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The
EAGLE’S EYE W. Charles Akins Highschool
Austin, Texas
“Everything that Concerns You”
Volume 15
Issue 1
October 7, 2015
Campus schedule undergoes change matthew rocha Staff Writer
Student complaints have mostly centered on the
new state Attendence policy hits students Mahheen Anjum Life & Style Editor
this policy, attendance is closely year as well as we should have,” Ho-
tered and frustrated many students this school year as the administration The changes are in response to a the minimum attendance required to earn a credit for a high school course the days the class is offered instead
ed and the student will have to make dent continues to make the same mis-
Time period on each day of the week instead of the two days of advisory classes that students had last
According to this new policy, after coming up with a plan so they can graduate on time with all their creda letter and go in front of an appeal committee to explain why they are
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it, they must make up those academ-
students to spread their days around -
-
note to the appeal committee meeting
make them up in school setting such
stronger case in regaining lost hours
The appeal committee consists
“All these changes do seem a lot
“The new attendance policy is not up this nasty attendance policy to -
time during passing periods, and our lunches have
can sign up for classes that we are failing and make it
-
students at Austin high schools the chance to take ca-
cent threshold, they must go through an appeal process to regain the aca-
parent or legal guardian for this meet“This policy is to make sure we -
a course they have taken, they have to make up hours of seat time to clear Hosack said she expects that in -
“We have to make sure that with
STUDENT LIFE
“These charts are to make you a little nervous to go to class like you
TRAGEDY
Unexpected house fire changes an Akins sophomore’s life Bradley Barto
and staff have helped out the Dominguez -
As sophomore Henry Dominguez sat in his fourth period World History Studies class, he received an unexpected call from his sister, telling him frantically that
for the family to help them recover from
Staff Writer
pledge donations to the family since going
ended all he could do was wait for school hard to watch them go through something
friend and a local church to have physical -
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Dominguez said that while it was really old notes, some school supplies and class Despite the traumatic event, he said the generosity he and his family has received As well as all the help that Dominguez has received from family, Akins Student
Arnold and parent support specialist Toni -
Unexpected Disaster dents when situations like this happen or Arnold and the rest of her social worktionally, making sure that they get as much
Diego Rivera
anything they might have lost such as
help or support that me and my family
INSIDE... Opinions - pAge 2-3 News - page 4 InDepth - page 5 Student Life - page 6-7 Entertainment - page 8-9 Photo Essay - page 10 Sports- page 11 Community Page - page 12
OPINIONS
page 2
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
Texas Education attendance policy too rough EDITORIAL At of the beginning of this year, Akins administrators began enforcing Texas Education code 25.092, which we as students of Akins know a little more informally as “the new attendance policy.” For the students, the policy feels a bit new and sudden, but in reality this part of the Texas Education policy has been in effect for about two years, and it’s directive and purpose is fairly straightforward: decrease the general amount of student absences. Unfortunately, the issue doesn’t lie in the goal — lawmakers’ hearts were in the right place. Rather, the way they alistic solution, but instead a broken policy that is only going to exasperate the problem. The policy basically states that any student who misses more than 10 percent of the school semester must go through an appeal process, involving an appeal committee aimed at preventing further absences from happening. After 25 percent of the semester is missed, the student automatically fails the course and must recover the credit. As an Editorial Board we unanimously believe this is not a fair policy. We believe this policy is not well thought out or reasonably enforceto the problem. Historically speaking, when government has made policies to intervene with the natural economic, political, and social situations, the situations have only turned for the worst. An analogy would be how companies cut hours so employees are not considered full-time and don’t have to Comparatively speaking, state’s intervention in the school system isn’t going to cause students to stay in school. cal difference in the attendance rate of students, it is likely that the amount of students dropping out will increase do
Jesse Farquhar-Greth & Blake Barto
to excess stress or knowing they won’t receive credit as it is. The school district has made a huge effort to keep the school environment healthy, which intuitively means the sick don’t come to school until they’re healthy again. When you’ve got a policy in place that is designed to keep students in school and sick people aren’t exempt, suddenly the state just set up a way to for sickness to spread. While Principal Brandi Hosack has said that illness and medical conditions would be considered by the appeal committee as a legitimate excuse to be absent, some might come to school sick just so they can avoid the paperwork and bureaucracy of the new appeal process. Not only are healthy students in danger of getting sick, it risks those
T
Editor-in-Chief
“You’re such a cry baby,” “Let it go,” “You’re too soft.” I hear those words more often than not, and I’m not whining when I say, it’s understandable, but completely uncalled for. As human beings we all have a very powerful emotional drive. Whether that emotional drive is constantly on the high or low side of life’s roller coaster, it’s there. However, some people get more worked up over that roller coaster than others. Life is crazy when you’re a teenager filled with school work, extracurriculars, family, and sometimes even a job. It can get so hectic that people tend to discount the importance of emotions and make it seem minimal. Even though this can be a nice way for some to cope with the stress, not everyone has the ability to flick that switch and turn it off Some people are born with a deeper sensitivity to
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.
