2019 April Hawk

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the HAWK Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive PfIugerville, Texas 78660

Volume 12, Issue 7 April 26, 2019

INSIDE: teacher surpluses, page 3... Avengers: Endgame preview, pages 16 and 17

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News Volume 12, Issue 7

stateof the

UNION The Facts

The Schools Ikram Mohamed | Reporter

University of Southern California

Bryan Ross | Reporter The FBI uncovered a massive college admissions scandal on March 12. The scandal, orchestrated by William Rick Singer, involved parents paying $15,000 to $500,000 to the Key Worldwide Foundation, a fake charity founded by Singer to accept these payments. Over $25 million were spent in total by parents.

Singer would either use a third party, usually Mark Riddell, a Florida prep school administrator to take the SAT or ACT, or he would bribe college coaches to accept students to athletic teams, without the student ever competing in the sport. Fifty parents were involved, including actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman. It is unclear how much their children knew of

Major college admissions scandal uncovered

the scandal or whether or not all people involved have been caught.

All coaches in affiliation with the scandal for all universities have been put on leave or fired. The University of Southern California is planning to use money from the scandal to fund scholarships for underprivileged students, as well as investigating anyone from the university system affiliated with those implicated in the scheme. All parents charged in the scheme have been charged with one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of honest services mail fraud. Multiple student acceptances have been rescinded.

Your Turn “UT is known to be a really good school, so the entire scandal doesn’t really change my perspective of it. Though the entire thing has really shown how unfair this world can be, as the bribes were accepted so easily. I feel that you should work to get into college rather than have your wealthy parents pay your way in a university, that other students work so hard to get into.”

Nishka Talwar, 9

Who's involved: Donna Heinel, senior associate Athletic Director. Received bribes in exchange for facilitating entrance to schools for athletes based off of fake credentials.

Ali Khosroshahin and Laura Janke, head and assistant coach of women’s soccer. Both reportedly were involved in creating fake athletic profiles for applicants in exchange for bribes.

Jovan Vavic, men’s and women’s water polo coach. Received bribes in exchange for falsely designating students as athletic recruits.

What they’re doing in response: All school officials and coaches involved have been fired. Six students have been denied entry, and a review is being conducted of all students suspected to be involved. USC plans to take all money used from the scandal to fund scholarships for underprivileged students.

Stanford University

Who’s Involved: John Vandemoer, sailing coach at Stanford university. Accepted money to the Stanford sailing team in exchange for recommending two students as potential recruits to the Stanford sailing team.

Wake Forest University

Who’s Involved: Bill Ferguson, volleyball coach, accepted money to admit a student who had been previously been on the wait-list.

What they're doing in response: Ferguson has been placed on administrative leave, though the student involved continues to be enrolled at Wake Forest as it’s believed they are unaware of the reason for their sudden acceptance.

Georgetown University “I’m honestly not surprised about it at all. I feel that it’s been going on for long time, and I’m honestly surprised that it took so long to be exposed. The rich have a way of getting what they want because they have money, which really impacts those without it negatively. I don’t think they had to pay for their students to get in, instead maybe apply them to another school which would also be a good fit.”

Maeva Kouakou, 11

“I feel that the entire thing is unfair for those who truly work hard and deserve it. I feel that it proves that money can buy anything, now to the point of it buying education. It really causes people to be unmotivated in all that they do.”

Aashiya Vahora, 10

Who’s Involved: Gordon Ernst, head tennis coach. Accepted bribes in exchange for designating students as athletic results.

Yale University

Who’s Involved: Rudolph Meredith, head women’s soccer coach. Accepted bribes in exchange for designating students as athletic recruits.

University of Texas at Austin

Who’s Involved: Michael Center, men’s tennis coach, accepted nearly $100k in exchange for presenting a student as a UT tennis player recruit.

What they’re doing in response: Center has been placed on administrative leave, and has been sent to Massachusetts for his court appearance.

News April 26, 2019

By the Numbers

Student population to decrease, resulting in increase of teachers transferred in district Kaitlin Mackey | Asst. Editor

A total of 19 core class teachers will be surplused causing them to leave Hendrickson next year, because the school’s population will drop as the class of 2019, with about 800 members, graduates.

“Part of what we’re dealing with is decreasing in enrollment,” Principal Daniel Garcia said. “So, because of that we’re having to have conversations with teachers about them being surplused. What tends to happen with that is we will look at our class size and try to keep our ratios where we’re being good stewards of our resources.”

Being on the surplus list doesn’t mean that the teachers are being fired or released. They will be guaranteed a job, just at a different campus within the district where there is a vacancy at another school for that certain class. The list is all based on seniority based on the area of which the teachers teach; whoever arrived at Hendrickson last is at a higher chance of being on the list compared to someone who arrived earlier. As of right now, there are approximately 19 core class teachers who will not return to Hendrickson next school year because of the surplus list. “[The surplus list] will affect us across

campus; it is all areas that are being looked at in terms of the staffing,” Garcia said. “I believe that they are still looking at the CTE allotment and have given us a little bit of direction, but they’re still finalizing the decision. Kind of an outlier type of deal is with fine arts. We have two band director positions – the head director and the assistant – and we will be able to hire for that before we leave for summer.”

In previous years, some teachers on the surplus list decided not to stay in the district and move to different districts that make their commute to work easier.

Additionally, some teachers who are not on the list resign or retire for personal reasons, which can give someone on the list, a chance to stay at Hendrickson.

“There’s been several teachers [in the past] that have said they’re not interested in moving to another campus and so they choose to apply to another district, but I would say that people want to see what’s available,” Garcia said. “Maybe they’re driving [to Hendrickson] and they’re going past two other schools and they see what’s available at those schools.

That really has been more my experience

than people saying ‘I don’t want to go there, therefore I’m leaving the district,’ it’s been people reevaluating whether it’s their commute to work or considering other options. I know there’s been people that say that but I think more than not, it’s been having to look at what are other possibilities more than anything.”

Of course, the most difficult part of the list is having to say goodbye to those teachers or administrators that have made an impact on Hendrickson, saying goodbye to the co-workers and students that the teachers have made relationships with, or even watching a close coworker leave to go to another campus. “[Telling the teachers they’re on the list] is gut-wrenching,” Garcia said. “It’s really emotional. I’ve told people it’s partly been some of the hardest work I’ve done in my career; it has been over the last several years that we’ve done because you’re talking to the people that have really been designed to remain at Hendrickson and have worked really hard on behalf of our school and our community so it’s really tough and emotional and it’s exhausting.”

teachers surplused

Student population at Hendrickson 2015-2016:

2017-2018: 2019-2020

2,700

2,750

2016-2017:

2018-2019:

3,295

2,450

The goal

2,120 (Predicted)

Campuses 21 in the District

25:1

class ratio

Elementary

Northwest Barron Parmer Lane Brookhollow PfIugerville Caldwell Riojas Copperfield River Oaks Dearing Rowe Lane Delco Primary Spring Hill Dessau Timmerman Highland Park Wieland Mott Windermere Murchison Windemere Primary

6 4

2

Middle

High

Alternate Education

Cele Dessau Kelly Lane Park Crest PfIugerville Westview

Connally Hendrickson PfIugerville Weiss

PACE Provan Opportunity Center

A

B

C

3

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News Briefs

News Volume 12, Issue 7

Rounding Up to the Top

One Act Play heads to UIL State Competition

Juniors Andrew Aguirre, Brendan Dwyer, senior Daniel Cherry, sophomore Michael Ybarra, and junior Abigail Terry along with the rest of the cast, competed at the UIL State One Act Play competition yesterday. Nora Groenvold | Photographer

Junior Francene Bayola portrays Grusha Vachnadez, who takes care of Michael Abashvilli, the Governess’s abandoned son, in the UIL One Act Play (OAP). Bayola was named to the Region All-Star cast, and the OAP has overall advanced to the State level after placing first at Region. Meghan Weber | Photographer

Portraying lawyers, seniors Lauren Bishop and Lorena Fraga, argue for the Governess’s right to have custody over Michael, in the UIL One Act play, ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle.’

Meghan Weber | Photographer

Freshman Marissa Reyes performs as Nutella Abashvilli, arguing for the child. Reyes earned Honorable Mention All-Star cast at district. Nora Groenvold | Photographer

Senior Elizabeth Bedford won Best Actress at Region. Nora Groenvold | Photographer

Yussup (junior Andrew Aguirre) takes a bath. Meghan Weber | Photographer

Awards & Accolades

News

April 26, 2019

5

Debate team earns top spots at State once again Maria Torres | Reporter

Seniors Alejandro Castaneda and Mahnoor Faheem were crowned 2019 6A UIL State Champions in Policy Debate.

Along the way, seniors Trey Gutierrez and Dylan Scott, who were 2018 State Champions, took home the silver medal. In addition to taking silver, Scott also received the Golden Gavel award for top speaker at the tournament.

“I think it was worthwhile,” Castaneda said. “It’s a nice way to finish off the whole debate experience.”

This is the sixth UIL State Championship the Hawk Speech and Debate team participated in the last eight years and the second time in four years for them to make it through the final round, taking both gold and silver medals.

The weekend before Spring Break, members of the team competed in the Texas Forensic Association State Tournament. The following are individual results from the tournament:

Policy Debate Quarterfinals – Trey Gutierrez & Dylan Scott Octofinals – Mahnoor Faheem & Alejandro Castaneda Zuniga Public Forum Debate Triple Octofinals – Bryce Hann & Sofia Valdespino Original Oratory

5th Place – Rene Otero Semifinals – Sydney Stogel Domestic Extemp Semifinals – Jenna Dammen Quarterfinals – Eliana Galan Dramatic Interpretation Quarterfinals – Lauren Thompson Impromptu Speaking Semifinals – Jared Williams Seniors Alejandro Castaneda Zuniga, Mahnoor Faheem, Dylan Scott, Trey Gutierrez, at UIL State Championship.

