The Eagle's Eye; Issue 4, Vol. 12; Akins High School

Battle of the Bands pg. 10

Eagle’s Eye The

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W. Charles Akins High School

“Everything That Concerns You”

Austin, Texas

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Spreading peace

Culture

Schedule change

Academics

Advisory classes face change

Paper cranes sent to victims Stephanie Zuniga Staff Reporter

Matthew Lopez

Passing time

MOY 1 results disappoints, prompting schedule change Dez Moore Editor-in-Chief Advisory classes will no longer be for checking grades, discussing current events, doing homework, or just hanging out for freshmen and sophomores. Advisory class, starting Tuesday, February 12th, will be used for tutoring purposes from now on for struggling freshmen and sophomores.

“The Campus Leadership team discussed the predicted performance of our underclassmen on the End of Course exams/STARR test and determined using the advisory class would be more strategic in helping students,” Principal Daniel Girard said.

The decision came after results from last year’s EOC and this year’s Middle of the Year assessment results showed that freshmen were in trouble

of not passing certain courses.

“EOC results were not very good especially in geography.

MOY data showed this too,” Girard said.

Underclassmen students will be placed in a new advisory class where they will receive tutoring in a subject they are in fear of failing.

“I’m a little nervous about the change because I want to be with people I know,” freshmen Amanda Livingston said.

“I don’t know if the tutoring will help but I hope it does.”

Akins follows a basket of measures, which states that on the 2013 Mathematics STARR test 84% of freshmen will reach level II in Algebra I and 10% will reach level II in Algebra I. 85% of sophomores are expected to reach level II on the Geometry test and 10% are expected to reach level III. For seniors, the campus must

have at least 60% of eligible seniors complete and submit their FAFSA by August 30th.

Lastly, 75% of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are two or more years below their reading level must demonstrate two years growth in the Spring SRI administration.

“The basket of measures is a performance incentive for teachers,” New Tech director Barry Bacom said. “If we meet it, salaries will be affected positively.”

Upperclassmen are not affected by the change as much due to the fact they do not take the STARR Test. Seniors will focus on college work, including completing their FAFSA. “The change is really out of nowhere for us but it is whatever to me,” senior Aashraya Nakarmi said. “The underclassmen apparently need help so they’re getting it.”

However, some seniors are

upset because their advisory teacher will be leaving to tutor the underclassman. Any student who has a core subject teacher will be placed into a new advisory with a teacher who does not teach core subjects.

“Well it is the middle of our senior year and we’ve been with the same advisory teacher since 10th grade,” senior Alexis Colunga said. “It is frustrating how they just want to switch things up. I feel that they should have found a better way to go about their ‘tutoring’ or whatever before having to rearrange everybody.”

The advisory change is not permanent. Students will have

Folding origami isn’t just a hobby, it’s a symbol for peace, a symbol that was once made to show that peace is not only missing in war but represents the unity of others.

Recently Akins welcomed a guest speaker from Japan, Kazuko Naganeo, who came and shared the story of Sadako Sasaki and the thousand paper cranes.

With the help of reading teacher Debra Kelt, they went from class to class to share her story.

“We started off sharing the story with my reading classes, then other English classes, then to any class she could get to share the story in,” Kelt said.

Naganeo started the story with the gruesome bombing attack of Hiroshima where Sadako was hit with an atomic bomb that had been dropped.

“It was a new year, so I thought lets do origami, the paper crane stands for peace, so in every paper crane that was made the students would write a hope for the new year inside of it,” Kelt said.

In the story, Sadako made 644 paper cranes failing to reach 1000 cranes, which in ancient Japanese history if someone was able to reach 1000 cranes they were granted a wish.

“Kazuko and I got together and started to plan to make cranes to send to foundations of Hiroshima bombing and also to the recent Connecticut school shooting,” Kelt said.

“It was my idea to start making the paper cranes and it also gave her a chance to go as many classes and teach as much as possible about the Hiroshima bombing,” Kelt said.

Sophomore Natalie Flores was one of the students who got a chance to make paper cranes and hear the story of Hiroshima.

“When I heard the story it made me feel sad to think that so many people died and suffered from that,” Flores said.

weeks until the next MOY test, March 5th.

between 90,000 to 166,000 people died.

“It is so upsetting just to think of the pain and the suffering that these families and friends had to go through,” Flores said.

Sophomore Daisy Paz also participated in paper crane making. She believed it shares hope and peace to those who were impacted from the Hiroshima bombing and the Connecticut shooting.

See “Advisory” pg. 4

See “Peace” pg. 4

Wrestling

Sports

Lady Eagles take down district for second consecutive year Dez Moore Editor-in-Chief

the insight

impressive year with three girls becoming district champions and three girls placing second in their divisions. Sophomores Anna Becerra, Blanca Martinez, and senior Nancy Ramirez won their weight class to become district champions. This is the second straight year the lady Eagles have won district.

“It felt great to win,” Becerra said. “During warm-ups I told the girls that it would be awesome if

we won district again. I’m proud of all of us. We all came together as a team to win district the second time in a row.”

The three runner-ups were sophomore Gabi Reyes, junior Natalie Chapman, and senior Karla Nigoche.

“I was happy because I felt like I Reyes said. “I put up a really good heavier than me. I was proud of myself for not giving up and giving it my all.”

The boys had three standouts as well. Junior Austin Boles placed

Boles placed second and senior Frank Callahan placed third within their divisions.

“I was disappointed in myself,” Alex said. “I have trained so hard this year and I lost because I panicked. I have had a lot of fun. Even though I lost I have also learned a lot. Now all I have on my mind is winning at regionals then moving on to state and winning state.”

Regionals take place on Friday and Saturday, February 8th and 9th.

If any competitor advances on they will compete at the state competition on February 21st-23rd.

Alex Herrera

Taking control

Gun control opinions An in-depth look at vary among students Dr. Akins life story Luisa Veronica Talamas Gun control latest topics suris sparking up a rounding the gun hot debate around control debate the United States in our latest verand has now found its sion of VERSUS. way to students on Check out Page campus. Two of 2 inside and see the reporters on which staff restaff share their porter you agree opinions on the or disagree with.

Do you really know about the namesake of W.C. Akins High School?

How did Akins High School come about? Why was Akins High School named after Dr. William Charles Akins? Check out Pages 8-9 and learn about how Akins High School

came to be 12 short years ago.

Sexting consequences... pg. 3 Vermin on campus... pg. 4 Christian Hernandez... pg. 6 Theatre begins UIL... pg. 11 Preparing for playoffs... pg. 12

Photo Courtesy of W. Charles Akins

inside

5

things to know

Vol. 12 No. 4

February 11, 2013

Opinions...pg 2, 3 News...pg 4-5 Student Life...pg 6-7 In-Depth...pg 8, 9, 15 Entertainment...pg 10,11 Sports...pg 12, 13 Photo Essay...pg 14, 16

Opinions The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 2.11.13

page 2

Tests scores ruining the value of advisory EDITOrIAL

Student life

Social networking

New social media trend leaves students in jeopardy Elianne Candelario Staff Reporter

The Eagle’s Eye Editor-in-Chief Dez Moore

Editorial Policy

Managing & In-Depth Editor Haleigh Wagner

Harley Cruz Staff Reporter

Opinions Editor Marissa Sosa Assistant Opinions Editor Caitlin Starks Student Life Editor Jacqueline Rodriquez Entertainment Editor Savannah Garza Sports Editor Ben Livingston Photo Editor Alex Herrera

they see

On-line Editor Matthew Lopez Advisor Michael Reeves Eagle’s Eye Staff

Organizations

2005 2006 2007 2011 2012

2012

Opinions

Monday, 2.11.13 Opinions

page 3

The Eagle’s Eye

Entertainment

Anime more than stereotypical childrens cartoon Maria Moreno Staff Reporter

Opinions

LETTEr TO ThE EDITOr

Gun control

Sandy Hook shooting sparks gun debates Becoming a teen mother not all glamour and cute babies Chris Yanez Staff Reporter

Tyler Derickson Staff Reporter

MAn On ThE STrEET Jesus Ramirez II 12th

Suzett Molina 11th

Chris Remington 10th

Tiana Featherstone 9th

Jesus Valles Teacher

TOPIC 1: hOW DO yOu FEEL AbOuT ThE LITTErIng On CAMPuS? I think it is disrespectful, everyone I think it is something that should be improved because we should care for should pick up their own trash. our school.