The Eagle’s Eye will work to avoid bias and/ or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful, timely and interesting to our readers. Our articles will reflect our genuine objective of reporting news and will be held to a high standard of quality. We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process
Amanda Livingston*
Opinions Editor
Gabe Robles*
News Editor
Nicolas Sokolowski*
Entertainment Editor Jose Salazar*
their emotions — myself being one of them. I always knew this was true, but it became especially known to me when I took the Myers Briggs Personality Type test. It’s the most psychologically accurate personality test out there, created by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers. The test features four sections called preferences, with two sides to each. Total, there are 16 different personality type combinations. I personally received the type ISFJ. Generally, this appeals to people who are introverted, pay attention to facts, act on their feelings, and appear to be task oriented. I immediately connected with this result because when diving into deeper detail about each section, it clicked like a key in a lock. I deeply care for people — those close to me and even strangers to a certain extent. I also tend to react more emotionally to major events like bad news. I’m constantly being criticized for this deep, emotional connection and I’ve had enough. I’ll admit that it can be a hassle dealing with someone who can’t always keep their emotions in check.
Content represents the views of the student staff and not school officials.
Eagle’s Eye Staff Editor-in-Chief
doctor’s notes, the absence should be excused automatically instead of being subject to review by the appeal committee. So while we applaud lawmakers
or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph.
Those emotions can transfer from one person to another, and nobody needs more emotional stress in their life. However, what I don’t agree with is the negativity put on people like myself who live with this heightened sensitivity. Many people with the same personality as me don’t want to feel this way. We don’t want to feel like our heart is being ripped out when something bad happens. It’s not easy living with common concerns like body image and sharing your deepest feelings with friends when your worries are further heightened by emotional sensitivity. Sometimes we resort to bottling up these feelings to avoid getting hurt even if the pain is inflicted unintentionally. We often find ourselves, at least I do, searching for that switch. But like searching blindly in a dark room, we can’t find it. Wouldn’t you say life would be so much more enjoyable without sadness or fear? So would we. Instead of pointing a finger at us and telling us that we’re being over dramatic, try putting yourself in our shoes and telling us we’re not crazy for feeling the way we do.
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 or corrections to akins.journalism@gmail.
Sadie Adams Bradley Barto Luis Canales Chelsea Cuevas Lavel Deckard Larry Durden
Mary Griffis Eliana Gutierrez Caitlin Nickles Matthew Rocha Lejean Sampson Ashley Sanchez
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.
Editorial Board*
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.
see when they’re legitimate or false. This is where we agree the committee sance.
The Eagle’s Eye
Staff Writers
Editorial Policy
Our bodies’ best defense against sickness is rest, and coming to school is causing further attack on our body. The Editorial Board acknowledges that parent notes can be sketchy, because some students have a history of plagiarizing notes and their par-
* The members of the Editorial Board who contributed to the Staff Editorial are marked in astricks.
Graphics Editors
Web Editors
In-Depth Editors
Life & Style Editor
Photo Editor
Sports Editor
Blake Barto* Jesse Farquhar-Greth* Maheen Anjum*
for wanting to do something to improve attendance rates at schools, we disagree that mandating an increased attendance rate is the most effective means to make this happen. Instead of issuing edicts, the state should encourage schools to offer courses and programs that keep students attending their classes. Some students come to school primarily for certain classes, teachers and extracurricular programs. The recent High School Nation tour stop at Akins is a good example of an event that encourages students to attend school. We believe that lawmakers should rescind the law they passed in 2013 in ibility that encourage students to want to attend schools instead of using fear and intimidation.
Stop Pointing Fingers And Start Feeling Things
RUTH BE old
AMANDA LIVINGSTON
who are sick getting worse. A student coming to school with a fever of 102,
Thomas Cross* Luis Correa* Ricardio Villegas*
Stephanie Valle* Brenda Amaya* Cassie Obi*
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
NSPA
All-American 2013 Nominated for Pacemaker -2013
CSPA
2011 - Silver Medal 2012 - Gold Medal
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
EDUCATION
The Eagle’s Eye
Opinions
page 3
OPPORTUNITIES
Restorative Circles an opportunity to break social barriers Larry Durden Staff Writer
With a class of 30 students seated in a giant circle filling the classroom, it’s my chance to share something to my class that’s been on my mind — puberty. After taking the “talking piece,” which indicates to the others in the circle that it’s my chance to speak, I said puberty is one of the biggest challenges I have faced in my life. I feel short for my age compared to my peers and I don’t like it. Puberty is not an easy topic for me to talk about, but I felt safe sharing my feelings because of the rules established by the Restorative Justice Circles that have been created in classrooms across campus this school year. I have experienced the
POLITICS
Blake Barto
circles in my AVID class and freshmen students are participating in circles in their Social Emotional Learning classes, as well. The circles provide a chance for students to speak their mind or talk about things that are going on in their lives. The topics can range from something as simple as, “how is your day” to something more serious like, “what’s the hardest thing about being a teenager?” Students
don’t joke around about anything said. According to AVID teacher Thomas Frierson, they decided to start the Restorative Circles this year. Frierson and a few other teachers thought the Restorative Circles would be good for kids who are shy, have trouble expressing themselves or just need a safe place to vent. Sierra Sepeda, the coordinator for the Restorative Justice programs at Akins, said the Life Anew organization she
works for was asked to help at Akins due to fights in the 2014-2015 school year between students and administrators thought that the idea of the Restorative Circles would help the students find an alternative rather than fighting. The ABLLE and Social Services academy teachers have undergone training for Restorative Justice practices. Administrators at Akins decided to start campus-wide rollout of Restorative Justice with the circles and the first two academies before trying to implement more complex practices later. If the Circles are any indication of the power of Restorative Justice, I am excited to see what it can do to help Akins improve the campus atmosphere and reduce conflict between students. AVID student Arnold Caceres said he enjoys the Restorative Circles because it has helped him overcome his shyness. “I really like how everyone shares their feelings and understand where we come from when we do share,” he said.
