transequality
District addresses National, State policies Page 10 & 11
In this issue... Overcrowding... 3 Wozniak memorial... 13 For the love of culture... 20
the
HAWK
Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline Volume 10, Issue 2 October 7, 2016 thehawkonline.net
2 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ News
State of the union
Current domestic, foreign issue impact United States Megan Fletcher // Reporter
North Korea Nuclear Test North Korea launched their fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9. The nuclear test resulted in the biggest impact yet, measuring 10 kilotons, which is equivalent to 10,000 tons of dynamite. North Korea claims that despite sanctions placed on them, they can successfully mount a nuclear warhead on a rocket. World leaders vastly disapprove of the tests, believing that the testing is a violation
McKenna Lucas // Reporter
of the UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea. The United States, South Korea, and Japan are working together to figure out what actions they need to take.
Medical Breakthroughs Numerous advancements in treatment for several devastating illnesses, most notably Alzheimer’s and two different forms of cancer, instills hope in doctors and patients alike. Researchers from Zurich University, located in Switzerland, experiment with a drug based on immune cells taken from elderly people not affected by Alzheimer’s which reportedly reduces the buildup of telltale “amyloid plaques,” slowing cognitive
decline and potentially preventing the disease altogether. Meanwhile in the United States, a newly developed drug called Venetoclax, approved by the FDA for use on patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a rare but very severe form of blood cancer. The drug proves to not only be far more effective than chemotherapy, but also completely free of damaging side effects.
Carson Ganong // Reporter
Brazilian President Impeachment The Brazilian Senate impeached former President Dilma Rousseff on Aug. 31. Rousseff faced impeachment for about a year, and the senate finalized the vote, 61-20. Brazil’s Congress oversees their government’s budgets to check for growth and decline; Rousseff was accused of distorting the budget’s look with the involvement of loans from public banks.
Rousseff believes her impeachment is a coup, and that she was merely using a “creative accounting technique.” Former Vice President Michael Temer will serve the rest of Rousseff’s term.
EpiPen Prices Rise Sharply An increase in the price of the EpiPen, a life-saving injection device for those with severe allergies, sparked nationwide concern for allergy sufferers. In 2007, a pack of two EpiPens could be bought for under $100, but a number of price spikes have occurred since then, the latest of which brought the price up to just over $600. Despite these drastic changes in price,
the product itself has changed very little in the past nine years. Mylan, the company responsible for the production of EpiPens, released a statement claiming that suppliers have forced them to raise the price by hundreds of dollars, but numerous industry experts estimate that it still costs no more than $30 to produce an EpiPen.
Louisiana Floods Italy Earthquake A 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook central Italy on Aug. 25 and killed at least 241 people. The earthquake leveled hundreds of towns and as a result, over 2,100 people were forced to live in camps until more
permanent housing is built. The city of Rome, over 100 miles south of the epicenter of the disaster, felt strong aftershocks from the quake. Some say outdated building protection against tremors is to blame for the extensive damage which destroyed many historical buildings, some over a century old.
In August, extreme flooding in Louisiana caused thirteen deaths and more than 80 billion dollars of damage. According to Red Cross Vice President Brad Kieserman, the floods were the worst natural disaster in the US since Hurricane Sandy. While the flood itself subsided, hundreds of
thousands of people are still homeless. Many of the displaced received aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Over thirty inches of rain poured on the state in less than a day, most likely due to climate change, according to the World Weather Attribution.
News // October 7, 2016 // 3
By the Numbers
New population statistics due to overcrowding Since the school was built in 2003, the population of Pflugerville has nearly doubled, growing from 30,000 to just over 57,000. The school originally wasn’t built with this magnitude of growth in mind, so the building, meant to hold about 2,400 people, now holds 3,564. Overcrowding has, especially in recent years, impacted daily lives of students and staff alike. Many teach-
ers, and in turn their students, have been relocated to portables. With the changes made, movement during passing period is easier and classes are a comfortable size. With the unexpected expansion of people over time, adjustments have been made by the administration to deal with the growth. See page 8 for features on overcrowding.
Bathrooms Boys Stalls: 27 Urinals: 25
Girls Stalls: 49
Population comparison Hendrickson Students = 3295 Faculty = 269 Total = 3564
vs.
Pflugerville Students = 2079 Faculty = 141 Total = 2220
297 people per one custodian
A day A - 775 B - 696 C - 759 D - 997
B day A- 826 B- 636 C- 692 D- 1031
vs.
Conally Students = 1925 Faculty = 137 Total = 2062
4 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ News
Finding your Niche
Organizations offer openings in membership Serena Tran // Reporter Lindsey Robinson // Asst. Editor
The chance to join a club on campus has not come to a close. Below is a continuation of the ‘Finding your Niche’ article from the first issue of The Hawk, including additional organizations students are encouraged to take part in.
Rotary Club Hosted in the College and Career Center (CCC), Rotary Club offers the chance to become more involved around campus and the community via volunteering. Members meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month to discuss numerous openings for community service hours. Check posted opportunities on the bulletin board in the CCC. Rotary Club requires no fee or application to join, and welcomes new members to each meeting. Who to contact: Kara Tappendorf Where to go: CCC Next meeting: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 during Talon
ASL Club For individuals interested in learning a new language, the American Sign Language Club offers a great outlet. Meeting every Monday after school, members learn new words, review, and play silent games. Joining requires no fee or application and is open to new members yearround. New members need not have prior knowledge of sign language, everyone is welcome to attend meetings. Who to contact: Sarah Ruiz Where to go: E209 Next meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at 4:25 pm
UNICEF CLUB
TAFE Club Art Club Texas Association of Future Educators, TAFE, focuses on preparing students to become future educators and community leaders. Members strengthen various skills by engaging in games, competitions, and community service. TAFE has a $25 fee that covers registration and shirts, for more information students can visit www.tafeonline.org. Who to contact: Nicole Siler Where to go: B111 Next Meeting: Oct. 11, 2016 at 8:15 am
Girl Advocates Branching off an organization of the University of Texas, Girl Advocates focuses on empowering women and emphasizing equality. The club allows members to impact the community and the world by volunteering and raising money for girls in need. To join, there is a membership fee of $20 due by Oct. 11, or the extended deadline of Oct. 17, which may include a late fee. Members meet every second and fourth Mondays. Individuals of all genders are welcome to join. Who to contact: Daniella Scott Where to go: C102 Next meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at 4:25 pm
Inspiring creativity on campus, Art Club yearns to provide the opportunity for self-expression and creativity on campus. The club meets every Tuesday and welcomes new members at each gathering. No membership application required, nor is there a fee involved. Members do not need to be in an art class to join. Stop by for one of the weekly meetings to learn more. Who to contact: Michael Ivy, Monica Lawrence, and Jacqueline Cardenas Where to go: Art-3 Next meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at 4:20 pm
The UNICEF club is a chapter of the global non-profit organization: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The organization brings awareness and fund raising to issues that mostly involve children or inequalities around the world. Upcoming focuses for the club include World Teacher’s Day and a trick or treat event for children. Members meet Mondays after school in the PAC lecture hall and there is no application or fee to join. Who to contact: Amanda Gass Where to go: E109 Next Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at 8:15 am
AP Ambassadors Hawk Paint Ball Hawk Paint ball is a club where individuals gather and discuss strategy, competition, and review other matches. The organization offers a place to learn more about paint ball and its basic guidelines. Members meet on campus or at Outlaw Paint ball to practice drills and prepare for competitions. Meetings occur twice a month on Thursdays after school. There’s no fee required, however members must pay for entry at Outlaw. Who to contact: Michelle McCoy Where to go: B115 Next Meeting: Oct. 13, 2016 at 4:20 pm
In an effort to encourage more students to partake in Advance Placement courses, the AP Ambassadors actively advertise various courses offered and promote the benefits of enrolling in college level classes. Membership requires no application nor fee, and prospective members are welcome to attend future meetings for more information. Who to contact: Alfred Kapa and Tom Lucas Where to go: B211 or Portable 28 Next Meeting: Oct. 27, 2016 during Talon
accolades &
AWARDS
Special Olympic team earns medals Competing in United Golf on Sept. 10, the Special Olympics team brought home numerous awards. Junior Auggie Zippe and his father won fourth place. Junior Hiro Jones and his father earned the gold medal. Sophomore Daulton Swenson and partner placed fourth.
