Pride and
Prejudice
Removal of Confederate icons cause controversy Pages 9-11
Volume 11, Issue 2
October 6, 2017
INSIDE: DACA...Page 2
Hurricane Harvey...Page 8 The Pfield...Page 12 & 13
New Coaching Staff...Page 17
2
News Volume 11, Issue 2
state of the
UNION the FACTS Dream Act
Current domestic issue impacts United States population
the VIEWPOINTS Carolina Yanez | Reporter
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Carolina Yanez | Reporter
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, protects young undocumented immigrants in the U.S. from deportation
and allows them to obtain a work permit. Requirements include:
- Came to U.S. before 16 years of age - Under 31 years old as of June 15, 2007 - Currently studying, graduated high school, obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or military
- No convictions of felonies - Physically present in the U.S. as of June 15, 2012 - Lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 to the present
“I can understand both sides. I know that families need to be kept together and that the immigration process is hard, but I don’t believe in giving immigrants as much of a benefit as a citizen. We never know where they are coming from and since we are a country of opportunity we should treat it like it is and treat these people as humans.” -senior Alexis Pence
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“Immigrants are able to contribute to our economy, because the people on DACA pay taxes and buy things to support the capitalistic United States.” -sophomore Eliana Galan
How to Apply McKenzie Quiroz | Reporter
When applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), it is suggested that applicants get help and don’t apply alone. The process includes completing and submitting applications and making an appointment to get fingerprints for a background check. Once fingerprints have been submitted, applicants will receive a letter asking for additional information (called a Request
for Evidence) or a final decision. Along with the application, candidates will have to send in all supporting documents, two photos, and a fee of $495.00. After they have completed the process, applicants will receive a final decision six to eight months from the date that they apply. Information gathered from https://undocu. berkeley.edu/legal-support-overview/ what-is-daca/
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Ian Falkenbury | Photographer
“Trump has made the decision to send the law to congress for review to see if the law was constitutional, I don’t believe he was acting irrational. The country’s eyes should be upon the congress and I do hope that they make the most humane decision for the children’s sake. I am in support of DACA, I just don’t believe Trump should be getting persecuted as he is now.” -junior Daniel Cherry
the DATES Abigail Hill | Asst. Editor
Since the creation of DACA, which was almost five years ago, the act has undergone many victories and setbacks. Here are just a few major pivotal points in the process.
Feb. 14 - May 16, 2016:
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that some requests for renewal of DACA filed were delayed because of technical difficulties and may be outside of processing time.
Jun. 15, 2012:
President Barack Obama announced Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA.).
Jun. 23, 2016:
United States v. Texas, a United States Supreme Court case regarding the constitutionality of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) program is decided.
Nov. 20, 2014:
President Obama announced DACA expansion to include more people and creation of DAPA for the parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Sept. 5, 2017:
The Trump administration rescinded the DACA program and will phase it out over the next six months, leaving the fates of Dreamers in the hands of Congress.
Sept. 30, 2015:
By the end of the 2015 fiscal year, about 700,000 people are approved for DACA under the initial two-year terms, and about 445,000 have been renewed.
*Individuals who entered the US illegally as minors must go through biometric screening so that the USCIS can collect fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
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Features October 6, 2017
3
BY THE NUMBERS
Survey reveals upperclassmen job data Student Jobs
Megan Fletcher | Copy Editor
In an optional, online survey with 146 responses sophomores, juniors, and seniors answered various questions regarding their previous or current job experience. Here are the results. The survey was conducted through a Google Form, which students received through their district-provided email.
47%: Job
53%: No Job
Average Job Satisfaction On average, most students with jobs would rate their experience in their job at 3.7 on a scale of 1 to 5. In this case, 1 means ‘not satisfied at all,’ while 5 means ‘very satisfied.’ 47% of respondents answered they would recommend their jobs to other students, while 35% answered they might, and 18% said they would not recommend their jobs. Right: 81% of respondents with jobs get paid above minimum wage, while 19% get paid at $7.25 per hour.
3.7
19%: At $7.25
12a.
Job Field Distribution
81%: Above 7.25
1-4%
5-8%
9-11%
12a. 2a.
9p.
2a.
10p. 4a.
8p.
3a.
9p. 5a.
7p.
6a.
6p.
7a.
Average Shift Start and End Times 4a.
8p.
5a.
7p.
6a.
6p. 5p.
8a.
7a.
5p. 8a.
4p.
9a.
4p. 9a.
10a. 2p.
11a. 1p.
12p.
Recreation
1a.
11p. 3a.
3p.
15%: Retail
12%+
1a.
10p.
40%
Of those who currently hold jobs, 40% hold jobs in the recreation industry, 31% in the food industry, and 15% in retail. 8% employ themselves, and 6% work for a non-profit (right).
31%: Food <1%
11p.
Of 146 respondents, 47% currently have a job, while 53% do not (left.) 64% answered that they have had a job previously or currently. In addition, 21% of respondents were sophomores, 43% were juniors, and 36% were seniors.
3p. 2p.
10a. 1p.
12p.
11a.
Of 146 respondents, 72 answered a question pertaining to the average time their shift starts (left) and ends (right.) The average times are presented in a 24-hour clock, displaying the proportion of commonality with a color gradient (above.) As the graphic shows, most students start their work shifts midmorning or midafternoon and typically work until 10p.m.. It is important to note these job start and end times are not separated by weekday or weekend, so the 11a.m. and 5p.m. difference in start times is accounted for. For the purposes of this graphic, all afternoon times are represented by “p” and all morning times by “a.”
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News Volume 11, Issue 2
NEWS BRIEFS
Homecoming fundraiser helps schools impacted by last month’s hurricane Kaitlin Mackey | Asst. Editor This year for homecoming, rather than hosting a dance, the Student Council decided to fund raise to help schools in Port Aransas ISD and Houston ISD affected by Hurricane Harvey. Student Council held a competition for all 2A classes to see which class can raise the most money. The class that raises the most money will receive pizza. “Port Aransas ISD and Houston ISD have asked for voluntary donations of money so we are going to raise as much
money as we can and then we will deposit it to the schools through checks,” sponsor Hellen Barczi said. Knowing that Murchison Elementary School raised $3,000 for the schools, student council would like to beat them by raising about $3,000-$5,000. “By doing this for the schools in Houston and Port Aransas, student council is hoping to represent a good student body at Hendrickson,” junior Mackenzie Burgess said.
Seniors initiate courtyard cleanup Megan Fletcher | Copy Editor
When seniors Van Do, April Castellanos, and Gabee Viduya noticed there was no organization dedicated to gardening and courtyard beautification, they simply started one themselves. “Lots of other seniors said they had always been interested in gardening club, so we thought it would be a really fun way to contribute to our school,” Viduya said. “It was really to provide a place at school where people can pursue gardening as a hobby. Since the Beautification Committee already started working on improving the courtyards, we thought it would be the perfect project for the Gardening Club to take part in.” While they can weed and purge the courtyards, the club can’t plant new growth or lay mulch until new money comes in. Currently, Viduya wants to put fund raising efforts on hold.
“As of right now, we don’t have anything planned, since most people are fundraising for Harvey [victims] and that takes precedence over our club,” Viduya said. The first beautification session was held Sept. 21 in the courtyard between B and D Halls. According to Viduya, the group must first completely weed the area and put mulch down to prevent further weed growth. In order to reduce water consumption, the group has to “xeriscape,” or plant drought-tolerant plants that don’t require much water, such as aloe vera and agave. “It’ll take a while to completely clear the courtyard of all the weeds, but our group is very enthusiastic,” Viduya said. “I’m pleasantly surprised by the turnout, to be completely honest. The people involved are committed to the project and I’m glad we decided to make such a positive change on campus.”
