By: Annameek Haiduk

Since kicking off on August 1st, 2025, the Mighty Eagle Band has embarked on an exciting marching season. Fueled by the dedication and teamwork of its 154 members, The Eagle band’s commitment goes beyond their instruments; devoted to upholding the band’s spirit. Here’s a glimpse into what this season holds.

Thanks to the head director Colleen Solis as well as directors Ismal Lopez, James Segovia, and Madliynn Mohr, the Mighty Eagle Band was provided the chance to compete not only in Judson but as well as Heroes stadium on October 4th. This prospect allowed the Eagle band to place 4th at both locations. Additionally, on October 18th, the Eagle Band traveled to Judson ISD yet again to take part in the 4A – 6A competition. This resulted in the band receiving straight division 1 ratings from all three judges. 

Due to the bands persistence and hard work this outcome allows the Eagle band to perform at Area, which is being held in Wildcat stadium in Calleen, on Saturday, October 25th. The Mighty Eagle Bands show being titled, “Prisoners of Time”, incorporates: “Centuries”, by Fallout Boy, “Dies Irae”, from Verdi’s Requiem, “Time”, by Hans Zimmer, and “Running up the Hill”, by Kate Bush. The Eagle band is currently working towards cleaning up their show and adding visuals for the judges so that they are contest ready. Having that said, a member of the Mighty Eagle Band was able to provide us with an inside look on her band perspective. 

Allison Cashiola, currently a Junior here at Pleasanton, has been in band since her 6th grade year. Allison was originally inspired by her sister’s dedication in band and decided to pick it up herself. She is currently a leader in the Mighty Eagle Band and plays the Alto Saxophone. When asked about what challenges she faced she exclaimed that the curriculum is highly strict. However, the memories she’s able to make with friends and the opportunity to compete makes the band all the more worthy. Furthermore, the band helped Allison step outside her comfort zone and experience things she hasn’t done before. On that note, Allison was able to provide some inspiring words, “Band takes commitment, as long as you have dedication and give persistent effort, band is a community that welcomes everyone.”

With that being said, make sure to wish the Mighty Eagle Band luck as they make their way to Area.

By: Alex Richter

The Eagles bowling team is back on the lanes, ready to make this season their best yet! With tryouts wrapped up at the beginning of October and a roster of about 25 members, the team is buzzing with new potential and competitive spirit.

Mrs. Williams, the Bowling Teacher Sponsor, is enthusiastic about the program’s direction. “This is our third year, and after the first two years of building, we now have many established members who will serve as examples and inspiration for the newcomers,” she notes. While last year the girls’ team had a strong finish, this year presents a new challenge with a need for rebuilding, though the potential is clearly there.

The team is rallied by the energy of Coach Fox. According to Mrs. Williams, Coach Fox’s “big personality” and enthusiasm for bowling are contagious. “His excitement and energy carry over onto the team, which helps build confidence as they improve,” she explains, adding that the coach is adept at recognizing areas for growth.

The primary goal for the season, based on last year’s successes, is for the girls’ team to advance in the state championship and hopefully win it. The sponsor is also ambitious for the boys, hoping to see them make it to state as well.

Many people underestimate the dedication required for bowling, something Mrs. Williams is quick to correct. “The biggest thing people don’t realize is that bowling is a sport that requires skill and practice,” she states. Bowlers must develop specific skillsets to consistently make strikes, navigating variables with the lanes and balls that dramatically affect performance. Beyond the competition, Mrs. Williams points out the significant amount of scholarship money available to student bowlers, making it a valuable endeavor for those with a competitive spirit.

For Girls’ Varsity Player Mylah Baumeister, the thrill of the sport is found in the team’s unity and strategy. Her favorite part? “Baker’s games. Easily. Five people are chosen to bowl two separate frames of a single game, and having to rely on the next person to carry the frame is the most nerve-racking, but the most fun thing ever,” Mylah shares. The excitement is doubled by the team’s spirit, especially the chanting. “Cheering for your teammate after a strike, and hearing that chant ‘EAGLES. SOAR!’ Is an exhilarating feeling that you just can’t get anywhere else.”