PRESIDENCY
Donald Trump’s view on immigration unjust and immoral Gabe Robles
Opinions Editor Constant controversy surrounds the candidacy of a certain TV celebrity running for president. After hearing a plethora of racist, sexist, and just generally unpresidential stateon immigration — the general consensus surrounding him tends to be pretty unanimous: Donald Trump is not who America needs to lead it for the next four years. What we could call Trump’s vision of an independent America is simply just that. Independent. America as America was. If that’s not enough to deter people from looking into him as a potential candidate, there is also the fact that he wants to build a triple-layer wall at the border of
LEGAL
Mexico lined with Predator drones that he believes the Mexican government will pay for. Where exactly is the logic in that? While 60 percent of the immigrants that come to the United States are citizens of Mexico, Mexico just happens to be the only southern border country of the United States and the other 40 percent of immigrants are forced to cross Mexico to get here. Even if deporting every immigrant was plausible and morally OK, suing Mexico for its construction is in no way fair to them. It would be nice to believe that America is still the sanctuary of a land that it used to be and could take in all the immigrants and give them that sanctuary they have sought. Trump would make it impossible to do so, and would even go as far as advocating for the repeal of the 14th Amendment, ending the almost 150 year concept of birth-right citizenship in the United States. Furthermore, Trump’s core belief and reason for deporting illegal immigrants
Original Photo by Lucas Jackson
Blake Barto
that come to the United States is his assumption that all immigrants are bands of criminals and drug dealers. Not only are immigrants a key force of American economy since its founding, it’s insulting and here by assuming they all immigrate to sell drugs and poach off welfare, especial-
ly when Americans can be more at fault for what Trump blames immigrants for. Though I understand where Trump’s vision lies, it simply has no good foundational reasons to be the way that it is. Trump’s view on immigration is unjust, immoral, and simply targets the wrong group for the wrong set of reason.
PREJUDICE
Social injustice continues to surround same sex marriage Jesse Farquhar-GRETH Staff Writer
THE
As Peter Cook once said in The Princess Bride, “Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday.” This quote reigns true for American citizens who are standing together rejoicing the 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 26 that legalized gay marriage in all 50 states. The majority of the nation has spent the past few months celebrating a new sense of unity between the LBGT community in America and its government. The rainbow flag of pride has bathed everything from Doritos to Facebook profile images since the ruling. Although there is an abounding amount of support for same sex marriage today, it is not a concept validated by all Americans. A poll taken in July indicated that 54 percent of Americans favor allowing gays and lesbians to
EAGLE VIEW
“I feel good, but I wish you got more days to miss.” –Edgar Granados Freshman
marry legally, with 39 percent opposed. The 39 percent today resent it for they feel this ruling is an afront to their religious beliefs. This group includes mainly older generations and conservatives — those of whom happen to be more religious, predominantly Catholic or Protestant — and tend to feel strongly that their values have been disrespected. Although it is common for these American’s prejudices to be seen as respected morals, in reality, it’s simply intolerance. There is no true social justification for the 39 percents outlook on gay marriage. It is bigotry, plain and simple. It’s hatred perpetuating violence upon the LBGT community. What’s truly terrifying about this prejudice is that there are people who are in high positions of power in our government that have been making marriage for same sex couples extremely difficult, and if they can, impossible, to achieve. This includes Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and a county clerk from Kentucky, Kim Davis. These officials are doing whatever they can to stop gay marriage licenses from being issued. When our political figures can deny the rule of law determined by the Supreme Court, how can we feel truly feel represented by our government? Evidenced by the continued discrimination by Paxton
Nelly Torres
and Davis, we must remain vigilant against those who still continue to deny the right to marry to same sex couples. We are a country full of differences: different cultures, ideas, and beliefs. We should celebrate our differences rather than insulting and denouncing them.
Question: How do you feel about the changes to the Texas Education attendance policy?
“Feels pretty dumb, you should be excused if you have a note.” –Marisa Bosquez Sophomore
“It sucks. I think that we should have more days to be excused.” –Estrella Velazco Junior
“I hate it. It feels pointless and it doesn’t make sense.” –Sergio Ramirez Senior
“I feel sorry for seniors... But I think it forces us to get smarter.” –Janet Larkin English Teacher
NEWS
page 4
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
EVENTS
DANCING
Students of all classes enjoy Homecoming Dance Ticket sales exceeded expectations, helping pay for some Senior prom expenses Ashley sanchez Staff Writer
Last month Akins enjoyed
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Ashley Sanchez
Hitting the Quan -
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Students dance to the new hip song, Hit the Quan, by iHeart Memphis at the Akins homecoming dance. The song was a big hit, along with Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) by Silento.
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FESTIVAL
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GIVEAWAYS
High School Nation gets students involved with fine arts thomas cross
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Staff Writer
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Sophomore, Ethan Riley, rocks out on a Sterling 5 provided by one of the various booths at High School Nation.
