August Hawk 2016

Protector of the Planet Page 6 & 7

In this issue...

Map of Hendrickson 3 Back to school basics 9 Sports preview 11

the

HAWK

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline Volume 10, Issue 1 August 19, 2016 thehawkonline.net

2 \\ Volume 10, Issue 1 \\ News

STATE OF THE UNION Current domestic, foreign issues impact United States Ileana Perez // Co-Editor

1 ZIKA VIRUS UPDATE

T

he Florida Department of health has identified an area of one neighborhood of where Zika is being transmitted through mosquitoes. The CDC has issued an unprecedented travel warning advising pregnant women to avoid the area just north of downtown Miami. The CDC is devoting $16 million to a surveillance system to track microcephaly cases across the US.

2016 Rio Olympics

A

s of August 16, some major USA Olympic highlights include: Michelle Carter becoming the first U.S. woman to win a gold medal in shot put, Michael Phelps making history after winning his 23 gold medal, Katie Ledecky became the first woman to receive gold in the 200, 400, and 800 all in the same Olympics since 1968.

MEDAL COUNT Gold: 26 Silver: 23 Bronze: 26 (All Olympic information is current as of August 16)

H

eld in Philadelphia, The Democratic National Convention consisted of four days filled with speeches, protests and various guest appearances. On the first day, Michelle Obama made a statement with her speech about what it’s been like raising two African American daughters in the white house.

Alternatively, “Bernie or Bust” protests took place later that night. The second day concluded with a speech from Bill Clinton supporting his wife, and on day three, a mother of an Orlando victim spoke to advocate the importance of gun control, as well as other guests such as Tim Kaine, Joe Biden and President Barack Obama. On Thursday, the last night of the convention, Hillary Clinton made her acceptance speech, making history as the first woman to be nominated as president by a major U.S political party.

BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT

I

n 2016 alone, over 500 people have been shot by police officers. At least 130 of them have been people of color. In early July, after two videos of black men being brutally killed went viral, people started questioning the amount of violence brought upon black people by the police force. Although it was created back in 2012, recent tweets, posts and status updates have been trending with the hashtag “Black Lives Matter” to bring attention to black lives.

2 Republican National Convention

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he Republican National Convention kicked off the first day with a speech from New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani who received a standing ovation after speaking about police brutality and race in America. Later that day, Melania Trump spoke about her husband, but later received backlash from the media as it was found that she borrowed several statements from Michelle Obama’s 2008 DNC address. On Day Two of the RNC, Donald Trump officially became the republi-

can party nominee for president of the United States, and the next day, Ted Cruz gave a speech which ended in boos, as it became apparent that he would not be supporting Trump. The RNC’s final day included a speech about the gender pay gap from Trump’s campaign manager Paul Manafort, and Trump himself, covering topics of ISIS, immigration, and jobs.

News // August 19, 2016 // 3

MAP OF Lindsey Robinson // Asst. Editor

HENDRICKSON

The student body is larger than ever and with the influx of people, knowing the quickest routes to each period can come in handy. Using this map can help new students and faculty scout their schedules and get better acquainted with the school.

FRONT OFFICE

COURTYARDS

SMALL GYM

CAFETERIA

BIG GYM

PAC

With the new school year, came a new set of portables to house the overflowing amount of students on campus. During the 2015-2016 school year, there were 22 portables scattered on the perimeter of the main campus. This year, administration added 8 more, totalling 30 portables. Of these 8 new potables, 4 are grounded in front of the PAC near the kick start portable and 4 are located outside of the A+ FCU.

r

A+ FCU

4 \\ Volume 10, Issue 1 \\ Opinion

Eco-friendly modifications prove successful on campus Staff \\ Editorial

As humans play an increasingly more extensive role in the ecosystems of the planet, climate change continues to grow more threatening.

With the eco-friendly improvements impacting our school, the campus is gradually going green. There is an ongoing list of eco-friendly advances to make, but the steps we’re taking are headed in the right direction to make a healthier planet for future generations.

Across campus different changes have been made to adjust the way students value the environment, but there is more that can be done.

Administration has implemented several elements of environmentally friendly projects recently, namely the hand air dryers in the bathrooms, recycling system in the cafeteria, and filtered water options at fountains.