UIL Academic team places fifth overall at Regionals The UIL team took fifth place overall sweepstakes at the Regional competition, and took third place in Speech. Senior Rene Otero was Regional Champion in Informative and will advance to State; senior Lauren Thompson took third place

David Holt, Brandi Coppinger, Emmaleigh Gowland, Erica Masi at the Area contest with the first place banner and awards.

FFA teams take home first, second in Area 12 contests The FFA competed this past week at Area 12 contests. The Vet Med team and the Nursery and Landscape team both placed first in the area. The Floriculture team placed second in the area. All three teams are advancing to State. Rope Lindgren also placed seventh out of 156. David Holt placed individual and Erica Masi placed first.

Vet Med Team Joseph Avila, 12 Shaley Klumker, 12 Kimberly Ehler, 12 Jennifer Wieckowski, 10

“I placed second as an individual and we won first overall,” Holt said. “We’ve studied so much and worked so hard for everything that we’ve gotten and I’m incredibly proud of all my teammates for everything that they’ve done because if not for them I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Without their tips and tricks I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did.”

Nursery and Landscape David Holt, 12 Erica Masi, 12 Emmaleigh Gowland, 12 Brandi Coppinger, 12

Floral team Hanna Tuttle, 11 Sydney Kurtz, 11 Savannah Reames, 11 Meadow Moses, 12

in Prose and will advance to State; junior Eliana Galan took fifth in Persuasive; junior Sanjitha Yedavalli took sixth in Informative; and junior Sarah Moore took fourth in Computer Applications and is the first alternate to State.

Newspaper wins awards at Best in Texas competition The Hawk won multiple awards at the Texas Association of Journalism Educators Best in Texas Competition for pieces entered from issues throughout the year.

The Staff earned a Superior rating for InDepth Package; senior Megan Fletcher earned a Superior Rating in News Story and

an Excellent rating in Staff Editorial; senior McKenna Lucas earned an Excellent rating in Personal Opinion Column; freshman Vy Bui earned an Excellent rating for Editorial Cartoon; and junior Abigail Hill and Lucas earned an Excellent rating for Newsmagazine Cover Design.

FCCLA places at Regionals Multiple Family Career and Community leaders of America teams earned awards at the State competition, with senior Marianne Ayad earning second place in Entrepreneurship while seniors Irish Avorqueand and Elizabeth Monica earned second in Life Event Planning. twenty-four teams competed in each divisions and both teams will compete at Nationals in

Anaheim, California, and Ayad earned an $18,000 scholarship.

“I was actually really surprised. I saw them calling out fifth place, fourth place, third place, and honestly I thought I didn’t think I belonged on the stage,” Ayad said. “It was super crazy when they called second and it was for me. I had put all my time and effort in and it really paid off.”

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Opinion Volume 12, Issue 7

Your Turn

Staff Editorial

College admissions scam How did you react to the college scandal? reveals parental corruption

Adviser: Kari Riemer Principal: Daniel Garcia www.facebook.com/HawkNewspaper

Opinions expressed reflect the beliefs of the student author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Hawk Staff, the Hawk Adviser, the Hendrickson Faculty and Staff, or the Principal.

Letters to the editor are welcomed, and may be dropped off in E211. Corrections will be printed when brought to the attention of the staff.

The Hawk is printed monthly at Community Impact in PfIugerville, Texas. 1,000 copies are printed each run, and are distributed to the student body for free through an advisory period and on newsstands throughout the building.

Seth Deaton Anabella Galan Taylor Hedlund Addison Hildebrandt Maya Lewis

Reporters

Ikram Mohamed Angelyna Rosales Bryan Ross Camryn Sadlier Lauren Saenz

Maria Torres Zachary Valdez Kyla White

“It didn’t really surprise me because I feel like people have been doing this for a long time, but now more people are starting to take notice of what certain things are happening in the world today.”

Allison Thompson, 10

“I was angry because cheating is not a way for your kids to get into college, it is not right or fair to the other students who applied without cheating.”

Kaitlyn Ma, 9

Associations Interscholastic Press League Texas Association of Journalism Educators Journalism Educators Association National Scholastic Press Association Columbia Scholastic Press League

THE

BR E K N A G u m m Co

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive PfIugerville, TX 78660 http://www.pfisd.net/HHS (512) 594-1100 Student Population: 2450 Staff: 230

Editorial Staff Co-Editors: Megan Fletcher & McKenna Lucas Assistant Editors: Brisa Espinoza, Abigail Hill, Kaitlin Mackey, McKenzie Quiroz, Anna Schulze, Carolina Yanez.

“I was surprised because I’ve heard about what is happening in movies but I didn’t think it was actually going on. I also grew up watching Full House and to find out that someone like Lori Loughlin was involved kind of hurt my inner child.”

Darian Voigt, 12

Honors ILPC Bronze Star, 2014 & 2015, 2017 Columbia Scholastic Press League, Gold Medalist 2016, 2017 Silver Crown, 2017, 2018 Pacemaker Finalist, 2018

POINT

ts

The Hawk, the official student newspaper of Hendrickson High School, is an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions.

“I wasn’t surprised. If anything I was surprised that this was news. Colleges, especially private colleges keep their acceptance and application processes very discreet, so this has probably been going on for years under everyone’s nose. I think it’s sad, especially for the kids involved in it. Many of them were unaware that their parents had even done this, and they found out about it the same time we did. I don’t think they should be hated or ostracized for being simply ignorant of the truth. This is nothing new and I doubt it becoming public knowledge will stop it.”

Jeremiah Gorman, 10

I

thing you can get to merit is money.

While the scandal unveils deeper malfunctions in the college admissions process, the real culprit are the parents. The families involved valued their own reputations above the desires of their children, many of whom were ignorant to the scam. They manipulated the system with money and power to benefit not their children, but themselves. But this phenomenon isn’t limited to the ultra-wealthy: the concept of the “tiger mom” isn’t new, and it’s probably here to stay. Parents who relentlessly pressure their kids to be the best of the best, pouring money into excessive standardized tests, tutors, and activities, burn them out eventually. Some fear this “abuse” won’t see a decline in the fallout of the scandal: it’s too elevated, too insane for tamer upper-middle class parents to see a refIection of themselves in the guilty pleas, the Washington Post wrote.

It may not be illegal to pressure your children to a breaking point, but the real beast beVy Bui | Artist hind the cheating scandal isn’t the colleges themselves: it’s the parents who chose to exploit them.

Cheating and manipulation don’t go away on their own. Even after this massive bust, parents and their enablers only grow sneakier in protecting their own reputations at the harm of others. If we choose to combat this beast – and we must – then universities need to ensure ethical admission standards and staff, high schools need to ensure healthy relationships between parents and students, and parents must allow their children to breathe. Privilege and perfectionism dominate the sphere of college admissions. In order to end wider, illegal admission scams, we must first tackle the more benign.

ni ty co ns

ac

After the FBI disclosed the findings of their investigation of one of the most high-profile cheating scandals in history on March 12, the education community exploded. High-profile parents allegedly paid thousands of dollars to participating test administrators, teachers, and athletic coaches, including the former University of Texas at Austin tennis coach Michael Center, in order for their children to get into “elite” schools like the University of Southern California. Some superimposed their child’s face onto actual high school athletes, some got their children tested for fake learning disabilities, some hired people to take college entrance exams in place of their child, and even made their bribes to their college of choice look like a “charitable donation.” Before the scandal, many students and parents regarded cheating in the college admissions sphere to be rare, to say the least. But after authorities charged 50 people in connection with the scam, it’s becoming clear there lies something sinister within the college admissions atmosphere.

The cutthroat environment of college admissions, especially in schools with low acceptance rates, always allowed different forms of privilege to benefit their applicants. Until Khan Academy partnered with the College Board to create free, online SAT and PSAT test prep, only the wealthy could afford for their children to receive test prep beyond a $20 Princeton Review book, not to mention the cost of actually registering for the test itself. While privilege has always been an integral part of admissions and test prep, the March scandal makes an expensive SAT tutor small potatoes compared to the actors and businesspeople that were willing to pay thousands of dollars for their kids’ admission. It shows the fatal faults in the “meritocracy,” the system that was supposed to benefit merit over connections: sometimes, the closest

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the HAWK Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive PfIugerville, Texas 78660

Volume 12, Issue 7 April 26, 2019

INSIDE: teacher surpluses, page 3... Avengers: Endgame preview, pages 16 and 17

Design by Megan Fletcher

Hit or Miss

My Turn

Extended lunch provides new venues

The World as We Know It

Last week, multiple food trucks including WaffIe Love and The Naughty Texan (barbeque) came in for the 50-minute extended lunch which many students favored. This much needed break allowed students of all grades to relax and catch up on any work if needed. An assortment of trucks gave a wide-array of choices for any type of eater and the quality of customer service was notable making this a hit.

Teachers neglect video announcements Every week the audio-visual tech team creates a weekly news update for teachers to show students. These videos inform students about important events and deadlines. Teachers refusing to show these videos in class is not only an insult to the time and effort of the tech team but also could potentially keep students in the dark about vital information. Grebb & Friends also gives students a bit of a break and comic relief on the usually busy and stressful Fridays. By not showing the videos to students, teachers are neglecting their duties of keeping the student body informed.

This blatant disregard is a miss.

Campus lacks recycling bins for plastic With the current climate and environmental hazards, more students make an effort to recycle their plastic and reduce their waste. When students try to recycle their plastic water bottles in the paper bins provided by the school, they often get taken out and thrown in the trash. This year, students attempted to create a petition to get the administrators to obtain bins for plastic, however, the petition has not been given to administration according to a student who helped organize it. The lack of bins for recycling plastic is a miss.

