Volume 29 - Issue 5 January 2015 Robert E. Lee High School, Houston, Texas, 77057 Best moments of 2014 revealed Guadalupe Bonola News Writer

2014 is now over and people of the year, when I had my first driguez said. “Also, having such unforgettable,” Sophomore Brenda “Then he came back to visit me at have set goals for 2015 to change date with my fiancé,” Commu- an influential role in the design of Zoltan said. the beginning of this year and he is their lives for the better. But it’s nications Teacher Alyssa Loza our paper.” People also have memories of attending the Art Institute of Hous- also great to remember what 2014 said. “He asked me out to Chili’s, Seems like the teachers had made their birthday 2014! ton!” has given us. Let’s see what stu- not because that was his favorite 2014 a great year. Projects have “Throwback 2014 was when we 2014 had so many positive mo- dents and teachers from Lee High restaurant, but because he had a been fun this year, but let’s not turned up on my birthday; unfor- ments for people, and hopefully School have to say about their gift card. At that moment, I knew it forget about the beautiful summer gettable moment!” Junior Yareli 2015 will continue those happy “throwback 2014!” A throwback was magic. We had two really big moments! Vargas said. moments. is a memory from a previous mo- things in common: saving money “This year was filled with so A lot of teachers have fond mem- “Fall semester of my sopho- ment of your life; it’s something and a love for food!” many memories; summer 2014 was ories of their classes or accom- more year at Lee has been the best you have a special memory of. “My best memory in 2014 was absolutely the best summer!” soph- plishments at school. so far,” English Teacher Edward Let’s see some Lee students’ and getting engaged! It’s indescribable omore Zaira Alvarado said. “Well I remember talking to Garza said. “Homecoming, cross teachers’ “throwbacks!” and amazing; being able to commit “My favorite memory would Ronald Young in my AP class last country, linked learning, and the “I celebrated our one year anni- to share your life with the person probably be when my family and I year about following his dreams teacher takeover are memories I versary with my girlfriend Daniela you love and know you’re mature went to this plantation park area. I and where he wanted to go in cherish! 2015 watch out- I might and I went also went to Florida!” and responsible enough for it,” Ju- forget the name, but it’s something life,” Art Teacher Kevin Ellis said. just pass you up!” Junior Bryan Eriza said. nior Gabriela Saucedo said. “Well I have three moments,” Many people most enjoyed Senior Kymyatta Gabriel said. spending 2014 with the special “One is seeing everyone so dedi- people in their lives, but others cated and working so hard to have found joy in work and accomplish- it done. Two was seeing Ryan ments they achieved. Salazar and Gustavo Macoco on “Finishing the college appli- the tricycle delivering newspapers cation process and being able to in the cafeteria. And the third was know where I will be next year that the ‘originals’ got to have the was my favorite moment,” Senior experience outside at the Chroni- Cindy Wakiyama said. cle.” Wakiyama finished all her appli- People have traveled and enjoyed cations, was accepted and will be beautiful moments with people going to Texas A&M. they love in 2014! “The project we did in Ms. Wie- “My favorite parts of this last ner’s class, the journalist project, year were starting the newspa- was amazing. We were able to re- per at Lee, being able to teach all search our journalists and then we media and journalism classes to got to dress up and act the way they my amazing students, and my most did. It was the best project I have memorable part of the year was ever done because I was able to in- definitely traveling through South vestigate and learn so much about America this summer,” Media my famous reporter. That day I Teacher Jenni Wiener said. “I got was Tim Russert and did my best to travel through Peru, Bolivia, to dress up as a man. How hilari- Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay and ously fun is that?!” Junior Andrea see all the beautiful scenery, meet Berranza said. the amazing people, eat some crazy “Having front page articles on things, and explore!” three of the four newspapers this “One of my best moments of year was something I am most PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY HOLIDAYWISHES.NET 2014 was in the very beginning proud of,” Senior Guadalupe Ro- Obama takes action on immigration Shermour Charles News Writer

Immigration, the action of com- migration and some people do not. country. Lee High School is also a ing to live permanently in a foreign President Obama is looking for a school occupied with immigrants country, is a big part of today’s way to fix the problem. from different places. President society and it greatly impacts what On November 20th, 2014, Obama’s executive decision will goes on in the United States and in a televised address from the ensure that immigrants will have a how we live. White house, President Obama future and can stay and work until But recently there have been announced a program of “deferred they are citizens. problems with the immigration action,” which would allow about “I am very happy with the exec- system and our current President, 45 percent of illegal immigrants to utive decision that Barack Obama President Obama, is taking ex- legally stay and work in the United has passed because I think it is fair ecutive action in order to fix this States. for the people who live here and problem. “Scripture tells us that we shall have developed a culture here,” The problem is not immigration not oppress a stranger, for we Lee High school Junior Guadalupe itself; it is when people illegally know the heart of a stranger -- we Rodriguez said. immigrate. Illegal immigration were strangers once, too. My fel- Other students at Lee are also ex- has led to millions of unemployed low Americans, we are and always ploring this new opportunity in the American citizens, depreciating will be a nation of immigrants. We hopes of staying in the US legally. wages, stolen taxpayer resources, were strangers once, too,” Presi- The immigration system is still and increased number of crime and dent Obama said. being improved with the hope it domestic terrorism. Lee High School is one of the will make the United States a bet- PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY IMMIGRATIONVISAATTORNEYBLOG.COM Some people support illegal im- most culturally diverse schools in ter place for immigrants.

Check out Find fun things Take a look Is standardized students’ New to do in the win- back on the testing really Years resolu- ter on page 4 year 2014 and improving educa- tions on page 3 everything that tion? Page 14 happened The Traveler Page 2 January 2015 Get involved and connected with the Lee High School community Many groups at Lee are making an impact on the community and now so can you! Ashley Lagunas News Writer

Lee High School has improved on making Lee High School still exists.” connections with the community. POWER UP! Lee has a great connection to The school does everything from partici- the internet world. pating in volunteer work to marching with a There are many great resources that keep band in a parade. students and parents up to date with the Ever since the Power Up project began, Lee changes that have been going on around the has adapted to an educational environment school. for today’s 21st-century learners. For example, the Lee website includes The ROTC students have done many good upcoming events, bell schedules, teacher de- things to help the community. partment lists, dress code policies, etc. During the month of November, the Food Have you ever seen an episode of Lee TV? Bank was collecting canned goods for the If you haven’t you’ve missed out on funny people that were in need for the holiday. skits from your Lee High School peers. ROTC and NHS got students and teachers to The videos include, student life, upcoming donate can goods. Both groups did well and events, important announcements, hidden got to donate many canned goods. talents, sports statistics, and funny skits that Many of the students at Lee High School students and teachers put on. that participate in sports visit schools to It ranges. There’s always something new compete and interact with other schools in on Lee TV. the district. Everyone at Lee High School does some- Magda Martinez, LHS Cheerleader said, thing to interact with others inside and out- “Every time we cheer in the football games side of the community. the cheerleaders on the opposing team every In today’s society, it is easy to stay updated now and then come over and give us tips and and join in on what is going on. Just check sometimes give us a little gift. I think it’s re- the website and social media to get ideas and ally cool that we get to interact with other get involved. schools, it’s a great reminder for them that You can make a difference in the world! PHOTO TAKEN BY CRISTAL SANTANA 600 wing to be torn down to begin construction Gustavo Garcia News Writer Lee High School will begin construction This occurred the week of December 15, on the new building this January. 2014. The new building will be more modern The mover arrived on campus to remove than ever before. or relocate the surplus furniture. “Through HISD’s 2012 bond program, The abatement of the vacant rooms will $73.8 million has been allocated to build begin promptly. the new Lee High School campus,” ac- The trucks will use the back administrator cording to the HISD website. “The new parking lot for long periods of time along 240,000-square-foot facility will include with the ROTC parking lot, both of which state-of-the-art technology with flexibility should be unused by students and staff. to allow for future upgrades.” “It is a very exciting day but there is al- According to the HISD website, WHR ways a chance something will create a snag Architects presented a site plan for the new along the way,” Mr. Mata said in an email. Lee High School for community members Brenda Renteria a junior at Lee said “It to review at a recent meeting. will be interesting and hopefully it makes And the construction will begin a lot the school look better.” sooner than students may think. Rigo Mondragon also a junior said, “Other In fact, Mr. Mata sent an e-mail to the schools have tebuilt themselves, it probably teachers that said, “The abatement for the motivates students to do their work because 600 wing will begin in January.” they think they’re getting a good education.” This means the 600 wing has already been Construction will be occurring throughout emptied, sorted out, and is ready to be torn the second semester and in the summer. It down. will be finished in 2017. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY EXAMINER.COM Lee Police Offi cers return to campus after temporary leave Benjamin Ekibolaji News Writer

