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thenestline.comest

November 2020 • Vol. 8 Issue 2

HEADLINE

Junior Elizabeth Christianson wears a mask while working on the field.

INSIDE TOMPKINS HIGH SCHOOL New Voters...... 3 Character Strong..... 4 Sports...... 11 Life After Would you Rather...14 Football...... 16 Quarantine The Changes and Photo by Samantha Imouokhome Adjustments

Pages 8-9 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd. • Katy TX 77494 2

THE NEST CONTENTS November 2020

Editor in Chief Sneha Raghavan Co-Managing Editors Unity Through Character Strong Vaishnavi Bhat 4 Emma Vergara Business and Social Manager Brianna Plake

Layout Editor Ella Hummeldorf

Staff Alkhatab Mizyed Ella Ray Madison Isom Mahee Bhatt Med-TONG’s First Matias Simionato 6 Rachel Bregnard Raegan Ervin Big Event Tristan Beach Vanessa Caceres Vanessa Lingenfelter

Head Photographers Caleigh Hommel Camvy Tu

Asst. Head Photographers Taylor Hobson Hidden Talents Morgan Cordle 7 Photography Amber Gibson Angela Meza Arantza Dominguez Canela Bridgette Foit Brinley Snyder Diego Cortez Ezri Terry Hadley Sanders Kalei Napolean Melanie Sanchez Samantha Wishart’s Deep Diving Imouokhome 10 Tracy Thai Experience Trey Whitney

Advisor Shetye Cypher

@thenestline

GENERAL INQUIRIES The Nest is an official publication of OTHS. Editorials represent the opinion of the writer, but not necessarily of KISD administration or faculty. The Nest is a member of the Inter- Tompkins High School scholastic League of Press Conference (ILPC), the Texas Association of Journalism Education (TAJE), the Journalism Education Association (JEA), the Columbia Scholastic Press 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd. Katy, Association (CSPA), the Texas High School Press Association (THSPA), and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). It is the policy of KISD not to discriminate on the Tx 77494 basis of sex, disability, race, religion, color, age, or national origin and its educational programs, activites, and employment practices. 281-234-1072 3

THE NEST Take the Leap:

November 2020 Voting for the First Time

The 2020 pres- especially online, has been idential elections a significant way for the

Editor in Chief are approaching younger generation to voice fast, and the new- their opinions, she believes est generation of that voting is a more direct voters is working way for growing citizens to to step into the defend their ideas. political atmo- “I feel like I will finally sphere. As they have a say in legislation Sneha Raghavan prepare to con- personally, instead of just clude their time at advocating over social me- high school, many dia,” said Ritter. students are now eligible to In order to prepare for cast their votes. Seniors like their first voting, both Ritter presidential debates as enables citizens like Xu Hannah Ritter and Justin and Xu have made sure to primary sources of infor- to become part of a public Xu are taking advantage research the specifics of the mation about the election. voice that actively pursues of their first opportunity upcoming election. Ritter Xu believes that everyone is the social issues that matter to vote in order to broaden encourages voters to avoid entitled to their own opin- most within the communi- their political involvement choosing blindly- instead, ions, and that voting is an ty. For both this first vote and actively support their she recommends learning impactful way of making and any elections in the ideals on a larger scale. about what political choices sure his views are heard. future, Xu plans to continue “I believe that casting would be most effective to “By voting, my opinions casting his vote well into his my vote is beneficial to the support the issues that each become a voice which poli- future. country because it shows voter is passionate about. ticians can hear,” said Xu. “I see it as a duty for all my voice,” said Ritter. For Ritter, these issues “With more people voting, citizens to vote and I’ll con- Ritter considers her first include women’s rights, there will be more opinions tinue to honor that duty,” vote to be essential in con- the right to privacy, and to shape politics to better said Xu. tributing to the political fu- addressing climate change, represent the beliefs of the Though many students ture of the country. Through so she has researched both country’s citizens.” are unable to vote in this voting for their future presidential candidates Xu considers this first upcoming election, Xu representatives, new voters in order to decide whose step into the political at- encourages all of his peers like Ritter are able to convey policies would be the most mosphere as a chance to to vote when they are able. their thoughts in a way that influential for each concern. contribute to the American Beyond doing their parts as actively impacts the legisla- Additionally, Xu empha- democracy as a whole. In citizens and voicing their tion that will go on to govern sizes the importance of addition to being able to opinions, Xu believes that their futures. While Ritter remaining politically active share his opinions, voting voting is a way to con- notes that political activism, by watching the news and nect with his peers about 4

