The Eagle's Eye; Issue 5; Volume 16; Akins High School

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EAGLE’S EYE W. Charles Akins High School

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Volume 16

Issue 5

April 12, 2017

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Remembering

Dr. Charles Akins 1932 - 2017

Eliana Gutierrez

▲ Eagles Soar

Dr. Charles Akins speaks at the 2016 graduation ceremony at the Frank Erwin Center and gives words of encouragement to the college bound students. Akins, who served Austin ISD for more than 50 years, died on March 29, 2017.

Campus shares its memories — page 5 New classes

culture

Ethnic studies elective classes offered next year Bethany Bissell Staff writer

Majority-minority.

This confusing term is what Austin was deemed to be as of 2010 when the percentage of different ethnic groups outnumbered the percentage of white people living in Austin.

Because Austin is constantly growing and diversifying, Austin ISD is rolling out an Ethnic Studies course to keep up with these trends and raise awareness of ethnic groups within Austin.

Ethnic Studies is a new course being piloted next year at Akins, Anderson, Travis, Austin, LBJ, and Reagan High Schools in order to help students be college-, career-, and life-ready. It will be an elective course, although originally it was proposed as a mandatory graduation credit for all Austin ISD students.

School board trustee Paul Saldaña said the community’s increasing diversity is one of the driving forces motivating Austin ISD to offer the course.

“We have nearly 100 languages spoken in our schools, we serve about 1,100 refugee students from 42 different countries, and we have dual language programs in about

Programs

68 of our campuses, ” Saldaña said. “So the whole intent or thought behind ethnic and cultural studies is basically to introduce the experiences of the students that make up our classrooms.”

Saldaña said the intention of the class is to provide students with an opportunity to discuss their heritage and experiences. He said the class will help students develop what he calls an “academic identity.”

“Let’s say that I’m Irish, but there’s never been an opportunity to talk about my Irish heritage.” Saldaña said.

“If that becomes part of the curriculum in the classroom, then that would serve as an inspiration for me to be involved more passionately in my studies and pique my interests.”

The Ethnic Studies curriculum will have students read primary and secondary sources and analyze the state of groups within the United States through a historical lens.

SEL teacher Christina Garcia-Mata said she thinks this will provide a good opportunity for students to learn about different types of history.

“When I was in high school, I didn’t learn much about chicanismo or being a chicana,” she said. “When I got to college and started being able to pick what kinds of history I wanted to learn, whether it was hip-hop or music

or women’s history, I remember feeling like I had been cheated.”

In November of 2016, the Texas State Board of Education reviewed a textbook for a newly introduced Mexican-American Studies course. Because it reinforced stereotypes about Mexican-Americans, characterizing them as lazy with a culture of “mañana,” the book was met with immense backlash from Latino groups across the state. Saldaña said that they have taken these events into account choosing course materials for Ethnic Studies, and will work with the University of Texas and nonprofit Nuestro Grupo, who spoke out against the Mexican-American studies textbook in 2016, to make the materials research-based.

“Most-importantly, it would be sensitive and relative to the course conversations, so that’s why we’re going to pilot it in the six schools next year,” Saldaña said. “There’ll be an opportunity to review the process and make amendments to the program moving forward.”

After the course is piloted, it will be amended and introduced into all 17 Austin high schools. Junior Isabel Leggett said she is interested in taking the course.

“It think it will really broaden my view of the world and make me more well-rounded as a person,” she said.

innovation

New opportunities open for students at other campuses

Program started off small but is expected to expand more this upcoming year Raidy Zanjeel Staff Writer

For the first time in school history, students have traveled off campus this year to attend classes at other nearby schools where they provide special career classes not offered at Akins.

This Student Sharing program allows Akins students to take classes like culinary arts, automotive, engineering, construction and cosmetology, which are not offered here. These programs require specialized equipment and instructors that the school district cannot provide at all campuses.

Although 14 students started in the program in the fall, by the spring semester that number had dropped to eight students.

They rode a bus to the other campuses to attend first or fifth period at the other campus.

Akins, Bowie, Crockett, and Travis high schools are

participating in the program; however, open spots at Bowie are limited because their classes are already full.

The only program open there is JROTC, which Akins already offers.

Sophomore Leonel Nunez said he has appreciated the chance to attend classes that he otherwise would not be able to.

“Yes, it has been a good thing and I will keep doing it until senior year and I encourage people to do it,” Nunez said.

Sophomore Christopher Lee, who dropped out of the construction program at Crockett, said the program was “annoying” because he was not able to talk to his teachers easily.

Sophomore Brian Medina said he has enjoyed the program because he got to actually experience cooking not just learning about it from books.

“It’s been really great we got to cook a couple of times even though it’s like the beginning of class. Yes, I will keep

doing it next year,” Medina said.

Although students were concerned that they would struggle not having access to teachers, the students said they are able to finish their work in class.

“The teacher doesn’t really give us homework,” Medina said. “We learn that day she helps us as much as she can because she knows that we don’t see her everyday. So if we have extra questions she’s always there to help us.”

Engineering teacher John Sayce said he thinks more students would participate in the program if it was publicized more. He taught one student from Bowie who attended his engineering classes.

“Probably just have it known more at the schools that potential students might come from,” he said. “I don’t know if enough of the students really realize they could come to Akins to take some of the engineering classes,” he said.

Officials said they expect the Student Sharing program to grow more this coming school year.

INSIDE: Opinions - pAge 2-3 News - page 4 InDepth - page 5 Life and Style - page 6-7 Entertainment - page 8-9 SPORTS - page 10 PHOTO ESSAY- page 11 COmmunity - page 12

Opinions

page 2

The Eagle’s Eye

Wednesday - April 12, 2017

Memorializing Dr. Akins by honoring his legacy EDITORIAL

O

n March 29, our school’s nameHe showed us how important it is to sake and one of the most influ- push ourselves through any obstacle and ential people in Austin, passed not let us stop us from achieving greataway. Doctor Charles Akins was more ness. He went through so much and we are than just a man that our school was named showing him that we see what he did and after, he was a symbol of progress, cour- how important it is. age and so much more.

When the our school was named after Dr. Akins truly and deeply cared about Dr. Akins in 1998, the Board of Trustee’s his community. He attended as many wanted anybody who go to this school to events for our school as he could and he uphold his legacy and for people to know constantly talked about how proud he was where he came from and what he did beof every single one of us. Anybody who fore this school was named after him. was ever around him can tell you what Many students and staff don’t ever get it felt like to be near him. Col. Oliverio the chance to learn all of Dr. Akins’ past. said “every time One of the most I talked to Dr. inspiring things Akins, when I got about Dr. Akins His strength and perseverance done I felt like I is when he led the had just been to integration proin the face of extreme adversity church. He was gram at the new the most pleasAnderson High is inspiring to all of us. ant, positive, School in northspiritual person west Austin.

I think I’ve ever It was the first run into.” school to integrate black and As we mourn the loss of Dr. Akins, The white students from different neighborEagle’s Eye editorial board wants to take hoods together. Doing this was no easy a moment to highlight the many things he task. Akins had to work hard as princidid for us, for the school district, and for pal to give everyone the feeling of equal all of Austin. treatment; According to an article in the Dr. Akins truly is one of the most in- Austin American-Statesman, for students spiring people. His strength and persever- who had to ride the bus across from East ance in the face of extreme adversity is Austin to West Austin to get to school, he inspiring to all of us. would drive students in his own vehicle so Although Dr. Akins is the namesake of that they could get to school early enough our school, and he means so much to the to try out for cheerleading or drill team. students and staff that go here. Without There are countless examples of things him this school wouldn’t be as amazing as Dr. Akins did just because he cared so it is today. We as Akins Eagles carry his deeply about education and equality and name wherever we go and we represent all of us. When his passing was announced him to the best of our ability. When we you could feel a deep sorrow that affected win games and competitions we show ev- everyone. He means so much to everyone eryone how dedicated we are to whatever here at Akins and we must all continue on we put our heart into. and make him proud.

Service

Mary Griffis

Frustrations

Getting hired for a job is becoming increasingly difficult

High school students in Austin frequently have trouble finding any employment Jobs are a hassle, but if you want to buy things, you’ve got to have cash. Due to the rise of population and people trying to find jobs here in Austin it is becoming harder for teens to get a good job now a days.

Finding a job itself can be time consuming. Writing down all of your information, searching for job openings, and getting interviewed over and over is tiring and stressful.

I myself have applied to six jobs and have interviewed at four of them, but I never get hired. They always want a worker with God knows how many years of experience or else they want an employee who will fit with insane amount of requirements.

Some of my friends have similar problems where they apply to a job and do not get called back. And it is worrying to see other teens with the same problems. It’s scary because you don’t know if you are going to need the money some day and not have any.

Editorial Policy The Eagle’s Eye is the official student newspaper of Akins High School. It is published six times a year, generally once per six weeks for the school’s students, staff and community.

