The Hawk, Volume 9, Issue 2

Control Violence Power

One Nation, Firearm Under Law Rights {GUNS} Wars Danger

Crime Military Trigger Bullet Protection Ammunition Second Amendment Aim

In this issue...

HHS by the numbers 2

Shooting

Time Management 9 Hype Crew 17

the

HAWK

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline Volume 9, Issue 2 October 2, 2015 thehawkonline.net

2 Volume 9 , Issue 2 News

HHS BY THE NUMBERS Holly Hambleton Staff Reporter

Due to the increasing size of the student population, clubs, teams, and other groups are on the rise too.

Here are a few numbers depicting that rise in student involvement.

480 9th grade boys

446 9th grade girls

372 10th grade boys

346 10th 55 female grade girls soccer players

385 11th grade boys

356 12th grade boys 226 ROTC members

40 silver dancers

28 cheer members

285 football players

345 11th grade girls

318 12th grade girls

3048 total students

378 band and color guard members

180 theatre students

95 male soccer players

18 female cross country members

41 softball players

24 male cross country 30 baseball players members 9 female golf members 13 male golf members

10 female tennis players 10 male tennis players

12 female swimmers

10 male swimmers

55 choir members

21 newspaper staff members

230 total teachers for subjects including math, science, English, history and languages

No Truancy, No Court

News October 2 , 201 5

New law states absences no longer crime in Texas Rumor Stojek Asst. Editor

A new law in Texas passed that took effect on Sept. 1 that eliminates criminal charges due to absences in Texas schools. The law states that truancy will no longer be punishable under a court. Now school districts are more responsible and expected to hold their students accountable to attend classes.

This law does not give students leeway to miss school; instead it just moves truancy to a civil matter rather than a criminal act.

“The new law takes truancy out of the courts and it really requires schools to be more proactive. [We] need to be more creative in terms of the solutions to come up with to engage students and to make sure they meet the attendance requirements,” Principal Daniel Garcia said. “The law asks schools to handle truancy in a different manner and so as a campus and as a district we are coming up with ways to allow students to make up the time they need in order to receive credit.”

Assistant principals and their teams are working to keep tabs on all students who have absences that are higher than normal. They plan to contact those particular students and their parents to have visits to solve the problem. After an absence, students will be required to attend after or before school tutorials for make up hours to account for the time missed.

“Our goal is to have a higher attendance rate than we did last year,” Garcia said. “Being at school is important for a lot of reasons, it affects our students learning, funding, and affects the things we are able to do to support our students I just ask that everybody be at school unless they’re really sick or have a family emergency.”

In the past, students could be sent to an adult court after three unexcused absences in a four week period. A misdemeanor could be filed on their record if a student has more than

In your words Students relay thoughts and feelings towards changes in truancy policy for Texas schools.

“It’s not right to make kids pay just because they didn’t show up to school a couple of times, but it might let kids think it’s okay to stay home and it’s not.”

-Sydney Glasgow, 10

“Before truancy used to be so drastic, now that it’s not a crime, students aren’t being punished as harshly in courts or with fines.”

-Lucas Cash, 11

“I think it is better that you don’t “If a student decides no to go to have to go to court anymore with school than it’s their fault. I feel the new law.” there’s no need to get the law involved.”

-Ralph Ocampo, 10

-Tim Johnson, 11

ten absences in a six month period.

If fines are not paid, students could even potentially be sent to jail when they turn 17.

“For me, last year I used to get headaches during school and I had to leave,” junior Margaret Williams said.

“When I’d leave school early I’d be absent in my classes at the end of the day and finally those absents added up and they gave me a truancy note stating the consequences. Luckily I didn’t have to go to court.”

Last year, junior Sarah Kramer was recovering from depression. Kramer had many doctors and set appointments that she needed to go to and they were usually during the weekday, because of this she nearly was sent to court for not being present in her classes.

“I was admitted in a hospital and after the hospital I had to go to IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) and from where I live it takes an hour to

drive to the place. So I would have to leave school really early and IOP doesn’t give notes,” Kramer said.

“Mostly it was my fault because I had lots of doctors and sometimes I’d forget to turn in the notes; that was sort of my problem, but there was also times where I couldn’t get a note and the school wasn’t that flexible with me.”

With this new law, students who had truancy in previous years will have the crime completely erased from their records. Students also no longer will be sent to court and only under special circumstances will parents be fined.

Truancy courts will now only be used as a “last resort”.

“The new change is such a huge relief,” Kramer said. “I know a lot of people who worry so much about truancy being on their record, so I’m just really glad there’s an improved law in place.”

4 Volume 9 , Issue 2 News

Good Job, Bad Job

HAWKS ofthe Students month of the Month Lietzke is a hardworking student who keeps a positive attitude. She is the epitome of what “Hawk Pride” is all about.

Teen workers face challenges in employment Lindsey Robinson Staff Reporter

After only four hours of sleep, junior Aaron Matthews* wakes to his alarm.

He is greeted by a horrible headache, and towards the end of the week, nausea. Running on little to no energy, Matthews walks into work, met by a dark and dimly lit room reeking of plastic, similar to that of a factory.

For the rest of his shift, Matthews will be doing one of two things: sitting in complete silence or being harassed by customers.

When teens get their first jobs, they often face common problems with their work environments. Over the summer, Matthews worked two jobs; one at a popular clothing store, where he encountered a negative work environment.

“Working at the store was very monotonous,” Matthews said. “No one talked the entire time, and if there was talking it was critiques, unneeded and unwanted critiques.”

Anywhere from six to eight hours a day, Matthews tediously folded the same clothes over and over, constantly corrected by his superiors. Something to consider about any job is the work atmosphere, and working in such an unstimulating environment left its mark on Matthews.

“It was a very unhealthy experience,” Matthews said. “I didn’t benefit from it at all, if anything I became a more jaded human being because of it.”

In addition to working the graveyard shift at the clothing store, Matthews simultaneously worked the day shift at a fast food sandwich shop. Despite the exhaustion of working two jobs, Matthews describes the restaurant as an enjoyable part of his summer.

“The sandwich shop had a much more organized work environment,” Matthews said. “They actually trained me, and the management was awesome.”

With school coming up, Matthews decided to quit both of his jobs at the end of August, in order to better focus on his schoolwork. When Matthews left the shop, he was thankful for all they had taught him.

“Although it was a tough environment,” Matthews said. “Working at the restaurant helped me to get a better work ethic and helped me learn how to juggle multiple things at once.”

Experiencing both positive and negative environments has helped Mathews recognize the type of job he wants in the future, and realize the effect this experiences have had on him.

“Despite working in an unhealthy, unforgiving environment, working prepared me for the inevitable disappointments that follow a person when chasing their dreams,” Matthews said.

“I can now say I am prepared for anything life throws at me.” *Pseudonym

Senior relays experience with job closure MarQuise Prince-Salone Co-Editor

As of Aug. 21, the Baskin Robbins ice cream shop located at 1552 FM 685 has been shut down. No reasoning behind the stores closure has been disclosed to either the public or it’s former employees. The store owners also failed to give notice to it’s employees prior to the closure. Senior Gwenyth Garcia is a former employee who had been working at the ice cream shop since April. She planned on continuing the job through the year until she discovered it had shut down.

“Around 3 p.m. that day, I was rushing home after spending the day in Austin to get cleaned up for work,” Garcia said. “I really didn’t want to go so I could enjoy the last few hours of summer. Around 4:30 p.m., I got a text from the shift leader asking

if I had gotten a message from my bosses. They said the store had been shutdown. In disbelief a coworker and I went there prepared for our shift and sure enough it was closed.”

Since then Garcia and her coworkers have yet to receive any notification from their former employers disclosing the reason the store shut down. None of the former-employees have received their last paycheck.

At first discovery Garcia was excited but the reality of the situation sunk in when she saw her coworker crying.

“It reminded me that I wasn’t going to have a job anymore,” Garcia said.

“I wasn’t going to be able to pay for the expenses of my everyday life. I got the job so my parents wouldn’t have to worry about me and my money

spending. I was very disappointed because I was planning on putting the money I earned this year away in a savings account for college.”

Garcia and her former coworkers remain persistent in their efforts to communicate with their ex-employers.

“I did think it was very unprofessional of them to do that to us,” Garcia said. “Many of my ex-coworkers have complained and we continuously call and leave voicemails. I’m just trying my best to be patient because I don’t know what they are going through right now. I personally think the checks will come in eventually. No reason to really hope so but I mean we have done everything we can to contact them. I don’t think I’ll get my job back but I can say it was a good first job.”