Preparation for a match involves mental focus and a few personal good luck charms. “A girl still needs to look good while she does it,” Mylah jokes, revealing that she wears her earrings, accessories, and a bow for the Eagles, all worn to “guarantee a good match played.”

Mylah, who has enjoyed meeting and connecting with the newcomers this season, has a simple but effective strategy for balancing the sport and her studies: “Focus on bowling on the weekends, and school work during the week.” During the season, she ensures all assignments are completed before varsity games, preventing late-night stress.

Both the sponsor and the player emphasize that bowling is far more challenging than it appears. “It’s not about chucking a ball down a lane and hoping you strike,” Mylah insists.

“It takes strategy, the right ball, the right hand position, and so much more,” she explains. “Several things are going through a bowler’s head as they’re making their approach… any one wrong move can and will throw them off and completely ruin the shot.” While not physically taxing in the way a field sport is, she argues it can still “take an extreme toll on the player” mentally.

For Mylah, bowling has been truly transformative. “Bowling can change lives. I don’t think I knew exactly who I was before joining this sport,” she reflects. She has found unexpected friendships and a passion that now shapes her future. “I plan to continue playing when I get to college…Bowling is now a part of who I am, and what I continue to aim to be, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

By: Aiden Alcorta

The Pleasanton Eagles football team is now included in the hunt for the 2025 Class 4A Playoffs after defeating the Fredericksburg Billies. The Eagles took on Fredericksburg on October 17th at Eagle Stadium in front of their home crowd. Going into the battle, the Eagles knew it was going to be a tough battle playing a team they hadn’t beaten in years. The Eagles had an excellent week of practice and an astonishing walk-through, getting prepared for the Billies. To start off the game, Pleasanton’s defense forced a 3 and out causing the Billies to punt. On the Eagles’ 1st play on the opening drive, Michael Martinez ran through the Billies’ defense to get a 60-yard rushing touchdown to start the game. On the Billies’ next drive, the Eagles’ defense came up with a fumble recovery, forcing the ball back to the offense. On the 2nd play of the drive, Michael Martinez scored another 45-yard touchdown rush, making the score 14-0. The Billies’ offense finally started to get going and scored twice on the Eagles’ defense, making it 14-14 at halftime. The Eagles made some adjustments during halftime and came out in the second half strong. The Eagles forced the Billies to punt, and on a bobbled punt return, the Eagles were down at their own 4-yard line. On the first play of the drive, QB Emerick Alvarado kept the ball on a QB run and scored an astonishing 96-yard touchdown, putting the Eagles in front. A few Drives later, Emerick Alvarado did it again, scoring another 40-yard touchdown off a quarterback keep, putting the Eagles in front 28-14. The Billies got their passing game going in the second half and scored a touchdown of their own, making the score 21-28. Coming down to the last drive of the game, the Billies drove all the way down from their own 25 to the opposite 30.

Thankfully, the Eagles’ defense stopped the Billies, winning 28-21, beating the Billies for the first time in a couple of years. Unfortunately, the Eagles lost a few people during the game due to injuries and will be out for a while. In response to inquiries regarding his perspective on losing key players for the upcoming critical games, Coach Palmer expressed his views, stating, “It is always a next man up mentality. Backups are always one play away from being on the field, and they get lots of reps in individual and group drills to be prepared. We have moved a few guys around to add depth, and they have learned quickly and look like they will help us.”  The Pleasanton Eagles are now in the Hunt for the Playoffs since 2022 and are hoping to defeat the Uvalde Coyotes on Halloween at Eagle Stadium to officially punch their ticket to the Playoffs. When asked how the mindset is going into these next three big games to potentially be in the hunt for the playoffs, Coach Palmer expressed, “Good mindset. We are seeing some of the hard work pay off. It is great to see some of the progress we have made as a team. We have come a long way from the start of the season.”

By: Ella Garza and Genevieve Chancellor

As the Tennis season comes to an end, the Eagle Tennis team ended its fall season with an overall district score of 5-3. The team coaches, Coach Portio and Coach Ramo,s are all very proud of their eagles and their accomplishments. The Eagles stayed motivated and focused throughout the season with great games and even greater teamwork.

