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The
EAGLE’S EYE W. Charles Akins High School
Austin, Texas “Everything that Concerns You”
Volume 15
Issue 6 May 25, 2016
New Year, New Schedule
New schedules anticipated for next school year Bradley Barto Opinions Editor
Plans are afoot that would not only push back the school day start- and end-times by 5 minutes, but also scrap the current alternating A-B-Day calendar Akins has operated under for about ten years. If things go as planned this summer, school will start at 9 a.m. and end at 4:25 p.m. each day at Akins and all of the other South Austin high schools. Also, Mondays and Wednesdays would be designated as A-Days, Tuesdays and Thursdays would be set as B-Days and Fridays would alternate between A or B days every week. The changes are the result of new education laws that are forcing school districts to change the way they comply with a new state law that sets a required number of minutes of instructional time students must attend rather than the old 180-day standard. The change is designed to allow school districts so they don’t have to build in bad-weather make-up days. By counting instructional time by minutes instead of days, if a school needs to make up missed time, they can add minutes to a school day instead of adding more days to the school calendar. “The new bell schedule allows us to not have to add
RECOGNITION
pal Manuel Garcia said. Akins students won’t notice any changes in the overall amount of time spent at school each day because administrators lengthened the school day by 10 minutes program, which is the other major cause for the schedule changes. Student Sharing is an initiative designed to allow students to take certain Career and Technology courses at nearby high schools if their home campus does not offer that program. The program will require all South Austin high schools to follow the same bell schedule so that stutravel back to their home campuses after attending CTE courses at other schools. Students who participate in ible Instruction Time class periods that were added for every day of the week at Akins this year. Students who attend Akins, Bowie, Crockett, Eastside Memorial and Travis high schools will be able to take certain courses at these campuses if their desired CTE program is not offered at their home campuses. These South Austin high schools will all have to operate on the same bell schedule to accommodate this pro-
gram, which is currently already in place at the North Austin high schools such as Anderson, McCallum and Reagan. Health Science teacher Juanita Soto said she is looking forward to possibly having Mondays through Thursdays on the same A-B day schedule. “For our program it’s a better thing, the days are set Because there are so many campuses involved, the because various school administrators still need to review and approve it. The proposed bell schedule would not affect the length of the passing periods or lunch. The passing periods would stay as 5-minutes long and lunch would remain 35 minutes long, Garcia said. Sophomore Lucas Montgomery said the new schedule sounds more complicated because of the interchangeable day on Friday, but could be a good thing if it allows students to have new Career and Technology course opportunities. “I feel like having two of the same classes in a row every other week, could make things a bit more stressful. The other parts of the new schedule, could help kids
EXTRACURRICULARS
Students are awarded for their hard work and dedication Brenda Amaya News Editor
As the school year comes to an end several individual Every year, through the Hamilton Scholar program, 35 to 40 students from around the United States are selected ton program helps students get accepted into colleges and gives them a better transition into college and more opportunities when they are transitioning to careers through internships. selected to be a part of the Hamilton Academy Scholar Program. Nguyen credited College and Career counselor Sarah Simmons with helping her earn participation in the program. “Ms.Simmons recommended for me to apply for the scholarship, she also helped guide me throughout the aping the application then the second round was whenever they narrow it down from over 2,000 student applications to 70 applications and that’s over a phone interview. After that interview they narrow it down to 40 students which
teams automatically qualify for nationals. Out of the four to nationals. duo to compete and placed second at the State championed as a duo, placing fourth at the State Championships. “My partner, Valeria and I are an EMT (Emergency
Hamilton Scholar Award: Tammy Nguyen
Cross Country Scholarship: Caleb Calderon
going on to nationals and show the nation that Akins has The HOSA Nationals Championships will be held at Nashville, Tennessee in June. peted in the National Individual Event Tournament of Championship at Denver, Colorado. Junior Ethan Cannon and senior Joshua Solis competed as a duo and won third place. “Joshua and I acted out ‘Dark Play’ by Carlos Murillo and when we found out we placed third at nationals, we Senior Tyra Williams also competed at nationals perfourth. “I would say that I worked for a solid two years, be-
The Health Occupation Student of America (HOSA) Occupations Students of America competed in the HOSA State Championships in Galveston. Only the top three
Individual Awards
The Legal Eagles program also received recognition when the Austin Bar Association was named the 2016
Groups Awards Winter Guard: JV Team Bronze Medalist (TCGC State Championships) Speech Team: Ethan Cannon and Joshua Solis (3rd place at nationals) Tyra Williams (4th place) HOSA: Shelby Long and Valeria Herrera (2nd place at state competition)
INSIDE... Opinions - page 2 entertainment - page 3 InDepth - page 4 news - page 5 life & style - page 6 SPORTS - page 7 PHOTO ESSAY- page 8
OPINIONS
page 2
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – May 25, 2016
Obama disallows trans bathroom discrimination EDITORIAL
T
ransgender students cannot be forced to use a bathroom that does not correspond to their gender identity. That’s what the Obama administration explicitly stated when it issued guidelines earlier this month to school officials across the country, marking a watershed moment for the rights of transgender people. The move was a response to the passage of a recent North Carolina law that made it a crime for people to use bathrooms for a sex that does not match what appears on their birth certificate. The Obama administration is currently suing North Carolina, and has said the law represents a civil rights violation. We as the editorial board believe that the Obama administration is doing the right thing by standing up for the equal rights of transgender people. There are others in powerful positions in state government in Texas and other places that vehemently oppose these guidelines, but their beliefs are misguided and discriminatory by accusing the wrong people because of their transphobic mindsets and harmful ways of thinking. Critics of the Obama administration say that these new guidelines will make it easier for rapists to go into bathrooms and assault other people by either posing as a transgender citizen. But this is wrong; people are going to rape anyone anyways if they want to. It is just easy now as it would have been before these guidelines came out. People are shifting the blame to transgender people because they don’t understand. They are afraid of sharing the bathroom with people they perceive to be from the opposite sex. The idea to abuse the ability to go into the restroom and pose as a transgender person has now been put into the minds of perverts. There is no one solution for this problem, we need to work together to find a solution to not only people “pretending to be trans” and raping people in bathrooms, but rape in general, which happens regardless of gender or the sign of the door. No one needs to be discriminated against or have their rights taken away. To alleviate the concerns of those who do not understand transgender students, The Eagle’s Eye proposes converting some existing bathrooms into non-gendered
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bradley Barto
bathrooms so that whoever feels comfortable using them have a place to go. It’s better than trying to add a bathroom for every gender under the sun and it would satisfy a good majority of transgender citizens. It’s because people are afraid of this thing that they don’t understand, Obama can understand that the will deny funds because if schools deny the rights to people they don’t deserve to get funding. For those that are uncomfortable being in a locker room or bathroom with a transgender student should consider how most of the trans students feel when in the bathroom or locker room that they don’t feel like they belong in. The Eagle’s Eye editorial board believes that the
DANGERS
Moral responsibility lacking at school Eliana Gutierrez
Life & Style Co-Editor Three weeks ago half of the students in the cafeteria were in a frenzy — an immoral, unjust frenzy. Over 50 students, assumingly human beings, made a spectacle of a heinous act against a fellow student – a young woman who no longer attends Akins brutally and continuously hit someone who was defenseless. Meanwhile, students cheered and began recording the incident on their phones. As if it was a memorable entertainment experience for them. After this assault anyone who opened their social media account couldn’t help but encounter the video if you wanted to or not. It was on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. The violence hungry mentality on display among those who witnessed the incident is horrifying. Instead of helping the victim who was a fellow student, they watched with gleaming eyes. They didn’t put themselves in the victim’s shoes or imagine that she was a loved one. It took too long for a student to alert administrators but at least someone did. Students decided that the highlight of their day was the misfortune of another instead of the education they’re receiving. The incident and the way it was shared on social media as if it was just another piece of entertainment to consume is a sad reminder of the Jana Cordero dark side of modern life.
