Mock Election results Clinton predicted winner in HHS Survey
In this issue... Teacher Features 12
60.3% voted for Hillary Clinton
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 3 \\ News
State of the union Current domestic, foreign issues impact United States Therese Espiritu // Reporter
Megan Fletcher // Reporter
Serena Tran // Reporter
Musician Wins Literature Prize
T
he 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan. Dylan was the first musician to win the Literature prize ever, redrawing the borders between music and literature. Critics of Dylan and his prize questioned if he should receive it, as a musician, while others continue to defend Dylan with the argument that his work is
poetry. Dylan was known largely in the folk genre in the 1960s, when his music detailed the social unrest of the era. The musician has not yet acknowledged his prize, a move the Nobel committee dubbed “impolite and arrogant.”
O
Poland Protest Against Abortion Ban
n Oct. 3, 2016, the women of Poland were found protesting in the streets of Warsaw against the proposed ban on nearly every abortion clinic across the entire country. Many of the protesters missed work, s c h o o l a n d
Hurricane Matthew
I
H
Colombia Rejects FARC peace deal
W
on from the murder, extortion, and kidnapping the FARC rebels had committed during the war that lasted nearly 52 years. However, Colombian citizens could not accept the deal and now the Colombian government has worked together to recreate a new peace deal that will satisfy the people of Colombia.
Battle for Mosul
raqi led forces fight to regain control over Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, after losing control to ISIS back in 2014. Mosul is a key trading city located near the borders of Syria and Turkey with a population of approximately one million people. The city is located around major oil fields that could strengthen Iraq’s economy and decrease ISIS operation funds. By securing the city, the Iraqi government would rebuild infrastructure and regulate the tremendous flow of refugees into neighboring countries.
urricane Matthew swept the Caribbean, the American east coast and the Canadian Atlantic coast. A tropical wave off Africa caused the storm. As a Category 5, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale of intensity, the storm was the most expensive since Hurricane Sandy in 2012 at least $12 billion internationally. Haiti, the hardest hit, might suffer from a devastating famine. In the US, the storm ravaged Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, with a combined 46 dead and about $6.5 billion in damages.
ith less than a 1% margin, Colombians narrowly rejected a peace deal in ending a war spanning over 5 decades with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The FARC and the Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, had signed the deal in hopes for the Colombian citizens to forgive and move
other activities to take part in what was called “Black Monday.” Living up to the name, women who took part in the strike wore black clothing, carried black umbrellas, and waved around black flags as a sign of their disapproval in the abortion ban. Eventually, Poland’s parliament was forced to withdraw the proposed abortion ban.
New Mars Probe
T
he European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscomos, a Russian state corporation, have teamed together in a joint project to develop the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. The ESA probe aims to collect information on Mars following the anticipation created by President Obama and his pledge to send humans to Mars by 2030. The
probe will conduct experiments gathering methane levels, detecting signs of life, and searching for water that may be located under the surface. With a nuclear power source that can endure up to ten years, the main goal is to gather information that may be crucial towards future human exploration.
News // November 4, 2016 // 3
Hairy Situation
CHINS UP
Emilio Pla // Reporter Savannah Cummings // Reporter
Staff investigates shaving conditions on campus Paul Le // Reporter
what happens is they develop Folliculitis, which is inflammation of the follicles where the hair instead of growing out, curls in and starts making pimples.” To prevent such harsh results, a proper shave process and products are required according to Wikihow. Before shaving, cleanse to remove dirt preventing a clean shave. Then, follow up with shaving oil and a quality shave cream, though you can get away with using the cream and no oil. Let the razor glide down the surface of the skin going along the grain of the hair, run it through a couple more times if necessary. Then rinse with cold water to close up the pores, pat dry, and finish off with an after shave balm or any face moisturizer. On campus, students are provided with shaving gel dispensed from a canister, an electric shaver, or a disposable razor if students aren’t comfortable with an electric one, and alcohol swabs to wipe afterwards. Though the school prepares for students with different thickness of facial hair, the safety may be questioned. The first sign of danger, the shave cream. Barbasol, a cheap brand of shaving cream that can be found at any retail store. Canister dispense dshave creams will be packed with harmful chemicals such Razor’s Edge as Methyl ParaThese materials supplied by the school, are available to stuben, Propyl dents to groom themselves. Supplies are found in the ISS room. paraben, Sodium For more information on shaving supplies contact Jesus Molina.
Shaving, the cutting of unwanted hair on one’s face, is one of the most underestimated difficulties of grooming among young adolescents, especially when it comes to the facial complexion. On campus, the prominence of intolerance for chin hair cannot be denied. With such a great expectation, it’s only natural that students will expect the campus to provide the necessity of a clean and safe shave, but that may not always be the case. Though masked as a simple process, the side effects must be taken into account, especially around the facial area. Common responses to improper shaving are razor burns, cuts, bumps, and risks of breaking out increase significantly. “The skin at the point when you are shaving the follicles, the first layer of skin comes off. It’s almost like an exfoliation, it’s taking away some of the dead skin on the top layer of the skin,” Nurse Connie Gutierrez said, “Some men are just sensitive to the blade. So
Lauryl Sulfate, Parfum (fragrance), Triethanolmine, Phthalates and many other harmful chemicals, but the biggest source of danger could be found within the electric razor. The electric shaver will be shared among all students that decide for that to be their shaving option. Sharing an electric shaver can spread around skin bacteria, leaving the skin vulnerable to infections. Even if, sanitized between uses, still would not be ideal to share an electric razor, or razors in general. Students who refuse the use of an electric shaver are given the option to use a disposable razor. They will be handed a fresh clean shaver every time and are then forced to dispose the equipment after every use. This way, they’ll always have a clean blade to run down on their skin. The disposable razors aren’t shared so there wouldn’t be any risk of spreading bacteria or even blood. Another alternative available for students is the ability to call their parents. The parent either come picks them up from school, take them home to shave, or bring equipment from home to shave with. Though, this is not always the most efficient option considering parents will be at work and will not have the time available to do so. Safe up to a certain extent, the shaving conditions provided aren’t the most efficient. The best thing to do is to take responsibility at home and shave the chin hair on their own, especially since the campus expects it for it is part of the dress code. “At the beginning of the school, everybody received like a student handbook, and in the hand book, it is part of the dress code for students to shave,” Nurse Connie Guiterrez said. “As students go onto high school, it is their responsibilities to take care of this at home.”
The district wide dress code policy states beards are not allowed except with physician’s documentation. Recently raised discussions and debates on the topic prompted attention from our staffers. Below are teacher and student opinions on the policy.
I agree with the rule because it helps faculty differentiate between an intruder and a student. Nathan Crawford English IV Teacher
Our teachers have beards and they come to a Professional environment to teach, but they still get on us about our facial hair. Kevin Bobadilla, 12
I believe boys should be able to grow facial hair, it is a part of growing up and it is not something they can control. Kate Rios, 11
news BRIEFS
4 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 3 \\ News
Key Club creates opportunities Carolina Yanez // Reporter
The need for involvement in school activities, opportunities to volunteer, and making friendships inspired the formation of Key Club. “I feel like every high school student should value the opportunities they’re given,” Key Club founder and president, junior Asia Dockery said. “By volunteering and helping those less fortunate, students are able to grow in their character.” The club’s first and most recent service project is the American Heart Association’s Austin Heart and Stroke Walk. This year’s walk took place on Saturday, Oct. 15. The Heart and Stroke Walk is an annual fund-raiser to raise money for heart disease research. The fund-raiser encourages physical activity and building healthier lives. “One of the directors of the event is
Photo By Abby Hill
a friend and she told me they needed a lot of help so I thought it would be the perfect first event,” Dockery said. “I also have family that’s been affected by heart disease; it’s a cause I feel connected to.” About thirty-five students participated volunteering at this event. They were required to hand out waters and take pictures of the runners, and when the walk was over, the volunteers had the opportunity to hang out with their friends. “During the heart walk, I was stressed trying to make sure everything worked out as it was supposed to,” Dockery said. “But as soon as I saw the participants, you could see how much the walk meant to all of them. I felt relieved that it went great and our Key Club is so incredible. The best feeling in the world is to know you helped someone somehow.”