New club helps build new friendships Anna Schulze | Reporter
Senior class hosts horror movie night McKenzie Quiroz | Reporter
In honor of Friday the 13th, the senior class officers will host a horror movie night which will take place in the band parking lot. Although the movie night will be run by the seniors, the event is open for anyone to attend. “Movie nights bring back the culture of drive-in movie theaters,” senior Class President Andrea Huynh said. “It’s a great place to have fun with friends and family.” Participants will be able to bring their cars, blankets, or lawn chairs. Parking will
be first come, first served due to the lack of space. However, there will be spots available to reserve for those wishing to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Tickets will go on presale for three dollars a person and five dollars at the door. If the event turns out to be a success, there will be more movie nights in the near future. “We, class officers, enjoy drive in movie theaters,” Huynh said. “We thought it’d be a great idea to bring people together and just have a good time.”
Best Buddies, a newly formed club, is about building relationships between students with and without disabilities. Members of this club will have the option to take a personality test to match them to a buddy. From there they will be expected to hang out with their new friend outside of school at least twice times a month, preferably more. “I hope this club will give Hendrickson a deeper sense of community, and give the students a passion to help others.” President and junior Zoe Jones said “I feel as though Hendrickson lacks many opportunities to get to know and interact
with these really incredible kids.” Jones brought about this club in order to show the kids with additional needs how vital they are to the student body by making them feel more a part of it. This club presents them with opportunities to build authentic relationships with the other students, something the SPED, or or Special Education, teachers and student alike have been pushing for. “This club gives both ways,” Jones said. “Both students have opportunities to learn from, and grow with each other, overall helping Hendrickson become a better place.”
The Locker gives students resources Kaitlin Mackey | Asst. Editor
Abigail Hill | Photographer
The Locker is a student-run organization that provides necessities not provided outside of school. In the organization, there is a job for everyone involved. “To me, it’s a way to learn true services,” president of The Locker Aysha Ogden said. “I believe that canned food drives are not the way to go and that people have to learn how to take responsibility for things. It’s a great way to do that while getting service hours and learning how to help people all in one.” The shelves for The Locker are found in the back of Student Services. The stu-
dent can take what they need from the shelf and go back to class, while staying anonymous. “I want more people to be involved with this.” Ogden said. “I want the high school to know and understand what The Locker does. It’s a great opportunity for kids to gain experience and service in a way that helps people. It’s just a great way to help our community.” In order to be involved in The Locker organization, students can go to the meetings every Thursday at 8:30 am or 4:30pm in the PAC.
Band achieves ‘Mark of Excellence’ Last Spring, the Wind Ensemble submitted recordings of Mars by Gustav Holst and Dance Movements by Philip Sparke. They were then evaluated by college band directors and were one of only nine bands were selected in the U.S.. for the distinction of ‘Mark of Excellence’ from the Foundation for Music
Education. Additionally, the 2017 All-Region Jazz Band members include Nick Arellano4th Chair trumpet, Duncan Crow-2nd Chair tenor trombone, Matt Shirley-2nd Chair bass trombone, and Thomas Lopez- 1st Chair guitar.
5
News October 6, 2017
AWARDS &
accolades
Debate team succeeds at early meets Pflugerville & Greenhill Tournaments The Hawk Speech & Debate team competed at the Pflugerville High School Invitational and the Greenhill Tournament of Champions qualifying tournaments on Sept. 16, 2017. “I’ve been in that tournament every single year for the past three years, and I’ve slowly gotten further every single time, and it’s finally good to be able to finish senior year with winning the tournament,” senior Worth Carlin said. “It shows that since I’ve been a freshman and a sophomore, it marks my progression in the event. It’s a way to prove to myself that I’ve been able to advance and materially show that I’ve been able to get better at the activity.” At Greenhill, juniors Trey Gutierrez and Dylan Scott advanced to the Double Octfinals round. At Pflugerville High school, the team won third place. “We don’t have as many seniors as we
did before, which kind of sucks, but I think we have a strong junior and sophomore age, which is going to be really great for the future,” Carlin said. “It’s not the strongest it could be now but it’ll get better.” Individual winners from these tournaments include: Policy Debate: Champions-Joseph Yeh & Worth Carlin First Speaker- Alejandro Casteneda. Congressional Debate: Third Place-Rene Otero, Eighth Place- Jenna Dammen Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking: Sixth PlaceJared Williams, Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking: First Place-Rene Otero. Informative Speaking: Fourth Place-Bryce Hann, Fifth Place-Kayla White, Seventh Place, Sebastian Carzola. Dramatic Interpretation: Fifth Place-Brendan Wilkinson. Novice Public Forum: Second Place-Liam Mick (First Speaker) & Cristian Curren, , Novice Extemp: Eighth Place- Liam Mick.
At the Pflugerville Speech and Debate Tournament on Sept. 16, junior Bryce Hann talks about how anti-Semitism is not in South Korea’s best interests. “The half of summer I just spent a lot of time reading about [South Korea and anti-Semitism] and preparing for the debate.” At the end of the tournament, Hann and his team won multiple awards to start off the year. Macy Burnham | Photographer
Journalists receive Gold Circle Awards
The Columbia Press Association Gold Circle Awards were recieved by Lindsey Robinson for 3rd place Entertainment Review- Not Your Typical Princess. Ileana Perez, Kylie Ruffino, and Lindsey Robinson Certificate of Merit for Headline Writing, Victoria Hoang won 1st place for
Single Shot News Photo- We are here, We are not Leaving, Lindsey Robinson won the Certificate of Merit for Informational Graphics- High School Costs By the Numbers, and Ileana Perez Certificate of Merit for Single Subject Multi-Page Feauture Design- Shattering the Silence.
Lake Travis & Anderson Tournaments Individuals who placed at the Lake Travis meet are Policy Debate Champions: Trey Gutierrez (First Speaker) and Dylan Scott (2nd Speaker,) Public Forum Debate champions: Bryce Hann (3rd Speaker) and Sofia Valdespino (1st Speaker,) Congressional Debate: Champion Rene Otero. Domestic Extemporanous Speaking: Sofia Valdespino, 2nd place. Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, Rene Otero, 1st place. Humorous
Interpretation: Brendan Wilkinson, 4th place. Prose Lauren Thompson, 2nd place & Sophie Ellis, 4th place. Individuals who placed at the Anderson meet are Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking Sofia Valdespino 4th Place Public Forum Debate Champions Bryce Hann( 3rd Speaker) & Sofia Valdespino (1st Speaker,) Congressional Debate Champion: Rene Otero, Prose: Sophie Ellis, 2nd place, Lauren Thompson, 3rd place.
Scholars gain academic recognition Every year, approximately 1.6 million high school students compete for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Based on PSAT and SAT scores, the following students earned letters of Commendation for their outstanding academic promise from the National Merit Scholarship Program: Sarah Flynn, Cory
Gunter, Alex London, Bennett McCullough, Brinda Prasad, Grant Richardson, Daniel Schulze, and Gabrielle Viduya. The following students gained acknowledgement by the College Board as National Hispanic Recognition Scholars, Chrisitan Boswell, Christian Douglas, Samuel Perales, and Vivi Vargas.
Victoria Hoang | Photographer Hoang earned 1st place for Single Shot News Photo.
