The Eagle's Eye; Issue 3, Vol. 14; by The Eagle's Eye (Akins Early College High School student newspaper)

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The

Eagle's Eye

W. Charles Akins High School

“Everything That Concerns You”

Austin, Texas

Vol. 14 No. 3

December 15, 2014

Counseling for stressful finals Brenda Amaya Staff Reporter While students are stressed out this therapist is trying to help students keep their cool. The 25 percent weight of a ety for any student, considering that it could make or break a semester average. School therapist Gladys Delgado said she expected her services to be needed at this time of the year, prompting her to notify teachers of the counseling she can provide to keep students from stressing out. “End of the semester is usually stressalso may have projects due and/or are making up work for previous grades during the semester which adds pressure to do well in order to obtain credits for their classes.” After volunteering to lead mini lessons on coping with stress, several teachers have requested her to visit their ited three classrooms, including AVID teacher Christina Garcia-Mata’s class. “I think that it was a good experience,” Garcia-Mata said. “My students had the chance to kind of see that stress isn’t something they have to deal with.” Delgado focuses on the impact of the stress physically and emotionally, while identifying ways to manage stress. Also engages the class in a breathing exercise, which is one way to cope with stress. “In the mini-lesson we mainly focused on the importance of the four by four breaths,” Garcia-Mata said. Delgado, who provides counseling services at Akins and Travis high schools, is part of the school district’s Campus Based Referral Centers. The program is part of a partnership between Seton Healthcare and the school district, which provides licensed counselors and psychologists to students. This program began back in spring of 2012 at Crockett High and later expanded to six other campuses by fall 2013. “The program here at Akins has been available since last year,” Delgado said. Campus Based Counseling Referral Centers also offers ways to deal with and manage anxiety, aggression, isolation, depression, adjustement and different coping strategies that are helpful for students.

Rennovation

Outdoor life hooks students Deandra Tristan

full-time employment when they complete the program.

Park Ranger Cadet program prepares students for future Sarah Luna Student Life Editor For senior Janice Franco, when she learns about aquatic life, her classroom is literally on the river as she sits in a kayak on the Colorado River in downtown Austin. Franco is one of eight students who are enrolled in the Green Tech Academy’s Park Ranger Cadet program. The program, which started last year at Akins, helps students learn about the environment and wildlife while preparing them to one day work for the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department. “What we’re trying to do is develop a program where they come into environmental science classes and train them as Park Rangers because they saw our student program growing and wanted to be apart of it,” Green Tech coordinator and Algebra I teacher Kenyata Williams said. Franco said that a professional environmental scientist lead one of her classes about

aquatic life while they were on the river. “Some of the girls screamed when he handed them spiders he pulled off of the water,” she said. Students in the program experience a variety of outdoor activities, including, snorkeling, rock climbing and canoeing. Students also have the opportunity to be paid when they are job shadowing city park rangers. “I really do like the program because it’s fun,” senior Kermeasha Carr said. “It keeps Students start the program during their freshman year and work up to being in a practicum internship class during their seand expenses related to the class because it is sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. “I like how much of an experience it is and what it offers for our future,” Carr said. Career and Technology teacher Megan

Kay, who leads the Park Ranger practicum, also teaches energy and natural resources and environmental science, which are required courses for the program. The program also has an agricultural component in terms of dealing with wildlife in the parks. Students learn about different kinds of common wildlife while earning their hunter education “What we do in the practicum is we go caving and outdoor activities as such just so that the interns can get a feel of how it really is like to be a park ranger,” Kay said. The interns work for the city and do lots of community service through the park rangers. They educate people about the park and assist licensed park rangers. employable by the City of Austin. Next semester the interns plan on going on patrols with park rangers, looking for people engaging in illegal activities or not following park rules.

Athletic

Replacement of track begins to provide new running surface Jason Loosle Multimedia Editor Beginning in January, the track will be completely redone, giving runners an even surface to train on. Construction workers are working to replace the 11 year-old track so that athletes will have a brand new surface to practice on when track season starts in the spring. Voters approved a bond issue in Spring 2013, enabling Austin ISD to pay for repairs schools and three high schools, including Akins, Travis and Bowie. The repairs at all the schools total more than $2 million. Akins will receive about $500,000 worth of improvements to the track, which is nearly a quarter of the track repairs. Akins is receiving more than some other schools because the surface was in worse shape than those at the other schools, said Marc Brewster, project manager for the track repairs. He said that the “old track surface had failed through age,” which caused athletes many problems.

Inside

“The material on the top of the track was came a safety hazard,” Brewster said. Senior track athlete Miranda LeBlanc agreed the track was in bad shape. “There was a bunch of holes in the track,” she said. “The paint had completely faded away.” Just running on the old track, compared to other schools, brought several of the athletes sore feet, and hurt ankles because the asphalt doesn’t have any spring as other surfaces do. These, along with many other issues bethe track team, said head track coach Joseph Saxe. Issues with the track were needing to be “The new track at Akins will help give the kids a sense of pride, and also help prevent a lot of injuries because the old track had noticeable wear and tear and had a lot of holes in it,” Saxe said. The new track will be made up of a salt polymer, which is easier to run on than the old asphalt.

Alyssa Rodriguez

Tearing it up Construction crews load a dumpster with the remains of the old track. Coaches hope the track will be completed by the end of winter break. “We are adding starting blocks, and making a better running surface for the athletes,” Brewster said. Because of all the improvements happening, this project is expected to take until the end of winter break. Because bad weather

happens frequently during the winter, weather, delays could push back the completion date, Brewster said. Since track season starts just after winter break, the athletes may need another place to run if delays occur.

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

OPINIONS

page 2

Monday

The Eagle’s Eye

December 15, 2014

Immigration order only temporary fix EDITOrIAL

Holiday

real meanings

Christmas steals the spotlight from all other holidays Lala Villegas News Editor

The Eagle’s Eye Editor-in-Chief Hannah Kerns

CPS

investigation

Little funds affect justice

Editorial Policy

News Editor Lala Villegas In-Depth Editor Maria Moreno

Gabe Robles Web Editor

Opinions Editor Amanda Livingston Student Life Editor Sarah Luna

Entertainment Editor Mark Vallejo

Sports Editor Isiah Strange

Photo Editor Michael Galindo

Multimedia Editor Jason Loosle

No evidence...

