Student Newspaper of Caney Creek High School

Creek Compass
Student Newspaper of Caney Creek High School

Creek Compass
Student Newspaper of Caney Creek High School

Creek Compass
Ezri Luna

Ezri Luna, Photography Editor

Ezri Luna is a photographer and one of the three photo editors at Caney Creek High School. He is in charge of assigning camera equipment along with beats to each of the photographers. He has been on staff for two years, he is also in band as a trombone and is one of the trombone section leaders. He’s never accomplished anything in life :(. He’s from Deerwood and always says “anyone can rise up”.

All content by Ezri Luna
LOVE OF THE SPORT. Spanish teacher Rene Hinojosa holds the basketball while facing a student defender at the Faculty Basketball game on March 3, 2024. Hinojosa annually participates in the Faculty game, one of many examples of his community participation.

[Photo] In death, Hinojosa still teaching lessons on living good life

Dec 13, 2024
Josue Cardona

[Photo] ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Josue Cardona, powerlifting, cross country

Jorge Ventura, Photojournalist
Mar 21, 2024
Kelvin Rios

MEET THE PANTHER: Kelvin Rios

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Mar 26, 2024
Freshman Counselor Sophia Meza bonds with her youngest son at the pen pal station on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Caney Creek high school. Mrs. Meza has two kids, the youngest being named Marcel turning 3 on March 15 and the oldest is named Alonso who is 9 years old. “I really enjoyed and was amazed by the variety of activities available as well as the people who were facilitating the event, since they were very attentive to my children.” Meza said.

NEHS holds story night

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Mar 8, 2024
Junior Kierstyn Smithey reads to one of the children at the Reading station on Farrel classic on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 at Caney Creek High School. Smithey was reading the book titled “My Many Colored Days” by Dr. Seuss. “It was a lot of fun, it was very interesting to see all the people who came out,” Smithey said. “I really enjoyed seeing people actually reading, I would definitely want to participate in this event again.”

Senior Humberto Saenz helps a child pick out a card from the prize table on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The Story Night Event was sponsored and organized by English teacher, Zachary Taylor and Special Ed teacher Katie McDevitt.

Senior Veronica Perez gives instructions to the participating kids at the Arts & Crafts station on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Perez was helping out the children decorate some flower arrangements using stickers. “The event was really good as well as very fun,” Perez said. “It warmed my heart seeing families pulling up together and spending time together.”

Todd Nance

MEET THE STAFF: Todd Nance

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Mar 7, 2024
Fransisco Ortega

ATHELTE SPOTLIGHT: Fransisco Ortega, Soccer

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Feb 28, 2024
"AHHH". Senior Mario Leon Portillo runs to celebrate with his team after scoring his 100th goal during a game against College Park on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Leon immediately turned to his team to celebrate not his 100th goal but to have scored the second point in their game leaving them 2-1 against College Park. “Whenever I scored the 100th goal, I didn't even think about it. I didn't even realize it was the 100th one.” Leon said, “Because I was just, so focused on winning the game versus College Park."

[Photo] From street soccer to varsity star

Mar 6, 2024
Christian Claros

[Photo] ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Christian Claros, Soccer

Feb 21, 2024
Grace Manchaca

MEET THE PANTHER: Grace Manchaca

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Feb 20, 2024
Teachers Kimberly Gorman and Tracy Underwood at FFA's Donkey Basketball on Tuesday April. 12, 2023. This was the first time the FFA organization hosted Donkey Basketball as a fundraiser.

[Photo] Donkey Basketball tickets on sale now

Robin Lafford, Reporter
Feb 12, 2024
GET READY. Senior Isaiah Sanchez stands waits for the correct time to yell into the megaphone at the Slumber Party pep rally on Friday, Feb. 3, 2024. Sanchez has been a part of cheer since his junior year. “Cheer has provided some of the most memorable times of my life,” Sanchez said. “I don't regret joining it at all.”

GALLERY: School celebrates slumber themed pep rally

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Feb 9, 2024
ALL ON THE LINE. Junior Erik Benitez prepares to take a penalty on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 at the Woodlands high school stadium. The penalty shot would've tied up the team in the game, but the score ended in 2-3, losing to the Woodlands. “I felt so nervous and I knew that this would be either the shot to decide a tie or a loss,” Benitez said. “Even though I messed up I felt like we could've definitely beat them, and we will the next time we play them.”