Junior William Mullican and partner earned a bronze medal. Junior Damian Sommers and his father placed fourth place. Junior Dylan Teague and his father earned the silver medal. Ronnie Brown and junior Mariana Perez-Alvarez participated in golf skills where Brown earned a silver medal and Perez-Alvarez won gold.
News // October 7, 2016 // 5
Cross Country team fares well in meet The Cross country team competed in the annual Pflugerville ISD Cross Country Invitational on Sept. 9. The varsity girls won first overall with senior Gwyneth Garcia in sixth place, sophomore Trinity Guerrero-Lujan in seventh place, junior Maya Martinez in ninth place, sophomore Chloe Guerrero-Lujan in twelfth place, and junior Alyssa Solis in sixteenth place. The varsity boys won second overall with senior Justin Botello in first place, senior Tyler McDaniel in second, sopho-
more Spencer Boykin in eleventh place, sophomore Noah Perez in sixteenth place, and sophomore Ernest Bogart in twenty-second place. The junior varsity boys won second place overall with freshman Gerald Brown in second place, freshman Karl Wendel in seventh place, freshman Jorden Edwards in tenth place, freshman Eric Brackelsberg in thirteenth place, and freshman Alec Posthauer in nineteenth place.
Speech & Debate start season strong With a number of tournaments already under their belts, the Speech and Debate have already brought home a number of wins. On Sept. 17, the team earned Second Place Sweepstakes at the Pflugerville Texas Forensics Association (TFA) tournament. In Policy Debate, junior Worth Carlin and junior Anthony Ngo earned first and second speaker respectively. In Public Forum Debate, junior Vivi Vargas and sophomore Bryce Hann earned got first speaker second speaker. In Congressional Debate sophomore Rene Otero placed fifth. In Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, sophomore Rene Otero placed third and senior Robert Boley placed fifth. In Original Oratory, sophomore Sydney Stogel placed second, sophomore Bryce Hann placed third, and senior Robert Boley placed fifth. In Humorous Interpretation, senior Khali McDuff-Sykes placed first. In Duo Interpretation senior Joelle Abdullah and Kayla Grover placed second, while senior Pedro Casteneda and senior Chris Mondragon placed fourth. In Novice Policy Debate, Jade Davis was named first speaker. In Novice Extemporaneous, freshman Jared Williams placed fourth, freshman Gabe Hayek placed seventh, and freshman Heidi Stringer placed eighth. In Prose, sophomore Maeve Lindell
placed third and Nathan Phomaravahn placed fifth. At the Greenhill Tournament of Champions on Sept. 17, seniors Elan Wilson and Dashiell Puentes-Amaran advanced to the octofinal. Wilson also won the fifth place speaker award. The team earned their second bid to the Policy Debate Tournament of Champions (TOC) in April. At the Lake Travis, TFA tournament on Aug. 27, the speech and debate team won fourth place sweepstakes and had multiple individual awards. In Public Forum Debate, junior Sammy Nguyen & freshman Anshika Agrawal won first place, senior Robert Boley and senior Carlos Gregory won second place. In Congressional Debate, senior Siegen Bretzke won first place. In Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, Gregory won first place and sophomore Rene Otero placed sixth. In Original Oratory, sophomore Sydney Stogel won second place and Bryce Hann placed fifth. On Sept. 10, seniors Elan Wilson and Dashiell Puentes-Amaran won Policy Debate at the Grapevine TOC qualifier. Wilson was awarded fifth place for overall Speaker Honors. The team earned their first bid to the Debate Tournament of Champions that will take place at the University of Kentucky in April.
Photo by Mitchell Casazza
Marching season off to strong start
The Marching Band won fourth place at the Bands of America (BOA) competition in Conroe on Oct. 1. They also won first place in Individual Music and
Megan Vickery, 12
third in Music. This was the band’s first top five finish at a BOA contest. The previous week they earned eighth place at BOA Austinon Sept. 24.
Photo by Anna Salcedo
6 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Opinions
Overcrowding addressed effectively, complaining found unnecessary Staff \\ Editorial
As the city keeps growing, no one really holds the power to fix overcrowding. Even though a new high school is being built, it isn’t predicted to open until next fall, students won’t start feeding out, and even then the problem won’t be solved completely as only a portion of incoming freshmen and sophomores are able attend the new school. With over 3,000 students, learning how to embrace the large numbers and accept the uniqueness created by each individual is vital to the success of our school pride, spirit and atmosphere. Administration made changes to fit the needs of the school at the beginning of the year and continue to find new ways of alleviating the claustrophobic atmosphere. After an online petition on twitter, the school
implemented seven-minute passing periods to allow time in order to make it through the congestion in main hallways and allow students to complete tasks, like using rest rooms or going to a locker. Likewise, thirty new portables and many new hires hope to create smaller class sizes. At least no one suffers from college lecture sizes like Universities, there is a happy median of 30 students to a class, give or take. In addition, the administration has been doing a great job of keeping optimistic. Mr. Garcia’s positive attitude and embracing of student opinions allows the school to run as effectively as possible while still letting students feel like they have a say in what happens. Likewise, teachers are doing excellent job in trying to give students
the individual attention they need under the circumstances. Administrators would be happy to hear any better ideas if one happens to think of something. The school offers endless organizations that students can be a part of. There’s everything from Girl Advocates to GSA, just take a look at Page 4. Not all schools have a big enough population to organize this many clubs or classes. The abundance of organizations allows students to discover what they enjoy doing and find others who share those common interests. With all the efforts to mitigate the pressures of overpopulation, it is now up to the students to carry forth the positive attitude. Ultimately, there is nothing to be done and living in discomfort is not a fun way to spend the year, so it is time to take a step up. Walk faster to class and refrain from standing in the middle of the hallway, they are crowded enough. Don’t make it worse; take this opportunity to enjoy the company of having so many people to make friends with; also, it is time to use our numbers to increase school spirit, so far the student section has not been on their A game. Stop complaining and embody a new state of mind. All these people aren’t going anywhere, so we might as well get used to them.
your TURN How are the crowds this year affecting you?
“I’m not short, so the crowds aren’t a big deal. I don’t have a problem with it.” Jacob Lusk, 11
“I don’t really like the overcrowding in our school because it makes it hard to get through the hallways sometimes when you’re trying to get to class. Shannon Anderson, 9
“It doesn’t really affect me to be honest, I leave class super early and follow people until I get in class. There’s those people that walk opposite of the crowd, I’m not one of those people.” Alena Rios, 9
Logan Camp, 9
“I don’t really like it because I’m a smaller guy and it makes it harder to get around. I get pushed around a little bit. Then people are either going really fast or really slow. Most of the time its slow so it’s really hard to get places. Then for lunch it takes forever just to get through the line.”
“It makes it hard to walk in the hallways sometimes but I like meeting new people.”