NO CASE

Web Editor Gabriel Robles Graphics Editor Susy Rocha

Social Media Manager Omar-Rayan Guetfa Adviser David Doerr

Eagle’s Eye Staff Brenda Amaya-Rangel Maheen Anjum Johanna Dakay Gregory Eldred Cassie Obi Christopher Remington Jose Salazar Analisa Salinas Nic Sokolowski Katrina Stewart Deandra Tristan Stephanie Valle

Organizations -

2013 2005 2006 2007 2011 2012 2013

Monday, December 15, 2014

Opinions | page 3

The Eagle’s Eye

OptiOns

ElEctivEs

Language limits create frustration Nic Sokolowski Staff Reporter When it comes to studying foreign languages at Akins, there are only two options: Spanish or French. Many indecisive students don’t know what languages to choose between. However, I don’t think that should be the case. This problem of hesitancy among students is created by the problem of the two languages being our only option and nothing else being offered. Yet it is important to acknowledge that Spanish is likely the most important foreign language for Akins students to learn because of the high number of Spanish speakers in our area. There are many other languages offered at other schools that aren’t provided Akins. Some examples being LASA, Travis, and Austin High School, who all offer six languages. Even some middle schools offer

five languages, while our high school only technically offers two. This makes it hard for some students because they might’ve been in middle school learning something other than the languages that are offered here. This is a shame considering the diversity at Akins and the need for students to be exposed to other languages and cultures in an increasingly populated world. Our generation is much more likely to communicate with people from other countries than any one that came before us. It’s becoming an essential skill in the job and recreational world to be able to understand other languages in order for people to maintain business. For example, new appliances might be designed in the United States, but the parts might be manufactured in China, assembled in Japan, and sold in a whole other part of the world like Germany. There are many times when foreign language skills are a crucial part in bringing the device to life. However, Akins students would be at a bitter disadvantage because we don’t offer any of the languages included in this scenario. Austin itself is becoming a cos-

mopolitan place where we increasingly have people living here from other countries. If anyone happens to communicate with someone who is a non-native English speaker in the workplace, they might run into some problems. Sadly, only 20 percent of Americans reported the ability to speak another language according to the Cenother hand, 56 percent of Europeans claim that they can hold a conversation in a language that differs from their native one. There are an expanding amount of colleges offering study abroad programs, allowing the students the opportunity to become immersed in another country, and giving them the ability to gain invaluable experiences. This leap towards new languages could easily be taken here and now. It would benefit students to be able to communicate with not only the people moving to Austin, but also future business colleagues. If we can’t communicate, we will never be able to understand each other and live together.

Communication lacks attention Amanda Livingston Opinions Editor Communication at Akins High School is in desperate need of re-evaluation. I thought that STEM students were being put on a higher pedestal than the rest of the other academies. It had seemed that they were being offered certain AP classes earlier than the rest of us. It didn’t appear fair to me because we are all just as equally capable of taking the tough classes, and they were just not giving us the chance. However, with further investigation into the issue I found I was wrong. It’s not a matter of the STEM students being a higher priority. It’s that communication at Akins is greatly lacking. When I spoke with school improvement facilitator Regina McGough about AP class availability, I discovered that last year the earlier AP classes being offered strictly to STEM kids was a test run to see how well successful the classes could be. McGough explained that the AP classes are now available for everyone, and the academy counselors are supposed to inform us about these classes when we sign up for our new classes. However, that’s not what happened. Had the information from the counselors been communicated, I could be taking these AP classes and challenging myself. I understand that the counselors have a lot on their plate with hundreds of kids to take care of and watch over. That being said though, they need to work on a students in their respective academies. The announcements during advisory are not enough. Many students cannot hear the announcements on the intercom or just block them out because they don’t pertain to them. There should be one place that students can go online to keep up with all important announcements so they can make sure they are not missing something important. If the school is really serious about having us succeed and do our best, then they need to communicate these kinds of things with us. It’s the school’s responsibility to make sure we are aware of all the opportunities open to us. Without good communication it’s not going to happen.

Amanda Livingston

school spirit

Absence

Pep rallies should not stop when football season ends Stephanie Valle Staff Reporter After a long day of hard hitting the books, there is nothing like a pep rally to get people excited. With the music, the dancing and the cheering there are always students who look forward to attending a pep rally whether it’s at the gym in the morning or outside in the courtyard for the afternoon. However, as football season came to an end, school spirit seemed to disappear along with all the big pep rallies even though basketball season and wrestling season were barely starting up. We typically would have some pep rallies held before school and at the end of the school day however; more students are likely to attend the afternoon rallies than they are to attend the morning rallies. Half the time most of the student body is oblivious to the fact that there is a pep rally going on in the

THE

end of the day, students are wiped

out and won’t

EAGLE VIEW

even remember about the pep rally that happened that very morning causing them to be less motivated to go to the game. I believe school spirit reached an all time high in October with all the football games, and homecoming, which increased the amount of participation in the spirit activities. Pep rallies are known for gathering a large group of people before a big sporting event to get school spirit going and to show support for the team that’s going to play. Here at Akins we have the cheerleaders, Diamonds, Sapphires, the hip-hop team and the band, which all occasionally do performances in front of the student body in order to get the excitement going and to keep it going. Although all the music, cheering, and dancing are amazing, a pep rally’s main focus is still for the sporting event being held. It’s unfair that during the fall season there’s a pep rally almost every week and yet as soon as the fall season is over, the pep rallies all disappear along with football, as if all sporting events are over and done. The fact remains there are many other sports, events the school by adding to excitement to do well.

What is your favorite part about the Holiday Season?

“The Christmas lights and

– Donte Dunson Freshman

Susy Rocha

– Caitlin Nickles Sophomore

“A heightened social awareness of the need for

“Spending time with my

– Ian Nye Junior

– Matthew Santiago Senior

English Teacher

NEWS

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Monday

academics

The Eagle’s Eye

December 15, 2014

new program

Criminal Justice adds latest internship New courtroom to be built for ABLLE Legal Eagle students to practice skills Brenda Amaya Staff Reporter Aspiring lawyers and legal professionals will have the opportunity to gain experience while participating in a new Court Systems Internship program next year. “I wish I had this when I was in high school. It really would have prepared me to be a better attorney,” said criminal justice teacher Robyn Katz, who leads the program. “I don’t know any other school in central Texas in fact there is no other school in central Texas that has this opportunity.” The addition of the Court Systems Internship will give students in the Criminal Justice program a third career focus option. The program is designed to help students who want to go to law school or work as paralewho has worked as a lawyer, will lead the new internship program, which she calls the “Legal Eagles.” “I think that it’s a great addition to the Criminal Justice program,” junior Beatris Aguirre said. “It gives us students another competition

blocked class to allow students to do job shadowing off campus. Katz said the class will explore how court systems work and how to act as a prosecutor and defense attorney. Katz is working to secure funding to build a mock courtroom for students to use as practice facility. Sophomore Zachery Finney designed the layout of the mock trial room as part of a class project last year. Finney said he was

Lala Villegas

Courtroom to come Above is the 3-D model of the Courtroom they would like to plan building at Akins. The model was built by sophomore Zachery Finney.

privilege to see what careers we want to take on when we graduate. Not only that but it allows us to experience and get a new perspective as to what it means to really be a part of the Criminal Justice program.” Entry into the Legal Eagles program will be managed by an application process, she

said. Only eight to 10 students will be accepted into this internship. “Students will go through a lot of interviews with people and they’re really going have to push for it if they really want it,” Katz said. The internship itself will be a double-

actually be used as the model for the actual mock courtroom. “It actually feels pretty cool knowing that I did something to make a part of this school like literally, so it actually feels kind of nice,” Finney said. Katz said she has big plans for the future of the Court Systems Internship program. “I liked to create a mock trial team through the internship for the students to be actually prepared to go and compete in competitions in Texas and hopefully nationally with other high schools,” Katz said. “We’re going to start that this spring and then actually form a team next school year.”

new partnership

Human services students compete with TAFE this year Hannah Kerns Editor-In-Chief

advanced to the state competition.

