Goose Creek CISD September 2024

GOOSE CREEK CISD

GCCISD.NET

THIS FALL PROMISES PLENTY OF STAR-POWER WITHIN GOOSE CREEK CISD ATHLETICS SMOKE ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ BRINGING THE

GOOSE TALKS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND GROWTH FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY

This year’s tentative dates are as follows: September 6, 2024 October 4, 2024

Goose Talks at Goose Creek CISD offers a dynamic community experience, providing members with comprehensive insights into District operations and organizational dynamics through behind the-scenes glimpses into District activities. Throughout the year, we invite the community into various district facilities for roundtable discussions, facility tours, staff, and student panels, talks with our Superintendent, and more to ensure that the voices of our community are heard, valued, and integrated into the planning and decision-making process. Over the last year, Goose Talks met 4 times and had the opportunity of hearing speakers from various district departments, chosen based on feedback gathered from committee members at the program’s outset. We aim to expand our group and extend an invitation to parents and community members to join us as we engage in significant discussions.

November 1, 2024 December 6, 2024 February 7, 2025

April 4, 2025 May 2, 2025

If you’re interested in learning more about Goose Talks for the upcoming school year (2024-2025), please sign up here: https://gccisd.jotform.com/233164986600863 or email norma. veguillamartinez@gccisd.net! We’re eager to engage as many people as we can.

Members of Goose Talks 2023-2024 pose after a meeting

Pregame

Dear Goose Creek Families

As we kick off the new school year, I am filled with a profound sense of excitement and optimism. Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear that our athletic programs achieved remarkable successes, and I am confident that the coming year holds even greater promise. Our incredible coaching staff and dedicated athletes have been working tirelessly in the off-season, honing their skills and preparing for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. Their commitment and enthusiasm are nothing short of inspiring. I am eager to see how their hard work will translate into outstanding performances on the field, court, and track. The energy and spirit that our teams bring to every game and event are a testament to the strong sense of community we share. As we cheer for our athletes and support our coaches, let us remember that our collective encouragement and presence play

a vital role in their success. The community’s involvement—whether through attending games, volunteering, or simply offering words of support— creates a vibrant atmosphere that fuels their drive and determination. This year, let’s continue to build on the momentum of last year’s achievements and strive for even greater heights. encouraging an environment where our student-athletes can excel and reach their fullest potential. Thank you for your steadfast support and dedication to our schools and programs. Here’s to a year filled with thrilling victories, personal milestones, and the unyielding spirit of our community. Giants, let’s make this an exceptional year! Best Regards, Randal O’Brien, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools Together, we can celebrate each victory and growth opportunity,

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pregame

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Alondra Lopez Athletic Secretary

Lee Martinez Athletic Director

Greg Smith Assistant Athletic Director

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Dear Goose Creek CISD Community

Last year was a remarkable one for our athletics program. From thrilling victories to inspiring sportsmanship, our student athletes showcased their dedication, talent, and teamwork, making us all proud. Among many accomplishments, we had 2 all-state volleyball players, 11 girls track regional finalists, 5 boys track regional finalists, and 11 tennis regional finalists. Our soccer teams also had a great year; our GCM women’s soccer team were regional semi-finalists and our GCM men’s soccer team made an appearance at state as semi finalists. This year, we’re building on that success with even greater aspirations. Our coaches and student-athletes are ready to take on new challenges, and we have some exciting

new initiatives and enhancements planned that I believe will elevate our programs even further. Our commitment to fostering an environment of excellence, growth, and community spirit remains unwavering. As always, your support plays a crucial role in our achievements. We look forward to your continued encouragement and participation as we embark on this new school year. Together, let’s make it a year filled with pride, growth, and countless successes. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead for all of our athletes and teams. Let’s keep growing GIANTS! Lee Martinez Director of Athletics

GOOSE CREEK CISD

GCCISD.NET

THIS FALL PROMISES PLENTY OF STAR-POWER WITHIN GOOSE CREEK CISD ATHLETICS SMOKE ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ BRINGING THE

on the cover

Photo by Bradley C. Collier

BRINGING THE SMOKE: Congratulations to Joshua Babin (GCM), Josiah Joseph (Lee), John Smith (Sterling), John Thompson (Lee), Lily Warner (GCM) and Amani Arzu (Lee) for gracing the 2024 VYPE Goose Creek CISD Fall Edition!