MCJROTC celebrates Marine Corps birthday with cake,hike
Taylor Hedlund // Reporter
A five-mile hike around the school, Black Hawk, and other neighborhoods in the area will be held on Nov. 12 by the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, MCJROTC, along with a cake cutting ceremony on Nov. 10 to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday. “It’s relevant because we are fundraising for this money,” sophomore Olivia Verosky said. “Then we are going to march for it; it’s kind of like a thank you to the people who donate. It also brings the whole battalion together.” The hike has been held for five years now and is a bonding exercise for all the different units within the program. However, it’s not just the program that participates, family and friends are welcome to join in as well. “We wanted to be unique,” first Sergeant Ed Amadis said. “The Marine Corps is turning 241 years old this upcoming year. We always wanted to do something to celebrate a birthday and we think something we can do that nobody else does is to do a hike.”
The birthday is celebrated by members of the MCJROTC program and past and present Marine Corps. “Last year while we were in the hike it started to rain,” Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Carter said. “Then it turned into a drenchful downpour for 75 percent of the hike. That made it very memorable for the individuals who participated.”
Photo By Ashley Kramarz
Band prepares for Macy’s Parade Emilio Pla // Reporter
The band will be travelling to New York City this Thanksgiving break to perform in front of millions of Americans for the 90th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. The band performs Thanksgiving morning at 9 am. Viewing of the parade will be broadcast on NBC. “Macy’s signals to the band and the school that you have accomplished a lot. Your uniform and your image represent a cross-section of America in what a high school band should be,” Head Band Director Garth Gundersen said. “When you get accepted by Macy’s, it’s an affirmation that your community is doing a lot of things right. It can’t just come from the band.” After the band was approved, the production for the parade had to be designed and rehearsed. The parade provides a minute and 30 seconds to perform and get off of the star. With a 350-person band there is not enough room for a huge production.
“The cameras are literally right up on you. It’s a very small performance space,” Gundersen said. “Everybody is literally wedged right on top of each other.” The band finished their production in October and sent a video to NBC to see where the band will be positioned throughout the parade, and when they will perform on the famous Thanksgiving Star. “It’s not a Christmas parade but it signals the beginning of the Christmas season,” Gundersen said. “We wanted to pick something more holiday without being too specifically Christmas.” The band has chosen an arrangement of the song Joyride, which is Ode to Joy, and has a festive uplifting feel without being Christmas themed. “Macy’s is not just recognizing the band program, but the community and school as a whole,” Gundersen said. “We feel like this is not just an honor for the Hendrickson High School band but Hendrickson High School in its entirety.”
accolades & Journalism program garners
News // November 4, 2016 // 5
AWARDS
Band advances to state competition Hawk Band performed at the UIL Region competition on Oct. 24. The band received all 1’s and advanced to the UIL Area competition on Oct. 29, where the band advanced to finals
and were ranked in the top five, advancing them to State. They will compete Nov. 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
state,national recognition The Hawk newspaper was selected to receive a 2017 Crown Award from Columbia University, an honor given to only 24 high school newspapers in the nation. Additionally, at the Texas Association of Journalism Educators (TAJE) members of the publication staffs traveled to San Antonio and brought home numerous awards. In First Year Photo, freshman Abigail Hill was rated with Excellence. In Newspaper Feature Design, senior Kylie Ruffino earned Superior. In Headline Writing, junior Ileana Perez gained an Honorable Mention. In Advanced Yearbook Design, senior Henry Ly earned an Honorable Mention.
In Yearbook Copy, junior Leah Habtamu earned Superior. In Editorial Writing, junior Alex Fulton gained an Honorable Mention. In Photo Scavenger Hunt, sophomores Natalie Owings and Chase Ruffino placed third, in a team event. In On-site Photography-Green, senior Anna Salcedo earned superior. In On-site Photography-Unique Framing, freshman Abigail Hill earned an Honorable Mention. In On-site Photography-Light and Shadow, senior Abrielle Alfaro earned an Honorable Mention. In On-site Photography-People, seniors Victoria Hoang, Breanna Portillo, and Anna Salcedo earned Honorable Mentions.
At the Oct. 14 football game against McNeil the band played before kickoff. Here senior Matthew Schwartz drops his trombone at the end of the band’s performance of 3D. Photo by Abigail Hill
Cross Country excels at district, area At the 13-6A District meet on Oct. 20 all teams represented Hawk Nation with great performances. The Boys Varsity Team advanced to the Regional Meet, winning the district title while the Girls Varsity team placed third and also advanced to the Regional Meet, there the boys team placed fourth. Individually, senior Daniel Viegra
earned first place, making him the 6A UIL Region 2 Champion. Senior Justin Botello earned ninth overall. For the girls team, senior Gwyneth Garcia placed 14th. This is the first time a girl from Hendrickson has qualified for state for Cross Country.
Photo provided by Jose Viegra
Speech & Debate succeed at meets At St. Mark’s Sophomore Hoedown, seniors Elan Wilson and Dash Puentes were ranked eighth in the nation in accordance to the National Debate Coaches Association poll. This is the first time a team from Hendrickson has placed amongst the top ten. Additionally, Trey Gutierrez and Dylan Scott advanced to semifinals. Gutierrez placed eleventh and Scott placed sixth. At the Houston Bellaire Tournament of Champions (TOC) on Oct. 15, seniors Robert Boley and Carlos Gregory advanced to double octofinals Sophomores Sofia Valdespino and Bryce Hann. Hann also won the 11th
place speaker award. Senior Anshika Agrawal and junior Sammy Nguyen advanced to triple octofinals. At the SFA Tournament the team took second place sweepstakes. For individual awards seniors Khali McDuff-Sykes and Pedro Casteneda earned first place in Duet Acting. In Novice Policy Debate freshman Jared Williams and sophomore Isaac Rowry earned first place. In Novice Prose junior Tim Benton earned first place. In Public Forum Debate senior Anshika Agrawal and junior Sammy Nguyen earned second place.
6 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 3 \\ Opinions
Exercising voting rights important in local, national elections Staff // Editorial
When voting in the national election, citizens In the madness of the 2016 Presidential election, should know that a president is a representation it seems like the United States has formed into of the country. They are considered to be the political factions. So far, this election has been chief-executive. For instance, a president can everything but traditional. The abundance of develop federal policies, appoint officials, handle differences between the presidential candidates budgets and also take care of international afhas caused a split among the population. There’s fairs and receive foreign officials. It is important the Trump supporters, the Clinton supporters, the to note that a president can only enforce national third party supporters, and those who have no laws, not create them, so a vote should not be idea who they’ll be voting for. decided based on promises made by each of the Even though each of the parties has evoked candidates, but rather the large scale issues frustration and confusion to its they are willing to fight and followers, that doesn’t mean bring justice towards. citizens should opt out of vot Lately on social media, ing this year, or any year for many voters have suggested that matter. The United States not voting at all. The so was built upon the idea of called “solution” to the issue democracy, where the people should not be done in any elect those to represent their circumstance. Even if one country. If people choose to doesn’t fully agree with a not vote, whether it be locally certain candidate, citizens or nationally, it defeats the should base their vote on purpose of the beliefs set in who they share more ideas place for the nation. with. If not that, then a But before the U.S can even vote should be based on think about increasing the who will bring the most numbers of voters in the naSupreme Court justices to a tional election, the number party. As of right now, the of voters in the local election ideological standings within must go up. Voting in the local the Supreme Court system election is of equal importance consist of three liberals, with the national because this three conservatives, and two most directly affects the peomoderates. Since the death ple. In Texas, local and county Shane Anders // Cartoonist of conservative associate governments are extensions of justice Antonin Scalia, the the state government, in which various matters spot has yet to be replaced by the president. like city budgets, education in school districts, When the new president is elected, they will have and local policies pertain to the citizens of the to ability to appoint a nominee, which could tip city, and bigger picture matters like state taxes, the balance of the Supreme Court. the issuing licenses, and public health and safety For the first time since 2008, the younger generapertain to the citizens of the state as a whole. tion is experiencing a major presidential election. There are many spots up for re-election this year And while only a select portion of students are both in state and local governments, the major old enough to vote, they are ultimately the ones ones being the Pflugerville mayor, state Supreme representing the “new age” of millennials. These Court justices, and the Texas representative. It is results will write the way for the future and how important to review all of the candidate’s stances this generation will be represented in the world. to ensure the person elected is the best candidate. So have a say in this country, and vote.
your TURN Why is it important to vote in this election?
