Remembering Pearl Harbor (cont..)
Herrera said he was confused because Sundays were their days off, so there shouldn’t have been that much commotion outside. Little did he know that it was not a practice, but that they were actually under attack.
Herrera exited his tent to see what all the fuss was about and that’s when he saw all his men running for coverage. Instinctively he ran to the nearest tree that had about 400 hundred other men underneath it. Thirty feet away, he could spot the Japanese planes dropping bombs and firing their missiles. The men had to wait for their ammunition and weapons because they were caught off guard and they had nothing ready.
Once they received the weapons they acted fast and attempted to hinder the oncoming planes. With the aid of the soldiers around him, he was able to shoot down a Japanese plane. Though the men fought hard to stop the Japanese, the Japanese aircraf still managed to complete and accomplish their mission. They destroyed over 180 aircrafts, sunk several battle ships, such as the Arizona and the USS Oklahoma, and killed over 2,400 Americans.
Back in Brownsville, high school students were given the opportunity to automatically attain their diploma if they should enlist in the U.S. military. Jones was too young to enlist at the time, but later on signed with the Navy and fought along side his lifelong friend Larry Herrera and many other Brownsville natives in World War II.
“Because it was such a tough time everyone in Brownsville came together like a family and helped each other out,” Jones said. “It was nice knowing we had our neighbors help.”
Seventy years later Herrera and Jones find themselves back in Brownsville at Hanna High school relating their experience to the students in D-106 and have done so for the past 11 years. Every year on December 7, they make a presentation in D-106 much to the appreciation of the faculty and students. The tragic events are brought back to life to tell us first hand on how it affected them as well as the many lives here in Brownsville, the Coastal line and the whole United States.
English teacher, Ms. Jones, brings in her father and Herrera to explain what happened because she feels the understanding and relation to American history is very important to students. Herrera and Jones say
they enjoy coming because they feel that it can benefit students.
“You don’t go through life without facing some type of tragedy,” Jones said. “The only question is what are you going to do when you come face to face with it.”
Herrera exited his tent to see what all the fuss was about and that’s when he saw all his men running for coverage. Instinctively he ran to the nearest tree that had about 400 hundred other men underneath it. Thirty feet away, he could spot the Japanese planes dropping bombs and firing their missiles. The men had to wait for their ammunition and weapons because they were caught off guard and they had nothing ready.
Once they received the weapons they acted fast and attempted to hinder the oncoming planes. With the aid of the soldiers around him, he was able to shoot down a Japanese plane. Though the men fought hard to stop the Japanese, the Japanese aircraf still managed to complete and accomplish their mission. They destroyed over 180 aircrafts, sunk several battle ships, such as the Arizona and the USS Oklahoma, and killed over 2,400 Americans.
Back in Brownsville, high school students were given the opportunity to automatically attain their diploma if they should enlist in the U.S. military. Jones was too young to enlist at the time, but later on signed with the Navy and fought along side his lifelong friend Larry Herrera and many other Brownsville natives in World War II.
“Because it was such a tough time everyone in Brownsville came together like a family and helped each other out,” Jones said. “It was nice knowing we had our neighbors help.”
Seventy years later Herrera and Jones find themselves back in Brownsville at Hanna High school relating their experience to the students in D-106 and have done so for the past 11 years. Every year on December 7, they make a presentation in D-106 much to the appreciation of the faculty and students. The tragic events are brought back to life to tell us first hand on how it affected them as well as the many lives here in Brownsville, the Coastal line and the whole United States.
English teacher, Ms. Jones, brings in her father and Herrera to explain what happened because she feels the understanding and relation to American history is very important to students. Herrera and Jones say
they enjoy coming because they feel that it can benefit students.
“You don’t go through life without facing some type of tragedy,” Jones said. “The only question is what are you going to do when you come face to face with it.”
Ili’s Box continues to help
families with winter clothes (cont..)
Located at the edge of Reynosa, Mexico, Amparo ala Mujer is an all-girls home for newborns to 18.
