By: Libby Sanchez & Shyanne Sexton

Montgomery Cain, a student who lives by his motto of “never doing anything halfway,” and, “ if he is gonna do it, he’s gonna do it right.” Montgomery, who goes by “Monty,” is known around campus for his hard work and determination. Over the last 4 years, Monty has worked incredibly hard in all of his classes to keep his grades up and earn the title of Valedictorian of the graduating class of 2022. 

Montgomery is planning on attending Texas Tech University to study finance with a concentration in real estate. “Both my parents are Red Raiders, so I’ve kinda been raised as a Red Raider,” stated Montgomery. He looks forward to learning how to properly run a business and manage money, which is not only important in business but in life as well. “I love Lubbock, it’s a big town with everything you need in it, but it still feels like a small town. I’ve got a lot of friends up there, good connections, and it’s gonna give me a quality degree that I’m gonna be able to use and be able to make a living off of,” he says. 

One of the most prosperous things Montgomery lives by is the quote, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” The ability to network among people and talk comfortably among others is one of the hardest traits to have. For Monty, it all comes naturally. “Being able to communicate with people is a huge part of not only just business but everything in life. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to. If you’re diverse in a lot of fields, you’re able to relate with all kinds of different people and learn from them,” he says. 

Montgomery has a drive in him that keeps him going till he’s satisfied, and even then it’s not enough as he sets even higher goals for himself. Outside of his education, Montgomery is in the process of earning his private pilot license. He is hoping to get all the way up to airline transport pilot, which means getting his instrument rating, multi-engine rating, and access to flying helicopters. With these licenses, Montgomery is expanding his future options. He could go into the military and fly fighter jets, he could go with commercial airlines, or he could open a private helicopter business with a focus on ag aviation and wildlife surveys. Recently, he’s invested his time into his newly founded business “T47, LLC.” Named after his grandfathers, the company focuses on custom welding and fabrication. “A lot of people think welding is just putting two pieces of metal together, you run a bead to connect them, and you call it good. But when you’re running it as a business, creating it as a product with your name on it, that represents you and what you believe in. For me, its quality,” stated Montgomery. Along with running a business, Monty competes in competitive shooting sports. In 2021, Montgomery earned himself the title of a 4-H Shotgun National Champion alongside his three other teammates. It’s admirable that he’s been able to find the balance between his education and work outside of school. 

Montgomery is a very persistent individual who will grow up and accomplish everything he wants in life, but not without giving credit to those who have helped him along the way. Teachers like Mrs. Bast, Ms. Kelley, and Mr. Townsend have helped pave the way for this phenomenal leader. Mrs. Bast, who has impacted students throughout her years here at PISD, is one of Montgomery’s biggest influencers. “It’s amazing to be in the presence of someone who’s had so much experience of something really unique, like working at NASA. She teaches a hard subject too, not everyone is meant to understand calculus. At some points, I didn’t even understand it. Mrs. Bast made it always feel like it was possible, she always took something that seems really difficult to most people, and it is, and made it doable,” he states. When asked about Montgomery’s character and performance during her class, Mrs. Bast’s response was: “Amazing. Gifted. Willing. I think his thirst for knowledge and understanding is inspiring to teachers and classmates alike.” As someone who is looked up to by not just Montgomery, but the entire graduating class of 2022, Mrs. Bast leaves them with this advice for their future: “Don’t let the climate of the world steal your faith or your hope, or your dreams.”

Alongside the teachers and faculty here at PHS, there are two more very important people who have had a tremendous impact on Montgomery’s life. “Everyone probably says this, but I truly could not have done any of this without my parents’ constant support and guidance,” he states. His parents, who have made it their mission to teach Montgomery every definition of the word “humility” could not be prouder of their son in all that he does. “We are proud of him and grateful for the teachers and others who have inspired him and been part of his journey. Every parent wants happiness for their children. Montgomery has boundless energy and career and life goals. We hope he strives for excellence, pushes through fear, and has fun while realizing his vision for the future. We love him and can’t wait to see what’s next for him,” his mother says. It’s clear to see what a positive impact Montgomery has had growing up, and it’s even better to see him succeeding with that built character. 