The Eagle’s Eye is an open forum for student expression. The Eagle’s Eye is not reviewed by school administration prior to distribution, and the advisor will not act as a censor. Content

Annie Ricotta

those opportunities away from teenagers.

Some things this city could do in order to have a better employment rate could be trying to create paid internship jobs just for teenagers in Austin ISD. Cities should also help promote and support small businesses so that they can help hire more people.

Finding a dream job while in high school is sometimes impossible so young

The Eagle’s Eye

represents the views of the student staff and not school officials.

The Eagle’s Eye will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful, timely and interesting to our readers. Our articles will reflect our genuine objective of reporting news and will be held to a high standard of quality.

We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process

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Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Eagle’s Eye staff or administration as a whole.

The Eagle’s Eye welcomes reader input.

Please send any letters, articles, comments

Eagle’s Eye Staff

Photo Editor

Multi-Media Editor

Editor-in-Chief

In-Depth Editors

Graphics Editor

Stephanie Valle*

Opinions Editor

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Brenda Rangel*

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Eliana Gutierrez*

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Life & Style Editor

Ashley Sanchez*

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Thomas Cross* Jared Cordero*

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people need to be prepared to take on jobs that they really don’t like. Taking that first job helps build on their résumés and job experience and it helps you find a better job later.

Just because you can not find a job, that does not mean that you will never get a job. It just means that you have to keep looking for it and sooner or later you will find something to help pay the bills.

Vol. 16, issue #5 or corrections to akins.journalism@gmail. com or mail them to 10701 South First Street Austin, Texas 78748 or drop them off in room 223 with advisor David Doerr or an editor.

Letters must be signed, and emailed letters will require verification before publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

The Eagle’s Eye does not necessarily endorse the products or services found in advertisements from local businesses.

* The members of the Editorial Board who contributed to the Staff Editorial are marked in asterisks.

Editorial Board*

Staff Writer

The only places that could be potentially hiring are fast food places, but even so most of the positions are being taken up. According to the Brooking Institution, “Central Texas teen and young adult employment rates plummeted from 2000 to 2012, posting some of the sharpest declines among the country’s 100 largest metro areas.” This means that the employment rate has dropped drastically here in Austin.

In fact, the employment rate has dropped 17.8 percent in a time period of 12 years. In the year 2000, the employment rate was up to 43.1 percent and 2012 the teen employment rate dropped down to 25.3 percent. These statistics are for teens of the age of 16-19 years of age.

I believe it is harder to get a job here in Austin as a teen because of the fast growth in population in Austin. Not only is it affecting our employment but it is also affecting our way to live.

It will be harder for my generation to have a house in Austin and traffic is becoming a big problem, too.

The reason why people are moving to Austin is because there are a lot of job opportunities but they are taking some of

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017 t The Eagle’s Eye

Opinions t Page 3

Abuse

Privilege

Whitewashing often takes roles from minorities Bee Barto

Opinions Editor Summer movie season is coming around and many movie’s coming out are continuing a trend that has been in movies since the beginning of the American film industry.

Many movies are continuing the trend of hiring white actors in place of any actors that are actually whatever race they are portraying. This takes away more prominent and profitable acting jobs from people who are completely capable but just aren’t white.

This is seen in so many modern movies: For example many anime/cartoon to movie adaptations suffer this fate; movie’s like Ghost in the Shell (2017), The Last Airbender (2010), or Dragonball: Evolution (2009). However that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Many movies that aren’t even adaptations suffer the same or similar fate. While it may not be the same but, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard of the same “copy & paste” movie story where there are people of color who are losing some war or facing some other kind of problem and then, BAM some charismatic white guy comes along and teaches them how to fight, or do some other task and that’s the movie.

For example, I may have just described the plot of The Last Samurai (2003) or Avatar (2009). Movie’s like that perpetuate white supremacy by making the idea that anybody of another race can’t be great or our world’s problems can’t be solved without the white man’s help. This

Discipline

The power of the film industry can be used for good when diversity is incorporated into its movies.

Annie Ricotta

is such a common theme in movies that it has a name: the “white savior narrative.”

Movies that have this narrative are a really common thing. But, until recently, we very rarely have gotten the inverse; where a character of color is the main hero and saves the day.

Many movies now a days work very hard to have diverse cast. In Moana (2016), every primary human character is voice acted by Pacific Islanders. Series known for whitewashing in the past like even Star Wars, which had a history of having a mostly only white cast, now is taking every opportunity for more diversity, with one of the main characters being black.

While this increase in diversity can be seen a lot in Disney there may only be few examples outside. The first that came to my mind was Power Rangers (2017) which has an extremely diverse cast, including Ludi Lin who is Chinese (and also plays an openly autistic character and the representation is amazing), and Becky G, who is Mexican. However, there are many other diverse characters.

It’s great to see movie’s with such a diverse cast now a days, but we are also still getting brand new movies and shows like Death Note (2017), which took an entire cast of Japanese characters and hired white actors to play them and even changed characters’ names to sound more white.

Diversity is no indication on its own that a movie will be good. But the power of the film industry can be used for good when diversity is incorporated into its movies.

Troubles

Student bully victims often feel unsafe coming to adults

When assisting kids many ‘solutions’ are often counterproductive or ineffectual Zeta Handy

Staff Writer

Bullies get that name because they mess with people who happen to cross their path. The bully does this because deep down they are very insecure and seeking attention. Bullies prey on their victims because they are easy targets, making themselves feel better by tearing others down.

When people think of bullying, they often think it can’t happen to them, but when it does, it can be very confusing.

Over the years, I have experienced bullying in different forms, including being pushed down at the playground, slammed into lockers in the hall and, of course, verbal threats.

It can feel like there is no one there to help and everywhere you look you would see your tormentors laughing like nothing ever happened. Meanwhile, the bullies can go unpunished while the victim is told “to avoid them and walk the other way, when you walk in the hallway, walk with someone, always look around for an adult.” That is what adults tell the victims to do but that’s not helping the victim get justice.

Many students feel like they cannot talk to adults, bullying is a major problem in schools all over the country as more than 3.2 million students are being bully each year, according to Dosomething.org. Furthermore, only one in 4 victim’s actually report it to an adult, according to Dosomething.org Currently, the way the school deals with bullying does not always work for everyone. One of the ways the school

Campus

Annie Ricotta

tries to deal with bullies is having a Restorative Justice circle with the victim and the bully. I have been bullied twice at this school. After being threatened multiple times I still didn’t feel like I could tell the adults. But it’s not just me who felt that, I’ve heard students say that the circle doesn’t help but in fact makes it worse. Many other students believe that the circle only presents more ammo for the bully to use. While the circle helps other problems, it does not help bullying.

Instead of helping, the circle can intensify the situation with the bully who really is not interested in working things out with the victim. They are afraid to lose their victim because they will have no one to pick on and make

them feel better about their own problems. This fear can only cause the bully to escalate the situation and make them more irrational in their actions.

One bully accused me of hitting her, and it wasn’t until later that day school officials reviewed the security footage that showed that I never did it. The bully’s accusations meanwhile caused some of my friends to turn against me as they believed her story over mine.

How are you supposed to feel when it seems you have no one on your side? The fear of walking in the hallway and seeing both of my tormentors will always be in the back of my mind as I worry they might start something all over again.

Changes

Akins traffic continues to be a more significant problem

As the issue grows exponentially, travel time escalates while safety deteriorates

Daylin Ettles

Brenda Rangel News Writer

It’s been a long day at school and all you want to do is go home. You get on the school bus and before you can even get to the end of Old San Antonio Road, the bus gets stuck in traffic.

Just imagine how uncomfortable it would be on a hot day with no air conditioning and no air coming through the windows.

Traffic congestion is an everyday struggle for students and teachers at Akins when they try to leave the campus after school. It doesn’t matter what road you take — either way you will be stuck in traffic and you will be out of your mind with frustration. Oh, and let’s not forget that the new apartments being built on Old San Antonio Road

will cause even more traffic. That road is already narrow and dangerous as it is and now it’s going to be even more packed than ever.

Students who take the school bus have to wait around 10 minutes in traffic because of the incoming cars that pass by on Old San Antonio Road and the FM 1626 intersection. Accidents are bound to happen in that particular intersection because there’s no traffic light. That intersection is in a serious need of a traffic light to prevent any future accidents from happening.

According to an Annual Crime and Traffic Report by the Austin police department in 2015, there were 93 fatal crashes in Austin that resulted in 102 deaths 54 percent was due to motor vehicles and 23 percent was due to pedestrians.

Also teachers or students who drive to school and leave campus by the front of the school can’t see the incom-

ing cars on S. First Street because of all the cars that are parked along the sidewalks, which is really dangerous.

In the beginning of this semester, Austin ISD police officers, have made an effort to manage the traffic flow on S. First Street by blocking one of the entrances in front of the school. This way students and teachers are able to pull out of the parking lot and exit school grounds. It was the students who brought this issue to principal Brandi Hosack who decided to act upon it.