We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process
Eagle’s Eye Staff
Photo Editor
Editor-in-Chief
In-Depth Editors
Opinions Editor
Sports Editor
News Editor
Life & Style Editors
Entertainment Editor
Web Editor
Stephanie Valle* Bradley Barto* Brenda Amaya* Mary Griffis*
Matthew Rocha*
Caitlin Nickles* Larry Durden*
Ashley Sanchez* Eliana Gutierrez*
Thomas Cross*
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
Brayan Cartagena Luis Correa Adrian Guajardo Jr. Kelly Polacheck D’Shalon Williams
* The members of the Editorial Board who contributed to the Staff Editorial are marked in asterisks.
EDUCATION
FINANCING
School funding system wrong Stephanie valle Editor-In-Chief
Our school is funded by two major sources: our parent’s property tax dollars and funds from the state of Texas. This month the Texas Supreme Court said that the current system that the state uses to fund schools meets the minimum standard and is thus constitutional. However, the 600 school districts, including Austin ISD, that sued the state to fix what they call a broken system do not believe that this system adequately funds public education in Texas. More than one-third of our parents tax dollars are being sent back to the state to be redistributed to other so-called “property poor” school districts. It’s part of the state’s “Robin Hood” school financing system, which is supposed to give schools an equal level of funding throughout the state For this past school year, the state took approximately $273 million and it is expected that next year, the district will send $406 million to the state. That’s about 38 percent of our tax money that isn’t going to our district. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the system is constitutional, the Legislature needs to take action and let AISD keep its tax money and help struggling schools within the district.
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.
Amanda Livingston Blake Barto Cassie Obi Chelsea Cuevas Gabe Robles Jesse Farquhar-Greth Jose Salazar Katrina Stewart Lala Villegas Maheen Anjum Namiah Wright Nic Sokolowski Ricardo Villegas Sadie Adams
Graduating Seniors
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
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.
or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph.
Staff Writers
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
represents the views of the student staff and not school officials.
Editorial Board*
Editorial Policy
While it’s natural for people to be curious about horrific events and for video to be shared among friends, a line is crossed when people make light of the people in the videos and what they experienced. Cyber bullying and disrespectful behavior online is emerging as one of the most pernicious problems of our generation. News stories about similar events captured and shared on social media are becoming more common with the emergence of mobile live streaming technologies like Periscope. Last month Periscope, a webcasting service, was used to broadcast a 10-minute video of a high school girl being raped and this month a woman committed suicide on the live streaming site. What would you have done if people were sharing videos and pictures of someone close to you being hurt? How would you feel? No one deserves that to happen to them and don’t deserve for it to be encouraged.
Obama administration is doing the right thing and is taking huge steps in the right direction for the rights of transgender students. Despite all of the trouble the Obama administration will likely face with their political opponents, people are opposing this, not as a political statement but because of their own beliefs or fears, the issue could be more messy in politics as time goes on. We are glad to see it take a stand and do what’s right for a group of people that are often neglected and made to feel uncomfortable for doing something so basic as going to the bathroom. The directive of Title IX is doing no harm to anyone, only other people will do that. It’s only doing good to make more people happy.
Honors ILPC/UIL
TAJE
Superior Bronze Star Award Coverage 2007 2005 2011 2008 2012 2007 - H.M. Sweepstakes 2013 2010 - 2nd Sweepstakes 2014 2011 - H.M. Sweepstakes 2015
NSPA
All-American 2013 Nominated for Pacemaker -2013
CSPA
2011 - Silver Medal 2012 - Gold Medal
Entertainment
The Eagle’s Eye THEATRE
SENIORS
Page 3
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
Graduating seniors prepare for last performance
Ricardo Villegas
Final Show
Seniors Celina Tijerina, Abby Jaimes, Jose Salazar, Omar Webb, Joshua Solis, Tyra Williams, and Gavin Vigil practicing for their upcoming performance today in the theatre.
Ricardo Villegas Graduating Senior
Every year the theater puts on a play or musical at the end of the year to celebrate and recognize all the hard work the seniors in theater have put in. This year with the help of the new theater teacher Bur gandy Trimmer students have decided to instead of a play or musical they are going to put on a showcase to give all the seniors their last hurrah. Some of the things that are going to be included in the showcase are monologues, short acts and musical perfor mances. The senior performers are Tyra Williams, Joshua Solis, Maritza Ramirez, Chris Mendez, Abby Jaimes, Gavin Vig il, Celina Tijerina, Omar Webb and Jose Salazar.