When Akins students showed up at the regional Texas Association of Future Educators conference in San Marcos, they arrived in force. Legislature passed House Bill 5, and this allowed Human Services students to participate in TAFE competition. This change allowed the team to increase in size from about 25 students to 38 with the addition of students who take Human Services classes at Akins. “This year we found out that TAFE has a branch that is education training and human services and so this year counseling and mental health went as well,” Human Services teacher Misty Lindsey said. Out of the 38 students from both groups that competed, 27 of them volunteer

competition like this and most of our group advanced, so we did pretty well,” senior Aaron Mclnnes said. During the competitions, students follow criteria for their respective contests and to help create projects for their programs. TAFE uses a set of supporting guidelines called TRAFLES, which they use to create a successful program of future educators. “We had a lock in this year for one of the TRAFLES, and we sell candies at Blue and Gold Night,” TAFE president Kourtney Herrera said. “We also watch the teachers’ children on work days.” Counseling and Mental Health do services for the school including involvement in Best Buddies, which works with Life

Lala Villegas

Paige Derickson

Future TAFE Left: Human Services “No place for hate” chain in the front entrance of Akins. Right: Junior Estefani Rodriguez is reading a book to the young children at Menchaca Elementary, preparing for her teacher years ahead of her. TAFE and Human Services Show the steps in their “service” and “teaching” in their contests.

Skills students, and organizing the No Place for Hate campaign. According to tafeonline.org 15 different counties competed in

region 13 of TAFE’s competition. “I’m not going to lie, I was just hoping I wouldn’t mess up the whole time,” TAFE secretary

Elena Maldonado said. “I was nervous but I had to remind myself that I was well prepared.”

charity

Clubs offer services to less fortunate during holidays Katrina Stewart Staff Reporter

briefs

Senior Lucia Patino could have been at the mall, the movies, or even at home on the Saturday of December 6. Instead she was out in East Austin at the Boys and Girls Club keeping little kids entertained while their parents were getting ready to take family Christmas photos that will be treasured for years to come. Patino, a member of Akins Cares, took the opportunity to help out because it’s just something she likes to do at this time of the year. “Seeing all those families at the event and seeing how happy they were to take their pictures made me feel happy to help them and proud to

be apart of Akins Cares,” Patino said. Patino is just one of many Akins students who have found ways to give back to their community during the holiday season. She said that volunteering isn’t a job; it’s a gift you give to others, It’s something that brings joy to all. Akins Key Club and Akins Cares are stepping up to help those in need this winter, like they do every year. Members of Key Club, such as senior Valentina Tovar, are collecting coats and warm blankets to give to the homeless. “I think it’s so important for people to volunteer,” Tovar said, “In a way you’re giving back to your

Katrina Stewart

Christmas decorating Senior Lucia Patino helps entertain small children while their parents prepare for their family Christmas portraits.

community and helping those out there, but it’s also making you appreciate what

Paul Cruz last candidate left for superintendent job

After eight months of searching, Austin parents and community members gathered on Saturday to question intendent position. Last week, the trustees announced that Paul Cruz, the current interim superintendent, would be allowed to apply for the position after they initially barred him from seeking the job. They had said they wanted the interim superintendent’s role to focus on easing the transition to a permanent superinten-

dent. However, trustees and community members expressed interest in allowing Cruz to apply for the superintendent position after observing how he has lead the district since Meria Carstarphen resigned in April. Two other candidates for the position dropped out of the running after Cruz was allowed to seek the job. Trustees planned to decision tonight at the meeting.

you do have.” Key Club also participated in Mayor’s Memories which

is an event that took place at the Dove Springs Recreation Center. At the event, HEB and other stores donated about 3,000 to 4,000 brand new toys that were passed out to families who couldn’t afford to purchase Christmas gifts on their own. “I felt good when it was over because I got to see how excited the kids were to see their favorite characters and how happy they were to give toys to other kids.” Junior Jacklynn Maldonado said. Student Council, National Honor Society, and Key Club also collaborated on a big service project during the annual Chuy’s Parade after Thanksgiving. The clubs passed out toys to kids in the parade, which focuses

on children giving to other children. “I think it was a great experience to be able to interact with the community and see how kids can give back to other kids,” Tovar said “It created awareness of how others are less fortunate than we are and even in a small way you are able to give back.” Tovar wants more kids from Akins to participate, to their community, and to feel the joy that it will bring you. Akins Cares also plans to participate in the Angel Tree Toy Distribution event that will happen between today and Wednesday. Akins Cares will be wrapping up presents for kids at the event.

Upcoming Events 15th – 18th: Finals

18th: End of 6 weeks 19th: Boys Basketball Game

S M 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

W 3 10 17 24 31

T 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

20th: Wrestling Match 23rd: Girls Basketball Game

Dec. 22nd – Jan. 5th:

Winter Break

IN-DEPTH

The Eagle’s Eye

Monday

page 5

December 15, 2014

Students celebrate diverse holidays in december Christmas: THe christian holiday

Johanna Dakay Staff Writer

tions, where individuals of the Christian faith may go to church or hold prayers to honor the birth of the cen-

Christmas is a holiday that commemorates the birth of Christianity’s savior, commonly known as Jesus Christ, or son of God. The holiday itself embodies much of the traditions and festivities of this season, and it is relatively

Christmas essentially celebrates family, peace, and charity. The most prominent Christmas movies of modern time encourage these morals. The Grinch features a grumpy, ter that learns that not all gifts have to be tangible or bought in a store; Christmas Carol teaches the importance of knowing what is truly valuable in life. Though some families participate in Christmas mass, many also stay at home with their families. A typical Christmas Eve is spent in anticipating the next morning after Santa Claus has dropped down the chimney to leave a present under a decorated Christmas tree. Families spend the day together, of-

western society to avoid the jingle bells, holiday sales and twinkling lights associated with Christmas. The concept of Santa Claus, originally known as Saint Nicholas, a bishop from the fourth century, has been widely accepted by many, especially through businesses and in marketing, encouraging the practice of exchanging gifts. However, underneath the commercial and materialistic take on this holiday lies the religious tradi-

Kwanzaa: the african american celebration Anastasia Barr Staff Writer

ten having relatives over sharing a big meal at some point in the day. “My wife usually prepares a big feast the day of Christmas, and we use plates special for the occasion,” math teacher Christopher Aguilar said. “We get up in the morning and the kids open their presents, and we go to my parents’ house for lunch.” Traditions do vary, as Christmas is celebrated by different ethnic groups. And some families have their own personal traditions as well. “At around 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning,

gion. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Unity, Self-determination, Work and responsibility. Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. “It’s not about the holiday,” senior Smaira Richardson said. “It’s about unity; getting your family together.” Families gather and light the kinara, a candleholder with seven candles in the colors of red, black, and green. The black candle is placed in the center

Some African-Americans celebrate Kwanzaa at this time of the year, which is a tradition that honors African heritage. The celebration takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. “ Kwanzaa lasts for a really long time because you want to see all of your family and usually your family is huge,” junior Cassie Obi said. Unlike Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is

and used to light the other The candles all represent the Seven Principles. “As each day goes by you burn a candle together as a family,” Richardson said. Kwanzaa started during the 1960s Civil Rights movements, and is a way to honor the African heritage of black Americans whose ethnic history was stripped away. “It’s a very important holiday because it main focus is to keep family together,” Obi said.

Hannukah: The jewish holiday

alarm to wake us all up, to set up the illusion that Santa Claus broke into our home,” junior Aimee Morales said. Christmas is fundamentally a time of good-tidings, and being with family and. close friends.

8 7 6 5

4 3 21 The candles are placed from right to left then lit from left to right.

