Hawk March 2025

A Day in the Life

Personal Colum Hit or Miss Clashing Colors

Reporter ponders being gay in Trump’s America

Savannah Brewer | Reporter

Within the past fifty years, the United States has come a long way in terms of the acceptance and equality of queer people (I’m bisexual but will mostly use queer as an umbrella term, because repeating LGBTQ+ a thousand times is a mouthful). The first state to legalise queer marriage, Massachusetts, did so in 2004, and eleven years later, the Supreme Court ruled that queer marriage was legal in all fifty states. The queer community has faced struggles since then, but has maintained a sense of optimism about our future and prospects. We’ve been hopeful that things will get better; that holding hands with your partner in public won’t cause disgusted glances to be thrown your way, or that we’d finally be allowed to use the bathroom that affirms our gender in peace. That is, until Donald Trump became president for the second time.

different things that could happen to us, such as gay marriage being declared illegal once more, making it a crime for queer people to be teachers, not being allowed to have a passport if the gender you identify with is anything but the one you were originally assigned at birth; these are just a few examples of the possible future realities of LGBTQ+ United States citizens like I could have to endure. And these aren’t just irrational fears, either; with outrageous bills being passed in the United States like Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, the idea of queer people experiencing a major setback in our progress in equality is very real.

And so, I’m scared. We’re all scared. I feel like I’m looking into a murky crystal ball that I so desperately wish would give me answers about what will happen in the future, but instead it only gives me alarming hypotheticals and leaves me guessing blindly. It’s interesting how progress has been in a rewind for the past few years, but

astounding is actually happening, and fear for the worst. The worst being that Trump will reverse all of the positive progress that the queer community has made throughout America’s history. That Stonewall won’t just be a one time occurrence as the years go on. That queer people will be ripped away from the ones they love for such little a reason as being true to themselves. Trump being elected could prove to be a significant setback for the queer community. There’s so many

It doesn’t matter if you agree with President Trump’s political views or not, in my opinion, as long as they don’t disrupt the lives of people that aren’t hurting anyone. People who are just trying to exist. But that’s just the thing: being deported. Trans experiencing hate every day. Drag (as well as gay men in general) are yet again being accused of molesting children, just like they were when the hatred surrounding gay men was prominent in the mid-1900s. To what extent will gay people be marginalized?

For how many more years will we feel like we need to hide ourselves away in the fear that being ourselves could get us killed?

And yes, I know that other countries ‘have it worse’ than we do. But that’s just the thing. I thought that the

United States was supposed to be different. To be the ‘land of the free.’ A place where the American dream was achievable for anyone with aspirations. But it feels like that very dream is being stripped away from the queer community, peeling our grip off of its ledge slowly, finger by finger, until we fall away into obscurity.

Illustration by | Karina Bon

School vouchers debated

For:

Texas legislators have been discussing a bill to allow the use of school vouchers in order to help fund students who choose to attend private schools. Vouchers work similarly to scholarships, as they provide the student and their family with money for their education, with vouchers specifically being used to help cover the costs of putting a student in a private school. If the bill is passed, students going to private schools will receive vouchers of up to $16,000 in order to help families pay for the students attending.

These vouchers can bring about a great change in the freedom a student has to decide their path for education. Most students end up going to the schools that are within the zone for where they live, and don’t have much of a choice to go anywhere else. Allowing students to receive vouchers to attend private schools gives them more choices in what they wish to learn, and may allow them higher education compared to their zoned schools.

The vouchers will be funded using a share of the government’s tax money that is used to fund education. Public schools will still receive the same amount of money for each student attending to cover their education, with the vouchers being given to students and their families so they can choose which school they can afford, and have a head start in giving their students a better education. By allowing students more choices in their education and career paths, and providing families with support to help pay for the costs of private education, the school vouchers are a Hit

Against:

Student vouchers, often perceived as a potential solution to the problems facing public education, are a deeply flawed concept that risks ruining the core values of equitable and accessible schooling. These vouchers allow parents to use public funds to pay for private school tuition, with the intention of fostering competition and improving educational quality. However, there are significant downsides to these vouchers.

Student vouchers can divert funds away from public schools, which already face significant budgetary constraints. By giving money into private schools, vouchers weaken the public education system and diminish its ability to serve the majority of students.

Voucher programs also fail to address the root causes of educational inequality. Simply shifting funding from one institution to another does not solve the deeper structural issues that affect education, such as poverty, inadequate housing, and systemic racism. Without addressing these core issues, vouchers are unlikely to produce meaningful or lasting improvements in education.

While student vouchers are often promoted as a way to improve education, their impact is far from guaranteed. Instead of offering solutions, vouchers can exacerbate inequalities, weaken public education, and reduce accountability in the education system. Rather than relying on vouchers, the state should focus on investing in public schools and addressing the root causes of educational inequity to ensure all students have access to high-quality education. These student vouchers are a Miss

What do you think about the ‘Pink Tax?’

Your Turn Staff Editorial TikTok to be officially banned if not bought out before April 5

“I haven’t had TikTok for years now, since 2021. How it was back then, it was very music based, it wasn’t very political or anything like that. It was pretty cool, but now that it’s gone to politics and stuff I think the ban is pretty decent. I don’t really care, TikTok at this point is very toxic in my opinion, especially being that my dad is on it now, and he likes to say that he ‘gets all the news’ but he doesn’t, because TikTok shows you what you want to see, so basically your ‘all the news’ is just one view.”

-Leo Atwood, 11

“I would like [a ban], I don’t think TikTok is a very good thing right now. It might be for some people, but I feel like I spend too much time on TikTok. And the people who are sad can go to Instagram reels.

-Jameson Messer, 10

“I thought it was kind of interesting. I was kind of excited for it, ‘cause I feel like it would make me more productive, but I also sorta felt bad for a lot of the creators that made their careers off of TikTok. I feel like it would’ve been hard for them, but otherwise than that, it would’ve been, I think, pretty good.”

-Adrian Rosas, 10

“I think that the government is kind of trying to silence people in a way. Because TikTok is a way that many people get information across, and in a way they’re also trying to take money away from China and other countries that aren’t the US.”

-Isabelle Maxwell, 10

“The TikTok ban really put into perspective how reliant we are on social media. Some people deleted it an had to wait for it to come back to the App Store. I’m glad I didn’t, and I was right back on it as soon as it was fixed.”

-Olivia Quarshie, 12

In 2017, TikTok merged with Musical.ly to be the global sensation it is today. The ban against TikTok became effective Jan. 19, in accordance with a law passed by Congress. The platform restored a little over 12 hours later after Trump promised not to enforce the ban when he took office, but the app was not downloadable again on phones until Feb. 13. On Jan. 20 Trump signed an executive order to keep TikTok operating for 75 days, and it would become banned if not bought out by a U.S. buyer before the extension.

Not only is TikTok a source of entertainment, but people rely on TikTok for their source of income. Whether it be promoting a small business or a fashion influencer creating content, the app being banned would significantly hurt people’s careers. TikTok has allowed small businesses, influencers, and creators to build a career and sustainable income streams through a social media app. Many creators rely on TikTok as a way to promote products and engage with their audience. This has given rise to a new wave of microinfluencers, artists, and entrepreneurs who have devoted fan bases allowing them to receive sponsorships and brand deals. For these creators, TikTok is not just a distraction from everyday life; it is their livelihood. An official ban would leave many creators out in jobless, having to find a new way to continue pursuing their business or abandon social media altogether and have to find a new career path.

Additionally, TikTok has become an essential platform for expression and creativity. It has allowed individuals from all backgrounds to express themselves, share ideas, and showcase their passons. Whether through dance routines, viral challenges, comedy skits, or relatable content, TikTok provides an unmatched platform for people to create and consume content. A TikTok ban would silence millions of voices and limit access where individuals can create freely. While the concerns regarding security and privacy are clear, the threat posed by TikTok is often over exaggerated. In an age where virtually every major social media platform collects personal data such as Facebook and Instagram, the idea that TikTok poses a unique and significant security risk seems misplaced. The data TikTok collects is not significantly different from these other social media apps that also track users preferences and location to show personalized videos and Banning TikTok would limit the ability for creators to make money and eliminate a platform for millions of people to express themselves and consume content they’re interested in. It is in the best interest of individuals that the U.S. government doesn’t ban TikTok but instead focus on implementing clearer data protection laws to protect companies from misusing users’ personal information.

Illustration by | Isaiah Trieu Cover art by Cylee Cumento

18, Issue 5

FCCLA prevails at Regionals heading to State competition

Ashleigh Perrow | Reporter

This month FCCLA members had a competition at the Region Meeting in Corpus Christi. They competed in events like public policy advocacy, sports nutrition and others. The FCCLA members won many awards at this competition and even advanced to state.

Sophomore Kya Jenkins placed 3rd in public policy advocacy.

