Breaking New Grounds

By: Munya N.

This year's POMS team was a BLAST! Not because just about everyone at tryouts made the team, but because of the AMAZING routine we as POMS did. It was on the song "Rockabye" by Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul and Anne-Marie. However, there was something different in the routine, something people never saw. Why yes, it was me, Munya N. As people know, I'm a Muslim and I wear the hijab. But, just how did I tryout for POMS and how was I performing without my hijab? Well, read on to find out more about my religion and the POMS team at Keller Junior High (KJH)!

To begin with, I mastered dance since the age of two. I was born and bred in Amman, Jordan, first with my grandmother and then at the age of five my mom enrolled me in a boarding school specifically for dance: Roberto Dance Academy. I lived there for six years where I learned many things about dance and I became a successful contemporary ballet dancer. During my boarding school years, I also learned about religion, Islam to be specific. When I moved here to the United States to live with my dad, I decided to wear the hijab at the age of 12. It was a tough decision for a lot of opportunity was taken away from me. However, I continued my dancing normally. I went into the studio without my hijab and danced for multiple hours without it. Now, that is going off the boundaries of the Islamic religion. Rule is you wear the hijab; you MUST keep it on outside and in front of men you don't know or who are not family. The only times you could take it off is at home and with family members; however, I didn't follow that rule. I made one of my own. The meaning of wearing a hijab is to have decency; but there isn't anything wrong with wearing whatever you want.

To be honest, my family didn't agree with my idea at all. It was between those wearing the hijab and following ALL of its rules and quit dance or not wear it at all and keep dancing. I was frustrated. Why should I choose between two things? Why can't I have them both? My mom was with the idea of me not wearing it so I could keep dancing, as to the fact it was very important to her family because they are all dancers. I was raised with a dancing family and lived in a boarding school so how can I give up something that lived with me for so long to gain decency?

I wore the hijab for school, outside, but took it off when I had dance classes. My family agreed at the end because they had no choice, their eldest girl had made up her mind. Now I'm guessing you probably figured out how it was so easy for me to try out for POMS.

Well, the decision was easy but the act was kind of difficult. Many people are not used to seeing me without my hijab, so it was a big surprise for them to see me with my hair down. Just so you know, this was a very hard decision for me to make. Taking the hijab off is a big responsibility, but I think I can handle it. Nothing is impossible.

That was my short story. I hope you liked it and learned a thing or two. Remember, there is ALWAYS a story behind something. You just need to find the main storyteller to know the whole truth! Good luck for you all.

With all my love,

M. H. Noman

Victorious Wildcats

By: Munya N.

The player is dribbling, the audience is screaming, the teammates surround each other to grab the ball and…BASKET! The Wildcats scored a point! Cheerleaders line up to root for our awesome, hard-working players. BUT…after a time of happiness, the other team scores. Yes, the Wildcats are regretting the move that made the other team gain the score. However, they are determined to win against them. The Keller boys' team have a diligent way of playing. That’s what is making them more successful. Just as the coach for the 8th grade boys, Coach Stephens, mentioned, “What Mr. Zdrahel and I observe is, when there is more practice there is always a chance of succeeding towards the goals we, as a Keller team, want to achieve.” The boys have been practicing to get their team geared up and ready for the games. They have great self-esteem, which gives them more confidence to continue playing. The players are so skilled, their dribbling is the dominant move on the court. They recognize that their shooting is an area for improvement, but they can crossover with ease. It was mesmerizing. They have attained glory by making the first basket look effortless. How they glide through the air with such grace! Our Wildcats brought such pride to our school. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!!!

Keller Wrestling Tryouts!

Wrestling tryouts were on Monday January 6th, after school. Anyone participating had to change into their gym clothes and meet in the activity room. Whomever makes the team will practice every day except for Wednesdays.

Students were weighed in and then matched up for the junior varsity and varsity slots. Any student that is in a weight class with more than two people will be considered an exhibition wrestler and will then challenge another wrestler for the junior varsity or varsity spot. The wrestling team will have two meets against each of the other junior high schools in District 54.

Upcoming Wrestling Meet Dates:

Feb 10 - Addams @ Keller

Feb 11 - Keller @ Mead

Feb 18 - Frost @ Keller

Feb 20 - Keller @ Eisenhower

Feb 24 - Junior Varsity Wrestling Tournament @ Addams

Feb 25 - Varsity Wrestling Tournament @ Addams