I thank the officers and Hosack for taking this action, but to really solve this problem. The city needs to designate a school zone and install traffic lights at the entrance of the school and at the intersection of Old San Antonio Road and FM 1626. Traffic is something that only gets worse with time. Besides traffic being a daily struggle and inconvenience, it can also result in lives being lost if action is not taken soon.

News

page 4

The Eagle’s Eye

Wednesday - april 12, 2017 Education

Experience

AVID teacher encourages summer college participation Students have an opportunity to stay on campus, attend orientation activities chris ojeda Staff Writer

Former coach and a current AVID teacher, Thomas Frierson, strives to make the transition to college easier.

He found out about a program that will allow students to experience a college lifestyle. This program is through a company called Oxbridge Academics. They specialize in helping students make the transition from high school to college.

Some of the programs they offer include; a day camp at certain university campuses or a week long stay, in which high school students stay the night in college dorms, and attend orientation style activities during the day. These programs help students explore a college lifestyle.

Frierson said he thinks programs like this help students feel more comfortable about the idea of attending college if their parents or friends have never done it before. ”It’s like a summer school for high school students,” he said. “They study,

take classes, and live in dorms. They live this college lifestyle, for some of them, you can get college credit. I think it would be a great thing because it would take away the intimidation of college. It introduces students, at an earlier age, to what college life is like. They can meet students that live in-state, out of state, out of the country, it really broadens students’ horizons.”

The grade levels for the summer college program vary. Some colleges, can accept students in the 8th or 9th grades, while others only accept juniors and incoming seniors.

The types of activities also vary, depending on which college you apply to.

Frierson says that Texas A&M has week long stay, Texas State has a day camp, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and all major universities have programs similar to this. Especially smaller universities.

Frierson also says that you can go and take classes that revolve around your schedule.

Depending on how you structured your schedule, you can take classes that focus

Legal Eagles

on life skills, STEM, Law, or anything you want to major in. You could also go on field trips, have lunch, and study, just like an actual college student.

Although, it’s still a new idea to students, Frierson wants to establish a value to these programs, as well as gain a large interest level.

“I think that the key now, is to educate students and parents about the value of these programs, as well as the cost of it all and the opportunities for funding, scholarships, and grants.”

Frierson said he will help students who are interested in signing up for these kinds of summer activities.

“This year, it’s been about learning what is available, and trying to get the interest level there,” he said.

Frierson said he believes that students who participate will have an easier time adjusting to college life when they get started.

“It’s like going into your freshman year of high school, it’s overwhelming, but if you went into a summer high school, and

understand how high school worked and where your classes are, you would feel a little more comfortable.” Frierson said.

Summer college Information: Campus contact: Thomas Frierson

Email:

Thomas.Frierson@austinisd.org

For more information visit: www.oxbridgeprograms.com

Volunteer

Law interns participate with the City of Austin teen court nicole ocampo Staff Writer

When senior Jessica Brownlee worked as a prosecutor in teen court at the City of Austin, the cases are real with real consequences.

That’s different with the mock trial cases she has been involved with as one of the law internship students.

In teen court, the cases are typically misdemeanor offenses, or curfew violations. The punishments range from four to 24 hours of community service, and/ or being enlisted to serve as jurors in two to four future teen court cases, she said.

“It was a really fun experience because it allowed me to prosecute real cases,” Brownlee said. “In mock trial we also got to practice this role, but it wasn’t a real case where the defendant

Jordan Martinez

▲ Time for Court

The Mock Trial team participate in teen court which is parnered with the City of Austin. Senior Maddie Ramos participated as a defense attorney.

was a real person sitting in front of you.”

Brownlee is one of five students who have participated in the teen court program this year, which is run by the City of Aus-

Tournaments

tin’s municipal court. Former law teacher Robyn Katz, who left Akins in February, encouraged her law intern students to volunteer with this program so they would get real world experience.

Senior Adrian Ochoa, who started participating in teen court in November, said he has come to enjoy gaining experience being an attorney in these trials.

“I remember the first time I visited the program I was nervous but I’ve grown to love it,” Ochoa said. “Being able to speak for kids my age and younger who need help keeping criminal charges off of their record to be able to have a good future.”

These teen attorneys work with mentors that are practicing attorneys themselves.

The student lawyers are given a script to say aloud in court in the beginning, but as time passes the mentors give advice and tips on how they handle their cases.

Both teen attorneys give their own final statements.

There is also a jury made up of teenagers that are responsible for making the final decision on

what the punishment should be.

The mentors and real judges also give tips to the teen attorneys on do’s and don’ts and ideas to keep in mind when presenting and defending a case.

Ochoa said the real attorneys and judges have had positive things to say about how the Akins students have performed in teen court.

“All of the judges and lawyers were extremely surprised with me and other law interns since we were so acquainted with a courtroom, but that is because we participated in Mock Trial,” he said.

Senior Marquis Hampton said he enjoys getting to represent other people in these cases. “(I) personally had problems in the past and someone helped me stay out of that problem,” he said. “So me being able to do the same, I know where they come from.”

Awards

Students advance to state level in academic competitions daylin ettles Staff Writer

briefs

After devoting countless hours to preparing for UIL, students were able to show off their hard work, bringing home many awards and accolades while competing in the academic and art competitions.

Art teacher Vivian Medina took a total of 73 art entries to the annual VASE art competition this year. Of those entries, 59 received a gold medal and 13 students received a rating of 3 for their entries, with 4 being the highest rating which gold medals are based on. Two of the students who participated in the competition have become eligible to compete in the state competition: freshman Carla Rondon and senior Jocelyn Cruz.

Freshman Javier Ramirez participated in the UIL Number Sense test and earned a perfect score of a 100. The Number Sense test is timed exam that consist

of 80 mental math questions that have to be answered in 10 minutes. Rodriguez was tutored by his father because the school could not find a teacher to be a coach.

Choir had their voice heard while competing in their UIL competition. Choir teacher Catherine Ballard, had several students compete at the UIL Solo and Ensemble competition in February.

Of those that competed, three are moving on to compete in the State Solo and Ensemble competition in May. Junior Avery Close, senior Veronica Lopez, and senior Issie Luna.

Ballard said she is incredibly proud of everyone that went and competed.

“All of our students either came away with Division 1 or Division 2 ratings, which is a fantastic accomplishment!” she said. “All of the students did a great job balancing nerves, memorization, and diction. They looked stellar doing it, too.”

Business teachers Stuart Berkowitz

Blood donation drive returns Save a life.

The annual blood drive returns to Akins, which will be hosted by the phlebotomy practicum. Teachers and students are encouraged to participate.

Students must have a parent permission slip signed, even if they are 18, to be able to sign up for an appointment, spots are limited.

To pick up a permission slip students must see Jacey Saylor in portable 304.

The blood drive is on April 28 and will be held at the library.

Requirements include being 17 or older and weighing at least 115 pounds.

You must have a photo ID. See Saylor for more information in room 304.

and Andrew Hebenstreit took six students to Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference in Dallas in March. At this competition thousands of students from hundreds of different high schools from across Texas compete in events ranging from accounting to media production.

Senior Xeon Gutierrez took first place in Visual Basic/C# Programming. With this accomplishment, Gutierrez will be able to move on to compete at BPA’s National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida in May. Berkowitz said every student did an amazing job of presenting themselves as well as going beyond what was expected of them.

“All of our students represented Akins in an exemplary fashion by comporting themselves with excellent behavior, and they went above and beyond by participating in many open events,” he said.

14th: Student Holiday 18th: Akins Girls’ Softball vs. Bowie 19th: Prospective Students Informational tour 28th: Blood Donation Drive

Competition Highlights UIL Number Sense: Javier Ramirez UIL Solo and Ensemble: Avery Close Veronica Lopez Issie Luna BPA Visual Basic/C# Programming: Xeon Gutierrez

Upcoming Events S M T W T 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 23/30 24 25 26

6 13 20 27

F 7 14 21 28

S 1 8 15 22 29

Indepth

The Eagle’s Eye

page 5

wednesday - April 12, 2017

Campus mourns loss of namesake Dr. W. Charles Akins

Courtesy of JROTC

▲ MLK Parade

Dr. Charles Akins poses with JROTC members and volunteers at the end of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade in East Austin.

▲ Homecoming

Courtesy of JROTC

Dr. Charles Akins stands ready to present the homecoming king with his crown. Akins always attended and participated in school events.

▲ VIP fans

Courtesy of Regina McGough

Dr. and Mrs. Akins sit in the stands at Burger Stadium. Akins cheered for the Eagles on and off the field as often as he could.

“And remember...Eagles soar” His words of wisdom...have enlightened and inspired not only me but everyone at Akins to continue to work hard and

Charles Calmed the Waters By: Armando Rocha

Yesterday we lost a legend Of the age of segregation.

