The Eagle's Eye; Issue 1, Vol. 13; Akins High School

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Some teachers on campus enjoy painting shoes, while others make earrings and even goat soap. Care to know who has these odd past times? Flip to page 7.

Twitter.com/AkinsJournalism

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Jacqueline Rodriguez

KLRU debuted a documentary exclusively about our beloved marching band on TV. Find out more on page 4.

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Do students need to have more school spirit? Check out page 2 and take your stand.

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things to know

Rights at school … pg. 3

Theater changes … pg. 9 Varsity Football … pg. 11

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The

Eagle's Eye

W. Charles Akins High School

“Everything That Concerns You”

Austin, Texas

Vol. 13 No. 1

October 15, 2013

Academics Changes ahead

New legislation affects students’ future

Savannah Garza

Twilight Students work toward credit recovery to meet graduation requirements with the new after school program Twilight. It is held every Monday through Thursday in the library lab.

New Texas law reduces standardized testing, modifies graduation requirements Savannah Garza Editor-in-Chief After years of complaints from students, parents and educators about excessive state testing, Texas legislators passed a reform bill this summer that will provide relief and changes to graduation requirements.

The major changes the law has introduced involve fewer required state tests, new gradtypes of classes students are required to take.

“It really changes our graduation plan from what it used to be when we had a minimum plan, recommended plan, and distin-

Dual-Credit

guished plan,” principal Daniel Girard said. ing away with the requirement that students take four years of math, science, English and social studies. The new requirement is that students earn four English credits and three credits each in science, social studies and math.

While many students will still take a fourth credit of math, science and social studies they will also have the option to take other courses that will lead to an “endorsenology, business and industry, public services, humanities or a multidisciplinary option.

Although the minimum plan will only require 22 credits, both the endorsement and distinguished plan require 26. The minimum plan will only be available to students on a limited basis for students with special circumstances. Schools are penalized by the state if too many students are on this type of a graduation plan.

As for standardized tests, the new bill reduces the number of STAAR exams required required to pass algebra I, English I, English II, biology, and U.S. history.

The law also permanently eliminates a controversial requirement that forced schools

to count STAAR exam scores as 15 percent of a student’s overall grade for a course. The Texas Education Agency had issued waivers on this policy that allowed schools to be exempted from this rule so it was rarely followed since it initially went into effect.

“People celebrated that there was less standardized testing,” Girard said. “There was a lot of time taken from real instruction and that was troubling. I’m not necessarily opposed to testing, but I was opposed to how much testing we would do.”

Another important change is that for students to be eligible to be automatically See “HB5” pg. 4

Early start

College credit classes now held on campus Natalie Chapman Staff Reporter Students looking to earn college credit during daytime hours without having to leave campus now have the chance to do so as they take Joseph Kirksey’s English IV course.

In the past students had to leave campus or stay after school if they wanted to take Austin Community College classes during the school year. Seniors can take English Composition One with Kirksey in place of English 4 to get a head start on college level writing classes.

“I never had this opportunity growing up,” Kirksey said. “Dual credit has become increasingly popular throughout the past decade.” junct professor at ACC and his second year teaching at Akins.

The writing intensive class prepares students for future essays their college professors will expect.

“Students get the opportunity to experience taking classes on the college level,” college advisor Sarah Simmons said.

Having taken four ACC classes outside of school, senior Tylena Hacker is happy that this year she can take an ACC class on cam-

Natalie Chapman

Getting a head start English teacher Joseph Kirksey reviews due dates with seniors. Students worked on essays.

pus during school hours.

“I want to see more people utilize the program,” Tylena said. “It helps a lot because you get high school and college credit at the same time.”

If students earn an “A” or a “B” in the dual credit class they earn an “Advanced Measure” on their transcript, carrying a weight of 5 points rather than the 4 that a regular class would earn.

With the ACC core curriculum dual credit

program one can receive college credit that is assured transferable, meaning that public colleges and universities must accept the dual credit earned.

“If a student knows that they’re applying to a school in Texas the dual credit program Kirksey hopes to see his seniors leave with at least 6 hours of college credit and have a solid understanding of the conventions of college writing.

Savannah Garza

inside

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

Opinions The Eagle’s Eye

Tuesday, 10.15.13

page 2

House Bill 5 brings positive outcomes editOrial The pieces of the House Bill 5 are put together and students are striving in classes and working harder than ever to reach goals in the 2013-2015 school year.

The bill includes less standardized testing, students being put on Distinguished and Endorsement plans and changes for a new minimum plan to graduate.

As a staff we believe that the HB5 eliminates a lot of stress that students and teachers felt the STAAR testing brought. The Distinguished and Endorsement plans are put them on the right track and set them up for their futures as either a college student or working adult.

The less standardised testing part of the bill requires high school students to pass Algebra l, English l, English ll, Biology and year.

We think that this gives students the opportunity to learn more about the actual course, because students aren’t being taught to prepare for an end of the year test but more towards important things like college and tools they can utilize later in life.

Another thing that really affects students is the Distinguished and Endorsement plans. These plans are dedicated to try and focus more on the future careers of students.

The Endorsement plan offers a variety spe-

Jesse Farquhar

distinguished plan focuses more on students who want to be eligible for top 10 percent and who plan on going to college.

We believe that a student should be eligible for top 10 percent regardless what plan they

are on. If a student on the Endorsement plan is doing the same work, making the same grades and accomplishing all the same goals

as one on the Distinguished plan they should be eligible for the same automatic admission to the college of their choice.

We as a staff believe that this bill posicial.

An absence of respect leaves students feeling provoked and mistreated

Marissa Sosa Entertainment editor Lets get one thing straight; I have respect, only to the ones who show respect to me. Yes I understand respect your elders and that rule applies till you cross the line.

The line is drawn once you assume, never assume because all you do is make a butt out of you and me.

I’m not only calling out the

into play. I’ve been disrespected by many adults here on campus, I’m not going to say names, but you know who you are. Adults

adults on campus but also the young adults who act like children. I have one question, as an adult why do you tell us to act like adults but then treat us like kids and then get mad when we react as a kid?

Now there are the young adults here that need to grow up, but then there are the adults that give us a chance to show that just because there are a few bad apples that the whole bunch isn’t rotten.

That’s where assuming comes

doubt. You were our age once. You know what it’s like to be under-

mined just because of your age.

Its not fair especially when right off the bat the attitude towards us will only want to make

you started.