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Opinions Volume 11, Issue 2
Staff your TURN Editorial Negative concerns surrounding Pfield
What are your thoughts on the Pfield?
eliminated after first weeks of opening When Pflugerville ISD announced the building of a district-wide stadium with the passing of the 2014 bond, the news was met with positive affirmations and excitement in the community. However, as time went on members in the community, more specifically students, began to form a much more negative outlook on the new field. Up until Hendrickson debuted in their first football game, many weren’t looking forward to the addition. Most of the concerns surrounding the topic stemmed from an unfamiliarity. People didn’t know what to expect from the Pfield, so they decided to become closed-minded toward the idea. The Pfield is a generous contribution to the district and ultimately opens opportunities to increase monetary income. Capable of holding around 10,000 people, the newly built stadium includes state of the art technology to help aide in our success. In addition to varsity football and soccer Samuel Perales | Cartoonist games, the Pfield plans to host band competitions, serve as a potential UIL playoff venue, and be a site for other community events happening in Pflugerville. Overall, while it may seem confusing for the district to have built the stadium despite each school having fields in perfectly good conditions, this allows PfISD to hold a more professional presence in the area. As our district becomes more prominent with other surrounding communities, hopefully it will help transition schools to be stronger support systems for each other. More times than not, unity between the
schools in this district feels nonexistent because there haven’t been many opportunities to come together. When schools are pitted against each other, a negative energy takes over students and in the end, only reflects badly on PfISD. But ever since the districtwide stadium has opened, there’s a greater sense of cohesion brought upon the four high schools. Now it’s become more normal for students from Pflugerville, Connally, or Weiss to attend our football games, and vice versa. This sense of unity in the district has never existed before, but if it continues, the district will only grow stronger. Any negative statements said by members of the community mostly centered around the Pfield not feeling like a true “home” stadium, which might be true for some. However, with time the stadium will become normalized. The new layout of the Pfield allows for those in the student section to have a much more intimate experience with the players, which hopefully end up boosting student morale. However, there are still some students who don’t want to abandon our original home field yet. If the administration allowed for one football game to be held at the Hendrickson stadium, like homecoming or senior night, it would help make those games feel even more special. While at first the Pfield seemed foreign to our community, as time has gone by, the once negative beliefs have dissipated. Not only does the stadium create a more professional presence, but it also helps unite both the district, and Hendrickson. There’s no doubt that in the future, the Pfield will have the same feelings associated with it, as the original stadium.
The Hawk, the official student newspaper of Hendrickson High School, is an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions.
Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, TX 78660 http://www.pfisd.net/HHS (512) 594-1100 Student Population: 2750 Staff: 269
Advisor: Kari Riemer Principal: Daniel Garcia
www.facebook.com/HawkNewspaper
Opinions expressed reflect the beliefs of the student author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Hawk Staff, the Hawk Adviser, the Hendrickson Faculty and Staff, or the Principal. Letters to the editor are welcomed, and may be dropped off in E211 Corrections will be printed when brought to the attention of the staff.
The Hawk is printed monthly at 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.
Editorial Staff Co-Editors: Alex Fulton & Ileana Perez Copy Editor: Megan Fletcher Assistant Editors: Holly Hambleton, Abigail Hill, McKenna Lucas, Kaitlin Mackey
Brisa Espinoza Virginia Gaffney Taylor Hawthorne Taylor Hedund
Reporters
Paul Le McKenzie Quiroz Camryn Sadlier Anna Schulze
Maria Torres Zachary Valdez Kyla White Carolina Yanez
“I feel like the district spent a lot of money on it, but it’s kind of a flop. It’s really big, but not a lot of people like it and not a lot of people go to the football games there. It’s not the best option for the district to make right now.” - Saron Araya, 12 “I’m not a big fan of it, because why would I want to drive all the way out to the Pfield just to support my team when I could just do it here?” - Briana Trevino, 12 “I think that the Pfield is large and beautiful, but my main complaint is by the rivalry school. Was it possible for them to just put it somewhere in the middle between us?” - Samantha Escobedo, 12 “I don’t want to travel all the way to the Pfield if I could just walk to the school. Also, gas is expensive. I’m not going to pay $2.45 for gas when I could just walk to school.” - Emily Ellis, 12 “The way it is designed without a track, at half time the band stand beside the field and they’re really close to the football players. If a cast was to be thrown outside the boundaries, it can hit a band member. I just don’t like it.” - John Bodeen, 12
“I honestly don’t like that our ‘home games’ are at the Pfield and not at the school but it’s cool to have such a big stadium for the district.” - Grace Nguyen, 11
Associations Interscholastic Press League, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, Journalism Educators Association, Columbia Scholastic Press League
Pride and
Prejudice
Removal of Confederate icons cause controversy Pages 9-11
Honors ILPC Bronze Star, 2014 & 2015, 2017 Columbia Scholastic Press League, Gold Medalist 2016 Silver Crown, 2017
Volume 11, Issue 2
October 6, 2017
INSIDE: DACA...Page 2
Hurricane Harvey...Page 8 The Pfield...Page 12 & 13
Design by Alex Fulton
New Coaching Staff...Page 17
5
HIT or
Opinions August 25 2017
MISS
Lack of courtyard use creates waste Abigail Hill | Asst. Editor
The two courtyards, located outside of the main hallways are inaccessible during lunchtime, and for the most part, do not get occupied during the school day. According to school officials, the reason for this is because there is no supervision available and the janitors would have more to clean up at the end of the day. Having the courtyard available at lunch could prevent less traffic in the cafeteria, unfortunately the inability to use them remains a miss.
Fundraiser aids hurricane victims Kaitlin Mackey | Asst. Editor
This year for homecoming, student council has decided to hold a fund raiser for the schools hit by Hurricane Harvey. Hurricane Harvey made a huge negative impact on schools in Houston and Port Aransas. By fund raising for the schools affected, student council helps Houston ISD and Port Aransas ISD recover from the hurricane while setting a good representation of Hendrickson High School. Student Council helping schools in need is a definite hit.
Longer lunches help attendence Taylor Hedund | Reporter
As a means to enhance attendance this year, the administration is offering an incentive for attendance. This year, if there is an overall 97% attendance for a week, on Fridays of the next week students will receive extended lunches. With the lunch period extension, there is a greater incentive to earn the extension. Students are more likely to stop skipping and only doctors missing school due to family issues or doctor’s visits. For now, this solution to improve the school’s attendance is a hit.
Deadline for Pre-AP / AP schedule changes causes concern
Kaitlin Mackey | Asst. Editor From Sept. 25 through 29, students had a chance to change classes to match their curriculum level, however some students argue that it isn’t long enough. Changing classes can cause a drastic change in a student’s GPA, which could mean that the student and their guardian need to think about whether their making the right choice or not. With the deadline only being a week long, it could make the process stressful for both the student and guardian, making the deadline a miss.
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my STORY Mind, Body, and Soul
Editor reflects on the importance of self-care Abigail Hill | Asst. Editor
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that self-care is not selfish. My whole life I was living for others, and not for myself. I constantly filled up my schedule without taking the time to pursue my own desires. As a teenager with all AP classes, a job at Andy’s Frozen Custard, and extracurricular activities, such as yearbook, newspaper, theater, and photography, my busy schedule often prevents me from focusing on myself. Ever since the beginning of 2017, I knew I had to change something about my busy schedule, so that I would spend more time doing what brought me joy. Things like yoga, writing, getting enough sleep, listening to calm music, and spending time in nature are things that make me feel relaxed and stressfree. In the midst of a crazy week, or even month, doing those things is my main essential to manifesting anything in life. Often times than not, I tend to invest in others before I think about myself. Taking a little bit of time alone during the week allows me to prioritize what is important, think through things, and release any stress that has built up inside. Over the last summer, I felt this constant urge to be away from technology, and closer to what was happening in the now. I didn’t want to document what I was doing, nor did I care if others saw what I was up to all the time. By deleting snapchat for a
period of time, I was able to open myself up more to people. When I was sharing what I did every single day, someone couldn’t ask, “What have you been up to?” when they saw me in person. That’s because my friends probably already knew, and in my opinion, it took away from getting to truly know someone. By doing these things, I was able to focus on what truly mattered in life. To me that includes spending quality time with others, but also making time for yourself. Having self-care is not some complicated process I have to go through, it’s doing whatever fits me. Being vulnerable, opening myself up to new opportunities, and growing during tough trials in life all contributes to appreciating who I was made to be. I have found that taking a walk, turning off my phone, taking a warm bath, filling myself up with nutritious foods, getting some fresh air, decluttering my room, practicing yoga, and pouring out my feelings into a journal are simple things I could do to establish self-care. I’ve always been curious as to how we all manage time in different ways, but for the most part, we still maintain harmony with the people around us. All in all, it’s a never ending cycle of supporting others, yet still believing in oneself.