One who never would offend, Because of poverty or station.

— Saru Chigubu, Senior

He showed courtesy and respect, Always professional and polite, His kindness one came to expect Of one so dedicated and so bright.

Anyone can look at what he’s done in his life and learn from him and see that you can go anywhere and do anything if you have a goal, and there’s no limit to what you can do when you put your mind to it.

To have our namesake alive while we are here at high school and to come to many of our events is a unique experience that not a lot of high schoolers get...

— Logan Beltran, Senior

Charles gently calmed the waters Of a river filled with hate, Speaking softly for his brothers Hoping hostility to abate.

He was like a lamp, a beacon, To people east of Thirty-Five, Always thinking, always seeking, So long as he was still alive.

He strove to be the good citizen, Helping others along the way, Simply trying to be a good son, To his parents day by day.

— Ma’Kayla Gay, Junior

persevered through a lot to get where he did. He will always be with us.

Teacher Assistant

to continue to push ourselves to the highest level possible.

[Dr.Akins] was a kind hearted man and

Charles gently calmed the waters Of a river filled with hate, Speaking softly for his brothers Hoping hostility to abate.

— Emmanuel Soto, Junior

To be able to shake his hand and to walk up to him and to have an actual conversation with him, even if it’s just once a year, it’s a real honor.

— Shania Kates, Senior

Dr. Akins made every eagle feel special

So in the year of Sixty-Four, He took a challenge not expected He either failed at Johnston High, or Left there even more respected.

at Akins High... I am honored to (have

Charles was a virtuous soul, Soft-spoken and dedicated.

Life’s wear and tear just took its toll, Fighting against the segregated.

kindness means a lot.

Charles gently calmed the waters Of a river filled with hate, Speaking softly for his brothers Hoping hostility to abate.

attended) a school named after such an amazing man who showed the world

— Maheen Anjum, Alumna

Remembering Dr. Akins and the values he inspired in us ELiana Gutierrez InDepth Editor

Early morning Wednesday March 29, our school namesake, Dr. W. Charles Akins, died.

Students, teachers, faculty members, administrators, community members and school board members stopped to share their favorite memories and lessons learned from Dr. Akins.

Just before the final bell of the day rang and released students, principal Brandi Hosack made an announcement to share her thoughts about Dr. Akins’ passing.

“I hope that you realize every single day that you get to walk these halls how lucky you are to be a student here and how much he loved you and how much we loved him and

he did know that. I need you to go through everyday and realize that he is still with us and we will make him proud in every single thing that we do.” Hosack said. “I want you to know who he was and what he stood for.”

Akins was born in 1932 in Austin, Texas. He attended segregated schools in Austin such as Blackshear Elementary, Kealing Junior High, and “Old” Anderson High.

In 1954, Akins graduated from historically black college Huston-Tillotson University, where he received his bachelor’s degree. Two years later, Akins completed school at Prairie View A&M University with a master’s degree. Shortly after, he got his administrative certification at Southwest Texas College.

Akins began his dedication to education early and fast, soaring to cru-

cial positions in the history of desegregating schools in Austin. By 1959, Akins started teaching at his old high school where he received teacher of the year. Five years later Akins became the first black teacher at Johnston High School.

In 1973, Dr. Akins became principal of Anderson High School, where he faced the task of overseeing desegregation of a campus in which black students were bussed into a predominantly white neighborhood.

In 1998, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted to name the district’s new high school in South Austin after Akins.

Dr. Akins was buried Friday, April 7 at Evergreen Cemetery and is survived by his wife Estella R. Akins, and two daughters Dianne Akins Iglehart and Joyce Akins.

“He modeled a love for education. He was gracious, patient, and encouraging, qualities that we all could emulate. We were blessed to have Dr. Akins visit our campus and share his words of encouragement: Believe in yourself, work hard, do your very best, and you will soar.”

— English Teacher Rebecca Redland-Sturzl “Dr. Akins was an amazing human being who was a history maker, he was personally an inspiration to me.

I think he was also an inspiration to anyone who had the opportunity to meet him. Just the way he spoke left you thinking higher of yourself and of others and I’d like to think that Dr. Akins has exchanged his eagle wings for those of an angel.”

— AVID Teacher Christina Garcia-Mata “Dr. Akins was unfailingly positive. I’ve never had an encounter where he wasn’t encouraging, where he didn’t have remarkable things to say about our students and the way that they performed the things that they were capable of. He was gracious and very genuine.”

— Band Director Tate Fincher

life & Style

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The Eagle’s Eye

wednesday - April 12, 2017 Austin

Exploring

Barton Springs Road features parks and dining Co lo

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Map by Luis Correa and Ashley Sanchez

Courtesy of Wikipedia; Mwyzykowski0821

Reporters explore downtown outdoor activities, art exhibits and unique foods 1. sculpture garden Austin’s Zilker Park is famous for offering the perfect blend of land and water activities, but it has a hidden jewel that offers a different kind of recreational experience.

The Umlauf e Sculpture Garden and Museum is tucked away off of Robert E. Lee Road near the intersection with Barton

2. The Picnic There are several places around town where the food trucks congregate and can be found regularly.

One of the best places for food truck eating is called The Picnic, which is located just off of Barton Springs Road. It is a trailer park full of different food varieties of food . Such as Cannone Cucina Italiana,

Acai Hut, Hey Cupcake.

The Picnic is a great place to go hangout with your friends and family.

You can go and chill listen to music and eat different foods and make memories.

This Picnic is a great place to go. The people working in the food trucks are so nice and friendly. It is very animal friendly and there is a lot of different age groups. I saw a lot of fami-

lies spending time together and enjoying the day.

The food truck I went to is Acai Hut. Honestly, the service is really good the staff is really nice. The lady at the register had a smile on her face the whole time making you feel welcomed.

Acia is a truck that is full of organic fruit dishes that were delicious. I got a “love bowl,” which has a blend of banana and apple juice, and

3. Shady Grove Shady Grove is an aptly named restaurant nestled in a large Pecan tree grove on Barton Springs Road just east of Zilker Park.

Although the restaurant opened in 1992, It feels like it has been there forever serving up South Texas inspired dishes.

It featured a sprawling outdoor patio where

4. Peter pan mini golf Peter Pan Mini Golf is a top contender on any “Top Things to Do in Austin” list.

This classic mini golf course feels like something that stepped out of the 1960s and never changed.

And it’s great location at the intersection of Barton Springs Road and Lamar Blvd., makes it a popu-

lar attraction for people spending the day downtown to enjoy some wholesome outdoor fun.

It’s especially known for its labyrinth of characters created by sculptors from Austin.

Each hole features fun characters such as an eccentric animal, notable buildings, or Peter Pan himself.

The course is an under-

estimated and elaborate scheme that provides challenging entertainment for players of all ages.

The park’s hours go into hours as late as 1:00 a.m.

These hours attract many teenagers and young adults.

When you arrive to the course you receive a putter, colored golf ball, and admission to a fun, laid back Austinite evening.

Players begin with a

Springs Road. It officially opened to the public in 1991. Charles Umlauf, the former owner of the property there decided to gift his home, art studio and 168 sculptures to the City of Austin.

The sculpture garden also offers classes and workshops for all ages, including kids to learn how to make crafts. It also hosts summer camps and differ-

ent workshops such as art exploration and photography classes.

For those looking for relaxation, the sculpture garden makes the perfect setting to practice yoga.

People also choose this specific garden for photography and beautiful scenery.

It displays various art exhibits, including the works of famous movie and TV actress Farrah Fawcett,

who was one of Umlauf ’s students when she lived in Austin. The exhibit features never before seen art made by both Charles and Farrah.

day night for free discount deals on food. It is a music series that Shady Grove host called “unplugged.”

Unplugged at the Grove started on April 7 and runs September. Their food is delicious with many appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and many more. But it their prices are not cheap. The salads, seafood, and barbecue are more than $10. But their prices are worth what

you get in good service, atmosphere and outstanding food. They also have daily specials for reasonable prices.

Shady Grove is not like many other restaurants. You will love everything about Shady Grove that you would want to go again.

— Ashley Sanchez

Photo courtesy of Richard Childress

on top it was layered with Nutella granola and then strawberries and more.

The Picnic is definitely a place I recommend for everyone especially food truck skeptics.

— Adriana Galindo

Photo courtesy of Evan Bench

customers can sit under the shade of the big pecan trees. Or if you want to dine indoors you can enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the restaurant, which also features an old-fashioned stone fireplace. Regardless of where you sit it’s a pleasant and casual dining experience.

You can listen to music with their electric jukebox and live music every Thurssimple, straight forward hole and then make their way through 17 other holes of various difficulty levels.

Players have to navigate through curves, hills, and various obstacles before they reach the last hole with a “double decker” feature.

