The Eagle's Eye; Issue 3, Vol. 13; Akins High School

Balancing a baby and hitting the books is the reality of several students on campus. See one teen mom’s take on her lifestyle on page 3.

Students stow away iPods and iTunes as old trends make waves across the music world. Check out more on page 8.

With basketball back in season, both the girl’s and boy’s team have high expectations of this season.

Find out more on page 11.

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XBOX vs. PS4… pg. 3

Speech and debate … pg. 7 Sava

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Joseph Featherstone

Marissa Sosa

AkinsEaglesPublications.com

things to know

Winter chill spots … pg. 10

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Twitter.com/AkinsJournalism

YouTube.com/AkinsJournalism

The

Eagle's Eye

W. Charles Akins High School

“Everything That Concerns You”

Austin, Texas

Vol. 13 No. 2

December 16, 2013

Academies Education overhaul

New Tech’s redesign gains momentum Students will see changes in the upcoming years for some academies on campus Savannah Garza Editor-in-Chief Changes are in store for an academy known for innovation since it’s inception in 2006. will offer career majors in their own acad-

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academy,” she said. “It’s the only academy that does not have their own majors. It’s have more ownership of their academy and

going to try to make it more environmentalnecessarily connect with what we’re doing now.”

Savannah Garza

Changes open doors New Tech High director Brandi Hosack is proposing to bring several career majors in to her academy next year.

won’t notice the difference.” in that academy,” she said. “Upperclassmen

RST students qualify for state

taking majors in other academies. In terms of

other academies.

See “NEW TECH” pg. 4

College & Career Center

Covering costs

Simmons: FAFSA ‘life line’ to college funds

Adelina Sithammavong Staff Reporter

Robert Soto-Soria Staff Reporter

what they want to do after high school was in elementary school.

freshman.”

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dress, and all of that same information for the parents.

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mons said.

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don’t know what comes next.

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scholarships, grants, “I worked on a project called the Chap-

reality,” college adviser Celina -

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scored high in the regional competition, and are now moving on to state.

ally provide money for.

Simmons said.

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getting into college,” college adviser Sarah Simmons said.

need for college.

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inside

Opinions...pg 2-3

News...pg 4-5

Student Life...pg 6-7

Entertainment...pg 8-9

In-Depth...pg 10

Sports...pg 11

Photo Essay...pg 12

Opinions The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 12.16.13

page 2

New Tech heads in a different direction EdITOrIAL

New Tech Guest Editorial

Academy director explains new plans for New Tech High Brandi Hosack New Tech High Director

The Eagle’s Eye Editor-in-Chief Savannah Garza

Editorial Policy

News Editor Jacqueline Rodriguez In-depth editor Caitlin Starks

Abraham Alvarado Staff Reporter

Opinions Editor Hannah Kerns Student Life Editor Stephanie Zuniga Entertainment Editor Marissa Sosa Sports Editor Kenneth Jennings Photo Editor Marisol Gomez On-line Editor Matthew Lopez Christian Hernandez Graphics Editor Jacob Sanchez Adviser David Doerr

Eagle’s Eye Staff

Organizations

2005 2006 2007 2011 2012 2013

2013

Monday, 12.16.13

AP Response Rebecca Redland-Sturzl and Janet Larkin AP English teachers “Do not let teachers force you to take a test you feel you are not prepared for…” Words are powerful. And these words from the recent article “Prices on Advanced Placement Testing Stirs Up Chaos” continue to ring in our ears, sending a negative message to students about the value of AP exams. The article continues by saying that “students are being forced by the administration to take AP exams they are clearly not prepared for,” implying that students have no choice in the path they choose for college credit. Sitting in an AP class is a choice, and when students sign up for the course they also sign an agreement form indicating that they agree to meet all of the requirements and expectations of the course. Taking the AP exam is the culminating requirement for AP courses. Why else would you take the class?

Admittedly, the cost of the exam is high, especially if students are taking multiple exams, but we have offered a payment plan for the exams, allowing students to pay in several installments so that a student and their family does mention the students that receive incentive checks from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation for each qualifying score in a math, science, or English course. The incentive check covers the cost of each of those tests, so in essence the students have earned college credit AND have been paid for earning credit on the exam.

We have many AP success stories. Take a walk to the front foyer and look at the number of AP Scholars on the plaques displayed by the main display case. These are students who have dedicated themselves to their coursework and to the goal of earning college credit. Five years ago, an Akins student chose to quit all his extracurricular activities (and withstood vociferous push back from teacher sponsors and friends) to focus on preparing for AP exams. So while his friends were partying during Spring Break, he was preparing for his eight Advanced Placement exams. And, yes, they were $89 a piece for him and no, student who entered UT with enough college credit earned through AP exams to be a second- semester sophomore.

Yes, the nationwide percentage of students qualifying on AP exams seems low but in 2011, Mrs. Racine and Mrs. Larkin exceeded the national average with our English literature students. In 2010, forty-three Akins students earned AP English Language credit, the highest in school history. AP classes will prepare students for these difEach year, we prepare ourselves. We read and we write to learn the complexities of literary analysis. We attend two day conferences each year and attend week long summer AP institutes as additional training to teach Advanced Placement English Literature and Language classes. Yes, even though we have been teaching for a combined forty years, we feel it is necessary, compelled if you will, to continually prepare. So, why don’t students feel prepared?

Undoubtedly, students in AP classes have been preparing for AP tests since the sixth grade while sitting in their very scores on AP exams are the reason students took the tough classes, the reason they did hours of homework, the reason What are you doing right now to prepare for the tests in May?” As Wayne Gretzky said “You will miss 100% of the shots you never take.” So, Shoot!

Gaming

page 3

The Eagle’s Eye

Life style Motherhood

Teen sheds light on life as a mom and student Marissa Sosa Entertainment Editor We shouldn’t bury our heads in sand. Lets take off the ear muffs and face the facts we are teenagers and we are going to do it regardless. Just because they don’t have a kid doesn’t mean its not happening. We all know.

But we should stop thinking about the way a daycare looks and think about the way it helps.

It gives all teen parents a chance to get back up on their feet and make something of themselves.

We were adults when we had sex and now we are owning up to our responsibilities and acting like adults at school. At the same time there are all these kids failing 5 or more classes and skipping instead of getting tutoring and extra help.

So much for equality.

We are here struggling because we have no one to watch our children and we actually do want to be in school getting our education to be something and give our kids a good future. We dont have $600 a week for daycares so we have to stay home.

There’s no other option for us.

We’re missing a wonderful opportunity and privilege that other schools have.

If we maybe for one second take away the judgment, maybe just maybe, you’d see our plea and realize how pointless it is if you sit there and try to stop us from trying to correct our wrong. It’s not even a wrong. It’s been done before in history.

There’s no way to turn

a blind eye to teen pregnancy.

The truth is we know we made a bad choice. We took responsibility and still are untill this day. But having a little less stress and struggle would be great, I mean we all want to soar to excellence right?