The performance will be held in the theater after school on May 25. Theater students have put a tremendous amount of work into everything they have done. They stay after school and rehearse their parts every night, during class and even at home on their free time. “These students are extremely dedicated to their acting and the showcase will give them the recognition that they Some seniors said they are sad they are about to end their career in the Akins Journey Theatre company. Senior Abby Jaimes said she is concerned she might not have the same opportunities she had to perform outside of Akins. the opportunities I’m going to have in the theater outside of
watch. Anyone can go if they just want to be entertained and to support the seniors who are getting ready to graduate and to celebrate all of the hard work that goes into getting a production put together. Trimmer, who started at Akins this year, said she is ex cited to see the students graduate even though she has only been their teacher for the past year. She said she is happy years of performances with the Akins theatre department. “This show was completely created and put together by the students, and even though I have only had them for a short time I feel close to them and I know they will be Erica Vallejo who has been working with them since they were freshman has been able to see them grow “not
The senior showcase isn’t just for people in theater to
TECHNOLOGY
VIDEO GAMES
Popular franchise is resurrected with new improvements Needed changes amp up a much loved game leaving behind an even bigger legacy Mary Griffis
Entertainment Editor In 1993, a new game called DOOM took the world by shooters. Like its ancestor Wolfenstein 3D before it, DOOM gained a huge following by letting the player see the action through the eyes of the character, immersing the player in another world. graphics and its use of an online multiplayer mode. The DOOM franchise remained popular for years with DOOM 2 and DOOM 3 before being eclipsed by Halo. This year, game developers Bethesda and id Software, resurrected DOOM for a new generation to discover and enjoy. Fans of DOOM eagerly awaited its release earlier how well the developers have done in the reboot available on Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Story: Mars, a once thriving planet begins it’s brutal de scent into complete destruction because of a Union Aero space Corporation teleporter malfunction. The malfunction literally starts all Hell to break loose as monsters begin teleporting to Mars. With hellish monsters they can’t anymore.
REVIEW
All of the personnel eventually die except for a weary space marine who wakes up and discovers he’s chained to an altar. The unknown space marine breaks the chains and preventing him from calling for help. Because the marine is unprepared for the invasion he has than he already has. With the Praetor suit on the marine can Gameplay: Unlike the original, the new DOOM game will feature cinema quality graphics that put the player in the space marine’s shoes. With every kill comes puddles of blood as you make your way through the game. Throughout the campaign you can upgrade your weap ons and soldier making it easier to cause destruction any where you travel. While you’re killing everything in your way you can
Graphics: fered was as detailed as a game could get but now with Bethesda and the much loved id Softworks the DOOM
game or they can trigger a scene from DOOM 2 bringing you back to the old pixelated scenes.
some side to video games. With blood splattering on the screen and the chilling screams of the undead, players are transported into the game. Bethesda and id Softworks are blowing other games out of the water giving players a new experience that hasn’t been repeated in imitators like Call of Duty.
that allows players to create their own game modes and even maps. With this feature you can challenge your friends or even practice your own skills on your maps.
into the player’s living room. Verdict: wouldn’t be as revolutionary as they are today and with the revamp of DOOM the legacy continues to live on. Unlike
SUPERHEROES
Captain America Civil War drives heroes apart in new film Ashley Sanchez
Life & Style Co-Editor took war to another level when the storyline revealed that two beloved superheroes would be pitted against each other. The movie opens with a mission gone wrong causing some to question if the Avengers are out of control. When General Thaddeus (William Hurt), a representative of the govern ment, suggests the Avengers should be run by the government, Iron Man agrees because of his guilt of how many lives The Avengers have taken. However, Captain America disagrees for the reason they can’t act when needed without the government’s ap proval. ing how the audience takes sides with either Iron Man or Captain America.
It’s fun to root for one superhero to reign supreme, but the plot mostly revolves around how politics affects the friendships among the Avengers. The audience is left wondering if Iron Man and Captain America can ever repair their relationship and if the Avengers will ever be the same. vel characters like the Black Panther, brings back Ant Man, and reveals the latest version of Spider Man. Out of all of these characters the Black Pan ther is one of the most important be cause of his quickness, which helps Iron Man immensely in his battle against the other side. Black Pan ther and the Winter Soldier’s subplot competes for becoming one of the most important stories in the movie. would have liked to have seen more
action. There is one scene where the war really rages, but it is limited to only a few of the superheroes and not a battle of each team. I feel that there should of been more, more about the actual Civil War. Don’t get me wrong the action was awesome but the story itself was confusing. It started out fo cusing on the Avengers but then after a lot of twists and turns. The whole attention goes to stopping Baran Zome (Daniel Bruhl) and the discov ering the truth about how Iron Man’s parents died. The movie is called “Captain
movie for it to make sense. Just know this movie is worth the 2 hours and
IN DEPTH
page 4
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
Students raise awareness on mental health Caitlin Nickles In-Depth Editor
When junior Emma Gruska feels an anxiety attack coming on she says it feels like a freight train going 110 miles per hour into the side of a mountain. “I feel like my thoughts are moving at ridiculous speeds and I just over think everything to the worst possible place,” she said. “It makes some of the smallest things seem scary and uncomfortable.” Anxiety is one of the many mental health illnesses Americans face everyday. Gruska is only one of the multiple students here at Akins High School dealing with a mental illness. For over 67 years, Mental Health Awareness month has been observed in the month of May in the United States, reaching millions of people through the media, screenings, and various events. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness about mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many more. Throughout the world most people see these types of mental illnesses as an imperfect condition and isolate
Photo credit: Openclipart
these conditions are genetic or developed from a type of traumatic life event. While each mental illness has its own symptoms and effects, these conditions are heavily stereotyped. One stereotype of people with mental illness is that they are dangerous and unpredictable. However, in reality most people with a mental illness never commit acts of violence and are actually more likely to be victims of violence. Many people don’t know enough
information about mental illness and many times what they do believe is incorrect. These false facts lead to stigmas, which are marks of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person. Senior Tyra Williams has partnered with Student Support Services to create an anti-stigma campaign video to educate about mental health. “I mostly wanted to help make this video because I also struggle with a mental health condition, which is depression and condition publicly,” Williams said. “But I truly believe that the reason no one wants to open up about it is because of the stigmas surrounding mental health.” Most people with a mental illness don’t understand why they have it or when it started and ended. Williams said her depression can feel like it is “invading every part of me and my life.” “Every conversation felt like talking to a brick wall,” she said. What many people don’t know is that mental health disorders are more common than they think. One in four people in the world will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. Treatments are available but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek help from a mental health professional, according to the World Health Organization. “Stigma, discrimination, and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders,” according to the World Health Organization’s website. When a person is labeled by their illness they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes like stigmas can
sadly lead to suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Americans, topping homicides. It has increased 30 percent in the last two years, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Those with an underlying mental health condition were 90 percent more likely to commit suicide, according to a study published by Jennifer Stuber at the University of Washington. But that’s not true for everyone who lives with mental health problems. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Psychiatric Association, give tips to people who know someone who is dealing with a mental illness. The goal of the organizations is to help provide care for people with a mental illness. Akins has seven support groups that meet during FIT so students don’t miss any class time if they want to participate. All of their groups are organized through theme or topic so participants can Social Worker Colleen Arnold said the voluntary. “If someone says no thank you to talking, we let them know who we are and what we do and that there is absolutely no obligation to talk,” she said. Over many years people have deemed mental illness as something to be ashamed of, but with the help of others and organizations it can be overcome “I just do the best I can and try not to be stressed about everything and look at the brighter side more,” Gruska said.