The Menorah holds 9 candles. The middle candle is called the Shamash and

1234

used to light the rest of the candles.

5678

The enlightenment of siddhartha gautama Anastasia Barr Staff Writer

The prince, who became the man known as Buddha, saw Venus rising, which formed the basis of The Noble Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths were born. To honor his awakening, Buddhists sit in meditation for an entire week’s retreat. Others commemorate this day by meditation, studying the Dharma, chanting sutras (Buddhist texts) and performing kind acts toward other beings.

Humility, compassion, and kindness are the central tenets recognized on Bodhi Day, which is celebrated by Buddhists around the world on Dec. 8. According to The Sutras, a prince who didn’t face struggles in his home in Nepal, left and searched for meaning. After traveling he witnessed the tribulations, and sickness of people surrounding him. Because he

day that we do it, but usually during this time of the year we give offerings to Siddhartha in honor of his awaken-

questions he decided to fast under the Bodhi tree.

ing ,” senior Tenzin Dechen. When Buddha fainted near the Ganges Rivers, he was found by an old woman who gave him a bowl of rice and milk that she had brought for the river deity known as “Mother Ganges.” To remember this event Buddhists eat this meal at the beginning of Bodhi Day. Some Buddhists have a traditional religious meal and pray on Christmas Day instead of a traditional Christmas meal. “We set food aside and pray, and it symbolizes feeding our grandparents.” senior Justin Hang said.

Dreidel

What is Hannukah? Nun: wins nothing

Gimmel: Hay: wins Shin: puts wins half the “pot” one into the everything “pot”

Dreidel is a game of luck played during Hannukah. Each of the dreider (as seen above) contains a Hebrew letter. Together the letters form an acronym, Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, meaning “A Great Miracle Happened There.”

Presents On the Jewish calendar, Hannukah is considered a minor holiday. It has actually only become in modern years a gift giving holiday due to being close to Christmas

The eight day celebration commemorates the 2nd century BCE victory of a small, outnumbered army of Jews in Jerusalem, known as the “Maccabees,” over their Greek-Syrian oppressors.

is it Chanukah or hannukah? In Hebrew, Chanukah is pronounced with the letter chet. There’s no English equivalent, but the letter “H” is the most similar and is easier for English speakers to pronounce.

When is chanukah? In 2014, it begins on December 16 and runs through the 24.

Source | religionfact

WHats one unique thing you do during your holiday’s celebration? “ We do a Kola Nut Ritual and the money dance. Kola nuts symbolize unity, family and friendship.”

“ We put rice milk, and certain seeds in a silver bowl and we light up an incense stick. We then put it on an altar as an offering to Buddha.”

“Every family brings their own Baby Jesus doll and we sing hymns and essentially wake him up from his slumber to symbolize his birth.”

Kwanzaa Jesse Obi, 10th grader

Christmas, Armando Garcia, 11th grader

Enlightenment, Tenzin Dechen, 12th grader

Graphics&design | Maria moreno

What akins students think about the holiday season Do you think it’s disrespectful to use “Merry Christmas” in public places instead of “Happy Holidays”?

What religion do you identify as? 35 28

yes no

23 Yes no

Do you spend more money during this time of the year?

Buddhist

Other

Christian

Catholic

51 25

islam jewish 2

What’s the best part of this holiday season? 87 What do you celebrate during the Religious reflection

holidays?

Presents

christmas

yes no

Do you think consumerism overshadows your religious holiday

Charts based on eagles eye online survey results out of 100 respondents

shopping

enlightenment Id al-fitr nothing 5 3 Hanukkah 2 2 1 other

The food family 24

winter break

11 14

STUDENT LIFE

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Monday

ElEctivEs

The Eagle’s Eye

December 15, 2014

Rockets

Rocketry class hooks with engineering Course uses launches to attract students to learn math, science and modeling Maheen Anjum Staff Writer While some people only get to launch rockets on New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July, students at Akins have the opportunity to do it all year long. The rockets class is not just a fun elective to take. It is part of a sequence of classes in the STEM Academy called Aerospace Engineering. Students in this class design, build and launch their own rockets one semester and work with larger rockets the second semester. Along the way, the students learn science, math and engineering related to aerospace as well as Physics to building a complex rocket. Engineering teacher John Sayce said students typically build three small rockets in the fall semester. want and just have fun even if its a failure,” Sayce said. “Then they realize they can’t build it anyway they want so the second one we teach them all about designing a rocket and the science behind it.” When they build the second rocket, the class uses a rocket simulator tool that allows students to pre-model it and see how it will students put a lot of effort into it, he said. During the spring semester, the students

AcAdEmics

Michael Galindo

Rocket scientist at work

work on improving their rocket designs as they learn new concepts and manufacturing techniques. “The class is great. It’s really interesting to take because of the engineering and math that you put into building your rocket,” ju-

nior Dylan Gentry said. Rocket building is an individualized process. Students use certain materials to be their rockets. “Students work independently on their rocket,” senior Valeria Serna said. “They

build them to certain standards and requirements. At the end of the year we work together as a team to build our own big rocket.” This class is offered only to students with certain prerequisite classes under their belt such as Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering and Digital Electronics. These classes are offered to STEM students that want to pursue engineering as a major in college. The rockets class does not distinguish senior level from junior level as they both are gaining skills necessary for career focuses in the category of science, technology engineering and math. “Both seniors and juniors are expected to deliver a functioning and high quality rocket,” Serna said. “They will not only learn that but be able to take the skills they learn here out into college and into the real world.” Engineering teacher John Sayce leads the Rockets class, which is part of the Aerospace Engineering major. “Mr. Sayce is actually one of my favorite teachers I have ever had,” Gentry said. “He’s straight to the point about things and is pretty good at taking something complicated and making it simple to understand.” solid with basic arithmetic and algebra, the only real problem might be the motivation to do the work,” Gentry said.

cReative chaRacteRs

Designers explore creative side in costume course Garment makers fabricate unique outfits for various purposes, special events Sarah Luna Visitors who step into Melissa Royer’s Costume Design class can expect to see busy students cutting fabric, sewing shirts or dreaming up their next creation. The new elective class in the Arts and Humanities Academy offers students a chance to design and make costumes for theatrical productions, special events and even clothing that students could wear themselves. Royer and assistant principal Shawn Mena came up with the concept for the course after journalism and digital media classes moved to the New Tech Academy last year. “(Mena) mentioned that she thought it sounded like a class Akins should have and she was surprised that we didn’t have it already,” Royer said.

intErnships

Senior Tyler Gregory said the class is a stress reliever for him. “I’m able to meet a lot of the other people because by sitting there and sewing, it’s easy to spark conversation and that is how I got to know them and how I gained more friends,” he said. Senior Ana Macedo said she is impressed with the variety of the projects she has done in the class. “We did homecoming sashes, we went and participated in the renaissance festival near Houston and we also made gift bags for people and staff who have supported us since the beginning of the year,” she said. The class participated in the festival wearing costumes they made themselves. Being a very imaginative class, students were assigned a character from the Shakespeare play Midsummer Nights Dream. They made costumes based

the characters’ personalities. “Before the festival, we read a part of Midsummer Nights Dream by Shakespeare and we then used that as inspiration to make our was a success,” Macedo said. “I was chosen to be Hermia and after analyzing her character I decide to wear a white dress to represent her purity and how religious she was.” The class then drew their designs and researched the materials needed in order to put their costumes together. “My favorite part about the (Renaissance Festival) was seeing the creativity of other people and their costumes,” junior Hortencia Herrera said. “Despite the rainy and cold weather we still wore our costumes and it was a lot of fun.” Not only have they gone Design has held fundraisers since the beginning of the

Antonio Jimenez

Ready for the Ren Fest val in

year in order to raise money to buy material. “We have fundraised by having bake sells and decorating doors,” Royer said. Although the club is small for now, Royer and the class have big plans for the

future of Costume Design. Royer also hopes to be able to offer Costume 2 for the designers next year who really understand what to do and can go ahead and start making costumes at a more experienced level.