The Lee High School police officers temporarily replaced and reassigned until the officers back. Jason Watson and Hector Gonzalez returned the incidents have been looked into and They argued that Officer Watson and after their temporary relocation period. handled. In the case at Lee High School, Officer Gonzalez both knew the students In November, 2014, they were both it turned out that the police officers were really well and knew the problems of the involved in an incident of allegedly using following protocols and therefore they were school, making them able to act fast in the force to break up a gang fight that was able to return to their normal assignments. case of a fight or an emergency. occurring on campus. While they were out, both officers were They also have the respect of the stu- That incident was filmed on a cell missed by many students and faculty mem- dents because they have both been at Lee phone and used in the media. The video bers. for about two or more years. actually aired on Channel 2 in Houston, In fact, some senior students took action After winter break, the officers returned Texas. to try and get the officers back. They went to Lee once again. It is standard that whenever police offi- around with a petition and got over 200 sig- Welcome back Officer Watson and cers get negative media attention, they are natures from students and teachers wanting Officer Gonzalez! PHOTO CONTRIBUTE BY HOUSTONFREETHINKERS.COM January 2015 The Traveler Page 3 Debate: not just winning Lee Guard dances in arguments, winning life their 1st competition Andrea Juarez Lexie Tran News Writer News Writer Do you like winning? Do you like proving However, while winning tournaments and people wrong? trophies can be fun, Debate isn’t always Then you should join debate! Debate is about that. one of the many clubs offered here at Lee “Debate is about the class too. The fun ar- High School. guments and the positive environment really “It’s never too late to join,” Coach Alyssa do lighten up your day, it’s a class you look Loza said. “If you have good speaker skills, forward to, and the class isn’t just about ar- confidence, and the ability to argue two guing and debating either,” Captain Karim sides then you should definitely join. Debate Sabar said. “It’s about freely being able to is beneficial to all and open for all.” express your ideas, no matter how unusual There are many reasons why people or crazy they are, and then have an intellec- choose to join debate. tual discussion with somebody in the class “Debate is a way to unleash your inner without being judged or looked down upon passion, intellectually,” Co-Captain Amie for what you think.” Bigirmana said. “You get to express your Overall, the main reason why debaters opinion towards serious issues that we, as a love debate so much is because it’s fun. community, face today, while being able to “It’s fun because I love the environment see both sides to a case.” of tournaments and I love the feeling when Debaters sometimes spend their week- I’m at a podium and when I’m winning. I ends at debate tournaments at other HISD like the competitiveness,” two-year debater schools. They also participate in UIL and Guadalupe Rodriguez said. “It’s the one Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL). true thing I’m successful at and no matter Debaters win rounds at tournaments and re- how many times I lost in the past, I still love ceive trophies even if they don’t win. doing debates.” “Even though you argue with your op- It’s not about winning, it’s about the ex- ponents, you’ll meet people who have the perience. Also, many colleges like to see same mindset as you,” First Year Debater debate on the resumes of the students they Brenda Zoltan said. “You get to meet people accept. Debate is an opportunity, if you have from other schools and you get to become time to do it, you should at least give it a try. more open with others.” Talk to Ms. Loza in room 221. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ISSA YAGI The Lee High School dance team, Lee we’ll make it,” said a first year Lee Guard Guard, has been supporting its fellow students member, Harronjahnee’ Chase. and athletes this year. Lee Guard has not gone to competition in Each time the Lee Guard’s team played, the three or more years, so every new and old dance team went to support them. member is very nervous. Supporting everyone and being part of a “Everyone in this team is capable of giving known dance team, who started from zero and a good impression in competition,” Carolina has accomplished so much, are the main goals Gonzalez, a sophomore on the dance team, of the team. said. Practice for competition season happens Each of the dance team members contribute about two days per week and also in the 8th in different ways to help the team accomplish period class. their main goals. “We are not a team, we are a family,” Coach “We all need discipline in order to main- Tamara Tisdale said, who started dancing at tain order and to become someone,” Gonzalez four-years-old as a ballerina. said. “We will do this!” She is the coach of the Lee Guard dance The team comes together to become a fam- team. ily and to help with each other’s problems. “I like the fine arts, and I love education,” “No one is left behind,” Chase said. Tisdale said. Students around the school also show their Competition season is around the corner, support for the dance team. and practice is happening three times a week; “I think Lee Guard is a great way to support Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. school spirit,” Kimberly Hipo, a junior at Lee “I am worried about competition, but I think said. PHOTO PROVIDED BY LESLIE ORTIZ Students, faculty and staff have high hopes for 2015 New Year resolutions Rosangela Sosa News Writer Every year that the ball drops in New “To Graduate and get a scholarship is Surveys show that 47 percent of York City, people around the world start my goal for this year,” Senior Jeanne the resolutions are related to self-im- setting goals for the New Year. Mwamikazi said. provement or education, 38 percent are For this upcoming 2015, students from Some people said they want to learn weight related resolutions, 34 percent Lee High School have new things. resolutions are related to money, and 31 their goals already. “I want to start percent are relationship resolutions, ac- “My goals are to have a “To graduate learning a new cording to Statistic Brain. higher GPA, so I can be language, gaining “My resolution is to start working out successful in college and and get a schol- a new skill, and again for 3 to 5 days a week, to continue to go to the college of my arship is my overall expanding to eat healthy, and to find the positives dreams, which is Sam my general knowl- in every situation,” Media Teacher Jenni Houston, so I can become goal for this edge,” Sophomore Wiener said. “I’d also like to help my a lawyer,” Junior Guada- Suemy Martinez students be prepared for college and the lupe Bonola said. year!” said. real world by helping them find opportu- Everyone has different Classes and nities like internships or resume-building goals for their lives. Some -Jeanne Mwamikazi STAAR tests are experiences.” of them are academic and also a priority for Statistics show that just 75 percent others are personal. the students of Lee. of the resolutions are maintained after “My goals are to stop procrastinating “My goal is to pass all my classes and a week, according to proactivechange. and to not stress,” Sophomore Brenda the STAAR test,” Sophomore Marinela com. Zoltan said. “But, I mainly want to be Campos said. Don’t be the one to let your goals go! happy.” There are some resolutions that are not Stick with the promises that you make Seniors are looking forward to gradua- just for Lee High School, but for around for yourself and the New Year. tion, which is really close for them. the world. Make 2015 the best year yet! PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY PINTEREST.COM The Traveler Page 4 January 2015 Movies to Artists compete for Grammys, winners to be announced Feb. 8 see in 2015 Journey Waddell Feature Writer Jacob Ramirez Every year hundreds of artists are awarded a times for all of my favorite bands and I’m Monkeys and The Black Keys are against each Grammy for their hard work. Not all of them waiting for the next round of voting to begin,” other for best rock performance. The Black Feature Writer get a Grammy, but just being nominated is a Junior Andrea Juarez said. Keys are also competing against Paramore for With the New Year here and many people great accomplishment. The Grammys even has a section for movie best rock song. making resolutions, there are bound to be many So many great musicians are nominated for soundtracks. Paramore’s front woman Hayley Williams new surprises. New cars, phones, fashion trends the 2015 Grammys. “When I found out that I could vote for movie took to twitter when the band was nominated “I really hope that Artic Monkeys win this sound tracks I was so excited because Frozen with her excitement. Hayley was really excited and movies. Many movies have been released year!” Junior, Kimberly Hipo said. is nominated and that’s my favorite movie,” because the band stated that they were worried last year but this is a new year with new mov- The Grammys this year will have a very big Junior Gabriela Sandoval said. about releasing “Ain’t It Fun” because they ies. Whether you are into action, romance, com- range of genres. Some of this year’s greatest hits are nomi- didn’t expect it to do well, but now it’s nomi- edy, documentary, or horror, this year will have “I think that it’s really cool that the Grammys nated for record of the year, including “Fancy” nated for a Grammy. new movies for every genre. will have so many kinds of categories com- by Iggy Azalea, “Chandelier” by Sia, and also So many things will be happening the night Marco Villeda, a junior at Lee High School peting this year,” Junior Delia Velasquez said. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. of the Grammys so tune in on February 8, 2015 was asked which movie he was looking forward Voting for The Grammys is going on now. Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith are to watch and see which of your favorite artists to in 2015. And without hesitating he responded “I’ve already gone online and voted so many all nominated for album of the year. Artic win a Grammy. quickly. “I’m looking forward to seeing Furious 7. It’s going to be really good,” Villeda said. “It’s going to have a lot of action and they have some amazing cars. The fact that Paul Famous dictations from 2014 Walker died is devastating, and how they man- aged to pull it off and finish the film is inter- esting.” Yizel Real Furious 7 is the newest installment in the Feature Writer franchise. In this film, a dead man’s brother “No Era Penal”- Fans everywhere. “Bye Felicia”- Craig (Friday) seeks out revenge on the Torretto family. Mir- iam Hernandez, the parent of a student who at- tends Lee was excited to respond. “I look forward to seeing both The Avengers: Age of Ultron and Furious 7,” Hernandez said. “I’m excited to see what happens and which new heroes are reveled. The Hulk is my fa- vorite hero because he gets angry and smashes things.” “The cars, races, action, and every single de- One of the very viral quotes from 2014 was “no era penal”. During Another quote that has been very popular and a lot of people use it tail is what I look for in Furious 7,” Hernan- the World Cup, a memorable moment, and quote, was created as fans is “Bye Felicia.” Even the administrator says it! This saying origi- dez said. “The fact that the characters become everywhere, especially from Mexico, were outraged at a penalty call nated from a movie called “Friday” and it seems to have been rein- a family throughout each film, really adds to awarded to soccer player Arjen Robben of the Netherlands after he troduced more recently; possibly through one of the various reality the acting.” fell down on purpose and made it look as though he was fouled. TV shows. In The Avengers: Age of Ultron, the avengers must reassemble as the fate of earth hangs in the “What’s 9 + 10?…21”- Vine Kid “Do you want to build a snowman?” – Princess Anna balance, the team is out to the ultimate test as they battle Ultron, a technological terror hell- bent on human extinction. There are many movies to hit theaters this year like Pitch Perfect 2, which The Barden Bellas enter an international acappella com- petition that no American team has ever won. Get Hard is another film coming out, which is a comedy film and is about the prison- bound manager (Will Ferrell) of a hedge fund asks a Taking the United States by storm, this quote has caught on and become Though the movie Frozen was released in November of 2013, businessman (Kevin Hart) - who has never been so well known that we never truly realized how often the number 21 is the movie blew up and this 2014 Holiday season, even people to jail- to prepare him for life behind bars.So a part of our everyday life and language. The number 21 can no longer in Houston, TX found themselves asking (in a singing voice of watch out for more great flicks to hit the the- be read without having the Vine Kid’s voice resonate through your head; course), “Do you want to build a snowman?” aters this year. those that have seen the video know exactly what I’m talking about.

Fun things to Rigodo Mondragon in the winter Feature Writer When the days start getting shorter and Snowshoeing Magazine, “one of the fun the weather starts getting colder, it becomes things that you can do in winter is snow- harder and harder to find fun things to do. shoeing. It has been around for thousands of You can’t do the same things that you years. And, obviously, the art of snowshoe- could do in the summer, like going to the ing has become more sophisticated over time beach, and you can’t even go anywhere – now it’s considered a winter sport.” without a jacket. Even though it is harder to As mentioned earlier, this option would be do the same activities as the summer, there more difficult to enjoy in Houston, TX, but are other fun ways to spend your time this it never hurts to have options just in case. winter. Another great idea to have some fun, while According to freshman Elena Janette making a difference in someone else’s life, Frenandez, fun ways to spend the winter is to spend some time this winter season vol- months would be relaxing at home, reading, unteering. writing, watching TV, and ice-skating. She Whether you want to volunteer as a finish said she would also visit her relatives and line captain at the next 10k race, a person to have a vacation in Amsterdam. help out at a local animal shelter or adoption Junior Leroy Marsh said that he would site, a construction crew member building like to do activities inside like playing video homes for the less fortunate, or inventory- games and sleeping, or to have a snowball ing, sorting, and boxing gently used books to fight (if we ever get snow in Houston). He distribute to HISD elementary schools, there would also like to go to New York to see are a plethora of opportunities and people some of his family. that could truly use your help. Junior Thieu Le said he would like to go If you would like to browse all of the skating on his skateboard, make beats, rap, options that Houston, TX has for those in- eat lots of food, and to vacation in Colorado. terested in volunteering their time, visit vol- He would also like to just to stay home and unteerhou.org. relax. Although the days may be shorter and it According to the First-Timers Guide to may be colder, there is still pleanty to do! PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY HOUSTONPRESS.COM January 2015 The Traveler Page 5 ‘Obama Care’ offered to cover US citizens Rehema Nyandwi News Writers On March 23, 2010 President Barack Obama Care Act, Medicaid eligibility was expanded, signed a law named The Patient Protection and through the creation of the health care and Affordable Care Act, which aimed to marketplace, families were offered must more reform the American health care system. The cost effective health insurance coverage. At Affordable Care Act has since been nicknamed the conclusion of the 2014 open enrollment “Obama Care.” According to obamacarefacts. period the percentage of the population unin- com, “Obama Care’s main focus is on provid- sured dropped from 16 percent to 13 percent ing more Americans with access to affordable according to obamacarefacts.com. health insurance, improving the quality of If you are paying a lot of money on bills, you health care and health insurance, regulating the can call for Obamacare and you will get health health insurance industry, and reducing health care for less than what you usually pay. Ac- care spending in the US.” cording to obamacarefacts.com, in California, So what are the most important things to while on company health insurance, a person know about Obama Care? had paid $160.00 a month per person. When Started in November of 2014, the open en- that person moved to Georgia, they called to rollment period for health insurance coverage check out Obamacare pricing and now they is still open until February 15, 2015. are paying $39.90 a month to Blue Shield for During this time citizens will be able to shop health insurance. for health insurance that is federally regulated As a whole Obama Care appears to provide and subsidized. As of 2013, nearly 44 million low-income and middle-income families of Americans were without health insurance, America the opportunity to be protected by nearly 16 percent of the population. The ma- quality health care where they otherwise would jority of those uninsured were from working have been unable to afford it. If your family families who simply could not afford the ex- needs help from Obamacare, you can go and pensive premiums associated with costly med- sign up on this website and get help, http:// ical insurance premiums. With the Affordable obamacare-guide.org/. Ready to be challenged? Ebola hits Africa, virus Brenda Renteria Feature Writer People really have to challenge themselves to find something fun to do when they are bored. spreads around the world People get bored from watching TV or playing video games. If you’re looking for some new ways to challenge yourself, here are some fun/risky challenges that people have been trying. These are the top four challenges of the year that you can try: (Be aware of the consequenc- Lucia Cervantes es!) News Writer Challenge 1: The Ice Bucket Challenge: The Ebola outbreak is very alarming as the underrepresented the size of the outbreak in In this challenge you dump ice water on yourself to spread of the disease seems to swiftly increase Kono, which lies along the country’s eastern raise money for charity. You pretty much post and tag day by day. border with Guinea. Offi cially the district of yourself on social media and challenge others to do It is really getting out of hand in Sierra over 350,000 residents had reported 119 cases the same. According to World News, the charity is for Leone, West Africa. There have been more up to December 9. the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association, cases and deaths in this current outbreak than “It is diffi cult to put an exact fi gure on the which is a disease that attacks the spinal cord and can all others combined. deaths,” Sierra Leone’s health minister Abu lead to speech difficulties, muscle spasms and even Ebola virus causes a dreadful and serious Bakarr Fofanah said in an interview in Geneva, paralysis. Journalism teacher Jenni Wiener participat- illness, which is often fatal if untreated. explaining that his country was only counting ed in the Ice Bucket Challenge. “At first I was really According to the CDC, of the 13,376 labo- deaths from laboratory confi rmed Ebola cases. nervous because the water was so cold,” Wiener said. ratory-confi rmed cases in Guinea, Liberia, They are adding suspected cases, so that is “But, it was for a good cause to support ALS.” and Sierra Leone, 8289 of those cases have causing the discrepancies in the results. resulted in death; that is a scary 62 percent “We are going by the textbook,” he said. Challenge 2: Cinnamon Challenge: of the confi rmed cases of Ebola being fatal. Sierra Leone recently overtook neighboring This challenge consists of eating an entire tablespoon To further emphasize the deadliness of this Liberia for the highest number of Ebola cases, of cinnamon in less than a minute with nothing to virus, a UN health agency added, “In 11 days, recording 7,897 since the epidemic was fi rst wash it down. The cinnamon is simply so dry that two teams buried 87 bodies, including a nurse, identifi ed earlier this year. it pretty much immediately removes all your saliva an ambulance driver, and a janitor drafted into As the Director-General of the World Health from your mouth, making it nearly impossible to be removing bodies as they piled up.” organization said this past August, this current swallowed. According to the New York Times, this Health offi cials in Sierra Leone also fear a Ebola outbreak is a “public health emergency challenge can be risky because it can cause coughing major Ebola outbreak may have gone largely of international concern.” or lung problems. Lee High School student Courtney unreported in a faraway district, Kono, where In response, U.S. President Barack Obama Lewis participated in this challenge. “It was dis- the World Health Organization (WHO) says has asked Congress to approve another $6 gusting,” Lewis said. “I honestly regret doing it. large quantities of bodies piled up in a hospital. billion in emergency aid for the worst-hit Cinnamon does not taste good unless it’s on some- “They uncovered a grim scene,” the UN nations of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, thing. My tongue felt weird and dry, it made me want health agency said in a statement. and the Australian government has committed to throw up!” “We are only seeing the ears of the hippo,” $20 million to set up an Ebola fi eld hospital said Dr. Amara Jambai, Sierra Leone’s director in Sierra Leone and another $18 million for Challenge 3: Chubby Bunny Challenge: of disease prevention and control. aid agencies dealing with the outbreak in According to Chicago Tribune, the Chubby Bunny She expressed concern the offi cial fi gures West Africa. Challenge is where people put marshmallows in their mouths and attempt to say the words “Chubby Bunny.” You’re not allowed to chew or swallow any marsh- mallows, just hold as many as you can in your mouth. Although it can be hilarious, this challenge can also be quite risky because of the possibility of choking on the marshmallows. Lee High School student Jovanna Silvestre tried this challenge. “It was disgusting and embarrassing,” Silvestre said. “Only 5 marshmallows fit in my mouth.” Challenge 4: Habanero Challenge: According to TopTenz, in this challenge you put as many spicy peppers in your mouth as possible and see how long you can go before you need a drink. No one really enjoys it, except your friends who enjoy watching you do it and tape the results. Some people think it’s fun but when you have a lot of pep- pers in your mouth, you won’t think that anymore because your mouth starts burning.

