The Student News Site of Willis High School

The Voice of the Wildkats
The Student News Site of Willis High School

The Voice of the Wildkats
The Student News Site of Willis High School

The Voice of the Wildkats
All content by Stone Chapman
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW. The 2024 Mr. Wildkat is set for April 6.

Mr. Wildkat renews tradition, raises funds

by Stone Chapman, VOW staff
Mar 29, 2024
POOR THINGS. The Academy loves the absurdity of Poor Things starring Emma Stone. The film won Best Picture and Stone took home the Best Actress Oscar for the film.

‘Poor Things’ obscurity shocks the Academy

by Stone Chapman, VOW staff
Mar 25, 2024
#SUPPORT. The AquaKats found support from their competitors at meets throughout the season with the hashtag swim4frankie.

AquaKats remember friend for positive attitude, love of sport

by Stone Chapman, VOW staff
Mar 4, 2024
KINDNESS TREE. Placing a post-it on the tree, sophomore Morgan Smith adds a word of encouragement.

[Photo] Kats Joined for Hope makes kindness tree

by Isabella Melin, VOW staff
Feb 14, 2024
WHATS LOVE WORTH? Scale holding a gift and a handwritten letter, shows the value of dedication. Photo or infographic by Stone Chapman.

Valentine’s gifts more than diamonds, dinners

by Stone Chapman, VOW Staff
Feb 6, 2024
YOU STILL CAN'T SIT WITH US. There is more than a Burn Book in common with the characters in the original and new versions of "Mean Girls." photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

New ‘Mean Girls’ movie adds to iconic story of high school caste system

by Stone Chapman, VOW staff
Jan 17, 2024
LET'S GET LOUD. Leading the Pit Kru in a cheer, sophomore Zoe Mendes show her undying Wildkat spirit at the first home game against Temple. PitKru is still accepting new members. See Chris Slovak in A123 for more info.

PitKru makes noise for Kats on Friday night

by Stone Chapman, VOW staff
Sep 11, 2023
FLIPPING OUT. As the swim team runs out during Meet the Kats, senior Keddie Ramsden shows off for the packed stands. Meet the Kats serves as an introduction to all sports teams before the school year starts. photo by Stone Chapman

[Photo] WILDKAT PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Aug 25, 2023
THROWING HEAT. Sending the ball as far as she can, sophomore Madison Leverette throws the softball at The Woodlands High School meet.

Special Olympics provides venue for success for members of Champions Academy

by Stone Chapman, VOW Writer
Apr 13, 2023
SAVING LIVES. Saving three lives in the process, junior Rebecca McDowell donates blood during the spring HOSA drive. Willis High School donated enough blood to save over 200 lives.

[Photo] HOSA blood drive gives back to community

by Blaine Eckert, VOW staff
Apr 3, 2023
WILDKATS SAVING LIVES. During HOSA's spring blood drive, junior Rebecca McDowell donates. Sixty three donors donates 85 units, saving 255 lives. photo by Stone Chapman.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lana Del Rey changes the music industry once again

by Stone Chapman, VOW WRITER
Mar 29, 2023
TANNENBAUM OF TRASH. Hand placing bottles donated by students, junior Addison Lyons and senior Charissa Miles-Aybar build the base of a christmas tree, an idea forged by the Energy and Environment co-cher.

Student Council commended for effort to improve school culture

by Stone Chapman, VOW Writer
Mar 23, 2023
FOUR-DAY FOLLY. The movement to a four-day school is not what is best for students.

Four-day school week: misguided effort

by Stone Chapman, VOW Editor
Feb 28, 2023
QUANTUMANIA MADNESS. The most recent Marvel movie is a film that transports viewers into another world while also expanding on plotlines previously introduced in other movies.

Quantumania movie sets tone for future Marvel ant-ics

by Stone Chapman, VOW EDITOR
Feb 23, 2023
UNCLE SAM APPROVED. On Red, White and Blue day, senior Reid Henderson shoots a picture of English teacher Chris Slovak dresses as a modern Uncle Sam. Members of Wildkat Media write stories, take pictures and work in designing and posting stories.