Meadow Reyes, 10
“They’re deciding the fate of our new generation, so you have to put your word out there to get the outcome you want. If you want change then vote for the candidate you believe will give you change.” “With two very different and very radical candidates, it’s important to vote for what you actually think is right.”
Alona Welch, 10
“Because not voting is like going to a sub shop and saying ‘Surprise me.’” Ian Armstrong, 11
“It’s your duty as a citizen of America. You get freedoms here that aren’t available anywhere else.” Avery Wessels, 11
“If you don’t vote, [results] aren’t representing the whole republic.” Ian Bartleson, 11
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
Associations Interscholastic Press League, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, Journalism Educators Association, Columbia Scholastic Press League
hillary clinton Wins Mock election outcome predicts for 2016 presidential candidacy
In this issue...
Ashlyn Prater Caitlyn Schoonover Maria Torres Serena Tran Carolina Yanez
Honors ILPC Bronze Star, 2014 & 2015 Columbia Scholastic Press League, Gold Medalist 2016 Crown Finalist, 2017
Teacher Features 12
60.3% voted for Hillary Clinton
HAWK
the Design by Kylie Ruffino
Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline Volume 10, Issue 2 October 7, 2016 thehawkonline.net
Photo courtesy of Photosforclass.com
5
hit or
MISS
New addition to F-Hall gains attention Teachers from F-Hall set up a riddle board to keep students interested while rewarding them. This brings more activity into the special education department hallway. Before the riddle board existed, we lacked the opportunity to challenge our minds outside the classroom setting. Keeping the board out in the hallway helps attract students from all around the school. Not only is this a successful idea, but participants exhibit intellect, proving the riddle board is a hit.
P.O.D. rule unfair to students, staff A new P.O.D. rule states students must purchase a food item in order to take condiments or utensils. While this is understandable to encourage students and staff to buy more items, it is an unfair requirement, since the cafeteria offers the same condiments and utensils for free. We believe students should be allowed free unlimited utensils and condiments, regardless of where they buy lunch. Therefore, we find the new P.O.D. rule way off target.
News station replaces posters The ‘News Station,’ across from Student Services, recently replaced the colorful posters and banners that once filled our halls and gave off a sense of diversity and community, that people find at our school. The eye catching posters were more effective in presenting information, rather than the News Station, because many students can’t take the time to watch all the slides, leaving a great extent of news lost during passing periods. We find the News Station replacing posters a miss.
New dress code checks prove inconsistent During the first weeks of school, dress code checks were done during Talon. While irritating to some, this proved the administration was attempting to equally enforce the rules among students. In the past, dress code has been ignored on multiple occasions, sending mixed signals and confusion to the student body. While these checks were supposed to provide equality, they now have diverted back to old ways by not existing. The administration needs to take a stance and make these a weekly occurrence or get rid of them all together, because the lack of enforcement is a miss.
Opinions // November 4, 2016 // 7
Not Your Typical Princess
Editor reflects on newest Disney movie release Lindsey Robinson // Asst. Editor
Growing up idolizing characters like Aurora and Cinderella, I shared the same childhood any Disney-loving child experienced. I daydreamed about getting married to Prince Eric, pretended my tea set could talk, and constantly had the soundtrack of Mulan playing on repeat in my mind. As I matured, I saw faults in the movies I treasured so much as a child. I mentally saw myself in an alignment with these princesses and further, in their roles as damsels in distress. I felt forced to need a prince and a size double zero waist line to consider myself a princess. These common misconceptions cultivate low self-esteem in a pertinent time in the lives of maturing children. Likewise, underrepresentation is prevalent in the majority of these films, primarily featuring westernized white females. Although I am represented by these characters, I feel a deep sadness in other children deprived of the chance to relate to a Disney character. On Nov. 23, theaters will fill with large audiences of all ages to watch the new Disney film, Moana. In the film, Moana sets out on a quest to save her people with the help of the demigod, Maui. The movie’s setting involves areas of the pacific islands and the ocean, and comprises characters of the Pacific Islands. To convey these characters, directors John Musker and Ron Clements cast 14-year-old native Hawaiian, Auli’i Cravalho, to voice the main character, Moana. They are accurately representing the culture by casting a native actress to play a Hawaiian character. The character of Moana provides a drastic shift away from the “typical” Disney princess, with her full figure and brown skin tone. Offer-
Art by Sam Perales and Tommy Chittenden
ing various body types and ethnicities, Disney illustrates a more honest world for children to envision themselves in and provides characters for kids across the world to draw connections with. At a Comic-Con press conference, directors of Moana released intel on Moana not having a love interest in the movie. Moana’s character is the heroine of her own story. Fighting to save her own people, Moana risks everything to bring peace back to the South Pacific. Unlike other Disney princesses, chiefly relying on their princes to rescue them, Moana births a new perspective on women, coupling strength and bravery. I await the moment I can witness children holding their Moana dolls in hand and singing the cultural pieces featured in the movie. In November, I will stand proud in lines for the opening night of Moana, celebrating the wave of promise the film carries.
8 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Features
Road to Recovery
Junior discusses experiences with brain abnormality Holly Hambleton // Asst. Editor
Sitting in her third grade classroom, Alyssa months and I did not enjoy being there.” Rosales Rosales knows something is wrong. The right said. “When the second surgery came around, side of her face is numb and begins to droop. that was my hardest moment. I had gone home She tells her teacher who sends her to the nurse. before I was supposed to have my second surgery After a call to 911, Rosales is on her way to the and just going home and having to go back was nearest hospital where she is rushed straight the hardest for me, because I really didn’t want to surgery. From that moment, her health has to go back. I felt really depressed, even at the changed forever. age of 8 I was really upset and sad about it.” The now junior learned she has Since AVM stays in Rosales’s arteriovenous malformation, DNA, the threat of return always AVM, a rare genetic remains in the back of her mind complication which causes a and unfortunately, December of I had a full recovery tangle of veins in the brain. This last year her malady unexpectedly and I am blessed to development sometimes results returned. in permanent paralysis, stroke, still do the things I like “It came back last year when I and neurological problems started losing feeling in my hand to do. causing headaches, speech again and I knew something was - Alyssa Rosales, 11 and/or vision impairments. wrong. I went back to my doctor AVM complications can occur and we did a MRI and they noticed at any time or go undetected that it was back but a lot smaller for life. For Rosales, her case than last time,” Rosales said. “They of AVM revealed itself after her didn’t want to do surgery again stroke in third grade, causing temporary speech because it was too close to my language and problems and paralysis in the right side of her motor functions.” body. Instead, the doctors prescribed a type of “I lost feeling completely in the right side of radiation treatment, essentially chemotherapy my body, I can move it, but if someone were to but in a much higher dosage. The treatments touch my hand I won’t feel it,” Rosales said. “If I lasted for almost a year, working on removing the know you’re touching my right hand, I think that tangle from her brain. Rosales received the news I can feel it but I really can’t. But, thankfully, I that she was cleared and done with treatment had a full recovery and I am blessed to still do in September. the things I like to do.” “I understand more now, compared to when I For some teaching themselves to speak and was 8. When I was little, I was happy just to leave write again might feel overwhelming, but as a the hospital, I didn’t really understand what it third grader Rosales took it all in stride. Now was,” Rosales said. “Now it’s not as bad because she is aware of the more severe symptoms others I understand they are trying to get rid of the DNA experience and felt she got off lucky. Despite that helps the malformation grow. I was happier the challenges she faced, the hardest thing she this time and so was my family, because I know endured were the intense brain surgeries. there is a chance that I will never go through “The first diagnosis was the worst, since I had to this again.” have two surgeries. I was in the hospital for six
\\
//
Arteriovenous Malformation
Normal Capillary Bed
Artery
Vein
Artery = Oxygen Molecules
Vein
Facts about AVM •
AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord, or any other body part.