The Cross Country season is coming to an end. The Pleasanton Eagles had an amazing year. Senior Shalyn Gutierrez ranked 98th at the State UIL meet. The coaches are very proud of her and her representation of the PHS cross country program. All of the cross country students put in phenomenal effort and dedication to their training, and it shows.

The Volleyball season is nearing its end. The Pleasanton Eagles had a difficult start to their season, but they are tirelessly trying to improve their district score. Despite the Eagles having lost 0-3 last game on October 24th, it’s most definite that next season will look much better for them.

By: Jolenne Woodlee

Hello and welcome back to another great issue. This November, the journalism staff would like to recognize Razalyn Machado and her outstanding performance on the Big E News and her shared section, “The PHS Playbook.” When talking about the Big E News, you may be wondering, “ What is her experience like in the Big E studio?” Well, today, we will discuss what it’s like for Razalyn and what made her join the Big E News. Well, according to Razalyn, “My older brother showed me a Big E episode from 2019 with our cousin in it, and I thought it looked so fun”. The classes you need to be able to join the Big E, freshman year you take Principles of A/V, sophomore year you take A/V one, and finally junior/ senior year is the Big E news. 

Now it’s time to go into how it has impacted Razalyn. She had joined because she wanted to study film in college and become a director and movie writer. The Big E News has a positive impact on her because of Ms. Olivarri, according to Razalyn, “ she has made the program so fun, and she creates a fun space”. Her favorite part of filming is the sports section because “ It is so much fun to have my own little part in the videos”.

The valuable life skills Razalyn has learned so far are, “ A valuable life skill I have learned is how to collaborate with others and how to bounce off ideas”. A note from Razalyn, “ If you ever get the chance to take any of Ms. Olivarri’s classes, do it because she is an amazing teacher and has positively impacted mine and many others’ lives and makes school a more fun place”.  

A note to Razalyn from Jolenne Woodlee – “ Razi, I send well wishes to you in life and hope you get your dreams completed”.

By: Liam Powell 

This month’s Teacher Spotlight shines on Coach Standly, a dedicated educator and coach whose passion for teaching and inspiring students makes a daily impact.

As a child, Coach Standly dreamed of becoming a professional fisherman. Over time, however, he discovered his true calling: teaching and coaching. He wanted to use his life experiences to guide young people and encourage them to pursue their goals. “I wanted to be able to influence kids to chase their dreams,” he said.

When asked about his favorite part of the job, Coach Standly didn’t hesitate. “The best part of my job is walking in and seeing each class ready to learn economics and being able to help them prepare for adulthood,” he shared. “I always have the best students in my classes.”

Outside the classroom, Coach Standly enjoys spending time with his wife, Sherryl, and their three daughters—Ella, Tatum, and Farah. Whether it’s road trips or time spent outdoors, family adventures are a cherished part of his life.

His inspiration to pursue teaching and coaching came from the positive influence of his own mentors. “I was blessed enough to have teachers and coaches that positively influenced my life. This made me want to do the same for others,” he explained. It’s no surprise, then, that interacting with students is the highlight of his day. “I look forward to this because I feel that I am making a difference in their futures,” he added with a smile.

Through his dedication, positivity, and genuine care for students, Coach Standly continues to be a role model both inside and outside the classroom. His passion for education and commitment to helping others truly make him a standout member of our school community.

By: Liam Powell

November is a powerful month in astrology—a time when emotions run deep and transformation takes center stage. As the chill of autumn settles in, the stars encourage reflection and renewal. Scorpio season dominates most of the month, bringing intensity, mystery, and truth to light. This energy invites everyone to look within, face hidden feelings, and let go of what no longer serves them.

By the time Sagittarius season arrives near the end of November, the mood begins to lift. After weeks of emotional growth, people feel ready to step into a more hopeful and adventurous mindset. Sagittarius brings optimism, curiosity, and a desire to explore new paths—both mentally and spiritually.

Overall, November’s horoscope reminds us that endings often lead to beginnings. It’s a month for self-discovery, forgiveness, and fresh perspective. The stars ask us to slow down, release the past and make room for what’s next.