#STOPtheS T IGMA campaign debunks mental health myths Student Support Services groups at Akins:
To watch Tyra Williams debunk myths about mental illness, scan the QR code with Snapchat .
• Anger Management • Emotions Management • Pregnancy and Parenting Support Group/ Expectant Fathers • LGBTQ Group • Grief and Loss Support Group • Healthy Relationships Group • Girls Empowerment Group National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1(800) 273-8255
3.5 million people in the US are diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Source: Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America
Approximately 14.8 million adult Americans are diagnosed with Depression. It is more common in women than in men. Source: Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Artwork by: Caitlin Nickles
Approximately 40 million American adults are diagnosed with a type of anxiety disorder. Source: The Kim Foundation
Approximately 31 million American adults are diagnosed with a type of personality disorder. Source: WebMD
Approximately 6 million American adults are diagnose with a panic disorder
Source: Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Approximately 24.4 million American adults are diagnosed with PTSD. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. Source: PTSD United
Approximately 5.7 million adult Americans are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. An equal number of men and women develop Bipolar Disorder and is found in all ages.
Approximately 30 million Americans of all ages are diagnosed with an eating disorder. Almost 50 percent of Americans with an eating disorder meet the criteria for depression. Source: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Source: WebMD
Page Design and Artwork by Caitlin Nickles
NEWS
The Eagle’s Eye
page 5
Wednesday – May 25, 2016
STAFFING
READJUSTMENT
Faculty, staff plot new courses for their futures
Teachers, counselors adjust to life changes with moves, retirement, new positions Amanda Livingston Graduating Senior
Just as seniors graduate and leave Akins every school year, the school also loses teachers, assistants, administrators, and leaders that impact students in unique and different ways. At least six teachers will retire by the end of the school year, including some who have been at Akins since it’s doors opened in 2000. Very few teachers at Akins have been here since the beginning. English teacher Janet Larkins is one of those few who have been at Akins since the beginning. She’s been known as one of the toughest teachers on campus and has taught thousands of students. Something that kept Larkin at Akins despite seeing many colleagues leave, was its unyielding focus on students. “I hope the students will want to learn more than what they’re settling for. I truly believe that education is the way to improve your life, to make your life better,” Larkin said. Deborah Black, a previous head counselor and current counselor for the STEM Academy will also be retiring after her nine years of teaching at Akins and 35 years in education. Black said she will miss having the opportunity to work with
PERSONNEL
Courtesy of Cathy Bennett, Akins Commercial Photography, Akins Yearbook
Sad Goodbyes
Cathy Bennett, Deborah Black, Debra Johnson and Janet Larkin are just four of the 19 faculty members that will either retire, leave or change positions. the students at Akins. “It’s gonna be a bittersweet retirement because I love what I do. I love working with the students and seeing them grow,” Black said. Debra Johnson, who has suNursing Assistant program in the Social Services Academy for the last 11 years, will also be retiring this year. Although she is leaving, Johnson still wants to continue educating people in health. “I will volunteer at the nursing home probably … I think they sometimes let seniors audit classes at universities, so I may do that,” Johnson said. Juanita Soto will be taking
over as the lead Health Science Technology teacher. Among the retirements, Akins will also be saying goodbye to orchestra director and guitar teacher, Cathy Bennett. Bennett has worked at Akins for nine years and as a teacher for 23. She has lead the orchestra to win various sweepstakes awards at UIL and assisted students in achieving high scores in individual contests. “I am leaving because I have an opportunity to be an active, present mother,” Bennett said. Paul Crockett, previously an assistant band director, will be taking over Bennett’s position as orchestra director and guitar in-
structor, but it has yet to be determined who will be taking the role as the Fine Arts department chair. Bianca Clark, Sara Simmons’ assistant, will also be leaving. Previous assistant band director, Donald McClain will also be leaving to pursue his master’s degree in education. Administration is also mourning the loss of two teacher assistants, Jim Meschwitz and Livia Tonan. Both assisted Shawn Paladino, a Life Skills class instructor. Meschwitz had been working at Akins since it opened and had been struggling with cancer for some time. Meschwitz passed away November 25, 2015. Tonan
worked at Akins for a few years. “We lost them, and it was a really bad loss for Akins, especially for that class room in Ms. Paladino’s,” Associate Principal Manuel Garcia said. Despite the losses, the Akins family will continue on, in good hands, Larkin said. She was glad to see Brandi Hosack take over as the principal last year. “I am so glad that Ms. Hosack in our principal and that she uniquely knows the insides and outs of this school,” Larkin said. “I have been absolutely delighted in watching her take the reigns and moving us towards her vision. Absolutely, I believe we’re in good hands.”
