By: Aiden Alcorta

As the Eagles kicked off the season at Eagle Stadium against the Highland Owls, the Eagles came out on top with a victory with the score resulting in 37-12 shutting out the Owls. As the  Eagles rolled  into their second matchup, the Eagles were looking forward to taking on San Antonio Jefferson which was a hard fought battle. Still, it resulted in the Eagles coming out on top with a score of 21-14 . Going into the third game of the year, the Eagles were going into their rivalry game against the Jourdanton Indians.  It was a hard fought battle throughout the whole game with both teams being neck to neck all night and resulted with Jourdanton taking the win  40-34 handing Pleasanton their first loss of the year. As Pleasanton was  going on into their final non-district game against the Gonzales Apaches, the Apaches had the game rolling going into the second half leading 28-7 . The Eagles were hoping to start the second half off strong and try coming back from the Apache lead but unfortunately  fell short resulting in a 34-14 Apache victory. The Eagles have now wrapped up the non-district games and are now heading into district this week against the Davenport Wolves on Thursday, September 26th at 7pm in Davenport. 

Good luck, Eagles!

By: Emily Breier 

It’s official: the 2024 volleyball season has started, and our Pleasanton highschool volleyball team are working hard to get back in the swing of things.  Additionally, the girls are striving to work on their skills and teamwork. We interviewed Sarah Clark, a varsity volleyball player. She said “I feel like I’ve been getting to know my team pretty well, it helps out with playing.” This really goes to show when they step onto the court. Considering this information these ladies have been performing very well! When playing Lampasa the Lady Eagles competed very well and managed to win both sets! 

Volleyball has many more games and tournaments. The future is bright for the Lady Eagles volleyball team. Each team member has their very own way of contributing to the team that leads them to how they play together.  A key part of how the team is their head coach, Couch Bunch. She is a fundamental part of the team leading them to work on their skills after every win or lose. With all this to say, we hope they have an amazing season reaching every goal they strive for. I hope you can come support our Lady Eagles at the next game. Pride Pride!

By: Alex R.

The Pleasanton Tennis team competed against Karnes City on Thursday, August 28th. Coach Everett expressed his pride in the team’s performance, saying he tried his best to motivate his players, which paid off in the final score. Jace, a key player on the varsity team, shared his thoughts that he works hard and focuses, and he looks forward to playing tennis due to the sport’s uniqueness. When asked what his favorite part of tennis was, Jace said: “The thing that I like the most about tennis is that it’s an individual sport, you don’t have to rely on anyone besides yourself,” 

The Eagles’ victory is a testament to their commitment and dedication, setting a positive tone for the rest of their season. With Coach Everett’s guidance and the team’s dedication, the Pleasanton Eagles are set for a successful season.

By: Leighlah Silva and Liam Powell 

“Champions are built in the summer.” That’s the mindset our cross-country team adopted this offseason. Over the summer, we focused on building up our running base by increasing our mileage. This helped set us up for success once the school year started, allowing us to shift our focus to speed endurance and tempo runs. All the hard work has paid off, with many of our athletes already setting personal and season-best times.

Of course, the post-race trips to Cane’s and Chick-fil-A are always a fun bonus, but more importantly, each athlete has personal and team goals to work toward. Knowing what they’re aiming for helps keep them focused and committed, even during the toughest workouts.

A successful cross-country runner needs strong endurance, speed, and physical strength to take on any race and perform at their best. But it’s not just about the physical side. Mentally, they need to have resilience, focus, and the ability to push through discomfort while staying determined and team-oriented. This season, our athletes have demonstrated all of these traits, and it’s showing in their results.

We’ve had some standout performances so far. Our varsity girls finished 2nd in Karnes City, 3rd at Lockhart, and 3rd at Seguin. The varsity boys placed 3rd at Lockhart, and our JV girls took 1st at Karnes City. Plus, we’ve had athletes medal by placing in the top 20 at every meet this season. Overall, it’s been a fantastic season so far, and we’re looking forward to more great moments ahead.