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Musicians Arise
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CURRICULUM
SEL develops into a new class after a curriculum redesign mary griffis Staff Writer
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Matt Rocha
Restorative Circle
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Anthony Bromberg conducts one of his new SEL classes, after teaching English last year.
briefs
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Menchaca Elementary’s annual festival returns -
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IN DEPTH
The Eagle’s Eye
page 5
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
Akins Students Focus on their Future Lala Villegas
Never Giving Up
Brenda Amaya
In-Depth Co-Editor The student body at Akins was given the opportunity to become a part of a new tradition recently. Focus On Your Future was a day for students to explore their options on what to do after their time in high school. It’s main focus was to encourage and inform students on what it takes to make it to college and the people behind this event created designated areas around campus to “I found all the colleges really interesting [and had the] chance to look around and see which colleges had the best medical major since that’s the career that I want to get into,” freshman Heidy Fuentes said. College and Career Counselor Sarah Simmons wanted to reach beyond the juniors and seniors she typically reaches so students will begin thinking about college sooner. “I really wanted there to be a school-wide event so everyone on campus had just one day to think about life after high school,” Simmons said. Throughout Focus On Your Future Day most of the campus was surrounded by college representatives of all sorts, including admissions and Akins alumni who are currently attending college. Students had the opportunity to have a look individual college had to offer. “It was a good experience for me. It made me start thinking about what college I want to go to,” sophomore Fernando Gonzalez said.
One of the greatest impediments for students to attend college is their fear of paying for college. So every student attended a session in which Ivanna Crippa from Breakthrough Austin, explained how to “make it rain” with scoring scholarships, grants and subsidized loans for college. “I found focus on your future helpful because order to get scholarships,” junior Stephanie Calleros said. Crippa explained the basics of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which all students must complete to be eligible to receive “free money” to pay for college. “Every year I have students that they’re like ‘Oh, the FAFSA is for poor kids,’ or ‘I don’t need to do that, my parents make too much money,’ or ‘I don’t want to do the FAFSA, they are only going to offer me a loan.’ What they don’t know fered a loan, but you’re also going to miss out on scholarship, grants, and work study,” Simmons said. Former Akins students Malcolm Canada and Yolanzo Moore came back as motivational speakers after playing college basketball and graduating with their college degrees this year. Canada shared his personal story about the troubles that he went through as a kid and how he overcame a rough life and took too long to focus on his grades. “It wasn’t until my senior year that I realized it was too late, it was done. By the time you try to get your grades up senior year it’s too late,” Canada said.
Nic Sokolowski
College Chat
Juniors Samantha Galvan and Buddima Wanniarachchi talk to a representative from Howard Payne University. Both students said they are interested in medical programs.
Ricardo Villegas
Taking Risks
Motivational speaker EJ Carrion teaches students about taking risks by sharing his personal experiences.
Students share what they know about college Do you go to your counSelor to talk about college?
y1e4s%
Are you appplying for scholarships/grants?
13% 13% no
85%
86%
86%
No Yes
did you find focus on your future day helpful?
13%
9%
Not at all
Not Really
35% Kind Of based on 100 student
Are you going to college?
41% Yes
responses: Survey by The Eagle’s Eye
Yes: 82% Unsure:11% No: 7% page layout and design by Co-editor Stephanie Valle
LIFE & STYLE
page 6
TECHNOLOGY
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
GADGETS
Smartwatches combine technology with style
Companies announce their new Smartwatch designs to appeal to consumers Luis Correa Online Editor
es seem to focus more on -
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these features the watchrelease a new watch, which
the entrance of the Apple Watch to the scene in April
appearance of the watch making it much more fashLuis Correa
Smart timepieces -
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TRAVEL
Band director Tate Fincher shows off his Apple Watch and a student’s Moto 360 for comparison. The Moto 360 runs on Android. er, who owns an Apple
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news of releasing a new watch to their lineup, but
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become something more
OUTDOORS
Students take summer trip to Yellowstone National Park Social studies teacher promotes the outdoors with camping and hiking adventures
Photo Courtsey of Maribel Ramos
Capturing the beautiful scenary
Social Studies teacher Maribel Ramos took this picture of the Yellowstone Lake during a student trip. It is the second highest elevated lake in the world.
Nic Sokolowski News Editor
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MARCHING BAND
EXPERIENCE
Marching band gets assistance from Akins English teacher
Lancaster supports band by correcting marching form and organizing the shows Namiah Wright Staff Writer
of teaching English classes, he turns his attention to his other passion: marching
since August although that is not his
Lend helping hand
Ricardo Villegas
English teacher Brian Lancaster helps Brandon King by adjusting his posture as he plays the trumpet.