I feel like it is ruining the school’s atmosphere.

The littering doesn’t bother me that much, but people shouldn’t do it.

Students are not aware of how their choice to litter affects the environment of the school.

TOPIC 2: WhAT SPOrTS, CLubS AnD Or OrgAnIzATIOnS ArE yOu In? I’m in football and track. I am also I’m honestly not in any at the moment. the leader of FCA.

I’m not in any right now.

I’m not in any sports, clubs, or organizations.

I am in charge of the Debate team, a part of the Akins Theatre, and I help run the Literary Magazine.

TOPIC 3: FAvOrITE AnD LEAST FAvOrITE ThIng AbOuT AkInS? My favorite thing is the diversity.

My least favorite is social media.

My favorite thing is some of the teachers, they are pretty cool. My least favorite is the food.

My favorite thing is the open campus. My least favorite thing is math class.

My favorite thing is being able My favorite thing is the culture of to text in the hallways. My least dedicated work ethic at Akins. I favorite thing is the way people act. don’t have a least favorite thing.

TOPIC 4: WhAT WAS ThE uPSIDE TO yOur ChrISTMAS brEAk? applications and apply for scholarships.

I was able to travel to El Salvador and surprise my grandma on Christmas Eve.

I got a lot of money.

I got to spend time with my family.

I got to do some creative writing.

To get better grades.

To be a better teacher.

TOPIC 5: WhAT WAS yOur nEW yEArS rESOLuTIOn? To push myself harder and get better grades because I have slacked off.

To get a job.

To continue writing my story.

News The Eagle’s Eye On-Campus

Monday, 2.11.13

page 4

Vermin infestation

Mice settle in new living arrangements Hannah Kerns Staff Reporter Mice jump from drawer to drawer and leave feces around the classroom; they creep around in every corner, and wait for students to drop bits of food.

“I had no idea that there were mice in the school, it’s honestly disgusting,” junior Andrea Vazquez said.

Most students are oblivious to the mouse infestation in the school.

“The school is surrounded by an going on right next to the baseball

Luisa Veronica Talamas

into the building,” custodial crew leader Eric Brown said. “It doesn’t take much, all there has to be is a tiny little hole and they can get in.”

Mice come into the building, especially during the winter, to keep warm and have a place to stay when there is construction going on.

“When I returned from winter break I notice that I had cracker “dust” all over my desk and I thought, who would do this,” math teacher Penola Edwards said. “Then, upon closer inspection, I noticed that the bag of crackers had been chewed open and that I also had mouse droppings on my desk and on nearby prep tables.”

Students and teachers leaving food and crumbs everywhere does not help the situation either, it actually keeps them in the school. If no food were

Academies

available to them the number of mice would slowly go down.

There is not much anyone can do that works in the school. When there are infestations like this one the most

“They look for somewhere warm to stay and the T-Stem building is the closest to the construction,” Williams said.

Female mice have up to eight lit-

mice and throw them out.

“If any student, custodian, teacher, or assistant principal put any commercial brand spray or mouse traps it

imagine how many mice a school Akins’ size could contain.

“The school should do something about the mice,” freshmen Arianna Hernandez said. “The mice could easily come and bite a student and who knows what they carry.”

Mice carry Leptospirosis, which can cause liver damage, kidney failure, Salmonella, tapeworms, and even death on rare occasions.

Keeping the school as clean as possible would prevent the mice from striving as well as they have been on campus.

“The classrooms we are learning in should not be infected with mice,” sophomore Matthew Santiago said.

“They are unclean and carry diseases, it is unsafe for us.”

A healthy and clean environment is something that the students feel the school needs to work harder on and

is just district policy,” Brown said.

District policy does not allow custodians or even pest control to put poison or traps around the school to kill the mice and prevent more from coming in and living in the walls.

Even if a teacher brought in a spray or a mousetrap they can be ma“I really wish that there was more we could do,” Brown said. “All we can do is try not to bring food into the classrooms and if you do, because I know students and teachers get hungry throughout the day and need a snack, to not drop any bits of food and to make sure they throw the trash away.”

Many teachers in all parts of the building have noticed some kind of mouse infestation either by physically items and a rotten smell coming from the ceiling.

STEM teacher Tyson Williams even had a mouse jump from his desk drawer and run out of the classroom.

and in the ceilings should not be a problem.

“If everybody put forth the effort to make the campus cleaner we would not have a mice infestation,” senior Ray Santa Ana said. “Nobody wants to be in a school with mice. It is disgusting.”

Choosing majors

Future students learn the importance of choosing classes Ben Livingston Sports Editor

Ben Livingston

Counseling the youth Senior Stephanie Downs presents the Counseling and Mental Health booth at the Academy Fair. CMH mentors underclassmen and is in the Social Services academy. “CMH prepares us for jobs that involve psychology,” Downs said.

Staff and Faculty

Every year, the academies on campus set up their booths and showcase what they’re all about. Programs like Robotics, ROTC, and the Fine Arts all have a chance to showcase what they’re about.

The Academy Fair allows incoming 9th graders at Akins to learn more about which academy they would like to be in before the school year starts.

The school’s jazz band performed outside the cafeteria, and EMT had a group of student staging some of their procedures. The staff feels that this year’s fair had a good turnout and provided good exposure for the academies.

“The academy fair was successful, and it’s good to see all the upperclassmen participating,” ACES academy assistant principal Pamela Gray said.

“There were also many motivated and interested parents here with their children.”

Akins students taking part in showing their various organizations and spreading the word about their individual academies found great opportunity

in it too.

“It was a really good way to introduce the amazing opportunities that Akins has,” senior Student Council President Stephanie Downs said. “I think people learned a lot while having a lot of fun too.”

Although there is a diverse myriad of programs at Akins, a simple selection of academies can affect the classes available.

“The way the academies are set up, a student in an academy takes classes offered in that academy,” AHA academy counselor David Leath said. “If a student has completed a course sequence, or earned their major in their academy, they might be able to take an introduction class in another academy’s class if there is room in the class.”

Students with a change of heart can always move into another academy. sheets for their next year, they can simsheet.

“The biggest amount of switches occurs with 9th graders going into 10th grade,” Leath said. “The number of students changing academies in the upper grades is usually very small.”

Recognizing hard work

Funky Decor

Janitors prove to be valuable Maria Moreno Staff Reporter The lunch bell rings and students

ser John Hau

class. Paths of trash are created making it pretty easy to locate where students were.

Littering has been a huge problem all around the United States and Akins High School is no exception.

“Three custodians can each easily each pick up two 33 gallon trash bags just after A lunch,” custodian Sandra Hernandez said.

Throughout the day each of the ten custodians can pick up two full bags with trash around the whole school, that’s approximately 660 gallons of trash everyday.

On top of all of the trash, students disrespect custodians on a daily basis. Some on purpose.

“One day I was walking around and a student throws trash on the ground in front of me,” Hernandez said. “I told him to pick it up, but then he tells me, it’s your job so pick it up yourself.”

Custodians that work for Austin ISD on average get paid approximately ten dollars an hour depending on their position.

Recently, the AISD school board heard a proposal to increase the minimum wage for the custodians to $11 per hour, which is still above the federally mandated rate of $7.25 per hour.

At press time a decision

Supports

about the change had not been made.

“It gets me mad when I see students talk bad about custodians because when I was younger my dad was one to help us out,” senior Veronica Alba said.

“They’re doing it for a livto be appreciated more.”

A custodian’s job consists of cleaning up the whole school including rest rooms used by over 2,000 students and on a daily basis handling dangerous chemicals.

Without custodians, students would be attending an unsanitary school with trash in each corner and yet, the average student would say that a janitor’s job is useless.

“Without custodians we would have a very dirty learning environment,” sophomore Ana Alvarado said. “Although it’s not a job people would normally prefer, somebody has to do it and we should be thankful for them.”

The

Akins Eagles Five Great Austin Locations Rolled Hand as Tortill Free Nacho-Car

Huge ns Portio

www.chuys.com

Facebook.com/Chuys.Restaurants

Monday, 2.11.13 Student Life

News

page 5

The Eagle’s Eye

Prom proposals

Student goes all out for prom proposal

Elianne Candelario

WILL U GO 2 PROM WITH ME? Senior Eduardo Guzman gathers the soccer team at halftime to issue a prom proposal to his girlfriend, Gina Gonzalez. Guzman planned out the proposal a few days before hand with the help of his soccer teammates. “We dressed up the guys in white tees and put red tape on them in the shape of the letters,” Guzman said. “It was worth it in the end.”