After reading these challenges would you still want to do something “fun?” Would you risk your health for this? Well, I challenge you to try at least one and see what happens, but again you have to be careful with this! PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ECONOMIST.COM The Traveler Page 6 January 2015 LHS welcomes Lee adds Linked new principal Jonathan Trinh Learning to help Diane Uwimbabaze News Writer engage, motivate Halfway through his first year at Lee High School, principal Jonathan Trinh is Omar Flores not only committed to his students, but News Writer also presented with the task of coping with the construction of a new Lee High school Linked Learning is a program for high real-world with an eye toward a promising months to one per semester or one per year, Campus. school students and it is an educational ap- future path that they have helped create. and cover a wide variety of subjects. As Trinh acknowledges that there are no proach that combines rigorous academics Students who might not ordinarily have “Students will be able to carry their proj- easy fixes [in regard to the Lee High School with hands-on learning and the opportunity had the chance will start visiting colleges and ects through from class to class,” said the culture], he stresses that true success begins to apply classroom knowledge to real-world workplaces in elementary school, continuing Assistant Superintendent. “So the conversa- with the teachers. The students are expected experiences. into secondary school, where they will have tions will be similar, the vocabulary will be to challenge and push themselves, but it is Linked Learning will combine rigorous ac- added opportunities for project-based learn- similar.” the teachers who possess the ability to guide ademics with real-world technical education ing, internships, and workforce experiences, The purpose of these projects is to unify and support the students towards the attain- and experience to help give HISD students as well as dual credit classes to get a jump student experiences and real-world applica- ment of their goals. an edge in moving into postsecondary edu- on college. tions with core subjects, such as mathemat- Entering the position of lead administra- cation or workforce training and in-demand Teachers refine and share culminating ics, biology or English language arts, in the tor, Trinh has made it his goal to support careers. projects at linked learning summer institute. classroom. At the end of the term, students his teachers by spending time in classrooms The goal is to make education so relevant With project-based learning, students are must explain their culminating project in to observe teaching methods, to serve as an that Linked Learning will improve student assigned projects created by campus teacher front of a board chosen by the campus, a pro- instructional coach, and to collaborate with engagement, decreasing dropout rates, and teams. cess similar to presenting a graduate school and encourage his teachers to be the best motivating students to succeed in school and Project assignments range from every three thesis. educators they can be. As expressed in a quote from August 25th of 2014, Trinh expressed his confidence in his new school by saying “when students New teachers enhance learning are challenged and can’t meet the expecta- Natalia Botello tions, we don’t lower the standards, we help News Writer the students to reach the goal…I love the challenge of learning something new.” One of the many new changes around As we begin this second semester our School, thank you for choosing to call 6529 Trinh’s past experiences most recently Lee High School this year has been the new “new teachers,” who had begun at the be- Beverly Hill Street your home. Thank you include serving as Associate Principal teachers. For the 2014-2015 school year, ginning of the year, now have a full semester for helping our students to get the education and Dean of Instruction at HISD’s Young Lee gained at least 300 more students than under their belt. They have gotten to know that they deserve. Thank you for brining Men’s College Preparatory Academy serv- we had in the past year, which means that themselves, they have gotten to know their exciting new approaches and teaching styles ing students 6th to 12 grade; before that the school needed even more teachers to ac- students, and they have gotten to know the to our already vibrant school. Thank you serving as a Secondary Science Curricu- commodate those students and fill the shoes school. for never giving up on our students, thank lum and Instructional Specialist for HISD, of the other teachers who left. It isn’t easy starting anything, let alone you for never giving up on our school, and and an educator in Fort Bend ISD for 14 “We needed many more teachers this starting to teach at a new school. thank you for never giving up on yourself. years. Throughout the years Trinh has also year because of the high enrollment that was Even for teachers with prior experience, This school wouldn’t be what it was without coached many UIL academic teams, win- coming in,” Dean of Studies Alicia Puente your first year at a new school is always the great teachers that show up here every ning five University Interscholastic League said. “The students who were coming in to demanding as you attempt to adapt to the morning. championships. enroll, many of them their first language school’s culture. The new teachers have To all of the wonderful new teachers here Complimenting his career in education, is not English. So we needed a lot of ESL had time to try certain teaching styles, to at Lee, and to all of the amazing teachers Trinh achieved an undergraduate degree teachers.” see which ones work best with their classes who have called Lee their home for years, in biology with a minor in chemistry from Students say they are excited to have the learning styles. Some lessons worked out here is a quote from William Arthur Ward, Texas Southern University, a master’s de- new teachers and get the help they need on great, and some lessons didn’t. Masked “The mediocre teacher tells. The good gree in School Administration from Lamar academic work. inside every mistake laid a chance to bet- teacher explains. The superior teacher University, and was in the Marine Corps “Some teachers sit with you to explain any ter oneself, with every victory there was a demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” of America serving in Operation Desert confusion you may have, which is very help- chance to reflect on the causes. Thank you for striving to be great for all our Shield/Desert Storm. ful,” sophomore Kimberlyn Garcia said. So to all of the new teachers at Lee High students. Lee TV becomes a class in 2014 Andrea Beranza Herrera Feature Writer

This year, Media Teacher Jennifer Wiener Currently she has Lee TV classes for every- class because it is fun and more interesting This allows students to learn important is teaching a new elective that was a club last day 3rd and 4th period. and because he has never done video editing skills including how to interview and prop- year. “I am very excited to have Lee TV as one before. erly communicate with the people around the For the last two years students would put in of the classes I teach because I truly believe “I think it’s great because students have school. Many students gain important career their time after school to make a Lee TV show it is an entertaining, fun way to get the news enough time to work on our school’s TV and personal skills as well; such as technol- to air every Friday. from the school to the students,” Wiener said. shows!” Junior Guadalupe Bonola said. “And ogy, leadership, organization, project-cre- This year the administration decided to “It’s also really fun for me because I used to they have lessons on how to make it better ation, and most importantly teamwork. make Ms. Wiener’s club a class called broad- work at a TV station and I really missed it and give their best in our school show.” Kimberly Tale a sophomore said, “It is bet- cast journalism, where students not only make before I had this class.” This elective helps students get exposure to ter because it helps you build yourself up and Lee TV episodes but also learn how to use the As a matter of fact more students are now various careers like reporting, anchoring, pro- get a good career.” technology, communication skills, and lead- interested in the elective. ducing, directing, marketing, photography, If you are interested in helping out, see Ms. ership skills to be school leaders. Aaron Johnson a junior said that he likes the and broadcasting technician work. Wiener in room 219.