In each of the rest rooms, air dryers were added as a substitute to paper towels. The air dryers decrease the demand for paper products, use very little energy, and cost less to maintain than buying refills for paper towel dispensers. In the cafeteria, labeled blue bins were set beside trash cans, as part of the new recycling system.

Providing an alternative to all lunchwaste going to the landfill, administration made an immense difference with very little effort. Further, at select water fountains around school there are filtered water options bringing awareness to water waste. Not only do these fountains produce filtered water, they also display the approximate number of bottles conserved on the front of the fountain, encouraging students to reuse bottles.

These changes help to make a greener school and bring awareness to climate change, but there are various projects and ideas that have yet to be jump started, which could catalyze the progress being made.

the HAWK

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, TX 78660 http://www.pfisd.net/HHS (512) 594-1100

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

To conserve energy, solar panels could be installed on the roof to utilize the sunny climate of Central Texas by absorbing beams of light from the sun as solar energy. Although solar panels are neither the most efficient energy converters nor the cheapest in installation, in the long run, the district would save money and energy by using the alternative energy source.

Planting more gardens, in general, is advantageous as well. Areas behind and in front of the main building could easily be converted into garden spaces. Likewise portions around the portables and courtyards would be sufficient spaces to add gardens.

Though, one thing to consider when exploring this option is using rock gardens in place of green gardens.

A rock garden is populated with primarily desert climate plants, such as succulents, which need less water as opposed to a green garden. Needing less water, these plants allow for resources to be used elsewhere instead, while still maintaining a healthy garden.

At neighboring schools, such as Murchison Elementary, students are encouraged to engage with gardens located on the playground perimeter.

Not only do these gardens provide a basis of ecosystem education for the young students, but they also motivate students to gain a green thumb and implement the practices they learn at school in their own homes.

Both faculty and students could get involved for caring for the gardens.

The initiative to be a greener campus is evident and it is the duty of the entire school to ensure current and future systems are being utilized properly for them to succeed. Granted, the school has yet to reach full potential in eco-friendliness, but the current focus on preservation and conservation is on the right track.

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

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 E102.

The Hawk is printed monthly at Granite Printing in Taylor, Texas. 1,500 copies are printed each run, and are distributed to the student body through Talon and newsstands throughout the building.

Cartoon by Shane Anders

Editorial Staff

Co-Editors: Ileana Perez & Kylie Ruffino Copy Editor: Rumor Stojek Assistant Editors: Alex Fulton Holly Hambleton Lindsey Robinson

Reporters

Alyssa Ellinwood Megan Fletcher Carson Ganong Taylor Hedland Paul Le McKenna Lucas

Emilio Pla Ashlyn Prater Caitlyn Schoonover Maria Torres Serena Tran

Members of Interscholastic Press League, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, Journalism Educators Association, Columbia Scholastic Press League Winner of the ILPC Bronze Star, 2014 & 2015

Protector of the Planet Page 6 & 7

In this issue...

Map of Hendrickson 3 Back to school basics 9 Sports preview 11

the

HAWK

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline Volume 10, Issue 1 August 19, 2016 thehawkonline.net

Design by Kylie Ruffino Photo by Ileana Perez

Who’s Who

Holly Hambleton // Asst. Editor

Principal Daniel Garcia What was your favorite activity in school?

“There was nothing to do so my friends and I would ride around in our cars and hang out on the drag.

We would talk about dreams and things we wanted to do.”

AP Michael Grebb

A directory to this year’s administrative staff

AP Kate Bauer What is your best high school memory?

“My best high school memory would have been making Varsity on the volleyball team my freshman year. We had a really tough coach and back then you could smoke. I swear to you we called her the dragon because it seemed like even when she wasn’t smoking she was tough. When she yelled at us it was like smoke was coming out of her ears.”

10th grade AP Nikki Dickerson

12th grade AP Jesus Molina What kind of student were you?

“I was more of a ‘go with the flow’ kind of student. I really didn’t have any background with my parents or any of my siblings. I was the first one to graduate high school and college.”

Leslie Jackson If you could change anything about your high school experience, what would it be?

“I wouldn’t listen to other people and I would do what I think is the right thing. Instead of being a leader I was really quiet.”