THE NEST Unity Through Character Strong November 2020

Ella Hummeldorf Throughout has been active since before on mental wellbeing and hashtags #deepkindess, the COVID-19 COVID-19, and Katy ISD helping others. The program #KatyCommUNITY, and pandemic, everyone decided to join the program happened every month and #KatyStrong on the various has been impacted in order to build community a speaker came into most most used social networking and changes and help students get the classrooms to talk about applications. This connects have been made help they need during this the different goals for that the community through to society and time. The program will be month. These goals ranged social media and lets businesses around happening all throughout from inspiring students others see how people are Katy. During this this year, but it’s unknown and staff members to do participating in Character trying time, the if Katy ISD will continue good and help others to Strong. This also allows Katy community to implement the program how to get help for mental people to connect over the Layout Editor has been coming after this year. illnesses. Now instead of program and find others in together and “The Character Strong Take Flight, Character the area who might be going showing kindness program is the idea of Strong is a program that through similar struggles or through the new program helping student build each teacher will teach to roads to recovery caused by called Character Strong. In community and help their students in class and this pandemic. a time where social distance students develop life skills,” announcements will be The Character Strong team is mandatory, social and said student support made on the Falcon Flash hopes that while kindness emotional connectivity is assistant principal Kristine every month. will not stop the spread needed more than ever. Copeland. “Instead of doing our own of the virus, they hope to Each participating campus Tompkins has done a curriculum through Take brighten someone’s day and around Katy ISD will similar program in the Flight, we are now doing add some positivity to our share each daily challenge past through the Take the curricular through lives and community. through email or over Flight program. Over Character Strong,” stated other forms of electronic the past few years, Take Copeland. communication. The Flight had evolved into Participants have Character Strong program a program that focused been asked to use the

Junior Valeria Genova poses in teacher Kristen Students discuss Personality vs Character during the Cunningham’s Character Strong classroom. The Challenge Character Strong lesson. They worked on comfort zones was to hold the door open for people for 24 hours. Photo by placing themselves around the room. Photo by by Hadley Sanders Hadley Sanders 5 2020 November

THE Tompkins’ National Honor Society NEST Take a Lead

Mananging Editor Carefully plac- adjust to the mix of oppor- do not have time to join the munity in a way where they ing her donations tunities available for stu- live Zoom call. Afterwards, can keep everyone involved, in boxes, senior dents.. The National Honor all students, no matter if safe and healthy. Krystyna Moraw- Society has adjusted their they were on the Zoom call “We are hoping to still be iec, member of the environment to a completely or not, will have to answer able to have guest speak- National Honor online network, from creat- a quiz with questions that ers and address topics of Society, makes ing a class page on Canvas surround the meeting in interest regarding the four her way towards to having their meetings order to ensure their atten- tenets of NHS: character, the drop off area, over Zoom and videos. dance is accounted for. scholarship, leadership, and students lined up “I’m glad we are having “My volunteer hours service,” said Park.

Emma Vergara Emma in their cars and our meetings online this for both NHS so far have One of the biggest things masks ready. As year,” said Morawiec. “NHS come from donations,” said that these societies want the new year rolls meeting days were long days Morawiec. to maintain is a sense of around and students are for us last year, so I’m glad I Because volunteering is normalcy. Although the finally able to start school in can attend the meetings on a large portion of being in students are unable to person, the 2020 year also my own time.” an honor society, students attend the meetings in-per- introduces new changes in On top of online meet- have become more creative son and have to change the the National Honor Society. ings, student scheduling is on how to do their volun- way they are able to impact “All of our meetings will another thing that needs to teering in the safety of their the community, the base take place virtually this year be tackled in order to pro- home. This includes many of the honor societies have so that all students whether vide everyone with the same COVID-related tasks, like stayed the same: serving the face-to-face or KVA can have opportunities. In the past making masks and deliv- community in any way they the same opportunities.” years, the National Honor ering groceries for those can. Whether that includes said National Honor Society Society had their meetings unable to leave their house, social distanced food drives, sponsor Ashley Park. from 7-7:30 p.m. This would and other things like tutor- tutoring over Zoom calls, or Due to the fact that this have students leaving the ing other students, both on- mask-making at home, the year much of school has school late at night. For this line and in-person. All these honor students are ready to been broken up into online year, NHS has allowed a few different opportunities have do the best they can. and in-person students, the days for students to view become flexible, allowing the honor societies will have to the video on YouTube if they students to help the com-

NHS officers organize handing out supplies for new inductees of the 2020 year, providing them with the tools to service the community. Photo By:Caleigh Hommel 6