Jade Lietke, 11th Grade Riojas is always helpful. He even lent his cell phone to another student to complete research on a class assignment in which phones were allowed.

Chanse Riojas, 12th Grade

Teacher: Pearce is both a great teacher and co-worker, She is extremely helpful to the other teachers in her departRaina Pearce, Algebra I ment.

Staff: Warner always completes her job with a big and warm smile.

She is always willing to help students with any problems they have.

Andie Warner, Counselor

accolades &

AWARDS

SPEECH & DEBATE

Photo by Kirsten Nash

At Pflugerville TFA Tournament, the Hawk Speech & Debate team took home 1st place Sweepstakes. Individual successes are as follows: Policy Debate: 2nd Place – Marcus Aya- Semifinals- Jena Arceo, 1st Place- Cody Snow and la Tim Benton, Tim Gaona, Emma Ha 4th Place- Bri Leo Jazmin Gonzalez, Bryce Quarterfinals – Worth S e m i f i n a l s – S i e g e n Hann, Mkenna Lucas, Carlin & Dash Puentes- Bretzke, Anshika Agraw- Alex Nguyen-Perez, SydAmaran al, Jennifer Nquyen ney Stogel, Sofia Valde2nd Place Speaker- Cody spino, Kayla White Snow Original Oratory: 3rd Place Speaker- Emma 2 n d P l a c e - E l i z a b e t h Novice Policy Debate: Ha Keiser Semifinals – Tim Benton & Dylan Scott Public Forum Debate; Dramatic Interpreta- 2nd Place Top Speaker – 1st Place- Robert Boley & tion: Anastashia Alfred Carlos Gregory Semifinals- Joelle Abdal- 2nd Place Speaker- McKSemifinals- Sammy Nguy- lah, Victoria Herdman enna Lucas en & Anshika Agrawal 3rd Place Speaker – Tim th 4 Place Speaker- Sam- Duet Acting: Benton my Nguyen 2nd Place- Eric Abels 2nd Place - Harmon Gam- Novice Public Forum Debate: Congressional Debate; ble 8th place – Marcus Ayala 6th Place- Khali McDuff- 2nd Place – Sophie NguyFinals- Bri Leo, Siegen Sykes en & Sydney Stogel Bretzke, Kevin McGarity, Semifinals – Sofia ValdeCalvin Vu Duo Interpretation: spino & Kayla White 1st Place- Joelle Abdallah 1st Place Speaker- Sydney Domestic Extemporane- & Kayla Glover Stogel ous Speaking; 1st Place- Carlos Gregory Poetry Interpretation: Novice Poetry Interpre2nd Place- Harmon Gam- tation; 3rd Place- Calvin Vu Semifinals- Anastasia ble 1st Place – Khali McDuffAlfred, Robert Boley, Vivi Sykes Vargas Novice Extemporaneous Speaking: Novice Prose InterpretaForeign Extemporane- 2nd Place – Rene Otero tion: ous 6th Place- Dylan Scott 1st Place Khali McDuffSpeaking: 8th Place- Jianna smith Sykes

News October 2, 201 5

5

ACADEMICS JOURNALISM

Seniors Amy Coronado and Marianne Hernandez were, both selected as National Hispanic Scholars, scoring in the Top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT takers in the region.

Senior Dolly Moon is a finalist for the National Scholastic Press Association’s 2015 Picture of the Year in the sports photo category, and Junior Kylie Ruffino has been named finalist for the 2015 Story of the Year in the sports category.

Amy Coronado & Marianne Hernandez

Dolly Moon & Kylie Ruffino

Senior Caleb Whitmire was selected as a National Merit Scholarship SemiFinalist. NMSC announced the names of approximately 16,000 semi-finalists in the 61 st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. About 90% of the Semifinalist are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a national Merit Scholarship, earning the National Merit title.

Caleb Whitmire

Other NMSC Commended Students include: Travis London Jason Link Rose Miller Alex Spieler

Night of the Living Dead Haunted house helps fund theatre trip Mikaela Kelarek Asst. Editor

Warning: zombies have infiltrated the nation. This is what participants will hear as they enter the school, which has been transformed into a Federal Emergency Management Agency camp. The Zombie Experience on Oct. 29 and 30 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., a fundraiser for the theatre department’s trip to New York, is a the-

atrical production with an obstacle course through out. Admission is $10 at the door.

“The department wanted to provide students with a fun way to get in the Halloween spirit,” director Nicole Malone said. “With the Zombie Experience, we’re hoping to give the participants an exciting new memory for this year.”

6 Volume 9 , Issue 2 Opinions

Legislation jeopardizes safety at local universities Staff

Editorial

At the University of Texas’s South Mall, bullet holes dot the concrete railings and sidewalk near the spot where a statue of Jefferson Davis once stood. Left over from the 1966 shooting in which sniper Charles Whitman shot 43 people and killed 13 from the observation deck of the UT tower, they serve as a reminder of the impact of one man and six guns. Nearly fifty years later, they still raise the question: what can be done to prevent such shootings in the future?

The Texas legislature, located only a mile from the tower where Whitman barricaded himself during the massacre, passed a bill on May 31 allowing the concealed carry of handguns on state college campuses. Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law at Red’s Indoor Gun Range in Pflugerville on June 13, against the wishes of officials at the University of Texas. While the bill allows for designated gun-free zones decided by the university, it is still an unnecessary act that could potentially create a hostile learning environment, contradicts the opinions of school officials and contributes to a vigilante mindset.

While people who carry guns feel safe around firearms, that is not necessarily true for the rest of the population. Often, guns invoke fear or anxiety in others. The possession of deadly weapons on campus could distract students from class or studying, and cause students to avoid class or other public areas. Regardless of whether or not the carrying of firearms prevents or causes crime, their presence can change the positive learning environment into one of fear for those who are not as comfortable with guns as the people who carry them.

The bill does contain provisions that allow the university’s board and president to create rules and regulations regarding when and where guns can be carried, essentially letting them designate gun-free zones, but these rules cannot be so strict that people are restricted from carrying concealed handguns. Without the option to opt-out, or even heavily limit concealed carry, the school officials whom opposed the bill are forced to follow it. Essentially, the school officials that have

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.thehawkonline.net

decades of experience running a university are required to follow the policies of congressmen that do not have the same credentials.

The argument for passing the bill contributes to a culture in which crime is deterred and avenged by citizens rather than trained law enforcement.

Students for Concealed Carry, one of the main groups that lobbied for the bill to pass, argues that concealed carry is important to provide protection from crimes. While this is valid in extreme cases such as aggravated assault, it seems that minor arguments could easily escalate with the presence of a gun. The idea that anyone can- and should- stop crimes with a firearm normalizes the use of lethal weapons rather than peaceful tactics.

Rather than allowing guns into schools in order to prevent shootings and other crimes, bills should be passed to increase security by reducing the number of guns on campus. Because most college students are under 21 and cannot get a Concealed Carry License, the argument that shootings will be discouraged if most people carry concealed weapons is invalid. Instead of compromising a safe and positive learning environment, lawmakers should listen to the opinions of university officials and protect students by reducing the number of firearms on campus, instead of allowing more guns on campus.

hit or

Testers receive credit for threes Recently, the approved bill to change AP required scores allows public universities in Texas to grant credit to all students that score at least a three on any test. The bill prevents the university from rejecting AP exams scoring under a four or five. Students save on college loans by having already received credit for certain courses in high school. By taking advantage of this opportunity, students will be able to start working towards their majors sooner and moreover, potentially graduating quicker. Because of countless benefits for students, we find the AP score bill is on target.

Murals emphasize education

Donated by last year’s senior class, Main Hall now has two paintings of hawks above the Book Room and The Nest.

Instead of having a gray wall, we now have an array of colors that we can look forward to during passing period.

The art promotes creativity and creates a more ideal learning environment for students. The addition of the murals adds more spirit to the halls and we find the paintings right on target.

Varied grade weights confusing Starting at the beginning of this year, grading weights in our new system have started to vary from regular classes, to Pre-AP and even to AP classes. The new grade book brings in 70% grade weight on assessments and 30% on minor grades. While some teachers have adopted the new change, others have decided to stick with the 80% assessment and 20% minor weights that Hendrickson used last year. With only certain departments allowed to use the old grading weight, the lack of consistency between classes causes confusion and makes the overall subject off target.

January 1, 20161, 2016 January

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 does 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

MISS

New tardy policy proves too harsh

The University of Texas

Editorial Staff

The new tardy policy leaves no room for mistakes or accidents, requiring an hour of tutorials for the first two tardies and In-School Suspension (ISS) after the third.