We understand this is your job and you have to be here every day just like us. But don’t treat us like the dirt under your carpet

Pride

the eagle’s eye Managing & in-depth editor Caitlin Starks Opinions editor Hannah Kerns Student life editor Stephanie Zuniga entertainment editor Marissa Sosa Sports editor Kenneth Jennings Photo editor Marisol Gomez On-line editor Matthew Lopez Christian Hernandez adviser David Doerr

eagle’s eye Staff Daniel Briseno Natalie Chapman Tyler Derickson Kalaya Lane Amanda Livingston Sarah Luna Kasamira Martinez Maria Moreno-Gonzales Arielle Phillips Jonathan Rivera Susana Rocha Jose Salazar Jacovo Sanchez Nicolas Sokolowski Robert Soto-Soria Isiah Strange Deandra Tristan Mark Vallejo Abraham Vargas-Alvarado Adelaida Villegas

gang” then you treat them like that but in reality maybe those are hand

me downs and that kid you just judge is the next Einstein. You just don’t know.

Spirit makeover

Lack of Eagle spirit shows

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 represents the views of the 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 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 or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph.

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 Eye staff or administration as a whole.

The Eagle’s Eye welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments 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 Michael Reeves or an editor. Letters must be signed, 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.

Organizations CSPA

2011 - Silver Medal 2012 - Gold Medal

ILPC/UIL

TAJE

NSPA

Bronze Star Award

Superior Coverage 2005 2008

All-American 2013 Best in Show 7th place - 2012

2007 2011 2012 2013

2007 - H.M. Sweepstakes 2010 - 2nd Sweepstakes 2011 - H.M. Sweepstakes

Nick Sokolowski Staff reporter Feet stomping, loud cheers and shouts, Blue and gold banners waving in the crowds. That is what school spirit is supposed to look like, but in reality, it’s just a bunch of empty bleachers and bored students without a single ounce of excitement.

Spirit Week is a time where although you still sadly have to follow dress code, you can dress up and have fun with your friends.

“Spirit Week gives everyone a chance to be involved and lets each student show off their originality.” AHA English teacher, Melissa Royer said.

Spirit Week should have ideas that are originated from students. Student Council, which plans the spirit week and some other school events, should ask students what they want do instead of only going with their own ideas.

“I don’t think there was enough school spirit, because only a small percentage of the school actually participated,” said

Alec Peschansky

News editor Jacqueline Rodriguez

Photographer

editorial Policy

editor-in-Chief Savannah Garza

at home. Some of us don’t even have a home to call a home you have an outside life and so do we.

What if we locked you all in a room all day, treated y’all with no respect and you couldn’t do a thing about it?

We are branded with the bad, and the good doesn’t really matter.

Same with appearance: “Oh that kid dresses ghetto he must be in a

sophomore cheerleader Alliyah Leonard. “We should also have more pep rallies because it will get a greater variety of people pumped for the games.”

I strongly believe we should change the time of day when the pep rallies are held. No one really wants to watch a pep rally early in the morning. A lot more kids would be involved and supportive if we had it during a different time, like after school, or the last 15 minutes of school.

“Perhaps we should include other sports as well such as softball, tennis, and track, etc.,” Royer said.

I think that if we got more involved with school activities students will have more school spirit.

“What’s neat about blue and gold night is that kids expect it, and also the whole

family participating,” Principal Daniel Girard said.

“Everybody gets to come and enjoy it and have a good time.”

Blue and Gold night is a fun night that only happens once a school year in October. It’s almost like a carnival and with diffrent activities.

“It’s a community event, but it’s also a school spirit event and gets everyone associated,” Girard said.

I think that improvements can be made, but no one wants to participate then there will be no school spirit.

If a school has a lot of school spirit, it gets recognized and more respected.

It’s going to take a lot of effort and dedication from the students, but I think if more kids are willing then maybe one day we can say we are a spirited school.

Tuesday, 10.15.13

Opinions

page 3

The Eagle’s Eye

The Eagle’s View

Dress code

School crosses line on rights Deandra Tristan Staff reporter You walk through the halls and hear another pair of footsteps following yours. Suddenly, you’re stopped and eswhat you’re wearing.

Junior Ruby Castillo feels being dress-coded is unfair and most of the time people aren’t addressed appropriately in this situation. Castillo says the school faculty people.”

“They tell us we’re adults, but they limit our attire,” Castillo said.

They should allow us to wear “sheer shirts, and tank tops.”

JROTC Master Sgt. Oscar Rios said, “there

is no place for sheer shirts” at school. Because girls often don’t wear undershirts this sometimes leads to showing undergarments or too much skin.

Rules about dress code limit our style and cantly. The principals tell us to be who we are, and to not be afraid of what people think, but how can we do that if they want us to wear what they say?

Senior Jeffery Wade Barry took a stand on this situation. Barry was recently dress-coded for his shirt, which stated the second Amendment, “The Right to Bear Arms”, in the shape of an AK-47.

“We should have our rights to choose what we wear,” Barry said.

“They treat us like kids when we’re really young adults.”

When administrators saw his shirt they decided to suspend him for the rest of the day. He wore the same shirt the next day as a form of protest.

When spotted by the administrators he was sent ed for three days.

Barry said his shirt was not distracting to his classmates, or causing a scene. When Barry asked them if he was allowed to protest, he was told no because it wasn’t his right.

In the Austin ISD dress code guide it says, “Clothing may not advertise, condone, depict, or promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs; also prohibited is clothing with vulgar or obscene language, or with images or writings that promote disruption of the educational setting.”

Barry’s shirt wasn’t affecting anyone near him,

or violating any of these Austin ISD rules.

There have been plenty of court cases involving students who have tried to sue their school because they didn’t permit any type of text on shirts that wasn’t af-

Favorite thing about club?

Media Tech

They felt their rights were beJohanna Dakay ing taken away student that at school.

Many of these cases he cannot wear a certain were dismissed simply T-shirt simply because because judges felt the they perceive that the Tschools had the right to shirt is communicating a ask people with vulgar message with which they offensive terms to re- disagree.”

In order to solve this move or change their administrashirts. In the case Boroff situation, v. Van Wert City Board of tors should be lenient on Education, Judge Ronald our dress code but know Lee says, “In sum, the where to draw the line.

Supreme Court’s First Nothing that shows too Amendment jurispru- much skin, and nothing dence prohibits school that distracts students from learning.

“We always get to learn new things and thats really cool..”

Jennifer Zarate 9th

Akins Outdoor Education “I love the Enviorment and we are always so involved.”

Diamond Alvarez 10th

School attire

Prejudgement on clothes causes distress cause of this prejudice.

Just because a person prevalently wears clothing items from

Susanna Rocha Staff reporter I feel a strong sense of enmity when I see people get judged on their attire.

Today, in society, we are not allowed to express ourselves without being insulted or being made fun of. We’ve all heard the cliché saying, “Be your own person, and don’t be afraid to express yourself.”

How am I supposed to express myself knowing there are people judging me from left to right?

It’s sad to see people afraid to wear a shirt of their favorite band be-

thrift stores, doesn’t mean their snobby hipsters, who only listen to top-secret indie bands.

A person is not an “emo” just because they decide to wear all black.

A color does not represent a person’s emotional state.

