Students get indepth with sexism and dress code rules against girls. See what one student has to say on page 2.
The X Games come to Austin for ever. Check out exciting information on what it entails 5.
AkinsEaglesPublications.com
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Sneakerhead culture makes waves across campus. If you care about fasion fads and want to get in on this scoop turn to page 6 .
Twitter.com/AkinsJournalism
things to know
Summer prep list … pg. 3 … pg. 6 … pg. 4
YouTube.com/AkinsJournalism
The
Eagle's Eye
W. Charles Akins High School
“Everything That Concerns You”
Austin, Texas
Vol. 13 No. 6
May 27, 2014
Veterans say last goodbyes Jonathan Rivera Chris Remmington Staff Reporters -
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Revamped courses for AHA
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Stitching perfection Theater student Isabella Luna works on a costume for the play You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Next year the Arts and Humanities Academy will offer a costume design class.
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Academy change creates new classes for Arts and Humanities Caitlin Starks Staff Reporter
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Bright future
College
Scholarships still available to seniors
Students continue search for college cash through end of school year, summer Kenny Jennings Staff Reporter
Dedicated educator Sarah Simmons works vigirously to prepare for senior breakfest in the College and Career Center last week.
inside
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Opinions...pg 2 News...pg 3 Entertainment...pg 4-5 Features...pg 6 Sports...pg 7 Photo Essay...pg 8
Opinions The Eagle’s Eye
Tuesday, 05.27.14
page 2
Cyberbullying strikes students’ hearts EdiTORiAl
Sexism
Roch
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place to spread rumors, send mean messages, and post hurtful things while perpetrator’s hide behind their computer screens. When someone sees a comment, post, or photo that targets them it can cause anxiety at the least. From there it can lead to the victim feeling depressed, and even suicidal. When the bullying continues, the victims can feel so low that they feel they can’t avoid it and take their own lives. Too many young teenagers commit suicide because of cyber bullying. Being bullied in person you have the option of walking away. On the Internet you can’t walk away as easily. It’s available for the whole world to see, and open for more people to come in and cause even deeper feelings of sorrow for the victim. What makes cyber bully-
Susy
Cyber bullying has been a problem ever since cell phones started showing up at schools. However a recent incident involving a local middle school girl commiting suicide because of cyberbullying has made this hit home. Seventy percent of teenagers from 12-17 years of age own a cell phone, and 47 percent of them own a smart phone. Ninty percent of these teenagers use social media, with Pinterest possessing 70 million users, Instagram 150 million, Twitter 560, and Facebook topping the charts with 1 billion users, according to mediabistro.com. While these social networks help connect friends and family, it also connects enemies with victims. Cyber bullying is a huge issue facing today’s society Social media websites provide a
ing and any bullying in general bad, is that the victims are usually not even at fault for anything. Anybody can be the victim of cyber bullying. People with disabilities, acne, scars, or people of different races can be singled out just because they look
different. Everybody has their imperfections, but nobody deserves to be singled out because of them. People are even singled out for what they like and dislike. Our outside appearance is just our shell. What we like and are interested in, doesn’t
hurt anyone else. So what’s the wrong with loving someone of the same sex, or wanting to wear black all the time? When you get down to it, we are all the same. We all are 96 percent oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
However different we seem, we are all the same. We all feel the same emotions. Human beings are sensitive people, no matter how much we deny it. That comment on a girl’s Instagram photo that she’s ugly may seem harmless, but to that girl it could completely tear her down. The message to the boy that he should kill himself may seem like a joke, until he follows their advice. We believe that cyber bullying is unfair, unjust, and unkind. We advice witnesses of cyberbullying to get an adult’s attention. Intervene and put an end to it. If you’re reading this and have been or are currently a victim, don’t keep it to yourself. Find someone you can trust tell them what’s going on, and get help. It if becomes too much to bear, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Unfair Treatment
Modesty needed for school; freedom OK on weekend Lala Villegas News Editor Sexism is prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex. Some of the girls here at Akins believe that the administration is overreacting in their condemnation of their clothing choices. One girl even went so far to post ing her opinion about how the dress code is enforced at Akins. don’t think my shoulder, bra strap, belly-button, legs, or back are going to distract