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Features Volume 11, Issue 2
Harvey’s Helping Hands
Teen takes in Hurricane Harvey evacuees Anna Schulze | Reporter
Hurricane Harvey tore through the Texas coast, leaving behind the wreckage of over 40,000 homes, and sending hundreds of thousands people fleeing to seek shelter away from the storm anywhere they could find it. Twelve of those victims didn’t have to look very far, as junior Rene Otero and his family, aware of the possible outcome, decided to open their doors to those victims on Aug. 24, just one day before the deadly storm struck land. Otero, generally arrives home to a busy household, coming from a family of seven. When Hurricane Harvey hit, Otero arrived home to a family of 21. “It was quite hectic, but at the same time, it was just like any other day with a few abnormal responsibilities,” Otero said. “What was fun though, was trying to figure out how many eggs to scramble every morning.”
Throughout the duration of the storm, Otero’s eyes to the needs of victims of which lasted a total of eight days, over other recent disasters. He and his family 30,000 people came rushing into shel- are currently attempting to house victims ters across Texas. from Hurricane Irma, despite Houston’s George not having perR. Brown Conven“Home is a gift, and if the tion center, for exsonal connecample held over tions with any of world in a snap decides you the victims. 10,000 people, as don’t have a home any more, “It’s important their homes were Mother Earth will take it. This being destroyed. to help these gift is something we must be victims because A home, Otero has at the heart of it, learned, is somegrateful for, and something we we are all huthing that cannot must be willing to share.” be taken for grantman beings, and we all feel the ed. Rene Otero, 11 same emotions Taking in vicand should be tims of this storm empathic to wasn’t as out of the ordinary for Otero, his temporary their situation. There are plenty of other refugees were not strangers, but rather, ways to help people out. I’m currently in family friends. This tragedy has opened the process of trying to reach out to hur-
Hawks for Harvey helps victims Paul Le | Reporter
In response to Hurricane Harvey, the Student Council launched Hawks for Harvey, a fundraiser to help support victims of the storm, through selling specific t-shirts designed for the fundraiser. The class of 2019’s homecoming t-shirts will not only raise funds for Hurricane Harvey relief, but a portion of their revenue will be given to the Student Council. “When [the] Student Council started the Hawks for Harvey fundraising, the class of 2019 wanted to join in and participate in some way,” campus staffer Heather Lindgren said. “We are working together with Student Council, whatever [the] Student Council is doing, we are just supporting them with extra funds that they may need.” Support through homecoming t-shirts will be available until the game, but sales for Hawks for Harvey t-shirts will continue on for another period of time. In other words, students can buy the t- shirts long after the homecoming game. “T-shirt sales are open to all grade levels and even parents, staff, and anyone from the community whoever wants to support the cause,” Lindgren said. “T-shirts will be available in the cafeteria, as well Main Street and hopefully before the game, and of ocurse you can always ask a Class of 2019 officer for a t- shirt.”
ricane Irma victims and offer them shelter,” Otero said. “In the meantime, I have worked with the Salem News Agency and The Hanford Hand Concert as a slater [a person who reads a poetry piece prior to a concert. In this case, to raise money for the victims]. Although I cannot be there in person, that hasn’t stopped me from sending my poems for recitation.” While the storm has passed, the need for shelter and supplies continues. Places such as The Greater Houston Community Foundation, and Global Giving accept donations throughout the year, in order to help those in need. “We all need to be less self-centered with our time, our talents, and our treasures,” Otero said. “If we’re too busy worrying about ourselves, holding back from helping others, that’s just time wasted, time in which their homes are being destroyed, time in which their lives are in danger.”
Data reveals extent of Hurricane Harvey devastation McKenna Lucas | Asst. Editor
Harvey traveled
3,100 miles;
with winds up to 130 miles per hour. Poured 19
trillion gallons of water over Texas and rained 51.88 inches. There were 2,500 distress calls, and more than 40 people died.
9
Features October 6, 2017
Teens voice their views on statues controversy
Pride and
Prejudice
“In my opinion, I think while it is important to remember history, I don’t believe that’s what the statues represent; the majority of Confederate statues were put up in the civil rights movements rather than directly after the war. And even if they do represent our history, that’s not something to be proud of. But that being said, I think we should be putting the statues in museums in order to educate people on the past to stop injustice repeating in the future.” Sofia Valdespino 11
“I feel like the removal of Confederate statues is something that will raise awareness in communities about racism. I think it’s true that the statues are a part of America’s history that shouldn’t be forgotten, but America is going through a transformation where we are more accepting of different values and beliefs. So whether the removal of Confederate statues is a good or bad thing for history, all we can tell for now is that America is going through changes.” Alex Nguyen 12
“I think the statues belong in a museum. There’s no reason why blatant symbols of racism should be glorified in the public sphere, and even if you don’t think they’re racist they’re dangerously polarizing and anti-American. We’re talking about the same guys who literally broke away from the United States, disregarded established law, and waged war on us. They are not honorable and the only reason statues of them should exist is to enlighten people as to what they should not be.” Timothy Gaona 12
Former teacher defends local University in statue removal lawsuit McKenna Lucas | Asst. Editor
It felt like a Civil War reenactment. On one side of the room there was a mass of gray; men dressed in old Confederate uniforms. On the other side stood Mariel Puryear and her colleagues. All of them were waiting on the hearing. All of them were wondering what the future would hold for the cold, bronze statue of Jefferson Davis. The Sons of Confederate Veterans sued the University of Texas at Austin, after they publicly announced the statue of Jefferson Davis’ removal and relocation to UT’s Dolph Briscoe Center for American History in 2015. Former Hendrickson teacher and coach, Puryear, was one of the attorneys defending the university. “People outside UT felt like they had the right to weigh in on the statues removal, and I don’t think that they did,” Puryear said. “The removal of Confederate statues is kind of a complicated issue because it depends on if the statues are a part of a city, or a university, or an elementary school. Who has the right to make those decisions? Is it the school board or the whole population of the city? Ideally, the voter should weigh in.” The UT campus student government voted for the
removal of the Confederate statue in March of 2015. The university president followed through with their wishes, only for the Sons of Confederate Veterans to sue them a few days later. Puryear’s main argument against the Sons of Confederate Veterans was that they had no standing, the judge ultimately agreed with her at the trial hearing on Aug. 27, 2015. “They couldn’t articulate any kind of injury that they had sustained or that they would sustain if the statue were removed,” Puryear said. “I don’t mean like a physical injury, but just any kind of harm whether economic or anything like that. If they could articulate an injury then they have standing, so our argument was that they did not have standing. If you don’t have standing, you can’t pursue a lawsuit.” The Sons of Confederate Veterans felt like taking the statue of Jefferson Davis down was taking away their southern heritage. The all-male group, is comprised of direct descendants from Confederate soldiers, men must prove that they are genetically related to a confederate soldier, for membership to be acquired. The group arrived at the hearing to support their cause. “It was surreal,” Puryear said. “The courtroom was one of the smallest courtrooms in the courthouse, but when we arrived there were a lot of supporters of the
Sons of Confederate Veterans who had come dressed in Confederate garb, with big handlebar mustaches and the whole works.” Jefferson Davis isn’t the only statue that’s been removed from the University’s campus. Recently, statues of Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Albert Sidney Johnston, along with Confederate cabinet member John Reagan were removed overnight on Aug. 21, 2017. Most of the statues were relocated to UT’s Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. “The argument is often made that taking the statues down is in some way erasing the past, so by leaving them up it can encourage students to study history,” Puryear said. “I do think students should be encouraged to study history, but I think that leaving the statues in public places as monuments or memorials is an inappropriate way to approach that. Relocating the statues to a museum is a more proper place for people learn about history anyway, and leaving them up just opens the possibility for people to misinterpret what the statues meant. They might think the statues would somehow represent something honorable or heroic in a person, but in fact they represent hurt and one of the biggest mistakes, of our nation’s past: slavery. There is no reason to honor something like that.”
