Homer Hanna Early College High School
Mission:
Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to develop academically and socially, think independently, and communicate effectively.
Vision:
Our vision is to create successful students by providing rigor and relevance in our educational program while nurturing the intelectual, emotional, and physical well being.
Alma Mater:
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
Hail to Hanna High
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
May your colors fly
So to thee our best endeavors.
We will always strive
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
Hail to Hanna High!
Eagle Fight Song:
We're gonna cheer, cheer, cheer for Hanna tonight...
as our Eagles take the field.
We're gonna fight, fight, fight for Hanna tonight...
as our Eagles soar up high.
We're gonna win, win, win for Hanna tonight...
So let's get ready for the thrill.
We're gonna cheer, fight, win for Hanna tonight...
And we are ready to fight, for vic-to-ry!
Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to develop academically and socially, think independently, and communicate effectively.
Vision:
Our vision is to create successful students by providing rigor and relevance in our educational program while nurturing the intelectual, emotional, and physical well being.
Alma Mater:
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
Hail to Hanna High
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
May your colors fly
So to thee our best endeavors.
We will always strive
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
Hail to Hanna High!
Eagle Fight Song:
We're gonna cheer, cheer, cheer for Hanna tonight...
as our Eagles take the field.
We're gonna fight, fight, fight for Hanna tonight...
as our Eagles soar up high.
We're gonna win, win, win for Hanna tonight...
So let's get ready for the thrill.
We're gonna cheer, fight, win for Hanna tonight...
And we are ready to fight, for vic-to-ry!
2615 E. Price Road Brownsville, TX, 78521
Phone (956) 548-7600
Fax (956) 548-7603
BISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or genetic information in employment or provision of services, programs or activities.
BISD no discrimina a base de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, religión, edad, discapacidad o información genética en el empleo o en la provisión de servicios, programas o actividades.
Phone (956) 548-7600
Fax (956) 548-7603
BISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or genetic information in employment or provision of services, programs or activities.
BISD no discrimina a base de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, religión, edad, discapacidad o información genética en el empleo o en la provisión de servicios, programas o actividades.
DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?
Spread the Word!!!
These pictures were never picked up between the years of 1985-2015. If they belong to you, or you know the person pictured, please come by Hanna High School, in room F-101 to pick them up.
Or call 956-698-0283
Or call 956-698-0283
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 2016 Palmetto Yearbook is now available!
|
|
Teacher Work Day
Breakfast, Retirees, Graduation Preparation
Red Hot Ballroom Competition
Dance students participated in the Red Hot Ballroom Competition at the Brownsville Events Center, May 21, bringing home a total of 18 trophies for Foxtrot, Tango, Mambo, Chacha, V-Waltz, Rumba, and Jive. Students who
participated were Luis De La Fuente, Layzabeth Gonzalez, Vanessa Gracia, David
Martinez, Karin Trevino, Branden Gonzalez, Karen Lopez, David Vega, Karen
Castillo, Irlanda Salinas, Eddie Lopez, Yanel Hernandez, Sebastian San Miguel,
Kayla De Leon, Danny Martinez, Michelle Maldonado, Mario Rodriguez, Shanelle
Garza, Victor Perez, and Alessandra Almanza.
HANNA HIGH SCHOOL
2014-2015 GRADUATION INFORMATION
***Year Book Information contact Ms. B. Perez 698-0283
2014-2015 GRADUATION INFORMATION
- Graduation Date: June 9, 2015 at 7:30
PM at Sam’s Stadium (report to Stadium at 6:30) Sunday Attire-No Blue Jeans or
Tennis Shoes
- Graduation Practice: June 9, 2015 at
7:30 AM at Sam’s Stadium
- 2 tickets will be given per graduate
if ceremony is moved indoors due to inclement weather (No balloons or big
packages/items will be allowed indoors)
- Baccalaureate Ceremony: May 31, 2015
at 3:00 (No Blue Jeans or Tennis Shoes) – report to Rivera HS Gymnasium at 2:30
PM
- TSI Testing available at Hanna and
also at UTB, TSC, TSTC contact the university testing office for information on
how to register
- Pictures and Cap/Gown:
***Year Book Information contact Ms. B. Perez 698-0283
- Last day to have name on graduation
program is May 29, 2015. Please see your counselor if you have failed or lost
credit in class.
- Turn in all scholarship offers
to your counselor to announce at graduation.
- No outside food or drinks will be
allowed at graduation and gates will be open for parents at 4:30 PM
- NO EXTRANEOUS IDENTIFIERS ON CAPS OR
GOWNS!
- ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COME BY
THE COUNSELING OFFICE ON MAY 26TH OR MAY 27TH TO VERIFY
AND SIGN THAT THEIR INFORMATION ON PROGRAM IS CORRECT
EAGLES SOAR ABOVE THE REST!!
Student works with recycled bumper to make art
Freshman Javier Ochoa, pictured with his Art teacher Gaines Burns, placed second at the BISD Fine Arts competition with his shark made of a recycled car bumper. He also received a medal at the Visual Arts Scholastic event in February and placed 3rd at the BMFA Student International Art Show.
Senior Tony Macias' artwork titled ZT5 competed at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event and hung in the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts.
Required Reading for the Summer
Reading and writing go hand in hand, therefore the more a student reads, the sharper their writing becomes. The summer reading program will be beneficial to students because of how it provokes the student to become a lifelong reader, therefore also a better writer. Reading will give the students prior knowledge that will help them prepare for AP tests and college, so this program has a good reason to be pushed.
Incoming freshman will be required to read “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. All 9th grade students will be tested on this novel during the second week of school in September 2015.
Sophomores are required to read “Tears of a Tiger” by Sharon Draper. All 10th grade students will be testing on this novel during the second week of school in September 2015.
Juniors are required to read “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. All 11th grade students will be testing on this novel during the second week of school in September 2015.
Hanna HH Summer Reading List with Social Studies Focus
(Some of these books are available online for free.)
English I/*World Geography
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
The Miracle Worker by William Gibson
Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway
Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
English II/*World History
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Good Earth by Pearl S.
Animal Farm by George Eliot
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
English III/* American History
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
English IV/*Government
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
Grendel by John Gardner
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
To Jones by Henry Fielding
Teachers receive Bell Awards from top five students
Sam Rodriguez
Mr. Sam Rodriguez received the Bell Award from Valedictorian Cristian Arguelles.
"He is the hardest working, most determined teacher I know," he said. "He keeps the drumline until late at night on weekdays and all day on Saturday from December through April, giving up his personal time to see the drumline succeed."
Arguelles studied under Mr. Rodriguez for the past four years and said "he taught me to appreciate music and the arts, as well as the virtues of hard work and dedication. Mr. Rodriguez is the Drumline instructor for the Band Department.
"He is the hardest working, most determined teacher I know," he said. "He keeps the drumline until late at night on weekdays and all day on Saturday from December through April, giving up his personal time to see the drumline succeed."
Arguelles studied under Mr. Rodriguez for the past four years and said "he taught me to appreciate music and the arts, as well as the virtues of hard work and dedication. Mr. Rodriguez is the Drumline instructor for the Band Department.
Lynn Hunter
Ms. Lynn Hunter is Salutatorian Vanessa Lopez' choice for the Bell Award. She gives her credit for believing and encouraging students to succeed.
"The SAT Prep class was probably the smartest class choice I decided to enroll in," she said. "It granted me an extra 45 minutes with the wonderful Ms. Hunter and without that extra time, I would not have risen to the level that I believe got me into the school of my dreams."
"Time is an invaluable concept, an idea that we always want more of but are never able to grasp hold of," she continued. "Thanks to Ms. Hunter, I was able to use my limited amount of time more wisely and carry out everything I needed to do in a more efficient manner because she helped me to see what the bigger, most important picture was-my future."
"The SAT Prep class was probably the smartest class choice I decided to enroll in," she said. "It granted me an extra 45 minutes with the wonderful Ms. Hunter and without that extra time, I would not have risen to the level that I believe got me into the school of my dreams."
"Time is an invaluable concept, an idea that we always want more of but are never able to grasp hold of," she continued. "Thanks to Ms. Hunter, I was able to use my limited amount of time more wisely and carry out everything I needed to do in a more efficient manner because she helped me to see what the bigger, most important picture was-my future."
Sandra Sierra
Third ranked student, Lauren Sierra, chose her kindergarten teacher, fifth grade teacher, Hanna counselor and Mom all wrapped in one-Sandra Sierra-as the special person to receive her Bell Award. "My interactions with this woman in an educational setting began in kindergarten where I had the pleasure of being her student," she said.
Her next encounter was in the fifth grade where she again had the opportunity to be her student.
"Despite being a busy mother of two, I watched her get up everyday, teach for eight hours, then switch roles and sit in a classroom herself every evening as she worked for her Master's degree in counseling," she continued.
Lauren credits her mother for giving her the educational foundation she needed to succeed.
"Mom, thank you for being my teacher, counselor, and inspiration all wrapped into one," she said. "I'll spend these next four years trying my best in college, but I'll spend my whole life trying to be even half the woman you've shown me you can be."
Her next encounter was in the fifth grade where she again had the opportunity to be her student.
"Despite being a busy mother of two, I watched her get up everyday, teach for eight hours, then switch roles and sit in a classroom herself every evening as she worked for her Master's degree in counseling," she continued.
Lauren credits her mother for giving her the educational foundation she needed to succeed.
"Mom, thank you for being my teacher, counselor, and inspiration all wrapped into one," she said. "I'll spend these next four years trying my best in college, but I'll spend my whole life trying to be even half the woman you've shown me you can be."
Sally Chong
Thomas Hull, number four ranked student, chose Sally Chong as the recipient of his Bell Award.
"Ms. Chong not only taught me of the wonders of biology," he said, "but also the infinite possibilities in the world of science."
He continued to say that she encouraged him to participate in Science UIL where he became acquainted with his passion in physics and engineering.
"It is because of her that I learned the most important advice that ensures success to us all," he said. "Hard work pays off."
"Ms. Chong not only taught me of the wonders of biology," he said, "but also the infinite possibilities in the world of science."
He continued to say that she encouraged him to participate in Science UIL where he became acquainted with his passion in physics and engineering.
"It is because of her that I learned the most important advice that ensures success to us all," he said. "Hard work pays off."
Maria McKenzie
"Ms. McKenzie is one of the most, if not the most amazing teacher I have had the fortune of having," fifth ranked student David Vela said. "She is beyond didicated to her teaching and field expertise and genuinely believes all her students have the potential to succeed."
David said she was not afraid to drill them until their writing was top-notch and their brains were "McKenziefried".
"There did not pass by a single second of this school year in which I was not completely freaking out about something Ms. McKenzie assigned us," he said.
He continued to say that the college level challenges he overcame in her rigorous class has been the biggest wakeup call he could have ever asked for.
"College is around the corner," he said, "and failure won't be an option, but now that I survived Ms. McKenzie's class and gotten acquainted with what is yet to come, I think that maybe, just maybe, I'll be okay."
David said she was not afraid to drill them until their writing was top-notch and their brains were "McKenziefried".
"There did not pass by a single second of this school year in which I was not completely freaking out about something Ms. McKenzie assigned us," he said.
He continued to say that the college level challenges he overcame in her rigorous class has been the biggest wakeup call he could have ever asked for.
"College is around the corner," he said, "and failure won't be an option, but now that I survived Ms. McKenzie's class and gotten acquainted with what is yet to come, I think that maybe, just maybe, I'll be okay."
Brownsville Marathoners
Seniors Mariana Sanchez, Rey Alvear, and Naomi Lucio received $2,000 Athletic Awards from; the Brownsville Marathoners for participating in long distance running. Pictured are cross country coach Olaya Teran, Mariana Sanchez, Rey Alvear, Naomi Lucio and principal Bertha Presas. Representing the Brownsville Marathoners are Alonzo Barrientos and Peter Longsbury.
2014-15
Honors & Achievement Awards
Rotary Awards
Seniors
English- Lauren A. Sierra
Mathematics- Thomas Hull IV
Social Studies- Vanessa E. Lopez
Science- Lezly Cardenas
Juniors
English- David I. Davila
Mathematics: Viviana Castillo
Social Studies- Brandon A. Campos
Science- Rebeca Ramirez
Achievement Awards
Architecture- Jaime Ortega Jr.
Art- Danny A. Jimenez
Auto Collision Repair- Mario. A Sanchez Jr.
Automotive Technology- Mario A. Sanchez Jr.
Band- Matthew T. Schlatter
Choir- Rosario J. Olvera
Construction Technology- Brianna Benavidez and Jesus A. Pina
Correctional Services- Juan J. Pacheco
Cosmetology- Oreana Y. Ochoa
Daughters of the American Revolution- Jasmine M. Li
Drama- Amanda Vela
Education and Training- Katia M. Vasquez
Engineering- Matthew N. Gutierrez
English- Aria K. Aguilar
Estudiantina- Kassandra M. Charles
Health Science- Julia M. Rivera
Health Science (TM Magnet)- Karina Lopez
Journalism/ Palmetto- Deborah M. Contreras
Journalism/ Green Light- Eva V. Garza
JROTC- Juan F. Cardenas Jr. and Francisco Resendez
Law Studies- Alicia Chavez
Manufacturing- Samuel Longoria Jr. and Justin L. Martinez
Mathematics- Thomas Hull IV
Restaurant Management- Eva V. Garza
Science- Thomas Hull IV
Social Studies- Thomas Hull IV
Spanish- Devanhi E. Estrada
Speech- Hugo Anselmo Gracia-Zamorano
Strutters- Karen Lopez and Layzabeth Gonzalez
All State Band- Jorge A. Pacheco
All State Band- Jose O. Astorga
All State Band- Alejandro Blanco
All State Band- Flavio R. Cisneros
All State Choir- Mikayla Brama
U.S. Marines Scholar/ Athlete Award- Alicia Chavez and Alejandro Herrera
Distinguished Athlete Award- Jorge Serna Jr.
Semper Fidels Award- Luis Rucoba and Karina Lopez
Seniors
English- Lauren A. Sierra
Mathematics- Thomas Hull IV
Social Studies- Vanessa E. Lopez
Science- Lezly Cardenas
Juniors
English- David I. Davila
Mathematics: Viviana Castillo
Social Studies- Brandon A. Campos
Science- Rebeca Ramirez
Achievement Awards
Architecture- Jaime Ortega Jr.
Art- Danny A. Jimenez
Auto Collision Repair- Mario. A Sanchez Jr.
Automotive Technology- Mario A. Sanchez Jr.
Band- Matthew T. Schlatter
Choir- Rosario J. Olvera
Construction Technology- Brianna Benavidez and Jesus A. Pina
Correctional Services- Juan J. Pacheco
Cosmetology- Oreana Y. Ochoa
Daughters of the American Revolution- Jasmine M. Li
Drama- Amanda Vela
Education and Training- Katia M. Vasquez
Engineering- Matthew N. Gutierrez
English- Aria K. Aguilar
Estudiantina- Kassandra M. Charles
Health Science- Julia M. Rivera
Health Science (TM Magnet)- Karina Lopez
Journalism/ Palmetto- Deborah M. Contreras
Journalism/ Green Light- Eva V. Garza
JROTC- Juan F. Cardenas Jr. and Francisco Resendez
Law Studies- Alicia Chavez
Manufacturing- Samuel Longoria Jr. and Justin L. Martinez
Mathematics- Thomas Hull IV
Restaurant Management- Eva V. Garza
Science- Thomas Hull IV
Social Studies- Thomas Hull IV
Spanish- Devanhi E. Estrada
Speech- Hugo Anselmo Gracia-Zamorano
Strutters- Karen Lopez and Layzabeth Gonzalez
All State Band- Jorge A. Pacheco
All State Band- Jose O. Astorga
All State Band- Alejandro Blanco
All State Band- Flavio R. Cisneros
All State Choir- Mikayla Brama
U.S. Marines Scholar/ Athlete Award- Alicia Chavez and Alejandro Herrera
Distinguished Athlete Award- Jorge Serna Jr.
Semper Fidels Award- Luis Rucoba and Karina Lopez
A NIGHT IN CHICAGO!
By Danny Zambrano 5-18-15
With final exams being printed, and study guides being handed out, the school smells of summer. Similarly, the year of Theatre has taken its final bow with A Night in Chicago! Directed by Amanda Vela, and starring Amanda Vela, Matthew Rodriguez, and Karen Lopez.
A Night in Chicago! was a rendition of the Broadway classic Chicago!, using the all of the same jazzy songs, and adding a couple more songs by Israeli singer/songwriter Asaf Avidan. The songs were added for the sake of going further in depth into the characters and their back-stories, more namely, Velma Kelly (portrayed by Karen Lopez).
The first night of the performance drew in 98 people, the second, 95, and the last show was sold out, selling nearly 300 tickets! This can be paralleled with the show Hairspray, which closed the curtain on the 2013-2014 school year, and was directed by the former president of theatre Brianna Nelson.
The final performance of A Night in Chicago! allowed the stage manager Victoria Mendez to understudy the role of Mama Morton, who was originally played by Katie Garcia.
Next year, rehearsals for the first Theatre production will begin during summer, as has been done for the past two years. Next season, the Theatre will kick off the year with Evil Dead: The Musical, the musical based off of the Cult Classic movie and last seen in the M-Pod (the old theatre classroom). We will see you next year for this zombified performance!
By Danny Zambrano 5-18-15
With final exams being printed, and study guides being handed out, the school smells of summer. Similarly, the year of Theatre has taken its final bow with A Night in Chicago! Directed by Amanda Vela, and starring Amanda Vela, Matthew Rodriguez, and Karen Lopez.
A Night in Chicago! was a rendition of the Broadway classic Chicago!, using the all of the same jazzy songs, and adding a couple more songs by Israeli singer/songwriter Asaf Avidan. The songs were added for the sake of going further in depth into the characters and their back-stories, more namely, Velma Kelly (portrayed by Karen Lopez).
The first night of the performance drew in 98 people, the second, 95, and the last show was sold out, selling nearly 300 tickets! This can be paralleled with the show Hairspray, which closed the curtain on the 2013-2014 school year, and was directed by the former president of theatre Brianna Nelson.
The final performance of A Night in Chicago! allowed the stage manager Victoria Mendez to understudy the role of Mama Morton, who was originally played by Katie Garcia.
Next year, rehearsals for the first Theatre production will begin during summer, as has been done for the past two years. Next season, the Theatre will kick off the year with Evil Dead: The Musical, the musical based off of the Cult Classic movie and last seen in the M-Pod (the old theatre classroom). We will see you next year for this zombified performance!
Arguelles takes top spot
By Lauren Sierra
Securing the highest grade point average in the class is no easy feat.
Keeping up the highest GPA in the class for three years in a row is not much easier.
But for senior class valedictorian Cristian Argüelles, it was no problem.
Argüelles, who has headed the class since his sophomore year, will end his legacy at Hanna remaining at the top with a GPA of 5.0316.
"I did what I had to do," Argüelles said. "If it meant staying up all night doing homework while my friends went out, then so be it."
While Argüelles always excelled in the classroom, he perhaps was better known for what he did outside of it.