Kirsten Albert, 9
the HAWK Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, TX 78660 http://www.pfisd.net/HHS (512) 594-1100 Student Population: 3295 Staff: 269
Adviser: Kari Riemer Principal: Daniel Garcia www.facebook.com/HawkNewspaper
The Hawk, the official student newspaper of Hendrickson High School, is an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Opinions expressed reflect the beliefs of the student author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Hawk Staff, the Hawk Adviser, the Hendrickson Faculty and Staff, or the Principal. Letters to the editor are welcomed, and may be dropped off in E102. Corrections will be printed when brought to the attention of the staff.
The Hawk is printed monthly at Granite Printing in Taylor, Texas. 1,500 copies are printed each run, and are distributed to the student body through Talon and newsstands throughout the building.
Editorial Staff Co-Editors: Ileana Perez & Kylie Ruffino Copy Editor: Rumor Stojek Assistant Editors: Alex Fulton, Holly Hambleton, Lindsey Robinson
Ky Collins Alyssa Ellinwood Therese Espiritu Megan Fletcher Virginia Gaffney
Reporters
Carson Ganong Taylor Hedund Paul Le McKenna Lucas Emilio Pla
Ashlyn Prater Caitlyn Schoonover Maria Torres Serena Tran Carolina Yanez
Associations Interscholastic Press League, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, Journalism Educators Association, Columbia Scholastic Press League
Honors ILPC Bronze Star, 2014 & 2015 Columbia Scholastic Press League, Gold Medalist 2016
transequality
District addresses National, State policies Page 10 & 11
In this issue... Overcrowding... 3 Wozniak memorial... 13 For the love of culture... 20
the
HAWK
Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline Volume 10, Issue 2 October 7, 2016 thehawkonline.net
Design by Ileana Perez
5
hit or
Opinions // October 7, 2016 // 7
MISS
For the Love of Culture
Pep rally alternatives help overpopulation
With the drastic increase in the campus community, numerous arrangements accommodate all students and faculty at pep rallies. Each pep rally this year will have a new take on the traditional rally in order to provide space for the large student body. One of the proposed ideas for future pep rallies include a walkthrough, in which band, cheer, and dancers will circulate through the school hallways. A Hex Rally has also been suggested, which will take place prior to the game day, similar to the Hex Rally tradition of the University of Texas. The changes being made to make pep rallies obtainable with the current population levels is a hit.
Senior portables benefit underclassmen With the increased population in the school, it was a necessary, but disliked change to move all senior classes outside into the new portables acquired over the summer. Despite the complaints, portables for senior classes decrease the flow of traffic inside the school, making it easier for underclassmen to navigate, and allow for shorter travel times going from one senior class to another. We find senior classes in portables to be a hit.
Administration addresses safety concerns After recent online comments, administration and police investigated the credibility of a potential threat and while they deemed it unfounded, the issue suggested a need to address safety. A staff meeting looked at the accessibility an intruder would have and as a solution, teachers now stand in the hallways during passing period, students may only enter through the front doors and open communication between teachers, students, and administration is encouraged. While this is an important matter, making students walk in circles around campus is slightly extreme. Instead, students should show a required school ID to enter through side doors, otherwise, we find the new perspective on safety a hit.
Updated bell schedule leads to confusion While we appreciate the administration extending the passing period to seven minutes to accommodate for the large crowds in the hallways, since the change in the bell schedule, confusion has ensued. Previously the one-minute warning bell was known to all. Now bell meanings are completely unclear, leaving students and teachers questioning when class begins, making the tardy policy harder to enforce. The twenty-minute bell in the morning causes students to rush to class early and wait in their classroom, possibly interrupting tutorials. We find the confusing bell ringing off target.
Editor relays journey in defining herself Kylie Ruffino // Co-Editor
I remember the red dirt of the Australian desert and singing “We will, We will rock you” as I roamed the treasurefilled land. I would walk under the sun and again under the moon. I would sit next to a fire and look up at the stars. I remember feeling a part of something, but also strangely free. What I don’t remember is seeing anything that resembled prejudice or hate. I grew up in a continent that is also an island. Replace people with nature and find an entirely different way of living. I grew up appreciating the people I encountered on my ventures. I remember the fascination I felt when I met Aborigines who made music with hollow logs and created beautiful art using nothing but dots; the beauty I saw when I went to an island in Fiji and Indian women were dressed in colorful saris; the sounds I heard from Japanese tourists in Adelaide. I couldn’t understand them, but it sounded like music to my ears. I became hooked. I loved culture, but back then, I didn’t know there was a word for all these things I loved. “I love the world,” I told myself.
I wasn’t sad when I had to leave my wild land because I was nine and naive. I thought that across the ocean lived another magical world full of different people and different things. In many ways, I was right. But I would never have anticipated the hole I feel in my heart. As I grew, I fell more deeply for cultures all around the world. But as I fell, I looked inward at myself. What culture do I have? Imagine my frustration, when I finally became aware of a paradox that will forever prevent me from being a part of a culture I strive so hard to find. The harder I search, the farther away the idea becomes. It’s ironic. A lover of culture, has none. It was in the States I realized that music, art, language, food, religion and history make up an entire culture. For many different cultures one key aspect is most dominant, history. History shows the adversity of a group and their perseverance. I will never be a part of something that beautiful. I am a part of a race that does not have a powerful history. Instead, it is filled with times I look back on
with sadness. My history and my culture is not as rich or as beautiful as anything outside of Western Ideals. I do not belong to a country. Technically I am an American who was born in Australia. In Australia I felt at home, but after living here so long I no longer feel the same way. I feel neither truly American nor truly Australian. I also do not belong to a large family. A family creates their own history and community. For as long as I can remember it’s just been my immediate family. My point is, I have no culture. I do not feel connected to anything bigger than myself. I will forever be a watcher and a follower of the world around me. Maybe that’s a good thing. I will never be biased. I look at every culture with awe. Just like in Australia, I soak up everything I come in contact with -- music, food, art, history, travel. In a way, I think not having culture makes me appreciate everything just that much more. It makes me want to travel the world, talk to people of all walks of life and surround myself with a cultural kaleidoscope.
8 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Features
Over the Top
Increased Population Challenges Custodial Staff
McKenna Lucas // Reporter
Sweat drips off his face as he sweeps down the hallways polishing the floors. It is mind numbing and back aching work, next is the bathrooms. He sighs as he checks his watch, it is only 7:00 pm and the night is only beginning. The school’s custodians clean the bathrooms, floors, windows, while also taking out the trash; turning a disorderly school to order. “Hendrickson has had a shortage of custodians. Sometimes it has been serious, and sometimes it has been just a couple that we could make up with floaters,” Executive Director of Facilities and Support Services Kevin Myers said. “I think we can improve work distribution, time that work is performed, and other issues. It is sometimes worse to overstaff than understaff so it is important to get the balance right. We are still trying to get the staffing where it is supposed to be; 12 fulltime night custodians, and two day custodians.” The amount of custodians hired is determined by the area of the building, the average ratio in the district of custodians per feet is one custodian to 31,000 square feet. Because of overpopulation, the maintenance crew has trouble keeping up with plumbing problems, door problems, and other areas that need fixing. The more things are in use due to overpopulation, the more frequently
those things break. “The same floor gets swept and mopped whether 100 students walked on it or 1,000 walked on it. The difference is really the amount of dirt swept up,” Myers said. “On Monday I vacuumed the stairs in the main hallway. Starting with an empty backpack vacuum, the amount of dirt just from the stairs probably weighed ten pounds.” There is a total of 3,564 staff and students on campus this year, and every night twelve custodians clean up after them. The custodian’s eight hour shifts are usually over around 12:30 am. The student population doesn’t determine how much space they need to clean; it determines how hard they need to work. “When I started at my job, I knew Hendrickson was down three custodians and nobody knew who I was, so I went to the school, and I told the Lead Custodian that I was the assigned Floater that night. I assigned myself so it was honest. I worked a shift as a custodian,” Myers said. “At the end of that shift, I was exhausted, my back was sore, I had probably walked back and forth enough to rack up 3 miles. The A/C isn’t on either, so it is hot, sweaty work. It really gave me the degree of understanding that I lacked before.”