So whether you’re journaling about your goals, reconnecting with friends, or simply taking a quiet walk under the falling leaves, let November’s cosmic energy guide you toward clarity and confidence as the year comes to a close. 

By: Essence Croft

Welcome back to the November Issue of the Quill! We are thrilled to introduce two new exchange students: Bubumalika from Kazakhstan and Ayane from Japan.

Bubumalika is a bright student from Kazakhstan. Her goal to become an exchange student began in 7th grade, and we’re excited to see her dream come true.

Bubumalika’s talents include singing and speaking languages. She’s known for her sweet nature and enjoys encouraging others to feel good about themselves. During her time here, she hopes to explore destinations like Liberty, Washington, Disneyland, and California. She also looks forward to celebrating holidays, including springtime events and, of course, her birthday.

Looking ahead, Bubumalika plans to attend university and eventually work in the aviation industry, hoping to become a flight attendant and travel to many countries. This school year, she’s setting her sights on the volleyball court, hoping to join the team and win some games!

Our second student, Ayane, is from Japan. She was inspired to travel to America by its “culture and food.”

Ayane is a positive, open-minded person. She has several talents, including baking, dancing, and playing an instrument. She looks forward to meeting new people and exploring Dallas, Texas. When discussing her home country, Ayane says she loves Japan for its culture, architecture, landscapes, and the spirit of Omotenashi, which is a Japanese term for selfless hospitality and wholehearted service.

Ayane has a grand goal: to travel the entire world. She loves the movie Wild Speed and enjoys melon fruits. What makes Ayane feel good about herself is making people smile. She particularly loves celebrating her birthday, Christmas, and New Year’s—the latter being Japan’s most important holiday. She is also eager to improve her English skills during her stay.

Both Bubumalika and Ayane bring unique perspectives and exciting goals to our school. We are delighted to have these two enthusiastic students join our community for the 2025-2026 school year. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome and making their exchange experience unforgettable! 

By: Jolenne Woodlee

The Emotional Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Family Relationships

Alzheimer’s disease, which is also referred to as a progressive neurological disorder, affects the memory, thought process, and behaviour to a great extent. A study shows that more than six million people in the US have Alzheimer’s, and this number will increase further with the aging of the population. Considering the high percentage of people afflicted with this disease, it is very necessary to examine its influence on familial and interpersonal relations. The present paper will discuss the emotional burdens of caregivers, changes in family dynamics, and family support systems, as well as other factors that keep and build the ties even when one loses his/her memory.

People who take care of patients with Alzheimer’s often have to play multiple roles, including being personal and medical assistants, emotional supporters, and advocates for their loved ones. These duties can be very tiring and thus have a considerable psychological impact on the caregivers. The caregivers are usually under a lot of stress and anxiety, and depression is commonly seen, too. They tend to carry out the demanding care of the patient while their personal lives are involved. The caregiver role can also result in social withdrawal, which is mainly due to the fact that the majority of caregivers find it hard to take time off from their responsibilities to meet people or engage in social events. As a result, their relationships with others often become strained, leading to feelings of being alone and irritable.

Alzheimer’s disease has the potential to have a major impact on the roles within a family. The family members may have to face the issue of new tasks such as taking charge of the family’s financial issues, deciding about the loved one’s medical treatment, or rendering personal care. This shift in roles can create misunderstandings and conflict as the family members slowly start reacting to the changes. There is also a significant alteration in the communication patterns.  

By: Alex Richter

With the 30th anniversary of Toy Story having passed last month, we take a nostalgic look back at Pixar’s groundbreaking film that changed animation forever. Released in November 1995, Toy Story wasn’t just the first feature-length film entirely created with computer-generated imagery (CGI); it was a cultural milestone that redefined what animated storytelling could be.

At its heart, Toy Story tells a story of friendship and belonging through the imaginative lens of childhood toys. Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy (Tom Hanks), sees his world turned upside down when a flashy new toy, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), arrives. Their rivalry and eventual bond form the film’s emotional core, transforming a beautiful premise into a thoughtful story about jealousy, change, and acceptance.

Even thirty years later, the film’s magic lies not only in its once-revolutionary animation but in its sincerity. Pixar’s attention to emotional realism made audiences care deeply about plastic toys, a testament to the film’s clever writing and timeless heart. Beneath the humor and adventure is a powerful message about growing up and learning to share the spotlight.