Paper towel inconsistency causes frustration Over the past few weeks there has been an inconsistency of paper towels in the bathrooms. The problem of not having any at all has improved in recent weeks, but the inconsistency can be inconvenient when trying to get back to class quickly.

Yes, there are hand dryers in the bathroom, but hand dryers can’t help with spills, bloody noses, and wiping things down.

Having paper towels isn’t just convenient, it’s almost a necessity in order to take care of accidents such as spilled water bottlesthings that happen every day. The supply of paper towels is on the right track, but the irregularity is still a problem.

Seniors push to decorate parking spaces Throughout the surrounding schools in the Austin area, many high schools allow their graduating class to decorate an assigned parking space as a fundraiser. Our seniors are not allowed to paint or have assigned parking spaces. This prevents seniors from parking closer to the school as well as being unable to leave their mark.

In past years PfISD has denied the request to allow students to paint parking spaces, however allowing the graduating class to paint their parking spaces would allow the school to raise money for needed items. The fee charged could include money to repaint the parking space once the students graduate. Undecorated senior parking spaces are a miss.

Opinion April 26, 2019

7

Editor brings awareness to climate change McKenzie Quiroz | Asst. Editor

Vy Bui | Artist

As I’ve grown, I’ve noticed the world is more grey than black and white. While I still struggle for my beliefs to be questioned, I’m open to the idea of having a conversation because I know I would want someone else to listen to what I had to say. I don’t shut someone else down because their beliefs differ from mine— I question them because I want to know more.

This awareness lies at the core of my adoration for science. If a scientist were to think they knew it all, they wouldn’t be a scientist at all.

In the realm of science, there is always something to expound upon. As science evolves, we as humans should, too. We shouldn’t be stuck in the past, blind to the issues we face as a society today. It’s hard to turn a blind eye to the facts, especially when the facts confirm our Earth is deteriorating, and yet there are some who criticize g l o b a l warming and climate c h a n g e , two ideas which stem from years of research.

I used to think these ideas were mere spoutings from paranoid individuals, but after opening my ears to the conversation and looking at the data myself, I’ve realized that not believing in these ideas is an act of selfishness.

We need to step into our powerful role and protect what cannot protect itself. Whether this is future generations, animal life, or various habitats, it takes everyone to contribute and help stop the damage taking place.

If someone wants to say that climate change isn’t real, then they are blind to the disappearing ice sheets, the warming oceans, the dying animals, the rising sea levels, the retreating glaciers. Our planet is decaying and not many people seem to care. Helping to eliminate climate change is not as hard as it seems.

In actuality, it would be more beneficial if everyone did a little to eliminate waste and save energy instead of having a few people do it perfectly. Buy a reusable water bottle, don’t use plastic straws, turn the lights off when they are not needed, air dry your clothes, carpool or bike, eat a meatless meal— all of these scenarios seem so trivial but truly have a tremendous impact on

the environment. If you could alter your daily routine to meet even one of these standards, then you would already be doing so much to help.

For me, it started with an art project. The assignment was to create a piece of art that either displayed endangered species or emphasized keeping the oceans clean. I decided to take on both. I started researching endangered species and was astonished by the number of animals near extinction. The main one which stood out to me was the sea turtle. I came across one image which showed a turtle choking because of a plastic bag. Apparently, turtles are mistaking the plastic for jellyfish, which then leads to their downfall. I took a deeper dive into the internet and found out that plastic waste is negatively affecting all marine life.

These harmless turtles are forced to live in an ocean that’s destroyed by humans, and it’s completely unfair. Not only did this project open up my eyes to endangered species and climate waste, but it also led me to look into other ways the environment is impacted. We cannot just focus on one issue if we really want to make a difference.

Deforestation, plastic waste, global warming— it’s all detrimental and important to talk about.

Climate change is real. It’s happening, and fast. The sooner everyone realizes this, the better off the world will be. And perhaps many of you are like the old me, a nonbeliever, but I advise you to do your research and listen to the experts. Once you realize that climate change isn’t a joke, then spread your knowledge and take action. Maybe you can influence others to do the same. We need to understand the past and focus on our present, this way we can have a brighter future for the generations to come. Climate change isn’t only affecting us right now, but it’s also going to impact how we live in the future. Think about future children.

Should they be forced to witness the same destruction we’ve been so scared to face? It is a problem we’ve created. It is a problem we need to fix. It is a problem.

Why is it so hard to believe?

8

Feature Volume 12, Issue 7

Play it Safe

Teacher talks STDs, how to prevent them Brisa Espinoza | Asst. Editor

Passed from person to person, sexually transmitted diseases have grown to epidemic proportion.

April is STD Awareness month to publicize information and educate others over the various effects of the diseases and ways to help prevent STDs from continuing to spread.

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections spread through people during sexual intercourse involving someone that has already been exposed to the infection.

“A lot of people think they’re not going to get an STD,” health teacher Carol Peterson said. “That’s because the person they’re getting involved with looks trustworthy and there’s no way that they’d have anything,” Peterson said. “A lot of teenagers think that if they just engage in oral sex, that it is safe. They don’t realize the germs can be there.”

Each type of STD has different effects and symptoms to the effected person.

Symptoms vary from sores, rashes and swelling in the genital area.

“Only a few STDs have noticeable symptoms,” Peterson said.

“Chlamydia doesn’t have any symptoms; males may notice a difference in their bodies but they also may not. Because of that it could keep spreading and doing damage to

yourself and others. Syphilis usually Despite there being ways to help cure gives people sores but in some cases the symptoms an STD causes, some you may not even notice the sores. HPV STDs themselves cannot be cured causes warts in the genital areas or in and can last ones whole life after first your throat, but unless you see them getting in contact with the disease. you don’t know they are there because “Most of these STD’s you don’t even they’re not painful. Herpes with painful know you have,” Peterson said. “Once blisters is the they get going only one with and spreading a noticeable "Most of these STDs you don't throughout symptom.” body, even know you have. Once your There especially for are now they get going and spreading girls it can preventative throughout your body, espepotentially measures to damage their help avoid cially for girls it can potentialreproductive the infections. ly damage their reproductive systems. Then B e s i d e s later on when systems." the use of they are ready condoms, to have a baby, people can they can’t. It be offered can do the vaccines to same to guys, help prevent an STD from occurring. having an STD that they don’t realize “The first thing teens should do is to could ruin their possibilities of being know their partner really well, though able to father a child.” they don’t always take the time to do According to the Centers of Disease that,” Peterson said. “Condoms are Control and Prevention (CDC), the still the number one way to relieve the amount of STD cases has risen in the spread of STD’s. Using a condom, not United States since last year. Despite just having sex with everybody, and the millions of cases being diagnosed making sure you know your partner throughout the year, many people and their history can help prevent an aren’t willing to discuss the epidemic.

STD.” “We as a country have come a long

Carol Peterson

Left untreated, STDs can cause

Women are more likely to suffer

health problems including

from long-term complications

cervical cancer, liver disease, and

associated with STDs, which

pregnancy issues.

can lead to ectopic pregnancies

way, we are more accepting,” Peterson said. “Having an STD is something that should be kept private, if people were not to announce or have others find out then they would not have the problem of people judging them. Unlike other diseases, STDs are very private and are in areas that the symptoms aren’t noticeable. When you do have an STD, there’s a chain reaction that occurs after you tell your partner.”

Peterson believes education is the only solution to ending these preventable diseases.

“I think there needs to be very open and honest communication between adults and teens,” Peterson said.

“Luckily in our district, they have now approved a sex-ed course where they’re going to be educating kids at a much younger age. I think if kids feel comfortable talking to adults, and adults feel comfortable talking to kids even though STD aren’t the most comfortable thing to talk about. I think once there’s open dialogue and kids know who to go talk to and get help, it will help. Society is very slow to change; the stigma won’t lift anytime soon but I think communication is a way to start breaking It down.”

and infertility.

The World Health Organization

There are more than

estimates more than one

25 sexually transmitted

million people get an STDs

diseases, including

every day. Most people with

chlamydia and

STDs do not have symptoms.

gonorrhea.

Feature April 26, 2019

Going Green

9

Students, staff discuss importance of utilizing reusable items

Anabella Galan | Reporter As more awareness of the environmental damages caused by preventable causes, such as excessive amounts of waste, is brought to the public eye, more people have cut down on the amounts of disposable items that they use.

During classes at school, some teachers present their students with information regarding environmental issues, which help shape their opinions and awareness of the topic. Freshman Bailey Hebert’s biology teacher showed her class a video over the impacts landfills and waste have on the environment.

“I watched a video in biology that gave information about all of the trash in the world and it made me think about what it would be like if everyone tried to not use as much trash,” Hebert said. “If everyone is

always using items that cannot be reused, that would create more trash than there already is. Some of that trash could get into the ocean which could have a major effect on the oceans themselves and their creatures.“ Creating a fundamental “green” habit for their students is something that more teachers are beginning to do in their classrooms. Many teachers practice recycling, but one teacher who actively recycles in her classroom is English teacher Jacqueline Gonzalez.

“I think it’s really necessary to use reusable items,” English teacher Jacqueline Gonzalez said. “I definitely think it’s a habit that’s better learned early. In high school, I started the habit of bringing a water bottle to school and it became a huge habit. With

me being an English teacher, there’s a lot of paper involved, so recycling it all seems like such a big deal. I think it’s a habit that starts in small areas and can be expanded to larger areas. Even if it’s just one thing, I would say to pinpoint your habit, and my habit was drinking water.”

These habits don’t stop in the classroom.

People practice recycling and incorporating reusable items into their day-to-day lives.

“In college, I started using more reusable straws, reusable bags, and other reusable things,” Gonzalez said. “Now that I’m an adult that grocery shops, I think it’s all super important. It’s important to me just because I know I live alone, so I can control what I’m throwing away and what I buy. I think being in control of those things gives you room to choose if you want to be more

sustainable and have these habits.”