•
The cause of a brain AVM is unknown, but researchers conclude most form during fetal development.
•
A brain AVM stops arteries from taking oxygenrich blood to the brain.
•
Hemorrhage is usually the first sign for those with brain AVM’s.
•
15 percent of patients with a brain AVM experience problems with speech, movement, and vision.
•
The time of discovery is between 20 and 40 years.
•
Brain AVM’s can cause seizures, headaches, stroke-like symptoms and/or bleeding.
•
Brain AVMs occur in less than one percent of the general population.
Features // November 4, 2016 // 9
Innovation Certification
New law lets districts apply to control contracts, class size Megan Fletcher // Reporter
A stack of notecards sits on a desk. Tattered around the edges, the corners are worn thin from annual use. The date written in faded ink doesn’t belong in this decade, or the last. These cards aided teaching a generation of students in the past, but even learning changes with time. The Texas House of Representatives passed a new law enabling districts to apply for free passes from state education laws for up to five years. These exemptions aim to give school districts a certain amount of flexibility in their decision making. Districts around the state applied for exemptions from laws concerning everything from disciplinary measures to a four-day week. “It’s not just about saving electricity,” Lisa Pasholk, Attendance and Special Programs Principal said. “It’s about making sure that the students are getting the best education that Pflugerville
ISD can give them.” The goal of Innovation status is to improve the lives and education of all students. New policies on teacher contracts and class sizes try to close loopholes previously available to teachers and administration. Districts of Innovation ultimately want to engineer creative ways to lead their schools in a positive direction without all the observation from the Texas Education Agency, or TEA. “They allow a district the creativity,” Pasholk said. “However, a district needs observations, the knowledge from TEA, the oversight of TEA to make sure we are meeting criteria.” Local districts such as Dripping Springs, Hutto, and Round Rock are all in various places in the application process, creating a chain reaction that might involve Pflugerville ISD pursuing Innovation status.
“It’s focused on the teacher setting goals and improving themselves rather than what the person observing is thinking,” Pasholk said. “It’s about what the teacher wants to do to improve.” First year teachers are the most at risk of termination. After that, the amount of documentation required to fire a teacher doubles. This system allows teachers to slip past the process of evaluating educators. However, the appraisal system’s goal is teacher improvement. “It’s new for some teachers, it’s new for the state,” Pasholk said. “Hopefully, they would want teachers observed.“ Another exemption is larger class size. While smaller classes are more engaging, they require the administration to hire additional teachers. Large class sizes don’t obligate the school district to purchase more portable
buildings and hire more teachers. “I think the smaller a class, the better. Usually, when they’re going for that, they’re going for bigger classes,” Pasholk said. “Anyone that’s been to college in a lecture hall with eight hundred kids in it will tell you it’s not like being in a classroom in high school, where you’re in a smaller group.” The Districts of Innovation legislation has changed districts across the state for the better. However, it’s still up to the districts themselves to decide what to do with the law. “Pflugerville ISD has great teachers and administrators who have creative ideas about meeting the needs of our students and doing what is best for students,” Pasholk said. “This is an example of when ideas and feedback from students and parents could directly improve our district and school.”
Mentors that Motivate
Students reflect on inspiring teachers, moments McKenna Lucas // Reporter
Teachers can either inspire or cripple a student’s motivation for learning. Below are accounts of teachers that have impacted student lives significantly
Elizabeth Westbrook, English
“Ms. Westbrook gets us engaged in class activities in a very interesting way. One way would be if we behave in class we get a prize, like a free 100 on completed work, listening to music, and other things we would enjoy. I also like her style of teaching. She interacts with us more like a friend, rather than a teacher.” David Po, 9
Lynette Suarez, Agriculture/Floral Design
“My Agriculture teacher Mrs. Suarez has inspired me to be the best I can be. She is there by my side 24/7, helping me get ready for shows no matter what. She taught me that hard work and dedication pays off. If you work towards your goal, you will achieve it. Mrs. Suarez taught me everything I need to know to accomplish my dreams.” Faith Longino, 12
Bruce Johnson, AP Human Geography
“A teacher that impacted me the most was Mr. Johnson. He was always kind to his students and very blunt. I enjoyed going to class and the lessons he taught were very extensive and sometimes very hard to understand. But the advice he gave always pulled me through the class. He said, ‘If you don’t know what you’re writing about, pick one thing you do know and keep writing for the rest of the limited time you have.’ It sounds sort of funny but it really did help me and it pulls me through AP history. So while that was very small advice, to a freshman it was everything and as a sophomore I’m very grateful.” Kelly Lang, 10
Hiral Mathur, Chemistry
“Mrs. Mathur, my sophomore chemistry teacher impacted me a lot. She always helped me when I didn’t understand something, whether it had to do with the subject we were learning or not. She would ask me how I was doing and how my other classes were going. She didn’t just ask because it was the polite thing to do, she asked because she cared and didn’t want to see me fail.” Taylor McCarty, 11
10 \\ The Hawk \\Volume 10, Issue 3 \\ Features
Hillary clinton Mock election outcome predicts Wins for 2016 presidential candidacy With the upcoming presidential election, voluntary student poll simulated a true election creating another opportunity to share opinions. About 13 percent of the student population voted which can be compared to 2012 election voter turnout of 58 percent. Below are the voter demographics in the outcome of the mock election for 2016.
54.4%
Other Prefer not to say
2.8% 25.6%
8.8%
African American, African, Black Hispanic, Spanish, Latin Asian Middle Eastern
4.4%
4.6%
Caucasian
10.8% 2.1% 3.7%
39.4%
26.3%
Female
5.7%
Male
12.6%
Other Prefer not to say 39.6% 26%
19.8%
60.3% 3.4%
Hillary Clinton Gary Johnson
Freshman
22.1%
Sophomore
Jill Stein Donald Trump
Prefer not to say
28.7%
Junior Senior
Features // November 4, 2016 // 11
Hillary Clinton Donald Trump Economy: Encourages growth of unions and the middle class, raising minimum wage, and vetoing the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Health care: Strives to amend the Affordable Care Act, organize a crackdown on medicine pricing, and give undocumented immigrants health care. Immigration: Advocates a full path to citizenship, an end to systemic racism and comprehensive immigration reform. She hopes to do this by improving infrastructure as well as creating the Office of Immigration Affairs. Foreign Policy: Emphasizes Israeli security, enforcement of the Iran nuclear deal, and keeping current alliances. Megan Fletcher // Reporter
When senior Sophie Nguyen first heard about the candidates for the 2016 season, she despised both candidates. But after Donald Trump’s stabs at Bill Clinton for his actions in the White House, she realized she truly supported Hillary Clinton. “With being Obama’s Secretary of State for at least one of his terms, she should already have a glimpse of what it’s like to run a country that’s as great and powerful as America,” Nguyen said. “She would help the country gain equality, ensuring the American dream is available to everyone, regardless of their race, regardless of their gender.” Nguyen believes that equality, both social and economic, should be the focus of the election. For her, it’s about the future of women, people of color, and the poor. “Her plans for this country are so much more than just building a wall,” Nguyen said. “I want to be a part of that future. More importantly, I want everyone to have an equal chance of participating in the future she’s planning for America.” While she does believe Clinton has a bright future planned for America, there’s been a great precedent. Since the American Revolution, the country has been considered a force to be reckoned with across the world. “America has always been great, despite our ups and downs throughout history,” Nguyen said. “It can only become greater from here.”