It’s clear why Toy Story became an instant classic; it highlights how much animation has evolved since its release. While some of the early CGI textures may appear dated compared to Pixar’s later films, that slight roughness contributes to the film’s charm. The simplicity of its visuals, although somewhat dull, allows the emotion to shine through, reminding viewers that technology alone doesn’t make a movie timeless; it’s the heart that matters.

The screenplay, co-written by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, and Alex Sokolow, is considered one of the sharpest in animation history. Its humor appeals to both kids and adults, and while the pacing may become uneven in the middle and predictable towards the end, it keeps the story engaging without overstaying its welcome. Beneath the adventure, there is a meaningful message about insecurity and change, concepts that remain relevant even decades later.

Toy Story continues to define what animated storytelling can achieve: sincerity through simplicity. Its impact on audiences and the film industry is undeniable, inspiring countless creators to view animation as a medium capable of conveying emotional truths. I would rate the film four out of five stars. Despite a few signs of aging, moments of dullness, and a degree of predictability, Toy Story remains as heartwarming and imaginative as ever. It serves as a reminder that friendship, insecurity, and purpose are timeless themes.

By Victory Alcantara

On September 23, 2025, Argentine scientists discovered a new dinosaur, a megaraptoran known for its stretched-out skull and powerful claws, with a crocodile bone in its mouth.

From what we know, researchers have uncovered part of a skull, as well as arm, leg, and tail bones, from the Lago Colhué Huapi rock formation in Patagonia. Noticing unique features in the bones that made them realize this could be a new species.

The megaraptorans’ habitat is speculated to be what’s now South America, Australia, and parts of Asia. However, it’s not yet clear how these creatures hunted and where they fall on the evolutionary timeline, but scientists estimate it to be from between 66 and 70 million years ago, close to the time dinosaurs went extinct, and it was at least 19 years old when it died, though scientists don’t know what killed it. 

By: Diamond Olson 

We should have later school start times to improve academic performance and physical and mental health by allowing students to get more sleep, which aligns with their natural circadian rhythms. This change is linked to benefits like better grades, reduced tardiness, fewer disciplinary issues, and improved safety, including a decrease in car accidents among teen drivers. More sleep leads to better focus, attention, and information retention. Studies show a correlation between later start times and higher grades and test scores. It can reduce the number of students who fall asleep in class. Teenagers have a biological predisposition to later sleep, and early start times lead to sleep deprivation. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall well-being and can lower the risk of health issues like obesity and depression. Later start times are linked to a reduction in irritability and depressive symptoms. Delayed start times have been linked to a significant decrease in the number of car accidents involving teen drivers. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of engaging in unhealthy or risky behaviors. Schools that have shifted to later start times report less tardiness and better overall attendance. There are often fewer disciplinary issues. Less tired students are less likely to rely on caffeine and sugary snacks to stay alert. Implementing later school start times, specifically after 8:30 a.m. for middle and high schools, is strongly recommended by major health and medical organizations because it aligns with adolescents’ natural biological sleep rhythms and provides significant benefits for their physical health, mental well-being, safety, and academic performance. Well-rested students are more alert, can focus better, and are more likely to retain new information. Studies show later start times lead to Better grades and higher standardized test scores. Improved attendance and reduced tardiness.Fewer instances of students falling asleep in class. Lack of sleep can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of engaging in risk-taking behaviors such as substance use (caffeine, alcohol, drugs) and disciplinary issues. 

By: Aiden Alcorta

The main topic of this issue’s pop culture is the excellent achievements so far in the NFL season. Every team had an excellent offseason, making roster changes and trades, and also re-signings. But the main question is, who is currently the best NFL team in the midseason? Starting with the 10th team is the Los Angeles Rams with a 2-game winning streak and a record of 5-2. At number 9, we have the Detroit Lions with a record of 5-2. Coming in 8th place is the Buffalo Bills, the high Super Bowl favorites with a record of 5-2. At number 7 is the young Seattle Seahawks with a winning streak of 2  and a record of 5-2. At 6th, we have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a record of 6-2.