“Ms. Royer is like the best person in the world,” Gregory said. “She cares so much about each of her students and without her most of these clubs wouldn’t be functioning and alive without her being here for it.”

helping hand

Best Buddies program mentors Life Skills classes

Counseling and mental health students volunteer monthly for special need students Johanna Dakay Staff Writer

Students in the Counseling and Mental Health internship program have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students who have special needs. These students participate in an international program called Best Buddies, which helps to build oneto-one friendships between general students with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At Akins, Best Buddies is administered through a collaboration with the Counseling and Mental Health interns and the special education life skills classes at school. Best Buddies helps life skills students become more of a part of society. In most cases, life skills students lack the ability to socialize within their community, thus inhibiting their chances of getting and maintaining a stable job. This organization works to establish their independence and allows

them to feel more included within their community. “All of my students are involved,” special education teacher Shawn Paladino said. “It gives them the chance to socialize with other kids.” with the Best Buddies organization through career and technology teacher Misty Lindsey, who established an organization on campus three years ago. Lindsey oversees the Counseling and Mental Health interns in the Social Services Academy. These students participate in the program as part of their training and internship. “I plan on working with life skills students in the future, and Best Buddies will help me develop the skills necessary to do that,” senior Aaron McInnes said. “It’s interesting to see what they do day to day, and it’s great to help them feel more a part of the school.” The interns alternate between learning from teachers and inter-

Mark Vallejo

Festive Crafts

acting with the special education students through various activities together such as student mentoring, meditation, yoga therapy, arts and crafts, and watching movies. The interns are responsible for planning out the activities with the life skills students and bringing materials to the special education

classrooms during their internship period. The interns set two separate dates every month to visit two life skills special education classes at a time. “On some occasions, we bring them snacks. We also make arts and crafts together, though some

of them are not capable of doing them,” senior Erika Najera said. “They’re happy watching us do it, and get to keep all the crafts we make.” Best Buddies is completely volunteer based, and has reached a network that spans a global scale. The high school charter of the organization focuses on students working one-on-one with their Special Education classes in a time when social development is crucial. The interns said that they enjoy interacting with the life skills students in Best Buddies program. “We get to interact with people whose needs are higher than ours, and have been given the opportunity to make their day,” Najera said. “It’s an awesome experience where you can interact with them, and not everyone gets to do that,” senior Flor Mendez said. “It’s nice to see them in the halls and say hi, and have them say hi back.”

Monday, December 15, 2014 Volunteer

Student Life | page 7

The Eagle’s Eye

austin events

Trail of Lights dazzels on anniversary

Annual holiday lights attract crowds to enjoy festivities, food vendors Trail of Lights by the Numbers

1,000,000

— Light bulbs illuminating the trail

1500 155 15 1.25

Wrapping up joy Junior Annette Canales helps prepare the Candy lunteered saying that she had a great experience and looks forward to doing it again.

— Voluteers throughout the trail — In feet, height of Zilker tree — Nights of Autin holiday celebration — In miles, length of the Trail in Zilker Park — number of lights on Zilker tree

3,309 50

Tree of lights The Zilker tree lights up the park on opening night of the Trail of Lights.The annual lighting of the tree in Zilker Park attracts about 425,000 people per year. This year the city added a Candy Land display and a Ferris wheel to the event.

— Years of the trail of lights

Maheen Anjum Staff Reporter -

coats and even santa hats. -

Lights during the grand opening on Dec. 8.

Sarah Luna

Classes

technology

School promotes coding Teachers add programming to lessons Deandra Tristan Staff Writer

computers work and how they output things in ways

In an attempt to demystify computer programming and entice students to con-

and interact with. She is programming because she -

is sponsored by the biggest names in computer and web encourage more students to a shortage of programmers. Akins computer science said students need to know that computer programing cause 60 percent of software

of SouthPark Meadows

to sit in front of computer writing code and making sure it works the way it is

Invites you to get a FREE

According to the hourofgramming jobs are growing -

“But we use things created

Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich, or 8 Count Nuggets

in terms of number of students who are majoring in

students check out the tu-

awareness campaign.

we are on our computers and phones.”

jobs. who is majoring in computer been fascinated with how

“Even if you’re starting from the very beginning she said.

with the purchase of a Large Waffle Fry and Large Drink. Offer good only at Chick-fil-A I-35 & Slaughter in SouthPark Meadows. Expires 06/08/15.

ENTERTAINMENT

page 8

TheaTer

Monday

December 15, 2014

The Eagle’s Eye

events

First ever Lip Dub event excites campus Akins yearbook staff shares their thoughts on the video Jose Salazar Staff Writer Some said it couldn’t be done. But it did happen. The Aerie yearbook staff wide lip dub video in December, garnering more three days it was posted to YouTube. The presence of almost every major campus organization, program and team in a 7-minute music video attracted a mass audience, uniting the school in a campus celebration. a popular video format for high schools across the country. They showcase the people, programs and organizations that make up the school much like a yearbook does, except in video format. The yearbook staff had previously proposed doing a lip dub video for several came together this year, said “We had all the elements to make this work. I also got good advice to break everyone into groups and it was the perfect combination,” Fleming said. complex video was a major logistical

Games

challenge for the yearbook staff, but so is putting out a yearbook, she said. “I think if its something you can get the students excited about as one goal, I think that in itself achieves a great thing,” Fleming said. Fleming delegated much of the responsibility to planthe video to yearbook staffers. Senior Yohel Galindo directed the video with assistance from editor-in-chief staffers. Galindo, who has been planning the lip dub since his junior year, said his goal for the video was to highlight the good things going on at Akins. “Our goal was to have the whole school be a part of it and for everyone to have a good time, and show that Akins is a good place,” he said. Meetings were held after school in which members of various campus organizations planned their respective group’s placement and role in the video. Not every group attended so that it book to include everyone in the video, said senior Ulises Chavez. “If we did this again, I

Ulises Chavez

Making school history

think we would be more strict with the groups,” Chavez said. “If people said they weren’t gonna come we would actually force them to come because that puts a big Galindo set up meetings with administrators to have

principal Daniel Girard apvideo, which required class time so that it could be done while everyone was on campus. Girard approved the day before the Thanksgiving holiday as the designated time for the production to

happen. Yearbooks staffers said they were stressed when the but were relieved when the practice run, the production started with students dancing, blasting confetti can-

nons and showing off their school pride. Galindo described the process of making the video as a “love-hate thing” and thought the event was a success. “We made Akins history” Galindo said.