3RD PERIOD LEE TV CLASS PHOTO TAKEN BY YURITZI SANCHEZ 4th PERIOD LEE TV CLASS PHOTO TAKEN BY YURITZI SANCHEZ January 2015 The Traveler Page 7 Obama’s DREAM Act passes and gives immigrant students a chance to achieve ‘The American Dream’ Magali Ramirez News Writer Some of us have big dreams as well as the any medial documents as evidence), and they only act, but also dream; not only plan but Senior David Cruz said. knowledge to make them happen, but those enrolled or graduated from a U.S. high school also believe.” “It’s great for students that have been in dreams are sometimes that- just dreams. It will or obtained a GED. They also need to have a Give us the chance to accomplish our dreams, the U.S. since they were young and have an surprise you how much power a simple paper good moral character and prove they have not give us the chance to fi ght for the country of immigrant status,” Sophomore Alvaro Ramos can have at times. committed any crime that has or will harm our the stars and bars. said. “It’s a major help for most Hispanics that This year many good things happened and country. “It’s a great opportunity for the student,” don’t have a legal status.” the Obama DREAM Act is one of them, this Only then they will be able to obtain a condi- brought the hope back to those who are am- tional status for a limited period of time. Only bitious to be successful, who have dreams to the best and brightest young people are to earn accomplish, and to those who have the knowl- their legal status after a rigorous and lengthy edge to make our country a better place on earth process, including those who were brought to for the future. the United States as a minor through no fault This week marks the two-year anniversary of their own. of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals However, the DREAM Act doesn’t only (DACA) Program, which was fi rst initiated by benefi t young people, it also helps our country President Obama on June 15, 2014. with important economic benefi ts according The DREAM Act consists of helping children to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Of- who have illegally arrived to the U.S., but not fi ce. The DREAM Act in its current form will just any children. eventually cut the defi cit by $1.4 billion and There are certain requirements young people increase government revenues by $2.3 billion must meet in order to qualify for the conditional over the next 10 years. status that will be provided to them. Our dreams can’t wait, and everyone in this Those requirements include entering the country deserves an education. Just because country when they were under 16 years old, you don’t have legal papers doesn’t mean that proving they’ve continuously lived in the U.S. you are not contributing to society. for at least fi ve years (school report cards or “To accomplish great things, we must not PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY MEDIAMATTERS.ORG Mexican mayor allows 43 stu- A high schoolers’ dents to be executed by cartel Griselda Garcia highlights of 2014 News Writer Forty-three male students from Raul people in the case, 44 police officers, which Brenda Zoltan Isidro Burgos Rural Teachers’ College were also forced the governor, Angel Aguirre News Writer abducted on September 26, 2014 by police Rivero, of Guerrero to resign. under the orders of the Iguala mayor, Jose Authorities said on December 7, the As we all know, the year 2014 was fi lled the App Store. It is no longer available to be Luis Abarca and handed over to Guerreros students were incinerated at a garbage dump with ups and downs. There were events that downloaded. Unidos cartel to be executed as said by by drug gang members. even took the world by storm. A top major In media, an ongoing event that made CNN. The drug gang took the students to a happening of the year was the FIFA World global news was the Ferguson issue. After According to official reports, they com- nearby dump, killed them, burned their Cup, which was held in Brazil. The victory what happened to Michael Brown, the pub- mandeered several buses and traveled to bodies and threw the remains into a river, went to Germany after a brutal match with lic fumed with rage. With Darren Wilson Iguala that day to hold a protest at a confer- said Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam runner up Argentina. This was surely an not having any sort of critical punishment, ence led by the mayors wife, Maria de los citing the testimony of three alleged perpe- unforgettable match. protests began to spread to places such as Angeles Pineda. trators, who have been detained. In social media, an event occurred that in- New York and Los Angeles. Protests have Police then blocked the highway leading Authorities believe the perpetrators story volved Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres hosted gone global as well. Places such as Toronto, into the city, and the students were detained but many family members are holding out the annual Oscars for 2014. However, that Hong Kong, and Egypt are also speaking out by police after police shot six people in a hope until theres DNA proof. wasn’t what made history. The selfi e that for this racial confl ict. series of confrontations. A family member of a missing student DeGeneres took with a group of celebrities On a brighter note, Always (a brand of fem- Mexican authorities believe Iguala’s told The Associated Press that the remains had Twitter buzzing. It set the record for the inine hygiene products) launched an adver- mayor and his wife to be probable master were of Alexander Mora. most retweeted tweet of all time. tisement in the beginning of the year that took minds of the abduction. The families were given that information Another event that made people go bonkers a different approach on feminism. Acting like Both fled after the incident along with late Friday by an Argentine team of forensic was the game Flappy Bird. Although it just a girl is not an insult. According to the cam- the town’s police chief, Felipe Flores experts working on behalf of the relatives started as a simple app, Flappy Bird soared paign, which was fi rst seen on YouTube, they Velasquez. Abarca and his wife were arrest- and with the Attorney Generals Office. to #1 app in the Apple Store in just under a wanted to redefi ned the phrase “like a girl.” ed in Mexico City on November 4, and they The case has come to dignify the month. But, the game began to become more In the video, a cast of men and women of all did not resist arrest. abuse of authority and corruption that is than just a way to kill time. ages were asked to describe what the phrase Tens of thousands of Mexicans; student engrained in the Mexican system and that The creator of Flappy Bird, Dong Nguyen, meant to them. The results were surprising to families, classmates, and supporters have all Mexicans experience on a regular basis. was interviewed at the start of the year. Ac- all. The video got over 53 million views in marched in protests across the country. This is the most difficult challenge yet cording to CNN, what he revealed was shock- just under four months. Each day, the view Protestors have also frequently blocked faced by President Enrique Pena Nieto. ing. Responding to its quick rise to fame and count increases by 1,ooo. It gives people a the highway linking Mexico City to Reardless of fault his approval rating reputation for being extremely addictive, “It new point of view towards the phrase “like Acapulco and burned government buildings has dropped to a dissmal 40 percent, reveal- happened to become an addictive product,” a girl” and to not take it as an insult. This hit in Guerrero. ing the peoples’ distrust in his leadership Nguyen said. “It is not anything related to even made it to TIME Magazine. Authorities are holding more than 70 and calling for his resignation. legal issues. I just cannot keep it anymore.” So, what can we look forward to in 2015? In February, Flappy Bird was removed from We’ll just have to wait and see.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY NBCNEWS.COM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY WSJ.COM The Traveler Page 8 January 2015

Flicks to rememberNatalya Nunez from ‘14 Entertainment Writer

If I Stay Spiderman 2 Ouija Godzilla What movie are you going to miss out of friends trying to contact a recently passed Mark Wahlberg was in it. I also liked If I brought back classics,” Mother Virginia 2014? Are you ready to let those movies go? friend by using a Ouija board. In doing so Stay, it was so sad. I loved the movie so Rodriguez said. “It was a wonderful year of 2014 is gone and 2015 is here. Now that it’s the friends must confront their most terrify- much. It was devastating to see the results entertainment. I can’t wait to see what they a new year are you ready for the new cycle ing fears when they awaken the dark powers of the film.” come up with next.” of movies? Or are you still stuck on that one of an ancient spirit board. “Godzilla was a good movie and sure we If you missed any of these great flicks movie you saw in 2014? “Spiderman 2! I enjoyed it very much. It can buy the movie on DVD, but it’s still from 2014; Godzilla, Transformers: Age of “The Ouija movie was a good scary brought out the inner child in me. It was sad nothing like bringing back a classic in the- Extinction, Spiderman 2 and If I Stay can all movie,” Sophomore Adriana Benitez said. that Gwen died, it just gets me every time,” aters,” Freshmen Valentin Rodriguez said. be found out on DVD. “It was a wonderful thriller.” Junior Jacob Ramirez said. “Transformers: “2014 brought new and old movies back Ouija is being released on February 3, The movie Ouija is about a group of Age of Extinction was wonderful because to the theaters. They continued series and 2015. Watch the top viral videos Vines to make you laugh Kimberly Hipo Gabriela Flores Entertainment Writer Entertainment Writer References nowadays refer to videos that that night. in a matter of days have been seen by mil- Lip synching isn’t the only thing Lee lions of people. Some videos include “Charlie students are into. “’Leave Britney Alone’ has Bit My Finger,” “David a er Dentist,” and always been able to make me laugh,” junior “Evolution of Dance.”  ese videos have from Journey Waddell said. “ e guy just looks 100 million to 800 million views.  e current ridiculous and is making a fool out of him- top-viewed video of all time on YouTube (as self.”  is video features a guy crying his eyes of January 5, 2015) is “Gangnam Style” by out, yelling that people “leave Britney alone,” singer-songwriter Psy with nearly 2.2 billion hence the name.  e Britney he refers to is views, and the current top-viewed non-music artist Britney Spears. His video is directed at video is “Charlie Bit my Finger” with 808 all her haters who are always talking about million views . With so many to choose from, her. Lee High School students were asked what A Lee teacher had something to say about their favorite viral videos were and why. viral videos as well. “Viral Videos are awe- “My favorite viral video is a recent one some because a lot of times they’re hilarious,” If you want seconds of fun and laughter, It has been said by viner Jerome Jarre with Jimmy Fallon and Emma Stone,” junior teacher Jenni Wiener said. “ ey can revolve vines are the way to go. himself that his  rst 200 vines were made Andrea Juarez said. “ ey lip sync various around good topics to talk about, and if you  ese hilarious videos will be replaying in while he was living in the streets of New York embarrassing songs, which is super hilari- have free time, they’re good to watch.” Ms. our brains nonstop. as a homeless. ous.” In this video, Tonight Show’s host, Jim- Wiener has incorporated viral videos into her Vines are a way for people to express “I never liked the word ‘fans.’ Having my Fallon, had actress Emma Stone on the lessons, letting her students create their own themselves and make others laugh. followers doesn’t make me better than any- show, and invited her to a game of lip-sync- multimedia video and compete with each “I think vines are cool and funny,” 7th one else. If you follow me, then you are my ing. Stone chose to lip sync “All I Do Is Win,” other to see who can create the greatest viral grader Jasmin Flores said. “My favorite viners friend,” Jarre said. which was the most notable performance phrase. are ‘Lele Pons’ and ‘King Bach.’  ey make Now, Jarre has over 1.9 million followers the funniest vines ever!” and is one of the most loved viners ever. Statistics show that viner “Lele Pons” is “I like vines very much because they are the most famous viner with over 3.4 million fun and are a fast distraction,” Junior Amie vine followers. Many of her humorous and Birigmania said. outrageous six-second bits have millions of Twenty-six year old Pedro Villa also loops. However, there are other viners on the stated, “Vines are my type of videos to watch rise as well. on YouTube. I never get tired of them. I see “I think vines are funny,” Junior Maria the same vines over and over and can never Cervantes said. “My favorite viner is “Jerome get just enough of them. I might even start Jar re .” creating my own vines as well.” People go crazy for brand-named sneakers Saul Alfaro Feature Writer

Many young people today, both men eral pairs of shoes, including brands like Black/Gym were released and and women, are actually going crazy for Michael Jordan, Nike, Adidas, Rebook, many people had to get a ticket brand-named shoe releases. Both in past and others. to save themselves a pair. Some years and even now, people will pay hun- This fiasco all started with what most people were happy and some dreds of dollars and stand in line for days people believe was the person who influ- were not. just to get a pair of shoes. enced people to start buying sneakers. One of the hottest sneakers One of the most common things these This person is Michael Jordan, who was came out December 20. These people do is camp out, and, believe it or not just one of the most famous basketball shoes are the Air Jordan 11’s not, there are many people that actually players in the world, but also the one who “Legend Blue” the originals of stay up late at midnight to get themselves came up with his first shoe, the Air Jordan “Columbia Blue.” a pair of sneakers. I “Notorious,” which was released in 1984- Shoe collector Junior Chris- When events like this happen it’s be- 85. It was so popular that Jordan created tian Perez said, “I couldn’t wait cause these shoes only come out once in a shoe collection that is still active today. for these shoes to come out!” a while and people like to collect them or This shoe collection competes with dif- If you want to check out when just have them to look stylish. The people ferent brands like Nike, Adidas, Rebook, the next hot pair of shoes will be PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THIRTYORSOMETHING.COM who collect shoes call it a “shoe game.” etc. coming out, go to these famous websites com, shoecollector.com, footlocker.com, They try to “win the game” by owning sev- December 13,, 2014, the Air Jordans 13 and get ready wait in line: sneakernews. sneakerwatch.com, kicksonfire.com, etc. January 2015 The Traveler Page 9 Styles of 2014 Famous Cindy Garcia people who Entertainment Writer passed away Style is a way to express oneself. And in 2014 people showed who they are through their unique fashion styles. in 2014 Everything from crop tops to high-wasted pants were big for women and Abraham Rangel men wore patterned shirts with patterned ties, and dark jeans. Although Feature Writer everyone has their own style, here are some of the trends 2014.found in Joan Rivers was an American actress, The Classic Look: Dress comedian, writer, classy with a button up shirt and television host The Casual/ Profes- with some slacks are normally known for her often good for a date, work or for an controversial co- sional Look: To take on a more important occasion. medic persona. She hipster look, try a t-shirt with a passed away during vest over it with some jeans. This an unplanned biopsy could be an everyday look. Just Joan Rivers of her throat on Sep- throw on a shirt with a vest and tember 4. your good to go. Robin Williams The is one of the most Typical Boy: You may see remembered deaths this look in the halls of Lee on free of 2014. Williams’s dress days. It’s a very easy and comfort- death was shocking; able outfit to just to throw on. Just put he committed suicide on a shirt with some sweat pants and if on August 11. Wil- liams is remembered your head is cold you can always add a beanie! for his participation in many movies such Robin Williams as Jumanji, Hook, Women have Mrs. Doubtfire, etc. even more options when it comes to fashion. Here are just a few styles to try. Another death that Spring Look: For a cute, but casual spring or summer day, just put on a skirt impacted many peo- with either a crop top or a big t-shirt that can be tucked into the skirt. Also, ple was the death of you can’t go wrong with a classic flowy dress. Roberto Gomez Bo- laños “Chespirito.” He is remembered for bringing to life many characters such as el Chapulin Colorado, Roberto Gomez el Chavo de el Ocho, Pro- and others. fessional Look: Bolaños Going to work? Make sure to Shirley Temple, look stylish, yet professional perhaps the most with a button up shirt, a skirt well-known child and some high heels. Or try a actress ever, also dress with a blazer and flats. passed away in 2014. For a colder day, you can ei- She was 85 years ther add some cute tights or Typical Selfie Look: Are you ready to take a casual old when she passed away. She was a switch out the skirt for a nice selfie? For this look, girls usually wear sweatpants with pair of pants. a shirt. BUT you cant forget about having the very lovely beloved mother, bun on top of your head. Shirley Temple grandmother, and great-grandmother. So whether you are preppy, hipster, casual, or profes- sional, there is a style for everyone. Don’t be afraid to show off who you are to the world with your own sense The world also of fashion! lost a famous poet Maya Angelou who died on May 28 at age 86. Angelou had more than 50 honor- Kim and Kanye ary degrees and three Grammys. West marriage Maya Angelou A wrestling legend known as “The Ulti- mate Warrior” passed gains publicity away on April 8 at age 54 of a massive Leslie Garcia heart attack. He died Entertainment Writer just days after he was Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are no to say, including, Buffy: The put into the World strangers to being in the public eye, like Vampire Slayer actress, Sarah Wrestling Entertain- 2013, 2014 was no exception. From their Michelle Gellar who tweeted, James Bryan ment (WWE) hall of wedding to their Vogue cover and Kim “Well...... I guess I’m canceling fame. Kardashian’s “Paper Magazine” cover. The my Vogue subscription. Who is Hellwig West family has obtained its popularity. with me???” Even actor/writer