At 5th place, we have the young, talented Denver Broncos team with a record of 6-2. In 4th place is the Philadelphia Eagles with a record of 6-2. Finally, in the top 3 we have the underdog, the New England Patriots, with a winning streak of 5!! At number 2, we have the Green Bay Packers with a record of 5-1-1. Coming in at number 1, we have the Indianapolis Colts, who had a winning streak of 5 and also started off as underdogs and surprised everybody with an excellent start to the season.

This NFL season has been a wild journey as we are mid through the regular season, and multiple teams have proved their superbowl contender teams. Also, an interesting fact: most of the successful teams in the last few years have gone down to some of the worst teams in the NFL, making the NFL more interesting and exciting. At the end of the day, it’s all about the playoffs and who hosts the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year. Good luck to all the NFL teams practicing their tails off, fighting for a playoff spot.

By: Alex Richter

Victor sits at the dinner table, irritated by the noise and chaos from his younger siblings. Across the table, his mother’s eyes found him, soft and sharp at the same time. “Eat more, Victor,” she urged, her smile too polished to seem real. His father nodded in agreement, knife glinting as he carved into the meat on his plate. “Set a good example for the little ones.”

So he chewed more. And swallowed. And watched. Watched as the adults exchanged fleeting glances, small, deliberate things, heavy with something unsaid. His aunt’s hand lingered on his uncle’s wrist longer than necessary. His mother’s voice trembled when she offered a toast, and his father’s jaw tightened as the clinking glasses met the air. Somewhere between the laughter and the silence, Victor began to feel the seams of his world coming loose.

The next morning, the house was still. The kind of still that hummed in his bones. Morning light seeped through the curtains, pale and uncertain. The air smelled faintly of roasted meat and cinnamon, remnants of yesterday. In the kitchen, everything gleamed, scrubbed of life. But on the counter sat a single plate, wrapped in foil. 

A note was folded at the top, in his mother’s delicate handwriting: Leftovers – For Victor. He peeled back the foil, and his breath faltered.

What lay inside was not what he expected. It was shaped like meat, glistened like meat, but something about it made the edges of his vision twitch. Too dark. Too dense. There was a familiarity to it, and that was what made it horrifying. His stomach clenched as the smell rotted in his nose.

A folded slip of paper rested in the plate. Don’t be afraid. It’s only your turn. The floorboards sighed behind him.

Victor turned slowly. His mother stood in the doorway, her hair still up from the night before, face pale and serene. “Oh,” she whispered, tilting her head slightly, “I wasn’t expecting it this early.” He wanted to speak, but his throat refused.

“It has to be this way, sweetheart,” she said, stepping closer. Her tone was tender, gently maternal. “That’s how this family stays blessed. One for many, every year.”

She reached for a knife resting beside the sink. The blade caught the morning light, bright and merciless.

Victor stumbled backwards, back hitting the counter, heart hammering, but her gaze seemed to hold him there. The air grew heavy with sugar and sorrow.

—

The table gleamed again, the same laughter, the same polished smiles. But Victor was gone. His younger brother sat in his place now, eating the meat off his plate politely, just as he did, eyes flicking occasionally toward their mother, as if waiting for permission to speak.

The family was whole. Blessed.

Victor’s soul lingered. Hollow-eyed. Silent. Watching. Soon, he thought, as his mother chewed her meat, her hand trembling only slightly. Soon, it will be his turn to give thanks.

By: Genevieve Chancellor

On the 12th of November 2022, four University of Idaho students were found dead in their off-campus home, the cause of death a break-in stabbing. The four students, Kaylee Gonclaves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, were all living at their shared off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, when Bryan Kohberger, a criminal defense student at Washington State University, broke into the home. Kohberger first killed both Kaylee and Madison, who were asleep during the attack, by stabbing both girls fatally. He also killed Kaylee’s dog, 50 feet away from his next victim, Xana Kernodle.

