News that Stands Out
THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School
September 2026
4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401
EHS gathers for the in-person annual Club Fair
www.ehshouston.org
Volume 42, Issue 2
Spirit Week festivities kick off Homecoming Students show off their style with a fun week of themes
PAIGE PAN Opinions Editor With the start of a new school year comes new opportunities to get involved. This year, Episcopal High School offers 34 clubs for students to explore, ranging from academic and service organizations to creative, recreational and interest-based groups. Students had the chance to discover these opportunities at the EHS Club Fair, where each club hosted a booth featuring posters, information and student representatives. This year was the first year in which the Club Fair was held in person in the Alkek gym, a shift from previous years where students met in advisory. Past years featured interactive slide shows and videos from each club that showcased the benefits of joining. This year, representatives were able to engage and interact with interested students, answer questions, and give them a better understanding of what each club offers. Many students note more interactive booths compared to previous years, creating a far more engaging atmosphere for everyone. Among the clubs available this year are several new organizations, including Chess Club, Communications Club, Drunk Driving Awareness, FC Ultimate Club, Floor Hockey Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Pokémon Club, and many more. With such a wide range of interests represented, students had plenty of opportunities to find and explore a variety of activities that match their passions or discover something completely new. The Club Fair provided an opportunity to explore their options and talk directly with club members. After registration, clubs began contacting their members with information about upcoming meetings and other activities. Students with questions or concerns about a specific club are greatly encouraged to reach out to the club’s faculty sponsor. Whether students are looking to build new skills, meet people with similar interests or simply try something different, EHS’s 34 clubs offer plenty of ways to become more involved in the school community.
INSIDE
EHS students dress up as notable celebrities, from Adam Sandler to Abby Lee Miller and icons such as Michael Jackson and Joja Siwa, among others, in the Spirit Week Fashion Show. Photo by Caroline Buja. WILLIAM FITTS Staff Writer
“Student Body President Juliet Egan said Spirit Week “is the perfect way to show off your Knight pride - whether it’s through dressing up, cheering enthusiastically, or participating in the annual Homecoming raffle.” Learn more about Spirit Week on Page 2
EHS Knights have a galactic time at Homecoming KARIANA CARLSON Executive Editor On Saturday, September 26, Episcopal students traded the usual Homecoming routine for an evening in a galaxy far, far away. From 8-10:00 p.m., students gathered for Galactic Knights, a Star Warsinspired night designed to bring the EHS community together for a dance. From the moment students stepped onto campus, the week promised to bring a little more excitement, a little more school spirit, and perhaps, a few intergalactic surprises. Prior to the dance, Homecoming Weekend began on Friday as the Knights battled Second Baptist under the Friday Night Lights. Then, the celebration continued Saturday as students arrived dressed in their best galactic-themed dresses, ready to have some fun on the dance floor. EHS welcomed graduates back to campus at the Alumni Tent, a place to reconnect with classmates, catch up with friends, and enjoy Homecoming together. Starting at 6:00 p.m., alumni and their families stopped by for complimentary food and refreshments, EHS swag and giveaways, and face painting before cheer-
ing on the Knights. Alumni Council members were there to welcome graduates and join in the Homecoming festivities. Homecoming is a special opportunity to welcome alumni back to EHS, reconnect with old friends, and share favorite school traditions with the next generation of Knights. It’s another way EHS continues to strengthen connections with alumni long after graduation and remind them that they will always be part of the EHS community. Once a Knight, always a Knight.
The dance was open to EHS students, whether they arrived alone, with a friend, in a group, or with a date. Tickets were only $20 and were available during lunch from September 15-25 and at the door. For those who were ready to fully commit to the theme, Galactic Knights t-shirts were available for purchase during lunch as well. Whether you showed up ready to channel your inner Jedi or simply looked for a night to hang out with friends, Galactic Knights was an evening worth attending.
Stormtrooper Parks Gregg, Yoda-ish Olivia Gregor, and R2D2 Liz Heyburn lead the celebration at the Homecoming pep rally. Photo by Laney Hill.
DIA Mix and Mingle
Student Spending
DIA hosts annual event open to all families
How should students budget and spend?
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Features ......................... Culture ........................... Entertainment ............... Economics ..................... Opinion ....................... Sports ............................ Knight Shift ..................
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Features ∙ Page 2
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
DIA Mix and Mingle brings EHS EHS STUCO gets creative with Homecoming Spirit Week themes families and students together ANYA KALE Features Editor EHS Diversity in Action (DIA) hosted its yearly Mix in Mingle on Sunday, September 27, from 3:00-5:30 in the Underwood Student Center to attract new DIA members and bring current members together. At the Mix and Mingle, EHS students, families, and staff members engaged in fun, social icebreakers. For example, attendees conversed with their peers about their favorite vacations, foods, areas of study, and the other activities. Teachers and staff received printed invite cards from DIA members and EHS food staff generously catered for the community event. DIA’s Mix and Mingle allows non-EHS students and faculty to be involved in DIA and the Episcopal community by extension. For example, numerous parents, siblings, even grandparents have attended the Mix and Mingle every year. This event marks a major achievement for DIA as a student organization.
DIA achieved a record number of participants in its Leadership Council and Steering Committee, with 12 and 24 students respectively. Additionally, this year includes two elected freshmen participants in the Steering Committee. The Leadership Council now features three distinct groups that organize communications, programming, and operations. Four days before the Mix and Mingle, DIA hosted their first membership drive in Scurlock Gym on September 23 and gave new freshmen the opportunity to meet more people and helped all new members become involved in one of the largest EHS student organizations. DIA president Julia Levan reflected on the preparation for the mix and mingle: “We’ve been cutting out the invite cards since August; so much planning has gone into this event, and I hope it encourages students to join DIA.” DIA’s next general membership meeting will take place on October 27 during community time and will feature cultural events and cultural food provided by the the Heritage Clubs.
WILLIAM FITS Staff Writer EHS Spirit Week was from September 21-26, ending with the Galactic Knightthemed Homecoming football game against Second Baptist. In preparation for the spirited week, Homecoming tickets and t-shirt sales began on September 15. To kick off the festivities, Student Council presented a fashion show to the student body. The short but sweet catwalk by students set the tone for the following week’s inspiring outfit choices while also providing Episcopropriate examples. During the week, the Knights enjoyed a wide array of themes. Some highlights included Jersey Monday, Throwback Thursday, and Twin Wednesday. Senior Ballard Hill particularly enjoyed jersey Monday, when he wore an Emmitt Smith jersey. He added how he looks forward to Spirit Week every year because the opportunity to wear something different “offers a change-up to
the sometimes-monotonous weeks of the school year.” The week ended with the second school pep rally. The pep rally, the first of the year taken place during school hours, provided a chance for the whole school to celebrate Episcopal’s diverse and communal culture. The event included performances from the cheer and dance teams, gradelevel competitions, and the inclusion of many faculty and staff. In addition, the pep rally featured one of Episcopal’s most cherished traditions - the annual danceoff between football players, gong squad members, cheerleaders, and MC. Homecoming was a fundraiser for the Sophomore Class’s future prom. Student Body President Juliet Egan said Spirit Week “is the perfect way to show off your Knight pride - whether it’s through dressing up, cheering, or participating in the annual Homecoming raffle.” She added that the week helps get the student body excited for the culminating Homecoming dance on Saturday.”