Week centers on importance of scholastic journalism

by Stone Chapman, Assignment Editor
Feb 17, 2023
WHAT BACKPACK? Using a Walmart basket to carry her essentials, junior Sypher East eats lunch with her friends on Thursday. The day was designated Anything But a Backpack day in honor of the swim and dive teams district meet.

Anything but a Backpack Day gives school spirit new meaning

by Stone Chapman, VOW Editor
Feb 8, 2023
PURPLE AND WHITE. Performing the UIL routine Natalie Gooden holds her sign and poms. The competition squad show off the routine they performed at state.

Spring pep rally highlights organizations across campus

by Stone Chapman, VOW Editor
Feb 7, 2023
SNAPSHOT MEMORIES. Taking pictures as part of the Wildkat News crew, seniors Dylan Dwyer and Laci Dorough end the pep rally with the school song.

WILDKATS IN THE HOUSE. Assistant principal Rickie Duncan introduces the girls' basketball team at the pep rally.

BECAUSE OF YOU SINCE ‘92. The new Dutch Bros is open on 1097 in Willis. The company has been open since 1992 making drinks for all tastes.

[Photo] Dutch Bros add new options for drive-through coffee addicts

by Julia Humphries, VOW staff
Jan 27, 2023
FOURTH QUARTER. Receiving his 10th of 12th rounds of chemo, Coach Michael Storms starts what he coined the "fourth quarter" of his treatment. After experiencing chemo with her husband, Coach Megan Storms recruited some of her volleyball players to spread cheer at the hospital where Storms and many others receive cancer treatment.

Volleyball team makes impact in community by bringing joy to cancer patients

by Stone Chapman, VOW Assignments editor
Jan 23, 2023
WHAT BACKPACK? Using a Walmart basket to carry her essentials, junior Sypher East eats lunch with her friends on Thursday. The day was designated Anything But a Backpack day in honor of the swim and dive teams district meet. photo by Stone Chapman

WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES. The Hulu original series digs deep into the creation and downfall of the dancers.

Hulu docuseries explores dark backstory of America’s ‘cuffs and collar’ clad dancers

by Stone Chapman, Assignments editor
Jan 5, 2023
NEW COMMANDER. At the Change of Command ceremony, seniors Jasmine Rodriguez and Josh Baldwin wait for their moment in the event.

VIDEO: JROTC Change of Command

by Stone Chapman, VOW Assignments Editor
Dec 14, 2022
TO PROTECT AND SERVE. A visitor to Christmas in the Barn visits with senior Reid Henderson, a member of the law class. The group passed out cocoa, played games and allowed visitors to tour their car.

CTE programs host early Christmas

by Stone Chapman, VOW Editor
Dec 7, 2022
REINDEER GAMES. At Christmas in the Barn, junior Bradley Lottinger volunteers with DECA. As a game, children would throw rings at Lottinger's reindeer horns.

MY TURN TO DRIVE. Having fun teaching others freshman Eduardo Martinez and junior Hannah East let visitors to the barn drive the robot.

REINDEER GAMES. At Christmas in the Barn, junior Bradley Lottinger volunteers with DECA. As a game, children would throw rings at Lottinger's reindeer horns. photo by Stone Chapman

EMOTIONAL ANNOUCEMENT. After hearing her name announced as the $1000 scholarship winner senior Katie Leggett hugs cheer coach Nicole Westmoreland as Ark Church representative Courtney Small looks on.

Cheerleader honored with scholarship, hustle award

by Stone Chapman, VOW Editor
Nov 18, 2022
SLAY ALL DAY. Soaking in the glory of Post-its, freshman Jenna Nelson and Janie Starr enjoy optimistic sticky notes.

STUCO boosts spirits with positive Post-its program

by Stone Chapman, VOW Editor
Nov 13, 2022
INVESTIGATION. Examining evidence, senior Dillyn Schultz makes sure her data is up-to-par.