Xana was still awake and heading back up to her room on the second floor when she crossed paths with Kohberger. He killed her as well before he went into her room, stabbing Ethan Chapi, who was asleep on the bed. The two unnamed surviving roommates exchanged panic texts as the texts and calls went unanswered by the four victims. One of the survivors mentioned in the text seeing a man in a black ski mask. The roommates later called 911 for an unconscious person due to the victim not waking up. When police arrived on the scene, they found the four victims. A surviving roommate described the assailant as about 5 ’10, non-muscular but athletic, and with bushy eyebrows.

When going through the security, authorities found Kohberger’s Hyundai Elantra driving by 3 times before he entered the home. He later returned to the house 5 hours after the murder. He successfully avoided capture until Dec. 30, 2022, when the father’s DNA helped identify Bryan Kohberger. He maintained silence in court until his Change of Plea on July 2, 2025, where he admitted to killing the four victims. He showed no emotion when admitting to each murder.

by: Alex and Eboni

This poem reflects the pain of love that once felt gentle and safe, but now lingers as both hurt and a bittersweet memory.

I sit in the ruins of words

that no apology can scrub clean.

They stain the walls of me like blood-

once inside, always lingering,

ghosting through my ribs.

You taught me how to love healthily, once.

Do you remember?

My arms wrapped around you for the first time,

you began to cry as though

I had given you a new home.

A doorway to a dream,

a dream once abandoned.

That moment was so tender,

it still feels like proof

that love existed here-

yet it is the same memory

that keeps my wounds from clotting.

Now I bite my lips in class

until salt touches them,

silent tears drawing attention

from those who should look away.

My desk is now a graveyard

of spirals.

What I should have said,

what you shouldn’t have,

what we should have been.

You were always so honest,

a knife with no sheath.

Even though it was truth-

the truth should never

shatter the bones it touches.

Your words made me question

my reflection,

like a mirror fogged with someone else’s breath.

And still I cannot make myself hate you.

You were kind once,

like gentle rain,

careful enough to plant daisies where stones live.

How can I erase the gardener

just because the garden died?

Even if I try to summon hate,

it will only arrive as smoke-

a shadow of anger,

a hollow roar in my chest,

temporary.

I hate that I cannot hate you.

You became cold and bitter to me.

I hate that I still wonder

if your cruelty was just the tremor

of some fracture inside you,

or if I was simply too easy to wound.

To let go would be easier if you were only thorn,

never flower.

If you were only storm,

never sunlight.

Because though I know I was mistreated,

I simply cannot erase

the boy who once beamed in my arms,

just because the man who followed

learned how to bruise and break.

So here I stay,

grief about me,

stranded 

between short-lived rage and tenderness,

between wanting to bury your memory

and wanting to cradle it like a baby.

Perhaps this is the truest cruelty of love:

not the leaving,

not even betrayal-

but the stubborn pulse of love

for the very hands

that managed to break me open again.

– Soulful Scribbler

By: Annameek Haiduk

The Eagle tennis fall season begins to come to a close, although having a rocky start, the Eagles were able to push through, with their new coach, Coach Portio, and the help of their assistant coach, Coach Ramos. The Eagles were able to stay motivated, come together, and persevere. Hard work and dedication led the Eagles to have an amazing season. Keeping that in mind, here is a view on how the season unfolded. 

For their first match, the Eagles faced Kennedy, coming out with a win of 19 – 0. The Eagles then faced La Vernia, with a loss of 18-1. However, they were not deterred and continued through the season and went head-to-head against Karnes City, pulling a win of 18-1. Their next match, the Eagles competed against Gonzales, leaving with another win of 17 – 2. Yet, when facing Navarro, the Eagles faced a loss of 11 – 8. Even so, the Eagles then traveled to Somerset, leaving with a win of  12 – 7. Coming out on top yet again, the Eagles won against SA Memorial 10 – 8. For their last district match the team faced Floresville, withdrawing with a loss of 13 – 6. 

 The overall district score came out to be 5 -3; however, the season is not over as the Eagle tennis team is eligible for playoffs, where they will be facing Devine at Somerset High School on Monday, October 6th.  With that being said, let us hear some highlights from one of the Mighty Eagle players. 