For more information visit www.peterpanminigolf.com

— Eliana Gutierrez

— Evelynn

Valladares Photo courtesy of QuesterMark

Photo courtesy of Broken Piggy Bank

wednesday, April 12, 2017 t The Eagle’s Eye Teaching

Life & style t Page 7

Strategies

Spanish instructor teaches with sign language ASL provides students with engaging visual, kinesthetic learing experience Alejandra Arguello Sports Editor

Three years ago, Spanish teacher Yareli De Paz Williams started doing what her students thought was some strange movements with her hands during the middle of a lesson.

Some of her students asked her what she was doing. When she told them it was American Sign Language, they suddenly became interested.

“One day I just started doing some signs in one of my classes … and my students asked me, why I was doing some weird signs with my hands,” De Paz Williams said. “I told them I was using American Sign Language, so they got very excited to learn the language.”

De Paz Williams first learned ASL when she met her husband..

“I learned ASL when I met my husband and from there I decided to take two classes in college at ACC,” De Paz Williams said.

Having seen the excitement

her students portrayed when seeing the signs, De Paz Williams decided to apply ASL into her classes, believing it would be easier and help her students learn Spanish.

“I think it’s easier for them to learn Spanish with sign language because it’s a visual language,” De Paz Williams said.

Teachers are taught in teaching programs that it’s a good idea to incorporate physical movement into their lessons. This is called kinesthetic learning.

“It’s kinesthetic, they can see it, they can feel it with their hands, do the movement so it’s better for them to connect the word in Spanish,” De Paz Williams said.

Her students enjoy the unique way of learning, both Spanish and ASL, that De Paz Williams provides to them .

“They do like it because it’s easier for them to see so it’s like a visual language and then they get to practice their Spanish,” De Paz Williams said.

When junior Mardi Cade

Activites

Ashley Sanchez

▲ Styles of learning

Spanish teacher Yareli De Paz Williams teaches her Spanish class with sign language. She uses sign language to help them remember and better prepare them for their exams.

found out about having to also learn ASL she believed it would only confuse her more.

“I was kinda scared like I thought it was gonna be super confusing, like you know I’d have to learn two languages now —

like I have to learn Spanish and sign language — so I just thought it was gonna be really confusing,” Cade said.

For the students like freshman Aaron Tobias, ASL helps with memorization for specific things

like body parts.

“I feel like I can remember more,” Tobias said. “Like head is cabeza, the sign is literally you touching your head. It helps me remember.”

Dancing

Juniors share cultural interest, instruct salsa dance class Those attending are not only students, teachers have taken an interest as well Melissa Ortiz Staff Writer

Salsa, the Latin dance descended from African rhythms and Cuban mambo has shown a popularity and interest in students from Akins High School, especially in junior Jose Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is a member of the Latinos Unidos club and recently started to teach a salsa dance class for students in Akins.

According to Gonzalez, a new dancer can take a couple of months to execute salsa’s precise moves with “real skill,” and attitude is a major factor in success.

Gonzalez grew up watching his family dance and over time, they became one of his biggest inspirations to begin teaching salsa classes.

“I decided to teach because since I was little I have admired my uncle and aunt. They started taking classes and now they teach other couples. Watching them, I knew I wanted to do something similar...” Gonzalez said.

Salsa has become a passion for Gonzales. For him, it is not only a dance, but also an opportunity to express himself.

“The moment when I start to have a connection with my partner, and I feel that my mind is blank and I start to create a story between my partner through the dance; this is what makes me love salsa dance,” Gonzalez said.

Everyone is welcome in the class, regardless of whether

Challenges

or not they have experience in dance, the only requirement is to have a positive attitude.

“Everything is if the student or the person wants to learn and has a positive attitude he or she will learn,” Gonzalez said “But if the person does not feel comfortable, he/she will not learn and will not enjoy the class.”

Aside from teaching, Gonzalez takes dance classes, and has had the opportunity to participate in some dance competitions along with junior Rachel Rivera, his partner.

“I started taking classes in September 2016, at Go Dance Academy, is an academy where many people from Austin who are passionate of salsa dance meet.” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez and Rivera practice constantly for their competitions, but the most important event for them right now is the Cinco de Mayo Show, organized by the Latinos Unidos club every year.

The classes Gonzalez offers are after school in room 308.

If you are interested in Gonzalez’ classes, they are every Wednesday and Thursday in room 308 and are about an hour and a half long.

For those thinking about learning how to dance, Gonzalez offered some advice.

“To dance not only is necessary to have talent or know the technique, the passion and dedication that you put in your dance, will make the difference,” he said.

succeeding

Winterguard excels despite absence of guard director Stephanie Valle Editor in Chief

Despite a late season departure of their director, the winter guard team pushed forward and ended their season strong.

This past fall the former Winter Guard director Jesse Arbolay got accepted into Austin’s first Independent World Guard, Invictus. With this acceptance came a lot of schedule conflicts that ended in him having to leave Akins in March to be a part of the group.

Junior and Varsity member Elizabeth Rocha believed that with the departure of Arbolay the team was brought together closer than ever.

“Now that he was gone we were like ‘we have to stick together. We have to make sure that everyone feels like they belong here and that we’re going to be OK,” Rocha said. “We all just had some kind of bond and no one felt like an outcast. It was really great to see everyone come together despite what happened.”

This year was the first time that the winter guard competed in Winter Guard International (WGI). The varsity team

ended their season as finalists in WGI competing with the top teams in the region.

Senior and captain Alicia “Raynne” Miller-Moya said the team was excited that they did so well when they attended WGI for the first time. Although the team’s score was not in the top places, they still managed to make the cut to advance to the finals.

“We didn’t really care as a whole because it was like we made finals and there are some schools that didn’t make finals but we’re one of them,” Miller-Moya said.

“We’re here, we were always in the top half as a whole class group because our class is bigger now and it’s way more competitive.

You can have a great run, but that doesn’t mean you can automatically get 3rd place.”

The JV team also had a successful season placing in the top ranks at the Texas Color Guard Circuits (TCGC) “At all the TCGCs, JV always placed.

They got first place and second place a lot although at state they placed seventh out of 30-something teams. They were always in the top half,” Miller-Moya said.

▲ Learning to Salsa

Melissa Ortiz

Junior Jose Gonzales dips his partner junior Rachel Rivera when rehearsing for their weekly class.

entertainment

page 8

The Eagle’s Eye

Wednesday - April 12, 2017 Game

Review

Mass Effect Andromeda flops due to many bugs Annie Ricotta Staff Writer

Fans of the Mass Effect series by BioWare eagerly awaited the release of the fourth installment called Mass Effect: Andromeda in March. In the past, players have fallen in love with this action RPG series because of its detailed story, meaningful character interactions, and the overall gameplay style. Andromeda takes place 600 years after the events of Mass Effect 2.

Overview: Andromeda features a new story completely removed from Commander Shepard and the Reapers with a new customizable hero of the player’s choice. Depending on which of the Ryder twins you choose the other will still be active in the story itself. The game starts in the Milky Way where humans, Asari, Turians, Krogan, and Salarians plan to populate the Golden Worlds in the Andromeda Galaxy as part of the Andromeda Initiative. When they arrive, this new galaxy holds unexpected problems like a

Opposing

deadly space anomaly called the Scourge ements remain, while others have changed. and the fact that the Golden Worlds are The addition of the jump jet improves the uninhabitable. overall fluidity of the game and adds a fastGraphics: 3/10 The graphics are by far er way of traveling Akin to rolling across the most disappointing part of this game. the fields of Hyrule. Combat changed The backgrounds and scenery are beau- from nearly exclusive cover-based to a tiful, but the humans and aliens, save for more mobile and versatile fighting style. the Angaran, look dead and low-res in The multiplayer mode functions much the most cases. Cut same as the scenes sometimes s q u ad - b a s e d had graphics not hoard mode load in at all. Not of Mass Efto mention in the fect 3 but now effort to make the moves much graphics 4K worthy faster. This, of — Annie Ricotta the frame rate will course, comes sometimes drop as with various a result. While the glitches, rangteam who worked on Andromeda was ing from going through the smaller than that of the rest of the Mass world to the main character’s body itself Effect trilogy, this just seems like a huge looking broken. Ally and enemy non-playstep backward. er characters struggle to find cover someGameplay: 7/10 Andromeda’s main fo- times making the game either fairly fruscus is on exploring all of the open world el- trating or dull and repetitive. ements. Most of the trilogy’s gameplay elThe paragon and renegade options have

Andromeda is not a complete failure.

been completely removed from the dialog choices and are replaced with four different tone choices making for an interesting mix of gray in the morality of Ryder.

The Verdict: 8/10 Andromeda is not a complete failure of a game. Overall, it is a fairly enjoyable experience and does have enough going for it to justify spending the $60. The romance options are interesting in their own ways. The new races have a level of depth that gives hope for the continuation of the series. However, with everything that game does right, there is a problem that always arises that overshadows the good.