Crime scene curriculum offers hands-on approach to learning

by Stone Chapman, VOW assignments editor
Nov 9, 2022
GO KATS. Teammates from the bench and on the court celebrate after winning a point against College Park. The team fought hard, but came up short in their quest for a play-off position.

Volleyball team takes home more than wins as season closes

by Stone Chapman, VOW assignments editor
Nov 6, 2022
Golf team takes home silver, gains camaraderie

Golf team takes home silver, gains camaraderie

by Stone Chapman, VOW Editor
Nov 2, 2022
GOOD BYE TO SHE-HULK. As the first season closes, Marvel fans look forward to future of She-Hulk.

She-Hulk comes to close, leaves Marvel fans excited for future

by Stone Chapman, VOW assignment editor
Oct 14, 2022

[Video] VIDEO: Homecoming dress up days fill halls with spirit

by Stone Chapman, VOW assignments editor
Oct 7, 2022
HIGH SCHOOL SCARY. In a film by Diablo Cody, Megan Fox stars as a high school student with an unusual way to deal with bad relationships.

Jennifer’s Body 2009(R)

by Stone Chapman, Assignments Editor
Oct 4, 2022
BIG LOVE. On the Big Day of Giving, junior DeBraun Hampton with Big Love Program Development Director Jessica Creamer, Wildkat Head Coach Trent Miller, Principal Chad Smith and Athletic Director Jason Glenn, presents a $2000 check to Big Love Cancer Care.

Junior shows ‘Big Love’ for cancer organization

by Stone Chapman, VOW Assignments Editor
Oct 4, 2022
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT. Members of the class of 2023 stand with their parents during senior night on Tuesday.

Tennis recognizes class of 2023

by Stone Chapman, Assignments Editor
Sep 29, 2022
DRESS UP. Hispanic Heritage Week provides an opportunity for dress up week fun.

Hispanic Heritage month inspires dress-up week, cultural awareness

by Stone Chapman, Vow Assignments Editor
Sep 27, 2022
BANNED CLASSICS. Many of the classics are banned in some schools. Texas leads the nation with the most banned books.

Banned book week brings student rights into the spotlight

by Stone Chapman, Assignments Editor
Sep 23, 2022
COMPENSATION. Anyone under the age of 18 that has been inflicted by behavioral changes, cardiac problems, mental health issues or pregnancy difficulties because of a Juul, is entitled to compensation.

Juul gets smoked by two-year investigation, lawsuits

by Stone Chapman, VOW staff
Sep 15, 2022
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STANDING WITH UVALDE. Members of the Wildkat community wore maroon on Monday to show support to the Uvalde community as they started school.

Halls fill with maroon to show support to Uvalde community

by Stone Chapman, VOW staff
Sep 9, 2022
VIRTUAL LEARNING, REAL DISADVANTAGE. Forcing students to participate in a class with a virtual teacher is unfair to those who learn well using traditional teaching tactics.

E-learning leads to apathy, poor performance

by Stone Chapman, VOW writer
Sep 7, 2022
BE CREATIVE. The Creative Writing club meets on Mondays and Thursdays in English teacher Laura Brackin's room, B117.

Creative writing introduced to campus clubs

by Stone Chapman, VOW Writer
Aug 29, 2022
WE ARE WILLIS. At Meet the Kats, senior Savannah Paske hitches a ride on the back of sophomore Carly Paugh as the volleyball team is announced. The event included all teams, band, sweethearts, cheer and ROTC in an effort to build an espirit de corps in the Wilkdat community. A goal of new principal Chad Smith is to increase school spirit at the school and in the community.

Initiative to booster school spirit hopes to bring student body closer

by Stone Chapman, VOW Writer
Aug 17, 2022
THANK YOU TEACHERS. May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation Week.

May 2 kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
May 2, 2022
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS. The journalism team placed first in district. Seniors Summer Rains, Stephanie Keele, Heather Jackson, Katherine Lee, sophomore Stone Chapman and junior Jason Clark took the Journalism Champs title March 23 at The Woodlands High School.