“As a team we practiced our speech a lot and collaborated,” Jenkins said. “It was a lot of work but we made sure everything was perfect.”

“I wanted to compete in this category because I want to go into law in the future,

“ Jenkins said and that is aligned with what I want to do in the future.”

Another member of FCCLA, junior Mary Lattin, competed in Sports Nutrition for the second year. Her favorite part about these competitions is being there with everyone and having lots of fun.

“The whole experience is just great,”

Lattin said. “I spent a lot of time working on my project and practicing my speech over and over again.”

Both Jenkins and Lattin will now be advancing to state.

A Fight to the Finish Varsity cheerleaders journey to Nationals

Afomiya

Michael | Asst. Editor

Hawk Cheer competed in the 2025 NCA championship. Taking place in Dallas from Jan. 24-26, the girls faced challenges unlike anything they had ever faced before.

For the cheerleading team, Nationals wasn’t just another competition – it was a showcase of months of dedication and perseverance. An unbreakable bond that carried them through every challenge thrown their way.

The journey to Nationals wasn’t easy.

Practices stretched late into the evenings, sometimes until 6:30 PM.

“We had practices every day for months,” sophomore Sienna Le said. “ We continued training even on holidays and weekends.”

Every single repetition had to be perfect.

“We had to make sure every stunt was flawless,” senior captain Syler Hardwick said. “ It was exhausting, but we knew that every single rep mattered.”

Despite the rigorous training, their first day at Nationals didn’t go as planned.

“A couple of our stunts had fallen,” Le said. “It was a little disappointing.”

However, rather than letting the setback define them, the team rallied together with newfound determination.

“ Our coach told us, you have another day to prove yourselves, so don’t let this be the end of your story,” Le said. “ On the second day, none of our stunts fell.”

The second day proved to be a defining moment. After finishing day one in sixth place, the team knew they had to deliver a perfect routine in order to climb the rankings.

“We actually never hit a perfect routine before we got to Nationals,” Hardwick said. “But on day two, it was the first time we ever did our routine perfectly clean. We went from sixth place to third place in just one day.”

Despite the high stakes, the team refused to let fear take over.

“It was scary seeing all the top teams warming up,” Le said. “But we reminded ourselves that it is about the team, not just the individual.”

Their coach always says ‘You’re not alone out there, you have each other’, using this as motivation Hardwick prevailed through as well.

“We knew that we had so much responsibility,” Hardwick said. “We didn’t come to Dallas for no reason.”

For senior captain Sophie Griffin, keeping the team motivated was crucial.

“Everyone hits a mental block where they feel done and tired,” Griffin said. “As captains, our job is to make sure everyone stays motivated and remembers why we’re doing this. Don’t do it for yourself, do it for the girl standing next to you.”

Although there were many adversities such as illness, exhaustion and injuries, the team continued to push forward.

“About 11 out of 20 of us had the flu on day two,” Griffin said. “We could barely talk, but we knew we had a job to do.”

Le, being one of those who was sick as well, also pushed through for her team.

“ I remember feeling so weak,” Le said. “When the music started, I just focused on the adrenaline and my teammates. We were all in it together.”

Senior captain Addison Shirley reflected on the experience, describing the nerves of competing at such a high level.

“It was definitely kind of nerve-wracking at first, just seeing everyone else out there. We had been working all these years too though,” Shirley said. “It felt kind of good to just go out and end it off in a good way, I guess.”

Their preparation was relentless.

“We went to so many practices and went to some smaller competitions to just get a better feel for it,” Shirley said. “Being able to perform in front of an audience gave us a lot of repetition.”

Competition day started early.

“We woke up super early, probably around 5:30, got ready, ate breakfast, and then we performed at seven or eight,” Shirley said. “We were one of the first teams to compete so we were able to get it over with.”

Their routine was precise and intense.

“It’s like a traditional crowd-leading nontumbling routine,” Shirley said. “We do some stunts, a pyramid, dancing, and then in the middle we have a cheer with signs, poms, flags, and all that stuff.”

Addison also reflected on her role as a captain.

“Just like Sophie, I’m one of the game-day captains, so that means I help organize the team,” Shirley said. “We are in charge of things, especially at competitions, like the props and making sure everyones where they’re supposed to be. Encouraging the team is a big part too.”

Continued on page 5

Photo provided by | Sophie Griffin Senior captains pose with NCA trophy. Sophie Griffin, Edyn Gerzon, Addison Shirley, Syler Hardwick.

Continued from page 4

The team’s relentless commitment paid off when they landed in the winners’ circle, securing third place in the nation.

“I think it brought us together because we worked so hard,” Le said. “We spent so much time figuring out what worked best for our stunts.”

The grueling practices and late nights were about building a family.

“Cheer is such a team sport,” Griffin said. “If one person has a bad day, it affects the whole team. But when we support each other, we push through.”

As they look ahead to next season, the team carries with them the lessons learned from this experience.

“I want to get even better stunts,” Le said. “It’s all about improvement with my jumps too. I’m excited.”

For future cheerleaders hoping to make it to Nationals, Hardwick offered a piece of advice.

“Don’t give up, it’s so easy to get frustrated,” Hardwick said. “If a stunt doesn’t work, get back up and try it again. Our coach always says, ‘Success isn’t about never failing, it’s about never quitting.”

With Nationals behind them and a new upcoming season of competitions, Hawk

cheer has proven that through hard work, unity and determination, anything is possible.

“I always just remind myself, ‘It’s 2 and a half minutes,’” Griffin said. “I can do anything for 2 and a half minutes.”

Ups and Downs Texas experiences shifts between warm and freezing temperatures in the winter

Antonio Garcia | Reporter

In recent years, Texas has seen a variety of weather changes throughout the Winter, with periods of large drops in temperature, and an overall warmer Winter outside of those periods. In February, the temperature experienced a drop from 60 degrees on average, to 30 and below for a period of 3 days before rising back up to an average of 60 again. These major changes in weather over short periods of time have raised concerns about the climate and what influences these changes.

One contributing factor to the current weather conditions are weather patterns, specifically the El Niño and La Niña patterns. La Niña was the weather pattern present throughout this Winter,

influencing the warmer temperatures as it leads to warmer conditions in the South.

While the temperatures are warmer during La Niña, there is also a higher risk of cold outbreaks, leading to the drops.

“It mainly depends on what weather cycle we are currently in,” environmental science teacher Dana Haub said. “In a La Niña cycle, we tend to have nicer weather, and it isn’t usually as erratic as it seems to be right now.”

Alongside weather patterns, another factor in the current weather conditions are the effects of climate change, often referred to as global warming. These effects have influenced the fluctuations in temperature in the winter, and can lead to freezing temperatures.

“We have it on record that temperatures

are rising annually, and that increases the influx of changes in weather patterns,” biology teacher Catherine Crain said.

“There’s a lot of things at play, but the trending pattern is that the temperatures are changing more rapidly.”

One of the issues at hand with climate change are the emissions of various gasses into the atmosphere. More sources of emissions are created as more people settle and use energy through those sources. This increase in energy consumption is another contributing factor to the shifts in temperature.

“We have more population, which means we need more energy,” Haub said. “More energy leads to more combustion and emissions, which is affecting our weather systems and their patterns.”

The drops into freezing temperatures pose a problem to various areas in Texas, as the infrastructure is not designed to handle extremely cold temperatures as frequently as it has been. Texas also runs on a separate power grid compared to the rest of the U.S, which has previously failed under freezing conditions, as seen during the 2021 winter storm.

“Texas is not prepared for extreme weather events because we don’t have the proper infrastructure to support that,” Crain said. “A healthy energy grid is a diverse energy grid, and the Texas energy grid fails because it lacks that diversity. It is one of our infrastructure’s biggest weaknesses.”

PfISD Leadership Experience takes trip to UT Austin and Texas State Capitol

Antonio Garcia | Reporter

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, students from Hendrickson, Pflugerville, Connally, and Weiss High School came together to go on a field trip to the Texas state capitol, and the University of Texas at Austin. The field trip was organized for the ongoing program of the PfISD Leadership Experience, shared between the high schools in the district.

The PfISD Leadership Experience, founded in 2010, was created in order to provide interaction between students in different high schools, and to encourage unity over rivalry between them. Founded by PHS graduate Verna Jean Mott, the program works to teach values of leadership, and encourage students to take on those values.

“Verna Jean was mowing her yard one day, and she thought about how we could bring our campuses together,” coordinator Susan Murphy said. “It’s good to have competition, but we don’t want our schools to only be rivals to each other.”

Every year, the program nominates a selection of sophomores, who are recommended by teachers, to receive an application for the program. Each of the four high schools accept 20 of these applicants to be inducted into the program for their junior year.

“Once I receive all the applications, I often find it difficult to pick out of the many students who truly wish to join,” Murphy said. “I pick students in a few groups, but I also pick those who aren’t in anything, because I believe if any student has at least one thing they like, it’s their school and their education.”