10
Features Volume 11, Issue 2
Pride and
Prejudice History of Confederate Monuments The United States has around 1,000 Confederate monuments scattered between 38 states, and Texas alone displays over 180 of them. These monuments for years have sparked debate about their symbolism and their place in modern society. In the past year, more action has been taken against
these symbols than ever before, often ending in their removal, thus earning the anger of those who view the Confederate soldiers as past heroes, while gaining the approval of those who see the statues as symbols of racism. Anna Schulze | Reporter
1890s-1950s Jun. 22, 2015 Aug. 30, 2015 Aug. 12, 2017 Aug. 15, 2017 Aug. 18, 2017 Aug. 21, 2017 Most Confederate monuments were built in during this time, which matches up with the era of the Jim Crow laws of segregation. The biggest spike was between the
1900-1920s
Walmart, Amazon, and Sears stop selling Confederate flag merchandise.
The University of Texas removed a statue of former president Jefferson Davis.
Unite the Right Rally to protest removal of Robert E Lee in Charlottesville Virginia, which led to the counter protests.
Austin City Council has begun the process of renaming Robert E. Lee Road
Six Flags stopped flying Confederate flag. The flag first flew in
1961
The University of Texas at Austin took down four Confederate statues overnight, (Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnston, John Reagan and former Texas governor James Stephen Hogg).
Features October 6, 2017
11
Early life experiences lead senior to develop pro-heritage stances Alex Fulton | Co-Editor
As a child, senior Cahrynn Griffiths used to love to watch reruns of The Dukes of Hazzard on TV Land. After white supremacist Dylan Roof killed nine African-Americans at a church service during the 2015 Charleston shooting, however, the network pulled the program due to the show’s portrayal of a 1969 Dodge Charger, sporting the Confederate battle flag. For as long as she can remember, Griffiths’ relatives taught her the flag was simply a battle flag from the Civil War. Griffiths feels the recent removal of Confederate statues and symbols is a key element of her childhood being stripped away, simply because of other people’s careless actions. “I don’t think that the Confederate flag is racist, like most people think,” Griffiths said. “The Confederate flag is a battle
Q
&
A
flag used in the past, . The Confederate flag has nothing to do with race.” For her birthday last year, Griffiths received a Confederate flag from one of her family members. Today, both Griffiths and her brother display the battle flag on their bedroom walls to show their southern pride. “My family has always had a close relationship with the Confederate flag and it’s something I use as well,” Griffiths said. “It’s something you can use to represent your personality. Last year, I had a confederate flag on my binder and when everybody saw it they were confused, because not many show off their beliefs on school binders.” Griffiths believes the flag doesn’t represent racism, rather the battle fought when the flag was flown. While she understands how others see the battle as racist, she doesn’t believe people should
connect the flag with those feelings, instead southern pride. “By removing statues and monuments, it kind of okays it for people to have this racist feeling to them,” Griffiths said. “People are allowed to put their racist thoughts out there, instead of teaching people what it’s really about, people just took it down and let it go. I don’t think that’s the right action that should have been taken.”
With so many disagreements and debates about the flag and its representation, Griffiths firmly believes places should preserve both the nation’s history and her own heritage. “I think they should just let the confederate flag fly,” Griffiths said. “If people were to remove the symbols I think they should be moved to a place where people can actually get the history on it. Instead of just being like, ‘We’re going to take it down,’
“People are allowed to put their racist thoughts out there, instead of teaching people what it’s really about.”
Cahrynn Griffiths, 12
teach them what it’s actually about.”
AP Government and Economics teacher gives insight on symbols From Confederate flags, to monuments and statues, AP Government and Economics teacher Thomas Lucas shares history of Confederate symbols. Abigail Hill | Asst. Editor
Why do you think the statues are being removed? I think a lot of people want to have them removed because they feel they represent a glorification of people who wanted to maintain slavery and who broke away from the US in order to maintain slavery.
How will removing the statues affect our society? I do not believe it will have the desire to effect those that want to remove the statues, unless there is more education about the process and what is to be done with the statues.
Do you think this is a relatively new issue, or has it always been occurring? African Americans have been fighting for equal since 1619, at least on this continent, and I can see where people would say, “Well, it’s a part of history,” but when one considers when those monuments were erected and what the intent of the construction was, it’s hard to separate it again from racism.
What does the battle flag mean to you? Think of it this way; whatever it used to mean is pretty much irrelevant. It’s how that particular flag has been used since the Civil War. That flag has been associated with the Ku Klux Klan, it’s been associated with efforts to maintain segregation, it’s been associated with denying African Americans full and equal access in American society. So, whatever the flag originally meant is pretty much lost because of how it has been used since. There are other views of it of course, there are certain groups that say no, the flag is representing southern culture and southern values, but I have not heard anyone adequately articulate what southern culture and values are in a modern situation that would separate it from decimation and racism.
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Feature Volume 11, Issue 2
BY THE NUMBERS
Megan Fletcher | Copy Editor
From costs to capacity, the Pfield’s construction is unprecedented in Pflugerville
in more ways than one. Here is the new district stadium by the numbers.
Extracurricular representatives express thoughts on Pfield Carolina Yanez | Reporter & Photographer
“At first, I was bummed out since we wouldn’t be able to march into our own stadium anymore and we’re still adjusting to having to get on buses every Friday night, but the attendance at the games have been amazing. It’s awesome to have everyone at the games, it’s a ton of fun.”
- junior Band President, Alyssa Herrera 3,335 people attended the home side at the first Hendrickson home game at the Pfield.
“As a little kid, I always wanted to play on the H, now it doesn’t feel like home having to always get on a bus to play. It’s a nice field but when we play at Hendrickson, it truly feels like a home field advantage.”
The Pfield’s press box is 4,631 square feet and is complete with a kitchenette, private boxes, and media platforms.
The construction of the Pfield cost $25.8 million, compared to the new Timmerman Elementary School construction cost at $22.6 million.
- senior Football Captain, Tobias Harris
“There’s no room for us to cheer so we are constantly moving around, plus the student section doesn’t stand where we so we don’t cheer to anyone. I wish the games were back at our home stadium.”
The Pfield’s construction was part of a $287 million bond for many things across the district. The stadium is equipped with 10, 134 seats–22 times the population of Pflugerville in 1968.
-senior Cheer Captain, Christian Redrick
The jumbotron measures 40 by 64 feet.
“I get to know more about different people on my team every bus ride to the Pfield. It’s for sure a great honor to perform, but I do miss our home field because it’s where I first performed and made memories.”
- senior First Lieutenant of Silver Dancers, Haley Billasano
Pfood, Pfun, Pfield
Booster organizations team up for Friday night concessions Virginia Gaffney | Reporter
Concessions are now co-op managed by Hendrickson, Pflugerville, and Connally Athletic and Band Booster organizations, who keep all profits for their organizations. This co-op ensures the stands are stocked for every game, but each school manages and staffs their own games. Weiss does not play at The Pfield this year. Like wise, the booster co-op has a contract with Golden Chick for sandwiches and sweet tea. Individual schools can create a ‘Home Team Special’ menu item for their own games, but otherwise, the menu is standard. Prices have risen by $1 on Gatorade and sodas, products are provided and direct-delivered by an independent company.