Thursday, October 7, 2015
MOVEMENT
The Eagle’s Eye
Life & Style
page 7
PROTEST
Black Lives Matter movement puts spotlight on brutality Movements seek to end widespread prejudice, in addition to old violence struggle
Cassie Obi
Cassie Obi
Sports Editor Black Lives Matter. It’s an obvious statement and the name of a movement spurred into being by reblack people across the country. It began as a response to incidents of violence and even murder at the hands of police that has happened for years, but rose to a boiling point in the last year. With the recent, and continuing, violent oppression against members in the black community grabbing the media’s attention, the movement seeks to use that media attention to reform the way this mistreatment is handled by the authorities. Some criticize the concept of proclaiming that “Black Lives Matter,” believing the notion creates divisions between other races or downplaying others’ struggles. “Of course, all lives matter,” Principal Brandi Hosack said. “But by saying ‘black lives matter’ isn’t saying that nobody else’s doesn’t.” Of course, with any group, it doesn’t the Black Lives Matter movement see it as a way to create a sense of unity within the black community to tackle racial oppression throughout the United States. However, many others disagree; thinking that the main focus is on police brutality and to “Though we need to look at police brutality, we need to look at it across the board,” English teacher Ebone Bagnal
THEATER
said. “It should also start helping the black community by strengthening within itself.” However, some do worry about how those advocating for cultural and societal change are perceived. The protests surrounding incidents such as the killings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Freddy Gray have caused some to perform acts of destruction and violence to get attention. The passion people have for combating injustice can be a double-edged sword. “A lot of times, when people react to things, they aren’t keeping everything in perspective,” English teacher Aleisha Forde said. “If people decide to go more militant, we’re proving a point that we are a violent people, and we’re not.” As a response to this movement, the Police Live Matter movement has recently gained attention to create more awareness of the good men and women working on the police force, trying to do the right “It was coordinated because of the recers,” said law enforcement teacher Robyn Katz. “Because of all the backlash against camaraderie to gain support and lift them back up. It really takes a toll out on the belittled.” Some think Police Lives Matter is a movement meant to oppose the Black Lives Matter and vise versa, but that is not necessarily the case.
“I understand the creation of the movement,” Bagnal said “but I feel like it’s moving away from the actual problem of educating the black youth and building the community from the inside out.” On Sept. 19, both movements converged at the Texas Capitol when they held competing rallies on the same day. There were no major altercations between the two groups, but the rallies illustrated the divisions that exist surrounding the issues of police shootings of black people. Both movements marched in downtown Austin on September 19 but a group of individuals caused it to be interrrupted.
Austin Police Department intervened due to the Black Lives Matter movement shutting down I-35. Black Lives Matter targets the youth in a particular way as well. Senior TJ Nalls, sees a positive light in this movement and believes it should receive more press and media attention. “I think that it’s less exaggerated than it needs to be,” Nalls said. “People need to start making it a big deal because it does matter, a lot. This movement affects me a lot because, what if I’m the next one shot and killed?”
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
New changes appear in the theatre department at Akins Jose Salazar
Entertainment Editor After years of Akins actors only knowing one primary leader of the Akins Journey Theatre department, a new theatre teacher is making her debut this year: Burgandy Trimmer. Since the opening of the school in 2000, Maureen Siegel has taught hundreds of students and directed scores of plays. However, this year she will turn her attention to Costume Design, Humanities and Visual Media classes as Trimmer takes over the program she founded. Siegel, who is nearing retirement, said that she has been thinking about stepping down as the head theatre teacher for some time, but it hadn’t made sense for her to leave the leadership role and the theatre department until this summer. “I felt like I had ceased being effective as the theatre teacher, and as much as I loved my kids, I felt like there needed to be a fresh and new perspective and the (school) administration agreed.” Siegel said. Siegel now teaches both a costume de237, located in the AHA building. design. It’s really fun and I feel like I’ve gained knowledge from theatre preparing to teach both of these classes.” Siegel said. Although she enjoys having a less demanding work schedule this year, working with Akins students keeps her motivated
Class Interaction
to teach, Siegel said. “If I feel like I have run out of fresh and new ideas to share with the students, then I will retire,” Siegel said. “That’s why I left the theatre department, so that it could go in a new direction.” Siegal’s expectations for Trimmer, the new theatre teacher, is that she will have a vision for the theatre department that is fresh, new, and exciting and to bring all that to the theatre department. “I don’t know Trimmer really well. I know that she is very well trained and I expect she will do extremely well at what-
Jose Salazar
ever she will do to make a new Akins Journey Theatre because is a new Akins Journey Theatre,” Siegel said. The new theatre teacher, Trimmer, is from Virginia and has taught high school theatre for 16 years and has been involved in the local community theatre there. “I see big things, for the Akins Journey Theatre department, a lot of different main-stage productions, us winning UIL, and maybe growing so large we have to hire different teachers to become a part of our department,” Trimmer said. “There’s a lot of talent, passion, and energy here and
I hope to channel all of that energy into successful productions.” Theatre students have said that they are excited to work with a new teacher and to be a part of her theatre classes. Senior Joshua Solis said that he can’t wait to see what Trimmer has in store for both the theatre department and the theatre classes. “Trimmer’s really nice, and I can tell that she is very passionate about theatre so this year should be a great year,” Solis said. However, Solis and many other theatre students have said that they will miss having Siegel be there theatre teacher. “I was sad when I found out that Siegel was leaving the theatre department,” Solis said. “She was my director for three years, but I’m really glad that she’s still working at Akins so I could visit her whenever I want to.” Solis believes that the Akins Journey Theatre department will grow bigger and better with Trimmer in charge because of the energy that she is bringing to the department. Trimmer said that she is thrilled to be at Akins and appreciates the warm welcome she has received from the students and the staff. “I’m really looking forward to making the Akins Journey Theatre department and Akins High School my new home, and I hope to become part of that by attending sports, events and dances whenever I can,” Trimmer said.
Entertainment
page 8
EVENT
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
CONCERT
High School Nation entertains student audience Drake Bell, Heather Russell, History in the Making, others perform on campus Amanda Livingston Editor-In-Chief
On September 22, High School Nation arrived at Akins as one of their 24 planned stops across the United States. Comprised of different musical acts, High School Nation travels across the United States with the sole purpose of promotschools. Drake Bell, an actor turned performing artist, headlined the concert. Known for his former role as Drake Parker on the Nickelodeon show Drake and Josh, Bell was the highlight performance for many students. Originally, there was a plan to hold a mini competition for student guitarists to perform solos, with the winner receiving a prize. However, one student, freshman Angel Morales was honored with the gift of a lifetime. “I asked him if we were gonna perform solos and he said ‘no,’” Morales said. “Then he took me backstage and gave me his guitar.”
