individual student names, and organize the data according to specific categories as designated by the commissioner. Then, the school must send the summary to the Texas Education Agency, TEA. The agency analyzes the results and looks for correlation between the outcome and

academic achievement, school attendance, student obesity, disciplinary problems, and

school meal programs. The agency also sends their findings to the School Health Advisory Committee. In Texas, the TEA has decided

to use the FITNESSGRAM program to conduct their testing. The FITNESSGRAM is a program created over twenty years ago

b y the Cooper Institute. According to fitnessgram.net the FITNESSGRAM program is a “health-related fitness assessment [that uses] criterion-referenced standards, called Healthy Fitness Zones, to determine students’ fitness levels based on what is optimal for good health.” The FITNESSGRAM offers different options to assess aerobic capacity, body composition, endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. To test for aerobic capacity schools can choose between the PACER test, the one-mile run/walk, or the walk test. The school may choose either percent body fat (calculated from the triceps and the calf skin folds) or Body Mass Index (calculated from height and weight) to test for body composition. Assessing for muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility, a school tests using the curl up, trunk lift, and then

push up, modified pull up, or flexed arm hang, and back-saver, sit-and-reach, or the shoulder stretch. Once testing is completed, the FITNESSGRAM program produces a report for each student and a special report for parents. This report explains the student’s results and gives fitness suggestions to encourage the student to get into their “healthy fitness zone.” With physical education waivers and other on campus programs, there are many students who are not enrolled in a physical education class. These students must still be tested. While the large number of these students makes testing more difficult, the TEA allows the use of volunteers. These volunteers must be trained and approved by the specific district. The district also has the authority to determine who is not physically capable to take the FITNESSGRAM test. For example, those students who suffer from asthma are not capable to participate in the running portion of the test. Also, students who have a temporary medical condition, such as a broken arm, will be tested at a later date. According to fitnessgram.net, the FITNESSGRAM test measures good health, not athletic ability. The FITNESSGRAM report is to encourage better overall health, because it is easily understood

and offers individualized suggestions. The FITNESSGRAM test cannot be used as a grade. It is only to help the teacher, the student, and the student’s parents or guardian determine the student’s overall health. The results of the FITNESSGRAM will not be posted or made public. Once the student’s results are sent off to the state, the students name is removed from their results. The student’s scores will not be compared in any way. They are simply based on Healthy Fitness Zones, previously determined after twenty-five years of research. The FITNESSGRAM test is designed to help students become physically fit and healthy, not to make students feel too fat or too skinny. Before the end of the 2007-2008 school year, all schools in Texas must conduct the FITNESSGRAM testing, as according to Senate Bill 530.

UIL SUCCESS pg. 5

CUBApg. 7

TRAINERSpg. 14

The academic calendar for all high school campuses in CCISD has ben changed. The late arrival day that was scheduled for May 8 has been cancelled due to a conflict caused by AP testing. AP students have been preparing for these tests all year. AP testing gives students the opportunity to earn college credit for that class. Because AP testing begins at 8 A.M., in accordance to security procedure, the late arrival day was cancelled. All high schools in CCISD will be on a regular bell schedule on Thursday, May 8.

Golf Boys left to right: Travis Dennis, Tommy Henshaw, Will Dusenbury, Blake Wilson, Curtis Donahoe, John Becker, R.D. Dusenbury

Photo courtesy of Coach McWhorter

PLEASE!!ATTENTION,

For eight years, Creek has had a long-standing tradition of golfing excellence. At this year’s District 24-5A championship, the team proved their skills once again with a fierce lead of 593. The team’s success ranked Creek as the number-one district champs yet again. Placing behind Creek was Clear Brook High School, with a final score of 634, and Clear Lake High School, with a final score of 643. Creek’s players were successful in the individual category as well. Juniors Will Dusenbury and Curtis Donahoe tied for first place with a score of 148. Dusenbury was declared first-place winner after a playoff game to determine the boys’ ranks. “I played well enough to win,” said Dusenbury. Other members of the team ranked as well, including Blake Wilson, 3rd, John Becker, 4th, Tommy Henshaw, 5th, and a tie for 6th place between R.D. Dusenbury and Travis Dennis.

“I am thrilled with Curtis’ participation in golf. Golf promotes good sportsmanship, integrity, and hard work. I was very proud of his performance at district and so pleased his hard work paid off. All the Creek golfers performed well and with continued hard work and focus over the next week and a half should provide them with the

opportunity to perform well at regional play.” said Mrs. Donahoe Coach Glen McWhorter will be taking the varsity first team to regionals as well as medalists Henshaw and Dennis. The golf regional championship will be held on April 21 and 22.

After eight district titles...

Megan MCKisson

Taylor LongLeeAna Loveless

Jacob LuxBrett Morris

Bobby Murphy

Reporters:Ashley BlackHayley BoultinghouseSarah CisnerosAlina Gregory

2 OpiniOn“April showers bring May flowers. What’s your favorite thing about spring?”

2007-2008 HiLife StaffCLEAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

Photographers:Hailey Stephens, Wendy Wright, Fallan Drago, Michael Gughiocello

SENIORS

SOPHOMORES

JUNIORS

FRESHMEN“I like going to the beach.” -Leslie Collins

“All the flowers and stuff start growing, and I love the rain. The longer days are awesome.” -Emily Dismukes

“We are getting closer to the summer.” -Gabby Wildman

“School is almost over, and it is getting hot enough to go swimming.” - Clay Crume

“The weather is so nice nd you can hang out outside.” -Emilia Capuzzi

“Beautiful weather, swimming, choir trips, and lemonade!” - Stephanie Ortiz

“You can start wearing bright colors and shorts cause summer is almost here.” -Michaela Adams

“Schools almost over, and you don’t have to dress for cold weather.” -Katy Parrott

“UIL for Choir, perfect weather, and trips for random activities.” -Katie Kuhlman