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Athletic programs play a crucial role in developing a wide range of values and skills in participants, extending far beyond physical fitness. These programs instill moral values such as integrity, respect, empathy, perseverance, and humility, shaping athletes into role models both on and off the field. Leadership and teamwork are also cultivated, as athletes learn to inspire others and collaborate towards common goals. The mental toughness developed through sports, including resilience, focus, and the ability to perform under pressure, is invaluable. Additionally, athletes often master time management, balancing their commitments to academics, sports, and personal life, which sets them up for success in all areas. The discipline and perseverance honed in athletics often translate into improved academic performance, proving that the benefits of sports are holistic. Ultimately, athletic programs are not just about competition; they are about fostering essential life skills and values that contribute to overall well-being and personal growth. Dear Giants

One of my favorite parts of the year is attending our athletic events, where I get to see firsthand the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of our teams. I plan to be present at as many events as possible, cheering on our Giants and celebrating their hard work and accomplishments. Reflecting on last year’s successes, I am confident that we are poised for an even greater year ahead. Our students, coaches, and staff have demonstrated great commitment to excellence, and I have no doubt that their continued efforts will lead to remarkable achievements. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding our programs are truly inspirational, and I am excited to see how our Giants will rise to the occasion this year. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our district. Together, we are going to make this a great year, filled with growth, success, and community spirit. I can’t wait to see all that we will accomplish together! Dr. Anthony Price Assistant Superintendent of Operational Services

goose creek cIsd Board Members

Howard Sampson District 1 – Board Member

Mercedes Renteria III District 2 – Assistant Secretary

James “Jim” Campisi District 3 – Secretary

Richard Clem District 4 – Board Member

Hellen Berrott-Tims District 5 – President

Tiffany Guy District 6 – Vice President

Jessie Martinez District 7 – Board Member

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STARTING THE YEAR RIGHT UNLEASHING THE POWER OF OUR GIANT STORY

On Monday, August 12, Goose Creek CISD welcomed close to 24,000 students. From the early learning academies, where 4-year olds may be setting foot in a classroom for the first time, to the secondary campuses, where students are getting ready for their life after graduation, the excitement could be felt across the district in the 32 schools. GCCISD is back to school and in a Giant way! “I am so excited for you!” Denise Urias told her children, Paislee and Waylin, as she snapped their picture at the Highlands Elementary School “Welcome Back” wall. A few steps further down, Principal Blanca Capetillo was welcoming parents and students into the library and helping them with the registration process. She explained “We have been working hard to receive your students since April and cannot wait to get to know our new Hawks!”

Eleven miles away, Cedar Bayou Junior School’s new principal, Dr. Roger Cardona walked the halls welcoming students back to school. “I am excited about joining Bear Country, I know that together we will continue to grow Giants!” This year, the district is embracing the theme “Our Giant Story” – spotlighting the personal stories, values, and campus cultures within the district. “Our Giant Story” is an invitation to everyone to share their journey, highlighting the diverse paths that create the Goose Creek community. To learn more about Goose Creek CISD or the “Our Giant Story” theme, please visit the webpage: gccisd.net.

Principal Adrienne Tesar welcomes a few of her new Pk students to Liles Early Learning Academy

memorial

Sanaa Donaie

PATRIOTIC FEELING THE COLORS ARE FLYING AT GOOSE CREEK MEMORIAL

memorial Football

FEARLESS GCM READY FOR TOUGHER OPPOSITION ON THE GRIDIRON

PLAYERS TO WATCH Joshua Babin (Jr. WR) Martin Alamillo (Sr. LB) Ricco Richards (So. QB) Matthew Thomas (So. WR)