[Photo] SPORTS RECAP 2/5-2/12: Track breaks school records

Ashley Hernandez, Reporter
Feb 12, 2024
Carlos Herrera

MEET THE STAFF: Carlos Herrera

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Feb 8, 2024
FUEGO. Junior Esperanza Villanueva and Sophomore Jacqueline Arteaga dance as pairs to their routine during the slumber pep rally on Friday, Jan. 3, 2024. It was the first time the Pantera en Fuego dance team performed at a pep rally. “I felt nervous and anxious about it at first but then I started to notice that people were happy so I felt awesome,” Villanueva said, “I would definitely do it again if I could.”

[Photo] Panteras En Fuego becomes new addition to dance program

Natalia Molina, Executive Editor
Feb 2, 2024
RUNAWAY. Senior Alexis Cruz dribbles the ball as an opponent tries to take it during the game against College Park on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Cruz ended the game with one assist though the team fell short on a loss of 3-2. “I felt good that game, I felt pretty sharp,” Cruz said. “We lost but we got to play in the rain and it felt amazing.”

[Photo] SPORTS RECAP 1/22 – 1/29: Girls basketball JV, Freshman win against Willis

Ashley Hernandez, Reporter
Feb 2, 2024
Christopher Cruz

[Photo] ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Christopher Cruz

Liz Fierros, Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
Jan 31, 2024
Isaiah Sanchez

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Isaiah Sanchez, football, baseball, cheer & track

Ezri Luna, Photo Editor
Jan 31, 2024
Isaiah Sanchez

STARTING OFF STRONG. Senior Mario Leon Portillo takes a penalty shot against Huntsville on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at Summer Creek High School. Portillo was successful on his shot and started the panthers off with a 1-0 lead.

[Photo] GALLERY: Boys Soccer plays in the Humble Tournament

Jan 24, 2024
BREAKTHROUGH. Senior Cristian Claros turns up as he pushes past Klein Forest’s defense allowing him to make a play to his teammates. The team won the first game that counts toward their seasonal record. “I’m really excited for this new season,” Claros said. “I felt really good that we started off the season with a 4-1 win, and there's many more wins to come.”

GIVE IT MY ALL. Junior Santiago Arroyo Garcia practices with other soccer players on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. After transferring from Spain to the U.S. Garcia plays on junior varsity as a center midfielder. “I feel nervous about soccer season coming up,'' Garcia said. “I know I'm not the best player, but my buddies from soccer are helping a lot and I want to give everything I got with maximum effort.”

[Photo] Foreign Exchange student immerses in American culture

Natalia Molina, Executive Editor
Dec 15, 2023
LET'S PLAY. Junior Krystal Avila helps run Student World Affairs Council’s game booth at Fright Night on Saturday, Oct. 28. Avila helped out SWAC and Student Council that same night.

[Photo] GALLERY: Community Has Scary Good Time at Fright Night

Dec 8, 2023
KICKIN IT BACK. Senior Angel Rivera passes time and entertains himself by kicking a ball around on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. After time passed Rivera's friends joined in and played soccer, adding a wholesome experience to the event. “The scenery was very nice,” Rivera said. “It gave me a refresher on everything and I enjoyed taking photos with everyone.”

BESTIES. Seniors Diego Suarez and Eduardo Sanchez cuddle up in order to provide heat for each other allowing them to stay warm on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Senior Sunrise is a tradition passed down to all the future senior classes where all the seniors gather to watch the sun rise. “Senior sunrise was fun and a little emotional,” Suarez said. “I got to hang out and talk with some old friends and new friends.” The event reunites the senior class with past friends over the years in school. “I was excited and happy to be around my classmates,” Sanchez said “ I have known Diego since 8th grade, I got closer to him since we work together now.”

Principal Dr. Terri Benson

[Photo] Q&A: Principal explains new exemption policy

Angeline Sanchez, Contributing Reporter
Oct 10, 2023
OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB. Sophomore Logan Berggren competes and runs in the cross country district meet at The Woodlands, College Park on Oct. 16, 2023. Berggren placed 15th in the meet and the only one who placed high enough to earn a medal. “It felt amazing knowing that I placed,” Berggren said. “Knowing that I still have two more years of high school, I have time to get better and better and possibly place in the top five or even first place.”