Lasting Appeal: This is a setup for a bigger arch not necessarily involving the Pathfinder and not a bad one. The new galaxy and the stories that can come from it has so much potential and definitely something to look forward to. Let’s hope that they iron out the bugs for the next installment so we can love it as much as we loved the previous ones.

View Points

Staffers debate success, faliures of Power Ranger reboot

Mary Griffis

Marcelo Cruz Staff Writer

Mary Griffis

Entertainment Editor

When the Power Rangers made their first appearance on TV in 1993, the heroes were Giant clumsy monsters, bad acting, skin tight neon suits, and explosions is what many clad in suits of bright primary colors and fighting enormous monsters with their mighty of us grew up with when watching Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. And with the feamorphin powers. ture-length film it seems the only thing that has changed is the suits.

Of course, everyone who grew up with the Power Rangers loved them The remake was made so it would be “cool” to like the Power Rangers for an when they were kids. But after you reach a certain age, it’s not cool to like the older audience, but, in my opinion, it has failed. You would think with new techPower Rangers anymore. That’s the problem that the producers of the latest nology and a new generation of actors this new movie would be amazing, but movie release sought to address in the film adaption. it is just as cheesy and cliché as the original.

They made it right this time and surprised everybody. A lot of people While the suits, Alpha 5, the zords, and megazord have been redesigned, thought it was going to be horrible, but still features an entirely new story, but nothing has really changed. with the same characters based in the original city Angel Grove, California.

Although the villains don’t wear bulky foam costumes and the Rangers In this film, the Power Rangers are all outcast teenagers that all have their aren’t flaunting around in those silly skin suits nothing really changed in this own issues that teenagers commonly deal with like having depression or non-acremake. The acting was still as bad as the original making the movie feel childish. cepting parents or a mental disorder.

Another part of the movie that is reminiscent of the original was most of the jokes The characters have to learn to accept their faults and deal with their proband silly Easter eggs, which felt forced and out of place making the movie cheesy. lems instead of ignoring them in order to turn into the Power Rangers. The story The one thing I did enjoy about the movie was the Billy Cranston character. Billy goes deeper into the past to explain where the Power Ranger suits really come shaped the movie and made it more unique and somewhat serious. His fate in the from. Fortunately, for them, they still have Zordon, their old leader, to help train movie made the audience feel like it really happened and you felt like you knew him them and guide them to being the best Power Rangers. personally. Billy is the reason the Rangers were successful pushing them to their full They have to defeat Rita Repulsa who is also the very first villain in the original potential. Billy showed the audience, and the Rangers, that even with a mental disorder series. She used her strength as a Power Ranger to take control of the universe. nothing can stop him from becoming a Ranger.

This new movie is definitely recommended to original Power Rangers fans, and to anyone who likes superhero movies.

Concert

Review

Panic! concert leaves postive impact on students Fans rave about Death of a Bachelor tour, highlighting powerful moments Jennifer Espinoza Zeta handy Staff Writers

Fans flocked to the Frank Erwin Center in downtown Austin on April 12 to see beloved band Panic! At the Disco, which many Akins students have listened to for years.

The band recorded their first demo while still in high school. Although the band is classified as alternative rock the band also claims pop influences, including The Beatles.

The concert was colorful and energetic because the lead singer Brendon Urie has a severe case of ADHD. He engaged with the crowd with not only speaking with the audience but he also made a suggestion from Austin fans to come true by giving the fans color paper hearts to put in front of phone cameras to create a huge LGTBQ flag across the arena while he was performing “Girls/Girls/Boys.”

Another highlight would be when the lead singer walked across

the arena stage and was lifted on a rotating platform with a piano while playing “This is Gospel.” The singer then walked through the crowd of fans on the arena floor, accepting flowers from a fan, hugging and cheerfully shaking hands.

The crown was clearly waiting for the moment when Urie backflipped on stage during the song “Miss Jackson.” The flip is something he does at every concert performance.

The Death of a Bachelor tour started on Jan. 15, taking them from coast to coast. The album of the same name was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Rock Album earlier this year.

The opening acts were great. The first was a band called Saint Motel, featuring a lead singer who was just as energetic as Urie on stage. The second opening act was ‘Misterwives’ with lead singer Mandy Lee whose unique personality and powerful voice made a strong impression.

Overall, the concert was a moving and exciting event, meeting the expectations of rabid fans who were captivated by the music and visuals of the this unique experience.

▲ Causing a Panic

Photos Courtesy Panic! at the Disco

Brendon Urie sings while the audience cheers at their concert on April 2 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 t The Eagles Eye

Entertainment t page 9

Streaming

Online

Online services cut the cord on cable and its bills

YouTube and other providers introduce alternatives to streaming, watching TV Jennifer Espinoza

about half of the price of cable TV. Other bundles like DirectTV Now sell their bundles at a starting price of $35, Sony PlayStation Vue is discounting their bundles and it’s lowest-priced bundle is $39.99.

Although Netflix has been another popular way to avoid paying high cable bills, it has not allowed viewers to watch current shows when they are originally aired. The other new offerings will change things by allowing those who like watching channels a way to access a smaller bundle than what the large cable companies provide.

Netflix, one of the best known online television provider, has been one of the most popular ways to cut the cable cord with their price being $11.99 for four screens per month. Netflix however, doesn’t have traditional channels from a cable company. Netflix is it’s own platform with its own TV shows. Such as YouTube Red is not considered a “cord cutter” but its own platform that is created in a larger company.

Staff Writer

It used to be if you wanted to watch MTV, Cartoon Network and NFL you had to pay somewhere between $100 to $200 for a cable channel bundle.

And with the advent of streaming services and Internet companies getting into the game, now watchers don’t even have to pay the hefty cable bills to watch your favorite channels any more.

TV has come along way since it was first invented in 1927. Many companies have made their own version of different bundles with the top most watched channels.

Companies like Dish’s Sling TV, Sony PlayStation Vue, and AT&T’s new DirectTV Now there are ways to watch your favorite shows on the cheap.

And now YouTube, the biggest providers of online video, is about to get into the arena with their own service offering channels that were previously only available through a cable company.

YouTube TV, which will become available later this year,, also features YouTube Red original content, will feature popular channels like Disney Channel, ABC and Fox News.

YouTube TV’s bundle will be priced at $35, which is

Review

“I think that for what Netflix has it’s a lot more affordable and like cost efficient than getting cable because a lot of the stuff you find in cable you can find in Netflix” Commented sophomore Luke Hoffman.

Hulu, a platform similar to Netflix, also offers great traditional channels for a reasonable price. After a month free trial, plans start at $7.99 a month with limited commercials that can then be upgraded to no commercials for only $11.99.

But the competition for being the best provider with the best price is still close. DirectTV Now offers the same price that YouTube TV will set which is $35 but Youtube (so far) has only 44 channels while DirectTV Now has 60+ channels to offer. Sling TV is also staying in the competition with their base price of $20 a month for 20+ channels. Lastly, PlayStation Vue has it’s own affordable bundle of $30 a month for 55+ channels.

Console

Nintendo releases new transforming platforms Switch brings new life to consoles, showing they can be more than a controller Jared Cordero Staff Writer

Ma

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The newest Nintendo console is finally released, and along with the new generation of Nintendo came with some mixed opinions among critics.

Nintendo is known as an innovator when it comes to developing cutting edge hardware and the Switch is no exception. The Switch is the first true hybrid system that combines console play on a home TV with the option of a handheld mobile device.

The Switch’s built-in screen is surprisingly crisp with a 900p resolution. And it has the processing power to run most games fluidly at 60 frames per second. This is lower than other systems, but keep in mind though that this is the trade off for

iffi

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Mature

portability.

What the system lacks in the handheld version, it more than makes up for when it’s docked in console mode. The Switch is finally a next-gen Nintendo console with performance to match. The only thing holding it back now are some minor frame-drops in specific games like Zelda and Bomberman.

My biggest problems with the Switch is that the whole console feels so fragile, especially because the Switch is so big, making it easier to drop. It feels like durability was an afterthought.

The “joy con” controllers are another point where the quality drops off. They constantly lose connection to the console because of the infrared wireless it uses.

The biggest challenge

the Switch will face is whether developers will be able to the adapt to it’s new features and make games that take advantage of them.

Currently, there are only two notable launch games: Breath of the Wild and Bomberman R. The launch line-up seems lackluster and just a shameless cash grab to reel in Nintendo enthusiasts with a new Zelda title, leaving owners with no games to play until months away. I couldn’t recommend getting a Switch within the first three months even with Zelda as a launch title, Definitely wait for a bundle/deal that will likely come out later this year.

With more games slated to release later this year such as Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, ARMS, and more the Switch has a good chance to be a must-have Item the

holiday shopping season.

Right now the only real reason to get a Switch at $300 is to get the new Zelda game. I know my Switch has become just a Zelda machine.