Jewish Heritage Club prepares to celebrate a month of high holidays ANYA KALE Features Editor This September is the month of High Holidays in Jewish culture. Jews around the world celebrate Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah in the first month of the civil Jewish year, known as Tishrei. EHS Jewish Heritage Club is planning to celebrate this year with traditional food and customs in a vibrant celebration of culture. Rosh Hashanah began on Sunday, September 13, at sundown, marking the start of the Jewish year 5787, while Yom Kippur began at sundown on Sunday, September 20, and ended on Monday the 21st at nightfall. Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish New Year, the creation of Adam and Eve, and serves as a time for prayer, reflection, and judgment. Traditionally, Jews will blow a ram’s horn known as a shofar and eat apples and honey, which represent the
hope and prayer for a good, sweet year. Yom Kippur is Judaism’s holiest day, literally translated as ‘Day of Atonement.’ On Yom Kippur, Jews believe that judgement is sealed, and Jews observe a full day of fasting, extended prayer, and seeking forgiveness. Jewish Heritage Club will honor these holidays with celebratory foods such as the apple dipped in honey or challah (braided, circle shaped bread that represents the cyclical nature of life). This school year, the club features a full board of directors: Marni Chosnek and Vera Jacobs (Co-Presidents), Max Fertman (Vice President), Ava Chosnek and Annabel Turowsky (Co-Directors of Programming), and Galya Chosnek (Social Media Manager). Junior Galya Chosnek is “excited for the upcoming year, especially with an expanded board of directors,” and she hopes “to expand the club through DIA, host more events, and bring EHS together.”
Mr. Harrison starts his EHS journey PATRICIA CASAHUGA LEMGRUBER Staff Writer Wondering what a Kinkaid Falcon is doing on the EHS campus? Don’t worry, it is our new Dean of Arts and future speech teacher, Mr. Charles Harrison, who has traded in his feathers for a Knight’s helmet as of his first day on July 1. Harrison described his start as a peaceful and needed time used to get accustomed to the school and its campus without the added duty of classes to teach. Once school started, Harrison described how welcomed he was by faculty and staff and how he has loved seeing familiar faces from when he taught at Presbyterian School. Harrison’s daily schedule varies as he works by a “dynamic day” schedule. Along with scheduled board meetings and reports, things come up that might take a day or two that Harrison must dedicate his time to, or he might observe different classrooms around the new building to make sure everything is working the way it should. In addition to keeping the new Crain-
Galloway Center running, Harrison has been reaching out to different organizations for partnerships, like AFA (the American Festival for the Arts), to share the new space and bring more publicity to the arts center. Harrison is also looking forward to the challenge of learning from and meeting more students this year as he teaches Speech in the spring semester. Harrison’s overall goals for his super “official-sounding position,” as he calls it, are to elevate the arts consistently by advertising and updating our school’s arts Instagrams. He also hopes that people come to EHS for the arts - all arts, not just dance and musical theatre, but our incredible yearbook, photography, and moviemaking teams. Harrison hopes that every student walks out of an arts class having learned something about themselves, found their perspective and voice in such a busy world, and built the most important of arts - collaboration and community. As a final thought, Harrison loves Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean; he’s always “working late because he’s a singer” and hopes to post a “House Tour” of the CGCA for all future Knights to see.
Liz Heyburn, Paige Berger, Eleni Gagliardi, Sophia Ibarra, and Grace Donovan sport their middle school uniforms for throwback day. Photo by Caroline Buja.
The Knight Times Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77450 713-512-3400 Head of School Mr. Ned Smith
Copy Editor Julia Levan Features Editor Anya Kale Opinions Editor Paige Pan
Associate Heads of School The Rev. Tyler Montgomery Mrs. Evelyn Cambria
Sports Editor Clayton Cox
Dean of Academics Mr. Andrew Clack
Social Media Coordinator Bentley Beich
Dean of Students Mr. Isaiah Coleman
Staff Writers Scarlett Schmitt Patricia Casahuga Lemgruber Sophie Hays Charlie Stasney William Fitts Bear Thomas
Dean of Arts Mr. Charles Harrison Visual Arts Chair Mr. Japheth Storlie Publications Coordinator Mr. David Framel Editors-in-Chief Daria Massey Caroline Johnson Executive Editor Kariana Carlson Senior Editor Charlotte Mehnert Production Editor Mimi Wright
Photojournalism Instructor Ms. Kelly Quarles Photojournalism Editors Jack Zoeller Laney Hill, Assistant Editor Photographers Piper Beck Caroline Buja Peyton Stewart Adaline Bailey Sadie Lawrence Noah Baltodano Emerson Kovacs Carter Rose Alex Neuhaus
The Knight Times is a product of students in the Episcopal High School newspaper class, who are solely responsible for its creation and editorial content. The opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the Episcopal Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff. Published ten times a year, The Knight Times is a non-profit educational tool. The staff encourages the submission of letters, editorials, and story ideas from the community, but reserves the right to edit and/or use said articles.
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
Features ∙ Page 3
Artists and athletes showcase EHS spirit for friends and families WILLIAM FITTS Staff Writer Arts and Athletics Knight took place on September 11 and highlighted the wellrounded nature of Episcopal’s extracurricular activities. Parents, Knight prospects, and other attendees kicked off the two-hour event by indulging in the Dads Club’s signature bacon-wrapped quail. Additionally, the annual Senior Banner signing took place, continuing a long lasting EHS tradition. The banner, which will be hung up in the USC building, represents the Class of 2027’s legacy for the rest of the year. The highlight of the Knight, however, was the school-wide pep rally in preparation for the football game against Fort
Bend Christian. Parents watched performances from the impact dance team and the three cheerleading teams. In addition, they experienced Knight spirit through the Gong Squad and the MCs. Spectators saw first-hand the balance Episcopal facilitates between its arts and athletics programs through senior twins Jordan and Lauren Young, who perform in both Impact Dance and Varsity cheerleading. The twins have been involved in the arts and athletics pillars since their freshman year. They enjoy balancing the “teamwork of the cheer program” with their passion for “choreographing dances.” They also said that their ability to effectively juggle the two stems from “the faculty and staff’s support system all around them at Episcopal.”
Slice of LILY PARSAPOUR Guest Writer Hello, and welcome back, everyone! I’m Lily Parsapour, the current Math Club president, and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for Math Club and for all of you. I hope you all had an incredible summer and are settling back in nicely. Returning to school may be daunting and, for our newcomers, probably a bit scary, but fret not! Here at Math Club, we welcome you with open arms, always. We encourage you to explore, inquire, create, and compete to your heart’s content, whatever that may be. We already had two math club meetings in September and Math Madness, a thrilling weekly national math bracket compe-
Like all school events, careful planning goes into ensuring a successful knight. According to Dean of Arts Mr. Charles Harrison, “Mr. Bove and Mrs. Lonnecker do all the leg work to provide the structure of the evening in addition to the army of student ambassadors.”
The Knight also emphasized the strong relationship between the arts and athletics pillars. Harrison added that the event allowed for “students and parents to see what it means to do it all at Episcopal and a great example of how students can stand out.”
Senior Jackson Doty and Junior Heath Marks fight for a spot and grade-level win in musical chairs. Photo by Charles Holt.
tition also began in September. Ahead of us lie many exciting opportunities to grow our math skills and bond with each other. The AMC, another national math competition, is in November, and we have a variety of other math competitions, including the UH Math Competition, the Steven H. Strogatz Prize for Math Communication, HiMCM and M3 (for juniors and seniors), and many more. In addition to competitions, we also have fun schoolwide Math Celebrations, including Fibonacci Day and Pi Day. Lastly, if you’d like to keep current and support Math Club outside of school, please follow us on Instagram @ehsmathclub! And if you didn’t sign up for Math Club at the Club Carnival, it is never too late to join Math Club.
