The Hawk May 2022

The

Hawk

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville. Texas 78660 Volume 15, Issue 7 May 13, 2022

The Social Dilemma

Multiple perspectives reveal varied sides to social media Page 8-9

In this Issue...

2

Remembering Nick

3

16 Garcia Farewell

Girls & Boys Track

2

News Volume 15, Issue 7

A Nation Mourns

Medellin succumbs to cancer battle

Kiera Johnson | Photographer Tatum Pruett | Yearbook Co-Editor Angelyna Rosales | Co-Editor Junior Nicholas Medellin passed away from Stage 4 brain cancer on May 8, 2022. The following quotes from his mother, Belinda Medellin, were obtained in an interview this past October.

During Thanksgiving of 2020 Nicholas Medellin told his mom that he was experiencing headaches, and that the

light hurt his eyes— they thought he was just experiencing migraines, so he received treatments, but by December, they didn’t go away. January 2021 came around, and he admitted to having double vision. They went back to the doctor and found CSF fluid, brain fluid, and then Nicholas started receiving treatments for that. Fast forward to March of 2021, no progress was made in his health, so they decided to do a biopsy and in April 2021, they discovered that he had Glioblastoma Multiforme—brain cancer.

“It was the worst possible news we could receive,” Belinda Medellin said. “Since his father waited to start radiation, Nicholas wanted to start right away.”

The Medellin family was able to get into radiation treatment within a week and a half of his diagnosis. After a while they realized it wasn’t working, so they decided to move onto clinical trials, which eventually stopped working as well.

Following his last clinical trial, Nicholas went completely blind, and decided he wanted to stop treatments.

“We supported his decision to stop his treatments,” Belinda Medellin said. “He said he just wanted to make the best of his life, without all of the chemo, he just kept saying ‘You know what, it’s God’s will, and we’ll just keep going.’”

Cancer didn’t stop Nicholas from staying involved with the important things in his life which consisted of soccer, church, and academics. Nicholas competed in club soccer, as well as school soccerwhile remaining as one of the top students in his class freshman year. Nicholas also played a big part in his church, starting as an altar server and moving his way up, pre-COVID. “When he first got diagnosed, he was missing a lot of school for those last nine weeks,” Belinda Medellin said. “But they told him that he didn’t need to make it up since his first three nine weeks carried his grades. He’s super smart.”

Nicholas remained involved in all of his hobbies, even after his diagnosis. He was a ball boy for the school soccer team, and is was one of the captains for the varsity team and was visited by the Austin FC soccer team, and had VIP access at games.

As for his academics, Nicholas' mother had to convince him to drop advanced pre-cal to try and make things easier.

“I tried to get him to drop advanced precal, I told him that people who CAN see have trouble keeping up with it,” Belinda Medellin said. “It took us literally two weeks to finally get him to get out of the class, but now he’s in the CCC where they help him with his school work.”

Nicholas Medellin had a whole support system backing him up and staying by his side through it all. Teammates, classmates, people from the church, and the people of Pflugerville all backed him along with his family up through this journey--donating to his go-fund me, buying Nick Nation t-shirts, and even just hanging out with him so he knew he was not alone.

Nicholas’s favorite bible verse was Isaiah 41:10 which states “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” This verse was found on the back of all Nick Nation t-shirts, and many of his friends and family found comfort in these words as a popular verse of the day app displayed the verse across their phones on May 9, the day after he passed away.

District voters make choice in three School Board Trustee elections Landon Self | Asst. Editor Pflugerville School District voters went to the polls May 7 to vote for three School Board seats. Place Three is currently held by Renae Mitchell, who faced Pat McCord. Place Four is currently occupied

by Vernagane Mott, a long time district community volunteer, and faced Corbin Black. Place Five is currently held by Brian Allen, who faced a challenge from Alissa Molina. Following last week's election, Trustees Mott and Michell were re-elected with 63 and 62 percent of the vote respectively. Trustee Brian Allen lost to Alissa Molina by about 10 percent, making Molina the only new member of the board. Election results will be canvassed by the county and board trustees will be sworn in following the canvass.

Place 3: Renae Mitchell What is your first priority?

Place 4: Vernagene Mott What is your first priority?

We have done a great job with making sure our students have access to computers and the internet, however, it is my priority that our technology, equipment, and infrastructure remain a priority.

Positive student outcomes are my number one priority while supporting our teaching staff. This includes recruiting and retaining an experienced and dedicated teaching staff.

What made you decide to run?

What made you decide to run?

I am vested in the success of the district as a parent of a graduate and current PfISD student. I have and will continue to listen to the needs of our students, parents, and the community.

Being a former teacher for 35 years plus a servant leader for 18 years, it was obvious the challenges our district faces require an experienced committed responsible leader with integrity to rebound systems and guide learning back on track.

What experience do you have?

I have a Master's Degree in Education. I have worked in the schools helping with reading programs. I have experience training and coaching educational leaders.

What experience do you have?

35+years as a high school math/chemistry teacher, 18 years as PfISD trustee serving as an officer and also on committees

Place 5: Alissa Molina What is your first priority?

It will be my priority to work to support and honor our teachers in such a way that improves morale and creates more opportunities for them to pour into the job they love.

What made you decide to run?

I am an educator at heart. I have seen first hand the power of education, the unique and incredible gifts and talents of students, and the hope for humanity that comes from finding purpose and path.

What experience do you have?

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin.

News May 13, 2022

Farewell and Goodbye

3

Principal to retire at end of school year, reminisces on career Seth Deaton | Co-Editor Graduation is a time of farewells. Every year the senior class walks the stage and says goodbye to the past four years of their lives. This year, someone will be joining the graduating class as they say goodbye.

Principal Daniel Garcia is retiring at the end of this year after a 32 year career with the past nine being spent as the principal here. According to him before this year he didn’t have any thoughts of retirement.

He said he wanted to wait until the chaos of the past two years settled down and life on campus began returning to normal before he thought about retirement. “[Retiring] while we're in a pandemic I felt like that might be kind of cowardly to be honest with you,” Garcia said. “To leave in the middle of one of the toughest times working in a school, and so when I started really thinking about it was like, we're coming out of it a little bit. We're having some return to normalcy. The kids are coming back. That's when I started processing. I was really exhausted from the previous two years. And so I was like, well, is this an option for me?”

Garcia said that although the concept of retirement is scary at this point there’s no turning back. He said he won’t miss all the nitty gritty work of running a school, but he will miss parts of his job.

“My wife put it best, she said ‘you're going to be fine, like you won't miss any of the work

before, like the pre service,’” the teachers, and so, there's so having the opportunity to work Garcia said. “She's told when much to be proud of, and so with such amazing students. I've I’m going to miss my work is the many great memories.” been blessed for sure.” first day when the students show With Garcia retiring he According to Garcia, he was up. And so that's going to be leaves behind him a legacy of able to retire this year because of what I'm going miss the most is empowerment. He said he’s the great staff he’s worked with, interaction with the students and proud of the inclusivity and and the knowledge that they’ll hearing about their successes and the strength of the voice of the take care of his campus when helping them through their hard student body, and of the culture he’s gone. He says that being times. So yeah absolutely [what that he’s been able to help create. involved as a non-administrator I’ll miss will be the most strange, will] be the and that he students.” doesn't know In the nine exactly what years Garcia retirement has been will look principal the like. school has “What I won district am looking titles, been forward to named a is a little bit National of rest. You Unified know, I'll Champion take a little school, and bit of time won a state off, not a title in girls Principal Daniel Garcia with Kensington McKinley, co-head coach Kevin lot though, soccer. and see what McKinley's daughter, after the soccer team lost in round four of the playoffs.