COUNSELOR
College & Career Center gains Kesling as a new member nic sokolowski
Graduating Senior
College Readiness Counselor’s New Responsibilities
A new set of hands will be guiding seniors through the process of preparing for higher education as Christine Kesling takes on the newly created position as the school’s College Readiness Counselor. Kesling, the current New Tech Academy counselor, will be working with College and Career Counselor Sarah Sim-
briefs
The Eagle’s Eye asked Kesling a few questions about what responsibilities her new role would entail: The Eagle’s Eye: How does your job differ from the job of Ms. Simmons? Christine Kesling: Ms. Simmons will continue to be the AMAZING college advisor, while I will be the College Readiness Counselor. Ms. Simmons will still be helping students prepare for and apply to colleges, apply for scholarships, and complete FAFSA and TAFSA. I will “live” in both the counseling world and the work done in the CCC, looking at the entire school by graduation year, ensuring each student in every graduating class is preparing for, and ready for, college and career. My world and that of Ms. Simmons will overlap, and we will be working closely together to make sure students are graduated ready to move on to post-secondary studies. EE: How will you handle the transition between counselor and college counselor? CK: ever replaces me, so that there is a seamless transition for the New Tech students. I’ve already started meeting with Ms. Simmons to identify the tasks that need to be accomplished in this new position, and am making lists of action items and getting
supporting events on the calendar. EE: What do you feel will be the biggest hurdle? CK: Communication. I want to ensure that every students is getting all the information they need to make the best academic choices for the post-secondary plans. I plan to make lots of classroom so students can come see me. Students use a variety of media sources — from the Akins website to Twitter to probably sources I don’t even know yet, and I plan on using as many as I need to so students are always informed. EE: What do you hope to accomplish? CK: I would like to see every student leave Akins with something that will help them with their college and career plans, or internships. EE: What other goals do you want to accomplish with this position? CK: Of course, I want to accomplish all the responsibilities that I have been tasked with. But in many ways, my goals are to support student goals. What can I help students with in academic planning and testing so that when they apply to colleges, there are no barriers to acceptance and success?
District provides information for graduating seniors The Akins Graduation ceremony will be held June 4 at 9 a.m. at the Frank Erwin Center at Red River Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Graduates need to arrive at the Lone Star Room by 8 a.m. to prepare for the ceremony. Do not bring noisemakers or balloons. Because of the construction of the UT Medical School some streets, including Red River, will be closed.
Austin ISD will provide shuttle buses that will take family and students to and from the Erwin Center. Those who will be wanting to ride the shuttle should park their vehicles in the west side of Akins High School’s parking lot and board the bus between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. to make it on time for the graduation ceremony. After the ceremony ends, buses will return the guest to Akins.
• Recruitment, enrollment, and tracking of dual credit/dual enrollment students, including DC Eagles program • Tracking Gifted & Talented placement • Registering and tracking scores SAT, ACT, TSI • PSAT testing coordinator • events directly related to college/career readiness • Tracking graduation rate • Main point of contact for data regarding (but not limited to) graduation rate, Individual Graduation Committees, Graduation plans, endorsements, postsecondary components, CTE sequences • Point of contact for schedule changes when classes are added/collapsed to the master schedule or when there is a teacher reassignment • and registration • • Assisting academy counselors by doing credit checks at new student registration and backup •
campus for training
Final exam schedule interrupted Final exams, which will begin on May 26, will be interrupted with a four-day weekend this year. Students have a holiday on May 27 and May 30 and the exams will start again on May 31. Lunch will not be provided May 26 or on May 31 – June 2. Students should bring their own snacks on those school days, which will release early at 1:10 p.m. Students are also banned from bringing backpacks to school on those days. Backpacks will be campus those days.
Thursday, May 26 (Including Seniors) 9:00 - 11:00 1st period 2nd period 11:10 - 1:10 Four Day Weekend (May 27 - May 30) Tuesday, May 31 5th period 6th period
9:00 - 11:00 11:10 - 1:10
Wednesday, June 1 3rd period 4th period
9:00 - 11:00 11:10 - 1:10
Thursday, June 2 7th period 8th period
9:00 - 11:00 11:10 - 1:10
LIFE & STYLE
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The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – May 25, 2016
CLASSES
FILM MAKING
Film students create and shoot original movies kelly polacheck Staff Writer
Students in Melissa Royer’s Film Making class are proud to show off the fruit of their labor after working countless hours this year. Each student had an important role in -
-
ery script the students wrote were actualJordan Espinoza
Movie Making
Film Society helped select three of the
Powell said it’s an exciting time to out needing a lot of money. ally easy to make and upload to the inter-
STUDENT LIFE
show up on time when they worked on the weekends at off-campus locations. They ing locations that matched the places described in the scripts.
ing to rewrite scenes when logistical prob-
choose where it would look best and most ant because it can change the tone of the
Tuesday. He also said the hard work and students like them to pursue a career in
said. “I had to rewrite entire scenes and after.
TALENT
Scholar excels in many extracurricular activities
Senior leaves legacy in Akins programs including Forensics, Speech, and Theater namiah wright & jesse farquhar-greth
Williams has focused on her artistic and speech and performance skills in
Graduating Seniors
compiled a complex resumé of awe-inspiring work. In 2016 alone she has simultaneously won 1st place for the school in nationals self. She has also produced exceptional her freshman year.
Ricardo Villegas
Show Stopper
at. Not only am I proud of her but I am
“Maybe like some acting too or something artsy. I don’t really fully know to help young adults and children who She is considering studying to become a therapist or social worker for adolescents. Her main goal is to be happy and not stressed. She wants to help people and talk more about mental health problems and eliminate the stigma surrounding it.
Williams also wants to show people her art and stories she created. “It’s really fun and I think it’s beautiful. It’s weird because you become and it’s a real eye opener. It’s really a good way to learn about humanity and life and so I guess I do it to learn about Williams competed in the National winning 4th in the country in Dramatic Interpretation. cipline and will.
about stigmas around mental illness. “I still desire to stay rooted into the arts but I also want to help others through their mental health condition and life
demonstrated that the best performance said. “I look forward to seeing her tri-
outcast. We’re all human. We all feel hu-
CONTEST
ART
Ceramics classes return to sand sculpting competition cassie obi
Graduating Senior Cannon said there are a lot high school students who can learn from it. “Students learn a different approach to sculpture while still applying a lot of the same techniques they use in ce-
this year’s competition. They claim that their experience
The students found that sculpting with sand came with
-
time.
cantly different.
Split Happens
Nic Sokolowski
the test up against one another.
ally put their skills to the test through a competition based solely on sculpture skills. “I heard about the competition from my friend two
together in order to establish a strong foundation and then sort of split up to work on different parts of the sculp-
the opportunity to go. “But we were also gathered together on a beach to create
Sports
The Eagle’s Eye
page 7
Wednesday – May 25, 2016
NEW TEAM
INNOVATION
Select basketball team is created to train players
Larry Durden II
Putting In Work
Sophomore Isaiah Landers catches a pass during a practice session for the new Eagles AAU Select team, which players hope will prepare them for next year. The team is being coached by seniors Leroy Bryant and Donald Akers.