Students that arrive over 30 minutes late will be sent to ISS for the rest of the period. While it provides a strong incentive for students to get to class on time, an hour of required tutorials is too severe a punishment for students who may only be a few seconds late, or late due to circumstances outside their control. Therefore, the new tardy policy is a miss.

Co-Editors: MarQuise Prince-Salone & Kylie Ruffino Copy Editor: Madi McVan Online Editor: Rion Ellis

Assistant Editors: Alex Fulton Virginia Gaffney Mikaela Kelarek Ileana Perez Rumor Stojeck

Reporters

Kiarra Blankman Alyssa Ellinwood Holly Hambleton Paul Le

Amanda Perez Chloe Pham Lindsay Robinson Gabby Sanchez

Winner of the ILPC Bronze Star, 2014 & 2015

Control Violence Power

One Nation, Firearm Under Law Rights {GUNS} Wars Danger

Crime Military Trigger Bullet Protection Ammunition Second Amendment Aim

In this issue...

Shooting the HAWK

HHS by the numbers 2 Time Management 9 Hype Crew 15

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline Volume 9, Issue 2 October 2, 2015 thehawkonline.net

Design by Kylie Ruffino

Opinions October 2, 201 5

Puppy Love

7

Shelter volunteer gains deeper appreciation for animals Gabrielle Sanchez Staff Repoter

My mornings are not spent sleeping in, slowly getting ready, and meandering into the school. Most of the time they begin early, there is no time to be sluggish; I have animals to take care of at the Pflugerville Animal Shelter, in particular, a dog named Nana. However, I call her Pork N’ Beans because of her stature and goofball personality. She is one of the many dogs at the shelter up for adoption.

I enter the premises, walk up the gravel driveway to the dog kennels, grab a leash, and walk up to Nana’s kennel. She is smiling, and wagging her tail so much her whole body shakes. We begin our walk, which usually consists of Nana rolling around in the grass and chewing the fluffy white cotton out of stuffed animals. When her walk is over, she is content and ready for the rest of her day. Then the process starts over again and again, because there are twenty or more dogs that need their morning walk. By midmorning I am covered in sweat, mud, and dog slobber. It’s tiring work, but definitely worth it, and I just enjoy the work. When I leave I know the dogs happier, and I feel happier too.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an infinite love for animals; spending

time with them something is I enjoy. I am the girl who gets giddy when she sees a dog walking down the street and freaks out for a solid five minutes once it leaves. Cat clothing and decorations take over my room, and you can spot me walking down the halls with my cat-printed bag.

Throughout my junior year, teachers and counselors began to place a greater emphasis on volunteering more for college. Before this, I never really volunteered anywhere, and did not really know where to start. At the end of junior year my boyfriend suggested I volunteer at the animal shelter. I thought I would just have fun playing with kittens and receive volunteer hours for it; I never knew how important it has become or how much it has impacted my life.

It started this year, when I went to a volunteer orientation at the beginning of July. I learned how to handle the dogs and cats and what to do if something went wrong. At first, I worried about the responsibility of caring for an innocent animal, but I knew I could handle it because of the support system of volunteers that surrounds me.

At first I only went to the adoption events on Saturdays, to help animals find new homes. Sometimes hours will tick by without a single adoption, but

when it does happen, it is so rewarding and joyful. Instead of going back to the shelter, they leave and to go to their new home.

Initially, doing the adoption events was enough, but I began to feel like I should do more, to become closer to the all of the animals at the shelter.

That’s when I started to visit the cats and walk the dogs in the morning. I developed a close connection to the animals and began to feel like I directly improve their quality of life and brighten up their days, which is the most rewarding part of volunteering.

It’s not just about the dogs either; spending time with the cats is almost therapeutic. I walk into the quiet, calm cat facility and all of the cats begin to perk up, they know its time to be pet and played with. From the shy kittens to the more pushy adult cats, each of them has their own lovable trait. Some like to run around and play with string and bells, while others are love bugs who want nothing more than to spend all day in my lap purring. It is such a stress relief for me and I know the cats enjoy it just as well.

Sometimes it is hard to visit the shelter and continue to see a few familiar faces of animals that have been there such a long time. I wish I could just swoop in and adopt them all, and they

could live in my house and cuddle with me. However, volunteering is just as gratifying.

The work that I do at the shelter is to train them and enhance their people skills so they become more appealing to potential adopters. When some of the animals enter the shelter they are scared, aggressive, or just ill trained.

By volunteering and working with a dog I am able to open them up and correct their behavior, so when they go to their new home, they are a completely different dog or cat than when they first arrived, making everyone involved happier.

After spending so much time around the animals, I begin to miss them a lot when after a long time apart. Whenever I get the chance to visit I feel just as happy to see them, as they are to see me. It has become so much more than just trying to fill up college applications, it is something I am devoted to and has become just as important to me as any other activity I participate in. I will continue to volunteer for organizations that benefit animals for a long time after high school, it has sparked something inside of me that loves to help others, and I feel like I finally found an activity that fits me and my interests.

How to become a pet volunteer: 1. Visit the Pflugerville Animal Shelter website.

2. Download and complete a volunteer application (Must be at least 16 years old, and if under 18 years old a parent/guardian must sign consent).

3. Attend a volunteer training orientation at the shelter in order to complete the process. Two upcoming volunteer orientation dates are October 10th and November 14th.

After these steps are completed all that is left to do is begin volunteering.

Submitted by Gabrielle Sanchez

Submitted by Gabrielle Sanchez

8 Volume 9 , Issue 2 Features

Book Worms Unite

New club encourages reading outside of classroom Gabrielle Sanchez Staff Repoter

Beginning this year, the Book Club was established for individuals who enjoy reading inside and outside of school. Book Club meets twice a month, every second and fourth Wednesday after school in the library from 4:30 to 5:20. Late buses are also offered after the meeting.

The sponsor, English III teacher Daniella Scott has high hopes for the club.

“If enough people start reading books and start talking about them it will generate excitement,” Scott said. “I hope that it inspires people to keep reading beyond high

school and join book club as adults.”

Members explore many genres of literature, from teen novels to nonfiction, science fiction, and classic novels. The club reads one book a month, and by the end of the year each member will have read eight books, each from a different genre.

“It’s a whole big world out there,” Scott said. “And I learn different things from different genres. I learn history. I learn about culture. It is truly a window to the world.”

Each month will bring about a different genre to be read, so that

diversity and variety is maintained.

The discussions in Book Club are student driven; meaning teachers are not involved in the conversation.

The topic of the discussions varies; sometimes members exchange ideas on simpler aspects like favorite characters and moments, but it also reach higher levels about the themes and the lessons the author wants to share. Since Book Club consists of individuals from every grade and class throughout the school, everyone brings forward different ideas, and provides insight that cannot come

from one’s own perspective, allowing members to gain more from the novel.

“Books and stories teach us how to live,” Scott said. “You get these bigger, more abstract ideas, it’s a ‘this is how we live’ type thing.

And they’re little things like ‘this is how you bake a cake’ all the way to ‘this is how you deal with grief.’”

To join Book Club, show up to a meeting and begin reading the book of the month, the first novel will be decided at the first meeting. To receive updates and reminders sign up for the Book Club Remind by texting @hhsbooclu to 81010.

No Risk, No Reward Panel Authors

Jesse Andrews

Even the books are

bigger Texas in

round, and can almost guarantee enjoyable weather. Since the festival does not only feature books but music, local food, and independent writer booths, there really is something for everyone.

The released 2015 list of all 300 authors set to present their works is the largest number of nationally renowned authors ever to all be featured at a book festival in history.

Governor’s Mansion

$

$

Margaret Atwood and Lemony Snicket are among the headlining names of writers to join the festivities in and around the Capital building on October 17 and 18.

Festival Literary Director Steph Opitz said, “If I wasn’t working this thing, I’d be sprinting from session to session trying to get at least a taste of all the magic happening in our Capitol that weekend.”

Festival Tent/Venue Portable Toilets

$ ATM

Food Vendors

Water Station

Stephen Emond, Garreth Hinds Andrew Smith, David Yoon

Nicola Yoon No Risk, No Reward Panel Authors

Jesse Andrews, David Levithan Cindy Pon & Carrie Ryan Turth. Truth Lie Panel Authors

Jennifer Barnes, Libba Bray Aaron Hartzler, Stephanie Tromly Suzanne Young Future Possible? Panel Authors

Pierce Brown, Claudia Gray Sophie Jordan, Jenny Martin Rick Yancy

Teen-focused festival spotlights debuting work

8th St

9th St

10th St

11th St

13th St

12th St

Congress Av

Marie Andreu

Sonia Manzano, Una LaMorche

Colorado St Lavaca

Carrie Ryan Free to Be Me Panel Authors

Graphics Panel Authors

Texas Book Festival Map

Westgate Building

Methodist Church

Cindy Pon

Kaui Hemmings

Statewide literary festival continues to improve It’s been 20 years since the first Texas Book Festival, a near square mile of novelists young and old, poets, prose pros, musicians, and even local painters and chefs, catering to the needs of every sense of the loyal bookworms who flock to Austin each October.