During junior year for the accepted students, they meet together on field trips at various locations. The field trips are designed to provide experience of leadership, through social activities, bonding between students, and learning about values and how to achieve them.

“We always want them to have a taste of government and college life,” Murphy said. “We work on group building and

help them learn more about themselves and what values they have, and which they can still learn.”

On the trip, many students dressed in business attire in order to look professional at the capitol. Once at the capitol, students were encouraged to explore the building, and saw the architecture, framed pictures of previous governors, a federal library, and the meeting room where legislation takes place.

“We like to take them to the capitol because most of them haven’t gone there once,” coach Felipe Castro said. “Even though a lot of kids have lived here their entire life, I’ve had many tell me they have never been to the capitol before, and they’re already juniors in high school.”

After leaving the capitol, students then went on campus at UT Austin, where they had lunch at a buffet there. Seeing the campus provides insight into college life and the overall environment, and the students ate among the college kids during their lunch as well.

“The biggest reason we go to UT is so that they can get a feel for the atmosphere,” Castro said. “This year we did it a little different, and we took them to the cafeteria where the college kids actually dine. They got to see aspects of the real college life.”

The next and final trip of the leadership experience happens in April, where the members will reflect on what they’ve learned, how it impacted them, and what values they have learned throughout. Another set of sophomores will be chosen, and the program will continue to bring leadership experience to juniors next year.

“I’ve heard from so many of our members, and it’s amazing what impact it has on them,” Murphy said. “The quiet ones tell me they’ve started being able to speak up more, some couldn’t even introduce themselves to someone before this. That’s how I know we succeed, I’ve never heard a negative, ever.”

18, Issue 5

School district faces uncertain future amid budget challenges

Marcos Hans | Reporter

Public schools across the country are grappling with financial challenges, and Pflugerville Independent School District (PfISD) is no exception. With rising operational costs, federal funding uncertainties, and inflation affecting state education budgets, district officials must address a significant budget deficit that could lead to cuts in critical programs and services.

According to Tamra Spence, Chief Communications Officer the district is actively working to find a fiscally responsible solution that prioritizes students, staff, and the community.

“At this time, none of the details have been determined, so we cannot provide a definitive answer,” Spence said. “However, we can share that our district is currently facing a deficit that needs to be addressed.”

To navigate the financial challenges, the district assembled a Community Finance Committee composed of 20 volunteers who have been closely reviewing the budget. On Feb. 20, the committee presented recommendations to the Board of Trustees, outlining possible costsaving measures and areas for budget adjustments.

“Our Community Finance Committee has closely examined the district’s financial situation and presented a series of recommendations,” Spence said. “Moving forward, we will carefully evaluate each recommendation, gather additional feedback where necessary, and determine how best to address the deficit.”

While these recommendations provide a roadmap, Spence assured the public that no final decisions have been made regarding where to cut funding.

“Throughout this process, we remain

committed to transparency and will continue sharing updates as more information becomes available,” Spence said.

As the district evaluates options, certain programs and services could be at risk due to financial constraints. One of the biggest concerns is how federal funding reductions could impact the district’s most vulnerable students.

“Federal funding accounts for a smaller percentage of the district’s overall budget compared to state and local funding,” Spence said. “However, it plays a critical role in supporting specific programs like Title I, which provides assistance to schools with high numbers of students from low-income families, as well as funding for special education, school nutrition, and other essential services.”

If federal funding is reduced or removed, the district could struggle to maintain the quality of these services. Special education programs, meal assistance for low-income students, and additional academic support services could be among the hardest hit.

“Programs supporting economically disadvantaged students, special education, and school nutrition are the most at risk, as they rely heavily on federal funding,” Spence said. “However, those programs are necessary and legally required, so although those would be the ones immediately impacted, our district would have to look at other areas to save money.”

Some areas that could face reductions include extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts programs, teacher professional development and training, early childhood education initiatives, and support staff positions and administrative costs.

While some may hope that state or local funding could offset federal cuts, Spence cautioned that this is unlikely given the current financial constraints on public education.

“State funding has not kept pace with inflation, and local property taxes are already stretched,” Spence said. “Any shortfall would likely result in budget cuts or reallocations that could impact services and programs.”

Additionally, federal pandemic relief funds that temporarily supported schools have now expired, adding further strain on the district’s budget.

With ongoing discussions about potential changes to federal education policies, the district is preparing for various scenarios.

“While official guidance on such a scenario has not been provided, the district is always planning for potential funding changes,” Spence said. “We monitor legislative discussions and prepare contingency plans to adjust our budget and prioritize essential programs should federal funding sources be significantly altered or removed.”

This uncertainty adds to the challenge of budgeting for the future. Without clear guidance from state or federal officials, the district must make difficult financial decisions with limited long-term assurances.

“It’s impossible to know at this time exactly how students and teachers will be affected, as no cuts have been determined,” Spence said. “However, any budget reductions would require careful planning to minimize disruptions to the classroom experience.”

Larger class sizes, fewer resources, and reduced extracurricular opportunities are some of the potential outcomes if funding shortages persist.

“The district is exploring partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to supplement funding,” Spence said. “You can see our current sponsorship opportunities on our website, and we are always looking for additional sponsorships.”

Spence encouraged parents, teachers, and community members to get involved in advocating for increased public education funding.

“Parents, teachers, and community members can play a vital role by staying informed about education funding issues, advocating for public education with their elected representatives, and participating in district initiatives,” Spence said.

Despite the uncertainty, Spence reassured the public that the district is committed to transparency and collaboration in finding the best path forward.

“Public education is the cornerstone of our community, and while challenges exist, our district remains committed to providing every student with a highquality education,” Spence said. “By working together with parents, teachers, administrators, and the community, we can overcome these obstacles and ensure a bright future for all students.”

For now, PfISD encourages continued engagement from the community, urging parents, teachers, and residents to stay informed, advocate for education funding, and support their local schools in any way they can.

“At the end of the day, our students are our priority,” Spence said. “No matter what challenges we face, we will do everything in our power to provide them with the education and opportunities they deserve.”

Embracing inclusion through DEI’s in society

Zuri Clark | Reporter Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives aim to foster diverse, fair, and inclusive environments by addressing systemic inequalities and promoting representation across various demographics. These programs aim to address systemic biases and discrimination, promoting a more equitable society. Recently, DEI initiatives have faced significant changes and challenges under the Trump administration, “From my standpoint, it sounds like he’s trying to make it be effective to blacks, but I think a lot of people don’t understand what DEI is,” Lead counselor, Cassandra Jackson said, “They’re mistaking it for them wanting to take away civil rights,

but it’s not just for black people, it’s for anybody that’s not a white man.”

Latest executive orders have dismantled DEI efforts within the federal government, including advisory commissions focused on marginalized communities. These changes also challenge private entities, such as public companies, non-profits, and universities, leading to a broader shift in corporate and institutional policies.

“I feel like a lot of kids are more concerned about their education,” BSU President, Autumn Black said, “Given that if you don’t follow a specific set of rules, that funding gets taken away”

This political shift has influenced major corporations like McDonald’s, Target, Amazon, and Meta to scale back or eliminate their DEI programs, while others

reaffirm their commitment, making DEI a contentious yet crucial topic in today’s workforce and society. This change has caused people to gain more awareness. During BSU’s last meeting, they discussed all the changes in our/world.

“I feel like BSU and my officers are working on are providing a safe haven,” Black said, “In order for that to happen we need more people to come and support the club.”

In our community, steps are being taken to ensure that these changes don’t negatively impact the student body.

“We’re trying to implement activities where we come together and collaborate with other clubs and student unions,” Black said, “We can all be united under the same cause.”

The future of DEI remains uncertain, as ongoing legal challenges and political shifts influence its trajectory. On Friday, February 28, schools and colleges in the U.S. must choose to end DEI programs or have their federal funding be taken away. Colleges such as The University of Utah, The University of Northern Florida, Ohio State University, and many others are on the pathway to eliminate their DEI offices and programs.

“In the long-term a lot of kids are going to be left out of different programs for this reason,” Jackson said, “I hope we don’t go back to what it was like when my parents were growing up.”

BPA excels at Texas State competition

Marcos Hans | Reporter

Business Professionals of America (BPA) made a strong impact at the Texas State Competition on Mar. 2, with students competing in a variety of business, finance, and technology events.

The competition provided an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills,

collaborate with peers, and represent their school on a larger stage.

For many, BPA was a natural fit. One competitor, Senior Alejandro Contreras Martinez, in the Banking and Finance event shared that their intended major in finance made BPA an ideal choice.

“My experience at the competition was great, as Hendrickson had a successful

event.” Martinez Said. “While I didn’t qualify for Nationals, I’m proud of my effort since it was my first year participating”

Preparing for the competition required dedication and confidence.