"HEYYYY". Junior class attempts to yell louder than the sophomore class in attempt to receive the spirit stick on Sep. 15, 2023. The fight for the spirit stick is always the best way to motivate the classes to participate in the events.

"LETSS GOOO". Senior Edgar Barrientos swings his soccer jersey for the senior chant for Sep. 15, 2023 battle of the classes. The boys soccer team stays together during pep rally chants to help the senior class get the spirit stick.

NICE AND TALL. Senior McKenzie Sparta gets lifted up by her fellow cheerleaders at the end of their performance on Sep. 15, 2023. Sparta has been in cheerleading since the start of 7th grade and is now a part of the varsity cheer team. “While we were preparing for the pep rally we didn't really know what we were doing,” Sparta said. “It was exciting but nerve racking to perform what we did.”

[Photo] GALLERY: Classes battle for the most spirited

Sep 22, 2023
A-LIST. Senior Evan Underwood performs a dance as part of The Creek Squads act on Sep. 15, 2023. Underwood is not only an actor but he also narrates and helps lead the school’s pep rallies as an emcee. “For it being my last Battle of the Classes pep rally it felt like a surreal experience going from freshman year with Covid and not really experiencing a true freshmen year,” Underwood said. “Now I am a senior emceeing all the pep rallies and a lead in theater, it really showed me how much I've grown.”

AND ACTION. Senior Sophia Schaloff and Juniors Amberleigh Alvarez and Sophomore Cara Bettes perform a small skit for entertainment during the pep rally on Sep.15, 2023. The act was originally going to be different but was modified and changed. “I was scared because obviously I was performing in front of a ton of people, and I had just learned the lines,” Schaloff said. “Even though I was a bit scared, it was still a very fun experience.”

TOP DOG. Senior Victor Lopez is crowned homecoming king for the life skills students by senior Evan Underwood on Sep. 15, 2023. This was the first time life skills has been included in the homecoming nomination. The whole student body cheered and supported the process.

HER MAJESTY. Coral Dominguez crowned homecoming queen for the life skills students by senior Jayden Hodkinson on Sep. 15, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. The idea to separately crown a life skill homecoming king and queen was inspired by Mrs. Underwood and Senior Bailey Johnson.

JUST DANCE. Junior Grace Manchaca dances among other starlettes as they perform their hiphop dance titled Miraculous on Sep. 15, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. The starlettes have been preparing this dance during their summer camp. “We've been working really hard to get this dance ready for the pep rally,” Manchaca said. “I was really excited we finally got to perform it, it's definitely one of my favorite dances this year.”

GET READY. Senior Efren Solis prepares to pitch a fast ball on Sept. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. During the start of every inning the team switches out their pitchers allowing everyone a chance to pitch.

GIVING CHANCE. Senior Aaron Molina swings and hits the baseball on Sept. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. The team played against Klein Collins in their first Fall Ball match.

ONE STEP CLOSER. Junior Derek Darkenwald throws himself onto second base to avoid getting out on Sept. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. Throwing himself, allowed Darkenwald to get closer to scoring.

CHASE THE BAG. Junior Derek Darkenwald runs to 3rd base as the ball is out in play toward the left field on Sept. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. Following the run to 3rd base, Darkenwald managed to complete the run to home base, scoring a point for his team. “We were down 5-3 at the top of the 6th inning,” Darkenwald said. “The first thing I thought in my mind was ‘I have to score and put points on the board,’ I ran as fast as I could and I eventually scored.”

CATCHING THE DUBS. Senior Michael Villegas catches a ball hit out to the right side of the field during Fall Ball against Klein Collins on Sep. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. Villegas’ catch meant an out in favor of his team allowing them to switch to the offensive.

PLAY BALL. Senior Isaias Torres steps up to home plate and prepares to bat against the opposing team's pitcher on Sept. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. Fall Ball games are only played by the varsity baseball team.

ACE OF SPADES. Senior Greg Sommer starts the game as he launches the ball to the Klein Collins batter during a Fall Ball match on Sept. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. Fall Ball is considered a series of offseason baseball games.

