“The Past Gives Power to the Present”

As we welcome 2011 with open arms, and embrace the future that it holds, we must look back and acknowledge that entire twenty ten brought.

In 2010, CCISD proposed the final plans for a three school campus; The Education Village.  The village was to be the first of its kind in Texas, and sparked interest in prospective students and community members. They joined boundary committees and became active in the development of the school. After a committee of parents and leaders decided the zoning boundaries for the school, the district took suggestions for names.

Ultimately, the high school was named Clear Falls, and construction work began.

Before the school year began, the students participated in Knight Life Camp, similar to other high school’s fish camp. Knight Life was an opportunity to meet their new classmates from the formerly rival schools, and become familiar with Clear Falls. At the end of the day, students participated in their first pep rally and the first athletic event in the competition gym followed just a few hours later. The girl’s volleyball team debuted their skills with a win against

Nimitz.

“We played Nimitz, and it felt good because we got show everyone exactly who we are, we were the first volleyball team for Clear

Falls,” said Sophomore, JV Player, Macy Richard.

In late August, the school welcomed over 1,100 students, combining former freshman from Creek and Lake, and incoming freshman from a multitude of intermediate schools. The collaboration of students from the surrounding area reflected the village’s original intent: to bring together students of all age.

2010 continued as Clear Falls celebrated a multitude of firsts…

Although the boy’s football team wasn’t yet varsity, they played at the CCISD district stadium for the first time as only Sophomores. In the end, the JV team was 8-1 to other JV teams, and 8-2 overall. The fall tennis team made it to regionals, as did the girl’s cross-country team.

Clear Falls’ cheerleaders were our first team to win a trophy, and went on to win 3^rd in their division at the NCA National Competition in Dallas.

The band participated in competitions, and cheered on sports as they even debuted their new uniforms; sporting black and green across the field at half time.

“We also participated at multiple competitions. We competed at a higher level and even managed to come out victorious and get first place in our class,” said clarinet player, Max Veras.

The school held a newcoming parade, game, and carnival, in place of the traditional homecoming. Even though the newcoming dance was a last minute addition to the festivities, the students flooded the transformed cafeteria to dance their Friday night away.

As the early fall sports came to a close, the fine arts of Clear Falls thrived. Theatre produced its first show, Harvey, and established an Improv Troupe. Orchestra held concerts and an overwhelmingly popular Battle of the Bands.

Both the freshman and sophomore classes were involved in electing their first class officers, who would go on to lead and fundraise for both the class of 2014 and 2013.

Basketball and wrestling began, and both teams proved incredibly successful. Although both seasons are not over, the girl’s basketball team is currently undefeated in district, and the wrestling team holds first in District 24.

2010 was the dawning of a new CCISD era, one ruled by Clear Falls High. Sports dominated, the arts prospered, and all in all, 2010 opened the door for a successful future for the Education Village.

Basketball Season Begins Successfully

Basketball is a famous American pastime. One of the most beloved sports, the 2010 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals games brought in an average 18 million viewers nightly. This nation-wide love for the high-paced and difficult game overflowed into the Clear Falls basketball program.

When the school opened on August 23, the girls began their training for the long season ahead.

As months passed, official team tryouts were held on October 20, ultimately deciding both the JV and Freshman Team’s members.

In the end, Erin Farmer, Gene Johnson, Bria Deejon, Morgan Foster, Maggy Mulholland, Madison Ruta, Ashley Dugie, Melina Stephens, and Meghan Mistry made the girl’s JV team. After previously playing together on the school’s Fall League team, the team debuted their season at home on Tuesday, November 9.

During the season premiere, the girls played Ridge Pointe’s JV team, and won 83-14 That weekend (Nov. 12-14) they participated in their first CCISD tournament. After winning to Clear Creek on Thursday night, they battled Clear Lake.

While they lost in the last 46 seconds of the game, with and ending score 53-51, the girls played hard the entire way through. Only seven of the team’s players could participate during the game due to eligibility, injuries, and Mulholland running at the State Cross Country meet. The two rivals will face off again on December 10.

“I wanted to win so bad, but we’ll play them again, and this time we’ll win!” Madison Ruta, the JV point-guard said.

Despite their tough loss, the girls have high expectations for their season.

“I want us to go undefeated in district,” said JV point-and-shooting-guard, Ashley Dugie.

The girls also participated in the Baytown-Lee Tournament, hosted at Robert E. Lee High. The team won the overall tournament and returned to Clear Falls with a championship plaque.

Early November also brought the boy’s basketball try-outs for the freshman, sophomore, and Junior Varsity teams.

The try-outs consisted of shooting drills, position work, and one-on-one full court playing time. These drills helped identify those who would make the JV team from those for the sophomore and freshman. The need to distinguish a difference in player level came after a wave of off-season football players flooded the try-outs.

After deciding the teams, the JV team also battled Clear Lake for their season opener, on Tuesday, November 16.

“We had a terrific season opener against Clear Lake resulting in a win. We have a lot of talent and will be able to win a lot of games if we stay together and work hard.” Andrew Edoimioya, JV point-guard said.

Clear Falls won the game 60-49, leaving Lake with a surprising loss.

In reaction to the success of both teams, the two head coaches Shannon Osborne and Darren Chandler said they have high expectations for the teams, and expect to see both with outstanding seasons.