TBF has thrived largely due to the nature of Austin’s population, which is known to host outdoor festivals year-

David Levithon

List of Young Adult Authors featured in September festival panels

Parking

Piggybacking the success of the TBF, the Texas Teen Book Festival comes into it’s fifth year of success providing teachers and students with a variety of relevant novels new and old, and exciting panels of authors speaking on the subjects their books discuss.

Feature Features October 2, 201 5

9

When Time Flies Editor relays personal experience, tips for busy life Kylie Ruffino Co-Editor

Last year, I was a mess. I had no motivation to do anything other than watch Netflix and eat junk food. During the school day I was tired, frazzled, and rushing to get my work done. In the mornings I would sleep until ten minutes before I left, unable to do the things I needed. All year I repeated this cycle and all year I felt stressed and unhappy.

I had so much time, but no idea

Using an agenda the right way:

how to use it.

When people are given too much time they lose the importance of time management skills and I think anyone can accommodate a crazy schedule with out feeling overwhelmed if they know what to do.

Time management skills only make up half the battle, skills for prioritizing and motivation are equally important.

Agendas provide an easy way to record and keep track of everything in a busy schedule. Last year, I thought keeping an agenda impossible, but really, they require little maintenance with great rewards.

When the alarm goes off, get out of bed. Getting up early keeps the mind awake for the rest of the opens up

more time to accomplish other important things that usually get skipped.

Put effort into getting ready. I honestly believe confidence in my appearance, assures me the confidence to accomplish everything else.

Make breakfast every morning. It keeps up energy levels for the rest of the day. High energy equals more productivity

#notime: Social media steals away a lot of time in a day. According to survey sampling US teens, the ages of 13 through 17 spend over two hours a day on social media. I’ve wasted more.

I suggest getting an 8.5 x 11 monthly calendar instead of a weekly calendar because the two-page spread of all the weeks makes looking at the big pic-

ture user friendly (not flipping through pages) I recommend the Mead Cambridge Monthly Planner.

Break it down and color code. I designate a specific color pen to each class and I reserve black

ink for all of my outside school activities such as events or work schedules.

When using a monthly calendar, fitting daily tasks can get kind of hard. Reserve that space

Rise n’ shine:

for broad topics and use sticky notes. I feel super accomplished when I get to check things off.

Make use of homework days: Especially helpful for those who work after school, taking a day to do all notes and homework helps anyone who wants to stay relaxed during the week Taking breaks to do something productive liking cleaning the bathroom or doing laundry helps stay on track by tackling two birds with one stone. Try to

stay away from Netflix, because like it did for me, Netflix would probably do more harm than good.

Make the environment fun.

If stuff litters my entire work space I get overwhelmed, but when I keep everything orga-

nized, listen to chill music, and use cute supplies I feel much more motivated.

Limit time on social media to car rides, lunch and just before bed.

Some of that time might not in-

corporate Wi-Fi, so if that’s a priority limit time to during breakfast and after dinner.

Social media and other sites provide distractors for getting through homework. Utilize web-

site blockers so those temptations give way.

When the going gets tough:

From the time I started school until last year, I prioritized Netflix and hanging out with friends over school or other important things. I think figuring out the balance between both will benefit people’s success in time management the most.

There’s a difference between want and need. Often times homework or a job take over the need category, but sometimes socialization or relaxing becomes a need too.

365 days. I think it’s impossible to stay motivated every one of those days. In fact, in the midst of writing this piece I lost motivation. I wasn’t doing my homework before the day it was do, I stopped making my lunch, I was stressed and I was tired.

It happens to everyone, and it can be hard to get out of. I suggest taking a day, clear that calendar, and just relax. Sleep, watch TV, exercise, or whatever will make your body feel better. After that, take a deep breath and get back on track. Sometimes the mind and body need to take a second to get back on track.

I think any schedule can stay well managed and stress-free as long as they continue to use these time-management skills. Learning the tricks of the trade transformed the way I view busy lives. I maintain a job

(working 20 hours a week), co-edit the paper, lead Fashion Club, maintain grades, model and still manage to stay relatively stress free by making it a priority to successfully manage my time.

Get those priorities straight:

One Nation, Under {GUNS} 10 Volume 9 , Issue 2 Features

New law sparks discussion

Governor Greg Abbott signed the Texas “open carry” bill, House Bill 910, at Red’s Indoor Range, a gun range and store in Pflugerville.

HB 910: Allows Concealed Handgun License (CHL) holders to openly carry firearms on a shoulder or hip holster.

Goes into effect Jan. 1, 2016 Replaces the CHL with a new license to carry that allows both open and concealed carry.

Applications will be the same as the CHL application, involving a background check, classroom and range instruction.

One must be 21 or older to apply, or at least 18 for veterans or members of the armed forces.

Property and business owners may prohibit open carry on their own property using the proper signage.

Texas is the 45th state to allow open carry.

Article I, Section 23 of the State Constitution Every citizen shall have the right to keep and bear arms in the lawful defense of himself or the State; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms, with a view to prevent crime.

1. United States

4. Australia

Under the 2nd amendment, citizens can bear arms while following their state’s regulations.

Citizens can only possess guns if they have a license for hunting, target shooting, collection, and pest control. A license cannot be obtained for self-defense and civilians are banned from owning semi-automatic or automatic rifles, and/or shotguns.

2. United Kingdom A license must be granted to buy and own a gun.

One can obtain a license for hunting, target shooting, and collecting, but not for self-defense. Civilians are not permitted to own semi-automatic or automatic guns, handguns, and/or armor-piercing ammunition.

3. Mexico All civilians may own handguns and semi-automatic weapons if they have a license. Licenses are permitted for hunting, target shooting, rodeo riding collection, personal protection, or based on the applicant’s employment. Participants must pass background checks and renew their license every two years.

5. Brazil Gun holders must have no criminal record, attend multiple safety courses, and be at least 25 years old. Licenses for hunting, target shooting, personal protection, and security must be renewed every three years.

6. Yemen Citizens are allowed to own any type of weapon as long as it has a permit.

It is culturally acceptable to openly carry a gun and to fire them in celebration at events such as weddings.

Gun related deaths across the world (per 100,000)

Texas Open Carry Laws

Open carry is to visibly carry a firearm

Guns Across The World

Listed below is an outline of recently passed open carry laws in Texas along with gun laws related to gun deaths in other nations in order to educate students on powerful ideas surging the Nation. To the right, student opinion and statistics serve to highlight the melting pot of ideas the school body contains, equally balanced between advocates of gun control and gun rights.

US 10.64

UK .26

Mexico 11.17

Australia .86

Brazil 19.03

Yemen No Data

Features October 2 , 201 5

Students relay personal experience, ideas, and opinions revolving the two sides of a topic relevant to the issues happening in Texas and the rest of the Nation.

Identifies as pro-gun rights

ata

I’ve grown up around guns I’ve used them for hunting, target practices, youth competitions. I’ve seen guns used as healing practices because it allows kids to excel at something whether or not they are able to walk or run.

Open-carry is not a good idea. It puts people carrying expensive firearms in a dangerous position. Carrying guns on college campuses is really not okay, especially associating the maturity level on campuses. There’s a lot more possibility for accidental shootings.

I think that if everyone was capable of gun ownership everyone would be smarter. Now it’s not just one bad person who has the gun, the good person does too. Everyone has the possibility to get a gun if they wanted to, through the black market, so why put them at an advantage to good, working citizens.

Jonathan Grey, 11

We shouldn’t fight fire with fire, hopefully if we were to just eliminate fire all together it would defuse the situation.

The lack of trying to save lives or prevent loss is disappointing. I would’ve thought more of America would understand how much is at stake here.

Jonathan Grey, 11 Number of Guns Owned Based on information obtained through a voluntary survey of 110 students during Talon.

en

Samantha Zinni, 11

Samantha Zinni, 11

Student Statistics

Student Opinions

ralia

In order to own a gun I think you should be able to pass a psych test so that you are mentally stable. I think you have a license in order to carry it and when you do carry it has to be open so there is no surprise like a concealed weapon.