“That brand is so cheap”, is a phrase you hear whispered behind your back. Not all of us can afford to buy that $140 top from J Crew.

Unless you don’t live off your parent’s money or minimum wage, I suggest you calm down.

It is unfair that a Catholic is able to wear a cross, while a per-

We’ve come to the point that we believe someone is a criminal just because of what they’re wearing.

A girl can’t w e a r shortshorts and tank tops without getting shamed.

It gets up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit outside. It’s understandable Johanna Dakay why they don’t son can’t wear want to wear tura crescent without get- tlenecks and jeans. ting dirty looks. People We live in a time should be allowed to when wearing a sleeveproudly represent their less shirt is considered religion. inappropriate, while a Boys have to make shirt that contains a picsure they don’t wear ture of a girl in a bikini is solid colors such as red acceptable. and blue, in order to not Look at the dress be associated with gangs. code; notice how many

of the regulations are for girls. Now, I understand why wearing a shirt that shows my belly button is inappropriate for a school setting, but the way school administrators always describe it as “distracting to the boys” is disgusting.

I saw a sign in the hall recently that sums up how I feel about this. It read: “Instead of publicly shaming girls for wearing shorts or shirt sleeves in warm weather teach male students and teachers not to over sexualize normal female body parts.”

Next time, you should get to know that person before you judge them based of what they’re wearing. They can potentially be someone that’s really important to you.

College readiness

Students question life after high school

Bionic Club “We are always trying new things, and thats really cool.”

Adam Escamilla 11th

Twilight “We always get a lot of work done.”

Gabi Trautman 12th

A Creative Space For Akins “I love hearing all the kids really getting into their poetry.”

Erika San Miguel Teacher their parents when they are in trouble, missing an assignment, or just generally stressed out. They tell their parents to in-

Sonny Zuniga Students Life Editor College has been a scalding hot iron into our since we into the

branded with cattle heads walked

Johanna Dakay

Normally, I would feel tense and nervous just thinking about college, However, knowing that I had a backbone to always help made the difference

ez drigu ne Ro

that mapping out your course through high school helps keep you on track and the support from school has really helped me get on course.

My education at Akins has never been bad, year-by-year, every teacher has taught me different methods of tackling work and getting on track to college. It involves taking

line —as the grand win. When we were kids it seemed so easy. The pressure of going to college is high, and it scares students but knowing I’m prepared and I’ve taken every chance to understand the college concept has made the ride there a lot smoother.

Jaquli

doors of elementary school.

It has been pushed into our brains ever since. We were taught that going to college was the only way to ensure a successful future and we had to strive in our academics to get there.

Being college ready can be put into perspective on a student’s willingness to learn.

The basic steps to teacher-student teamwork, to where the hard work put forth by both the student and teacher inspires the student and supports them on their journey.

My belief on how to get into college is having a plan and teachers being the guide

the time out of your day to come in for tutorials, reviewing countless times for quizzes, and mainly just caring where you’re going to lead up to in life and the changes you can make.

exactly what type of college I want to attend and what my major would be.

The job of a teacher is to push us to work, to give us the drive to want to succeed and go bigger in life to have the want to push our limits. Having such teachers at Akins who attended places like the University of Texas and Texas State to a variety of other colleges, hearing their stories makes me want to work harder to go even farther. I want to, be proud that I could put the work in and get out more than I ever hoped for.

Caitlin Starks Managing editor

is going on rather than facing the teacher themselves.

In that scenario, it makes the teachers look bad for not effectively communicating with the student but its actually the student’s fault for involving a parent if no parent is needed.

I have never willingly let my parents interact with my teachers when I can do it myself but I have been known to use email to communicate with teachers rather than talking to them face-to-face.

How are students supposed to learn how to effectively communicate face-toface with professors or professionals in the world of work if this behavior has been allowed their whole lives.

I think that schools should focus more on teaching students skills that they can use for the rest of their lives and less on testing students on skills that the majority of them will only remember for the short term.

I don’t think I’m ready for college.

I just don’t think that I have had a chance to develop the skills I need to be successful at a four-year university.

Though academically my grades are stellar and numerous colleges send me pamphlets all the time, I don’t like to talk to people I don’t know outside of electronic devices and when I can avoid it I generally don’t.

Our generation has always had people o r mediums to lean on instead of putting on our big boy pants and getting things done ourselves. Because of this, a vast majority of us aren’t ready to be independent and be successful in college.

W e have always been able to rely on email to contact our teachers. This causes students to only talk to their teachers by email when they see them face-to-face all the time. Then the students start to become anxious when they have to talk face-to-face with someone because they aren’t used to it.

Johanna Dakay A lot of students also hide behind

News The Eagle’s Eye

Tuesday, 10.15.12

page 4

Film debut

Spotlight

Documentary reveals musicians’ journey KLRU airs film providing inside look into marching band’s challenges, successes Tyler Derrickson Staff Reporter

senior Kevin Acosta said.

director Mario Troncoso was ure with success.

-

story Troncoso was very

-

he came into contact with the documentary.

director Gary Faust had -

my story on them. Mr. Faust -

showed how dedication and -

Legacy lives on Previous band director, Gary Foust addresses marching band during half time along with current director, Tate Fincher and previous assistent band director Chris Bronson. Foust retired this past year after numerous years of directing the marching band.

Mia Duran said.

-

such as this documentary.

-

Faust has moved on. Finch-

stance and continue to raise

the Americas to raise money.

-

New graduation plans Cont. “HB5” pg. 1

Performing arts

-

New teachers

Diamonds take new direction

admitted to a state uni-

-

Marissa Sosa

Once a diamond, always a diamond

-

morning practice. Gates was also captain of the 2006 Diamond Dazzlers.

-

Alumna Alexandria Gates takes role of leading dance team Jacqueline Rodriguez News editor

academic career.

-

in the dance team.

the dance team she was once connect with the team she -

sever-

said. ward to the many memories

-

year with her team.

-

-

her students.

-

curve when it comes to the -

-

-

here when I was a Diamond

“With the new endorse-

briefs

-

-

Food truck puts spin on common lunch cuisine

Festive carnival to make its way upon school grounds -

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over the new -

“They have

wiches.

-

For

13

consecutive

much success with stuand teachers.

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In-Depth The Eagle’s Eye

Tuesday, 10.15.13

page 5

Organizations on campus branch out

Abraham Alvarado

Photo courtesy of Maribel Ramos

Abraham Alvarado

Planning to win Trail walking Working hard Students of the Outdoor Education Program hike their way A student from the Bionic Club works toward creating a prosthetic Students from the CANstruction Club listen as they are through the grand canyon. The students sold about 1000 - given information about their upcoming competition. The candy bars in order to pay for the trip. ished product to the parent when it is complete. food used in the competition will be given to the food bank.

Outdoor Education Program Where and when they meet: Meet the third wednesday of every month at 4:30 in room 323.

