May Rampage - Campuses - Katy ISD

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Mayde Creek High School RAMPAGE Senior Issue Emily Grizzell Editor in Chief A freshman is sitting at his desk hurrying to fi nish that night’s homework before class is over. He utilizes every moment he gets to stay on track with his work because he knows he has band practice aft er school. He takes a moment to make a mental list of what he has left to do until he will allow himself to fall asleep that night. Suddenly, he opens his eyes and realizes that he is behind a podium. His fl ashback comes to an end as he becomes aware of the notecards in his hand and all the eyes watching him. As the blood rushes to his head, he reminds himself that he needs to start his speech. He is the class of 2012 valedictorian. He is Alex Van Dyke. As anyone could assume, being at the top of your class opens a lot of doors. Because he was number one in his class, Van Dyke had the choice of several colleges, but could only choose one. “I am going to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Th ey off ered me a few scholarships and I chose to go there because they have a great music school and my favorite saxophone professor,” said Van Dyke. Although he spends a good deal of time studying, Van Dyke’s Being On Top goal was not to be valedictorian but rather to do the best that he could. He kept true to himself and never held himself back from just living life. “I kept my grades up by staying up late some nights and working hard in and out of class. Th e only thing I was trying to do was get good grades; that was my main goal, it just turned out better than I expected,” said Van Dyke. By simply trying to be the best he could in all aspects of his life, Van Dyke succeeded. Being involved in many things kept Van Dyke busy, yet he still managed to fi nd time for his studies. “I am a part of the school band, I play golf and I am on the LEAD Team at Second Baptist. I am also in National Honor Society which has high demands for volunteer work. I think it is important to be involved in things other than school work,” said Van Dyke. With all the things in his life, one would think it is hard to prioritize. For Van Dyke, keeping what was most important to him at the top of his priority list was not a problem. “Band gets all my time, aft er my family and girlfriend, Corrie Reese. I want to major in saxophone performance and either become a college sax professor or play in the military band,” said Van Dyke. Like with all good success stories, there were challenges throughout Van Dyke’s high school career. Besides his busy schedule, stress from school and other responsibilities, Van Dyke tells of some of the hardest parts of his four years in high school. “Managing my time was a very big challenge for me throughout high school. I would lose track of time and study or practice until 2 a.m. Of course I was miserable the whole next day which made it harder than normal to fi t in everything. I just made everything work with a little eff ort,” said Van Dyke. Every successful person has many supportive people behind him. Although Van Dyke went through many things no one should have to go through, he still kept a smile on his face with the help from his family and friends. “My mom and girlfriend are so great about supporting me in everything I do and I know my dad would be extremely proud of me,” said Van Dyke. “I feel so honored and privileged to be valedictorian and I am forever grateful for everyone who helped me get here.” Photos by Vivian Igunbor Alex Van Dyke May 2012
2 RAMPAGE Senior Issue Salutatorian Th roughout the four years students spend in high school, there are a few who stand out and exceed the goal of just graduating. One of these students who has worked hard throughout his high school career making all A’s in every class and maintaining a high GPA is senior Mark Jablinski, the class of 2012’s salutatorian. He has put in time and eff ort into all of his classes to achieve the second highest GPA in his class. Jablinski will have the privilege of giving a speech where he will talk about the past and the outlook towards the future. “I I was really surprised that I had become the salutatorian. I’ve worked very hard to get here. I’ve taken a lot of AP classes. I did almost all my homework and I have gotten all A’s. I’ve never had a B for a semester grade,” said Jablinski. Jablinski plans to follow his high school career by attending Baylor University. He will study to be a mechanical engineer, which entails e ntail s m a n y hours h ours of studying and learning l earning about physics and science. Th e engineering fi eld will require an understanding of mechanics, kinematics,thermodynamics and much more. Mechanical engineers use these subjects to design plants, industrial equipment and machinery like aircraft , medical devices and robotics in a way that is costeffi cient and environmentally safe. “I have a received a full tuition scholarship so I’ll only have to pay for the dorm and books. My parents are really proud of me, but I’m still nervous not knowing what I’ll be getting myself into. I know it will be good, and I’ll get to come back to Houston on holiday weekends, which is a big plus for me,” said Jablinski. Jablinski has taken part in extracurricular activities such as newspaper and band. He was a witty, co-managing editor who wrote with a personality that anyone could not help smiling at. He has been a member of the Ram band for four years now and has also been a part of AcademicChallenge, NHS and French NHS. “I’ve been playing the bassoon for a long time, since way back in the beginner band at Mayde Creek Junior High. I really like it because it has the biggest pitch of range of any woodwind instrument,” said Jablinski. Jablinski has played in the band since he was in the 6th grade. He made the All-State Symphony in eleventh and twelft h grade, winning fi rst chair in the entire state of Texas as a senior. Jablinski has also played in the pit orchestra for MCHS’ musical productions Beauty and the Beast and My Fair Lady. With all the time spent preparing for graduation, gradua Jablinski still has time to take tak part in hob- bies that he loves such s as playing the piano and watching watc his favorite movies. Although Althou he spends much time getting ready for college, Jablinski still fi nds the time to do the things he loves. “I love to read, rea watch movies and play video games. I think I like movies so much because they’re so luxuri luxurious. You sit, watch and listen fo for hours. My favorite movie is I RRobot with Will Smith. I also like to t play piano in the evenings becau because it’s very re- laxing to me,” said Jablinski. Jablinski has aalso taken part in being the senior seni class secre- tary. He has many things that he has accomplished over his high school career. Dur During his junior year, Jablinski went wen to state for UIL Headline Writ Writing, which few achieve. He will continue co his life completing goals and preparing himself for a great future. “In “In ten years from now, I see myself as a 28 28-year old with a more profession professional haircut than I have now. I hope to have a job at an engineering or consulting fi fi rm and a pleasan pleasant apartment in town. I am very grateful g to have received my acad academic scholarships ships and I am ha happy that I will get get to speak at gr graduation,” said Jablinski. May 2012 Mayde Creek High School Salute to the Salutatorian Sarah Castillo Co-managing Editor Photos by Beatrice Chavez
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May Rampage - Campuses - Katy ISD

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