I want to walk that stage and show everyone I did it but I can’t do that if I am missing so much school because my home life is all kinds of crazy just like everyone here at Akins. Just because I have a baby doesn’t make me different.

But it does make a difference when I can’t come to school because no one can watch my son, and everyone else chooses to stay home.

So please tell me, does a daycare look better then a large amount of dropouts? Don’t leave behind the few stud e n t s

school with some sort of help from family. gers or trying to be a ranting teen mom, but if you see someone trying to stand up after they fall are you going to watch them struggle and push them down or lend a helping hand to help them get back up on their feet?

There’s nothing right about teen pregnancy. It’s not cute, but it happens.

THE EAGLE’S VIEW What is on your holiday wish list?

“I want a new longboard and money because I love longboarding and money.”

Ethan Finney Freshman

“I want new phone cases, clothes, socks and shoes because I love them.”

w h o grew up too quick. It’s our problem but it will become the schools when the drop out rate goes through the roof because we are receiving no help from a school that supposedly wants the best for all of us.

Right now Texas has the fourth highest rate of births to teen mothers, 30 percent of teen girls who drop out of high school cite early pregnancy or parenthood as the culprit.

Only 40 percent of teen mothers complete high

Christina Simpson Sophomore

Johanna Dakay

GuEST EdITOrIAL

Opinions

New Consoles

“I just want to have fun and spend as much time with my family as I can.”

Xbox one battles it out against PlayStation 4

without actually leaving the game.

This is a new multitasking feature that you’ll notice that will prove useful to many.

Along side this feature, the Xbox

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All of its graphing and gaming details are improved for the players gaming experience in mind, and it’s a downright beauty. It’s what any gamer has been waiting for, something powerful, yet simple.

It’s a giant upgrade from the Xbox 360 that we’ve all come to know and love, and that’s what makes it so much more advanced.

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With amazing improvements from graphics to a new and improved controller, the Microsoft’s Xbox One is an excellent upgrade from its predecessor the Xbox 360.

The new and improved controller features a vibrating trigger and bumper buttons, which allow you to really get more in-depth in the gaming world. The controller is still much like the 360’s,because the new controller still doesn’t come with its own built-in rechargeable battery. It’s a small setback, but you can purchase a charge and go kit from Microsoft for $30.

The Xbox one features new software and a sporty upgrade, featuring a new way to really multitask.

For those who are bored playing the new Call of Duty, a new feature allows you to switch from the game, to

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as it matched Sony’s Play Station 4 sells with over 1 million sales in the

an

With a release date of November

Am

Isiah Strange Staff Reporter

One comes with a newly upgraded Kinect. The new Kinect sports better picture quality, and gives you the ability to Skype on the new Xbox One. So you can play your game and skype your friend at the same time.

Now for the most important part, how do the games look? Well, the Xbox One graphics will blow you away. I felt as if I right in the game, the characters seem so life like. You can pratically see the sweat dripping off the characters face’s. Everything about it is so evolved.

Overall, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to buy an Xbox One.

Tyler Derickson Staff Reporter With its debut launch on November 15th of this year, Sony’s PlayStation 4 sold over 1 million consoles in the span of one day.

Sony’s newest product features items such as a new and improved Dual Shock 4 controller, which includes an innovative touch

pad that corresponds to the game for enhanced gameplay.

It also features a new share button located on the controller that allows players to record their gameplay. Then you can upload it to a network that stores everyone’s video recordings.

Lastly audio headsets are no longer required for online communication as you can use any type of

headphone ranging from Dre Beats to regular $10 headphones. The Xbox still supports a custom headphone jack that only lets you use Microsoft Xbox headsets.

One big adjustment apparent in this next generation of consoles is the power processor that brings the games graphics and power supply. The PS4 has a built in power processor compared to the Xbox One’s external brick power supply.

It is less likely to shut down because of the bigger power supply.

As for online features the PS4 has done away with the free access of online gaming, which has drawn some users away from it, but it is still cheaper than the Xbox One’s standing at $50 instead of $60 and it includes free indie games that appeal to some gamers.

Play Station Network also includes great deals as they give away free games on a monthly basis.

This is something that Xbox adopted from Play Station later on in the last generation of consoles.

The PlayStation 4 comes in at a retail price of $399.99 compared to Xbox One’s $499.99 asking price.

The Play Station 4 is going to be the best bang for your buck this year as it has better features, games and is an all around better quality system.

Cody Dunlap Junior

“I asked my parents to get my senior portraits and for a new phone case. I want my boyfriend to get a teddy bear my size as well.”

Estafani Camacho Senior

“It would be nice if the band I’m in could play in a nice place. It would be nice if the whole family got together.”

Joe Broome Digital Media Teacher

News The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 12.16.13

page 4

Academy adds majors; changes coming soon Cont. “NEW TECH” pg. 1 classes, it’s also going to reset to just ninth and tenth graders next year. As the years go by, each grade level ly a 9-12 grade academy.

“The vision is to make New Tech centralize all the digital and technology majors on campus in to one academy,” she said.

Hosack hopes to gain for the changes being made to New Tech.

“I’ve written a proposal to our district career and technology folks to request that they back the new tech academy in being the digital academy on campus,” Hosack said.

Hosack has requested $25,000 for a renovation of a classroom and $50,000 for equipment a proposed Audio/Visual Production major.

“That’s the newest major that nobody on campus currently has, hopefully it gets more kid’s interest,” Hosack said.

Print journalism majors will shift to New Tech, along with a new pathway that will

be introduced next year. In order to complete this major, students will have to take audio and video production classes, along with digital and interactive media.

“It just makes sense for the new transition because New Tech is about technology,” Arts & Humanities academy director Shawn Mena said.

With some classes in AHA shifting to New Tech, Mena has proposed new classes to replace the loss of career and technology offerings in the academy.

“We’re going to create a costume design class,” she said. “We’re also creating an academic decathlon class so that this becomes more competitively oriented, and then a UIL class. We also plan on expanding speech and debate.”

Mena said the new costume design class would bring different opportunities to students.

“The costume design class supports theater,” a person with a background

Savannah Garza

Dynamic learning Students in the New Tech High work on independent assignments during math class.

Sophomore Alek Penschansky is currently working a music video for New Tech.

in design and bring them in so the student’s can support theater productions.”

CTE department chair Lisa Shaw has high hopes for the changes ahead.

“They didn’t have that strong sense of culture that all the other academies had,” Shaw said. “If everyone is patient and goes in to it with a good attitude it will be fantastic. We can look for the

opportunities and not the problems.” as the director of the New Tech academy; previously she was the director for the Social Services academy.

She also used to teach science in New Tech.

“Mrs. Hosack is such a strong leader,” Girard said.

“She’ll be able to make the new majors that we’re creat-

New Tech sophomore Alek Peschansky created the is also working on a music video for the academy.

“It’s about time that New Tech got recognized for the kids they have and the skills we bring,” Penschansky said. “Expect a lot of things to come out of New Tech next year.”