“Outside recreation like swimming and ultimate frisbee.” -Blaire Moreland

“My favorite thing about Spring is the fact that you can spend time with your family.” - Davide DeVries

“The weather and gloomy skies, not to mention all the lovely flowers.” - Tyler Leach

“The weather and spring break! Its like a preview of summer! You get so excited and you can’t wait!” - Jade Warren

“The sun comes out and gets hot, which means summer is coming up with NO SCHOOL! - Brittany Fraley

“My favortie things are being able to wear shorts and go to the beach.” - Lauren Carpenter

“All the beautiful pollen produced by the obnoxious flowers that makes everyone sneeze... thank you Claritin.” -Laken Day

“The Office comes back on!” -Ryan Milligan

“My birthday and pretty days for the beach.” -Kelsey Richardson

“That it is almost summer.” - Jena Devito

“Baseball season.” - Steven Collins

“My favorite thing about Spring is that we’re closer to summer!” -Stephanie Grandy

“It’s getting closer GRADUATION!” -Kelsey Berkenpas

“Spring means track season and going to meets.” -Sean Ollre

“I love the weather during Spring and all the blooming flowers.” - Marisa Roberts

“Going to the beach and fishing.” -Brian Goodheart

“The beach and all the girls, especially hanging with my friends.” -Clark Garrett

“It’s not too hot like the summer is.” -Rico Pardo

Email us at: Creekhilife@gmail.comVisit us at: http//my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/leaguecity/cchs/

For advertising rates call: (281) 284-1889or fax: (281) 284- 1705

We publish monthly using Mirror Publisher in Texas City.

Scott BockartWynette JamesonJan O’NeilStephanie Haechten,Jessica O’Neil, Olivia HuynhMegan McKissonRuth RozasChelsea HuebnerTaylor Freudenberg, Destinee WalkerAllie HingaCassie Lee, Amanda ComptonRyan GriponDrew WalkerAdam VencilOlivia HuynhFallan DragoMatt Lara

Principal:Adviser:Executive Editor:Editors-in-Chief:

News Editor:Features Editor: Assistant:Sports Editors:Creek Speaks Editor:Centerspread:Online Editor:Ads Manager:Ads Designer:Layout Editor:Photo EditorVideo Editors:

STAFF“Sleeping Late” -Mrs. Pardo

“Warm weather, summer is coming, VACATION!” -Mrs. Poage

“The end of winter!” - Mr. Astwood

“I love the longer days and warmer weather that spring brings, and I like to leave work and it still be light outside.” -Mrs. Marks

Albert NkansahSam Rodgers

Haley RushChristian Stephensen

Melissa Devitt

3EditOriaL

G u e s t E d i t o r i a l : M e g a n M c K i s s o n

S a y “ W h a t ’ s u p ? ” w i t h S t e p h a n i e

stephanie haeChten

when you grow up,” has beautifullypainted the picture of my life. Being accepted to both my dream school and my father’s alma mater has not made my college choice easy, and after three years of working with children with disabilities and eighteen years of searching for only God knows what, I will be leaving in the fall for school of my choice. The unquestionable calling on my life has led me to make some very radical decisions by my parent’s measures, my friend’s measures, and sometimes, even my very own standards. But through the past four years in high school, the innumerable experiences that have transformed me, after quitting band, joining Newspaper, working with R.E.A.C.H., running a half-marathon, then a full, participating in Ready, Set, Teach for two years, and falling in love with every student I worked with, I have only three words of advice for anyone holding this paper: Follow your heart. It seems kind of ridiculous, as I repeat “follow your heart” out loud to myself over and over again. But then I remember all that has happened in my life and I have to remind myself that this is my life, my life. I have to stand up and be myself. I have to follow my heart. I know it’s not really my advice to give. It’s more like knowledge I feel should be equally shared among all people. I feel as though we hear this phrase all the time but we don’t fully understand the depth of the concept or the drive behind the meaning. So when I say, “Follow your heart.” I’m really telling you: Follow your heart, where ever it leads you, whether it leads you to China, Russia, Ukraine, Colorado, Austin, College Station, or simply to your own front doorstep.

Follow your heart to do whatever you desire to do, whether you desire to be a fighter pilot, crocodile hunter, sushi chef, Ultimate Frisbee Competitor, the Governor of Texas, America’s Next Top Model, foreign missions coordinator, OB/GYN nurse, or a stay at home mom of beautiful little children. Follow your heart to be yourself, even if yourself is a crazy dancing machine, a fluffernutter sandwich eater, a bandana wearing fly fisherman, an eclectic interior designer, or even an everyday wears-jean-and-a-hoodie kind of girl. I know this all sounds very poetic and innocent. But I’m not so childish to believe that life is as simple as finding your calling, pursing it, and living a life of peaceful bliss. I know that chasing your dreams and pursing the life you want is not easy. Not everyone can see your heart or for that matter, understand your motives. Sometimes following your hearts means you have to jump over a created boundary, run through an imaginary wall, and tear down the social norms. You have to be courageous enough to stand up on your own and scream with an overflowing heart, “I WAS BORN FOR THIS!!” It all begins with giving your dreams a chance; all of your dreams. Don’t let them just lounge around in your head with all the infinite untainted hope of childhood diminishing. Let them grow wild with curiosity. Push the boundaries. Start a movement. Find yourself. Then you know what you do? You be yourself. I truly believe that following your heart is the only way to have complete peace- complete, whole inner peace, knowing that you are doing exactly what you were born to do. That doesn’t mean there won’t be turmoil on the outside. But opposition

does not mean defeat. I am living this in I am living this in my own life, every moment of every day. I’m living and learning just like everyone else. Some days I allow my dreams to get minimized beneath the standards of the ‘adult-world’. I get scared of the uncertain future, “Will I really make it? Is this really what I want to do with my life?” Some days I’m in a stand-still, stuck in the middle of what I truly want for my life, and what everyone around me is telling me to do. I literally just stop. Then I begin to hear my heart beat. Slow and steady. I take a deep breath. The constant thump of my heart reminds me that no matter how terrified I am of what could happen, what others think, I am me. I just have to keep going. Keep trying and keep taking risks.