Larry Durden ii Sports Editor
For young athletes looking for opportunities to compete, there are two games in town: school teams or so-called “select” teams. They each have their own posplayers. School teams are known for helping young athletes create a sense of unity among a diverse set of players with various skill levels. On the other hand, select teams are known for giving players a chance to compete on a elite athletes. Because it is becoming more common for players on school teams to also play on select teams, Boys Varsity Basketball coach Jesse Hayes has worked
LEADERSHIP
to provide students the chance to compete in both. Hayes said he is hoping to give Akins students the best of both worlds by helping to set up Akins’ own select basketball team with the American Amateur Union select team organization. “First this team is for our players and I want to show the ones who never played on a select team and it’s important that they get a chance to play because come next year we’re going to need everyone to produce,” Hayes said. Hayes told the select team it will give them a chance to play at the varsity level before the actual school varsity season starts. “Look guys, let’s understand
something this team is for you guys, to show some of you what it’s going to be like to play on a varsity basketball team and to play against other varsity basketball teams,” Hayes said.
Man ... we’re going to be cold next year. — Jeremiah Brown, 10th He said he wants his conditioned while they play on the select team. “Also guys this team is go-
ing to keep us in shape so we can come back ready to go and be the best team I know we can be,” he said. The team is made up of some returning junior varsity and varsity players as well as some incoming freshmen. The team is actually coached by graduating seniors Leroy Bryant and Donald Akers. The students are the coaches because school coaches cannot technically serve as select team coaches. “I’ve never coached before so I’m excited to help Coach Hayes out and coach up my fellow teammates and show them things from my perspective,” Bryant said. Bryant and Akers divided up the coaching work, alternating responsibilities based on their
availability. to coach some of my old teammates and share the game with them from my eyes,” Akers said. This select team is more affordable than most select teams. Some AAU Select teams cost only costs $20 per tournament. “I remember my mom used to pay $200 for me to play for a AAU team but, I’m glad Coach Hayes started this team because than usual,” said sophomore Jeremiah Brown. that this season is the one they’re going to shine. “Man...we’re going to be cold next year,” Brown said.
TRANSITIONS
Next generation of athletes take on new leadership roles Larry durden ii Sports Editor
The offseason is the time when athletes start auditioning for new leadership positions and for key roles on next year’s teams. Trying to guess who will be the next quarterback, point guard or team captain can turn into a sport unto itself. While everyone’s predictions are just speculation at this point, there are some athletes who are universally expected by their teammates to be play-makers next year. Sophomore Kendall Jamal “KJ” Robinson-Benford is one those of those players on the boys varsity basketball team. Sophomore and point guard KJ Robinson-Benford is one points this season on the junior varsity and 6 points on varisty. “I think that I can show leadership and I could be that person who Coach Hayes depends on to make the right play,” he said. His teammates, including Isaiah Landers, agreed.
CHEERLEADERS
“KJ is going to be cold this year and by cold I mean good and I feel is going to be one of the guys we depend on,” Landers said. When it comes to football sophomore Jeremiah Brown is on the short-list of players expected to be play-makers for the Eagles. “I feel this year is going to be the year I shine, because I’ve been putting in work during off-season, and I think it’s going to show when the football season comes,” Brown said. Lafayette Turner said he is excited to see what Brown can “Jeremiah is pretty good and with some hard work he’s going to be hard to handle,” he said. In volleyball, Brittney Roberts is also one of the players to watch. “With some hard work and dedication I feel I will be able to take this team all the way,” Roberts said. “Brittney is very good player and she is going to be a good leader for us, and she is going to help us do some great things,” sophomore Basil Montemayor said.
INTRAMURALS
Annual PowderPuff game raises funds for uniforms Adrian Guajardo jr. Staff Writer
The competitive nature of sports sometimes makes those who play them forget what they should be all about — fun. That’s not the case with the annual Powderpuff football game. 8 teams football this year as part of the end-of-the school year festivities. The game was well attended during with a full-house and providing some stress relief for students and teachers alike. Teams were allowed to have boys as long as the teams had three girls on a team. Teams had to pay $30 for their entrance players. The addition of boys to the teams in what
is traditionally a competition for girls has helped generate more interest in the tournament and brought in more funds for the cheerleading team, which organizes the event as a fund-raiser. Cheerleader coach Susie Gielow said that although Akins does not follow the traditional PowderPuff model of the football players teaching and cheering for girl teams, it’s still great fun. “One thing I like about cal activity,” Gielow said. “It gets really physical. It’s fun people get excited about. It’s fun to see the teachers play. They won last year which was very important we rarely get to see our teachers doing athletic things outside the classroom.” The teacher team Chemical X won again
this year, beating 3-2 student team Vicious & Delicious extending their winning streak. The event is important for the cheerleaders because it helps pay for a substantial portion of their costs related to sending team members to camp and buying uniforms. “Cheerleading (doesn’t have a) budget so we start out with zero dollars at the beginning of the year so we have to raise all of the money we have,” Gielow said. “Any money we raise goes towards sending our kids to camp, it goes to uniforms that we get for the kids. But yeah we just hope to do some fun things and be able to have enough money that we are not struggling for the girls because they deserve it.”
Player Recognition
Matthew Rocha
Sophomore Brittney Roberts is escorted by her father (on the right) and grandfather (on the left) before their game versus Del Valle High School.
page 8
PHOTO ESSAY
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – May 25,2016
Students dance through the night at Prom Matthew Rocha Photo Editor
Prom. It’s that moment when the seniors dance, laugh and make memories with their dear friends. Hundreds of seniors enjoyed an evening where they can let go of all their worries and just have fun when they arrived at the Omni Hotel on May 14. The prom featured a DJ playing crowd-pleasing songs, strobe light show, a dance stage and prop photo booth for silly photos with friends. “It was cool and awesome. I had so much fun hanging out with my best friends dancing all out at the dance After a week of campaigning prior to prom, the crowned. After the votes were tallied the crowed cheered when Gio Castillero was named king and Camille Cordova the queen. Castillero, known for his high energy cheering at the crowd formed a circle around them and honored the time-honored tradition. Thousands of photos were taken that night to capture and preserve the moments at prom. started to dance while we held our phones in the air Lopez said. Matthew Rocha
Long live the new King and Queen of Prom
Senior Gio Castillero and Camille Cordova, dance at prom after being name King and Queen respectfully. The crowd cheer when they were crowned.
Eliana Gutierrez
Heart of the Music
Senior Isaiah Harris and group of friends are dancing their hearts out with glow
Matthew Rocha
Showing off Skills
Senoir Tony Urquiza steals the spot light at prom showing off his skills in dancing without breaking a sweat.