“I feel like this is where the work really is, here with the campus and with our my “So next many great students,” principal Daniel Garcia said. “I feel like I've achieved my professional opportunity things have goals and there’s always things you wish you would have done or I wish I would is,” Garcia h a p p e n e d have done that. But I'm very happy and content with the journey that I've had in the said. “I do since I’ve blessings that I've had.” Erika Suarez | Photographer look forward been here,” to spending Garcia said. “The games at our “I'm so grateful to our more time with my family. I stadium here on campus were students and to the school will have a son that's a senior in always so amazing. The stands community for the opportunity college and I have a son that will full just the success and all that. to lead Hendrickson, you know, be a senior here at Hendrickson All of the academic district through some really, really good and so, just being able to be awards, the Crown awards that times and some really, really more involved in their senior [we] achieved up in yearbook, challenging times,” Garcia said. year functions and be a little journalism and newspaper you “And just to say thanks for the more present and available for know, so many positive things. support when things were good, them and my wife and family is The relationships with the and when things were tough what's really exciting.” students, the relationship with and just with a grateful heart for The past few years have been

filled with chaos and uncertainty, and according to Garcia the reason he was able to lead his school through it all was because of the voices of his team, and knows his successor will do the same.

“I think the [biggest] thing for me to lead through this was really to lean on the expertise of the team,” Garcia said. “I think that Mr. [Michael] Grebb, will do well and has learned to understand that good decisions come from hearing lots of voices and not making decisions in isolation. Listening to those around them, I would say continue to listen to the school community and stakeholders, as he decides how to respond to things.”

As he leaves, Garcia wants to leave one last message with his staff, the students he’s leaving behind, and this year's graduating class.

“My words to them would just be about resiliency, and nose to the grindstone, and understanding that even when things get tough, that we can still be successful and achieve. I'm sure the motions will be. I'm sure.

It'll be a very emotional day for me, probably more than normal.

It's always really emotional like graduation anyway. But just because this will be the last one and I'll be graduating with them as well. I kind of feel like it'll be pretty emotional for sure. So I’ll have to work really hard to keep that in check. And so I'm not sure how successful I'll be.”

Science Olympiad competes at state The Science Olympiad team competed in the state competition on Saturday April 23.

Despite being a relatively inexperienced team they finished sixteenth out of 30 teams with top ten finishes in several events. Notable individual placements include the following.

Seniors Pranit Arya and Gavin Hawkins finished ninth in the WiFi Lab. Juniors

Nigel Norman and Rudolf Bendixen finished tenth in the Wright Stuff event.

Juniors Cyan Brown and Seher Taneja finished sixth in the Cybersecutiry event.

Junior Elena Alvarado and senior Pich Chea placed fifth in the Environmental Chemistry event. Seniors Marah Kluge and Kim La placed fifth in the Green Generation event.

Sophomore art members attend state Two art students competed at the State VASE competition on Sat. April 30. In order to enter the event contestants must be a part of their school's art program.

Sophomores Aubrie Sarai and Sarah

Curran both showcased their artwork during the event. Curran medaled and received a four for her piece, which is the highest honor for re-judication at State VASE before the Gold Medal section.

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News Volume 15, Issue 7

Once on This Island wins nominated awards, performs at Long Center Stage Natalia Zavaleta | Asst. Editor Once on This Island’s cast and crew traveled to the Long Center in Austin to participate in the Heller Awards for Young Artists. With 10 nominations, including Best Production and Best Ensemble, the cast was awarded the opportunity to perform on the Long Center stage in front of an audience composed of over 30 schools, parents, educators, directors, and more.

“Being on that big stage with so many people was a big step up from the musical here,” senior Sam Hill said. “At the same time it felt very familiar.”

Hill was nominated for Best Supporting Performer in the Male Category with the role of Tonton Julian, Ti Moune’s father in the musical. After a brief showcase of his

character, Hill was revealed to be the winner of the category.

“It felt surprising,” Hill said. “But at the same time very validating hearing that all the hard work I put into the musical paid off and I did a really good performance.”

Once on This Island was also awarded the Best Scenic Design award. Freshman Lane Decker and sophomore Grace Sheffield accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“To prepare for the speech, Grace and I thought of all the people we were thankful for and helped us achieve the nomination,” Decker said. “We wanted to make sure the audience knew that the award wasn’t ours, it was the entire cast and company’s Photo provided by | Nicole Malone Cast members and former alumni and choreographer, Khali Sykes, at the Long Center award.” dressing rooms getting ready for their performance of ‘Pray’ on stage.

UIL Academics students victorious after Region competition in Houston Kaitlyn Nash | Managing Editor to get under my belt.”

In the early morning rays, 47 kids piled onto a bus In preparation for UIL Regionals, all students and to head to Katy, Texas to compete in UIL Regionals. their coaches, Kirsten Nash, Aly Mithani, Kari Riemer, From Friday, April 22 to Saturday, April 23, students TJ Johnson, Jordan Smith, and Sara and Thomas Lucas, showcased their skills.

At the end of the day on the 23, after two days of tests, writing prompts, debates, seven students raised their heads to the announcement that they had advanced to UIL State; Senior Audrey Fife placed first in Persuasive Extemp, in Informative Extemp, junior Kaitlyn Nash placed second, sophomore Maya Hay placed fourth and junior Lucas Flores placed sixth, senior Afsaneh Masoumi placed second in Lincoln-Douglass debate, senior Seth Deaton placed third in Headline Writing, senior Samuel Brown placed fourth in Computer Applications, sophomore Lili Moran placed fourth in News Writing, and Nash placed sixth in Ready Writing.

“I was really relieved because I’m a really competitive person so I really wanted to place in at least something and that was the very last event I did,” Deaton said. “And I really wanted to qualify for State because Brian Ross, the Co-Editor before me who I’m pretty good friends with, got second at State in that same event, so I wanted an opportunity to kind of one-up him.”

However, the competition portion of UIL Regionals was not the only thing that competitors participated in. They also had downtime to chat at tables while waiting for Photo provided by | Kirsten Nash their events to start. used after school and Talon to practice.

“I actually ended up making a lot of new friends and “Instead of doing debates, we really did talk and have talking to a lot of new people, which was really exciting,” conversations about the topics or contentions that we Moran said. “I think it was a good experience to have and wrote,” Masoumi said. “He would ask us questions, we

would do cross-examination, and then we were constantly editing our cases. I think him really going through it and making us doubt our case really helped us set up a good argument.”

Some of the Extemp competitors have been competing and preparing for their event all year.

“My event is something that I’ve been doing all year and for four years because it’s something that we do in debate,” Fife said.

“My coaches have been training me to do this since I was a freshman which has been really helpful. Essentially, in the last few months, we’ve honed down on how to do really well in this event at Regionals specifically for UIL and we’ve done a lot of practices based on that.”

After UIL Regionals, it’s time for the students who advanced to prepare for UIL State for debate which will be occurring on May 24 and 25 at UT Austin. UIL State for Academics occurred on May 6.

“Given my performance at Regionals, especially since I didn’t think that I did that well, I’m hoping that I’ll do pretty good at State,” Fife said. “I’m aiming to get to finals, but we will see.”

At UIL State for Journalism, Deaton was 5A State Champion in Headline Writing.

“Mrs. Riemer wouldn’t tell me what I had placed so as they were calling names during the award ceremony, and as they kept announcing, I kept expecting my name to be next,” Deaton said. “Then they announced 2nd place and my name still hadn’t gotten called so honestly I thought she was pulling my leg and I thought there was no way that I had gotten first. And then they called my name.”

News April 8, 2022

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Floral Design competitor reports the most recent achievements of the team

Nadia Johst | Reporter Flowers, arrangements, math, and tests are all a part of the creative aspects of the recent floral design competition. On April 2, the floral design team competed to earn

a place at the state competition.

“The event I do is floral culture,” junior Chloe Coxx said, “I have to ID plants, take a test that asks questions on how to take care of plants, pricing, and generic floral [subjects].”

Not only do the events consist of plant related material, there are also other miscellaneous subjects.

“I [also] have to take the practicum, which is the math portion,” Cox said.

The preparation leading up to the competition consisted of online tests and studying. “[The website] is called Q bank, and it’s online [and it] can test you on floral identification and questions for the multiple choice test,” Cox said, “My teacher, Ms. Runnels, can also give us math quizzes and [other] practices.”