any male students or faculty. This dress code is telling girls to cover up so that they don’t distract males because ‘boys will be boys.’ It’s hot. Girls are going to wear shorts and tank tops. We should stop teaching women to change so they don’t have to fear men, and start teaching men to respect women. This is simply perpetrating rape culture.” That statement is true in many ways but it also is false. In school girls shouldn’t be showing bellybutton or bra straps for the simple fact that it makes you look trashy. I understand that it is hot but nobody wants to see that. Wear it all you want but outside of school. But sometimes they get girls for the -
ing on the shirt never hurt anybody. I always see the administration cracks down on just the girls; well at least that is what it looks like to me. I believe many girls and even guys would agree with me in this situation. I knew this guy last year and he would wear inappropriate clothing just to prove that the AP’s would not tell him something about it. He went the whole day and not a single word was said to him. Yes, there are girls who do violate the dress code with their short shorts and crop tops in the summertime. I agree that it is not okay for a season to be an excuse for little clothing during school. I think girls are not being targeted when it comes down to the AP’s dress cod-
Jesse Farquhar
ing them for their choices on summer wear. They do draw attention to themselves by wearing a little amount of clothing. Guys usually aren’t victims of that because the
Fashion
The Eagle’s Eye
Returning/New Editors Hannah Kerns Stephanie Zuniga Mark Vallejo Susy Rocha Amanda Livingston Maria Moreno Adelaida Villegas Isiah Strange Sarah Luna Jason Loosle Returning Staff Jonathan Rivera Jose Salazer Deandra Tristan Nicolas Sokolowski
The Eagle’s Eye is an open forum for student expression. The Eagle’s Eye is not reviewed by school administration prior to distribution, and the advisor will not act as a censor. Content represents the views of the The Eagle’s Eye will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful, timely and interesting to news and will be held to a high standard of quality. We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the Eye staff or administration as a whole. The Eagle’s Eye welcomes reader input. Please send any letters, articles, comments or corrections to akins.journalism@gmail.com or mail them to 10701 South First Street Austin, Texas 78748 or drop them off in room 223 with adviser David Doerr or an editor. Letters must be signed, and necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. The Eagle’s Eye does not necessarily endorse the products or services found in advertisements from local businesses.
Organizations CSPA
Adviser David Doerr 2011 - Silver Medal 2012 - Gold Medal 2013-Gold Medal
ILPC/UIL
Bronze Star Award 2006 2007 2011 2012 2013
TAJE
Superior Coverage 2005 2008
sex. Students also shouldn’t be dress coded while others are allowed to break it.
Spreading Culture
is published six times a year, generally once per six weeks for the school’s students, staff and community.
Graduating Staff Tyler Derickson Kalaya Lane Robert Soto-Soria
ing. If AP’s are going to dress code people it should be for
It’s a statement, not insult
Editorial Policy
Graduating Editors Savannah Garza Jacqueline Rodriguez Matthew Lopez Marisol Gomez Christian Hernandez Jacob Sanchez Kenny Jennings Caitlin Starks
worst thing they can wear is a muscle shirt and that still isn’t really revealing. It’s rare to see a guy getting dress coded for what shirt he’s wearing rather than what the actual shirt is say-
NSPA
All-American 2013 Best in Show 7th place - 2012
2007 - H.M. Sweepstakes 2010 - 2nd Sweepstakes 2011 - H.M. Sweepstakes
Stephanie Zuniga Managing Editor In the post-modern culture we live in in which it is a common sight to see a white guy eating tacos and listening to hip-hop, it’s surprising to hear people compropriation.” case illustrating this involved trendsetters Vanessa Hudgens and Kendall Jenner sporting bindi forehead gems. The bindi’s cultural heritage is rooted in South Asia and the Hindu religion. The forehead gem statement in the pop culture world is nothing more but just that, a forehead gem. A bindi in its normal state is a ‘decorative mark worn in the middle of the forehead by Indian women. It’s be said the ‘seat of conceal wisdom’ or in other words the third eye. In our modern times the bindi is merely used as a ated with its background. A trend that was started way
before in the mid 1990s by celebrities like Gwen Stefani who popularized them back in her day. It’s the mix of cultures. Just like the way the cross which is used in so many different religions and cultures is now used on various clothing brands, or Henna tattooing which traditionally was used for cosmetic purposes in South Asia. It’s just been modernized and the people who do use it usually just do it for cosmetic uses. I see no problem as it’s being used as a fashion statement, just as everything else eventually is. The other side of this argument if it’s appropriate, I’ve seen people get shamed for expressing where they are from wearing their culture’s clothing, culture. It sparks up the To those who feel the need to make someone feel ashamed of having pride in this celebrity is doing it, it’s trendy, it’s boho” but that isn’t an excuse either. It’s respecting the fact that we all are different but we are all human. We come from different places but from the same place at the same time.