Gonzalez is not alone in her implementation of reusable items.

“Reusing items is highly necessary as we’ve seen a push toward reusing certain commodities instead of recycling,” junior Bekla Kouakou said. “It’s necessary because it’s the best way to eliminate waste, by cutting down the amount of material that needs to be dispatched from landfills. People who convert to reusable items are taking matters into their own hands which is good for them, us, and the environment. It’s beneficial because it turns items that we already own into something new, something that we are able to use every day.”

Staffer refIects on low waste lifestyle, makes changes to simple practices Taylor Hedlund | Reporter

Waves, full of debris, crashing into beaches covering the sandy surface with litter and broken down pieces of plastic.

Trash islands and animals being harmed or even killed from the trash that is thrown out on a daily basis.

Just last year, it was estimated that a single person produced 4.4 lbs. of trash a day. After learning and seeing how much trash that a single person can make, I began considering a change. That’s when I learned about low waste and zero waste

lifestyles; a groundbreaking TED Talk was published with a low waste blogger named Lauren Singer, where she showed she had only produced enough trash in four years to fill a single mason jar. The moment I saw this revolutionary sight; my mind was made up to switch to a low waste lifestyle.

After reading up on how I could start living this new lifestyle, I saw most things were very simple to switch. However, I didn’t want to do it alone and managed to persuade some of my family to take part

in doing it with me. I realized that even with the support of my mom and sister, it was still difficult. Many simple changes I already did but many I did not do as often or as well as I should. Some small changes I have started making is when I have a metal soda can, I will crush it and hold onto the crushed can to turn into recycling centers.

I got a bamboo toothbrush to replace my mechanical one and I also made bags of recyclables to go into the recycling bin my family has.

The feeling of making a change simply by recycling or using a metal straw, was a great one; it made me feel more connected with my mom and sister who joined me.

The change me realize what was truly needed in my life. Our world is changing because of our impact on it, so why can’t we try and change with it?

Former composter speaks on lack of options in central Texas area Anna Schulze | Asst. Editor Every Friday morning, sophomore English teacher Kathryn Gurganus sees the green and blue trash cans, waiting to be picked up by the garbage disposal men. Though it may seem proactive to have two different bins, one for trash and one for recycling, many cities have adopted a third bin for compost.

“In Oregon we had a compost bin and they were pretty strict about what could be put in it,” Gurganus said. “It wasn’t hard to understand though, things like coffee grounds, and banana peels, and all vegetables went into it.”

Composting is another form of waste

reduction that can serve other purposes once it has been broken down. Many cities, such as the one Gurganus use to live in, use the compost to positively give back to the people in the community.

“We lived near a community garden, and a lot of the compost once it was broken down got placed in the garden,” Gurganus said. “People from the community were able to go to the garden at any point and pick the fruits, vegetables, and herbs that grew there for free and use them in their homes.”

Gurganus kept the compost bin outside due to the smell the breaking down foods

caused, however she states that the small trip outside to the trash can was well worth it.

“It’s hard to make people transition to this, even my parents are still reluctant to just recycle. The waste issue will have to hit home before people actually do anything about it,” Gurganus said. “We don’t have waste pouring into our communities and homes and the smell of the landfill isn’t fIooding into the air and affecting how we breathe, but it’s going to.”

Gurganus, to limit as much waste as possible, had her own separate compost bin apart from the city issued one, for

her personal garden. She spread up the breakdown process by rolling the trash can on the ground to break apart the foods. By doing this she largely reduced her household waste.

“I composted because I believe we need to do something drastic to fix our climate problem,” Gurganus said.

“Composting would help more than just the environment, but also the mouths we need to feed, putting it back into things such as community gardens, which would lower the food costs and create jobs. I don’t see a negative to this, it would really only benefit.”

10

Feature Volume 12, Issue 7

THE

Community considers climate change, environmental impacts

T

P G A R I B E K N OIN

Science teacher recognizes importance of action for environment Carolina Yanez | Asst. Editor

As trash and waste fill the Earth, the need to recognize climate change is necessary, according to AP Biology teacher Timothy Bayliss. His background in science helps him shape his beliefs on climate change.

“Climate change is happening and I am a firm believer that the fast rate of climate change we are experiencing is caused by man,” Bayliss said. “The scientific evidence is overwhelming. We try as a family to make environmentally friendly decisions as best as possible. Every human is leaving a carbon footprint, but I try to reduce my overall carbon footprint.”

Bayliss says he is not optimistic on the current environmental conditions and society as a whole should try and reduce their personal waste and carbon footprint. He believes people choose to not recognize climate change due to the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ concept.

“It saddens me when people are so oblivious to the resources they are using and the trash that is generated,” Bayliss said. “I love it when I see students personalize their water bottles with stickers.

Just think of all the plastic water bottles that won’t end up in the trash thanks to those reusable bottles. Bring your own bags when you go to the grocery store.

The single use bags they give you at the grocery store are not easily recyclable and are not meant for single stream recycling programs. There are many simple things we can do like turning off the lights when you leave a room, not wasting water when brushing your teeth, purchasing energy efficient appliances that reduce electric and water use.”

Bayliss understands the current state of climate change. He says he is not really confused by many technical terms when

it comes to science related issues, there- trash can that is picked up every week. fore he understands the importance be- The majority of our waste from preparing meals, leftovers, moldy bread, old bahind stopping climate change.

“I am able to make observations, listen nanas goes into the compost trash can. to and understand experts, and draw my It is a fantastic idea of recycling nutrients own conclusions about issues, including from food waste instead of sending it to the environment,” Bayliss said. “I have take up space in a landfill. We also have grown somewhat attached to Earth. dual fIush toilets, LED light bulbs, and enIt has many redeeming qualities and I ergy efficient appliances.”

Bayliss is not satisfied with the lack of would like to keep it nice and clean for regulations on industries and businesses. me, my kids, and future grandkids.”

He believes By acknowlthey are a edging the issue, Bayliss “I have grown somewhat attached main cause for climate makes his own as choices in his to Earth. It has many redeeming change life to reduce qualities and I would like to keep it well as power his carbon nice and clean for me, my kids, and plants.

“Unfortufootprint. In the future grandkids.” nately, there city of Austin, have been too the Austin Remany instancsource Recoves of private ery program companies provides blue not followrecycling carts ing common to collect paper, plastic, metal and glass to recycle sense regulations and this places the citisimilar to Pfugerville’s. He also uses a lo- zens in harm’s way,” Bayliss said. “Powcal composting company called Organ- er plants are the main source of carbon ics by Gosh that contracts with the City dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is a of Austin to take and compost waste. The greenhouse gas which are a direct cause City of Austin has pledged to become of global warming.”

In addition to the practices industries Zero Waste by the year 2040 meaning that as a community, Austin will divert use and the harm power plants have, the 90-95% of everything that goes to the government is also a player in climate landfill by reducing, reusing, recycling, change. For example, the United States is the only country to withdraw from the and repurposing waste.

“I live within Austin city limits, so we Paris Accord, a global effort composed of take advantage of the single stream re- over 180 countries worldwide whose goal cycling program,” Bayliss said. “Every is to reduce carbon emissions.

“The federal government recently rolled two weeks, our big blue trash can is filled to the top with boxes, milk jugs, alumi- back some environmental protections num & tin cans. We also have a compost that have been in place since the late

Tim Bayliss

1980s,” Bayliss said. “These rollbacks impact the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the gorgeous places that many of us have only dreamed about. The United States should be leading the effort, not backing out. It is up to the citizens to demand more of our elected officials to protect its citizens from the dangers of climate change.”

Bayliss also tries to share the importance of conserving the environment to his students during class in hopes they realize the harmful, lasting effects.

“There are many common sense steps that everyone can take to reduce, reuse, and recycle,” Bayliss said. “We just need to know what those steps are and how we can help. We should continue to reduce our nation’s carbon emissions and work with other countries to do the same. And reduce the amount of single use plastics, this includes plastic bottles, wrappers, and Ziploc bags. As a society, we need to do more to reuse items instead of sending it to the landfill.”

Bayliss adds that people in society should start paying more attention to the issue because the consequences could be severe.

“We have seen an increase in the number of major hurricanes, floods, and severe weather over the last 20 years,” Bayliss said. “The economic cost of these events has become staggering. Communities across the country have experienced lasting damage that takes generations to recover from, if ever. If nothing changes, we better speed up that mission to Mars.”

Feature April 26, 2019

11

Local plant shop employees discuss company values McKenna Lucas | Co-Editor

Why did you open Green N’ Growing?

TIM PFLUGER, OWNER: “I opened it up in 1975 because I wanted to run my own nursery. I worked in the industry for a while and I got a degree in college for horticulture and I wanted to do it. I knew I wanted to start my own nursery in my 20s, when I was out of school and just working in different places like organic farms and things like that.”

What do you like about Green N’ Growing?

PFLUGER: “I like working outdoors and it’s an outdoor job. It’s not the same thing every day. You never know what’s going to happen. I’m mostly interested in the garden plants and stuff like that. My daughter does more of the house plants and shrubs. I like the people, too. My favorite thing is working out in my garden.

95% of the people we get in here are very nice and very interested in plants. Most of our customers are really exceptional.”

What should the public take away from this place?

PFLUGER: “Our thing has been trying to sell good plants at a good price. We got a good reputation with our sellers that we won’t take plants that aren’t good.

If we wouldn’t put them in our yard, we wouldn’t put them in our nursery. A lot of our suppliers have learned that they can’t push off plants we don’t like or of lesser value and to just leave them at home because we’ll send them back.”

Do you know of any name brand fertilizers that customers should use?

Why is it important to use organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers?