“In Mexico, girls aren’t as socially-independent as they are here,” Vera said, “so that’s why it’s important we help any way we can.”
The clothing drive has also expanded to provide winter clothing for needy parents and students, along with a sub “Hanger Drive” ran by Hanna’s Parents Association.
“We’ve had parents and students come up to us and ask for jackets and sweaters when the weather starts getting colder,” Aguilar said. “We also get baby clothes and all sorts of sizes, so sometimes families come up to us and just ask for what we have. Many, many Hanna students just don’t have the means back home.”
Although the clothing drive is primarily active during the coldest winter months (November – February), the drive is open all year-long for those interested in donating their old or outgrown clothes.
“We need help organizing and hanging up all the dresses and jackets we receive,” Aguilar said. “We also used to have signs to place outside to advertise the drive; however they’re too heavy for us to set up by ourselves now. Even if you can’t donate, there’s plenty to do to help the drive.”
If interested in volunteering at the boutique, students can contact either Mrs. Aguilar or Mrs. Vera at X-129. Students are encouraged to bring in their outgrown jackets, sweaters, and dresses, along with any similar no-longer needed articles from friends and family.
“In Mexico, girls aren’t as socially-independent as they are here,” Vera said, “so that’s why it’s important we help any way we can.”
The clothing drive has also expanded to provide winter clothing for needy parents and students, along with a sub “Hanger Drive” ran by Hanna’s Parents Association.
“We’ve had parents and students come up to us and ask for jackets and sweaters when the weather starts getting colder,” Aguilar said. “We also get baby clothes and all sorts of sizes, so sometimes families come up to us and just ask for what we have. Many, many Hanna students just don’t have the means back home.”
Although the clothing drive is primarily active during the coldest winter months (November – February), the drive is open all year-long for those interested in donating their old or outgrown clothes.
“We need help organizing and hanging up all the dresses and jackets we receive,” Aguilar said. “We also used to have signs to place outside to advertise the drive; however they’re too heavy for us to set up by ourselves now. Even if you can’t donate, there’s plenty to do to help the drive.”
If interested in volunteering at the boutique, students can contact either Mrs. Aguilar or Mrs. Vera at X-129. Students are encouraged to bring in their outgrown jackets, sweaters, and dresses, along with any similar no-longer needed articles from friends and family.
Susan Snodgrass’ work in office
helps keep classes run smoothly (cont..)
“[I] had been in banking for 12 years [but] wanted something different,” Snodgrass says.
When Snodgrass first decided to work here, she said she never imagined staying for as long as she has. However, she loves her work and says, “I plan to retire and travel with my husband.”
Snodgrass handles substitutes and makes sure all classes are covered. She also manages the payroll for the para-professional staff. In addition to that, Snodgrass helps out with graduation and honors/achievement.
“[What I enjoy most about my work is to] see the students graduate and become leaders of our future,” she said, “[as well as] helping my teachers.”
When Snodgrass first decided to work here, she said she never imagined staying for as long as she has. However, she loves her work and says, “I plan to retire and travel with my husband.”
Snodgrass handles substitutes and makes sure all classes are covered. She also manages the payroll for the para-professional staff. In addition to that, Snodgrass helps out with graduation and honors/achievement.
“[What I enjoy most about my work is to] see the students graduate and become leaders of our future,” she said, “[as well as] helping my teachers.”
New Assistant Principal (cont..)
Were there any requirements you had to go through to prepare for this job?
“I had several graduate courses I was required to take. I was able to manage to work on my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction before achieving a Masters in Educational Administration and I had to pass a state exam.”
What are you in charge of?
“I am the Assistant Principal for the School of Social Studies, Band, and Choir.”
Why these areas?
“As an administrator you have to wear different hats throughout the day, from a leader, counselor, custodian, detective and more. No matter what it is, I enjoy those and all tasks this job requires.”
What do you hope to accomplish this year in this position?