Amanda Livingston and Susy Rocha
It’s accepting and appreciating one another. Yes there are limits to where you take it, but in my view you can appreciate someone’s culture and admire it. It’s a lot like our taste in food. The food we eat doesn’t always match up along ethnic and racial lines. Think about Italian pasta at your local Johnny Carino’s or Teriyaki chicken at the mall. I don’t see why some people are scorned for this. This view of ‘Culture Appropriation’ is warped and screwed to eat that food because it’s not your culture.”
News The Eagle’s Eye AISD
Tuesday, 05.27.14
page 3
Now hiring
District looks for new superintendent Hannah Kerns Savannah Garza Editor-In-Chief Staff Reporter -
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Carstarphen tours Akins campus Dr. Meria Carstarphen takes a stroll through campus visiting classrooms. Carstarphen resigned to become schools chief in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Test taking
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SAT simplifies test taking Nicolas Sokolowski Staff Reporter
Summer preparation list
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Arts & Entertainment The Eagle’s Eye Heritage
Tuesday, 05.27.14
page 4
Festival
Culture celebrated by students’ talent Abraham Vargas Staff Reporter The Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration showcased students talent celebrating Hispanic Heritage at Akins in early May in the Akins Theater hosted by the Latinos Unidos club. Multiple acts including singing, dancing, and comedy brought the show all together. The show was sold out and the theater was packed. Performing in front of that many people isn’t easy. “The hardest thing for me would be to have the guts to even step on stage and perform,” sophomore Saray Gutierrez said. “To see all these people sitting in front of you, staring at you, waiting to see if you’re going to
Spotlight
do a good job or not.” Coordinator of the event and spanish teacher Gina Garcia knew that her students would do well and had some advice for them before their performances. “We have the best audiences, they are never mean to our performers. The more excited they are, the better it is for the performers because it helps them not be as nervous,” said Garcia, “I tell them have fun and if you forget what you’re doing, make it up as you go.” This show is a great way to showcase all the talent that we have here at Akins. Auditions for the show are open for anybody in the school. Some students grow a love for performing on stage. If you’re in theatre you’re
taught to face your fears and not be afraid of judgment. For dance, you’re taught to show your emotions through dance. For junior Natalie Flores she decided to take this opportunity to show off her talent of singing that she’s been hiding for so long. “Singing is my life. I was nervous to perform in front of a lot people and I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it,” Flores said. “I began to sing my heart out. Hearing people cheer for me and yelling out my name felt great. It was like a dream come true.” Having a sold out show, there were a lot of people rooting for their friends from the audience that were preforming.
Mark Vallejo
Singing your heart out on stage Junior Natalie Flores sang the song Tu Solo Tu originally sung by Selena. Flores praciced
year attending the Cinco de Mayo show and it was
a great experience,” junior Jennifer Torres said. “All the singers and dancers did
amazing. I really liked how they expressed the Mexican culture.”
Student Involvement
Sophomore Jesse Farquhar fascinates fellow students Susy Rocha Visuals Editor
Susy Rocha
Drawing is an art and talent for Farquhar Farquhar draws for fun and also for the Akins Eagel’s Eye at times. She revealed that she will still help out in the future.