New to campus students share thoughts on population Rumor Stojek // Copy Editor
“It’s really hard to get to class on time, because you go from one end to the other. There’s a lot less people at Connally and you can interact with your friends more rather than rushing to class during passing periods. I think the new seven minute passing period is good, but we have less time in class to do our work and to learn.” - Bonnie Lee, 10th
“I think the overcrowdedness at Hendrickson is okay. I mean, it’s not a bad thing, there’s good things about it, too. More people means there’s more diversity, there’s more ideas, and it’s easier to make friends.” - Sunny Nguyen, 9th
Cafeteria manager organizes schedule for new year Therese Espiritu & Serena Tran // Reporters
Serving around 3,400 students everyday behind the lunch counters in the school cafeteria, the 25 workers run the kitchen and hustle around, handing each student in line their lunch. “I have a lot of bodies to work with, but it’s not that stressful,” manager Briones Irozima said. Due to the increase in enrollment, the cafeteria staff have adjusted to the way things function.
“Last year, it was the first year that a lot of students came and we freaked out,” Irozima said. “But now we are prepared for that. We have a system where we buy refrigerated meals to serve to the kids.” With two lines added last year and yet another one this year, the amount of students buying their lunch from school has grown. “I have a very good team of nine ladies,” Irozima said. “There are ladies in here that have been working with a lot of experience. Some of them for 13 years, or 14 years.” Learning from last years’ experience, they try to order enough food to last all the students the entire week, which can add up to around 4,000 or 5,000 dollars per order. “If there’s any time students want to change something or they think we’re not doing enough, just come and let us know so we can try those changes,” Irozima said. “We want them to come, eat, and help me and my ladies.”
“Every one of my classes has about thirty people. With so many people it makes me not as focused in class. In the hallways sometimes I feel like cattle walking down the hall. I am a junior, so I’m starting to look at colleges, and the ones I’m looking at are the ones with less than 10,000 students, so I won’t feel as packed like I do here.” - Jennifer Su, 11th
“Hendrickson is a very nice school. It’s very open and accepting, and the teachers are very interactive with the students. However, it’s a little a little overcrowded, there’s a lot of new kids here so it’s really packed. Having so many students makes teachers jobs harder, they have a lot more to deal with and a lot more kids to keep track of, but they’re doing a great job teaching well and making sure that I know what I should know. I don’t feel like the overcrowdedness affects my education, but it is still hard for everyone.” - Michael Van Houten, 12th
Marching
by the
Features // October 7, 2016 // 9
#s
Statistics reveal intricacy of band program Emilio Pla // Reporter
For five months, musicians give everything they have emotionally, physically, and mentally to perfect eightminutes of performing. The marching band’s competition show this year is entitled 3D and it’s one of the most abstract shows ever done. However, there’s a lot of little things that go into a marching band show that most people don’t think about when watching a band’s performance.
Gallons of water
For the whole band, that would be about 15,400 gallons of water, which can support a house of four people for over a month.
Total hours of rehearsal
215 hours from the start of the summer to the end of the season in November. That’s almost 9 days’ worth of nothing but band.
Number of shapes
77, that’s 77 little coordinates on a field that have to be memorized and look pristine.
“Because of competition and being around other schools, it pushes us to be better and design shows or put together a show that’s like this that we hope will stand out and be something that will be memorable.” - David S. Duffy, Band Director
Average Steps 828
Number of people
385, which is more members than the Longhorn band at UT.
Distance
517.5 yards which is like running across a football field five times, with perfect posture, arms up, with weights.
“They really don’t want you to waste any rehearsal time, every rehearsal is a performance and it takes a lot of energy. Everyone is there doing what they love, which is band.” - Gabby Emken, 10, Alto Saxophone
Trumpet: 3 lb
A human brain also weighs around 3 lb.
“It’s not about the place we end up getting, it’s about the memories we made along the way. Once I look back on my high school experience, I’m going to remember 3D, because it’s had such a lasting impact on me.” - Grace Cramer, 11, Drum Major
Tenors: 27 lb
This is about the weight of an average 2-year old toddler.
“Band almost becomes your second life. In the time I’m doing stuff I’m not supposed to, I’m just doing band. I don’t know where I’d be right now without this program.” - David Nichols, 12, Drum Major
“I’ve never worked so hard for anything in my life, the competition is insane, and the want I have for us to do well is so much higher than anything I have because I want the whole band to do well.” - Andrea Huynh-Duong, 11, Clarinet
Sousaphone: 35 lb
This would be like holding a microwave on one shoulder for 10 minutes.
Snare: 17 lb
A 19-inch flat screen TV weighs about 15 lb. Jacob Garcia (12), Kiera Gerner (10).
Javier Casarez (12).
Photos by Abby Hill and Mac Perisho
10 \\ The Hawk \\Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Features
transequality
District addresses National, State policies Kylie Ruffino // Co-Editor
Navigating the public issue of transgender bathrooms becomes harder as the federal government and state government deliver opposing messages. As of May 13, 2016, the Obama administration and the Department of Education issued guidance for allowing transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, but on Aug. 21, 2016 Judge Reed O’Connor of the Northern District of Texas granted an injunction preventing any action taken against schools who do not follow the Federal government. With two different messages, school districts in Texas now try to find ways to interpret school procedures concerning bathrooms and gender identity. For Pflugerville ISD, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary School, Susanna Russell outlines the school district’s struggles and commitment to protect all students, regardless of their gender identities. “Really the school districts across Texas are put in a challenging spot,” Russell said. “But by in large our goal is to do what is best by our students, that is really what our true north is and that is what guides our decision
making process.” No formal and legally binding policies define the district’s stance on transgender bathrooms, instead, they follow guidelines outlined by their attorneys, most of which suggest to take the issues case by case, family by family. Administrators also went to a summer training specifically dealing with the enrollment and support for transgender students. “Just like students with any other needs or concerns, we don’t broadcast that out,” Russell said. “We protect their privacy and we are really just dealing with the student and we work with the families to provide solutions to honor the students’ needs and desires.” The district guidelines provide a checklist for administrators to address some of the following needs for
transgender students: their official school name, whether they want to use gender neutral bathrooms and if they want to dress according to gender identity. The first step for any student to go through the process of making accommodations starts with reaching out to a trusted school official or counselor. “We want families and students to know that we support them and we want to protect them from any kind of discrimination,” Russell said. “Transgender is just one more area in which somebody could be potentially be discriminated against or harassed and it’s a newer area that is getting publicity, but we don’t see it as separate or apart from our overall commitment to protecting kids and keeping them safe and engaged in
To ensure that the district complies with legal and policy mandates, a checklist has formulated to manage the enrollment of transgender students.
STEP 1: An administrator will meet with the student and parents/guardian. Step 2: Identify the legal name and discuss if the student wants to change
their name and pronouns for various records such as transcripts, class rosters, diplomas, and other everyday purposes.
Step 3: Discuss if the student prefers to dress in accordance with the gender they identify.
Step 4: If requested, accommodations for gender-neutral bathrooms will be made.
Step 5: Since many UIL activities have certain guidelines when regarding gender, the student and administrator will figure out how they fit into the activity.