Jacob Sanchez

F1 race

Off Campus

Engineering students network with international competitors Jose Salazar Staff Reporter Competing against other schools can be hard but for the F1 club it was even harder as they had to go against other schools from other countries.

Engineering teacher John Sayce, advised members of the Lone Star Racing team from Akins.

“This was a really big deal for us because it was against other countries, and it took a lot of effort but it paid off and it was a lot of fun,” Sayce said.

Although they didn’t make it in the top three they still did what they can to get

as far as they could.

“I think that we needed to focus more on the engineering on the car, all we did most of the time was use a simulation instead of actually testing the car,” Sayce said.

Even though they didn’t test their car a lot they did learn many things throughout all this.

“The students learned how to work with other teams through long distance, they also learned how to problem solve, program management, how other countries and cultures worked, and their networking skills,” Sayce said.

Although Sayce advised

the Lone Star Racing, it was the students who actually built the car and these students also enjoyed it.

“Competition was a fun experience, my favorite part was the racing and the collaboration from all the other teams from around the world,” Junior Erwin Niera said.

Neira admits the experience

was worthwhile.

“It was a fun experience, and I know it will help me out in the long run, and it was incredible meeting the other teams,” said Neira.

But Neira wasn’t the only person on the team; sophomore James Garcia also helped build and present the F1 car.

“Competition was alright, we won the award for

Santana Gutierrez

best team identity but my favorite part was meeting people from all around the world,” Garcia said.

The competition wasn’t just racing; there was also a verbal presentation and a pit display.

“The verbal presentation was pretty interesting, some people forgot parts but that was the fun about it because some people could wing it,” said Garcia “While the verbal presentation was interesting the pit display was a pain.”

The students enjoyed meeting people from around the world.

“Because of the competition I now have friends from

other countries and I still talk to them,” Garcia said.

Junior Hannah Holder also attended the event.

“Competition went really well, we got best team identity which means we combined our pit display, our uniform and our portfolio the best,” Holder said.

“My favorite part was the after party, I made a lot of good friends and good memories.”

Unfortunately Akins F1 team was not the fastest car out there.

“It was a little heartbreaking because the other teams cars were faster but we’ll beat them next year,” Holder said.

Students reflect Organizations give back to those in need over tragic event Off campus

Gift of giving

Adelaida Villegas Staff Reporter

As the holidays quickly appproach, clubs and organizations give the gift of giving through different programs during this festive season.

JROTC is giving back by organizing their annual Operation Shoebox. They gather all the basic necessities and send them out to the troops.

“We gather a box of things that we think they don’t have and send it to them,” junior Tommy So said.

Other groups and organizations have also helped such as the Key Club who .

Key Club is partnered with UNICEF, which helps out with giving back by organizing many different activities for children and families such as Merry Memories for children.

“Yearly we have about 2,000 kids to donate toys and do photo shoots with,” junior Valentina Tovar said.

Also this year some of the choir students did their part by getting together and organizing to help out families in the Dove Springs area. nized for students to go to the Dove Springs area and help families get their houses cleaned up for the holi-

Maria Gonzales Staff Reporter Although more then a month has past since the homes of residents along Onion Creek, students are still trying to put the pieces of their everyday lives back together.

Due to the destruction of their homes and vehicles, many students that attend Akins now live as far as 45 minutes away, inhabiting a friend’s or family’s house, and have

Marisol Gomez

Giving back Volunteers serve families a thanksgiving meal at the Dove Springs Recreation Center. Students from the Correctional Student Internship volunteered to help.

days. They helped at least four families get their house cleaned.

“I think we made them feel good because some people had nobody to help them,” sophomore Hazel Rodriguez said “This one guy was living by himself and his face lit up when we helped him.”

Another organization that has given their help and care to people are the health science practicum students who

gave back in a unique way.

Recently some of the students from Rebecca Jenschke’s class dressed up as elves and went to the hospital to cheer up the patients that have to be there for the ways with joy.

“It makes me feel good helping the patients out because they are in the hospital and it sucks,” junior Anastasia Barr said.

Akins also provides re-

sources for anything that students may need whether it be food all the way down to clothes.

Colleen Arnold in Student Support Services offers forms from the outside organizations to help students and families.

“I see it as a role of helping Akins and students, I can provide them with resources to the things that they may need,” social worker Arnold said.

transportation.

“I can’t hang out with my friends as much as I used to anymore because I live far away now,” junior Angel Torres said. “I’m thankful that my uncle lent us a truck to use since both of our trucks got destroyed.”

Torres’s house was one of the 115 houses that are being bought out by the City of Austin, due to the “We wont be able to rebuild anymore because our house is being bought out,” Torres said.

The shock and stress students with a lot of pressureto deal with, but most would rather not talk about

it.

“It’s hard to show it because you don’t want people to feel sorry for you,” junior Deysi Guevara said would ask me about it, I would break out in tears, but now I’m getting used to it.” victims are optimistic and are determined to go back to their ordinary lives.

“We came to the United States with nothing, we worked hard to get everything we had, but from a blink of an eye everything was gone,” Guevara said “Now were working twice as hard to recover everything we had, but I know everything will get better.”

Parent Support Specialist Celina Lopez has helped families who are in sources to obtain clothing, and food. Lopez collaborates with the Family Research Center, to get families different resources that they need.

“It’s hard to see famicult times, especially during the holidays,” Lopez said. “But at the same time it makes me very proud to see the resiliency and the persistence that a lot of our Akins families have.”

Monday, 12.16.13

News

page 5

The Eagle’s Eye

Fundraising needed

Events

Senior prom faced with money troubles End of year dance faced with anxiety over costs; date approaching quickly Jacqueline Rodriguez A call for help is being sounded as the class of 2014 works to raise more money for prom.

Each year, seniors attend the annual prom and celebrate the approach of the end of their high school career.

However, as the months count down until the annual event, there is still a need for aid as a tight budget could be costly to those attending.

“Right now the matter is that if we don’t get more fundraising then prom tickets will be a little bit more expensive than we planned,” prom adviser Christina Jenschke said. “I’m working really hard to keep our tickets within budget, I don’t want anyone having $80 or $90 tickets.”

Seniors were able to fundraise money through a cookie dough sale held in September; however the turn

Spotlight

out was not as big as expected through the class.

“We had our cookie dough fundraiser which helped with money just not as much as planned,” prom committee member Anissa Esquivel said. “We will have another fundraiser early next semester so we ask that everyone please come participate.”

Although the turnout didn’t meet expectations, enough money was raised to help pay for the prom venue and seniors won an online contest that helped them earn a free photo booth and DJ booth.

“Prom will be at the Austin Convention Center on May 10,” Jenscke said.

“With the free photo booth and DJ booth all we need is money for photos, decorations, and lighting.”

As the prom committee and Student Council work hard to raise money, there is still plenty of help needed.

