The Oracle-December 2025

Oracle the impact issue

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Everywhere you look on campus, impact is happening. It’s in the laughter in the hallways, the last-minute study sessions during Spartan Time and the fantasy football rivalries that somehow turn best friends into sworn enemies for weeks. It’s in the students who spend their weekends volunteering, the teachers who somehow manage to keep up our energy and the traditions that make our school feel like a second home.

Impact is not always about big actions. Often, it appears in small moments such as cheering someone on, helping out a friend or just remembering to hold open the door for someone who is a few steps behind.

As the holidays approach, let’s celebrate the difference we make everyday. Whether we’re giving back, showing school spirit or simply surviving finals season together, we each contribute to what makes this place special. Because in the end, we don’t just make an impact. We are the impact.

STAFF

Editor-in-Chief*

Natalie Patranella

Associate Editors*

Bella Smith

Sophia Yarborough

Online Editors*

Jacob Cobb

Hailey Wisdom

Photo Editor*

Molly Kate Minyard

Creative Director*

Reese Spradling

Reporters

Melina Banan

Foster Burton

Ryann Calvert

Aubury Craff

James Gardner

Happy reading, Natalie Patranella

03 - 05

FEATURE

Keeping it Reel

Olivia-Anne Stephanow uses her social media platform to spread confidence and kindness

Runs in the Family

The Almasris quietly build an impactful legacy on campus

06

EDITORIAL

Oracle Outlook

Students debate the use of artificial intelligence in school

08 - 15

Zoe Greene

Olivia Henderson

Jackson Hiler

Ryan McDowell

Ava McKenzie

Sebastian Mendoza

Michelle Moon

Anastasiia Petrenko

Rhea Roy

Sara Roy

Caden Stone

Claire Whalen

Adviser

Sara Boyle

*Editorial Board

STUDENT LIFE

Fall Recap

A collection of photos from the second nine weeks

Fantasy Fumble

Because who needs friends when you have fantasy?

Shooting for Success

Boys and girls basketball predict an unforgettable season

The Offical Holiday Survival Guide

Movies, recipes and debates to you in the holiday spirit

Giving Their Time

Students explain their volunteering stories and advice

issuu.com/thestratfordoracle

Keeping It

Olivia-Anne Stephanow uses her social media platform to spread confidence and kindness

WRITTEN BY

OLIVIA HENDERSON (9) AND CLAIRE WHALEN (9)

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or TikTok lately, chances are, you’ve come across the name Olivia-Anne Stephanow—a Stratford student whose genuine personality and creative videos are quickly catching attention beyond the Houston area. At just 16 years old, Stephanow has already built a large following. Her content displays the importance of self-confidence, friendship and staying true to yourself, which she reflects into the environment of Stratford America.

This success did not happen overnight. Stephanow has been posting content since she was in elementary school

“As a kid, I felt like there wasn’t someone online who I could look up to,” Stephanow said. “Once I found Spencer Barbosa, a self-love and body positivity creator, I just knew that I wanted to create a space like that for younger girls too.”

Stephanow’s platform only grew from there.

“Once I started making positive content, people began saying that I looked like Spencer Barbosa,” Stephanow said. “I decided to grow on that and make a silly little TikTok about how everyone calls me ‘Baby Barbosa.’ Spencer commented, followed and reposted! It got me where I am today.”

Being online is not without its battles, though. Stephanow has created a sense of self that is not dependent on other people’s thoughts.

“[Some comments] used to hurt my feelings and ruin my day, but one day I had a realization that those people who leave those comments must be miserable,” Stephanow said. “I realized they are just [commenting] to upset me, and I was not gonna let them dim my sparkle.”

“There is always light and always a rainbow after the rainstorm.”

- Olivia-Anne Stephanow

When you think of an influencer, you think of someone who mindlessly follows trends. Stephanow is an exception to that.

“I have always been an independent girly, and I always had a beat to my own

“[I want to] continue to grow and spread love and confidence to every single girl around the world.”

- Olivia-Anne Stephanow

drum,” Stephanow said. “I stay true to myself by saying that ‘No one can change Olivia-Anne.’ It is not their right to take away who I am.”

Stephanow has now signed with a management team, The Creative Society, which helps her balance collabs, videos and homework altogether.

“I try to get most of my homework done at school so I have time to film,” Stephanow said. “I also wake up around 5 a.m. to batch out content for the week.”

A main goal that she’s working toward is to continue posting original and genuine content.

“I don’t want my account to turn into only brand collaborations,” Stephanow said.