Starting off in January of the year 2014, James Franco and Seth Rogen John Henson, the Kanye West was in the news for allegedly spoofed the cover. puppeteer for the attacking an 18-year-old photographer who All summer long you couldn’t Muppets, and son of was apparently throwing racial slurs at his listen to the radio, or checkout Jim Henson, the cre- then fiancé Kim Kardashian. In February, in the grocery store and not see ator of the Muppets, Kim made some headlines for dying her hair a magazine with a story about Fall was no exception for news, Kim Kar- died of a heart attack back to brunette. Kim and Kanye’s wedding. May 24, 2014 dashian posed on the cover of “Paper Maga- on February 14 at age As March came around, the couple made they got married and their photos were ev- zine.” The photos were a meme sensation on 53. wave when it was revealed that they were erywhere! Even their wedding photo was Instagram. Kim and Kanye’s popularity has on the cover for Vogue’s April 2014 issue. the most liked photo on Instagram with 2.4 only risen from last year and it seems like it John Henson Many people including celebrities had much million likes! won’t be declining any time soon. The Traveler Page 10 January 2015 Top five video America’s top games to play from 2014 musical hits; a

Matin Alaei 2014 play list Feature Writer Maria Cervantes Entertainment Writer

The beats and rhythms that have been stuck we choose the whole album. probably ‘Bang Bang’ by Ariana Grande, in our heads and given our body life this year “I don’t exactly have a favorite song be- Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J and ‘Maps’ by Ma- have been tallied and according to the Bill- cause there is so many out there, but if I have roon 5, they’re amazing,” Bonola said. “… board statistics, the number one song of 2014 to choose I would choose the album Bad because they’re amazing, they have really was Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” Blood by Bastille,” said an anonymous stu- nice songs.” Although this may not have been your fa- dent. “This band strays away from what we The Billboard gives us the daily music vorite, everyone has their own beat and lyrics think of as ‘mainstream’ music.” news, charts, music downloads, and artist that have tamed their hearts and kept them Sometimes we choose our favorite songs features for rock, pop, country, rhythm and singing when no one was looking. Here are because it gets us moving. blues, jazz, world, and hip-hop to keep track some of the Lee High School votes. “’Ready or not’ by Britt Nicole ft. Lecrea of the most popular music. “’Blame’ from Calvin Harris and John and ‘The Definition of Me’ by Mandisa be- According to its statics the top hits have Newman has been my favorite song,” Junior cause the lyrics speak to me and the beat gets been “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, “Take #1: Call Of Duty Black Ops 2 Gabriela Flores said. “I love the moral of the me moving and pumped up,” Junior Amie Me to Church” by Hozier, “All about that “This game is best action video game of all time. You can play campaign , zombies ,and story and I love the beat!” Bigirimana said. bass” by Megan Trainor, “Animals” by Ma- multiplayer. This is best game ever!” Fresh- It might be difficult to choose between long Like Junior Guadalupe Bonola would say, roon 5 and “Uptown Funk!” By Mark Ron- man Juan Fragoso said. lists of songs that evoke different feelings, so music is just amazing. “My favorite song is son Ft. Bruno Mars. Students travel the world Carolina Gonzalez Feature Writer Students at Lee High School have taken many trips to different places in the world this year. Some of them have left the city, state, or even the country to visit their family or friends. Here are the trips some of them took. San Luis, Potosi, Durango, Mexico #2: Grand Theft Auto 5 Tenth grader, Abraham Rangel said, “I went to San Luis, Potosi, and “This game is like real life. You can fly, Durango, Mexico for the summer break. I visited my family and friends drive cars, eat food, drink water, and other that live there. I rode horses and took care of my uncle’s animals. I visited good stuff. It’s a really fun game and I play my grandma, my cousins and my girlfriend.” He added that he hadn’t seen it every day with my friends,” Freshman them all in the past four months and that it was great to see them again Matin Alaei said. even if it was for just a couple of weeks. He said that he had a lot of fun. He went to a lot of new places he had never been in before.

Rio Grande, Zacatecas, Mexico Also, 10th grader Claudia Gonzalez said that she had visited Mexico during the summer break of 2014. She went to Rio Grande, Zacatecas to #3: FIFA 14 visit her family members and friends. She also went to visit her boyfriend “This game is all about soccer! You can there. She said, “It was a great experience to learn how to ride horses, and play it with your friends and other people; take care of animas by feeding them. I really missed my family members It’s cool,” Freshman Gustavo Jimenez said. and friends, but more than anyone I missed my boyfriend. I went to a lot of parties there and danced with my boyfriend until they ended and everyone else had left. We were always the last ones to get out of the dance floor, and after that, we would go out to eat somewhere.” She said that her mom and her boyfriend finally met after dating for four months, and that they became really close. She said she brought Mexican candies to bring back to Hous- San Antonio, Texas ton for her friends and family members who stayed.

9th Grader, Yizel Real said, “I went to San Antonio, Texas for the spring break. I visited SeaWorld for the first time ever! We also went because we were invited to my cousins fifteen. We stayed at a hotel for two days in SeaWorld. After that, we went to rent a hotel for five days. We visited our family members that live there. During the party, I met a lot of new people, but best of all; I got to know cousins I had #4: Destiny never met before. I danced a lot that night, it was so fun!” In addition, “This game is all about galaxies and aliens. she said that she had a great time swimming with dolphins, and feed- There’s killing of aliens and traveling to ing them, however, she added that she had got a bad sunburn. other galaxies; it’s one of best games that they have ever made,” Alaei said. Totonicapán, Guatemala

Ninth Grader, Cindy Garcia said “During the spring break of 2014, I left the country and went to Totonicapán, Guatemala. The first thing I did when I got there was ride one of my uncle’s horses for the first time. I also went to visit my grandma for the first time. I think she really liked me, and I liked her too. When we first saw each other she ran toward me and gave me the tightest hug I’ve ever gotten.” Finally, she said that she fell off the horse once, but since nothing happened to her, she wasn’t scared to try a second time. #5: NBA2k15 “This game is all about basketball! You can play it online and it’s really fun. I like basketball games and the graphics were way These are just some of the amazing places students have visited in more enhanced than previous ones,” Junior the year 2014. With students from all around the world gathered at Jacob Ramirez said. Lee High School, 2015 is sure to have more wonderful travel plans. January 2015 The Traveler Page 11 Death from above Students reap the benefits Angel Segura from immigration reforms Feature Writer Gustavo Jimenez Feature Writer It may have fallen into the ocean, been laysia lost 81 of its residents, France, Tai- shot down by rebels, or even hijacked. This wan, Indonesia and Australia have all lost Something big that happened this year was work unexpectedly, ask you for your iden- year the world was astonished by multiple dozens of citizens in the multiple tragedies. that Barack Obama was giving all the im- tification and paper work, resulting in your plane accidents that either presented the The United States lost three residents aboard migrants who had no papers in the United deportation and loss of everything you have death of many civilians or offered no overall MH370 and one dual U.S.-Dutch resident States the opportunity to get their papers. built here. explanation as to what happened to its pas- aboard MH17. This was especially helpful as now most of That’s why is really important for people sengers. Statisticbrain.com states that the odds of the teenagers in the United States who don’t to qualify to get papers, especially if you’re Theories of what caused the disappearance being killed on a single airline flight is 1 in have papers can have the chance to get pa- a teenager. It will allow you to have the op- of flight MH370 are around on the internet. 29.4 million. pers, and they will be able to go to school portunity to attend school, graduate from News media is somewhat, if not completely, The crash of TransAsia Flight 222 killed and make it to college. high school, and then go to college. dumbfounded about what to report as there 47, the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight With a college education they will have One thing about this decision that Barack is no definitive explanation as to what really 17 caused the death of all its 298 passengers, the opportunity to get better paying jobs in Obama made about giving immigrants pa- happened. and Air Algerie flight 5017 also lost all its the future. pers is that some of the public agreed with Planes with a confirmed cause as to their 116 passengers in the crash. Most of the people in the United States his decision and some of them didn’t. As demise include TransAsia flight 222, Ma- Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared, who are immigrants and do not have papers with any big decision there will always be laysia Airlines flight MH17, and Spanish along with its 239 passenger whose fate re- work in some specific jobs, jobs where you people who support and people who oppose owned Air Algerie flight 5017. mains unknown. don’t have to give all of your personal infor- the change. Nonetheless, whether or not a cause has Even more recently on December 28th, mation and everything that is required. Everybody in the United States deserves been established for the disappearance or 2014, AirAsia Flight 8501 went down in the The downside of this type of work is that opportunities to have a better life, one where crash of the planes, it does not diminish the Java Sea, Indonesia, killing all 162 people you don’t get paid enough money as you they don’t have to hide. They deserve to be overall impact of the news to the popula- on board. should. Typically you will probably get paid able to go to school and make it to college. tion. Families of the deceased mourn their With the believed cause of the crash being around $6-7 per hour working at a job where They won’t have to be afraid anymore. loved ones; relatives of those whose fate is bad weather, investigators are still revocer- there is little to no chance that you will ever To take advantage of this opportunity still unknown cling to hope as to find, dead ing debris from the wreckage. be promoted or paid more money. some things are required. or alive, the missing passengers of flight As of Sunday, January 11, 2015 search Besides the obvious monetary downfalls One needs to gather all documents includ- MH370, hoping to find an answer as to what teams have located the black boxes; they of not having proper legal status is the fact ing birth certificate and utility bills (to prove happened to them. hope the boxes can shed some truth to what that you are always at risk of being appre- at least five years residency in the United According to ABC News, the countries hit brought the aircraft down. hended by law enforcement and immigra- States) to help prove their eligibility. hardest by these plane tragedies have been Regardless of the causes, statistically tion officials. There are also advocacy groups and orga- the Netherlands, with 193 dead or missing, speaking or not, the numbers are over- The dreaded day, when some immigra- nizations that can help you in your endeavor and China, with 153 dead or missing. Ma- whelming. tion patrols or police officers come to your such as www.legalactioncenter.org/. Michael Brown shooting creates controversy Yamilex Plancarte News Writer