Step 6: Follow up with the student at least once a year or upon the request of student or guardians.
school.” To support all students equally, all schools allow for the use of gender neutral bathrooms, like the nurse’s restroom or staff bathrooms. “If we have a student who, for whatever reason, is uncomfortable using the public restroom, we will work with that student, the parents, and the campus staff to come up with a solution that meets the needs of all involved,” communications officer Steve Scheffler said. While University Interscholastic League, UIL, regulations do require students to play athletics according to the gender on their birth certificate, other UIL events like fine arts or academics do not require gender specification. “I think the disagreement between the state government and the federal government has caused this to be in the spotlight, but functionally in our schools it is really just kids and students are students,” Russell said. “We look at every student like they are our kids and so while it has become a big publicity thing in the news; in our schools it has not been an issue. We just take care of our kids. That is what our job is and that is the big picture.”
Milestones in the American transgender movement
Features // October 7, 2016 // 11
1975 1987 1993 1999 2004 2009 2013 2016 Minneapolis becomes the first city to pass a law that prohibits discrimination against transgender people.
The American Psychiatric Association adds “Gender Identity Disorder” as a classification for transgender people.
Minnesota becomes the first state to extend protection against discrimination to transgender people.
Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor the memory of Rita Hester and others who lost their lives to antitransgender violence.
The first Trans March takes place in San Francisco.
President Obama nominates one of the first openly transgender federal appointee.
The American Psychiatric Association updated “Gender Identity Disorder” to “Gender Dysphoria.”
The Obama administration called that public school districts nationwide must allow transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity.
“There are school districts who have been wrestling with this problem and have, we think, done a good job in accommodating them in a way that is good for everybody, and so you can learn from these best practices. This is what we are advising.” - President Barak Obama on May 12, 2016 Information compiled from CNN News.
Students, staff share personal opinions over newest stance Ileana Perez // Co-Editor
When senior Haley Martinez walks into a place in Austin with gender neutral bathrooms, it makes her happy because in her head, it means the world is slowly advancing to fit the needs of everyone. Now when she steps into her own school, she will have that same feeling, knowing that others will be given the opportunity to use the bathroom of their choice. Martinez associates herself more left wing, but she was raised republican so she has mixed views on different issues today. “I don’t really understand why people are fighting against it,” Martinez said. “That’s not something that makes sense to me. It’s not hurting anyone. I think everyone has the right to use whatever bathroom they choose, so they should be able to do that.” Although the district’s position doesn’t affect Martinez directly, she understands the battle that students struggling with gender identity go through.
“I think the district might get a little backlash from a few students but overall I think it’s a step in the right direction,” Martinez said. Also part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community (LGBTQ), she tries to be more understanding of the position students are in, even though she doesn’t expect other views to align with hers right away. “I think that it’s going to take a while for us to get to the point where there are more understanding people,” Martinez said. “People that were raised to believe the things that they do, are
going to continue to believe the things that they do. I can’t get mad at that because that’s their own right. You can have your own right.” Martinez chooses to talk to people instead of arguing in hopes of providing a new perspective. “I try to educate people a little bit and ask them if they are actually willing to change their opinion,” Martinez said. “If not that’s it. There’s not really a point in fighting with people. I have my own beliefs just as someone else would have their own beliefs. You can only do so much
to educate and if they don’t want to be educated, or if they want to keep their beliefs, then go them.” Likewise, senior Henry Ly believes that in a high school setting, allowing those with certain gender identities to use bathrooms of their choosing will cause no major threats. “I haven’t put much thought into it,” Ly said. “I don’t think anyone will try anything harmful. There’s no real rules to restrooms. A restroom is just a place to relieve yourself. I don’t know why only a certain gender or sex should go into them.” Lead counselor Cassandra Jackson ultimately wants what’s best for those students struggling with gender identity. “I believe gender neutral bathrooms help them feel safe and comfortable, which is a goal we have for all of our students,” Jackson said. “I just want all students to feel that school is a safe environment.”
12 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Features
Paw Patrol
Officer shares career experience with narcotics canine
Lindsey Robinson // Asst. Editor
At the age of two, Officer Roy started his life of fighting crime. Originally born in Mexico, Roy was moved to an elite facility in San Marcos, where he successfully completed six months of intense training. Now five years old, Roy works with the Pflugerville Independent School District Police Department as a professional narcotics detector. Roy, a special officer of the department, does his job a bit differently than his co-workers – he works on all fours. As a canine police officer, Roy searches out five different drugs: marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy. Although technically belonging to the Police Department, officer Roy spends his day working alongside his unofficial partner, Officer Ramon Garcia. The dynamic duo travel to various campuses around
Picture courtesy of Officer Ramon Garcia
Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Travis County to search out harmful narcotics and demonstrate a friendly display of police work. “Roy (k9-724) is my partner, who comes to work with me every day— we’re a team.” Garcia said. “Roy’s sole purpose is to find narcotics, but we also do a lot of interaction. We’re always in the elementary schools going through the hallways, talking to the kids, and doing presentations.” Each morning, when Garcia and Roy go on duty, they head out to an open field to practice training exercises and play fetch. Roy, a very high energy dog, gets some exercise in before duty to help him normalize. These morning activities also serve as training hours; Roy needs 16 recorded hours of training each month. “I use drug samples to train him and I hide them, in what would be real life situations.” Garcia said. “I hide them in cars or at the bus barn, under the seats, storage containers, backpacks. We also do open field searches, which he’s really awesome at because his nose is super strong. We’ll go out to the football field and put the drugs away on the other side and I’ll send him and he’ll find it pretty quick. It’s like
extreme hide and seek.” Garcia will use Roy’s tennis ball as reward for a successful training session. Roy will do just about anything for a chance to play with his tennis ball. When Roy’s help is not required on a case, Garcia will find other tasks for Roy to make an impact on students. “Sometimes I bring him in and we’ll go out in the halls during the passing periods so everyone can see him. When I am in the hallways I am acting as a deterrent. I mean we’re not just about busting people all the time, finding drugs, and trying to send everyone to jail.” Garcia said. “Obviously we would like that everyone not do drugs, but overall we’re just trying to be more of a preventative than a hammer.” Roy belonged to another officer before Garcia became his handler. Because Roy was still so young when his previous officer got promoted, Roy became Garcia’s partner. “Technically, Roy still belongs to the police department, but he comes home with me every day and goes to work with me every day.” Garcia said. “I take care of him, I feed him, I bathe him and groom him. The PD pays for everything, but I’m responsible for taking care of him. I’ve always wanted to be a k9 officer, I love dogs and I love animals. I mean, how fun is it to bring your favorite guy to work with you every day.”
Roy to the Rescue Officer Garcia and Roy visit the journalism classroom for a photo session. One aspect of Roy’s job as a canine police dog is interacting with students. Photo by Ileana Perez.
Cops on Campus Student Resource Officers (SROs) are a branch of the Pflugerville Independent School District Police Department. The primary objective of an SRO involves connecting with students to prevent crime and misbehavior while also demonstrating positive police work to students. Here are the two officers on our campus.
NAME: David Morrow TITLE: Officer DOB: 12/10/1977 YEARS EXPERIENCE: 11 years
NAME: Paul Gutierrez TITLE: Officer DOB: 10/08/1977 YEARS EXPERIENCE: 4 years
Photos by Ileana Perez
Honoring His Memory
Features // October 7, 2016 // 13
Coaches, players reminisce about Wozniak “He had his “Wozisms,” as people call it nowadays, all these funny quirks he would say. If you asked him how he was doing in the morning he always said ‘unbelievable’ or if you told him have a good day, he’d always say ‘have a better one.’ His personality was very contagious, he was always very happy. I used to tell him you got to have one bad day, we all have bad days, but he never did, he always had a very positive
outlook on life. He really cared, some days it’s hard for teachers to come to school, because it can be frustrating working with kids. He genuinely cared more than anyone I’ve ever seen about his coworkers and the kids and he wanted to instill life lessons on them, not just softball or Money Matters lessons, life lessons to make them genuinely good people.” –Coach Lindsay Eaton
“He was someone that was welcoming, a man of high morals and values. Those are the things that as people talk about Coach Woz, were who he was. I had gone to Lubbock several years ago and had a Connally shirt on and walked in the store his daughter worked at and she said ‘you work at Connally?’ and I said ‘yes.” So when he passed I thought of her and what she must be going through.