Ricco Richards

Myles Reimonenq

Martin Alamillo

I BELIEVE THAT OUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR UNITY. WE HAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL SOPHOMORE CLASS MOVING UP THAT WILL MAKE US MORE DYNAMIC, TOUGH AND ADD MORE OF EVERYTHING THAT YOU LOOK FOR AS A COACH. THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS WILL BE EVERYONE GROWING UP A LITTLE MORE, BUT THEY’RE READY TO PLAY. OF COURSE, THE TOUGHEST PART WILL BE GOING INTO A HIGHER DIVISION, BUT THEY’VE COMPETED AGAINST SOME OF THOSE TEAMS BEFORE, SO THERE WON’T BE ANY FEAR. DANIEL RAGSDALE - GOOSE CREEK MEMORIAL FOOTBALL

Korey Washington

Matthew Thomas

Volleyball

memorial

WE’RE BUILDING A CULTURE OF TOGETHERNESS HERE. I THINK THE FAMILY-BASED ASPECT OF THIS PROGRAM IS WHAT I’VE TRIED TO INSTILL IN THESE GIRLS. AS LONG AS WE TRUST IN EACH OTHER, ESPECIALLY WHEN TIMES GET TOUGH, THEN I CAN SEE US POTENTIALLY MAKING A RUN FOR THE PLAYOFFS IN THIS NEW DISTRICT.

ALICIA NAVA - GOOSE CREEK MEMORIAL VOLLEYBALL

Lanae DuBose

PLAYERS TO WATCH Sanaa Donaie (Sr. MH) Lanae DuBose (Jr. MH/RS/S) I’slyn Edwards (Jr. L/DS) Kindall Houston (Jr. OH)

Sanaa Donaie

I’slyn Edwards

Kindall Houston

UNITED FRONT NAVA, GCM HAVE A ONE-TRACK MIND IN 2024

memorial Tennis

HIGH EXPECTATIONS ON THE TENNIS COURT FOR MEMORIAL READY TO RALLY

With the team ascending to Class 6A over the course of this offseason’s realignment, GCM will be tasked with taking on some tougher competition, such as the Humble ISD schools. However, that doesn’t mean the standard that the Patriots have set in years past will be altered in any way. Long-time head coach Ismael Dutchover has plenty of star-power to rely on, particularly Nathan Perez, Megan Zamudio, Daymien O’Neill and Bianca Hernandez, just to name a few. Anticipate another year of intrigue, as the Pats look to make a sudden impact against some new faces.

Megan Zamudio

Nathan Perez

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Cross Country

memorial

Goose Creek Memorial returns to the trails on the heels of an exceptional year, which saw them advance eight athletes to the UIL-5A Region III Meet. Now, the Patriots will look to repeat that effort, if not take that a step further to State, under the direction of coaches William Freeman (Boys) and Roman Huizar (Girls). The season’s squad will be propelled by the individual efforts of Alex Rodriguez, Adamaris Reyes, John Abarca, Sophia Pacheco and Abraham Lopez, as they look to keep up their momentum.

Alex Rodriguez

Sophia Pacheco

THE PATRIOTS ARE ON THE PATH BACK TO REGIONALS PEAK ENDURANCE

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memorial Cheer

THE FACES OF FRIDAY NIGHTS GOOSE CREEK MEMORIAL CHEER IS PRIMED TO HYPE UP THE CROWDS

Rylie Galvan

Jada Freeman

Alyssa Vasquez

Addison Sanford

Kayden Johnson

Karsyn Purcell

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cover story

memorial

ATTENTION! WARNER BUILDING LIFE TO LIVE OUT DREAM

\\ Matt Malatesta

LILY WARNER HAS BEEN BUILDING HER RESUME AND EQUIPPING HERSELF FOR HER FUTURE AT GOOSE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL FOR YEARS. The senior cheerleader is more than pom-poms and painting signs. “I love cheer,” she laughed. “It’s a great community and keeps you very involved in school… and it’s fun. It teaches teamwork. With 13 girls, you have to learn to work with people that you may or may not hang out with. There are always going to be issues and you have to learn how to resolve problems and balance personalities.” Warner is also a lifer in choir, her first love dating back to the fifth grade. She can also pivot into a business suit as a senior ambassador in the Patriots’ Global Business Academy. “You have to learn how to sell yourself,” she said. “Kids need to learn how to network, meet influential people and get out of their comfort zones, which will help them in the future.” Speaking of the future, Warner is on path to reach new heights. “I want to be a pilot, and I want to start in the Air Force,” she said. “My brother was a Marine and I learned about life on the base when we visited him. It was really cool. It’s a great way to live out my dream.” When not cheering, singing, hanging out with friends or building business connections, Warner is listening to Frank Ocean and watching New Girl and Bridgerton . “I just want to be remembered as a fun person to be around,” she said. “You know, the life of the party.”