“To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk being called sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self. To place your ideas and your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair. To try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest risk in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love. Chained by his certitude, he is a slave; he has forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free.”

Being you is a risk, but it is the most beautiful risk you could ever take.

Megan MCKisson

Smash the mirrors, turn off the televisions, throw out the hairbrushes! Okay, maybe the last one was a little extreme, but you get my point. I am sick and tired of our image-obsessed culture convincing us that we “aren’t ______ enough”. It seems like everything from beauty campaigns to makeover shows are insisting that we need their assistance to become successful, desirable, and attractive

enough to truly excel, stripping us of our dignity and our dollars. A recent study conducted by Dove cosmetics found that an alarming two percent of women worldwide consider themselves beautiful, and more than half claim that their bodies disgust them. Girls as young as nine or ten have reportedly tried dieting, and 73 percent of seventeen-year-olds are unhappy with their appearances. It’s time we stopped living the lie that through the right amount of diet, exercise, and makeup products, we too can achieve the ideal six-foot sixty-pound model image. Only an extremely small percentage of women naturally achieve what the media presents to us as an acceptable physique. Movie stars, inhumanely beautiful creatures on the red carpet, employ a personal army of makeup artists, physical trainers, wardrobe stylists, cosmetic surgeons, and hairstylists who carefully construct their every move. Female magazines make millions printing infinite numbers of ways to “improve yourself” or create “the new you!”

The sad thing is, we know this. We know that the picture-perfect models we obsess over are airbrushed, Photoshopped, and backed by a team of appearance experts. We know that no one truly has a flawless body, and that those who appear so are probably just as inwardly insecure as we are. We know that finding a true “improvement” tip in a fashion magazine is about as likely as finding a needle in a haystack. We know that “it’s what’s inside that counts”. We know that our mothers think we are the most beautiful girls in the world whether we own the latest shade of lipstick or not. We’ve heard these clichéd phrases practically since birth, and yet we still don’t get it. We stare longingly at the slender, bronzed, glamorous goddesses, realizing that they are not an authentic example of beauty, and still run to the nearest tanning salon or fitness center to “fix” ourselves. We starve ourselves into believing if we refrain from eating, we will surely become beautiful. Gargantuan amounts of people are afflicted by the “I

“You can be anything you want to be when you grow up.” This inspiring expression that opens wide the eyes of every young and naïve kindergartener is the fundamental groundwork for the dreams we begin to pursue as seniors in high school. Although our, “I want to be a firefighter… I want to be a doctor… I want to be a cowboy…” dreams transform into more defined and more realistic careers, such as, “I want to be a Biomedical Engineer… I want to be a Criminal Justice Lawyer… I want to be a Special Education Teacher…” there is still an undeniable clarity to the careers we intend to pursue because we are ignited by an ambition afforded to us by our youthful nature. As a senior with less than two months till I wear my cap and gown to receive the diploma I have worked for my whole life, I have thought about nothing except what I want to be when I “grow up”. There is no doubt, I have been blessed with various opportunities to travel, change, be myself, and create an image of who I will be in twenty years. The phrase, “You can be anything you want to be

am fat” epidemic. What’s it going to take for us to accept ourselves – out knobby kneed, buck-toothed, pear-shaped, big-footed, squinty-eyed, frizzy-haired, imperfect, genuine selves? Yes, daily bombardment of the media’s unrealistic image ideals makes it hard to focus on one’s less-than-perfect qualities, but with a little confidence, we can vastly improve the way the world looks at so-called “average people”. Erase the words “fat”, “skinny”, “pimpley”, “ugly”, and anything else of a self-degrading nature from your vocabulary – and realize that you are so much more than a made-up face. Take what you see in the media with a grain of salt – remember that these people aren’t any less plastic than a Barbie doll. Above all, value yourself for who you truly are – not your extensive collection of footwear or your unequaled ability to apply cosmetics. Be confident in yourself and take pride in the fact that you are a perfectly imperfect person, beautiful –and real – just as you are.

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent .”

“ T h i s i s y o u r l i f e , a r e y o u w h o y o u w a n t t o b e ? ”

4 divErsiOns

Courtesy of MCTCampus

F O L I O L I N E M c C l a t c h y - T r i b u n eF O L I O L I N E

MOVIE QUOTESMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

ANSWERS

Multiple choice1. C; 2. A; 3. C; 4. D; 5. B; 6. D; 7.A; 8. C; 9. A; 10. BMatching1. C; 2. A; 3. D; 4. B; 5. E.

Free response1. Ben Affleck as Chuckie Sullivanin “Good Will Hunting” (1997)2. Robert Duvall as LieutenantColonel Bill Kilgore in “ApocalypseNow” (1979)3. Steve Martin as Navin R. Johnson

in “The Jerk” (1979)4. Paperboy in “Better off Dead”(1985)5. Jennifer Grey as Frances “Baby”Houseman in “Dirty Dancing”(1987)6. Renee Zellweger as Dorothy

Boyd in “Jerry Maguire” (1996)7. Paul Giamatti as Miles Raymondin “Sideways” (2004)8. Christopher Guest as NigelTufnel in “This Is Spinal Tap”(1984)9. Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin in

“Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)10. Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear in“Toy Story” (1995)Bonus1. Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) in“Gone With the Wind” (1939)2. Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder)

in “Napoleon Dynamite” (2004)3. Dom Portwood (Joe Bays) in“Office Space” (1999)4. Dean Vernon Wormer (JohnVernon) in “Animal House” (1978)5. Darth Vader in “Star Wars”(1977).