Menu Includes: Golden Chick chicken sandwiches
Nachos
Sausage wraps, hot dogs
Sweet tea, Gatorade, sodas, water
French fries, funnel cakes
Home Team Specials
13
Features October 6, 2017
A New Angle
Filming at stadium creates professional experience for workers Alex Fulton | Co-Editor
As the running back breaks off for a “To be able to provide students with touchdown, senior Justin Borjon can’t real ‘hands on’ experiences is very imcontrol his excitement. portant to me,” Audio Visual Practicum Wanting to get closer to the action, Bor- teacher Belva Sheport said. “What a great jon runs towards the opportunity this field to witness the is for the students. play, forgetting his “It’s high school foot- How many people responsibility as how to run ball, it’s usually not know cameraman. Borjon’s a video display co-worker reminds that extravagant, but scoreboard? This him of why he came a wonderful opbecause the Pfield has is to the game in the portunity that can first place: to shoot a jumbotron, it creates open doors for the footage for the Pfield for these a better experience for future jumbotron. students.” “All the cameras Those working everyone at the football feed into the tricastusually show up games.” er, so we’re not necat the Pfield thirty essarily recording, minutes before the it’s all live,” Borjon game starts and said. “Sometimes I’ll stay thirty minutes do filming and someafter the final play times I’ll work the jumbotron. Whatever to put the equipment back in storage. the camera is seeing, I’m seeing then I’ll Before the game, they must take out the just jump into a camera if I need to.” cameras and wires, and adjust the setLast year, those enrolled in Audio Visual tings based on the lighting, among other Practicum were given the opportunity to responsibilities. apply to work at the Pfield, operating both “There are three cameras on the field, the jumbotron and the cameras. Over the if one of the cameras has a better angle summer the eight students selected went on the field, then you switch the camera,” to train at the new stadium. Borjon said. “You also work replays and
all the special effects. If someone scores a touchdown, then you’re responsible for making it say touchdown on the jumbotron.” For Borjon working at the new stadium presents an opportunity to extend his knowledge from class and show fans what he learned from two years worth of
Audio Visual class. “Filming at the Pfield brings a new experience to all of us,” Borjon said “It’s high school football, it’s usually not that extravagant, but because the Pfield has a jumbotron, it creates a better experience for everyone at the football games.”
Justin Borjon, 12
Carolina Yanez | Photographer
Job opportunity at Pfield strengthens knowledge of AV production Alex Fulton | Co-Editor
In light of the recent opening, senior Ian Dennis (ID)pictured on the left, and AV teacher Belva Sheport (BS) answer ques-
tions regarding their thoughts on running the video display boards.
What skills or techniques do you use from audio visual class at the Pfield? ID: We use the ability to hold the camera steady, follow shots, focus, how to use zoom. We also use things off of the camera, such as chords, making sure your camera man has enough length.
Why is filming at the Pfield important to you? BS: To be able to provide students with real ‘hands on’ experiences is very important to me. The more ‘hands on’ experience they receive, the better. Carolina Yanez | Photographer
ID: I’m not only with a whole bunch of my friends, I’m getting experience, learning how to use a camera and that’s it really.
How will this help you in the future? ID: One of the major problems I had was holding the camera steady, and by being there for a while my hands have learned to stop shaking and being able to film better. That and handling cables is always nice to know.
What have you learned by filming at the Pfield? ID: How to handle cable efficiently, how to use a shoulder mounting camera a lot easier and how to follow action shots.
14
Feature Volume 11, Issue 2
Making it Click
Teachers experiment with new ways to educate McKenna Lucas | Asst. Editor
Inside the rooms E106 and E109, the usual math classroom protocol is nowhere to be seen. In place of the typical straight rows of desks are groups of closely knit students using teamwork, curiosity, and mathematical exploration to further their academic career.
Pre-Calculus teachers Amanda Gass and Nicole Stewart inspired by the book Make It Stick, are using six new methods: the calibration, the generation, the retrieval practice, the spaced practice, and the interleaved practice. “We realized kids take a little while to
learn new topics and one of the best ways to learn that new topic is to immediately get feedback on what you and do not understand,” Gass said. “We give a first quiz so kids can kind of get a feel for what they know; they grade it immediately in class and then the next day they get a chance to improve that score.” The calibration method involves aligning student judgements of what they know and don’t know with objective feedback in order to avoid students thinking they are adept to the concepts, when they really aren’t. “Calibration is one of those real world things you are going to have to take with you to future courses in college and into your job,” Stewart said. “It’s one of those skills I’m trying to teach you for your future.” Stewart defines the generation method as students attempting to solve a problem before being shown the answer or the solution. “We practice the generation part of Make It Stick when we send you to the whiteboards to solve problems in groups without knowing the solutions,” Stewart said. “It makes the mind more receptive to new learning.”
In class, retrieval practice and spaced practice is used with the block schedule. The day in between classes forces students to “retrieve” information from their previous class. Interleaved practice involves students studying more than one problem at a time, and students are using the method on both homework and quizzes. “I really think Make It Stick puts learning in the student’s hands and makes them more responsible for asking questions, when they don’t know something,” Gass said. “It also eliminates the need for a retest after the test, so students don’t feel like they are always in catch up mode.” Ultimately, Gass and Stewart want to teach lifelong lessons in and outside of pre-Calculus using tools teachers normally don’t consider. “My goal as a teacher is to not only to get students to enjoy and learn mathematics, but also to know how to apply the method of learning to real life situations and carry that off with them into college,” Stewart said. “[Students will] know how to learn, study, and be able to apply that to your future in any course you take.”
Partnership Problem Solving
Juniors Ana Medina and Kelly Lang work on a Pre- Calculus poster. “Group learning increases my understanding of a topic,” Lang said. “It allows me to see how others work out problems.” Their class will use their poster to study. Shealeigh Ludwig | Photographer
Google takes the classroom online Taylor Hedund | Reporter
In recent years, teachers have been using technology to remind and connect with students. In Google Classroom, the students and teachers have a platform to discuss lessons, notes, or homework. “I think it’s better. I used a Remind 101 one year and I would forget to put stuff into Remind,” world geography teacher Kristina Montez said. “But with Google Classroom it’s all there and they know where to go. If they are absent, everything is there, it’s just there and I enter it and done.” In comparison, Remind, teachers can receive questions through the service but students do not get direct connection when in need of help. Remind focuses more of
reminding the students note creating a connection. “I don’t have to make them copies of stuff again if they lose it, they can send stuff directly to me through there and it does more than just remind them,” Montez said. “Remind just reminds but this one, everything is on there.” These tools make it easier for students to remember assignments and allows them to further their academic career outside the classroom. Using online tols has made everything more accessible” junior Sydney Stogel said. “The tools keep everyone from falling behind.”
Ready Player One Junior Olivia Draguicevich battles a classmate on the online game and educational website, Desmos. “Desmos was great, it makes you think about every part of the graph,” Draguicevich said. “The game also connects with your classmates together.” Desmos helps students differntiate types of graphs. Lexi Walker | Photographer
Feature Volume 11, Issue 2
15
Lively Library Atmosphere improves in response to recent changes Ileana Perez | Co-Editor
T
here’s an unfamiliar buzz surrounding the library, as the a good fundraiser for the libraries. I’ve ordered some origami once empty and silent environment is long gone. Instead, paper and books. I’m going to order a 3D printer pen and I’m anyone who walks in is welcomed with a different presence; planning to apply for a grant to get an actual 3D printer and one where students are encouraged to talk, play card games and maybe connect it to literature somehow.” eat lunch. This change is all part of Kara Johnson’s, the new Likewise, Johnson is allowing students to eat lunch in the library, head librarian, attempt to defy all misconceptions of libraries. which could later possibly turn into a breakfast nook, as the 2018 For three years before moving to Pflugerville, Johnson worked Prom Committee is teaming up with the Library to host a bake as a librarian at Bear Creek Elementary sale in the mornings. in Grapevine, Texas. Now, she’s using all “The big work room that’s behind the cirof her past experiences to bring in a new “I just want everybody culation desk is going to become a library environment for the library Johnson said. “We’re going to put to feel welcome and feel lounge,” “I’m not the shushing librarian,” Johnson some of the soft chairs in there, and then said. “I’m not the one who’s going to try to like they can come in we’re also going to have the bistro tables kick you out all the time. I just want everythe ones near the cafeteria. It’ll be a here and get some work like body to feel welcome and feel like they can place where students can eat and hang out.” come in here and get some work done or just done or just hang out However, out of all of the changes, Johnson hang out and relax. Hopefully, I can help is most excited for a simple improvement: and relax.” [students] with whatever they need.” rearranging all the books by genre. Johnson is planning to bring a multitude “When the English classes have been of improvements in a short period of time to coming in here to check out books, the kids show students the library’s full potential. will say ‘I want a sports book,’” Johnson Johnson and other student volunteers have said. “Well, there isn’t a sports section yet already begun with the renovations, startso we look in the catalogue. When we have ing with moving the graphic novel section to create more space, it organized by genre, it’ll be much easier to go to that section and removing extra shelves to give students an informative and be able to browse and pick a book that they like. It won’t be resource. too overwhelming with things you don’t want to see mixed in “We’re going to make a bulletin board of library happenings between.” around here. We’re going to advertise stuff that’s happening for Most of all, Johnson wants to crush negative stigma which teens at Pflugerville Public Library, Round Rock Public Library might’ve previously surrounded the library. and Wells Branch Public Library and anything else that might be “I just want to have as many students in here as I can, because interesting involving books, authors and bookstores.” I think sometimes people don’t come in here because they think Going further, Johnson hopes to have a space readily available ‘Oh, I don’t want to check out a book because I don’t want overfor students to explore their creativity through crafts projects, due fees,’” Johnson said. “But we basically just want everyone calling it a “Maker’s Space.” to feel like they can come in here and be comfortable and get “I’ve already ordered a lot of stuff,” Johnson said. “We’re go- something out of the library that maybe they’ve never gotten ing to have duct tape for some projects, and I’ve ordered books from the library before.” for those projects. I also got a button maker, which could even be
Kara Johnson
The Book Nook Virginia Gaffney | Reporter
Hosted through CO 2018 Prom Committee and HEB Fresh Bakery
Baked goods such as donuts and breads will be sold
Will take place before and after school in the library
Cash only, not affiliated with school cafeteria or POD
New library bake shop coming this autumn season Virginia Gaffney | Reporter
A
snack bar to help raise money for prom will open soon. Profits made by the bar, called “The Book Nook,” will go directly to venue
rental cost. Selling HEB Fresh Bakery products daily before and after school, the stand hopes to raise $2000 by December.