Acting
A student known for wearing multiple hats, sophomore Jesse Farquhar enjoys a challenge. Her interests range from public speaking in speech and debate competitions, drawing for the school newspaper and performing on stage in theater. As a child, Farquhar would often tag along with her father, who taught a college class, and would watch the students as they worked
on their art. This triggered her passion for art and drives her desire to pursue her future career as an artist. “I hope to either have my art studio one day or work for Adult Swim,” Farquhar said. “I want to work on humorous cartoons like Rick and Morty and Futurama.” When she isn’t participating in school activities, Farquhar likes to enjoy the fresh air. She enjoys peace and quiet to work on her art projects. “I love being outdoors, but at the same time I really
Thinking on feet
Spontaneous improv club arises Jose Salazar Staff Reporter A tree, a pregnant teenager and Mickey Mouse were all part of a recent performance as part of the new improv club that was established this year. This unlikely combination is actually typical in improvisational theater. Improv is challenging and sometimes doesn’t work as planned, but that’s part of the fun, said theater teacher Maureen Siegel, who sponsors the improv club. Siegel said she was inspired to start the club based on watching the talent of her students during class. “Improv is spontaneous creation of dialogue and scenes,” Siegel said. “It’s acting without a script. If you’re a risk taker and you enjoy challenges, then improv should be easy.” Improv club takes place every last A-day of the week in the Fine Arts
building, room 101 and starts the last 20 minutes of lunch. Students don’t have to be in theater to join, so everyone can participate or just watch. Improv helps perfect focus, which helps improve students’ presentation skills. Siegel says she hopes to add a comedic improv slam competition next year to increase interest and participation. “People can come and do their best, other schools can be invited and join in on the fun too,” she said. “I also plan on hosting improv during Blue & Gold Night, which would be fun. I would like to invite everyone, including teachers, to the club and maybe, someday I could make a teacher improv club. Sophomore Joshua Solis said he enjoys his time participating in improv club. “I thought it was a good idea from the beginning,” Solis said. “The only thing that would make it better is if
more students came. The students that are in the club are very talented and very good.” “To me the improv club is where students can have fun, meet new people and enjoy time with friends,” Solis said. Junior Bailey Irwin said the improv club is a good way to meet people because it helps break down social barriers. It’s more than just a club, she said. “To me improv is about people coming together, learning new skills while enjoying it,” Irwin said. “All the students in the club are very involved and in dedicated into the club. Students get in a circle and do warm up, which helps improve improvisation skills. Then they start the improv. The people who participate play games for warm up, and the improv is really funny, it’s a really great club and everybody should join on the fun.
enjoy being inside and work on paintings and drawings,” Farquhar said. Even though she is most known for exceptional art, she is also a part of the Akins Theater and the Speech and Debate team. Communication Applications teacher Jesus Valles-Morales and her debate team are the people that motivate her the most. “When I was little I was really into performing and that was brought back into my life for the past two years and I really enjoyed it,” Farquhar said. “I like sending
a message through a speech performance. I enjoy theatre but I feel like speech gives me more variety of characters I can chose from.” Since Farquhar’s parents are so supportive, she knew that whatever she would decide to do wouldn’t displease her parents. “Ever since I was small, my parents were open to whatever I wanted to be into. I’m lucky to have parents that are willing to help me with what I’m interested in. I’m trying to get the name Farquhar around.”
Film class showcases short films Christopher Remington Guest Contributor As another successful to an end, the class is prewere chosen to showcase in the theater today, May 27. “The students chosen this year each wrote an engaging screenplay, and worked hard to make the adviser Melissa Royer said. written and directed by junior Linda Sanchez. The story follows a young girl who is being stalked by an obsessive student. To him, privacy has no bounds. After many attempts to win the overboard, and kidnaps her. Now it’s all up to her save her. “The best factor is that people will get to see how I imagined everything in my head,” Sanchez said. Suburban Heartbreak, showcased was written and directed by junior
Jose Flores. The story is told through two perspectives. 55-year old man who has had his share of neglect and disappointment. One day, his heart can’t take the hardships of life, and he attempts something drastic. The second story features a group of skaters whose friendship is put to the test as each has a different philosophy on death. “Its inspired me to go on and make videos on my own whether its with friends and cell phones or actors and professional equipment,” Flores said. Finding Lexi was written and directed by senior Steven Diaz. The story dives into the more humorous and adventurous side of the high school lifestyle as two best friends make a bet. With a new girl transferring in, they battle it get her number. But, the girl isn’t what she seems to be. “It’s exciting and a great experience to be based on my own idea,” Diaz said. The screenings will begin today from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission will be based on audience donation.