Review

Newest Little Big Planet, Grand Theft Auto V remastered Omar Guefta Social Media Manager With Black Friday looming over shoppers, gamers are searching for the best bang for their buck. Thankfully, Rockstar Studios has blessed us with a release that is worth the full price and more. Grand Theft Auto V was re-released on next gen consoles and this caused much skepticism. Was the sticker price really worth the same game? Without further ado, let’s get into the review. Gameplay: 10/10 Rockstar could have taken the easy way out and improved the graphics and added a few things here and there but instead, they took the game to new heights and added something that the series has never seen before, which stands up well. The smooth alteration between the three main characters is shorter as loading times have been reduced and the seamless transition between

exactly what they did. Even with minor adjustments such as new facial expressions or more thoroughly detailed bark on a tree, the graphical changes are noticeable. Lasting Appeal: 10/10 One of the main issues gamers suffer from is the lack of content in a game. Grand Theft Auto V takes that stereotype and buries it six feet under. The game’s story mode will keep you entertained and occupied for hours upon hours. And once you’ve completed the campaign, the single player is riddled with extra side missions and an entire city for you to explore either by yourself or Online with friends. Overall, the game will last you an extremely long time. The Verdict: 10/10 In conclusion, Grand Theft Auto V on next gen consoles is absolutely mind blowing. From the massive graphics overhaul to the im-

perfect. Graphics: 10/10 With the release of next gen consoles last year, gamers expected quite a lot from a consumer standpoint in terms of graphics. GTA not only improved in gameplay but the new visual overhaul was also impressive. In order to create a world that immersed the player into the

the game is a great installment in the series and worth every penny. Grand Theft Auto V receives a 10/10. After a few hours of robbing banks and sticking up liquor stores on Grand Theft Auto, you might feel the need to regain your innopens to do just that. The long awaited sequel cently released on November

Rockstar needed to pay attention to detail and that’s

as well. The series tends to hide behind an “E for Every-

one” rating but for the past few years, it has provided genuinely fun adventures for even the most jaded gamers. The question that still stands for Sackboy’s fans however is, “How does the third installment stand against the past two?” Gameplay: 6.5/10 ways been one to completely immerse the gamer into a playful and extremely creative world. This one tends to unfortunately fall a bit short. Throughout the game, I came across a few game breaking bugs including falling into a never ending vortex of nothingness, coming across parts of the level that should be inaccessible etc. Sadly, the gameplay also disappoints in terms of innovation. This time around, Media Molecule, the origitwo passed the rights down to Sumo Digital, a small time indie game company. The new developers utilized many of the aspects held and attempted to keep it similar. Plot (Spoiler Free): 6/10 Sackboy’s adventures were relatively interesting. The plot involved some sort of twist halfway through that took players places beyond their imagination.. Once happens to unimpress here too. The dialogue sounds very cliché and overused. It’s your every day “good guy goes bad” scenario. This installment’s plot echoes many aspects from the villain’s name just so happens to be different. The set up for unlocking the brand new characters is rather elaborate, but nothing new. Overall, it’s been seen before by anyone who’s watched a Disney movie in the past decade. Graphics: 8/10 Graphically, the game does include some improve-

ments.

The

noticeable

and

differences you

can

cessors. The new character models look great and all have different facial expressions which is a success in my opinion. Sometimes, I do have to convince myself that I’m playing on a next generation console as the graphic than that, it exceeded my expectations visually. Lasting Appeal: 10/10 Thankfully, Sumo Digital delivers in terms of lasting appeal. If you didn’t ity. The game hands you a

level creator and gives you the tools to create whatever you please. It’s harder than it sounds but for the more laid back, lazy gamers like myself, it is possible to play the levels designed by other creators who publish their work online allowing them to be played by anyone.This can save a lot of time instead of making your own level from scratch. visit your favorite ones. The game is quite literally never ending as you come across new experiences with the simple press of the X button. If you’re an avid gamer, this creative platformer will keep you occupied for quite a while.

The Verdict: 7.5/10 For previous fans of the provides nothing too fresh except the new characters which rarely show up. Strangers to Sackboy’s adventures will enjoy this installment as it provides an experience unlike any other game and will have you busy working through other player’s levels for a while.

GaminG

Entertainment | page 9

The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, December 15, 2014

Cure

Video games offering relief from stress Students looking forward to newly released titles this year Gregory Eldred

Staff Writer While

students

suffer

While school stress will

movies

Preview

Final Hobbit film in the trilogy to premier this week Christopher Remington

Staff Writer

The

end, it’s a joyous yet bittersweet occasion for fans. Fans look forward to obtaining a sense of closure, following a character’s jourknow the end is really just the beginning. As a prequel to the legendary Lord of the Rings franchise directed by Peter Jackson, the Hobbit series follows the protagonist at the center of J.R.R. Tolkien’s hobbit universe, Bilbo Baggins of Bag End. opens with the beginning of Bilbo’s life-changing adventure as he’s approached

powerful

dragon

control of the surrounding those who approach to take dragon. The grandson of the last king, Thorin, plans his back with his group of 13 expert is needed: a burglar to dwarf for the job thus beginning the saga of the Hobbit. and retrieve the jeweled arkenstone unfolds over a and starts the perilous journey that could result in the death of everyone. Along the

he’s forced to interact with trolls and giant spiders. As his journey reaches its supposed end, he obtains

peril. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the

and the dwarves have taken

ern technology to create an

and is heading toward the nearby area of Lake Town to cause destruction. This is where “The Battle

bat; this is an out-and-out -

keep hold of their newly acquired Erebor as war trained eagles is just beyond

the choice to split a single book into the three part,

the dragon’s rage.

hold as a trilogy. -

test everybody’s ability to -

the groundbreaking Tolkien tasy genre forever.

EAGLE VOGUE

Current Winter Looks

Casual Mark Vallejo Entertainment Editor With Fall coming to a close, winter weather such as cool wind and low temperature are making their way through the fashion world. Scarves, beanies, and coats are hot choices not only to look fashionable but to keep warm.

Art credit to Susy Rocha

Check out these looks at: www.pinterest.com/ akinseagleseye

Professional For click able links to purchase these items, visit our website www.akinseaglespublication.com

DATE NIGHT

SPORTS

page 10

Monday

BAsketBAll

The Eagle’s Eye

December 15, 2014

progress

Boys basketball takes on new district

Team demonstrates their determination out on the court Isiah Strange Sports Editor With basketball season in full swing the Akins boy’s basketball team is working to become a prominent force in the district. Although the team started rough, with a zero to four record, they’ve begun to progress into the season and are moving in a better direction as the season has moved on. “We’ve been growing as a team and as players,” senior Christian Newton said. As the team has progressed, they’ve started to excel and perform better than before. Even though they have experienced some changes, they’ve taken on a strong role in the year. “I feel like we’re going to have a successful year,” Newton said. “We like to play hard and do our best.” The boys basketball team has already proven themselves as a contender this year, placing third in a recent tournament against other