One of the messages I’ve been sharing with the softball girls is honor his work, through their actions. I think he would understand them being sad and grieving, but he would also want them to continue to do those things he had taught them: to be responsible, to work hard and take care of yourself with pride.” –Principal Daniel Garcia
“His inspiration has really touched my heart. He hadn’t coached volleyball until he came to Hendrickson and became the head softball coach. He was put on my staff to be the freshman volleyball coach. One day I came out to practice and saw the freshmen were playing without a net. I had to go up to him and say ‘Coach Woz, you know that you have to play volleyball with a
net set up?’ and he was like ‘Oh yeah, I’ll get right on that.’ He had no idea you had to set up the net in order for the girls to play. To be quite honest, I don’t think his passing has really hit any of us yet. We still are dealing with it every day, but most importantly we are trying to be tough and get through it for his athletes, for the girls.” –Coach Carrie Sulak
“Coach Woz was always a joy to be around. If there’s such thing as a man’s man, I’d said Coach Woz was that, because he was always supportive, always upbeat, asking how your day was. I went in to one of his Money Matters classes once and his class was so connecting, as a teacher and a colleague I had to sit there and listen myself and I asked myself ‘where was this class years ago when I was younger, wasting so much money?’
He was teaching kids how to work, how to provide, how to budget and not spend beyond your means. He also taught from mistakes he may have made as a young man. Anything you asked of him, unless he had something pre-planned with his family, there was never a time you couldn’t get him. I was proud to have known him and share an office with him. His legacy is the positive impact he had on life and people around him.” –Coach Earl Cooper
Michael Wozniak
April 16, 1959-September 27, 2016
Photos submitted by Monica Hernandez
14 \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Entertainment
Homecoming Festivities
Participants describe game experiences Rumor Stojek // Copy Editor
Parade Pride
This year Homecoming landed on Sept. 9 and featured a parade, a tailgate, and the game. After a long night of cheering and celebrating past, present, and future Hawks, we won 40 to 17.
The soccer team sits on their hay filled float for the Homecoming parade directly after school. “We had music in the float and we were singing and dancing,” senior Maya Dossing said. “It was a great way to bond with everyone and get to see everyone come together for the game.” Following the parade Dossing headed to the pep rally to enjoy the school spirit even more. Maya Dossing (12), Jenna Hartle (11), Alison Link (10), Kenzie Arrington (10), McKenzie Harvey (10), Ana Chittenden (11).
Pom-Pom Pep Close to the end zone, the cheerleaders roar with excitement as the football players score another point against Manor at Homecoming. “My favorite part of Homecoming is spirit week,” junior Jireh Crewshaw said. “Everyone’s
dressed up and feeling the Hawk Pride, which makes everyone feel like they’re actually a part of something at the school.” The long months of practice for both the cheerleaders and the football players finally pays off as we win Homecoming 40 - 17. Arie Herrera (10), Victoria Hoang (12), Jireh Crewshaw (11), Katie Norman (10).
Confetti and Cheers
After half time, the team kicks off that begin of the second half of the Homecoming game. The loyal crowd erupts into excitement, ringing cow bells and throwing streamers into the air. Higher in the stands, the ruckus isn’t as loud; but down in the front, only steps away from the field, the noise is energetic. “Being so close
makes you feel so involved and that you’re making a difference,” senior Clarissa Leal said. “I feel like we made an impact on the Homecoming game, because the [football players] can hear us cheering for them and that gets them motivated. Without a crowd cheering, the atmosphere changes and so does the effect of play.”
Shay Earl (12), Clarissa Leal (12), Juliana Rotan (12), Kensley Martin (12).
Sunshine Tones
For the Win The football players run through the tunnel right before the Homecoming game against Manor High School. “We played as a team, executed well, and we won,” junior Josh Garcia said. “You can’t win
games if you don’t play as a team and play for each other.” Before the start of Homecoming, the coaches give a motivational talk to the players for encouragement and support. Adonis Bailey (12), Clayton Perrin (11), Andre Jones (11), Josh Cameron (11).
Photos by Ashley Kramarz, Anna Salcedo, and Natalie Owings
The sun provides no mercy, as it shines during the Homecoming Parade. The band plays the wiggalo for the crowd of students. “The crowd was engaged just as much as we were engaged with them,” sophomore Kiera Gerner said. “It’s a lot easier to stand outside in the heat when you know the people you’re doing it for are enjoying it.” Sense drums are meant to be loud, the snare line players, including Gerner, tend to play aggressively to fully demonstrate the emotion of the music. Alex Coranado (10), Jacob Garcia (12), Kiera Gerner (10), Grant Richardson (11).
Best of Anime Spirited Away Kylie Ruffino // Co-Editor
The masterpiece of Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away directed by Hayao Miyazaki, features a young girl, Chihiro, and her coming-of-age story. Much to her dismay, Chihiro moves to a new town and finds herself trapped in the spirit world after her parents get transformed into pigs. Chihiro starts working under Yubaba, the spirit bathhouse owner, and has to fight to navigate through the world of spirits to find her parents and return to the human world. The colorful animation at first seems like a heart warming and vibrant tale of her self journey and the bonds she creates with her spirit friends, but the true meaning runs much deeper. This film, enjoyed by all ages, cultivates a magic never seen before. The movie actually symbolizes the loss of innocence for girls within Japanese culture. Some even note the film closely parallels to symbols of brothels in Japan. Each spirit took a little piece away from Chihiro until she learns to face the world through a new light, where there is good in every evil and evil in every good. Most Studio Ghibli films feature underlying messages of environmentalism. In Spirited Away, many spirits come to the bath house dirty because of destruction in the human world. Haku, the spirit who helps Chihiro through her journey, became a servant of Yubaba after his river is paved over to make roads. This film exemplifies the amazing work of Studio Ghibli and should make everyone’s must watch list. The plot, the hand drawn animations, the culture, the character development-- this movie is a breathtaking composition of innocence, darkness, creativity and beauty.
Entertainment // October 7, 2016 // 15
Staffers review in top shows, films Kiki’s Delivery Service Paul Le // Reporter
At 13 years of age, Kiki, branches off on an adventure alone before fully becoming a witch. Alongside her, she is accompanied by her friend Jiji, a talking cat, and together they encounter new friends. Kiki’s Delivery Service’s bright vibrant colors and silly quirky characters are the film’s pinnacle points, but it does not make up for the fact of its near non-existing plot. Though, the film had a good setup for the general idea of the story. The movie slowly drifts away from
the main idea to the point of irrelevance. Even with a missing storyline, the film’s greatest strength is all in the animation and characters. The colors are just impeccable for its time, and the many unique, peculiar characters and their interactions with Kiki make up for the memorable moments the plot misses. With bright stunning colors and lovable characters carrying most the weight, Kiki’s Delivery Service will take you on an enticing thrill-ride leaving you with a bittersweet taste.