Economy: Plans to reduce taxes across-the-board, and hopes to give working and middle-income Americans a massive tax reduction. Health Care: Hopes to repeal and replace Obamacare and with Health Savings Accounts, which he’ll work with Congress with to make it a patient-centered health care system.
Third Party Candidates Emilio Pla // Reporter
Libertarian: The Libertarian political party was found-
ed on December 11, 1971, in Colorado Springs. Considering itself as culturally liberal, they believe in ending the prohibition of illegal drugs, supporting same-sex marriage, and ending capital punishment. Libertarians also find themselves to be economically conservative, lowering taxes, decreasing national debt, opting out of social security, and eliminating the welfare state. Despite being the third largest party in the United States, they have never won a seat in Congress. However, Libertarians do see success in state legislatures and local offices.
Gary Johnson: Gary Johnson governed New Mexico
from 1995 to 2003 as a republican. In 2012’s election initially ran as a republican on a libertarian platform, but in the middle of his campaign, he ran for the libertarian nomination instead and won. That year he received the most votes of any minor candidate as well as in libertarian history.
Green Party: The Green Party was founded in 2001 as the evolution of the Association of State Green Parties and it soon became the primary green party in the US and the fourth largest political party. The party is described as eco-socialist, and is seen as a left-wing party. The party promotes environmentalism, social justice, nonviolence, anti-war, and anti-racism. It has had several members elected to state legislatures, but a lot of the party holds positions on school boards, or as mayors. Jill Stein: Jill Stein is an American physician from Harvard, who is the Green Party’s nominee for 2016, who also ran in 2012. She has run for multiple state legislatures but has fallen short in all of them however, she was a Lexington Town Meeting Representative in 2005 and 2008. She has been arrested multiple times for protesting, usually due to trespassing. She wants to create a “Green New Deal,” in which new renewable energy jobs would be made to address environmental issues.
Foreign Policy: Plans to rebuild military, enhance and improve intelligence and cyber capabilities, and end the current strategy of nation-building and regime change. Education: Wants to work with Congress to ensure universities are making an effort to reduce student debt in exchange for the federal tax breaks and tax dollars. Therese Espiritu // Reporter
Despite all the conflict against Donald Trump, supporters still stand beside him. One of those advocates amidst the crowd is sophomore Garrett Councilman. Councilman shows his interest in Trump and researched the stances Trump advocates for in his political campaign. “I agree with what he stands for, mainly his economic repair plans and his support for the second amendment.” Councilman said. “I also agree with how Trump plans to register the current immigrants and not allow new ones in to ensure a stable economy.” It’s the 4% decrease in anti-Trump Republicans in the last year that has Councilman confident in Trump’s campaign and possibility of success on his side of the election. “I feel that Americans don’t believe most the liberal led media says, so his chances are as good as they were when he started,” Councilman said, “If anyone can take criticism, it is Trump.” Councilman stands proudly by the running presidential candidate and will not go down without a fight. “I would be extremely disappointed in the American people if Trump does not win presidency.” Councilman said. “I will also be angered and plan to move when I am older, if Trump is not president.”
Secret
12 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 3 \\ Features
The
Life
Of
Teachers
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Gerstner Professional Communications teacher Elizabeth Gerstner and her son, Keith, sport their favorite superheroes at the Wizard World Comic Con.
Cosplayer conveys passion for comic books Lindsey Robinson // Asst. Editor
As fall approaches, Professional Communications teacher Elizabeth Gerstner begins dyeing her naturally blonde hair deeper and darker shades of brown, until her hair mirrors that of Wonder Woman. Surrounded by artists, actors, and heroes, Gerstner plans her way through local Comic-Cons. She sifts through chances to meet with illustrators of her beloved comics, autographs with favorite TV show actors, and merchandise booths. Each year in San Diego, enthusiasts of comics and associated art, gather and line up in anticipation for their favorite artists and actors. Multiple cities across the country create mini versions of this international convention and provide even more opportunity for comic book fans to listen to panels, accumulate autographs, and receive sneak peaks of upcoming events. Gerstner has yet to visit the San Diego ComicCon, but commonly travels to nearby cities for local Comic-Cons. “Comic Con is this amazing experience that I think everyone should do at least once,” Gerstner said. “It’s almost like you’re a part of a little hidden culture society. You go and see all these amazing people and it’s like Halloween for a weekend. You can hear stars, directors, writers speak. It’s a big party for comic book geeks.” Going through all the attractions, Gerstner
and her family enjoy seeing all the various characters, especially her favorite, Wonder Woman. “I never wanted to be saved,” Gerstner said. “I always wanted to be the one saving people and helping people. And I just kind of adopted Wonder Woman as my role model for a really long time, almost 40 years now.” Gestner’s fascination with Wonder Woman stems from her childhood experiences. “When I was a little girl, back in the 70s, there weren’t a lot of strong female heroes,” Gerstner said. “I immediately was drawn to Wonder Woman because I liked that she was strong and independent and intelligent and all the things woman can be, but had never been displayed in the entertainment industry or in pop culture.” Between her love of Wonder Woman and her fascination with all things Comic-Con, Gerstner conveys her yearn for more individuals to join in on the adventure. “I feel like sometimes people look at comic books, and think they are just books, but there’s so much more, there’s a connection,” Gerstner said. “I like comic books because they can link, they’re not generational, they’re not gender biased, and they’re not racial. Everybody can be a part of the experience- everybody’s welcome. As comic book people, we want more people to realize how cool this is.”
Ghost hunter reflects on past paranormal encounters,experiences Alex Fulton // Asst. Editor
In a small town in Tennesse, a young teenage Colleen Pepper sits in her bed. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind occupies the space. Pepper’s mother notices her daughter talking alone in her bedroom. “Colleen, who are you talking with?” her mother asks. “With my grandmother,” Pepper quips. Pepper’s grandmother passed away two days prior, cremated the day before and buried at a funeral the day after. Pepper continues her conversation, updating her grandmother on boys, college, and her deceased Uncle Arthur. “My mom said she had woken up, because it was like all of sudden it became freezing cold,” Pepper said. “I was just sitting up in bed having a regular conversation with my grandmother” Now an English teacher, Pepper’s encounter with her grandmother inspired a hobby: ghost hunting. Pepper travels around the state and country hunting ghosts, often times trying to disprove their existence.
“If we see something or hear someOne haunting at a jailhouse in Lockthing, especially if the electrometer hart resonated with Pepper. There, finds something, we’ll try to find a Pepper could sense the presence of spike to see if there’s a source to go past inmates, servants, and sheriffs with it,” Pepper said. “You always from countless years before her viswant to leave without bringing any it. Using the electrometer, a tool that ghosts back with shows changes in you, anything temperatures, the that’s bad on team asked the you.” spirits questions. To be a part of “We’d ask quesYou always want to leave Pepper’s ghost tions like ‘do you hunting team, like the laugh without bringing any applicants must of girls?’ off the ghosts back with you, write an essay chart,” Pepper anything that’s bad on about their exsaid. “‘Were you perience with ever a prisoner you ghost hunting. here?’ nothing.” When applying, In one room of - English Teacher Colleen the team considthe jailhouse, ColPepper ers whether or leen and her team not the applicant of ghost huntis contributing to ers, felt like they something they couldn’t move. lack. Asking various questions, to either “That’s why you have different peo- disprove or prove the existence of the ple, because everyone brings in a dif- entity, both the cell bars and screens ferent strength,” Pepper said. “Some banged. Once the team stopped askcan be stronger Empathics, than me, ing questions, the bars would no lonsome can be less.” ger move.