MMA

schools around the Austin area. The team still has many games to play as they’ve only begun to let schools know that it will put up a challenge this year. “People doubt us because of our size,” junior Vincent Prado said. “We’re shorter than other teams, but we’re still good.” The team has experienced some major changes this year, including a change in leadership with new head coach Jesse Hayes. “Coach Hayes has been good, he’s just been putting in a lot of confidence in us,” Prado said. This is coach Jesse Hayes’ first year as head coach of the Akins basketball team, and he’s helping directing the team’s efforts to make it to the playoffs. “It’s been a journey,” said Jesse Hayes. “It’s just been a long journey.” As the team sets their eyes on playoffs, they’ll have to first make their way through district competition,

in which team members said they have a very high chance of succeeding. Basketball also has many benefits for the students with a highly enforced “No Pass, No Play” rule is on the team. This means that students have to keep up with all their grades, in order to play in any of the games. This encourages the players to do well in all of their classes. “If I don’t have the grades, I can’t play in the games, and that just helps me do better,” sophomore Cameron Ivey said. Enforcement of “No Pass, No Play” helps provide guidance in the program, and helps students stay on track with what they’re doing in school. They know the consequences, and would rather not face them. While it is too early to tell how many games they need to win to make the playoffs, the team has a number of chances to get in, as long as they play hard to ensure they can secure a spot. Playoffs are known to be

Deandra Tristan

Players go for it all Sophomore Demarcus Cabezas leans in to pass the ball as he’s defended by a Cedar Creek High School player. Akins High School lost by two points at this game. extremely competitive, and but with a little push, can progress, with the teams are a tough challenge that easily get through it. next game scheduled Dethe team will have to face The season is still in cember 19.

star fighter

Student competes in mixed martial arts outside of school Analisa Salinas Staff Reporter As a young child senior Ryder Kurkoski always loved to watch Mixed Martial Arts and Ultimate Fighting Championship on television. As the years progressed he decided that the UFC was where he was headed in life. Ever since he was a small kid, his ultimate goal was to become a competitor who was happy and well disciplined. “I encourage everyone to try it even people that don’t even like fighting,” Kurkoski said. “MMA could be just a workout or just a fun time with friends. I always loved to fight, but the fact that I’m being trained to fight in different ways learning how to do this and how to do that is always intriguing.” Kurkoski likes to challenge himself by waking up every morning to workout. He said he is always trying to become better, finding new ways to workout and juggle school and work at the same time. “I practice whenever I can,” Kurkoski said. “I mostly wake up in the morning at 4 a.m. I don’t

WinterguArd

care if its hot or 40 degree weather, I’ll go and just start running. I’ll do pushups on the street and sit-ups at the local park. Sometimes I’ll do shadow sparring to see what I need to workout on and to see where I am successful.” Kurkoski also trains regularly at the Rubicon FightSport gym where he gets help from his mentor and trainer Ronny Lis. “Lis has helped me find humbleness and discipline to my body and mind,” Kurkoski said. “Trainer Lis gave me a goal and that is to strive and find a better part of me. Not only is he my trainer but he is my mentor” As much as he spends at the gym Kurkoski has been able to become the best that he can be and more. While in between trying to keep up with school and work Kurkoski has had tournaments where he takes the time to get ready to be faced with new opponents. He said his hardest match was his first fight. “I walked into the cage knowing that my opponent was more skilled than I was,” he said. “I knew if I tapped now, I would give up again later on. I mounted him

Ryder Kurkoski

Suiting up Senior Ryder Kurkoski prepares for a match with the assistance of Ronny Lis at Rubicon Fight School, where Kurkoski trains regularly. Kurkoski said he hopes to make it to the UFC. and he flipped me over I superman overcome the fear he has faced in “I enjoy teaching people who punched him. My opponent was the past. want to learn MMA. I like to give out cold and I won.” Even though the UFC is his first people the same experience that Kurkoski said he loves to show choice if Kurkoski does not make I’ve had it’s a big opportunity for others what he has learned. He tries it, he would love to coach MMA in me,” he said. to find better ways to help others the future.

growth

Colorguard team expands, transitions to winter season Stephanie Valle Staff Reporter As football season ends, the color guard switches gears from wowing crowds on the field at halftime to indoor competition mode in winter guard season. The winter guard coaches have successfully recruited enough performers to form a junior varsity and a varsity team for the first time in school history. This year there will be approximately 30 total members of winter guard with about 17,or more, members on junior varsity and 13 members on varsity. “I like [the new JV and Varsity teams] because it’ll help each individual grow,” said color guard captain junior Erika Rocha. “It gives everyone the experience needed to really flourish in their abilities.” While some outside of winter guard content that the activity is not a sport, those involved in the activity have

Jason Loosle

Practice makes perfect Akins winterguard team practices in the cafeteria after school. With the addition of more members, the team recently split into two, creating a junior varsity and varsity.

strong opinions about what it takes to compete. According to the Winter Guard International web-

site, winter guard is called “the sport of the arts” because it brings music to life in a competitive format. The

competitions start off locally and can ultimately lead up into the World Classes where groups and individu-

als from all over the world compete against one another. Winter guard is a skill sport because there are no school size classification levels, guard director Jessie Arbolay said. Instead, their talent level classifies teams. “It’s a variety but it is truly your skill set,” he said. “Akins last year got second to last in the lowest classification for high school and now we’re in a classification above that just because of a new director, a new program and all the people.” In the winter guard organization, there are seven classes that groups can fit into. There is the scholastic regional A class, scholastic A class, Independent A class, scholastic open class, independent open class, scholastic world class, and independent world class. With every group it gets more challenging with the judges expecting more from the competitors. During competition there are six judges and each judge

looks for a certain characteristic in the dancers and their performances. They are judged based on their creativity; show design, interaction with the crowd, movement, and their equipment skills. Each judge can give up to 20 points meaning the highest score that can be given is 120 points. Akins winter guard will begin competing in January with their first performance being on Jan. 24 for the Dripping Springs show. “I feel very excited for the upcoming season because there’s more to come. JV is right where they need to be. Varsity is super ahead of schedule. Competitively, I’m not really worried. I’m excited. I am a little nervous about it just because it’s my first year here,” Arbolay said. “I really want to see how we stand in comparison now that we are a real program and we’re a force to be reckoned with. I just can’t wait to see where we fall in with the rest of the pack.”

Monday, December 15, 2014 Wrestling

Sports | page 11

The Eagle’s Eye

Moving Forward

Wrestlers driven by independent action Team has achieved wins through perseverance, dedication Cassie Obi Staff Reporter

While wrestlers are known for using their physical strength to overcome their opponents, what makes a successful wrestler, actually occurs in the mind. This highly individualized sport depends heavily on each person’s independent work ethic. And the Akins wrestlers said they are working harder than ever before, determined to make this year better than last. “To be a good wrestler, you need to be committed,” said wrestling coach Roy Tambunga. The self-directed nature of the sport is what attracts athletes to wrestling. Lack of training and commitment to the sport will result in reduced chances of winning matches, said second year wrestler Robert Rodriguez. “The thing with wrestling is what you put in is what you get out. It’s all you,” he said. Some wrestlers apply-

BasketBall

ing previous athletic experiences and inspirations toward wrestling. Training regimens from football and mixed martial arts help keep them in shape and prepared to wrestle. “I’ve been doing MMA for 4 years,” said first year wrestler Caryssa Aguerra. “Some techniques help a lot when I’m wrestling.” Others with no previous experience commit to wrestle based solely off the inspiration of other wrestlers. “My brother wrestled all four years of high school,” said first year wrestler Samuel Samingo. “My goal is become better than him.” With high motivation coursing through these athletes now, the wrestlers are making strides toward success. The girl’s team won the Capitol Classic Tournament in November and wrestler. “We have a very experienced team on the girls side this year,” coach Tambunga said. “The guys are mostly young but are learning to commit to wrestling. We ex-

pect the girls to make it to district.” Veteran members of the team agree they’ve seen a much more distinct improvement on the team this year. Fourth year wrestler Anna Becerra, who has signed a letter of intent to wrestle for Lyon College, said she is looking forward to seeing what the team can accomplish this year. “Our team is really good this year,” Becerra said. “Sometimes they get off track but not nearly as much as last year.” Despite the focus on self-direction and individual accomplishment, the team members help support each other throughout training and competition. “I see this season being a good one for us,” said Coach Tambunga, “But I still hope the wrestlers continue to be committed to the sport.” The wrestlers are looking forward to district competition, which begins in January. With continued hard work and commitment the