For individual events, like Banking and Finance, students completed a timed test with multiple-choice and free-response questions.

Other events involved presentations, requiring participants to practice speaking skills and refine their work for judges.

Time management played a key role in ensuring a smooth experience.

“Mrs. Sullivan did a great job setting us up for success before State and even at the hotel,” Martinez Said. “The biggest challenge was managing your schedule and making sure you arrived at your event prepared. But that’s also a benefit, it teaches you independence.”

For those considering BPA, competitors strongly encourage taking the chance.

“You miss all the shots you don’t take,” Martinez said. “Hendrickson sent a record number of students to State this year, proving there’s a lot of talent at our school. BPA is a fantastic experience where you work with friends, meet new people, and compete against schools from across Texas. If you’re interested in business, finance, accounting, web design,

or computer science, BPA gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in a realworld setting.”

Beyond the competition itself, students agreed that the best part was the time spent with friends.

“It’s a unique experience being away from school with great people, forming stronger bonds, and representing Hendrickson at a major event.”

And, of course, no trip would be complete without great food, which was another highlight of the journey.

Hendrickson’s BPA chapter celebrated both National qualifiers and alternates, showcasing their depth of talent across multiple events with National Alternates being the Video Production 2 Team and the Animation Team as well as the National Qualifiers being the Podcast Production Team, Video Production Team 1 and the Broadcast News Team.

With a strong showing at State, Hendrickson’s BPA competitors continue to prove their skills and dedication. As students prepare for Nationals and future competitions, they carry with them both valuable experience and lasting memories.

“BPA gives you the chance to challenge yourself, grow your skills, and be part of an amazing community,” Martinez said. “No matter the outcome, it’s an experience worth having.”

Executive orders reshape federal policies

Travis Tellez | Asst. Editor

Within the first month of President Trump back in office, many new executive orders and ideas have been thrown around for legislation. A big part of the changes that Trump is making comes down to how the government is going to handle funding to organizations and other federal agencies.

“Currently, Congress hasn’t done anything to change funding of any agency or program, all that is being done right now seems to be through executive actions,” economics teacher Thomas Lucas said. “How far President Trump is going to go with these executive actions is still up in the air.”

Trump’s plan in office is to try and reduce as much waste as possible when it comes to what the government spends on different programs and departments.

“He is trying to cut down on wasteful spending like all the programs within USA ID, and Elon Musk has said that there were many programs that were wasting money,” Lucas said. “The goal is ultimately

to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget, which is a big chunk considering the current budget is around $6 trillion.”

In Trump’s new term, Elon Musk has been appointed as one of his advisors who will help in his decisions when it comes to any sort of federal funding in the government.

“They referred to Elon Musk as the head of the Department of Governmental Efficiency, but there actually is no Department of Governmental Efficiency,” Lucas said. “Departments in the government have to be created by Congress, so that hasn’t happened yet, so they classified Musk as an advisor and has the same authority as any other advisor to the president.”

A big change in the federal budget that Trump is planning on is the cutting of the Department of Education.

“Cutting out the Department of Education does save money on the federal level, but the plan is to send that money to the states to decide how they will use it when it comes to their education,” Lucas said. “Even if we cut the federal funding of

the Department of Education, the money is still being transferred to the states, so it is more of a transference of money rather than a cutting of it.”

The cutting of the Department of Education will end up giving the states more power as to how they will fund and manage education within their districts. Alongside cutting the Department of Education, Trump is also firing a mass amount of federal employees that he deems are not needed.

“They’re all probationary employees, usually within their first year of employment,” Lucas said. “I don’t know the exact legal aspects of it, but typically if somebody is on a probationary contract, they can be fired without cause and laid off.”

The exact legality of what Trump is doing in his attempt to reduce the amount of federal funding is being put into question.

“Right now we’re looking at what the courts are going to do, are they going to allow the president to act unilaterally this way or are they going to say he is

overstepping his bounds,” Lucas said. “One of the issues is whenever the president has claimed he’s going to cut funding or withhold funding, it goes against a law that was passed back in the ’70s that said the president wasn’t allowed to hold money away from programs they don’t agree with.

All of these decisions are still early and will need time to play out and see what their effects are.

“We’ve got a deadline coming up here in about a month where Congress has to reorganize the funding,” Lucas said.

“You’re going to see Congress try to decide what funding should be, what they’re going to authorize, what they’re allocating the money for, and what the President wants, and even though Congress is controlled by the Republican Party, everything is still up in the air.”

Photo provided by | Ashley Sullivan

A Day in the Life

Students and staff walk through their daily routines

A Farmer

Ashleigh Perrow | Reporter

Senior Lyliana Quintanilla, FFA president, has won many awards for her work. Some of her greatest accomplishments are winning showmanship awards with her livestock projects. Her tasks can vary depending on the weather as well.

“For lambs and goats, when it’s cold outside they wear jackets and you have to have heat lamps for them, but when it’s hot you have concerns of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.”

“The main challenge I face on a daily basis is exhaustion.”

It can be a bit draining but it’s definitely worth it,” Quintanilla said. She loves the

A Dancer

gratifying experience to raise a life and would like to attend Texas A&M University to get a degree in animal science.

Daily Routine

Wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get ready, then out the door by 5:30 am to go feed the animals. That takes about 30-45 minutes.

Internship at White Rock Veterinary Clinic from 7-10 a.m. Go through a normal school day. Out at 2:40 p.m. to the barn to clean, feed, and water the animals until 7:30 p.m. if not later. Go home and shower, eat, and do homework, then go to bed.

Gabrielle Guyton | Photographer

For many, the school day ends when the final bell rings. But for junior Emily Marchal, a dedicated dancer and performer, the real work begins long before the spotlight comes on. Balancing school, long rehearsals, and personal

well-being is no easy feat—but for Marchal, it’s all part of a life fueled by passion and determination.

Marchal’s day starts at 6:00 a.m., a time when most of her peers are still asleep. “I always begin my day with a little Bible study,” Marchal said. “It keeps

me grounded and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.”

After some quiet reflection, she quickly gets ready for school, packing her bag with both academic supplies and her dance essentials.

“I never forget to include my dance stuff,” Marchal said. “It’s just as important as my homework.”

A nutritious breakfast, often featuring oatmeal and strawberries, sets the stage for the day.

Once at school, Marchal seamlessly shifts her focus to academics. However, the balancing act between school and her true passion isn’t always easy.

“Dance is what I want to do for however long I can, but school is something I need to finish now,” Marchal said. “So I try to balance it in a way that I’m not overly dancing because it’s something I love to do, but not barely doing my schoolwork.”

To ensure she stays on track, Marchal sets aside at least an hour each day for homework—even on busy days.

“Even though it’s tough managing time for my passion and time for my studies,

you sort of need to have a sense of selfdiscipline to prevent those two from clashing,” Marchal said. “There are definitely those days where I feel burnt out and stressed, but by reflecting on those days, I can learn how things play out if I don’t do something about it.”

After classes, the rhythm of her day changes completely. With intense rehearsals and multiple run-throughs of routines, evenings are all about perfecting her art.

“During dance season, we repeat our routines several times. It’s exhausting, but that’s how we polish our performance,” Marchal said. “On days that I do have dance class, I probably don’t get home till 8:00 a.m.,”

Technique classes and extra practice sessions extend her day well into the evening.

“I probably spend around 10 to 15 hours a week dancing if you count school practice, after-school training, and even home practice,” Marchal said, reflecting on the demands of her schedule.

Continued on page 9

Fella Sahertian | Reporter

Continued from page 8

Long hours of dance training often come with injuries.

“I pull my hamstring almost every year,” Marchal said. “Last year, I even pulled both of them during auditions.”

To manage the pain, she relies on massages, essential oils, and even a special remedy her mom uses on her legs.

“It’s rough, but I take care of my body the best I can,” Marchal said.

Nutrition plays a crucial role, too.

“When I have auditions or performances, I make sure to get plenty of protein—lots of steak, chicken, pasta, rice, and even

A Soldier

protein shakes,” Marchal said. “If you don’t eat enough, your muscles will hurt even more.”

Marchal’s love for dance runs deep.

“I used to watch Dance Moms and fully believed I was Maddie Ziegler,” Marchal said. “I thought, ‘If I was on that show, they’d be blown away.’”

This early inspiration has grown into a lifelong passion for performing.

“I love being in front of a crowd,” Marchal said. “Some people shy away from attention, but for me, there’s nothing like the thrill of the stage.”

Looking ahead, Marchal is determined

Fella Sahertian | Reporter School is all about classes and work—but for senior Ethan Effendi, an ROTC cadet, each day is a rigorous blend of physical training, academic pursuits, and military discipline. Balancing early-morning workouts, challenging classes, and leadership duties, this soldier-in-training demonstrates that dedication knows no bounds.