This recent competition was said to be different from others and felt unique.

Upperclassmen finals policy released for 2022 school year Yael Behar | Copy Editor All seniors and juniors have the possibility to qualify for finals exemption, following the policy that’s outlined yearly.

This year, the policy states that a student with a course grade of 90+ can have no more than three absences, and a student with a course grade of 80+ can have no more than two absences per course.

“This policy, it’s to help school attendance because we want kids to come to school every day,” associate principal Michael Grebb said. “We run a report at the end of the year, and you have to have a pretty good attendance record. That’s why we wrote it this way, so kids would come to school, especially in the spring. It’s also a reward for coming to school every day and doing a good job, to give a kid a break from having to take a 100-question final.”

The policy also requires that all seniors have their FAFSA and ApplyTexas Application filled out, as well as have at least one College, Career, or MilitaryReady indicator satisfied. The indicators differ for each category, and include having certain certifications for career, enlisting in the military, or having all high school credits and ACT/SAT scores prepared.

“We also wanted to tie in the college readiness because we want every kid that leaves Hendrickson to be ready for college,” Grebb said. “This is so they don’t have to do certain courses and pay

extra money for things that don’t count towards their degree. We just want to reward kids for being ready to leave HHS and transition to doing whatever they want in the future.”

Absences that count toward the exemption policy are exclusively unexcused, and are also counted per course, allowing students to only be exempt from select courses where their grades and absences fit the policy. If a student decides not to take finals, their spring semester average will be the average of the nine-week grading periods.

“It’s the unexcused absences that matter a lot,” Grebb said. “The policy is a reward to kids who really come to school every day.”

Grebb added that exemption is for upperclassmen to help prepare sophomores and freshmen for college.

“We had the policy for freshmen and sophomores in the past, but we felt like there would be some kids who would never take a final because they were good students and came to school every day,” Grebb said. “We want sophomores and freshmen to have the experience of taking a midterm and finals because if they don’t throughout high school, then they’ll go to college and have finals and they wouldn’t know what to do. If you’re an upperclassman, come to school, get good grades, and you don’t have to take the finals.”

“There [was] a lot more pressure because everyone really wanted to advance to state,” Cox said, “It’s been a long time since the floral culture team has advanced to state, so there’s a lot of pressure that made us prepare even more.”

Cox said the practice and studying pushed the team towards success, the results and progression of the team to state providing evidence of their hard work and dedication “Hendrickson was fourth in the competition out of 32 teams in our area,” Cox said, “This year, we all [the floral team] worked really hard to qualify for state.”

Out of all the aspects of the competition, there was one subject that caught Coxx’s attention more so than the others.

“My favorite part of the competition is the test because I have memorized all of the answers, so that part is pretty easy

for me,” Cox said, “[Though I do] need to work on placing the arrangements, because there are so many factors to consider when rating them, so that’s the thing I struggle on the most.”

State was held on the 29th of April, where Cox and the team competed.

Hendrickson placed well and Cox said​the experience and stops along the way made the competition enjoyable.

“We placed 29th out of 63 teams in the state,” Cox said, “We spent [the day before] the competition traveling and exploring different [places].”

Overall, Cox and the team enjoyed the trip and were happy to bond with each other.

“Everyone gets along really well, so it was a fun time with the group!”

Photo provided by Ryan Runnels| Runnels

Varsity Golf teams advance to Regionals Kate Hayes | Reporter The Varsity golf teams recently competed in their district tournaments. Both teams finished as District runner-ups and advanced to compete at the Conference 5A Region III Tournament, held from April 18th to the 21st. The following members were present at Districts: On the Boys team, Lucas Kusano

placed sixth, Andrew Cordova placed eighth, Ben Solomon placed seventh, and Michael Martinez placed fourth. Caden Faust also competed.

On the Girls team, Brooke Bradley placed sixth; Malaney Decker, Riley Shearn, and Courtney Birkenheiser also competed.

Students compete at TSA State

Nadia Johst | Reporter Six students represented the school at the recent Technology Association State competition. Hannah Bailey, Daniella Vargas, Smithi Balan, Zion Onwujuba, Davis Ohe, and Zachary Winkelman all advanced to the competition on April 21st to the 23rd.

Zachary Winkelman and Davis Ohe competed in Robotics. Zion Onwujuba and Smithi Balan competed in Webmaster.

Finally, Hannah Bailey and Daniella Vargas designed and wrote a children’s story that earned them third place, advancing them to Nationals, which will take place this summer.

Fire, EMT Academy Cadets compete at State Sarah Schulze | Reporter The Fire and EMT Academy Cadets competed at the State competition in Allen, bringing home several champions.

Aero Collins, Jacqueline Newson, Hayden Nguyen-Moore, and Issac Huerta placed first in the Team Agility portion of the competition. Collins placed fifth in the

Individual Agility section. Newson went on to place first in the Individual Agility portion; Maximillian Garcia placed third in the First Responder section and fifth in Search and Rescue. Ashly Collins placed seventh in First Responder and fifth in Bunker Gear Race. Huerta placed sixth in Individual Agility.

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Opinions Volume 15, Issue 7

• Your Turn

• Staff Editorial

Social media used to spread inaccurate, false information Obtaining critical information and news from posts and the use of persuasion through rhetorical social media sources has become normalized. appeals such as bright colors and pictures, People rely on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or believable numbers, or emotional language, even TikTok to provide news and information. that catches the attention of many. People had With just the click of a button, users can repost become inspired to post information on topics of articles and news stories that can sometimes be conversation that were going around the news. untruthful, biased, or filled with propaganda. The For example, earlier this year a certain post made spreading of misinformation has begun to take by the company “Plant A Tree Co.,” could be over social media and its consequences can be seen on many Instagram stories, one that simply stated “for every repost, we will plant one tree.” It reflected upon the world today.

Reposting false information isn’t entirely the seemed like an easy way to help the environment user’s fault. Companies or fake news accounts will out and make you look like you cared about the make their stories seem favorable or appealing to state of the Earth. As the post spread, people began convince people that the stories they are telling to grow curious about its legitimacy. After all, are truthful. Although, if a user insists on wanting how could a single company plant over millions to educate followers and repost information, it of trees with no funding whatsoever? Due to some is critical for them to double check their sources investigation the company was revealed to be a hoax who picked a hot topic and make sure that what they on social media and decided are posting is the truth. There to gain “clout” from it. It are various things that can caused people to panic and be done in order to verify the start posting once again to information; reviewing dates not support the company as of publication, looking at it was fake. All of this could various credible sources, and have been avoided if people checking for inconsistencies. had the motivation and drive With the ability to repost things to check their information so easily, people often forget before posting it. to fact check information to Although this incident ensure they are not spreading may have been harmless and false information. did not cause irreparable The involvement of politics damage, if the post was and biases can also influence asking to donate money to a what information is being fake charity, with the speed shared on whose account. at which the information Online echo chambers are situations media users put Photo Illustration by | Daniel Mendoza was spread, millions of themselves in where they create dollars could’ve been stolen an environment where they surround themselves from a legitimate cause. If frequent social media with only their own beliefs or political views and users can diffuse correct information with real refuse to hear other perspectives. Their foundation sources that quickly, social media activism can be comes from confirmation biases in which people more effective. are more inclined to believe facts that support There are several sources that can be used their own opinions. This is incredibly unhealthy online in order to fact check what information is as it supports extremist behavior and thinking and circulating around the internet. Associated Press disallows people to be open-minded and more provides unbiased news and websites like AllSides educated on the issues surrounding them. Online and Media Bias/Fact Check. The spread of echo chambers can be avoided by interacting misinformation is a problem for everyone and will with people who share different opinions or read continue to affect credibility if people don’t take unbiased news. initiative to fact check information and broaden Fake activism can also lead to the diffusion of our understanding on controversial issues. fake news across the media. The believability of 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: 2,134 Staff: 180 Adviser: Kari Riemer Principal: Daniel Garcia www.facebook.com/HawkNewspaper

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

Letters to the editor are welcomed, and may be dropped off in E211.