0

50/110

1-4

45/110

5-9 10-19 20+

6/110 4/110 3/110

In a perfect world there are no guns in which we can hurt each other, but it’s not really very realistic because there is so much circulation and it’s so controversial. It just not realistic to say there should be no guns, so I am pro-gun control. I don’t think they are very safe in a society that abuses them.

Jonathan Grey, 11

Identifies as pro-gun control

co

l

Guns are tools people use. They are apart of your rights to own one and use them for your own legal purposes whether it’s hunting, pleasure shooting, or self-defense. Same way you can use a screwdriver, you can use them in many different ways.

11

Samantha Zinni, 11

45% have shot a gun

Paloma Nunez, 10

As a family we are very liberal and pro-gun control. I can’t say I formed these opinions all by myself. Most kids this age are repeating what their parents say, but I did do some research. In English I wrote about gun-control. I researched both sides, but reading the anecdotes of parents talking about their child in accidental shootings or mass shootings really scare me.

Samantha Zinni, 11

Amount of gun control

55% have not

+ 0

45%

50.5% said they

have positive views on guns.

16.2% said they have negative views on guns.

33.3% said they

have neutral views on guns.

Said modSaid ersome ate

35% 6% Said none

12% Said strict

1%

Said Prohibition

12 Volume 9 , Issue I Features

Early experiences mold gun views later in

[LIFE]

Madi McVan Copy Editor

Accidental shooting Twelve-year-old Steve Kapa doesn’t know the rifle is loaded when he points it at his brother Paul and pulls the trigger.

Eight-year-old Alfred stops jumping on their father’s bed when he hears the bang of the gun and sees Paul drop to the floor.

Together, Alfred and Steve sprint across the winding driveway, over the fence that surrounds their property, and down the street to the nearest neighbor’s home, where they call the sheriff and their father, who is at work an hour and a half away in Corpus Christi.

The boys’ father arrives in under an hour to find that his oldest son is dead at sixteen, accidentally shot by his brother, with their father’s own 22-gauge rifle that he uses when he hunts with Paul.

Steve blames himself, because he took the gun from the closet and pointed it at Paul.

Their father blames himself, because he left the boys home alone with a Madi McVan

loaded gun.

Their older sister, Debbie, blames herself, because she is off and married and not home to watch the boys.

And Alfred blames himself, because Steve was standing next to him when he was jumping on the bed, and maybe he bumped into Steve and jostled the gun and caused him to pull the trigger.

Alfred Kapa, now 42, teaches upper level biology. Though the death of his brother occurred 34 years ago, it had a lasting impact on his current view of guns and gun culture in America.

“Afterwards, I was never a fan of guns,” Kapa said. “When my dad passed away about six years ago, the family basically asked, ‘do you want any of dad’s guns?’ and I said no. I don’t like guns. I feel very uncomfortable around guns, whether they are loaded or unloaded. It’s always been kind of like holding a live snake.”

Though Kapa feels uneasy around guns, he makes an effort to be educated about them. Since the accident he has shot guns and paid attention to the politics surrounding them. His priority

is preventing as many gun related deaths as possible, like that of his brother.

“It’s too easy in this country to get guns,” Kapa said. “We can get access to guns so easily now that people that should never have a gun, have access to them. That could mean people in a gang, that could mean people that are unstable for mental reasons, and that could mean people that know how to use a gun, but they just have a bad day and then there’s nothing that says ‘you can’t do this’.”

Kapa believes that the solution to the problem of rising gun violence lies in reducing the availability of firearms, rather than arming more citizens. He cites Australia and European countries that have banned guns altogether as examples for the U.S. to follow when creating new gun legislation.

“If people don’t have guns, they don’t feel like they have the power to do something illegal,” Kapa said. “There’s a definite correlation that when you don’t have an overpowerful weapon, you’re probably not going to go running into a store, whip out a knife, and say ‘I need all your money.’”

Kapa has considered moving away from Texas in light of the recent legalization of the open carry of handguns.

He expects the atmosphere on the streets to become hostile and possibly violent when the law goes into effect at the beginning of 2016.

“I’m not saying that on January 1, 2016, people are going to be running around, waving guns,” Kapa said.

“But it’s going to be a totally different climate. When I go out on the streets, I am not going to have a gun. And I’m going to be thinking, that out of the ten people that I can see, five of them will have a gun. And there’s a good chance, whether in crossfire or in some stupid accident, that I could be killed.”

Ultimately, Kapa views guns as a tool that can be used responsibly for the betterment of society, but are too often used irresponsibly.

“With a gun, as was in my life, it is very easily for an accident to happen,” Kapa said. “I just think that people don’t truly see the danger of stuff like this. And more people need to stop and realize that these things, if not treated with respect, can be deadly.”

“I think guns can be used for both protection and to hurt people,” Farrell said. “It really depends on how much you know about guns. It doesn’t depend on the gun, it depends on the person. I was raised on guns. I’ve been taught gun safety, I know how to handle guns, so I’ve always seen guns as protection.”

While he feels strongly that it is not within the government’s power to seize guns that people already own, Farrell believes that some restrictions on the gun market could be beneficial.

“There are some guns that I don’t think civilians should have, because there’s no other reason to have them other than going to a gun range and shooting them,” Farrell said. “You can’t really protect yourself with a submachine gun that shoots rounds

that are bigger than your fingers. So I think [the government] could restrict that, but I don’t think they could restrict citizens having pistols, sidearms, shotguns, that kind of stuff.”

Despite his support of some legislation to control guns, Farrell notes that even with laws in place, people will still try to find ways around them.

“Even if they implement background checks at shooting ranges and gun stores, there are still people that could get guns off the black market or get guns from somebody without having a background check,” Farrell said. “So no matter what you do, there’s going to be some kind of back way to getting something.”

Farrell cites the differences between Chicago and Texas gun laws as reasons open carry laws help lower crime

rates. The strict gun laws in Illinois, he said, prevent people from being able to defend themselves and ward off potential attackers, while the looser restrictions in Texas give citizens the chance to defend themselves.

“I think people should carry guns,” Farrell said. “I don’t think you’d want to rob someone that’s carrying a gun with them.”

The lessons his parents instilled in him from an early age and his experiences with firearms taught Farrell that guns are a useful tool for self-defense.

“I think [my experiences] shaped my opinion that guns can be used for protection,” Farrell said. “They can also be used for killing someone. But if somebody is threatening your life, or the lives around you, you could use that gun as protection.”

Copy Editor

Healthy respect When Alex Farrell was six, his parents taught him what to do if he found a gun- don’t touch it, don’t let your friends play with it and notify an adult so they can move it safely.

At the age of ten, Farrell shoots guns for the first time at a friend’s land in Arizona. His parents look on as he uses firearms that range from pistols to assault rifle to destroy milk jugs set up across the field.

Now a junior, Farrell is a member of Marine Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MJROTC) and enjoys hunting in his free time. His experience with guns from a young age led him to become an advocate for gun rights and education.

Features October 2 , 201 5

13

Fight like a girl Photos by Rion Ellis

Amanda Perez Staff Reporter

Junior explains passion for competitive boxing

The bell rings signifying the first round. Junior Destiny Jones inches forward to her opponent. After landing numerous punches over several rounds, Jones wins the match. The referee raises Jones’s right hand in victory as the crowd uproars in cheer.

She is handed the trophy belt, which gets raised in her left hand.

Jones has boxed for the last three years of high school. From boxing in her backyard shed to joining the gym, Step in the Ring, to the National Championship in Florida.

“My uncle Nelson got me into boxing,” Jones said.

“I first trained in a little shed in my backyard. I started out focusing on having to have responsibility in keeping my weight at a certain division. You have to watch what you’re eating and be very strict on yourself. It takes a lot of dedication because if you don’t have dedication, then it’s probably not

you’re sport.”

Jones quit cheering for boxing, because she found the more self-dedicated training something she wanted to do. The solo matches contributed to a feeling of self-victory.

“My worst boxing experience was losing at the semi-finals,” Jones said. “Because I knew I could’ve gotten first place. It has a lot to deal with your mindset and the way you set it before you step in the ring. But other times it could work out just how you want it to like the best experience was after my worst and it was when I beat the rank number one girl. Now I’m ranked number one in the nation at only 16.”

When it comes to boxing, Jones is responsible for regular training. Keeping up with grades is important; Jones’ coaches make sure that school comes first.

“Before I would recommend boxing to someone,” Jones said. “I would ask them, are you willing to dedicate yourself to boxing? Are you willing to risk not having time to spend time with family or friends?