“Students should know that the food is great quality and the proceeds lead to the improvement of class activities,” Senior Class President Andrea
Huynh-Duong said. “Not only do you get a sweet treat, but you help your class become that much better.”
Prices are “rounded up” dollar amount of sale price from HEB
16
Entertainment Volume 11, Issue 2
No Limits
Music festival returns for another year Brisa Espinoza | Reporter
The 16th annual Austin City Limits Music Festival will be held at Zilker Park. Weekend One is Oct. 6-8 and Weekend Two is Oct. 13-15. The festival has made
Headliners
With over 140 performers playing their music throughout the eight stages located in the park, headliners such as Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube, Chance the Rapper, and The Killers are included on the lineup. The music offered is from a wide variety of genres to allow people to enjoy all types of music in the course of three days.
changes to improve the experience for the festival goers. Here’s what to expect for ACL 2017.
“I decided to go to ACL because of the lineup. I love music and the artists are great.” -Eliana Galan, 10
“I decided to go to ACL because of the lineup. I love music and the artists are great -Danna Braga, 10
Food
This year there will be over 30 food vendors offered in the food court, ranging from Amy’s Ice Cream to Torchy’s Tacos. Many of the restaurants have gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
“The food is really good, they have a bunch of food trucks and they’re all really good.” -Alyssa Sheil, 9
Activities
If attendees ever need a break from listening to all the music, attendees can go to the many businesses set up in the park during both weekends. Booths will have “swag” bags, activities and giveaways. Businesses such as RideAustin will provide a promotion codes for $5 worth of credits in the app.
“I like how diverse the people are because I get to meet people from all over the world and it’s just an overall great time.” -Kooper Cummings, 9
ACL Cares
The festival will have organizations located around the park, to gain exposure within the community. 23 partners will be available to help attendees know how to have a voice in organizations that help to improve others’ lives. They will also have a booth to help the hurricane Harvey victims with their recovery from the storm.
“I think it’s cool, because there’s a lot of people at ACL who will be interested in donating and they could get more knowledge about organizations and charities.” -Allison Thompson, 9
Ten Years Fifteen Phones
Apple introduces two new phones Camryn Sadlier | Reporter
The Apple devices have been growing in popularity since the release of the First Generation iPhone. About 1.2 billion iPhones have been sold all around the world. Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. in 1976 and 31 years later, the iPhone was born. Here are the major iPhone development milestones.
1976 2007
Steve Jobs founds Apple Computer, Inc iPhone Generation 1 Rear camera only Up to 8 GB of storage Available in black and gray
2008
iPhone 3G 2,000 songs held App store introduced Available in black and white
2010
iPhone 4 FaceTime video chat “Retina Screen” Available in black and white
2016
iPhone 7 Splash, water, and dust resistant Wide color capture for photos and “Live Photos” Available in rose gold
2017
iPhone 8 Wireless charging Glass backing Available in space gray, gold, and silver
iPhone X Face ID Sleek design without touchID
Sports Volume 11, Issue 2
17
Defensive Initiative
New coaching staff embraces fresh beginnings Taylor Hawthorne | Reporter
The football team started off the 2017 season with a 2-2 record heading into district play. With a win against Belton and Manor, the team looks to improve every aspect of their game. The football team has made new additions to the staff this year, including a new defensive ends coach, but keeping many familiar faces on the sidelines, such as Head Coach Chip Killian. “It’s not hard balancing being the Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator,” Killian said. “It’s all about having great defensive and offensive assistants and staff.” Killian is on his twelfth year at this school, only settling for two years before taking on the head coaching job for the football team. Adding to his duties, he became the team’s Defensive Coordinator soon after. Killian believes the defense has improved since last year and will continue with the constant motivation they bring to practices and games. “The boys are a year older; we were
very young last year defensively,” Killian said. “We changed the scheme and have had good execution with it. The boys are starting to believe in themselves and that shows in the games.” The coaching staff believes that to build success, changes are often necessary. Killian, along with his defensive coaches, are hoping to embrace those changes. “We went back to what we did in 2008, back to our roots,” Killian said. “We changed a couple positions and simplified roots so we could play faster and simpler,”
With the opening of Weiss High School, the football staff lost some members and gained new ones, such as new defensive coaches. “Adding new members to the staff is all about getting to know each other,” said Killian. “It’s like gaining a new family member. It takes time, but it’s all about hanging out and getting a feel for one another.” One of the new staff members is a defensive ends coach, Jeremy Beutler, who was previously the head coach at Jarrell High School. However, Beutler mentioned he is very familiar with
“When those lights turn on and the hair on your neck isn’t standing up, you’re in the wrong place.”
Jeremy Beutler
this school and its football team. “For me, this is the second time I’ve been here, I coached here seven years ago,” Beutler said. “It really isn’t anything new to me, I was just ready for a change.” Coming from Jarrell, which is a 3A school, Beutler mentioned it was a big jump for him at the beginning of practices “We have over 200 players, so it’s definitely a challenge memorizing names and getting to know all of my athletes,” Beutler said. “I love the increased competition that comes with a 6A school compared to a 3A.” According to many of the football players and staff members, game day is a huge part of getting hyped up for a football game. “Just the anticipation of knowing that it’s Friday night and Fridays are special in Texas,” Beutler said. “When those lights turn on and the hair on your neck isn’t standing up, you’re in the wrong place.”
Total Recall
Going and Growing
Junior Ethan Muska recalls a play at the Lake Travis game on Sept. 22. “It’s essential to the game because if we mess up on a drive, we can come back,” Muska said. “[We can] learn from our mistakes and get better.”
Freshman Josh Gillespie receives instruction from a coach at a game against Lake Travis on Sept. 21. “It was actually fun,” Gillespie said. “[I liked] seeing what players can do.”Both the varsity and freshman teams lost to Lake Travis that night.
Yainara Diaz | Photographer
Sarah Rivas | Photographer
18
Sports Volume 11, Issue 2
Between the Lanes
Swim team evaluates past seasons and goals for new year Camryn Sadlier | Reporter
Kyla White | Reporter
Brisa Espinoza | Reporter
How do you motivate the team? I try to be very positive with my swimmers and have them see the other side of everything. They just need to get in the water, feel the water while they’re doing that stroke, and then see how that is going to
Coach JustinOderkirk What are your goals for this season?