[Photo] GALLERY: Fall Ball begins

Sep 14, 2023
LOCK IN. Senior Aaron Molina picks up the ball and prepares to throw it to home base on Sept. 6, 2023 at Caney Creek High School. This was the first time Caney Creek has competed in Fall Ball. “I think I did good overall for not playing in a game for 4 months,” Molina said. “I was a little rusty but I just need to get into the feeling again and I'll be back to my best.”

ONE ON ONE. Junior Alexis Cruz makes an effort to get through New Caneys defense at Randall Reed Stadium. Cruz was able to push through and keep the ball. “We were both fighting for the ball” Cruz said “But I had to come out on top and pushed with all my strength and was able to keep ball possession.”

[Photo] GALLERY: Boys soccer beats New Caney

Mar 30, 2023
THE END.The Varsity team takes a picture before their playoff game in March. 23, 2023.

[Photo] GALLERY: Boys soccer celebrates senior night

Mar 28, 2023
Senior Uriel Silva takes on an Oak ridge defensive player at Caney Creek High School on Mar. 14, 2023. This was Silva’s last home game of the season and managed to score a point in favor of the team. “I was excited for the end of the season, and I wanted to finish it off good,” Silva said “It felt amazing to score on my senior night with my parents in the stands cheering for me.”

[Photo] RECAPS 3/21-3/24: Soccer wins Senior Night

James Ochoa, reporter
Mar 22, 2023
FOCUSED. Senior Bridgette Miranda is on her first attempt after squatting her first weights at the Alvin High School powerlifting regional meet on Feb. 25, 2023. Miranda was able to successfully squat 355 pounds on her second attempt. “It was such a scary feeling because that was my max I was hitting,” Miranda said.

[Photo] GALLERY: Girls Powerlifting goes to regionals

Mar 10, 2023
POWER. Junior Nicole Rodriguez attempts the deadlift for the first time at the regional girl’s powerlifting meet at Alvin High School on Feb 25, 2023. Rodriguez had attempted the squat as well and came a bit short in certain events, “ I was really nervous with not getting my lifts up, which I didn't” Rodriguez said “It was a bunch of emotions at one time.”

[Photo] RECAPS 2/27- 3/03: Female student qualifies to state for powerlifting

James Ochoa, Reporter
Feb 28, 2023
GOLAZO. Junior Christian Claros scores against College Park on Feb. 28, 2023 at the College Park Stadium. Claros was able to score for the team but they came up short losing the match 1-2. “It feels amazing to score,” Claros said “Even though we lost I still think we played a good match.”

[Photo] RECAPS 3/6- 3/10: Varsity soccer beats Cleveland

Bridgette Miranda, web editor in chief
Mar 7, 2023
The trophy that was won at the interventional

[Photo] UIL Academics takes 2nd at Waller Invitational

Staff Report
Feb 1, 2023
UP IN THE AIR. Sophomore Erik Carbajal Benitez controls the ball with his chest at the Willis stadium on Feb. 4, 2023. The boys varsity team was able to successfully beat the Kats 4-1. “I feel like our team definitely has the chemistry and also the passion,” said Carbajal “I try to always do my role on the team and make us as successful as possible.”

[Photo] RECAPS: 2/6 – 2/10: Senior powerlifters take first at Conroe Invitational

James Ochoa
Feb 7, 2023
LETS CELEBRATE!!! Senior Uriel Cruz Silva celebrates after scoring a goal against Cleveland at the Cleveland Stadium on Jan. 24,2023. The boys soccer team was down by 2 in the first half but they managed to win 4-2. “It was a great cross Carlos gave me,” said Silva “I just had to finish it, it was my first direct goal and there's many more to come.”

[Photo] SPORTS RECAPS: 1/21-1/27: Soccer beats Cleveland

Bridgette Miranda
Jan 31, 2023
HEADS UP. Freshman Cristopher Cruz goes for the header in order to get ball possession for his team at Moorhead Stadium on Jan. 17, 2023. Cruz played for JvB during the game but for tournaments Cruz played for JvA. “I was getting stressed at the beginning of the game, I tried focusing on scoring,” Cruz said “It was a really tough game but we did good.

[Photo] GALLERY: Boys Soccer VS. Conroe HS

Jan 24, 2023
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