Elaborate, over-the-top prom proposals becoming the norm among senior students <<<< To Go >>>> <<< To Prom >>> No ALC for the school year Must receive credit in 75% of classes for Fall Semester Must pass 75% of classes for the 5th six weeks. per class for Spring Semester No 3-day suspension for Spring Semester

Andrea Barrera Staff Reporter Prom only comes once a year and it is also one of the most memorable nights of a student’s high school experience. With pre-planning coming months in advance, prom could easily be one of the most expensive days someone will spend during his or her years in high school.

Prom has been known to be one of the biggest excitements every year for students of the senior class and the prom proposal is just as important as any other detail when it comes to planning for prom.

The prom journey is just as important to the guy as to the girl. He is the one in charge of making sure his prom proposal is just as good and as inventive as the other guy, and making sure everything else falls into place.

For guys in the senior class, prom is getting closer and closer and coming up with new ideas for prom has been stressful.

For senior Eduardo Guzman coming up with a meaningful prom proposal was accomplished through a lot of planning and many close teammates.

“When I asked my girlfriend, Gina (Gonzalez), to prom I wanted to do something big,” Guzman

said. “I didn’t just want to ask her face-to-face, I wanted to do something she would always remember.”

During half-time, Guzman along with the rest of the varsity soccer team acted like they were having a little meeting and started putting on white shirts with letters that spelled out “WILL U GO 2 PROM WITH ME?” and one by “My teammates had my back,” Guzman said. “I’ve been playing with them for awhile, we are all like brothers and even if we all argue with each other, we are really close. They supported me and they were happy to help.”

The proposal was a complete shocker to everyone watching, especially Gonzalez.

“I was really surprised because he’s a really shy guy and I didn’t think he would go all out like this during one of his biggest games,” senior Gonzalez said. “I had seen cute proposals in the past but this was one of the cutest by far.”

Guzman really aimed to make this proposal special and memorable for his girlfriend.

“For the prom proposal I asked my girlfriend the best way I could,” Guzman said. “When she came down to get the roses, she gave me a tight hug, kissed me, and said yes.”

Peace Project shared with students TAKS comes to a close, STARR just beginning Cont. “Peace” pg. 1

Luisa Veronica Talamas

Symbolizing peace Kuzuko Naganeo teaches a class how to fold paper cranes sent to those impacted by the Sandy Hook shooting.

“I felt really impressed because even though we are so far away we can still connect with them and their story and make these cranes that represent the hopes and dreams these people had, to spread peace,” Paz said.

The Connecticut school shooting was a tragedy where 20 children and six adult staff members were fatally shot on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Sophomore Alyssa Alvarado was moved by when hearing these stories and thought making paper cranes would be a great inspiring idea to do.

“These stories impacted my life so much I shared these heart breaking stories

with my family, friends and my church, I felt so horrible knowing that I live in this country and how we could do such a horrible thing to Japan, it was just shocking,” Alvarado said.

The Hiroshima bombing showed how strong this little girl came to be how hard she tried to reach a goal and how deep and passionate she was to spread peace.

“The story of the “A Thousand Paper Cranes” was really sad but moving, she started something great over there and that shows that people can make a change, even if it’s all by yourself,” Alvarado said.

“Just by sending these paper cranes shows that there is still time for change.”

Test results show areas of improvement Cont. “Advisory” pg. 1 “We may revert back to the old schedule based on student performance,” Girard said.

“We will look at the data and see if there is improvement.”

Students that still need improvement in a subject will continue in a tutoring advisory during session two of the advisory intervention, March 19th to May 1st.

“MOY 2 data will determine where students go during advisory,” Girard said.

briefs

of STARR testing, May 7th through May 9th, all students will return to their original advisory

One concern among freshmen students is checking their grades.

“I get my grades from my advisory teacher because I don’t have Gradespeed,” freshmen Johnathan Miranda said.

“Now, I will have to ask my teachers individually for my grades.”

The faculty wants to make it clear that every student has access to Gradespeed and should be using it.

“Students without Gradespeed need to get it,” Girard said.

One of the factors the Campus Leadership

Team struggled with was the fact that upperclassmen were now being taken away from the teacher they have been with for the past two or three years.

“It was unfortunate,” Bacom said. “We struggled with that. It was a main concern but if the students that need help aren’t getting it, we struggle as a campus.”

Instructional lead teacher Nancy York had some insightful words about the change.

“People do not like change, it is human nature,” York said. “But change can be dynamic.”

Chris Yanez Staff Reporter As the new STARR standardized test comes to Texas of testing.

Since 2002 the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and skills has been the standardized test that has determined where a student is academically in their educational career and whether or not a student has to take a TAKS prep class the following year and if they are able to graduate.

Students, who have taken the TAKS test their entire academic career like senior Arthur Lung, think differently about how the standardized test has affected their learning.

“I think it took away from learning the curriculum because we spent so much time preparing for questions on the test versus just learning actual subjects,” Lung said.

Now, eleven years later the TAKS is becoming a thing of the past.

Instead of taking the TAKS standardized test, current sophomores and freshmen will take the Student Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) their standardized testing by taking their (hopefully) last TAKS test ever. Though there will still be TAKS testing for several more years because of older students not passing previous tests.

“Although it is necessary for measuring accurately what students know, I think we have too many tests such as the MOY and BOY going on that we just need curately,” testing coordinator Jharon Ward said.

Some school administrators like Principal Daniel Girard think that the STARR test is a better-standardized test that is more aligned in determining student’s content knowledge than the TAKS. “The STARR test is more aligned to the courses, rather than the TAKS test at determining student’s content knowledge,” Girard said.

Although the TAKS test will be given to juniors still continue to be retesting for all of the students in all grade levels that have not met the required academic standards of the test.

Valentines Day shares the stage Dodgeball returns for another with students showcasing talent year of fast paced competition The yearly Valentines Day pageant will take place on Friday, February 15th. The pageant is a talent show for students.

The pageant will be after school from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The tickets cost $2 during A and B lunch and $3 at the door. This year’s pageant will introduce a new way of deciding the winner. There will be two types of winners. The traLuisa Veronica Talamas

second, and third and an second, and third place acts will each win a prize as well as the audience winis a whopping $100 cash money. The biggest prize in Valentines Day pageant history.

Last year’s pageant winners were brother and sister sophomore Chynna Rivera and 2012 graduate P.J. Rivera.

The dodge ball tournament returns to campus available for students of any grade to participate in and try to The students in the Business Practicum internship will host the dodge ball tournament.

“We started with the basketball tournament but while selling tickets I asked students whether they would

Luisa Veronica Talamas

want a basketball tournament or dodge ball tournament,” senior Business Practicum student Adam Capetillo said. “The majority of students chose dodge ball so we switched the tournament to dodge ball.”

The dodge ball tournament is $3 to watch and $20 per team of be held on Wednesday, February 27th during 8th period.

Student Life The Eagle’s Eye Spotlight

Monday, 2.11.13

page 6

Musicians

First time performer raps original songs

Junior Christian Hernandez shows off his lyrical talents at Battle of the Bands Jacqueline Rodriguez Student Life Editor

Stepping out onto the dimly lit stage, or rather pushed out, junior Christian Hernandez gazed towards the crowd as he began his Hernandez opened with his own creation called “XXL freshman cypher 2012” and the crowd cheered with excitement. performing in front of an audience, so I was pretty nervous,” Hernandez said.

Though Hernandez was nervous to perform in front of an audience, that didn’t stop him from doing the best he can in front of his peers.

“Christian was really amazing at battle of the bands, he’s really good at entertaining the audience,” junior Alexandria Ruiz said.

“I personally like all of his songs because they are all creative.”

Although this was Hering he is no stranger when it comes to making music.

Perfecting his craft since the age of eight, Hernandez is now working his way up to make this hobby into a full on career with determination.

“Ever since I was little I’ve been writing in a notelyrics,”

Hernandez

said.

into a passion of mine and I’m working hard on pursuing it further.”

Hernandez has been recording original songs at a studio and also working at his “home studio.”

Organizations

“I’ve been recording at this studio my friend got us into and I have my own personal set up at home which I use for minor things,” Hernandez said. “It’s mostly for me to experiment with different things and see what I like and dont like.”

Hernandez wants to be known as more of a lyricist rather than the traditional rapper and hopes to represent himself fully through his melodies.

