Kingwood Park Times, April 2026

Seniors name Staggs, Howk Students of Character

Each year the senior class votes on two students who individually exemplify ideal characteristics of a graduate. This year, Madison Staggs and John Howk were selected. By Tricia Darcy.

MEET JOHN HOWK

Amara Amadi earns All-State choir honor

By Paisley Thomas Opinions Editor

After years of practice and preparation, senior Amara Amadi is an AllState choir performer.

Amadi went to multiple camps to practice for All-State throughout her high school career. Her freshman year, she attended Sam Houston State. During her sophomore and junior years, she went to University of North Texas. And this past year, she went to Stephen F. Austin. When she didn’t make All-State, she continued to learn and grow.

What are your plans for next year?

“I am going to run track at the University of North CarolinaWilmington and major in psychology on a pre-law track.”

What does it mean to you to win Student of Character?

“I was really surprised and very happy because I feel like it shows that people notice that I try to be nice to everyone. It just makes me feel happy that people think of me that way.”

Who is someone you look up to and try to model yourself after?

“Honestly, my mom, because even when things are rough and stuff like that, she’s so outgoing. She’s always nice. She’s always willing to help me. She’ll bring me lunch and things like that. So I always try to treat people the way you want to be treated, and I feel like my mom’s a great example of that.”

What have you tried to do that you think made you a name your classmates thought of when this award was voted?

“I always try to be nice to people, like even when I’m not feeling 100%. Be just super outgoing and check up on my friends – like if I know they’re not feeling 100% –and just be like an encourager.”

What are your plans for next year?

“I’m going to Texas A&M and studying construction science.”

What does it mean to you to win Student of Character?

“It means a lot. To win Student of Character means that I know that I’m doing something right and that it feels really good to make my parents proud. My mom my whole life has said that character is who you are when no one else is around. So I’m glad that I’m able to get that message out and that other people are recognizing that.”

Who is someone that you look up to and try to model yourself after?

“My mom and dad, really. I’ve never seen my mom do the wrong thing.”

What have you tried to do that you think made you a name your classmates thought of when this award was voted?

“I just tried to do the best that I could every single day and try to treat everybody with the same kind of respect that I wanted to be treated with.”

“Each year I’ve been progressing and getting better and better, and finally, I made it,” Amadi said.

Amadi plans to continue her music into college to pursue a bachelor’s in music and performance, hoping to become a professional musician so she can perform opera amongst other things.

Before Amadi got the news that she made it, she told herself that even if she didn’t get in it wasn’t in vain because

she made herself proud and was able to become a better musician overall and a more well-rounded one.

“I grew so much through the process,” she said. “Even if I didn’t make it, I would have just been happy, because I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am. Making it was just like the cherry on top. I broke down into tears. Every moment in my room when I was studying my music for hours, it’s led up to this moment and I finally did it.”

New date, venue for graduation

By Kalia Gaeta Staff Writer

Typically, Kingwood Park graduations have been held at the NRG Stadium, a massive indoor stadium, on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.

However, this year the FIFA World Cup is being played in the United States with Texas hosting 16 matches total, seven being in Houston at the NRG Stadium. That event led to Kingwood Park needing to switch locations this year.

While other graduations in Humble ISD moved to Daikin Park downtown, Kingwood

Park will graduate at the Fertitta Center on the University of Houston Campus on Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m.

“For the choice of stadium and time, these decisions were made at the district level, based on availability of the venue,” associate principal Tiffany Major said.

Despite the changes, seniors are just happy it is nearing. Senior Ella Barker has family coming from Ohio, Georgia and Illinois for the event.

“(I’m excited) to see all my friends and about the accomplishment, knowing that we made it to the end,” Barker said.

WHERE DO YOU BELONG? HERE.

YEARBOOK STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF

VIDEO STAFF

Sign up for Journalism or Photojournalism on Course Selection Day to start the adventures! For returners, apply for the staff you think is the best fit! Contact adviser Megan Ortiz in Room 1504 with questions.

Six advance in UIL academics

By Jack Coffey Staff Writer

The UIL academic team competed in the district meet at West Fork High School and advanced six students to Region.

Senior Jacob Rother, senior Nate Webb, junior JT Head, senior Tricia Darcy, senior Cameron Minatrea and junior Caleb Kazeem will compete April 24-25 at A&M Consolidated High School.

“I felt kind of shocked about my placement,” Darcy said. “I didn’t think I tried that hard but was able to advance in every event. I was most surprised about headlines since I learned the rules like five minutes before.”

Darcy participated in the news, feature, editorial and headline writing events, where she placed fifth, third, third and second, respectively.

UIL academics isn’t just writing

events. Rother, Webb and Head competed in computer science. For the second year in a row, the comp-sci team advanced to region after placing first in every category.

“For comp-sci it’s split into two parts,” senior Jacob Rother said. “There is a written test over certain computer functions, and then there is a practical exam where they give us problems to solve using our own written code.”

Although students are excited about advancing, they know that region will be no walk in the park.

“I felt pretty excited that I got first in both of my events,” Rother said. “But we can definitely improve by studying for the written test more. It might have been easy at district but region will for sure be harder and we need to be ready.”

Theater reaches new level

On April 2, the varsity theater class competed in the bi-district UIL

One-Act Play competition at Rudder High School with “They Promised her the Moon.” This was the farthest the team made it in the last four years.

“We had a really great show. It was a little disheartening to lose, but I was very proud with the work we put in,” senior Emerson Harris said.

Best Tech

ZONE RESULTS

All-Star Cast: Cailey Castaneda, Amara Amadi, Ada Stokes

All-Star Tech: Vivy Diaz-Jones

Honorable Mention: Emerson Harris, Viktor Cruz

DISTRICT RESULTS

All-Star Cast: Cailey Castaneda

All-Star Tech: Eleanor Durand

Honorable Mention: Emerson Harris

BI-DISTRICT RESULTS

All-Star Cast: Cailey Castaneda

All-Star Tech: Maggie Spara

Honorable Mention: Amara Amadi, Charlotte Terrell

Soundscapes reaches State in inaugural year

By Shawn Chaney and Paisley Thomas

Soundscapes, led by band director Bre Osbourn, is in its first year and already has qualified to compete at State. The indoor marching arts performance incorporates American Sign Language. The performance was designed to spread positivity and to include the deaf community in something they don’t normally get to experience.

“It’s supposed to be a piece that you can hear without anything,” freshman Tyson Moore said. “You’re supposed to feel it more than actually listening to the music.”

Being a musical performance for hearing-impaired audiences is something that Moore feels the world needs more of since music is often something that is off-limits for people with hearing impairments. Moore plays the trombone in Soundscapes.

“It meant a lot, because I feel it made me realize how many people can’t really experience

the same thing that we can, as in going to a show and being able to hear the same things,” Moore said. “A lot of places don’t offer that widespread thing for people with those disabilities.”

Osbourn pitched joining Soundscapes to her band students, knowing that they could find success and put on awardwinning performances.

“It’s very tricky, and it takes a lot of training on your listening skills to know how to balance and move inside. So it’s a really good challenge, but it also makes us better players,” Osbourn said.

“They’ve done a fantastic job of learning how to do that and be animated at the same time.”

Soundscapes integrated American Sign Language into their performances with the help of ASL teacher Darnell Woods.

“(Woods) did a really good job,” Osbourn said. “And at our shows, there have been several people that have come up and said, ‘Hey, I have an ASL child, and the fact that you guys did this and did it correctly means a lot.’”

Have you bought your yearbook yet?

The yearbooks are scheduled to arrive the second week of May. See a list of book buyers here. Books are still $75 until April 30. The books will be sold until they sell out in May for $80. Buy

Performing becomes outlet, safe space for Ramirez

Senior Jesse Ramirez admits daily social interactions can be an “uphill battle,” but standing in the spotlight and singing is what brings him joy.

By Sydney Ortiz Editor-in-Chief

Matching with Michael Jackson, 5-year-old Jesse Ramirez performed the moves he memorized as he sang his favorite song “Billie Jean.” He wore a black curly haired wig, one silver glove on his right hand and a black jacket with silver buckles and zippers attached. For a kid who struggled to verbalize, control his emotions and socialize with other children, performing was never a problem

for Jesse. His mom bought him the entire Michael Jackson music video collection, and he memorized every song and dance. Jesse was diagnosed with autism in preschool, and has faced related challenges his whole life. He became extremely self conscious about speaking with a stutter. He would scream a lot, and nobody knew if was hurt or upset. It was impossible for him to sit still. But everything was different when he’d sing – even beyond his MJ impersonations. Whether it was elementary school, middle school or high school, Jesse signed

up for every choir. Watching her son find a way to express himself remains emotional for Lorena Ramirez.