DANIEL KWASNY, EMPLOYEE: “We use organics here, pretty much all over the property. FoxFarm puts out a lot of really good organic fertilizers, that contains a lot of good mycorrhizae, and beneficial fungus and bacteria.”

KWASNY: “In the lawn and outside, homeuse synthetics contain salts. Not like “table salt” salts, but they’re salts. They build up over time and they do kill microbes in the soil, which makes organics no longer function. So you have a cycle that persists and then it eventually crashes.”

Why does Green N’ Growing use organic fertilizers?

MATT REASE, EMPLOYEE: “Well, really all of gardening was organic before World War I. It’s just more sustainable, easier, better for the environment. You’re basically working with the environment and the soil ecosystem, instead of overriding it with chemicals.”

Co-Editor McKenna Lucas discusses Green N’ Growing with an employee Daniel Kwasny.

The local business, located on Pecan St., specializes in Texas native and adapted plants.

Photo courtesy of Sara Bogan, Pfuntography

“[This] impact[s] the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink and the gorgeous places many of us have only dreamed about.”-Tim Bayliss

Students share thoughts on how to react to global warming Camryn Sadlier | Reporter “I believe that global warming is hurting our society due to more fIoods because of the temperature rising. I think that our society should start to behave in a way to prevent it and not increase it.”

- Janvi Patel, 11 “Climate change is something that obviously affects all of us. As optimistic as I am about the future and the prospect of cleaner, more sustainable energy and food sources, a big part of me also believes that the damage humans have done to the environment over the past few centuries is irreversible. A lot of us, including myself, tend to believe that if we make small changes to our lifestyles we might be able to help save the planet, but the honest truth is that virtually all pollution and destruction is caused by a handful of very large corporations and companies. It can be really discouraging as an individual when you realize that your efforts mean pretty much nothing if the big companies aren’t doing their part. I think the biggest change we can make as individuals comes not from lifestyle changes, but instead from lobbying for more environmentally-friendly restrictions and requirements that businesses must meet.”

- Jonny Selvera, 12

“I think that global warming is something that will occur inevitably as we continue to use non-renewable energies, but there are counter [actions] that we as a race can do, such as more irrigation systems and more water-powered energy sources. However, I do not agree with the use of wind turbines because they are a huge threat to migratory birds.”

- Austen Dees, 11

“Global warming is consuming the world right now. It’s become a major problem for the world, and for good reason. Awareness should be brought to the issue because its impact is tremendous.

We need to treat our planet with the respect it deserves and take action to prevent global warming for future generations.

It’s not an issue that should be shrugged off, it needs to be taken seriously and with precaution. If we want the earth to remain beautiful, then it is imperative that we change how we view the issue, thus allowing for a policy to come into place.”

- Karleigh Villanueva, 9

12

Feature Volume 12, Issue 7

Working for the World

Scientists share insight on environmental careers, impacts of study Bryan Ross | Reporter Permits.

Paperwork.

Regulations.

Environmental science may not seem glamorous, but for John and Jayme Sadlier, it’s fulfilling work.

Both Sadliers’ work as environmental scientists, with Jayme working for Texas State Environmental Regulatory Agency and John running an environmental consulting firm.

“I loved nature as a kid and thought recycling was so cool,” Jayme Sadlier said.

“I was a tree hugger. The idea of being educated about responsible management of our natural resources really appealed to me from an early age, and I knew I picked the right degree once I got into my specialized classes.”

Jayme Sadlier got a degree from Texas Christian University, divided into biology, geology, and chemistry.

“I deal with air quality rules and permits every day,” Jayme Sadlier said. “I also coordinate our legislative tracking, so November through May of oddnumbered years are very busy with the proposed legislation that may impact the

environmental laws we implement.”

John Sadlier, her husband, works in a similar field, but works for a privatelyowned company rather than a government agency.

“After retiring from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, I opened an environmental consulting firm,” John Sadlier said. “My business partner and I help our clients understand the environmental requirements they are subject to. We also help our clients obtain the necessary federal and state authorizations and, when necessary, help them negotiate enforcement actions brought by the state and/or federal government for alleged violations of environmental requirements.”

John Sadlier says that despite common perception, companies are considerably more concerned about the environment than people believe.

“My job has made me much better at finding the ‘middle ground,’” John Sadlier said. “Many people who care deeply about the environment believe that business and industry are motivated purely by profit and care little about the damage they may do

to the environment. My experience as both a regulator and consultant has shown me that the vast majority of the companies that I regulated for more than 20 years and that I represent are doing everything they can possibly do to minimize the effect their activities have on the environment.”

While there are things in neighborhoods that may seem unappealing, Jayme said they can often be important to regulating the environment.

“When I see things like gas fIares, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants, I appreciate them even though they are not aesthetically pleasing to most people,” Jayme Sadlier said. “I remember being taught the concept of ‘not in my backyard’ in my first environmental science class, but I didn’t truly understand it until I worked for a regulatory agency. Certain types of industries are necessary but very unpopular when nearby us.”

And according to John Sadlier, not everything learned by being an environmental scientist is about environmental science.

“My job has required me to learn a

great deal about the significant number of environmental laws and regulations,” John Sadlier said. “However, in order to truly understand how these requirements affect the various industries that I work for, I’ve also had to learn how things are made.

Over the years I’ve learned how crude oil is refined into gasoline, diesel, and many other chemicals. I’ve also learned how steel is made, how electricity is generated, how raw water is purified and distributed over vast areas and how wastewater is treated to the extent that it can be safely discharged back into our waterways.”

Jayme Sadlier said working in the same field as her spouse has been beneficial as they can understand both the positives and negatives of each other’s jobs.

“It’s great, because we truly understand each other’s stressful days, and the successful days, too,” Jayme Sadlier said.

“I think we both consider each other’s credibility when making judgement calls that may have ripple effects. At the same time, we hold ourselves accountable to God so that helps us make honorable decisions no matter what happens.”

Statistics revealed through student survey in light of energy usage In a world that seems to grow unsustainable and inhabitable by the minute, the least we can do is recognize what daily practices are enhancing these changes and fix them. We surveyed 90 students about environmental practices. Below are the results.

How often do you leave the lights on when you leave a room?

How many cars does your household have?

8%

22%

1 CAR

4+

5.7%

0 TIMES

2 CARS

25.3% NEVER

38.4% 3 CARS

8%

1 TIME

31.4%

5% REGULARLY

How many times have you travelled by plane?

18.4% 2 TIMES

64.4% 4+ TIMES

3.4% 3 TIMES

36.8% RARELY

32.2% OCCASIONALLY

When you use less power, you reduce the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants, conserve the earth’s natural resources, and protect ecosystems from destruction.

When possible, walk or ride your bike in order to avoid carbon emissions completely.

Carpooling and public transportation drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions by spreading them out over many riders.

While electric cars still have carbon emissions because they’re usually charged with electricity created by the burning of fossil fuels, their miles-per-gallonW equivalents (MPGe’s) are typically much higher than conventional and hybrid cars.

Until petroleum-based aviation fuel is replaced, you should avoid fIying when possible, fIy less frequently, fIy shorter distances, and fIy economy class. Economy class is best, for the same reasons as carpooling and public transportation. Each fIyer’s share of a fIight’s carbon emission is relatively less because it’s spread out over more people.

Feature April 26, 2019

Not So Different

13

French class hosts students from France for second year Addison Hildebrandt | Reporter Junior Haley Devries, one of the students hosting a French student for the first time, twitches her thumbs and constantly checks her phone as she waited outside the school for the French students to arrive. While the French student is with her, she hopes to try different cultural foods.

Eight French students are shadowing students as they go to their different classes for two weeks. The students, who arrived April 8, want to experience American culture and improve their English speaking skills while they’re in America. During the two weeks, the students have been staying with students from Liliane Brockington’s French class.

“This year I was told that we couldn’t host all twelve students, I asked PfIugerville [High School] to take some of the students, the others had to go to Round Rock [High School],” Brockington said. “When they shadow, they observe and take notes.”

The French students are from Lille, France, a city on the border of Belgium. The French students are chosen randomly among their peers but have to get permission slips

signed, make sure their medical records are all caught up, and they are normally the students that struggle with English.

“Many of them become lifelong friends and visit each other,” Brockington said.

“The Hendrickson students have the same impact on the French students. It’s mutual.”

Brockington started doing this when she worked at Austin ISD. This year is the second year she’s done it in PfIugerville ISD. “The French students impact my students at Hendrickson positively because they show them an enjoyable and realistic way of learning French and therefore motivate them to pursue their studies of French,” Brockington said.”Not only do the students learn more French but they become more motivated to learn. They also learn a lot about French culture. This experience is unique and very powerful for learning the target language. The exposure to each other’s culture is awesome. Especially since Lille, France is the cultural city of the Hauts-de-France region in Northern France.”

Polish student lives, studies in America for the first time Lauren Saenz | Reporter After adapting to a new environment and culture within a matter of months, foreign exchange student Filip Puchacz found himself enjoying the new American lifestyle.

“Nothing was really hard to get used to,” Puchacz said. “I just needed to work on American slang and meet some new cool people.”

Puchacz’s hometown in Warsaw, Poland is over 5,600 miles away from PfIugerville, so he keeps in touch with his friends and family back home often.

“Before coming here, I have been on a two-month windsurfing camp and besides that, now is the longest time I’ve been away from home,” Puchacz said. “I didn’t come here to be homesick. Of course I miss all of my friends from there, but we FaceTime a lot and have really good contact.”

Puchacz was just as excited to share Polish culture as he was to experience the American culture and quickly became accustomed to it.

“Here there are more religions and people are generally more open to helping others,” Puchacz said. “I am generally excited that I can be here and see how it works at school. My friends asked me if it really looks like it does in the movies.”