According to the New York Times, on Au- shots, fatally wounding Brown. wasn’t necessary,” Junior Alejandra Orozco death? gust 9th, 2014, 18 year old, Michael Brown This event has hence lit a flame within the said. “I think that this was all about the race “I want to say this to the Brown family. was shot by a police officer in Ferguson, MO. U.S. in regards to “Hands up don’t shoot” and because the officer was white and the guy was No one who has not experienced the loss of Witnesses said that Michael Brown was “No justice, no peace.” dark skinned. Do you think the officer would a child can understand what you’re feeling,” walking down the street of Canfield Drive These were the words of the protestors on have shot a white kid six times?” Thomas Jackson the Ferguson police chief with a friend when an officer in a Chevy West Florissant Avenue that became very After all, people don’t know what really said. “I am truly sorry for the loss of your son. Tahoe told them to pull over on the side walk. popular after Brown’s death. Protestors were happened between the officer and Brown. I’m also sorry that it took so long to remove While Brown was apparently in the window outraged and began rioting in many cities “I feel that these days every incident to- Michael from the street. The time that it took of the SUV having an altercation with the offi- across the United States, including Houston, wards colored people is judged by color and involved very important work on the part of cer, the officer fired two shots at Brown. spreading the word of the injustice of Brown’s it’s not fair how police officers can get away investigators who were trying to collect ev- Brown then tried to run away from the of- Death. with things just because they wear a badge. idence and gain a true picture of what hap- ficer. “I think that Michael Brown’s death is un- Instead of us the people feeling protected from pened that day. But it was just too long, and As the officer pursued Brown on foot, fair because he didn’t do anything wrong, the police we feel in danger surrounded by I’m truly sorry for that.” Brown stopped and turned around, for what- meaning he didn’t have any weapon on him them.” Brady Lopez a junior student at Lee In November of 2014 the Ferguson grand ever reason, and moved toward the officer; to put the officer in danger. It sounds terrible High School said. jury decided not to indict the officer responsi- at which point the officer fired several more that the officer shot him 6 times but it really Was it really necessary to shoot that boy to ble for fatally shooting Brown. Teleton USA raises money for medical support of children Kimberlyn Garcia Feature Writer Founded in 2002, as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit intent to offer treatment to 600 patients annu- organization, La Fundacion Teleton Mexam- ally. The philosophy is for children and their erica (Teleton USA) sought to focus primar- family members to be treated as needed, and ily on educational and charity work. Once to ensure families’ ability to learn about and they achieved incorporated status, however, cope with their child’s disability. they shifted their focused efforts on assisting After the most recent, Teleton USA 2014, organizations and institutions that supported where $15,539,427 was raised towards sup- and offered services to children needing porting more services similar to the CRIT medical rehabilitation, educational services, built in San Antonio, TX, we are left with an and physiological services throughout Latin important message. On a daily basis we take America. for granted the very things that some chil- According to teletonusa.org, “Teleton USA dren are born into the world never being able has deep roots into the Hispanic community to experience; walking, running, talk, and and its traditions.” “We strive to promote doing normal routines. essential values, including family, love, sol- In supporting a cause such as Teleton USA, idarity and trust, and have made it our goal even donating something as small as $1 can to help children with disabilities, cancer and make a difference in the life of a disabled or autism in the United States.” sick child. On August 6, 2013, Teleton broke ground With the current United States population in San Antonio, TX with the construction around 320 million people, even if just 1 of the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute of percent of the U.S. population was to donate Teleton (CRIT). CRIT USA is a nonprofit $1, there would still be nearly $3.2 raised for pediatric rehabilitation facility for children charity and medical services. With that sort who suffer from neuromusculoskeletal dis- of perspective, it is easy the impact that or- abilities. According to the San Antonio ganizations such as Teleton USA can have chamber of commerce, the CRIT San An- towards the enhancement of the lives of chil- tonio opened on October 30, 2014 with the dren and their families in the U.S. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY UNIVISION.COM The Traveler Page 12 January 2015 A look back at Super Bowl XLVIII

Abdul Hai Dhillow Sports Writer

The temperature was a mild 49°F, it was commercials, that have ever been aired on of the 111.5 million viewers watching the bidding for the chance at the title; the Balti- cold but the teams and crowd were very con- television. According to Wikipedia, the total program from your home. Bringing in 111.5 more Ravens, the New England Patriots, the fident and ready to thrill. According to Fox, cost of a 30-second commercial was $4 mil- million viewers, nearly as much as the entire Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers, the on February 2, 2014, the best teams from each lion, putting a full 60 seconds at $8 million. population of Mexico (122.3 million), Super Carolina Panthers, and the Indianapolis Colts. conference, the Denver Broncos from the AFC At a price that high, companies can’t afford to Bowl XVLIII became the most watched tele- As each sports commentator and network and Seattle Seahawks from the NFC, were to do anything other than impress the audience vision program in United States history. The picks their favorites for the Super Bowl, if the battle it out at MetLife Stadium in East Ruth- with their cleverly funny and memorable com- most valuable player of the Super Bowl was past has proven true, anything could happen. erford, New Jersey for the title of best foot- mercials. Malcolm Smith, linebacker from the Seattle That is what makes the NFL playoffs so inter- ball team in the world. At the conclusion of At last year’s Super Bowl, the halftime Seahawks, who returned an interception for a esting and broadcast-record-breaking. the fourth quarter, the Seattle Seahawks had show was performed by Bruno Mars and Red 69-yard touchdown, recovered a fumble, and Whether you are part of a fantasy football clenched the victory, 43-8, and won the Na- Hot Chili Peppers. The total attendance at made nine tackles. playoff challenge, part of a family betting tional Championship for the first time ever in Super Bowl XLVIII was around 82,529 peo- The race to Super Bowl XLIX is now under- ring, following a favorite team of yours, or just franchise history. ple - almost two times as many people that way. As of week 19 of the season, and second looking to witness the possible 5th time in the Not everyone watches the Super Bowl for currently live and call Galveston, TX their week of the playoffs towards the Super Bowl, past 6 years that the Super Bowl has achieved the game; some choose to tune in for the Super home. If you weren’t lucky enough to be in the Seahawks and the Broncos are looking to the record for most-watched television event Bowl’s ever famous 30-second commercials attendance at Super Bowl XVLIII, where return to the arena and compete for the title of in U.S. history, pick your team and relax this and Halftime show. The Super Bowl is known seats started at $3,715.00 each according to best football team in the world. Along with weekend as we inch ever closer to Super Bowl for having some of the best, if not the best forbes.com, then chances are you were one the Seahawks and Broncos, six other teams are XLIX.

Germany wins the World Cup

Mostafa Ansari Sports Writer This summer, the most famous event, the cup. FIFA World Cup, happened in the Brazil. It “Even though Germany was the strong began on Thursday, June 12 and ended on team in the world cup, Argentina gave their Sunday, July 13. The FIFA World Cup hap- best to defend Germany, but unfortunate- pens every four years. Only 32 Countries all ly, Germany kept on striking and won the over the world qualified to play in the FIFA world cup.” Senior student Abdul Dhillow World Cup. Surprisingly 2010’s winner of said. the FIFA World Cup did not do a very good People all over the world watched the job this time around, but there were some FIFA World Cup, and there are a lot of peo- teams that did very well. ple who actually traveled to Brazil just to In 2014 World Cup, young player James watch the games and support their countries. Rodriguez of Colombia received the golden “The world cup was really exciting boot for the best goal scorer, Mario Gotze for me this year, because I got to watch of Germany had been elected man of the Argentina play Germany in the final round match, Lionel Messi of Argentina received while in Buenos Aires, Argentina,” media the golden ball for his outstanding displays, teacher Jennifer Wiener said. “The people and the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer were going crazy with riots in the streets, received the golden glove for most out- decoration everywhere, and lots of pride standing goalkeeper. for their country. It was really fan. When This year’s winner was Germany. They Argentina lost, there were a lot more riots performed very well and did an outstanding in streets with braking into banks and job throughout each match. And this was MacDonald’s. Overall it was an unforgetta- the 4th time that they had won the world ble experience.” FIFA history repeats itself in 2014 Christian Perez Sports Writer

The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the 20th to ABC news, Luis Suarez is known for his Rodriguez managed to chest trap a headed FIFA World Cup in history, the tournament fondness to biting his opponents in situa- pass from a teammate, spin 180 degrees, and for the association football world champion- tions of intensity. In this year’s World Cup kick the ball from the air into the top left side ship, which took place at several venues across match between Uruguay and Italy, Suarez of the Uruguayan goal. As words can’t do the Brazil. Germany won the tournament and took was caught on video taking a bite out of Ital- goal justice, the awarded accolade of “best its fourth title, it’s first since the reunification ian defender Giorgio Chiellini’s left shoulder. goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” as voted of West and East Germany in 1990, by defeat- Unfortunately for Suarez, and his victims, this by 4 million users on fifa.com, should do just ing Argentina 1-0 in the final game. was not the first incident. Suarez had been fine. Ironically, this was the same result as their involved in two other biting episodes in the “Rodriguez exquisitely chested the ball over last FIFA World Cup victory in the 1990. Not past; one in 2010 and one in 2013. That did his head, swiveled instantly and unleashed a only did they win with the same score of 1-0, not serve helpful in his defense, as he would venomous, dipping volley which crashed in they won against the same team, Argentina. soon find himself suspended for the remainder off the underside of the crossbar in front of This year’s tournament began on June 12, of the World Cup. over 70,000 fans. That strike has now been 2014 with a group stage and concluded on “Uruguay forward Luis Suarez admits deep voted as the Goal of the Tournament by over July 13 with the championship match. It was regret for the incident that led him to being four million FIFA.com users, beating Robin the second time that Brazil hosted the com- sent home from Brazil,” CNN reported. Van Persie’s genial header for the Netherlands petition, the first being in 1950 according to Of course most every goal scored is in some against Spain into second place,” Bleacher FIFA’s website. way history repeating itself, but 23 year old Report News said. Aside from history repeating itself in the striker James Rodriguez of Colombia’s 11th The next FIFA tournament, which will take finals, history also repeated itself with Uru- international goal of his career was much place 4 years from now in 2018, is set to take guayan forward, Luis Suarez. Coining him- different than any of his previous 10. While place in Russia. In what clever way will his- self the nickname “Cannibal,” according playing against Uruguay in a playoff match, tory repeat itself? We’ll have to wait and see. January 2015 The Traveler Page 13 Cross country wins District again Solomon Fiseha Sports Writer