Seniors inducted into NHS CLAYTON COX Sports Editor National Honor Society is a student organization which recognizes well-rounded achievers from across the society. At EHS, Ms. Moake and Ms. Rahman are in charge of all NHS activities. NHS induction took place on September 23 for all new recruits. We interviewed Ms. Moake for details on NHS and the induction. Ms. Moake stated that, “membership in NHS is an honor earned through meeting established academic and service requirements and demonstrating a commitment to leadership and serving others.” To be considered, you need to have a minimum GPA of 3.7 over the course of the entire year, participate in volunteer work, and show your ability to lead others and demonstrate their character, dedication, and commitment. So, what are the benefits of joining NHS? The most major benefit is that NHS is a very attractive part of a student’s resumes, and having it will definitely help the college application process. The
second most major benefit is that all NHS members will be given a special graduation tassel to wear during the graduation ceremony. Students will have the opportunity to run for positions within NHS leadership, such as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and parliamentarian. Elections for this year’s leadership team were held during the third week of September. Currently, the NHS president for EHS is Hunter Chitty. The vice president is Grant Evans, Will Tompson is parliamentarian, Nick Hendrics is the secretary, and Gwen Leach is the treasurer. All students who are looking to join NHS should keep checking their inbox for emails from Ms. Moake or Ms. Rahman. Ms. Moake confirmed some details about the induction ceremony, “new members are formally welcomed into NHS and recognized for earning membership. There will be an explanation of NHS and its four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. There will also be a lighting of candles or another symbolic ceremony representing the four pillars.”
EHS inductees into the National Honor Society. Photo by Emerson Kovacs.
EHS introduces new nutrition class in the Science Department MIMI WRIGHT Production Editor The new nutrition class at Episcopal, taught by Mrs. Kylee Welch, explains to students the importance of what goes into the body and how to differentiate the scientific truth behind food intake from what is projected by the media. Welch says the idea for the course grew out of her own background in Food Science at Texas A&M. She found her major fascinating and has worked pieces of it into her chemistry classes for years. Students kept asking questions about food and nutrition, and she realized there was enough interest, and enough science, to build a whole course around it. Over the
summer, she also completed an online course through the National Nutrition Certification Program to refresh her knowledge before designing the class. When asked how the class can benefit students in real world scenarios, Welch shares that “nutrition and healthy living are everywhere on social media right now, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between someone sharing scientifically supported information and someone making claims simply to gain followers.” Current lessons on reading food labels correctly and spotting a true claim versus a marketing technique are proving extremely helpful for evaluating whether information is reliable or misleading. Students put this real-world tool to the test
recently when they were challenged to analyze a real bag of animal crackers and show they could correctly interpret the package and calculate its contribution to the average daily intake. A usual class period includes notes and discussion on the daily topic followed by a hands-on, real-world activity. Recent activities have included making a “Superfood Im-poster” (revealing the purely marketing intention behind the name and its lack of any tie to FDA approval), a Nutrition Label Scavenger Hunt, and designing ideal meal choices for an entire day. Welch hopes students leave her class equipped to make informed choices rather than simply believing what a package or post tells them.
Senior nutrition students Lillian Nicholson and Brooklyn Conte sort attributions of carbs, lipids, and proteins in a fun review game. Photo by Mimi Wright.
Culture ∙ Page 4
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
EHS students learn how to handle disagreements in the field of law PAIGE PAN Opinions Editor The creation of the Unity Council has been an ongoing initiative for months, with the goal of better understanding how the Episcopal community connects to school culture. The council was created to give leaders from five Heritage Groups greater agency within DIA while bringing different perspectives together to help shape the direction of the organization and the broader school community. The Unity Council will be composed of the DIA President, Heritage Group leaders, and two representatives from the Steering Committee. The council’s faculty advisor is Dr. Kanika Clark, and its members will meet separately once each quarter, or four times throughout the school year. During these meetings, representatives will come together to make decisions for future DIA events and meetings and consider how those decisions can be translated into action throughout the community. The council brings together leaders from the International Cross of Nails Schools (ICONS), African American Culture Club,
BENTLEY BEICH Social Media Coordinator As fall begins in Houston, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore the city. September marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from September 15 through October 15. For Houston, the month is especially meaningful because Hispanic culture has played a major role in the city’s food, music, art, businesses, and traditions. Throughout the month, celebrations across Houston give residents opportunities to experience different parts of Hispanic culture. The Fiestas Patrias International Parade brings colorful floats, mariachi music, folklórico dancers, lowriders, and school bands to downtown. Discovery Green also joins the celebration with Mexico en el Corazon, featuring traditional Mexican music, dancing, and
Greek Culture Club, Jewish Heritage Club, and South Asian Culture Club. Each group celebrates its respective culture and creates opportunities for students to learn from one another through meetings, events, and cultural displays. One example is Culture Fest, where students can share and experience different cultural traditions and cuisines within the EHS community. Although the Heritage Groups fall under the DIA umbrella, they also function as individual clubs. Each group can plan activities and events outside of DIA, while their meetings also take place during designated DIA meetings. Through the Unity Council, the leaders of these groups are able to bring the perspectives and ideas of their individual communities into larger DIA discussions. Ultimately, the Unity Council is intended to create greater communication and collaboration between the different groups within DIA. By bringing representatives together each quarter, the council provides a space for leaders to share perspectives, make decisions, and turn their ideas into strategies that can reach the broader EHS community.
colorful costumes. From October 9-11, the Bayou City Art Festival returns to Memorial Park, transforming the park into a massive outdoor gallery. Hundreds of artists from across the country will showcase work from 19 different art categories, including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, and more. But the weekend offers much more than walking around and looking at art. Visitors can meet artists, grab food from local vendors, and listen to live music. Even better, the organization| has donated more than $4 million to local nonprofits throughout its history, so the weekend also supports the Houston community. Whether you spend a weekend exploring art at Memorial Park or find a new way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, there are plenty of reasons to get out of the house this fall. These events offer an easy way to try something different while experiencing more of the culture and creativity found throughout Houston.
DARIA MASSEY Editor-in-Chief AP Government students and DIA members had the privilege of attending a fireside chat with Supreme Court Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor on September 17. The discussion was led by Ann Claire Williams, who previously served on the U.S. Court of Appeals. “My future is in your hands,” Sotomayor opened by telling the students. Throughout the discussion, the justices emphasized the power and responsibility that today’s youth hold in shaping America’s political future. They encouraged students to become informed, participate in civic life, and educate themselves about the country’s current political climate. Jackson explained that it is the responsibility of the younger generation to take an active role in addressing today’s challenges and find ways to improve them in the future. Students also heard about the justices’ childhoods and the influential experiences
A fireside chat with Supreme Court justices encouraged EHS students to pursue their goals. Photo courtesy of Kanika Clark.
PATRICIA CASAHUGA LEMGRUBER
Staff Writer
Looking for a perfect celebratory dinner after the final night of your show? Or needing a hearty meal after scoring the game-winning point for your team? Enoteca Rossa is the place to go.
Enoteca Rossa’s inviting short rib pasta. Photo courtesy of infatuation.com.
Houston celebrates Hispanic Heritage Week with the Houston Astros. Photo courtesy of mlb.com.
that inspired them to pursue careers in law and ultimately serve on the Supreme Court. Both women have made history, with Sotomayor becoming the first Latino and Puerto Rican justice and Jackson becoming the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Both Jackson and Sotomayor emphasized the importance of maintaining civil discourse in America’s increasingly polarized political climate. They shared how after each argument, all nine justices always attend lunch together, regardless of the outcome of the case. By intentionally setting aside their ideological disagreements, they make an effort to connect on a personal level and enjoy a meal together. Their camaraderie serves as an example of the importance of respectful conversation despite contrasting opinions. The fireside chat served as an opportunity to inspire students, encouraging them to pursue their goals with hard work and determination. The justices’ stories reminded students that their voices and actions can play a crucial role in shaping America’s future.