What are you most excited about for this school year?

“This being my second year on campus, last year I was a little nervous and didn’t know where things were or who people were. So I’m excited about Hendrickson being familiar this year.”

(Fi-L) Leigh Ann Spradlin What kind of student were you?

“I was the typical athlete. I didn’t put too much emphasis on my grades, which is funny because that’s all I preach today.”

What was your favorite activity in school?

“I was in tons of stuff like theater, student council, basketball, yearbook. I liked being involved.”

9th grade AP Lacy Ajibola What is your best high school memory?

“My best high school memory was getting crowned homecoming queen my senior year. I’m not really a homecoming queen type of person but they nominated me and I just went with it. It was a pretty amazing experience, I’m from Smithville, Texas and it was a pretty small German farming town and there weren’t many, that I could remember, black homecoming queens and so for me to get that I kind of felt honored.”

If you could change anything about your high school experience, what would it be?

“Probably to be more involved with student council just because you get more aware of your student body, you get to know people better. I had my own little circle of friends and I didn’t really branch out.”

What is your worst high school memory?

“I was in 10th grade and I was walking up the stairs to the front of the school, I fell up the stairs, in front of everyone. I was so embarrassed. This was outside so the people driving down the street saw, everyone standing outside saw and I put a hole in my brand new pants.”

CCC Kara Tappendorf If you could change anything about your high school experience, what would it be?

“I grew up in a small town in central Illinois and it was lacking diversity.

Having a more diverse experience or a bigger city with more things to do would’ve been nice.”

(Cas-Fi) Wresha Torrez

(Q-Sta) Cristina Allgood What advice would you give your teenage self? “Don’t be shy and speak up. I grew up in this small town where there weren’t a lot of Mexican Americans, sometimes I wasn’t as confident because it was very low minority.”

(Mc-P) Andrea Warner

(J-Mb) Cassandra Jackson

AP Lisa Pasholk

Did you get in trouble as a kid?

“I had a few run ins but nothing disrespectful. It was more joking around and having a good time in school.”

10th grade AP Scot Ford How did you end up in Texas?

“I was going into education, I decided to do my student teaching in England. Then I went into the Peace Corps and travelled to Kenya for two years and taught there. Then I went to Japan for five and a half years to teach. When it came time to come back to the US, I looked into teaching literacy and Texas was the state that came up with needs in those areas.

I just flew into Austin and now I’ve been here for 20 years.”

(Ste-Z)

Features // August 19, 2016 // 5

11th grade AP Clarissa Alvarado Did you have a nickname in school?

“For some reason, I don’t know why, people called me Midnight.”

What are you most excited about?

“This is year four for me, so the kids that were freshmen when I came in are seniors. This is my first year that I get to see the whole four years. I get excited seeing students grow up.”

Protector of the Planet

6 \\ Volume 10, Issue 1 \\ Features

How

No chan ciatio by d rid t smal of th

Art work created by Kylie Ruffino. Photos by Ileana Perez and provided by Katherine Rutkowski.

Eco-friendly teacher discusses lifestyle Kylie Ruffino // Co-Editor

She was a wild child at heart.

When she disappeared from the ground, her parents knew to look up.

She was most likely reading a book in the trees.

Growing up in Florida, English teacher Katherine Rutkowski spent most of her time outside admiring Spanish moss draped over nature preserves, canoeing or hiking over old hunting trails and exploring colonies of trees living in the water, mangroves, by the ocean.

Her love for nature only grew as she did, Rutkowski does her part as an environmentalist.

“Being environmentally conscious means prioritizing the earth’s limited resources, pursuing clean energy, and to me, realizing that the earth is more than just a habitat for humans,” Rutkowski said. “Environmental consciousness is respect for all living things.”

Her drives or flights to Florida are the least green thing about her life.

“I’m as green as a fried green tomato,” Rutkowski said.

She shops locally and cultivates her own vegetable garden -- at its peak, she tendered tomatoes, bell peppers,

jalapenos, strawberries, cucumbers, onions, arugula and herbs like thyme, oregano, sage and lavender.

“If I were a superhero I would be Sustainable Girl, turning everyone’s lawn into lush vegetable gardens,” Rutkowski said. “With their permission, of course.”