“I tend to cry after he’s done,” Lorena said. “He’s come so far along. He sings so beautifully and he just enjoys it so much. As a parent, I’m just so proud of him.”

It goes beyond just singing for Jesse though. He takes advanced, college-level classes. He is an active member of National Honor Society, a state-award winning journalism student and he has been in the region tenor base choir for the past three years.

Despite his success now, the initial diagnosis was difficult for his parents.

“It was hard because you’re not expecting anything to be going on with your kid,” Lorena said. “You don’t want them to have to face any obstacles like that, so it was pretty difficult having to adjust.”

For Jesse, socializing has always been difficult. The stutter he has related to his autism causes him to repeat words and phrases multiple times.

“People lack patience and seem to be in a hurry which discourages him from talking to them or he ends up apologizing to them unnecessarily,” Lorena said.

He doesn’t approach people, but once he feels as though someone talking to him is truly interested in having a conversation he relaxes.

“(Autism) makes it hard for me to interact with people or properly show my emotions and stuff,”

Jesse said. “So it’s been a little bit of an uphill battle.”

Even with socializing being difficult for Jesse, he makes sure to go out of his way to have a complete high school experience. Despite not feeling comfortable at school events and Homecomings, he has made sure to attend every dance, pep rally and Senior Sunrise, so he can feel a part of Kingwood Park.

In his free time, Jesse loves creating music videos, watching movies and spending time with his family.

After he graduates Jesse plans to attend Lone Star College before transferring to a university. He hopes to continue to pursue music and acting in the future.

“I know Jesse will keep doing music and singing and performing,” said choir director Christine Donley, who has taught Jesse for three years. “It will be exciting to see the stuff he does once he graduates.”

For Jesse’s parents watching him take initiative to join choir in elementary school and to continue it through high school has been inspirational.

“Just to see him doing something that he loves is just this feeling of such joy and pride because, you

know, he’s doing it,” Lorena said. “No one can take that from him.

That’s his voice, that’s the work that he puts in to perfect his voice, to sing, to memorize the words. So it’s just so satisfying to see him on that stage.”

Jesse credits his parents as his biggest supporters. They taught him that autism doesn’t define him, and that he can do anything he puts his mind to. He wants to show that no matter the challenges you face, people can still achieve great things.

In public, Jesse still remains

Jesse Ramirez wrote, sang, directed and starred in a yearbook sales parody video that won an award for advertising video from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators. Scan the QR code to see the video.

reserved, because he worries he might get judged. But choir has become a safe haven for him to express his true self.

“Whenever I’m singing, all those pressures and worries just float away,” Jesse said. “Because I’m doing something that I love. And whenever I’m on stage I always feel this sort of power that comes to me that makes me feel like I can do anything and I don’t have to be scared about what others think because I’m doing what I love and that’s all I care about.”

Favorite TV show: “A tie between SNL, one of the best comedy shows of all time – I haven’t missed an episode since 2022 – and Victorious, a classic Nickelodeon sitcom best known for kickstarting the career of Ariana Grande and is one of the few shows I know word for word.”

Favorite actor: “Gilda Radner. She was one of the inaugural cast members of SNL back in 1975. She’s an all-time comedy legend in my book.”

Favorite song: “‘Right There’ by Ariana Grande (ft. Big Sean). It’s my number one favorite song by Ari. It’s been my ringtone ever since I got my first iPhone, it’s been waking me up since middle school, and I have been using it as my personal exit song for every single last day of school since sixth grade. It’s really gonna hurt to play it for the last time when I graduate in May.”

Dream job: “I would either be either a filmmaker or a singer.”

Plans for next year: “I’m planning to go Lone Star College for the first two years to complete my core classes. After that, I’m planning to apply to a big college somewhere in Texas to pursue a degree in either film, music, or cybersecurity, just in case AI messes things up for the fine arts.”

Favorite class: Choir

Favorite teacher: “Mrs. Donley. She’s been my biggest mentor ever since I joined the KPark choir my freshman year. She always pushed me to be my best self and to always work hard and perfect my singing skills. Overall, without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Favorite sports team: Houston Astros.

Favorite book: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney

Favorite snack food: Lays Potato Chips

Favorite superhero: “Spider-Man. I was a huge fan since watching that old animated show, ‘Ultimate Spider-Man,’ on Disney XD. That and ‘No Way Home’ were some of my favorite pieces of media starring him.”

BLING

Jewelry showcases more than just fashion Bling

Junior Madalyn Danley Butler was inspired to wear jewelry and wanted to fit in after seeing so many other people wearing jewelry and looking pretty. The one she saw the most in beautiful jewelry was her mom, who also passed down some of her own to her daughter.

Danley Butler wears all her jewelry both inside and outside of school, alternating between a couple of her pieces from day to day. But she saves her best pieces for the most special of occasions, like a fancy dinner.

away from her.

“He’s always been there for me, and since I don’t have a dad,” Danley Butler said. “He was always there for me whenever I needed him. He was one of the best pawpaws ever.”

Sophomore Tyler Pavlicek first got into wearing jewelry because both his sister and parents wear jewelry, so he decided he wanted to try some of his own. He started with rings, but he eventually started wearing earrings and getting more piercings over time, totaling six piercings and six rings as of now.

The first ring he ever owned was a ring with a lightning bolt on it from James Avery.

violin, the instrument he’s been playing for about six years. Pavlicek is in the sinfonia orchestra. Seeing so many other people playing it inspired Pavlicek to pick up the instrument himself, with a little bit of piano on the side.

“I see people play it so many times, I was like ‘I want to play,’ but I’m also doing piano too,” Pavlicek said

One thing that he is missing out on and wishes he had is a helix piercing, especially after seeing so many others with it. “I see some people have them. I really want that one. I’m hoping I can try to get it,” Pavlicek said.

Pavlicek’s favorite piece of jewelry is his priceless bracelet, which actually acts as an urn for his grandpa’s ashes. On the bracelet, the words “Your wings were ready, my heart was not” are engraved.

Danley Butler’s favorite piece of jewelry is a necklace with a pendant she received from the funeral home with her pawpaw’s ashes inside it after he passed away in January 2024. On the necklace, the words “with me always” are engraved.

“It makes me feel closer to him and that he’s always with me as well, and that he’s still here with me,” Danley Butler said.

Danley Butler’s mom, however, didn’t receive a similar piece of jewelry. Because her mom knew that she couldn’t handle wearing him around her neck without breaking down crying.

Danley Butler’s favorite memory with her pawpaw was him coming to see her for her 13th birthday as a surprise, which was unexpected since he lived far

On his 16th birthday, he was gifted a pair of spiked earrings, which he now wears to school.

Some of Pavlicek’s jewelry is connected to Mayan culture, which he has a deep interest in.

Though his collection of Mayan jewelry isn’t that vast, it is more expensive than you would think, especially pieces made out of obsidian.

“I cannot get rid of it, and I feel like if I don’t wear it, I’m missing a part of me, so I have to keep it with me at all times,” Pavlicek said.

Junior Claire Slaydon has a collection of meaningful jewelry, most of which was passed down to her from her late great-grandma.

One of Pavlicek’s pieces of Mayan jewelry is a necklace that he wears to school. His necklace is a deer, which is his Mayan astrology sign.

His other necklace is a

Wearing her great-grandma’s jewelry helps Slaydon still feel connected to her memory.

“I’ve been told I look like her,” Slaydon said. “So sometimes wearing her jewelry helps remind me of her.”

Within the past two years, Slaydon has worn an assortment of jewelry, including, but not limited to, earrings, necklaces, lockets, pendants, bracelets and rings.

“I just recently got into wearing a whole lot of jewelry, and I think it makes it (life) more whimsical and fun,”

BLING

Bling

Slaydon said.

Her favorite piece of jewelry is something she bought for herself — a gold heart-shaped locket that has a picture of her loved ones in it.

“I was eyeing it for years, and now I have my family in there,” Slaydon said. “I love it so much.”

that whale shark,” Harris said. Harris’s friend, junior Piper Robert, gifted Harris her favorite piece of jewelry – a necklace to fidget with when she gets anxious.

Her jewelry serves a purpose beyond just being an accessory. Her fidget rings also help her out when she’s stressed.

“It helps me focus when I’m nervous,’ Slaydon said. “Even when it’s not there, I’ll be (reaching for it), hoping it’s there but it’s not.”