"I had to work hard in school but it was also incredibly important that I learned to balance my extracurricular activities with my school work," he said.
Argüelles quickly found that balance in high school, involving himself deeply with multiple activities. He was a member of the AP Physics Club, the Asian Math Club, and a two-year member of National Honor Society, serving as an officer his final year. He was also an active member of HOSA, serving as vice-president of Mrs. Parker’s chapter and was a two-year qualifier for national competition. He would have most likely been competing at Nationals a third year if it wasn’t for a scheduling conflict during State this year with his most beloved activity, band.
Argüelles’ commitment to the Golden Eagle band never saw a break throughout his four years. The percussionist spent his fall days and nights on the marching band field. He then spent the winter months participating in concert season and individual solo competitions such as auditioning for and participating in the All-Valley and All-Region ensembles. He would then dedicate long practice hours in the spring to the drum line and finally would end the year practicing for the next in the grueling sun in summer band.
Argüelles’ favorite high school memory took place with the band, of course.
"Getting to travel with the drum line to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the WGI Percussion World Championships is something I will remember for the rest of my life," he said.
It was a long journey for the drum line to get there, with long practices everyday for them beginning in December.
"We would practice until 8 at night on school days and come out every weekend to practice too," he said.
All the while Argüelles had to keep up with his school work to keep his rank. However, the long days paid off in all ways: the drum line placed 7th in the nation and Argüelles is ending the year as valedictorian once more.
Argüelles’ dedication landed him a spot in the University of Texas’ Class of 2019, where he will study chemical engineering.
Securing the highest grade point average in the class is no easy feat.
Keeping up the highest GPA in the class for three years in a row is not much easier.
But for senior class valedictorian Cristian Argüelles, it was no problem.
Argüelles, who has headed the class since his sophomore year, will end his legacy at Hanna remaining at the top with a GPA of 5.0316.
"I did what I had to do," Argüelles said. "If it meant staying up all night doing homework while my friends went out, then so be it."
While Argüelles always excelled in the classroom, he perhaps was better known for what he did outside of it.
"I had to work hard in school but it was also incredibly important that I learned to balance my extracurricular activities with my school work," he said.
Argüelles quickly found that balance in high school, involving himself deeply with multiple activities. He was a member of the AP Physics Club, the Asian Math Club, and a two-year member of National Honor Society, serving as an officer his final year. He was also an active member of HOSA, serving as vice-president of Mrs. Parker’s chapter and was a two-year qualifier for national competition. He would have most likely been competing at Nationals a third year if it wasn’t for a scheduling conflict during State this year with his most beloved activity, band.
Argüelles’ commitment to the Golden Eagle band never saw a break throughout his four years. The percussionist spent his fall days and nights on the marching band field. He then spent the winter months participating in concert season and individual solo competitions such as auditioning for and participating in the All-Valley and All-Region ensembles. He would then dedicate long practice hours in the spring to the drum line and finally would end the year practicing for the next in the grueling sun in summer band.
Argüelles’ favorite high school memory took place with the band, of course.
"Getting to travel with the drum line to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the WGI Percussion World Championships is something I will remember for the rest of my life," he said.
It was a long journey for the drum line to get there, with long practices everyday for them beginning in December.
"We would practice until 8 at night on school days and come out every weekend to practice too," he said.
All the while Argüelles had to keep up with his school work to keep his rank. However, the long days paid off in all ways: the drum line placed 7th in the nation and Argüelles is ending the year as valedictorian once more.
Argüelles’ dedication landed him a spot in the University of Texas’ Class of 2019, where he will study chemical engineering.
Vanessa Lopez named Salutatorian
By Lauren Sierra
Vanessa Lopez can constantly be seen in her student council t-shirt on the sidelines of a football game or in a big costume dress on stage for Theatre. However, Lopez’s most well-known outfits are her emergency medical technician training uniform, her classic navy Hanna scrubs, and her HOSA blazer and tie.
The 2015 salutatorian has dedicated most of her life outside the classroom in high school to the medical field. The three year qualifier for HOSA national competition regards her junior year trip to Nationals at Disney World as one of her greatest high school memories.
"I got to spend a week with my favorite people at the happiest place on earth," she said. "I got opportunities to learn and be nationally recognized while also having a blast at the parks."
Lopez has been a member of the medical career pathway since her freshman year. She dedicated her last year to a course training her for certification as an emergency medical technician. She will take a national test at the end of the year to receive her certification but has used her knowledge in the mean time to compete in EMT events at HOSA competitions.
However, Lopez’s medical journey doesn’t look like it’s coming to an end anytime soon.
"I hope to major in either Neurobiology or the History of Science and become a Neurologist or Neurosurgeon," she said. "How cool would it be to say that I literally can poke people’s brains and have it be legal?"
Lopez has been given an incredible opportunity to study that passion, as she has been admitted into the Harvard University Class of 2019. Out of more than 37,000 applicants, she was one of the 1,900 admitted.
"I don’t know how many other students wrote their essay about shopping, but maybe my admissions shared the same passion," she said. "As far as I can tell, my application was just as impressive as any other applicant, if not less."
Lopez vividly remembers the day she got her acceptance:
"I was walking around with Rudy Rocha before our theatre show. I made him stop and wait with me while I logged into my account after getting the email, and then I screamed, cried, and ran around the auditorium like a crazy person. If that doesn’t describe how I felt, I don’t know what would."
Lopez is nervous about the brutal winters, but excited for the new opportunities that await her.
"I’ve never lived anywhere outside of Brownsville, so being able to live all the way across the country should be interesting," she said. "And of course the snow. Lots of it."
Vanessa Lopez can constantly be seen in her student council t-shirt on the sidelines of a football game or in a big costume dress on stage for Theatre. However, Lopez’s most well-known outfits are her emergency medical technician training uniform, her classic navy Hanna scrubs, and her HOSA blazer and tie.
The 2015 salutatorian has dedicated most of her life outside the classroom in high school to the medical field. The three year qualifier for HOSA national competition regards her junior year trip to Nationals at Disney World as one of her greatest high school memories.
"I got to spend a week with my favorite people at the happiest place on earth," she said. "I got opportunities to learn and be nationally recognized while also having a blast at the parks."
Lopez has been a member of the medical career pathway since her freshman year. She dedicated her last year to a course training her for certification as an emergency medical technician. She will take a national test at the end of the year to receive her certification but has used her knowledge in the mean time to compete in EMT events at HOSA competitions.
However, Lopez’s medical journey doesn’t look like it’s coming to an end anytime soon.
"I hope to major in either Neurobiology or the History of Science and become a Neurologist or Neurosurgeon," she said. "How cool would it be to say that I literally can poke people’s brains and have it be legal?"
Lopez has been given an incredible opportunity to study that passion, as she has been admitted into the Harvard University Class of 2019. Out of more than 37,000 applicants, she was one of the 1,900 admitted.
"I don’t know how many other students wrote their essay about shopping, but maybe my admissions shared the same passion," she said. "As far as I can tell, my application was just as impressive as any other applicant, if not less."
Lopez vividly remembers the day she got her acceptance:
"I was walking around with Rudy Rocha before our theatre show. I made him stop and wait with me while I logged into my account after getting the email, and then I screamed, cried, and ran around the auditorium like a crazy person. If that doesn’t describe how I felt, I don’t know what would."
Lopez is nervous about the brutal winters, but excited for the new opportunities that await her.
"I’ve never lived anywhere outside of Brownsville, so being able to live all the way across the country should be interesting," she said. "And of course the snow. Lots of it."
Lauren Sierra comes in third
By Lauren Sierra
An innocent and lost tourist walks through the red brick streets of Boston, Massachusetts. The temperature is -50 degrees Fahrenheit, because that’s the simple cruelty of east coast winters. The tourist stops a stressed out, 50 pounds heavier because of the all-you-can- eat meal plan Harvard student wrapped in a serape and sombrero reppin’ her roots in the 956.
"Excuse me, miss, can you tell me how to get to Harvard?" the tourist asks.
"Study hard, my friend," the Harvard student who happens to be Lauren Sierra says before dissolving into the 30 feet of snow. "Study hard."
On a more serious note, I have no idea how I got into one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The first time I took the SAT, I forgot my calculator in the car and then proceeded to cry during the first three sections of the test. I have no idea how I have the third highest GPA in this class. If you’ve ever seen my backpack or binder, you know that finding a homework assignment in there is like looking for a needle in the most disorganized haystack possibly ever.
But as my four years come to an end, I’m starting to realize how I found success in high school: work ethic. I’m not the best at anything I’ve ever done. I’m pretty sure I got a 40 on my first AP Physics test. I was basically the water girl in tennis my entire four years. I didn’t find an event I was actually good at in HOSA until senior year. However, the one thing I was really good at was not giving up. I didn’t sleep junior year, but I ended up with an A in that class. I never became Serena Williams in tennis, but I still spent every summer in the Texas sun on the court. No matter how early I had to get up for a HOSA competition (‘Be at main office at 5 am’ texts from my advisor will haunt me forever,) I was always there.
You don’t have to do scientific research during your summers or open your own business by the age of 14 like some of my future classmates have done to get into an Ivy League. I certainly didn’t. You just have to have passion and believe in yourself. It also helps to be a Hispanic female living in one of the lowest socioeconomic areas in the country (admissions officers SALIVATE over factors like this.) Being from Brownsville really makes your application stand out, but at the end of the day, it’s your passion that will seal the deal.
I guess the core message I want to leave behind here at Hanna once I leave is to encourage people not to be afraid. I was afraid of rejection and refused to turn in my application, but my mom eventually convinced me to just do it, and now I’ll never not listen to her again. Don’t be afraid to do whatever you want with the rest of your life. If you’re going to an Ivy League (shout out to Vanessa and Thomas Hull,) I’m proud of you. If you’re reppin’ the burnt orange or maroon and white at UT or A&M, I’m proud of you. If you’re going to play soccer for your school, if you’re going to music college, if you’re enrolling in a theatre conservatory, I’m proud of you. If you’re going to UTRGV, if you’re joining the army, if you’re going to take some time off, if you’re going to work for your family, I’m proud of you. And I can only hope that everyone here can be proud of me too.
An innocent and lost tourist walks through the red brick streets of Boston, Massachusetts. The temperature is -50 degrees Fahrenheit, because that’s the simple cruelty of east coast winters. The tourist stops a stressed out, 50 pounds heavier because of the all-you-can- eat meal plan Harvard student wrapped in a serape and sombrero reppin’ her roots in the 956.
"Excuse me, miss, can you tell me how to get to Harvard?" the tourist asks.
"Study hard, my friend," the Harvard student who happens to be Lauren Sierra says before dissolving into the 30 feet of snow. "Study hard."
On a more serious note, I have no idea how I got into one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The first time I took the SAT, I forgot my calculator in the car and then proceeded to cry during the first three sections of the test. I have no idea how I have the third highest GPA in this class. If you’ve ever seen my backpack or binder, you know that finding a homework assignment in there is like looking for a needle in the most disorganized haystack possibly ever.
But as my four years come to an end, I’m starting to realize how I found success in high school: work ethic. I’m not the best at anything I’ve ever done. I’m pretty sure I got a 40 on my first AP Physics test. I was basically the water girl in tennis my entire four years. I didn’t find an event I was actually good at in HOSA until senior year. However, the one thing I was really good at was not giving up. I didn’t sleep junior year, but I ended up with an A in that class. I never became Serena Williams in tennis, but I still spent every summer in the Texas sun on the court. No matter how early I had to get up for a HOSA competition (‘Be at main office at 5 am’ texts from my advisor will haunt me forever,) I was always there.
You don’t have to do scientific research during your summers or open your own business by the age of 14 like some of my future classmates have done to get into an Ivy League. I certainly didn’t. You just have to have passion and believe in yourself. It also helps to be a Hispanic female living in one of the lowest socioeconomic areas in the country (admissions officers SALIVATE over factors like this.) Being from Brownsville really makes your application stand out, but at the end of the day, it’s your passion that will seal the deal.
I guess the core message I want to leave behind here at Hanna once I leave is to encourage people not to be afraid. I was afraid of rejection and refused to turn in my application, but my mom eventually convinced me to just do it, and now I’ll never not listen to her again. Don’t be afraid to do whatever you want with the rest of your life. If you’re going to an Ivy League (shout out to Vanessa and Thomas Hull,) I’m proud of you. If you’re reppin’ the burnt orange or maroon and white at UT or A&M, I’m proud of you. If you’re going to play soccer for your school, if you’re going to music college, if you’re enrolling in a theatre conservatory, I’m proud of you. If you’re going to UTRGV, if you’re joining the army, if you’re going to take some time off, if you’re going to work for your family, I’m proud of you. And I can only hope that everyone here can be proud of me too.
Choir All Stater
Mikayla Brama is the Hanna Choir All-Stater for 2014-15. This is Mikki's second year to make All-State Choir!! Mikki is under the direction of Choir Director Eugene Holkup.
Strutter Gets Down to Business
By Lauren Sierra
co-editor in chief
Editor’s Note: Karen was set to be interviewed about her business endeavor last year, but her story didn’t make our final deadline. We’re revisiting her this year with the same story, but exploring some of her dance highlights from senior year as well.
Karen Lopez is a typical Strutter captain. She can always be found on the football field leading her team, doing the tango at a ballroom competition, or practicing pointe with her dance studio. But dance has taught Lopez much more than just how to pirouette; she has made a name for herself as an entrereneur because of it.
Lopez is the creator, manager, and editor of her own business magazine called Proud Sponsors: Vere. Each issue is a collection of advertisements that feature a wide variety of local businesses, like shops, restaurants, gyms, and dance studios.
"The amount of values and life lessons that managing my own business has taught me is priceless," Lopez said.
The idea for the magazine came to Lopez after she received her invitation to perform with the All-American dance team at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade her junior year. Getting an invitation to perform at the parade from annual summer dance camps is something all high school dance team members hope for, and Lopez knew she could not turn the opportunity down.
"I was determined to go to New York City to perform and I knew I had to get money and I had to get it quickly," she said. "That’s when the idea of making my own magazine came to mind."
Lopez has helped her family with their photograhy and videography business, Arte Digital, for years, so it was easy for her to take her knowledge of editing and graphic design and translate it into her own endeavour. However, creating her business at the age of seventeen was not always a smooth process.
"I had to give up a lot of my personal time to dedicate to this job," she said. "I spent all of time either training for dance or working on this. However, when I realized that I could handle a business all on my own it felt great. I love being able to create my own schedule and work on my own conditions, not someone elses."
Lopez believes that the lessons the magazine has taught her and continues to teach her are worth much more than the profit she receives from it.
"I’ve learned that if I want to succeed, I have to work hard and keep my goals in mind," she said. "Having to make time between school and dance and then designing ads and calling clients has taught me a lot about responsiblity."
It seems that Lopez has learned quite well how to juggle the responsiblites in her life. While she continues to work on the magazine to save money for college, she has also continued to find success in dance. This past Novemeber, she was recognized and received a scholarship at a dance competition at South Padre Island. She was named regional Miss Dance Educator of America after receiving the highest score of all the solos, duos, and trios in the competition. She will now go on to compete for the national title in Las Vegas this summer. Lopez has also been selected as a finalist in the audition process for the famous Dallas Cowboy’s Cheerleaders. She will undergo a personal interview, written test, and final evaluation of her dance technique before she finds out if she is selected for the team later in May.
Cheering 24/7
Cheer becomes way of life for freshman Cantu
Cheer becomes way of life for freshman Cantu
By Lauren Sierra
co-editor in chief
To those that know cheerleading fanatic Stephanie Cantu, it may come as a surprise that her cheer journey began as an accident of sorts.
"I started cheerleading in 6th grade at Vela Middle School when I missed the dance tryouts and decided to try out for cheer instead," freshman Cantu said. "My mom didn’t think it was such a good idea but it stuck with me and I ended up as captain for 7th and 8th grade."
Cantu than decided to try out for high school cheer at the end of 8th grade.
"I ended up making varsity which has been such a great experience for me," she said.
However, Cantu loved the sport so much that she was not satisfied with her cheerleading being limited to the sidelines and the pep rallies. In 8th grade, she also joined South Texas Xtreme Cheer in Harlingen, an All-Star Cheerelading gym. All-Star cheer is quite different from high school cheer: all star teams are purely competitive teams that perform routines to music that consist of an athletic mixture of dance, jumps, and advanced and intense stunts, tumbling, and pyramids.
Cantu’s freshman year has taught her to find balance between school and her two cheer teams, although it can become hectic and stressful.
"My day starts around 7 a.m. and doesn’t end until maybe 11 p.m,." she said. "School cheer practice usually ends around 5:30, which is when All-Star practice starts in Harlingen. I have practice in Harlingen four times a week and those practices don’t end until around nine, so I’m really tired most of the time."
Cantu’s main motivation in cheer is her coach at South Texas Xtreme, who is only a high school senior.
"He moved halfway across the country to compete with one of the most elite gyms in the world, Top Gun All Stars, who just placed 2nd in the world this past weekend," she said. "I look up to him and admire his hard work and dedication so much."
Cantu and her team have been to several national competitions, but the biggest they have attended is the National Cheerleaders Association All-Star National championship in Dallas, Texas.
"Although we didn’t place first, it was an experience of a lifetime and such a rush to perform in front of hundreds of people," Cantu said.
Cantu and her team will compete at another national competition, The Summit, in May at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. South Texas Xtreme Cheer is located in Harlingen and is available for classes and competitive teams for any boy or girl aged 4-18.
co-editor in chief
To those that know cheerleading fanatic Stephanie Cantu, it may come as a surprise that her cheer journey began as an accident of sorts.
"I started cheerleading in 6th grade at Vela Middle School when I missed the dance tryouts and decided to try out for cheer instead," freshman Cantu said. "My mom didn’t think it was such a good idea but it stuck with me and I ended up as captain for 7th and 8th grade."
Cantu than decided to try out for high school cheer at the end of 8th grade.
"I ended up making varsity which has been such a great experience for me," she said.
However, Cantu loved the sport so much that she was not satisfied with her cheerleading being limited to the sidelines and the pep rallies. In 8th grade, she also joined South Texas Xtreme Cheer in Harlingen, an All-Star Cheerelading gym. All-Star cheer is quite different from high school cheer: all star teams are purely competitive teams that perform routines to music that consist of an athletic mixture of dance, jumps, and advanced and intense stunts, tumbling, and pyramids.
Cantu’s freshman year has taught her to find balance between school and her two cheer teams, although it can become hectic and stressful.
"My day starts around 7 a.m. and doesn’t end until maybe 11 p.m,." she said. "School cheer practice usually ends around 5:30, which is when All-Star practice starts in Harlingen. I have practice in Harlingen four times a week and those practices don’t end until around nine, so I’m really tired most of the time."
Cantu’s main motivation in cheer is her coach at South Texas Xtreme, who is only a high school senior.
"He moved halfway across the country to compete with one of the most elite gyms in the world, Top Gun All Stars, who just placed 2nd in the world this past weekend," she said. "I look up to him and admire his hard work and dedication so much."