“Student Council highly encourages seniors to come together and work towards a better prom,” student council president Tue Quach said. “There’s a lot of great ideas out there from different classmates.”

Jenschke along with other committee members strongly urge more seniors to help raise money.

“I don’t want it to come to prom day and everyone be disappointed with the outcome,” Jenscke said. “The more people that are involved in it the more people that are happy.”

Senior Sydney Loyd understands the consequences if there is no help in fundraising for prom.

“I would be bummed if I had to pay a lot of money to go to prom,” Loyd said. “I would be able to pay but I’m not sure if our whole class would be and I feel like everyone should attend.”

Although Loyd is not

on the prom committee she would glad to help out when possible.

“I would be willing to help if that meant that prom would be better and less expensive for everyone,” Loyd said. “I think everyone should help out because it’s our prom and nothing is going to change unless we do something about it.”

The amount of affects the students who attend so participation continues to be greatly urged.

“The more participation there is the less prom tickets will be and the more fun you will have,” Jenscke said.

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Savann

Building with food

Canstruction wins first place during annual competition Mark Vallejo Staff Reporter

While collecting canned goods is a common type of holiday giving, students participating in Canstruction put a new twist on the tradition.

Canstruction is a new project that students at Akins participated in for a winner. The students on the Canstruction team competed against Anderson High School, the University of Texas, and some engineering companies to collect as

Spotlight

many cans to donate to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.

“Canstruction is about bringing awareness to the homeless who can’t even afford a decent meal,” senior Corrina Benavides said.

In the beginning, the students at Akins weren’t donating enough cans. So the Canstruction team came up with another solution.

“We went to various community’s around Austin, asking the house owners if they would like to donate,” senior Fabian Jimenez said.

The Canstruction needed

certain colored wrappers to create the sculpture so they requested certain types of canned goods. However, they accepted all types of cans that were eventually donated to the food bank. tie-dyed tank top that said “Keep Austin Fed.” The students ended up winning “Best High School Entry” in the competition.

The team had received a $500 donation from someone who was anonymous to buy more cans so that they can win the competition.

“The $500 donation

helped out a lot because the fundraising was a bit Pierce, faculty sponsor of the Canstruction club at Akins.

“In the end, I was proud of the students for all the work and effort they put in.”

“I was surprised we won because it was hard getting cans,” senior Corrina Benavides said. “We were getting only a little so it really worried us at the beginning.”

The Canstruction team will begin selling Girl Scout Cookies in January 2014 for preparation for next year’s competition.

Courtesy of Austin Canstruction

Keep Austin fed

Saying goodbye

Assistant principal Joe Ruiz parts ways with Akins Isiah Strange Staff Reporter

briefs

After 12 years of serviced and overseeing countless responsibilities, ABLLE assistant principal Joe Ruiz is set to leave Akins for a working retirement.

Before working as an administrator Ruiz taught for 17 years before that. Reaching his retirement age recently, Ruiz felt it was time to start looking for a job that was a tad less hectic over the summer.

“I began looking for a job that would give me more time, but I still want to work with education,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz isn’t only a principal, he handles many other programs such as, Lanment Committee, school bus schedules, Alternative Learning Center placement, Hispanic Heritage program,

said.

“I’m happy for him because he’s getting to retire, but I’m also disappointed new member to our family,” Principal Daniel Girard said.

Ruiz is known for workcient and always-on point. one to replace him, to bring in a new member to Akins

Savannah Garza

Working until the end

Languages Other Than English programs, and Saturday School.

One of his biggest is -

sessment Committee, which handles testing, identifying, placing, and monitoring students whose language is not English. It’s a tough job,

with 260 active students in the program.

“I watched Akins go from a regular school, to a wall to wall academies,” Mr. Ruiz

Girard said.

“It is going to be a loss to Akins and to all the ABLLE students who have come to know him and work with him.” ABLLE Counselor Gloria Rodriquez said.

Most ABLLE students at some point have met Ruiz, and most can say he was a good man, someone they’ll all miss.

“We have a really good work relationship, I can be good cop, and he can be bad

cop. We work well together and it’ll be different when have to make a relationship with.” Rodriquez Said.

It’ll be different with him gone, as there will be someone new in charge of ABLLE. “I’m happy for him because he gets to retire, and that he gets to go one and do something different,” junior Timara Satterwhite said.

Ruiz is off to do a job at the Texas Education Agency, as he wanted to still work with education, as education is really his passion.

Ruiz said it’s going to be a huge change, as he won’t work with students anymore.

He said he has waited to retire for about 2 years now, and is excited to take on something new in life considering it’s something extremely different.

BPA runs mock business; PTSA hosts holiday potluck and cookies with Santa Claus after school snack bar Santana Gutierrez

Need a quick bite after school? Members of the Business Professionals of America students have you covered!

Every day after school, the students host a snack bar in room 252.

The snack bar sells a variety of snack items including chips, candy, pop-tarts, gatorade, and soda.

Every thing at the snack bar only costs $1.

ABLLE teacher Lisa Shaw encourages students to come by the snack bar to grab a bite and help support BPA students.

Snacks will be avaliable next semester as long as students keep buying and supporting the BPA students who run the snack bar.

On Wednesday Dec. 9, the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) hosted the annual Holiday Potluck and Cookies with Santa in the library. This event, sponsored by PTSA also was sponsored by Librarian Bonnie Hauser and English teacher Rebecca Redland-Strurzl.

Families, faculty, staff were all encouraged to bring dishes of food for students and

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other Akins family members. Santa Claus himself also attended the event and children were able to get pictures taken. The PTSA also accepted non-perishable food items to help support Akins families during the holidays.

Many attended the event to jump start the festive season making its way a through campus.

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Student Life The Eagle’s Eye Teachers

Monday, 12.16.13

page 6

Helping hand

Love, support are displayed on campus

Sonny Zuniga

FIGHT! T.J. FIGHT!

Teachers ask for support from school campus for relatives battling types of cancer Deandra Tristan Cancer.

It’s the diagnosis that drops the hearts of patients and their family members to It can happen to anyone at any time. But it is always shocking no matter how it happens.

Recently, Akins faculty members have been struggling as they support family cancer.

For criminal justice teacher David Lopez, his nephew’s diagnosis and treatment of Ewing’s Sarcoma has been a whirlwind of long hospital stays, doctor visits and prayers to keep strong and healthy.

Programs

Lopez’s nephew TJ Lopez, 21, was diagnosed with the cancer when he was 19. The disease causes extreme pain in the bones. If it’s found before it spreads to multiple organs, Ewing’s Sarcoma can be treated successfully in 50 to 75 percent of cases. However, many illnesses creates the same symptoms which causes it to be missed in some of its early ages. ing for Lopez and his family, but the slogan “FIGHT TJ FIGHT” has kept them going. Lopez passed around

it,” he said.

Cancer doesn’t only affect the heart of the family, Lopez said.

“Cancer is draining emotionally, mentally, physicalfully numb,” he said.