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memorial Next Gen

Anay Gupta & Yashvir Singh Gill

EF Green Football

Andrea Hernandez & Chloe Allen

Peyton Pierre & Alexa Valencia

INCOMING ARTILLERY EF GREEN, HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SET TO REP THE NEXT GENERATION AT GCM

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Madelynn Martinez & Danikah Conner

Highlands Football

Alexa Morales & Fanny Garcia

Jayten Bejarano

Daniel Strubhart

Maria Garcia & Yara Garcia

Jonathan Lewis & Karter Ross

Ayvah Conder & Isabelle DuBose

Layla Chapa & Serena Lanham

Lee

Kasandra Matamoros

LIFTOFF ready for THE LEE GANDERS ARE PRIMED TO TAKE FLIGHT THIS FALL

Football

Lee

ON THE CUSP THE GANDERS LOOKING TO GET BACK ON THEIR PLAYOFF CONVERSATION

PLAYERS TO WATCH Elijah Brown (Jr. WR/DB) Josiah Joseph (Sr. QB/DB) Darrius Thomas (Sr. DB/RB) John Thompson (Sr. LB/ATH)

Isiah Pena

Luis Gonzalez Jr.

Joseph Turner

WE WERE RIGHT THERE NEAR THE PLAYOFFS, A YEAR

AGO. SO, WE’LL NEED TO PLAY BETTER COMPLEMENTARY

FOOTBALL THIS TIME AROUND. GOING INTO A NEW DISTRICT

WHERE THEY DON’T KNOW US AS WELL, HAS US PRETTY

EXCITED TO SEE SOME NEW SCENERY AND OPPONENTS.

Darrius Thomas

TIM FINN - LEE FOOTBALL COACH

Olwen Cuevas

Lee Cover Story

THE FAMILY MAN LEE’S THOMPSON PLAYING FOR THE NAME ON BACK OF HIS JERSEY

\\ Matthew Ogle

THROUGHOUT THE MAJORITY OF HIS UPBRINGING, JOHN THOMPSON HAS MAINTAINED THE IDEA THAT HE’S ALWAYS HAD SOMETHING TO PROVE. As the baby of a family of athletes, that naturally comes with the territory. “Both of my brothers played and growing up, people would always refer to me as Elijah’s brother or Nate’s brother,” he said. “I’m grateful for the path they helped make for me, but I’ve always tried to make a name for myself. I’m not gonna lie it was hard at first, but I’ve overcome it.” However, that chip on his shoulder has translated to quite the high school career at Lee, evidenced by the fact that the incoming senior linebacker has been a staple for coach Tim Finn’s defense. “I’ve grown to be really fond of this program,” said Thompson. “Coming in as a freshman and just starting to play the game about three years before that, I always thought it was going to be too hard or that I’d never be able to compete at that high level. Being in the position I am now, you’ve just got to kind of fall in love with it. “The biggest motivator for me to do what I do has been my Mom. I’ve always told her that I was going to buy her a house someday. That’s really every kid’s dream, right?” Although Thompson may put plenty of weight on his shoulders in terms of the responsibility he places upon himself, that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t enjoy himself in his spare

hoping to eventually get that opportunity to play ball at the next level. Football is definitely going to be Plan A, but if that doesn’t come to pass then I have some people and career options I can fall back on.” Regardless of where his path may lead, John Thompson will no doubt be the one to pave it.

family means a great deal to the Lee senior, both at home and on the football field. As he prepares for his last ride with the team, Thompson will continue to have an unwavering focus for his future. “The goal this year is to get an offer,” he said. “I’ve had some college coaches looking at me, and I’m

time. “Ever since the new NCAA Football game was released, I’ve been on that every single day,” Thompson laughed. “But, I like to hoop and spend some time with my friends. Of course, I make time for family, helping my Mom around the house and being around my cousins and all them.” It’s distinctly evident that