Sophomore Myla Harris treasures the meaningful jewelry her family and friends give her.

“A lot of them are from my mom, so it’s family-oriented and it symbolizes my relationship with them,” Harris said.

One of her most unique pieces is a bracelet that allows her to track one whale shark using an app on her phone called Fahlo.

Harris has an obsession with whale sharks and was so excited when she found she could get a bracelet and track a real one. In November, the whale shark she was tracking was swimming off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

“I have an emotional connection with

“My necklace is a little coffin with a skeleton in it,” Harris said. “My friend gave this to me because when I’m anxious, I mess with my skin on my neck, and so she gave this to me as something to fidget with.”

Another one of her favorite pieces of jewelry is a charm bracelet, since generations of her family before her have also had charm bracelets. Her grandma has a charm bracelet that weighs “like five pounds,” Harris said. She hopes hers continues to expand to be like that someday.

“I only take it off when I have to dance,” Harris said. “I shower with it, I go to the lake with it, I never ever take it off. It’s one of the most precious pieces to me, I think just because of how much meaning each one has.”

and I saw the earring stand and just asked my dad, and he was okay with it so I got them,” Hansen said.

His friends and family did not have much of a reaction when they saw him because many of his friends already had earrings.

“Some of the guys on my basketball team already have them, so they didn’t really care when I got them,” Hansen said.

Hansen usually sticks to the same earrings, silver studs, and he has only two sets of earrings at the moment, but he is not opposed to getting more.

“I have these that I’m wearing now, and I have smaller ones,” Hansen said. “Yeah I would get more if they were expensive and good.”

Ever since Hansen got the earrings he has been wearing them frequently. He has never had any regrets on getting them and feels like they suit him well.

“I wear my earrings every day, and I’ll only really take them off if I have practice or a game or something else,” Hansen said.

Senior Jayden Hansen planning on getting his ears pierced, but when he was at the mall one day with his dad, he spontaneously decided that he wanted earrings. Hansen’s dad has had earrings previously and when he asked him he was not opposed to it.

“I was walking around with my dad

Advanced academics

Declining Advanced Placement classes showcase shift in school’s master schedule

By Marie Wakefield Online Editor

In 2022, Kingwood Park had 17 AP classes. Next year, there will be 13.

This is the final year for many AP classes students at Kingwood Park have taken for years, with AP Government, AP Economics, and AP Pre-Calculus no longer offered. There are a variety of reasons for the decline, but the main factors include a lack of student enrollment in the class and the shift to a different college credit bearing option.

“There’s not one set way in which an AP class is phased out. Sometimes, a trend in the data shows declining enrollment and

been the University of Texas’ OnRamps, a dual enrollment program that, if passed with at least a D-, earns a student a semester of credit from the University of Texas. If the class is passed with a C, any public university in Texas is required by law to ac cept it, though out of state there are no such protections.

At Kingwood Park, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology have already transitioned from AP to OnRamps in years past, and the OnRamps Government and Economics courses will be the only advanced option besides dual credit over the summer for the classes.

Lynam, who has taught AP Biology at Kingwood Park since 2011 decided to ask the administration for a shift from AP to OnRamps after a trend of declining pass rates in recent

“With some of the kids in par ticular that I had that I knew were high achievers, working hard, and they didn’t earn the three, it kind of frustrated me because I knew if they were taking that class in college, they would have gotten credit

could get into this,” Lynam said.

“Because I felt really, really bad for the kids that would sit through the whole class all year long, work really hard, did all the lab reports, and then made a two on the AP test, and so then they couldn’t use that to help them get into college. So when I brought the data to our administration and I said, there’s a group of kids that I think that we

Lynam saw some immediate differences in the class’ structure. While the day to day instruction in AP is individualized for every teacher, OnRamps has a more standardized model, where there are online quizzes and assignments that have to be done in a certain order and time frame as well as daily UT provided activities.

“It’s a lot less lecture, which is hard for me because I’m pretty much a lecture person,” Lynam said. “Like, that’s the kind of teacher I am. I like to teach it all and like, make sure kids understand it. So the hardest part for me has been like taking a step back from that teacher centered role and making it more student centered,”

But a student centered class has its own challenges. Lynam has seen an increase in the use of AI to complete classwork, which is easier to use on UT’s fully online learning model.

“I can have my classes on Go Guardian. And even though the kids are told like do not use Chat, do not use AI, I can watch kids just copy the question from the learning module, put it in to Google or put it into Chat and just get the answer. And so I can watch a kid complete a learning module in 3 minutes. They have all the answers. They may make a 90 or 100, but they don’t know any of

the information,” Lynam said.

However, in terms of earned college credit, the pass rates have skyrocketed. With only a few weeks left in the course, 100% of students enrolled in OnRamps Biology are projected to be eligible for credit in the course.

“So you have to weigh what’s best for the campus, what’s best for Kingwood Park students. And that’s why we ultimately made the decision to go OnRamps,” Lynam said.

OnRamps was founded in 2011, and it has grown from a single Computer Science course to 18 dual credit courses. Because it is constantly updating and refining the curriculum, there have been some rocky points in the transition.

World Geography and new OnRamps Government teacher Jennifer Danielson experienced this firsthand as part of the first group of teachers to ever teach the class.

“

Kingwood Park already had been offering the sister OnRamps Economics, which UT launched in the 2023-2024 school year.

“This is the first year this class is even a thing. On-Ramps Government did not exist last year, UT just created it,” Danielson said.

constantly saying, ‘Hey, these are problems. What do we do about them?”

UT reevaluated some of their curriculum after the first semester.

“Over Christmas break, UT actually changed the class. And they restructured some things already,” Danielson said. “So they restructured the way the quizzes work. They restructured time. They restructured how many points the quizzes are worth. They restructured one of our assignments that was an in-class assignment and is now an at-home assignment.”

“ So you have to weigh what’s best for the campus, what’s the best for K-Park students. And that’s why we ultimately made the decision to go to OnRamps.

OnRamps

Biology teacher Kristen Lynam

Her students referred to their class experience as the “guinea pig semester,” a moniker Danielson found accurate.

“I was contacting UT through the support multiple times to say you know this link or this assignment or whatever does not work or there were problems with the test. For example, like our first test, we were supposed to have 45 minutes and we ended up getting 20 to 25 minutes,” Danielson said. “It was just an issue. So I was

Despite changes in how the credit is earned, Kingwood Park has continued to grow in advanced credit options as a whole. Next year, AP Environmental Science is expected to be added as a class for juniors and seniors after a number of students expressed interest in the offering. Students also have the opportunity to take summer courses with San Jacinto or Lone Star Community College.

“AP, OnRamps and Dual Credit classes are all beneficial for our students and every campus reviews their data to determine what courses would best meet the needs of their students. If staffing allows, campuses try to offer all types of college credit bearing course options to their students,” Utakrit said.

Ap COURSES IN THE DISTRICT

The list of AP classes around the district vary with Humble having the lowest number since their focus is on their International Baccalaureate program.

Atascocita HS

AP Art

AP Biology

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Chemistry

AP Computer Science Prin.

AP Computer Science

AP Economics

AP English 3

AP English 4

AP Environmental Science

AP European History

AP French 4

AP Human Geography

AP Music Theory

AP Physics-C

AP Precalculus

AP Research

AP Seminar

AP Spanish 4

AP Spanish 5

AP Statistics

AP US Government

AP US History

AP World History

HUMBLE HS

AP Calculus AB

AP English 3

AP Human Geography

AP Music Theory

AP Spanish 4

AP World History

KINGWOOD HS

AP Art

AP Biology

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Chemistry

AP Computer Science Prin.

AP Computer Science

AP Economics

AP English 3

AP English 4

AP Environmental Science

AP European History

AP German 4

AP Human Geography

AP Music Theory

AP Physics-C

AP Precalculus

AP Psychology

AP Research

AP Seminar

AP Spanish 4

AP US Government

AP US History

AP World History

SUMMER CREEK HS

AP Art

AP Biology

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Chemistry

AP Computer Science Prin.

AP Computer Science

AP Economics

AP English 3

AP English 4

AP Environmental Science

AP European History

AP Human Geography

AP Music Theory

AP Physics-C

AP Precalculus

AP Psychology

AP Spanish 4

AP Spanish 5

AP Statistics

AP US Government

AP US History

AP World History

KINGWOOD PARK AP Art

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Economics*

AP English 3

AP English 4

AP European History

AP French 4

AP Human Geography

AP Precalculus*

AP Psychology

AP Spanish 4

AP US Government*

AP US History

AP World History

* No longer being offered at Kingwood Park during 2026-27 school year.