Akins athletic trainer Phillip Jones’ brother-in-law Wesley White is suffering from another form of cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was diagnosed earlier this year.

“It’s a blood cancer that attacks bone marrow,” Jones said.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia interferes with the production of normal blood cells by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells gathering together in the bone marrow, -

on it so teachers could put them in their car windows.

“I give them to students because maybe while they’re driving around TJ will see

side bones.

Students and teachers helped contribute by attending a Zumba fundraiser and by donating at the silent auction. About 30 people attended and participated in these events.

“Wesley couldn’t make it because he recently underwent a stem cell transplant and is not able to travel yet, but the donations help with paying his medical bills because he’s self-employed,” he said.

Students and teachers can also become a bone marrow donor because doctors are Photo Courtesy of David Lopezr

Donating bone marrow could help White or the many other people suffering from Leukemia.

Student Life

Grooming pets

Smiling for a cure

Overworked

Vet clinic open for service Jobs, finals stress students Everyone can agree that a dog is a man’s best friend, and now a program at Akins lets pet owners treat them like one.

The Akins Veterinary Pet clinic program has created a grooming center for animals.

Anyone in the Austin community can drop off their pets (cats, dogs, sheep, goats, birds, reptiles) to get a check up or a clean up. This is an expansion for Akins pet clinic as they have started to branch out from just grooming farm animals to now include the small pets.

The students are trained in class and are overseen by teachers and a licensed veterinarian.

The clinic has been open to the public for the last two years here on Akins campus, but has

been around for the last eight.

Doctor Crossland, being the vet on duty coming by on certain A-days Fridays The schedule for appointments are for every A day or Friday after school within the animal clinic. The pricing is a discounted compared to other places.

Junior Kermeasha Maxwell said it is a convenient way to groom student pets.

“It’s enjoyable to see all the dogs wagging their tails after being groomed,” Maxwell said “This helps out our experience with animals as some of us are planning to be vets, and gives us the chance to do something different other than taking care of lambs and chickens.”

T h e grooming treatment that is offered includes: trimming the nails, a haircut, and a bath.

With hol-

Johannah Dakay

idays around the cornergsome students consider it a good way to treat their pets and make them look spiffy for the relatives.

“We’re really organized because we have a meeting weekly and we discussed what we don’t like, what we can improve on and what’s doing good in the members and in the barn.” senior Emily Hernandez said.

Chemistry teacher Jessica Henry, who recently brought her 3 pound Yorkie Chihuahua mix dog to get groomed, said she was pleased with the service.

“She came out awesome!

They did a really great job.”

Henry said. “She honestly looked better than when I usually take her to PetSmart, or Petco. And it was for a really good deal, I’m ready to take her back again.”

Akins Pet Clinic

Jacob Sanchez

Susanna Rocha

Vet-related and grooming services available

Kasamira Martinez With the joy and good cheer of the holiday season, also comes stress and exhaustion for students working extra hours and studying Many students feel a responsibility to work while attending school to pay for personal expenses and help their families. Working and attending school can be overwhelming at regular times of the year, but the holidays have a way of intensifying those concerns.

New Tech senior Bryanna Longoria works on average an extra 10 hours a week during the holiday season at her part time job Sonic, leaving her with little time to “The class I’m most worried about is English because we’re writing a research paper and writing a paper in general is very time consuming,” Longoria said.

“It takes a lot of focus and planning and that’s just time I don’t really have.”

New Tech senior Dayana Sanchez works an extra 7 hours a week while on the job at Auntie Anne’s is also well.

“When I’m at work all I can think about it school and when I’m at school all I can think about is work,” Sanchez said. “I’m actually

Kasamira Martinez

Taking extra hours

pretty concerned with my with my work hours increasing I probably have around an hour every other day to study.” be exhausting on its own, and adding a job to the mix during the holiday is even more exhausting. But nothing will drain you more than the average holiday shopper.

“Because people are Christmas shopping at the mall gets really hectic and of course people want food and sometimes customers get really impatient and fussy,” Sanchez said.

With the burden of holiand excessive work hours, some question whether working during the holidays is really worth all that trouble.

New Tech senior Rosaura Hernandez said why working during the holidays isn’t

the wisest thing to do.

“Students don’t need to work during the holidays.

They should use the time to enjoy being with their family,” Hernandez said. “If for some personal reason you have have to work, I think you should really manage how many hours you work because if you’re working too much it’s like trapping yourself in a cage. You exert yourself to work to get money for yourself, but then you don’t really have the time to do other stuff and on top of that you also have less time for school.”

Other students have an entirely different opinion.

“I feel like students should challenge themselves and go to school while working,” Sanchez said. “It’s going to have its negatives and positives but working is going to teach you about time management and its preparing you for real life.”

Monday, 12.16.13

Student Life

page 7

The Eagle’s Eye

Movie magic

Spotlight

Student film to premiere at film festival

his imagination and games of role-play he’d play which led up to the writing of his Princeton “A supernatural story that focuses in hell more said. ington has been planning hood memories and his own

chance to make his stories come to life. and role-playing games he played when he was little.

ners are selected to compete “I’m focusing on the ning Akins and only three

good costumes and props.

“About one half of the students in the class think it’s a fun hobby and the other half intend on pursuing a ca-

Dakay

From role-playing as children in the family backyard trampoline to growing up and making those roles into a reality, Junior Christopher Remington has come a long way

Princeton, a supernatural story set in hell and focuses ington said.

Remington entered his

is not easy. They come with countless steps such as writing the actual script, as well as selecting camera angles, actors, and

Johannah

Stephanie Zuniga Student Life Editor

Remington said. taught by AHA teacher Melissa Royer, allows student to write and produce their “We put them in a circle and they decide what t h e next

For the Austin Film Fesits students where they are shown at the Austin Film 2013-2014 school year.

“Students must make a teens and is to be shot on school grounds, all in a class has been hard at work with their cameras.

“Class has been going great. We’re working on story by

turing into writing.

“Film class has really how my words can be turned

portunity to learn about the the scenes and get feedback Remington said.

mentors from UT and of course from Mr. (Jesus)

For months students in the speech and debate program rehearsed their material until it was competition ready.

One of the biggest competitions the program participates in is the Uni-

Students spent hours after school and on Saturdays practicing for the tournament. Speech teacher Jesus Valles brings students from UT to help Akins students polish their work.

Before the Longhorn Classic, many Akins stu-

Program’s Longhorn Classic. After competing in local competitions. Howdrew

competitors

from

out of state. dence for doing well at the Longhorn Classic.

“UT is going to be dif-

each other perform for the

team members were nerTyra. “It really made me “I’m really excited but said Tyra Williams. “It

had something good to say about each others perfor-

The whole team says they had a lot of fun together.

“I feel great about my more Jesse-Lee Farquhar.

“They are all so talented, Akins

team,

we’re

so

While at the UT campus, emotions and laughs as well were high. With

people coming from all

Off Campus

ous stories and ideas in the works that he hopes to later

“The class has been looking forward to the Austin Film Fest to be able to use -

Kalaya Lane Staff Reporter

said senior Jose Lozano.