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Cover Story

Lee

TAKING UP THE MANTLE LEE’S JOSEPH STEPPING IN BEHIND CENTER

\\ Matthew Ogle

understanding of my new role. So really, I’m just trying to help my team in whatever form that takes.” Despite the different qualities needed to succeed in the new position, his coaches describe him as being “tough to tackle in a phone booth”, which should bode well for the senior’s dual-threat potential. When prompted to discuss if he likes to model his game after any particular professional, Joseph delivered a straightforward response. “To be honest, not really,” he said. “I think of myself as my own person. I’ve just wanted to be me growing up. I want my name to be big and I’m willing to put in the work to make that happen.” As a team, Lee finished last Fall with a record of 4-6 and just narrowly missed out on the postseason. However, as they move to a new district (9-5A-II), Joseph and company have their sights on changing that notion. “The goal has always been the same,” Joseph said. “I intend to help my team out to the best of my ability, regardless if that means we’re in the playoffs or not. I won’t think too far ahead like that, so all I need to focus on is what I can do in the moment.” Time will tell how the Ganders match up against some different competition, but given Joseph’s past experience filling in for Duncan, the offense should be in more than capable hands.

take on an even more critical role as the team’s full-time signal-caller. “I’m really just trying to follow his (Duncan’s) steps,” said Joseph. “Playing receiver the last three years and watching him do what he did from that perspective, it’s helped me to get a better

Fortunately for the Ganders, one of their more versatile weapons Josiah Joseph threw his hat into the ring. Joseph secured first-team, all-district honors a year ago for his efforts at both the wide receiver and safety spots and is now prepared to

FOLLOWING THE GRADUATION OF QUARTERBACK LEVAY DUNCAN, WHO NOW TAKES HIS TALENTS TO SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE, THERE WERE SOME INITIAL CONCERNS FOR LEE’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM OVER THE OFFSEASON AS TO WHO COULD STEP UP TO COMMAND THE OFFENSE.

Lee Volleyball

WE’RE LOOKING TO BUILD ON THE COHESIVENESS OF THE GIRLS PLAYING TOGETHER RATHER THAN FOCUSING ON THE INDIVIDUAL ROLES EACH OF THEM TAKE ON THEMSELVES. THIS YEAR, THE GOAL IS TO ‘RAISE THE NET’. IN DOING SO, WE’RE ASKING THEM TO COME FORWARD AND GIVE US MORE THAN THEY HAVE DONE BEFORE.

CANJI RHODES - LEE VOLLEYBALL

Journei Jn-Marie

Jordan Jn-Marie

RAISE THE NET RHODES AIMING TO RESET THE STANDARD FOR LEE VOLLEYBALL

Rebeca Rodriguez

Calli Barron (Sr. OH) Jordan Jn-Marie (Sr. S/OH) Rebeca Rodriguez (Sr. MB)

Calli Barron

Victoria Alcantar

Tennis

Lee

WHAT MAKES THIS EXPERIENCE SO SPECIAL FOR ME WOULD BE MY TEAMMATES, OUR COACH AND THE OVERALL TEAM ITSELF. OUR CHEMISTRY HAS ALWAYS BEEN PRETTY GOOD, SINCE WE GET ALONG REALLY WELL. WE’RE ALWAYS HAVING A FUN TIME AND LAUGHING, WHILE TAKING IT SERIOUSLY WHEN WE NEED TO. PLAYING HERE AT LEE, IT’S ALWAYS A VIBE.

JUDAH ROMERO (TEAM CAPTAIN) - BAYTOWN LEE TENNIS

Judah Romero

PLAYERS TO WATCH Shane Bailey Frida Martinez Kyndall Hospedales Clarissa Tong

Shane Bailey

Clarissa Tong

POSITIVE VIBES ROMERO, LEE TENNIS READY TO LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Frida Martinez

Lee Cross Country

UPHOLDING THE STANDARD LEE XC LOOKING TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS

Ivan Perez

Karen Montilla

PLAYERS TO WATCH Amani Arzu

Kimberly Herrera

Jose Hernandez Karem Montilla Jessica Trejo

WE MADE IT TO REGIONALS LAST YEAR, WHICH WAS THE FIRST TIME IN WELL OVER 10 YEARS SINCE WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THAT FEAT FOR THE BOYS PROGRAM. WE HAVE SEVERAL RETURNERS COMING BACK, SO WE’RE EXPECTING A STRONG YEAR FROM THEM. KIERSTON DUTTON - LEE BOYS CROSS COUNTRY NATURALLY, THE MOST FUN TIME WE HAVE WITH THIS GROUP WOULD BE AT THE MEETS. THAT EXPERIENCE IS HUGE, JUST GETTING TO LEAVE SCHOOL AND GO HANG OUT WITH THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS IN ORDER TO BUILD UP THE TEAM’S ABILITY. CRYSTAL AGUERO - LEE GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Jose Hernandez

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Cover Story

Lee

FULL-TIME COMPETITOR ARZU PLAYS A KEY ROLE FOR LEE, AS THREE-SPORT ATHLETE

\\ Matthew Ogle

got to stay with it and go out there every day. The weather isn’t an issue during basketball season, but it still requires that same level of commitment year-round for me.” As previously mentioned, Arzu was among the eight Ganders who advanced to Regionals last Fall. He was the second Lee athlete to cross the finish line in the 5K race, with a time of 19:10.51. Now that he prepares to lace up for one last year, he has distinct plans in mind for the future. “I just want to get some new PRs (personal records),” he said. “I’m trying to finally go under the 19-minute mark, and hopefully make it back to Regionals alongside my teammates.” Despite the fact that his schedule is clearly going to be completely booked well into 2025, that doesn’t mean this Lee senior won’t have time to enjoy the final stretch of his high school career. “I’m definitely going to be busy,” Arzu laughed. “I’ll still make time to hang out with my friends, play games online and I’ll always be watching some anime. My favorite has got to be One Piece .” For those unfamiliar with that particular anime show, One Piece is one of the longest running of its kind, first airing in 1999, with over 1,100 episodes and counting. Arzu wasn’t joking when he said he was dedicated. Now, he’ll let his performance do the talking in the coming months.

competes for Lee’s basketball and track teams throughout the school year. Naturally, being a tri athlete comes with certain responsibilities. “I’d say it takes a lot of dedication,” said Arzu. “It’s Texas, so it’s no secret that it gets hot out here and that makes you want to miss practices. But, you’ve

something Arzu saw himself committing to, long-term. “Initially, I started off in this sport just to stay in shape,” he said. “But, I’ve really come to love it, the competitive nature of it. It’s more fun than people might think. Of course, it’s also a great source for conditioning as an athlete.” Additionally, Arzu

OF THE VARIOUS SKILLED RUNNERS ON COACH KIERSTON DUTTON’S BOYS CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM, AMANI ARZU IS PERHAPS THE MOST HIGHLY REGARDED. Rightfully so, as he excelled in district a year ago prior to reaching the UIL-5A Region III Meet. Surprisingly, however, cross country wasn’t always

Lee

Next Gen

Baytown Middle Football

Horace Mann Middle Girls Cross Country

Baytown Middle Cross Country

Horace Mann Middle Tennis

Horace Mann Middle Football

NEXT IN LINE BAYTOWN MIDDLE, HORACE MANN COMPRISE THE FUTURE OF LEE ATHLETICS

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Baytown Middle Tennis

Horace Mann Middle Volleyball

Brianna Salazar & Julianna Guzman

Francisco Cavajo & Larry Garcia

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sterling

Shaq Leaks

PATROL ON STERLING RANGERS GEARING UP FOR VICTORY IN THE COMING MONTHS

Volleyball

Sterling

RELENTLESS PURSUIT SOUTHALL ANTICIPATING ANOTHER POSTSEASON APPEARANCE FOR HER GIRLS

PLAYERS TO WATCH Joy Gaston (Sr. MH) Jade Humphrey (Sr. OH) Reina Jones (So. RS) Adrionna Savoie (So. MH) Kyilee Whittington (Sr. S)