Puchacz hopes that his experience here in the United States can improve his English, land him a job with Google, and open up more opportunities for him in the future.

“My main goal was to improve my English and have fun,” Puchacz said. “Maybe some universities in Poland will care about my time here and it may be easier for me.

It is a really cool experience, that’s why I decided to come here. It teaches me a lot.”

Foreign exchange students My best experience has been homecoming because it was crazy and we had spirit week. Everything is bigger in Texas and people are more friendly and open with everyone. I’ve been really homesick lately and everything is different you have to learn how to be accustomed to different things and live by different rules because that’s not how you grew up.”

-Nora Groenvold, 11

“My best experience is just high school, it’s different, and just to experience everything here in just one year was the best. I thought that it was like the movies, before I came I was so excited to use my locker, it’s really different. When I came here I didn’t know any English, and getting my new family and making friends was really hard, I was really alone.”

-Sara Somma,11

French Immersion program “I’m very excited to be in the USA because the USA is very big and beautiful country that a French person has a desire to discover. My favorite thing is meeting Kojo, the family of Kojo and the friends of Kojo. American school is a very good experience. It’s a very big school and all the people are nice, the teachers are nice, so I really like American school. This experience is good.

I have learned many things. It’s taught me to speak better and I discovered the USA and a lot of nice people. I saw how American school is like. It was a very good experience. I would like to come back because I could discover a lot of great things in the USA.”

-Antoine Jamme, 10

“I was very excited to come here. The girl I am staying with was really excited, so I was too. The people I met, they are so nice. Compared to France, it’s so chill at school, like you’re all relaxed and I feel like there’s no rules, it’s very different from France. I do miss my friends, though. By being here, I’ve learned a few words and I feel like my accent is getting better. I love that there are so many cultures in America. You have so many kind of like Asian, Italian, Thai places and it’s cool to see it all.”

-Coline Boutillier, 10

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Feature Volume 12, Issue 7

Looking Past the Patch

Freshmen express thoughts on earning lettermen Maya Lewis | Reporter

Mason Smith, 9 “I played rack in [HHS] Winter Percussion as an 8th grader and we made 3rd at state. I have the percussion patch and the mascot patch. Not only does this jacket represent all of the memories that I have and will have of this school, but also all of the opportunities I am presented with on the daily and my gratitude towards them.”

Giuliana Tamez, 9 “When I was in 8th grade, I was invited to participate in the HHS Winter Percussion group and we placed 3rd at state finals. My favorite patch is the snare drum patch because it shows all of my hard work in band. I’m proud because I worked hard to earn it and I can represent my school by wearing it. It shows dedication and hard work and by wearing it you show a lot about your character.”

Sadie Madding, 9 “It’s cool because there aren’t a lot of freshmen that end up with a letterman and it gives me something to actually be proud of. The jacket can remind me of all of the good memories I had while being in band or [HHS} Winter Percussion and it’s proof that by working hard, you do get rewarded in some way at some point.”

Entertainment April 26, 2019

Flash from the Past

15

Staff reviews series rebooted on NetfIix Queer Eye Maya Lewis | Reporter

Photo courtesy of mtlblog.com

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina McKenna Lucas | Co-Editor The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a supernatural teen show based on the Archie comic book series Sabrina the Teenage Witch. This isn’t the first TV series based on the comics, in 1996, Sabrina the Teenage Witch premiered on ABC, starring Melissa Joan Hart as the lead, Sabrina Spellman. Sabrina: The Animated Series was created three years later. While the prior TV series’s target audience was children and specialized in light humor, the new NetfIix show The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina attracts a more mature audience with its dark humor and themes such as

Queer Eye first aired in February 2018 and has since taken the world by storm, quickly becoming a trending favorite. It’s NetfIix’s reboot of the original, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, where five gay men build relationships with nominees and help improve their lives by advising them on everything from a new dinner recipe, to self love.

“The Fab Five” are the back bone of the show. Each guy specializes in one thing and helps each nominee in that category.

For example, Antoni Porowski, food expert, focuses on food and wine. He helps nominees make healthier choices and gives them tips and tricks for the kitchen.

Jonathan Van Ness helps with grooming and gives nominees a new hair-do, as well as skincare and shower products. Bobby Berk, interior design consultant, renovates nominees’ homes. Tan France is the fashion

guru; so he takes nominees shopping and gives them a realistic, updated wardrobe.

Karamo Brown is the culture expert and he focuses on the nominees’ personal character.

The original version, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, had five seasons, first airing in 2003, and a spinoff, Queer Eye for the Straight Girl, in 2005. Ted Allen (food and wine), Kyan Douglas (grooming), Thom Filicia (interior design), Carson Kressley (fashion), and Jai Rodriguez (culture) were the first Fab Five and were loved by many, but the show was unfortunately canceled in 2007.

The reboot has the same basis as the original, but is better because of its modernity, diverse and loveable cast, and easy access on NetfIix. Queer Eye leaves viewers in tears with each episode because of how real it is; how personal it can be.

After all, it is more than a makeover.

devil worship, cannibalism, and graphic blood spurting killings. The production designer, Lisa Soper, practices paganism in her real life, giving her unique perspective as far as designing the visually dark and alluring set design and visuals. 19-year-old child star Kiernan Shipka stars as Sabrina and Ross Lynch stars as Sabrina’s friend Harvey Kinkle. The first season revolves around her decision of whether or not to fully commit to being a witch or to embrace a normal lifestyle. Viewers can watch the show on NetfIix and Hulu.

Photo courtesy of ashleybrookedesigns.com

One Day at a Time Kyla White | Reporter

Photo courtesy of open.spotify.com

One Day at a Time showed many real life problems among adults and children in the show that a lot of viewers sought comfort in. Penelope (Justina Machado) is a divorced veteran who deals with depression and PTSD, and has two children as well as an immigrant mother who lives with them. The family is Cuban and shows the way they live with Hispanic traditions, ideologies and the different issues they go through, regarding things like white privilege. Her daughter, Elena (Isabella Gomez), comes out to her family and receives unconditional support from some, as well as rejection from others. These characters made the show special, it wasn’t overbearing with angst or heartbreak but it was balanced with the fIuffiness and loose

comedy that made it so loved among all ages. NetfIix’s refusal to renew television show One Day at a Time for another season was because there weren’t enough viewers. With that decision, fans took it to Twitter, trending hashtags that became the most tweeted thing for a day and a half. Although viewers expressed why they shouldn’t cancel the show and how much the show meant to them personally, NetfIix didn’t budge. Despite not renewing season 4, viewers can watch the beloved first three seasons on NetfIix. One Day at a Time connects people to issues their friends and family might be going through; from going through the naturalization process to dealing with depression.

16

Entertainment Volume 12, Issue 7

journey into the universe

Staff expresses impact of Infinity Stones on Marvel series

Space stone

1

The Avengers

Maria Torres | Reporter The Space Stone, or the Tesseract, is among the first stones to be revealed in the Marvel Cinematics Universe (MCU).

The stone’s main ability is to teleport its host to anywhere in the Onmiverse, even in other dimensions. Hidden inside a blue cube called the Tesseract, the stone is constantly possessed by different hosts in different time periods. In Marvel’s The Avengers, the Tesseract is currently in possession of S.H.I.E.L.D. After many years being with Hydra in Captain America: The First Avenger and Dr. Mar-Vell (Annette Bening), which was revealed in Captain Marvel, the Tesseract begins to show supernatural signs that later causes

power stone

S.H.I.E.L.D. to evacuate. The Tesseract creates a portal and summons Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the God of Mischief and Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) adoptive brother.

After Loki steals the Tesseract, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) call in the Avengers to take it back before Loki invades Earth. The ultimate battle occurs in New York City.

In the aftermath, Thor leaves with Loki and the Tesseract to Asgard. In Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos (Josh Brolin) steals the Tesseract from Thor in the post-credits of Thor: Ragnarok and uses the space stone to teleport and take the rest of the six infinity stones.

guardians of the galaxy Megan Fletcher | Co-Editor

The first installment of Guardians of the Galaxy gives the first glimpse of the purple Power Stone, which the “guardians” attempt to keep from universal villain Ronan’s hands. In the film, we find out the stone’s power can be shared, which comes in handy when each member of the team – Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista) and Rocket (Bradley Coo-

time stone

Doctor Strange Angelyna Rosales | Reporter

The Time Stone wasn’t introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe until Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), as the Eye of Agamotto, an ancient artifact which contained the Time Stone. The Time Stone has the power to control and manipulate time. This includes seeing possible futures and rewinding or fast forwarding time. In Doctor Strange, Stephen Strange, otherwise known as Doctor Strange, uses the Time Stone to trap Dormammu (also Benedict Cumberbatch), an ancient entity that

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per) – come together to take the potency off of Peter Quill (Chris Pratt.) After going from a ritzy shop to Quill, the film ends with the Power Stone “safely” within the Nova Corps on the planet Xandar. Unfortunately, it was the first stone Thanos acquired in Avengers: Infinity War, which he used multiple times against the Avengers and other heroes in the movie.

5 resides in the dark realm, in a time loop to prevent him from escaping. To escape the time loop, Dormammu makes a deal with Strange promising not to attack the Earthly dimension.

The next time the Time Stone is used is in Avengers: Infinity War when Strange uses it to look into the future and view all possible outcomes for the fight with Thanos. He gives Thanos the stone after he defeats the team on Titan in order to save Iron Man’s (Robert Downey Jr.) life.

Reality stone Thor: dark world Seth Deaton | Reporter

The Reality Stone was introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe during Thor: The Dark World, the second instalment of the Thor movies. The Reality Stone, or the Aether as it was called during the movie, has the power to alter how the characters perceive the world. The stone was used as a weapon by the dark elves to destroy the universe and return it to a “state of eternal night” during the convergence, when all the nine realms align. However,

their plan fails after Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), the leader of the dark elves, is defeated by Thor (Chris Hemsworth).