Cantu and her team have been to several national competitions, but the biggest they have attended is the National Cheerleaders Association All-Star National championship in Dallas, Texas.
"Although we didn’t place first, it was an experience of a lifetime and such a rush to perform in front of hundreds of people," Cantu said.
Cantu and her team will compete at another national competition, The Summit, in May at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. South Texas Xtreme Cheer is located in Harlingen and is available for classes and competitive teams for any boy or girl aged 4-18.
Who’s Who
@ Hanna Early College High School
Cristian Arguelles-Sr.-Band, Drumline, NHS, HOSA
Madeline Brama-Sr.-Soccer, Choir, Track
Taylor Cano-Sr.- Basketball
Victoria Castanon-Sr.-StuCo, Yearbook, Greenlight, Reader’s Circle
Alicia Chavez-Sr.-Volleyball, NHS, Basketball, Skills USA, Student Council
Deborah Contreras-Sr.-Palmetto Yearbook co-editor in chief, Greenlight, GSA
Jorge Flores-Sr.-Football, track, basketball, baseball, Estudiantina, Mock Trial
Stephen Michael Garcia-Sr.-Band, HOSA, NHS, Mathletes
Eva Garza-Sr.- Palmetto Yearbook co-editor in chief, SkillsUSA, FCCLA, Greenlight, Class of 2015 president
Miranda Garzoria-Sr.- Tennis, NHS, HOSA
Layzabeth Gonzalez-Sr.-Strutter captain, Ballroom, Theater
Thomas Hull-Sr.-Chess, TSA, Masterminds, NHS, Nature Coalition Club
Karina Lopez-Sr.-HOSA, Band Drum Major, NHS
Vanessa Lopez-Sr.-HOSA, Theater, NHS, StuCo
Jennie Maldonado-Sr.-Soccer, Choir, NHS, HOSA
Yajaira Martinez-Sr.- Basketball, SkillsUSA, NHS. Class of 2015
Michelle Molina-Jr.-Choir, Theater, Yearbook
Alondra Montes-Jr.-Cheerleader, Yearbook, Theater
Daniel Olivares-Sr.-Chess, Choir, HOSA
Lucas Olivares-Sr.-Football, Baseball, Basketball, TSA
Cody Perez-Jr.-UIL, HOSA, Basketball, Class 2016
Theresa Prado-Jr.-Palmetto Yearbook Business Editor, Greenlight, FCCLA
Matthew Rodriguez-Sr.-Theater, HOSA, Band, NHS
Brandon Sanchez-Jr.-StuCo, TAFE, FCCLA, Class of 2016
Lorenzo Sanchez-Sr.-HOSA, Masterminds, NHS, Band
Lauren Sierra-Sr.-Screaming Eagle editor, Yearbook editor, NHS, Greenlight, HOSA, Tennis
@ Hanna Early College High School
Cristian Arguelles-Sr.-Band, Drumline, NHS, HOSA
Madeline Brama-Sr.-Soccer, Choir, Track
Taylor Cano-Sr.- Basketball
Victoria Castanon-Sr.-StuCo, Yearbook, Greenlight, Reader’s Circle
Alicia Chavez-Sr.-Volleyball, NHS, Basketball, Skills USA, Student Council
Deborah Contreras-Sr.-Palmetto Yearbook co-editor in chief, Greenlight, GSA
Jorge Flores-Sr.-Football, track, basketball, baseball, Estudiantina, Mock Trial
Stephen Michael Garcia-Sr.-Band, HOSA, NHS, Mathletes
Eva Garza-Sr.- Palmetto Yearbook co-editor in chief, SkillsUSA, FCCLA, Greenlight, Class of 2015 president
Miranda Garzoria-Sr.- Tennis, NHS, HOSA
Layzabeth Gonzalez-Sr.-Strutter captain, Ballroom, Theater
Thomas Hull-Sr.-Chess, TSA, Masterminds, NHS, Nature Coalition Club
Karina Lopez-Sr.-HOSA, Band Drum Major, NHS
Vanessa Lopez-Sr.-HOSA, Theater, NHS, StuCo
Jennie Maldonado-Sr.-Soccer, Choir, NHS, HOSA
Yajaira Martinez-Sr.- Basketball, SkillsUSA, NHS. Class of 2015
Michelle Molina-Jr.-Choir, Theater, Yearbook
Alondra Montes-Jr.-Cheerleader, Yearbook, Theater
Daniel Olivares-Sr.-Chess, Choir, HOSA
Lucas Olivares-Sr.-Football, Baseball, Basketball, TSA
Cody Perez-Jr.-UIL, HOSA, Basketball, Class 2016
Theresa Prado-Jr.-Palmetto Yearbook Business Editor, Greenlight, FCCLA
Matthew Rodriguez-Sr.-Theater, HOSA, Band, NHS
Brandon Sanchez-Jr.-StuCo, TAFE, FCCLA, Class of 2016
Lorenzo Sanchez-Sr.-HOSA, Masterminds, NHS, Band
Lauren Sierra-Sr.-Screaming Eagle editor, Yearbook editor, NHS, Greenlight, HOSA, Tennis
2015 Class Personalities
Best All Around
Alicia Chavez & Jorge Flores
Most Likely to Succeed
Vanessa Lopez & Cristian Arguelles
Best Driver
Nadia Anzaldua & Douglas Alford
Teacher’s Pet
Vanessa Herrera- Stephen Garcia
Best Dancer
Karen Lopez & Jorge Pacheco
Most Courteous
Jessica Munoz Matthew Schlatter
Movie Star
Yvonne Dodson & Matthew Rodriguez
Future Doctor
Felicia Alvarez & Patrick Schmidt
Future President
Eva Garza & David Vela
Wittiest
Yajaira Martinez & Ed Messbarger
Best Hair
Dorely Perez & Alexel Chapa
Best Smile
Victoria Castanon & Alfredo Mercado
Future Lawyer
Marcela Castillo & Douglas Alford
Drama Queen and King
Lissette Castaneda & Rudy Rocha
Most Changed
Lauren Sierra & Roy Sauceda
Best Eyes
Bryanna Pace & Jose Longoria
Class Favorites
Alyssa Puente & Omar Leal
Most Likely to Steal Your Heart
Jessica Munoz & Daniel Olivares
Most Beautiful/Handsome
Valerie Ramirez & Daniel Quick
Cutest Couple
Jennie Maldonado & Roy Sauceda
Class Clown
Madeline Brama & Alex Cardenas
Best Dressed
Rebecca Padilla& Jose Ruiz
Most Athletic
Britzhel Chapa & Lucas Olivares
Most Involved
Eva Garza & Matthew Rodriguez
Most Spirited
Janet Adame & Christopher Cisneros
Friendliest
Catherine Martinez & Matthew Schlatter
Likely to Change the World
Marcela Castillo & Matthew Schlatter
Future Teachers
Vanessa Herrera & Daniel De La Garza
9-11 Class Favorites
11-Alexis Cantu & Carolina Moreno
10-Raul Lozano & Alina Torres
9-Joey Uribe & Ana P. De Leon
9-11 Class Best Dressed
11-Luis Flores & Alondra Torres
10-Diego Martinez & Lauren Guzman
9- Jesus Hernandez & Adalaida Gomez
9-11 Class Clowns
11-Carolina Quick & Hugo Arellano
10-Kayla De Leon
9-Dulce Montes & Matthew Cisneros
(Pictures available in the 2015 yearbook)
Alicia Chavez & Jorge Flores
Most Likely to Succeed
Vanessa Lopez & Cristian Arguelles
Best Driver
Nadia Anzaldua & Douglas Alford
Teacher’s Pet
Vanessa Herrera- Stephen Garcia
Best Dancer
Karen Lopez & Jorge Pacheco
Most Courteous
Jessica Munoz Matthew Schlatter
Movie Star
Yvonne Dodson & Matthew Rodriguez
Future Doctor
Felicia Alvarez & Patrick Schmidt
Future President
Eva Garza & David Vela
Wittiest
Yajaira Martinez & Ed Messbarger
Best Hair
Dorely Perez & Alexel Chapa
Best Smile
Victoria Castanon & Alfredo Mercado
Future Lawyer
Marcela Castillo & Douglas Alford
Drama Queen and King
Lissette Castaneda & Rudy Rocha
Most Changed
Lauren Sierra & Roy Sauceda
Best Eyes
Bryanna Pace & Jose Longoria
Class Favorites
Alyssa Puente & Omar Leal
Most Likely to Steal Your Heart
Jessica Munoz & Daniel Olivares
Most Beautiful/Handsome
Valerie Ramirez & Daniel Quick
Cutest Couple
Jennie Maldonado & Roy Sauceda
Class Clown
Madeline Brama & Alex Cardenas
Best Dressed
Rebecca Padilla& Jose Ruiz
Most Athletic
Britzhel Chapa & Lucas Olivares
Most Involved
Eva Garza & Matthew Rodriguez
Most Spirited
Janet Adame & Christopher Cisneros
Friendliest
Catherine Martinez & Matthew Schlatter
Likely to Change the World
Marcela Castillo & Matthew Schlatter
Future Teachers
Vanessa Herrera & Daniel De La Garza
9-11 Class Favorites
11-Alexis Cantu & Carolina Moreno
10-Raul Lozano & Alina Torres
9-Joey Uribe & Ana P. De Leon
9-11 Class Best Dressed
11-Luis Flores & Alondra Torres
10-Diego Martinez & Lauren Guzman
9- Jesus Hernandez & Adalaida Gomez
9-11 Class Clowns
11-Carolina Quick & Hugo Arellano
10-Kayla De Leon
9-Dulce Montes & Matthew Cisneros
(Pictures available in the 2015 yearbook)
Powerlifting Academic All State
The Texas High School Powerlifting Association has recognized senior Ricky Gonzalez and awarded him the honor of Academic All-State for his four years of hard work and dedication. Pictured are Athletic Coordinator Rene Medrano, Assistant Powerlifting Coach Rick Chavez, Student-Athlete Ricky Gonzalez, and Head Coach Mike Chavez.
Matthew Rodriguez: Actor, Musician, Director
By Danny Zambrano
Hanna High has seen its fair share of academic all-stars. Whether it be due to great teachers, or in spite of bad ones, there are students that continue to out-do themselves and exceed expectations.
Juggling the stress of electives and the stress of core classes is deemed too difficult to handle by many people. Yet every once in a blue moon there will be a student or group of students that not only take on those challenges, but insist on adding to the pile by joining an amalgam of more activities. One such student that has done this goes by the name of Matthew Rodriguez.
Many may know him because of his role in Theatre. But he is infamous for not only accepting the challenges that are given to him, but for taunting the world to throw its full load of stress and hardship his way, making him not only a student who turns his work in on time, but an actor, and a member of NHS and other organizations. Rodriguez was inspired to join theatre when his mother was the assistant principal and was in charge of Fine Arts. She would take him to watch the numerous productions held by the theatre director, Joe Rodriguez since the 6th grade. The spectacle immediately attracted him and sparked a sort of insanity within him that would not only drive him to become a student in theatre his freshman year, but would also drive him to join the community theatre Camille Playhouse when he was 15.
Since then, he has had an adamant role in the arts of theatre, as well as music, making him Matthew Rodriguez, actor, musician, student.
"Theatre has allowed me to express a part of myself that otherwise would have been slightly more difficult to embrace," Rodriguez said.
"However, this is not done by the weak of heart. Theatre has taught me the ugly truth that if you want to be successful, you have take opportunities all the while being humble, and putting your work in for the cause."
This work paid off in his role in Hairspray (a Hanna production) where he was able to act as an over-dramatic talk-show host teaming with whacky facial expressions, a sharp-looking suit, brazen smile, and a chance to win the crowd over. At Camille, however, he said his favorite role was none other than the infamous Lord Farquad in Shrek: The Musical. Actor, musician, devotee.
In theatre, he has learned that performing for audiences is beautiful because he is able to make audience members remember. Memories are something that people will hold onto. Therefore, he believes the job of an actor is to give the audience memories that they will take with them in their hearts and use to their advantage. There are no mistakes in theatre, there are only opportunities.
"If you fall down on stage, everyone will remember you," he said.
"To be casted in a funny role that is very forward, and comically cruel to other characters would be my dream," he continued. "Also, if I become a professional actor, I’d love to receive training for big-time theatre acting."
For him, a dream would also be to direct the perfect cast for a funny and powerful musical. His advice for actors joining theatre would be to remain humble and to work for what they want.
Matthew Rodriguez, actor, director, musician, professional.
Soccer teams advance to play-offs;
Extend playing time after season
The boys and girls soccer team both advanced to the playoffs after playing in a very competitive 32-6A division. The girls went 11-3 to finish second and advanced to area after defeating Edinburg Economedes, 6-2 in the bi-district match. They lost the area game to McAllen Memorial, 0-1. Junior mid-fielder Natalie Garcia was named All-Metro MVP by the Brownsville Herald for her offensive skills and senior Maddy Brama was named the All-Metro Defensive MVP. Joining them were 1st Team All Metro members mid-fielder Julissa Urbina and defender player Priscilla Villarreal. Goalkeeper Amanda Alaniz was named to the second team. Players named to the 1st All District Team were defensive players Priscilla Villarreal and Maddie Brama; midfielder Natalie Garcia; forward Adrienne Davis; and goal keeper Amanda Alaniz. Second Team member is mid-fielder Julissa Urbina. Honorable Mention: Frida Palomo (defense), Jennie Maldonado (defense).
The team was led by first year coach Jose Morales and assistant Eliseo Guzman.
The boys finished the season 11 to 3 and ranked second behind the state champs, Rivera Raiders in another highly competitive season. They won the bi-district championship against Economedes 1-0 and the Area Championship against Laredo LBJ 1-0, before falling to PSJA North in the regional quarter finals, 0-1.
Jorge Serna was selected Defensive MVP and teammates Eduardo Casarez, Diego Acevedo, Adrian Delgado, and Juan Alexis Hernandez were all named to the 1st All District Team. Second team members are Juanito Morales, Antonio Salazar, Adrian Montalvo, and Oscar Cordova. Honorable Mention went to Thomas Cortez, Victor Rodriguez, and Jesus Hernandez.
The team was coached by Reyes Prado (head coach) and assistants Juan Huerta, Ben Del Angel and Hector Castillo
The team was led by first year coach Jose Morales and assistant Eliseo Guzman.
The boys finished the season 11 to 3 and ranked second behind the state champs, Rivera Raiders in another highly competitive season. They won the bi-district championship against Economedes 1-0 and the Area Championship against Laredo LBJ 1-0, before falling to PSJA North in the regional quarter finals, 0-1.
Jorge Serna was selected Defensive MVP and teammates Eduardo Casarez, Diego Acevedo, Adrian Delgado, and Juan Alexis Hernandez were all named to the 1st All District Team. Second team members are Juanito Morales, Antonio Salazar, Adrian Montalvo, and Oscar Cordova. Honorable Mention went to Thomas Cortez, Victor Rodriguez, and Jesus Hernandez.
The team was coached by Reyes Prado (head coach) and assistants Juan Huerta, Ben Del Angel and Hector Castillo
Alaniz signs with UH Victoria
Signing to the University of Houston at Victoria, Amanda Alaniz is the first Eagle to sign this school year!
Amanda inked with UH, Monday, May 4, in the front foyer with her parents, coaches , and Principal Presas as witnesses. "Feels great!" she said. "[I] finally accomplished something I’ve always wanted! I’m excited for this new chapter in my life. l’m looking to keep growing as a person!"
Amanda inked with UH, Monday, May 4, in the front foyer with her parents, coaches , and Principal Presas as witnesses. "Feels great!" she said. "[I] finally accomplished something I’ve always wanted! I’m excited for this new chapter in my life. l’m looking to keep growing as a person!"
UIL students place in district;
compete in regionals at UTSA
The UIL academic team of freshman Lezly Arrazolo, senior Erika Ruiz, sophomore Lauren Guzman, sophomore Yamile Sandoval and senior Jessica Cantu traveled to San Antonio, April 24 -25 to compete in the UIL Regional meet. Lezly Arrazolo placed 5th in computer applications, Lauren Guzman placed 9th in computer applications and Jessica Cantu placed 5th in news writing.
"The girls have practiced long and hard this UIL season to be able to qualify for regionals," computer applications teacher Noe Garza said. "I am so proud and honored to have them competing at this level."
Previously, the teams competed in the UIL district meet in Los Fresnos, March 28. Despite having minimal experience, the teams managed to place in the top three spots to advance on to regionals. Competitions were in math, spelling, current issues, prose & poetry, debate, ready writing and many more.
The journalism team did well at the district level coming in a very close second to Harlingen.
"The journalism team was young this year, but did a great job at the district meet coming in second overall," journalism teacher Blanca Perez said. "I was very proud of all my students. They all did great and we advanced in every event."
After a rough start in the UIL Computer Applications meet, Lauren Guzman said her view of UIL changed entirely after participating in the district and regional meets.
"After receiving 2nd in district and 9th in regionals, my view is so different," Guzman said. "I succeeded in something I was hesitant to do in the beginning."
Having jumped into the journalism competition with no previous experience, Jessica Cantu didn’t expect to succeed.
"When Mrs. Perez told me I placed for news writing and feature writing in District, I didn’t really believe it at first," she said. "I kind of regret not joining UIL sooner. It’s been an amazing experience and I want to thank Mrs. Perez for giving me this opportunity."
After all the hard work and practice, Erika Ruiz had only one thing to say about her involvement and experience in UIL.
"I definitely enjoyed being in UIL," she said. "I would totally do it again if given the chance."
"The girls have practiced long and hard this UIL season to be able to qualify for regionals," computer applications teacher Noe Garza said. "I am so proud and honored to have them competing at this level."
Previously, the teams competed in the UIL district meet in Los Fresnos, March 28. Despite having minimal experience, the teams managed to place in the top three spots to advance on to regionals. Competitions were in math, spelling, current issues, prose & poetry, debate, ready writing and many more.
The journalism team did well at the district level coming in a very close second to Harlingen.
"The journalism team was young this year, but did a great job at the district meet coming in second overall," journalism teacher Blanca Perez said. "I was very proud of all my students. They all did great and we advanced in every event."
After a rough start in the UIL Computer Applications meet, Lauren Guzman said her view of UIL changed entirely after participating in the district and regional meets.
"After receiving 2nd in district and 9th in regionals, my view is so different," Guzman said. "I succeeded in something I was hesitant to do in the beginning."
Having jumped into the journalism competition with no previous experience, Jessica Cantu didn’t expect to succeed.
"When Mrs. Perez told me I placed for news writing and feature writing in District, I didn’t really believe it at first," she said. "I kind of regret not joining UIL sooner. It’s been an amazing experience and I want to thank Mrs. Perez for giving me this opportunity."
After all the hard work and practice, Erika Ruiz had only one thing to say about her involvement and experience in UIL.
"I definitely enjoyed being in UIL," she said. "I would totally do it again if given the chance."
UIL Academic District Meet
On March 28, students went to compete at Los Fresnos HS for
this year’s District 32-6A UIL Academic meet. The following students placed in
their respective events.