Corrections will be printed when brought to the attention of the staff.

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

Editorial Staff

Reporters

Kate Hayes Inez Moreno

Artists Yael Behar, Daniel Mendoza

“I think social media should be used as a primary source of information because a lot of [social media users] are younger people [who] spend the majority of their time [on social media]. It would be a way to know that the news you’re getting is secure and factual. It’s not something that you would see that’s misleading.” -Avrie Nunn, 10

“I think it depends on where you get your information from and what it’s about, because there’s definitely some things you can look at that are valuable information, and there’s also a bunch of stuff that’s completely invalid. I think it depends on what it is and what you’re looking for to determine if that should be a primary source of information.”-Eden Margaitis, 11

“[The Internet] is a really easy way to get information around, but since so many people have access to post and put their opinions out, you never know what’s true or not true. So, a lot of things get mixed up, but it is an easy way to get information around, because everyone has it.” -Makaya Smith, 12

“If you search enough, people who say information sometimes get it at an actually valuable resource, so, sometimes it is reliable. But, I think you need to be careful of what people say, because a lot of it’s going to be biased and not very trustworthy.” -Yesenia Maldonado, 12

Associations

Co-Editors: Seth Deaton & Angelyna Rosales Managing Editor: Kaitlyn Nash Copy Editor: Yael Behar Assistant Editors: Lili Moran, Landon Self, Ethan Tittle, Natalia Zaveleta Antonia Guardia Nadia Johst

“I feel like social media should be used for a primary source of information, [because] you can get more information on things that you may not know about.” -Celine Ali, 10

Nosu Osakue Sarah Schulze

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

Honors

ILPC Bronze Star 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 ILPC Silver Star 2021 Columbia Scholastic Press League, Gold Medalist 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 Silver Crown, 2017, 2018, 2021 Pacemaker Finalist, 2018

Photo by Daniel Mendoza Model: Kamaria Turner

• Hit or Miss

Powderpuff game returns to raise funds for The Locker

Student-led organizations are always devising new methods of fundraising. The Powderpuff game, returning after a two-year-long COVID-induced hiatus, is a beloved event that consists of female students competing against each other in a match of flag football supported from the sidelines by male cheerleaders. Funds provided by participants and spectators raise enough money to restock The Locker, therefore providing more supplies for the students.

Additional fundraising for the Locker is a hit.

Tissue shortages create out-of-pocket teacher expenses

Tissues are constantly going out of stock in schools, especially during the colder seasons when allergies and colds are at a high. The consistent lack of tissues provided to teachers and classrooms by the district not only keeps students and staff from alleviating their runny noses, watery eyes and cleanly removing their germs, but also forces teachers to pay for the majority of tissues out of their own pockets.

Considering the fast rate at which these tissues are used up in classes, and the wide array of other class materials teachers already have to pay for, the district should supply teachers with tissues at a steady rate rather than once or twice a year. This would not only lower the level of tissue shortages, but also release teachers from additional financial burden. The district’s lack of consistent tissue suppliance to classrooms is a definite miss.

• Letter to the Editor

Recently, the senior class announced Prom and the prices that come along with it, sparking outrage among some students. Depending on your absences, prices can range from $50 to $95. This has a greater impact on lower-income students than higher income students, and punishes students for events out of their control.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, lower income students (measured by their free-lunch-eligible status) are 7.8% more likely to miss school for three or more days than higher income students. Students in poor families are also expected to contribute more, getting jobs earlier to help put food on the table or watching younger siblings, making it even more difficult for them to pursue an education. This, paired with the fact that higher-income students are more able to afford Prom anyway, places a harsher punishment on poorer students.

Another issue with the implemented prices for prom is that there is no reduced price for Free and Reduced Lunch students. With AP and SAT tests, students who qualify for those programs are charged less, due to their families having less to spend. This should be the case with prom as well, since the same principles apply.

While the price difference was implemented with good intentions to incentivize attendance and reward learning, it places a harsher burden on students from lower-income families, without offering amends to counter the disparity between rich and poor students.

Adding a reduced price for free-and-reduced lunch students, as well as closing the $45 gap between 0 and 10 absences, will make a far better policy than the existing one.

These prom prices exacerbate an already jarring difference in attendance rates between students of different income levels. Lower income students shouldn’t be punished at a higher percentage for economic factors out of their control. ­­­ — Damien Enderelle, 12

• Our Turn

Opinions May 13, 2022

7

Crossing the Finish Line

Co-Editors reminisce on past four years in newspaper program Angelyna Rosales | Co-Editor Seth Deaton | Co-Editor Four years ago we walked into the newsroom.

Two freshmen in a room full of upperclassmen with little to no idea of what to expect. Now, in less than a month we’ll be walking the stage at graduation, and leaving The Hawk behind.

Our success as co-editors of the newspaper would’ve never been possible without the many incredible people that came before us. From Megan, one of our freshman year co-editors, who would ruthlessly edit and tear apart our pieces. To McKenna, our other freshman year co-editor, who would start off telling us how amazing our writing was, just for her to sit down with us and ultimately tell us it was terrible and we needed to re-write them. It’s only because of their harsh edits and always pushing us to present our best that we were able to become the writers we are today. Thank you Megan and McKenna for setting us on the path to be co-editors, even if we weren’t aware of it at the time.

Next comes Bryan, the greatest Tetris player of all time. Bryan never failed to find a new, unique angle to write his stories, and always found a way to ease the tension and stress that would come from deadlines. Last year the paper wouldn’t have been possible without him. He spent countless extra hours in the newsroom working on layout, editing stories, and planning future issues. He was one of the reasons every story last year had correct grammar and punctuation, especially when it came to commas. Thank you for setting an example of what it truly means to be a co-editor.

To future principal, current associate principal, and newspaper bestie, Michael Grebb, thank you for always checking in on us, discussing important school-related issues with us, and always being available for a quick interview. We truly would’ve been lost if you had not taken the time to reinforce the importance of student journalism. We wish you the best and know that you’ll be an amazing principal. You being the one to replace Principal Garcia is the best hit we’ve gotten to write about.

To the greatest journalism teacher to ever exist, Kari Riemer, thank you for every single thing you have done for us for the past four years. Thank you for listening to our random debates, and terrible story ideas. Thank you for providing us with a safe space to talk about our struggles in our personal lives. Thank you for providing us with our favorite snack just to make our

day just a little bit better. Thank you for just being you. You are truly a one-of-a-kind teacher, and we are so grateful that you have been a part of our high school career. We know you will continue to help the journalism programs grow and continue their legacy, which has only been possible because of you. TAJE is so incredibly lucky to have you as their new president for the next few years.

While we are leaving The Hawk in our past, we are leaving it to some pretty incredible successors.

Kaitlyn, Natalia, and Yael make sure to put out an amazing summer issue with your staff. It will help you get your foot in the door for the task ahead and set the tone for the rest of the school year. At first, the work load will be a little overwhelming.

There are so many tiny things that a co-editor has to pick out and check. But eventually, it becomes second nature. We know that you all will continue writing amazing stories about amazing people, and will draw amazing illustrations, even if you’re on a tight deadline (we’re talking to you, Yael). You guys will do an amazing job, and we’re always a quick text or call away if you ever need help.

The Hawk has been a huge part of our lives the past four years, consuming countless hours of writing, editing, and designing. Neither of us expected to ever become co-editors in chief when we walked through E211 as two tiny freshmen, but we are incredibly thankful for where it has led us.

To every student who has ever picked up an issue of our paper, thank you for giving us the platform to showcase our ideas, and highlight all of the phenomenal people in our school. As we walk the stage on June 1, we’ll be leaving this paper, and with it our legacy, behind us. Co-editors Seth and Lyna signing off.

Illustration by | Yael Behar

8

Feature Volume 15, Issue 7

The Social Dilemma

Social media impacts opinions, political ideologies Natalia Zavaleta | Asst. Editor Social movements have shaped laws and policies from local to worldwide levels. For centuries, these movements have been created and have advanced due to the people leading them.