Like all avengers, RutI don’t think kowski faces it’s uncomher own test of mon for peo- strength.

“It makes me ple to assume feel a little isothat humans lated in a very are the most a n t h r o p o c e n tric culture, but important it also gives me species on a rich apprethe planet. I ciation for the world around simply disme,” Rutkowski agree. said. “The isolation comes from a slightly different worldview. I don’t think it’s uncommon for people to assume that humans are the most important species on the planet. I simply disagree. The Jains in India walk around with brooms, sweeping before them as they walk so they don’t snuff out the life of a bug.

To most people that sounds crazy. I find it admirable.”

Rutkowski drives conservatively, recycles everything and only rents from places with energy-efficient appliances and windows. When starting a family, she even plans on adopting to lessen America’s carbon footprint.

“If we live in the last vestiges of a normalized climate, I better enjoy it for all it’s worth,” Rutkowski said. “I think I’ll always feel a little guilty for not forsaking it all and living off the grid, but I strive to model what a realistic, eco-friendly life looks like.”

From a wild child to a guardian of the planet, Rutkowski advocates the importance of consideration towards planet Earth.

“I’m concerned for the future of our planet, and humans’ roles within it, and it genuinely surprises me that people don’t seem especially worried about the world they’re creating for their children and grandchildren,” Rutkowski said. “Being an environmentalist just seems like the logical conclusion when the environment is at risk. The nature lover in me is also just sad to see so many interesting species die out.”

1. Pla a ba ter r incre 2. Re glass will land 3. C ride, trans the road and 4. G does there anim en th switc 5. Ea ian poun gallo of gr a ga cutti each gallo of gr ener pean stead for a 6. Sw in th resce lasts regu ergy 7. Bu The and year 8. St grad vegg den. more and

*All s com a

Features // August 19, 2016 // 7

w to become a Guardian

matter what anyone believes about climate nge, everyone can show a little bit of appreon towards the planet. Become a protector dedicating time, energy and perseverance to the Earth of its antagonists. Or simply make ll changes to everyday life and become one he Earth’s daily guardians.

ant trees, flowers or herbs in ackyard. This promotes betrelationships with plants and eases oxygen production. ecycle paper, plastic and s. By doing so, less waste end up in oceans and dfills.

Carpool with friends, , share or use public sportation.

Reducing amount of cars on the d will lower gas emissions usage.

Give up plastic bags. Plastic sn’t deteriorate fast enough, efore harming surrounding mals and plants. To lesshe effects of this issue, ch to reusable bags. at one or two vegetarmeals a week. One nd of beef requires 2,500 ons of water, 12 pounds rain, and the equivalent to allon of energy to produce. By ing out two meals a week, h person would save 5,000 ons of water, 24 pounds rain and two gallons of rgy each week. Make nut butter and jelly ind of ham and cheese a couple days. witch some light bulbs he house to compact fluoent lights. Each light bulb s nine times longer than a ular one and will improve eny efficiency and electric bills. uy a reusable water bottle. average person will buy waste 167 plastic bottles a r. tart a compost for all dedable items like fruits and gies to give back to a garThis one takes a little e work, but is enjoyable beneficial.

statistics from earthsave.org, homeguides.sfgate. and statisticbrain.com.

Science teacher explains climate change Alex Fulton // Asst. Editor

Recently, climate change has become a hot topic issue for many. Some view it as a made-up issue used primarily for the government to gain more control, while others see it as a matter needing desperate attention and others acknowledge it as a problem, however, not a priority. AP Environmental Science teacher Mary Plaisance reveals how she teaches her students about preservation and how climate change affects the environment.

In what ways do you integrate climate change in your curriculum?

What are some ways schools can create an eco-friendlier environment?

It’s a whole unit in my AP Environmental Science class. As we go through each unit and we talk about the changes that are occurring in not just the terrestrial world, but also in the atmosphere, the oceans, and the hydrosphere.

Recycle, reduce, reuse, repurpose, refuse, follow the five Rs. There are recycle bins in every classroom open for student use and the cafeteria offers a recycling option as well. In the cafeteria, we can recycle everything that can be, that’s one way we can help. Is that going to help the atmosphere? Eventually, yes, but it won’t be an immediate effect. Walking to school or riding your bike to school, that could also help.