Stephanow is starting to realize just how much of a difference she is making online. Often, she finds herself scrolling through her comments and seeing messages like “You saved my life,” or “You’re the reason I eat.” Others tell her, “You made me feel comfortable enough in myself to wear crop tops.”

It’s in those moments that

PHOTO BY CLAIRE WHALEN (9)

Stephanow sees the true impact of her voice. With genuine confidence and effortless spark, Stephanow is redefining what it means to be “real” on social media. She is living proof that authenticity can truly change lives.

“[I want to] continue to grow and spread love and confidence to every single girl around the world,” Stephanow said. Through Stephanow’s honesty and positivity, she is showing that social media can be a place of healing, not comparison. She is turning her page into more than just videos—it’s a safe space. Stephanow isn’t just spreading confidence, she’s spreading honesty, and Stratford America is lucky to get a bit of her sparkle.

Runs In the Family

The Almasris quietly build an impactful legacy on campus

Legacy is an incredibly important idea on campus, with many families establishing themselves throughout the years in many different ways. Whether it be students becoming teachers or students being taught by their parents — legacy runs through the beating heart of Stratford. However, there is one family who not only echoes this idea of legacy, but takes it to an entirely new level.

You may not know every member of the Almasri family, as they tend to keep quiet about their small-but-mighty presence. Shefa Younis is a mother of five, including her two daughters, Houda and Maha Almasri, who also work at Stratford. Younis has been a special education teacher on campus for five years. She graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, then switched her major and got her master’s in special education, focusing primarily on dyslexia.

“Because three of my five kids are dyslexic and dysgraphic, I decided it was a sign that I needed to switch my major,” Younis said. She now spends her time giving support to the students who need it.

Houda Almasri is an English student teacher and has worked at Stratford for three years. She graduated from Stratford and returned years later, although that wasn’t her original plan.

“I never expected to come back.” Houda said. “I was originally doing architecture and then I was like ‘You know what, I got a passion for English and teaching, so that’s what I’m gonna do.’”

Once she graduated, a former teacher reached out to her and offered her a job as an administrative assistant at Stratford. After about two years working as an admin assistant, Houda finally made the switch to becoming an English student teacher working with Amy Servat.

Maha Almasri is a special education teacher assistant and works with the Autism Intervention Management program.

Maha graduated in 2020 and has worked at Stratford for the past two years. However, similar to Houda, she didn’t initially plan on working in education.

“I had planned to go to medical school to be a neurologist, and then in my junior year of college, I realized I didn’t want to do it anymore because I was volunteering at a hospital every day at five a.m.,” Maha said.

Maha ended up becoming a teacher’s aide, and studied applied behavioral analysis to become a board-certified behavioral analyst. Simultaneously, her mom mentioned that a teacher at Stratford was looking for a new teacher’s assistant, and recommended she apply. She did and acquired the job.

“I’ve been able to get hands-on experience with students in the prospective field,” Maha said.

She’s currently in the process of getting her master’s in special education with the concentration of applied behavioral analysis. Working alongside your family members brings mixed feelings to the Almasris.

“It’s a bit odd, but also it’s convenient,” Houda said. “We also don’t see each other a lot during the day, so when I do see them it’s like a ‘Woah! I forgot you work here.’”

However, Maha and Younis see each other more frequently as they both work in special education, creating an especially unique dynamic.

“It’s interesting because sometimes I have to go to my mom in a professional way, so it’s fun in a way that is different,” Maha said.

Since their time as students, Houda and Maha have seen at firsthand the many changes the school has gone through.

“When I walk through this building it’s not like I’m walking through my high school,” Houda said. “I feel like the culture and atmosphere has definitely changed a lot.”

Houda specifically pinpoints the change in her understanding of the teachers and staff, noting how little she understood their jobs until she finally became one of them.

“I was not aware of [what teachers and staff really did at Stratford] when I went here,” Houda said.

The Almasri family and education are greatly intertwined.

“My grandparents were teachers and became principals, and all my aunts and uncles, except for two, are in education and teach,” said Houda. “I definitely fell victim to my own blood; there was no escaping that.”

Additionally, all of Younis’ children have either attended or are currently attending Stratford.

Many understand legacy in simple and shallow words, when in reality, it means so much more — Younis is a great example of that.

“I think my mom teaches with passion,” said Houda, “She [understands how important education is] at home and at school, and how teachers can be a big influence.”

The Almasri family has walked the great halls of Stratford for many years and will continue to make a lasting impact on the school. It is through them that we understand legacy in its truest form.

[Working alongside my family] is fun. I always know that I can see someone I know from home.