“My goal as an assistant principal is to help our school community work together to guide our students to a successful future. I am honored to be a part of the Hanna team and look forward to assisting students, teachers, parents and our community.”
“I had several graduate courses I was required to take. I was able to manage to work on my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction before achieving a Masters in Educational Administration and I had to pass a state exam.”
What are you in charge of?
“I am the Assistant Principal for the School of Social Studies, Band, and Choir.”
Why these areas?
“As an administrator you have to wear different hats throughout the day, from a leader, counselor, custodian, detective and more. No matter what it is, I enjoy those and all tasks this job requires.”
What do you hope to accomplish this year in this position?
“My goal as an assistant principal is to help our school community work together to guide our students to a successful future. I am honored to be a part of the Hanna team and look forward to assisting students, teachers, parents and our community.”
Building a future thu internships (cont..)
Among those chosen, senior Javier Garcia received the opportunity to intern at Saint-Gobain Abrasives during his summer vacation. Instead of being asleep for half of the summer, Garcia spent his time with massive machinery, watching real-world industry happen right before his eyes.
“On an average day I was just shadowing the engineers,” Garcia said. “Although I was only there for four days, I learned more about how industry abrasives works, and have to make them more efficient.”
Although interning at a local engineering or business firm may not be at the top of everyone’s summer to-do list, learning seemingly boring tasks such as renewing contracts or balancing an Excel table proved to be priceless experiences for Garcia.
“I think more students should be interested in engineering,” he said. “It’s a good field, and there’s a lot of diversity and opportunities around for people interested. Even if my time there internship was short, I learned a lot of valuable skills I think everyone should know before getting a job.”
According to a 2012-2013 study by myCollegeOptions and STEMconnector, high school students have shown an over 20% interest in STEM-related majors since 2004. With more options for students interested in STEM programs emerging nation-wide, these numbers are expected to steadily rise in the next few years.
“On an average day I was just shadowing the engineers,” Garcia said. “Although I was only there for four days, I learned more about how industry abrasives works, and have to make them more efficient.”
Although interning at a local engineering or business firm may not be at the top of everyone’s summer to-do list, learning seemingly boring tasks such as renewing contracts or balancing an Excel table proved to be priceless experiences for Garcia.
“I think more students should be interested in engineering,” he said. “It’s a good field, and there’s a lot of diversity and opportunities around for people interested. Even if my time there internship was short, I learned a lot of valuable skills I think everyone should know before getting a job.”
According to a 2012-2013 study by myCollegeOptions and STEMconnector, high school students have shown an over 20% interest in STEM-related majors since 2004. With more options for students interested in STEM programs emerging nation-wide, these numbers are expected to steadily rise in the next few years.
Todd takes over department as assistant principle (cont..)
T-I have come across many difficulties and I have learned that as long as I am making decisions that are going to benefit the students, I am making the right decision.
P-What is the name of the area you are in charge of overseeing?
T-I am the Assistant Principal for IDEA.
P-Why did you select this department?
T-I have always wanted to work with students that have disabilities and being in a position that I am able to help make decisions that will help prepare these students for the future is such an amazing opportunity. Being an assistant principal requires me to make a lot of administrative decisions that that involve teachers and working with parents but making a difference in the lives of the students is my most important role.”
P-What do you hope to accomplish this year?
T-This year I hope to accomplish many things. I hope to establish a learning environment where students feel that they are important and that what they accomplish is very important to a lot of people. I hope to promote a collaborative and positive department that works together to improve the education of all students. I hope to establish a positive relationship with parents and include them in the educational process of their children and encourage them to be involved and definitely let them know that we are here to help them and their children. One of my biggest goals and definitely one of the most important is to make sure that all of our students are encouraged to participate in activities that are happening on campus.
P-What is the name of the area you are in charge of overseeing?
T-I am the Assistant Principal for IDEA.
P-Why did you select this department?