Erika Ruiz – 3rd in Ready Writing; Yamile Sandoval – 1st in Editorial Writing, 3rd in Headline Writing, and 5th in Number Sense; Deborah Contreras – 6th in Headline Writing; Jessica Cantu – 3rd in Feature Writing, 3rd in News Writing, and 5th in Editorial Writing; Cristian Arguelles – 5th in Science; Leslie Arazolo – 1st in Computer Applications; Lauren Guzman – 2nd in Computer Applications; Ashley Hernandez – 5th in Computer Applications; Gaby Urbano – 5th in Feature Writing; Jose Chacon – 4th in freshman Science. All students placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd advanced to Regionals in San Antonio on April 25th.
Erika Ruiz – 3rd in Ready Writing; Yamile Sandoval – 1st in Editorial Writing, 3rd in Headline Writing, and 5th in Number Sense; Deborah Contreras – 6th in Headline Writing; Jessica Cantu – 3rd in Feature Writing, 3rd in News Writing, and 5th in Editorial Writing; Cristian Arguelles – 5th in Science; Leslie Arazolo – 1st in Computer Applications; Lauren Guzman – 2nd in Computer Applications; Ashley Hernandez – 5th in Computer Applications; Gaby Urbano – 5th in Feature Writing; Jose Chacon – 4th in freshman Science. All students placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd advanced to Regionals in San Antonio on April 25th.
VEX Robotics team dominates competition; advance to nationals this summer
The Hanna Early College High School Technology Students Association continued its successful run at the TSA State Competition held in Waco, April 10 -11. The VEX Robotics team consisting of Hugo Graica, Rodney Morales, Markus Bernal, Johnatton (Domingo) Ontiveros and Nicholas Mora continued their domination of the Autonomous Robotics competition by posting another shut-out victory to continue their undefeated season, as they will be moving on to the TSA National Competition to be held this summer in Fort Worth, Texas. The VEX team posted a 37 to 23 advantage over their closest competitor, from Richardson, Texas to complete the win.
The team consisting of Matthew Gutierrez, Jesse Rocha Gomez and Cesar de los Santos for the 3rd year in a row qualified for the TSA National Competition in “Animatronics”.
Other top state finalists that qualified to go on to National competition are the Architectural Renovation team of Mallory Castillo and Jesus Ramos.
Karen Lopez, Hanna TSAs first State finalist for Photographic Technology, finished just short of qualifying for national competition coming in 6th place in a very competitive category. The team is led by Mr. Tom Daughters and is aided by his wife and co-sponsor Mrs. Mary Daughters.
The team consisting of Matthew Gutierrez, Jesse Rocha Gomez and Cesar de los Santos for the 3rd year in a row qualified for the TSA National Competition in “Animatronics”.
Other top state finalists that qualified to go on to National competition are the Architectural Renovation team of Mallory Castillo and Jesus Ramos.
Karen Lopez, Hanna TSAs first State finalist for Photographic Technology, finished just short of qualifying for national competition coming in 6th place in a very competitive category. The team is led by Mr. Tom Daughters and is aided by his wife and co-sponsor Mrs. Mary Daughters.
SkillsUSA advances to nationals
By: Eva Garza
For the second year in a row, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies (OCC) team made up of seniors Eva Garza, Alyssa Puente and Daniel Quick, juniors Alexa Alaniz, Adrienne Davis and Sofia Cruz and sophomore Heather Montes placed first at the District and State level SkillsUSA competition. OCC includes seven members who present an oral representation of the colors and assembled parts of SkillsUSA. OCC is one of the toughest competitions in SkillsUSA.
“We aren’t only judged by the way we present our competition, but also by the way we speak and look,” Garza said.
“After competing in OCC and SkillsUSA for four years, I can honestly say it has helped me with my public speaking!”
SkillsUSA heads to Louisville, Ky., June 22-26, 2015, for the 51st annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), a showcase of career and technical education students. More than 16,000 people — including students, teachers and business partners — are expected to participate in the weeklong event.
“Last year we placed second at the national level and we are now striving to get first place,” Garza said.
“Our Texas delegation expects us to come back with a gold medal. We want to also make our advisor (Ms. Maldonado) proud and continue our legacy.
“We aren’t only judged by the way we present our competition, but also by the way we speak and look,” Garza said.
“After competing in OCC and SkillsUSA for four years, I can honestly say it has helped me with my public speaking!”
SkillsUSA heads to Louisville, Ky., June 22-26, 2015, for the 51st annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), a showcase of career and technical education students. More than 16,000 people — including students, teachers and business partners — are expected to participate in the weeklong event.
“Last year we placed second at the national level and we are now striving to get first place,” Garza said.
“Our Texas delegation expects us to come back with a gold medal. We want to also make our advisor (Ms. Maldonado) proud and continue our legacy.
Culinary Arts students travel to Washington
by Eva Garza
For the first time ever, Culinary Arts students will be competing at the National Level, July 3-10 in Washington D.C. Seniors Dasa Cantu, Eva Garza, and Ernesto Hernandez competed in Food Innovations.
"We will be representing Texas FCCLA Region V," Hernandez said.
Food Innovations, recognizes participants who demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of food product development by creating an original prototype formula, testing the product through focus groups, and developing a marketing strategy. Participants demonstrate their knowledge of food science, nutrition, food preparation safety, and product marketing. Participants also prepare a display, suggested product packaging, and an oral presentation.
This year seniors had to develop a healthy entrée and side dish that could be packaged and sold at fairs, festivals, or fundraising food booths. They created a Grilled Chicken Spinach Wrap.
"The chicken wrap consisted of a homemade spinach tortilla with grilled chicken, Romain lettuce, a thin slice of mozzarella cheese and our homemade specialty sauce with a side of sweet potato fries," Cantu said.
The students hope to take advantage of their time in D.C. to visit the Smithsonian, Arlington Cemetery, various monuments and even a baseball game.
The students will travel with sponsor Sulema Casas-Canul.
"We will be representing Texas FCCLA Region V," Hernandez said.
Food Innovations, recognizes participants who demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of food product development by creating an original prototype formula, testing the product through focus groups, and developing a marketing strategy. Participants demonstrate their knowledge of food science, nutrition, food preparation safety, and product marketing. Participants also prepare a display, suggested product packaging, and an oral presentation.
This year seniors had to develop a healthy entrée and side dish that could be packaged and sold at fairs, festivals, or fundraising food booths. They created a Grilled Chicken Spinach Wrap.
"The chicken wrap consisted of a homemade spinach tortilla with grilled chicken, Romain lettuce, a thin slice of mozzarella cheese and our homemade specialty sauce with a side of sweet potato fries," Cantu said.
The students hope to take advantage of their time in D.C. to visit the Smithsonian, Arlington Cemetery, various monuments and even a baseball game.
The students will travel with sponsor Sulema Casas-Canul.
Art teacher’s passion inspires students
Teacher Noel Palmenez has a passion for art and has been teaching at Hanna and UTB for 18 years.
“I have always done art,” he said, “not necessarily because I wanted to, but a part of me did it because it made me feel good.”
“I create art for the love of it,” he continued.
Palmenez said that creating ideas and putting them on paper made him feel productive.
“It makes me feel like I am expressing myself,” he said. “It’s not necessarily that I am trying to fight boredom, but it feels like something I am attracted to doing.”
He continued to say that he was just a visual person and he enjoyed creating Ideas on paper with pencils and markers.
Developing the idea of realism on paper and experimenting with creativity is an activity Palmenez enjoys, and in doing so he has grown into a superb artist.
“I had a lot of imagination and I wanted to get that out,” he said. “Drawing was the best for me, I guess because I was shy. It was just something I was attracted to doing. Developing the idea of realism, the idea of color, and playing with imagination was my favorite thing to do.”
As an artist gains more experience with different styles of his/her artwork they find their footing. Palmenez said he aims to make artwork that is true to his region and reflective of his culture.
“I try to stay honest to where I’m at as far as my region,” Palmenez said. “I try to do art that also reflects my culture, but I put some little twist here and there, and I have a special way I develop and I draw. It is a little bit different than most, so I just try to incorporate those ideas together.”
Palmenez said his goal was to create art that is positive and subtle in difference compared to others. With years of experience, he incorporates many qualities such as discipline and determination in his artwork, and it shows.
“I try to come up with themes that are slightly different than most and put a lot of effort into the work. That way it shows the discipline and the experience as well.” Palmenez said.
Palmenez has a deep appreciation for all of the arts. He has a respect even for the most basic artwork, even if it is just a textbook sketch.
“Everything has its quality,” he said. “Sometimes I like sketches because they are loose and they have a very soft quality to them. They are very preliminary and not very developed and I like that aspect of sketching, the idea seems very fresh.”
Palmenez said he believes art is about everything and not just painting a nice picture. He said people should be true to themselves and show it in their art.
“My philosophy is not necessarily about the technique or about the way the art looks,” he said. “It’s the process and the complete package starting with the idea that inspires. From there you just have to be true and honest with the technique”.
Mr. Palmenez is a great teacher,” junior Kevin Briseno said. “He taught me a lot this year. I have become a better artist because of him. If you are looking forward to having an art career, I suggest you work with Mr. Palmenez.”
Freshman Itzel Martinez agrees.
“Mr. Palmenez has pushed me to become a better artist,” she said. “He inspired me to go above and beyond,” Itzel Martinez, Freshman
“I have always done art,” he said, “not necessarily because I wanted to, but a part of me did it because it made me feel good.”
“I create art for the love of it,” he continued.
Palmenez said that creating ideas and putting them on paper made him feel productive.
“It makes me feel like I am expressing myself,” he said. “It’s not necessarily that I am trying to fight boredom, but it feels like something I am attracted to doing.”
He continued to say that he was just a visual person and he enjoyed creating Ideas on paper with pencils and markers.
Developing the idea of realism on paper and experimenting with creativity is an activity Palmenez enjoys, and in doing so he has grown into a superb artist.
“I had a lot of imagination and I wanted to get that out,” he said. “Drawing was the best for me, I guess because I was shy. It was just something I was attracted to doing. Developing the idea of realism, the idea of color, and playing with imagination was my favorite thing to do.”
As an artist gains more experience with different styles of his/her artwork they find their footing. Palmenez said he aims to make artwork that is true to his region and reflective of his culture.
“I try to stay honest to where I’m at as far as my region,” Palmenez said. “I try to do art that also reflects my culture, but I put some little twist here and there, and I have a special way I develop and I draw. It is a little bit different than most, so I just try to incorporate those ideas together.”
Palmenez said his goal was to create art that is positive and subtle in difference compared to others. With years of experience, he incorporates many qualities such as discipline and determination in his artwork, and it shows.
“I try to come up with themes that are slightly different than most and put a lot of effort into the work. That way it shows the discipline and the experience as well.” Palmenez said.
Palmenez has a deep appreciation for all of the arts. He has a respect even for the most basic artwork, even if it is just a textbook sketch.
“Everything has its quality,” he said. “Sometimes I like sketches because they are loose and they have a very soft quality to them. They are very preliminary and not very developed and I like that aspect of sketching, the idea seems very fresh.”
Palmenez said he believes art is about everything and not just painting a nice picture. He said people should be true to themselves and show it in their art.
“My philosophy is not necessarily about the technique or about the way the art looks,” he said. “It’s the process and the complete package starting with the idea that inspires. From there you just have to be true and honest with the technique”.
Mr. Palmenez is a great teacher,” junior Kevin Briseno said. “He taught me a lot this year. I have become a better artist because of him. If you are looking forward to having an art career, I suggest you work with Mr. Palmenez.”
Freshman Itzel Martinez agrees.
“Mr. Palmenez has pushed me to become a better artist,” she said. “He inspired me to go above and beyond,” Itzel Martinez, Freshman
Theater students capture community attention
with great entertainment
By Danny Zambrano
As theatrical men and women, it was only appropriate to begin the year of Theatre Arts with bang, as was done with Pink Floyd: The Wall, capturing the community’s attention, and bringing reporters in from the Brownsville Herald to interview the actors, actresses, and crew, as well as the director, Joe Rodriguez himself. All-in-all, the show tore down the wall (pun intended).
Next, was Unexpected Tenderness, directed by VP Sebastian Cisneros. Though it was not quite as popular as The Wall, and contained little to no music from Pink Floyd, the third and final show of Unexpected turned out to be nearly-sold out, and was acclaimed, by the audience.
Theatre closed off the semester with a seasonal goodbye. The last play of 2014 was A Christmas Carol, which was open to the public as well as to elementary schools.
The year 2015 opened with the UIL One-Act Play as the main focus and it was able to advance to Region, the second-to-last round of the OAP. It had been seven years since Hanna had advanced that far.
And as the last show to close off this school year, Theatre will perform A Night in Chicago!, directed by and starring Amanda Vela as Roxy Hart, and Karen Lopez as Velma Kelly.
Support the Theatre in their final performance of the year! If you’re ready to spend a Night in Chicago, swing by May 12, 13, and 14, at 7 p.m. There will be a $3 admission fee.
As theatrical men and women, it was only appropriate to begin the year of Theatre Arts with bang, as was done with Pink Floyd: The Wall, capturing the community’s attention, and bringing reporters in from the Brownsville Herald to interview the actors, actresses, and crew, as well as the director, Joe Rodriguez himself. All-in-all, the show tore down the wall (pun intended).
Next, was Unexpected Tenderness, directed by VP Sebastian Cisneros. Though it was not quite as popular as The Wall, and contained little to no music from Pink Floyd, the third and final show of Unexpected turned out to be nearly-sold out, and was acclaimed, by the audience.
Theatre closed off the semester with a seasonal goodbye. The last play of 2014 was A Christmas Carol, which was open to the public as well as to elementary schools.
The year 2015 opened with the UIL One-Act Play as the main focus and it was able to advance to Region, the second-to-last round of the OAP. It had been seven years since Hanna had advanced that far.
And as the last show to close off this school year, Theatre will perform A Night in Chicago!, directed by and starring Amanda Vela as Roxy Hart, and Karen Lopez as Velma Kelly.
Support the Theatre in their final performance of the year! If you’re ready to spend a Night in Chicago, swing by May 12, 13, and 14, at 7 p.m. There will be a $3 admission fee.
Theater journey NOT a waste of time, money
By Danny Zambrano
To be confused is to be human. To experience emotion, pain, and pleasure is to be human. To be human means to live. Live not for today, live not for yesterday, but live for tomorrow.
In the short run, the cast and crew of Water by the Spoonful may consider our three-day journey to San Antonio a waste of time, money, and resources because we did not advance to State. No high school from Brownsville has EVER gone that final and glorious round of the UIL One-Act Play competition. This was our chance. We all felt it; we could taste the victory, just as we had in the other rounds. As we endured the pregnant pause when the announcer was announcing who was going to advance to State, we held each other, our heartbeats became one. And as our name was not called, a certain numbness overcame us. How did we NOT advance? Why did this happen to us? Why did our prayers work before every competition, but not this one? I couldn’t answer these questions. And yet, on the bus-ride after the competition to the Rainforest Café, we weren’t sad, the cast and crew weren’t crying anymore, they weren’t complaining, with a couple of exceptions. But overall, we didn’t place blame, we didn’t accuse, nor did we make sore remarks to one another or about the judges, or about the schools that made it to a place that we didn’t. We simply looked at one another, smiled, and acknowledged the truth; because the journey that we had gone on together since January wasn’t in vain at all. It was for a reason. We advanced four rounds, and we did it together, we did it because we believed in each other. We did it for the tears that we cried when we pondered the idea of failing. We did it because we owe it to ourselves, to our school, and to our city to make history. And when I compare the laughs and the many bus-rides and jokes that were made to the idea that we didn’t advance to State, I can comfortably congratulate the schools that DID make it, because even though we didn’t make it to the final round, there is a tomorrow. And the relationships built are worth far more than a trophy.
I find it very arbitrary to pit schools against each other to see who can act better, who can direct better, etc. And to compare the passions of these young students to see "who cares more", or "whose passion is more valuable," is to break hearts in a very unfair way.
And yet I must thank the UIL One-Act Play competition for bringing me closer to my family whom I share my emotions with on the stage, and off, in my costumes and in my regular clothes, in my character, and on my own. And it is not to say that without this competition, we would never have talked to each other or anything along those lines. Before competition, we were close, but after, on our way back, those that maybe knew each other on a first-name basis were resting their heads on each other on the bus-ride back to Brownsville.
Witnessing these things is what I live for. It’s the reason I step into that auditorium every single day that I can, and it’s the reason I respect those people that are in there; because at any day, I just might go on an adventure with them, and they just might become my closest confidantes.
And yet, we would not have gone where we did without Mr. Tim Jones. This man has devoted his time, money, and attention to this Theatre Department willingly and thoughtfully. Whether it was working one-on-one with actors, or directing us as a unit on stage, Mr. Jones has been our strategist throughout this battle. Showing up to our rehearsals in class and after school, he gave to us his extensive knowledge of Theatre Arts, and of life, so that we may be the best performers in Texas. And I hope that our performance has made him proud.
And last, but definitely not least, a man if there ever was one, Joe N. Rodriguez led us as battalion commander in many battles to victory. His direction and guidance took us to levels of ourselves that we did not know existed.
The actor is simply a model. A model for what the director envisions. After all, what is an actor without a director? It has been my pleasure to work with Rod for three years and counting to help his amazing visions become a powerful reality on stage, for the public to see.
And though it may be common at this school for students to make paper wings for their teachers as recognition for what they’ve done, Rod has given his students wings. And we have flown, indeed. We have journeyed through his many plays, and many inspirational words which have led us to personal victories, and victories on stage.
To feel emotion is to be human. To experience pain and happiness is to be human. To act is to be human.
To be confused is to be human. To experience emotion, pain, and pleasure is to be human. To be human means to live. Live not for today, live not for yesterday, but live for tomorrow.
In the short run, the cast and crew of Water by the Spoonful may consider our three-day journey to San Antonio a waste of time, money, and resources because we did not advance to State. No high school from Brownsville has EVER gone that final and glorious round of the UIL One-Act Play competition. This was our chance. We all felt it; we could taste the victory, just as we had in the other rounds. As we endured the pregnant pause when the announcer was announcing who was going to advance to State, we held each other, our heartbeats became one. And as our name was not called, a certain numbness overcame us. How did we NOT advance? Why did this happen to us? Why did our prayers work before every competition, but not this one? I couldn’t answer these questions. And yet, on the bus-ride after the competition to the Rainforest Café, we weren’t sad, the cast and crew weren’t crying anymore, they weren’t complaining, with a couple of exceptions. But overall, we didn’t place blame, we didn’t accuse, nor did we make sore remarks to one another or about the judges, or about the schools that made it to a place that we didn’t. We simply looked at one another, smiled, and acknowledged the truth; because the journey that we had gone on together since January wasn’t in vain at all. It was for a reason. We advanced four rounds, and we did it together, we did it because we believed in each other. We did it for the tears that we cried when we pondered the idea of failing. We did it because we owe it to ourselves, to our school, and to our city to make history. And when I compare the laughs and the many bus-rides and jokes that were made to the idea that we didn’t advance to State, I can comfortably congratulate the schools that DID make it, because even though we didn’t make it to the final round, there is a tomorrow. And the relationships built are worth far more than a trophy.