THE NEST Med-TONG Hosts its First BIG EVENT November 2020 With the current Sept 19. Members of Med- situation regarding TONG participated in a card Managing Editor the pandemic, the drive, making many hand- medical field has made cards for the patients become extremely of Harris Health. In order important. Medical to maintain safety through- professionals have out the drive, Med-TONG become more essen- officers waited outside of tial than ever, and school on a Saturday after- helping and support- noon as students drove by ing communities has and dropped off their heart- Vaishnavi Bhat Vaishnavi become crucial as felt cards. In just about two well. In order to help hours, multiple members students connect came by and dropped off with their community, and stacks of beautiful cards, teach them about the medi- concluding the event on an Junior Frank Wang collects handmade cards from Med-TONG cal field, two juniors estab- exceptional note. members driving by. To remain safe, Med-TONG officers made lished Med-TONG, a new “We successfully sure to mask up and wear gloves while recieving get-well-soon club that helps students by collected around 200 hand- and holiday cards for the patients of Harris Health. offering numerous unique made cards with central Photo by Rishi Dev opportunities relating to the themes of get well soon and ideas, but Wang and Dev meetings offer insight from medical field. holiday puns,” said Dev. believe that now is also medical professionals on “Med-TONG stands for “This first event gave us the the time that society needs their journeys,” said Dev. Medical Teens of Next Gen- opportunity to meet all our the most help. The team at “Guest speakers dive into eration,” said junior Frank amazing members while Med-TONG has been delib- specifics about their job, Wang, one of the presidents staying safe as well as doing erately contemplating new and also share the process of the new club. “Med-TONG something nice for our com- and unique ways to engage they went through, as well was established to help munity. We are now hoping members and help society, as what a day in their life students who are looking to to donate all these cards to while making sure every- looks like. This is a great dive into the medical field patients at Harris Health, one’s safety is ensured. opportunity for all students, by providing insight from and bring some joy to their “Once things get better, giving them more education medical professionals as day.”. we are hoping to initiate on topics of their interest.” well as offering volunteer The Med-TONG team door-to-door fundraisers With its multiple attrac- opportunities related to plans to organize many as well as tutoring ser- tive aspects, Med-TONG has medicine and health.” more volunteer and service vices,” said Wang. “When sparked interest in the med- Wang, along with junior events for their members it is safe, we are planning ical field among many young Rishi Dev, co-founded the in the future. Some of to visit daycares and teach individuals. Furthermore, it club in June of 2020. Grow- their ideas include hosting young children the basics has allowed them to pur- ing rapidly, the club has al- more drives for items such of biology through fun and sue this interest, and grow ready grabbed the attention as Legos, books and toys. interactive games. It is just further with the knowledge of many aspiring students, COVID-19 greatly limits another way for us to give and skills they gain from the and just recently hosted the creativity and flexibility back to our community and service and learning compo- its first successful event on regarding more volunteering it allows young individuals nents of the club. to gain a head start in this “If anyone is really inter- field.” ested in pursuing a medical Not only does Med-TONG career, I strongly encourage offer amazing opportunities checking out this club. Our for individuals to serve, but officer team is comprised the club also has a guest of dedicated and extremely speaker element, where hardworking people, and members can hear from we are always looking for professionals in various the best ways to help and medical fields. Along with engage our members,” said monthly meetings, members Wang. “Joining this club is get to hear from a new guest like becoming a part of a The handmade cards for Harris Health patients include fun speaker every month and little family. Anyone can join designs, puns, and sweet messages on the cover. On average, expand their knowledge on at any time and experience members made about 9 cards each, resulting in a contribution of the process of becoming a this amazing adventure with 200 cards to patients in need. medical professional. us.” Photo by Frank Wang “These guest-speaker 7 Business Man.

THE Strebel and Dailey NEST Show Their Hidden Talents November 2020 Brianna Plake

The marching band is to do it for a short time, the may take time for others, I might have,” said Dailey. packing up for their first skill has helped her in her Strebel went in with some With an average score game of the season and activities within the school experience under her belt. of 21 around the Unit- senior Emma Strebel is “This skill is extremely The balance it takes to ride ed States, Dailey’s score using the skills she has helpful for marching band, a unicycle added to the co- opened up many opportu- learned from juggling on a where balance, coordina- ordination of learning how nities for after high school. unicycle to help her in the tion, and multitasking is to juggle created a great Along with his involvement band. Her time on the field crucial to be successful,” way for her to capture the in theatre, he has found requires coordination with said Strebel. opportunity of the march- time to balance his time her instruments which The marching band uses ing band. Like Strebel, with friends and make a has become natural to her lots of formations and they Dailey used his talent to high score without having through her time riding have to be able to do them create new opportunities for to study anything new. her unicycle throughout while carrying their instru- himself. Not only does it allow him her neighborhood. On the ments. Though the balance “It made me think about a greater chance of ac- other side of town, in a and coordination it takes a lot more possibilities that ceptance to the colleges completely silent room, he applies to, but he now senior Jack Dailey sits and has access to many more goes through each question scholarships. Although his on the ACT causing him to score has led him to many score a 35 out of 36. Before more opportunities, it is not taking the ACT he used all something that he always that he learned through his wants to share. SAT prep classroom study. “I like to keep it to These students have talents myself, because I feel that that not everyone around people are more than their them knows about, but they grades,” said Dailey. know that these talents As Dailey enjoys the have helped them in their shock of his score, he day-to-day life. also thinks about how his “We would spend lots of grades are not what makes time practicing and riding him who he is. Through- throughout our neighbor- out high school and college hood and having a great grades are seen as a big fac- time,” said Strebel. tor in deciding your future. In the fourth grade, Dailey is glad he was able to Strebel and her childhood get a good score on the ACT, best friend both got their but just like others with unicycles within months of other hidden talents he is each other. Once they both the same person he was learned how to ride, they before his success. began to ride all through Strebel and Dailey have the neighborhood practicing both used their talents so they could become even of balance and brains to better. Later on, Strebel create opportunities for began to do more than just themselves now and in the ride- she started to juggle future. These opportuni- while riding the unicycle. ties have led them great Although she is only able achievements and will con- tinue to help them through- out their lives. Photo Submitted by Emma Strebel Photo By Tracy Thai 8