- Maha Almasri

“I think my mom teaches with passion, and she’s made a difference in my life.”

- Houda Almasri

Oracle Outlook

ILLUSTRATED BY SOPHIA YARBOROUGH (11)

Students debate the use of artificial intelligence in school

HAILEY WISDOM’S (12) OPINION:

Have you ever seen a silly video of an animal doing unnatural things, only to find out that it was all artificial intelligence? AI has taken over in this way, and in others. And it’s not just used for amusing things, but for things such as problem solving and asking questions. I think that AI is a positive addition to technology and can be a great tool if used correctly.

We hear about AI being used to cheat on assignments and how people are being flagged for plagiarism. But when utilized correctly, AI can actually be helpful in finding educational solutions without cheating. Some teachers even use it to assist in putting together lessons and activities, which can relieve some stress of the planning. Despite these educational concerns, a lot of people are concerned about the amount of misinformation being spread with AI. Programs like Sora and Google Gemini allow people to insert prompts in order to create “fake” videos that make you think “is this real or AI?” While this is clearly a bad thing, it is also giving people a chance to improve their media literacy skills. Those thoughts of “is this real or fake?” are essentially training people to not believe everything they see on the internet, which allows people to make clear and factual decisions.

The truth is that AI depends entirely on how you use it. If you’re over here copying and pasting ChatGPT responses word for word, you’re not really doing yourself a favor. You still don’t understand the material, and you just got marked for plagiarism. But if you ask it to guide you and explain the topic, you can then formulate your own response.

In the end, it’s up to the people on how they decide to use AI. It’s definitely beneficial to society in the long run as this technology keeps improving, and we’re learning to improve ourselves along with it.

SOPHIA YARBOROUGH’S (11) OPINION:

Imagine spending hours figuring out how to perfectly convey a story and its impact on your life or finally landing on the perfect argument for your essay on the book you just spent weeks reading, only to have an algorithm instantly generate a final product for your classmate. This is what happens when a student submits an essay generated by artificial intelligence. They disregard the struggle that is the point of learning.

The problem with the widespread use of AI in academics isn’t just cheating; the use of AI to write essays completely disregards students’ intellectual investment and students need to know what is truly at stake.

AI prevents students from developing their own unique voice in their writing. Writing requires messy, frustrating drafts that slowly give way to original thought. When students use a machine’s predictable and unoriginal writing rather than their own, they disregard their own opinions and rely on an automated version instead.

Students who use AI also overlook the value of their own hard-earned effort. In high school, families spend money on AP classes. In college, students spend thousands of dollars on tuition. Both spend hundreds of hours in class, only for their time and energy to be covered up by an instantly generated piece of writing. The energy spent creating an argument, gathering evidence, writing, and deleting, and then rewriting again is wasted. because they didn’t realize the true value of the struggle it takes to make a piece of writing truly yours when they typed the prompt into ChatGPT.

The entire purpose of education is to teach people how to think, not just what to write. We need a generation of thinkers who wrestle with difficult ideas and create original arguments, and AI is not how we get there.

Oracle Outlook is a recurring section featuring a student opinion that the Editorial Board believes to reflect the majority of the Oracle staff’s opinion. All opinions are our own and do not attempt to express an official school stance. The Oracle values readers’ opinions and welcomes letters to the editor, which may be submitted through our Instagram @shsoracle or in person to room 231.

FALL

RECAP

Student Life

Because who needs friends when you have fantasy?

into its cult-like fervor, including teenagers that play football, teachers and girls who couldn’t care less about football for 38 weeks out of the year.

Senior Graham Wetherell and physics teacher April Glover are die-hard football fans, so it makes sense that fantasy football would appeal to them. What makes less sense is junior Emerson Hiler’s interest in it.

“My friends were doing it, so I joined them,” Hiler said.

This simple but ironclad reason is symbolic of why many people join; it’s simple

FANTASY FUMBLES

WRITTEN BY FOSTER BURTON (12), JACKSON HILER (12) AND RYAN MCDOWELL (12)

and a social event.

The social aspect of the ordeal is powerful, bringing everyone together every Sunday to observe the games, track stats and stress over rosters.

“Of course we watch the games every Sunday,” Wetherell said. “[Fantasy Football] makes me enjoy watching football way more — watching the game and seeing your players do well.”

For Glover, fantasy football is more than a hobby; it’s practically a family event.

“My husband laughs at me for how into fantasy football I am, but I actually help manage his leagues too,” Glover said. Despite her competitive nature she never lets the game get between her and her love for the Houston Texans.