Are you willing to give up most of your social life for boxing? If they say no, I would not suggest boxing to them. If they say yes, then go for it.”

Not only is boxing something Jones does for fun, she sees a future in it just like her favorite boxers, Ann Wolfe and Floyd Mayweather. To help with her travel and competition costs, Jones accepts donations at http://gofund.me/sn3cec.

“I think this is something I can do the rest of my life because I feel like I have the talent for it and a lot of people usually don’t have the dedication to boxing,” Jones said. “When I tried boxing, I did about less than a month of training and I got my first fight, then won.”

14 Volume 9 , Issue 2 Entertainment

Let’s Represent

Editor reviews portayals of TV show characters

MarQuise Prince-Salone Co-Editor

The storyline begins through the perspective of inmate Piper Chapman, a new addition to Litchfield Penitentiary. As the series progresses, the show highlights stories from the other inmates shifting between different social groups.

With over half the show composed of people of color (POC), it’d be easy for cheap jokes based on stereo-

Television media makes a huge impact on how viewers perceive other people especially when they’re part of a different demographic. Here are shows that provided good and bad representation of those groups. types to be made. On the contrary, the writers do a good job of shattering stereotypes by providing each character, no matter how minor, with a complex personality. Throughout the series, each character’s story before prison unfolds. The viewer is given the characters entire background from Black Cindy’s strictly religious family to Big Boo’s homophobic environment growing up which captures real-world situations and provides relatable reactions to issues. The show doesn’t derive on stereotypes as much as it bases reactions off of them.

Orange Is the New Black American Horror Story is an anthological series where each season highlights a different plot of American folklore and reuses the same actors to portray different characters throughout the series.

Apart from having an all white reoccurring cast, the one chance to have POC stars was ultimately subpar.

Although the third season based on a coven of witches in New Orleans, only one black witch played by Gabourey Sidibe is featured on the side of “good witches.” The only other African Americans seen are members of a voodoo cult who practice dark magic automatically portraying them as villains.

American Horror Story

Follow the life of Eddie Huang and his Taiwanese family as they move from Chinatown of Washington, D.C. to Orlando, Florida to open a steak restaurant in the mid 90’s. The story is told through Eddie’s perspective as he sees his father Louis embracing all things American, while his mother Jessica struggles with the culture clash of her Chinese heritage in a community with a small Chinese Fresh Off the Boat p o p u l a tion, and

brothers Emery and Ian as they overachieve in school and manage to fit in.

Fresh Off the Boat is the first sitcom in 20 years to feature an Asian-American family on network TV. The series is based of a memoir off the same name by chef Eddie Huang about the culture shift of his Asian family to American standards of living like during the immigration waves of the 70’s. Since the series is based on a book, it adds to the realism of the situations Eddie and his family get into. Yes, the show sometimes derives on stereotypes such as his mother being obsessed with grades but the writers do it in a way which adds to the experience and realness of the characters.

Young & Hungry follows Josh, a rich entrepreneur, his housekeeper Yolanada, publicist Elliot, and Gabi, a food blogger hired as a personal chef.

Starting off, the show’s two primary POC characters are given jobs of servitude but barely, in the series, are they ever seen actually doing anything related to their job making them seem lazy. Elliot, a young Asian gay man, who’s trademark response to any situation is to provide a sassy remark. The other person of color Yolanda is seen as a big, loud black woman who takes

control of her life just to be stubborn.

There’s even an episode where Gabi’s best friend Aimee m o c k s Yolanda’s personality by speaking loudly and mispronouncing her words.

Young & Hungry With a positive disposition, Kimmy side after a few episodes. Lastly Kimadjusts to a life in New York City after my’s employer Jacqueline in actually a being held in an underground bunker Native American woman who has control by a doomsday cult. Along the rejected her heritage. way she meets Jacqueline her em- Despite than the fact ployer, Lillian, her landlady and Titus Native Americans are her best friend who aspires to be a never featured on Broadway performer.

TV, her character Titus is purposely portrayed as a plays a role saytoken gay black man. He loves Broad- ing one must way, drama and singing all while hit- be white in orting on the various other males seen in der to become the show. His character is written as a a success in joke. The only other reoccurring male their life. character in Kimmy’s life if her friend Dong, an illegal Asian immigrant who Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is romanticized and pushed to the Luscious Lyon, owner of Empire Entertainment, gets diagnosed with ALS. He’s then stuck with choosing one of his three sons, Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem, to take over the company. Meanwhile his ex-wife and mother of his sons, Cookie, plans on taking her share of the company which she helped start.

What separates Empire from other TV shows is that it takes the black family out of the urban poverty set by shows such as Good Times or Diff’rent Strokes. The modern example of a black family is moving up in social status. Along with shows such as “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away With Murder,” Empire, feature a strong, black, female role played by Taraji

Henson. Her well thought out and persistent character, Cookie, knows what she wants and how to get it. With that being said, Cookie doesn’t give off the vibe of a “bossy, stern,” female character. She’s a mother and everything she does is what’s best for her son’s lives.

Empire

Entertainment October 2 , 201 5

15

Music for the new season Oh Wonder In late 2014, Oh Wonder (Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West) set out to write, record and release one song per month for an entire year that all led up to their new, highly anticipated self-titled album. The London based duo crafts mellow, slow-grooving music that captivates listeners into a void of feelings.

Complied by staffers, here are seven artists, each with a new album, that we think are worth listening to this fall season.

Ileana Perez Asst. Editor Holly Hambleton Staff Reporter Lindsey Robinson Staff Reporter

Melanie Martinez

Marian Hill Marian Hill is a duo from Philadelphia that consists of singer Samantha Gongol and producer Jeremy Lloyd.

The two create a unique sound, on their album “Sway” that takes a modern, alternative twist on old-time jazz and blues by adding hard-hitting beats and soulful vocals with saxophone that recalls the playful 1920’s.

The Heirs The short collection of dance-pop songs delivers relatable lyrics while remaining upbeat. The electronic element brings in a youthful mood that inspires a spontaneous dance party.

The Heirs created a fun EP filled with strong synth, body moving percussion and fluid vocals that leaves the listener wanting more.

Beach House

Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally have created a dreamy album of ethereal vocals, powerful guitar, and their signiture hazy keyboard. Despite the title, the songs are far from depressing: they fill you with a feeling of content after listening. Each track conveys a deliberate message different from the others yet still connects the album through similar sound.

Every month, Netflix adds new programs available for streaming to the site. Here is a short collection of movies and TV shows worth watching this fall.

Easily recognized by her two-toned hair and colorful aesthetic, Melanie Martinez stands out as an enticingly bizarre listen. Released in the summer of 2015, her debut pop album“Cry Baby” incorporates sounds of bubbles, toy cars, and several other peculiar commodities inside her tracks while also revealing a dark twist.

Girlpool

Starting out on Bandcamp, Girlpool, now out with their second album, Before the World Was Big, released in summer of 2015, continues to convey the innocent and carefree ways of childhood, setting up a sense of yearning and nostalgia for their listeners.

Smooth guitar coupled with a hint of bass and threaded with the soft voices of singers, Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad, together create a very relaxing soundtrack to unwind any day.

Tame Impala Tame Impala defines psychedelicrock yet again with their album, New Person Same Old Mistakes. The distorted vocals and enchanting beats pull you into the depths of each song.

Kevin Parker’s heartbreak and loneliness in “Currents” is palpable but the songs are still enjoyable despite the melancholy subject. The album’s variety and personal lyrics put you in a hypnotic trance.

Netflix streams new titles Gabby Sanchez Staff Reporter

Moonrise Kingdom This Wes Anderson classic from 2012 depicts love in its simple beauty through two troubled young teens, Suzy and Sam, who run away together, turning their small island community on its head. Moonrise Kingdom has all of the classic Anderson elements in it: quirky humor, hip

costuming, and an attentive eye to detail. Some familiar faces make an appearance throughout the film, like Bill Murray (Ghostbusters), Edward Norton, (Fight Club), and Bruce Willis (Die Hard). Moonrise Kingdom is a charming love story that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.

Gather some friends around and make some popcorn to watch this Disney feature about a boy named Max who goes into his own created world of dreams to save the people he cares about the most, aided by his not so imaginary friends Sharkboy and Lavagirl. Reminisce on adolescent Taylor Lautner’s cheesy musical num-

ber, and George Lopez as an electric elementary school teacher. Sharkboy and Lavagirl teaches its viewers that dreams are powerful and have the ability to create beautiful things or destroy them. Throwback to childhood memories and follow Max through his dream world as he discovers his true abilities.