At 5:00 a.m., this ROTC cadet is already up and running.

“I have a pretty solid morning routine, I wake up usually at 5 o’clock and go on a morning run for like 15 to 20 minutes,” Effendi said. “I’ll listen to the Tangled soundtrack while I run, such a banger.”

A Scholar

Gia Patel | Co Editor

At 5:30 a.m., most teenagers are still sleeping since school doesn’t start until 9, but for senior Sofia Geevarghese, she’s up studying and motivated to maintain her high rank.

to make her mark beyond high school.

“I want to teach dance in Europe someday—imagine teaching classes in English for students who can’t learn in French or maybe I’d end up teaching them French,” Marchal said. “ I love teaching others how to dance. When I choreographed a dance in the play Elf that our school did, I just felt so seen and proud of what I’m capable of and how I can share it with other people.”

While she once considered joining a college dance team, she remains focused on her current journey.

“For now, I’m just taking it one day at a

After this intense workout, he takes a quick shower and spends a few minutes on skincare.

“I do my skincare because I don’t wanna look busted,” Effendi said. “It’s important for me to take care of my face, especially when I do a lot of outside activities.”

Despite the demanding physical training, his academic schedule leaves room for both strict coursework and ROTC commitments. On A days, he attends classes such as astronomy, statistics, and ROTC, with an off period to relax or finish any extra homework. On B days, his classes shift to subjects like economics, government, English, and advertising.

“My classes are pretty easy,” Effendi said. “ I usually get everything done in class.”

Time spent in ROTC is a key component of his daily life.

“I’m usually in the ROTC building for about three to five hours a day,” Effendi said. “Whether I’m logging hours on a duty sheet or working toward my next physical challenge, ROTC is more than just training—it’s a way to shape my future.”

His leadership role is clear.

“I’m an S1 chief, in charge of squads,” Effendi said. “The company I’m in has about four squads, I’m in charge of watching two of my cadets.”

Despite the occasional challenges—like managing a squad member who can be a handful—he embraces the experience wholeheartedly.

“ROTC has really helped me break out of my shell. I was really introverted when I came junior year, but now I feel like I became a whole new person,” Effendi said.

time, and I’m not planning on slowing down until I really can’t dance anymore,” Marchal said.

For Emily Marchal, dance is far more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. Her early mornings, long rehearsals, and strict routines all lead to moments of brilliance on stage.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Marchal said. “Every day is a challenge, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Photo provided by | Emily Marchal

“I procrastinate a lot, so I just do my homework in the morning because my brain is so tired that I can’t really convince myself not to do it,” Geevarghese said. “I read this Korean study once that says the more you procrastinate, the harder you

study. It’s been disproved many times, but I live as if it hasn’t been disproved.”

After two and a half hours of studying and homework, Geevarghese begins getting ready for the day.

“The bus leaves at 8:15, and I start getting

“Without the opportunity to be in ROTC I don’t think I would be the person I am today.”

Maintaining energy throughout such long days is no small feat.

“I just eat a lot—I eat whatever I see. There’s really no secret, I don’t have a specific diet,” Effendi said. “Equally important is rest. After classes, I typically take a twohour nap, and on workdays, I manage to get a total of about seven hours of sleep by balancing long work shifts with my naps.”

Time management is essential in this fast-paced life.

“I have a good calendar, and I’m really good at managing time. I always prioritize what’s important first,” Effendi said. “Whether it’s preparing for my ROTC training or managing school assignments, my disciplined approach ensures that nothing falls through the cracks.”

Looking ahead, his military aspirations drive every decision.

“I’m set on joining the AirForce,” Effendi said.

Though he remains open to opportunities with the Navy or Coast Guard if his first choice doesn’t work out. His ambition is clear: to serve his country while continuing to build on the skills he’s honed as an ROTC cadet.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the people I’ve worked with,” Effendi said. “When I imagine someone asking for my daily life right now, ROTC is going to be in my answer.”

Photo provided by |

Ethan Effendi

ready at 8,” Geevarghese said. “I put on some clothes, pack my backpack, and then get on the bus.”

Continued on page 10

A Wrestler

Junior John Castillo’s life as a wrestler is defined by routine, resilience, and a drive to succeed. It’s not just about the grueling matches, but the endless hours of preparation, training, and sacrifice that go unnoticed by many.

“The most challenging part of being a wrestler is dedication and perseverance,” Castillo said. For Castillo, the road to success on the mat is paved with hard work both in and out of the gym. “If you wanna be good at what you do, you have to work for it and fix your mistakes,” Castillo said.

The night before the meet, preparation is key.

“I pack my wrestling bag with my lunch for the meet, extra clothes, and a portable charger since you’ll be at the gym for half the day,” Castillo said. Ensuring that everything is in order the night before helps him focus on the task at hand when the competition day arrives. “I pack everything beforehand so that everything is prepared for the big day,” Castillo said.

The day before the meet, Castillo’s focus shifts to staying fueled throughout the day.

“I drink lots of water and usually eat

A Teacher

something light with a lot of meat and some sort of veggies or fruit,” Castillo said, a strategy to ensure his body has the necessary energy while avoiding any feeling of being too full. His attention to diet is just one piece of a complex puzzle that ensures he’s ready to perform at his peak. “Nutrition is a very important part when it comes to taking care of yourself,” Castillo said.

When it comes to training, Castillo’s commitment is unmistakable.

“A training day looks like cardio work, drills, and sparring,” Castillo said. It’s a rigorous routine designed to build both endurance and skill. After intense training, recovery is just as important. This helps him bounce back and be ready for the next session of difficult practice. “After training, I typically eat something beneficial, drink plenty of water or electrolytes, and roll out my muscles before bed,” Castillo said.

On days when practice isn’t scheduled, Castillo keeps his body active.

“On days I don’t have practice, I usually do 30 minutes of cardio to get warmed up and spend 45 minutes to an hour lifting weights,” Castillo said, explaining how staying active even without practice is vital for maintaining strength and endurance.

Continued from page 9 Geevarghese’s study routine involves finding time to prepare for a test whenever she can.

“If I have a test first period, I’ll usually wake up at 3 or 4 and study for a couple of hours straight until the test,” Geevarghese said. “If I don’t have a test first period, and it’s second or third, I’ll study during first or second period whenever I can. I just go through my notes and do the homework.”

Waking up at 5:30 a.m. and going until midnight, Geevarghese doesn’t get much sleep.

“I’m tired all the time,” Geevarghese said. “I have two jobs. I work at Mathnasium, which is a math tutoring center for kids, and I work at a cafe on weekends. On weekdays, I work at Mathnasium. On weekends, I work at the cafe.”

When studying, Geevarghese tries not to

study in her room but she tries to work in different environments.

“I don’t really study in my room because when I’m in my room, I just lie down,” Geevarghese said. “I try to get myself out of the house and go to a coffee shop. I’m most productive when I’m with one or two other people. I feel like that’s the best amount of people to study with.”

Even though Geevarghese prides herself on her work ethic, she still manages to make time to prioritize herself despite late nights and early mornings.

“I do that all the time,” Geevarghese said. “I make time for myself. That’s pretty much all I do, and then studying comes second.”

Photo provided by | Sofia Geevarghese

“I want to always put in the effort outside of practice as well so that I’m one step ahead,” Castillo said.

The mental and emotional toll of the sport is something many don’t understand. “Wrestling isn’t just about technique, it’s about dealing with setbacks, fixing your mistakes, and not giving up when it gets tough,” Castillo said. The ability to overcome obstacles and stay mentally sharp is as important as any physical preparation. “It can be difficult sometimes but you must put your all into what you do,” Castillo said.

But perhaps the most critical moment of the day arrives just before stepping onto the mat.

“Typically, we don’t drink or eat the day of the weigh-in,” Castillo said, a strategy to meet the weight requirements for his division. The discipline required to stay at the right weight can be as challenging as the physicality of the sport itself. “This part of wrestling can be challenging because you’ll be tempted to eat throughout the day,” Castillo said.

As the day of competition unfolds, the weeks of work, sacrifice, and dedication is on full display. Every drill, every meal, and every hour spent training has led up

to this moment. For John Castillo, being a wrestler is more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle of constant growth, self-discipline, and the pursuit of excellence.

time commitment that extends beyond the school day into the weekends. From early morning tutorials to late night

grading, he navigates the demands of being an educator while balancing his personal life with workouts, dog walks,

and an occasional night out. Continued on page 11

Natalia Beltran | Reporter

Photo provided by | John Castillo

Afomiya Michael | Asst. Editor For Spanish teacher Edward Curran, teaching is more than just a job– it’s a full

Continued from page 10 “I wake up early, get ready, and then I’m at school before the first bell for tutorials,” Curran said. “After school, I stay to get work done before heading straight to the gym. That’s my time to reset before I go home, take my dogs for a run, answer emails, and grade papers while cooking dinner. Then I go to sleep and do it all over again.”

