Teacher or the Month, Ms. Himes, believes she is the IB Trait Principled because she treats all her students with respect and compassion.

She also chooses to do what is right even if it is unpopular.

“My students and family inspire me every day, and they all push me to keep going and be the best version of myself,” she said. 

Ms. Himes went to Trinity University where she got her bachelors degree and masters degree. After that she decided to come to Hogg to be a U.S. History teacher. Her favorite memory was the pep rally because the spirit in the room was so fun and energetic. She loved seeing all her students so excited!

She believes students should be more proactive about their education.

“One way to be successful in learning is to take ownership and responsibility for your own learning! Don't wait for someone else to tell you to do something, just do it because you have the power to,” she said.

Outside of school, Ms. Himes likes to cook and play volleyball. Her favorite spot in Houston is the Chop n Blok restaurant because the atmosphere is calming and friendly, and the food is great! She has a small family and one puppy named Cosmo.

Quick Round Favorites:

Candy: Hershey's                                                    

Color: pink

TV Show: “9-1-1"                       

Game: mancala

Book: "Their Eyes Were Watching God”

Article and photo by Avery Williams

Keval Patel presented to the eighth-grade students and teachers at an assembly on Wednesday.

This was his third presentation at Hogg. Last week, it was seventh grade; the week before, sixth grade.

His passion for raising money to support Blood Cancer United's research shone through as he engaged the audience when he talked about why he's undertaken this huge endeavor.

His dad and his friend, seventh-grader River Brennan, are blood cancer fighters, and are his main motivations. His goal is an ambitious $50,000, and yet he's already raised $20,000! At the end of Keval's presentation, he invited River to join him on stage to talk about his experience with blood cancer. 

River's description of what it was like discovering he had cancer three days before sixth grade and what he went through in the last year astonished every listener because there he stood, looking like any other seventh grader.

River's fight isn't over; he has one more year of cancer treatments. River's testimony, paired with Keval's drive, inspired so many at Hogg. Ask your child what they thought about the presentation and how your family can support Keval's efforts.

Our six grader Victoria Burns, is Student of the Week for representing the IB trait Risk-Taker.

She thinks she earned this title because she loves taking risks like being the only girl on the baseball team.

Outside of school, Victoria loves to read and to play baseball.

“Some of my favorite things to do outside of school is to play baseball because it is fun. I also like to read,” she said.

Victoria’s dad inspires her because he always encourages her through sports and school.

In school, Victoria’s favorite subject is math because she loves to multiply and do geometry because when she grows up, she wants to be an aerospace engineer.

She is looking forward to playing on the baseball team this year.

“I’m probably most excited to get to play on the baseball team this year,” she said.

One tip that Victoria would share to be successful is to take things one at a time.

“Dont take everything and once and set a small goal and reach towards that.”

Quick round favorites

• Candy - (British) Chocolate Smarties
• TV show - “Arcane
• Book - “The Book Thief
• Color - blue
• Game - Exploding Kittens

Article by Vivien Lewis

Our Seventh-grade Student of the Week, Athena Hehmeyer, believes she got chosen for the IB trait of Risk-Taker because she actively participates and engages in class. 

“If you focus on the teacher and learning during class, you can reduce the work you have to do outside of school,” she said. 

Athena is not sure yet what path in particular she wants to take in the future but is interested in the medical field. She says that her friend Neva is her biggest inspiration because she is very responsible.  

Athena’s favorite subject in school is math. 

She said, “There are clear rules and only right or wrong answers, no in between.”  

Her favorite Hogg memory is coming to school everyday and seeing her friends.  

Outside of school, Athena enjoys reading, sketching, and playing the violin! She also enjoys playing with her German Shepherd, Nike. 

• Quick Round Favorites:
• Candy : Butterfingers                                                   
• Color : black 
• TV Show : nature documentaries

Article and Photo by Alexia Saabedra      

Our eighth‑grade student of the week, Kendall Labardini,was selected as the Student of the Week. She demonstrates all of the IB Learner Profile traits and creates a strong example for Hogg.

Kendall works very hard on her grades, but her favorite class is geometry. She loves how everything clicks together perfectly.

Kendall is inspired by both her mother and her sister, who encourage her to always do her best. Especially her sister’s intelligence, she looks up to her as a role model.

 Outside of school, Kendall loves listening to and playing her guitar. Her dream is to attend a college of music, inspired by her sister who introduced Kendall to her love of music.

At last year's ceremony, Kendall won three awards, including science, Razorback of the Year, and IB English. Her tip on being successful is, “Never procrastinate.” That keeps her focused and motivated. In her spare time, Kendall enjoys spending time with her English cream golden retriever, Kiki, and loves taking him on long walks.

Quick Round Favorites

• Candy: “Mike and Ikes”
• TV show: “Severance”
• Book: “When the World Was Ours” by Liz Kessle
• Color: purple
• Game: “Good Pizza Great Pizza”

Article and photo by Elena Skalany