Overall, the Switch feels half-baked, the launch was sub-par at best with very minimal releases. The actual console could do with a better build quality, and the joy cons have you wrestle with controls more than play any actual games. It’s clear that Nintendo intended the Switch to be launched for their hardcore audience, so they went with a bare bones launch. While I can’t say that the Switch is inherently unredeemable, I can say that it does need work though.

I rate the Switch a 7.5 out of 10 until more games are released.

Content

Restricted superhero films allow stories to remain true

Deadpool, Logan prove R-rated Marvel movies aren’t made for young children Jordan Rouse Staff Writer

There are some movies you just shouldn’t take kids to.

I mean that’s why we have a rating system, right? When a movie is rated R, it means Restricted. Just because a parent can take someone who is 17 if they are accompanies, that doesn’t mean you should take a 5-year old child with you.

When Marvel released Deadpool last year, that’s what many parents did. And then immediately afterward, many parents said they regretted it.

There are some that people think it’s okay for children just because it’s from a certain studio, or because it’s animated.

Logan, which is the final chapter of the popular Wolverine series, is just the latest example of this phenomenon. This movie was more emotional, although critics said that it definitely earned it’s R rating because of some graphic violence and nudity; however, many people stated it was “more mild” than Marvel’s other rated R films.

This goes to show that when it comes to superhero movies, they aren’t just glorified kids movies with scarier scenes. They’re obviously meant for adults, but because of previous films they’ve released, they can’t see past the safety of a Marvel film.

The studios are also to blame for this common misconception. Marvel’s relentless marketing targeting children makes parents feel that their products are for all ages.

It’s like the misconception that some parents have with Cartoon Network programming versus Disney XD or other popular animated series.

The trailers should more clearly show to parents that Marvel is no longer targeting children exclusively.

But instead, they just show little snippets of the film that have no relevance towards the rating.

This not to say that R-rated superhero movies are a bad thing. They allow the directors to do edgier, more vulgar and more violent scenes, which are often times more true to the stories in the original comic books. The confusion is caused by the fact that Marvel has played it safe in the past, never wanting their films to be R-rated because it would limit how many people could see it, hurting their bottom line.

▲ Dead Cool

Photo Courtesy Marvel

Parents mistakenly took their children to see Deadpool, even though it was rated R, and were shocked by how vulgar the movie was.

sports

page 10

The Eagle’s Eye

wednesday - april 12, 2017 unity

baseball

Misfortune brings varsity team closer together

Players unify to achieve goal of successful season, making it into district playoff amy rodriguez Staff Writer

On Feb. 28, the Akins Varsity Baseball team lost one of their own during a tournament at Burger Stadium.

Senior Jason Porter’s father suddenly experienced a condition that caused him to die later that night. The officials stopped the preseason game and both teams came together to pray for the Porter family on the field.

The tragic beginning of the season has helped unify the team as players and their family members have rallied behind it.

The team members said they’re fighting through the tragedy as more than just a team — but as a family.

“We are pulling through by having each others back on and off the field, and we treat each other as a family,” senior Chris Castro said.

The coaches have helped keep the players focused on how they can improve as a team instead of dwelling on the difficult beginning of the season.

“We prepare them mentally and physically,” Salazar said. “We put them in situations that they’re going to see during a ball game. We try not to put anymore pressure on them, we try to relieve that from them

success

▲ In Memoriam

Photos Courtesy Akins Baseball

Supporters of the Varsity Baseball team created memorials to honor the passing of Jason Porter’s father Mark Porter, who died during the beginning of this year’s season.

putting a positive mind support. We have to be as motivated as they are and more.”

Coach Salazar said there’s good chemistry on this year’s team.

“Our chemistry is great we got guys that are bonding really well,” he said. “I have a great senior class, they’re a close

group. They set great examples for lower classmen to follow.”

Salazar said that Jason Porter and Nate Flores have stood out as good examples for the team this year.

“Those guys have accomplished a lot here at Akins and people see that,” he said.

The Coaches and Players are working really hard taking no time off, having two hours of non stop scripted practice where we do every little thing that we need that is necessary to get ready for games.

“We take everyday at practice as if it’s our last practice and we understand that our practices define how we play, we take no days off,” Castro said.

Last year’s season wasn’t great for the team, not making it to playoffs, earning five wins out of 16 district games. This season the Varsity Baseball team is 8-5-1 Overall 1-1 District 14-6A. “We are a solid team who knows how to play together, which I feel that it helps us to come out to do big things” said Senior Ramiro Rodriguez Knowing it’s going to be a challenge the team’s expectation for this year is to make it to playoffs.

“Our goal is to make the playoffs,” Salazar said. “We haven’t done that here but we are off to a good start, we won our district game against San Marcos. We are heading in that direction taking it a step at a time, we have a really good chance. We are playing well right now. Things are going well.”

Before the end of district, the team will have more games against Del Valle, Anderson, and San Marcos.

achievements

Tennis team’s early wins serve as motivation for players Larry Durden

big difference from last year,” Carandang said.

Hamm has pushed the team harder this year because Staff Writer he wants his doubles teams to show more aggression. AlThe Akins Varsity Tennis team is in its second year of though he knows that it’s not easy, he still believes in his success as new players with experience have joined the players and saying that it will help them in the long run. team.

“One thing that I have been pushing hard this year is For the second year in Akins history, the varsity tennis making sure our doubles teams become aggressive at the has been very successful. net,” he said. “It’s not an easy skill to learn, but I tell them Coaches Derek Hamm and Ashley Gahan, have guidthat even if it doesn’t pay off ed the new and returning today, or maybe even tomorplayers to success. However, row. It will eventually make Hamm said that the team’s Akins a much stronger team in ability to win is based on the long run.” the players’ own strong work Freshman Connor Harkins ethic and desire for self imsaid he is impressed with how provement. well the team is doing this year.

“Akins has been doing “So far we’re doing great as better this year as a team a team, our practices are really than last year,” Hamm said. paying off,” he said. “We’re go“We received a great group ing hard in our tournaments of freshmen who have reand practices and I think we — Derek Hamm ally upped the level of play can take it all the way this for the whole team. There’s year.” a different atmosphere around the entire team. There are Coach Hamm said the team’s early success has motinoticeable improvements that have been going on, and vated them to be even more successful. that is not only shown in our record and tournament wins, “The one thing that is helping our team stay motivated but they way we look as a group.” is our new successes this year that have alluded us in preJunior Simon Carandang said he see a difference in the vious years,” he said. team’s work ethic.

“We are simply winning more than we used to, which “We come to practice ready to work hard, and that’s a is a great motivator in itself.”

Due to Coach Gahan being on maternity leave, Hamm took her position. This year, I feel a little more experienced, and having Coach Gahan with us all year has established a sense of direction and commitment throughout the whole team. One thing a team needs if they are going to win is stability, and that’s something that feels much more present this season.”

“We don’t have to be told to come out there, we want to get better,” Harkins said.

The one thing that is helping our team stay motivated is our new successes this year that have alluded us in previous years.

growth

▲ Serving the Competition

Matthew Rocha

Connor Harkins, Simon Carandang, and Kyle Nguyen pose for a photo after their big tournament sweep.

Coaching

Varsity softball makes progress after mixed preseason UIL changes boost chances for district jaden garrion Staff Writer

After a mixed preseason start, the Varsity Softball team is making solid progress toward their goal of making it into the playoffs and beyond.

The team currently has a 2 – 3 District record coming off with a big win against the Manor Mustangs on April 4, in which the team won 25 – 3. The officials ended the game in the third inning because of Akins’ large advantage.

Sophomore Alejandra Rendon said they didn’t know what to expect when they went up against Manor so they played as hard as they could.

“The fact that we first started getting points on the board it felt good but we were playing slow and then whenever we got points on the board it was like ‘we got this now,’” Rendon said.

Another motivating factor for the team this year is that they’re facing a new list of opponents after the University Interscholastic League revised the district alignments last year.

Players said they are hopeful that the realignment will improve their chances of making into the playoffs this year.

“I think we are going to do better be-

cause we have competitive teams that we could compete with,” said Sophomore Annali Rubio.

Coach Anthony Degelia said the new district is a great change for our community.

Senior Lauren Degelia said the team has high expectations this year.

“I think we will do a lot better in district then we did last year. Our expectations are high as a team and individually, we also are expected to make it to playoffs.”

The team had a good preseason with an 8 – 10 record. Coach Degelia said he thinks the team could make playoffs for the first time in school history.

It’s also a first at Akins to have a coach who has his own daughter on the team.

Coach Degelia said he doesn’t go easy on her.

“It can be difficult at times, coaching, because it’s not much different than at home, I’m harder on her more than anyone else on this team,” Degelia said.

Lauren Degelia said she is used to having her father share the dual roles of dad and coach.

“I’m used to having my dad as my coach because he’s been my coach my whole life,” she said.

Matthew Rocha

▲ Running Home

Varsity Softball celebrates team member Sabrina Lopez on her home run against Manor on April 4.