Only one block west of EHS, Enoteca serves as the easiest meetup spot for Knights and their families to grab a delicious bite. But don’t discredit Enoteca as just an easy assembly point from campus; the classic Italian menu will leave you coming back even during summer.
Step inside, and you’ll immediately feel the buzz. The bistro features an openkitchen floorplan which accentuates the lively and warm vibe of the restaurant. With music and classic Italian ballads always playing, it is impossible not to feel cozy as you watch artisanal pizzas going in and out of the wood-fired oven. One of Enoteca’s best qualities is how its specialties are always unique and as appetizing as the dinner dishes, but if in doubt, the short-rib ravioli will always leave you completely satisfied and in a near food coma. The dish features house made pasta stuffed with tender, slow-braised short-rib coated in a rich mushroom glaze sauce. The pasta is largely considered the restaurant’s signature meal as it combines authentic and homey Italian flavor with a hefty Texan cut of meat. To complement the luscious pasta, any selection of their classic Italian sodas will refresh your palate for the final star of the show - gelato from Gelato Rossa. The sister-concept gelateria owned by the same company sits directly next door, making it a must before heading home. Gelato Rossa presents around 16 different gelato flavors that can even be ordered directly to your table. The fresh and creamy sorbets close out the perfect night on a refreshing and content note.
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
Entertainment ∙ Page 5
HEAR ME OUT with Caroline Johnson
I’m calling it now - the best R&B album of the year was released this summer. The artist behind it happens to be one of my all-time favorites: London-based singer/ songwriter kwn. and all pride aside follows up her fantastic album with all due respect, but it’s clear that she’s bringing a new, more mature sound this time around. The album represents kwn’s decision to drop her defensive persona and release music that’s vulnerable and true to her life. She does this beautifully through a mix of serious remarks on love and grief intertwined with good, honest rap. After many listeners criticized the tough façade she was known to perform, kwn told Billboard, “I decided to delve more into how I’m feeling and let people know that I’m a normal human.” “idea of love” was a real gem in the “serious love ballad” category. In a great display of kwn’s unique music-production
techniques, she chose to have an orchestra play in the background, and I’m here for it. “rather never love again” was also a highlight. As for her more playful tracks, it’s clear that kwn had fun with this album. For one, and all pride aside features a stellar collaboration with rapper Ty Dolla $ign. Even better was the track “risk it all,” in which kwn sampled “Hot In Herre” by Nelly - a genius decision if you ask me. The album concludes with the track “heaven’s in your hands,” kwn’s final message to her fans. If you listen to anything from the album, let it be this. Although outwardly, the song tells the story of an emotionally disconnected relationship breaking up, to me, the lyrics represented kwn thanking her listeners and asking them to learn from her mistakes. “If I get one more chance / Oh, I am gonna say, ‘I love you,’ / Even though heaven’s in your hands.”
Touring Broadway musicals make a few stops in Houston SCARLETT SCHMITT Staff Writer Musicals are certainly making their mark in Houston. From The Music Man to hit classics like Mrs. Doubtfire, touring Broadway musicals are happening in Houston. Already kicking off this run, The Music Man has performed at the Hobby Center from September 15-27. Main character Harold Hill’s transformation from a con artist to a beloved community member created a heartwarming message over redemption. Apparent in numbers “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Shipoopi” and the impressive dancing with a comedic feel left the audience starstruck. But don’t fret, Mrs. Doubtfire will also be taking the stage October 13-25, ensuring many more laughs. This musical is based on the renowned 1993 Robin Williams film, with slight differences like the
musical numbers. Undergoing over 30 quick changes, crazy dance numbers, and difficult vocals, actor Craig Allen Smith will be taking on the role of Daniel Hillard. The story explores the realities of parenting and self-improvement, immediately drawing viewers in to see how those themes are translated through song and dance. This show is not one to miss. In contrast to the comedic energy of Mrs. Doubtfire, The Sound of Music from September 29-October 4 gives audiences a timeless story of romance and nostalgia. Dating all the way back to 1959, this original Broadway show has won five Tony Awards, establishing an impressive legacy. The music by Richard Rodgers represents the emotional freedom and ambition that the characters experience. Songs such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things” continue to bring immense joy to audiences generations later.
kwn’s promotes her new album “and all pride aside.” Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone.
Dune: The tale that reinvented the genre of science fiction CLAYTON COX Sports Editor Frank Herbert’s Dune is a story that is about more than the rise of Paul Muad’Dib Atrides; it is a political thriller and religious critique whose world building rivals Tolkien’s masterpieces. In advance of the final part of the movie trilogy releasing in December, it seems timely to do a review of the novel that revolutionized the sci-fi genre. Written in 1965, Dune is nearly 900 pages long. The story is divided into three distinct “books.” The first sets up the story, all of the setting, introduces the reader to the characters, and begins the story. I read the book over the summer, and this first part definitely seemed slow at times. The entirety of the first movie
is exclusively this first part. As someone who loves world building and the depths of storytelling, I loved this part. While it was weird reading the book after watching the movie, as many readers will, I can say that the book is much better. However, the buildup from the first few hundred words pays off in the second and third parts of the tripartite. The book picks up quickly, and it becomes very clear why this book is so widely praised. Herbert masterly blends ecology, futuristic politics, religion, and philosophy to create a story that is unique. Paul Atrides seems to be the “chosen one” or the hero of the story. But that quickly changes as his power grows out of control. I highly recommend Dune. Even if you are not a big sci fi fan, this book is a fantastic read.
A look at the new Spiderman: A Brand New Day with Tom Holland. Photo courtesy of Letterboxd.
A1 Cinema ANYA KALE Features Editor
The first two books in the Dune trilogy: Dune and Dune Messiah. Photo by The Washington Post.
Tom Holland’s second major blockbuster of the summer, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, grossed $2.4 billion at the box office in July, making it the third highest grossing movie of all time, and the popularity is well deserved. Director Destin Daniel Cretton’s creative vision was evident throughout the film with his highly stylized visuals and fight scenes. He is incredible at blending empathetic characters and action spectacle. This ability was captivating in his recent project: Shang Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings - arguably the best postEndgame MCU movie - and was key to why Brand New Day works. The ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home left viewers devastated as Peter Parker was forgotten by the world, but
Cretton continues this narrative and connects Peter’s deteriorating mental health to antagonist Jean Grey’s anger. I appreciated that Brand New Day continued that storyline and didn’t immediately reverse the effects of the previous film as it preserved the emotional impact of No Way Home’s ending. The emotional dialogue scenes were extremely poignant and well-written; specifically, Peter and MJ’s misleading conversation on a rooftop and Peter’s conversation with Jean Grey over loneliness and isolation. Although I liked Tom Holland’s performance in The Odyssey, I prefer him as Peter Parker significantly. He was endearing and truly embodied a ‘friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.’ However, Sadie Sink was the most impressive performance as she balanced sympathy and anger in her villainy. I can’t wait to see where she takes Jean Grey as we move into the new phase of X-Men.
Special Feature ∙ Page 6
WEATHER REPORT
HURRICANE SEASON #Knight Times News WHAT IS A HURRICANE?