Tuesday, 05.27.14 Arts Exploring
& Entertainment The Eagle’s Eye
page 5
Downtown
Street festival attracts local shoppers Deandra Tristan Sarah Luna Staff Reporter Entertainment Editor
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Exploring Old Pecan Street Attendees walk around taking in the sights of downtown Austin. Last year the event distrib-
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Pedestrians line up to try food from local vendors. Certain vendors sold odd foods such as rattlesnake and alligator.
Performances
Sports & Music
X-Games are set to roll in Austin Sonny Zuniga Managing Editor
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Eagle Vogue Jacob Sanchez Staff Reporter
Jackie Rodriguez Staff Reporter
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Michael Murray
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Student Life The Eagle’s Eye Hobbies
Tuesday, 05.27.14
page 6
Fashion
Students splurge on tennis shoes Stephanie Zuniga Managing Editor Sneaker boxes pile up to the ceiling with shoes that have never been used. Trading, selling and buying goes on at shoe conventions, which contributes highly to the sneaker head culture. Prices for the hotest editions pairs range from to $300 to even $1,000. Sneakerheads start off building their collection off with classic vintage shoes from various brands that eventually can be worth multiple times the price they were worth Junior Giovanni Donio is one of the many shoe game enthusiasts. “I’ve been collecting since I was a freshman, I started by buying used sneakers off my neighbors for $30 which were retro Jordan’s which are shoes Michael Jordan wore during his career,” Donio said. Austin is a well-known
city for its creativity and well known fashion trends. Austin malls aren’t fazed by the shoe game phenomena when crowds raid their mall doors for the latest release. Jordans are well known for starting this craze of shoe fanatics with its continuous releases of vintage designs the Michael Jordan era. “The Jordan brand recreates the shoes he wore every year which creates hype, models are different each year,” Donio said. The devotion for the sneaker culture phenomena dives deeper in when enthusiasts preserve the shoes and the original content to bring up its value and income. “Older shoes with boxes and the wrapping paper and basically everything that came with the item are worth more” Donio said. Unlike other hobbies, shoe collecting brings in the money. Sneakerheads are known for buying 10 pairs
Photos courtosey Giovanni Donio
Kicking it Junior Giovanni Donio shows off just a few of his prized Jordans. He has been collecting shoes since his freshman year.
and reselling them online, raking in some serious cash. “It’s like any other hobby, except in this hobby you get to wear what you have, some people get the shoes just to preserve them , people sit on 30 shoes never worn that are worth $300 a piece,” Donio said.
Sneakerhead culture is known to be spreading world wide. It is even venturing out of the country to places like China where many shoes are originally prowages are much lower. “Shoe game doesn’t even stop at Jordans. You have
Nike, Nike competitors. Reebok comes out with old school classics from old basketball players.” Hype, exclusiveness, and availability are what get the popularity of the shoes going along with the enthusiasts itching to snag a pair, he said.
“People go into shoe stores at seven in the morning when the mall opens and ing as high as $50, which only gives you a chance to buy the shoes. It doesn’t pay for the shoes which makes shoes very exclusive,” Donio said.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS SAY FAREWELL Favorite Moments: Vampire Weekened concert Favorite Activies: Concerts and Festivals
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Favorite location: Barton Springs pool
Advanced Placement
Student challeges himself with six advanced classes Maria Moreno
Student Life Editor Student’s stress over having to take one or three AP classes, but imagine having to take six. Senior Fernando Mendoza taking AP Calculus-AB, AP Physics-C, AP Macro Economics and AP Government. “I wanted to take AP classes because I know they’re harder,” Mendoza said. “I want to challenge myself because I know they’re more advanced.” The word “stressed doesn’t exist in Mendoza’s vocabular as he takes a more relaxed approach to his classes. “Other than Physics AP, I just pay attention in class and do my work, it comes really easy to me,” Mendoza said. “Stressing out takes a
lot of energy so I don’t do it, when I was taking the tests I was relaxed.” Mendoza. He is planning on attending A&M in College Station, Texas and is majoring in Aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineering majors learn how to use math and science to design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. person in my family to go to college and I’m really proud about that,” Mendoza said. Typically, a student who takes AP classes studies constantly, but with Mendoza it’s a different story. “I do homework but I don’t study. I’m a visual learner and if someone can show me how to do it, I can do it. I don’t need to constantly think about it,” Mendoza said. Although Mendoza is
taking all AP classes, he is still able to balance his social life with academics. “Out of school I like to play video games, watch documentaries, and watch anime.” Mendoza said. Rebecca Redland, the AP administrator, thinks that it’s good that students challenge themselves to take as many as six AP classes. ence for a student to take all those classes, the classes and course load would be stressful,” Redland said. “but tests is good type of challenge because that student is taking advantage of everything we have to offer at akins.” “Signing up for AP classes and doing well on them is something to be proud of, and so I took a whole bunch of them,” Mendoza said.