“Thanks to the help of my

said.

said.

Instead of being taught

his stories down on paper,

been one of Akins Speech and Debate members to

chance on the big screen is the best part of this whole

with our cameras on topics such as suicide

Royer said, “They’re the

results, bringing home four awards.

be able to use professional cameras lent to them.

“The fact that I’m getting to do what I’m interested in

dents said they appreciated each other’s efforts.

“I wanted to cry after a

writing that they used. I’m so proud to be in an organization that shows the human mind in a unique

Kalaya Lane

Acting out Junior Savannah Stookey and sophomore Tyra Williams practice their poetry for their next competition.

debate community it was tough competition for the Akins Eagles.

“Only three of our stu-

Stookey accepted an award and a duo with Jose Lozano. Tyra Williams also ac-

said. “Yet we are still proud for poetry. Lozano also

With many competitors from anywhere for anyone with in the speech and

place award for poetry.

Actors

Filmmakers hold casting call; looking for fun latinos Caitlin Starks In-Depth Editor

“I think this could be a really fun new

Lights. Camera. Action.

Students who choose to try out to be a

American.

to become familiar with these three words.

The documentary, produced by the Censtudent and their family on a two-week road historical sites, and explore what it means to be Latino American.

“The purpose of this documentary is to ing coordinator, Susanne Mason said.

-

ily they select for the documentary.

“We want families with a mom and dad in their late 30s to late 40s with teenagers but we are all open to different types of famiStudents who plan to try out to be in the documentary must be prepared to write about their experience on a public blog during the two-week road trip. teenager who will blog about the trip on the said.

tary could be eye opening for many public

Jacob Sanchez

Arts & Entertainment The Eagle’s Eye Trends

Monday, 12.16.13

page 8

Music

Vinyl, cassettes popular with music fans

Older forms of music revived thanks to passionate students bringing it back Sarah Luna Staff Reporter

Spending hours at a time rummaging through stacks of dusty vinyl records and tapes in retro music stores, thrift stores or garage sales is a favorite past time of music lovers I really like the original, classic, vintage feeling they have

such as, The Cure, The Smiths, Simple Minds and U2,” said

Sarah Luna

Cassettes Galore Vintage cassettes are on display on the shelves at Turn Table Records. Not only does this store have cassettes and vinyl records, he also sells vintage clothes for a reasonable price.

-

listening to them so I mostly just collected them,” McCarley

had a huge radio that had a CD and a tape player and I’ve pretty fond of it so after hunting for one at a series

audio is cle Sarah Luna

Vintage Records Manager Thomas Hernandez shows off a few of his prized possessions in his store.

got my car, it only had a cassette player so I thought I’d keep

-

-

Newly released series catches audience attention ing pool of victors” meaning that

Mark Vallejo Staff Reporter

-

-

that I really enjoyed in that scene

-

-

into the character Marvel (from -

-

The scenes in the games are -

of mistakes and take out imporIt’s the start of the Quarter visit each district and see the famimeaning the contestants in the

-

Mockingjay dress makes it the

fates and the cliffhanger arena scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat, The Catch-

-

Gifts

Holiday shopping

Student shares gift wish list 1.Galaxy Note 3 $299.00 2.XBOX one $499.99 3.COD Ghost $59.99 4.iPad Air $499.99 5.Nexus 7 $229.99 6.GTA 5 $59.99 7.PS4 $459.98 8.Galaxy S4 $99.99 9.Kindle Fire HD $139.99 10.iPhone 5s $99.99

of SouthPark Meadows Marissa Sosa

Nicholas Sokolowski Staff Reporter There are many items on the top of every-

-

Invites you to get a FREE Original or Spicy Chicken Sandwich, or 8 Count Nuggets with the purchase of a Large Waffle Fry and Large Drink.

Offer good only at Chick-fil-A I-35 & Slaughter in SouthPark Meadows. Expires 05/31/14.

means you don’t have to do predesigned There are lots of types of gameplay such

Monday, 12.16.13 Performing Arts

Arts & Entertainment

The Eagle’s Eye

page 9

Color guard

Winter guard looks to recruit members

Kenny Jennings

Twirling in sync

Performance group in need of more partcipants for upcoming competitions Amanda Livingston Staff Reporter An award winning marching band show is not just a musical production, with band members stepping in time.

For a halftime show to really reach it’s full potential and be successful, it needs a big group of color guard members.

The guard brings a depth to the show that the band members can’t because they’re working on the musical and marching aspects.

Color guard is not just a group of military round sport of men and women that consists of choreographed dance and special equipment.

In the summer and fall, members of the guard perform with the marching band. Color Guard plays a big part in marching shows, tosses, and occasionally sabres. These effects boost the visuals of the show, and create an opportunity to receive lots of points

in contests.

Band directors are currently in the middle of big recruitment push to increase the number of members.

“The guard is crucial to the effect of the marching show,” head band director, Tate Fincher said, “The guard conveys the intent and ‘storyline’ of the show in a way that the winds and percussion cannot.”

In the winter and springtime, the guard focus on its own activity called Winter Guard.

In Winter Guard the show is indoors, feaof the show. The music is recorded, and the members dance to choreography along with The Akins Color Guard currently consists of 5-6 people, a small number compared to schools like Bowie with a count of 46 members.

Having a larger guard makes a big difference when it comes to the marching show during the fall season.

“With a larger guard you can go further with your show, and the effects are exponentially increased,” Jason Loosle, junior mem-

ber of the marching band said.

Boys are encouraged to participate despite misconceptions that the sport is only for girls.

Last season a few were present, but now it’s just sophomore, Jorge Rocha. With the constant battle of prejudice against male members in guard, Jorge enjoys the sport otherwise.

“Being the only guy had its advantages, but also it has its disadvantages,” Jorge Rocha said. “The judgment of others no longer bothers me. I’ve learned to deal with it.”

No experience is needed to join. New members are taught everything they need to cult moves and equipment as they get better and more experienced.

Sophomore Erika Rocha recently joined guard in the fall and participated in the 2013 marching show titled, “Under the Umbrella.”

“It was challenging at times to learn new techniques and improving on them, but it was better than I expected,” Erika Rocha said.

Color Guard is also a way to meet new

people, and make new friends.

“We try to make people feel they’re wanted. We really care about each other,” senior, Jobrina Perez said.

It is the last chance she has to do what she can in color gaurd so that the Akins Guard can grow into a successful group of individuals. more you practice. You just have to stay positive,” Perez said, “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid to not try.”

In the process of recruiting more members, the Akins Guard is striving towards a brighter future.

Fincher hopes for a large turnout in the upcoming years for color gaurd. He has high hopes to remain competitive and maintain a hard working team.

“To be competitive in marching band at this point in time, you must have a great color guard that is properly integrated and executed,” Fincher said, “ At a school as large as Akins, we should have a guard of 30 or more. That is the goal, and we will achieve it.”