How you can join: Fill out an application on the Grand Canyon exhibition in the main foyer and turn it in to Mrs. Ramos.

What students can get out of the Outdoor Education Program: Students can visit local, state, and national parks.

Bionic Club

CANstruction Club

Where and when they meet: Meet every Thursday, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in room 163.

How you can join: Contact Mrs. Williams in room 403 and Mr. Espinoza in room 163.

What students can get out of the Bionic Club Students in the Bionic club are currently designing a prosthetic leg cover for an Akins parent.

Where and when they meet: Meet in room 165 on Mondays and Thursdays after school.

How you can join: Just show up.

What students can get out of the CANstruction Club: Compete/ build entire structures out of cans from canned goods. Once the competition is over, students get to donate the cans to the food bank for people who need it.

“Word” Literary Magazine

Speech/Debate Team Where and when they meet: Meet in room 233 on Tuesdays How you can join: Sign up by talking to Mr. Valles in room 233.

What students can get out of the Speech/Debate Team: Students can recieve scholarships while making professional and academic connections.Students are also able to travel the state and visit top schools in the nation.

Health Science Practicum

Where and when they meet: Every Friday in RM 233 How can you join: Just stop by to be a part of the product.

What students can get out of the Literary Magazine: Students can post creative pieces to the new word Tumblr and fundraise to provide a “Best of” copy of “Word” to every student at the end of the year. Students can also submit literary works for consideration.

New programs on campus let students have memorable experiences outside of school.

Twilight Program

Where and when they meet: 7th and 8th period in room 301.

How you can join: Contact Mrs. Jenschke in room 301.

What students can get out of the Health Science Practicum : Students are able to work in the training room with athletic trainers and Akins athletes. Students training.

Kasamira Martinez

Learning with condiments Students practice taking care of a small cut with ketchup in the Health Science Practicum. Students in the practicum are

Media Tech Club

Where and when they meet: Monday through Thursday in the library computer lab from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

How you can join: Contact your counselor or see Mr. Gerald in room 161 to sign up What students can get out of the Twilight Program: Students can recover credits from prior semesters while getting help from instructors and having snacks on hand.

Savannah Garza

Credit recovery Students in the Twilight program work to gain the credits they need to graduate. In the Twilight program free snacks are provided for students.

Where and when they meet: every month in room 277 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

How you can join: Join by coming to meetings and activities What students can get out of the Media Tech Club: Students are able to help create a video that highlights the New Tech Academy.

Kasamira Martinez

Tech-nically acting Students from the Media Tech Club act out a scene while entertaining their fellow club members. The Media Tech Club will have a booth at Blue and Gold Night.

Student Life The Eagle’s Eye

Tuesday, 10.15.13

page 6

Clubs Outdoor Education Program

Outdoor program backpacks Grand Canyon

Photo Courtesy of Akins Outdoor Education Program

Following the trail Members of the Outdoor Education Program rove the rigorous Grand Canyon trail. Club members took water bottles and sun hats to protect themselves from the heat and to avoid heat exhaustion. The program offers students a chance to visit national landmarks and parks all around the United States.

Students experience wildlife nature traveling in new school outdoor education program Jose Salazar Staff Reporter Akins High School has done adventurous events over the years, both educational and daring. One of the most unforgettable trips taken this summer was the Grand Canyon trip.

Because of Social Services geography teacher, Maribel Velez-Ramos, students were able to visit the Grand Canyon, and take in its breathtaking scenery. But this is just the beginning.

The Akins Outdoor Edu-

Spotlight

cation Program is a new program at Akins High School that gives students a chance to visit national landmarks and parks around America.

With the program planning to go to other places such as national, city, and state parks, it’s off to a good start, said students who attended the Grand Canyon trip.

Senior Sara Velez was so excited to hear about the chance to go somewhere that she had no knowledge of and she couldn’t wait to see something different.

“My experience going to the Grand Canyon National Park will be something that I will never forget,” Velez said.

STEM science teacher, Ethan Peters, suggested going to the Grand Canyon but it was a stretch due to the high cost of $3,000. VelezRamos helped with the fundraising and found sponsors that donated money that helped reduce the cost to $1000 per student.

“We sold about 1000 chocolate bars which payed for the hotel, the camps,

Across the pond

tickets,” said Velez-Ramos.

The Grand Canyon was just one of many possible destinations. The programcould have gone to Niagra Falls or Puerto Rico just to name a few.

“The reason that we went to the Grand Canyon was because it was the closest one to the Seven Wonders of the World,” Velez Ramos said.

“And we have been learning about tectonic plates, erosion, and the biosphere so it to the lesson.”

Spotlight

Parks are losing visitors and we as the students should go and explore what they have to offer so we aren’t revoked the privilege from them,” Velez-Ramos said. The Akins Outdoor Education Program goes to national, state, and city parks, this year we plan to go to a town North West of Austin, and to Buchanan Lake in Burnett during June. VelezRamos said.

The program opens new possibilities of learning, by taking students to other historical places to learn.

“I really wanted to go to the trip because every American should go to these places in America,” sophomore Maritza Ramirez said.

I raised $540 but since I didn’t go to the Grand Canyon I will use the money I have plus the money I will raise this year to go to Buchanan Lake.”

The Akins Outdoor Education Program is open for anyone to join. Students can pick up an application located on the Grand Canyon National Park photo exhibition in the main foyer.

Designing for a cure

Foreigners get a glimpse of Student designs for a cure new ways of life in America Graphic designer Michael Feser creates art for cancer Natalie Chapman Staff Reporter

Jacqueline Rodriguez News Editor

Finland, Germany, Italy, and Norway. These are the countries from which Akins has welcomed foreign exchange students this year.

Students like sophomore Julia Jakob, junior Domiziano Luisetti, and seniors Paula Vuorela and Eivind Jonesberg made the long trip from home to live the “American Dream” here in Texas.

“When I was younger my dad had a job in Atlanta so me and my family lived there for two years,” Vuorela said. “Ever since we moved back to Finland, I have wanted to come back to the United States.”

The students all were able to travel and live in the U.S. through various programs and organizations.

“I love living here in America. I love the culture and people because it’s different than in Germany,” Jakob said. “I was able to travel here through an organization called International Experience which allows me to study abroad here in Texas.”

The AFS Exchange Student program, which also does charity work, provided Vuorelas the opportunity of traveling here from Finland.

Explorius brought Jonesberg his opportunity to travel here from Norway.

Luisetti however was a student chosen in Italy to live here in Texas.

“I was randomly chosen to live here through the

Like many students at Akins Senior Michael Feser spends a lot of his time most of his peers, his time to help those suffering from Feser, who taught himself how to use Adobe graphic design software, creates “speed art,” which consists of a time-lapse demonstration of his artwork to create his graphic coupled with background music.