Illustrations by ChrisWare/MCT

MerylStreep

▲ TomCruise▲

HelenMirren

▲ JoaquinPhoenix

▲

Test your knowledge of movie quotes with

this three-part quiz

MULTIPLE CHOICESometimes multiple choices are easier, some-times not. Here are some well-known lines fromour favorite flicks. Can you choose who said it?

1. “It’s not that bad. ... Well, I’m not saying I’dlike to build a summer home here, but the treesare actually quite lovely.”A. Cary Elwes as Robin Hood in “Robin Hood:Men in Tights” (1993)B. Joaquin Phoenix as Lucius Hunt in “TheVillage” (2004)C. Cary Elwes as Westley in “The PrincessBride” (1987)D. Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland in “CastAway” (2000)

2. “This sucks. I didn’t hook up with oneEuropean chick while I was here. Europe isofficially the worst country in the world.” A. Jacob Pitts as Cooper Harris in “Eurotrip”(2004)B. Jason Lively as Russell “Rusty” Griswold in“European Vacation” (1985)C. Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr. in“Catch Me If You Can” (2002)D. Breckin Meyer as Josh Parker in “RoadTrip” (2000)

3. “It’s not the years, honey. It’s the mileage.”A. Harrison Ford as Jack Trainer in “WorkingGirl” (1988)B. Harrison Ford as Han Solo in “Star Wars”(1977)C. Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in “Raidersof the Lost Ark” (1981)D. Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard in “BladeRunner” (1982)

4. “It’s not what you know, it’s what you canprove.”A. Matt Damon as Jason Bourne in “TheBourne Ultimatum” (2007)B. Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in“Mission: Impossible II” (2000)C. Tom Hanks as Dr. RobertLangdon in “The Da VinciCode” (2006)D. Denzel Washington asAlonzo Harris in“Training Day” (2001)

5. “Well I had nochoice, did I? I’m awoman. Women areobliged to be far moreskillful than men. You canruin our reputation and ourlife with a few well-chosenwords. So of course I hadto invent not only myselfbut ways of escape no one hasevery thought of before. AndI’ve succeeded because I’ve alwaysknown I was born to dominate yoursex and avenge my own.”A. Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth in“Shakespeare in Love” (1998)B. Glenn Close as Marquise de Merteuil in“Dangerous Liaisons” (1988)C. Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in “TheQueen” (2006)D. Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I in“Elizabeth” (1998)

6. “Right now everything is great, everyone ishappy, everyone is in love and that’s wonderful.But you gotta know that sooner or later you’regonna be screaming at each other about who’sgonna get this dish. This $8 dish will cost you athousand dollars in phone calls to the legal firmof That’s Mine, This Is Yours.”A. Judd Nelson as Alec Newbary in “St. Elmo’sFire” (1985)B. Meg Ryan as Kate McKay in “Kate &Leopold” (2001)C. Joe Mantegna as Andy in “Forget Paris”(1995)D. Billy Crystal as Harry Burns in “WhenHarry Met Sally” (1989)

7. “We’re not playing Spin the Bottle; how oldare we? More importantly, how old are they?”

A. Zach Braff asAndrew Largeman

in “GardenState” (2004)B. AnnetteBening asCarolynBurnham in“AmericanBeauty” (1999)C. Claire Danesas SookieSapperstein in“Igby GoesDown” (2002)

D. Colin Firth asJamie Bennett in“Love Actually”(2003)

8. “Rough business,this movie business. I’m

gonna have to go back toloan-sharking just to take a

rest.”A. Joe Pesci as Jimmy Alto in“Jimmy Hollywood” (1994)

B. Ray Liotta as Henry Hill in “Goodfellas”(1990)C. John Travolta as Chili Palmer in “GetShorty” (1995)D. Jason Statham as Turkish in “Snatch” (2000)

9. “Now you listen to me, I’m an advertisingman, not a red herring. I’ve got a job, a secre-tary, a mother, two ex-wivesand several bartenders thatdepend upon me, and I don’tintend to disappoint them allby getting myself ‘slightly’killed.”A. Cary Grant as Roger O.Thornhill in “North byNorthwest” (1959)B. Anthony Perkins asNorman Bates in “Psycho”(1960)C. Ray Milland as TonyWendice in “Dial M forMurder” (1954)D. Jimmy Stewart as L. B.Jefferies in “Rear Window”(1954)

10. “Better were the days when mastery of seascame not from bargains struck with eldritchcreatures ... but from the sweat of a man’s browand the strength of his back alone. You all knowthis to be true!”A. Geena Davis as Morgan Adams in“Cutthroat Island” (1995)B. Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa in “Pirates of theCaribbean: At World’s End” (2007)C. Dustin Hoffman as Capt. Hook in “Hook”(1991)D. Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in “Pirates ofthe Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”(2003)

MATCHING Match the movie quotes, numbered below, withthe actor/character/movie combo.

1. “Can I borrow your towel for a sec? My carjust hit a water buffalo.”

2. “There’s a 95-pound Chinese man with $160million behind this door.”3. “Go do that voodoo that you do so well!”4. “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quitsniffing glue.”5. “The details of your incompetence do notinterest me.”

A. George Clooney as Danny Ocean in“Ocean’s Eleven” (2001)B. Lloyd Bridges as Steve McCroskey in“Airplane!” (1980)C. Chevy Chase as Irwin Fletcher in “Fletch”(1985)D. Harvey Korman as Hedley Lamarr in“Blazing Saddles” (1974)E. Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in “TheDevil Wears Prada” (2006)

FREE RESPONSEYou’re on your own. Here are the quotes. Doyou know who said them in which movies?