Katrina Stewart

Sideline coaching Senior Diego Rivera competes against another student from Travis High School in which he showed he wasn’t someone to mess with.

wrestlers expect to do well. “Last year I didn’t work as hard as I should have,” said second year wrestler Tiger Tejero. “But now I’m

more dedicated. Because of it I am winning more matches.” Most of the wrestlers, especially on the girls side,

have very positive win-lose ratios and are expected to make this season a good one as it’s only recently just begun this year.

Changes

The Lady Eagles strive to make playoffs Despite change this year, the girls move toward their goal Mark Vallejo Entertainment Editor With the Varsity Girl’s Basketball games starting in November, fans can expect to see the Lady Eagles striving to make their way to the playoffs this season. The varsity girls basketball team currently has a 1-3 record in district. Despite the losses, they hope to make a turn-around. The team would have to beat a certain team to make it to playoffs. Senior Chynna Rivera said the season is off to a good start despite the district losses. “We have a great squad and we all have to use our skills and come as one and play like a team,” Rivera said. “We definitely have a chance at playoffs and can prove the other teams wrong.” Seniors Autumn Anderson and junior Kaitlin Egdorf both agree that the things they need to work on is on the court. “We need to work on our

communication on the court, spreading the floor on transition and our defensive rebounds,” Anderson said. “We need to work as a team when we’re on the court,” Egdorf said. Head coach Jane Martin thinks that the team makes mistakes but has a lot of potential to make the playoffs. “We need to improve and we definitely need to be more intense in the practice because it carries over to a lack of intensity during the games,” Martin said. The team has also gained new players to the team this year, bringing new energy to the team. The veterans look for ways they can help their new teammates, Egdorf said. “We like to encourage them,” she said. “Don’t let them feel like they can’t do it, but teach them other ways that they might like better than what they were doing before.” On Dec. 9, the Lady Eagle’s lost their fourth district game against Anderson High. “Despite the loss, I

Get to know our player of the issue Sophomore Cameron Ivey, a player with determination that deserved to be recognized for his hard work. Eagle Eye: How has basketball impacted your life? Cameron Ivey: “It’s made me a better person, it’s kept me out of trouble really and has helped me grow as a person.” E.E: If you weren’t playing basketball, what do you think you’d be doing? C.I: “I’d be just getting an education, what I’ve been doing honestly.” E.E: What’s basketball do for you? C.I.: “It help me keep up my grades, cause if I couldn’t then I wouldn’t

be able to play in the games.”

thought the game should’ve went better,” Rivera said. “Player for player we had a had a better advantage than Anderson. I felt like we didn’t play as a team throughout the whole game.” The players did not let the loss get them down. They said they still certain that they will make the playoffs. “With the district we are in, we have a greater chance and I believe, mark my words, we will make playoffs,” Rivera said. With the help of Coach Martin, the Lady Eagle’s are grateful to have her as their leader for the season. “I’m glad to be playing under her,” Anderson said. “Having a lot of experience and knowing exactly what’s needed for a team to be successful is great. She pushes us hard because she knows it makes us better.” Egdorf said she struggled at the beginning but with the help of coach Martin, she has improved herself and her own goals. “She knows what each of us athletes can do and she

Michael Galindo

A lucky shot Senior Zazil De la Vega goes in to shoot while being defended by Bowie High School players. Akins lost 68 to 38 that night.

pushes us until we can no longer because she knows we’re better than what we are,” Egdorf said. “She makes our goals become true.” Having Decreasha Goodner, an Akins alumna, as

the assistant coach has also helped the team. “She’s a big hit for us,” Rivera said. “Not only is she coming back to where she graduated from, she knows the game and pushes us to be where she once was

and we’re all thankful for her. She’s definitely a good coach. Her and Coach Martin are a big duo.” Coach Martin hopes to see as much support as possible from the fans in the upcoming games.

Boys Basketball Dates

Mon, Fri, Mon, Tue, Tue, Tue, Fri, Tue, Tue,

Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec

17 21 24 25 4 5 5 6 9

Scores 45-57L 56-70L 55-59L 58-60L 76-30W 41-38W 47-62L 51-39W 48-50L

Upcoming Scores Fri, Dec 19 Fri, Dec 23

Opponents

Copperas Cove LBJ Manor Cedar Ridge AU Doncaster Leander Connally Smithson Valley

Anderson

Opponents Westlake Bowie

Girls Basketball

Dates

Tue, Nov 18 Thu, Nov 20 Thu, Nov 20 Fri, Nov 21 Fri, Nov 21 Sat, Nov 22 Sat, Nov 22 Mon, Nov 24 Tue, Nov 25 Tue, Dec 2 Tue, Dec 9

Scores Opponents 33-29W 57-74L 77-57W 65-38W 33-55L 73-77L 76-67W 65-57W 59-49W 38-68L 52-68L

Del Valle Steele G. Navarro EP Jefforson San Marcus Harker Heights S. Navarro Lehman Elgin Bowie Anderson

page 12

PHOTO ESSAY Monday

December 15, 2014

The Eagle’s Eye

“ALL IN THIS TOGETHER” C

Michael Galindo Photo Editor

Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the rest of the cast of characters from Disney’s High School Musical hit the stage at Akins in December, recalling beloved characters for many high school-aged students. Because High School Musical was released in the mid 2000’s when many current high-schoolers were young, it holds a special place in many of their hearts. Students were happy to discover that High School Musical would hit the stage here at Akins. With the success of this musical, students are hoping that in the near future, more modern day renditions of productions will be made. Story contributions from staff reporter Jose Salazar

B On the keys Sophomore Taylor Fish displays her talents on the piano to Tyra Williams and Juan Novela. Plenty of practice and rehearsals were needed to prepare for the final performances. “Hours and hours. We’d spend weekends here and all night here,” Fish said.

C Bop to the top Sophomores Andrew Limas and Isabella Luna take a pose following their dance. “The dancing was really good in this production compared to all the other ones we’ve done,” Luna said. D Cell phone, please Sophomore Isabella Luna, playing Sharpay Evans, regretfully hands her cell phone over to teacher Erica Vallejo, who played Ms Darbus. Because of her experience in theater, nerves are no longer an issue before performances. E Speaking with strength Theatre teacher Erica Vallejo as Ms. Darbus lectures her students during detention about phone use during class. Vallejo wasn’t the only teacher included in the cast, with English teacher Benjamin Grajcyk taking on the role as the basketball coach. F Brains over brawn The book worms of the musical read the material assigned to them during class. “I felt like this year we had the most cast and more of a united team and this is the most talent we’ve ever had,” junior Tyra Williams, who played Gabrielle Cortez, said.

Photos by Michael Galindo