Hagen Dailey, who has been playing since his sophomore year and is currently a varsity player, was able to share some of his highlights from the season. Hagen originally joined tennis to stay active; however, as the season continued, he realized tennis gave him a feeling no other sport did. He exclaimed that a highlight for him was those late bus rides home after a match. No matter a win or a loss, the team was always able to come together and have an amazing time. The late-night talks, laughter, as well as bonding have always made tennis so worth it to him. The bonding time was such a great endeavor for the team after a change in coaches. The new style of coaching made tennis feel a little more rigorous; however, the team always had each other. Hagen hopes that with his skills and knowledge in tennis that he can continue to keep playing throughout college and use it as a way to keep him active. In summary, Hagen is grateful for the new opportunity that tennis gave him. 

By: Alex Richter

As October came to a close, PHS celebrated outstanding achievements across various activities, including the marching band, bowling start-ups, and impressive cross-country performances. These accomplishments not only showcased the talent of PHS students but also highlighted their dedication and team spirit.

The marching band kicked off the month with its first contest on Saturday, October 4, at Judson ISD. With hard work and practice leading up to this event, band members were excited to demonstrate their skills and represent their school.

In bowling, tryouts were held on October 28 at Eagle Lanes, sponsored by Mrs. Williams. The tryouts provided an opportunity for students to showcase their bowling abilities and vie for a spot on the team, creating an atmosphere of friendly competition and enthusiasm.

The Pleasanton Cross Country team had a recent meet in Uvalde. The Varsity Girls team had a remarkable day, claiming 1st Place Team honors, with every runner bringing home a medal. Jewely Oltivero, Aaliyah Vasquez-Arguijo, Vivian Villarreal, Kensley Cordova, Evalynn Garza, and Jenneen Adame all contributed significantly to the team’s success with their exceptional performances. The Varsity Boys team also shone brightly, finishing in second place, with all six runners earning medals. Micah Klein, Edgar Duran Saldana, Logan Rugen, Tristan Sanchez, Elijah Marquez, and Tommy Lopez each delivered outstanding runs, showcasing their dedication and talent. Joe Martinez added to the team’s strong showing with a commendable race.

In the JV category, Ty Holt led the boys’ race with a first-place finish, supported by strong performances from Elijah Dunn-Flores and Devon Sanchez. The JV Girls team also competed admirably, with Jazmyne Contreras, Kimber Leal, and Summer Talkington running impressive races and proudly representing Pleasanton. Overall, the meet was a tremendous success for the Eagles, who are gearing up for the upcoming district meet next week in Uvalde. With such strong performances and unwavering determination, the PHS teams continue to demonstrate their readiness for the challenges ahead.

In conclusion, October has been a month of tremendous achievements for Pleasanton High School, showcasing the diverse talents of its students in music, sports, and teamwork. As the school community prepares for the district meet and other upcoming events, the spirit of camaraderie and excellence continues to thrive at PHS.

by: Aiden Alcorta 

As the district competition continues for our Lady Eagles volleyball team, they have faced a challenging start, but are determined to improve their district record. Currently, the Eagles hold a 1-5 record after playing some tough opponents. Their first district win came against D’Hanis with an impressive score of 3-0. 

However, they have also experienced several setbacks, losing matches to Pleasanton (3-0), Carrizo Springs (3-0), Devine (3-0), and Floresville (3-0). They managed a second win against Somerset, finishing the match 3-1. 

The Lady Eagles’ next home game is scheduled for October 21st against Pearsall at 6:00 PM. Let’s show our support for the Eagles and cheer them on to victory! 

 By: Jolenne Woodlee

Welcome back to another fantastic school year! In this issue, the journalism staff would like to recognize Mr. Lawson for his outstanding commitment to his work. We believe it’s important to highlight the difference he makes in the lives of his students. This year, Mr. Lawson has been with Pleasanton High for about four years. 

When asked about his favorite part of working here, Mr. Lawson emphasizes the students. Although he can’t pinpoint an exact moment when he realized he enjoyed his job, he expressed, “Not an exact time, but when I was happy coming to and leaving work.” 

Mr. Lawson particularly enjoys teaching in classes that involve the coaches, Mrs. Cantu, and the Social Studies department. When asked why he chose this profession, he said, “Because I wanted to make a difference for students and make school enjoyable.” 

If you see Mr. Lawson around campus, be sure to give him a friendly hello!