Montgomery has a bright future ahead of him and judging by his character, he will be determined to keep reaching for higher goals. He leaves his fellow classmates with the advice, “If you reach a goal, don’t stop there and just be complacent with that, keep going. Never limit yourself.” Remember all the hard work you did to get to this point, and keep pushing the limits. To Montgomery, and the rest of the class of 2022, we wish you all the absolute best of luck in all your future endeavors!

By: River Reyes

The 2022 Salutatorian: Kenley Everett

At the top of the class lies those who worked the most throughout their high school career, the two who have dedicated their time and efforts to their family, school, and future. Vying for the highest honor are the valedictorian and the salutatorian, both achieving and being recognized as some of the brightest and capable individuals. The salutatorian for the Pleasanton High School Class of 2022 is Kenley Everett, a intelligent and driven individual who has by every means earned the honor of her position. 

Kenley will be attending Baylor University in the fall as an Business Entrepreneurship major with the hopes and dreams of owning her a multi chain level real estate company. When asked why she chose Baylor, she said, “I want to go to Baylor because all their standards align with mine, from academic standards, to religious beliefs, to just the essential way of living.” Kenley is very well known for her work ethic and academic capabilities and it’s very clear that her standard reflects in her school of choice and that she will continue to strive for excellence. In order to get to Baylor, the road was rough and Kenley endured many obstacles that would set her back. When asked what motivated her to work for the top of the class, Kenley said, “It was never honestly about me saying that I want to be salutatorian. It was the fact that I know that no matter what I do, I’m going to give my best effort. So just the fact that I made salutatorian made it all worth it in the end because all I know is that everything I do is going to be the best of my ability.” Her motivation exceeds that of her peers greatly and she’s earned her spot. Everything she has accomplished brings her one step closer to her dreams. The future will be very bright and as long as she holds her determination, there will be nothing to stop her.

The teacher that impacted Kenley the most was Mrs. Leonheardt. Mrs. Leonheardt was Kenley’s AP English Literature and Composition teacher and takes pride in having taught Kenley, who she regards as a very talented writer. When asked about Kenley’s greatest trait, Mrs. Leonheardt says, “She brings up a level of conversation because she makes insights and when she shares her insights, other people understand it better too so she brings an overall understanding of literature just because of the connections that she makes.” Kenley is clearly a role model for students in and out of the classroom, using her knowledge to achieve great results while helping the people around her.

As the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2022, Kenley Everett has achieved great results and set an example for many students around her. With an excellent work ethic and incredible intelligence, there is no doubt that Kenley will continue to succeed in her future. We congratulate Kenley for all that she has done and hope for the best in her future.

By: Alexandra Garcia & Aaliyah Herrera

Dr Conner Ayers, who is known as one of our Spanish teachers at PHS was selected as teacher of the year 2021-2022. With his positive attitude toward his students he uplifts the student’s mood with a bright smile as he welcomes everyone at his classroom door. 

When asked how he felt about being teacher of the year he had said he was very surprised because it was his first year here at PHS. There is no surprise that he had received this award, Dr Conner Ayers is very outgoing and always wants to do what’s best for his students to help them succeed. He enjoys being in the classroom doing fun activities and is just an overall great teacher and person here at PHS. Although Dr Conner Ayers has his own challenges he still finds a way to be a positive role model to his fellow students and coworkers. 

By: Farah Stanley & Allison Collins

Mrs. Blanco has been honored as the paraprofessional of the year. She is a very important asset to Pleasanton High School, and is very deserving of this achievement. We sat down and had a nice conversation with Mrs. Blanco. When asked how she feels about achieving the award, Mrs. Blanco said “I feel very honored to receive this award. It makes me feel good, it makes me feel appreciated; That everyone here at school and my colleagues see the hard work that I do, so I can accomplish student success.” Mrs. Blanco shared her favorite thing about being a paraprofessional: “I enjoy being here at school. I enjoy working with the students. I like to see them progress through the year, and when I meet y’all the very first day of school, y’all are a little shy. By the time we leave, I can see how much y’all have grown academically and as a human being.” She also shared that her favorite thing about the students is that, “Every student is different…Obviously, truly, I enjoy every single student in their own ways. I’ve learned from you all, and y’all learn from me.” She has been told, because of her nurturing ways and life lessons, that she is like a “school mom” for some students. Mrs. Blanco went on in the conversation to share exactly what she loves about her work: “I like giving academic support, but at the same time if I’m able to guide you on the right path in life, that’s what I love.” Mrs. Blanco has been working in Pleasanton for 4 years, and spoke on how amazed she was watching some kids from freshman year to single year. Speaking of, Mrs. Blanco graduated from Del Rio high school in 1993, and went on to attend college at Sul Ross State University. Mrs. Blanco wasn’t always a paraprofessional here, she served as a long term sub here at Pleasanton. We should all take a moment to appreciate Mrs. Blanco and all that she does.