What would you say to someone that doesn’t believe in global warming?

First of all, the climate is changing, but the climate has changed throughout Earth’s history. We are on an upswing, data has shown the climate warming, but it’s warming just like it has in the past. Is this something new?

No. Is it something humans are contributing to? Probably.

Maybe it’s occurring a bit faster than it would in nature, because of us.

What are the effects of climate change on the environment?

Climate change can have an effect on the amount of rainfall we have, it can decrease rainfall in some areas and increase it in others. The effect climate change is having on the planet has even been noted by studying patterns of the El Nino and La Nina. As temperature increases we can see the tropics, for example, expanding. We can then see some of those diseases, such as Zika and Malaria, moving from the tropic regions further north and further south.

What’s the difference between global warming and ozone depletion?

Ozone depletion can affect our eyes and cause sunburns from the burning rays of the sun.

Not only does this affect humans, but it can cause harm to animals as well; animals can get cataracts, animals get sunburns, even plants can get sunburned thereby decreasing the plant’s crop ability or ability to photosynthesize. The ozone is responsible for getting rid of the burning rays and is important for all lives, not just ours, these effects are not caused by the temperature like global warming.

How well of a job does this campus do at maintaining its environment?

I think we do a good job by having a class that deals with the recycling; they come over and pick up the papers in the recycling. One thing I think we need to get better at is separating out our recyclables. I didn’t know this, but apparently they can’t recycle the plastics and the glass here. In my classroom I have a separate container for plastics, metals, bottles and glass. I think students and staff could be more conscious of that.

Explain the importance of conserving the environment.

Do you want a place to live? Do you want a place for your children and grandchildren to live? Are there other places in the universe that could support life? Possibly, but that won’t happen in our lifetime or our children’s lifetime, so we need to take care of our planet.

8 \\ Volume 10, Issue 1 \\ Feature

Back to Cool

Affordable, trendy supplies ease start of school Alex Fulton // Asst. Editor

Marble Notebook “Oops” Eraser

Fruit Sticky Notes Available on etsy.com Sold by StickersKingdom $1.99 These 3D fruit sticky notes are available in pear and apple form. As each note is pulled from the stack, it seems as though the fruit is being cut apart. Sticky notes are useful to keep up with future test dates and project due dates.

Available at Target $1.99 After continuous use pencils begin to lose their eraser, meaning most students must either ask to borrow someone else’s. At the worst times students are forced to write with a useless pencil, making mistakes appear

What fall fashion trends are you most excited to wear when school starts?

Rumor Stojek // Copy Editor

seemingly unfixable. As a reminder that everyone makes some mistakes, students can use this eraser when deciding between answer choices on a test or correctly fixing the spelling of a word.

Available at Office Depot $2.50 This notebook is perfect for art or those who have an artsy aesthetic. Its minimal pink, blue, and gold watercolor hues eliminate stress and remind students to relax. It’s no secret that notebooks are a necessity, because just about every teacher requests a spiral for class.

What are the hardest adjustment you have to face when school starts?

Holly Hambleton // Asst. Editor

“Not getting to go outside and hang out with my friends. I love being outside and exercising, and I won’t have as much time to do that once school starts.”

“My worn out, holey, one size too big, converse are a must this fall. They’re a part of me; which is mega-ultra cheesy because they’re just a pair of shoes, but I guess when you grow attached to an object, it just becomes part of you.”

Photo by Victoria Hoang

– Grace Kramer, 11

– Hannah Perkins, 12

Photo by Victoria Hoang

Photo provided by Hannah Perkins

“Since it gets chiller during the fall I like clothing that can be functional during Texas Weather. I like styling boomer jackets and fannels to turn anything casual into something a little more edgy.”

Photo provided by Francene Bayola

– Francene Bayola, 9

Photo by Victoria Hoang

“There is a bunch of new people that are older than me that I don’t know around and it makes me nervous and a little scared.”

– Thomas Lopez, 9

Feature // August 19 2016 // 9

Back to School Basics

Opportunities provide students the resources to succeed Lindsey Robinson // Asst. Editor

Late Night Library Though the school year may have just started, the majority still have their heads stuck in summer. A great way to get focused on the new academic year is to make a list of things to get done. Below are just a handful of opportunities students are encouraged to take advantage of to stay on task and excel.