Eliana Gutierrez
Party with the Seniors while having a good time with Principal Brandi Hosack as the center of attention.
Eliana Gutierrez
Solo Dance
Senior Gio Castillero asked the DJ to play one of his favorite songs so he could dance to it, competing against senior Tony Urquiza from his earlier stage performance.
Follow the Rhythm ite songs “Cha Cha Slide” being played. Matthew Rocha
-
the Eagle’s eye class of ‘16 seniors Say Farewell to their memories at akins
graduate Goodbyes “To the graduating seniors, as we pursue out futures after this year, always surround yourself with people who hold you to a higher standard. As for people who think of you otherwise, you don’t need their negativity in your life.” - STudent council president 2016, Ileen Quach
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SENIOR REFLECTION
page 2
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
jose salazar
Graduating Senior “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves,” William Shakespeare. After four years of high school,we are ready to face the world and pursue what we wish to pursue, follow who we want to follow, and go as far as we want to go. With memorable moments such as “Blue & Gold Night,” “Fiesta Akins,” and “Battle of the Ages,” so much more it will be hard to forget the fun we had and the moments we shared in high school together. “The best part for me was making friends,” senior Valeria Herrera said. Each senior has done something special for the school or for someone else, whether big or small, it has left an impact on everyone.
Homecoming Heirs
“For me the best part of high school was creating my own FIT,” senior Isiah Harris said. all one way or another giving us new want to do, and preparing us for the future. “I’ll take all the internships, my studies and all the opportunities that were given to me with me when I leave,” Herrera said. As seniors graduate new students will eventually be in the same spot we are. “I would like to say have fun, study and make Akins better,” Harris said. With the year coming to a close many of us will not see each other again for some time or even at all. It may very well be the last time we see certain seniors that have become our friends. However, this will not mean
Taylor Escamilla
Seniors Valeria Herrera and Christopher Velasquez walk down the red carpet after being crowned Homecoming Queen and Homecoming King, respectively.
the end of the relationships we have built with each other. “I hope we don’t lose touch, and I appreciate everything we went through,” Herrera said. and the only Prom we seniors have been able to attend are two special nights that will stick with us forever throughout the rest of our lives. And even though each and every student had to go through the troubles of homework, the torment of stress, the drama throughout high school, it was all worth it. I leave you with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “You gain strength, perience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, I lived through this comes along.”
Prom Rulers
Matthew Rocha
Seniors Camilee Cordova and Giovanni Martinez Castillero pose together for a picture. The two shared a dance together after they were crowned Prom Queen and King.
STAFF SENIORS
The Eagle’s Eye
page 3
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
It’s been a pleasure to be a staff writer sophomore year, Opinions Editor in my junior year, Editor in Chief senior year, and getting to see the staff grow and develop over the years. I am so incredibly proud of the staff and I will always remember my time as apart of this wonderful staff. We have had our tough times, but we got through it together. It is because of this, that I present to you with a heavy heart, the Senior Tab.
is hard work, and sometimes it is extremely overwhelming, but don’t take for granted your experiences here. You are a part of something so much bigger than you think, and before you know it, it’ll all be gone and you’ll wish you could go back to the start. To Stephanie Valle, the next Editor in Chief, I leave to you, my beloved staff. -
The Eagle’s Eye staff seniors have been given the opportunity to design, decorate, and do what they wish with a portion of the following pages. To the seniors, I don’t think I could have ever asked for a better group to graduate with. You have been wonderful and I know you will be successful in your lives. To the returning and new staff, I wish you the best of luck. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for you in your future, as part of The Eagle’s Eye newspaper. It
will be an outstanding leader for the Eagle’s Eye. I’ve loved getting to know you over the year, and I have no doubts in your ability to lead the staff. If you ever need help, you know how to reach me. To readers, I’ll stop gushing about my fantastic staff, if you promise me to take a few minutes and look at what my fellow senior staff members have done.
KATRINA G.
Previous Staff Writer 2 year on staff
Amanda Livingston, Editor-in-Chief
SADIE A.
Previous Staff Writer 1 year on staff
High school is a place you enter after middle school, it’s a place that is pushed on you so you can “find” yourself, so you can “better” your life. But really it's just a place that you have to attend for four years, with people who then become your friends just to drop you for people they once hated. Eventually you realize high school isn't what people told you it would be, eventually you realize that you're just here to get a passing grade and not actually to learn the material. Its pretty much just as equal to a prison cell. You get bossed around by guards all day telling you what to do and what not to do. You constantly see cell mates fighting with other cell mates. You get your cars booted when really all you're trying to do is just come to school. You get told what to wear even though your shoulders shouldn't turn a man on. High school isn’t something you will enjoy. Until you make those special connections with friends, teachers, security guards, assistant principals, and the principal. High school is a time where you not necessarily find yourself, but find yourself in others, where your teachers push you to be the best you can be, where your assistant principals and principals just want to see you turn into the person they know you can be. Where the security guards just want to teach you to follow the rules because no matter what there will be consequences, where your friends just want to help your high school experience be one you will never forget. So besides it feeling like a prison it also feels like a home, where the principal is your grandma, the assistant principals and security guards are your aunts and uncles, and your teachers are your parents, and your friends are your brothers and sisters. High school is your home away from home.
STAFF SENIORS
page 4
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
I never thought senior year would turn into the time paradox it was, moving slowly yet quickly at the same time. There have been many other teachers, but some of the first to come to mind are Ms. Briseno and Mrs. Larkin. Ms. Briseno, I don’t know if you realize this, but you taught me how to be myself. That it’s okay and totally cool to be different and unique. Mrs. Larkin, I think we can both agree I struggled in your class this year, but you taught me to weather the storm and keep on going. To Mr. Doerr and Mr. Fincher, both of you have pushed me past my limits and reach new heights I didn’t think were possible for me. Even though I may not become a professional trumpeter or a high time journalist for the New York Times, I have learned valuable lessons from you that I will forever carry with me. To my parents, of course. You have always been my best friends, and always been around for me. I love you greatly and I couldn’t have asked for better parents. Finally to my friends, you have been great. New and old, I’m so thankful for the friends I had this year. Especially Katie Medina, I would walk to the end of the world for you. Even though I will be moving out of Austin, I’ll always be here for you and love you. Ethan Morales, thank you for always putting a smile on my face, even on my darkest days. I’ll miss your crazy shenanigans and fun loving personality. To my trumpet section, I am so proud of all of you. You’ve all come a long way, and I love you with my whole heart. To everyone who worked on the newspaper this year, I adore you all. Web, print, multimedia, whatever, thank you. Sadly I’m running out of space so “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if I’ll leave you with one of my favorite One only remembers to turn on the light.” - Albus Dumbledore quotes from Harry Potter.