This show, created by SNL star Fred Armisen and his close friend Carrie Brownstein; this IFC satirical skit show set in Portland presents the lives of its hippest and most eccentric residents.

From two women who own a feminist bookstore, to an aggressive city bike

rider, and even Armisen and Brownstein themselves. The show also has its fair share of guest stars, including Annie Clark, Jason Sedeikis, and Steve Buschemi. Portlandia pokes fun at Oregon and its cliché, exaggerated personifications found in any city.

Sharkboy and Lavagirl

Portlandia

The Walking Dead This fan-loved AMC drama takes place in Virginia and follows the survivors of a zombie apocalypse, with their leader, sheriff deputy Rick Grimes. Winning most binge-worthy show this year at the Critics’ Choice

Awards, the Walking Dead executes drama and suspense in a way that will leave viewers wanting more.

Catch up before the arrival of season six, which premieres on October 11th of this year.

16 Volume 9 , Issue 2 Entertainment

Horror TV Preview Fall TV Line Up Serves Up Scares

Reviews by Alex Fulton, Paul Le, Amanda Perez and Kiara Blankman

American Horror Story

This year’s season of American Horror Story focuses on detective John Lowe (Wes Bentley) who investigates a series of murders primarily conducted by real life serial killer Aileen Wuornos (Lily Rabe). The murders lead him to Hotel Cortez, one of the most haunted hotels in Los Angeles.

Co-creator and writer John Murphy revealed that this installment connects to previous seasons with many of the same characters, including the return of fan favorite actor Evan Peters, who now plays Mr. James March, the founder of Cortez. In addition, pop singer Lady Gaga plays The Countess, the current owner of the hotel.

American Horror Story: Hotel definitely has a lot riding on its shoulder. If not done well, could be embarrassing when compared to Murder House and Asylum. To find out how it does, check out American Horror Story: Hotel on Oct. 7 on FX.

! m a e Scr

izombie

The CW brings the continuation of their hit tv show iZombie. The plot follows Liv Moore (Rose Mclver,) a medical student who turned into a zombie after being bitten in a zombie attack while attending a party. Now craving fresh human brains, she works at the coroner’s office to eat the brains of murder victims. After consuming the brains, she gains the memories of the victim and uses them to help Detective Clive Babineaux (Malcom Goodwin) to solve their murders. From creators Diane Ruggiero and Rob Thomas, iZombie contains an incredibly talented cast to provide a thrilling drama with some comedic moments and an amazing twist. iZombie season 2 will premiere Oct. 6 on CW tv with new episodes every Tuesday night

Fear the walking dead

AMC’s next zombie series Fear the Walking Dead premiered on the regular schedule of The Walking Dead, its parent show. The series starts following Nick Clark (Frank Dillane) a homeless drug addict who reunites with his mom Madison Clark (Kim Dickens) and his sister Alicia Clark (Alycia Debnam Carey) after getting hit by a car. Nick was the first to witness these flesh eating people, but is automatically shunned away from his family due to his old reckless ways. The Clark family along with Madison’s boyfriend, Travis Manawa (Cliff Curtis) and his family struggle to find safety. Still unsure of what’s going on with the sick people, they pack up planning to head to the desert. Before leaving their street, the military comes in and secures a part of their neighborhood. Now they survive in one of the twelve small communities in LA along with other families.

Catch Fear the Walking Dead until Oct. 11 when The Walking Dead returns on AMC @ 8pm/c every Sunday.

Killer!

Scream Queens

The girls of Kappa sorority House, run by Chanel Oberlin (Emma Roberts) are dying for new pledges, but when Dean Cathy Munsch (Jamie Lee Curtis) announces sorority pledging must open to all students and not just the school’s privileged, all hell breaks lose as a devil killer causes chaos on campus. By getting revenge for the twenty-year old murder, the mysterious devil is claiming it’s victims one at a time.

Scream Queens unites an all-star cast including Emmy award and Golden Globe award nominee Lea Michele, singer and actor Nick Jonas, and Grammy award nominee and actress Ariana Grande.

Scream Queens is part-comedy, part-slasher flick with a modern twist on the classic, Clue. Every character with the motive for murder could easily be the next victim. So they Beta watch their back, when Scream Queens premiered on Sep. 22.

Ash vs Evil Dead

The director of the original Spider Man trilogy, Sam Raimi partners up with Starz network to bring a new horror show, Ash vs Evil Dead. The show serves as a sequel for Evil Dead II and The Army of Darkness.

After finding an old book that summons the dead when being read out loud in the previous movies.

Ash Williams (Bruce Campell) returns after spending 30 years of avoiding responsibility and maturity as mankind’s only hope to stop the Deadite plague from wiping out humanity with the help of Michigan State Trooper, Amanda Fisher (Jill Marie Jones) and his loyal sidekick, Pablo Simon Boliver (Ray Santiago). Ash vs Evil Dead will premiere on Starz network, Oct 31.

Zombie

s!

Feature October 2 , 201 5 17

Confetti, chants & cheers

Pep group spreads spirit during athletic events Rumor Stojek Asst. Editor

The students roar with excitement as senior Jarrod Glaser stands on the track in front of the section stands at a football game. Glaser directs the mass of shouting people in the roller coaster cheer, everyone moves their body in sync, copying his movements.

Roughly three years ago the student section at games was renamed to Hype Crew. In these last two to three years it has developed into a well known spirit attribution to Hendrickson.

“We saw that the student section was good, but we knew it could be better. A couple of my friends and I got together and we wanted to make Hype Crew as good as possible this year,” Glaser said. “We’re starting traditions and setting the bar, to leave off on a good note on our senior year; hopefully in the next few years it will get even better.”

Originally Blue Crew was the main sponsored spirit club at Hendrickson.

So, Glaser gathered ten of his own 3. and started their own spirit captains organization called, Hype Crew. After a while Glaser contacted some of the assistant principals in hopes to make

Photos by Abigail Marinelarena

Hype Crew its own club too, however his request was rejected because there was already a successful spirit club, Blue Crew.

“I didn’t want to step on anybody’s toes, but the problem with that was Blue Crew was already a spirit club,

sponsor, Mrs. Stewart to discuss Hype Crew and the idea of possibly combining the two organizations into one club that will promote school spirit.

“I explained to her what was going on and the impact we were having already on the student body,” Glaser

but I didn’t see them doing anything,” Glaser said. “They’ve been around for a couple of years at least and I saw that they didn’t really go above and beyond. I knew members of Blue Crew and they didn’t really go to any football or sporting event so I was confused on what their goal was and I mean that in the nicest way.”

Glaser went to the Blue Crew’s

said. “She was all for it and she was prepared to be Hype Crew’s sponsors as well. It looks like Blue Crew and Hype Crew are going to come together.”

Though football games are typically the biggest turnouts, Hype Crew isn’t just stopping at football. They plan on going to as many sporting events as possible, including volleyball, baseball, basketball, soccer and others.

“I’ve noticed that in the past after football season is over seniors are bummed out because there’s nothing to do,” Glaser said. “Well, if people started going to volleyball games, basketball games, soccer games, or anything, it’s another way to have fun on your Friday nights or Wednesday night or whatever it might be.”

The club is arranging to have meetings every two weeks and then meetings once a month. There’s a Hype Crew spirit twitter page that anyone can follow to join the hype and keep updated on events. Additionally, one can purchase a Hype Crew T-shirt to get more involved in the spirit.

“Once you get to the point where everyone’s together and organized doing a chant, it’s just really impressive.

You never really realize how loud everyone can get until they’re actually all on the same page,” Glaser said.

“When a student section can get loud and keep cheering even when we’re down it gives the players that extra push. It shows them that we believe in them and that we’re gonna keep fighting, so they can keep fighting too.”

18 Volume 9 , Issue 2 Sports

Junior Jacob Overheim commits to swim since childhood Chloe Pham Staff Reporter

Neck and neck into the last seconds, junior Jacob Overheim treads his way through the water trying to push his way into first place. With no time for screw-ups, Overheim makes sure his form is correct and progressively speeds up. Just as he makes his final turn his opponent looses his grip, allowing Overheim to take the lead and finish first.

Since he was four years old, Overheim joined the swim team allowing him to compete and make new friends.

During middle school he transitioned to football, but quit once he found a stronger passion for swim.

“I had been swimming longer than I had been playing football,” Overheim said. “Honestly I was better at swim so I decided to continue with it but it’s not like it was any easier.

Swim required a lot of dedication and I realized if I wanted to do this I’d have to get up early in the morning to practice and actually put effort into it because I don’t want to let my team down.”