Social media has helped accelerate movements throughout history as well as current ones due to the vast majority of individuals absorbing new information through their feed.

“Social movements are being carried along by commercials, podcasts, and news sources,” senior Chloe Lemley said. “When people share their story on social media, it can mix and mingle their ideas and then push that into the eye of the people so that the movements themselves have a greater scope into real issues because media helps us reach people so much faster.”

Social media has become a tool for many to share their opinions and ideas,

some being political statements.

“The media is being taken over by politics because it is the biggest influence on people,” sophomore Andrew Dimitrijevic said. “Politicians use social media to influence the younger generation to help them make bigger decisions whenever they grow up. It is similar for the older generation as well.”

Instagram and Twitter are political headquarters at the moment, where information flows from user to user.

“Politics trickles into mainstream social media culture effortlessly,” Lemley said. “Social media being the main spreader of new information makes it a hot spot for the making of a lot of political statements.”

These medias can create spaces where people are comfortable sharing their opinion on controversial topics. Many individuals build their political identities based on the information they come across on social media.

“Social media has created a large influence on people’s political ideologies,” sophomore Yarie Dumbuya said. “They’re exposed to new ideas and social media can be quite convincing, which can make it easy to convert someone to a specific belief. In general, social media allows for easier access to new viewpoints and I think that has a big influence on our politics today and the stances people have on politics.”

TikTok is a popular social media platform where users have access to view short videos on a variety of topics. Many have begun sharing their political ideas or use their platform to spread awareness on issues or information.

“Movements are gaining more and more popularity because of social media,” Dumbuya said. “The Internet allows for more exposure and people begin to see their rights from their wrongs and gain new perspectives on the world.”

As a result, opinions are becoming

more influenced by what is seen on social media, oftentimes resulting in a change of opinions or the feeling of being pressured into expressing them.

“Sometimes I feel like I need to change my opinion because everyone else has a differing opinion,” Dumbuya said. “It’s like I’m the odd one out. That’s probably the negative side of it but it also has affected me positively because I have gained a lot of knowledge about different groups of people. Sharing your opinion can come with lots of backlash, I’ve learned maybe things that I’ve done in my past weren’t right and I’ve grown as a person because of that.”

Pressure to share opinions builds up even more on social media.

“There is always pressure,” Rogness said. “But it’s always important to be educated before you repost. There is no use in sharing your opinion if it isn’t what you actually believe in.”

Social media affects body image, mental health Kaitlyn Nash | Managing Editor The Met Gala occurred on May 2, with multiple people making fashion statements on the red carpet. Post after post was made about celebrity outfits, with one of the most liked post being Kim Kardashian’s dress that used to be Marilyn Monroe’s receiving around six million likes on Instagram.

However, this has proven to be controversial after Kardashian said she had to lose 16 pounds to fit into the infamous dress. This brings up the conversation of social media and its impact on how people perceive body image, mental health, and other topic areas.

“I think for me, it’s very easy to compare yourself to other people and then start to get into bad habits that are not very beneficial for your mental health or your own body,” junior Victoria Ybarra said. “It can be really dangerous, but it’s so easy to get into it because you

see the .5% of the population that has this certain body type, and yet you don’t.”

These ideas about comparisons may lead to activities that aren’t healthy for somebodies body or lifestyle.

“I’ve got into some unhealthy habits through social media, but I think while it has done that, I’ve been slowly inching my way out of it,” Ybarra said.

For some like junior Hannah Jayes, these ideas have changed with age and a better perception of how social media can mask imperfections.

“I know it used to impact my body image a lot more heavily when I was younger but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of how frequent things like Photoshop are used or how posed people can be,” Jayes said. “They’re posting that so that you see them in this way, that doesn’t mean they’re actually that way so you can’t expect yourself to always look how someone looks posed. I think it negatively affected me before but now, I

don’t think it affects me as much. I think I’m really comfortable on it now because I figured out a balance between what I find healthy and what not to.”

There are some spaces on different social media platforms where one can only post things for people they want to see, like private stories on Instagram and Snapchat, creating a safe space for people who want it.

“I know in person I’m the type of person to pay attention to detail of how I look and how I go out in public and I would say that’s the same way I am for my main Instagram, but things like my private Snapchat stories or private Instagram or even my sports Instagram, those are really true to myself and I just post whatever I feel strongly about,” Jayes said. “I feel like I can be myself on those platforms.”

Though some believe that social media may be all evil, some like freshman Simon Alverez believe that there can be

some benefits to them.

“It has made me change my dress style and has made me feel more selfconscious [but] I think one benefit of it is I’ve become more progressive,” Alvarez said. “Like, I’ve become more considerate of others’ feelings and what certain words mean. But it also has made me feel like a little more outcasted in certain aspects, and I feel like certain things I do is wrong, even though it shouldn’t be deemed as wrong.”

Jayes believes that with some learning, social media can become a safe space for everyone involved.

“I think it’s safe when you learn how to be safe with it,” Jayes said. “I think it’s really important that people really understand that social media is really performative. When someone actually realizes that, then I think it can be safe, but when you don’t realize everything that’s implicated with it, I think it can be dangerous.”

Feature May 13 , 2022

9

Reporter reflects on experience with desensitization Nadia Johst | Reporter With the recent updates and app developments, social media is quickly becoming a large influence on people, especially those in their teenage years.

When creating these social platforms, the intention was not to expose children early on to harsh and adult topics, but this is what we’re seeing more and more of.

Personally, I believe there’s a difference between educating and desensitizing. Educating is a necessary process of learning more about a serious topic. Desensitizing is the harmful, unnecessary, and repeated exposure to graphic media that doesn’t serve an educational purpose.

For instance, awareness posts regarding current events are educational and needed. On the other hand, random snippets of violent acts that are used for entertainment can have a heavy

influence on the developing brain of a teenager. While social media also has many beneficial effects, this specific aspect can cause dangerous (and sometimes even violent) thoughts in an individual’s mind.

I first downloaded Instagram in the sixth grade and it led me into the spiraling hole that social media can sometimes consist of. I was immediately grateful for the app, obsessed with the communication features it provided.

I loved the story feature and the photo sharing process. However, as the time went on, I began to gain a better understanding of the different sides of social media.

The first graphic account I came across was a page dedicated to posting videos of various animals being mistreated. At first, I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they were spreading awareness about animal cruelty.

However, after searching through some of the captions and posts, I quickly realized that the page was actively making fun of and getting enjoyment from the torturous acts against these animals.

I was slightly bothered, but it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a different page which was filled with graphic gore videos featuring humans that I really began to worry for the younger kids on these apps.

The main problem is that these experiences are actually happening to people, but it’s also a massive red flag that consumers are actively enjoying and finding these pieces of media entertaining.

Occasionally, a video poking fun at violence will be recommended on my feed. I’ve noticed my reaction has progressed into disappointment, but I no longer dwell on the videos I’m exposed

Terms and Conditions

to. At first glance, this seems fairly beneficial. However, what it actually means is that the brain of an individual is exposed to such harsh videos to the point where it no longer has any reaction to the violence. This also has potential to decrease one’s level of empathy.

Social media has plenty of helpful services and benefits, but desensitization is one of the obvious downsides of different online platforms. Luckily, there are many rules and terms in place that are relatively effective at taking down graphic videos. Overall, It’s important to be aware of what media you are consuming and the effects it has on the human brain. Let’s hope the developers continue to try their best to keep these apps as safe as possible for teenagers and the younger generations to come.

Statistics provided by: California State University Fullerton 2010 and Pew Research Center 2018

Studies show impact of social media on teens vary

adolescents cite social media 37%of 45% of teens said that for declining mental health

40% of teenage girls had negative body image

23% of teenage males had negative body image

social media had neither a positive or negative effect on mental health 24% of teens said that social media had a negative effect on mental health

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Feature Volume 15, Issue 7

A Whole New World

Freshman makes overseas trip with non-profit organization

Angelyna Rosales | Co-Editor Nine days. Hundreds of tents.