“Rappers tend to brag about themselves a lot, about money, and women which is not really me,” Hernandez said. “ I like to keep it more about me and my lyrics are just about me and my dumb teenage self.”

Though Hernandez’s act is solo, he has many supporters who are always there to cheer him onstage no matter what.

“My friends and family really support me ever since I’ve opened to them about what I want to do and they for me,” Hernandez said.

With so much support, Hernandez feels that he can always count on his closest friends to stand by.

“Christian has always been writing ever since we were little and I know he can achieve what he wants because he has that determination,” junior Matthew Lopez said. “ He has that dream to be that person and I know he can do it as long as keeps working hard.”

Ruiz also feels Hernandez can achieve anything with his determination.

“When he sets his mind to something he overcomes

Screen shot courtsey of ChristiansOfCourse via YouTube

One of a kind Junior Christian Hernandez raps his original song “Lime Light Rhyme Tight Cypher.” Hernandez’s YouTube channel, “ChristiansOfCourse” has over 800 subscribers and over 10,000 views; he has multiple videos of him rapping.

everything and achieves to his full potential,” Ruiz said.

“He really believes in himself and that says a lot, he’s doing the thing that he loves and he’s really achiving it.”

Lopez also feels that Hernandez has many unique qualities that contribute to his ongoing success.

“He’s random, unique, and very optimistic about

helped him with being determined to continue doing his own thing,” Lopez said.

With hard work and determination to achieve his

goals, Hernandez just wants to show everyone he’s just doing his own thing.

“I just want to show people my true self,” Hernandez said.”

Animal Exhibition

Texas County Youth Show brings in awards for FFA Stephanie Zuniga Staff Reporter Looks like the strong smell from the Akins barn out back has gotten stronger which can only mean one thing, the Future Farmers of America organization was hard at work training and grooming their animals to top-notch perfection for this years Travis County Youth

Show. This year the Akins FFA did remarkably well.

Valerie Jones has fairly enjoyed her last TCYS of her senior year placing 3rd with her second goat in the contest.

“Akins did extremely well, I’m very proud of what I did and how I placed. I think we did really well this year,” Jones said.

This year, the FFA organization did remarkably well at the 2013 TCYS placing isher in contest for almost each member who attended the event. The organization is notorious for doing very well each year at the county show.

“Every time they called out the top-ten an Akins student always placed in topJones and her group of three also hand-made a quilt and each got $1,000 each with all equaling up to $3,000 and Jones also received $875 for a goat at auction.

“This TCYS was good for my senior year, I am very happy and proud on how I did,” Jones said.

Sophomore Sean Watt earned Grand Champion Lamb, Reserve Champion Goat, and also got recognized for his quilt which also won Champion. show. I wasn’t able to show last year because my pig was two pounds under the weight limit,” Watt said.

Each animal must meet certain requirements and

Miranda LeBlanc

Showing off Junior Cody Johnson holds his goat to show off it’s muscles while judges examine it. The animals at the county show are judged based on muscularity and weight.

into the county show.

Watt also placed 7th with his lamb, 7th with his goat and 10th with his pig.

“I was disappointed with my pigs placing but what happens, happens,” Watt said.

The main requirements for county show are to pass classes and make sure the animal is at the required weight.

“It was a great learning

experience and that’s all that the FFA is about in my opinion,” Watt said.

FFA member Lisbeth Elher lamb, third with her pig and also received Grand Champion, had a great experience at this year’s county show.

“This county show was really fun I got to hang out with lots of people from different schools and my FFA group,” Ellis said. “It was a great experience overall and I was really happy I got to be apart of it all.”

Ellis also agreed that Akins had a great year at county show.

“Yes, I feel like we did really great, most people made sale and everyone had a wonderful time,” said Ellis.

Senior Lindsay Escalante who is FFA vice president, placed fourth with her lamb and third with her goat felt this years county show was rather sentimental.

“I felt good with my placings, but it is bittersweet because it is my senior year, my experience this year was memorable, like all of them but this year meant more because it is my last,” Escalante said.

Though it was Escalante’s last time at county show that didn’t stop her from pushing her animals to the top quality to go for the best.

“It’s an ongoing process if you have been working since the summer then you feel pretty ready for show.

Akins did really good, alot of people placed high this year,” Escalante said.

FFA sold 20 goats in the sale and received on aver-

Miranda LeBlanc

Anticipation Junior Dylan Kinsey presents his chicken to the judges and awaits the placing. Kinsey one of the three who raised and showed chickens which are also known as fryers.

age $850.80, 10 lambs in the sale received on average $1100-1200 dollars per, a pig sold for $1,375, and a pen of chickens also known as three fryers brought in $3,200.

“For the actual size of our organization we are the most successful FFA program in Travis County,” Jennifer Lockwood said.

In the Youth Fair, which has to do with arts and crafts

and baked goods there were 13 entries and six of those entries made sale, earning “FFA has over 50 student members strong and growing every year,” Eric John said.

Akins FFA came home with many wins, sales, and high hopes to do just as well at competitions next year as well as the years up ahead in the near future.

Monday, 2.11.13 Spotlight

Student Life

The Eagle’s Eye

page 7

Combat sports

A fighter’s journey through the boxing ring Golden Gloves winners shares his experiences on the path to turning pro Harley Cruz Staff Reporter

it’s been a passion of his that’s taken him through six

Sweat drips down sophomore Isaac Lopez’s face as he swings towards the punching bag, preparing for

he has only lost seven. After hard practicing he has been able to participate in various matches and tournaments all around Texas.

Once he got serious about boxing, his mom, Maria knew he was going to get far.

“I see the passion he has for the sport. I see potential in him doing great things with boxing,” she said. “He’s a naturally gifted athelete.”

Since then he’s also been able to meet his now close friend, Tino Rivera.

“He’s like my older brother. We train everyday together to get better,” Lopez said.

After awhile Lopez moved back in with his mom and found an even better gym called The Pit. He’s currently an LBC champion of San Antonio and a Golden Glove champion of Austin, Texas. He earned Golden Gloves Jacket and trophy, something he worked hard to get.

“I went into the tournament knowing I would win. I prepared myself by training hard and being fully dedicated,” Lopez said.

Lopez makes sure every practice counts.

“I jump top three rounds, shadow box three rounds and

Lopez began the sport of boxing at the young age of eight but left the ring after a few years.

Once he left, Lopez’s life was headed towards a downward spiral.

“I was going through the wrong path in life. Always ing in school and not going to classes. My mom had enough so she sent me to live with my dad,” Lopez said.

Lopez admits the causes of his past choices.

“I started acting out when I had a close friend of mine who I called my big brother, get shot and then pass away,” Lopez said. “Things were going wrong and I was just angry.” for anger, Lopez’s dad found a boxing gym close to their house. There he was able to

I started I never missed a day of training,” Lopez said.

Since starting up again

Spotlight

Alex Hererra

Bag work Sophomore Isaac Lopez practices his hits during his workout session at the gym. Lopez works out regularly at the gym to

in the gym I do about seven rounds on the mitts with my coaches. Then I work on strengths and conditions.

I train everyday,” Lopez said. What Lopez likes most

about boxing is the competiveness of the sport and the adrenaline rush once he’s inside the boxing ring.

“I get excited but try to stay calm since the adrena-

After school

A new world

line rushes can mess you up,” Lopez said. tries to stay on top of his game.

“When I look at my op-

ponent I tell myself that he can’t beat me because I’m the best. I think about my big brother that passed away and think about how hard I’ve trained, Lopez said.

A lending hand

Yu Ying Wang begins new life Organization helps community Hannah Kerns Staff Reporter Shovels penetrating the ground and new Loblolly trees that were once burnt replenished and ready to grow, Green Teens are helping the community and the earth.

Green Teens is an environmental group that is led

by Keep Austin Beautiful.

“Students go hiking, camping, gardening, kaya-

Savannah Garza

A better education Freshman Yu Ying Wang works on an algebra quiz quietly in class. Wang enjoys math class.

favorite subject is Algebra II with Ms. Clark,” Wang said.

According to one of Wang teachers, Sheila Rae, she has improved greatly at becoming accustomed to schoolwork and life, and she is determined to learn English and become a great student.

“She stays after school she comes to study at lunch, she says over and over that she wants to learn English and that she wants to be a good student,” Rae said.

Rae is one of Wang’s favorite teachers is very proud and happy to see how far Wang has come in her life in America.