Talon Talon, a built in daily advisory, starts Sept. 19 from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.

Room assignments for Talon will be determined after the first two weeks of school.

Utilize this time to get ready for the day and catch up on homework

or get ahead on assignments. Seniors have the ability for exemption by completing the ApplyTexas application along with two essays. For more information on senior exemptions, visit the CCC.

Late Night Library provides after school tutorials and access to transportation. Teachers and tutors are available to help students and busses are provided for transportation after.

Late Night Library will begin on Sept. 22 from 4:15 pm to 5:30 pm and is open to all students.

Check with Assistant principal Clarissa Alvarado for more information on transportation.

SAT and ACT Dates SAT and ACT test scores are used by colleges and universities to determine which students are accepted into their curriculum and programs.

It is advised students take the tests multiple times to ensure the highest score possible. To register, visit the College Board website.

Date of SAT:

Registration Deadline:

Oct. 1, 2016

Sept. 1, 2016

Nov. 5, 2016

Oct. 7, 2016

Dec. 3, 2016

Nov. 3, 2016

How to slack off on summer reading

Jan. 21, 2017

Dec. 21, 2016

Mar. 11, 2017

Feb. 10, 2017

ers definitely don’t know about this site, so they won’t even see it coming.

If there’s any questions, ask Yahoo Answers. Just ask something like, “Is The Life of Pi based on a real story?” and a reply will come within seconds.

Make excuses after excuses.

Teachers just absolutely love it when students “forget the book at home” or “read the book but completely forgot the entire plot within days.”

Don’t actually take any of this advice, and just read the book.

It’s a task most will go to great lengths to avoid, but chances are the book will provide some sort of new knowledge. In the end, reading the book gives a fuller understanding that can’t be found online.

May. 6, 2017

Apr. 7, 2017

Jun. 3, 2017

May. 9, 2017

Date of ACT:

Registration Deadline:

Sept. 10, 2016

Aug. 7, 2016

Oct. 22, 2016

Sept. 16, 2016

Dec. 22, 2016

Nov. 4, 2016

Feb. 11, 2017

Jan. 1, 2017

Apr. 8, 2017

Mar. 3, 2017

Jun. 10, 2017

May. 5, 2017

College and Career Fair The annual showcase of different colleges, universities, and jobs hosted by Pflugerville Independent School District. Fair will be held Sept. 27 at 6:30 pm at Hendrickson.

Ileana Perez // Co-Editor

Wait until the last possible moment to buy the assigned book and start reading. Or an even bolder choice; come to class completely unprepared by not reading the book at all.

Waiting until school starts

Cartoon by Samuel Perales

to read an assigned book can sometimes lead to never starting the book, so to avoid this problem, watch the movie.

Books and their movie adaptations are almost always the exact same.

Just read the plot summary on the back, the first couple of chapters and the ending. Nothing ever really happens in the middle of the book anyway.

Since reading the physical book is too difficult, just read the condensed version on SparkNotes or CliffNotes. Teach-

10 \\ Volume 10, Issue 1 \\ Feature

Finding a Niche

Organizations seek members for the new year Lindsey Robinson // Asst. Editor

World Cultures Club raises awareness of not only other cultures, but their struggles and realities. With this, they also hope to open minds to travel and to create an appreciation for cultural diversity. The club invites those who enjoy music, food, art, history, dance, theatre, and traveling.

The Gay Straight Alliance seeks to build bridges between straight and LGBTQ communities on campus and the community as a whole. Welcoming all students, GSA provides a supportive community of peers open for expression and discussion.

Who to contact: Christian Acevedo First meeting: Aug. 30 at 4:20 pm

Who to contract: Drew Keller and Audrey Saathoff First meeting: Aug. 31 at 4:30 pm in P8

In support of the STEM program, the Texas Alliance of Minorities in Engineering gears members to learn more about the subjects they are interested in and gives the opportunity for students to compete and hear from guest speakers, among other opportunities.

Although having a focus on minorities, the organization is open to everyone.

Who to contact: Mary Plaisance and Joseph Ortiz First meeting: To be determined

By involving students in the various events and activities around school, Student Council, generates the opportunity for students to impact the day to day lives of their peers and faculty through leadership and volunteering.