REVIEW
D’Shalon Williams
Live Performace
History in the Making pumps up the crowd during High School Nation Tour. Students enjoyed the activities and the performances that came Sept. 22.
Few people got to meet Bell, but for those who did it was an opportunity of a lifetime. “Everyday after elementary school I would watch his show Drake and Josh, on Nickelodeon” Morales said. “He was my childhood hero.”
While Bell was the headlining act, other rising artists such as Cady Groves, Heather Russell, and musical group History in the Making were also featured artists on the tour. Heather Russell kicked things off during a ques-
tion-and-answer session in the theatre, taking all sorts of questions from New Tech and Arts and Humanities students. The 15-year-old singer from Toronto, Canada, said she grew up listening to a wide range of musical artists like David Bowie, Frank
Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey. She explained to the audience that at the age of nine she signed a recording contract with Syco Records, the label run by music producer and television talent judge Simon Cowell. Despite being only 15 years old, Russell said joining the High School Nation tour is one of the best thing she’s done for herself. “It’s my favorite (experience) because I stepped out of my comfort zone,” Russell said. Joining Russell at the Q&A was the trio, History in the Making comprised of 18-year old Jawan and 17-year olds Dylan and Pryce. The members were originally three separate musical artists that were assembled together into the group by producers Mark Pitts and Rodney Jerkins. When giving advice to stuothers who share their interests in performing. “Find someone who has the same goals and dreams as you,” Pryce said.
MOVIE
The Visit recieves mixed reviews from audience Eliana GutierrEZ Staff Writer
with viewers’ fears and expectations, imagine my dismay after watching The Visit. In the beginning, the family portrayed in the movie appears to be fun loving, caring and — most importantly — normal. However, it doesn’t take long to realize that things are not right with everyone in the family, which is not surprising if you know the style of director M. Night Shyamalan. Shyamalan, the director of a few terror inducing cally acclaimed The Sixth Sense, has garnered a reputation for including unexpected twists in his movies. The Visit, released in early September, is far from meeting viewer’s expectaingly disappointed me considering Shyamalan’s past career achievements.
Shyamalan has managed After watching the movie I noticed some scenes were a bit cliché. However, the writers of al job with foreshadowing. Undoubtedly, this contributed to my expectation of upcoming scenes. I went in expecting the movie to pay homage to the terrors we experienced while watching Shyamalan’s previous horror as they hid the rest of our face. Subsequently, this was not the case. Though, we did receive the director’s classic tempo change in dramatic scenes. As it continued deeper into the storyline the details were really just the odd things the grandparents did. This included such things as locking the granddaughter in the oven, chasing the children with a bewildered look, and refusing to be on camera. Even though terror/ comedy movies aren’t his
and possess a quality that is professional and respectable considering the diversity between terror and comedy. That is, priHis unforeseen plot twists have become a staple in his career and that’s exactly what The Visit had, despite the disappointing lack of terror. In comparison to combination, The Visit is unique given the fact that and has for the most part, successfully shot the movie alternating between a documentary style and traditional. The majority of the try home of grandparents “Nana” and “Pop Pop” portrayed by Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie. The plot of The Visit revolved around the strange happenings at the grandparent’s residency. Here I must commend Shyamalan for making a documentary
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
viewer’s doubtful expectations of this unconventional method. The docuby visitors/grandchildren Becca and Tyler portrayed by Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould. I personally, found the movie to be min-
imally frightening when the audience wasn’t laughing at the humor. Unlike many horror PG-13. This allowed for
With a few chilling situations that the kids endured and the humorous moments, Shyamalan did an average job with this
without an adult present, satisfying a desire of the teenage populace to see
On a scale of a weeklong “visit,” I’d give it a rating of a 4-day stay.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
MOVIE
The Eagle’s Eye
Entertainment
page 9
REVIEW
Maze Runner sequel doesn’t meet expectations Brenda Amaya
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One -
In-Depth Editor
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials dominated
I, on the other hand,
million on September 18 and the fans of the popular
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
The Divergent Series: Insurgent made a
Last year The Maze Runner -
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials -
to the Glade, surrounded
The Maze Runner In all honesty the movie
REVIEW
-
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ond Maze Runner to other -
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Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
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help but feel depressed be-
Maze Runner: Scorch Trials
The -
In the Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials -
the latest version of The Hunger Games or The Divergent Series, Scorch Trials doesn’t live up to the
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have a solution to their for my mother’s opinion -
MUSIC
The Weeknd is at the highest peak of his career Stephanie Valle
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In-Depth Editor
festival in California featur-
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tle bit of his personal life and some are quite different than his usual dark and sex-
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are different than some of
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had released three free mix-
titled “Beauty Behind the
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eted into fame after years of
-
MOVIES
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stars thanks to all of the
never really portrayed in
I have to say I’m left
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FAITH
Christian movies grab attention of students Chelsea Cuevas
1807 W Slaughter
512-282-2255 SUBS SOUPS SALADS SMOOTHIS
“Films like these help my relation-
Staff Writer
Team discounts on BOX LUNCHES & PARTY TRAYS -
the purpose of the movie is to love thy
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Senior Madison Round believes that Christian films serve a purpose to -
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Sophomore Shana Gerlofs said she feels that the purpose of movies are to
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PHOTO ESSAY
page 10
The Eagle’s Eye
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
Akins celebrates a victorious Homecoming win
Ricardo Villegas Photo Editor
First Homecoming varsity footHomecoming game of the Austin ISD Principal Brandi Hosack as principal Spirit Week started on Monday, September 14 and ended on the Friferent theme chosen by the Student Council, including ‘Merica Monday, Tropical Tourist Tuesday, Class War Wednesday, Touchdown Thursday, ipated by wearing cool and creative The excitement of Spirit Week built up to the Varsity Football game against the Lehman Lobos on Thurs-
The Homecoming game was a great time for students to show their section had student from all grades and academies coming together and student section included the use of silly string, water guns, glitter, beach
snacks and drinks for you to refresh after dancing, a red carpet entrance with paparazzi taking pictures of ar-
Noah Hollingsworth
Akins Eagles cheer on the football team to date, bringing spirit to the game.