Savannah Garza

Making friends along the way Foreign Exchange students Eivind Jonesberg and Domiziano Luisetti socializing during lunch. Jonesberg and Luisetti came from the Explorius organization and World Heritage program, respectively.

World Heritage Program,” Luisetti said “ I want to graduate high school in Italy but I want to come to college in the United States.”

The four students are all taking a big liking to living here in the Lone Star state.

“I love to live here. The weather has been so nice so far,” Vuorela said. “I love the people and the culture and the super unhealthy food which is making me fat.”

Jonesberg feels the welcoming by his fellow peers and is getting adjusted to the American education system.

“People here are open

and welcoming. It took time to get used to the American school system but now it is easy than in Norway,” Jonesberg said.

With a new school year brings new welcoming to the students, who hope to eventually be back once they leave.

“I wish I could stop time and never have to go back to Finland. I’d rather live here than there,” Vuorela said. school and university back in Finland I plan on moving to the U.S. for good or even live in Hawaii.”

use the software was rough,” Feser said. “But after getting feedback from those I originally got my inspiration from it pushed me to continue my work and have more of a drive for my hobby.”

Through participating in online graphic design contests, Feser stumbled upon the inspiring work of 17-year-old Brandon Street from the United Kingdom who started the GFX4Cancer organization.

“GFX4Cancer was what I came up with combining a hobby with something I really aspire to do, donate,” according to Street’s Web site.

Feser was attracted to the organization after reading about Street, whose sister of 12 years old had been suffering with cancer for four years . Like Street, Feser knew he couldn’t physically help her, but realized that they could apply their advanced graphic design skills into a giving project to raise awareness

Johanna Dakay

and money for cancer research organizations in the United Kingdom.

Street’s graphic design organization that shares various graphic designs and tutorial videos and sell their designs to businesses and any potential buyers to raise money to donate to cancer research organizations. Feser said he felt like his talorganization. raises money through direct donations, selling artist graphics, and through the them for every view they get. months the channel gained Tube pays them for every view they get on its videos.

GFX4Cancer consists of 24 contributing artists and is supported by over 5,000 subscribers.

Instead of only making

graphic designs and upload4Cancer also sells their own clothing merchandise which is featured that contains their organization logo and uplifting slogans as another way to raise money.

Feser said he gets to apply his work to something meaningful and be a part of a partnership that gives a true meaning to giving back with other teens around the world.

Using his artistic passion for creating graphic designs he gets to express his creative side.

“I am doing what I love making graphics and upFeser said.

Although Feser does not personally know anyone who has suffered with cancer he said he is happy to help a noble cause.

“If you’re watching graphics online why not give to cancer at the same time,” Feser said.

Tuesday, 10.15.13

Student Life

The Eagle’s Eye

page 7

Hobbies

Off Campus

Teachers channel their artistic visions Campus teachers show their out-of-school hobbies demonstrating their creativity Kalaya Lane Staff Reporter Painting shoes, crafting up homemade soap, and hand making jewelry are some of the few pastimes teachers like to do outside of the classroom.

English teacher Melissa Royer, who makes her own soap out of goat milk, is a prime example of one of these teachers.

“My family and I love making and selling our own soap,” Royer said. “My favorite is the green soap called Herbman.”

For Royer, making soap was inspired by trying it out raculous healing it did for peoples’ skin.

This gave Royer the idea to start selling the product, which now helps to provide cial to students like Alexis Royer’s soap.

“I really recommend you buy the soap, because it can help with acne, and it smells said.

For other teachers a hob-

Rocking earlobes Economics teacher, Teresa Grumbles creates homemade trendy earrings. Being her creative power source it enables her passion for creating earrings.

by is a creative outlet and an ejoyable past time.

This is the case with government and economics teacher Teresa Grumbles who makes earrings.

Grumbles says that her love for earrings is what inspired her, and that it enabled her to feel like she could create something special.

“It’s my passion,” Grumbles said. “I’ve always loved earrings, and when I was a stay-at-home mom it gave me something to do.”

As for pre-calculus and geometry teacher Elise Briseno, painting shoes came as something she just simply wanted to do.

When she bought her own Vans she didn’t always like the way they looked.

Briseno started creating her own patterns and designs four years ago.

“I work in my house,” Briseno said. “I buy very expensive high-end acrylics online, grab a paint brush and Sharpies, and get to work. I make designs depending on the client, but for me I particularly use book or movie references, and use my geometry skills to translate the design onto my

Creating patterns Math teacher, Elise Briseno shows off her high-end designed shoes. Briseno started designing her shoes when noticing how bland her Vans were.

shoes.”

Selling your own product in school, during school hours especially can interfere with the learning process.

So teachers like Royer and Grumbles ask that kids come before or after school to purchase their crafts.

As for Briseno, she would prefer that students be out of school and graduated before buying due to not be-

ing allowed to sell during school hours.

“It’s very uncomfortable for me to paint and sell shoes to students,” Briseno said. “I prefer to sell to people I don’t know outside of school.”

Royer sells her handcrafted specialties to students on campus.

“Students can for sure come before or after school to buy a bar of soap. It is six

dollars a bar,” Royer said.

Royer explains that students usually react with a shock on their face when goat milk or yogurt incorporated into the soap.

“They usually ask me, ‘what? You can do that?’

Royer said.

As for Grumbles her students are just shocked that she does something besides teaching.

Ceramics makes Aspiring student comes a long way a huge comeback Academics

Student Accomplishments

Pottery class gets fresh equipment

Sarah Luna Staff Reporter

Maria Moreno Staff Reporter

Adapting to a new culture, learning a new language and coping with not seeing her close family members regularly, junior Valentina Tovar’s life has changed since she was a little girl.

Moving to the United States from Colombia, Tovar and her family gained residence through a request from the government for political asylum.

Through a friend in Colombia, Tovar’s parents both got jobs and also worked at a catering company at night.

“Although it was tiring, it because we got to learn from different cultures,” Olga Lucia Rojas, Tovar’s mother said. to leave behind her family and friends, especially for her mother who had to give up her job as a dentist to live the “American Dream.”

“My mother knew that moving to America was going to make life better for me and my sister and doing so, she gave up a lot,” Tovar said.

I hasn’t been easy only seeing her grandmother for years at a time and her dad only about once a year.

“Even though she doesn’t remind me everyday, there is the constant silent reminder that my mother gave up absolutely everything for me,” Tovar said, Tovar, the Class of 2015 Student Council president, is also involved in Key Club, wind symphony, Class of 2015 Prom Committee, FCA, Young Life and Girl Scouts.

She said she really admires Nathaniel Buescher, last year’s valedictorian, for his humble and reliable ways.

Former valedictorian and

More than meets the eye Aspiring valedictorian Valentina Tovar dissects the insides of a cow eyeball. While taking a human body systems course in STEM, Tovar also uses her course to better her for the bio

the aspiring valedictorian became good friends through involvement in band.