Lee High School’s cross country team won the hot and cold weather,” Fiseha said. District twice in a row in 2013 and 2014 and The team will also participates in Track and they also did well in regionals. In fact, they were Field. They will have the same coach and the seconds away from making it to state. same goal: to go to State. They trained every day in the morning and In preparation for the upcoming season, the afternoon with rigorous workouts designed by team even ran over the Christmas break. Not their coach, Mr. Garza. They came to school only will the continuous practice help their track at 6:30 am and started warming up and getting season, it will also get them in shape for next ready to run, whether the coach was there or year’s cross country season. not. Garza always motivated his team to run “Our coach is a long distance runner and we a faster time. only run 3.1 miles,” Fiseha said. “However “There are few long distance runners and we tough the competition may be, Coach Garza need more people who have the guts to run like prepares us and he even runs with us.” these guys,” Coach Garza said. Although the cross country team won Dis- The cross country team also practiced during tricts two years in a row, some of the athletes 8th period. However, some of the runners feel that they haven’t received the same kind of don’t have 8th period athletics, so they had to recognition that the soccer team gets. show their dedication by staying after school “When we make it to State, cross country to practice. shall be as famous as soccer at Lee,” Runner The captain of the cross country team, Sol- Fillmon Beyene said. omon Fiseha, who is a junior, was the closest Other runners are optimistic they will do even to making it to State. In fact, if he had run the better next year. same time as he did at Districts, he would have “As we are District champions, we will be moved on. State qualifi ers too,” Maebel Mogos said. Although he said he is sad he did not make Cross country will start in August and the run- it to State this year, he is not giving up hope ners shall get another chance at accomplishing for next year. their dreams. Be sure to come out and support “I come out to the track and run every day in all the Lee High School athletes! PHOTO TAKEN BY EVENZER AREFAINE Peterson suspended for Ray Rice indefi nite football season ‘14-’15; suspension lifted Grace Uwineza return date unknown Sports Writer With 1,430 yards rushing and 37 touch- as you could believe, there was still much Alvaro Ramos downs, three-time pro-bowler Ray Rice has controversy and disagreement over whether Sports Writer found himself attempting to break tackles or not he was punished accordingly by the The text messages go on to show Peterson he can’t evade. law and the National Football League (NFL). saying he was disciplining his son for pushing On February 15th, 2014, Baltimore Ravens The fi nal straw was drawn on September another one of his siblings off of a video game. running back, Ray Rice and his girlfriend 8th, when celebrity news website, TMZ, According to USA Today, a former chief were arrested on assault charges for what released the video of Ray Rice punching prosecutor of family crimes in Harris County, his attorney described as a “minor physical his wife, then girlfriend, in the face while Randy Burton said, “Prosecutors in Mont- altercation” according to sbnation.com. in the elevator. gomery County can use the text messages as It wasn’t until four days later on February The public reacted in an uproar at the evidence in a felony case against Peterson,” 19th that a video surfaced in the media footage, and the NFL, claiming never seeing saying that Peterson’s acts were “It’s absolutely that allegedly showed Ray Rice pulling his the video until its release by TMZ, was now criminal.” unconscious limp-bodied girlfriend from an in the spotlight. Lee High School Football Coach, Mike Todd elevator by her shoulders. How do you respond to the situation now said, “Peterson deserved to be punished for the Later, police confi rmed receipt of another that the entire United States, and world, is cruel abuse towards his son and should pay a video, not released publically, that showed able to watch the punch that turns his girl- fi ne for doing that.” Rice knocking his girlfriend unconscious. friend into a limp, unconscious body? According to USA Today, Peterson will Soon after, on March 27th Ray Rice was The response came quick as the Baltimore have to pay a huge fi ne for the abuse of his charged with aggravated assault; which is Ravens football organization offi cially re- son and will not play with the Minnesota punishable with a maximum penalty of up leased Ray Rice from his contract and the Vikings for the rest of the 2014-15 season. to fi ve years in prison. NFL suspended Ray Rice from the league The Vikings have really been affected with Strangely, Ray Rice and his girlfriend, the indefi nitely. the absence of their star running back, it has one he had knocked out in the elevator, were On November 28th 2014, however, Rice caused them many games and also there ticket married the very next day. was able to win an appeal to his indefi nite Fantasy football players were disappointed to the playoffs. By the end of May 2014, Ray Rice had suspension from the NFL on grounds that the this year when Adrian Peterson was accused Lee High School Senior, Mounir Tapsoba rejected a plea deal and accepted a pre-trial decision to modify his two game suspension of beating his son and was listed as suspended said, “I Believe that Peterson should be fi ned intervention program to serve as an alter- to an indefi nite suspension was arbitrary for the remainder of the 2014-2015 season. for the abuse but shouldn’t have to wait till native to trial where he must complete a and unfair. According to Business Insider, Peterson next season to play.” 12-month program and stay out of trouble. His appeal allowed him immediate rein- texted the mother of the child and told her that According to bleacherreport.com, Adrian A month or so later on June 24th Ray Rice statement in the league and made him ready his son had gotten “whooped “in the car. The Peterson is planning on returning to the NFL was formally suspended for two games by to be picked up by any team at any time. mother asked “why?” next year, but whether he stays with the Min- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Believ- The only question; which team will pick In response Peterson said “I felt so bad after nesota Vikings, or looks to join another team ing that to be the end of the punishment, him up fi rst and when? the fact…” is still unknown. Wrestling: recognized for hard work Tyjier Spencer Sports Writer The Lee High School wrestling team directed “Growing up under two older brothers who He then explained that he feels the reason by Coach Laster is not only over looked but were wrestlers had a very impressionable im- they don’t get a lot of attention is because also under appreciated. In most schools you pact on me,” Laster said. the school does not push to announce their often fi nd that the main sports are football, He then said that he strives to teach his stu- important events. basketball, and in some schools possibly track dents the importance and impact that wrestling [In regard to the lack of acknowledgement/ or soccer. can have on your life. support] “I do feel like it’s unfair but it doesn’t As a result other sports, such as wrestling, 11th grader Liyjon DeSilva said he loves the change anything. My boys and girls are still have a tendency to go without any attention. wrestling team. He said the reason he joined going to work hard and always do their best I know this for a fact because I attend school was to enhance his strength and to make his weather or not they are recognized for it,” almost every day and I never even realized that body into a weapon by learning how the body Laster said. the wrestling season had begun. “ticks.” DeSilva and the rest of the wrestling program Lee High School Wrestling Coach Laster said DeSilva also said that he doesn’t appreciate hope to gain more appreciation and support as that he became a wrestling coach because of that the students of Lee don’t attend their meets the student body and staff learn more about his older siblings. or get as involved as they do for other sports. their passions and the intense sport of wrestling. The Traveler Page 14 January 2015

Is the use of standarized Students express excite- tests really improving edu- ment for new Lee campus Daniela Valdes cation in the United States? Opinion Writer Daniel Vango Boom Boom Boom! That’s the sound that internal courtyard, large dinning commons and Opinion Writer you’ll be hearing throughout the rest of the a natatorium. school year. “I’m kind of sad that we won’t get to expe- Standardized tests have been a method of accountability measures, has taken our eyes As most students know, construction on rience the new school,” Junior, Bryan Eriza determining if a student has really learned or off of this benefi t to standardized testing. the new Lee High School has begun. Many said. “—But I think the freshmen will have paid attention in class to what the teacher has There are dozens of non-punitive ways to use students and faculty members expressed their something positive to look forward to as the been saying, but is the use of standardized this information, such as resource allocation, feelings about the new school and what they school meets the needs of students.” tests actually helpful to improving education professional development planning, and think about the new blue prints and what kind The project is estimated to take 18 to 20 in America? identifying school goals for improvement.” of things they’d like to see as they roam around months in total from the construction to the According to standardizedtests.procon. Baeders’ statement supports the standard- the school. transition to the new school. org, standardized tests have been a part of ized tests. He also believes that the tests will “I saw the blueprints for the new school and “We’re committed to minimizing the impact American education since the mid-1800s and assist with the achievement gap because a I think they’re really pretty,” Lee High School on school activities and the community,” said their use went up after 2002’s No Child Left measurement will be made, and inequities Junior, Guadalupe Bonola said. “I think we Ken Smith, Vice President of Satterfi eld & Behind Act. So the use of standardized tests, don’t have to “hide behind our good intentions will have more space for parking which is very Pontikes, the general contractor for our school. has shown that US students ranking in math and best efforts.” important to students.” Although the construction may be a bit an- dropped from 18th in the world in 2000 to “Those who say standardized tests help the The blueprints include plans for a bigger park- noying, keep in mind the positive outcome of 31st in 2009 and the study showed a similar schools make improvements or assists with ing lot; once the new building is fi nished, the old all this: a beautiful new school. decline in science. school goals for improvement all seem con- one will be demolished and the area will be used The site also stated, “Failures in the edu- fused,” Junior Daniel Vango said. “Students for a new athletic fi eld and additional parking. cation system have been blamed on rising have been taking these tests for years now, “There is a lot to like about the design – plen- poverty levels, teacher quality, tenure poli- and if I was to show someone who already ty of natural light, openness and small group cies, and increasingly on the pervasive use took the test that I am about to take, there is learning and tutoring areas,” Lee High School of standardized tests.” a high chance they will say, ‘oh those ques- Principal Jonathan Trinh said. “It will provide This part of the site has portrayed that tions are almost the same as the ones I took.’ a college-type format for student learning.” standardized tests have proven to give back Thus, if standardized tests do help make im- Principal Trinh said he thinks that it will draw statistics about the nation’s education system, provements, why can’t students see it? Why kids who are going to school outside of their but did not exactly point out if the tests are can’t anyone present us with hard evidence zoned neighborhood back to Lee. benefi cial. that the testing is benefi cial? Where are these The new school will be 240,000-square-feet President of the National Education Asso- ‘measurements?”’ and only two stories rather than three. It will ciation (NEA), Dennis Van Roekel stated, Students are about to start the second se- be divided into four wings with many windows “Students as young as 6 or 7 years old are mester of the school, which is the time actual and open spaces to maximize natural light. now subjected to weeks of preparation for test reviews or practices will begin, but with The blueprints include a light-fi lled atrium, high stakes tests. Because math, reading, and students at Fairview High School in Boulder to a lesser extent science are the only subjects protesting against a standardized test, that regularly tested, students are drilled in those leaves us with the question, will other students America: full of dreams and opportunity topics. Meanwhile, subjects such as history, from around the nation protest as well? civics, music and art – which help develop Gloire Mwangaza critical thinking and problem-solving skills Opinion Writer – are squeezed out of the school day. “ Lee High School is one of the most diverse more students that graduate, which will lead Dennis Roekel is against the idea that high schools in the United States with students them to have a better future tomorrow. standardized tests improve the education in from all over the world including Africa, Central Today many people including my family see America. and South America, Mexico, the Middle East, Africa with situations that cannot be solved at “ We cheat our children,” he said, “because and Asia. all. For example, war, people being killed for no the only thing that is taught, is what will show These students come to the United States for reason at all, lack of opportunities compared to up on a multiple choice test.” a variety of different reasons. I, personally, am what is offered in the United States, etc. There However, Education Week blogger, Justin from Africa. One of the reasons that African is also a lot of sickness that cannot be cured. Baeder stated, “We need standardized tests families come to the United States may be America is one big country that from a foreign to provide basic information about how our lack of employment. America is one country perspective comes off as a place with people that schools are performing…in the current envi- that seems to always have opportunities for all will help each other put food on the table and ronment of testing- and accountability-mania, people. To my family, America was a symbol take care of one another. it’s easy to forget that this is actually very of hope for making money and supporting the The environment here is much more peaceful. useful information for improvement purposes. family. People are being treated equally. The fact that we have used this information When we arrived in Houston, Texas, I noticed Most importantly, if one gets a good education PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY TEACHTHOUGHT.COM for other purposes, centering on punitive a variety of differences between my new home he/she can go and help the people back home. and my old home. This shows America is one country full of op- Take advantage of junior year Schools here in America seem easier and have portunities, hopes, and dreams! Yoselin Torres Opinion Writers Who do you cheer on? This year is really challenging, no time for your senior year. Typically students begin Juan Fragoso games. I am one year from graduating and applying to colleges the fi rst semester of Opinion Writers thinking about it just makes me so nervous. their senior year, before any new grades are Who is the best soccer team? New rules, new teachers, and a new principal earned. What that means is that colleges will 1. The best soccer team is Real Madrid has made this year a little more interesting base their decision of your acceptance on C.F. of Spain’s La Liga. for all of us! your academic success through your senior Anthony Flores said “This team is the Real Madrid With the conclusion of the fi rst semester year. With that in mind, students must put best team because they are the champions.” behind us, and the second semester com- importance on their performance their junior 2. The best soccer team is Barcelona of menced, it will be May before you know it, year of high school. Spain’s La Liga. leading us to the beginning of our graduating Juniors have to look past the obstacles; Roberto Hernandez said that “Barcelona is Bayern year. I’m pretty excited to start my senior more work, tougher classes, more tests, to second because Real Madrid won vs. Barce- year; hopefully it won’t be as diffi cult as this realize it will eventually all pay off. Wheth- lona, but I still think they are the best.” Munich year has proven thus far. er your hard work allows you the privilege 3. The best soccer team is Brazil’s inter- Journey Waddell, Junior said, “Out of the of graduating with your high school diploma, national team. two years I’ve been here, this year [junior] is then advancing further to learn a trade, begin Alexis Vasquez said that “Brazil was the the most diffi cult.” a career, volunteer, travel, attend a voca- champion when they played against Mexico What seems to make the junior year so tional school or community college, join the so they are the best soccer team.” Barcelona much more diffi cult than the others is the military, or seek an undergraduate degree at 4. The best soccer team is Mexico’s fact that the classes and workload are more one of the nearly 3,000 college institutions in international team. demanding. By the time you enter your ju- the U.S., your strenuous junior year will lay Guadalupe Mora said that “Mexico nior year, teachers, staff, and even your par- the foundation for the successful completion lost a game but they still are the best.” ents assume (hopefully not to their mistake) of your high school career. Manchester that you have matured into a responsible and Be the someone you always dream you’d World Football / Soccer Clubs Ranking driven young adult. be. Follow all of your steps and believe me, As of 4 January 2015 (http://footballdata- City The Juniors are supposed to have it all you will get there. No one can tell you who base.com/ranking/world/1) together. To top off the diffi culty of rising you should be in the future; you have to 1. Real Madrid (Spain) to expectations, your junior year serves as make that decision for yourself. Make your 2. Bayern Munich (Germany) the last year of grades that will be entered goals, see them carried out, and your hard 3. Barcelona (Spain) Juventus into the system to determine your cumulative work will pay off; allowing you to accom- 4. Manchester City (England) grade point average (GPA) before you begin plish your dreams. 5. Juventus (Italy) January 2015 The Traveler Page 15