THE ee NEST S Normalcy After Covid-19 November 2020

For the past nine coming. But now, a sense “I think the measures the staff. On top of restau- Managing Editor months, Covid-19 of normalcy is leaking back that Governor Abbott has rants, stores are also open has held the world in into people’s lives, starting implemented are working for people to come in and homes, socially dis- with coming back to school. well and still providing a shop. Originally, the only tanced from every- “The biggest thing for me sense of normalcy, despite stores that were open were one and everything. is the ability to go back and the crisis,” said senior Eliza- essential stores, like gro- In just under a week, do things I love, like going beth Howard. cery stores, which sell es- the whole world was to school and being able to The advance back into sential household products, placed on lockdown participate in practice,” said the ‘normal world’ started but now, more stores, like with a new longing senior Ellie Powers. with a process of reopen- clothing stores, are open- Emma Vergara Emma for masks, hand Because of COVID-19, ing America, given by the ing. In order to keep social sanitizer and the many people had to give up White House and the Cen- distancing in the stores, sudden need for an abun- what they enjoy the most, ters for Disease Control and many of them have rerout- dance of toilet paper. Life like visiting other people, Protection, which includes ed the inside of their store, of quarantine has created a hanging with friends and a series of phases in order including keeping traffic in giant change in how people exploring the world. Even to insure a safe return back aisles going all one way and interact with each other, the small things, things into normalcy. The first limiting the amount of peo- but now, life is slowly mor- many people never thought phase of reopening began ple in the stores. All these phing back to what it used they would miss, were with social distancing pro- subtle changes and develop- to be- as much as it can be. missed, including events tocols, where individuals ments are stepping stones Due to the sudden chang- like attending school and had to maintain a distance for a life where society can es made when the world heading to the grocery of six feet and have groups live without the regulations first went into lockdown store. All of these things of under ten people at all and also the continuous in March of 2020, life was were allowed to develop times. After Phase One, thought of what Covid-19 halted for a later date many because of the phasing of Phase Two commenced, has in store. did not know when it was reopening America. and after that, Phase Three; “The thing I’m most all of which opened up more excited about in the fu- parts of the world, one by ture is not having to worry one, growing public inter- about endangering people actions and work outside around me that I love, like of homes, bringing people my grandma, who lives back into the world. with us,” said Howard. “I Now, after months of a think it will take some time nationwide shut down, and before everything gets back a slow revival of Texas and to like it used to be. People its inhabitants, students will become more cautious, are finally able to return it’ll take some time before to the basis of normality: people become comfortable school. In-person school for around each other, like we Katy ISD began on Sept. 8, were before COVID.” allowing students to rejoin Although it may seem the classroom with other like past lives are never students. As for outside of going to return and that school, restaurants and will be stuck in this limbo stores are open for people of drive-by birthday par- who are willing to go. De- ties and socially distanced pending on the restaurants, get-togethers, maybe this is some have specific regula- for the best, where peo- tions made by the owners. ple can learn to be more There are some, like Snooze cautious around their sur- According to health guidelines, shoppers now wear masks in La Centerra, which only roundings and the wellbe- while social distancing in the store. In the past few months, has their patio open for cus- ing of others. masks have been among the new items that have become tomers, and then there are a necessity since the beginning of the pandemic. some who have the inside of the restaurant open. For Photo By Melanie Sanchez those who have their dine- in open, many have only a specific amount of people allowed inside, including 9 2020 November No Time Like the Present: THE NEST Changes During Quarantine COVID-19 has all having to approach that forts to help people around struction and general social wreaked havoc on a little differently,” said them.” conduct have adapted since Editor in Chief normal functions Park. Park notes that despite the beginning of the pan- of society, to the Despite the stumbles the vast changes in such a demic. Regardless, Park point where sim- that come with the neces- short time, students have maintains that society as a ple gestures like a sity for adjustment during remained resilient through whole can recover from the handshake have this time, Park believes that adapting to their new drastic changes- if not by become more taboo the jarring situation has school lifestyles. As a moth- returning to the way things than casual. After resulted in more positive er of elementary kids, Park were, then at least by es- several months of impact than there was has been able to observe tablishing a new lifestyle.

Sneha Raghavan Sneha adjusting to the before. As well as being a how younger students are For students going forward quarantine, events teacher, Park’s position as encouraged and rewarded to into higher education or with large crowds the Tompkins NHS sponsor practice safe health guide- even just learning to modify and spontaneous social has allowed her to witness lines while also not being their learning, Park offers gatherings exist more in TV how many of her students overwhelmed by the abnor- her support and urges them and movies than in reality. responded to the pandemic mality of wearing masks to remember the knowl- Many social practices have by devising creative ways to to see their friends. At all edge they have gained from changed, prompting new volunteer, including efforts levels, students have had to growing up in such an ways to connect as well as like organizing grocery adjust to not only gaining unfamiliar time. an uneasiness to return to delivery and making masks. an education, but also find- “We have to remember how things were before. Park feels that these steps ing common ground with that this is probably the “Once we have had show the long-lasting pos- their peers and teachers to most unifying and dividing certain experiences, we itive reactions the commu- establish a sense of social moment of most of our life- can never return to the nity has had in response to connection as well. times thus far- everyone in way that life was ‘before’,” the crisis. “I certainly hope that we the world has experienced said AP Literature teach- “It has been interesting can find a way to get into almost the same thing er Ashley Park. “The time to see both the positive and a rhythm so that both stu- within the same period of of quarantine was a time negative aspects of society dents and teachers are able time,” said Park. “Regardless of reflection for so many emerge through all of this,” to feel that sense of cama- of the changes, students people to learn new things said Park. “A big positive is raderie that we had before need to realize that they are or change aspects of their that so many students have all of this,” said Park. intelligent and resilient and lives.” done everything in their ef- There have been many can do amazing things in Park states that this modifications to how in- the future.” time of shifting to normalcy includes going back with life lessons learned, espe- cially in terms of school. Managing the shifts that result from adjusting to health guidelines has been challenging for teachers and students alike. Park believes the most major change has been adapting to provide both an online and in-person environ- ment to learn in. The shift between KVA and in-person classes causes teachers like Park to find new ways to meet the needs of all students. In addition to the modifications to education, Park also feels that the big- gest challenge has been de- veloping relationships with both groups of students. “I love my teaching job With her equipment set up, Park leads her KVA class through a lesson. Many teachers like and building relationships Park have had to adapt their classrooms to teach their online students effectively. with students, and we are Photo By Melanie Sanchez 10