Later during Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos (Josh Brolin) obtains the stone and uses it to its full potential. He uses the stone not only to change how the characters see the world around them and how they interact with objects and people around them.

mind stone

avengers: age of ultron

Angelyna Rosales | Reporter

First introduced as Loki’s Scepter in the first Avengers, the Mind Stone can control the hearts and minds of others. The Mind Stone gave extraordinary powers to Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Pietro Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) after the terrorist group, HYDRA, experimented on them in Avengers: Age of Ultron. The stone also gave Vision (Paul Bettany) powers such as the ability to fly, shoot lasers out of the stone, lift Thor’s hammer, move through objects and people, as well as enhancing the knowledge and intellect already granted to him when JARVIS

soul stone

The Soul Stone was recently introduced to the MCU during Avengers: Infinity War. The Soul Stone allows whoever wields the stone to control and manipulate a soul as well as create a spiritual representation of a dead person. It was guarded by Red Skull on the planet Vormir after he was exiled from earth for experimenting with

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(Paul Bettany) was programmed into him. During Avengers: Age of Ultron, the country of Sokovia was lifted into the sky

by Ultron when he attempted to drop a city over Earth and kill millions.

During Avengers: Infinity War the Mind Stone is the last stone to be obtained by Thanos after he killed Vision. At first Wanda destroyed the stone, killing Vision in the process, to keep Thanos from taking the stone. Until he reversed time and brought Vision back to life, in order to fix the stone.

He then killed Vision when he ripped the Stone out of his head.

avengers: infinity war Seth Deaton | Reporter

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the Space Stone. The stone could only be obtained if one sacrificed who they loved most. To obtain the stone Thanos threw his “daughter,” Gamora (Zoe Saldana), off of a cliff. Even though the soul stone has barely been introduced to the MCU it made Thanos stronger in his battle to get the mind stone.

Entertainment April 26, 2019

17

The journey’s end Marvel fans share theories for Avengers: Endgame Fan theories

McKenzie Quiroz | Asst. Editor

Mckenna robertson, 9

“I’m pretty well versed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I watch all the movies and get most of my knowledge about the various heroes from my brother because he educates me on the Marvel and DC comics. Honestly, Infinity War was a pretty intense movie. I cried as soon as Tom Holland, Spider-Man said ‘Mr. Stark I don’t want to die,’ that scene really got to me. I wish in Infinity War they gave more background on Thanos so we could learn more about his character.

I’ve researched theories for Endgame

neil nader, 12

“I haven’t read the comics in years, but I watch most of the movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I was both amazed and confused by Infinity War because the movie was visually and technologically stunning, I was really disappointed at the end because they foreshadowed Hulk coming out the entire movie and he just never showed up. I would give Infinity War more focus on a specific story because there were way too many dang characters.

Honestly, I don’t care about any of them except Thanos. I think I would cut out the parts of the movie that don’t concern the fight with Thanos. I would also make Hulk

and there’s one I believe, Captain America dying. I’ll be glad if he dies because I don’t like him. I personally think that Black Widow will die because she is the weakest out of all the characters since she’s the only Avenger who is completely human, with the exception of Stark. I think Endgame is the storyline. I believe the team will go back in time to erase Thanos so they can get back everyone they lost. Overall, I expect some of the original characters to die, and the individual relationships to grow tighter.”

appear in the movie, kill Iron Man, and make the movie not end on a cliffhanger.

I do think everyone will be brought back and Captain Marvel and Hulk are going to pop up in Endgame. I don’t think it will have very much impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future because Disney is too greedy to permanently kill off half of the characters. I expect to see most of the characters revived in Endgame and think that Loki was probably faking his death again. I just want Iron Man to die and I want to see Hulk beat up Thanos in Endgame.”

naia fulton, 11

“I’ve been watching Marvel movies and the TV shows ever since I was a kid. After watching Infinity War, I was obviously devastated because of all my guys who got dusted. But then I thought back to the scene with Doctor Strange and realized that it really will all work out, even if some of the main characters remain gone. I would have moved Starlord out of the way.

He was too emotional and ultimately cost everyone their lives. But if the movie went differently, Marvel wouldn’t be able to milk another movie out of Infinity War. So all in all, I really wouldn’t change anything because we get to see the real battle in Endgame. I’ve researched a couple of theories on Endgame but the main one in my mind is that Loki is, in fact, alive and posing as Bruce Banner, The Hulk, who was shown not able to Hulk out in Infinity War. This might be believable but first of all where is the real Bruce Banner, and second of all how is he going to look coming out of that and revealing to everyone that he is alive. Loki has become a lovable character but if he pulled a stunt like that, and didn’t even help out, he wouldn’t be that same character. I honestly believe that The Hulk

didn’t bust out because he was scared of what Thanos would do to him. You gotta remember there are two minds in there and neither one can control the other. With all the stones now in play, anything is game in reversing the snap. Also with Doctor Strange seeing all the different scenarios, a crazy elaborate one with time travel and multiple universes seems most likely to be the one in which they win. Endgame is going to bring back a lot of people, revive all of the Avengers, and end up with less of a body count. Somehow some way, we all know that Captain America and Iron Man will pass their hats to the next era. It’ll bring new light to our newer Avengers or ones who haven’t really gotten their time in the spotlight. Such as Black Panther, Valkyrie, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, and maybe dip into Ronin, AKA post snap Hawkeye. I expect Captain Marvel will swoop in and bring up the team again and be the final drive in defeating Thanos. Then more people will die and the dusted characters will come back and live their best lives without Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Thor. I really want everyone to just be back with their families.”

Internet theories Seth Deaton | Reporter

Quantum realm

Time Travel One of the very common internet theories is time travel. Many people believe that the Avengers will travel back in time to prevent Thanos from collecting all six stones. There are several variations of this theory. One is that the Avengers will go back in time and collect all the stones themselves to use their powers against Thanos. Another is that they will go back in time to the moment Thanos collects each stone and

stop him then. The last and most common time travel theory is that they will go back to before Thanos even started collecting the stones and defeat him then. Time travel hasn’t been done in the Marvel Cinematic Universe up to this point, but with Endgame being the final chapter in the current stage of the MCU, nobody knows what crazy twist the writers come up with.

The most popular internet theory is the Quantum realm theory. This theory states that the Avengers will go into the Quantum realm and use the energy within to reverse the snap. This theory started because the new uniforms seen in the Endgame trailers are strikingly similar to the uniform Hank Pym uses in “Ant Man and the Wasp” when he goes into the Quantum realm. There’s even a scene in “Doctor Strange” where the Ancient One, the monk who teaches Doctor Strange how to use his powers,

is showing him the different realms and when she shows him the Quantum realm she tells him how it has the power to give life.

There are even people who believe that Sakaar, the planet Thor gets stuck on in “Thor Ragnarok” is inside the Quantum realm and that’s why the Grand Master was able to live so long, because the Quantum realm is the essence of life.

This theory is acknowledged as the most plausible and popular theory so far.

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Sports Volume 12, Issue 7

Flip Over the Top

Competitive cheerleaders look back at winning performances Q Brisa Espinoza | Asst. Editor

How is competitive cheer different than school cheer?

Q How did the team prepare for the competition?

“Competitive cheer is different than school cheer because all the girls have the same goal, which is to win. We put all our differences aside and just focus on our two-minute routine. Being in a competitive sport means you’re willing to put the time, effort and commitment that it takes for a couple seconds of glory.”

Gabi Silva, 10 “We practiced a lot before and we fixed as many things as we could that could help us get better scores. We did fullouts and made sure we hit every part of the routine right.”

Mia Torres, 10

“Cheering in high school is more of sideline cheering. In competitive cheer, you’re competing against each other to see who can hit their routines and stunts the best. Competitive cheer is not cheering on a team during a Friday night game, it’s performing and executing a routine.“

Mckenzie Maile, 11

“We go over every aspect of the routine: the stunts, the gymnastics and the dance. We do everything in multiple ways working on any problems we may have. We bring in additional coaches so they can look at our routine and make sure we’re not missing anything.”

Jeff Schaefer

Q

Brisa Espinoza | Photographer Sophomore Gabi Silva practices her routine for the team’s big upcoming cheer competition. “The team prepared by practicing every Wednesday and Sunday,” Silva said. “We would do fullouts of our performance constantly, throwing up all our stunts, hitting every motion and executing every pass until we got it perfect.”

Was the team expecting to hit zero?

Q

What was your reaction when realizing you had won?

“We had been working really hard our last couple of practices but we had also gone a few days without practicing due to all of the travelling. Once we got onto the fIoor and started to perform, I knew we had it.”

Mckenzie Maile, 11

“We had gone up against about six or seven teams at NCA. When we had got to the winners’ circle there were only three teams left. After they announced that another team had gotten third, everyone was super nervous. The team that was left was a team we had lost to in a previous competition, so we wanted to beat them even more. When they announced that we had gotten first, I just screamed. It’s the best feeling winning NCA since it’s such a big competition.”

“No one was really expecting to win like we did, but at the same time we were all wanting to. One of the things that people were telling us was, ‘If everyone does their job, we will hit zero. It shouldn’t even be a question if we’re hitting zero or not, we are.’

Mia Torres, 10

“Shock, excitement, and a little bit of disbelief. We had struggled but that was our best routine we had done all season long, to have your best routine at the biggest competition is phenomenal.”

Jeff Schaefer

Mia Torres, 10

Q

How does the team plan to continue?

Q

Brisa Espinoza | Photographer Math teacher and part-time competitive cheer coach, Jeff Schaefer observes as his team, Black Ice, performs their routine for the upcoming competition. “You always plan for the team to hit zero,” Schaefer said. “But in a dynamic sport such as cheerleading, there are multiple people responsible for lots of things and moving parts, you also realize anything can happen.”