His daily routine starts before sunrise, leaving little room for activities during the week.

“My friends will ask, ‘Do you want to go out today?’ and I have to tell them, ‘Oh no, my alarm goes off at 5 a.m. tomorrow, ’” Curran said. “They don’t really understand because they work from home.”

While weekends might seem like a break from structured school schedule, for Curran, they bring a different set of responsibilities.

“The best part of being a teacher is that we have to work all weekend long,” Curran said. “I get my grades done, and then the kids go, ‘Oh, I got a zero. I’ll do my work now,’ so weekends are always late-day work.”

Aside from grading, Curran uses his weekends to catch up on errands and household chores that he can’t fit into his weekday routine. Despite the packed schedule, he tries to set aside time for

himself.

“It’s all about finding a balance between getting all done and living life,” Curran said. “That’s what I want for my students, too. That’s why I don’t overload them with work. You can go to school all day, and then when you go home, you don’t want to work all night.”

When it comes to preparing lessons, Curran finds inspiration in unexpected places.

“When I drive home, I get all these ideas, so I’ll text myself,” Curran said. “If I don’t write them down, it’s like waking up from a dream and forgetting it.”

Collaboration also plays a key role in his planning process.

“My colleagues come up with ideas, too,” Curran said “So it’s a mix of my own inspiration and teamwork.”

Despite the hectic schedule, Curran’s favorite part of the date is his workout.

“Anything that happened that day, I can release before I get home,” Curran said. “I don’t want to bring that home with me.”

The most challenging aspect, however, is adapting his teaching to fit the needs of every student.

“I have 180 kids, all with different learning styles,” Curran said. “Some might get it right away, while others need a different approach. It’s like learning to be a chameleon.”

Despite the challenges, connecting with students comes naturally.

“That’s the easiest part,” Curran said. “I love them and I root for them.”

Currans journey into education was driven by his desire to improve the experience for future generations

“I hated school,” Curran said. “I wanted to do something where the next generation has a better experience than I did.”

Outside of teaching, he enjoys different hobbies that keep him active and connected to nature.

“I love the gym, landscaping –I have Japanese maples all over my yard,” Curran said. “I also like taking my dogs on hikes.”

For Curran, teaching is a job that extends far beyond the classroom. Whether he’s guiding students or making lesson plans, his goal remains the same. Make a difference.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about having an impact,” Curran said. “All my students and I get along.”

Photo provided by | Edward Curran

TikTok ban disrupts creators, businesses, and users

The nationwide ban on TikTok has created significant disruptions for social media users, content creators, and businesses that relied on the platform for engagement and revenue.

With concerns over data security and

foreign influence leading to the decision, millions are now adjusting to the sudden threat of losing one of the most popular social media apps.

Senior Isaiah Trieu, spoke out saying that a ban on the app could result in a restriction of freedom.

“The tiktok ban has affected my ability to

speak out,” Trieu said “Especially because I'm a minority in many ways, the new algorithm seems to have changed to no longer allow certain topics.”

Content creators who built their careers on TikTok are now forced to find alternative platforms such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

Shifting audiences and rebuilding engagement poses challenges, particularly for those who depended on TikTok’s unique algorithm to reach wider audiences.

“I'm not too serious about tiktok and mainly use it for looking at tiktoks for entertainment,” Trieu said. “It's just a shame that the new algorithm is being used to silence certain topics.” Monetization strategies are also being reevaluated as creators explore new revenue streams.

Businesses, especially small and independent brands, are also feeling the impact. TikTok’s marketing potential allowed businesses to connect with customers organically, often resulting in

rapid growth.

Without it, companies must now invest in other advertising methods, many of which may be more costly or less effective.

While digital privacy advocates and policymakers argue that the ban is necessary for national security, the decision remains controversial. Some users are finding workarounds, such as VPNs, to continue accessing the app, or switching to an alternative.

“I'm probably just gonna go back to watching Instagram reels like I normally do,” Trieu said

As users and businesses adapt to the new digital landscape, the long-term effects of the ban remain uncertain. The shift may reshape social media dynamics, opening opportunities for other platforms to fill the gap left by TikTok’s possible future absence.

”I think it's wrong to ban it because it's one of the very few platforms used by Americans that doesn't have that much moderation or political bias,” Trieu said. Illustration by | Isaiah Trieu

Marcos Hans | Reporter

Puppy Love Students share appreciation of unusual pets

Bearded dragon trio

Fella Sahertian | Reporter

Throughout history, humans have kept pets by their sides, from wolves evolving into loyal dogs to wildcats becoming household companions. But in today’s world, pet ownership has expanded far beyond the usual cats and dogs. One such example is dragons. Bearded dragons specifically, a reptile that has found a home in the care of junior Henry Lancaster.

“I have three bearded dragons; their names are Spudnik, Spudlette, and Grouch,” Lancaster said. “They all have their own personalities.”

Unlike dogs that play fetch or cats that chase laser pointers, bearded dragons have their own unique ways of bonding with their owners. For Lancaster, one of the best parts of having them is taking them on car rides.

“I love driving around with them,” Lancaster said. “It’s so peaceful, they just sit there and enjoy the ride.”

Of course, every pet comes with its challenges. One unforgettable moment in Lancaster’s journey as a reptile owner was when Spudnik disappeared for five weeks.

“He got lost in the closet, and I thought he was gone,” Lancaster said. “It was

Dog on duty

pretty sad so I adopted Grouch, because I had an extra tank. But then we found Spudnik again, it was crazy ‘cause I’m still wondering how he made it out alive.”

A fun fact from Lancaster is that Grouch was named Grouch because she was almost thrown away in a dumpster by her previous owner for her unusual habit of being around them. Spudnik also has an unusual habit, a habit of watching TV.

“This guy’s addicted to watching my dad’s TV shows,” Lancaster said. “If he can’t see the screen, he’ll claw at his tank until we let him watch.”

While Spudnik might be the TV addict and Grouch has her unique rescue story, there’s no doubt who rules the household–Spudlette.

“She is most definitely the princess,” Lancaster said. “We have one of those electric foot spa bath massagers and my mom would use it as a hot tub for them, but Spudlette would have a grand entrance, ‘make way for the princess,’ she’s so spoiled it’s really cute.”

Spudlette may be the princess, but all three bearded dragons have their fair share of royal treatment. Mrs. Lancaster is their personal stylist, designing and

creating tiny costumes for the trio.

“My mom would bring me lunch and have them tag along and she would dress them up differently everyday,” Lancaster said. “The office lady and everybody there would see how stylish my dragons are, it’s really great.”

Owning bearded dragons requires careful attention to their needs. They thrive in warm environments with heat lamps, UV lights, and a heating pad at

Soaring to new heights

night to keep them comfortable. Regular baths are also necessary to keep them clean.

“Give them a lot of free space and exercise, and make sure they get to go outside,” Lancaster said. “To me, they’re not decorations ‘cause they look cool; they’re real pets that need care.”

provided by | Henry Lancaster

Garcia got to meet her fathers new police canine,

who quickly became a beloved member of the family.

“My dog’s name is Johnny, he’s a golden retriever and a police dog,” Garcia said.

“We first got Johnny when he was about 4 years old.”

Police dogs, or K-9’s, are dogs trained to help police officers. They may have different jobs, including sniffing out drugs, bombs, searching for evidence in a crime or people who have been lost, as well as attacking perpetrators and protecting their human companions.

“My favorite thing to do with Johnny is take him on walks and play fetch,” Garcia said.

There is no doubt that owning a police dog is different from a typical, unemployed dog. Though they have a job and require training, they are still a family pet, capable of giving and receiving the best love a human family can provide

“Golden retrievers seem to need a lot more physical exercise and playtime when they are younger, one to five years old,” Garcia said. “After that they become more relaxed and just need love.”

Whether your pet runs, hops, slithers, or crawls, chances are you have a critter in your life you love greatly. Chirping just around the corner, however, freshman

Audrey Kral’s pet flies.

“I have a bird, her name is Polly, and two dogs, Lola and Bunny,” Kral said. “I like to just sit there and watch movies with [Polly].”

Typical activities to do with your pet vary based on what exactly they are. If you’re looking for something to do with a bird, the internet may recommend a range of toys including rings, balls, or hammocks, though what really matters is that they have the proper amount of enrichment from day to day.

“When we first got Polly, we had this candle holder thing, and she loved it,” Kral said. “She would take the candles out, and at one point she bit through the metal of the tea candle.”

Kral has had Polly since kindergarten, and stresses the importance of proper research before getting a bird. Small animals are often seen as a ‘beginner’ pet, and thus are looked over and not always given the best life their owner can provide. Parakeets, like Polly, live in captivity for an average of seven to 15 years. Many birds live far longer, and as with any pet, it is a necessity to do proper research into their care, as they should be seen as an investment into a life.