THE NEST The Wishart Diving Experience November 2020

Senior Pit in Mexico, Wishart tually losing the dive ed twisting it. It woke Grayson Wis- recalls walking through instructor, forcing the the sharks, making

Staff writer hart likes to a cave system to get group to return to the them think bones were spend his time to his dive site. The surface to regroup. He being cracked. It was exploring the body of water he was did not feel fear, howev- a signal for their next depths of the going to explore with er, as he has done this meal” Wishart said. waters. He is his team was hundreds multiple times. He knew The sharks, now ex- nearing the level of feet deep. As they he should return to the cited, proceed to circle of Dive Master descend further into the surface as soon as pos- the group of divers, ex- Tristan Beach Tristan and has put body of water, seeing sible without endanger- pecting to see and feast in hundreds of dead forests, ruins and ing himself. on their next meal. This hours studying various other remains, “Half way through was not the first time for certifications and thick darkness contin- the dive, we lost the the group experienced completing technical ues to consume them diving instructor be- danger, however. Previ- dives. He is considered until they are no longer cause it was so dark,” ously, the diving crew a Specialty Diver, with visible. Wishart said. “We would dove with local croc- six certifications. He “Make sure you got get inches away from odiles in Cancun. No has done night dives, your gear, know your each other and we still divers were harmed. The deep water dives, fresh procedures, and don’t couldn’t see.” only thing they left with water, salt water, un- go up too fast,” Wishart Wishart also ex- that day was another derground caves and said, stressing the im- plains the dangers of story to tell and experi- more around the world portance of diver safety resurfacing. The diver ences to grow from. and locally. He uses his before beginning the should not return to Wishart hopes to con- skills to serve commu- dive. the surface too fast as tinue his diving career, nities by partipating in During a limited the nitrogen the diver using past experiences underwater clean up visibility training dive is breathing through and his love for explor- days in an effort to pre- at Lake Travis in Texas, the air tank can enter ing new bodies of water serve aquatic habitats Wishart explains how the body and start to to encourage him to and environments for extremely dark the wa- bubble under the skin. make more, improving endangered species. ters were - even darker More extreme cases of dive after dive. “I remember having to than previous dives. haste resurfaces have go through a cave to get Divers would get mere been harsh nerve dam- to our diving site. The inches away from each age or even death due hole we had to get into other and they would to the bubbling of the was pretty big,” Wishart fail to be able to see brain. said. each other. He remem- One trip stood out On a trip to Cenote El bers the team even- the most, however. On a dive in Santa Catalina, the divers swam inch- es away from a 30-foot whale shark. One of the divers even twisted a plastic bottle to imitate the cracking of bones, waking up the nearby white tip reef sharks. “I remember one of the divers had this plas- tic bottle, and he start- 11 Swim Team Makes a Comeback THE NEST members have all returned “Big returners for us meet. However, we’re going with their game faces on. are Kevin Han, Ben Sip- to rise to the challenge,” They hold great determina- pel, John Kuhlmann, and Eikrem said. “Taylor and

November 2020 tion to make this year their Drew Ladner.” Eikrem Seven Lakes are our big- best one yet. Even with a said. “We’ve also got some gest competition. They have Despite having deadly pandemic, the team fantastic newcomers, our strong teams on both the a long break from is far from backing down. freshmen girls have some boys and the girls side.” the icy, chilled “We don’t have starters heavy hitters this year, Ava Staff Writer waters, the swim for swimming, but we do LaBrose, Jordan Mussel- teams are now have a phenomenal senior man, and Ellory Ram.” back and better boys team this year, with There are also many new than ever as they lots of returning varsity challenges approaching the prepare for big members,” Eikrem said. teams this year like UIL and things during this “Most of our senior varsity competing against other tal- Ella Ray Ella unpredictable swimmers have been with ented athletes while follow- school year. Head the team all four years.” ing strict health guidelines. Coach Kather- Looking forward to this The teams know that this is ine Eikrem and Assistant year, despite the chang- quite the obstacle and are Coach Marie Henkhaus es, there are many big proceeding with any regu- have been persistent on returning swimmers that lations necessary. With this building bonds before pick- are excited to reunite the information in their heads, ing their team captains for team again. Stringing along the members continue to the sake of the team and its the side of them, there are rise above and beyond with well being. multiple new members their practices, ensuring “We haven’t picked joining and giving their all their sweet victories. Junior Joni McGillis andfresh- captains yet because we’re to the team. Needless to say, “The UIL changed our focused on developing lead- man Ellory Ram work together the students are looking advancing criteria, so now to prepare for this season. ership among our seniors,” forward to connecting and it’s going to be much much Bonding has always lead the Eikrem said. making strong bonds with harder to make it to the team to victory. This season, the varsity their teammates. Region meet and the State Photo By Bridgette Foit