“On a scale of 1 to 10 on how proud I am of Yu Ying I would have to say 12,” Rae said.

Wang’s plans for her time here in America are to attend the University of Texas at Austin in hopes to study and get a job that involves travel such as a career in business.

“My hopes are to go to college and get a good job, and I want to have a job where I can travel anywhere around the world, like a business job,” Wang said.

In the end, Wang is just like every other student, she has hopes and interests that every other high school students have.

trees on February second in Bastrop State Park.

“We were wanting to and volunteer and green teens is another volunteering organization in school so we joined with them,” senior Aashlie Hess said.

auser

New transfer student Yu Ying Wang has come to America from China for a better education and a whole new life.

For some students going to school in a foreign country is dream that is rarely obtainable. That was not the case for fourteen-year-old Wang.

Wang was sent to America from China, knowing little English, in 2010 by her parents in order for her to have a better life.

“My parents wanted to give me a better future,” Yu Ying said.

Coming to Texas and attending Bedicheck Middle School, where she wasn’t judged by teachers and had a normal school schedule was a huge step and new start for her.

“In China we would study for twelve hours a day, and my parents wanted me to have a better life than that,” Wang said.

She came from a school where she was scared of her teachers and would be ridiculed by them if she didn’t tions.

“When I was in China teachers would always say

I was stupid because if I didn’t have high grades they would consider us stupid or dirty,” Wang said.

Due to the verbal abuse by her teachers Wang is scared to go back to China even though she misses her home.

“It would be scary to go back because I don’t want to see my teachers again because they would always be rude or mean to students, and everything is better here than in China,” Wang said.

Even though Wang was happy to leave from China for a better education she still misses the Chinese culture and her family and best friend.

“I miss my best friend, my family and the Chinese festivals because there are no Chinese festivals here, I could always go to China town but I just miss my family,” Wang said.

Although she transferred here with just a small knowledge of English, her speech has improved greatly to where she can now understand and have a full conversation with teachers and students. This improvement enables her to learn and understand the curriculum this school has to offer.

“It was a hard transition but I’m better now, and my

Green Teens are just a way for students to help out the community in their own way and experience new things.

“If you care about the earth and want to be involved in a great after school club with friends who want to make a difference, then Green Teens may be the perfect place for you,” Bucklen said. The group is open to anyone who wants to help the community.

John H

Chris Yanez Staff Reporter

helped replant Loblolly trees in Bastrop,” Keep Austin Beautiful environmental educator Tricia Bucklen said. “We also do solar energy projects, sustainable and healthy eating tips, community involvement and volunteering.”

These students spend their time helping the environment and they are rewarded in return. Green

to places like Enchanted rock, the river and even the beach.

“I’m really looking forward to the rest of the activities Green Teens is leading,” sophomore Richard Peterson said.

Green Teens is also offering three students a fully paid internship for earth camps to help develop environmental stewardship.

“I love it so far, It gives me the opportunity to help the environment and it’s also a fun rewarding experience,” Sophomore Alana Corpus said.

Key Club, JROTC and Green Teens has recently

Student film screened once again Mark Vallejo Staff Reporter With hard work and long hours put into a small nior Cristina Gonzalez’s was chosen once again to be screened at the Texas Union Film Festival.

Gonzalez, was very happy to hear the aning screened yet again.

“I was like ‘no way’, because I didn’t think another festival would want Gonzalez said. “ I was extremely excited because it’s not everyday that a stualone twice.”

is about a girl named Tina who talks to the universe and hopes to have a good day but it winds up being

have a happy ending.

“It was inspired by true events. 80% of the things that happened in the me.” Gonzalez said. “So I thought that it would be a good idea to write a story about it.” have been invited to attend a reception that’ll be held for the work they’ve done and Gonzalez as well has been invited.

“I was very excited because I really like making connections with people with the same interest,” Gonzalez said. “It would be to my advantage and it’s also a good learning experience.”

At the moment, Gonzalez is working on her “It’s going good. I hope to have my script picked

again, so that I can direct said. “I’m writing a script that will be the same style it comes out good.”

There are many positive reactions to Gonzalez’s “It was one of the funseen. The characters hit dead perfect of what high school is like and the movie was really great,” Senior Marissa Gomez said. “And that we do live in an awkward universe.”

With much hard work zalez can only hope for the best outcome along with many positive reactions.

“I’m working hard for hope I can pull it off yet again I’m very excited and hopeful for a good turn out,” Gonzalez said. “I have many postive hopes for it.”

In-Depth - Dr. William Charles Akins The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 2.11.13

page 8

Photo courtesy of Charles Akins

Teacher and student (top photo) W. Charles Akins congratulates a senior at Johnston High ston. While teaching, he sponsored the Boys Service Club where ties. “We would do things like usher at school plays, and set up hurdles at Texas Relays,” Akins said.

Photo courtesy of W. Charles Akins

Whistles blower (bottom photo) hear cases involving whether or not athletes were allowed to play during that particular season or school year,” Akins said.

Photo courtesy of W. Charles Akins

Dedication for a dedicated man

was so kind and a really very generous honor.”

Alex Herrera

Photo courtesy of W. Charles Akins

Namesake celebration

Student artist

ny

Son

1932: W. Charles Akins is born in Austin, Texas

1950: Akins graduates from L.C. Anderson High School

1950: Korean War Begins Haleigh Wagner

1932: Wall Street Crashes

A timeline

lina

Mo

1957: Begins teaching at L.C. Anderson High School

1957: The “Little Rock Nine” Little Rock, Arkansas

*Top events are form Akins’ life and bottom events are national events

American teacher at Johnston High School

1960: African Americans have sit in’s in several public places Greensboro, North Carolina

1967: Akins becomes assi pal at “Old Anderson” H

1967: Thurgood Marshall swo Supreme Court Judge

Monday, 2.11.13

In-Depth

Our Namesake We waited anxiously with our note pads

-

We introduce ourselves; “Hannah, Haleigh, and Cristina.” We shake hands. he brought to share with us.

Akins looks at us. “Where should we be-

Childhood Akins was born on November 9th, 1932 to Mr. and Mrs. Elma Akins. He was an only child.

“They always say that if you’re the only child you’re spoiled.” Akins laughed. “I don’t think that was true in my case.”

Akins grew up with a loving and supporting family who helped push him to achieve his goals, but he certainly didn’t have anything close to a lavish lifestyle.

He looked up to his uncle, who he called “brother” because of his physique; and his aunt, because like everyone in his life, she had faith in him.

Both his parents were very religious and sang gospel music in their church choirs.

“I wasn’t very good at singing but I loved to hear gospel music in my church,” Akins joked. “My father was even a disk jockey for gospel music on KVET before it became a country station.”

His mother worked as a domestic worker in a nursing home. His father was a janitor for the Supreme Court and after 40 years he ished high school.

“My parents believed in hard work. It was their aim that I would go to school and go to college,” Akins said. ish high school, he was at a disadvantage and had to work hard to reach his goals.

“Learning was a challenge,” Akins said seriously. “I wasn’t able to get much help at home so I went to the school library and to teachers after school.” school they still tried to push him in his schoolwork.

“My dad challenged me with math,” Akins recalled. “He always tried to help me with my times tables.”

Akins grew up in East Central Austin on Washington Avenue near where the Old Anderson High School was, which is now a part of the Kealing Middle School campus. Since he had no transportation he would walk to school everyday.

It was very important to his parents that and college. my family, and I feel very blessed,” Akins said triumphantly.

According to Akins, he’s worked hard for everything he’s achieved and credits it all to his school education and supporting family.

“Finishing high school is the key to any kind of success,” Akins said. “The famous Alexander The Great once said; “Parents give student’s life, but teachers give the eyes to see and mind to understand,” and I really do believe that.”

Enlightened by his words we scribble every quote. and paid attention in his classes. That type

Career Akins always cared about the educational community and always wanted to become a teacher.

High School in Marlin, Texas and he always thought of it as a great way to start out his career.

“I always enjoyed my time working at Marlin,” Akins reminisced. “It was a great three years of teaching.”

After spending only three years at Marlin, Akins was offered a job at his old high school: L.C. Anderson or “Old Anderson” High School.

“I was ecstatic about getting the chance to work at “Old” Anderson, but I was really nervous,” Akins revealed with a laugh. “I was really happy about the chance to work at my old high school because not many people get the chance to do that. On the other hand, I was surrounded by all of my old teachers.