1. “Every day I come by your house and I pickyou up. And we go out. We have a few drinks,and a few laughs, and it’s great. But you knowwhat the best part of my day is? For about 10seconds, from when I pull up to the curb andwhen I get to your door, cause I think, maybeI’ll get up there and I’ll knock on the door andyou won’t be there. No goodbye. No see youlater. No nothing. You just left. I don’t knowmuch, but I know that.”2. “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

3. “The new phone book’shere! The new phone book’shere! ... This is the kind ofspontaneous publicity — yourname in print — that makespeople. I’m in print! Thingsare going to start happeningto me now.”4. “Two dollars; I want mytwo dollars!” 5. “I carried a watermelon. Icarried a watermelon?”6. “You had me at ‘hello.’”7. “This week is not aboutme. It is about you. I’mgonna show you a good time.We’re gonna drink a lot ofgood wine. We’re gonna playsome golf. We’re gonna eat

some great food and enjoy the scenery and weare going to send you off in style, mon frere.”8. “You can’t really dust for vomit.”9. “I am NOT going to New York to meet somewoman who could be a crazy, sick lunatic!Didn’t you see ‘Fatal Attraction’?”10. “To infinity, and beyond!”

BONUSCan you identify the quotes in our quiz intro-duction?1. “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”2. “I see you’re drinking 1 percent. Is that‘cause you think you’re fat? ‘Cause you’re not.You could be drinking whole if you wanted to.”3. “We need to talk about your TPS reports.”4. “The time has come for someone to put hisfoot down. And that foot is me.”5. “The master,” a reference to “Now I am themaster.”SOURCE: QUOTES AND MOVIE INFORMATION FROM IMDB.COM

BY WENDY ZANGMcClatchy-Tribune

e love our movies. And we love them even more whenwe can quote them.

We quote them to our spouses (“Frankly, my dear, Idon’t give a damn.”), our friends (“I see you’re drinking 1 per-cent. Is that ‘cause you think you’re fat? ‘Cause you’re not. Youcould be drinking whole if you wanted to.”), our co-workers(“We need to talk about your TPS reports.”) and even our kids(“The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And thatfoot is me.”).

How well do you know your movie lines? Take our quiz, threeways, and find out. Why three ways? If we can get “beef, threeways” at trendy restaurants, we figure we can serve you threeways to test your knowledge and prove you are “the master.”

Roughbusiness, this

movie business. I’m gonna have to go back to loan-sharking

just to take a rest.

“

”

Leonardo DiCaprio▲

5CrEEk spEaks

“Pirates of Penzance,” the swashbuckling senior musical that wowed crowds this year has been nominated to receive five Tommy Tune Awards by Houston area theater organization Theater Under The Stars (TUTS). The show’s nominations include Best Ensemble, Best Crew & Technical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, and Best Leading Actor for Kirby Alford’s portrayal of Frederic. “I honestly didn’t expect to receive such great recognition,” said Alford. “Pirates” was directed by Mr. Timothy Estelle, with orchestration by Mr. Michael Astwood, choreography by Ms. Traci Carpenter, and chorale by Mr. Kyle and Sean Pullen.

“I’m proud of all involved, and honored by their continued success. I was very pleased by the audience’s overwhelming response,” said Estelle. “We had a great faculty, cast, and crew,” agreed Carpenter. The musical stars Julie Thornton as Mabel, Kirby Alford as Frederic, and Anthony Puskus as the Pirate King. “Developing my character was so much fun,” said Michaela Gifford, who portrayed the sergeant. Endless rehearsals have paid off for this ecstatic cast. Though all involved faced unique challenges, the finished product was well worth the struggle. “Uniting elements of dance, singing, acting and orchestra was slightly difficult,” commented crew member Alex Cloyd. “It came together beautifully.” “Everyone came together to put on a great show,” agreed Travis Johnson, lights manager. “It was exciting to see work over several months finally come together,” said Carpenter. “It was great to see the kids so excited.” The Tommy Tune Awards are named for nine-time Tony award winner and Lamar high school graduate Tommy Tune. The awards honor Houston area high schools that exhibit outstanding musical productions. Over 150 schools are invited to participate in TUTS’ competition each year, and the first 45 applicants are selected on a first-come, first serve basis to compete. “The recognition provided by these awards can provide the encouragement that a gifted student may need to become a successful professional,” said Tune. The Tommy Tune Awards will be held at the Houston Hobby Center for the Performing Arts on April 22, 2008. The presentation is open to the general public.

‘Pirates’ capture treasure

Megan MCKisson

Seniors, Kirby Alford and Julie Thornton

Photo by Fallan Drago

hayley boultinghouse

The Aces of Academic UIL

Clear Creek High School students were very successful at the 2008 Academic U.I.L District Meet. The competitors brought home a total of nine medals in seven events. In Ready Writing Amelia Looper placed 2nd and Haotin Xu placed 6th. In Spelling and Vocabulary Daniel

From left to right: Megan McKisson, Courtney Cox, Haotain Xu, Hayley Boultinghouse, Allie Hinga

Photo by Hailey Stephens

Ericsson placed 3rd and Eric Griffis placed 6th. Courtney Cox brought home 3rd place in Accounting. Journalism students brought home medals in four out of four events. Allie Hinga placed 1st in Editorial Writing and 4th News Writing. Megan McKisson placed 2nd in Features Writing. Hayley Boultinghouse placed 2nd in Headline Writing. Congratulations to all of the winners and good luck to those who go on to the Regional Meet in April.

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Although cell phones have become a familiar sight through out the United States, this is not the case for Cuba. Fidel Castro, 81, was forced to retire as President last month due to illness. As a result, Fidel’s brother, Raul Castro, has recently been appointed power. A few subtle changes in freedom have come with the changes in rule. For example, the ban on computers, DVD players and other appliances, such as air conditioners, and toasters has been lifted. But perhaps the most progressive change has been the recent lift on cell phone restrictions.