Athletic Trainers On Field Restrictions The trainers just have to at risk, they know if they rules the football season will Football is back follow some additional reg- don’t be socially distant and be cancelled,” said Mifsud. and the athletic ulations regarding sharing that if they don’t follow the Staff Writer trainers are ready water, limiting capacity and and happy to the amount of interpersonal help the coaches contact. and athletes. Of “ I wouldn’t say it’s hard- course it is not er than last year, we still back to normal, have to do our job,” said on field assistance Mifsud. “We just have to Alkhatab Mizyed is limited and the control our time and how amount of players many players we can have they can help is at once.,” limited as well. A lot of people have had “The players have to wear concerns of trusting the a mask on the sideline and football team to socially they have to bring their distance during a game or own water bottles, wear a during practice. People are mask as much as possible not worried about the play- and follow social distancing ers following the rules, they guidelines on the sideline. are just worried about the We also can’t have a lot of virus. There is no vaccine players at one time so we for this virus and it moves have to adjust our time,” freely, but the players are Junior Cierra Gordan rushes Junior Valerie Benitez gives the said Claire Mifsud, assis- required to have a mask across the field with water team the hydration that they tant athletic trainer. with them while on the bottles in hand. Athletic trainers need. During long practices, Not many changes have sidelines. are determined to keep their refreshing breaks are what happened for the Athletic “ The players are doing a athletes healthy. held the team together. Photo By Camvy Tu Trainers, it’s still the same. great job, they know what’s Photo By Camvy Tu 12

THE NEST Tennis Team Swings Forward

team is packed with return-

2020 November ing starters and players from last year’s successful With sweat team with an exception of dripping down some promising, new faces. Staff Writer their foreheads, “Most of the team are the tennis team is returners with the exception ready to pick up of freshmen Gabri Salyards those cool, metal and Keira Mason and new- rackets and put in comers like 11th graders all of their blood, Natalie Kha and Kristina sweat and tears. Vasylchuk,” Martinez said. Ella Ray Ella Their eyes burn With the deadly pandem- bright with deter- ic still around and lurking, mination as they the tennis team has faced Junior Nicole XU practices her swing by paying start to begin their season. many difficult challenges attention to the ball. Photo by: Arantza Head Coach Josh Martinez like a scarcity of members Dominguez Canela and Assistant Coach Craig as well as continued con- Mason are excited to dive cerns of safety during this said, “And we have less circumstances are. into this year’s agenda by time. Although this year athletes on the team due to “Seven Lakes is our picking their team cap- will be inconsistent and Covid concerns.” biggest competition because tains. unpredictable, the coaches Even though this year whenever we play them, it’s “11th grader Charlie are trying their very best to will be quite different, the always been at the district Kuchler , 12th graders Na- preserve the team’s health one thing that will stay ab- championship for the last thalia Fernandez and Ava and well being. solutely the same is com- four years. We always have Melaerts will be our team “We had to scale down petition. The silent rivalry them circled on our sched- captains for this year,” Mar- our schedule a bit due to between Seven Lakes and ule and work to peak right tinez said. different districts in the area Tompkins will continue to as we play them,” Martinez This season, the tennis canceling on us,” Martinez strive no matter what the said. Golf Coach Excited For The Upcoming Season Last year, “I am really excited for The golf course is the golf team was this season, new players already distanced and looking great. They and a new season. The girls they still have to wear Staff Writer were hoping they are going to have to show masks, so the contam- would win their up and I am excited to see ination is not really a first district title. what is going to happen.I problem.” Sadly, Covid-19 believe they will do great,” The team’s came around caus- said Mudd. biggest competitors ing their season to There are not as many are Cinco Ranch and be cancelled. changes for the boys team. Seven Lakes. They are Alkhatab Miyed Alkhatab “We were look- All four varsity players from both the best in the ing great last year, last year are returning, and district, and are one It was the best team the experience they have is of the best golf pro- I coached,” said Coach Jeff good, seniors Colt Tenpany grams in the state. The Mudd. “Our roster was and Jeff Borchet both re- Cinco boys team and stacked, both boys and turned for their third season Seven Lakes girls team girls.” of varsity golf. However, are Tompkins biggest A lot of roster changes there are some younger threat to winning its have happened this year, players who lack experience, first district title.In not for the boys team, but and others are trying to hopes of starting the Junior Johnny Mathews plays in his first for the girls team. All the manage attending practices season right, varsity tournament this year. Photo by: Ezri varsity girls were not on while doing KVA played their first tour- Terry varsity last year, all of the “ All my boys are return- nament on Oct. 8 at girls varsity Golf players ing this year, Colt Tenpany the Eagle Pointe course. our best. I am excited for from last year graduated, is coming back to his third “Cinco’s boys team is this season,” “ and I am but even with all these year of varsity and so is very good and so is the Sev- hoping for a district title, changes Coach Mudd seems Jeff Borchet,” said Nudd. “I en Lakes girls team. They our first district title soon,” pretty confident in his would say the most chal- both are historically known said Mudd. girls and is excited for this lenging thing this year is to be a tough competition season. managing KVA students. and they push us to play That’s a 13 2020 November THE NEST