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“There was nothing loose on it,” Pepper said. “That’s part of ghost hunting—is there a plausible explanation? There was no wind, nothing that could say why [the bars and screens] were making the noise. It was one of my first ghost hunting experiences, so you always remember those.” Pepper partially considers herself an Empthatic, someone who either sees the dead or feels their presence. Pepper senses emotions and senses if something’s off. “It’s more of a clue into reactions and a change in something,” Pepper said. “You can feel if something sad has happened, but you don’t know what it is.” Pepper believes that as a ghost hunter, she and her team should respect the entities and not antagonize or bully them simply to prove their existence. Pepper’s group aims to respect the deceased being and their memories. “Whether someone believes it or not, it’s something I enjoy doing,” Pepper said. “Do I believe in it? I believe there are things out there and always have.”
Features // November 4, 2016 // 13
Viva la Vida Art conveys holiday Holly Hambleton // Asst. Editor
Erin Minnich, Sophomore “I carved shapes into my piece so that the light will shine through and create patterns to represent that even though people have passed away, they are still there and a shining light on our lives.”
Haley Simpson, Junior “This piece represents my dog that I had since I was two until about fifth grade, he was like my best friend. We didn’t get along in the beginning, like I would pull his tail and he would bite me, but quickly we learned to love each other. I have the strongest connection to my dog, so I dedicated my piece to him.”
Darryl Simpson, Junior “Most of the people in class were doing masks, so I wanted to make a sculpture that was different than everyone else’s. I’m proud of this piece because I think it looks good, I like how it turned out.”
Day of the Dead celebrates past lives Kylie Ruffino // Co-Editor
One time, on senior Natalie Alva’s grandFestival traditions vary from family to family mother’s birthday, her grandfather wanted to and community to community. For Alva, her famsurprise his wife with dinner because she loved ily makes altars for her two grandparents with to cook and he wanted to return the favor. The pictures of them decorated with marigolds, a entire family had to keep her out of the house guide for the spirits to come back to this world. while he cooked. “Here in America, death is seen as a sad thing,” “Why can’t we go home?” her grandmother Alva said. “In my house we don’t say someone asked. “It’s my birthday and I need to cook.” passed away we say they relocated to heaven. They each took turns making excuses. “Oh, we Dying isn’t all around a bad thing. It shouldn’t need to go to this store first,” they would say. always be a sad thing. They were alive and they Eventually they returned to the house, only to do have those good memories. Their passing find her grandfather covered in charcoal col- day shouldn’t be filled with something sad.” ored bread and a smoky and burnt dinner. Her In Mexico, when her grandmother passed grandfather never had been a great cook. The away, they celebrated her life with a party. And house almost caught on fire and they ended up while tears shed, Alva said they stayed uplifted. buying a new stove. “Day of the Dead here in the Alva shares this story with United States, seems to have her family as they all laugh turned into more of a party,” at the funny memory. She Alva said. “While the festival was young when her grandin Mexico is also a party, the Here in America, death is parents both passed away, so US does not bring traditional seen as a sad thing. In my her memories of them someceremonies or bringing in house we don’t say sometimes fade with time. Each our culture. I don’t want to one passed away we say year, she is able to celebrate see the Americanized version their life, legacy and their of such an important day bethey relocated to heaven. memories with her entire cause I think it’s disrespectful family on Dias De Los Muerif they don’t get everything - Natalie Alva, 12 tos, Day of the Dead. right.” “Day of the Dead, from Alva still believes everywhere I am from, a small one should celebrate if they town called Teocaltiche, is understand the meaning and basically a way to celebrate importance of the celebrathe people who have passed tion, but not just as a way to away in your life. A way to really bring grati- paint one’s face. She encourages everyone to tude to their life and that they are meaningful celebrate in their own right by remembering and their life is not forgotten,” Alva said. “Per- their own family and friends who passed. sonally, this celebration is a huge thing for me “Day of the Dead is very special to my family to give back to my grandparents.” and I,” Alva said. “It is a celebration for everyDay of the Dead, celebrated Nov. 1 and 2, one and a way to remember our loved ones. I represents the appreciation of past lives. The don’t plan on going to any festivals because I celebration takes place in many European and am not in Mexico, but I will celebrate with my Latin American countries, especially in Mexican family for two days.” tradition.
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14 \\ Volume 10, Issue 3
\\ Entertainment
Grebb
1
&
2
Friends Assistant principal provides news through Talon video series Ileana Perez // Co-Editor
When Michael Grebb was younger, he remembers the public service announcements during Saturday morning cartoons. Slogans that commonly ended in the phrase “the more you know” surrounded him. “Don’t drink and drive.” “Don’t do drugs.” Although now, years later, he isn’t talking about these issues specifically, the assistant principal is taking on his own form of public service announcements called Grebb & Friends. Originally supposed to be called “Talon Talk,” Grebb & Friends was formed towards the end of the 2015-2016 school year with various class of 2015 seniors from the Audio Video Production class. While the videos started last year, they didn’t begin a usual occurrence until this year. “Since our school is so big, there’s a lot of things students want to hear or know about,” Grebb said. “I think making videos that are funny and short will grab people’s attention and get them to know more about things going on at Hendrickson.” Last year, a Grebb & Friends over job interviewing skills stimulated a lot of positive responses from both students and teachers. Since then, various videos have been created over topics such as safety, football game rules, adopta-child and technology. In the future,
Grebb plans on making videos over the writing center, the College and Career Center, and scholarships. “What I want is for people, going forward, to say ‘Hey, I wish they would talk about this’ and then we would make a video about it,” Grebb said. “I want the ideas to come from the students.” While multiple people are part of Grebb’s team, help from Audio Video senior student Lucas Cash, Grebb is able to publish videos on the ‘Hawk Nation TV’ YouTube channel for students to access at any given time. “Grebb will come up to us and ask us about doing a certain project,” Cash said. “From there, we’ll start writing down certain things we have to do like, ‘Do we have to interview people?’ or ‘Do we have to get something on the green screen?’ For the final product we edit it, put it all together. Grebb will take a look at it and give us feedback.” Ultimately, Grebb is trying to make information more accessible to the student body and strongly welcomes any ideas presented to him. “ L i k e t h o s e p u b l i c s e r v i c e announcements, ‘the more you know,’” said Grebb. “I want kids to be informed and for all of Hawk Nation to know what you’re allowed to do. I’m just hoping teachers show the video every time we make them, and students enjoy it.”
3
1 Photos by Ileana Perez
1
Before filming a video, Grebb speaks with the students about his ideas for an upcoming episode. “Grebb gets really excited about his new ideas or he’ll get an
2
Cash edits an episode of Grebb & Friends before the video is finalized. “The videos do give a lot of information on things
3
Senior Lucas Cash prepares all of the equipment needed to start shooting an episode of Grebb & Friends. “When approached us about doing Grebb videos, we didn’t
email from a teacher and want to start a project right away,” Cash said. “I think he really loves it.” Grebb hopes to incorporate other teachers into the series in the future.
going on in the school, especially for underclassmen,” Cash said. A video will take about two days to make, from start to finish.
really know what they were at first,” Cash said. “I think he just wanted to inform all the kids about certain things that you don’t hear in the announcements.” While there is no set date for Grebb & Friends, around two videos are published each week.