“I wanted to boost school spirit,” and “bring students together for a good reason,” “it exceeded my plans, student turnout and behavior was
was organized by student council pher Tovar and Valerie Herrera were crowned king and queen, respective-
she even wants to consider it for upcoming years, “I love akins and love akins students, I think they liked it which is the most important thing to me,” Student Council was a big part of the homecoming activities, when asked about them, student council
We celebrated the game this year with a homecoming dance which took place the day after the game in the cafeteria, the event was organized by math teacher Kenyatta Williams and was open to students of every
over it were that it went “pretty fantastic!, all the kids showed spirit and support for the school, in all my years at akins this has been the most spircreased next year”
being used to celebrate any success-
A wonderful celebration
Down on the dance floor
Fun and games
Lala Villegas
Akins student section celebrates a successful throwing streamers, and shooting silly string.
Ashley Sanchez
years Homecoming dance hosted in the school
A night to remember
Homecoming King, Chris Velasquez and Queen, Valerie Herrera proudly walk down the of Homecoming royalty.
Ready for the play
Akins Eagles Football players get into position for their play at their much anticipated homecoming game at Burger stadium against the Lehman Lobos.
Taylor Escamilla
A proud performance
Ricardo Villegas
Diamond dazzler, Arlethe Herrera, performs with her fellow diamonds during the Homecoming halftime show to help pump up the crowd.
Flowing with school Spirit
Fellow Eagles show their spirit for our school in preparation for the game on ‘merica Monday, wearing their red, white and blue while also
Ricardo Villegas
Kevin Gutierrez
Sports
The Eagle’s Eye
page 5
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
FOOTBALL
GOOD START
Varsity team begins their season with victories
Ricardo Villegas
Play for the win
Outside linebacker Demarcus Cabezas receives a pass as teammates provide coverage during Homecoming game against the Lehman Lobos. Akins
Lala Villegas
Ricardo Villegas Gabe Robles
Players make best opening to season in years with 2-1 district record Katrina Stewart
down. “We took a tough loss in
The Akins Varsity Football team is currently riding on a wave of wins with a 4-1 overall season record, and a 2-1 district record. They continue to work hard to continue to win, our
we didn’t let that bring us down,” Diaz said. Despite the loss to the Del Valle Cardinals and a slate of games against district heavyweights like Lake Travis and Westlake, players said they feel optimistic about their chances. The team made a quick recovery after the Del Valle loss, beating Lehman and
Staff Writer
to the Del Valle Cardinals 22-25. Jacob Diaz said it was a disappointing loss, but the team did not let it get them
VOLLEYBALL
ever Homecoming game in Akins history. “I feel like we made history, it’s a great feeling to win a game no other Akins team has, it was a great experience and a even better win,” junior Kenan Lockhart said. During the summer the players decided they needed to be closer in order to work better together and to win more games. As a team, they hung out together, got to know each
other better and worked on football together by attending practices and football camps. “Now we have this bond with one another that can not be broken,” senior Trey Akers said. “I feel like it really helped our team for the better.” Many of the football players see great things for this team in the future. “I see big things for this team if we just continue to work hard and not slack
Leaders
PERSEVERANCE
off, and do things the right way,” Lockhart said. This team continues to strive for bigger this year, in order to do that they have to keep the strong bond with one another, and to work for what they plan to achieve. “We just plan to really build the team’s chemistry,” Diaz said. “We have the potential to be one of the best teams in our district. We all have each others back, no matter what
and some people may have doubts about us but we’re out to make a name for ourselves.” Although the football team hasn’t won every game, they continue to prove that they will not go “Winning is starting to become a habit for this team and we plan on keeping that going for a long time here at Akins,” Diaz said.