Actors begin rehearsal for upcoming show Jonathan Rivera Staff Reporter

Vallejo said she is enjoying staging her

I am very excited for this play,” director and theater teacher Erica Vallejo said.

cast of the musical.

Having a very young cast with little to no experience actually turned out to be a positive for Vallejo.

“There is so much talent with this young cast,” Vallejo said. “I honestly couldn’t ask for more, I’m excited for the future years to come with this group of cast members.”

Vallejo said she picked Charlie Brown because it’s a familiar to all ages and has a wide appeal.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a 1967 musical comedy. Considered a “good man” by his friends, Charlie Brown can’t seem to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl, and his friend Lucy struggles with not

Illistration by Marissa Sosa

After a relaxing winter holiday break, students may come down with a case of the Charlie Brown doldrums after returning to the school grind in January.

Fortunately, students will get to laugh along with trials and tribulations of Charlie when the Akins Journey Theatre debuts You’re a good man, Charlie Brown on Jan. 22.

With familiar faces that everyone knows, like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and many more.

being able to attract the eye of her crush, the piano-playing Schroeder.

Senior Christian Martinez, who plays the lead role as Charlie Brown, said he feels like he has a big responsibility in leading the cast.

“As the main character and the only senior in the musical, there’s a bit more responsibility,” Martinez said. “I’m responsible for my own music, lines and keeping the whole cast focused.”

The humor of the play, which appeals to adults and teens, is a key attraction of the play, Vallejo said.

“Yes, it has a lot more mature humor, than the original,” Vallejo said. “Despite the mature humor this play is still a comedy that all ages will appreciate and enjoy.”

Eagle Vogue Jacqueline Rodriguez News Editor As the freezing temperatures blast its way through the

gu Jacqueline Rodri

Karen Gutierrez

ence and as the weather becomes colder than what us Texans are used to, the over layering and warm sweater wearing season begins.

Frigid weather isn’t stopping students on campus from dressing their best. In fact, winter is a perfect chance to show everyone’s individuality through warm comfortable styles. Senior Karen Gutierrez knows a thing or two about dressing her best during winter.

“In the winter I usually like to wear sweaters and dresses with tights,boots are also really nice,” Gutierrez said. ments are all becoming popular among girls and making bold statements in the winter weather.

Everyone knows the freezing temperatures call for sweater weather. A way to make this basic trend stand out is by purchasing unique sweaters with patterns such as retro grid, plaid, and even polka dots. Sweaters like these create cute looks and also stand out from the crowd.

You can get style inspirations from various fashion blogs, websites, and just by looking all around.

“Pinterest is my fashion inspiration because they have a variety of styles suitable for everyone,” Gutierrez said.

most likely replaced all of your t-shirts with sweaters and jackets because it’ll be cold almost every day.

Winter and fall is a lot of peoples favorite season due to the fact that you can wear more things other than just a t-shirt and shorts but others might have reasons why it isn’t. “I like autumn because it’s the season where the weather gets crisp and misty”, said senior Nabeel Naiyer.

There are many kinds of hoodies you can get such as color blocked, graphic, plain, pullovers, zip ups or a combination of some of them. at your favorite store or website.

If you don’t like hoodies you can’t go wrong with a regular sweater. They won’t cover your head but they’ll keep you just as warm. They are usually a little cheaper so they are great if you are on a budget.

Don’t always give up quality for quantity though.

You could buy a nice sixty-dollar hoodie that is good quality and will last you years or buy a twenty-dollar hoodie every few months because it keeps getting faded or torn so you end up wasting your money.

I asked Nabeel what he thinks makes a quality piece of clothing and he said, “The design has to be interesting enough to be judged as a quality piece.”

Jacqueline Rodriguez

ez

their puffy jackets and cable knit scarfs.

Jacob Sanchez Visual Editor

Nabeel Naiyer

In-Depth The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 12.16.13

page 10

Season brings Holiday Festivity

Local attractions celebrate the season Caitlin Starks In-Depth Editor

’T

is the season to bundle up in a coat and spend hours lounging in the warmth

But for those that do happen to leave their cozy abodes, there are a few places The Trail of Lights and the Zilker Park

For people that don’t celebrate Christmas but still want to do something this winter you can always attend the Whole Foods ice skating rink.

For those that do celebrate Christmas, there is a plethora of options available 37th Street light show, Project XMas, or even the Elgin Christmas tree farm.

People who want to focus on keeping their children busy this season can always take them to the Austin Children’s Museum Gingerbread House Workshops there is no limit to how many gingerbread houses people can purchase as long as Another thing that people can do this winter is go and see the Nutcracker on “I went to see the Nutcracker when I was younger and it was an incredible exJunior Rosaura Hernandez said that her favorite part happens when Clara, of For those who are not partial to the Nutcracker but would like to see Christmas classics brought to life in the theater the public can attend “A Christmas Story,” a The play runs all the way through December 29 and takes place at the Zachary derful Life,” a play based off of the Christmas mainstay,

“This Won-

ings simple, the Zilker Park Christmas tree and Trail of Lights offer a chance to

Senior Dayana Sanchez’s family has a tradition they perform after going to the

People who want to do some Christmas shopping can always go to the mall but for those that want to support local artists the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will be The Bazaar offers live local music and has art from over 160 local artists avail-

Additional Information provided by Kasamira Martinez and Airelle Phillips

Sports The Eagle’s Eye Basketball

Monday, 12.16.13

page 11

High hopes

Eagles’ basketball triumphant thus far Boys, girls start season with commendable play, records halfway through season Tyler Derickson Staff Reporter Basketball season is in full swing and the girls and boys varsity teams are outperforming their opponents, giving both squads a strong standing.

For the girls their impressive start (14-2) has turned heads as they are playing great basketball up to this point of the season.

Everybody has contributed a key piece to the dominant play exhibited throughout this year and the impressive record displays the hard work they have put in.

“Their work ethic as a team has been a big part of our success this season. Varsity girls basketball coach Helena Martin said. Whether they were in the weight room working on their strength or sprinting to boost their agility they were always looking to improve on their skill sets,” Currently, at number 1 in the Texas 5A district level, the Lady Eagles have made a

Wrestling

vast improvement from last year’s team. Their competitiveness has catapulted them to the top ranking in Texas.

“Last year I think everyone played for themselves as individualists and this year we made the change to playing off of each other and playing as a team,” senior center Dominique Featherstone said.

With the team coming together they have been able to excel on the court this season.

“The communication and teamwork on the court has turned into wins,” senior guard Ashley Lopez said.

Making the playoffs looks to be a cinch for the girls this year. The big question is how far the girls will advance.

“We have the talent to go into the playoffs and we have a chance to go really far into them,” junior guard Zazil De La Vega said. By the end of the season I want to see the championship banner across the gym.”

The boys team, which has a winning record about

a third of the way through the season looks to keep the streak going until the end.

Playoffs look like they are in reach so far for this year’s varsity team.