Thousands of backpacks and suitcases. A million faces. One freshman.

Freshman Sophie Griffin spent nine days in Ukraine in April to help a non-profit organization called Unbound that supports human trafficking victims around the world.

“My mom works for Unbound and they do human trafficking prevention and intervention,” Griffin said. “They were sending a team down to help because women and children crossing without any men are at very high risk for human trafficking.”

While Griffin had previously never made an overseas trip to mitigate the effects of human trafficking, the issue hit close to home due to her personal connection with Russia and Ukraine.

“My mom lived in Russia when she was in middle school,” Griffin said. “So I have a really strong connection and I've met a lot of citizens in Russia, and it is absolutely not their fault. I think I felt a lot of empathy for them. When people say ‘Russian people suck,’ it's not really the people's fault it's more of the government.”

Most citizens didn't know what to expect when crossing the border according to Griffin.

“If we were at the border, we would just be talking to people helping them get to the line because they have no idea what's

on the other side,” Griffin said. tons of free food, free water, free you go you see people from “So explaining when you get cell phones, carrying people's around the world like Italy, Spain, over there, there's going to be bags, free transportation. It was Greece, and America, Mexico, tons of tents. You don't have to just a really eye-opening thing to getting to see all those different worry about food. We're going to see just the local people surround ethnicities and languages all get you a place to stay. You can it and so being able to help in any there for the same thing was get a phone so you can really beautiful and contact your husband just gives you faith or your brother, or that yes, humans can whoever. They don't suck sometimes. But know what they're at the end of the day, expecting and they we're going to help are kind of not in the each other and we can right headspace either do good things if we because of trauma.” choose to.”

While her While the trip responsibilities varied brought along some day-to-day, the little optimism, it was also things mattered the paired with heartache. most to Ukrainian “I think the last citizens. the last time we “Carrying bags was were at the border a huge thing,” Griffin was a couple of days said. “They're carrying after the bombing everything they own in Odessa happened in as many bags as and so people were they can carry and coming from that Freshman Sophie Griffin traveled to Ukraine to help obviously they're and just seeing them citizens crossing the border. exhausted so just is heartbreaking,” "From the moment [the war] happened, I told my mom simply carrying their Griffin said. “In I'm going and I was actually going to fly by myself and bag from point A to a way, you can't go with one of my friend's moms who works for another point B was such a describe it because NGO," Griffin said. Photo provided by | Sophie Griffin relief for them.” you're there helping In addition to the large amount way I could was really impactful but you feel like you're not doing of people she saw, Griffin also for me.” enough. No one could do enough saw a large amount of other Not only was there immense for them because none of us can organizations working together support from surrounding areas give them their home back or to help those fleeing Ukraine. and organizations but there their husband back or whatever “I met so many people and I was also many people and they lost.” heard a lot of stories and also organizations that flew in from Griffin said both sides of just seeing the amount of local around the world to pitch in. her experience have inspired organizations that were there as “Obviously, it's an awful her to take initiative in future well helping in any way that they situation, but there's a lot of career endeavors, and share her can,” Griffin said. “There were beauty in it,” Griffin said. “When knowledge with those around

What is human trafficking?

her.

“I think I want to work in politics when I'm older,” Griffin said. “I think that I would really like to take what I learned and what I saw and bring it to a national stage. And also to youth because I think a lot of times we think we can't do anything and maybe most kids can't go over there and help but at home, we can raise money, we can spread awareness, we can sign petitions, protests. It's so vitally important to even just show the people that we care and to help empower them and [show them] the world is standing with you. You're not alone.”

Griffin also plans to extend this initiative in a school setting next semester.

“I also really want to work on educating people at Hendrickson about trafficking, because it's a lot more common than you might think,” Griffin said. “I'm hoping that next semester, I can start an awareness club where we can go talk to classes or put posters up in the bathrooms because especially with social media, it is so incredibly easy to get yourself in a situation that you don't want to be in without realizing it. That shouldn't happen to anyone but unfortunately, there are cruel people out there who will put you in those situations and I think it's important to educate everyone, female, male, whatever, to look out for those signs and know how to prevent it for yourself and for your friends."

Signs that someone may be experiencing trafficking

There are two types of human trafficking. Labor trafficking, which refers to individuals who are compelled to work through their abusers use of force or coercion and sex trafficking, which refers to individuals who engage in commercial sex through their abusers use of force or coercion. When anyone under 18 and is influenced to perform Physical health signs: Frequent STIs, suicide attempts, physical and sexual abuse, a commercial sex act, it is automatically a crime, regardless if any force or coercion is weight loss or malnourishment, multiple pregnancies and/or abortions. present.

Behavioral health signs: PTSD, heightened stress response, depression, confusing or contradiction stories, inability to focus or concentrate, suicidal ideation, minimizes or down plays abuse.

Any person can be targeted for human trafficking, however undocumented immigrants, Social and environmental signs: Repeat runaway, frequently absent from school or LGBTQ individuals, those who have experienced childhood abuse or neglect, people work, sudden increase in substance abuse, does not speak for oneself or share personal experiencing homelessness, youth involved in foster care and youth in juvenile information. detention are especially vulnerable.

Information obtained from https://www.acf.hhs.gov

Who is at risk?

Creative Career Paths

Feature May 13, 2022

11

Graduating seniors pursue unusual, artistic majors Kate Hayes | Reporter As the school year draws to a close, the members of the graduating class look to the future towards a sea of endless new possibilities for higher education. Within these institutions, students with artistic ambitions are granted opportunities to channel their creative skills into typically unconventional career paths.

“I want to pursue photography as a major and a career path to work for a modeling agency,” senior Daniel Mendoza said. “I want to get more creative, editorial, and hands-on with inquiries, and be able to express my creative ideas in a way that’s financially beneficial and something that I love.”

Mendoza, who will be majoring in photography at St. Edward’s University in Austin, has five years of experience in photography and currently works as a Photo Editor for The Hawk, the school newspaper.

“Newspaper has really helped me to express my artwork,” Mendoza said.

“With that being said, that outlet has led me to create my own business and start my website while taking pictures for fun.”

While believing it comes naturally to him, Mendoza emphasizes that photography is not always easy.

“Some aspects are hard, but at the same time it is really fun,” Mendoza said.

“I definitely think that in photography

Photo provided by | Daniel Mendoza

courses it can be really hard for someone who’s not artistic or has any experience with film or cameras, especially with the technical side of photography. I don’t think people really understand how much you have to do in order to take a photo.”

Mendoza has been met with reservations upon announcement of his career plans.

“I feel like photography is a very common hobby to be interested in,” Mendoza said. “Although, I do have to say pursuing it as a career is looked down upon, especially in my family. I’ve definitely had some people express their worries about me planning to pursue it as a career.”

In part, due to these reservations and subsequent advice, Mendoza will also be majoring in Business Management.

“I’ve been told, just to be safe, if photography doesn’t go well, just to have a backup business major or minor,” Mendoza said. “But, I also have gained lots of support, especially ever since coming to Hendrickson. I’ve gained a lot of understanding of the different aspects of [photography] and actually stepped into photography as more of a profession than a hobby.”

Another graduating senior’s college career will be focused on a different artistry, singing-songwriting.

“I’ve always loved singing and music,” senior Keearah Kyles-Flewellen said.

“Songwriting came naturally to me. I ended up choosing commercial music after I wrote my first song in April of 2021.”

Kyles-Flewellen will be majoring in commercial music at Tennessee State University in Nashville on a full ride, drawing from her four years of experience in the musical theatre program.

“Commercial music focuses on aural, songwriting, and performance skills,” Kyles-Flewellen said. “My voice will be my first instrument while piano is the second, and I will collaborate in ensembles to better myself as a singersongwriter.”

Nashville, boasting nicknames such as “Music City” and the “Songwriting Capital of the World,” presents an environment beneficial to KylesFlewellen’s aspirations.

“I’ve never performed my original songs for anyone except social media," Kyles-Flewellen said. "I have horrible stage fright, but I’m confident that moving to Nashville will give me many opportunities to start performing live.”