AP ONRAMPS VS

Students weigh what they like most in advanced classes AP Environmental

By Cameron Minatrea Sports Editor

Three types of college credit classes are offered on campus, including Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, and OnRamps

“I enjoy taking tests, so I felt fine about the test defining my whole year. But I can see how it could be difficult,” junior Maya Fritz said. “Your teacher doesn’t even write the test, so while teaching you all year, they’re kind of just going based on what they think will be on the test.”

classes is the flexibility teachers

“I enjoy seeing the fun and innovative ways teachers come up with ways to learn,” said senior Jennings Barndt about AP World History. “There was a project where you picked a major civilization and traded with other people. It was an engaging (project) that wasn’t just ‘watch this video’ or ‘listen

amongst students recently has been On-Ramps courses. These

earn college credit through the

The classes provide a strict syllabus, where most assignments are implemented within Canvas, such as quizzes and labs. A passing grade is what grants the credit.

“I think OnRamps is way better,” senior Maria Iglesias said. “With OnRamps, I feel it is more rigorous, but it’s also not as bad as AP where you’re constantly reminded of the AP test.”

When it comes to choosing between the classes, one major factor is what the college classes can be used for. OnRamps and Dual Credit usually only transfer to Texas universities.

In AP classes students earn a whole year of college credits, but in OnRamps students only earn a semester of credit.

“A lot of the credits that I got aren’t going to count because I’m probably going to go out of state,” senior Caitlin McLain said. “A lot of people who are trying to do out-of-state college, it really (frustrates) them.”

Advanced Courses Offered

Advanced Placement

AP Art

AP Environmental Science

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP English 3

AP English 4

AP European History

AP French 4

AP Human Geography

AP Psychology

AP Spanish 4

AP US History

AP World History

Dual Credit

Dual Credit English 4

Dual Credit US History

OnRamps

OnRamps Biology

OnRamps Chemistry

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New AP class offers

By Danielle Nalley Online Editor

Anew science class seems to be on its way. AP Environmental Science may be added to advanced science options next fall after multiple students requested the class at counselor meetings. A Google form was sent out to students on March 27 to see how much interest there was in adding the class.

The teacher expected to teach the class is Biology and Pathophysiology teacher Jerri Clay because of her experience teaching AP Biology for three years in her previous job. Clay said the class would consist of 40% labs, so students can gain a real-world understanding of plants, animals and the planet.

“AP Environmental will allow kids who wouldn’t have normally taken a dual credit science class, the opportunity to take one, simply because it is a broader concept,” Clay said.

DUAL CREDIT VS

Why We LIke Advanced Classes

Compiled by Rayden DeSouza, Paisley Thomas and Nicole Padilla

Environmental Science

offers new opportunities

The class gained popularity among students for its reputation as being among the easiest AP classes, Clay said. In the past five years, more than 50 percent of students passed the AP Environmental Science test with a 3 or better. The success-rate reached an all-time high in 2025 with 69.2 percent passing.

Junior Katherine Kotter was interested in the class because friends at Kingwood High School highly recommended it. She is excited to gain an understanding of conservation efforts and sustainability.

“I wanted something that was not too hard for my senior year so that I could relax but something that I would still be interested in,” Kotter said.

“I’ll have to say OnRamps (is better) because it’s more yourself. It’s kind of like on my time and then if stuff goes wrong, it’s on me, you know?”

Andrew Glover, 11

“I like that (in Dual Credit English 4) we’re reading a book and I think it’s very interesting. All the books that we were able to pick were pretty interesting. I like how we can learn different types of writing and we do essays and it helps me understand them better.”

Fernanda Fuentas, 12

“I’d say most of my experiences (in dual credit and AP classes) have been positive. There’s a lot of work, that’s probably the worst part about it. But the teachers, they make it very entertaining. It’s a great environment to be in.”

Christian Smith, 11

“I like OnRamps better, because it’s connected to the college and it’s like you’re taking a college class but I’m still in high school.”

Isa Price, 11

“I like how most of (the college courses) are kind of selfpaced in the fact that it all relies on you. I like how it mostly relies on you and a lot of it is at home stuff that you can do.”

Anoush Clayton, 12

“I (like) dual credit because all you have to do is pass the class and you get the letter grade. I mean, I chose AP (for more of my classes) because I’m joining the military, so I’m not really trying to get those credits.”

Noah Sayre, 12

“I would probably say (I like) OnRamps. I like it more than taking a huge test at the end of the year that determines if the class was worth anything or not. I’ve taken OnRamps Chemistry and Physics and the labs are really fun and you get to learn a lot of helpful stuff.”

Jeremiah Head, 11

“(OnRamps classes) definitely do help me in my future because I’m going to UT so they’ll give me college credit, so that’s really good. I do have a lot of fun in these classes because it’s a lot of collaborative work. You get to work with your friends and help them and they help you.”

Marisa Stone, 12

“I like the structure (of college classes) because it keeps me busy. It also teaches me how to multitask.”

Gracie Ingalls, 11

“I mean I like the experiences that I got to learn (in AP Psychology). We learn everything new in that class. I like the tests that we take, like the personality test and the memory test”

Jamie Ingalls, 11

“(In AP World History) we play a lot of fun games to learn the content. We also go over lots of lessons that help with really learning the material for the exam.”

Beatrix Terrell, 10

“I like how (AP English 3) actually challenged me and not only teaches me school-related lessons, but also life lessons. We read books, memoirs and stuff. I like how it’s very open and you can just be yourself. Everyone’s comfortable and there’s no judgment. It’s just very nice and welcoming.”

Je’La Rendon, 11

“I like the faster moving coursework, because I got bored taking on-level classes my freshman year. I’ve made really good friends in those classes, and I’ve been able to score well in those classes and got college credit.”

Benjamin Garcia, 12

“I like that (OnRamps and dual credit are) a little bit more sophisticated and fast-paced than regular classes. The teachers are more chill because they want you to actually succeed in life versus just getting an assignment done.”

Joyce Wiscovitch, 12

“I kind of like how (in AP Human Geography) she lets us be free and lets us do our own stuff and treats us as college-level kids. She gives us the freedom like a college kid.”

Addie Nicholds, 9

Young softball squad starts strong

By Caleb Kazeem Staff Writer

As the softball team goes through the second round of district play, the team has already clinched its place in the playoffs. The girls built an 11-game winning streak in February and March.

The team consists of four freshmen who have all achieved starting positions and made key contributions.

For freshman Ava Tellez, who has started at catcher this season, adjusting between her travel softball team to competing on varsity has taken some time.

“I’m used to playing with kids my age, “ Tellez said. “During travel ball, everybody is at the same level but now I play against 18 year olds and they are fast. It is definitely an adjustment.”

Even with the change, Tellez is second on the team in home runs with five and tied for second for doubles with 12. She also is third on the team in RBIs with 24.

For the first time in Lindsay Gregory’s coaching career, she has pulled up four freshmen to the starting lineup and is enjoying seeing the immediate impact the girls have brought.

Gregory has been impressed with the consis-

tency the girls have maintained in their race for a district championship.

“They are very talented,” Gregory said. “They have gone from playing their age to playing girls who are close to play in college. I expected there to be a bigger learning curve but these girls have played outstanding.”

Freshman Delilah Wright, who has started in right field, has recorded 18 hits and 13 RBIs so far. She has found success in the outfield.

“It is a lot of listening,” Wright said. “I have to understand both defenses and pay attention to calls.”

Besides the group- of freshmen, the team consists of five juniors, four seniors and a sophomore who are all returning members of the varsity team.

Other freshmen Hailie Messina and Trinity Brents have also had big impacts on the team. Messina is third on the team in batting average (.388) and tied for first in base hits. Brents has been pitching for the squad and leads the team with 66 strikeouts.

For Gregory, she sees a bright future in the group of girls for the next four years.

“I expect a lot from the group,” Gregory said. “I can see them winning many district championships and playoff wins.”

Case sets new standard

By Jacob Dinh Staff Writer

Senior Cory Case’s name is everywhere. Any record – team or individual – in the boys golf program has Case’s name next to it.

The two-time state qualifier just won his second-consecutive district title. He does not feel satisfied yet though.

“I 100% feel I can do more,” said Case, who started playing golf at age 4. “It does feel good. It makes me happy, but I wish I could do more.”