The team is showing steady progress in both performance and teamwork. We’ve seen improvements in endurance and speed, and everyone is staying motivated through tough workouts. Looking ahead, we want to keep this momentum going, peak at the right time for the big meets, and continue to strengthen our team bond. Our ultimate goal is for everyone to reach their personal bests, stay healthy, and hopefully win the district title and advance to regionals and state. 

It’s been a great journey so far, and we’re excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

By: Liam Powell

Ms. Rodriguez of the theater department was chosen for the teacher spotlight. Ms. Rodriguez has been the teacher for our theater department for the past few years. She started early on in life doing choir in high school, never thinking of trying theater arts. After graduating not many places were needing choir people, her mother told her about a show happening in town that needed choir people. When she went in to try out, she left with not only a part in the choir, but a role in the play. 1987, That’s what started her intense love for the arts. When she started doing theater professionally in the 90’s, it was decided by the government that the arts weren’t important enough to be taught. After a long period where teachers were let go, the government realized how important the arts really were, bringing the classes back to schools. However, with a shortage of teachers willing to continue theater, Ms. Rodriguez knew she had to do something. She took her role as a teacher of the arts with great excitement. Many friends of hers who had taught the arts told her they weren’t willing to go back to the arts for fear of being let go again. However, she wasn’t worried, she knew how important the arts were and how important it would be to keep teaching them.

When asked what plays she’d love to do again or would like to do in general, it took her a while to really think about the question. But her answer was full of confidence. She would love to do the musical, SIX by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Her dream role for the musical would be the role of “Anne Boleyn”, though the role “Catherine of Aragon” is another role she adores. However, a play she’d love to play and fit as of now would be “On Golden Pond”, a play about an older couple at their lake home. She would love to play the aging wife of the aging man.

Her favorite part of her job is working with young teens and children, helping them bloom into people who adore the arts just as much as her. She loves to help people who didn’t think they could do it, leading them into confident young actors. The hands-on experience is what gives her satisfaction in her job as a teacher of the arts. 

Her favorite play she’s done has to be “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes. A short story turned into a book then a play. A play she still does to this day is “Las Nuevas Tamaleras” by Alicia Mena, performed in San Antonio. She plays the role of a sweet, humorous, sassy and motherly. “Josey” is the character she’s played every year for this play. This play can be watched still in San Antonio on November 2nd at 7PM, at 226 N. Hackberry St., San Antonio, TX. 

Ms. Rodriguez is one of the kindest people at this school, during One Act Play she always has breakfast ready for the team, and anyone who can’t buy lunch you know she has you taken care of. Theater is her love as well as who shares her love for the art.

By: Leighlah Silva

Meet Yasmeen Diop, a student who’s truly making her mark at Pleasanton High School. As a member of Pacesetters, JROTC, and the powerlifting team, Yasmeen has shown that leadership and self-development come in many forms. For her, each activity has played a significant role in shaping her into the person she is today.  

“Pacesetters helped me grow as a dancer and a leader. In JROTC, I developed as a cadet and leader. With powerlifting, I’ve learned how to stay in shape and discipline myself,” she shares. For Yasmeen, these activities aren’t just hobbies—they’re like little families. “They’ve all taught me how to take care of myself mentally and physically and made me a better team member.”

One of Yasmeen’s proudest moments was being selected for the Summer Leadership Seminar at West Point, an achievement that speaks to her dedication. Out of 1,000 applicants, only 300 students were chosen, and she was one of them. “It was pretty cool getting selected,” she says.

Yasmeen’s future is equally as ambitious as her high school achievements. She dreams of attending West Point or the United States Military Academy, with plans to study military intelligence, major in international studies or global science, and possibly minor in nuclear warfare or Spanish. This goal has been on her mind since after 7th grade when JROTC first opened her eyes to these possibilities. “It’s all free, and I can travel,” she adds, explaining the allure of her dream career.

Her advice for fellow students is clear: “Have self-discipline. Chase bigger things and go see the outside world. If you have big goals, no one’s telling you that you can’t go after them—you stop yourself, not anyone else. You’re only going to get the things you want if you put in the work.”