I find it very arbitrary to pit schools against each other to see who can act better, who can direct better, etc. And to compare the passions of these young students to see "who cares more", or "whose passion is more valuable," is to break hearts in a very unfair way.
And yet I must thank the UIL One-Act Play competition for bringing me closer to my family whom I share my emotions with on the stage, and off, in my costumes and in my regular clothes, in my character, and on my own. And it is not to say that without this competition, we would never have talked to each other or anything along those lines. Before competition, we were close, but after, on our way back, those that maybe knew each other on a first-name basis were resting their heads on each other on the bus-ride back to Brownsville.
Witnessing these things is what I live for. It’s the reason I step into that auditorium every single day that I can, and it’s the reason I respect those people that are in there; because at any day, I just might go on an adventure with them, and they just might become my closest confidantes.
And yet, we would not have gone where we did without Mr. Tim Jones. This man has devoted his time, money, and attention to this Theatre Department willingly and thoughtfully. Whether it was working one-on-one with actors, or directing us as a unit on stage, Mr. Jones has been our strategist throughout this battle. Showing up to our rehearsals in class and after school, he gave to us his extensive knowledge of Theatre Arts, and of life, so that we may be the best performers in Texas. And I hope that our performance has made him proud.
And last, but definitely not least, a man if there ever was one, Joe N. Rodriguez led us as battalion commander in many battles to victory. His direction and guidance took us to levels of ourselves that we did not know existed.
The actor is simply a model. A model for what the director envisions. After all, what is an actor without a director? It has been my pleasure to work with Rod for three years and counting to help his amazing visions become a powerful reality on stage, for the public to see.
And though it may be common at this school for students to make paper wings for their teachers as recognition for what they’ve done, Rod has given his students wings. And we have flown, indeed. We have journeyed through his many plays, and many inspirational words which have led us to personal victories, and victories on stage.
To feel emotion is to be human. To experience pain and happiness is to be human. To act is to be human.
NATIONAL THEATRE!
College in Los Angeles/New York accepts many students from our very own Theatre Arts department
Life is rough. It is said by many adults that the most terrifying part of life is college, given that it is the first time an individual is truly on their own, in most instances, at least.
Many people go to college simply to get a degree, and get out still breathing. For others, however, college is much more than that. It is a chance to chase something that is worth chasing; a dream. A chance. And in many cases, the opportunity of a lifetime.
This year alone, three students from the Theatre Arts Department have gotten accepted to a performing arts college named AMDA, with many more auditioning! The three seniors that auditioned and were accepted were the Gallery Curator for Theatre Debbie Ortiz, the Choreographer Amy Reyes, and the President of Theatre herself, Amanda Vela.
Electives in school are a chance to discover one’s interests. In Theatre, for instance, many have discovered their passion for being seen, for changing, and for becoming dynamic as a character, in many instances, as a writer, a director, and most of all, as a person. This discovery has led to the expression of individualistic qualities and passions.
All this, in turn, has led to many desiring to enter AMDA, or "American Musical and Dramatic Academy", with one conservatory located in Los Angeles, California, and the other in New York City, New York! This academy gives students interested in being in the spotlight a chance to do so, whether they are interested in singing, dancing, acting, or doing it all at once!
For the Theatre students that are interested in attending the college, they have a choice of two degrees concerning theatre, both of which are Bachelor’s Degrees. One option is a degree in Performing Arts, which offers extensive classes in singing, acting, dancing, stage combat, vocal manipulation, the works. This degree is mostly useful if the student wishes to pursue stage theatre such as Broadway, the Gershwin, etc.
The second degree is the Acting Degree. The main focus of this degree is acting, thus not requiring classes in singing or dancing. Classes include stage combat, vocalization, acting for stage and screen, writing, directing, and overall characterization.
"I’ve learned A LOT from Rod here at Hanna Theatre, and I feel like going to AMDA will help me to use what I know and turn it into a successful career," Debbie Ortiz said.
"I want to become an inspiring director and actor for people pursuing Theatre Arts like my Director, Mr. Joe Rodriguez," said President Amanda Vela.
Other students that are auditioning for AMDA include the Vice President of Hanna Theatre Sebastian Cisneros, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Rodriguez, Samanta Matamoros, and Ashley Nelson!
If you find yourself interested in the comprehensive acting and performing arts program at AMDA, or whether you’re interested in the singing or dancing portion (or all of the above!), visit http://www.amda.edu/ to check it out!
Many people go to college simply to get a degree, and get out still breathing. For others, however, college is much more than that. It is a chance to chase something that is worth chasing; a dream. A chance. And in many cases, the opportunity of a lifetime.
This year alone, three students from the Theatre Arts Department have gotten accepted to a performing arts college named AMDA, with many more auditioning! The three seniors that auditioned and were accepted were the Gallery Curator for Theatre Debbie Ortiz, the Choreographer Amy Reyes, and the President of Theatre herself, Amanda Vela.
Electives in school are a chance to discover one’s interests. In Theatre, for instance, many have discovered their passion for being seen, for changing, and for becoming dynamic as a character, in many instances, as a writer, a director, and most of all, as a person. This discovery has led to the expression of individualistic qualities and passions.
All this, in turn, has led to many desiring to enter AMDA, or "American Musical and Dramatic Academy", with one conservatory located in Los Angeles, California, and the other in New York City, New York! This academy gives students interested in being in the spotlight a chance to do so, whether they are interested in singing, dancing, acting, or doing it all at once!
For the Theatre students that are interested in attending the college, they have a choice of two degrees concerning theatre, both of which are Bachelor’s Degrees. One option is a degree in Performing Arts, which offers extensive classes in singing, acting, dancing, stage combat, vocal manipulation, the works. This degree is mostly useful if the student wishes to pursue stage theatre such as Broadway, the Gershwin, etc.
The second degree is the Acting Degree. The main focus of this degree is acting, thus not requiring classes in singing or dancing. Classes include stage combat, vocalization, acting for stage and screen, writing, directing, and overall characterization.
"I’ve learned A LOT from Rod here at Hanna Theatre, and I feel like going to AMDA will help me to use what I know and turn it into a successful career," Debbie Ortiz said.
"I want to become an inspiring director and actor for people pursuing Theatre Arts like my Director, Mr. Joe Rodriguez," said President Amanda Vela.
Other students that are auditioning for AMDA include the Vice President of Hanna Theatre Sebastian Cisneros, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Rodriguez, Samanta Matamoros, and Ashley Nelson!
If you find yourself interested in the comprehensive acting and performing arts program at AMDA, or whether you’re interested in the singing or dancing portion (or all of the above!), visit http://www.amda.edu/ to check it out!
Raul Garcia advances in diving; breaks record
By: Jasmine Li
February 5th, 2015
Senior Raul Garcia is like a fish in the sea when he swims, but diving has become his specialty. His consistency in practice has led him to break the Hanna H.S. 1 meter diving record three times! The last record dates back to 1987, but Garcia recently surpassed that score with a current high score of 343.10.
Like many other competitions, diving is scored based on the judges’ opinions. A panel of five to seven judges is assembled and each judge scores the performance on a scale of one to ten. Typically, the highest and lowest scores are discarded. The middle scores are then summed up and multiplied by the degree of difficulty of the dive. The degree of difficulty is determined from a combination of the moves undertaken, in which position and from what height. The diver performs a total of eleven dives (two forward, two inward, two reverse, two back, two twisting, and one free). The dives are performed in different positions (straight, pike, tuck, or a combination). Garcia states that his favorite position is the inward dive, because that’s where he performs best.
Garcia joined the swimming team during his freshman year, but he started diving during his junior year. As a varsity swimmer, he attends after school practices every Monday through Friday for two hours. Luckily, his hard work has paid off and he has broken his own record twice after initially breaking the one from 1987.
"After each competition, he continues practicing so he just keeps getting better," current head coach of four years Sam Perez said.
For competition, Raul only performs freestyle and backstrokes. On February 5-7, he’ll be competing in the 500 M freestyle and the 200 M individual medley competitions. Raul continues dedicating plenty of time for his preparation for the regional meet, hoping to make it to State.
"It’s important for me to make it to State because that will help me impress the college I want to attend," Raul said.
"We look forward to a successful season as we compete at the regional meet," Coach Perez concluded.
Senior Raul Garcia is like a fish in the sea when he swims, but diving has become his specialty. His consistency in practice has led him to break the Hanna H.S. 1 meter diving record three times! The last record dates back to 1987, but Garcia recently surpassed that score with a current high score of 343.10.
Like many other competitions, diving is scored based on the judges’ opinions. A panel of five to seven judges is assembled and each judge scores the performance on a scale of one to ten. Typically, the highest and lowest scores are discarded. The middle scores are then summed up and multiplied by the degree of difficulty of the dive. The degree of difficulty is determined from a combination of the moves undertaken, in which position and from what height. The diver performs a total of eleven dives (two forward, two inward, two reverse, two back, two twisting, and one free). The dives are performed in different positions (straight, pike, tuck, or a combination). Garcia states that his favorite position is the inward dive, because that’s where he performs best.
Garcia joined the swimming team during his freshman year, but he started diving during his junior year. As a varsity swimmer, he attends after school practices every Monday through Friday for two hours. Luckily, his hard work has paid off and he has broken his own record twice after initially breaking the one from 1987.
"After each competition, he continues practicing so he just keeps getting better," current head coach of four years Sam Perez said.
For competition, Raul only performs freestyle and backstrokes. On February 5-7, he’ll be competing in the 500 M freestyle and the 200 M individual medley competitions. Raul continues dedicating plenty of time for his preparation for the regional meet, hoping to make it to State.
"It’s important for me to make it to State because that will help me impress the college I want to attend," Raul said.
"We look forward to a successful season as we compete at the regional meet," Coach Perez concluded.
Students advance at BISD Science Fairs
The annual BISD science fair took place Saturday, January 17 at Pace High School. The following Hanna students advanced to the District competition.
Animal Science: 3rd- Katherine Garza 1st-Lauren Sierra & Matthew Rodriguez Sponsor: Mrs. Rogers
Behavioral & Social Sciences: 6th-Andrea Vega Montes & Michael Flores 4th- Izar Trevino & Shakira Hernandez 1st-Kathy Estrella, Johnathan Gonzalez, & Sarah Chacon Sponsors: Ms. Arizmendi & Miss Chong
Biochemistry: 3rd- Alicia Chavez, Janet Adame, & Yajaira Martinez Sponsor: Mrs. Rogers
Cellular & Molecular Biology: 2nd-Jesse Gomez, Marcela Castillo & Miranda Garzoria Sponsor: Mrs. Arizmendi.
Chemistry: 5th-Angela Mondragon, Dasa Cantu, & Kyara Aviles 2nd-Alina Torres, Meagan Garza, & Victoria Guerrero. Sponsors: Ms. Arizmeni & Miss Chong
Computer Science: 5th Place-Andrea Quintanilla, Angelica Soriano, & Rafael Garcia. 4th-Jeremy Hines, Kang Yu Liu, & Robert Salazar. Sponsor: Miss Chong & Mrs. Rogers.
Energy & Transportation: 4th-Marco Uriegas, Pilar Hernandez, & Yamile Sandoval Sponsor: Miss Chong
Engineering: Materials & Bioengineering: 3rd-Brianna Guillen, Jessica Sosa, & Leslie Rodriguez 1st-Sergio Espinoza Sponsors: Miss Chong & Mrs. Galvez
Mathematical Sciences: 5th-Britney Castillo & David Mejia 3rd- Thomas Hull Sponsor: Mrs. Rogers
Medicine & Health Sciences: 2nd-Angela de la Fuente, Karin Trevino, & Katherine Garcia 1st-Ernie Jaimes, Jose Ramirez & Rafael Flores Sponsor: Miss Chong
Microbiology: 5th-David Serna Sponsor: Miss Chong
Physics & Astronomy: 6th-Emmanuel Mata, Freddy Torres, & Vincent Guerrero Sponsor: Miss Chong
Plants: 6th-Edwin Jimenez, Jesus Mario Contreras, & Pablo Sanchez 4th Place-Maria Toledo & Sofia Aguirre
3rd-Aria Aguilar, Christopher Maldonado & Cristian Arguelles Sponsors: Miss Chong & Mrs. Rogers
Animal Science: 3rd- Katherine Garza 1st-Lauren Sierra & Matthew Rodriguez Sponsor: Mrs. Rogers
Behavioral & Social Sciences: 6th-Andrea Vega Montes & Michael Flores 4th- Izar Trevino & Shakira Hernandez 1st-Kathy Estrella, Johnathan Gonzalez, & Sarah Chacon Sponsors: Ms. Arizmendi & Miss Chong
Biochemistry: 3rd- Alicia Chavez, Janet Adame, & Yajaira Martinez Sponsor: Mrs. Rogers
Cellular & Molecular Biology: 2nd-Jesse Gomez, Marcela Castillo & Miranda Garzoria Sponsor: Mrs. Arizmendi.
Chemistry: 5th-Angela Mondragon, Dasa Cantu, & Kyara Aviles 2nd-Alina Torres, Meagan Garza, & Victoria Guerrero. Sponsors: Ms. Arizmeni & Miss Chong
Computer Science: 5th Place-Andrea Quintanilla, Angelica Soriano, & Rafael Garcia. 4th-Jeremy Hines, Kang Yu Liu, & Robert Salazar. Sponsor: Miss Chong & Mrs. Rogers.
Energy & Transportation: 4th-Marco Uriegas, Pilar Hernandez, & Yamile Sandoval Sponsor: Miss Chong
Engineering: Materials & Bioengineering: 3rd-Brianna Guillen, Jessica Sosa, & Leslie Rodriguez 1st-Sergio Espinoza Sponsors: Miss Chong & Mrs. Galvez
Mathematical Sciences: 5th-Britney Castillo & David Mejia 3rd- Thomas Hull Sponsor: Mrs. Rogers
Medicine & Health Sciences: 2nd-Angela de la Fuente, Karin Trevino, & Katherine Garcia 1st-Ernie Jaimes, Jose Ramirez & Rafael Flores Sponsor: Miss Chong
Microbiology: 5th-David Serna Sponsor: Miss Chong
Physics & Astronomy: 6th-Emmanuel Mata, Freddy Torres, & Vincent Guerrero Sponsor: Miss Chong
Plants: 6th-Edwin Jimenez, Jesus Mario Contreras, & Pablo Sanchez 4th Place-Maria Toledo & Sofia Aguirre
3rd-Aria Aguilar, Christopher Maldonado & Cristian Arguelles Sponsors: Miss Chong & Mrs. Rogers
HOSA winners advance to state;
Sierra, Rodriguez win $1,500 scholarship
HOSA students competed in Laredo, Saturday, January 17. First, second, and third place winners and Healthcare Issues Exam finalists will advance to the State competition in Dallas.
Seniors Lauren Sierra and Mathew Rodriguez earned a $1,500.00 HOSA Scholarship
Students running for Area office and elected were: Viviana Castillo (reporter) and Sada Cantu (secretary).
Placing at the competition were:
Emergency Medical Technician: Vanessa Lopez & Luis Rucoba-1st
Clinical Nursing: Felicia Alvarez-1st
Extemporaneous Writing: Lauren Sierra-1st
Clinical Specialty: Rafael Garcia-1st
Research Persuasive Speaking: Sarah Chacon-1st
(Team Event) CPR/First Aid: Karla Aviles & Kyara Aviles-2nd
Nursing Assistant: Claudia Gonzalez-2nd
Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Kristal Cruz, Arely Lerma, Alondra Molina-2nd
Life Support Skills: Brianna Lopez-2nd
MRC Partnership: Johanna Esteves, Maheli Luna, Ricardo Vargas, Riddhi Bhakta, Roberta Garza,Jose Lopez-2nd
Medical Innovation: Quinnton Parker, Sada Cantu, Vivian Castillo- 3rd
Clinical Nursing: Jon Patric Niduaza-4th;
Physical Therapy: Enrique Urquieta-5th
HOSA Bowl: Aria Aguilar, Karina Lopez, Lorenzo Sanchez, Cristian Arguelles -5th
Medical Art Poster: Itzel Martinez-5th
Finalist Advance -Healthcare Issues Exam: Vanessa Lopez, Kathy Rosas, Jasmine Li, Virginia Barrera, Sabrina Villanueva, Alicia Velasco, Steven Solis, Alex Morales, Justin McManus, Jose Lopez, Lorenzo Sanchez, Jenni Maldonado, Matthew Hernandez, Stephen Garcia, Lauren Sierra, Icia Garza, Cristian Arguelles, Patrick Schmidt, Julia Rivera, Alejandro Paniagua, Omar Leal, Aria Aguilar
Seniors Lauren Sierra and Mathew Rodriguez earned a $1,500.00 HOSA Scholarship
Students running for Area office and elected were: Viviana Castillo (reporter) and Sada Cantu (secretary).
Placing at the competition were:
Emergency Medical Technician: Vanessa Lopez & Luis Rucoba-1st
Clinical Nursing: Felicia Alvarez-1st
Extemporaneous Writing: Lauren Sierra-1st
Clinical Specialty: Rafael Garcia-1st
Research Persuasive Speaking: Sarah Chacon-1st
(Team Event) CPR/First Aid: Karla Aviles & Kyara Aviles-2nd
Nursing Assistant: Claudia Gonzalez-2nd
Public Health Emergency Preparedness: Kristal Cruz, Arely Lerma, Alondra Molina-2nd
Life Support Skills: Brianna Lopez-2nd
MRC Partnership: Johanna Esteves, Maheli Luna, Ricardo Vargas, Riddhi Bhakta, Roberta Garza,Jose Lopez-2nd
Medical Innovation: Quinnton Parker, Sada Cantu, Vivian Castillo- 3rd
Clinical Nursing: Jon Patric Niduaza-4th;
Physical Therapy: Enrique Urquieta-5th
HOSA Bowl: Aria Aguilar, Karina Lopez, Lorenzo Sanchez, Cristian Arguelles -5th
Medical Art Poster: Itzel Martinez-5th
Finalist Advance -Healthcare Issues Exam: Vanessa Lopez, Kathy Rosas, Jasmine Li, Virginia Barrera, Sabrina Villanueva, Alicia Velasco, Steven Solis, Alex Morales, Justin McManus, Jose Lopez, Lorenzo Sanchez, Jenni Maldonado, Matthew Hernandez, Stephen Garcia, Lauren Sierra, Icia Garza, Cristian Arguelles, Patrick Schmidt, Julia Rivera, Alejandro Paniagua, Omar Leal, Aria Aguilar
News Briefs
* For those students that haven't passed the Algebra I EOC, tutorials will be held Mondays thru Thursdays from 4:15- 5:15 pm. Tutorials will be held in Room T203
Scholarship Opportunities
Texas Advance Initiative Scholarship: $5,000- First year, up to $20,000 in four years.
bealonghorn.utexas.edu/texas-advance
The Gates Millennium Scholars: GMS Online application is open until the Wednesday January 14, 2015 11:59 pm EST deadline.
https://www.gmsp.org/
Upcoming Events
SAT Test Dates ACT Test Dates TSI Test Dates
Test Registration Test Registration Test
Deadline Deadline 11/05/2014 12/03/2014
01/24/2015 12/29/2014 02/07/2015 01/09/2015 11/12/2014 12/08/2014
03/14/2015 02/13/2015 04/18/2015 03/13/2015 11/18/2014 12/10/2014
05/02/2015 04/06/2015 06/13/2015 05/08/2015 *Seat availability is based on a first
06/06/2015 05/08/2014 come first serve basis
Scholarship Opportunities
Texas Advance Initiative Scholarship: $5,000- First year, up to $20,000 in four years.
bealonghorn.utexas.edu/texas-advance
The Gates Millennium Scholars: GMS Online application is open until the Wednesday January 14, 2015 11:59 pm EST deadline.
https://www.gmsp.org/
Upcoming Events
SAT Test Dates ACT Test Dates TSI Test Dates
Test Registration Test Registration Test
Deadline Deadline 11/05/2014 12/03/2014
01/24/2015 12/29/2014 02/07/2015 01/09/2015 11/12/2014 12/08/2014
03/14/2015 02/13/2015 04/18/2015 03/13/2015 11/18/2014 12/10/2014
05/02/2015 04/06/2015 06/13/2015 05/08/2015 *Seat availability is based on a first
06/06/2015 05/08/2014 come first serve basis
Roberto Bolaños
--better known as “Chespirito”-- dies at 85
By: Yamile Sandoval
The
month of November has seen the loss of a truly spectacular man. Roberto Gomez
Bolaños, aka Chespirito, passed away on
November 28, 2014 at the age of 85 in
his home in Cancun, Q. Roo, Mexico. An idol in all of Latin America, Chespirito
touched the hearts of millions of people of all ages for decades, making his
mark on many generations.