“Find a good vet, because our first vet with her was not good at all,” Kral said.

Photograph provided by | Audrey Kral

Eliana Grant | Co Editor

Eliana Grant | Co Editor

Walking down school hallways if a student is lucky enough they may spot a police dog. As much as this is an unusual, exciting, sight for the average student, it is a pretty everyday experience for senior Arianna Garcia. At just 12 years old

Photograph provided by | Arianna Garcia

Photograph

Rowdy Rodents

Savannah Brewer | Reporter

Within the United States, the average pets inside of a family home include furry friends such as cats and dogs. In some cases, however, the animals that a family chooses to have reside in their home could differ from this norm.

“I have two guinea pigs; their names are Rocky (who is brown and white) and Killer (who is brown, white, and orange),” sophomore Damien Graham said. “They’re very cute.”

While with most pets, one is able to play

Slithering Surprises

When most people think of pets, they picture fluffy cats or playful dogs. However, for junior Hikari Rascon, the perfect companion is not fuzzy and cuddly. In fact, it’s slender and agile–a ball python snake named Indiana.

“Indiana was a Christmas present–not last year, but 2023,” Rascon said. “It was a gift from my mother.”

In contrast to traditional pets that chase toys and go on walks, Indiana’s favorite pastime is to simply hang out.

“She’ll just sit on my chest and chill while I lay down,” Rascon said. “She’ll move a lot and it tickles me, it’s pretty silly.”

Of course, owning a snake comes with a

around with their animal, such as playing fetch or using a laser pointer, guinea pigs are much more fragile, instead being better suited for calmer, cuddly activities.

“[There’s] not much you can do with them,” Graham said. “They’re just kind of there. I like holding them.”

All pets, however, no matter how big or small, have a wild side, experiencing some form of ‘the zoomies,’ a period where they get very energetic and excited for a period of time. Graham’s guinea pigs are no exception to this.

“I was picking them up, and they were very giddy,” Graham said. “I [tried] to put them down, and they just jumped out of my hand into the enclosure from a couple feet in the air. I don’t know how.”

With smaller pets being cute and easy to buy, animals such as guinea pigs are often mistreated, as people can view them as more an accessory than an animal that they chose to take upon themselves to take care of and provide a home for.

“Give them a lot of space. Interact with them,” Graham said. “They’re not just handbags. They’re living things.”

Doggy Day Care

Eliana Grant | Co Editor

Over the past few years the Hendrickson Hawks Dogs Spa & Grooming has provided a place for PFISD teachers and staff to leave their dogs to be taken care of by the upper level animal science classes. With services offered to Murchison Elementary, Kelly Lane, and most admin and support service workers this experience has been helpful both to the workers, their dogs, and the agriculture students.

“Currently the animal science courses, which are a part of the agriculture science program, created the Hawk Dogs Spa & Grooming for PFISD employees to sign up their dogs to receive services provided by the animal science students at a low cost rate,” agriculture teacher Pilar Lira said.

when it's time to apply for internships their senior year and they have no work experience. This has become a great resume builder for them, and also helps them feel more prepared to work in a veterinary setting their senior year.”

Lira focuses on the joy of her students, most enjoying seeing students' faces light up when they get to class and see it is a Hawk Dogs Day.

variety of responsibilities. Indiana requires a warm, humid environment—around 80 degrees—to help with shedding. If she struggles to shed properly, Rascon has to give her a warm soak in a bucket of water. Indiana’s diet is also specific: she eats an adult mouse once a week, which Rascon picks up from Petco

“The mice aren’t all that gross,” Rascon said. “Just wear gloves and make sure to wash your hands after.”

While snakes are generally considered low-maintenance pets, Indiana has a tendency to disappear.

“I lose her in the house a lot,” Rascon said. “Probably twice a week but I’m glad I don’t lose her outside.”

One particularly memorable disappearance happened before a family vacation. Indiana vanished just as Rascon was leaving for a cruise. After returning home and searching everywhere, Rascon’s sister casually walked into the room-holding Indiana.

“That’s when I found out she had been in my bed the whole time,” Rascon said. “I was so relieved that I didn’t immediately jump on my bed that day.”

Despite the occasional game of hideand-seek, Indiana has proven to be a calm and fascinating pet-one that’s always full of surprises.

“I love her lots,” Rascon said. “Having a snake doesn’t make it all that different from your regular pet, you’ll still love them like one.”

There are three different services offered by this program. Level one is a spa day, which includes a bath, blow dry, nail trim, and ear cleaning. The second option is a hygiene groom, which is the spa day package along with a haircut. Lastly is a daycare, where the dog is simply cared for and provided social interaction, without any of the services previously mentioned. These amenities are provided by upper level animal science students, with the fee being charged helping them fund labs and other activities in class.

“This is the 6th year we have had this program, but this is the 2nd year that we have opened up to other campuses besides Hendrickson,” Lira said. “We are expanding to other elementary schools and middle schools that are zoned near Hendrickson next school year.”

This program has a wide range of benefits, ultimately helping the whole school, and in many ways the district. Outside of the peace of mind given to those who know their dog is being well cared for, the students get to learn new skills and fund agriculture programs for years to come.

“We started this program to help provide hands-on experiences for students who have an interest in interning at veterinary clinics,” Lira said. “Most of my students have never had a job, and get really nervous

“This program has helped students feel more confident in their own abilities when handling animals, help them learn how to clean, and helped improve their communication skills when working in groups,” Lira said. “A lot of people think they want to work with animals because they ‘don't like talking to people,’ however when working with animals you have to actually talk to people more than any other profession. Fluffy the dog will not bark or point to tell you what is wrong when they go in to see a vet, you are communicating with their owners 100% of the time.”

As for downsides, Lira claims the program has few, except for the staff and teachers who may not realize the program exists, as they would love to care for their dogs.

“Just how humans have bad days, sometimes dogs have bad days, too,” Lira said. “Our goal is to provide all services to the best of our abilities with minimal stress to the dogs. If a dog ever gets too stressed out when we are trying to trim their nails, or give them a haircut, we will communicate that with their owners to let them know that we were unable to complete the entire service requested to ensure the dog does have a positive experience with us here and will return again, which they do.”

Lira encourages staff to consider taking their dogs to be pampered a bit, both for their canine friend, as well as to benefit the agriculture program and the students learning from it.

“If a teacher would like to come watch what it's all about, please do,” Lira said. “Sometimes you might be having a bad day, and a cute dog can change that around for you, and if that's the case come see us in the ag building.”

Agriculture teacher tells all about Hawks Dog Spa

Fella Sahertian | Reporter

Photograph provided by | Damien Graham

Photograph provided by | Hikari Rascon

Swim advances to State competition

Travis Tellez | Asst. Editor

With the state meet now completed, the swim season has now come to an end. Senior Stephanie Oiesen and junior Haydn Helmcamp both represented the Hawk swim team at state as they completed the last swims of the season.

“I made it to finals which was surprising because I was seated 22nd,” Helmcamp said. “I wasn’t able to go a best time though, which was a bit disappointing.”

Helmcamp swam the 100 Backstroke at state, which is his main event in the sport. “I’ve dropped time in pretty much every

event that I swim so that's pretty good,” Helmcamp said. “I wasn’t able to qualify for sectionals though, which was a goal of mine.”

Alongside Haydn, senior Stephanie Oiesen also made it to state for her fourth year in a row as she competes in 100 Backstroke and 200 Freestyle.

“I was trying to soak up what was left of high school swimming for me,” Oiesen said. “I didn't end on the high that I had dreamed of, but I tried my best to represent the school in the best way possible.”

Oiesen has been swimming for nine years, and even now, at the end of her high school swimming career, she still took the season as seriously as she could and didn't let any setbacks get to her.

“Honestly, this is probably one of the worst seasons I have ever had,” Oiesen said. “While it's not going in the direction I want it to go in, I feel like I am learning a lot from the mistakes I made, and these skills I plan to carry over to my career in Utah.”

After high school, Oiesen plans to swim at the University of Utah, where she hopes to not only be a collegiate swimmer but also

compete in international competitions as well.

“I already have plans to go to Serbia over spring break and over the summer to swim internationally, which is something I intend to continue over my swimming career,” Oiesen said. “Along with representing the University of Utah at the NCAA's, which would be a really cool experience that I hope to make it to one day.”

Richard Dimas | Photographer

Senior Stephanie Oiesen dives for the 200m freestyle. “It didn’t go as I had hoped it would, ” Oiesen said. “ I was just reminding myself to have fun. It was my last meet.”

Varsity basketball reflects on season’s trials and triumphs

a score of 62-55 in the fourth round.

Although it was a tough loss, they had a successful season in districts with

countless wins, and a period of rebuilding the team’s dynamic as a whole.