It was nerve-racking because they all know your weaknesses.”

After only three years at “Old Anderson” Akins was named teacher of the year.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Akins smiled. “I was more than excited.”

Many of Akins’ former students believe his teaching was ahead of its time.

“He always had such great enthusiasm when teaching,” former student at L.C. Anderson Class of 1961 graduate, Barbara Wilson recounted. “All the students loved him, everyone always wanted to go to his class.”

In his classes, he had his own way of keeping students attention. “ H e would call from student to student, every one would be paying attention and scared that he would call their name. I was always nervous,” former student at L.C. Anderson, Class of 1961 graduate, Benny Hawkins admitted. “He would say, “Okay, Joe tell Henry to tell Jack to ask

‘‘

and work.”

After a few years in administration, Akins was given a large task, one that would evenAISD and personally. and asked if I would be the new principal at a soon to be built high school,” Akins said.

“The only thing that was challenging was the

high school in Austin.”

The school Akins was asked to be the new principal of was “New Anderson” High School.

“I was so excited very excited, but at the same time I was very nervous,” Akins said sternly. “You had kids from two sides of town put together and they didn’t get along.” istence Akins was constantly trying to bring students together.

“It was hard dealing with the students because of their backgrounds,” Akins explained with much thought. “You had kids who didn’t want to be bussed across town, and you had kids that didn’t want new kids in their neighborhood.”

Some of the tension was certainly racial. so,” Akins explained.

After a couple years, Akins had the new Anderson school under control and felt it was time for a new challenge.

Akins said. “I had a good friend and mentor, H.L. Gaines, who was retiring and they offered me his old job.”

Akins became Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs followed by Associate Superintendent for Development and Community Partnership.

“I loved working as a teacher and in administration,” Akins reminisced with a huge smile on his face. “But, I felt I needed to move on to a different type of work once again.”

He was never vindictive

so scared and never averted my attention.”

After three years at “Old” Anderson, ican teacher at Johnston High School.

“I was nervous about starting a school, but racial tensions never really came to mind,” Akins remembered. “Everyone was really welcoming and it was nice to be there.”

At Johnston, Akins came upon many opportunities. asked to be the sponsor for the Boys Service club,” Akins stated with a smile. “It was a great experience leading such wonderful and respectful young men.”

Other positive experiences also came his way.

“I was asked to be Dean of Boys,” Akins commented. “I was the disciplinary leader for the boys in school. It was challenging ” While at Johnston, a yearbook was dedicated to his tenure during his sixth year.

“I was so surprised and shocked,” Akins explained. “I never expected to have such an honor.”

After just over seven years at Johnston, Akins was asked to return to “Old” Anderson High School, as an assistant principal.

“When I was asked to be the new assistant principal I was elated. I couldn’t believe that they would ask me to come work at “Old” Anderson,” Akins said with a huge smile. “It was a great experience both in life

”

Akins supervised Hawkins.

“Akins was a great person to work with.

He was never vindictive or causing a commotion,” Hawkins explained. “He was really the real deal.”

After years in Austin education, the AISD board voted to name the newest high school after Akins.

“I had heard they were nominating people,” Akins remembered. “I had no idea I was one of the nominations.”

When Akins found out that the school would be named after him he was surprised.

“I was elated and completely shocked,” Akins said with excited eyes. “I didn’t even know that I was up for a nomination when they chose me. I was just sitting in a board meeting not paying attention and didn’t know what to do.”

According to Akins he thought the AISD Board of Education chose to name the school after him because of his work with desegregation in several schools.

“I accepted the challenge and got people to work with me and each other,” Akins said.

“I think that’s what they thought. I really don’t know.”

Akins had a warm smile when reminiscing about his feelings about having a high school named after him.

“It was emotional for me and very rewarding,” Akins said. “My father was very proud.”

Akins was present here for the ground

of legacy

istant princiHigh School

1973: Abortion is legalized with Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Case

orn in

ny

Son

1973: Akins asked to be principal of “New” Anderson High School

lina

Mo

page 9

The Eagle’s Eye

Story by Haleigh Wagner, Cristina Gonzales and Hannah Kerns

breaking in 2000.

“It was the most joyous occasion in my life, next to my marriage,” he said.

By then Akins had retired.

“I felt that I had a long and great career,” Akins exclaimed. “I was given so many great chances and experiences I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

All our attention is on his every word.

-

Retirement Since his retirement and the ground breaking of the school, Akins has continued to contribute to education.

He has been on several boards of education including the Board of Director’s 13, which he was elected to.

He also recently retired from the Waver Board. The Waver Board makes sure of things like not being able to play a sport for a year when a student moves to a new school.

Akins also worked with his fraternity and taught Sunday school class and is part of a church group in Westlake.

But according to Akins his favorite thing to do is come visit Akins.

“I love the diversity here as well as the good spirit and the quest for excellence,” Akins said cheerfully. “I like that the faculty and the students are working in harmony to make this school the very best.”

When looking back on his achievements Akins smiles.

“I’ve been blessed,” Akins said. “Family and friends have supported me throughout everything.”

Akins rejoices in his pride about his lifetime achievements. And while he holds an honorary doctorate title from Huston-Tillotson College, that is one thing he wishes he would have completed.

“I don’t have any regrets,” Akins said.

“Although, one thing I should have done is pursue a doctorate degree.”

One of Akins’ teachers at Southwestern Texas State University told him he would write him a letter for a Doctorate degree but Akins said, “No, I want to be a high school principal.”

According to Akins he feels very blessed to have taught high school.

“He is a wealth of knowledge,” current Akins college advisor Sarah Simmons said.

Akins has a warm smile and thoughtful eyes when talking about the future.

“I plan to stay healthy,” Akins laughs. “I want people to remember me as an honest, sincere, dedicated citizen, who believes that education is most important to every individual.”

Akins has big hopes for the student body of Akins.

“I would want them to appreciate good citizenship, responsibility, and to accept and appreciate the worth of every individual,” Akins says.

two-hour conversation with such a great and bell rings to go to our next class. We all say

Sonny Molina

1982: Akins becomes Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs for AISD

1982: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album is released and becomes one of the best selling albums of all time

1989: Akins becomes Associate Superintendent for Development and Community Partnership

burning as a form of political protest is an act of protected speech under the First Amendment

1998: New school in South Austin named after Akins and he retires

1998: Google is founded

Haleigh Wagner

Info courtesy of W. Charles Akins and TheHistoryPeople.com

Arts & Entertainment The Eagle’s Eye Music

Monday, 2.11.13

page 10

Battle of the Bands

Contest attracts various young artists Students exhibit musical talents on stage among peers for generous award Savannah Garza Entertainment Editor With strums to victory and beats to success, Capture Thecompetition.

Theory.

-

dom

Rhythmic tunes Senior Aashraya Nakarmi performs alongside his band Capture Theory during an original song called Pictures. Senior Jackson King wrote the song himself. “It’s about someone who won’t admit they have a problem,” King said.

tions

1st place Capture The ory

since

the event.

“We had

she

-

to

-

-

$600. in past years.

Technology

said.

Art

Gaming

WiiU Review Mark Vallejo Staff Reporter

-

-

Prized product

Japanese-based painting takes art student to state Art UIL

Savannah Garza Entertainment Editor

ZL, ZR buttons, and a home button.

-

Where: San Marcos High When: Feb. 26 Time: 7 am -3 pm

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John Hauser

Monday, 2.11.13

Arts & Entertainment

The Eagle’s Eye

page 11

University Interscholastic League

Theatre

Actors prepare for crucial performance Aspiring performers go through audition processes for roles in UIL play Cristina Gonzalez Staff Reporter

-

This year the Akins Journey Theater has

-

dic or contemporary dramatic.

piece.

-

“The atmosphere is pretty tense, but you

-

-

the chorus.

-

-

Getting in to character Senior Katrina Agudo performs her act in the auditions for UIL. Agudo landed the role of Loudstone in the play “Eurydice,” a Greek mythology play.

Band takes journey Behind the stage to major U.S. city Theater tech

Features

Francisco De La Rosa Staff Reporter

Caitlin Starks Staff Reporter

-

Faust said.

-

receive credit.

-

Hidden talent Junior Piers Prewitt and senior Dylan Gloria rearrange items on the Journey theater stage for UIL.

-

around them.

said.