Some may not be familiar with his name at all, but just one mention of El Chavo from El Chavo del Ocho will do the trick. Chespirito created colorful supporting characters that became iconic themselves in his show. The humble story of an 8 year old orphan who lived in a barrel turned out to be both a great comedy and a big hit, streaming mainly through Mexico’s Televisa for nearly a decade back in the 70’s.
His other most popular character, El Chapulin Colorado, depicted a less than amazing superhero that always seemed to manage to mess things up more than he did save anybody. His iconic co-stars from El Chavo appeared recurrently on El Chapulin Colorado, but in every episode they were cast as different characters.
These shows ran side by side for around a decade, though they were not all of Chespirito’s works. Both before and after his hit series’ parallel runs, he aired countless sketches featuring other original characters of his.
Reruns of mostly El Chavo and El Chapulin Colorado are still often aired on Mexican television, and because of that, Chespirito has been able to touch the hearts of generations 50 years apart. Not to mention the animated version of El Chavo that’s been on the air since late 2006, which has given our generation and even younger generations more access to Chespirito’s iconic characters. Reports of an animated El Chapulin Colorado being in the works have been made, and the cartoon is said to begin airing sometime early next year.
Chespirito had many tributes to him made at the time of his death, but in life he was able to enjoy much recognition for his legendary contributions to both Mexico as well as the rest of Latin America. The world is still in mourning over the loss of a great man, but his memory will live on in the hearts of millions.
Some may not be familiar with his name at all, but just one mention of El Chavo from El Chavo del Ocho will do the trick. Chespirito created colorful supporting characters that became iconic themselves in his show. The humble story of an 8 year old orphan who lived in a barrel turned out to be both a great comedy and a big hit, streaming mainly through Mexico’s Televisa for nearly a decade back in the 70’s.
His other most popular character, El Chapulin Colorado, depicted a less than amazing superhero that always seemed to manage to mess things up more than he did save anybody. His iconic co-stars from El Chavo appeared recurrently on El Chapulin Colorado, but in every episode they were cast as different characters.
These shows ran side by side for around a decade, though they were not all of Chespirito’s works. Both before and after his hit series’ parallel runs, he aired countless sketches featuring other original characters of his.
Reruns of mostly El Chavo and El Chapulin Colorado are still often aired on Mexican television, and because of that, Chespirito has been able to touch the hearts of generations 50 years apart. Not to mention the animated version of El Chavo that’s been on the air since late 2006, which has given our generation and even younger generations more access to Chespirito’s iconic characters. Reports of an animated El Chapulin Colorado being in the works have been made, and the cartoon is said to begin airing sometime early next year.
Chespirito had many tributes to him made at the time of his death, but in life he was able to enjoy much recognition for his legendary contributions to both Mexico as well as the rest of Latin America. The world is still in mourning over the loss of a great man, but his memory will live on in the hearts of millions.
HAPPY 100TH!
BROWNSVILLE MASONIC LODGE CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY
By Danny Zambrano
December 1st, 2014
Brotherhood in Brownsville, Texas was celebrated on November 15 at the former Cameron County Courthouse of 1882.
In 1914 the Cameron County Courthouse was bought by an unexpected party. It was not a firm, nor was it a restaurant chain or museum. Instead, it was bought by a group of men called freemasons.
Many people have not heard of the freemasons, though they play a more prominent role in the history of Brownsville, Texas, and in the history of business than many know.
The freemasons are a fraternity of God-fearing and man-serving devotees. They are known for their “secrecy”, which many have attributed to some kind of sinister worldwide plot, though freemasons themselves are quite open with their order.
The fraternity originates from the stone masons that built many great masterpieces in ancient times, most of which, still stand today. The masons are said to be responsible for the construction of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Their architectural genius surpassed that of any other guild on Earth, for they were trained to build monuments in honor of King Solomon. Needless to say, the stone masons laid King Solomon’s Temple in biblical times.
The courthouse itself was built in the late 1800’s, though the building itself is constantly being remodeled so as to maintain its visual appeal for guests.
On this occasion, the holders of the lodge set up an exhibition of old documents, plaques, awards, artifacts, articles, and other memorabilia for the guests.
Once one was finished exploring, the guests were free to go to the kitchen to enjoy hot coffee and finger-foods, such as sandwiches, cookies, and punch.
After filling up, the guests were escorted upstairs for a presentation on the history of freemasonry, the history of the lodge, and general facts about the order, as well as the history of similar orders such as the Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters, which acknowledge the same moral values as freemasons, only contrary to the freemasons, the former are sororities; the only members are female.
Proceeding the presentation regarding Masonic history, the members of the lodge re-devoted the cornerstone, meaning that they honored the square stone which was measured at the opening of the lodge, and which represents all philosophy which the freemasons admire.
Thereafter, everyone, guests and members alike, stood in front of the lodge and took a panoramic picture, which will be kept and remembered at the next 100th anniversary.
The memorial closed with half-an-hour of live jazz and Spanish music played exquisitely by the Foncerrada family.
Brotherhood in Brownsville, Texas was celebrated on November 15 at the former Cameron County Courthouse of 1882.
In 1914 the Cameron County Courthouse was bought by an unexpected party. It was not a firm, nor was it a restaurant chain or museum. Instead, it was bought by a group of men called freemasons.
Many people have not heard of the freemasons, though they play a more prominent role in the history of Brownsville, Texas, and in the history of business than many know.
The freemasons are a fraternity of God-fearing and man-serving devotees. They are known for their “secrecy”, which many have attributed to some kind of sinister worldwide plot, though freemasons themselves are quite open with their order.
The fraternity originates from the stone masons that built many great masterpieces in ancient times, most of which, still stand today. The masons are said to be responsible for the construction of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Their architectural genius surpassed that of any other guild on Earth, for they were trained to build monuments in honor of King Solomon. Needless to say, the stone masons laid King Solomon’s Temple in biblical times.
The courthouse itself was built in the late 1800’s, though the building itself is constantly being remodeled so as to maintain its visual appeal for guests.
On this occasion, the holders of the lodge set up an exhibition of old documents, plaques, awards, artifacts, articles, and other memorabilia for the guests.
Once one was finished exploring, the guests were free to go to the kitchen to enjoy hot coffee and finger-foods, such as sandwiches, cookies, and punch.
After filling up, the guests were escorted upstairs for a presentation on the history of freemasonry, the history of the lodge, and general facts about the order, as well as the history of similar orders such as the Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters, which acknowledge the same moral values as freemasons, only contrary to the freemasons, the former are sororities; the only members are female.
Proceeding the presentation regarding Masonic history, the members of the lodge re-devoted the cornerstone, meaning that they honored the square stone which was measured at the opening of the lodge, and which represents all philosophy which the freemasons admire.
Thereafter, everyone, guests and members alike, stood in front of the lodge and took a panoramic picture, which will be kept and remembered at the next 100th anniversary.
The memorial closed with half-an-hour of live jazz and Spanish music played exquisitely by the Foncerrada family.
A CAROL FOR THE AGES
Theatre Enchants with “A Christmas Carol”
By Danny Zambrano
December 1st, 2014
Christmas is infamous for its cold-cuddly weather, its hot cocoa, and its singing carols around the fire with family and loved ones. For most, this is the ideal Christmas. For others, however, it is not. The Theater Department will present A Christmas Carol, a story which embodies such feelings, December 9, 10, and 11 at 7 p.m. with a $3 admission.
Scrooge (portrayed by Rudy Rocha), is a man who does not share this ideology with his peers. Rather, he particularly antagonizes this sacred holiday for the simple reason that he doesn’t have loved ones with whom to share the spirit, though his nephew (portrayed by Sebastian Cisneros), attempts to entice his heart with warmth. When this fails, Ebeneezer Scrooge is visited by his late partner Jacob Marley (Brandon Sanchez), who sports chains on his body, which represent his lack of giving while still alive. He comes to teach Ebeneezer a lesson using spirits of Christmas, though they are not quite as cheerful as Scrooge might hope, for they are the Ghosts of Christmas’ Past, Present, and Future, sent to show Scrooge the memories of his past loved ones that haunt him, and to bring out his own Christmas spirit.
Over the holiday break, students Alina Torres, Brandon Sanchez, Amanda Vela, Raul Martinez, Daniel Zambrano, and Eduardo Mandujano worked on the set and the lighting designs for A Christmas Carol to prepare for this event.
The Theatre’s full attention has been turned to this enchanting production, for they plan on ending 2014, and the semester, with a “Bah”, a “Humbug”, and a carol!
Christmas is infamous for its cold-cuddly weather, its hot cocoa, and its singing carols around the fire with family and loved ones. For most, this is the ideal Christmas. For others, however, it is not. The Theater Department will present A Christmas Carol, a story which embodies such feelings, December 9, 10, and 11 at 7 p.m. with a $3 admission.
Scrooge (portrayed by Rudy Rocha), is a man who does not share this ideology with his peers. Rather, he particularly antagonizes this sacred holiday for the simple reason that he doesn’t have loved ones with whom to share the spirit, though his nephew (portrayed by Sebastian Cisneros), attempts to entice his heart with warmth. When this fails, Ebeneezer Scrooge is visited by his late partner Jacob Marley (Brandon Sanchez), who sports chains on his body, which represent his lack of giving while still alive. He comes to teach Ebeneezer a lesson using spirits of Christmas, though they are not quite as cheerful as Scrooge might hope, for they are the Ghosts of Christmas’ Past, Present, and Future, sent to show Scrooge the memories of his past loved ones that haunt him, and to bring out his own Christmas spirit.
Over the holiday break, students Alina Torres, Brandon Sanchez, Amanda Vela, Raul Martinez, Daniel Zambrano, and Eduardo Mandujano worked on the set and the lighting designs for A Christmas Carol to prepare for this event.
The Theatre’s full attention has been turned to this enchanting production, for they plan on ending 2014, and the semester, with a “Bah”, a “Humbug”, and a carol!
FIRST SONG OF THE SEMESTER
CHOIR BLOWS THE AUDIENCE AWAY
By: Danny Zambrano
November 6th, 2014
The choir held its first performance at the Hanna Performing Arts Center in two powerful concerts on October 14th.
As the house-lights faded, the stage lights illuminated first the Treble Choir, presenting a touching-yet-impactful three-piece set with “Sing We and Chant It”, “The River Sleeps Beneath the Sky”, and finally, “I’m Not That Girl”, with Mr. Gene Holkup directing, and Mr. Robert Cruhm, Accompanying.
As the Treble Choir marched off stage, they were replaced with the Tenor-Bass Choir who resonated “Rise Up O Men of God”, “Think on Me”, and “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame”.
The house lights were raised; the stage as well as house was cleared for the next show, which occurred about 1-hour thereafter, at 7:30.
Opening for the next concert was the impressive JV Treble Choir presenting “Shenandoah” and “I Will Lift My Eyes”, only this time, along with Mr. Holkup and Mr. Cruhm, the choir was joined with the astounding Mr. Tomas Alvarado on the heart-melting cello.
Immediately after the JV Treble Choir, the Combined Treble Choir took over the stage with a beautiful rendition of “Suffer No Grief”, just before the Combined Tenor-Bass group sang away with “Gloria”.
And last but not at all least; the Chorale was welcomed with applauding hands into the spotlight. “Justorum Animae” was the first of two. When the roaring applause ended, the final song was performed; a breathtaking finale of “In the Night We Shall Go In” filled the auditorium with powerful vocals, accompanied by the melodic pianism and thunderous cello.
The choir will perform again for a Christmas-themed concert on December 15 at 6:00 and a second concert at 7:30 PM.
The choir held its first performance at the Hanna Performing Arts Center in two powerful concerts on October 14th.
As the house-lights faded, the stage lights illuminated first the Treble Choir, presenting a touching-yet-impactful three-piece set with “Sing We and Chant It”, “The River Sleeps Beneath the Sky”, and finally, “I’m Not That Girl”, with Mr. Gene Holkup directing, and Mr. Robert Cruhm, Accompanying.
As the Treble Choir marched off stage, they were replaced with the Tenor-Bass Choir who resonated “Rise Up O Men of God”, “Think on Me”, and “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame”.
The house lights were raised; the stage as well as house was cleared for the next show, which occurred about 1-hour thereafter, at 7:30.
Opening for the next concert was the impressive JV Treble Choir presenting “Shenandoah” and “I Will Lift My Eyes”, only this time, along with Mr. Holkup and Mr. Cruhm, the choir was joined with the astounding Mr. Tomas Alvarado on the heart-melting cello.
Immediately after the JV Treble Choir, the Combined Treble Choir took over the stage with a beautiful rendition of “Suffer No Grief”, just before the Combined Tenor-Bass group sang away with “Gloria”.
And last but not at all least; the Chorale was welcomed with applauding hands into the spotlight. “Justorum Animae” was the first of two. When the roaring applause ended, the final song was performed; a breathtaking finale of “In the Night We Shall Go In” filled the auditorium with powerful vocals, accompanied by the melodic pianism and thunderous cello.
The choir will perform again for a Christmas-themed concert on December 15 at 6:00 and a second concert at 7:30 PM.
Unexpected Tenderness
“Did God create men to curse women?”
By: Danny Zambrano
November 6th, 2014
Have you ever found yourself wanting to control what you love out of fear of losing it? November 11, 12, and 13, discover the painfully accurate representation of this lust for power, this jealousy that often overcomes us, in Hanna Theatre’s performance of Unexpected Tenderness directed by Sebastian Cisneros.
Unexpected Tenderness stars Jon Molina as Archie Stern, a jealous husband who often finds himself controlling Molly (Amanda Vela), a hardworking housewife as well as Sylvie (Victoria Guerrero), their innocent teenage daughter. Both Molly and Sylvie, are constantly being lusted over by Archie’s co-worker Willy (Carlos Gomez). The story is told in the point of view of Molly’s and Archie’s son, Roddy (Danny Zambrano), and describes the wickedness of the men in his family, which includes his grandfather and grandmother, Jacob and Haddie (portrayed by David Serna and Katie Garcia).
Sebastian Cisneros described his vision to his cast. “I want this to be BAM! I don’t want it to be a normal show, with every word that is spoken by the characters, I want the audience to feel the weight of it on their chests and in their hearts.”
Joe Rodriguez directed Unexpected Tenderness for UIL One-Act Competition in 2007. The show was said to be powerful to the point that Rodriguez was approached by other directors in Brownsville, telling him that his show was going to State, the last round of the UIL Competition.
“After the first scene, the lights faded out and the audience started cheering and clapping,” Rodriguez said. “At that point we knew we were going to make it.”
Unfortunately, however, once the cast made it to Region, the penultimate round, the cast was thrown off by a sudden change in set, after being told by a UIL Judge that they were using an illegal stage-setup, though no one had mentioned it in any of the rounds prior to this one. This unexpected change cost the show. The cast did not advance to State, unfortunate, given that if they had, Hanna would have been the first school in Brownsville to make it to the final for the One-Act Play competition.
Fortunately, however, this performance is not for competition, meaning that there are no rules to follow for the set or restrictions that will obstruct the performance, so to speak. It is largely up to the actors to deliver a powerful story to the audience.
However, putting together Unexpected Tenderness brought forth unexpected difficulty when the right to the shortened 40-minute version of the show was denied. A major alteration had to be made; the dates were to be pushed back, given that the full production is over twice as long as the cut version of the script. Instead of performing the 40-minute show, they are to perform the 90-minute show on November 11, 12, and 13. Stage-managing this family-drama are Viviana Rangel, and Samanta Matamoros.
Don’t miss out on this ever-so-relatable drama at the Hanna Performing Arts Auditorium!
Have you ever found yourself wanting to control what you love out of fear of losing it? November 11, 12, and 13, discover the painfully accurate representation of this lust for power, this jealousy that often overcomes us, in Hanna Theatre’s performance of Unexpected Tenderness directed by Sebastian Cisneros.
Unexpected Tenderness stars Jon Molina as Archie Stern, a jealous husband who often finds himself controlling Molly (Amanda Vela), a hardworking housewife as well as Sylvie (Victoria Guerrero), their innocent teenage daughter. Both Molly and Sylvie, are constantly being lusted over by Archie’s co-worker Willy (Carlos Gomez). The story is told in the point of view of Molly’s and Archie’s son, Roddy (Danny Zambrano), and describes the wickedness of the men in his family, which includes his grandfather and grandmother, Jacob and Haddie (portrayed by David Serna and Katie Garcia).
Sebastian Cisneros described his vision to his cast. “I want this to be BAM! I don’t want it to be a normal show, with every word that is spoken by the characters, I want the audience to feel the weight of it on their chests and in their hearts.”
Joe Rodriguez directed Unexpected Tenderness for UIL One-Act Competition in 2007. The show was said to be powerful to the point that Rodriguez was approached by other directors in Brownsville, telling him that his show was going to State, the last round of the UIL Competition.
“After the first scene, the lights faded out and the audience started cheering and clapping,” Rodriguez said. “At that point we knew we were going to make it.”
Unfortunately, however, once the cast made it to Region, the penultimate round, the cast was thrown off by a sudden change in set, after being told by a UIL Judge that they were using an illegal stage-setup, though no one had mentioned it in any of the rounds prior to this one. This unexpected change cost the show. The cast did not advance to State, unfortunate, given that if they had, Hanna would have been the first school in Brownsville to make it to the final for the One-Act Play competition.