STORMS THROUGHOUT HISTORY
HOW THEY ARE TRACKED
1900
On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, endured America’s deadliest storm to date, taking between 10,000 to 12,000 lives. Citizens of Galveston were unaware as to what was heading toward them, as they were not equipped with any advanced forecasting or wireless communication systems. With no warning or adequate time to prepare, the island of Galveston was hit with a category 4 hurricane with rapid 120-mph winds. The 16-foot storm surge was responsible for taking the majority of lives, as few could survive the rising saltwater. Citizens were quick to come together to honor the lives lost and restore their home. The island underwent significant grade raising, aiding the sewage systems and raising over 2,000 buildings. A board of three engineers pushed for a seawall to protect the island from any future devastating storms. Now a popular tourist attraction, the Galveston Seawall proved to be successful after sustaining hurricanes during 1909 and 1915 and continues to protect Galveston.
2005
Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in late August 2005 and is still one of the worst natural disasters the U.S. has ever seen. The storm arrived as a category 5 hurricane, slamming into Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In New Orleans, the levee system failed in multiple places, and floodwater covered about eighty percent of the city within days. More than 1,800 people died because of the storm, and hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes. Many never moved back. The total damage was over $125 billion, making Katrina one of the costliest storms on record. Katrina also showed how unprepared local and federal agencies were to handle a disaster of that size. The slow response led to criticism and pushed changes in how emergency management works. Twenty years later, people still study Katrina to understand what went wrong and how to do better next time.
2008
On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike touched down on Galveston Island, devastating communities along the upper Texas coast and the Houston area. This Category 4 storm led to a 12 to 15-foot storm surge across Harris County, and a 15 to 17-foot storm surge across Bolivar Peninsula, causing 1.2-1.5 million people to evacuate in designated evacuation zones before the hurricane made landfall. Thirty-four Texas counties were declared federal disaster areas, but Galveston County, Bolivar Peninsula, and Harris County faced the most destruction as 112,266 homes were left damaged, and 2,400 people were injured in Harris County alone. Ike was the third-costliest hurricane in U.S. history with an estimated $27 billion in U.S. damages. The recovery from Ike was a slow and multi-year process funded by federal grants of over $3.1 billion managed by the Texas General Land Office (GLO). These grants and action plans for Ike ended around the end of 2019, meeting the contract deadlines given by GLO.
2017
Special Feature ∙ Page 7
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
In August of 2017, Houston, and many other Southern United States cities experienced the costliest Hurricane of all time, Hurricane Harvey. This storm first touched down in Rockport, Texas, and when it had finished raining, there was over $125 billion in damages and over 100 confirmed deaths. According to The Texas Division of Emergency Management, Harvey “dumped more than 27 trillion gallons of rain over just Texas,” so much that the National Weather Service had to make a different color on meteorological maps just to show the sheer amount of rainfall. Some parts of Houston received over 50 inches of rainfall, making it one of the most deadly and costful weather events of all time. Across Houston, people were trapped in attics or basements, and many people volunteered their time and money to go out in rescue boats to save countless people. According to KSBW.com, this was one of the sole reasons Harvey’s death count was not much, much higher.
Photo courtsey of wfaa.com
THE NAMING PROCESS Long before a hurricane begins forming, its name has already been chosen. For Atlantic storms, the World Meteorological Organization maintains six lists of names that rotate every six years. Each list contains 21 names in alphabetical order, alternating between male and female names. The letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are skipped because there are not enough commonly used names beginning with these. A storm receives its name once sustained winds reach 39 mph, officially making it a tropical storm. If winds reach 74 mph, it becomes a hurricane but keeps the same name. Recently, Tropical Storm Dolly formed just days after the death of country music legend Dolly Parton. Despite the timing, the storm was not named in her honor; Dolly had been on the predetermined list for years. Not every name makes it back into the rotation. When a hurricane is especially deadly or destructive, its name can be permanently retired. Harvey, which devastated the Houston area in 2017, was retired along with other well-known names such as Katrina and Ian.
RECOVERING FROM THE DAMAGE According to the Weather Channel, Houston is the city with the highest flood risk in the United States. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, flat terrain (only about 43 feet above sea-level), and urban sprawl that has replaced grasslands with concrete sidewalks and skyscrapers, the city is particularly susceptible to the devastating damages of major storms. Since its founding in 1937, the Harris County Flood Control District has been consistently working to prevent future storm damages. Their infinitives have been rapidly growing in prominence since Hurricane Harvey in 2018. One of the Flood Control District’s greatest successes has been with the founding of Addicks and Barker Reservoirs, built to hold stormwater during heavy rain. Bayous such as Buffalo Bayou drain much of this water out to Galveston Bay. Also in Buffalo Bayou, parking lots were engineered with permeable pavement as opposed to typical concrete, which allow water to drain into the soil instead of running off into the roads. Local changes also include specific legislation, like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This established an $8 billion program to update existing infrastructure in Houston by upgrading sewage systems and repairing bridges, rail networks, and creating jobs in the process. This piece of legislation was signed by former President Joe Biden in 2021 and received funding up until this September.
Meteorologists track hurricanes while they are in their earliest stages over the ocean using a combination of space satellites, specialized reconnaissance aircraft, ocean buoys, and advanced computer models. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is a division in the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that tracks the tropical weather in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific basins, virtually monitoring all storms and hurricanes that are a threat to the United States. The NOAA collects data that comes from satellites that orbit the Earth, observing tropical cyclones from their inception as a tropical disturbance and their final stage at dissipation. The NHC analyzes this data and specialists declare whether or not the cyclone poses danger to land. If they declare there is danger, the NHC sends U.S. Air Force Reserve and NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircrafts to fly through and inspect the storm. Once there is a confirm threat to the U.S. coast, NHC consults with the NOAA to issue and coordinates watches and warnings in those communities.
HURRICANES VS. TROPICAL STORMS
Any rapidly rotating storm system with a low-pressure center and strong winds that develops over tropical waters is first considered a tropical cyclone. What differentiates a cyclone from a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane is simply its sustained wind speed. A tropical depression has a maximum sustained wind speed of up to 38mph. After 38mph, the depression grows into a tropical storm of wind speeds up to 73mph. Commonly, tropical storms also bring heavy rainfall, which combines with strong winds to result in severe property damage and flooding. The cyclone is only classified as a hurricane once it reaches a sustained wind speed of over 74mph with no limit as to how fast it can go. Due to their strong wind speeds, hurricanes are more severe and pose a greater risk to people and their properties than a tropical storm. These “super cyclones” are classified on their own scale known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which then dives even deeper by grouping the hurricane into five wind-specific categories.
Photos courtesy of nbc26.com, theguardian.com, and abc13.com
Economics ∙ Page 8
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
Inside scoop: How the Ms. Mr. Bradshaw shares his G’s navigate the school store crucial economic insight JULIA LEVAN Copy Editor
Have you ever wondered who chooses the snacks and drinks you see in the school store? Or how the clothing designs are picked? What grade level is spending the most money? If anyone knows the answers, it’s Mrs. Donna Gongora and Ms. Jena Gobea, the duo behind the school store. According to them, the most popular drink is Bloom’s energy drink, specifically Apple Crisp. For snacks, Barbell protein bars and Quest Chili Lime chips are the top choices. The new frozen 3D ice cream, available in strawberry and mango, has also become extremely popular, especially mango. As far as clothing goes, for girls, the most popular item is the Diana mock neck (inspired by the popular Parke sweatshirts that retail for over $130). The blue striped Turtleson polo is the favorite among boys. Turtleson has the same founder as Peter Millar, whose polos are $160 and a staple in a frat boy starter pack. This may explain students’ infatuation with the $90 shirts. The selection and design process for clothing in the store is a multi-step
process. The merchandise vendors send sheets of designs they have ready, and Gongora and Gobea choose the colors and designs. During the summer, their six student employees model the merchandise and help taste-test products, even including gluten-free options. The store averages 400 transactions a day. “It’s increased over the years. Each year it’s a little more,” says Gobea. It’s a high-stress job, with that door constantly flinging open. But the ladies are used to the fast-paced environment. During chapel and advisory, Ms. Gobea restocks the shelves and changes the decorations. The décor changes monthly, from back-to-school in August to Hispanic Heritage Month in September and the first Adams Family musical and Halloween in October. According to the store records, freshman and their parents spend the most. At the beginning of the year, purchases are 50/50 school supplies and snacks, but after the first month, the store mostly becomes snack and drink driven. Even dog leashes and dollars sell, mostly to moms. “After all, pets are part of the family,” says Ms. Gobea.