of SouthPark Meadows Invites you to get a FREE Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich, or 8 Count Nuggets with the purchase of a Large Waffle Fry and Large Drink. Offer good only at Chick-fil-A I-35 & Slaughter in SouthPark Meadows. Expires 05/31/14.
Sports The Eagle’s Eye Basketball
Tuesday, 05.27.14
page 7
Moving on
Esteemed leader departs from Akins Isiah Strange Sports Editor After seven years working the court and pushing Eagles athletes to strive for excellence, coach Chris Thomas will be moving on to a new home across town at Reagan High School. Thomas, assistant varsity boy’s basketball coach and track coach, will become the head basketball coach at Reagan next year after making his mark on the lives of hundreds of Akins athletes. will work as a head coach, but Thomas says he believes he is up for the challenge. he said. “I have to start over with new kids, who really don’t know my coaching Thomas said this is his time to move to a new position. “I’ve been coaching for time I’ve been offered a head ter seven years working the court and pushing Eagles
Sports
athletes to strive for excellence, coach Chris Thomas will be moving on to a new home at Reagan High School. Thomas, assistant varsity boy’s basketball coach and track coach, will become the head basketball coach at Reagan next year after making his mark on the lives of hundreds of Akins athletes. will work as a head coach, but Thomas says he believes he is up for the challenge. he said. “I have to start over with a lot of new kids, who really don’t know my coachof moving to a new school and taking over an existing program, Thomas said it made sense for him to make a change at this point in his career. “I’ve been coaching for
not parting ways “I think coach Thomas, along with coach Peavy, both helped turn around the whole basketball program, work hard, and have made it Thomas will have a big journey ahead of him, as he’ll be with an entirely new school, that’ll be a different environment compared to Akins. Thomas said. “Seems like it’s going to be a challenging situation being at a new school, with all new stuAlthough he is leaving, the basketball program at Akins will live on, and continue to succeed, he said. “I think it’s a very good ic coordinator David Peavy
time I’ve been offered a head
same amount of time, and I think it’s his time to go on
Being with Akins for so long, Thomas has had a lot of time to experience with students at Akins, and he’s
Thomas prepares to leave after this school year, to Reagan. “Coach Thomas and I
Isiah Strange
Coach prepares to leave Akins
feel we’ve done everything we can for the program, and that it’s time to move on and Peavy said, who recently announced that he will be stepping down as head basketball coach. Even the players are feeling the effect of him leaving.
“I think some of the things I’ll miss is his coaching style, and the way he innior Christian Newton said. Thomas has become a big part of the Akins family, as he’s help lead the basketball team to great achievements. Thomas, who is known
for his serious demeanor and enforcing discipline among players by making them do push-ups, also has a lighter side, players said. “I’ll probably also miss his jokes, and seeing him mess around with the playsaid.