Even though there has been cell phone service on the island nation since 1991, it has been virtually out of grasp for the average citizen. The only people who were legally allowed to have a cell phone plan were foreigners, Cubans working for foreign companies, and government officials. But on March 28, 2008 the Cuban telecommunications monopoly, Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A., or ETCSA, announced it would “begin [providing] service to the general public in

At a campus the size of Clear Creek High School, class sizes can vary greatly. A recent study has shown, however, that smaller class sizes help students improve their grades, often regardless of instructional strategies. Four different countries conducted the study: the United States, England, Hong Kong, and Switzerland, and the results were presented on March 24 on the first day of the American Educational Research Association’s annual meeting. The organization was founded in 1916 and strives to improve the educational process by encouraging research in education and evaluating and applying findings. The meeting in March was the world’s largest gathering of educational researchers. Two of the four studies found that students perform better in smaller classes not because of how teachers instruct, but because students feel in the classroom. A smaller number of students allows individuals to receive more time with teachers and to work in small groups with classmates. One of the researchers who analyzed the data, Adam Gamoran, elaborated on the findings when he said in an interview with USA Today, “Small classes are more engaging places for students because they’re able

to have a more personal connection with teachers, simply by virtue of the fact that there are fewer kids in the classroom competing for that teacher’s attention.” In one conclusive study, researchers watched student behavior in ten-second intervals throughout a class period. They found that students in smaller classes focused more, misbehaved less, interacted with their teachers more, and worked in small groups more often than individually. Despite the results, Gamoran said that there is little evidence that teachers modify their teaching strategies because of class size. In fact, he said that many continue instruction as if in front of a larger group. In one study, researchers found that few teachers would use motivational activities or demonstrate what was expected at the introduction of a lesson. One researcher suggested that reducing classroom size could have even greater potential than was observed if teachers changed their strategies to fit a smaller group. In March, researchers at Northwestern University released the results of a long-term effort to decrease class sizes. They found that the benefit of smaller classes is most visible in high achieving students illustrating that while students are improving, the achievement gap is not. As the number of schools in the district increase, it is possible to reduce class sizes and help students to be successful.

Cut classes: more attention

allie hinga

Cuban call for connections

JaCob lux

Studies show students perform better with smaller class sizes. Photo by Wendy Wright After lift in ban, cell phone serivces avaliable to Cubans.

Photo by Wendy Wright

the next few days,” in a statement published in the Communist Party Newspaper, Granma.

Though changes are becoming more prevalent in Cuba, Raul stated that there would be no economic or political changes to the nation. While the average Cuban citizen only makes less than 20 American dollars, a cell phone seems out of reach for many, but the lift on the ban is a step in the right direction.

Deemed by many the “the practical Castro”, it is a common hope that this is only the beginning in a series of reforms performed by Raul. Raul has suggested that he would like to open dialogue with the United States. Change may be closer than it appears.

disHip-hop: 25%Country: 15%Rock: 31%Rap: 16%Classical: 3%Other: 10%

covering Creek

Favorite way tocommunicate:

Text: 49%Call: 24%E-mail: 7%Instant Message: 10%Other: 9%

Greatest Fear:

Favorite music to listen to:

“I fear nothing.”

“The dummy bags.”

“Running out of RED HOTTS.”

“I’m afraid of heights.”

“Not accomplishing my dreams.”

“Losing someone I’m close to.”

“Spiders.”

“Being alone.”

“Dying.”

“Snakes.”

“Ghosts.”“Dragonflies.”

“Nuns.”“Roaches.”

“Tryouts.”

Favorite Subject at School:

Math: 13%English: 3%History: 4%Science: 13%Elective: 46%Other: 21%

covering Creek

“I’m afraid of heights.”

“Losing someone I’m close to.”

“Roaches.”

“Tryouts.”

Favorite color:

Orange: 18%Black: 5%Purple: 14%Pink: 5%Red: 18%Blue: 14%Green: 26%

The one thing you cant live without:

“Xbox.”

“Television.”

“My Truck.”

“My Cellphone.”

“Money.”

“My Faith.”

“Sleep.”

“My Friends.”

“My Family.”

“Basketball.”

“Food.”

“My I-pod.”

“Music.” “Football.”

The number one thing creek students couldn’t live without were family and friends. This was followed by cellphone.

Favorite sport:Football: 34%Basketball: 13%Baseball: 6%Volleyball: 6%Soccer: 13%Other: 28%

10 FEaturEs

The parents and grandparents of this generation were taught a lesson when they were children themselves: always dispose of pharmaceutical drugs by flushing them down a toilet rather that throwing them in a garbage can. The thought was that this action would dramatically reduce the risk of harming the immediate environment. People believed that these drugs would be filtered out of the water before it made it back to them in the form that they drank. Now this false sense of security has been broken. Over the years these drugs have not been filtered out completely from the nation’s drinking water. It is the job of this generation to predict the risks that could come from long-term exposure to the chemicals these drugs contain and find a way to combat them. A recent report estimates that at least 41 million Americans are consuming contaminated drinking water. The water plays host to a vast array of pharmaceuticals including, but not limited to, sex hormones, antibiotics, mood stabilizaers, anti-convulsants, and some over the counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The concentrations of these drugs are far below the original prescribed does of each respectively. The potential problem comes from long-term exposure. The government currently doesn’t require testing for the presence of any pharmaceuticals. There is also no legislation to regulate this problem. Only 28 of America’s 62 water suppliers have currently been tested for traces of any drug. Several major urban centers have not taken part in the research,

including Houston. Because of the exclusion of some of the more populated cities, the extent of the problem is feared to be more widespread. Also not included in the study are those people who reside in rural areas and pump their own water from wells. The problem is on a global scale. Lakes, rivers, reservoirs and streams around the world are being contaminated with pharmaceuticals. The most prominent cases are located in Asia, Australia, Canada and Europe. There are still countries that are waiting for testing. With so many unknowns one thing is certain. “There’s no doubt about it, pharmaceuticals are being detected in the environment and there is a genuine concern that these compounds, in small concentrations, could be impacting human health or aquatic organisms,” said Mary Buzby, the director of environmental technology for drug maker Merck and Co. inc. Research has already backed up her testimony. In humans, small amounts of exposure to pharmaceuticals have been shown to alter embryonic kidney cells, blood cells, and breast cancer cells. The kidney cells showed a sluggish growth