MIMI WRIGHT Production Editor Entering his 19th year teaching at Episcopal, EHS alum Mr. Alan Bradshaw teaches economics and continues to help students understand how everyday choices connect to bigger economic ideas. Bradshaw defines economics simply: “Economics is the study of how people make choices when they can’t have everything they want. Time, money, attention, and energy are all limited, so every decision is a trade-off. It’s a social science that looks at those choices and what happens because of them.” He hopes students walk away understanding one core idea above all. “There are no costless choices. Every decision has a trade-off. When you pick one thing, you’re giving up something else, even if you don’t notice it. You’re always choosing.” Bradshaw points to hyperbolic discounting as an example of economics showing up in daily life, especially with phones. Students often trade time that could build lasting skills for short-run dopamine hits, a trade-off he says the new cell phone
JULIA LEVAN Copy Editor
The school store displays mannequins wearing new Knight merch alongside a wide variety of sweatshirts and t-shirts available to all students. Photo by Mimi Wright.
The importance of having a thoughtful student budget BEAR THOMAS Staff Writer For many high school students, money can get spent as quickly as it is earned. A few meals with friends, clothes, gas coffee, or a weekend away can add up quickly. As students begin earning their own money through jobs or allowances, learning how to manage spending becomes increasingly important. One reason why students may overspend is because buying things has become so easily accessible. Apple Pay, food delivery apps, online shopping and saved credit cards allow purchases to happen within seconds. When students are not physically handing over cash, it can be much harder to notice how much they are spending. Even small purchases can make a major difference over time. Spending $10 on
food or drinks three times a week equals more than $1500 over the course of a year. For a student, that could cover a large portion of a new phone, a trip, car expenses, or build up savings. Managing money does not mean avoiding spending entirely. Instead, students can create a budget that separates necessities, entertainment, and savings. Setting aside a paycheck can help saving in the long term. High school is also a great time to develop responsible financial habits. Most students do not yet have major expenses such as rent or utility bills, giving them the opportunity to learn how to budget. Student spending come down to awareness. Knowing where money goes and deciding what is actually worth buying can help students enjoy their money while preparing for expenses.
If there’s one product I can’t seem to escape, whether it’s during weekly grocery shopping, in my friends’ refrigerators, or even in the EHS school store, it’s Poppi. All the Poppi sightings reminded me of a Wall Street Journal video I watched about its co-founder, Allison Ellsworth, back in May. Before Poppi, Ellsworth started in the oil and gas industry. She and her husband, Stephen, invested $90,000 into the business during its first year. But building Poppi was far from an overnight success. They went on Shark Tank while Allison was nine months pregnant. The sharks hated how the drink tasted. Every investor was out except Rohan Oza. Instead of shutting down the brand after the rejection, Ellsworth bounced back and adjusted the formula. Every “no” became another
policy has made more obvious. Looking at bigger trends, Bradshaw thinks students should watch the relationship between cryptocurrency and global debt, along with the attention economy, which he describes as a market quietly shaping much of students’ time outside their own choices. He also pushes back on a common misconception - the economy can be controlled by any single person or group. In reality, it reflects millions of transactions happening at once. If he could teach only one lesson, Bradshaw says it would be to think at the margin and treat sunk costs as sunk, focusing on the best use of the very next choice rather than waiting for some large, wholesale change.
Mr. Bradshaw draws the supply and demand curves. Photo by Mimi Wright.
reason to redirect. The persistence became especially important when Poppi launched in the first week of COVID in March 2020. With everyone stuck at home, Ellsworth and her husband had to figure out how to reach consumers without relying on traditional marketing techniques. At the time, no brand was on TikTok, so Ellsworth took advantage of it. Her story shows the importance of consistency. If she and her husband quit, they would have missed out on the life they have in 2026. In 2025, the two sold Poppi to Pepsi for nearly $2 billion. A lesson we can all learn from her is to use rejection as redirection. This can be applied to anyone in the business world, whether you are an investor or entrepreneur. In business, you must keep your head up and keep going. Sometimes “no” isn’t the end of the story; it’s just a sign that you need to change the formula.
A wide range of Poppi flavors is displayed colorfully. Photo courtesy of foodtalks.cn.
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
Opinions
Dolly Parton’s death as a catalyst for debate of entertainer roles in politics
WILLIAM FITTS Staff Writer In a 2018 ABC News interview, David Wright asked the late Dolly Parton how she feels about President Trump to which she stated that “[she’s] not getting into any of that” (ABC News). She continued by explaining that “she is an entertainer” (ABC News). In a world where celebrity involvement in political activism is abundant, Dolly took the opposite approach. I think that her commitment and dedication to the role of entertaining was a major part of why the world united over her death and the legacy she left behind. The reaction was so widespread that it drew comparison to the death of Michael Jackson. Although not every entertainer is blessed with Dolly’s acting and singing skills, or her quick-witted sense of humor, celebrities today would benefit from taking a page out of Dolly’s book. In the modern era people are often shunned and cancelled for simply having a different point of view - or are judged based on stereotypes. Just recently, country music star Ella Langley received widespread backlash from her collaboration with Morgan Wallen. One social media user assumed the collaboration meant that she’s “Maga.” Whether that assumption
Opinions ∙ Page 9
was correct is completely beside the point. The entertainment world’s relationship with politics has gotten so intense that social media commenters are looking beyond formal political statements. Users now stereotype entertainers’ political opinions based on race, ethnicity, sex, or in Ella’s case, a genre of music. When audiences see every entertainer through a political lens, the entertainment becomes secondary. This creates an environment where great artistry can be overlooked or ignored. As I thought about why the relationship between politics and entertainers has intensified, I came to an ironic truth: the same platforms that deliver information about music, sports, and celebrities are also delivering campaign messages, advertisements, and even propaganda. Before we knew it, social media had become a platform for everything. The relationship between entertainment and politics is as close as it has ever been, leaving celebrities with a difficult but in my opinion manageable task, of separating the two while still giving back to their communities. Dolly used her platform to accelerate literacy, provide disaster relief, and improve medical research. Of course, celebrities are entitled to their own opinions. The first amendment protects that right. Additionally, for many celebrities, posting on social media is their primary way of connecting with their fans. Celebrities and fans can bond over social justice issues, opinions of authoritative figures, and various other topics. After all, Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani, two of the largest political figures in the nation who represent two opposite political ideologies, regularly use social media to communicate with the public. Entertainers should not be expected to turn their careers into political platforms. Focusing primarily on their roles as entertainers would allow them to do something that is becoming increasingly difficult in the modern era: creating shared respect and admiration between groups of people who disagree on almost everything else.