Schaefer mainly coaches Black Ice, who got 1st at NCA, but also helps coach Typhoon, who recieved 1st at UCA.

Do you think competitive cheer deserves more recognition than it gets?

“That was the first time that the gym had won NCA in 14 years, now that we’ve broken the glass ceiling you keep that as the motivation that anything can be done and that you can do it.”

Jeff Schaefer

“People think competitive cheer is like high school cheer where you cheer for a team, but we don’t do that. We work endlessly and are constantly practicing until we have everything perfect. People make it seem like it’s easier than it is, but it’s not.”

Mia Torres, 10

“Because of our team doing really well, out of all the 50 teams that were there competing we got a fully paid bid to the Summit competition in Florida in May. We all worked really hard and our hard work got noticed.”

Mckenzie Maile, 11

“Competitive cheer definitely deserves more recognition than it’s given credit for.

We work just as hard as any other sport to achieve something you love. Cheer in general is very dangerous, which means there aren’t any moments when you can’t take it seriously. Being a cheerleader means you have to do a million things all in two minutes while catching girls that are fIying, contorting your body and showing spirit.”

Gabi Silva, 10

Run Like the Wind

Sports April 26, 2019

19

Runner gives thanks to high school career, experience Anabella Galan | Reporter

Nora Groenvold | Photographer

Cheyenne Cosley | Photographer

Going into high school, senior accomplishment was qualifying maintains the same perseverance Spencer Boykin knew that running with my team for state in cross during physical therapy. wasn’t just going to be a leisure country,” Boykin said. “It was my I tore a muscle in my hip midway activity. Already running a four most impactful accomplishment through cross season senior year, minutes and fifty nine seconds because it exposed me to a which kept me from competing at 1600 meter, ten minutes and completely different level of district and possibly qualifying for fifty seconds 3200 meter, and a competition. I would have trained the state meet again,” Boykin said. seventeen minutes and thirty “It was mentally tough trying seconds 5K, Boykin was ready to stay disciplined enough to face the disciplinary skills "As I have gained experience, to go swim when possible to and dedication it took to cut I realized I am just as much stay in shape, but what killed down his times and make it to me the most was still going to of a threat as anyone else. It meets to cheer on my team, collegiate running.

“My goal was to compete there was nothing I made me more confident and knowing at the highest level so I can could do to help contribute.” perform to the best of my simultaneously a stronger Beside the physical ability, as well as being able accomplishments, such as competitor." to compete at the next level improving his times to a in college,” Boykin said. “Now, four minutes and twenty my plan for the future is to three seconds 1600 meter, continue my athletic journey nine minutes and thirty next fall at the University of North harder that year cross season if I five seconds 3200 meter, and a Texas competing in cross country knew I would have made that big fifteen minutes and twenty three and track.” of a contribution to our team at the seconds 5K, Boykin has made Over the years, Boykin has state level.” improvements to his mentality. reached numerous achievements Although Boykin runs each race “I think my biggest differences are such as lettering in cross country for himself, he still finds that his my confidence levels,” Boykin said. his freshman year, individually peers help him improve his times.

“Freshman year, I felt like a small qualifying for the regional track “My teammates and competition fish in a big pond, but as I have meet junior year, and qualifying for are what help me most when gained experience over the years the Texas Relays his senior year. improving my running,” Boykin and realized I am just as much of a His most significant achievement said. “It’s nice to have someone threat as anyone else, it made me though, occurred during his alongside while you’re competing more confident and simultaneously sophomore year. to “pull” you to a faster time.” a stronger competitor.”

“Sophomore year, my biggest Despite the injuries, Boykin

Running on the trail, senior Spencer Boykin competes at the McNeil cross country invitational held at Old Settlers Park.

Spencer Boykin, 12

Starting the race, senior Spencer Boykin and fellow varsity cross country runners begin their runners pose during the district meet.

Junior refIects on her love for track, future in the sport Abigail Hill | Asst. Editor

Aashiya Vahora | Photographer

Sprinting, junior Macy Burnham runs her race at the District track meet on April 3 hosted by Leander High School at Bible Stadium.

Photo provided by Macy Burnham

On the starting block, junior Macy Burnham prepares for her race for the club track team, Xtreme Force, indoor track meet.

Rushes of adrenaline, breaking personal records, bursts of energy are just some of the things that junior Macy Burnham claims to feel when preparing to run the 400 and 200-meter race.

“I love the rush I feel when lining up to run the 400,” Burnham said. “When I break a personal record in one of my races it reminds me of how hard I have worked over the years to get to this point and that I need to keep doing what I’m doing to get better each time.”

Along with races, come hard challenges to

overcome said Burnham.

“I have a very weak stomach. After every 400 I have ever run, I throw up,” Burnham said. “It started about five years ago when I won qualifiers in the 400, and I threw up four times.

I have to take Tums before I run or else I will get really sick.”

In the future, Burnham hopes to receive scholarships and pursue a college career in track.

“I want to go to either Oklahoma University or SMU,” Burnham said. “I would like to break the 200-meter record before I graduate next year.”

Despite the difficulties and long after school hours, Burnham believes there are even greater benefits.

“I have made so many friends throughout my years. It makes me feel really good about myself when I win,” Burnham said.

“It lets me know that there is something that I’m really good at. Running taught me that I underestimate myself a lot when it comes to running, but once I go out there and give it my all, it really proves me wrong and shows me that I was able to do it all along.”

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People April 26, 2019

Written in the Stars

Teens discuss personal meanings behind their astrology signs McKenna Lucas | Co-Editor

Carolina Yanez | Asst. Editor

Kyla White | Reporter

Arie

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Angelyna Rosales| Reporter

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Dorian Smith, 11 Jennifer Sam, 12 “I’m a Libra moon and Sagittarius sun.

We’re humorous, impulsive, free, stubborn, social. I do believe in astrology. I feel like almost everything about me screams Sagittarius, from the stubbornness to the social and free aspect. I love that Sagittarius’s are able to be very social and friendly. Our pros are we’re social, free, funny, generous and our cons are impatient, blunt, stubborn.

Our connections are Geminis, Aries, and Aquariuses.”

“I like that Scorpios feel emotions very deeply and that they’re very in tune with their senses.

I think that a lot of Scorpios can come off as mean and stand-offish and aloof, even though they really care about things. People think that Scorpios are the actual worst because sometimes they act not in line with their emotions because they don’t want people to know what they’re feeling at the time. Scorpios are characterized by feeling things deeply, but they’re also characterized by not saying them, I think that hurts communication with people. That’s the part of Scorpio that I don’t necessarily identify with. I really do make my feelings known all the time. I kind of don’t fit with standard Scorpio, because although I do feel things deeply, I’m a lot less irrational than most Scorpios are. I monitor astrology for fun, but now it’s ingrained in my life because now I ask people about their sign before I know them and judge their character on it. I feel like astrology is good in moderation, not necessarily a director of your life, or your actions and who you decide to trust. I think it’s fun to look at and see how accurate it is.”

Yanee Hardeman, 10 “A lot of descriptions of Virgo say we can get jealous, that we’re organized, and well put together in general. I do believe I can relate to certain aspects of it like regarding how I come off to people. Something I like about my sign is that I don’t let people walk over me and mistreat me. And the way my sign deals with certain things. I get things done, and I feel like I’m a natural leader which is also a part of my signs characteristics. I mainly get along with other Virgos but I’m not entirely sure about other signs.”

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Emma Sheffield, 9 “I am an Aquarius. We are really stubborn and don’t like to admit our feelings, but we do like to help others. I do like to help people and listen but I don’t think that I am stubborn. I love the actual word Aquarius and I think the sign is really pretty. Usually most Aquarians connect with the Taurus sign but I don’t really believe that I am compatible with people based on their sign.“

Dylan Verbeke, 12 “The zodiac sign for a Taurus is a bull, which immediately reveals a few things about me right off the bat. We’re known for being unwavering, strong willed, and steadfast in our opinion, and I believe I am all of those. I think it’s pretty accurate and I identify with my sign.”

Monae Thompson, 10

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Sydney Stogel, 12

“If you’re going by the book, Aries would probably be mad at this, [being interviewed].

No, I’m [messing] with you. Oh, I probably shouldn’t swear. I’m assuming swearing isn’t allowed? No that’s fine. I had to stop myself. That’s another Aries trait -- fun fact.

Realistically speaking, Aries are fire signs- so the angry type. And they’re very rash, and they don’t think- which I’m struggling to do as we speak. Outside of that, I think they’re between a Capricorn and Sagittarius in stupidity level. I don’t believe in astrology, not in the slightest, I just watch too many videos online and I don’t sleep.”

r us u a

“My sun is in Taurus and my moon is in Aries. Taurus sun is seen as a really sensual sign. Taurus is an Earth sign so we’re very grounded, we’re hard-headed and stubborn. We just march to the beat of our own drum, and don’t try to please everybody, just do as we wish. We also have a strong love for food; we’re ruled by the planet Venus and Venus is about love and beauty, so we tend to have a large appreciation for things that taste, feel, look, and smell good. My moon is in Aries, and in astrology your moon basically rules over your emotions. Aries is a really out of control sign, They are adventurous and at the same time they can be temperamental; they complain a lot, throw temper tantrums and act ridiculous for no reason.

But they’re very primal individuals, they go after what they want. And in terms of how I am emotionally, I can be all over the place, a mess. I feel like my Taurus sun really evens it out and keeps me grounded.

What I love about Taurus is that a lot of people get along with us, we’re good friends.

And we just have a large appreciation for everything beautiful in life. I definitely have an appreciation for the finer things in life, I love beauty and I indulge in it. I love that we do things our own way and we aren›t very easily swayed with our ways; which can be a good and a bad thing, it just depends on how you are a person and a Taurus.”