After Buescher got accepted into Stanford University, one out of many choices Buescher pursued, they emailed frequently and Tovar would ask him what to do to prepare for college.

There were days when Buescher wouldn’t get any sleep but he worked hard anyway because he knew that it would pay off in the long run, Tovar said.

“So, whenever I complain about being tired for whatever reason, or how I would much rather spend

lunch with my friends then going to tutoring, I remind myself that if Nathaniel could have done it, Why can’t I?” she said “Valentina is an exceptional student who is aware of what she’s good at and what she isn’t good at,” band director Tate Fincher said. needs to work on, she works ability.”

Tovar strives to maintain good habits like not procrasreview, and studying alone.

Tovar is very independent in what she does and gets her

homework done no matter what. As an example of her persistence in making top grades she says that if she gets a 98 on an essay, she’ll go her teacher and ask what she did wrong.

“I want to be a better writer,” Tovar said.

She said it gets very annoying and frustrating because sometimes she would rather go and have lunch with her friends instead of spending all her time in tutoring.

“Valentina is hard working, strong, and on top of it all, humble,” said best friend Briana Wagner, who has

made this class pretty state of the art.”

Even though Akins Ceramics, a new class is one of the last schools that is offered at Akins to have it, it has one of High School, allows stu- the best ceramics studios around, as far as local express their artistic skills schools are concerned.

“It’s pretty common for using a three-dimensional high schools to have this approach. program, it’s a shame In the past, Art, we haven’t had it Drawing, and for a while and Printmaking I’m just trying to were the only bring it back.” art classes Cannon said. available for students. non was wor“This ried whether time I don’t or not this class have to rewould make it strain myself because only 12 with just usstudents commiting a pencil and Johanna Dakay ted to be in the class canvas,” junior last year.

Johanna Dakay said.

“We now have about A donation of equipment from the art depart- 22-23 students, which is ment at The University really good for the amount Of Texas at Austin helped of space in this room,” the creation of the class at Cannon said.

Cannon and his stuAkins become a reality.

Students now have new dents believe more stutools, including two pot- dents should know about tery wheels, three hand- ceramics.

“I’m trying to get more for clay work, storage people to join ceramics shelves, and a second kiln. right now,” senior Bill “We got about over Nguyen said.“I suggest $4,000 worth of equip- on joining ceramics but ment from UT because trust me, it’s a very messy they canceled their ceram- class.”

The class is working ics program,” art teacher Eric Cannon said. “With- on exposed coil pots, in out that donation these which they roll pieces of would have been really clay and put them together using their hands. been friends with Tovar for the time, and even though she can’t always hang out during the weekends or if I ask her if she wants to do something, I know that she’s very dedicated.”

During back to school night Tovar was praised by her teachers for her work ethic and dedication to striving for excellence.

“It was then I knew that all my hard work really payed off,” Tovar said.

Some will say that Tovar is lucky when she gets older and reaches success, said sistant principal.

“That’s not really the case,” he said. “Her success will be because she prepared her herself when opportunity comes about.”

Arts & Entertainment The Eagle’s Eye Literature

Tuesday, 10.15.13

page 8

“American Born Chinese”

Artist enchants comic book readers

Chinese graphic novelist shares journey of publishing his personal story Amanda Livingston Staff Reporter As a young child Gene Yang, graphic novel artist and writer, wanted to be an animator and dreamed of someday working for Walt Disney.

The Chinese graphic novel artist and writer, visited students of Akins High School on Wednesday, Sept 25.

Once he began collecting comic books, his mind changed. Yang decided that being an animator took more work than he had expected, so he would be better suited in the making of graphic novels and comic books.

Thus, his dream of creating graphic novels began.

In 1996, Yang began publishing his own graphic novels and comics under a small company under the name of Humble Comics.

Yang’s work took off when Dark Horse Comics, the third largest comic publishing company in the United States, asked Yang to help the writing of graphic novels to add onto the Nickelodeon show, Avatar: the Last Airbender.

Yang recently came out with his paired books titled “Boxers & Saints”. The books focus on the Boxer Rebellion in China, more than 100 years ago when the Chinese government faced Along with “Boxers & Saints”, Yang has also written and illustrated a graphic

Marisol Gomez

Artist shares story Graphic novel artist Gene Yang visits with comic book fans in the library. Along with being an artist, he’s also a computer science teacher in California.

novel close to home called, “American Born Chinese”.

“American Born Chinese” has many aspects from his childhood and his home thrown into the story’s characters and some of the plot.

The story includes Chinese stereotypes as well as situations that an immigrant child may feel in a culture different from they’re own.

“American Born Chinese”, involves a character from Yang’s childhood named the Monkey King. Becoming a symbol for Yang’s childhood, The Monkey King was a character Yang was sure he wanted to incorporate into a graphic novel.

“The Monkey King for Chinese people is like Mick-

ey Mouse is for Americans,” Yang said.

The third story stars a character names Cousin Chin-Kee, a student at the school that always makes jokes and remarks. ChinKee used to be a character that Yang would draw in his notebook as a young child.

When Yang came across his old journal, he knew he

wanted to incorporate his childhood drawing into his graphic novel.

Even Yang, an emerging writer and illustrator, has discouragment from doing what he wanted to do. Publishers were not sure about his concepts and ideas, and neither were his parents.

“I had very practical parents. They wanted me to be

an engineer or something along those lines,” he said.

Pushing past those expectations, Yang earned him awards for his novels.

“American Born Chinese” was a 2006 National Book Award nominee. It also won the Eisner Award for Best New Graphic Novel, and the Michael L. Printz Award, both in 2007.

Various bands Album features famous collaborators attend festival Review Hall of Fame

Jacob Sanchez Staff Reporter

Detroit rapper, Sean Anderson known as Big Sean sophomore album as hungry as ever to be the greatest.

Hall of Fame was released with four singles to promote the album that include “Guap,” “Switch Up” featuring Chicago rapper Common, lead single “Beware” featuring Lil Wayne “Fire” to which there is also a music video. The track “Control” featuring Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica was released for free by Sean. The track received a lot of attention due to Lamar’s verses calling out almost every mainstream rapper including Big Sean although also praising some.

Sean’s raps range from talking about Detroit’s bankruptcy to old girlfriends.

He made sure you remembered his verses such as, ”Yeah, I got a brand new Benz, Crazy right, brand new Benz, Got less miles on it than I do friends.” Hall of Fame is much different from Big Sean’s last album, Finally Famous, as Sean has grown as an MC and a person.

Production on the album was not a disappointment as Big Sean brought producer Key Wane from his hometown of Detroit that was credited with 7 out of the 18 tracks including deluxe tracks. Chicago legend No I.D. who was also Kanye West’s mentor, was credited with 8 of the 18 tracks where he brought the old school feel of Hip-Hop into Sean’s

album. Other producers that contributed include Travi$ Scott, Da Internz, Xaphoon Jones, Hey DJ, Million $ Mano and Mike Dean.