Fortunately, however, this performance is not for competition, meaning that there are no rules to follow for the set or restrictions that will obstruct the performance, so to speak. It is largely up to the actors to deliver a powerful story to the audience.
However, putting together Unexpected Tenderness brought forth unexpected difficulty when the right to the shortened 40-minute version of the show was denied. A major alteration had to be made; the dates were to be pushed back, given that the full production is over twice as long as the cut version of the script. Instead of performing the 40-minute show, they are to perform the 90-minute show on November 11, 12, and 13. Stage-managing this family-drama are Viviana Rangel, and Samanta Matamoros.
Don’t miss out on this ever-so-relatable drama at the Hanna Performing Arts Auditorium!
Garcia, San Miguel, Losoya honored at half-time
By: Jasmine Li
November 6th, 2014
The 2014 annual Homecoming football game took place Oct. 24 against Harlingen South. Unfortunately the band was unable to attend so the field was rather quiet, but the Hanna Eagles managed to take the win with a score of 17-14. During halftime, the annual Homecoming court winners were announced and towards the end, a special guest stepped foot on the field once again.
Noe Losoya, a Hanna alumnus from Class of 2014, was invited by the student council to receive an honorary recognition for his dedication and bravery. Losoya had been diagnosed with an acute medical condition at the beginning of his junior year in 2012. Since then, he has had to attend countless doctor appointments and take multiple medications. What's special about this courageous, young man, though, is that he never gave up. He reached a point in which he couldn't attend school anymore, but he continued studying. Mr. Garza, one of Hanna's Speech teachers, became his homebound teacher.
Through his hard work and dedication, Losoya graduated and even attended his graduation ceremony. Now he is currently doing well hoping to attend college soon.
The 2014 annual Homecoming football game took place Oct. 24 against Harlingen South. Unfortunately the band was unable to attend so the field was rather quiet, but the Hanna Eagles managed to take the win with a score of 17-14. During halftime, the annual Homecoming court winners were announced and towards the end, a special guest stepped foot on the field once again.
Noe Losoya, a Hanna alumnus from Class of 2014, was invited by the student council to receive an honorary recognition for his dedication and bravery. Losoya had been diagnosed with an acute medical condition at the beginning of his junior year in 2012. Since then, he has had to attend countless doctor appointments and take multiple medications. What's special about this courageous, young man, though, is that he never gave up. He reached a point in which he couldn't attend school anymore, but he continued studying. Mr. Garza, one of Hanna's Speech teachers, became his homebound teacher.
Through his hard work and dedication, Losoya graduated and even attended his graduation ceremony. Now he is currently doing well hoping to attend college soon.
Eagles Spike Fear in Bobcats
By: Cody Perez
November 5th, 2014
The Lady Eagles faced the Edinburg Lady Bobcats Nov. 4 at home in the first round of the playoffs. Senior team captain Taylor Garcia led the team as they fought valiantly against the Bobcats, never giving up. Her passion and instincts in the game were shown greatly as she kept Hanna alive on the defensive end.
Halfway through the first set, Hanna was down 6-12. The Eagles came back and fought till the last point. They came short at the end of the first set and lost 20-25, but that didn't hold the Eagles back, as they came back ready for set number two. The Eagles fought and fought, but came short again. Down 0-2 in the game, coach Hagemann gave a motivational speech to his Lady Eagles, which pushed them in the next set.
Yelitza Barrientos, junior and star on the rise set the tone for the game. She delivered serve after serve giving the Eagles a head start in set number three. Her ferocious serves struck fear in the Bobcats and fans while pumping up her teammates and the huge crowd behind them. She, along with Flora Herrera and Pamela Ellis, led the team to a victory with the score of 25-16! This win gave the Lady Eagles confidence and boosted their spirits. They went into the fourth set with much more confidence and passion. The Lady Eagles started out with a 4-0 lead and kept it up. They went back and forth exchanging points with Edinburg. Midway through the set, Pamela Ellis got injured but went back in the game and fought even harder. Towards the end of the set, the score was all tied up at 25-25. Both teams went head on and clashed as they fought for a spot to compete for area. In the end, Hanna came just short once again with a loss of 25-27 putting an end to their season. "I just wanted to make it to area. That has been my goal since the beginning. I also didn't want the season to end so quickly. We deserved it, and I know we will get it next year," Barrientos said.
The Lady Eagles stood strong throughout the regular season and playoffs. They lost the Bi-District game, but didn't lose their pride.
The Lady Eagles faced the Edinburg Lady Bobcats Nov. 4 at home in the first round of the playoffs. Senior team captain Taylor Garcia led the team as they fought valiantly against the Bobcats, never giving up. Her passion and instincts in the game were shown greatly as she kept Hanna alive on the defensive end.
Halfway through the first set, Hanna was down 6-12. The Eagles came back and fought till the last point. They came short at the end of the first set and lost 20-25, but that didn't hold the Eagles back, as they came back ready for set number two. The Eagles fought and fought, but came short again. Down 0-2 in the game, coach Hagemann gave a motivational speech to his Lady Eagles, which pushed them in the next set.
Yelitza Barrientos, junior and star on the rise set the tone for the game. She delivered serve after serve giving the Eagles a head start in set number three. Her ferocious serves struck fear in the Bobcats and fans while pumping up her teammates and the huge crowd behind them. She, along with Flora Herrera and Pamela Ellis, led the team to a victory with the score of 25-16! This win gave the Lady Eagles confidence and boosted their spirits. They went into the fourth set with much more confidence and passion. The Lady Eagles started out with a 4-0 lead and kept it up. They went back and forth exchanging points with Edinburg. Midway through the set, Pamela Ellis got injured but went back in the game and fought even harder. Towards the end of the set, the score was all tied up at 25-25. Both teams went head on and clashed as they fought for a spot to compete for area. In the end, Hanna came just short once again with a loss of 25-27 putting an end to their season. "I just wanted to make it to area. That has been my goal since the beginning. I also didn't want the season to end so quickly. We deserved it, and I know we will get it next year," Barrientos said.
The Lady Eagles stood strong throughout the regular season and playoffs. They lost the Bi-District game, but didn't lose their pride.
"Walk for the Future"
By: Jasmine Li
October 14th, 2014
BISD’s annual Walk for the Future campaign took place Saturday, Sept. 20 in an attempt to bring back students after they failed to return to school this August.
“It went really well,” Ms. Sierra, the Hanna High School drop out prevention specialist, said. This was her first time participating in the event, and she said that she was, especially, grateful for all of the volunteers that helped out.
“I want to thank everybody that assisted in decorating for the event and everybody that participated. It was a good ride, and I loved that everyone was really positive and willing to help.”
The “Walk for the Future” door-to-door home visit campaign was designed to try to help schools increase their graduation rates. Although it has been active for over five years now, this was the first year in which each high school was responsible for hosting its own campaign. Representatives from schools all over Brownsville, including Hanna High School, traveled from house to house looking for school dropouts, who never showed up at school or who never registered at all. They targeted those students who had been missing since August 27, 2013 to August 25, 2014.
A total of 28 volunteers collaborated in the campaign, including parents, assistant principals, special Ed department teachers, counselors, the Dean of Instruction, and, of course, the new Hanna HS principal, Mrs. Bertha Presas. Of those, five were from UTB, one was from Lincoln Park, one was from BLA, and four were from different departments of BISD.
The volunteers were divided into groups of at least two people and sent off to different local addresses with hopes of recuperating former Hanna students. Upon arrival, they would speak to the students, as well as with their families, and inform them about all of the perks and benefits that could come from enrolling back in school and earning a high school diploma.
As the volunteers visited the students, they tried not to spend longer than ten minutes at each house, since they had a goal of 50 houses to visit. They weren’t able to locate some of the students, but the ones that they did were given information about all of clubs, organizations, and career pathways that BISD schools have to offer.
Many of the students claimed to have dropped out because they preferred to attend a charter school. The representatives made sure to point out the fact that charter schools lack many of the resources and programs that BISD schools provide, such as sports teams, fine arts classes, choir, band, etc. Other students dropped out because of parental influence.
Regardless of their reasons for dropping out, every single student was given the opportunity to enroll back in a BISD public school and receive his or her high school diploma.
The students and parents were surveyed to find out what the school could do to help them. The students were then offered assistance based on their situations and individual needs.
At the end of the day, the representatives managed to convince eight former Hanna students to return back to school. From those eight students, five enrolled back in Hanna HS and the other three went to BLA.
BISD’s annual Walk for the Future campaign took place Saturday, Sept. 20 in an attempt to bring back students after they failed to return to school this August.
“It went really well,” Ms. Sierra, the Hanna High School drop out prevention specialist, said. This was her first time participating in the event, and she said that she was, especially, grateful for all of the volunteers that helped out.
“I want to thank everybody that assisted in decorating for the event and everybody that participated. It was a good ride, and I loved that everyone was really positive and willing to help.”
The “Walk for the Future” door-to-door home visit campaign was designed to try to help schools increase their graduation rates. Although it has been active for over five years now, this was the first year in which each high school was responsible for hosting its own campaign. Representatives from schools all over Brownsville, including Hanna High School, traveled from house to house looking for school dropouts, who never showed up at school or who never registered at all. They targeted those students who had been missing since August 27, 2013 to August 25, 2014.
A total of 28 volunteers collaborated in the campaign, including parents, assistant principals, special Ed department teachers, counselors, the Dean of Instruction, and, of course, the new Hanna HS principal, Mrs. Bertha Presas. Of those, five were from UTB, one was from Lincoln Park, one was from BLA, and four were from different departments of BISD.
The volunteers were divided into groups of at least two people and sent off to different local addresses with hopes of recuperating former Hanna students. Upon arrival, they would speak to the students, as well as with their families, and inform them about all of the perks and benefits that could come from enrolling back in school and earning a high school diploma.
As the volunteers visited the students, they tried not to spend longer than ten minutes at each house, since they had a goal of 50 houses to visit. They weren’t able to locate some of the students, but the ones that they did were given information about all of clubs, organizations, and career pathways that BISD schools have to offer.
Many of the students claimed to have dropped out because they preferred to attend a charter school. The representatives made sure to point out the fact that charter schools lack many of the resources and programs that BISD schools provide, such as sports teams, fine arts classes, choir, band, etc. Other students dropped out because of parental influence.
Regardless of their reasons for dropping out, every single student was given the opportunity to enroll back in a BISD public school and receive his or her high school diploma.
The students and parents were surveyed to find out what the school could do to help them. The students were then offered assistance based on their situations and individual needs.
At the end of the day, the representatives managed to convince eight former Hanna students to return back to school. From those eight students, five enrolled back in Hanna HS and the other three went to BLA.
Fun Friday!
By: Jasmine Li
September 30th, 2014
This upcoming Friday will, no doubt, be an exciting one. First, we have our McDonald's morning pep rally. If we want to repeat history and take the win once again, we're going to need as many eagles as possible to show up and MAKE SOME NOISE! Now, I know that we don't like the other schools because they're our competition and we'll get that involuntary instinct to "boo" at them, but let me warn you that that will only help them. You see, the judges use a loudness meter device to determine which school is the loudest. Unfortunately, the device can't distinguish the cheering from the booing, so it will record all sorts of sounds. Therefore, it is imperative that we remain silent while the others schools are cheering, unless we want them to take our trophy.
Then, after everybody's pumped up with spirit, we will head back to school to record the lip-dub video for the Macy's competition. Just like we hope that everybody attends the morning pep rally, even those night-owls who slept at 3 am watching reruns of The Walking Dead, we also hope that everyone's face appears on the one-take music video. I know this sounds cheesy and cliché, but the important thing is not winning, it's having fun and creating memories that will last forever.
Anyways, after we successfully record the video and NOBODY messes up, we will return to our 3rd period class. Before I ruin your excitement, allow me to remind you that you get a free pass out of your 1st and 2nd period classes AND you also get to leave early for the second half of the day! Remember that early-dismissal won't happen again until February, so get excited! Hopefully, this is enough excitement for the day and you will go back home and enjoy a relaxing, longer-than-usual weekend.
This upcoming Friday will, no doubt, be an exciting one. First, we have our McDonald's morning pep rally. If we want to repeat history and take the win once again, we're going to need as many eagles as possible to show up and MAKE SOME NOISE! Now, I know that we don't like the other schools because they're our competition and we'll get that involuntary instinct to "boo" at them, but let me warn you that that will only help them. You see, the judges use a loudness meter device to determine which school is the loudest. Unfortunately, the device can't distinguish the cheering from the booing, so it will record all sorts of sounds. Therefore, it is imperative that we remain silent while the others schools are cheering, unless we want them to take our trophy.
Then, after everybody's pumped up with spirit, we will head back to school to record the lip-dub video for the Macy's competition. Just like we hope that everybody attends the morning pep rally, even those night-owls who slept at 3 am watching reruns of The Walking Dead, we also hope that everyone's face appears on the one-take music video. I know this sounds cheesy and cliché, but the important thing is not winning, it's having fun and creating memories that will last forever.
Anyways, after we successfully record the video and NOBODY messes up, we will return to our 3rd period class. Before I ruin your excitement, allow me to remind you that you get a free pass out of your 1st and 2nd period classes AND you also get to leave early for the second half of the day! Remember that early-dismissal won't happen again until February, so get excited! Hopefully, this is enough excitement for the day and you will go back home and enjoy a relaxing, longer-than-usual weekend.
Theatrefest!
By: Danny Zambrano
September 24th, 2014
Twelve students will compete Tuesday, September 30, against the other advancing participants from other high schools throughout Brownsville using the same monologue or duet with which they advanced.
“Theatrefest” was a Brownsville-wide competition wherein all high school Theatre Arts students in Brownsville met at Porter High School to compete with other students using published or original monologues. The students also performed published duets. The first round of the competition took place in Porter’s classrooms where a judge took notes and placed each performance by its according category. The categories were as follows: Duets, Humorous Monologue, Dramatic Monologue, and Original Monologue. The second and final round will take place in the school’s auditorium.
The Theatrefest Hanna representatives were: for Duets: Sebastian Cisneros and Danny Zambrano in first place, Bianca Lopez and Brandon Sanchez in second place, and Victoria Guerrero and Alina Torres in second place. For Humorous Monologue: David Serna in second place and Daniela Garcia in first place. For Dramatic Monologue: Jay Gaspar in second place and Amanda Vela in second place. For Original Monologue: Madeline Brama in second place and Tania Lopez in second place.
Twelve students will compete Tuesday, September 30, against the other advancing participants from other high schools throughout Brownsville using the same monologue or duet with which they advanced.
“Theatrefest” was a Brownsville-wide competition wherein all high school Theatre Arts students in Brownsville met at Porter High School to compete with other students using published or original monologues. The students also performed published duets. The first round of the competition took place in Porter’s classrooms where a judge took notes and placed each performance by its according category. The categories were as follows: Duets, Humorous Monologue, Dramatic Monologue, and Original Monologue. The second and final round will take place in the school’s auditorium.
The Theatrefest Hanna representatives were: for Duets: Sebastian Cisneros and Danny Zambrano in first place, Bianca Lopez and Brandon Sanchez in second place, and Victoria Guerrero and Alina Torres in second place. For Humorous Monologue: David Serna in second place and Daniela Garcia in first place. For Dramatic Monologue: Jay Gaspar in second place and Amanda Vela in second place. For Original Monologue: Madeline Brama in second place and Tania Lopez in second place.
Lip Dub Video
By: Nubia Reyna
September 10th, 2014
When it comes to high school and memories, we all want to be remembered somehow. The Lip Dub video seems to be the best idea to make it happen. A Lip Dub video is a music video where all the participants lip-sync to a song while they perform a choreography in a single take. Lip Dub videos have swept the nation as high school students promote their school pride.
The journalism editors and advisor attended a conference in Edinburg last year, where they were exposed to a Lip Dub video from McKinney High School which showcased the spirit and unity of the school.
“After further researching in the internet,” Mrs. Perez said, “my students noticed that there were many other schools who were doing it and they wanted to showcase Hanna High School.”
“It was not possible last year because of deadlines,” she continued, “but they are hoping to make it happen this year. Plus, Macy’s is having a contest showcasing spirit and this was the perfect opportunity for them to do it.”
Senior Palmetto editors Deborah Contreras, Lauren Sierra and Eva Garza are the directors for this video which hopefully will shoot October 3.
“We are going to shoot outside and inside the school, and the whole school will participate,” Contreras said. “We have mapped out the path and did a practice run to see how long it would take. We did it under nine minutes.”
Macy’s is looking for the most spirited and best lip-dubbing high school in the United States and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The high school winner will receive a prize of $25,000, with second and third getting $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.
“My students are very excited and even though it will be a tremendous project, I know they can do this,” Mrs. Perez said. “Even if we do not win the contest, we will be able to showcase Hanna and all the students will have a good time doing it.”
Although the contest is national, placing in the top three is doable.
“I absolutely think that we can win if we try hard enough,” Contreras said. “But most importantly, I think we are all going to have a lot of fun and it’s going to be one of those things that when you’re older you can look back in the past and remember those amazing times.”
There are specific rules that need to be followed and the video needs to be turned in by the second week of October. Not following rules can lead to disqualification.
“It has to be in one single take and obviously someone is going to mess up (a little),” she continued. “But I think it’s worth it because the whole school will be together even if it is for a short amount of time.”
When it comes to high school and memories, we all want to be remembered somehow. The Lip Dub video seems to be the best idea to make it happen. A Lip Dub video is a music video where all the participants lip-sync to a song while they perform a choreography in a single take. Lip Dub videos have swept the nation as high school students promote their school pride.
The journalism editors and advisor attended a conference in Edinburg last year, where they were exposed to a Lip Dub video from McKinney High School which showcased the spirit and unity of the school.
“After further researching in the internet,” Mrs. Perez said, “my students noticed that there were many other schools who were doing it and they wanted to showcase Hanna High School.”
“It was not possible last year because of deadlines,” she continued, “but they are hoping to make it happen this year. Plus, Macy’s is having a contest showcasing spirit and this was the perfect opportunity for them to do it.”
Senior Palmetto editors Deborah Contreras, Lauren Sierra and Eva Garza are the directors for this video which hopefully will shoot October 3.
“We are going to shoot outside and inside the school, and the whole school will participate,” Contreras said. “We have mapped out the path and did a practice run to see how long it would take. We did it under nine minutes.”
Macy’s is looking for the most spirited and best lip-dubbing high school in the United States and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The high school winner will receive a prize of $25,000, with second and third getting $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.
“My students are very excited and even though it will be a tremendous project, I know they can do this,” Mrs. Perez said. “Even if we do not win the contest, we will be able to showcase Hanna and all the students will have a good time doing it.”
Although the contest is national, placing in the top three is doable.
“I absolutely think that we can win if we try hard enough,” Contreras said. “But most importantly, I think we are all going to have a lot of fun and it’s going to be one of those things that when you’re older you can look back in the past and remember those amazing times.”
There are specific rules that need to be followed and the video needs to be turned in by the second week of October. Not following rules can lead to disqualification.