Girls football
Powderpuff makes its comeback after year absensce Ebone Bagnall said. “Powder-puff is a fundraiser event for girls sports and most of all the cheerleaders of Akins Usually at a typical powder-puff game the girls and the guys switch gender roles. “Traditionally we would also have boys playing the nall said. “But this year we just have girls playing powMiranda LeBlanc
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Kalaya Lane Staff Reporter Usually when it comes to sports its all about winning. But with powder-puff it’s all
Athletics
about fun and games. The powder-puff football game, which featured female players from various campus organizations, is a school tradition that helps bring
people together to simply enjoy the love of the game. Powder-puff is when girls make-up their own teams with friends to come out and
Changing leadership
Head coach steps down Isiah Strange Tyler Derickson Sports Editor Staff Reporter David Peavy, Akins head varsity basketball coach and Athletic Coordinator, will be stepping down after this school year to allow the team to go in another direction. Peavy, who has been at Akins for seven years, will hand over his lead coaching job after turning the basketball team into a powerhouse that regularly makes the playoffs. “I think it’s just time for me to hand they’re at the position where they don’t Assistant Coach Jesse Hayes is being considered as a candidate to take over been made. be very excited to lead the team next Thomas also leaving Akins to become the head varsity boys basketball coach at Reagan High School, players will have to adjust to new leaders when they are determined. “Coach Thomas and I feel we’ve done everything to turn it around and Peavy said.
Coach David Peavy plans to give up his title as head of the boys varsity basketball team after seven years in that role.
coaches leaving the team will have a big change ahead of them. However, players hope to continue on the team’s winning tradition. “It will be hard having to start for a new coach but this is a well put together team and we will be ready to play for Scaturro said. Players said that Peavey leaves the team and coaches in a very good spot to be successful for the future. “Coach Peavy put together a strong foundation in his time here and I feel that this team has the potential to still lead, the team has had a big turn around in the way they play. It’ll be a big change for the team, but strive and do just as well next year.
Although the cheerleaders didn’t win, many of them were glad to have been a part of powder-puff. “I am happy I participater Chyna Marshall said. “It’s pretty cool to see everyone be so active and have fun at
The football team this year decided to be referees and coaches for the girls instead of being cheerleaders. “The football team came out to support the girls in a “So powder-puff in general is an effort between the football team and the cheerleaders to bring us more together as two teams that support There were many people wondering if anyone would get hurt. “I think some of the girls will get hurt because some of them look like they are Jocelyne Rivera said. But others thought otherwise. “No one should get hurt,
JROTC student Maritza Ramirez said. Many of the girls were from athletic teams throughout the school. The groups included basketball, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading, JROTC, softball, and the “This is a really fun game and we’ll see what In the end, the girls basketball group won. It wasn’t about winning this year because everyone had so much fun. “Everyone had a really good time, and got to enjoy some powder-puff footraised a lot of money for our girls.
Photo Essay The Eagle’s Eye
Tuesday, 05.27.14
page 8
Bittersweet finale closes out the year Michael Galindo Photo Editor Spring Show. Two little words that are in all Akins dancers minds all year.
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Say no evil Akins dancers cover their mouths in synchronization as through all of us and we all worked as a team,” said sophomore Omar Webb. The group performances helped bind the solos and duets together.
Emotions take over Seniors Haydee Rodriguez and Taryn Mojica emotionally pound the ground. Both Mojica and Rodriguez plan to continue dancing after graduation, with Mojica trying out for the Capital City Dancers and Rodriguez making the Texas State Drill Team, The Strutters.
Standing tall Sophomore Stephanie Rodriguez thrusts her arms out during her performance. Rodriguez has been dancing since middle school and plans to continue next year. She enjoyed performing in the show and said her favorite moment was the sophomore dance. Strike a pose Junior Ariana Capetillo strikes a pose during the it went really great as a said Capetillo. The same sentiment was shared by all the dancers, with everyone provement they showed from the beginning of the year. Ally Gates, the Diamond instructor, is proud of her
Duo does it all Hip-hop duo Rey Tamayo and Paula Vuorela perform their “Monster” duet on senior night. The routine was completely choreographed by Vuorela and Tamayo themselves. Despite this year being the team’s bonded well, showed great chemistry, and had strong performances all year. They were a crowd favorite at all events and proved to be a huge success.
Front and center Senior Paula Vuorela dramatically looks to the sky during the advanced dance class’s performance, choreographed by Vuorela and Courtney Garcia. Vuorela, originally from Finland, has been dancing for 12 years and has drawn attention from both students and teachers alike for her dancing. Following the end of the school year, she plans to return to Finland and continue her dancing career. She is currently in one of the best dance schools in the country and she occasionally gets the opportunity to substitute for one of the teachers. Vuorela plans to keep in touch with all the new friends she made through dancing as well as classes during her year at Akins.