The album starts off with the track, “Nothing is Stopping You” where Sean describes himself in the past having to work hard to get recognized and wanting to be “Finally Famous.” Big Sean also tells us how hard he now works in the track “10 2 10” where he tells us he works from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. On “Mona Lisa” Sean takes us to his love life with a “trap” beat that can get anybody pumped up even though you may not relate with his lyrics. There are also some old school feel hip-hop tracks on Hall of Fame such as “Sierra Leone,” “World Ablaze” featuring James Fauntleroy.

“Ashley” featuring Miguel is about Sean’s old girlfriend, and “All Figured Out” is about his friends and family. Other tracks on the album include, “Toyota Music,” “You Don’t Know,” “First Chain” featuring Nas

Savannah Garza

Savannah Garza and Kenny Jennings

“It’s Time” featuring Jeezy and Payroll.

Critics rated Sean’s Hall of Fame with ratings ranging from average to very good. Critics such as, Exclaim, Metacritic, and Spin gave Hall of Fame a rating of seven out of 10 while XXL and The Source magastars.

Sean has kept busy by touring on Kid Cudi’s “The Cud Life Tour.” He will also

be featured on almost every one of the tour dates alongside Logic and Tyler, The Creator.

Although Hall of Fame only sold about 72,000 rewas sold in stores, there are a few tracks for everyone because of the variety of features and beats. You won’t be disappointed with some of the catchy hooks, 808 kick drums and classic piano keys featured in this album.

The Grand Canyon National Park Field Trip Thank you to our sponsors!

To all of our wonderful sponsors: We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sponsoring a student. Your selflessness has given a student the opportunity to receive an unforgettable outdoor education experience that would otherwise have been unavailable.

Weekend to remember Tame Impala rocks the Honda Stage at ACL Festival.

They performed their hit single “Elephant.”

Music lovers praise two weekend event Savannah Garza Editor-in-Chief Music lovers, families, students, and musicians gathered in early October for the annual Austin City Limits festival that claims the grounds of Zilker Park every year.

ACL attracted more than 75,000 people each day the 12-years of the same format, festival organizers added a twist this year by extending the festival to a second weekend of concerts.

Headliners Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Lionel Richie lit up the night and attracted people of all ages despite the familiarity with the older crowd.

Smaller headliners like Phoenix, Tame Impala, Passion Pit and Kendrick Lamar also attracted large numbers of in their hands to represent themselves in the sea of festival goers.

Pop-rock trio Haim drew a large crowd with a memorable performance. The audience enthusiastically responded to the band’s drumming and guitar skills with rhythmic clapping and cheering that left listeners energetic and ready for more. many with local food, renowned bands, sunny – yet cool

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Tuesday, 10.15.13 Speech & Debate

Arts & Entertainment

The Eagle’s Eye

page 9

Combined forces

Performance groups combine forces

Airelle Phillips

Practice makes perfect Speech and debate students rehearse newly learned techniques upon the Akins Journey Theater stage. Their next competition is Oct. 19 at Jack C. Hayes High School.

Students hope to seek success by adding theatrical elements and new direction Airelle Phillips Staff Reporter The speech and debate program, which has been almost non-existent in recent years, has ignited with life and a new direction. For has merged with the theater program, crating new opportunities and challenges for both organizations.

Last year the speech program spread the word about the change. With those changes, students are showing results by winning competitions and building skills.

“Last year I didn’t even know I liked acting until I discovered speech. Now I’m going to competitions every other weekend and I’m involved in theater now as well.”

Sophomore Jesse Lee Farquhar-Greth said.

“It’s really fun and the people I work with are spectacular.”

The idea could be very daunting to students who have only ever acted on stage.

“In a show you aren’t being competitive unless you are at a festival. No one is there to rate the quality of your acting. But speech tournaments are all about ratings and scores.” Speech teacher, Jesus Valles said “And with speech, the reward is so immediate. In theater they don’t do that. You put on a good show with other people” “It has become a priority,” Theater teacher Maureen Siegel said. “Everyone will improve their skills and we can become more competitive.”

The current show Moon Over Buffalo is being directed by Siegel, Valles, and Theater

teacher, Erica Vallejo.

“It is the three of us for speech and theater” Siegel said, “It is exciting. I’m excited about it. I love getting to work with a team.”

The plan has already gone into effect.

Many of the speech students are auditioning and taking part in shows, and theater students are now going to competitions with Valles and even winning awards for their skills.

“I encourage people to come and check it out,” Valles said. “I believe training for speech competitions will make actors much stronger.”

The program is open to everyone on campus who is willing to give it a shot.

“It’s a good way to get scholarships and for people to make professional and academic connections” Valles said Student’s who participate in the program

have received much support from administrators.

“The goal is to be better than you were yesterday,” Siegel said. “We have the support of both our assistant principal and our principal.”

Most schools with successful theater programs also have speech and theatre combined Valles is making it his priority to get kids winning awards in competition and winning this years theater UIL competition.

“At the end of the day it’s fun. It’s fun to compete, and it’s fun to act.” Valles said.

For Siegel, combining theater with speech and debate has been a goal she’s tried to achieve for some time already.

“I’ve been trying to get this to happen for a long time,” Siegel said.

Review

Fan girls take one direction — to the movie theater Stephanie Zuniga Staff Reporter Screaming fan girls, scared ushers and one big premiere could only mean one thing: The One Direction This Is Us documentary has been released in theaters worldwide.

Eagle Vogue Jacqueline Rodriguez News Editor As summer ends and the school bells begin to ring, stunew styles.

Around campus, girls are making entrances with their summery attire. High waisted shorts and crop tops seem to be a popular trend and sophomore Alyssa Rogge knows a thing or two about this common attire. waisted shorts with crops tops because they’re super cute and simple to throw on,” Rogge said.

Other common fashion statements seen around camcrowns.With the autumn leaves falling upon the school grounds, students are gearing up for the cold weather ahead.

“I’m looking forward to wearing comfy oversized sweaters with jeans or leggings,” Rogge said.

As we say good riddance to the humid weather for a few months, girls can slip into their warm comfortable clothes yet make it fashionable.

Girls can achieve this by pairing a collard shirt with an oversized sweater on top creating a simple yet put together look. This top can be completed with any skirt and tights combination making it easy to mix and match.

With simple yet fashionable looks like this, girls can easily make their statement as the temperatures drop.

Jacob Sanchez Staff Reporter Boys continue to wear streetwear, which has been popular for many years with many brands to buy from such as Stussy, Supreme, Bape, and Been Trill, which is now being sold at Pacsun.

As for sneakers, Nike’s Roshe Runs have become a new school favorite, as they are very stylish and affordable. Roshes come in various colors and Nike even offers a Nike ID option online that lets its customers customize their shoe and order it.