Generals... Always! Young marriage: right or wrong? Melanie Hauser Gabriela Saucedo Alumni Vice President Opinion Writer It has been a little more than fi ve years I can still see the smiles from the 50th Ju- since three former Lee Generals sat down biLEE – our celebration of the fi rst 50 years Recently, the country of Norway had its fi rst everyday drama. Adding a husband/wife to at Buffalo Grille one afternoon and formed of Lee in the fall of 2012. We honored some child marriage as twelve-year old Thea walked the package is even more work! Those factors the Lee Alumni Association. The idea was of the most outstanding grads and packed down the aisle towards the altar to meet her considered, it does not seem that teenagers in to give back to our alma mater. To reconnect the Westin Galleria ballroom with people thirty seven year old fi ancé, Geir. The story of high school are mature enough yet for such big and organize alums. To embrace the changes from every decade. Not to mention some of Thea has gone viral since her fi rst published responsibility. at the campus and help where we could. the most beloved teachers. announcement of her engagement, more than That said not every teenager is the same. There To give back to a school that had given us The line just to say hello and hug Doris thousands of people around the world have are youths that, for their age, are very mature so much. Countee, Lee’s legendary oceanography engaged together to #StopTheWedding as they and responsible. We shouldn’t judge a teenager’s We were from different eras – one teacher, didn’t end. Eleanor Grant and Regi- have hash-tagged in social media. On Thea’s decision to get married just because society says graduated in 1965, one in 1971 and one in na Satlof – the choral director and Traveler/ big day, everyone, including the audience inside that every single 16 or 17 year old is immature 1987. So many changes in so many ways cheerleader sponsor, respectively – couldn’t the church, continuously kept insisting, “Stop and irresponsible. On the other hand, take the over those three decades when we walked stop smiling. The same for Linda “Mama” the wedding!” They exclaimed as minister, time to actually analyze their story, their char- those gray and gold halls, but one thing Shuler, who launched many a career with Rolf Berg, asked Thea if she would take Geir acter, then you can gather your own judgment remained the same – in our hearts we were Razz-M-Tazz and Dramalee. as her husband. if they’re mature or not. There’s an anonymous still Generals. Families of multiple Lee grads got tables, To everyone’s relief, 12-year old Thea shook story of a girl which I know personally that ac- And all I can say is this fi rst half-decade and to see fi ve decades of Generals min- her hair in a no gesture, turned around and tually got married in December 2014 at the age has been quite a ride. It has been fi lled gling, having fun and laughing at old photos walked away. Her mask of gloominess faded, of 17 with her fi ancé who is in his 20’s. Coming with blessings as well as frustrations; with in our JubiLEE video was . . . well, just the only to be replaced with a bright smile. Nor- from a broken home of divorced parents and celebrations and disappointments; with best. Think one giant reunion. way’s fi rst child wedding was in fact the work of having a brother whose marriage was a constant old friends, new friends and, soon, a new There have been frustrating times, for the United Nation’s International Day of the Girl roller coaster ride, her family members predicted campus. sure, but those seem to be in the past. Child, used to raise awareness of the fact that that she’d end up with a destroyed, problematic The fi rst thing we did was fi nd goal posts I’ve been part of the project advisory team 39,000 girls every day are forced into marriage, marriage with a drunken husband. for the football team. The Generals had just for the new campus and I’ve gotten to know some as young as 8 years old. Yet she proved not only her family but restarted football, but had no goal posts for some outstanding teachers and impressive No child deserves this sort of abuse, it is one everyone that didn’t believe in her wrong. the fi eld and no money. students. Mr. Trinh and his administra- of the leading causes of death during pregnan- Her husband also came from a dysfunctional That same fall, we hosted a football ban- tion have opened more ways for us to be cy/labor, loss of schooling, and the spread of family where his parents where in an abusive quet. We went social with a website (www. involved. And, we’re about to get to work HIV/AIDS. relationship, his brother’s and sister’s marriages houstonleealumni.org), a Houston Lee on a history project for the alumni area in “During the course of this campaign we have were also problematic: constant fi ghting and given the world an insight into how brutal a child incomprehension between them. All he ever Alumni FB page and Happy Hours. We gave the new campus so when you drop by Lee marriage is,” National Director of Plan Norway hoped for, all he always told himself was that he academic scholarships and mentored. We in fi ve years, you, too, will feel like a part Olaf Thommessen said. “Thea’s wedding wouldn’t have a marriage like that. He decided sponsored faculty appreciation breakfasts. of school. blog has provoked and engaged people from he wouldn’t mistreat his wife, he’d love her and We got to know students, faculty and even The best gifts? The teachers and our around the world, and we have had responses treat her with respect. Both of them strived to got the chance to introduce a budding fi lm friends gave us so many we didn’t even real- from, among others, South Korea, Russia, and be different than the marriages in their families maker to Hollywood and Broadway produc- ize we were getting when we were at Lee. Australia, as well from world stars like Ashton and they would prove that there’s such a thing er director Andy Fickman, Class of ’82. Now the best gift for us is just giving Kutcher to world leaders. We hope that this as a happy marriage. We haven’t stopped since. And, honestly, back. protest will help to open the eyes of the world “Honestly I never thought I would get married it’s been fun to make a bit of a difference. . . . Generals . . . Always!!!! community and show that we must join forces at 17, 18 maybe, but not 17 years old. It all in the fi ght against child marriage and to secure happened so fast but I know that as long as we girls’ rights.” both put in our part, my husband and I will have People from different backgrounds, cultures, a great marriage blessed by God. I’m happy, religions, and parts of the world have joined and neither society nor critics can change that.” this international fi ght against child marriage, For a 17 year old girl, she’s mature and has including Ashton Kutcher. Lee High School learned to be responsible, carrying out her duty students also express their opinion about such as a student while also managing her role as a cases. “I think it’s wrong because I think they wife. She is prepared and excited to begin a should be able to go to school and learn, what successful and happy marriage. Both her and kind of sick-o would marry a 13 year old, that’s her husband put in their part and sacrifi ce to just wrong,” Sophomore Jose Muriel said. Junior make they’re conjugal relationship work out, Guadalupe Bonola plainly states, “I think it is while supporting each other as she fi nishes high wrong to force someone to get married to some- school and as he continues to work. one who is three times older and they shouldn’t When you’re mature enough to make de- force the kids to marry grandmas and grandpas.” cisions in “adult situations” like marriage, Geometry teacher Danielle Hubbard couldn’t there’s no problem as long as you’re conscious stay behind on this topic either. of the vitality of the step you’re committing to. “I believe a child, regardless of gender, Marriage is pure, it is the dream of the majority shouldn’t be forced into an adult situation like of girls to get married (guys dream about it too marriage,” Hubbard said. “A child’s brain isn’t just… secretly). The day that they’ll be united fully developed (i.e. frontal lobe) so they don’t forever to the person they love, whom they want have the capacity to make optimal executive to spend the rest of their lives with, share their decisions.” dreams and accomplish those dreams. Switching gears, there’s also a huge con- It is tragic that this unique and special moment troversy about young marriage in the United is ruined for many little girls as they’re forced States, teenagers getting married at a young age into marriage at such young age, and we should - marrying in high school? Would you do that if be aware of the fact that is happening in many you fell in love in high school? “ No, because places around the globe; in fact we should when you’re in high school you’re not mature support the movement to raise awareness in enough to handle a relationship like that and any way we can. you don’t even know if they’re the right one,” For more information on this topic, and to fi nd Shout out to Lee’s terrifi c teachers Bonola said. Bonola’s opinion is correct about ways to get involved and raise awareness visit Emily Castillo maturity; marriage requires a lot of work, and http://www.icrw.org/what-we-do/adolescents/ Opinion Writer more than that, responsibility. High school itself child-marriage or http://www.girlsnotbrides.org/ In the year 2014, teachers were remembered Shout out to Ms. Thornhill in her persistence is stressful enough with homework, projects, about-child-marriage/, because as Nobel Peace for their drive and everlasting dedication to in positive attitude and tendency to stay strong. extracurricular activities, fi nal exams, STAAR Prize winner Kofi Annan once said, “Knowledge helping prepare the students of Lee High Her passion and spirit are so contagious that testing, and much more - not to mention the is Power. Information is Liberating.” School to pass their STAAR tests and their you cannot help but leave her class with a classes. All the hard work from the fi rst semes- smile. ter has paid off and Lee High School is now Shout out to Ms. Hubbard and her devotion commencing the second semester; heading in teaching students. Her admiration has towards the end of the year. comforted and inspired students to work at The students of Lee are recognizing the hard their best levels. work that their teachers put in every day, and Shout out to Mr. McCaskill for his alle- want to give those teachers a shout out of giance has brought students to work diligently. appreciation for their commitment to educa- He’s dedicated in his studious work. tion. Many teachers have put forth maximum Shout out to Ms. Carmouche, and the effort into setting high expectations for student consistency on her work. Her veneration is success. As the teachers’ enthusiasm rises, appreciated. the students work harder, and look they begin These teachers are among the many of the looking forward to working more closely with proud, encouraging, purposeful, caring, and and for those teachers. enthusiastic educators that call Lee High Shout out to Ms. McGiniss for her perse- School their home. Let us all strive to start verance and determination for her students to 2015, and fi nish the school year, the best that move forward and never backwards. we can be. The Traveler Page 16 January 2015 Moments to remember from Lee High School in 2014

PHOTO TAKEN BY GILBERT SOSA Lee High School’s soccer team won district championships last year for the first time in the Houston Independent School District’s history.

PHOTO TAKEN BY YOHANES NYAMA Houston Texans’ cheerleaders came to cheer with the Lee cheerleaders for our Generals’ football and volleyball teams at the first pep rally of the year.

PHOTO TAKEN BY YOHANES NYAMA PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY IXCHEL PEREZ Students and teachers participated In her junior year, Ixchel Perez won in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to districts in women’s wrestling and help raise money for ALS research. went on to compete at State.

PHOTO TAKEN BY JENNIFER WIENER Dr. Kinion and her students won first in the District UIL competition for the One Act Play category. The students performed the show Infancy for UIL.

PHOTO TAKEN BY JENNI WIENER Newspaper students from 2013-2014 won an ice cream party for their hard work on the paper that year. Clearly they are enjoying and appreciating it!

PHOTO TAKEN BY ISSA YAGI PHOTO TAEN BY MARCELIN KAMDOUM

PHOTO TAKEN BY YOHANES NYAMA Students got a chance to show off JROTC helped give blood to hopital Teachers got creative during 7th period as Linked Learning became an initia- their talent at the student talent show patients in need by holding some tive at Lee. These teachers work together to “link” their lesson plans. sponsored by the Fine Arts classes. blood drives during school.