-

“The technicians maintain the theater, they keep the -

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Fashion For Thought Haleigh Wagner In-Depth Editor

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Good hair day Sophomore Natalie Roth shows her signature lilac hair.

-

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Sports The Eagle’s Eye Basketball

Monday, 2.11.13

page 12

Post-season

Eagles figuring out their potential

Boys aiming for strong finish and hot start to playoffs

District Standings First Place: Anderson Wins: 8 Losses: 2 Second Place: Lake Travis Wins: 8 Losses: 3 Third Place: Austin High Wins: 6 Losses: 5

Dez Moore Editor-in-Chief

through the varsity Eagles basketball team as playoffs approach and their spot is anything but locked. offs,” senior guard Fred Barton said.

The boys hold a district record of 5-5 before they face off against the Del Valle Cardinals on Friday, February 8th.

out,” senior guard Brandon Wasson said.

The Eagles are focusing on making the most of the rest of their season and “I don’t believe our team has peaked yet. We still have areas to improve in,” stick to being a team and not individu-

they are not playing up to that potential. plays and create something for the bet-

Fourth Place: Akins Wins: 5 Losses: 5

Fifth Place: Westlake Wins: 4 Losses: 6 Sixth Place: Del Valle Wins: 3 Losses: 6 Seventh Place: Bowie Wins: 1 Losses: 8 As of Friday, February 8th.

Track

senior guard Fredd Richardson III said.

“We have to trust more in our teammates and their abilities.”

Coach David Peavy has made it about this year’s squad.

“We have decent size, good shooters, and good athleticism,” Peavy said.

“We have potential to be great defenbuilt to make a run in playoffs.”

potential to be the best overall team he has coached or the most underachievsaid.

With the team feeling some pressure a deep playoff push. said. “We need to stay focused and son from this point on and start strong in playoffs.”

Ross believes that the team has overcome much adversity this season.

Gina Gonzalez

Slamming it down

games, and failed to play up to our potential. We just need to bounce back ing themselves into a favorable playoff match up.

“We are currently in third place in our district,” Ross said. “The second

through some adversity,” Ross said.

“We have lost players, lost district

rounding the team they still believe

have to play each game like it is our last,” Barton said. “The team needs here. We have to come together as a team and play up to the potential that

High hopes

Runners train and aim high for regional competition Andrea Barrera Staff Reporter

ing a lot of my personal best records,” Barnes said. “I’m also

Every year, around this time, the track team begins their season by heading out to the track day in and day out. They are constantly trying to improve their quickness and speed at every practice, every-

most importantly teaching myself to be a better athlete.”

Both the boys and girls track side of school to make sure they maintain top shape. even starts,” senior Anais Barnes said. “Not only is it about getting out, you’ve also got to maintain a healthy diet.” the equation; they also need to keep a positive attitude in order for season to keep running smoothly. set,” Barnes said. “You’ve got to have a positive attitude to be your cult, so you’ve got to stay positive Many of the members in track have to set personal goals in order to be able to progress throughout the season.

reaching all the goals they’ve set for themselves last season.

“The thing that I’m looking for-

said.

the track team according to head track coach Amanda Thomas.

Track has had a lot of positive outcomes such as having several athletes making it to regionals in achievements.

entire track team is aiming for, and just one of the accomplishments they are training for.

“My main goal to accomplish this season, is getting back to regionals and hopefully competing at the state level,” Barnes said. “ I man year of track for high jump,

compete in.”

Many of the members of the boys’ track team last year had made it to regionals, and they are year and to even beat some of their “The boys track team last year meter relay,” boys head track coach Chris Thomas said. “We high jump. The boys also had the

“Track practice started about

Attending the track meets and rience according to many of the track athletes.

“The meets are really fun,”

In the past years, the environment at the meets has given the opportunity to many of our athletes to be able to build relationships and “We are a giant group of Akins kids,” senior Evan Ortiz said. “Eating the bananas, granola bars, same school until it’s your turn to

in the JV division.”

With the upcoming season starting, many of the members are al-

competing throughout the day in

meet.

for their team.

bus to arrive early,” Ortiz said. peting all day, so track meets last for ten hours. It may seem long but it goes by quickly because most of Ortiz is just one of the many personal goals to reach by the end of his last season competing for Akins. als and my second is to break the If I can do complete both of those accomplished something here at Akins.”

If running track or doing an event sounds like something that and start training.

“Don’t be nervous,” Thomas said. “The practices are short, about an hour long, and you dethat could last a lifetime. Track School in a positive, competitive manner. Come out and be apart of a fun track family.”

Monday, 2.11.13 Basketball

Sports

page 13

The Eagle’s Eye

Player feature

De la Vega becoming nice fit for lady Eagles Andrea Barrera Staff Reporter This season, the Lady Eagles Varsity basketball team faced many changes.

The season turned into a

“A huge improvement has been improving our communication and coming together as a team,” senior Iliana Dominguez bond and play as one.”

Bonding has been key to

able to build a relationship

them a stronger relationship

together as a family.

The program opened up their arms to sophomore ferred to Akins earlier this school year. ber of not only the basketball program nor school, but

“Throughout the games I got comfortable in the team and decided to plan a

Indiana,” De la Vega said.

“And I transferred to Akins

it handed to them, they had ery great improvement has come after repeated failure.

“The team has made many improvements over the season,” De la Vega said.

Change

didn’t

come

tion and perseverance.

-

Vega said. “We had so much fun together as a team and

De la Vega said. “I had to

times individually and as a team. We’ve learned from our mistakes and improved

challenging moments and comfortable.”

De la Vega’s biggest ob-

After losing a tough game, the members of the basketball team talk about their mistakes and the things the team can improve on for

play basketball.

“I had frustrating moments sometimes being the said. “Fortunately I had the support from my coaches help for me and things started to get into place.” the team a major change, but also the communication off the court.

need someone to step up and bring the intensity up ready to get it together for Bringing in a positive attitude to the program plays an important role to not just the entire team and teammates.

“When it comes to attitude Zazil De la Vega has the best attitude,” senior

De la Vega has made a lot of improvements personally and contributes her part to the team alongside her teammates.

“Z has an amazing shot, loves the game, and loves to

Banned substances Max Kosusnik Staff Reporter

tually learn from it, but Z is The season has been a

riman, and Marion Jones.

What do these four athletes have in common?

They’ve used steroids or other banned substances in each of their respected sports.

For decades, possibly even centuries, athletes have used banned substances to get ahead of the competition.

for not only the team, but De la Vega feels like there has been a lot to learn from “I’ve learned a lot from this season,” De la Vega provement after a fail and so much fun this season.”

De la Vega had a lot of support that really had helped her get through the season, not just from her family and coaches, but “Most importantly my teammate Ashley Lopez

Riley Pierce

-

used a deer antler spray that contains a banned

and they never questioned

help his triceps injury heal faster. The same source had reportedly given the same deer antler spray to

Tight coverage

me feel comfortable, and la Vega said. “We’ve had good chemistry and she has helped me push through the bad moments throughout our season.”

Earning a spot on a varsity team isn’t handed out have to prove to the coaches they deserve the spot on a highly skilled team.

“Being a transfer student and having to start all over the coaches, but the memyou are capable of doing

on the court for your team varsity is something that makes me feel really good and proud of myself,” De la Vega said.

The coaching staff for the basketball program has been supporting De la Vega since day one, and has made sure that she felt comfortbut overall in school. apart of our family,” Martin said. “Z is a Godsend, she’s supposed to be here. I am

As the season progresses, De la Vega has tried and put a lot of effort into every

National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide before their game against LSU in the BCS Championship in Christopher Key and

her gratitude not only to the coaching staff but her team-

of a company called Sports With Alternatives to Ste-

“Being on varsity is more intense and challenging,” De la Vega said. “But I like it and I’m honored to

these reports.

Ross told Sports Illustrated that he had spoken

Eagles.” torn his triceps October

Baseball

Beginning Season

Players push themselves to excel this season Baseball Schedule

Matthew Lopez On-line Editor

ly good shot at making playoffs.”

-

vs McCallum Feb. 19 @ Burger Tournament Feb. 21-23 @ San Antonio Tournament Feb. 28 - March 2 @ Comal County vs Del Valle March 5 @ Burger

ded in this year’s varsity Eagle’s baseball team. With a disappointing season last year, the Eagle’s cessful season this year -

Tournament March 7-9 @ TBA

R.C Medrano said. “We plan on changing our attitude and understanding our responsibilities on

vs Westlake March 12 @ Burger

As the spring approached,

vs Lake Travis March 13 @ Lake Travis

Soccer

same hope of making the team.