and the blood cells showed inflammation. The cancer cells rapidly increase and spread. Wildlife that reside in the contaminated waterways are also undergoing changes as a result of the pharmaceuticals present. Most notably. some male fish are becoming feminized. They are creating egg yolk proteins, a process, which under normal circumstances, is restricted to females. Also, sentinel species, such as earthworms, are being affected. This is a major problem because sentinel species are at the base of food chains. If they are affected or eliminated, other animals further up the chain, including humans, could be negatively impacted. This negative impact is what scientists are currently trying to identify and avoid on a large scale. Enhanced allergies to nerve damage are on the list of possibilities. Pregnant women and the elderly are thought to be those who will be most at risk when it comes to the exposure. This generation needs to break the cycle of pharmaceutical exposure to protect the health of future generations, and the natural resources of the nation.

Pharmaceuticals make foul playhayley boultinghouse

The bases covered

Chris stephensen

The smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of wood on leather, all fill the air. As April starts up, the Major League Baseball regular season is beginning. It has been a few of months since the World Series ended. Trades have been made, free agents have been picked up, and players were named in the Mitchell Report. There are many things to look forward to this season. Last year, the New York Yankees almost did not make the playoffs. This year they may not make it at all. Without acquiring Johan Santana in the off season, the Yankees starting pitching is lagging, and with the Boston Red Sox possibly being better than last year, the Yankees will have to go for the Wild Card. The Toronto Blue Jays will be a contender for most of the season, while the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays will still be last. However, the Rays have a chance at its first winning season ever if they pick up free agent Barry Bonds. The Red Sox could win the American League East. There is a two-team race in the AL Central. The Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians are the contenders. The Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and the Minnesota Twins won’t be in the race for long. But if the White Sox do pull through and win the World Series, look for manager Ozzie Guillen to streak down Main Street, as he said he would do if his team won. The Detroit Tigers could win the AL Central.

There is really only one team that will win the AL West. That team is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Seattle Mariners, Oakland A’s, and the Texas Rangers don’t have the pitching or the hitting that can carry them past the Angels. The LA Angels will win the AL West. Also, the Cleveland Indians could take the Wild Card. In the National League East, the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and the New York Mets will be in tight contention for the Division title. With the pickup of Santana from the Twins, the Mets have the dominant pitching. The Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins will hang in until around June. The New York Mets could win the NL East. It’s anybody’s game in the NL Central. The Milwaukee Brewers should have another great season along with the Chicago Cubs. It will most likely be a race between these two teams. Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Houston may not have the firepower to be a playoff team. The Milwaukee Brewers could win the NL Central. Everyone, except possibly the San Francisco Giants, can take the reins of the NL West. The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and the Arizona Diamondbacks had great seasons last year. The Dodgers will win the NL West. Arizona can take the Wild Card. It is not a stretch to think that a Red Sox- Mets World Series is possible. Both teams have the depth to go the distance. The New York Mets could possibly become World Series champions for the first time since 1986.

to start a new season

Pharmaceuticals are not completely filtered out of nation’s drinking water.

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Creek baseball steps up to bat for a stellar season

taylor Freudenberg

Photos by Albert Nkansah“The Wildcats are fighting for post season play,” said varsity coach, Jim Mallory.

This year the Creek Baseball team has been pushing hard to make their way to the top of District. With the talent on the team, that goal will hopefully be reached. At the beginning of the season, Creek started off, knowing they had a long, hard battle ahead. The Wildcats played Pearland for their first district game. The Oilers started off the game with two runs in the first inning and managed to stay ahead for the whole game. The Wildcats lost 5-2. The second district game was an easy win against the Alvin Yellow jackets. The Wildcats, won with a final score of 5-1. “I pitched a no-hitter against them, it was the best game I’ve pitched,” said varsity-starting pitcher Jared Cosart. With the win again Alvin fresh on their minds, the Wildcats played Galveston Ball. The Wildcats easily won, 5-0.

The Clear Brook Wolverines were the next team up for district play. The game was high scoring, with runs being scored throughout the whole game. The Wildcats managed to pull through with a final score of 12-5. The cross-town rival, the Clear Lake Eagles, was the next obstacle for the Wildcats. The Wildcats got the win against the Eagles, 5-4. The Wildcats were on fire, and looking forward to continuing the winning streak, against the Brazoswood Buccaneers. During the Brazoswood game, the Wildcats fought long and hard, and yet could not pull out the win. The Wildcats made several errors throughout the game. The Buccaneers ended the Wildcats’ winning streak, with a final score of 6-1. “The game obviously didn’t go the way we wanted it to. It would’ve been a big win, but we came up short. We have a district record of 4-2, which isn’t bad. But we have a big game coming up against Pearland, and hopefully that game will go our way,” said Cosart. The second half of the season came

up fast, and the possibility for reaching number one in district was very close. The second round meant that the Wildcats would soon face the Oilers once again. The Wildcats continued to practice long and hard, in attempt to achieve a win against the Oilers. Unfortunately, even with the hard practices, the Wildcats could not handle the fourth-place ranking, Oilers, which added another loss to their record, which was now 4-3. The season is coming to its end, and the Wildcats will be clawing their way to Bi-district playoffs. “[The] District 24-5A is very competitive this year and the Wildcats are fighting for post season play,” said varsity coach, Jim Mallory. This type of

Trainers tell all about their specialized first aid skills MiChelle garCia

Photo by Albert NkansahBrittany Marquez, trainer, wraps an athlete’s ankle.