Editor In Chief Idea NovelWhen Eleanor violently abusive stepfather. from being strangers to first came back to Standing up for herself, inseparable, constantly re- AAtt aa GGllaancence her mother’s home, even for a spare cent to lying on one another for so- she had no expec- spend on her love of music lace in a world that seemed itle tations that things or pants that actually fit, to find joy in hurting them. T : had changed- and was out of the question, When they were together, no idea how much especially when her moth- nothing changed, not really. Eleanor and Park they soon would. er bent to Richie’s every But for Eleanor and Park, She was a stranger demand. everything transformed in Author: in her own fami- Then, there was Park. every way that mattered. ly, even before her On the outside, everything Bus rides with the high Rainbow Rowell Sneha Raghavan mom’s new husband about his life was perfect- school troublemakers went had thrown Eleanor he had all the comics he from bearable to exhila- Genre: out for a year. desired and parents who rating as new music and In small-town Omaha, were still very much in love. shared comic books brought Young adult, Realistic Eleanor was everything But being the only half- the two misfits together. Ev- she should not have been. Asian family in a dominant- ery moment spent together Fiction On the outside, she was ly white town meant that was perfect and safe, but a walking invitation to be Park was always somehow every moment apart was Content: bullied- baggy men’s clothes, inferior. His Korean mother just waiting for something puffy red hair, too much of did everything she could to to go wrong. As they fell TW: Bullying, her in all the wrong places. turn herself into a proper first into friendship, then Behind the closed doors lady, while his American into love, Eleanor and Park of her decrepit home were father kept him masterfully learned to hold onto the mo- Mentions of a bathroom with no door, trained in Tae Kwon Do and ments that mattered most, younger siblings growing up made sure Park could never especially when the world abuse too soon, and their familial tell him that he wanted to tried to wrench them away. dictator, Richie- Eleanor’s be anything less than an Rowell tells their tale as ideal man. more than just a love story. Eleanor and Park follows Every moment with the

How are you planning to spend Thanksgiving break? the story of two broken kids pair is a lesson in social Dilan Ray, who find out what it means expectations- and just how Senior to find your first love. Both freeing it can be when they I am going to stay home craved a life beyond the are overcome. Rowell con- this year and vibe with my confines set by the people stantly experiments with family. around them, but they soon describing Eleanor’s mas- realize that when dealing culinity, set against Park’s with social judgment, facing embrace of his femininity, the world together may and depicts how neither just be what they needed to discovery is done to make a Rowan Wilson, emerge stronger. Park be- statement. Instead, the sto- Junior came one of the only people ry spins itself into a prime I am going to San Antonio who acknowledged Elea- example of how, despite to visit family. nor’s insecurities without being surrounded by all the judging her for them, while wrong people, one right per- Eleanor became the first to son can shatter the stifling see Park as something more stereotypes set for the self. than the shy, skinny Asian At its core, Eleanor and Frank Booth, kid. Park shows that a first love Sophomore The pair’s first meeting is more than just saying “I on the bus while head- love you”. When it is true, I’m planning on spending ing to 10th grade set off a love is perfect in its imper- time with my family in a get spiral that forced them to fection. Rowell’s novel cre- together during my thanksgiv- bring their hidden hard- ates a masterful connection ing break. ships to light. The author, between hidden, individual Rainbow Rowell, tells their stories, and the freedom story through an outsider’s of giving secrets away to Ryleigh Loveless, voice while also switching someone who truly cares

FALCON CRIES Freshman between each character’s to catch them before they viewpoint to reveal every disappear. In the end, the I think I’m going to stay detailed moment of both minute details exchanged home or go to my grandpar- their individual lives and from one person to another ents house. time together. Throughout are what give meaning to the novel, the pair goes those three little words. 14

THE NEST Dune Returns November 2020 Moviegoers were based on the first half of the going to conspire against him leads Atreides and his excited for the new original Dune novel with a him once he arrives on the wife, Lady Jessica, into the

Staff writer film adaptation second movie covering the planet and destroy him. deep desert of Arrakis. of the 1965 novel remaining parts of the book. After taking control of Denis Villeneuve is Dune, written by The plot is set around the melange mining oper- planning on continuing the Frank Herbert. Leto Atreides, the ruler of ation and battling off the Dune series in the future, The film is being the ocean planet Caladan, persistent attacks of giant although plans have not directed by Denis ordered by Padishah Em- man-eating sandworms, a been officially announced Villeneuve, the peror Shaddam IV to serve betrayal committed by the yet. director of Arrival as the ruler of Arrakis, also very person who assigned and Blade Runner known as Dune. The planet 2049. All previous home of the only source of Tristan Beach Tristan attempts at movie an extremely valuable and adaptations have rare drug substance in the never been successful, all universe, melange, which of which became colossal extends the life span of hu- commercial failures. Never mans and allows for space receiving the hype and rev- travel faster than the speed enue needed to break even, of light. He brings his son, let alone make a sequel. Paul Atreides and lover, Starring popular actors Lady Jessica to be advisers. and actresses, like Zendaya, Atreides knows the true Dave Bauista, and Jason reason for being assigned to Momoa, the film, scheduled Arrakis, however. His ene- to be released on Dec. 18, mies, Emperor Shaddom IV is based on the original among them, wants to get plot of the book. Villeneuve rid of Atreides. He predicts stated that his film will be Emperor Shaddam IV is Photo by Chiabella James, provided by Vanity Fair. Would You Rather: Superhero Edition

1. Would you rather fight Batman or the Joker? 7. Would you rather fight Black Widow or

Wonder Woman? Staff writer 2. Would you rather be friends with Superman or Iron man? 8. Would you rather have the power to fly or create fire? 3. Would you rather binge watch all of the Harry Potter movies or all Marvel movies? 9. Would you rather have superpowers or super weapons? 4. Would you rather be a part of the Friends group or a part of the Mamma Mia girls? 10. Would you rather be rich or be a genius? Hummeldorf Ella