IN
CHECKING
WITH KARIANA CARLSON
Wake up at 5:00 a.m. Drink lemon water. Take vitamins. Complete a 30-minute workout. Meditate. Eat a balanced, lowcalorie breakfast. For teenagers scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, wellness can look less like health and more like a full-time job. Social media is filled with influencers promoting morning routines, supplements, detoxes, workout plans, and “healthy” foods. While many of these habits can be good, the way they are promoted to teenagers can create an unrealistic picture of what being healthy really means. A 2024 review of 51 studies on social media influences and adolescent health by Elena Engel and colleagues found that appearance and nutrition were two of the most common topics. They identified concerns including unrealistic body images, unhealthy diets, inaccurate health advice, and advertising that promotes unhealthy products. This is especially concerning for teenagers, who are constantly exposed to these videos on social media platforms. An influencer may post a “What I Eat in a Day” video or perfectly organized morning routine, but viewers rarely see the full picture. They then compare their meal intakes to
influencers, who usually aren’t posting enough food to fill a growing teen. Even the nutrition advice may not be as reliable as it appears. One recent study published in Nutrients analyzed 250 nutrition-related TikToks and found that health and wellness influencers were the most common type of creator, making up 32% of the posts studied. They found that 55% of applicable posts did not provide evidencebased information, while 75% lacked balanced and accurate content. Additionally, the idea of productivity can become part of wellness culture. Waking up before sunrise and fitting an hour-long run into an already exhausting school day may look impressive online, but for a student who probably stayed up late the night before studying, getting another hour of sleep would be of more benefit. A routine that leaves someone constantly tired should not be considered healthy simply because it looks productive on social media. Another problem is that some “healthy” meals promoted online simply aren’t substantial enough for an active teenager. A low-calorie smoothie, fruit bowl, or small salad might look good, but it will not provide the balanced plate an athlete needs for energy and recovery. Most importantly, wellness should not become another source of pressure. Teenagers already face demanding classes, extracurricular activities, jobs, friendships, and college expectations. They do not need another standard telling them that they are not doing enough. The solution isn’t to stop teenagers from following wellness creators. Instead, we need to become better at questioning what we see. Schools and parents can also help by teaching teenagers how to recognize credible health information and understand that a meal or routine that works for one influencer may not work for everyone.
Recent executive order proposals threaten basic constitutional rights, increasing discussions over limits of executive authority across states
CAROLINE JOHNSON Co-Editor-in-Chief Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” In simpler terms, being born in the US automatically makes someone a US citizen (also known as jus soli). However, President Donald Trump has launched a campaign to end birthright citizenship over 150 years after
its establishment. This is a gross violation of a constitutional protection, and one that disproportionately affects people of color. “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” President Trump’s executive order targeting the issue of birthright citizenship, is attempting to redefine jus soli. The order, signed by President Trump in January 2025, calls for the end of birthright citizenship for children born to temporary residents or undocumented immigrants residing in the US. According to PBS, over 90% of undocumented immigrants residing in the US identify as people of color (POC), and the Department of Homeland Security estimates that over 3.5 million lawful temporary residents (people on work, student, or travel visas) belong to racial or ethnic minority groups. Considering these facts, it’s clear that President Trump’s strikes against the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee would most impact the citizenship of POC in America. In June 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump did not have the power to change birthright citizenship as it is a protected constitutional liberty. President Trump v. Barbara’s 6-3 decision reaf-
firmed that jus soli is guaranteed to anyone born on American soil and that the president does not have the right to redefine American citizenship. President Trump’s executive orders are not the first pieces of legislature that have attempted to upend birthright citizenship: in 2011, Arizona
Recently proposed executive orders by Pres. Trump. Photo courtesy of Axios.
legislators tried to limit birthright citizenship to only children who have at least one parent who is already a US citizen. Moreover, in 2015, the state of Texas refused to issue birth certificates to children born on US soil, but to undocumented immigrant parents. These attempts to challenge the Fourteenth Amendment are all rooted in first, challenging traditional interpretations of the Constitution, and second, ongoing debates over immigration in the United States. Both of these ideas are necessary for a free, democratic country where differences in opinions are encouraged. Questioning existing laws and policies is one of the principles that America was founded on. However, these debates exceed healthy disagreement and venture into a scarier reality - disenfranchisement. Recent attempts to dictate who can and can’t be a US citizen are jarring attacks on our constitutional rights. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees anyone born on American soil the rights of an American citizen. Birthright citizenship is here to stay, and attacks on its legitimacy should be seen as what they are - attacks on our liberty.
Sports ∙ Page 10
Sports
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
College football commences as conference play begins to escalate CHARLIE STASNEY Staff Writer As the College Football season begins, the AP Top 5 poll leaders have all been tested early. #1 Ohio State met #4 Texas on September 12 in Austin, with Texas as the 1.5-point favorite. #2 Oregon took on #14 USC in Week Three, and they come in as the 5.5-point favorite. #3 Georgia has an SEC championship rematch as they take on #13 Alabama Week 6, and are playing in Tuscaloosa as the 1.5-point favorite. #4 Notre Dame faces off against #14 BYU during Week Seven, as BYU is a surprising 10.5-point underdog, especially since Sione Moa took a dive against Utah Tech. The Heisman favorites this year include four quarterbacks, a change from three last year. CJ Carr of Notre Dame is the favorite, followed by Texas quarterback Arch Manning, then Dante Moore, Darian Mensah, and finally Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State wide receiver. Carr finished last year with over 2700 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, but it was not enough to get Notre Dame to the playoffs, as they were the first team out. This year he needs to improve his run
game, as he finished with a measly 33 all year. Manning had a shaky start last year, but turned it around, and finished with a strong 61.4% completion percentage. Moore and Smith are returning to strong programs and should have no problem continuing to put up elite numbers. Mensah, after transferring from Duke last year, leads a Miami team that has been electric the past two years, even after Heisman contender Cam Ward departed for the NFL.
After Week One, polls have shifted dramatically from their preseason counterparts. Photo courtesy of threads.com.
Ba
CLAYTON COX Sports Editor The 2026 US Open was full of incredible matches, and viewers were treated to a buffet of skills the players possess. The final men’s singles match between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton is the perfect example of this. And what better way to show off this game than to analyze it? Well, that’s exactly what I’ll do. Maybe the most important factor in Zverev’s win was his serve. The German had a 70% first serve success, and when he did get that serve in, 85% of the time he won the point. Meanwhile, Shelton’s success rate was better, but his win rate was only 74%. Zverev’s championship can in part be credited to this statistic. However, do not discount Shelton’s second serve. While Zverev only won 59% of points off of his second serve, Shelton won a major 77%. This perfectly shows
nt
er
where Shelton’s strength is - recovery and taking control in rallies. In the final, the point distribution was quite interesting. Shelton won 113 points across four sets, Zverev won 125. So, while the point difference was relatively small, Zverev beat Shelton by six games. Where did he get this advantage? Through break points. Zverev won 66.7% of break points while Shelton only managed 33.3%. While there were not many break point opportunities, Zverev was the player who managed to convert them. There are many more factors that impacted this match. In terms of experience, Zverev had already played a US Open final against Dominic Thiem in 2020. This year was Shelton’s first Grand Slam final. While neither player is inexperienced by any means, they were going into this match with vastly different careers. That is what makes the sport special - seeing new talent go against established players.