Wrapping up a historical high school golf career, Case wants to extend the time he has with his teammates by qualifying for State as a team for the first time.

The boys fell three strokes shy of advancing together Case’s sophomore year and five strokes shy last year.

“I just want to play with my boys at Kingwood Park one last time,” Case said. “That’s what made me love the game.”

That love for the game and his work ethic have transformed the program’s record board.

Golf coach Angela Chancellor values Case’s work ethic over his four years on the golf team.

“If you put in the work you’re going to see the results, and I think that’s what’s played out on that board out there,” Chancellor said. “So he works extremely hard at all aspects of the game, and he spends the time and the hours on the golf course making sure every section, portion of his game is in good position.”

The hard work paid off as Case received an offer from Texas State University, where he will be playing on the golf team.

“I committed to Texas State University and I think it really fits me and my personality,” Case said. “I loved the campus and it’s beautiful there, and I loved the coach there.”

In school and out of school, Case has faced top competition from across the country, which has helped his golf game improve.

“It’s scary at first, but then I realized that we all bleed the same blood,” Case said. “So if I can just slowly improve and get better than

the person better than me, then I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Senior golfer Max Raymond said Case has been a key leader to the team, helping lift up those around him.

“Anytime I kind of feel like I let him down or like I didn’t do my best,” Raymond said, “he keeps it very supportive and helps me get back on my feet.”

With a few high school goals still to be chased, Case has big plans in college to compete with harder competition.

“I really hope I can play golf in the future past college,” he said. “That’s my goal, trying to get to the professional level, even though it’s very difficult and a long process.”

Earlier this school year, Case had to take a break from golf as he dealt with a hand injury. He elected to get

surgery to remove a cyst on his hand in December, so that he would be fully healed before he started playing at Texas State.

“I’ve had this cyst for seven years, and over time it started irritating me,” Case said. “It didn’t really affect my golf game, but it affected my life outside of golf. I ended up saying, ‘I want to get rid of this before I go to college, so I won’t have any problem with it.’”

Recovery took until February, and Case was more than ready to get back onto the course. He worried about how quickly he could get back to a high level of play, and he spent hours back on the course practicing once he was cleared. He said coming back from the injury made him mentally stronger.

With his district title win on March 24, he shifted his focus to the regional tournament at Margaritaville

RECORD BREAKER

Senior Cory Case holds every individual record in the boys golf program. Also, his name is part of every team record as well.

Most career wins

9 (2022-2026)

18-hole score in a tournament

65 (Atascocita Golf Course, 2024-25)

36-hole score in a tournament

136 (Atascocita Golf Course, 2023-24)

Most rounds at par or better in a season 7 (2024-25)

Most top 5 finishes in a season 5 (2024-25)

Lowest stroke average in a season 74.78 (2023-24)

Golf Course.

“I’m really focusing on the team preparing well, because if we do good, we can get out,” Case said. “I’ve played good on (the Margaritaville Golf Course) before, and I’ve heard it’s in good shape right now, so I think it’s very scoreable if I do good.”

Everything is now geared toward setting himself up for success at the State Meet on April 27-28. He wants his teammates playing with him, and he wants one final chance to go out on top.

A year ago, he took 11th place in a rain-shortened State Meet. It is the highest spot a Kingwood Park boy has ever finished at State. And it’s a record Case wants to break the most.

“My goal is winning State, which is a big goal, but it’s my dream,” Case said. “It’s kind of one thing I’m really locking in on. I’m really hoping I can go out and do as well as possible.”

Opportunities continue to grow nationwide for girls in sports

By Tricia Darcy Editor-in-Chief

Golf coach Angela Chancellor started playing sports in high school on a boys baseball and boys golf teams. Opportunities for girls to play sports were limited, but Chancellor had one dream – become a professional golfer.

While Chancellor was in high school, changes started to become noticeable. Her dreams came closer to reality when softball teams and girls golf teams were added to schools in her area.

“We recruited our basketball coach to be our golf coach so we could have a girls team,” Chancellor said. “It was almost like you had to go out and hustle on your own. If you wanted to have a team, you had to go find coaches and find people to do it. Now it’s like it’s provided. Everything’s more equal.”

Chancellor’s experience wasn’t unusual at the time. Many schools still had limited opportunities for girls in athletics, but nationwide change already started and it was all due to the passing of Title IX in 1972.

THE IMPACT OF TITLE IX

Title IX encourages education programs that receive federal funding to offer equal opportunities for girls and boys in sports. This opened the door for new opportunities for girls in sports and many schools at the collegiate level began implementing new policies to satisfy the law.

Co-algebra teacher Marti Purcell graduated high school in 1981 and saw the benefits of Title IX as a Div-I swimmer at Texas A&M, where nine girls sports were first added in 1972 and included swim. In comparison, the boys swim team began in 1931.

“People wanted their schools to be in compliance with Title IX,” Purcell said. “If the guys had a nice locker room, the girls had to get a nice locker room. What happened was NCAA realized, ‘Wait a minute, we’ve been funding the men all this time. We have a lot more money, so we’re going to take in women.’”

According to a National Federation of State High School Association survey from 1971, the year before Title IX was passed, 294,015 girls participated in sports

nationwide. Now, over 50 years later, girls’ sports participation has reached an all-time high.

The survey from the 2024-25 school year recorded 8,260,891 high school girls participating in athletics. Texas leads participation nationwide with 364,020 girls in high school sports.

Although, some sports have consistently been popular among girls.

TRACK LEADS IN PARTICIPATION

Since Title IX was passed, outdoor track and field leads all sports in participation. The biggest increase came immediately after Title IX was implemented when participation went from 62,211 in 1971 to 299,215 in 1973.

Senior Madi Staggs started competing in track and field in middle school and quickly found a passion for the sport. She embraced the technicality, especially in hurdles and jumping events.

“The feeling I get when I cross the finish line is literally something I’ve never felt before,” Staggs said. “I can’t even explain it.”

Staggs is an example of the opportunities now afforded to girls in high schools. As a freshman, she competed in five different sports. Now, Staggs has found success in track and field and won a state title in competitive cheer.

Staggs is one of the 513,808 girls that participated in track during the 2024-2025 school year, according to NFHS. As a senior, she has started to see more growth on the school’s team as well.

“We’ve had a lot of girls join the track program for instance this year,” Staggs said. “There’s so many girls that I’m just like walking around thinking they would be so good at this sport but then they didn’t join it and I feel like this year especially we’ve had so many people join.”

WRESTLING, FLAG FOOTBALL LEADS IN GROWTH

Other sports haven’t always had high participation numbers.

When Jeff Knight started coaching at Kingwood Park 16 years ago, the wrestling program only had four girls. This year, the program had 16 girls.

The growth of the sport was noticeable in the past 10 years, and is considered one of the fastest growing sports nationwide –reaching over 74,000 participants in the last school year.

“If we could get some of the big Texas schools – if Texas A&M or University of Texas, Baylor, Texas

“I definitely think that there would be a big chunk of girls who would want to at least try it just because it would be so new,” Staggs said. “I feel like when a sport becomes official like that, it’s always like there’s a big group of people who want to try it out.”

In the past three years, flag football has reached over 68,000 girls nationwide.

However, without high school teams to play on, some athletes joined youth teams started by the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. Both programs were created to campaign for the sanctioning of the sport.

STATE OF GIRLS SPORTS TODAY

ship among collegiate basketball and volleyball has grown rapidly since 2023.

“There’s not any limits anymore,” Chancellor said. “There used to not be girls wrestling and now that’s huge. Whenever I started, there wasn’t softball, but then they were able to add that. It was pretty much like basketball, volleyball, and track. That’s all there was available for women. Then they realized, okay, women can actually run cross country and women can do other things.”

Women’s sports are continuing to grow and participation across all sports has seen rapid growth. With so many new opportunities across all levels of athletics, high school girls across the country are

Tech, any of the bigger schools – if they would ever start college wrestling, it would even multiply (the participation numbers),” Knight said. “Nationwide, more and more colleges are adding wrestling, and they see the participation. So I think that’s going to continue to grow. We just need one of those big colleges in Texas to take that jump and then all others will follow.”

As of June 2025, there were 112 college wrestling teams – mostly at the Div. III level. This year, the NCAA created the first national tournament for women, which will showcase the top women wrestlers at the Div.. I, II and III levels.

Along with wrestling, girls flag football became one of the fastest growing sports because of new programs across the country.

Recently, the International Olympic Committee approved the addition of men’s and women’s flag football to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. However, at the high school level, the University Interscholastic League has not sanctioned girls flag football teams and is continuing to study the addition.