Experience
Still high hopes for Volleyball New coaches, new season Sadie Adams
Luis Canales
Although the Varsity Volleyball team is currently losing in district standings, 6-1, it’s not stopping the players from striving to do better and knock out some wins this season. The volleyball girls are working extremely hard to make their comeback this year and they won’t give up until the end. “We are currently on a losing streak but our team is working very hard to come back,” Amanda Barerra said. “We really just do it for ourselves and for our coach because we all want it so bad.” Head Volleyball Coach Amanda Thomas, has coached many years and has brought in some new talent to help her manage the teams this year. Former softball coach, Amy Lam, helps with the JV A Team and DeCreasha Goodner is coaching the JV B Team. Coach Thomas,wants her volleyball girls to always push to do their best every practice and every game whether they win or lose. She sees potential in all her
This school year, Akins welcomed three new coaches after recently saying goodbye to a few last year. Akins football, softball, wrestling, and baseball teams have gained new coaches this year and the athletes as well as fans alike are hoping to see the new leadership take Akins to the top of the brackets. With all of our football teams off to a strong start this year, players are excited about the new staff. Freshman player Trevein Shyne said assistant Coach Lonnie Teal, who is also an assistant wrestling coach, wants the team to be “motivated and tactical.” “To be successful the players need to be disciplined,” Teal said. “The best teams are the most disciplined.” Both players and coaches agree that everyone is focused on exercising the hard work necessary to be successful. While the Akins football program hasn’t been particularly proud of previous performance statistics from years past, players and coaches have much more hope, believing that things are changing for the betterment of the
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Ready to strike
Demarcus Cabezas
Asena Tapaevalu gets in position for a play.
players and will continue to work with them to get on a winning streak . Despite the lack of success the time has a high performing player,s one being Asena Tapaevalu. Tapaevalu plays for the Akins volleyball team and for a select team outside of school. She has played volleyball for many years with passion. “Asena always has a positive attitude and is always so pumped for the games,” Barerra said.
Logan played for Akins her freshman year and transitioned to another high school for her sophomore year. Logan is now back and all of her teammates have noticed the improvement she’s made while away in not only her technique but attitude. “I’m happy I got the opportunity to come back to Akins,” Beltran said win against the Lehman Lobos has gotten the team back on track as well as in a positive mindset.
players have been making a positive and proactive change with the help of the new coaching staff. Some new additions to the staff, like Eugene Salazar and Anthony Degelia,
have also taken up the positions as assistant football coaches this year. In addition to football, Salazar is the new head baseball coach at Akins. He brings years of experience to the program after coaching for six years at high schools and 11 years at the college level. Recently, he was the head baseball at Lockhart High School, where he had his best personal coaching record of 75-55. Before that he coached at Texas State University, St. Edward’s University, Texas A&M Corpus Christi and University of Texas Pan American. “They are more focused and committed than other teams he has coached”, Salazar said. Degelia also wears another hat as the new head softball coach. He previously coached at every level of softball, including Stony Point High School and also the hitting coach for the Texas Bombers. When he coached at Stony Point, the team made the playoffs every year, he said. During his two years coaching at college level, Degelia made the playoffs every time doesn’t expect to change his coaching methods at Akins. “I like to motivate and push kids to succeed by teaching them to focus on their strengths,” Degelia said. The softball team is currently at 2-1 in the fall. “They are all working very hard and doing exactly what we ask of them,” he said.
Community
The Eagle’s Eye
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page 12
Wednesday – October 7, 2015
Support services offers help to Akins students
Principal’s Message to the 2015-16 school year! It has been the school I’ve ever been a part of, by far — thanks to everyone (admin, teachers, parents and students)
Students and Teaches make sure the rest of the We are all here to support our students and make sure they stay focused on their academic career. I ask stu-
1. Go to every class 2. Be on time 3. Do your best work 4. Be respectful
The Student Support Services (SSS) front of the school. You can reach the SSS
If students are (at a minwe are sure to see them succeed. Teachers have committed themselves to work so that students are -
ation.
-
It is because of YOU
or want extra support with academic or life experiences. SSS offers a variety of services, in-
SchoolOnThePlanet! I look forward to an
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Support Groups Available 1. Emotions Management Group • Focusing primarily on coping with feelings of depression and/or anxiety
Sincerely, Brandi Hosack who want with trained peer mentors, these supports students in need with resources students and collaboratively with staff to meet any need they may have. All SSS services are held in strict con-
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
vices as needed. This semester SSS has
8. Sober Living Support Group
Texas School of Social Work. SSS will have its annual Baby Stuff
Outside agencies will also provide groups in the following areas:
books, toys, unused diapers and baby blan-
1. Con Mi Madre 2. Expect Respect
the end of October. Students who are interested in SSS
• separate groups for boys and girls (Safe Place)
Akins honors fallen heroes
The Eagle’s Eye
W. Charles Akins High School 10701 S. 1st St. Austin, TX 78748
Photo Courtsey Robyn Katz
Meeting the chief
Law enforcement students at Akins meet Austin Police Chief Art Acevado at the annual 5k Heroes Run at Southpark Meadows in September.
Students volunteer at 5k run Akins Criminal Justice interns (Corrections, Law, 9-1-1 Operators) and Law Enforcement teacher Carmen Garcia assisted with a community outreach event called “Run with the Heroes” at Southpark Meadows. The event features both competition and fun for all skill levels. Proceeds went to the Special Olympics Texas and the race honors all fallen heroes and their families from the Fire, EMS, who serve and protect our communities every day. This year’s race honored fallen hero Travis County Senior Deputy Sheriff Jessica Hollis.
nanas and other food items to participants and spectators at the event.
about their different job aspects such as motorcycle detail, bomb squad, K-9, and speak to APD Chief Acevedo. Each year, the race honors all fallen herace also honored those who serve and protect Austin communities every day.
LABEL
Coffee with principal dates • • November - No event • December - No event •
• • March - No event • •
Blue and GolD night NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANCHACA, TX PERMIT NO. 209
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. 28 (Wednesday) ◆ 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.