Junior Madeline Godoy swims the 100 at Round Rock swim meet.
“I’m hoping to accomplish all of the goals that my swimmers have, my swimmers have their own specific set of goals. My goal is to make them strong enough and give them as many tools in their tool belts so they can accomplish their goals. I want to teach them to be aware of their injures and to know what they’re doing in the water. ”
help them get better in their event.
Why did you become a coach? “I’ve always loved coaching, You can see the athletes progress physically and mentally unlike teaching where you see them progress with grades. It’s awesome seeing when your athlete gets what they want; accomplishing that goal.”
McKenzie Quiroz | Photographer
Q & A:
Madeline Godoy, 11
Hunter Jenson, 12
Why did you start swimming?
“My older cousin was a high school swimmer and I remember going to one of her meets and I was just really happy. Seeing how competitive it was. And I used to do it when I was little, but I quit and then I got back into it freshman year because I remember I loved it, and I was like, I’m going to try it again and I just stuck with it.”
“I started swimming when I was 15 and I joined swim team because my mother used to swim in high school and she had brought up the idea to me. The first team I joined was The Pflugerville Piranhas. I tried it out for the summer and absolutely fell in love with the sport. Freshman year, I tried out for the swim team and I’ve been swimming for the school ever since then.”
What’s your fondest memory?
How does the team interact with each other?
“When Jacob Overhiem threw up after doing his hardest event, but he went really fast on it, and as soon as he was done he went and threw up in the trashcan, and he was like ‘Hey guys I just threw up,’ but yeah that was a funny memory.”
“You get to hang out with really amazing people, and we’re all weird in our own ways and we just embrace our weirdness on the swim team. Plus, you get really good friends out of it It’s good to see when you have a good team cheering one person on, we will all come and cheer for you so you don’t feel alone in the pool.”
“My best memory is when I went to regionals with Logan Smith and Jacob Overheim, it was so awesome. I’m hoping to go to state this year.”
“This year, the swim team is a lot more organized and the team is more unified. The atmosphere feels a lot more comforting. On the other hand, practices are about the same in terms of rigor and such.”
Sports October 6, 2017
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Following in the Footsteps
Freshman pursues running after previous family success Holly Hambleton | Asst. Editor
A
nticipation builds as the runners wait for the gun to go off, her nerves rise with every second until the race begins and her anxiety fades away. With the support of her family, freshman Miranda Viegra began her running career in cross country. After overcoming injury after injury due to soccer in middle school, Viegra decided to follow in the footsteps of her older brothers, Jose and Daniel Viegra, who both ran for the cross country team. Falling easily into the routine and team atmosphere, Miranda quickly made Varsity and runs both the 5K and three mile. “I didn’t feel pressured to run by anyone but seeing my brothers do so good made me want to try it. I felt inspired by their success and thought I should see how I would do running,” Miranda said. “I know I’m my own person so I try to separate myself from Daniel. I don’t compare myself to him and no one else really does. I tell myself that I’m doing good and I remember I’m only a freshman, so that helps me when I start getting hard on myself.” Going into high school, Miranda hasn’t had any formal experience with running for a team due to the injuries she had in the past. She decided to focus purely on running her first year of school instead of soccer. Her comfort in cross country was somewhat unexpected by her family and herself because she had never run
competitively before. “I’m really excited because she found something she’s successful in and she kind of stumbled upon it. She never once put on a middle school uniform for soccer or running because she was injured, which was very heartbreaking to watch,” mother Norma Viegra said. “When she went out for cross country, still thinking she was going to do soccer, she was just going to try it out but then she ended up being so successful and took us all by surprise, and herself as well. It’s been exciting to see that she has been able to reach the levels she has, as quickly as she has.” The cross country team wasn’t completely new to Miranda, because she knew upperclassmen already through Daniel, who graduated last year. Making Varsity, Miranda is surrounded by older team members however, their ages haven’t affected the depth of their relationships. “Getting to know the team and meet ing upperclassmen has been a super great experience. We have team dinners before meets and we all hang out after our meets, which has helped us bond,” Miranda said. “My time with the team has been great because everyone was so nice and the upperclassmen have been so welcoming. I knew some of them because of Daniel but I wasn’t expecting all of them to be so nice. They really included me in the team.” Running the 5K and the three mile,
Miranda has eased into the routine of early morning practice and competitions. The inclusion and support from her peers continues going into the season, building her confidence in herself and the sport. “She really likes the team camaraderie that I think Daniel established there because running has never been a very
popular sport,” Norma said. “I think between Jose, Daniel and now Miranda they’ve put it on the map for Hendrickson. Jose still has the 800 meter record and Daniel has the mile and two mile record, so that’s fun for her to come in with her name known already.”
Strong Start Making her way down the hill at the first official meet, Freshman Miranda Viegra focuses on finishing the race and maintaining her own pace. “When I was going down the hill I tried to open up my stride to get down faster,” Viegra said. “I was thinking ‘you’re almost done Miranda.’ ‘You got this.” Viegra finished in 15th place in Varsity. Photos provided by Norma Viegra
Leading the Pack During the race, freshman Miranda Viegra competes with multiple other schools. “The competition was pretty rough,” Viegra said. “There was a few really good schools there.” While racing, Viegra’s goal was to get a personal record and finish strong.
Pushing Through At North East Metro, freshman Miranda Viegra keeps up pace set by the fellow runners. “Once we hit the halfway mark I was dead,” Viegra said. “We were going at a fast pace so I just tried to keep going.” The course was flat, increasing the competition and pace greatly.
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Humans of HHS Volume 11, Issue 2
Story of my life
Meaningful songs relate to current experiences and memories Holly Hambleton | Asst. Editor Ileana Perez | Co-Editor
With the start of school, a lot of different emotions are experienced. The stress of classes can overwhlem, but good moments also come with the hard times. Many people use music to get through these ups and downs, because a certain song can be the sound track to a moment, mood or memory.
“I mean, I’m not necessarily going to say I’m a ladies man, but inside E[u].logy by Atlas, he talks about a past relationship that went totally wrong but he really loved the memories that were within and that’s how I feel, not even with lovers, but with people in general. I feel like a lot of people are dropping off this time of year because after you don’t see them for the entire summer, it’s hard to get back in touch after that. They drop off and I’m really going back and thinking of those memories they gave me.”
Koby Rodriguez, 11 April Castellanos, 12 “When I first heard Sober II (Melodrama) by Lorde I felt inspired. Her voice and the beats made me think of two people dancing in a palace-type place along with the song, making me think of wanting to do something more in the future. The song made me realize that I want to do more and see more in the world, instead of the typical things. Before, I was more interested in the medical field for my future, but now I want to know more about architecture and the intricate parts of that. It has been the first song where I actually felt something while listening.” “I can relate to Do Not Disturb by Drake in how it says everyone is always asking for favors but when you need something they’re not around. People ask me for homework answers or my opinion on things and then I help them out, but when I come around they don’t help me. I first heard it listening to Apple Music radio and I just liked the sound of it and the feel of it. So I had to play it again to listen and dissect it, because I like my lyrics.”
Brennan Dees, 9
“Play That Song by Train is my anthem right now because it gives me the vibe that I can tackle life and it’s really motivational. There are always struggles but you gotta keep pushing through. I thought senior year was gonna be easy but it’s one of the hardest years of my life, but I know I gotta keep going because it will get better. Right now, I’m drowning because it’s hard to balance everything, but when I play that song I know it will be fine.”
Ashley Whitmire, 11
Kylee Cantrell, 12
“There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back by Shawn Mendes really inspires me to do my best in life because it’s really upbeat and puts me in a great mood, even when I’m feeling down. I went to his concert and he opened with that song so it started the concert really well, and set the tone. Every time I listen to the song I think of that moment at the concert when he first came on stage and I was super excited to see him sing live. After seeing him sing the song, it made it more special every time I hear it.”