This year, girls’ athletic participation reached an all-time high and is continuing to rise as interest grows. This led to some state programs creating more opportunities for girls in athletics.

“It makes me proud to see,” Knight said. “UIL did a really good job. They added two more weight classes and so now there’s 14 weight classes for girls and just gives more opportunities.”

In 2023, NFHS proposed the idea to add two weight classes for state associations that wanted more opportunities in competition. UIL accepted the proposal and now has 14 weight classes for girls competition.

At the professional level, women’s sports viewership has reached an all-time high – specifically in the WNBA and NWSL. Both leagues are facing rapid growth and are adding new teams each year. In addition, the Professional Softball League will start in June of this year.

The NCAA reached their highest participation numbers in the 2024-2025 school year. Viewer-

joining more sports – all because of Title IX.

“I am so pleased,” Purcell said. “It’s just amazing how women have continued to grow and get an audience now. People watch collegiate women’s basketball. They watch basketball. People love watching softball – it’s all over television now. All women’s sports are so easy to be seen now – they’re so publicized.”

transfer troubles UIL creates challenges for transfer athletes

By Peyton Chesney Staff Writer

Freshman Isabella Garcia walked into a conference room at Kingwood Park on Jan. 14 for her appeal to play on varsity softball as a transfer. A Zoom call was set up with administrators from throughout the state of Texas.

Garcia had many people there to support her, including her mom, her softball coach and other coaches who had worked to build her case.

“My mom, she really did more of the, like, side where we needed evidence and stuff to prove, and then coach (Jess) White and coach (Lindsay) Gregory really just helped with like the emotional side, because it was hard getting in front of all those people and telling them what happened to me for three years,” Garcia said. “It was just a lot, so they really helped me on that.”

Garcia, who transferred because of bullying, was told her transfer was denied because UIL did not deem her reason valid. After the stressful appeal, the hearing ended with her required to spend her first year at Kingwood Park on JV softball.

“I was more disappointed than anything because I really thought that it was going to go through,” said Garcia, who is zoned to Kingwood High School.

Kingwood Park is home to the most student transfers in Humble ISD. Twenty-five percent of the students at Kingwood Park are transfers. Many students who transfer participate in at least one sport.

UIL has a rule for athletes who are not zoned to the school they attend. They cannot play varsity until their second year at the school. Families can appeal by filling out paperwork but the process is often long. It involves the family, the old school and the new school.

“The waiver requires supporting

documentation,” assistant athletic coordinator and girls soccer coach Jess White said. “That includes transcripts, letters from all parties involved, and may include any additional documentation if it is a situation where the parents/students believe the change in schools was necessary due to unavoidable circumstances.”

Some students choose not to appeal and play at the JV or freshman level during their first year on campus. The appeals cost families about $200, and the chances students will win their appeal is very limited.

Senior Koltan Lopez, a varsity basketball player, transferred for family situations during his junior year. Lopez previously attended New Caney High School. Lopez’s family had jobs closer to Kingwood Park, and he ultimately moved into the zoning of Kingwood Park.

Lopez, despite technically being zoned to Kingwood Park, was denied his transfer. He had to spend his first year on JV, after going through the appeal process.

“It was just like really nervewracking because it just seemed like it was just all against us,” Lopez said. ***

When a transfer waiver is created, the waiver does not stay inside of Humble ISD. It goes to all schools in the district that the team will face. For example, a football player at Kingwood Park would have their waiver sent to be reviewed at Dayton ISD, New Caney ISD, Pasadena ISD and other districts in their zone of play. That group of schools is called the District Executive Committee and they can approve or

deny a waiver, however, UIL has the ultimate say and can overrule a DEC decision.

UIL’s waiver review board determines whether a waiver or appeal should be approved.

“It’s really kind of a slippery slope and I think that’s why that sometimes they’re so strict,” White said. Instances, like bullying, are rarely accepted as reasons to approve waivers, because it is very hard to prove.

“Like if the kid’s coming from a toxic environment at a previous school, where there’s something of that nature, that’s difficult unless there’s a lot of legitimate, irrefutable documentation,” White said.

Students who have instances of divorced parents with one parent living in the zone of the school and children of faculty members at the school are less challenging. Their

appeals are usually approved, and they are cleared to play varsity.

The transfer rule doesn’t always affect athletes negatively. Some transfer knowing their first year will be on JV.

“Well, I already knew (by tryouts) that I couldn’t make varsity in the first place, but it didn’t really affect the way I took tryouts,” freshman swimmer Leah Scott said.

Students who transfer don’t always transfer for athletics. Kingwood Park is the only 5A school in the district, which attracts some students who embrace the idea of a campus with less than 2,000 students.

No matter whether the decision was made because of athletics or not, UIL gets involved to determine eligibility if a student chooses to join a team.

Freshman Peytton Mack appealed to the UIL to be eligible to wrestle varsity as a freshman. She said she waited a long time for a reply, which came in the form of a denial at the Region Meet.

“I feel the transfer rules should be changed because I didn’t transfer for sports,” Mack said. “I transferred for a start over and this rule has caused me to be behind.”

The rule has impacted many students regardless of grade or reason of transfer. It will continue to impact incoming transfer athletes, especially as the rule continues to be tweaked and changed at the state level.

“I think it is always a good idea to take a critical look to see how our processes can be improved to best serve the clientele of students and schools,” White said. “There is always room for improvement.”

Transfers only have so much they can do. After experiencing the disappointment of being ruled ineligible late in the wrestling season, Mack told athletes to stay positive and to keep working hard regardless of what the UIL decides.

“I would tell (incoming freshmen) that it’s all meant to be,” Mack said, “and just keep training as hard as you can and keep your head up.”

Christiansen chases racing success

By Shawn Chaney Staff Writer

Sophomore Piper Christiansen learned to drive race cars from her father when she was 10 years old. When she was 12 and saw her dad’s friend race at the 105 Speedway, she started racing competitively. It’s a pastime she continues today.

“We went to my grandparents’ house, and he basically was like, get in and drive,” Christiansen said. “And he taught me how, cause like, I’m a quick learner.”

Christiansen is a dirt racer, which is a form of racing that is competed on dirt tracks similar to a horse derby.

While she is aware of the many dangers that are present with racing, she also knows there are several safety precautions put in place to ensure everyone’s safety as much as possible. She wears fireproof racing suits and shoes. She also wears helmets, neck braces and chin straps when driving. In addition, her cars have a fire extinguisher at all times and a roll cage.

“I don’t worry because there’s a lot of safety equipment that goes into it, so I’ll be all right,” Christiansen said.

Racing is not a cheap hobby, with the price of the car not being an issue compared to all of the modifications and maintenance that come with it. Cars can be bought ready to race with no need for modifications, but that still leaves the thousands of dollars of maintenance costs.

“It gets expensive because you’re paying $4,000 for a car at the minimum,” Christiansen said. “The engines cost a lot, and then it depends

on the modifications. If you buy it track-ready, maybe $5,000. And if you don’t, it could be from $2,000 to $7,000. My car is expensive. I’ve had a lot of stuff done to it. I’d say it’s over $10,000.” Christiansen’s dad has a collection of eight race cars that he lets her use. On top of her dad’s eight, Christiansen has three of her own, which are all her favorite type of race car – a Fox body Mustang.

Outside of racing, Christiansen drives a 2022 Range Rover, which is especially helpful for her since she lives in Atascocita, is on JV volleyball, is an orchestra officer and in the chamber and beginner orchestras, which come with many after school rehearsals. She says her Range Rover is reliable and she likes how it drives.

Despite having so much driving experience, Christiansen had one difficulty during her driving test in January – going the speed limit. That rule went against the goal she’d had her whole life up, which was to go as fast as possible. She had to retake her driver’s test after failing the first time for hitting a curb immediately after leaving the parking lot.

“The curb literally wasn’t there. I was driving, and then it spawned out of nowhere,” Christiansen said.

Despite initial challenges, Christiansen feels that driving race cars for four years has made her a better driver. While she understands the difference between racing and regular driving, she also feels that her racing personality sometimes reflects in her day-to-day driving.

“I’ve been driving for a long time, and I’ve gotten a lot of experience doing it,” Christiansen said. “I’m a very defensive driver.”

Priority change hurts college-bound students

In the last two years, Kingwood Park has slowly transitioned into a school focused on College, Career and Military Readiness – a Texas-created initiative to prepare students for life after high school. The state has tied funding and school ratings into CCMR success rates.