Notes From A Violinist
Entertainment // November 4, 2016 // 15
Musician reflects on musical journey, experiences Rumor Stojek // Copy Editor
Deep breath in. ate as much sound as a band instruChin down. Her posture is taut, she ment. knows better than to slouch. Shoul“I have to put so much effort toward ders straight. Focus. She holds the the violin, as it is said to be one of the bow elegantly, hovering slightly over hardest instruments to play,” Gregoire the strings. said. “So much thought is put into Deep breath out. whether I’m in the correct position, if She plays. The violin hums through my intonation is good and coherent, the room, mystifying the atmosphere how I’m presenting myself to the auaround her. She closes her eyes and dience. All these elements are what lets the music take make my playing her somewhere rewarding.” magical. Once she learned For roughly five the basics, she years, junior Madstarted additional Through the violin, I felt eline Gregoire has lessons to help her as if there was one thing I played the violin. learn new techcan keep constant under Originally, sixth niques and imgrader Gregoire prove her sound. my own control. wanted to play the “The violin is imoboe in her middle portant to me be- Madeline Gregoire, 11 school band. Due cause it’s one of my to changes in her greatest achieveschedule, Gregoire ments,” Gregoire was placed in her said. “Times that school’s orchestra I’ve not played my instead. violin are the most depressing, be“At that point I just decided to stay cause I don’t feel as confident in my and give it a try, and over time I grew other talents than I do in my playto love orchestra,” Gregoire said. “It’s ing. My violin is what got me through how I learned to love violin and met some of my best friends.” After spending weeks practicing without the violin, learning how to read music, and preparing to play her instrument, Gregoire finally was allowed to handle a violin in her arms. “Even if playing was the main reward, finally getting to hold the instrument was the biggest reward,” Gregoire said. “Getting to pick up the violin made my future in orchestra more official.” The majority of the instruments in orchestra are string instruments, like cellos, pianos, and violins; whereas band utilizes all groups of instrument types, except strings. Band instruments generally produce louder sounds, while the orchestra’s string instruments take more energy to cre-
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many things: family, moving, school. Through the violin, I felt as if there was one thing I can keep constant under my own control.” In her future, Gregoire plans to continue playing her violin as a hobby or a pastime. Since community orchestras are readily available, Gregoire sees herself joining one to preserve her musical journey. “I have always battled with change, and I live with a family that does it a lot,” Gregoire said. “I can’t adjust well in quick decisions. When I first came to Hendrickson and discovered there was no orchestra, my mood plummeted. Playing the violin, though, was something that influenced me to stay. I would say to myself, ‘Sure, I can’t play at school anymore, but at least I’m still playing in some way’. My violin has always been the consistency I needed during times like this.” The lack of an orchestra class at Hendrickson, encouraged Gregoire to create her own orchestra club. Gregorie advises students to contact her or band director, Garth Gundersen to join. “The orchestra club will be a way
Madeline Gregoire, 11 Photos By Ileana Perez
for students who used to play an instrument in the past to get the chance to play again,” Gregoire said. “I want to reintroduce the orchestra to those who had one in middle school.” Gregoire’s violin has helped her come out of a previously introverted shell. Gregoire is more comfortable participating in her church band and auditioning for community orchestras than she ever would have if she didn’t have her violin. “I tend to be introverted in many cases, but with my violin in mind, I find that I can completely do a 180 on my social levels,” Gregoire said. “The violin taught me the real impact an instrument can have. One can think, ‘Yeah, it’s just a box with strings and you play music with it,’ but I see it as a huge part of my life.”
16 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 2 \\ Entertainment
PLAYLIST
Turning Leaves
Staff review their playlist picks for fall Reviewed by Rumor Stojek, Ileana Perez, Kylie Ruffino, and Savannah Cummings
7 songs, 24 min
PLAY SONG
ARTIST
DESCRIPTION
Marceline
Willow Smith
Willow Smith’s 2015 debut album, Ardipithecus features the song, Marceline which is a love song to the Vampire Queen character in Adventure Time. The song has a smooth beat, which pairs wonderfully with Smith’s catchy lyrics. Though relatively short, this song combines sweet melodies to create a cosmic and spacey-like tone which encompassing the essence of the fall season.
All I Want
Kodaline
The smooth melody in All I Want pairs perfectly with cold fall nights with warm cinnamon scented candles flickering in the back. The song talks about losing someone that once meant everything and is accompanied with a sad acoustic. The guitar acoustics give a lonely vibe, suitable for any time people become too much.
Spooky Ghosts
SNKPCK
Spooky Ghost opens with a sweet ukulele and then continues with a soft raspy voice. This would be a fitting song for a cool evening in front of a bonfire with friends. The song discusses a couple’s love story in a very interesting but cute way, because it shows love as a raw and quirky essence.
Home of the Strange
Young the Giant
With beautiful, indie-rock tunes, Young the Giant definitely deserves a listen during fall, specifically the song Home of the Strange from their latest album. Typically, fall insinuates soft acoustics and sad songs, but every once in awhile everyone needs an upbeat bop to change things a bit. This song will satisfy the rocker in us all as the lyrics create social commentary on American life.
Cleopatra
The Lumineers
This song feels most like a bonfire song playing while friends roast marshmallows in the warm night and should definitely be listened to as a transition between summer to autumn. The Lumineers do an amazing job with the song in creating a rich, soulful sound with louder acoustics and painfully sad lyrics. Cleopatra describes losing a soulmate because of bad timing and leaves them remaining hopeless and alone.
Always Be
Holley Maher
Love is a Burden
Jamestown Revival
With its minimalistic and acoustic vibes, Always Be by Holley Maher lands a definite spot on a fall playlist. Most simply, Always Be is a love song expressing the importance of being there for someone. The song starts off with a soft, romantic guitar melody, and Maher’s sweet-sounding voice later joins in along with other unconventional noises and rhythms. Although Always Be isn’t very climatic, Maher still embodies the relaxed feeling of the fall season. Jamestown Revival’s, Love is a Burden is a gritty, soulful, folk song with a hint of country twang, written about the burden of loving someone. The track includes vintage guitar tones and drum beats, making it easy to feel the power in both singers’ voices, harmonies and playful melody, perfect for the beginnings of fall.
Entertainment // November 4, 2016 // 17
Pages to Premieres
Staff reviews recent, upcoming book to movie adaptations Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Carolina Yanez // Reporter
Holly Hambleton // Asst. Editor
As a lover of the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs, hopes ran high for the movie. Aside from some major differences like switching main characters and combining elements of the series’ different books, the film wonderfully done, satisfies expectations. Director Tim Burton’s plot changes help viewers who have not read the book understand concepts like magical abilities or peculiarities. Because of the novel’s in-depth description, not everything can be captured in the movie, but Burton pulls in the main
A Monster Calls
ideas, keeping the essence of the book. The cinematography puts ideas of the unique characters onto the screen, bringing the story to life. Both the book and the film broach the idea of a fantasy world right under the population’s nose, making the viewer imagine what it would be like to live in this extraordinary secret universe. With every book to movie adaptation, elements are lost, but this film brings the characters and adventures to life in a fantastical way, doing the book justice.
A Monster Calls is a book about a young boy named Conor, who must cope with his single mother’s cancer, while seeking help from a tree monster. This monster visits Conor at exactly 12:07 a.m. every night, and describes tales with lessons that Conor must later apply to his own life. Unfortunately, the original author, Siobahn Dowd, had passed away before ending the book due to her own terminal illness, but later Patrick Ness,
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Megan Fletcher // Reporter
For five long years, fans of the Harry Potter series thought their favorite series was at a close. Now, the highly anticipated release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them enables them to experience the magic of midnight premieres. The film is set in 1920’s New York, an unprecedented era in the Potter universe. Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne portrays the eccentric wizard Newt Scamander, a magizoologist, or a wizard studying magical creatures. In a flurry of quick wits and flying spells,
the trailer sets up a completely new, yet familiar chapter in the ever expanding Harry Potter world. But for millions of young fans, the premiere is their first chance to buy tickets to a new Potter movie or gaze at the adorned ‘new release’ shelves in Barnes & Noble. The quiet playback of “Hedwig’s Theme” in the background of the Fantastic Beasts trailer takes fans back to somewhere familiar and introduces them to somewhere else entirely new.
writer and director, finished the book to credit her ideas. The fantasy/drama book was made into a film, and set for release in the United States, January 2017. The film will hopefully attribute the strong characters and deep connections the book constructs. Expectations for the movie are set high to acknowledge its late author, and aims to recognize the claims of realization and the truth.