Fantasy Football popularity soars CHARLIE STASNEY Staff Writer As the NFL season kicks into gear, fantasy football players face many concerns, mainly about players to keep and players to trade. In PPR (Point Per Reception) leagues, the average first overall pick was Jahmyr Gibbs. Coming off a season as an RB3, Gibbs was traded by the Detroit Lions, and his only competition at running back was the Texans’ David Montgomery. The highest taken wide receiver this year was Puka Nacua, with an ADP of 3.3. He finished last year as the #1 receiver and is again expected to consistently perform in the high 20s. As far as quarterbacks, Josh Allen was easily the favorite with an ADP of 32.9,
compared to Drake Maye at 51.8. Among tight ends, Trey McBride edged out Brock Bowers, 34.5 to 32.2. According to ESPN, the fantasy players most undervalued this year are Justin Herbert of the Chargers, Kenny Gainwell of the Buccaneers, and Wan’Dale Robinson and Isiah Likely of the Giants. None of these players had an ADP over 86 and are believed to provide good value for where they are slotted. ESPN also ranked the top four players likely to bust (underachieve their projected values). These were Matthew Stafford of the Rams, Derrick Henry of the Ravens, Mike Evans of the Buccaneers, and Harold Fannin Jr. of the Browns. The Super Bowl favorites this year are the Rams, with +600 odds, trailed closely by the Bills and Ravens at +900 a piece.
New NFL graphic inspires online speculation in the community on a coincidence relating to Super Bowl matchup. Photo courtesy of NFL x.com account.
Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev after their match. Zverev won the US Open Men’s Singles final 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-2. Photo courtesy of BBC.com.
Coach Sachse joins coaching lineup CHARLOTTE MEHNERT Senior Editor After coaching football at the college level for six years, Coach Eric Sachse has joined Episcopal High School as the new defensive coordinator, bringing his experience from Boise State, Auburn University, and Penn State University. Ready to take on a new challenge, he considered his options. He grew up in a family of teachers and ultimately knew he would end up in the classroom and on the field. “The rich history of EHS made it an easy decision,” said Coach Sachse. The defensive unit is built on tackling, toughness, and effort. His goals are to create at least one turnover a game and stop the run first, forcing opponents to throw the ball. Coach Sachse views the defense as adaptive to the players. He wants to put his players in the best position to be successful. He aims to implement new strategies about alignment, coverages, and blitzes, but continues to adapt it to the players. His initial impression of the football program at EHS was extremely positive. He looks forward to learning from Head Coach Moynahan, as he has been the head coach and defensive coordinator of the EHS football team for several
years. Coach Sachse said, “The players have been great, from spring football to summer workouts, and they have continued to put in the work that is needed to be successful.” Senior defensive lineman Deacon Morgan caught Coach Sachse attention from the start. Morgan stood out as the “leader of the defense.” Desmond White, Dylan Cune, Reed Fowler, and many others have also caught Coach Sachse’s eye, showing up ready to work, make plays, and continue to get better each week.
Coach Sachse is one of the newest football coach to join EHS. Photo by Mr. David Framel.
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
Sports ∙ Page 11
Fall Sports
New receiving corps improves offensive efficiency BEAR THOMAS Staff Writer The Episcopal football passing attack has been driven by a combination of experience, new talent, and strong chemistry between quarterback Donovan Warren and his wide receivers. One of Donovan Warren’s most familiar target is junior Tyler Williams, who caught 53 passes for 721 yards and 8 touchdowns for Episcopal last year. Williams said, “One of the biggest reasons for our success has been the chemistry with the offense and the way teammates uplift each other.” That connection is especially strong between these two because they have known each other since they were 10 and have built a relationship on and off the field. Both transferred from Bridgeland last year, giving Warren a familiar face at
The EHS varsity receivers continue to impress throughout the season. Left to right: Maxim Quintanilla, Callen Bozeman, Tramon Williams Jr., Tyler Williams, Jake Brasington, Noah Williams, Jeremiah Brown, Connor Kerlin, and Kieran Harris wide receiver. Warren has also built connections with other receivers as well, including Jake
BOYS VOLLEYBALL Record: 3-0 Standout Players: Jackson Doty Coach’s Projection: Back to back championships
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Coming Up: Senior Night08/10/2026
Record: 16-7 Standout Players: Abby Field Reese Moriarity
He/She Said It: “The team chemistry is really coming together.” - Ryan Maas
Photo by Sadie Lawrence.
Coach’s Projection: More of the “we” philosophy
Coming Up: EHS vs. Kinkaid on 10/8/2026 He/She Said It: “To see us move up the mountain.” - Coach McMillan
Photo by Jack Zoeller.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Standout Players: Walker Vaden Nico Curtin
Coming Up: Maverick Ramble on 10/10/26
Coach’s Projection: Team is rebuilding
He/She Said It: “Upperclassmen leading the team.” - Grant Evans
Photo by Mrs. Christi Megow.
CHEERLEADING Record: N/A Captains: Janie Hartman Caroline Carl Caroline Loper
Photo by Carter Rose.
Brasington. Having worked together through the spring and summer, Warren said he and the receiver corps “already
feels extremely comfortable.” He added that “trust is the most important thing for timing routes when they have to be in the right spot at the right time.” Brasington transferred from Bellaire after Episcopal showed interest in him during his freshman year. With the goal of eventually playing college football, he believes Episcopal offers him the best opportunity both academically and athletically. The transition came quickly. “Learning the offense and becoming familiar with my teammates did not take long,” said Brasington. He entered the program with “a chip on his shoulder,” but instead of trying to prove himself to others, he focused on proving what he was capable of to himself. With Episcopal’s entire receiving corps returning next season, the passing game will only continue to improve.
Coach’s Projection: For the sophomores to continue to step-up when they need to.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Standout Players: Meg Billip Ceci Bass
Coach’s Projection: He/She Said It: competitive season since “Run as one. They we are running in the carry this motto into every meet and 5A/6A division practice.” Photo by Mrs. Christi - Coach Kasye Beza Megow
FIELD HOCKEY
Coming Up: Lone Star Classic Competition on 11/15/26 He/She Said It: “Recreating Thunderstruck is an awesome way to incorporate cheer and dance.” - Jordan Young
Coming Up: Maverick Ramble on 10/10/26
Record: 5-1-1 Standout Players: Alex Jordan Parker Allen
Photo By Alex Neuhaus.
Coach’s Projection: Maintain a consistent level of play from game to game
Coming Up: October 20 against Kinkaid He/She Said It: “We’ve faced some early challenges but have realized our potential.” - Coach Hannah Fisher
Knight Shift∙ Page 12
The Knight Times ∙ September 2026
EHS Speaks Out
Prints Charming
“Who is your campus idol?”
REECE ABNEY “Dr. Papakonstantinou”
KAMILA ALMODOVAR “Mr. Owoyemi”
Cartoon by Paige Pan.
Photo of the Month SLOANE PHAN “Coach Fisher”
DANIEL SCHAVERIEN “Mrs. Canella”
DIEGO WILLIAMS “Mr. Matthews”
MARLOW WOODFORD “Mr. Kemble”
Juniors Desmond White and William Ngo pay tribute to the historic tragedy of 9/11 during the prayer at the September 11 game. Photo by Carter Rose.
Celebrity Sighting
ELIZABETH BRANTLEY “Dr. Telford”
MR. MILANI “Mr. Framel”
SOLOMON LOCKETT “Coach Cod”
MRS. TORIELLO “All of my students”
Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo? The real question students are asking is what art thou doing at Episcopal, Juliet? Could she be here on campus? Sophomore Vivian Foreman shares a remarkable resemblance to actress Olivia Hussey, who starred as the tragic love interest in the 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet. With their long, brown hair and big green eyes, it’s easy to believe that Juliet is surprising us all by coming to our campus to find her modern-day Romeo. Photos courtesy of moviestore.com and Patricia Casahuga Lemgruber.