“I never draft players from the Texans because I am a Texans fan, and I don’t want to tie my cheering for my team to my fantasy football team,” Glover said.

Of course, not every player on every roster is a winner. Wetherell sadly admits that Calvin Ridley’s done me pretty bad. The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver has underperformed this season despite high expectations, displaying the unpredictability of football.

Emerson Hiler has a different, more fixable regret.

“I always forget to take players off on their bye week,” Hiler said.

What truly sets fantasy football apart, though, are the harsh, sometimes humiliating, punishments. Glover’s league keeps things lighthearted.

“Last year’s punishment was one of the dads wearing a fairy costume at Buffalo Wild Wings and serving everyone’s food all night — tutu, wings, wand and all,” Glover said.

Wetherell’s league, however, takes things to a much darker place.

“We shove [the loser] in a dog cage and throw whatever we want on them for 24 hours,” Wetherell said (I couldn’t tell if his smile meant he was joking or not).

Even for newer players like Hiler, the emotions run high.

“It makes me care more [about football], but it makes me get more mad at my players,” Hiler said.

At the end of the day, fantasy football isn’t about the stats. It’s about the chaos, competition and social network it creates. It isn’t all friendships though, as Wetherell ended on a quote that he insisted was vital to the story: “[Senior] Henry Bany is the worst decision maker of the last century, and he is not beating the pig allegations.”

SHOOTING FOR SUCCESS

Boys and girls basketball teams predict an unforgettable season

WRITTEN

BY

AUBURY CRAFF (12), JAMES GARDNER (11) AND CADEN STONE (11)

PHOTOS BY MOLLY KATE MINYARD (12) AND CADEN STONE (11)

As the weather begins to cool and the leaves start to fall, a new dawn is rising within the Stratford basketball program. A program that has brushed up against success in recent years is now reaching higher than ever.

“It’s only been two months into the preseason workouts, and I can already see how serious this program is,” junior Drake Wilde said. “I can’t wait until the regular season.”

The Spartans have shown that they are capable of winning big. Now, the question is whether the program can take the next step. For the boys, confidence is high, and success feels within reach.

“I’m ready for the season,” senior Cody Hanlen said. “I’m hungry for something larger.”

Boys basketball in the past two years have been unable to strike gold since the historic 2022 season, but the expectations now are higher than ever. The program goal is universal for everyone: win districts.

“[Our goal is] to make a run for the district title,” senior Trent Burke said. “We want to go further in the playoffs than we did last year.”

With the season already underway, including the November 14th opener against Woodlands Christian Academy, the Spartans’ pursuit of something bigger has officially begun.

The girls basketball season is also in motion, and the Lady Spartans are looking to build on last year’s strong run. The team finished an impressive 21-10, earning a district title before a tough

second-round loss to Fulshear. This year, the goal is clear: push deeper into the playoffs.

Although the roster is young, with only one senior, the group is largely junior-led and highly motivated.

“I’m so excited for the basketball season,” junior Camille Warren said. “I’m looking forward to having a strong and memorable season with my teammates.”

Team bonding is at the heart of this year’s program identity.

“Basketball season brings me closer to my teammates and my friends,” junior Abagail Williams said. “We always bond on the way to away games and while playing.”

For the girls, unity is what makes them competitive and resilient.

“If I need any help, I go to my teammates and coaches,” junior Justice McGurtt said. “They motivate us to push harder and do what we need to do to get better.”

With this team, their strength comes from how well they play together. They are an extremely hardworking squad, and they are going to be a hard team to overcome. But more importantly, they are more than a team; they are a family.

“I love my teammates,” McGurtt said. “We all have goofy moments and all the six-seven [jokes]. My teammates are so funny.”

With both squads being tough opponents this year, any school should be worried to see Stratford on their schedule.

THE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Movies, recpies and debates to get you in the holiday spirit

COMPILED BY

TOP 4 HOLIDAY MOVIES

1. HOME ALONE

“Home Alone is a classic, and my family watches it every Christmas Eve.”

- Veronica Rangel (12)

3. CHRISTMAS VACATION

“[Christmas Vacation] is hands down the best Christmas movie because it shows exactly how crazy and funny the holidays can get.”

- Avery Jackson (12)

HOLIDAY RECIPE: CONCHAS

BY

2. ELF

“Elf is my favorite Christmas movie because it brings so much holiday spirit and joy through its humor and familiarity.”

- Mary Minyard (11)

4. A CHRISTMAS STORY

“[A Christmas Story] is a really funny, classic Christmas movie, and [Ralphie’s] pink Christmas onesie is funny.”