Due to its status as a competitive field, Kyles-Flewellen notes various obstructions she faces breaking into the music industry.

“I haven’t received any guidance with commercial music," Kyles-Flewellen said. "It’s a very gate kept community,

Kennedy Grant | Photographer

so I learn everything on my own or from other singer-songwriters on YouTube.”

The music community is also associated with certain risks, namely that performers are not always guaranteed a sustainable income from their career.

“My parents always told me to have a safety net career if I won’t make a comfortable income from performing, which will be STEM,” Kyles-Flewellen said. “Though, my parents are still supportive.”

Despite the barriers and risks to success in the industry, Kyles-Flewellen believes in the music community's potential for inclusivity.

“I think the music industry has a place for everyone, however, I believe it to be taboo because not everyone is successful.”

While remaining hopeful, KylesFlewellen recognizes the difficulties associated with performing.

“If I’m fortunate enough to know fame, I know it’s not all glitz and glamor,” Kyles-Flewellen said. “Performing will be my job and it’s very tiring, mentally and physically. A lot of the success of my career is decided on how pretty I am, my stage presence, and personality. Living in the public eye is nerve wracking. Still, I’d prefer it over sitting at a desk.”

12

Feature Volume 15, Issue 7

Relax With A Good Book

English Department recommends their summer reads Kari Riemer, Journalism Joyland By Stephen King The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager Truly Devious by Mauren Johnson When You Get the Chance

by Emma Lord Black-Eyed Susans By Julia Heaberlin Sarah Smith, Advanced English II Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zuaner The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith Circe by Madeline Miller All Adults Here by Emma Straub Aly Mithani, Speech and Debate Show Time by Jeff Pearlman Hip Hop and Other Things

by Shea Serrano Giannis by Mirin Fader Blood in the Garden by Chris Herring Talking To Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell Sadaf Bari, Reading Specialist A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Untamed by Glennon Doyle The Secrets Between Us

by Thrity Umrigar I Will Always Write Back

by Martin Ganda, Caitlin Alifirenka, Liz Welch Henna Artist by Alka Joshi Jessica Williams, OnRamps and English II The Color of Water by James McBride Born a Crime by Trevor Noah The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Colossus of New York by Colson Whitehead Daughter of War by Brad Taylor Jordan Smith, English I and III The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz Liana Gonzales, English I I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel When I Was The Greatest

by Jason Reynolds One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi Elizabeth Westbrook, AP Language and Composition How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox Dear Martin by Nic Stone The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Wuthering Heights by Bronte Black Boy by Richard Wright Gloria Fierro, English IV The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Find Her by Lisa Gardner Never Tell by Lisa Gardner Look for Me by Lisa Gardner John Busch, English III and AP Literature Dune by Frank Herbert Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick Emily Hall, English III One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus (YA) The List by Siobhan Vivian (YA) The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda What if it’s Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli (YA) Emily Overton, Advanced English II and AP Language and Composition Little Fires Everywhere

by Celeste Ng Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall Circe by Madeline Miller Kat Gurganus, English II Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Misery by Stephen King The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien The Shining by Stephen King Doctor Sleep by Stephen King Kirsten

Nash,

AP

Seminar, Professional Communications The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz Once We Were Warriors

by Alan Duff Kava in the Blood by Peter Thomson The Bookkeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes Nathan Crawford, English IV The Courage to be by Paul Tillich The Collected Poem of Robert Creeley A Place in Space by Gary Snyder High Fidelity by Nick Hornby Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel Mackenzie Guthrie, AP Literature and Composition Well Met by Jen DeLuca Guernsey Literary Potato Pie Society

by Annie Borrows and Mary A n n Shaffer H a r r y Potter and the S o r c e r e r ’s Stone by J.K Rowling Persuasion by Jane Austen Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave Daniel Mendoza | Photographer

Keeping it Real Behind the Wheel

Feature May 13, 2022

13

Popular driving school options reviewed by staff Hutto Driving School

Austin Driving School

Lilianna Moran | Asst. Editor Austin Driving School, located on 100 12th Street in Pflugerville, is one of the many options for students to earn their permit, license, or get instructor-taught driving hours. The school offers yearround in-person classes and during the school year they offer buses to drop students off at the driving school. For students, the instruction classes last roughly two hours, five to six days a week, for three to four weeks. During these classes, students will learn and study road safety regulations and rules and are tested for their permits. Once a student has their permit, they can begin applying for instructor-taught driving practice, which consists of seven twohour driving appointments with one other student in the vehicle. The student spends one-hour driving and an hour observing their peer drive.

While Austin Driving School poses a

convenient opportunity for students to start the journey towards their license, the Pflugerville location has consistently been met with controversial opinions.

With a Yelp rating of 1.5 stars, the school has been bombarded with reviews calling out their allegedly poor customer service and lack of professionality.

This was a consistent theme when I had attended the school myself from June to December of last year. The majority of the reviews also warn against the school’s unorganized environment and difficulty in scheduling drive times, however these scheduling issues could also be a result of their high attendance rates. Despite its convenient location and its wide variety of options, the school’s contentious reputation is to be considered when picking a driving school.

Sarah Schulze | Reporter Students have described the Ace-able Drivers Ed Course as simple, entertaining, and much more preferable than classroom options. Ace-able has quickly risen to the top of the mobile driver's education app charts. Ace-able has received over 1,000 reviews as well. Students have rated the programs a collective evaluation of 4.7/5 stars.

When I was in the process of getting my license, I knew that Ace-able would be a great place to start, all of my friends

went through the program, and they said it was relatively easy to complete. The program has had over 650,000 users and counting, and it only continues to expand in popularity nationwide. Ace-able is a place I would recommend to students who are looking for a place to go to when trying to acquire their license. It's fast, efficient, and lives up to its reputation of being helpful in teaching the ways of the road.

Kaitlyn Nash | Managing Editor For a great, guided experience by professional teachers who have experience in law enforcement, go to Hutto Driving School off of West Front Street in Hutto Texas.

There are many benefits to this driving school offered for both teens and adults.

For teens, there are multiple options such as the Defensive Driving Online Course for $25 in which students receive a short, fast online course, the ParentTaught Online Driver Ed Course for $75 where students spend 32 hours online with a parent or guardian learning about driving safety, the Teen Driver Ed Complete Package for $425 that includes a 32-Drivers Ed course, seven hours behind the wheel, and seven hours of observation, and other courses that help kids learn road safety.

For adults, some of the same courses are

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14

Sports Volume 15, Issue 7

Never A “Dle” Moment Multiple staffers review numerous Wordle variations

WORD LE

Kaitlyn Nash | Managing Editor The New York Times game Wordle has taken the Internet by storm. Even though it was only released in October of 2021, 300,000 people already play it daily for their daily dose of vowels and consonants.

The game has players guess a five-letter word of the day with only five chances to get it right. Letters may be used twice, however, if a letter is not in the word of the day and a person guesses it, the letter on the keyboard turns grey. If a letter is in the word but in the wrong spot, the letter turns yellow. If it has the correct placement, it turns green.

Though seemingly simple, the game requires some thought if one wants to keep up their Wordle streak. Many people who play the game come up with a “starting word” like ‘adieu’ or ‘react’ to get most of the vowels out of the way and increase their chances of getting the word correct sooner.

The conversations and laughs that come out of Wordle create a fun environment around the game for everyone involved, which promotes a tight-knit community and educational dialect. Such a game is an important and enjoyable source of entertainment.

HEARDLE Ethan Tittle | Asst. Editor Heardle is a musical guessing game similar to the popular game Wordle, where you have to guess a randomly selected song from the most streamed songs of the past 10 years each day by only being able to listen to a small sliver of it in six tries.

For every try you get wrong, you get more time to listen to it the next time. I really like this game because I love listening to all kinds of music and it's fun to test my knowledge on the songs of my childhood from the past.

erdle

Kaitlyn Nash | Managing Editor Guessing the dictionary isn’t always for everyone. As a numerical spinoff of Wordle, Nerdle is a great game for mathematicians or people who just want a challenge.