momma bearr
sarah smile
Momma Doerr
ugly ppl
tourist angie
cartoon me
Nicolas Sokolowski Previous News Editor 3 Years On Staff Momma bearr, I love ya. You made my newspaper life so amazing, thank you <3 Moma Doerr u r an awesom teechur, u r soopr kool, thnk u 4 teeching mi 2 spel. Angie, you are an amazing friend :) Madison, you are beautiful and deserve lots of love, I know you will go far in life. Vero, I miss you so much! I love you. Grandma, thank you for all of the support. Sarah, you are the best person in the world, love you lots. Jordan and Araceli, yall are crazy and I know yall will do crazy things later in life. Siblings, you are all adopted, sorry! :/ Mariela, I hope you had an awesome high school life, I know you will do amazing art stuff! Lexi bear, you're a cool dog.
madison driving
verooo
mi abuelita
me... crying
mariela
lexi
Jose Salazar Previous Entertainment Editor
Thank You
Happy memories, wonderful times and treasured friendships; these are things I will take with me as I leave high school. Because in reality the horror doesn’t affect you, or me. The horror that is the real world. Even though help and nourishment might be unavailable I know we will go on to do great things.
I would like to thank all of my friends for being with me and giving me the greatest high school experience I could get. I would like to thank my family for supporting me in everything I’ve done and for taking care of me for 18 years.
A
Senior Will
To my friends I leave the treasured memories that we shared together. To my teachers I leave the memorable things we’ve done together. And to my brother I leave all my notes from my junior to senior year.
The Eagle’s Eye
STAFF SENIORS Wednesday - May 25, 2016
Ricardo Villegas
Previous photo editor, one year on staff
Maheen Anjum Previous Life & Style Editor 2 years on staff
When I first entered high school, my first class was journalism. I learned photography skills, wrote so many stories and completed project in Photoshop and InDesign. I didn’t ever experience this feeling before back at home in Dubai, UAE. Life is so different here in the U.S. than in Dubai. Classes were so different in Dubai we didn’t even have elective classes until senior year so to experience that early is exciting. Journalism is what made me realize I like being a reporter, I like writing stories and I love taking pictures. Over the years I have learned so much and became the Life & Style editor. Being an editor was not easy but to be honest I kinda miss being with my newspaper gang late at night and taking care of each other when we are crazy frustrated and stuffing our faces with delicious food made by Jesse’s mom.
MAHEEN
LALA Villegas Previous Staff Writer 3 years on staff The end of senior year is bittersweet. To my best friend Bailey: Thank you for always being real with me, you have been by my side through everything. Thank you for all the drives we would take to clear our heads and if we needed to cry we were always there for each other. Most importantly THANK YOU for pushing me to be and do better in school!!! To my Parents: Y’all are my rock, never would have made it this far without you. To Ms. Jenschke: You’re an amazing teacher, you have pushed me to do my work when I never wanted to. Thanks for all the small talks at our table. You lose friends and you gain better ones.
page 5
STAFF SENIORS
page 6
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
Blake Barto : Previous Graphics Editor & Meme Enthusiast The summer of 2015, I was seductively coerced to join newspaper by the late, great, Gabriel Robles. He was my favorite deputy. This year I’ve been providing high quality images for The Eagles’ Eye.
Chelsea Cuevas Previous Staff Writer 1 Year on Staff I remembered thinking that high school is going to be scary when I became a freshmen but it turns out it’s not as scary as I thought it would be. Although I know there’s going to be at least hard work I had a good time making friends learning new skills, new rules that sometimes be difficult to keep up but I kept
on trying to achieve on my goals. Being a news reporter/Art design was the best time I had in senior year and getting to know the others staffs who were awesome to hang out with and I am thankful to Mr. Doerr for helping me inspire my inner writing skills, I enjoyed writing and art designing amazing stories in the newspapers. I want to
thank Eliana and Maheen for being there for me with my stories and giving me great art ideas too. if it wasn’t for them I would’ve not have the stories done on time. Being in high school is total rocket ship because it brings me a lot of experiences, great laughs, going through the ups and downs even sometimes make mistakes, learning from what’s right and wrong, taking an opportunities to do something amazing. I’m glad & I’ll never forget my friends, the memories I’ve done for 3 years once I graduate at Akins High.
STAFF SENIORS
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday - May 25, 2016
JESSE LEE FARQUHAR-GRETH Previous Graphics Editor 1 year on staff High school makes you crazy. High school made me cry. You can feel like you’re trapped in the void, a little detached from reality. That’s just the way high school is though, it’s a test. It’s a tremendously difficult one too because its happening at a strange stage in our lives and we all feel lost and weird but that’s what makes coming out of it is such a huge step of growth because we’ve learned how to cope and move on and we’ll take these lessons with us for the rest of our lives. My journey through high school was a wild ride. I met so many wonderful insane people here. My character has been shaped into the person I’ve always wanted to be by friends and the inspiring teachers and administration here who truly want nothing more than to see us grow into the best we can be. Know your perspective is modable and you are changing every day, and it’s ok to embrace this. Be open to things. Don’t be afraid to give yourself to others, and don’t let people censor you. Be whatever you want. You are perfect.
Here’s to those who’ve made it to 2016. And here’s to those who didn’t.
page 7 CASSIE OBI Previous Sports Editor 2 years on staff Yall to be honest, this school year was hell. The seniors have been through too much stress and pain trying to graduate. Well overall, this year has been great without the academics. I loved all the friends I got this year and really all the amazing times we’ve had. Just our lil group was all I needed. In general, high school was the most ridiculous phase of my life and I really hope y’all think the same. Listen to Young Thug all the time.
NAMIAH SHIANN WRIGHT Previous Staff Writer 1 year on staff I thank everyone whom has got me here. Jesus!!! Once I moved to Akins I knew I would hate it but I don’t because I have met really great people (Jesse, Cassie, Abby) To future seniors, I have one thing to tell you; “Get it done and don’t slack because it will come back and haunt you.
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