Being a trainer is not as easy as it looks. From coming early to leaving late from games, trainer duty takes a great deal of time and dedication. The players rely greatly on trainer skills. Trainers are required to know how to stretch out the player; first aid procedures such as wrapping ankles or wrists; and how to make an ice pack. Trainers need to know the proper procedures for blood decontamination, first aid, CPR and wound care. Trainers help out with rehab and make sure that the training room is both clean and sanitized. However, trainers are not only concerned with keeping the players at their best, they are required to maintain good grades and good manners. If an athlete needs or asks

for something, trainers “give the athlete the attention he or she needs,” said Travis Stiver, varsity trainer. Being a trainer provides many opportunities. Not only do the trainers bond and build friendships, but they also receive a valuable education about physical therapy. A bonus is learning about sports medicine. Lauren Gillespie, a current JV trainer replied, “It’s fun and you learn a lot. It makes you feel good about yourself knowing that you helped someone out.” With graduation coming up, new trainers will be needed. “I feel like it’s very good and we have a lot of interest, we usually have about 50 people try out in spring time, but we keep about 25 to 30. Tryouts are during spring football,” said Coach Bradley. Anyone interested is encouraged to tryout. See Coach Tom Bradley in the Spring Sports area for more information or any of the current trainers.

competitiveness will help the Wildcats, and there’s no doubt that the Wildcats will be in the playoffs at the end of the season.

Creek player prepares to go to bat.

15spOrtsAthletes of the Month

Jordan Mattison Bobby Bassett

Photo by Albert Nkansah Photo by Albert Nkansah

taylor Freudenberg destinee WalKer

Soccer: a Pardo family affair

Most teenage athletes pride themselves on bringing home district titles, and making play off runs. However, Rico Pardo, has taken his game to an international level. For the third summer in a row, Pardo will be traveling to Puerto Rico to represent his mother and father’s country on the soccer field. He competed in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Futbol, (CONCACAF) under 17 World Cup Qualifier in Trinidad and Tobago in 2006. He plays forward on the field for high school soccer, but defense for Puerto Rico. Pardo trained with the U-23 team last summer but was unable to travel because he was only 16. Pardo was born in Texas, but has dual citizenship because both of his parents are from Puerto Rico. Pardo’s father, Richie, played for Puerto Rico when he was a teenager as well. “It means a lot to me,” Pardo said. “It’s an honor to play for your own country. I’m proud of it. My parents are proud of it. I’m

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grateful for another chance.” Pardo said. International play is on a much different level then high school soccer. Pardo played against Anguilla, St. Lucia and Panama in 2006. Pardo’s defensive skills contributed to the team’s powerful defense that held Anguilla and St. Lucia to zero throughout the game. “When you’re playing against another country, they all play alike,” he said. “They’re like brothers. They know how they all play. They know where to go. They know where they want the ball to be. It’s so much different from high school,” Pardo said. On June 9 he will begin a month long training program with the U-20 team in preparation for a CONCACAF tournament beginning in July, in the Cayman Islands. With many years of national, and international play, Pardo has a well-deserved advantage over most high school soccer players. Colleges have already begun their pursuit of recruiting Pardo, but he remains adamant on staying true to himself. “I hope I get better, faster and stronger in every way,” Pardo said. “I will bust my butt to get there. I will do my job and believe in myself that I can do it.”

Photo by Kevin M. Cox of The Galveston County Daily NewsRico Pardo and his dad, Richie, share a love for the same sport.

She slaps, she hits, she steals, and of course, she wins. The athlete of the month is none other than the skilled softball player Jordan Mattison. Mattison played basketball for League City Intermediate her 7th grade year, and then transferred to Creekside Intermediate for her 8th grade year. Mattison never touched a softball bat, until her first year of high school. “I first got started on softball because of my dad. His boys played baseball, so he wanted me to try softball.” Turns out that this little nudge had big results. Mattison has been playing softball since her freshman year. She started as a natural righty (throwing and hitting right handed), until she found a way to use her speed to her advantage. She learned how to hit and slap on the left side, becoming a huge asset to the Creek softball team. Mattison is the starting center fielder for the varsity team and is also one of the bigger RBI (runs batted in) hitters. During the beginning of her sophomore year, Mattison had a career-changing event. During a game, she tore all of the ligaments in her ankle and was out for the rest of her sophomore year. Mattison jumped back on the field during her junior year, working hard to earn her starting spot back on varsity. Jordan helped the team with her speed, her agility, and her ability to run and catch long fly balls out in center field. She is able to run out routine groundballs to the shortstop, turning them into base hits. Mattison has received a seventy-five percent scholarship to go to the Division 2 School, University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. She plans to become a psychiatrist and majoring in psychology.

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“Hard work always pays off.” A quote exemplified by athlete of the month, Bobby Bassett. Speed has always come easy for Bassett. He first hit the track when he was four years old, for the La Marque Jaguars. It became apparent during his years at League City Intermediate, that Bassett was several steps ahead of the rest on the track. He set blistering paces amongst his peers, awing Coaches and competitors alike with a hard-pressed stride. When it came time for his freshman year, Bassett wasn’t about to fall below the high standard he had set for himself. He lettered his first year and remains strong on the Varsity team today. Bassett is a key component for the track 4x200, 4x400, and 4x800 relay teams. His best times clock out to be 22.5 seconds in the 200 meter dash, 48 seconds in the 400 meter dash, and 1:56 in the 800 meter dash. As for the overall team effort Bassett said, “We’ve had our ups and downs this year, because of grades. But we will definitely be ready for district.” Bassett has no worries when it comes to work in the classroom. He has consistent A’s and B’s in all of his classes. His consistency on and off of the track is a major factor to why Bassett is considered a large asset to the track team. With three years of varsity running behind him, several colleges have taken an early interest in Bassett. He plans on running in college, but is keeping his options open. “I have several in mind right now. Tennessee State and Texas Christian University are interested, but I’m looking at Texas State and the University of Arlington too,” said Bassett.

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