- Emily Kendall (11)

BY BELLA SMITH

(12)

Strusel Topping:

1/2 cup unsalted butter at room

2/3

1

1

2 tablespoons

(one stick)

vote real trees vote gold lights

“It’s more fun to go pick a tree than get it from my attic.”

- Matthew Presley (12)

WHEN TO START PLAYING HOLIDAY MUSIC

vote after Thanksgiving

“If you start listening [to music] after Halloween, you are totally leapfrogging Thanksgiving, and that’s unfair to Thanksgiving.”

- Foard Polley (12)

“Gold lights remind me more of Christmas and bring out that classic holiday feeling.”

- Elise Mediamolle (11)

RECEIVING VS. GIVING GIFTS

50%

vote receiving / giving gifts

“[Giving gifts] makes me think about the person and what they mean to me, and that’s better than receiving gifts.”

- Mrs. Sharp

CONCHAS INSTRUCTIONS

Recipe:

Bread Dough:

1) Put yeast and warm water in a bowl and sit for five minutes until foamy.

2) When foamy, put melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, milk, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon and eggs together in a stand mixer with the dough paddle attachment

3) When all mixed together, gradually add flour until completely combined.

4) Rub a separate bowl in oil or cooking spray and place dough inside to rise for 1 hour.

5) Make the streusel dough while rising

6) Divide dough into 12 or more pieces

Streusel Dough:

1) Combine butter, sugar, flour, cocoa powder and vanilla in a stand mixer for around one minute.

2) Flatten out the streusel dough and make small circles with grooves to resemble a shell.

3) Place the streusel circles on top of the bread dough and let it rise for 30 minutes.

4) Bake for 18 minutes in 350 degree oven

Between NHS, Big Day and Link Crew, there are plenty of organizations designed to get students out into the community; but for many students, volunteering is not just a way to fill hours, but a chance to connect with others and make a real difference.

Over the summer, freshman Kirby McIver volunteered at Camp Barnabus, a camp for children with special needs.

“A lot of kids with special needs don’t get many opportunities [to have fun], and it makes me happy that they get to try fun activities [at Camp Barnabus],” McIver said.

Throughout the summer, McIver found appreciation in the special connections she made with the campers.

“They’re actually really funny, and I’ve learned a lot of cool things from them,” McIver said.

Being a camp counselor didn’t come without its struggles, however.

“A lot of what I have to do with the campers is the work they can’t do for themselves, so you have to do it for them,” McIver said.

For those interested in volunteering, McIver stresses the importance of a good attitude.

“Make sure that you’re putting in your best effort and you want to be there, because a lot of the time they feed off your energy.”

Taking the time to give back to your community doesn’t just have to happen over the summer, though; freshman Gabby Peppard decided to help out at the Houston Food Bank after encouragement from her family and quickly discovered the fulfillment she gets from giving back.

Giving Their Time

Students share their volunteering stories and give advice

WRITTEN BY JACOB COBB (12), RHEA ROY (9) AND SARA ROY (9)

“I started off at the Food Bank because my dad was like, ‘Hey! Here’s this fun volunteer opportunity!’” Peppard said. “I slowly branched out to Meals on Wheels and through school and church, I found out about various volunteer opportunities.”

Peppard’s favorite part of volunteering is the sense of accomplishment she feels after helping others, even when the work can be demanding.

“The hardest part is when you’ve just gotten back from your break, and you’re feeling tired and sweaty or cold, but it’s the integrity that motivates you,” Peppard said.

For Peppard, volunteering allows her an opportunity to reflect on her life.

“Remember how lucky you are and how good it feels to give back and be grateful for what you have,” Peppard said.

Meanwhile, freshman Anne Larrabee gives her time as a Youth Ambassador of Houston, where she works on projects that impact students and schools across the city and contributes to civil engagement projects.

“I get to have a voice and see if our policies are really placed into action and carried forward into the government,” Larrabee said.

A highlight of her work was being able to help organize events that give students access to college resources and infor-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAMP BLESSING

mation.

“It was so fun to see all the kids coming together,” Larrabee said. “We had all these pamphlets and lots of colleges came to visit.”

Larrabee encourages students who want to volunteer to be ready to stay committed.

“Be prepared to put in lots of effort, but you’re going to be so proud of yourself,” Larrabee said.

These students show that volunteering isn’t just a way to fill up an hours card, but a chance to impact the people around them and gain meaningful experience. It gives them an opportunity to show appreciation for their community and give back to it.

Left and Below: Sara Cate Oakland (10) and Dani Weatherly pose with Camp Blessing campers.