T-I have always wanted to work with students that have disabilities and being in a position that I am able to help make decisions that will help prepare these students for the future is such an amazing opportunity. Being an assistant principal requires me to make a lot of administrative decisions that that involve teachers and working with parents but making a difference in the lives of the students is my most important role.”
P-What do you hope to accomplish this year?
T-This year I hope to accomplish many things. I hope to establish a learning environment where students feel that they are important and that what they accomplish is very important to a lot of people. I hope to promote a collaborative and positive department that works together to improve the education of all students. I hope to establish a positive relationship with parents and include them in the educational process of their children and encourage them to be involved and definitely let them know that we are here to help them and their children. One of my biggest goals and definitely one of the most important is to make sure that all of our students are encouraged to participate in activities that are happening on campus.
Basketball & Brazil (cont..)
Andraschko is a big fan of basketball. Standing six foot one, he’s a bit taller than most of Brownsville. Although soccer comes to mind first when you think of Brazil, Andraschko found himself playing basketball instead. He plays for the JV team at Hanna.
“Basketball is third biggest sport in Brazil,” Andraschko said. “It’s soccer first, volleyball second, and then basketball third.”
Andraschko played all three sports until he finally settled with basketball.
“Basically, I’m bad at soccer,” Andraschko said with a laugh. “So I started trying something else, and at 9 or 10, I started playing basketball, and I turned out to be pretty good.”
Brazil has produced several NBA quality players as well.
“[Anderson] Varejao from the [Cleveland] Cavaliers, [Leandro] Barbosa who used to play for the [Phoenix] Suns, and Nene from the [Washington] Wizards came from Brazil,” Andraschko said.
The NBA has a big presence in other countries, and Brazil is not exempt from that list.
“The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics are all big in Brazil,” Andraschko said.
In contrast with most of South Texas, Andraschko found him rooting for the Miami Heat during this summer’s NBA finals.
“I like the Miami Heat,” Andraschko said. “LeBron [James] is my favorite player.”
“Basketball is third biggest sport in Brazil,” Andraschko said. “It’s soccer first, volleyball second, and then basketball third.”
Andraschko played all three sports until he finally settled with basketball.
“Basically, I’m bad at soccer,” Andraschko said with a laugh. “So I started trying something else, and at 9 or 10, I started playing basketball, and I turned out to be pretty good.”
Brazil has produced several NBA quality players as well.
“[Anderson] Varejao from the [Cleveland] Cavaliers, [Leandro] Barbosa who used to play for the [Phoenix] Suns, and Nene from the [Washington] Wizards came from Brazil,” Andraschko said.
The NBA has a big presence in other countries, and Brazil is not exempt from that list.
“The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics are all big in Brazil,” Andraschko said.
In contrast with most of South Texas, Andraschko found him rooting for the Miami Heat during this summer’s NBA finals.
“I like the Miami Heat,” Andraschko said. “LeBron [James] is my favorite player.”
Greenlight gets new look
Adds more special segments to morning news
By Brittany Planty
(continued)
“The usual routine starts with recording the pledge, and then we have someone else read the announcements and the weather,” club president Eduardo (Eddie) Cardenas said.
“We really only had eight members participating last year,” he said. “But now that number’s around twenty-five. Everyone wants to get involved, so a lot more people are learning how to work the cameras and are getting used to the morning routine.”
Behind us everything seems to be running smoothly – announcements are entered into the teleprompter, weather clips are made and edited, and the pledge is pre-recorded. All that’s left is to tape the final broadcast or go live. Unlike last year’s morning Green Light productions, this group has started the year with pre-recorded segments.
“Because there are so many new students this year, we are all still learning the technical aspect of producing this show,” sponsor Mrs. Perez said. “With such a short window for viewing, we need to make sure we learn how to run everything first.”
Mrs. Perez went on to say that the students had so many ideas and plans for future broadcasts and her plan was to have them participate in everything so they could take over in any area at a moment’s notice.
Cardenas agreed.