By: Noah Ramos

On May 1, our Men’s track team traveled south with their sights set for being able to qualify for the State Track Meet and later made it to Texas A&M Kingsville where Preston Piligrim made a magnificent pole vault of 14 -6 which won a gold medal along with a place on the podium. Our eagle runners also qualified for the finals on the first day. Juan Lopez was the first to compete for day 2 with long jumping where he made it to the finals and took 5th place helping to add to the day 1 total score. Then Justin Veale performed in the 110m hurdles where he got a hard fought 4th place while barely missing the podium. Jayden Palacios and Juan Lopez worked together in the run for the 400m dash against some of the best in the region which had Palacios start out with the first 200m with a strong finish with 2nd place and Lopez who scored second to last but still helped for both of them to hit the 1st & 3rd place in the race. Palacios also claimed the 400m Regional Champion title

By: Jaelyn Morales

On April 22, the Pleasanton Varsity softball team played their last district game of the season at Hondo. The score was tied 0-0 throughout the game with good defense from the Lady Eagles until the top of the 5th when Pleasanton scored 3 runs from good base hits. The girls stayed on top until the bottom of the 6th when the Hondo Owls scored 8 total points in one inning gaining the lead. The Lady Eagles had one more chance to make a comeback in the 7th, but unfortunately only scored 1 run ending the game with a score of 4-8.  Pleasanton placed 3rd in their district and were paired with Pearsall for their bi-district game.

On April 28, the Lady Eagles opened the best of three series in Pleasanton. In the top of the 1st inning, Pearsall scored 6 runs and Pleasanton was able to score when Elizabeth Salinas reached on a walk and scored on a single by Maggie Maddox. Kadence Delgado came in to pinch run for the pitcher and scored on an error. The Lady Eagle still had hope until the 4th inning when Pearsall batted around twice and scored 13 runs in one inning. By the end of the game Pearsall had scored 23 points overall and won 23-2 after the game ended early by run rule. On May 1, the Lady Eagles traveled to Pearsall to finish the series and lost 8-2 and finished the season with a 14-8 record.

Congratulations to the following Pleasanton Eagle Softball players for their awards-

Senior Taylor Bryant: Academic All-State Honorable Mention, Co-1st Team All-District 3rd Base, Academic All-District

Senior Autumn Guerra: Academic All-State 2nd Team, All-District Honorable Mention, Academic All-District

Junior Anai Romo: 1st Team All-District Outfield, Academic All-District, Texas Select All-Star Showcase Non-Committed Player

Junior Jaelyn Morales: All-District Honorable Mention,  Academic All-District, Texas Select All-Star Showcase Non-Committed Player

Junior Bianca Cruz: Academic All-District

Freshman Elizabeth Salinas: 1st Team All-District 2nd Base, Academic All-District

Freshman Gabrielle Ramos: 1st Team All-District Catcher, Academic All-District

Freshman Finley Hilburn: All-District Honorable Mention,  Academic All-District

Freshman Maggie Maddox: 2nd Team All-District Pitcher, Academic All-District

Freshman Aubry Cantu: 2nd Team All-District Utility Player

By: Brian Avery

The varsity baseball team had an eventful season this year. On April 22nd, The Eagles played Hondo at home. Unfortunately, it ended in a loss for the Eagles with Hondo leading 5-2. Shortly after, the boys played Devine on the 26th, and lost again 2-0. When their next game on the 29th rolled around, they were ready. The Eagles took the win away from Crystal City with a score of 10-0. They had a week of preparation before entering the playoffs

The Eagles kept the streak going into the playoffs and won the next two games against Uvalde on the 6th and 7th of March, winning 12-2 on the 6th and 11-3 on the 7th. However, they couldn’t come out on top against Robstown for the next two playoff games, losing 3-0 on the 13th, and 4-0 on the 14th, ending their season. Good luck on next year’s season Eagles!