Journalism UIL places first at district, eight students advance to regionals

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Apr 1, 2022
Lia Thomas made history during spring break when she became the first transgender woman to win a NCAA championship. This big win caused certain groups to become upset in the name of fairness. Individuals assume that since Thomas was once a man that she must have an advantage. 

Transgender athletes should be allowed to partake in gendered sports

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Mar 30, 2022
FLASHBACK. In winter 2004, world geography teacher Alina Planchard at 10 years old and her aunt in one of the central parts of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Planchard's aunt is still in the Ukraine.

Ukraine, Russia war hits close to home for staff member

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Mar 9, 2022
Cafeteria should include more options for students with food sensitivities

Cafeteria should include more options for students with food sensitivities

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Mar 4, 2022
PARTY TIME. Junior Lizzie Moore and senior Cole Arnold play a balloon game with student council.

[Photo] Valentine's Day for more than just couples

Feb 23, 2022
Drivers education offers more problems than solutions

Drivers education offers more problems than solutions

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Feb 16, 2022
HELPING OTHERS. Members of Spanish NHS sell pulseras during lunch on Feb. 9. The club will continue to sell until Feb 17th with proceeds going back to the artisans who made the bracelets.

Spanish NHS sells bracelets to help education in Central America

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Feb 10, 2022
TARDY SLIP WOES. With the new tardy stations, Wildkats are being held accountable for getting to class on time.

New tardy enforcement causes students heartache

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Jan 31, 2022
LASTING LEGACY. The Lauren Sparks Outdoor Education Center will be a reality because of a Education Foundation grant. Sparks was a former FFA officer and a 2010 graduate.

Grant will fund outdoor learning center to honor past FFA officer

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Dec 16, 2021
WRAPPING JOY. Getting the paper ready, senior Andrea Espericueta cuts wrapping paper for her candy rolls.

Interact creates Christmas joy for children living in poverty

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Dec 10, 2021
WAX ON, WAX OFF. Arching the eyebrows of junior Brizelda Vazquez, junior Emma Atkinson practices what she learned in class.

Cosmetology students prepare to blow away state board exams

by Stone Chapman
Nov 4, 2021
I'M ON TOP OF THE WORLD. Using her basket to carry sophomore Grace Wilder to class, senior Avari Ford takes advantage of her anything but a pack pack prop.

Anything but a Backpack Day proves fun, hilarious for students

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Oct 5, 2021
NO MAGIC NEEDED. Teaching his class how to be successful in his class with a cards, AP World History teacher Michael Robinson shows his card to the class. For many of the students, this is the start of college level classes in their high school career.

[Photo] AP World History teaches sophomores more than subject matter

by Hannah Hartman, VOW features editor
Oct 1, 2021
ONE LITTLE BITE. For a picky eater, every day is a challenge. Food choice is limited and some students just do not eat at school.

Picky palates pose problems

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Sep 29, 2021
LINED UP. With her fellow upperclassmen, senior Alex Cardenas stands at attention during AFJROTC's weekly inspection in the small gym.

WHATTA MAN. The musical number mashing songs by Salt-N-Pepa and The White Stripes is a bright number in a dreadful movie.

New Cinderella story disappoints new, old fans

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Sep 15, 2021
HALL TROUBLES. The problem: doors are locked and students are unable to enter their classrooms or roam the hallways with their friends. Instead students stand in a giant mob waiting for the doors to open and the day to begin. 

Locked doors lead to problems in mornings

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Sep 15, 2021
ESSENTIAL HIGH SCHOOL MOVIES AND THE LESSONS THEY TEACH. Series about what movies can teach students in high school.

Romantic comedies teach lessons about high school life

by Stone Chapman and Hannah Hartman
Sep 15, 2021
WEAR PURPLE FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION. A poster hangs on the first floor, reminding the school community to wear purple. The halls were full of messages of hope and purple streamers on National Suicide Prevention Day.

Club sponsors purple out day in support of suicide awareness

by Stone Chapman, VOW contributor
Sep 13, 2021
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