“There’s a lot we want to do in the future,” Cardenas said. “We’re planning on adding special segments on teachers and students once a week, and add more sports content to the show. Also, we want to start fundraising for an audio/vision conference in San Diego, and get the chance to expose our members to careers in those fields.”
Suddenly the bell rings and D-109 kicks back to life. A small crowd joins behind the camera, reels are checked, and microphones are hastily tested while the green screen gets checked. The clock begins to tick, and soon, after frenzied hour of preparation, it all comes together.
“The usual routine starts with recording the pledge, and then we have someone else read the announcements and the weather,” club president Eduardo (Eddie) Cardenas said.
“We really only had eight members participating last year,” he said. “But now that number’s around twenty-five. Everyone wants to get involved, so a lot more people are learning how to work the cameras and are getting used to the morning routine.”
Behind us everything seems to be running smoothly – announcements are entered into the teleprompter, weather clips are made and edited, and the pledge is pre-recorded. All that’s left is to tape the final broadcast or go live. Unlike last year’s morning Green Light productions, this group has started the year with pre-recorded segments.
“Because there are so many new students this year, we are all still learning the technical aspect of producing this show,” sponsor Mrs. Perez said. “With such a short window for viewing, we need to make sure we learn how to run everything first.”
Mrs. Perez went on to say that the students had so many ideas and plans for future broadcasts and her plan was to have them participate in everything so they could take over in any area at a moment’s notice.
Cardenas agreed.
“There’s a lot we want to do in the future,” Cardenas said. “We’re planning on adding special segments on teachers and students once a week, and add more sports content to the show. Also, we want to start fundraising for an audio/vision conference in San Diego, and get the chance to expose our members to careers in those fields.”
Suddenly the bell rings and D-109 kicks back to life. A small crowd joins behind the camera, reels are checked, and microphones are hastily tested while the green screen gets checked. The clock begins to tick, and soon, after frenzied hour of preparation, it all comes together.
German Student to Spend Semester
at Hanna
By José Montoya (Screaming Eagle Staff)
(continued)
Dancing has been Geghardt’s passion for years. Since the age of twelve, when he first saw a dance perfomrance, he knew that was what he wanted to do. Over the years, Gebhardt has gained much from being in a dance group.
“I found many good friends,” he said. “I love them all! Dancing also keeps me in shape, so that’s a plus too.”
Though he doesn’t see himself making dancing his career, he says he is enjoying every second that he can and hopes to study in Japan.
“Even though I can’t speak Japanese, I want to go,” he continued. “I will learn the language.”
As for Hanna High, the junior says he is adjusting.
“It’s…different, for sure!” he said. “I love to come to school. I especially love the dance class.”
Gebhardt, who rocks black hair and hoodies, said one thing that is very different is the valley heat.
“In Germany it is so cold this time of year,” he said. “Here it is always summer.”
Though he will only be here for one semester, Gebhart has already learned much about life in the U.S. “Though I am still off put by the rat-tail fad here,” he said, “I have really enjoyed my time here so far!”
Dancing has been Geghardt’s passion for years. Since the age of twelve, when he first saw a dance perfomrance, he knew that was what he wanted to do. Over the years, Gebhardt has gained much from being in a dance group.
“I found many good friends,” he said. “I love them all! Dancing also keeps me in shape, so that’s a plus too.”
Though he doesn’t see himself making dancing his career, he says he is enjoying every second that he can and hopes to study in Japan.
“Even though I can’t speak Japanese, I want to go,” he continued. “I will learn the language.”
As for Hanna High, the junior says he is adjusting.
“It’s…different, for sure!” he said. “I love to come to school. I especially love the dance class.”
Gebhardt, who rocks black hair and hoodies, said one thing that is very different is the valley heat.
“In Germany it is so cold this time of year,” he said. “Here it is always summer.”
Though he will only be here for one semester, Gebhart has already learned much about life in the U.S. “Though I am still off put by the rat-tail fad here,” he said, “I have really enjoyed my time here so far!”