Madoka Magica
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Taylor Hedlund // Reporter
Maria Torres // Reporter
Puella Magi Madoka Magica, or Madoka Magica, follows five girls through middle school friendships and the turmoil of magic in their lives. The magical girls hunt down witches who threaten their city. Many renounce that the show was a triumph of literary experimentation in the Saccharine Mahou Shoujo genre, also referred to as the magical girl genre. The creators pushed the idea of the childfriendly and optimistic genre by creating an almost nightmare feel whenever the witches appear. Madoka Magica’s bright and colorful animations of the girls’ transformations and the creativity of it all, truly creates the magic. Despite the show’s amateur setting, it dives into deeper themes, like the corruption of people, things one would do to keep friends in their life, and to be careful of what one wishes for. These themes are presented vividly in a scene or in a secret message. Madoka Magica mostly showcases the results of grief and despair by surrounding it with the colorful, crazy surrealism of the witches, but also showcases the bright side of things and the help one can get through those
The Emmy award winning animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender aired on Feb. 21, 2005. The show begins as a peaceful civilization modeled after an old Asian Buddhist society that consists of four large nations. Each nation represents one of earth’s elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Some have the ability to manipulate and control their nation’s element. After years of living in harmony, the Fire Nation attacks. The Avatar, the one who can manipulate all four elements, disappears when the world needs him most. As Aang, the new Avatar, sees what goes on with the world, he attempts to go on a journey to help save the nations. Along the way, the character will meet new friends and new enemies, which help the characters that come in later on grow and develop. Throughout the series, action-packed battles, laugh-out-loud moments, and the art in the show is designed flawlessly. Avatar: The Last Airbender entertains through humor, drama, and adventure. The show itself creates a lot of spiritual bonds with the world around it. Aang and his friends fight alongside each other, finding their true paths in life, and does anything in their power to help restore peace in the world again.
tough times.
16 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Entertainment
Thespians reveal highlights of Zombie Experience audition process
Portraying a creature attack, junior Brendan Wilkinson acts as his best monster, eventually interacting with senior Chris Juarez’s character. “Auditions can be stressful,” Wilkinson said. “We try to alleviate the stress, by doing group activities, involving everyone and not putting you on the spot.” Initially, actors had to improv by themselves on the stage, but eventually transitioned into group activities.
Attacking his peers, junior Tim Benton improvs as a monster, trying to scare others and win over the directors. “It was very chaotic at first,” Benton said. “No one was really too sure what they were suppose to do.” This is Benton’s second year auditioning for the Zombie Experience, compared to last year, more people were cut due to not completing paperwork or conflicting schedules.
Nathan Phommavanh, 12, Tim Benton 12
Sophie Ellis, 11
All photos taken by Anna Salcedo
Theater interactive 2016 comes to life this October KyLeigh Collins & VL Gaffney // Reporters
This coming Halloween season, Hawk Drama prepares for the second annual Interactive Zombie Experience set to debut in October. Directors Nicole Malone and Michael Fisher, joined by new Director Erin Haynes, begin the process of tech and design. Senior Lighting Technician and actor Price Foster gives insight on the process of preparing for the active experience. “[A show like this is] harder on technicians because we’re not in the space we’re used to,” Foster said. “We’re so used to working on the stage, and this is the whole school. It’s really hard because we don’t have the equipment we’re used to [either].” Last year, lines to get in wrapped around the building, lasting long hours. This year, changes may include more comfortable pre-show arrangements. “We’re talking about starting in the cafeteria so that people won’t be standing out in the cold,” Foster said. “From all the hype of last year, we are spreading it out to not be on Friday so we won’t have to deal with the traffic of a football game. So having it on a Saturday, there would be a lot more people.” The Zombie Experience, with only a little more than a month in turnaround time, is a massive fall project that is borderline impossible without an equally large team. “I love how there’s freshmen through
seniors, actors and technicians [working together]. This is, out of every show we do, the most tech-heavy,” senior stage manager Erin Eckert said. Last year, Hawk Drama profited $15,000 in ticket and merchandise sales. This caliber of show requires participation from all over campus, creating a diverse network of cast and crew who may have never known each other, despite sharing a building several hours a day for years. “Because of our clubs we’re so isolated, if you’re in a club you’re bound to it,” Eckert said. “So it’s a good way to meet different people that are outside your interest. And so Zombie brings people from all sorts of clubs into the experience.” Working with cast and crew from both in and out of Hawk Drama presents unique challenges, but also offers opportunities previously unattainable. Senior and actor Khali Sykes looks forward to her second year on the Zombie Experience cast. “The diversity adds to the element of the environment, which makes it a lot more believable,” Sykes said. “Adding students who don’t take theatre classes adds to the fun. I’m looking forward to collaborating with a lot of students in the school I don’t usually get to work with, the experience allows for a lot of creativity. Zombie experience is going to be amazing this year.”
Entertainment // October 7, 2016 // 17 Central Texas gears up for Halloween with haunted houses across the state. Old notorious favorites, new thrill experiences, and even family fun houses promise a season of excitement.
Local map of top haunted houses Littig Rd
House of Torment
RIP
This famous seasonal Austin landmark of commendable quality features intense routes, professional wardrobe, cast interaction, and a thirteen year history. The experience compares to jumping into a horror movie, and is known for the psychological thrill in the multi-layer fearscape.
FM 973 Shadow Glen Blvd
Lexington St Gregg Manor Rd
Scare for a Cure
Parmer Ln
Since 2006, this haunted house crew and cast have dedicated to supporting local charities and causes by taking part in haunted festivities. 2016’s theme for the tenth anniversary is Final Judgement.
San Antonio
Harris Branch Pkwy
Part of the House of Torment family, San Antonio is home to this multi-level event with two optional houses. “Slaughterhouse” and “Feral Moon” are the 2016 events, each promising endless thrill.
N Frio St
Chimney Hill Blvd Springdale Rd
Cross Park Dr RIP
1203 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78205
West Ave Callaghan Rd
IH 37
Tuscany Way
RIP
IH 35 E Commerce St
Highway 290
Fright Fest
Giles Ln
IH 10
Old Highway 20
Blue Goose Rd
The 13th Floor
Several Six Flags parks are hosting Fright Fests in the fall, and Fiesta Texas includes free (with park admission) haunted house adventures such as “The Torture Chamber” and “Buried Alive.” These haunted houses are not for the faint of heart or those with claustrophobia.
14219 Littig Rd, Manor, TX 78653
Montana St
2632 Ridgepoint Dr, Austin, TX 78754
Wurzbach Rd
Ridgepoint Dr RIP
Highway 183
17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
18 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Sports
Full Speed
Across the Net
Jacob Overheim, a senior and long-time swimmer, talks about his experiences in his time on the swim team.
Photos by Danzi Bradle (left) and Chloe Johnson (right, bottom)
Carson Ganong // Reporter
Q: What’s your relationship with the other swimmers like? A: “It’s a close-knit group of friends. We see each other every morning. You get annoyed with a lot of them though. But at the same time, we care about each other, and you can tell when someone’s having a bad day and you can go talk to them.”