Kyilee Whittington

Adrionna Savoie

I FEEL THAT OUR STRENGTH THIS YEAR WILL BEGIN WITH OUR TENACITY. THE SENIORS THAT I HAVE THIS YEAR ARE PRETTY GOOD FRIENDS AND HOLD EVERYONE ON THE TEAM ACCOUNTABLE, INCLUDING THEMSELVES. I WOULD DEFINE OUR CULTURE AS ‘FAMILY’. I’VE BEEN BLESSED WITH A GREAT GROUP OF GIRLS ALL OF THESE YEARS, AND KNOWING THAT WE HAVE EACH OTHER’S BACK CREATES A VERY SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THEM TO COMPETE IN. CANDACE SOUTHALL - STERLING VOLLEYBALL

Coach Candace Southall

Jade Humphrey

sterling Football

STERLING PREPARES TO MATCHUP AGAINST SOME DIFFERENT COMPETITION NEW YEAR, SAME GOAL

While the Rangers have experienced somewhat of a rough patch in recent years, their introduction into a new district (9-5A-I) could prove to be just what they need to snap their playoff drought which began in 2008. Coach Robert Toomer enters his seventh season at the helm, and brings a considerable number of playmakers to see that goal come to fruition. First-team, all-district selection Malachi Godfrey (Sr. OT) bolsters a formidable Sterling O-Line,

which should give junior QB Jackson Favors enough time to utilize the various weapons on the offensive side of the ball – particularly Colorado State-commit John Smith (Sr. WR), Gerald Atkins (Sr. RB/LB) and Shaq Leaks (Jr. WR), among others. Defensively, Toomer will turn to the talents of Mush Launius (Sr. DB/ATH), Derrion Crain (Jr. DL), Justus Broussard (So. DL) and Nicholas Mendoza (Sr. LB) to lead the pursuit of the opposition.

JaKarri Hall

Gerald Atkins

Mush Launius

Elijah Lewis

Malachi Godfrey

Cover Story

Sterling

THAT DUDE SMITH IS STERLING’S BIG MAN ON CAMPUS

\\ Matt Malatesta

defense like Sauce Gardner as well.” The Rangers will need Smith to play all over the field if Sterling hopes to navigate district play to the postseason. Wins and losses are great, but Smith thinks bigger. “What I’m really trying to leave behind is an example for kids behind me that want something bigger and better,” he said. “I had a big dream and went after it. If I can do it, they can too.”

opportunity and I’ve been at work all summer heading into my senior year. I’ve really worked on my route-running and mental toughness to get prepared for this season and college.” Smith has great ball skills and is lethal after the catch but can also turn around and cover his opponents’ best receiver at cornerback. “When I was young, I loved Odell Beckham,” he said. “Just his creativity on the field and his ability to make plays. I do like locking people down on

on the court or on the track. Even on the ‘The Game’ (EA Sports College Football ’25). I’ve always been that way, going all the way back to Little League football.” That competitive nature, his athleticism and size made him a DI prospect, and he will be taking his talents to Colorado State next Fall as it stands now. “I love the campus and the coaches,” he said. “When I visited, I knew it was where I was going to call home. They are giving me such a great

STERLING’S JOHN SMITH HAS THAT AURA. You hear the voice before he enters the room. The 6-foot-4 athlete has the confidence, the swagger and the game to back it up. Smith was an all-district selection in football, basketball and was also a member of the Rangers’ 4x400 on the way to becoming the Male Athlete of the Year at Sterling in 2023-24. “I love to compete,” he said. “Whether that be in football,

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sterling Cross Country

IT TAKES HEART TO BE A COMPETITIVE RUNNER, NOT JUST HERE AT STERLING, BUT IN GENERAL. YOU NEED TO BE CONSISTENT AND SHOW UP EVERY SINGLE DAY. IT’S EASY TO RUN A LAP, BUT TO RUN MILES ON END, IT’S A TOUGH TRADE. HOWEVER, I KNOW THESE BOYS CAN DO IT. ELIZABETH RIDLEY - STERLING BOYS CROSS COUNTRY BEING AN ATHLETE IS LIFE-CHANGING, IF YOU ALLOW IT TO BE. THERE’S A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY THAT COMES WITH IT, AND I THINK YOU HAVE TO REALLY LEAN INTO THAT FROM A COACHING STANDPOINT. IT’S ABOUT ENCOURAGING THEM TO RISE UP TO BECOME THE BEST PERSON THEY WERE MEANT TO BE. CAROLINE WARD - STERLING GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Joshua Rodriguez