Nerdle consists of four different variations of an algorithmic game. First, the regular, daily changing Nerdle is where the player has to guess an equation that consists of either/or multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division as well as using number combinations to figure out the correct placement of the numbers with only eight spaces and six tries. Once you get the answer correct, though, there are three more games to choose from on

the website.

The first is Instant Nerdle, where you are timed to unscramble an equation in the correct order. The second is Speed Nerdle, where the first row has already been filled out for the player and they have to race the clock to figure out the placement of the numbers. However, a twist is that if the player gets a certain space wrong on the 4th, 5th, or 6th tries, they receive a time penalty. The third game is Nerdle Mini, where there are only six spaces for the player to guess the equation.

All in all, Nerdle is a great game if people want to challenge their ability to think fast and get better at their mathematical skills.

T AY L O R D L E Sarah Schulze | Reporter Taylordle is a fantastic game for Taylor Swift fans (Swifties) and Wordle enthusiasts, as it combines their two passions into one. The goal of the game is to guess the Taylor Swift-related word of the day, like “SNAKE,” and it works similarly to Wordle in that you have six guesses to solve the puzzle. Taylordle has gained popularity, and there are many

contributing factors that are driving the game’s rapid ascension. I just started playing Taylordle, and already I am able to tell that it lives up to its reputation of being a game to look forward to playing every day. Playing with friends, trying to figure out the daily term, and seeing how quickly others have guessed the Swiftthemed word has been a huge factor in us playing it all of the time.

Lilianna Moran | Asst. Editor Worldle, a variation of the popular New York Times Wordle game, gives geography an interesting twist. Every day, a new country is featured in the game and its players are given six attempts to guess the country with its shape being the only hint. With each guess, the game gives the players two clues; the proximity and direction the guessed country is away from the displayed one.

This game creates an enjoyable experience for both geography enthusiasts

and average people alike. The game itself plays on people’s natural competitive nature while simultaneously teaching geography. Its use of proximity and direction requires its players to use their navigational skills, refining them with each attempt. Furthermore, the games’ presentation of new countries daily, promotes consistency among its players with the desire to bettering or keeping up their scores. Overall, Worldle is a great game to test your geographic expertise or just burn some time.

Q UORDLE WORLDLE

Nadia Johst | Reporter Wordle is a commonly played and enjoyed game developed to entertain and amuse. However, the variation of the game recently created, named Quordle, does the exact opposite. Quordle strives to confuse and frustrate players, consisting of an (almost) impossible challenge to solve four different words with nine tries. This game borders on humiliating, no longer a challenge as it is an unsolvable puzzle.

Wordle is definitely an enjoyable concept, but when the challenge is developed into something more frustrating, it falls on a dangerous line between endearing and enraging. In theory, the developers had the right idea. However, in practice the concept doesn’t really work. Overall, it’s a tough game that isn’t meant to be solved. If you like frustration, Quordle may be designed for you.

Passing the Baton

15

Sports May 13, 2022

Seniors look back on past seasons, How discuss athletic career do you keep your teammates feeling positive and

Q & A

Nosa Osakue | Reporter

What is one important lesson you’ve learned from your time as an athlete?

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to focus on my individual development and don’t compare myself to other people, because when you do that you put a lot more unneeded stress on yourself. So just focus on your own individual development.” - Antonio Sanchez, 12.

“Everything does not come for free, everything comes with a price no matter how big or small it may be.” - Breean Arrant, 12.

motivated during a loss?

“It’s probably my willingness to do anything to be better. My competitiveness and consistency is what I believe has gotten me as far as I have been.” - Antonio Sanchez, 12.

“I give them words of encouragement because they look up to me as a leader of sorts I suppose.” - Breean Arrant, 12.

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

“My favorite 1500 meter runner, his name is Josh Kerr. I look up to him because I’ve been watching him since college and in my eyes what I strive to be. He exudes this confidence that when he goes into a race that he is never worried about the outcome and knows what to do and does it.” - Antonio Sanchez, 12.

“I would say my summer track coach because he really got me to where I am today.” - Breean Arrant, 12.

Describe your worst sports performance. What did you learn from this experience?

Roxanne Heras | Photographer Senior varsity track long distance runner Antonio Sanchez after running in the 1600m race during the meet on Feb. 10.

“It was actually a race outside of school right after the school season ended. I ran pretty well that year but during that specific race a bunch of people were faster than me. They got out really fast and I ended up dying and barely going under five for the mile.” - Antonio Sanchez, 12.

“Two weeks ago at Area because it was just not a good track meet at all, but I still qualified.” - Breean Arrant, 12.

Girls track team members advance to regional meet Sarah Schulze | Reporter This year has been a memorable one for the girls on the track team, with many personal best times, in District, Area, and Region, the girls are already setting new levels of expectations for others to follow in their footsteps.

Districts was a major advancement for the track team, with junior Jasmine Haywood becoming a District Champion in the varsity girl’s 400-meter run, with a time of 59.44, and District Champion Susan Ogunleye, placing first in the varsity girls 100-meter run with a time of 12.01. After becoming an All-District Champion, the next step is to move up to Area. Although nerves may get to some, others use it as motivation to excel.

“I don’t really get nervous before my events, but I usually tell myself to “focus on your own race,” Ogunleye said.

The varsity girl’s 4x100 relay advanced as well and exceeded expectations. They placed first with a personal record of 49.28, allowing them to advance to Regionals that took place on May 29. Varsity athlete Cassie Rivera placed third in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:29, and Emma Elizando placed fourth with a personal record of 2:32, both qualifying for the Regionals meet.

Although this track season is slowly coming to an end, many are not ready to see it go.

“I am definitely going to miss this year, but I’m so excited to run next year as a senior and finish my track career,” junior Angelina Alvarado said. “I’m excited to see what the new season will look, like and how my times will compare to this year.”

During Area, Ogyunleye placed first in the 100-meter run, long jump, and triple jump. Earning three gold medals she was awarded the Area Champion Title. With upwards of 10 different high schools coming to compete, there’s an opportunity to make good friends and great memories.

“I love meeting new people and seeing fast times,” Ogyunleye said.

This triumphal season has inspired many to join the track next year.

“I have heard so much about track this year,” sophomore Natalia Flores said. “It seems like such a great activity to join, and there are numerous advantages to having a strong track program. It can help students grow faster and become more explosive physically, which is beneficial to all sports, and the bond that you share with your teammates is something that you never forget.”

Varsity 4x200 team junior Hannah Jayes, junior Angelov Sanders, junior Aliyah Carter, and freshman Nia Juarez.

Photo provided by | Sean Matthews

16

Feature Volume 15, Issue 7

Silver Linings

Drill team officers say goodbye with final spring show Olivia Schmidt | Photographer

Senior line officers, Alexa Watson, Ja’Niya Welch, Bailey Hebert and senior captain Alyssa Rodriguez, lead their team as they perform in their spring show, On the Road Again.

“Our theme was On the Road Again and kind of just how like we incorporated is for opener we had an actual van that we brought onto the stage,” Welch said. “Each dance was a new location for wherever we were going on a road trip and we came back home to Texas for our finale.

Hebert performs in one of her last dances as a Silver Dancer after being on the team for the past three years.

“I’m a little sad to be leaving because I’ve made so many memories throughout the last three years of being on the team but also a bit of a relief because it is so much work everyday so it’s nice to have a little bit of relaxing time,” Hebert said.

Watson performs her senior solo.

“I personally was super depressed and upset [to be leaving] because I have been dancing for so long and it was just a shock that it was my last time,” Watson said. “I really enjoyed getting to experience being on this team the last three years. It has really impacted me.”

The spotlight shines on Rodriguez, as it has for the past year as drill team captain.

“My experience the past four years has been so amazing,” Rodriguez said. “I always wanted to be captain the drill team because my mom was captain when she was in high school. I’m so happy that I did because I got to watch the team grow and I got to use my leadership skills to better myself and the team.