“It has to be in one single take and obviously someone is going to mess up (a little),” she continued. “But I think it’s worth it because the whole school will be together even if it is for a short amount of time.”
Brownsville ISD Enrollment Report: 2014-2015
By: Danny Zambrano
September 8th, 2014
Hanna High School is known mainly for its numbers and has always been the largest high school in Brownsville. The total amount of students as of Sept. 8, was a whopping 2,688! There were 890 freshmen, 692 sophomores, 552 juniors, and 554 seniors. More are expected by October when the migrant population comes in.
Hanna High School is known mainly for its numbers and has always been the largest high school in Brownsville. The total amount of students as of Sept. 8, was a whopping 2,688! There were 890 freshmen, 692 sophomores, 552 juniors, and 554 seniors. More are expected by October when the migrant population comes in.
The Supper Program
By: Jasmine Li
September 15th, 2014
The BISD Food and Nutrition Service is implementing a new program in which all students involved in after-school activities will now have free meals available to them. The purpose is to integrate nutritious meals with after-school programs, so they invite all students taking part in any 21st century after-school activity to participate in The Supper Program.
Starting on September 15, the Hanna High School cafeteria staff will be serving meals right after the last dismissal bell rings. Just like on a regular lunch day, students are required to input their ID. For now, meals will only be served from 4:05 pm- 5:05 pm, but changes may later be made depending on the number of students they get. The school wants to encourage more students to join after-school clubs and organizations, but Enrique Peña, the Food and Nutrition Service Trainer, said that students waiting to be picked up after school can also take part in The Supper Program. Students must take a full tray which consists of a main item, a side item, a fruit, and the milk. Different meals will be served for two weeks, and then the cycle will begin again. There's a food menu calendar available for students in the cafeteria.
For now, The Supper Program will only be active Monday-Thursday, but that might change. Students can drop by the cafeteria right after school to pick up a tray. As BISD FNS puts it, "Good Nutrition today means a stronger tomorrow!"
The BISD Food and Nutrition Service is implementing a new program in which all students involved in after-school activities will now have free meals available to them. The purpose is to integrate nutritious meals with after-school programs, so they invite all students taking part in any 21st century after-school activity to participate in The Supper Program.
Starting on September 15, the Hanna High School cafeteria staff will be serving meals right after the last dismissal bell rings. Just like on a regular lunch day, students are required to input their ID. For now, meals will only be served from 4:05 pm- 5:05 pm, but changes may later be made depending on the number of students they get. The school wants to encourage more students to join after-school clubs and organizations, but Enrique Peña, the Food and Nutrition Service Trainer, said that students waiting to be picked up after school can also take part in The Supper Program. Students must take a full tray which consists of a main item, a side item, a fruit, and the milk. Different meals will be served for two weeks, and then the cycle will begin again. There's a food menu calendar available for students in the cafeteria.
For now, The Supper Program will only be active Monday-Thursday, but that might change. Students can drop by the cafeteria right after school to pick up a tray. As BISD FNS puts it, "Good Nutrition today means a stronger tomorrow!"
Hanna High School Theatre Presents...
By: Danny Zambrano
September 9th, 2014
Pink Floyd: The Wall is Hanna Theatre's first production of the year; though, it is not close to being the last.
After working with all of his 188 Theatre Arts students, Director Joe Rodriguez gives the spotlight to his apprentice and vice president, who also happens to be one of the stars of The Wall, Sebastian Cisneros, in his directorial debut of the family drama Unexpected Tenderness. The cast in this tragedy is rather small, adding up to a comparably-puny seven main characters. This show will be performed on October 21, 22, and 23.
Christmas Time! As all of you are altering your fashion-sense to adapt to the cold, short-lived weather, filling up your refrigerators and pantries with eggnog and gingerbread, don't forget to stop by Hanna Theatre to catch the enchanting production A Christmas Carol directed by Joe Rodriguez himself! Don't miss out on this carol of the ages December 9, 10, and 11.
As we say goodbye to the Christmas season and reset our thinking gears to the new semester, math clubs, English clubs, as well as fine arts clubs immediately begin preparing for the UIL competitions! Theatre is one of the many groups participating. Every high school Theatre Arts director in the state of Texas must select a play, either one that is on the UIL One-Act Paly pre-approved list or one from which they must ask special permission to perform. If given permission, they must cut their script down to no longer than 40 minutes. High schools have until March to organize a cast, cut their selection down to size, and come up with a set and costumes before they perform for a varying amount of judges in Zone A and B. The plays selected by the judges will then advance to District.
While in the midst of preparing for the UIL One-Act Play competition, Hanna Theatre must also be weary of their final public performance coming around at the end of the year, which is none other than the INFAMOUS, BEDAZZLING, "Chicago"! Directed by the president of Hanna Theatre, and daughter-figure to Mr. Rodriguez, Amanda Vela plans to bring all THIS jazz to the stage of the Hanna Auditorium on May 12, 13, and 14.
Pink Floyd: The Wall is Hanna Theatre's first production of the year; though, it is not close to being the last.
After working with all of his 188 Theatre Arts students, Director Joe Rodriguez gives the spotlight to his apprentice and vice president, who also happens to be one of the stars of The Wall, Sebastian Cisneros, in his directorial debut of the family drama Unexpected Tenderness. The cast in this tragedy is rather small, adding up to a comparably-puny seven main characters. This show will be performed on October 21, 22, and 23.
Christmas Time! As all of you are altering your fashion-sense to adapt to the cold, short-lived weather, filling up your refrigerators and pantries with eggnog and gingerbread, don't forget to stop by Hanna Theatre to catch the enchanting production A Christmas Carol directed by Joe Rodriguez himself! Don't miss out on this carol of the ages December 9, 10, and 11.
As we say goodbye to the Christmas season and reset our thinking gears to the new semester, math clubs, English clubs, as well as fine arts clubs immediately begin preparing for the UIL competitions! Theatre is one of the many groups participating. Every high school Theatre Arts director in the state of Texas must select a play, either one that is on the UIL One-Act Paly pre-approved list or one from which they must ask special permission to perform. If given permission, they must cut their script down to no longer than 40 minutes. High schools have until March to organize a cast, cut their selection down to size, and come up with a set and costumes before they perform for a varying amount of judges in Zone A and B. The plays selected by the judges will then advance to District.
While in the midst of preparing for the UIL One-Act Play competition, Hanna Theatre must also be weary of their final public performance coming around at the end of the year, which is none other than the INFAMOUS, BEDAZZLING, "Chicago"! Directed by the president of Hanna Theatre, and daughter-figure to Mr. Rodriguez, Amanda Vela plans to bring all THIS jazz to the stage of the Hanna Auditorium on May 12, 13, and 14.
Mercedes Cross Country Meet
By: David Serrano
September 9th, 2014
The girl’s varsity cross country team placed first, Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Mercedes Meet with a total of 54 points. The girls that made top 20 were: Mariana Sanchez (2nd, 20:20), Naomi Lucio (3rd, 20:28), Carolina Moreno (15th,22:41), Scarlet Salazar (16th,22:48), Audren Pineda (18th,23:00), and Estephania Aviles (19th, 23:01).
The boy’s varsity cross country team placed third with a total of 104 points. The boys that made top 20 were: David Martinez (12th, 17:43), Jorge Serna (19th, 18:06), and Rey Alvear (20th, 18:16).
The girl’s varsity cross country team placed first, Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Mercedes Meet with a total of 54 points. The girls that made top 20 were: Mariana Sanchez (2nd, 20:20), Naomi Lucio (3rd, 20:28), Carolina Moreno (15th,22:41), Scarlet Salazar (16th,22:48), Audren Pineda (18th,23:00), and Estephania Aviles (19th, 23:01).
The boy’s varsity cross country team placed third with a total of 104 points. The boys that made top 20 were: David Martinez (12th, 17:43), Jorge Serna (19th, 18:06), and Rey Alvear (20th, 18:16).
News Briefs
September 8th, 2014
-If anybody is interested in enrolling in a dual psychology class for the spring of 2015, please see Ms. Figueroa at the counseling office for more information. Keep in mind that courses are based on availability.
- Important dates and events:
-9/05/14: From now on, computers in lab L101 will be available for student use.
-9/08/14 - 9/19/14: Credit by exam registration begins. The cost is $19 per test. For more information drop by the counseling office before or after school or during lunch.
-Every Tuesday and Thursday: STARS will be open after school.
- Mon-Fri from 8:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.: AmeriCorps and Advise Texas will be available in room E117 for anyone who needs assistance in completing scholarships or the Apply Texas application.
-If anybody is interested in enrolling in a dual psychology class for the spring of 2015, please see Ms. Figueroa at the counseling office for more information. Keep in mind that courses are based on availability.
- Important dates and events:
-9/05/14: From now on, computers in lab L101 will be available for student use.
-9/08/14 - 9/19/14: Credit by exam registration begins. The cost is $19 per test. For more information drop by the counseling office before or after school or during lunch.
-Every Tuesday and Thursday: STARS will be open after school.
- Mon-Fri from 8:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.: AmeriCorps and Advise Texas will be available in room E117 for anyone who needs assistance in completing scholarships or the Apply Texas application.
NEWS
Pink Floyd: The Wall
By Danny Zambrano
September 2nd, 2014
The only word to properly describe this symbolic, artistic masterpiece is “chaos”. With a cast of over 200, you know that you’re in for a treat! Directed by Joe Rodriguez, "Pink Floyd: The Wall" is a show about the question that is in all of our heads, though we never think to ask ourselves; would you rather die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain?
In an attempt to follow the footsteps of his father, a K-I-A World War II veteran, Pink is exposed to the world at a very young age, which unfortunately turns him into the exact thing that he spent his life trying to destrroy; a dictator, Adolf Hitler reborn.
Sebastian Cisneros (portraying “Pink the Boy”) and Matthew Rodriguez (portraying “Pink the Man”) have been practicing frequently to accuratelty portray hypocrisy incarnate in this show of lights set to the punk-rock-n-roll music of the infamous Pink Floyd himself.
The show will take place at the Hanna Fine Arts Auditorium on September 24, 25, and 26 at 7 pm. Tickets are $3.00 and will be sold at the door.
The only word to properly describe this symbolic, artistic masterpiece is “chaos”. With a cast of over 200, you know that you’re in for a treat! Directed by Joe Rodriguez, "Pink Floyd: The Wall" is a show about the question that is in all of our heads, though we never think to ask ourselves; would you rather die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain?
In an attempt to follow the footsteps of his father, a K-I-A World War II veteran, Pink is exposed to the world at a very young age, which unfortunately turns him into the exact thing that he spent his life trying to destrroy; a dictator, Adolf Hitler reborn.
Sebastian Cisneros (portraying “Pink the Boy”) and Matthew Rodriguez (portraying “Pink the Man”) have been practicing frequently to accuratelty portray hypocrisy incarnate in this show of lights set to the punk-rock-n-roll music of the infamous Pink Floyd himself.
The show will take place at the Hanna Fine Arts Auditorium on September 24, 25, and 26 at 7 pm. Tickets are $3.00 and will be sold at the door.
New Principal Takes Charge
By Lauren Sierra
September 2nd, 2014
When students arrived to campus on the first day of school, everything was relatively normal. Students were still dropped off by the B, the line for schedule changes outside the counselors’ office still looped around the school, and the cafeteria was packed as always. However, at 8:40 a.m., a new, unfamiliar voice echoed through the hallways as the new head Eagle announced the morning news for her first time.
While Mrs. Bertha Presas voice was foreign to students at the time, she is definitely no stranger to Homer Hanna Early College High School. The former Cummings Middle School principal is an Eagle alumni and also spent some of her career teaching and working as an assistant principal at Hanna.
“When you cut me open, I bleed brown and gold. This is MY school,” Presas said.
Presas said the news of her assignment overwhelmed her with excitement. “I love every single thing about Hanna,” she said. She had dreams of becoming the school’s head ever since her time spent here as an assistant principal.
“But Mrs. Alarcon wouldn’t leave!” laughed Presas. “We were both here together as assistant principals, so we’ve known each other forever. I would always tell her ‘Ya! It’s my turn, come on!”
When asked about any major changes she planned for the school, Presas had a simple yet effective philosophy: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it...Hanna ain’t broke!” She praised the school’s six academic distinctions earned this year. “We’re in very good shape academically,” she said, “but there is always room for improvement.”
Presas noted that even though the school has such a large amount of kids, there are hardly any discipline issues within the school. “That being said, I do understand there are issues regarding tardiness and going out for lunch,” she said, “and we need to work on that.”
In terms of the campus, Presas mentioned updating teacher bathrooms and adding dressing rooms for sports like girl’s soccer. If she could update one thing in the entire school, it would most definitely be the main building’s floor. “It is so terrible for shoes!,” she said. “It’s been here since I was a student. I would love to rip up the floor and put down some nice tile. There’s so many old pieces of gum on that floor right now, maybe one of them is mine from years ago!”
Presas expressed excitement to be working with high school students. “They’re my favorite group of kids,” she said. “Their hormones are kicking in, they’re trying new things, they’re brave, but they still have goals.”
“I want every student at Hanna to have a goal,” she said. “That goal has to include college. It’s not like the old days anymore where you can survive without going, you need that college degree to succeed now. This is the time to establish those goals.”
Our interview concluded with asking the new principal why she thinks Hanna is the absolute best.
“Because we simply are,” she smiled. “Ask me where my children went to school. Hanna has always been the best, is the best, and always will be the best.”
When students arrived to campus on the first day of school, everything was relatively normal. Students were still dropped off by the B, the line for schedule changes outside the counselors’ office still looped around the school, and the cafeteria was packed as always. However, at 8:40 a.m., a new, unfamiliar voice echoed through the hallways as the new head Eagle announced the morning news for her first time.
While Mrs. Bertha Presas voice was foreign to students at the time, she is definitely no stranger to Homer Hanna Early College High School. The former Cummings Middle School principal is an Eagle alumni and also spent some of her career teaching and working as an assistant principal at Hanna.
“When you cut me open, I bleed brown and gold. This is MY school,” Presas said.
Presas said the news of her assignment overwhelmed her with excitement. “I love every single thing about Hanna,” she said. She had dreams of becoming the school’s head ever since her time spent here as an assistant principal.
“But Mrs. Alarcon wouldn’t leave!” laughed Presas. “We were both here together as assistant principals, so we’ve known each other forever. I would always tell her ‘Ya! It’s my turn, come on!”
When asked about any major changes she planned for the school, Presas had a simple yet effective philosophy: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it...Hanna ain’t broke!” She praised the school’s six academic distinctions earned this year. “We’re in very good shape academically,” she said, “but there is always room for improvement.”
Presas noted that even though the school has such a large amount of kids, there are hardly any discipline issues within the school. “That being said, I do understand there are issues regarding tardiness and going out for lunch,” she said, “and we need to work on that.”
In terms of the campus, Presas mentioned updating teacher bathrooms and adding dressing rooms for sports like girl’s soccer. If she could update one thing in the entire school, it would most definitely be the main building’s floor. “It is so terrible for shoes!,” she said. “It’s been here since I was a student. I would love to rip up the floor and put down some nice tile. There’s so many old pieces of gum on that floor right now, maybe one of them is mine from years ago!”
Presas expressed excitement to be working with high school students. “They’re my favorite group of kids,” she said. “Their hormones are kicking in, they’re trying new things, they’re brave, but they still have goals.”
“I want every student at Hanna to have a goal,” she said. “That goal has to include college. It’s not like the old days anymore where you can survive without going, you need that college degree to succeed now. This is the time to establish those goals.”
Our interview concluded with asking the new principal why she thinks Hanna is the absolute best.
“Because we simply are,” she smiled. “Ask me where my children went to school. Hanna has always been the best, is the best, and always will be the best.”
Strutters Participate in Private Dance Workshop
By Lauren Sierra
The Strutters took three days out of their summer to participate in a dance workshop to prepare for the upcoming football and pep rally season. The workshop was held at Hanna and put on by Taylor Johnston and Devon Jaet, who work for Houston-based company Redefined Dance and Drill. The girls learned several routines and ended the camp by putting on a performance for parents.
Coach Rene Medrano Takes on the Ice Bucket Challenge
By Lauren Sierra
"This is for you, my man."
On Thursday, August 21st, the football teams and coaches gathered around a single metal chair, a Gatorade container filled to the brim with ice water, and an anxious and excited Coach Rene Medrano. The players had congregated to watch their athletic director Medrano take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge, which has swept the nation and social media by storm, consists of the participant dumping a bucket of ice on his/her head, challenging other friends, and optionally donating money for research on the neurological disease. The ice cold water is supposed to mimic the effect that ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has on its patients. Medrano dedicated the challenge to sophomore Jerry Garza, whose brother, Joseph, is the only child in the state of Texas known to be suffering from the degenerative disease. "Nobody has experienced this disease quite like Jerry and his family have," Medrano said.
Medrano took his seat and asked Garza to dump the ice on him. "I hope you've been lifting weights, my man," Medrano laughed. As soon as the ice hit Medrano, deafening cheers came from the surrounding players and Medrano joined Garza in an exuberant high five. "You got me, my man!" Medrano yelled. Medrano concluded by challenging the athletic coordinators from Vela and Olivera Middle Schools.
If you would like to donate to Joseph Garza and his family, you can do so at http://www.gofundme.com/clrkx0
On Thursday, August 21st, the football teams and coaches gathered around a single metal chair, a Gatorade container filled to the brim with ice water, and an anxious and excited Coach Rene Medrano. The players had congregated to watch their athletic director Medrano take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge, which has swept the nation and social media by storm, consists of the participant dumping a bucket of ice on his/her head, challenging other friends, and optionally donating money for research on the neurological disease. The ice cold water is supposed to mimic the effect that ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has on its patients. Medrano dedicated the challenge to sophomore Jerry Garza, whose brother, Joseph, is the only child in the state of Texas known to be suffering from the degenerative disease. "Nobody has experienced this disease quite like Jerry and his family have," Medrano said.
Medrano took his seat and asked Garza to dump the ice on him. "I hope you've been lifting weights, my man," Medrano laughed. As soon as the ice hit Medrano, deafening cheers came from the surrounding players and Medrano joined Garza in an exuberant high five. "You got me, my man!" Medrano yelled. Medrano concluded by challenging the athletic coordinators from Vela and Olivera Middle Schools.
If you would like to donate to Joseph Garza and his family, you can do so at http://www.gofundme.com/clrkx0
Freshmen Start the Year off Right at Orientation
By Jasmine Li and Lauren Sierra
Anxious freshmen students and excited parents gathered in the gym on Thursday, August 21st, for presentations and information on the upcoming school year. The evening began with a welcome and cheers from the varsity cheerleading squad. New principal Mrs. Bertha Presas was able to introduce herself to the Class of 2018 and discuss attendance, dress code, discipline, and other campus policies and expectations. The new students were also introduced to their assistant principals and counselors. JROTC, HOSA, and other school organizations were on hand to recruit students. At the conclusion of the presentations, the freshmen and parents were able to tour the campus and find their classrooms in order to be all set for the first day of school.