“I wasn’t here for the first couple of games of the season because I was still in volleyball playoffs, but in general, we had a long period of trying to rebuild since we lost some key players last year, and we’re all trying to come together and understand each other as a team,” junior Chin Aguoru said. “But during districts, we did have a couple hiccups with Georgetown and Pflugerville, but we did pretty good.”

The team’s intentions this season were centered around execution.

“The main thing that has changed is our ability to actually execute,” Aguoru said. “For as long as I’ve been here, we’ve been a team that just does whatever and it works. But now we’re slowing things down and actually working on specific plays and defenses. I feel like we’re a more structured team this year than we were last year.”

During playoff season, a different practice schedule was implemented to prepare for high stakes games.

“They’re a whole lot tougher,” Aguoru said. “I remember during the beginning

of the season, a whole lot of issues would come up during practice because people weren’t taking it nearly as seriously. But we’ve had multiple talks as a team that have made us actually do more as a group.”

For the upcoming season, Aguoru hopes to work on the different lineups.

“We just need to learn how to work the different lineups and stuff like that,” Aguoru said. “Obviously, we’ll be losing our best player on the team, Niyah Waters. She’s graduating this year, so we’re going to have to be able to learn how to adjust like we’ve always done. Especially in 2023 when we had that huge team full of seniors.”

Despite a season full of challenges and success, the season is more than just a game, it’s a time for the athletes to play with their closest friends.

“The highs would probably be being around my teammates and just having fun together,” senior Karmen Mitchell said. “I think I’m always going to remember the environment I was in with my teammates and in the locker room right before the game.”

Gia Patel | Co Editor

The Varsity Girls Basketball team wrapped up their season in the playoffs,

defeated by Georgetown on Feb. 21 with

Abigail Garner | Photographer

Starting 5 playing zone defense against La Vega. “I like that we went to man now,” senior Jasmine Cullpepper said. “Our zone defense really helped us win though.

Richard Dimas | Photographer

Junior Haydn Helmcamp swims the 100 back. “I was so excited that I qualified for the finals,” Helmcamp said. “I had barley made it to state at all.”

A Season of Grit Girls soccer journey through Districts

Afomiya Michael | Asst. Editor

With the regular season winding down, the girl’s varsity soccer team is focused on securing a spot in the playoffs. Currently sitting third in the district, the team must remain in the top four to advance. Senior captain Nathalie Gomez is optimistic about their chances.

“So far, we have only lost one game and tied another,” Gomez said. “We lost to Weiss 1-0 and tied with Georgetown.”

Although this season has brought new challenges, the team has relied on strong communication to stay competitive.

“We all just try to talk to each other,” Gomez said. “If we feel a certain way, we always try to take each other’s point of view into consideration.”

Her teammates share the same mindset.

“We just are always talking throughout the game,” senior Mackenzie Blevins said. “Just learning how each of us plays is important.”

“It’s all about communication on and off the field,” senior Kylie Marchand-Simons

said. “That is the reason we are able to work together and play as a team.”

Despite their strong performances, the team has faced difficulties along the way.

“Probably just keeping the drama down,” Blevins said. “There has come, and it’s caused us to play below our capabilities.”

However the team has grown since the start of the season.

“We’re definitely connecting better now,” Marchand-Simons said. “We’re getting along way better than before.”

Beyond the technical side of the game, building team chemistry has been a priority.

“We always do team dinners,” Blevins said. “It helps us connect as friends and we play better together.”

The team also follows a focused approach to their matches.

“Our mindset, like our coach says, is to take one game at a time,” MarchandSimons said. “The next game is the most important one. We don’t worry about rankings for playoffs yet.”

As the post season approaches, the players are determined to improve on last year’s performance.

“We were one game away from state,” Gomez said. “I think what stopped us was that we were not as intense in practice anymore. This year, we are holding ourselves to a higher standard.”

That determination is shared among the entire squad.

“Because of how far we went last year, we want to get to where we were,” Blevins said. “The goal is to get further though.”

Marchand-Simons agrees with this idea.

“Our motto is Team before me,” Marchand-Simons said. “So we’re putting the team first.”

For the seniors, this season carries extra meaning.

“It means a lot to me because I’ve been on this team since my freshman year,” Blevins said. “This is my last season ever playing. I won’t be playing in college, so it’s not just about soccer– it’s about the relationships I’ve built with everyone.”

Gomez, who plans to play Division I soccer at the University of the Incarnate Word, still values the time she has left with the team.

“I’ve played soccer for forever, so at the end of the day, I’m just happy to be here,” Gomez said. “It’s a place I truly enjoy.”

With playoffs on the horizon, the team is staying focused, motivated by their goals and the legacy they hope to uphold.

“The people who won state in 2017 sent us a video last year encouraging us to keep fighting,” Marchand-Simons said. “It feels good knowing they’re still watching us.”

As they prepare for the final stretch of the district season, the team remains committed to improving, working together and making the most of every opportunity on the field.

“We’re just excited to see what’s next for us,” Gomez said. “Go Hawks.”

know

Sarah Stokes | Photographer Sophomore Brea Lewis attacks the defense to score a goal against Pflugerville. “We

we needed to beat them to be at the top of the district,” Lewis said. “ Having a higher rank shows that we were able to compete with higher level teams.”

Sarah Stokes | Photographer Senior Mackenzie Blevins passes to her teammate at a preseason tournament. “ Being a defender and a midfielder means you always have to be ready to make that pass,” Blevins said. “ I was just passing to someone down the line.”

Sarah Stokes | Photographer Girls varsity team celebrates goal after scoring against Rouse. “Being able to score against a team like that is great. They went to state last year,” Gomez said. “We try to worry less about scoring and jsut focus on winning one game at a time. Its nice to celebrate though.”

The Key to Art

Art students recognized in Scholastic Art Competition through receiving Honorable Mentions and Keys

Gia Patel | Co Editor

Silver Key

“The topic was a double pinch pot, and I pretty much had free range. I always have sketches that I do and doodles, so I wanted to incorporate that with my sculpture. I kind of just turned one of my drawings into a sculpture. The process of creating this work took a lot of patience and focus, and the part that took the longest was the glazing to make sure I got it all right. This competition showed me that art can be turned into something more. Art can be turned into a career; there are a lot of people there who are artists, as their job. There was a recognition, we all got awards and stood on the stage. This is the first art class that I’ve actually taken and it felt nice because; I’ve never had any of my artwork recognized like that before so it was nice.”

Lucy Davila Honorable

“I have a plant in my floral class, and it’s a Wandering Jew. And I thought of Genie, because I named my girl Genie and so I was like ‘alright, I’m going to make a lamp and a little plant pot for my girl.’ [The process] was really hard, and it took a lot of effort. It took forever. It felt like five months, but I think maybe two. [When my piece got recognized] I felt good, but I also felt I could do better.”

Honorable Mention

“My AP Drawing portfolio was based on acne because I found that with acne, it’s common, but people don’t recognize the psychological and physical pain it bears. The specific piece I worked on for Scholastic was based on peers’ unsolicited recommendations on how they would give me products. It’s me visualizing how I willingly accept it at that point because I’m tired, and it’s just better to let them have their way. Scholastic motivated me to produce something that I wanted to talk about because I want my voice to be heard, and I think the best way is to have it be an art contest so people can see deeper.”

Lewis Molano Honorable Mention

“We were doing a realism, and I got to choose anything as long as it looked realistic. I remember my grandparents always bought this big tin of cookies, so I made something similar and then I used different cookies that my family likes. This piece is a reflection of when I was younger and being around my family. This competition let me know that my work is validated, and I’m just glad that people like it. Getting recognized was nice. I’ve never gotten many awards like that since elementary, so it was nice to get something in my high school career.

Ayslee Baretto Honorable Mention

“I really like ducks. They’re one of my favorite animals. As I was creating it, there were three, and in my family, it’s me, my brother, and my sister. On the back they have their little wings wrapped around each other, and they’re kind of a unit, so it looks like a family. Also, my mom’s birthday was around the corner, so I wanted to get her a gift. I decorate it based on different kinds of ducks. There’s like the little ducklings duckling that that’s yellow, the white duck, and the little Mallard, I kind of picked one of each.”

Ivye Grumbles Silver Key

This project was just creating a bust, like a chest. Originally it was going to be a gross old man, but through the process, it ended up looking like an alien, so I kind of just went with it. [The process was] very long and very tedious. A bunch of different things that I liked from when I was little and a lot of superheroes [inspired my work].”

Diego Silvestre Honorable Mention

“[My project was] a snake growing on top of three rocks. I just thought about something in my brain that I could pull and make easily and that wouldn’t cause me trouble. The process [involved] time and patience, you to take your time with it. [This piece means] hope. Maybe you’re going through something, just think good and good things will come to you.”

Photographs provided by | Ariana Zaia

Sophia Graft

Isaiah Trieu

Mention