When its time to compete Overheim prepares himself mentally as he goes through all his keynotes in his head making sure

not to mess up on the simplest of things.

“Before the race begins I usually think of the techniques I need to apply,” Overheim said. “I look to the left and the right of me and see the other competitors and decide if I’m going to beat them [right] then and there.”

“You know if you’ve worked hard enough to be the best you possibly can.”

-- Jacob Overheim

Once the race is done and over with it gives Overheim time to reflect on his performance and determine what he needs to do in order to improve or make sure he continues to do. No matter if he wins or loses Overheim always seems to find a better way or technique to help him on his next

race.

“When I win I get a real sense of pride,” Overheim said. “It feels nice to look your competitors in the eye after a race and shake their hand, especially after a good race because you know truthfully you won that race and you both tried your hardest. However when I lose it really depends on if I went faster than I have before, because that victory is in its own right. Most of the time I think about the losses as me doing something wrong rather than who I’ve beat because in the end you are your own competitor.”

Like every athlete Overheim experiences his fair share in wins and losses. It’s just a matter of staying positive

and trying his hardest. By doing so it has helped Overhime to become the great athlete he is as he constantly strives to be the best.

“To stay positive I listen to music and think about what I need to do to be better for my next race,” Overheim said. “When that race comes I forget about the losses and attempt to win. You know if you’ve worked hard enough to be the best you possibly can and if you did there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to achieve your goals.”

Photo by Hannah Perkins

Tennis players rebuild team after past seniors graduate Mikaela Kelarek Asst. Editor

They stand around for a group picture. Everyone smiles and celebrates after the final match for the season.

In midst of the celebration stands a junior, wondering what will become of the team after all of the seniors will graduate. Now, one year later, it is evident that the tennis team will have to undergo a time of restoration.

“I was sad to see the seniors leave last year,” senior Debleena Das said.

“They made up a large portion of the team so now it’s kind of empty without them.”

After making district finals last year, the tennis team showed its potential to be champions. However, things are going to be different this year. Majority of last year’s team was composed

of seniors, making this year a growing period for the team.

“Last year was one of the best for the team,” Das said. “Because we lost so many seniors, we have to rebuild everything from scratch.”

Reconstructing the team will take time and patience for the younger players to advance their skill level.

Despite this setback, Das is dominating the courts. She is undefeated in doubles with her partner, senior Genna Ellinwood, an accomplishment she has been working towards since her freshmen year.

“I was really nervous going into the game, but after we won I was so happy,” Das said. “We have been working toward this for so long and we finally did it our senior year.

Tennis Score Guide: Each Match is made up of two to three sets and each set is made up of six games. The game score starts at “love” (zero) and go up to 40. However, there are actually only four points in a game.

After “love” the first point equals 15, the second is 30, then 40 and finally game point. The first team to win six games win the set.

Senior Debleena Das plays in a match against Pflugerville. Photos by Rion Ellis

Sports October 2 , 201 5

To the

11

rescue

Athletic trainers work to assist players during games Rumor Stojek Asst. Editor Chloe Pham Staff Reporter

Once the game begins and the atmosphere on the sidelines is frantic and heavy with stress as the athletic trainers bustle around watching for injuries and helping the players.

Athletic trainers assist sports players in anything they need, like water or food, and to be their support in case one of them gets hurt. Senior Victoria Fowler started athletic training her freshman year.

“In eighth grade I decided I wanted to do something in the medical field, so I applied to be an athletic trainer and it’s probably the best choice I›ve ever made,” Fowler said. “There’s a lot of things that athletic training taught me, like leadership and I gained a lot from it. I don’t just take care of myself; the point of being an athletic trainer is to make sure you keep the athletes well and healthy too.

Athletic trainers load up the cart for game days, making sure the equipment is ready to go including all the medical treatment equipment, such as the taping table and injury table.

Trainers ensure that the ice chest is filled up and water towels are available. After football season they choose

another sport to train, but this time without licensed trainers who can’t be there for every sport.

“It’s a lot of work. I spend more time on the field with the football players and the trainers than I actually do at school and with my family and friends, because you’re there from 6:30 in the morning till the end of first period and then after school,” Fowler said. “You have to be pretty dedicated. It’s not something that you just sign up for and expect to get your PE credit.”

Players depend on athletic trainers in case of an accident. They are required to be prepared for anything that happens. For Fowler, her first Friday night game her freshman year was her most stressful game as a trainer.

“Everything you could imagine to go wrong did, There were people left and right getting injured and the other seniors didn’t want to do anything because it was their senior year so everybody came to me,” Fowler said. “They asked me to wrap ankles and I didn’t know how to do that yet. The best thing was that they were all very calm with me, they understood that I was a newbie and I didn’t know what I was doing

so them being calm and not yelling helped me a lot.”

Senior Chloe Shelby has been an athletic trainer since she was a junior.

She has grown up with her fellow trainers and the players since she was in middle school so naturally the bond she has with them all is very strong.

She also uses athletic training as a way to further connect with her father.

“I love football; it’s my way to bond with my dad. I’ll go home and sit with him, watch football and talk football,” Shelby said. “It’s fun because I can go on the field and live his legacy and I›m hoping to get to Texas A&M one day and major in physical therapy so I can still be apart of the football traditions that he was.”

Ankle taping is crucial to understand as an athletic trainer, because it is needed for a lot of different injuries that go along with it. The specific methods that trainers learn are, three base strips, basket weave, and the figure eight. The methods help with most injuries to insure that the bones don’t move and make the problem worse.

“The hardest thing is watching

the players if they get injured traumatically,” Shelby said. “My dad used to play football so just knowing what he went through when he was injured, I don’t like to see that with the players so I kind of have to separate the emotion from the field.”

To become an athletic trainer a student must apply and then based on the application, grades, and attendance, students are chosen to join the program. During the summer, before the first week of football practice there is a required three day learning camp where trainers get CPR certified and learn how to tape and make sure their packs are ready to go.

“I am really really into football like it’s a mixture of passion like, ‘Come on boys do well, do well’, but you can’t be screaming from the sides because you’re there to do your job and they’re there to do theirs,” Shelby said. “As a trainer you’re not a regular fan in the student section screaming your head off. It’s a fast pace thing; you always have to be on your toes and aware of what’s going on at all times.”

Senior Victoria Fowler (far left), wraps foam cast around football player’s arm. Senior Chloe Shelby (middle), wraps player’s ankle with powerflex tape. Shelby (right), secures ice with saran wrap on player’s knee.

Photos by Emma Harting

20

Volume 9 , Issue 2 Last Look

Cross country run-down

Staffer describes everyday practice, meet routine Alyssa Ellinwood Staff Reporter

Cross-country is a sport that requires time and dedication just like any other sport. Even when injured support to injured or team can be valuable in many ways for the whole team. Cross-country may seem like its just running but there’s so much more to it.

Early in the morning at 6:30am the cross-country team gets together at Hendrickson high school for practice every morning of school days to run 3 to 10miles depending on the work out. It’s a lot but it preps the runners so when they run a 5K at meets it’s a easy short run. Leg strength is important to them but having core and upper body strength helps the runner in many ways too. After school on Mon-

What it takes to be in cross country Afterschool the cross-country teams go through 2-4 circuits which include various ab, arm and leg workouts. These workouts include running with weights, 1 minute of as, 1 minute of ushups and around 20 burpees

days and Wednesdays the tem meets up again to do workouts in the weight room and run some more.

Just like in any sport its common to get an injury in cross-country. Even though it’s only about half of a year it still can be very critical to your body if you don’t take care of it. Eating healthy is a big part of running in cross-country so a runner can get the best energy for the longest time. Another part is in the peak of cross country runners start over using their body which can cause many body pains and develop something that could hurt the runner later on. During this time a common thing to develop is tendinitis in knees, ankles, hips or even backs. For runners this can very painful and can take you out of the season for a little while and if its not treated

copious amounts of water

6:30 am practices minimum of 3.2 m ran everyday

correctly or soon enough it can get way worse then just a small pinch.

There isn’t much to do to prepare to be a crosscountry runner but run and mix up where and what your running on. The cross-country team just doesn’t run on concert and flat surfaces. They will run on grass, dirt, gravel, pavement or rocks while running up and down twisty steep hills sometimes all in one cross-country meet. If a runners body isn’t prepared for these kinds of conditions it could hurt the body.

With effort and dedication cross-country can be a fun sport to make many friends in while learning about how to take care of your body and push its limits.

42 member teams

$100 per meet Record distance: 5k in 14 min.