By: Courtney Henson

As the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close, the senior class is preparing themselves to graduate. On May 27, 2022, at 8pm, the senior class will gather for one more goodbye. The graduating class will hear speeches from class president River Reyes, Valedictorian Mongomery Cain, Salutatorian Kenley Everett, along with NHS Secretary Ashlyn Vera. 

For the class of 22 favorites, the senior class voted in favor of green and white with black accents as the class colors, the red rose as the class flower, You’re Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins as the class song, and the class motto is “Our lives are before us, our pasts behind us, and our memories are forever within us.” 

For the past 4 years, the class of ‘22 has faced many ups and downs but they made it. Three seniors from the Journalism class and staff editors on the Quill graduating are as follows: Editor in Chief- Courtney Henson, Copy Editor- Kristina Mertz, Layout Editor- River Reyes. From the Quill staff, congratulations to every senior graduating, we are so proud of each and every one of you. Pride! Pride!

By: Kristina Mertz

Photo credit: Libby Sanchez

Prom was held this year at Las Fuentes by Emporium on Saturday, April the 23rd. Memorable moments included Estevan Jackson as Prom King and Nika Garcia being announced as Prom Queen. Senior awards given were as follows: Prettiest Eyes- Anthony Ottinger, Most Beautiful and Handsome- Noelani Guerrero and Luke Raney, Class Clown- Trey Hagen, Best Personality- Melanie Douglas, Best Smile- Kendall Espey, Most Likely to Become President- River Reyes, Best Physique- Braxton Springer, Most Athletic- Kennedy Guajardo and Juan Lopez, Best Bromance- Peyton Eichman and Cade Mitchell, Most Likely to Succeed- Montgomery Cain, Most Spirited- Justin Veale, Cutest Couple-Juan Lopez and Linda Sanchez, Best Laugh- Cade Mitchell, Most Transformed- Trey Hagen, Sweetest and Kindest-Melanie Douglas, Best Hair- Catalina Villalobos, Best Friends- Montgomery Cain and Nicholas Napier, Life of the Party- Justin Veale, Cutest Couple that Never Was- Montgomery Cain and Kenley Everett, Most Talkative- Caitlin Hernandez, Biggest Flirt- Ryan Moore, Most Musical-Belle Martel. Congratulations to all!!

By: Myame Lara

Marvel recently added a new movie onto the already amazing MCU. “Dr Strange and the Multiverse of Madness”, rated PG-13, was released on May 6th, 2022 and directed by Sam Raimi. It produced a rating of 74% on “Rotten Tomatoes”, and a 7.4/10 on “IMDb”. The movie produced a net worth of $292.6 million in the box office and has a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes.

This movie features some of Marvel’s most known icons including Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, and Benedict Wong. Acting alongside these characters were many rising actors which we all hope to see in future productions. 

To many Marvel fans, this film was long awaited and highly anticipated for some time now, which gave it a high standard to live up to. MCU fan’s held the bar high, and Marvel went even higher. This action packed movie had many moments leaving fans speechless and in awe. The plot wasn’t at all predictable and left viewers waiting for more to come!

I, as a Marvel fan myself, highly recommend this film! There wasn’t a moment that left me bored or not impressed! Be sure to watch it in theaters as soon as possible!

By: Kristina Mertz

May-

The wind is tossing the lilacs,

The new leaves laugh in the sun,

And the petals fall on the orchard wall,

But for me the spring is done.

Beneath the apple blossoms

I go a wintry way,

For love that smiled in April

Is false to me in May.

By: Sara Teasdale

The year is ending soon and we have to say goodbye to the Seniors we had previously shared memories with. It is time to welcome the students that are coming to the high school and make new memories to last for generations.

Sincerely,

The Passionate Poet