5. Would you rather fight alongside the Marvel superhe- 11. Would you rather have a sidekick or fly solo? roes or the D.C superheroes? 12. Would you rather save Quicksilver or Yondu? 6. Would you rather be best friends with Thor or Loki? Brianna Plake 15 New Coffee Shops Business Manager Kona Reserve- Blockhouse Black THE Open In Katy NEST Located on 1463, Coffee- Rock this coffee shop Across the street Summer Moon Kona Roastery- serves high quality from Tompkins, Block- Opening during Coffee coffee with beans Coffee- Bar- November 2020 house coffee has added On Kingsland the summer, Kona from Kona, Hawaii. Located off of a location. Blockhouse Boulevard, Sum- Roastery is located off Not only do they serve the Grand Parkway, Coffee originally had a mer Moon coffee of Cinco Ranch. They coffee, but they also Black Rock Coffee location in Richmond, has opened over the serve a wide variety serve teas, smoothies, bar opened in the but after being open for summer. This cafe of options from coffee ice blended drinks, early months of 2020. many years they decid- is a franchise that is and tea, all the way desserts, Hawaiian Black Rock Coffee Bar ed to expand further located all over Texas to lunch items and musubi, and house sells a large variety into Katy. Blockhouse in places like Austin, pastries. During these sandwiches.The cafe of drinks from the Coffee not only serves San Antonio and San times of Covid they was established in classic coffee all the coffee, but also serves Marcos. At Summer have also adapted 2020 and this is their way to smoothies. breakfast, lunch and Moon Coffee they sell by adding curbside first location. During Customers are also pastries. During this pastries and coffee, pickup. For the this time of social dis- able to buy packages time of quarantine they the coffee is available entire week they are tancing they also offer of ground coffee they have added the option in packages as well. open from 6:00a.m.- their services through can make at home. of curbside pickup They are open from 6:00p.m. takeout. Their This cafe is open sev- during their hours of 7:00a.m.-6:00p.m., hours are 6:30a.m.- en days a week from 7:00a.m.-4:00p.m., seven days a week. 6:00p.m., seven days seven days a week. 5:00a.m.-9:00p.m. a week.

Photo by Trey Whitney

Photo by Trey Whitney Photo by Trey Whitney Photo by Trey Whitney Photo by Trey Whitney

Co- Managing Editor Ever wondered how tiple edits and changes. It takes Behind The Scenes of the magazine that you writers around one week to get are currently reading each story drafted, and another was created? Want to to make important edits before The Nest/Nestline know what goes on it is published. And although Nestline, the school’s online After working on the aesthetics behind the scenes, the end product looks effortless, newspaper. Newspaper writers of the page, continuously mak- or how to join the there are many phases that release two rounds of articles ing revisions and alterations, crew? Keep reading to need to be completed before every month, and make sure the magazine is ready to be learn more about the writers can even start putting to address the most contempo- printed. process - from brain- their words on paper. Before rary, fascinating and relatable Once the full magazine is storming all the way to each issue of the magazine, or content. With multiple inter- thoroughly looked over, it is publishing - and how each article on the online news- esting features, news, enter- sent to be printed. In a matter Vaishnavi Bhat Vaishnavi you can be a part of paper is ready to be published, tainment and sports articles, of a few days, shipments of the team and help put there are many steps that need http://thenestline.com/ is a many copies are sent to the out amazing stories! to be followed. must-visit for students of all school, and they are ready to The Nest, our school mag- The process starts with a interests. be delivered into the hands of azine, is a product created group brainstorming session, After writers create their first interested readers - students, through the teamwork of many where all the creative minds are drafts, editors come in and help teachers, and parents alike. creative individuals. All the put to work in order to come them revise their articles, mak- Going from just an idea to a full student-writers who currently up with attention-grabbing and ing them more concise, or add- creation is a long but rewarding help produce these articles informative story ideas. Brain- ing more color to their words. and pleasant process, allowing took a Journalism class first, storming sessions are where all With those suggestions, writers readers and writers like to enjoy where they learned everything the bright ideas come together, create another draft and submit the final artifact. there is to know about layouts, and where the staff plans out it to the advisor, to get any final To those interested, be- writing and telling stories. all the stories they will be pub- feedback and corrections before coming a writer for the school Journalism is what trains the lishing online or printing in the they save their final draft. Once magazine and online newspaper writers to put out professional upcoming issue. After brain- the story goes through all these requires just creativity, passion, and creative content for every- storming, writers begin pre- changes, it is ready to be placed and effort from the beginning to one to enjoy. Along with the paring for their stories, finding onto a page and beautified with finish. With the help of a Jour- writers and editors, photogra- students and staff to interview, an attractive layout. nalism course, motivation, and phers also constantly strive to or researching facts and details Using Adobe InDesign and the desire to be a part of some- help make each story come to for their final result. Photoshop, and numerous thing great, anyone can become life on paper. Every month, while half of creative styles, the magazine a staff writer, and collaborate The paragraphs that are the students are assigned to writers embellish their stories, with other individuals to create put out by the staff writers are write articles for the magazine, adding pictures, backgrounds, work that is fascinating from a result of many long steps, The Nest, the other half focuses captions and riveting titles to start to end. numerous long days, and mul- on publishing exclusives on The attract readers to their stories. 16

THE CrossCross CountryCountry NEST Cross Country photos by Taylor Hobson November 2020

VolleyballVolleyball Volleyball photos by Amber Gibson

Ella Hummeldorf FootballFootball Football photos by Caleigh Hommel Layout Editor