Senior tennis player Tatum Miller shakes the hands of her opponents after a match against Westwood on August 30th. “I enjoy tennis,” Miller said. “It’s a great sport and a great way to stay healthy. It helps my physical health and I’ve met many new friends thanks to it, even from other schools.” Miller has played tennis for all of high school and will continue in college if she recieves a scholarship to do so. Ashlyn Prater // Reporter
2016 Sports Scores
JV Navy: Smithson Valley (Home): L 12-6 Belton (Away): L 34-20 Manor (Away): W 27-13 Lake Travis (Home): L 41-0 Cedar Ridge (Away): L 13-12
Freshmen Silver: Smithson Valley (Away): L 12-6 Belton (Home): L 8-2 Manor (Away): LT 0-24 Lake Travis (Away): L 18-12 Cedar Ridge (Home): L 16-12
JV Silver: Smithson Valley (Home): L 35-0 Belton (Away): L 6-21 Manor (Home): L 25-7 Lake Travis (Home): L 32-8 Cedar Ridge (Away): L 24-0
White: Burnet: W 30-0 Belton: W 30-6 Vandegrift: T 6-6 Vista Ridge: L 20-0 Rockdale: L 36-6
Q: Do you plan on continuing to swim after you graduate? A: “I hope to swim at the Coast Guard Academy. My times are really competitive so I think I’d like swimming there.” Varsity: Leander (Home): L 2-3 Georgetown (Home): L 0-3 Vandegrift (Away): L 1-3 Hays (Away): L 0-3 Austin High (Home): W 3-0 Waco Midway (Home): L 0-3 Round Rock (Home): W 3-0 Vista Ridge (Home): W 3-2 Pflugerville (Away): W 3-2 McNeil (Home): L 0-3 Cedar Ridge (Away): L 2-3 JV: Leander (Home): L 1-2 Georgetown (Home): W 2-0 Vandegrift (Away): L 0-2 Hays (Away): L 0-2 Hutto (Away): L 0-2
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your time on the swim team? How did you overcome it? A: “Sophomore year I got ninth at regionals. Only the top seven went to state, since our region was extremely competitive. I was really close to making it to state. It was a huge mental challenge, but I pushed myself and got through it.” Photo by Hannah Perkins Austin High (Home): W 2-0 Waco Midway (Home): L 0-2 Round Rock (Home): Stony Point (Away): W 2-1 Vista Ridge (Home): L 0-2 Pflugerville (Away): W 2-0 McNeil (Home): L 1-2 Cedar Ridge (Away): L 1-2 Stony Point (Away): L 0-2
Freshmen Navy Leander (Home): L 1-2 Georgetown (Home): L 0-2 Vandegrift (Away): L 0-2 Hays (Away): L 1-2 Hutto (Away): L 0-2 Austin (Home): W 2-1 Glenn High (Home): L 1-2
VOLLEYBALL
Freshmen Navy: Smithson Valley (Home): L Belton (Home): W 34-20 Manor (Home): W 27-13 Lake Travis (Away): W 13-21 Cedar Ridge (Home): L 8-8
FOOTBALL
Varsity: Smithson Valley (Away): DNP Belton (Home): L 55-27 Manor (Homecoming): W 40-17 Lake Travis (Away): L 50-7 Cedar Ridge (Home): L 42-17
Q: What’s your relationship with the coaches like? A: “Well we have an assistant coach, and it’s a little bit more distant because he’s new and he doesn’t really get to stay the whole practice, but he does go to swim meets, and it’s pretty cool. But Coach Tamayo is super awesome, she really helps us with our strokes and she cares a lot about us, so if we need some help with school she’ll tell us what we need to do, even if it sounds a little mean.”
Q: When did you start swimming? A: “I started swimming when I was 4 years old and I’ve been swimming ever since. My parents got me into it at first, but once I got to high school I could make a decision to do other things. I tried band and football, but I really like swimming so I stayed in swimming.” Q: What’s an average day like for someone on the swim team? A: “You wake up around 6:00 and you have to get to the pool at 6:30. When you get there, you have to have to get your suit on and be ready to jump in the water. Practice goes until about 8:00. When it’s over, you have about an hour to get to school. Some kids take a bus there from the pool and just get dressed in the locker rooms, but I go home so I have to rush.”
Sports // October 7, 2016 // 19
Triumphant Tackles Sophomore Blaine Barker (top left) makes a throw at Sept. 23, 2016 game against Cedar Ridge. At the same game, sophomore Cliffton Styles (bottom left) makes a tackle at the
beginning of the game. Coach Sean Matthews (right) runs plays with the Varsity team including senior Aaron Porter at the Homecoming game against Manor. Photos by Abby Hill, top left and bottom left, and Natalie Owens, right.
Football team describes young characteristics Holly Hambleton // Asst. Editor
As he gets his first sack, tackling the opposing quarterback, middle linebacker Cliffton Styles jumps up and runs over to a trainer and yells with pride “Did you see me? Did you see me?” Making his first tackle on varsity was a defining moment for the sophomore. Most players make varsity their junior or senior year, but some sophomores’ talent and hard work on the field as freshmen gave them the opportunity to play at a higher level sooner. Fourteen sophomores made varsity this season and the goals to meet are just as high as any other player. “It’s a whole lot harder than freshmen year. You have to do a lot more outside and inside the field,” Styles said. “Moving up to varsity, I have to remember a lot more of the plays. I go over it in class and I’ll just call plays to myself, imagining coach on the sideline doing his hand movements.”
The pressure to perform overwhelms used to it, we have to help him out at times. Success can burden every sometimes,” senior left guard Aaron player but for players new to varsity, Porter said. “It’s different to be led by someone younger and the expectations are sometimes you don’t intense. Despite effort put in during practices “Benefits of a young want to take orders and games, insecurities from them, but he’s a team is the oppor- respectful guy so it’s creep in. not that bad.” “I had to step up my tunity to have the A l t h o u g h t h i s game a little bit. I knew players for three situation comes with my abilities were good enough but I didn’t really challenges, like the years on varsity, early losses, the play varsity yet or start so it develops the team is improving against other varsity future teams at a and growing closer teams,” sophomore every time they are quarterback Blaine quicker pace.” Barker said. “I worried if on the field. Varsity is I could get the job done.” young this ~ Coach Chip Killian especially season while it usually While Barker adjusts consists of mostly to a new team, the rest upperclassmen with of varsity was also gets used to a quarterback who is younger a couple sophomores. Despite the age than the majority of them. and position, everyone in the program “He is the leader but since he’s not is arranging their methods to play the
best they can. “We have done pretty well with the change. It’s definitely not something we usually have, a sophomore starting quarterback,” Porter said. “We trust him because we know he’s a good football player and he’s going to do his best for the team. We’re excited and happy to have him.” Head coach Chip Killian put certain sophomores on varsity to help the team and improve the players for the future. “Benefits of a young team is the opportunity to have the players for 3 years on varsity, so it develops the future teams at a quicker pace,” Killian said. “Approximately half of our tenth graders on varsity are starting, so it makes for an exciting future. Sophomores have the greatest to learn since they do not get a transition season by playing on JV. We just have to handle the growth process of the individual player and the team as a whole.”
20 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Last Look
For the Love of Culture
“I think culture is a collection of thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and customs developed by a group of people whose function is to set certain spoken and unspoken codes of conduct. I also think there is a lot more to culture besides this which I don’t know about.” Edgar Sanchez, 12.
People’s definitions, experiences on society Kylie Ruffino // Co-Editor
There are twelve different definitions of culture, yet people still struggle to understand the vast collection of ideas, philosophies and experiences. Below are some personal thoughts on culture relayed through experience and beliefs. “I grew up in a household with multiple cultures. A majority of my family on my mom’s side speaks with an accent and I think it’s the coolest thing ever. The way their voice can trace back to where they’re from is amazing to me. My father speaks Arabic and Swahili. When my parents were still together we always had family come visit. It was wonderful hearing about the different ways of life. I got to hear childhood stories from where they’re from and it painted vivid pictures in my head of the places my parents called “home”. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about my culture through my family.” Salha Bobsaith, 12.
Photos by Ileana Perez and Natalie Owings
“I think society views people’s cultures as weird. Many people are disgusting to others solely because the culture is new to them. But on the other hand many people like to pick and choose what they like from a culture just because they think it’s ‘trendy’ or ‘fun’ without acknowledging that there is meaning behind it. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with liking something of a different culture, but if or when you appreciate something, you should do it respectfully and acknowledge the culture as a whole. So in general, I think society views culture as a beautiful and weird thing.” Jennifer Sam, 10.
“I’ve experienced cultures from two different worlds, American and Vietnamese. Seeing how each culture is perceived and interpreted is really unique. I’ve learned to embrace both cultures. In America you say hi to people and give them a hug but in Vietnam you cross your arms and bow. The traditions and holidays are so different also. My family has found a way to intertwine.” Andrea Huynh-Doung, 11.