STAFF EDITORIAL

The new focus isn’t necessarily a bad idea. However, the three core targets are not being equally prioritized. There is a disproportionate amount focused on “career,” leaving those college-focused students feeling like an afterthought. Kingwood Park needs to continue to offer an array of advanced classes, making college-bound students more competitive in the college admissions process.

In the last year, Kingwood Park has removed four Advanced Placement courses – AP Biology, AP Precalculus, AP Government and AP Economics. All four of these courses are being replaced with an alternative college-level option. All college-level courses are not created equal though. Along with the International Baccalaureate programme (only offered at Humble High School in Humble ISD), AP test scores are the most accepted way to earn college credits from universities around the United States. Depending on the students’ AP test scores, universities provide credit hours, which often cover a whole year of the introductory level courses. This allows some students to start their college journey with a head start.

On the contrary, OnRamps courses have a difficult time transferring credits to universities outside of the state. Also, the maximum credit hours earned are four hours, which is equivalent to one semester of an introductory college course. For the amount of time and commitment students must put into any of these college-

level courses, it can be frustrating not having the opportunity to get double the amount of credit.

OnRamps and AP courses are structured completely differently.

OnRamps is a flipped classroom style while AP classes are teacher-led. Having both courses as options is extremely beneficial to students who learn in different ways. Some students love the constant hands-on activities in OnRamps courses. Others benefit from the ability to directly access and gain immediate help from the instructor in an AP classroom.

The elimination of AP Precalculus starting next fall is especially concerning because it is a prerequisite to AP Calculus AB or BC. Taking away AP Precalculus takes away an opportunity for students to take and understand an AP-style math exam before taking the AP Calculus exam. Calculus

started as a junior, which has led them to pursue a degree in that field. An eighth grader should not be locked into something they chose before ever stepping foot on our campus. Teachers change, courses change, and students should be allowed the freedom to change their minds and reevaluate their interests and schedules each year.

is a principle course for most colleges, and passing the AP exam to be exempt from taking it is a huge opportunity. Eliminating the course and completely replacing it with On-Ramps hurts students. All the courses are designed under College Board to make the transition to the two classes smoother and reduce gaps in the curriculums.

As a school, we have also started to require incoming freshmen to commit to a CTE pathway until they earn a certification – a key target on the “career” portion in CCMR. High school is supposed to be a place for students to experiment. Changing electives shouldn’t be considered taboo. There are so many students who experiment until their junior or senior year with various electives. Many of those students have fallen in love with electives they

In addition, the TSIA exam and the STAAR End of Course Exams are central focuses of classes each year. If we are going to emphasize these exams, we should also emphasize the SAT and ACT. The college-entrance exams are critical in the college admissions process. Higher scores can mean a better chance of admission and thousands more in scholarship money. As a school, we should transition focus to teaching to these exams. Once English 1 and 2 students finish with their EOCs, their teachers could spend the last two months mixing in lessons that benefit students preparing for these exams. The same can be said for math classes once the required curriculum is completed. If school days cannot be spared for just general lessons that would help boost students’ scores, offer weekend tutoring. Earlier this spring, Kingwood High School held free “SAT Saturday Success Summits” for juniors leading up to the required SAT test on campus. There is nothing equivalent to that offered at Kingwood Park.

While the state of Texas is tying district money to those complying best with CCMR, Kingwood Park must do a better job of focusing on its entire student body. As a school it is crucial we continue to support students who want to go straight into a career after high school, but it is just as important that we support and provide the best opportunities to students who want to receive a higher education – even if that takes them to campuses and universities outside of Texas.

When it comes to body image, one size does not fit all

By Mellanie SuarezMargil

Starting from earlier than the 20th century, studies have shown that there is way too much pressure for women to have the perfect body image. Women and young girls started developing a “thin ideal” for decades now, and it has taken over many lives. Ten percent of women have had, has or will develop an eating disorder at one point in their lives, according to National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. With the way society has always been, women are pretty much bound to care about their

bodies. Body image is everywhere and having some sort of eating disorder, even if it may not be diagnosed, isn’t out of the ordinary. Even if girls don’t think about it all that much, whether you’re walking up a long flight of stairs hoping you have lost some calories, or even turning your head to look over at a friend and comparing yourself to them or wanting to look like them can be small signs of a developing eating disorder.

Social media has been a rising factor of women idolizing other women and wanting to look just like the models they see every other scroll. It’s not easy to see a model and not stop yourself from thinking why can’t this be me. You can see in many young teens comparing themselves to what can even be fake, and try everything to be like that person. Even if you

see a “10/10” body on TikTok, or on a poster, you can never know what has been heavily edited or photoshopped.

A study developed by the Associated Press, talked about the need for health professionals encouraging women to not feel they need to look a certain way. The purpose of harsh workouts is created to help athletes become the best they possibly can for their sport, not for women to lose a lot of weight. Everybody was created differently, and there really shouldn’t be a “goal” for women to achieve.

The world can be a cruel place sometimes and it’s hard enough as it is, you shouldn’t also have to care about why you aren’t “thin” enough. So be okay with who you are because everyone is amazing in their own way. There’s no need to change.

• At age 13, 53% of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” This grows to 78% by the time girls reach 17.

• 45.5% of teens report considering cosmetic surgery, 43.7% of women over 60 report considering cosmetic surgery.

• 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life.

• 58% of college-aged girls feel pressured to be a certain weight.

• Only about 2% to 5% of women naturally possess the body type typically portrayed as the “ideal” in media.

National Organization for Women

Artificial intelligence may ruin filmmaking

By Jesse Ramirez

As AI continues to grow more powerful and skilled with each passing day, many industries are starting to look for uses for this powerful technology. One of these industries in question happens to be one of the biggest industries: the film industry. Many companies in the film industry are currently seeking to try and use Artificial Intelligence to take over different aspects of filmmaking, such as artificial actors and visual effects. Many traditional filmmakers are very concerned about this new process and rightfully so. While this technology may be efficient in terms of delivering results, it

eliminates any room for any kind of true creativity and soul, and instead replaces them in favor of procedural text prompts. Therefore, as society we should not lean toward using this technology when it comes to pursuing the art of filmmaking.

One reason why this practice of using AI in filmmaking shouldn’t be used is because it isn’t able to capture the personal human connection traditionally-made films have. While pro-AI advocates tout the amazing technical benefits of the AI-powered models generating your idea without putting much thought into actually visualizing it yourself, the price of that benefit makes it hard for viewers to connect to the generated story the AI is trying to tell, and they instead focus on what kind of technique they used to create the whole thing. With traditional filmmaking, viewers easily get more invested due to the guarantee of the whole thing being made by

real people, leading them to have less hesitation to connect with the story and the characters of the film.

Another drawback to AI filmmaking is that it gives the filmmakers less creative control over how the final film turns out. AI filmmaking programs may have quicker turnaround times when it comes to visualizing your ideas for your film, you don’t get very much control over how you want it to exactly look, leaving many AI-films with any kind of personal artistic nuance. With traditional filmmaking, while the process is more time consuming, filmmakers who use this process have the ability to fine-tune their projects whatever way they want, thus giving their films a unique, yet polished style that helps set it apart from other films. And lastly, one more drawback to the AI-driven filmmaking method is the inability to create any emotional depth. AI filmmak-

ing software mainly focuses on the technical aspects of filmmaking, while sidling any kind of focus to the personal creative direction of the filmmaker in question. With traditional filmmaking, the main focus is the creative side first and foremost, thus allowing filmmakers to add meaningful storytelling details that give their projects much needed and appreciated depth.

Furthermore, while I can agree that it is efficient and useful for the technical side of filmmaking, AI can truly never replicate the human touch of traditional filmmaking. Because while it may be intelligent when it comes to being artificial, the one thing an AI can’t do that traditional-filmmaking CAN do is the one key skill that is always required when it comes to telling a good story: being emotionally intelligent.

‘Project Hail Mary’ is can’t-miss cinema

TBy Josiah Bondy

he new movie “Project Hail Mary” is an exciting and emotional sci-fi film, based off of the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, that tells the story of a man who wakes up alone in space with no memory, only to realize he has to essentially save Earth. Even though the concept sounds a bit complicated, the movie does a good job of making the science and crazy plot easy to follow. Some of the scenes go deep into scientific explanations and equation solving, but not enough to make it confusing or boring.

One of the best parts of the movie is how it focuses on the main character, Ryland Grace, as a person and not just a scientist trying to fix a problem. Instead of only showing

technical solutions, the movie lets us see his personality, fears and growth throughout the progression of the film. This makes the story feel more personal, rather than just a typical space survival movie. As a viewer, you’re not just watching someone try to save the world, you understand what it costs him mentally and emotionally.