18 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 3 \\ Sports
Running
towards the
Gold
Q: What has changed since you first joined cross country?
Q: How did you do at the regional meet?
EB: Since running cross country I’ve been more friendly and social towards people. It’s a great community and introduced me to some great friends.
DV: I placed first at the regional meet. I got out really well and was shoulder to shoulder with whoever was in the lead and willing to duke it out. It all just felt natural and was amazing to get back into that thrilling atmosphere.
Q: How did you feel during the race?
Senior Gwyneth Garcia runs at the cross country area meet on Oct. 29.
GG: During my race all I could think about was how hot it was! I was able to stay calm and collective for the first part of the race toward the end was when I really had to dig deep and push through the pain. After the race I just remember feeling thankful that the Lord gave me the strength to finish in the top 15.
Q: How do you train for cross country meets? DV: This season I have taken a more conservative approach, both with my training schedule and my racing schedule. I haven’t raced too much, because of the various meets I will race in even after the state meet. I feel like that has made claiming the team title at district even more special.
Q: How prepared for the meet do you think you were? DV: Entering into the region meet I was extremely confident with the work I had done and where I was sitting. Our team as a whole didn’t have the best race but we still managed to squeeze into state. I’m excited about this group of guys and what we can do on November 12th. Photo provided by Jose Viegra
Q: What inspired you to run?
Alyssa Ellinwood // Reporter
Sophomore Ernest Bogart (EB), senior Daniel Viegra (DV) and Senior Gwyneth Garcia (GG) describe their training, various meets and team relationship throughout their cross country season.
EB: I’ve always taken a liking towards running. Sometimes running just allows me the time to think and just relaxes my mind. It’s sort of my way of letting go of my problems without losing touch with reality.
2016 Sports Scores
Seniors Daniel Viegra, Justin Botello, Tyler McDaniel and sophomore Ernest Bogart come off the course at the District Cross Country meet on Oct. 20. Photo by Mitchell Casazza
VOLLEYBALL
FOOTBALL
Varsity: Westwood (Away): L 34-35 McNeil (Home): W 36-28 Stony Point (Away): L 13-14 Round Rock (Home): L 15-51
Photo by Kylie Bowlus
Varsity: Round Rock (Away): L 2-3 Pflugerville (Home): W 3-0 McNeil (Away): L 1-3 Cedar Ridge (Home): W 3-1 Stony Point (Home): W 3-1 Westwood (Away): L 0-3 Stony Point (Away): W 3-0
Q: Do you think your team works well together?
Q:How prepared were you for the race?
EB: I’d say we did all the things any true team should do. We’re always constantly reminding, complimenting and critiquing one another when it’s needed. We truly care for one another and that’s part of what makes us run so hard, we never want to let each other down and will sacrifice anything necessary to get each other where we need to be.
I believe physically I was prepared for the race. My Teammates and I have been working very hard all season pushing each other on the hard days, making sure to stay hydrated and trying get our eight hours of sleep. Mentally I was a little unstable because the week before I lost my grandfather and it took a toll on me, but I was able to rise to the occasion.
Beyond the Bench
Sports // October 7, 2016 // 19
Varsity volleyball player motivated in spite of injury Megan Fletcher // Reporter
McKenna Lucas // Reporter
The crowd roars as the final seconds of the Though her injury deeply affected both her game pass. A whistle blows and the team erupts physical and mental well-being, Sanders uses in pure joy. Slowly, sophomore Trinity Sanders the experience as a learning opportunity- on rises from the bench to celebrate the 3-2 victory and off the court. against Round Rock with her teammates. “Look at the bright side. While I watch the Sanders has a Pars Stress Fracture, meaning game and do stats, it makes me a better player repeated stress to the verbecause I can see where to set tebrae caused her bones to the block or where to stand on break under pressure. This defense on different plays,” injury resulted in her missing Sanders said. “These are the entire volleyball season. things I might not have seen I’ve learned that everything “Support from my family before while I was actually happens for a reason and and friends has really gotten on the court. I have a whole me through this season. This different point of view.” this was most likely a sign injury has been especially Sanders’ parents and coaches that I need to pay more athard on me because a continually encourage her to tention to what my body back injury is way different keep moving forward in spite tells me. from, say, an ankle injury,” of the injury. Sanders said. “I’ve learned “They inspired me by telling that everything happens for me what I could do to make - Trinity Sanders, 10 a reason and this was most myself a better player even likely a sign that I need to though I’m not on the court,” pay more attention to what Sanders said. “They taught me my body tells me and when what to learn from watching to take little breaks.” the high school season and what to take away After three mon ths in rehab, Sanders overcame from that when I come back and I never wanted an array of emotions. While on the bench, she to quit.” watched as the game went on without her. Sanders continues to make strides in overcoming “While I’m sitting there, I cheer for my team but all aspects of her struggle. She watches every I’m constantly putting myself on the court and game won and lost and grows into a better imagining what I would’ve done: ‘Where would player and person. I have hit the ball? Would I have gotten that ball “At the end of the day, my injuries make me a up?’,” Sanders said. “Volleyball is my passion and stronger person,” Sanders said. “I know if I can not being able to play for long periods of time get through injuries like these, I can get through or even practice is so different for me.” anything I put my mind to.”
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Yells for the Win Varsity Volleyball team gets amped up during game by shouting and cheering loudly. “We were fighting for our place in playoffs all season long,” junior Klaire Torrez said. “Our energy and cheering played a big factor in the game.” Alyssa Carlin, 12, Trinity Sanders, 10, Klaire Torrez, 11, Clarissa Leal, 12 Photo By McKenzie Quiroz
Headed to Playoffs
Photo By Katelyn Pierce
(Left) The Varsity Volleyball team huddle up during a break to quickly discuss things to improve and good things to continue throughout the rest of the game. (Right) Junior Abby Blair swaps places with senior Clarissa Leal during game. Blair covers front row and Leal covers back row. “It’s always good to be on such a hardworking team,” Leal said. “In practice, we give it all we can and it feels great to see it pay off in a game.” Their hard work has paid off as the Volleyball team has adAbby Blair, 11, Clarissa Leal, 12 vanced to playoffs. The next playoff game is today, Nov. 4. Photo By Ashley Lister
20 \\ The Hawk \\ Volume 10, Issue 3 \\ Last Look
Thankful Thoughts
Upcoming holiday season gives opportunity to say thanks Paul Le // Reporter Abigail Hill // Reporter Victoria Hoang // Reporter
“I love my job because I love teaching students my culture and my native language. When I see how that transcends to them like in French III, students starts speaking French. The reward is incredible I cannot even explain. Seeing the enthusiasm in my students makes me happy. I also love Hendrickson where I work. Our language program gets along very well. Some of my wonderful friends are from the language program.” - Liliane Brockington, French teacher Photo by Ileana Perez
“This sounds really weird, but I’m thankful for myself. I still have the determination to overcome difficulties and life even though this year has been a lot. I’ve been very stressed for the past few weeks because of college applications and all of that. Also, the fact that I’m still a strong, independent, young woman that is able to achieve her goals and is able to get things done and always be motivated in order to be successful.” -Sophie Nguyen, 12 Photo by Victoria Hoang
“I’m thankful for many things, one of them having the ability to drive because many countries do not have that luxury. The ability to obtain memories within pictures, cause you know that they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.” -Levi Cragun, 11 Photo by Abigail Hill
“I’m thankful for my family and the friends that I have, and I’m thankful that I’m passing all of my classes. My family, they have helped me throughout this year and they pushed me to do college registrations and what not. I want to major in business.” - Aaliyah Lucas, 11 Photo by Victoria Hoang
I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and my community. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. [My family] gives me food, shelter, a place to sleep, a place to live. My friends are people I can count on.” -Emily Shelton, 12 Photo by Victoria Hoang