Who to contract: Hellen Barczi and Sylvia Fowler First meeting: Aug. 31 at 8:30 am in C106

Season Preview

Sports // August 19, 2016 // 11

Coaches discuss team tactics, strategies Football Coach Chip Killian

Volleyball Coach Carrie Sulak

What are you looking forward to most this season?

New season! Always fun to see how all the teams bond and develop together. Great deal of young players makes it exciting.

What are you looking forward to most this season?

I look forward to the improvements in each area of volleyball. To never give up the fight and competing at the highest level we can.

What goals do you have for the teams?

Our objectives never change: Win each day, trust in the process to develop our talent, win district, make play-off runs, and have fun.

What goals do you have for the teams?

My biggest goal is making playoffs, but definitely giving 100% every practice.

Are there any changes you’re focusing on making for this season?

We adjust a few minor schemes to fit our players. The focus is always on what will make them better and reach their full potential in football and in life.

How many teams do you have this year?

And names?

We have 6 teams: Varsity, JV Silver and Navy, Freshmen White, Silver and Navy.

Are the teams much different than last years? We had a large senior class last year, so we have an influx of younger players on this year’s JV and Varsity teams. We’ll be very young at every position. Players and coaches have to be more patient with the learning curve when preparing young teams…the process takes time and repetition.

What struggles have you had to overcome so far?

No real struggles yet. Players and coaches are working hard, starting to see things come together and having success.

What is your favorite part about coaching football?

Being on the field with the players and coaches, watching them be successful and shock themselves with everything they can accomplish when they focus and work.

Photos taken by Breanna Portillo, Victoria Hoang, and Anna Salcedo

Interviews by Holly Hambleton and Kylie Ruffino

Is there any changes you’re focusing on making for this year?

We really need to focus on trying to get a faster more effective offense.

How many teams do you have this year?

I have 4 teams.

Are the teams much different than last year?

The teams are not much different. I do have young players, so I’m trying to get them better with each and every touch on the ball.

What struggles have you had to overcome so far?

So far the struggle has been getting through try-outs.

What is your favorite part about coaching?

My favorite part about the sport is competing and getting the girls to play together as a team and getting them to play at their highest level.

12 \\ Volume 10, Issue 1 \\ Humans of Hendrickson

Early Start

Various organizations reveal benefits of returning sooner Alex Fulton // Asst. Editor

While school may not start until late August, band, cheer leading, debate and volleyball returned as early as late July, preparing and practicing for the upcoming season.

“It’s not really school, it’s more of just volleyball, so we’re in the gym working hard. It’s nothing too dreadful, because you get to be with your team.”

Klaire Torrez, 11, Volleyball

“It gives us an advantage over other schools that aren’t preparing so far in advance, because we’re doing the work and they’re not. We’re able to get work done before others even start it.”

“There’s pluses and minuses: on one hand your summer’s cut short, I don’t even remember what it’s like to have three months of summer, but it pushes you to get your stuff done earlier and for the last month I can focus just on band.”

Sofia Valdespino 10, Debate

Megan Vickery, 12, Band “It’s stressful, because it reminds you that there’s a lot to prepare for, but it also reminds you that it takes a lot of hard work to be successful in the season.”

Rene Otero 10, Debate “It’s fun to get to meet new people and reunite with people you haven’t seen all summer. It “It’s hard coming back from a summer scares me coming in, since I am after not working out, but it’s fun to a freshman, I feel like I’ll get get to see all the other cheerleaders. I lost, but it’s nice to get to get a really like seeing them again, because feel before everyone else.” we don’t see each other that much over the summer.”

Jireh Crenshaw 11, Cheer “The season starts before school, so once we get here we start practicing.

It’s like we’re back at school before we know it and we’re already here and ready to go. I like to be able to get back into the school rhythm.”

Clarissa Leal 12, Volleyball

Briana Garcia 9, Volleyball

“It’s hard being back earlier than everyone, but it’s also great because we get to work on our competitive marching show and I can already tell it’s going to be a great season and a really cool show.”

Mary Sheppard, 12, Band

Photos taken by Victoria Hoang and Breanna Portillo