Black has become a popular choice for a nice color tie-dye shirts are heavily worn as they stick out from the crazy color schemes that aren’t seen every day. One student who adds their own pieces to set themselves apart from the rest is senior Arthur Gallardo.

“I don’t really have a certain style I would say. It is not the same each time,” Gallardo said. “I like Black Scale because of its darker colors and it is minimalistic. I like the brand 10 Deep because they add more color and more varieties of styles and patterns that pop out. They catch somebody’s eyes.”

As it becomes colder everyone can start to bring out their hoodies and sweatshirts. Places like American Apparel and H&M offer basics at affordable prices so everyone can maintain a fresh wardrobe for fall and winter.

a

typical boy antics.

Although they harmonize like angels, the boys dance like they have two left feet. But their fans don’t care as they “scream for 72 years,” which is something often said online.

The documentary shows the boys’ everyday work life and concert preparations as they travel around the world on their “Take

ups of live performances and backstage costume changes that are sure to get some shrilly screams in the theater.

Traveling from Spain to Mexico, to every kind of arena in the United States, One Direction’s movie follows the boys from continent to continent

sharing the journey of visiting new countries while they leave their old lives behind.

With an intimate look at their life on the ing One Direction.

sa Sos

losing each members’ talent therefore creating the talented group One Direction.

Sadly, One Direction lost in third place with no recording contract. However, with

contemplates their packed schedule on their

Me Home” tour, which promotes their second album.

Maris

and coming boy band with a dream of their talents being known.

Making it on the United Kingdom version of the “X Factor,” judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh combine

the enormous support of their fan base they shot up to the top of the charts.

Under the management of Modest! and Sony Records, and being signed under X Factor mentor Simon Cowell’s label, One Direction went from the bottom of the stairs to the top of the charts with their hit single “What Makes You Beautiful.”

Photo Essay The Eagle’s Eye

Tuesday, 10.15.13

page 10

Homecoming, school spirit takes over Marisol Gomez Photo Editor

Although the varsity football team suffered a loss in their game against Travis High, the Eagle spirit was on full display. The team stayed in the game the entire time pulling off amazing touchdowns. The stands did their part supporting the team in all the ups and downs of the game, especially the student section.

“I feel that especially the seniors showed a lot of school spirit, I was really proud to be an eagle” senior Bailey Compton said.

Throughout the entire game the senior class of 2014, was loud and proud whether it was repping their class, shouting chants or throwing around huge beach balls.

“My favorite part off homecoming was throwing around the huge beachballs,” Compton said.

Even though the homecoming game was full of spirit and pride, some students believe we can show even more spirit every week.

“I think we should treat every week like homecoming week,” senior Alyssa Gonzalez said. “We should be that supportive all the time and with every sport,” Gonzalez said.

Football players said that they would do better when more of the student body shows up to games to support them and cheer them on.

“I want everyone to come out and support us because we’re coming up,” senior Teddy Lowery said. “When people are in the stands cheering us on we are actually motivated to play our best and win because we have something to play for,” Senior Fred Blackman said.

Crazy in the stands Seniors represent 2014 as they pump up the crowd and the Eagles to stay in the game. According to Senior Megan Martinez, “This being our last homecoming is a bitter sweet feeling” Maritnez said. The seniors this year stayed pumped throughout the entire game and kept the players motivated.“We love our foootball boys,” Martinez said.

all pumped up.

Jacqueline Rodriguez

Walk of royalty Seniors Fred Blackman and Sydney Loyd smile big for the crowd as they take their walk of royalty as Homemy game because everyone would be watching me” Blackman said. They were as they took their corination walk.

Powering through Junior Jason Rivers shoots

Christian Martinez

down putting the Eagles in a position to score another touchdown. Even though the Eagle’s didnt win they played their hardest. “The teams we play during pre season don’t compare to the teams we play during district so we have to play harder,” Rivers said.

Marisol Gomez

Marisol Gomez

The long run Senior Marshal Trevino starts off the second half with a 98-yard-kick return for a touchdown leaving Travis defendsideline and saw how open it was, and my sidekick Maleek Chavez came with the block for me to beat the last guy,” Trevino said. Travis defenders were completely stunned when Marshal reached the endzone.

“We on the come up” Freshman Nick Lopez leads the Eagles out of the tunnel honored to have the privledge to lead the team out of the said.

Lopez plays on the freshman football team and aspires to one day play on varsity. He does his part to support the team by holding up plays and cheering them on from the sidelines the entire game.

Marisol Gomez

Sports The Eagle’s Eye Football

Tuesday, 10.15.13

page 11

Finding success

Eagles setting sights on making playoffs Akins varsity football finds it’s way to have the team’s best season since 2004 Kenny Jennings Sports Editor

Fourth and forever On 4th and 12, senior Teddy Lowery snatches the ball out of the air from Bastrop defensive backs. Lowery shook the defenders and was downed on the 1-yard line, leading the Eagles to a touchdown right before halftime.

Volleyball

Looking forward

Lady Eagles find more success than last year’s season Jonathan Rivera Staff Reporter

The third touch The team has worked hard to set the bar even higher for this season.

Tennis

Making progress

Cross Country

Athlete feature

Tennis team improving as a whole Hodges finishes first at district meet Tyler Derickson Staff Reporter

Hannah Kerns Opinions Editor

A step ahead Sophmore Julian Hodges sprints ahead of his competion at a Del Valle meet. Hodges plans on placing at other events.

Over the net Junior captain Bobby Otte winds up for a serve against the Bowie Bulldogs. Otte has been praised to be most improved over the season by his coach and teammates.

Community Page The Eagle’s Eye

Tuesday, 10.15.13

page 12

Student Support Services freely helps Akins students

Principal’s Message -

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Support Groups Available 1. Emotions Management Group Focusing primarily on coping with feelings of depression and/ or anxiety

2. Anger Management Group 3. Grief and Loss Group 4. Pregnancy and Parenting Groups 5. Healthy Relationships Group 6. LGBTQ Support Group 7. Girls Empowerment Group Girls-only group

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8. Sober Living Support Group

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Outside agencies will also provide groups in the following areas:

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1. Con Mi Madre 2. Expect Respect separate groups for boys and girls (Safe Place)

9-1-1 students visit fire house

Park Ranger program starts

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Future park rangers Members of ACES new park ranger program celebrate

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Fire house visit Members of Akins emergency communication class pose for a group photo in front of a

Students gain emergency communicaiton skills

The Eagle’s Eye

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

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Akins Cares encourages volunteering -

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Blue and GolD night Come enjoy the celebration of all things Akins!

Enjoy food, game booths, and various Akins performers, including the Diamond Dazzlers, the Akins band and orchestra.

Oct. 23 (Wednesday) ◆ 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.