Ashley Galan

TRAIL BLAZERS LESSONS GO DEEPER THAN RUNNING WITHIN STERLING XC

Gavin Cortez

Alejandro Cisneros Gavin Cortez Emily Ottele

Emily Ottele

Alejandro Cisneros

Dance Team

Sterling

LOOK TO THE STARS RSS DANCE TROUPE CONTINUE TO DAZZLE AUDIENCES ON FRIDAY NIGHTS

Bethany Elizondo

Reese Harvey

Jaqueline Franco

Mia Creagh

Sterling

Next Gen

Cedar Bayou Volleyball

Vance Smith & Aaron Garcia

Maria Campo & Kamryn Grothe

A GLIMPSE INTO FUTURE THE INCOMING RANGERS, PROVIDED BY CEDAR BAYOU AND GENTRY MIDDLE

30 \\ GOOSE CREEK CISD \\ SEPT 2024 \\ gccisd.net

Aurora Sanders & Noah Lucio

Nixon Guzman

Gentry Middle Tennis

Gentry Middle Cross Country

Cedar Bayou Football

TDCA SUMMIT IN BAYTOWN FIRST DUAL CREDIT CONFERENCE IN TEXAS

In 2023-2024, Goose Creek CISD outperformed the state with 94% of its graduates receiving a CCMR point for accountability. This was in large part due to the 2,295 students enrolled in the dual credit programs with one of four higher education institutions. The district partners with Lee College, Lamar Institute of Technology, Houston Community College, and San Jacinto College for 26 degree options. In a related study, John Fink of Columbia University reported that dual credit programs make college degrees more affordable and attainable for students who would normally not have access to the opportunities (Sparks, 2023). Goose Creek CISD understands the value of dual credit partnerships and invites the public to join them on November 3rd - 5th at the

Texas Dual Credit Alliance (TDCA) Summit at the Hyatt Regency in Baytown. This summit is the first of its kind, the first Dual Credit conference in Texas. Attendance will provide much-needed collaboration between PK-12 and higher education institutions to identify and implement best practices to broaden student opportunities. The conference flyer promises powerful networking and workshops on research-based best practices and Texas legislative updates. For more information about the Texas Dual Credit Alliance or the Inaugural TDCA Conference - visit bit.ly/texasdualcreditalliance.

GC2035 COMMITTEE NEXT MEETING SEPTEMBER 10TH

Goose Creek CISD received over 170 applications for the newly created Goose Creek 2035 (GC2035). The committee’s purpose is to evaluate, identify, and prioritize the needs of the school district and provide a platform for community members to offer input and stay informed about the district’s plans for the future. The Board of Trustees oversaw the selection process, as each was tasked with picking up to 15 committee members from each of their districts. This week, the GC2035 committee came together for its first meeting at IMPACT Early College High School. Dr. Randal O’Brien, Superintendent of Schools for GCCISD, opened the meeting by thanking attendees for their service to the district. Kendall David, Executive Director of Community Engagement, welcomed the committee members and explained that among them, table groups also included students and campus principals. “We have incredible

high school students to share what school looks like day to day in the schools. We also have our GCCISD principals who know what it’s like to work in our buildings every day.” The GC2035 will meet 7 times this semester to work on the long range facilities plan in various parts. The first meeting, labeled as “Part One”, included introducing the committee members to the long range facilities plan components, and reviewing the curation report, educational specifications, and assessment work. The committee was provided multiple opportunities throughout the night for “table talk” and to ask questions to the group as a whole. The second GC2035 Committee meeting is scheduled for September 10th.

Leading Orthopedic Care to KEEP ATHLETES MOVING

Our sports medicine specialists in Baytown can help keep your body in motion

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Baytown, we are experts in helping the body do what it was designed to do — stay in motion. Applying our expertise as team doctors for professional athletes, we are focused on helping athletes recover at every level. Using the most advanced treatments and technologies to care for a wide range of injuries, we provide: • Sports injury treatment • Concussion diagnosis and management • Sports-medical clearance and wellness exams • State-of-the-art physical therapy

281.427.7400 houstonmethodist.org/athlete