“We had a really good turn out

been put in,” Velasquez said. “The and faster.”

the young Eagle’s team realizes

the program, it gives others the op-

challenges.

“Our pitching depth this year -

“Since the team is really young this year, it means that us seniors really have to step up and be the leaders of the team for the younger players,” Ferren said.

The determined mind set for change in this year’s baseball program is clear to all the players.

Steven Valasquez said. “We are a

As the Eagle’s baseball team has constantly had a reputation of a losing team, the players have continued to represent the pro“A lot of off-season effort has

together as a team and play as basemen Rene Castro said. “We ning and making it to playoffs if

Starting strong

Soccer teams get a boost from their success Elianne Candelario Staff Reporter The boys and girls soccer team has kicked off the of success.

The boys’ varsity made Soccer Tournament but lost

Catch me if you can

against the Corpus Christi Kings.

All varsity and JV players attended the tournament including senior captain Eduardo Guzman, senior Alberto Suarez, and junior Jordan Acosta.

“Varsity lost to Corpus Christi King in a game that could have gone either Williams said.

celerate up his recovery.

After being asked by a reporter at media day for

main rivals.

Senior captain Renee Schneider and junior Bri-

into the championship tour-

proud of their team and

they came out in second.

“Girls soccer have never even made it to the championship game,” Schneider said.

“Just having the opportu-

of ourselves and motivated -

man said.

As for the girls, they have had their share of greatness Girls’ soccer hosted the the championship game but due to a shortage of players injured and could not play, leaving the team forced to nals.

than enough for the team.”

The girls plan on bettering themselves throughout the season and become by training everyday and the team they need to be to achieve success.

“We need to practice our shooting and defense in order to make more goals,” -

that report or him any of Yahoo Sports reported Jackson, then the Oakland told by the NFL to end company because Ross told ThePostGame.com son free products that the coach apparently gave to Vice President of Communications for the Ravens, told ESPN, “Ray has been randomly tested for banned substances and has never failed test.” But that could be because the used, is not tested by the NFL’s drug policy. to discuss the report the morning before media stance discussed in the arAs for the Alabama accused of using the substance, Key said about spray at a hotel room in to that game against LSU spray the substance they purchased in their mouths.

For more information regarding athletes using PED’s or the Alabama Crimson Tide players using PED’s, stay tuned to

Photo Essay The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 2.11.13

page 14

Future farmers taste victory Students share FFA experiences Alex Herrera Photo Editor Week after week, Future Farmers of America work their animals leading up to the day they give them away or sell them to slaughter.

Preparing for shows isn’t the only struggle the FFA members experience; senior Valerie Jones knows a thing or two about the journey through raising animals and facing the realities of the outcome.

“Every year I always looked forward to the future because I would always get new animals with new personalities,” Jones said. “Since this is my last year in the FFA program it’s harder to see them go.”

The emotional aspects of raising an animal from the beginning until the end makes it more painful, according to se-

nior Secretary Grace Ivey.

“After spending every day with the animal you’re raising, it’s hard to keep yourself from getting attached to them,” Ivey mal when they’re babies and let them go a year later.”

Although FFA has its ups and downs, one scenario that senior Vice President Lindsey Escalante shares about Akins FFA program students on campus aren’t aware of is that all other counties accept male and female animals into shows except the Travis County show because of the amount of muscle and qualities male present.

“I’ve never raised a female livestock due to the Travis County rule of only showing male animals, but I don’t mind it because it’s taught me to deal with tougher competition,” Escalante said.

Miranda Leblanc

Miranda Leblanc

Miranda Leblanc

(Top left photo) Hard work paid off Junior Elizabeth Scarborough waits for the announcement of her lamb’s placement. According to Scarbortive emotions because of all of the hard work that paid off,” Scarborough said. “I really enjoy pigs and lambs, because they’re easy to work with so I will continue to keep raising them next year.”

(Middle left photo) Waiting to be ranked Juniors Edward Urias, Sam Olivas, and senior Grace Ivie hold their chicken’s feet and support their bodies while waiting for the judge to come examine their set. Judges assign each competitor in different rankings based upon the chicken’s muscle, uniformity, and size.

(Middle right photo) Market quality Stirring and taking control, junior Alison Lilly shows off her hog Sebastian to prove that he has good market quality and has proper structure to win. Lilly has been showing hogs since her freshmen year due to the open opportunity after marching season ends. “Every year I show hogs because after marching season and band is over, the only animal I can raise is hogs,” Lilly said. “After many insistences of uncooperative behavior, Sebastian surprisingly behaved with me at the show.”

competitor, Gattis won third place with her goat, which left a smile upon her face after the show. “I felt like I parents were proud of me and that’s what meant the most.”

Miranda Leblanc

(Bottom right photo) First year placer

In-Depth - Class of 2013 The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 2.11.13

page 15

Football 4 years

Class of 2013 2 years

Corrections 1 year Yolanda Torres

Kevon Stevens

Mariela Cartagena (6)

“I enjoy football because it’s rewarding at times like when you do well on a play or

“I love doing something creative like being on stage, I feel like I can do anything.

I want to major in musical theatre and hopefully attend the University of

Alex Pineda (5)

“Corrections opens all kinds of doors for me. In corrections I get the chance to learn what I would actually be doing if I ever got the chance to work in a real

make our senior prom everyone’s dream and allow seniors to have the time of their life that they have both waited for

Choir 2 years

is when you have to deal with a defeat after a bad game.”

Thirteen

Key Club 4 years Blanca Villa “I joined Key club was it seemed really fun because you get to go out and help

The Eagle’s Eye has chosen thirteen seniors to recognize for their dedication, talent, and hard work that they have put into an activity on campus.

The number of students chosen was determined because of this graduating year, 2013.

it is the community service events that we participate in on Saturdays.”

ROTC 4 years Cheyenne Dobson

Page design by: Haleigh Wagner Photos by: Newspaper and Yearbook staff

feel welcomed. It has helped me build leadership and following skills. It pushed me to enlist in the Army last February, I couldn’t

1.

Drill Team 2 years Samantha Adami-Norgan (7) “I wanted to join a dance team because I have always been interested in it.

I want to study something in the arts when I college. I’d like to study either orchestra, theatre, or dance some day. ”

Art 4+ years Ciro Villareal “I have always liked drawing, ever since I was little. Being an artist has always been my biggest life goal. I want to have my own portfolio and set prices and sell on my own art.”

2.

3.

PALS 1 year Aashraya Nakarmi “I like PALS because we do a lot of vol-

4.

Langford and we help and mentor the kids in whatever way that they need.”

5.

6.

Orchestra 4+ years

Robotics 4 years

Alyssa Rodriguez (8)

Rebecca Munoz

“I chose to play the cello because of its rich sound and the range that can

“I joined robotics because I thought that

movements you have to do.”

favorite part of Robotics would probably be getting to use C.N.C. (Computer Numerical Control) to work the robots.”

FFA 4 years

Cheer 1 year Avery Fish (1)

Valerie Jones (3)

“I thought cheer would be fun since it’s senior year and I have friends in cheer, so

“FFA has really helped me decide what I

we get the crowd going and the hardest is whenever we don’t do well in a game.”

7.

8.

to become a veterinarian. I plan on to major in biomedical sciences.”

Photo Essay The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 2.11.13

page 16

Teens compete for a noble cause

errera

Alex H Savannah Garza

(Top right photo) Jamming out

(Top left photo) Teens in progress Taking young musicians to the next level, senior Michael Loera performs with his band Sinsored the lead singer.

Sinsored has played at local venues like Stubbs, Red Eyed Fly, and a show during South By South West called “Heart of Texas Rock.”

(Bottom left photo) Dream come true using his Ibanez Artcore semi-hollow guitar. According to King, Capture Theory was a name that the band all decided to keep while searching through a science magazine.

Savannah Garza

(Bottom photo) Kids for cancer Second place winners, seniors Evan Ortiz, Luis Hernandez, and junior Daniel Maya sing and perform to help raise charity for Dell Children’s Hospital. According to Hernandez, their band Less Than Three will be performing at Dell Children’s Hospital on March 23. “My grandpa was diagnosed with leukemia and recently remission,” Ortiz said. “That gave me so much understanding with kid’s with cancer, so the band and I wanted to give support to those who are sick.”

Alex Herrera