The movie also does a great job showing the relationship between Grace and Rocky, an alien Ryland befriends in space. Their interactions bring a surprising amount of humor to the story. Even though they come from completely different worlds, their teamwork becomes one of the most important parts of the film. This adds a unique layer to the movie, making it feel less like a solo survival story and more about cooperation.

Another strong point of the film is how it explains complex science without feeling boring. Similar to other adaptations of Andy Weir’s work, the movie balances detailed explanations with action and tension. The pacing is steady, and it

Kingwood Park Times

April 2026

Volume 12, Issue 5 Kingwood, Texas 77339

EDITORS

Tricia Darcy & Sydney Ortiz, editors-in-chief

Danielle Nalley & Marie Wakefield, online editors Cameron Minatrea, sports editor

Paisley Thomas, opinion editor

STAFF WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS & SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Muhammad Adnan, Josiah Bondy, Chase Canlas, Shawn Chaney, Peyton Chesney, Jack Coffey, Ella Cole, Charlie Crass, Rayden DeSouza, Jacob Dinh, Eleanor Durand, Kalia Gaeta, Rocco Huerta, Caleb Kazeem, Marien Martinez, Michael McElmurray, Max Nguyen, Leonardo Peña, Amita Ramcharan, Jesse Ramirez, Pilar Retamales, Chloe Sales, Nicole Sauceda Padilla, Fabiain Smith, Marie Wakefield.

Adviser: Megan Ortiz

Cover: Photo by Sydney Ortiz.

never feels like the story drags or gets lost in too much information, which can be boring. Even when the stakes are high, the film keeps things clear and really engaging. What makes “Project Hail Mary” stand out compared to other sci-fi movies is its mix of intelligence and emotion. The movie is very smart with where the story goes. It doesn’t just focus on danger and survival, but also on friendship, sacrifice and hope. The movie manages to be both intense and encouraging at the same time, which is not always easy

for a movie like this to do.

“Project Hail Mary” is a strong sci-fi movie that goes beyond just a space adventure. It teaches important ideas about teamwork, courage and what it means to trust someone who is completely different from yourself. Even though it has some complex ideas, it’s definitely worth watching because of the message and insane visuals and cinematography. The film is not only interesting but also inspiring, and it leaves viewers thinking long after it ends.

KP MEDIA EDITORIAL POLICY

KP Media is the official student-produced media of news and information published/produced by KP Media students. KP Media has been established as designated public forums for student editors to inform and educate their readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content during the writing process.

Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of KP Media is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself, its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

The media will serve the best interest of the students and faculty of Kingwood Park High School, keeping itself free from any commercial obligations distracting from this purpose; this is defined by the media itself.

All writing in the media, other than letters to the editor in the newsmagazine, will be written by students of the journalism program and will not be accepted otherwise.

The media will specialize in and emphasize on informing their readers of school news and unique students of the Kingwood Park High School community.

The media will cover community, state, national, and international news if it is directly relevant to the school community, and includes local angles.

The media will strive to provide coverage to all school organizations and functions.

Any decisions affecting the publications on all levels will be made by the editorial board, the adviser is allowed to give legal advice and his/her opinion, but the final decision rests in the hands of the editorial board.

Only the editorial board may prevent material it judges to be in violation of the media editorial policy, from being printed.

Letters to editor will be printed in the opinion section of the newspaper or on the website. Letters to editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed and must include writer’s address and phone number for verification. Letters to the editor will be verified by a member of the editorial board to determine the authenticity of the writer.

The school newspaper will be distributed free of charge to all students every 6-8 weeks. The paper is completely financed by advertising revenues and fundraising. The money raised is used to pay for the school media printing costs, supplies and other media expenses.

See the entire staff editorial policy at KPTimes.com.

WHAT’S HOT?

Olivia Rodrigo’s new album. We seem pretty happy for a new album.

Summer. We’ve only been waiting for the past eight months.

Project Hail Mary. About to go to the theaters and watch it for the third time.

College classes ending early. Being in OnRamps and dual credit has never been better.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. If the first one was great, this is 10 times better.

Artemis II launching. We love when NASA explores space.

Tanning. Can the UV be 11 already?

Buying a yearbook. It’s so lit and creative.

Easter candy. It’s always better when it’s seasonal.

Crawfish. Who wants to come to Swamp Donkey’s seafood with me?

Needohs. A perfect way to relieve stress in school.

Colorful summer hair. Yes, dye your hair like a sunset.

Ella Langley’s album. Yes, I will be listening to Dandelion as soon as it drops.

WHAT’S NOT?

No more late arrival. 7:25 a.m. is WAY too early.

AI videos. It’s not entertaining, let’s touch some grass.

The weather. Rain, rain go away.

Burnout. Just let me sink into the abyss of academic apathy.

No flex hour. We need our hour lunch back.

Group projects. Doing all the work builds character, I guess.

Brain rot. How old are we?

Pollen season. PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!

Gas prices. Why is a full tank $75... for it to last for three days?

Getting sick. The longer you’re sick, the more work you have to make up.

STAAR testing. Sitting in silence for hours questioning if I actually want to read the book I brought.

Warm classrooms. Why am I suffocating?

The cafeteria. People throw food across the lunch room. We are not in third grade.

School traffic. I’m just trying to get home.

Mistake at contest leads to lesson learned

TBy Peyton Chesney

he bus revved to life as me and 10 other students in the French program loaded up for the second day of French Symposium. In the preliminary round, I had forgotten a stanza of my poem, flopped a 16th note run, and cracked every high note in my music round.

When we arrived at Clear Lake High School for the second round and testing on Saturday, I didn’t think much of advancing. I knew poetry was completely out of my mind and music had slim chances. I still filed into the testing room with everyone else.

I completed what felt to be the hardest test in my life. The test is designed for students in level four French, and I am only in level one, so I did not expect to do well. I proved myself right, ultimately choosing C for 56 of the 90 questions and only answering two sentences for the short answer. I only got 32 of the questions correct. After testing, preliminary results came out. I saw my name listed under instrumental solo, but not

under where it said semifinals. I was not upset I didn’t make semifinals, so I stayed positive. I sat around and waited for everyone to finish their semifinals round.

An hour after the music semifinals had finished, I heard “you did make music semifinals.” My head whipped around so fast, while my brain was filled with thoughts of confusion. One of my fellow competitors in music said we had made music semifinals, but read the chart wrong. She has also made semifinals and missed the round because of misconception.

I looked up and instantly was hit with regret. I frantically searched around for a schedule, but it was over an hour after the music semifinals had finished.

I had missed it because I hadn’t properly interpreted a chart. I was obviously upset with not doing the event, but more nervous my French teacher would be mad at me for costing points.

I quickly reached out to my teacher, but she said there was nothing I could do but simply enjoy the rest of the events at the competition.

I really was not feeling up to anything, and I wore shoes that gave me terrible blisters, so each step I took hurt. I didn’t do much for three hours until many people were done with their preliminary

rounds.

Despite the debacle of the music round, I had already made many new friends with people I would have never talked to if I had not done the event. The art room was still open, so I walked around the whole school looking for the gym with one of my new friends, and we walked the entire bottom floor before we found it.

The art was fantastic and seeing it brightened my mood.

All that was left for the evening was the short culture bowl and the award ceremony. Both flew by, with the awards being a time to see the countless hours people around me had put into their French education.

The event was overall a learning experience, and although I didn’t get to compete with the music I had spent months on (and placed second in the preliminary round with), I still found good out of it. I met a lot of other people who are passionate about French, and got to celebrate the success of everyone’s hard work.

And after came the best reminder. My Nona texted me “Ecclesiastes 3:1 there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens,” which is exactly what this event taught me.

READ MORE OPINIONS ON KPTIMES.COM

• Texas pushing boundaries of religion in public schools

• Growth of cricket in U.S. should be celebrated

• Memories of COVID shutdown still painful

• Thrilling twists make ‘The Housemaid’ worth the watch

• Messy rooms offer some teens comfort

• Quitting sports leaves empty feeling

• Time management necessary skill for busy days

the middle of the

a goal. Carbajal scored one of three goals in the team’s

College

LAST LOOK

The boys and girls soccer teams both competed in the playoffs throughout the month of March. The boys team ended their season in the second round against Barber’s Hill. A&M Consolidated ended the girls season in the Regional Finals. All photos by Tricia Darcy.