Free Chips and Salsa on your next visit!

Applies only to the Southpark Meadows location: 9900 S IH35 Bldg Z. Limit ONE coupon per customer.

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The Eagle’s Eye

Photo Essay

page 11

Wednesday - April 12, 2017

School relies on staff working behind the scenes

Matthew Rocha

Matthew Rocha

▲

▲ Learn and Bowl

Teacher assistant Laura Saenz teaches junior Marissa Coleman some ways to roll the bowling ball so it can hit all the pins at the end. The teacher assistants take the students to Westgate Lanes to go bowling every other Friday.

Cafeteria clean

When lunch is over custodian Carlota Rocha begins to clean up the trash left behind. The custodians split into groups to clean different areas of the courtyard and cafeteria.

Matthew Rocha Photo Editor

At every school there are staff members who work in the background who don’t get as much recognition as teachers and principals.

Without the custodians that keep our school clean and ready for the next day this school just would not function. Students don’t learn well when they are surrounded by dirt and trash.

The custodians stay late and come in early in the morning to clean all possible areas of the school before any of the students arrive on campus.

All of the custodians work together and help each other out as family.

The daily challenge of keeping the campus tidy, makes the bond between stronger, head custodian Johanna Correa said.

Another group of staff members whose work often goes unnoticed is the teacher’s assistants who work with the Life Skills students. They have difficult jobs that do not enjoy the same status or compensation as teachers. These TA’s, as their called, provide extra help to those students who need it more than others do.

“You have to be caring person to do this type of work. If not then it’s not going to be very fun for you working with the students,” teacher’s assistant Altonette Renea Johnsen. “I love doing this job, I won’t trade it for nothing.”

For the life skill teachers to communicate with the parents of the students is with folders that have the names of each students and write notes to them on how it was today and the parents write back to the life skills teacher about that day.

Matthew Rocha

▲ Clap along

Teacher assistant Magdalena Hernandez claps along with Kimberly Arvizu as they listen to a music video explaining the alphabet. The teacher assistants join the activities with the students to make it more fun to learn.

Matthew Rocha

▲

Trash Pick up

Custodian Maria Pineda empties trash cans after school before sweeping the floors in the red hall.

Matthew Rocha

▲

Shiny Floor

After school hours custodian Juana Garcia starts with cleaning the floors of the hallways.

page 12

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Community

The Eagle’s Eye

Wednesday – April 12, 2017

Restorative practices help reduce conflict, suspensions at Akins

Principal’s Message

Dear Eagle’s Eye Reader:

Happy Spring! It is hard to believe that it is already April! In less than ten weeks we will all be celebrating our newest graduates – the Akins High School Class of 2017. It seems as though we just said goodbye to last year’s seniors.

With that time-frame in mind, it is appropriate to mention how important this time of year is for everyone. Seniors are working hard completing college applications and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with the help of Ms. Sarah Simmons in the College and Career Center. As of today, we are one of the area-wide schools leading the way with the number of applications complete – our goal is to have 100% of our seniors complete this process. For those of you unfamiliar with the process itself, it is quite simple and creates amazing opportunities/avenues for students to receive all types of financial aid for college – including scholarships and grants. The CCC is always open and

willing to help everyone complete this process.

For all other students, it is End-of-Course Exam season. Students enrolled in English I and II have just completed those exams, which are extremely long and rigorous. Those students enrolled in Algebra I, Biology and/or US History are gearing up for their exams during the first week of May. I am incredibly proud of the focus and effort exhibited by both students and teachers in preparation for these exams – I am confident our scores will reflect that hard work. In addition to those exams, we will also have Advanced Placement exams occurring the first two weeks of May. As we plan ahead for summer, remember that it is an excellent time for current 10th and 11th grade qualified students to take free ACC classes. Students, please see your counselors about this awesome opportunity to earn free college credit!

I would like to personally invite families of Akins High School students to get involved with one or more of the many opportunities we have on

campus - PTSA, Campus Advisory Council, booster clubs, etc. Also, you can stay tuned to the most upto-date information on our website and our Twitter (@AkinsAISD).

I say it all the time, but it really is a sprint to the finish from here on out.

The upcoming weeks are sure to fly by and there is still so much to be done.

We will continue to not only rise to the tasks before us, but far exceed expectations. We truly have the best students, staff, and families – it is a sincere privilege to be able to work with you all on a daily basis at the #besthighschoolontheplanet!

Sincerely, Brandi Hosack

‘Paradise’ show set to debut The 17th annual Diamond Dazzlers Spring Show will take the stage on April 20-22, 2017 in the Akins theatre.

April 20 will be held the last class period of the day. April 21-22 shows will begin at 7 p.m. This year the theme is “Paradise.”

“Paradise” is choreographed and put together by the Diamond Dazzlers.

School day tickets will be sold during A and B lunches as well as in the dance room (104) for $5.00.

The songs range from different genres of music, many which will include popular artists of today and the past. Students from every dance class will perform, with the highlight of the night coming with the Dazzlers individual and team dances.

Graduating members of the Dazzlers are honored Friday and Saturday night.

For more information contact Gates at ally.gates@austinisd.org or on the dance website akinsdance.weebly. com.

Led by Principal Brandi Hosack, Akins High School has continued on its journey of becoming a restorative campus. What is Restorative Practices?

Restorative Practices is a process of building meaningful relationships, resolving conflict and repairing harm. Akins has seen a 45% reduction in out of school suspensions and nearly 3% increase in attendance, which means that there are over 60 students per day that are attending school as a result of building healthier relationships. In addition, several students have become circle facilitators and have invested time in helping other students solve conflict. We are not just becoming better learners at Akins, we are becoming better human beings.

Every Wednesday you will find Austin Police Officers participating in restorative circles with students on Akins Campus in an effort to build relationships with students. Life Anew, an Austin-based non-profit, has partnered with Akins High School, Austin Independent School District and Austin Police Department as well as other social service agencies in the area over the last few years to incorporate restorative practices into their systems and our community. Restorative Justice is an alternative dispute resolution process that emphasizes the role of individuals

and each community-member¹s capacity for empathy, accountability and change.

Partnerships with AISD and APD have seen great success in restoring harms to the community. Currently, Life Anew has a Restorative Practices Team working with Akins High School. The role of the Restorative Practices Team is to end the school-to-prison pipeline and build peer leadership amongst our young men and women.

Students win statewide awards at the BPA State Leadership Conference

The Eagle’s Eye

W. Charles Akins High School 10701 S. 1st St. Austin, TX 78748

Business Professionals of America students competed in Dallas in March with several students winning state awards.

All of our students represented Akins in an exemplary fashion by comporting themselves with excellent behavior, and they went above and beyond by participating in many Open events (those are competitive events where students can test their knowledge of various subjects, in which they did not have to qualify for at the Regional level to advance to State competitions), besides competing in the events that they had to qualify for at Regionals, in order to advance to State.

Some of the highlights include: • Xeon Gutierrez came in first place in Visual Basic/C# Programming, so he will advance to represent Akins BPA at National Leadership Conference (“NLC”) in Orlando in May.

•

Monique is a NLC Alternate, having placed 9th in Prepared Speech.

• Gutierrez also received recognition on stage for three Open events (& came in first in two Open events).

• Monique received recognition on stage for two Open events (having come in third, and fourth, respectively).

See Mr. Hebenstreit in room 263 for more information and meeting schedules if you are intersted in joinining and competing next year.

Did You Know?

High School students who take college-level courses are: 2.2 times more likely to enroll in a Texas twoyear or four-year college or university

“I want to be a DC Eagle! What are my next steps?”

2.0 times more likely to return for a second year of college 1.7 times more likely to complete a college degree.

DC Eagle Program steps:

LABEL

Step 1: See Ms. Kesling to discuss if this program is right for you, and to pick up an application packet.

Step 2: Take and pass the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test in Reading and Writing to show readiness to take college courses before you take an ACC dual credit course. UT OnRamps and AP courses can be taken before the TSI is passed.

Step 3: Complete the DC Eagles Program application, including a Statement of Commitment, two teacher recommendations, and an essay.

Step 4: Be interviewed by the DC Eagles Committee Step 5: If accepted into the program, student and parent must attend an orientation meeting in the spring. Students must also attend monthly after-school DC Eagles meetings during the school year.

High School students enhance their chances for college success if they understand what it takes to succeed in college. They can do this by actually experiencing real college coursework in dual credit courses.

Post-secondary credentials are the key to good jobs with better pay.

PLEASE REMEMBER: This program is a three-year commitment to completing 36 college credit hours before you graduate from Akins. This is an awesome opportunity to save time and money when you get to college!

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Come celebrate a great school year at our Spring Festival in the courtyard!

Enjoy food, game booths, and various Akins performers, including the Diamond Dazzlers, the hip hop dance team.

May 5 (Friday) ◆ 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.