The season has also exhibited improvements players and the teams in performance of play on the court as well.

“The environment that we play in is a lot better,” senior forward Teddy Lowery said. “The team is more focused than before and we are more in tune to the game. On top of that everyone is playing hard.”

While the team is almost complete offensively, defensively speaking there are a few components or key pieces that the team lacks that would put them over the top and above all of their opponents.

“Sometimes we are too nice on the court,” junior forward DeAnthony Owens said. “We need to be more aggressive while playing so we can overpower our opponents.”

Size has also been an is-

Marissa Sosa

Grab and go Junior point guard Jerome Scaturro pushes the ball up the court after stealing the ball from Crockett. Scaturro finished the game with six points and five steals in a 78-44 Akins victory.

sue for teams in the past and it’s present this year as well.

However, players on the team believe their athleticism helps them overcome their height disadvantage.

As the season progresses the boys will look to keep their play at a high level and will look to advance through playoffs.

Boys varsity plays their

next home game Friday, December 20, against Austin High School. The Lady Eagles play their next home game versus Bowie, Friday, Jan. 3.

Hard work

Wrestling team’s dedication and success overlooked Natalie Chapman Staff Reporter Wrestling is based on a simple concept: take down your opponent and defend yourself.

Wrestlers face a myriad of challenges when they step on the mat, including sizing up opponents, overcoming intimidation, and knowing the limitations of their body.

Most importantly, wrestlers must stay mentally focused so an opponent doesn’t psych them out.

“You look at a stalky, heavy built guy, yeah, that’s going to be a headache, but I bet it’s going to be a rush,” head wrestling coach Roy Tambunga said.

Wrestling takes hard work, especially for those who have qualified for state here at Akins such as junior Anna Bacerra as well as seniors Alex and Austin Boles.

“You have to be willing

to go at such a high pace that no one can handle how aggressive you are,” Austin Boles, the teams state placer, said.

For many on the team once they start the sport there’s no going back.

“We love wrestling, and the teams’ getting bigger,” Gabi Reyes said.

Wrestlers say they enjoy the individuality, physical contact, and aggressiveness of the sport. Boles said understanding commitment and what an athlete can overcome is what wrestling’s all about.

Many on the team relate their experience wrestling to the famous words of Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable: “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.”

Despite the hard work wrestlers put in, the sport sometimes struggles to gain recognition. Last year wres-

Marisol Gomez

Smackdown Junior Anna Becerra preforms a single leg takedown on her Eastside Memorial opponent. Becerra was victorious.

tling was threatened when it was booted out of the Olympic games.

Millions of wrestlers, supporters, and fans around the world came together to fight and save the sport. A similar attack on wrestling occurred in Austin in 2003, when district officials considered cutting financial support.

“Wrestling has had more state qualifiers than any other sport in AISD,” Tambunga said.

For this reason the sport remained in the district and team members believe they deserve more recognition.

Reyes said the team works harder than other sports. It shows in their performance.

“We need more recognition. People don’t take wrestling that serious,” Kaleb Garcia said. “The school doesn’t say go check out the wrestling team.”

Tambunga said he feels

Jacob Sanchez

4QSJOH

as though wresters will always be the “red headed stepchild.”

Even the team feels as though sharing the weight room and having only one mat hurts their performance.

“With so many people and very little space it effects our practice and we cant go all out like we want to,” Reyes said.

Top notch wrestling programs often have their own practice facility, and Akins wrestlers said having a room solely devoted to wrestling on campus would help them dramatically.

Despite the crowded mats the team has accomplished a lot in the first four weeks of their season.

“In only two tournaments, we have had over half a dozen varsity wrestlers end up on the podium,” Kirskey said. “At this rate, we are going to collect an awful lot of hardware.”

Photo Essay The Eagle’s Eye

Monday, 12.16.13

page 12

Students volunteer during holiday season Marisol Gomez Photo Editor In recent weeks Akins students in various clubs, organizations and internships have been spending their free time voluteering in Springs Recreation Center.

Clubs such as Key Club and school internships such as the Correctional Student Internship and the 911 ECOM internship are beginning to interact more and more with the community and its residents.

They volunteered at different events such as the River City Youth Foundations’ 17th Annual Merry Memories, where donated toys and Senior Alyssa Ybarra, who has been a part of the ECOM internship for almost a year and a half, said that she likes the feeling knowing that she has helped people in her community.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of something that I know will help others within my community,” she said.

Intership at Akins. Both the 911 ECOM and the CSI internship serve people their Thanksgiving dinner and to clean up after it was over.

“The event helped to bring the community together for a meal said.

Key Club members also did their part by volunteering at the River City Youth Foundation’s Merry Memories.

“My favorite part from volunteering with Merry Memories was seeing all the kids enjoying themselves and seeing their smiles when we passed out goody bags,” senior Alexandria Ruiz said, “We are making an impact on the community through our volunteer work.”

Students who are already volunteering believe that more students should join in for the effort.

“With the increase of volunteer efforts at Akins, people now hae senior Alexander Ramirez said.

Marisol Gomez

Giving directions Senior Adrianna Moreno assists a girl with directions at the The River City Youth Foundation Annual Merry Memories. “It’s good for students to volunteer, because it makes you a more humble,and appreciative person,” Moreno said.

Kids approached Akins Key Club volunteers all morning long to ask for directions or goodie bags.

Handing out goodie bags Senior Alexadria Ruiz volunteers with Akins Key Club at the 17th Annual Merry Memories Event, handing out goodie bags to under privledged children. “I very much enjoyed volunteering at Merry Memories,” Ruiz said. The volunteer groups put together hundreds of goodie bags to pass out to every child at the event.

Cleaning up the recreation center Senior Eunice Ramos helps clean up after the Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dove Springs Recreation Center throwing away empty plates. “Akins is making an impact on the community by volunteering,” Ramos said. Not only did the EMT internship kids help serve the people, but they also did their best to make sure that the rec center stayed clean during and after the event.

Marisol Gomez

Marisol Gomez

Marisol Gomez

Explaining the job Senior Alexander Ramirez stops picking up trash to talk to a woman about what the CSI internship does. “CSI stands for Correctional Student Internship,” Ramirez said. The CSI internship helped to provide a Thanksgiving enviornment for the people of Dove Springs.

Marisol Gomez

Marisol Gomez

Pumpkin pie for the kids Senior Alyssa Ybarra gives a slice of pumpkin pie to a hungry little girl at the Dove Springs Community Thanksgiving dinner for the underpriveledged. “Volunteering helps students become more knoledgeable held at the recreation center. “I enjoyed about what is going on in the real world,” this community service because we got to be around so many different faces,” Ybarra Gonzalez said. Volunteering with for the said. Hundreds of people showed up to the Merry Memories event meant that Akins students would have to interact and work event ready to eat a whole Thanksgiving with volunteers from a number a different meal provided by Central Texas Gun Works. schools.

Interacting with others Senior Alyssa Gonzalez reaches in the