Yasmeen draws inspiration from her mother, Dr. Bella, who is a standout figure in her life. “She didn’t come from a lot, but she’s given me so much,” Yasmeen says. Her mom’s advice is simple but powerful: education is the most important thing you can have because no one can take it away. Yasmeen’s mom continues to support her through her college journey, motivating her with the phrase, “Play hard, but work harder.”

For Yasmeen, high school has been a balance of fun and hard work, but her eyes are set on much bigger things. Her determination, discipline, and strong sense of leadership will undoubtedly carry her far as she strives toward her goals. As she puts it, “If you’re determined to do something, go and do it. Strive for more and really have that mindset to reach those good points in your life.”

By: Alex R.

You may not know it, but Ms. Riley has become an integral part of our school community, dedicating her time and energy to support PHS! Ms. Riley has an impressive record of 34 years of experience, specializing in Reading, Dyslexia, and Special Education. She chose to become an inclusion teacher because it gives her many opportunities to engage with her students and witness their growth firsthand. For her, this role provides a unique perspective, allowing her to build meaningful relationships with students while helping them accomplish their curriculum more effectively. 

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Riley cherishes the relationships she’s built with students and staff. She shared how much she loves the moments of connection and collaboration she gets during her planning sessions, as it gives her a chance to offer encouragement and guidance. “I especially enjoy being in and out of different classrooms, meeting students where they are,” she explained. This flexibility is one of the many aspects she finds rewarding in her role.

When asked about what energizes her the most, Ms. Riley said that seeing the “lightbulb moments” when students grasp new concepts is one of the most fulfilling parts of her job. These moments remind her why she chose this career in the first place.

Ms. Riley’s dedication to teaching makes her a true asset to our school. Whether she’s helping students overcome learning difficulties or offering support to her colleagues, her passion shines through in everything she does. 

Next time you see Ms. Riley in the classroom, don’t hesitate to say hello and thank her for everything she’s done at PHS!

By: Layla Rodriguez and Jolenne Woodlee

For this month’s Athlete of the Month article, we wanted to switch it up and choose a cheerleader, therefore we have thoughtfully selected Joyce Reyna! Joyce is outgoing, kind, hardworking, and loved by many at PHS! This year, Joyce competes in cheer and powerlifting, which she loves! She states, “I tried to cheer out for the first time when I was nine because it seemed fun, and I have stuck with it ever since. Technically, I was on the varsity cheer team in 6th grade at Brooks Academy, and that was where I learned to love cheer because I got to experience so many different things.” As you can tell, Joyce is very dedicated to her sports and has put in hard work since a young age. 

Joyce is also a very amazing student, which is very impressive considering she also participates in sports! We asked Joyce how she manages all of these tasks and she said “I try to finish most of my work in class and do homework when I have free time, but if I have work left I stay up late to finish it or do it on the bus if necessary for away games.”. She sure is a dedicated and hard worker!

Overall we are so happy that we were able to focus on Joyce for this month’s athlete spotlights and we wish her a great year! Come and support our Pleasanton Eagles this year, Pride Pride!

By: Leighlah Silva 

Meet Lina Widelund, an adventurous student all the way from Sweden. Eager to experience something entirely new, Lina decided to dive into a culture far different from the one she grew up in. The heat, she says, was one of the first big differences. “Compared to home, it’s super hot here! But people are so kind, and that makes everything easier,” Lena shares with a smile.

In Sweden, the school system is quite different. Instead of choosing individual classes like we do here, students choose a program and stay in one class all day. Adjusting to the fast-paced variety of classes was a bit of a challenge, but Lina has embraced it fully. She’s become involved in Student Council, and this experience has opened doors for her to meet new people and participate in activities she never expected.

Her biggest piece of advice? Get involved. “Do as much extracurricular as possible,” she encourages, noting how those opportunities have made her time here even more memorable. Lina’s journey reminds us all that stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to exciting new adventures and friendships.

By: Xavier Mendoza

September is suicide prevention month, and even then, throughout the year it is encouraged to engage in suicide prevention efforts. Suicide prevention month was started on September of 2008 to acknowledge those affected by suicidal thoughts and to address the increasing suicide rates. We use this month to shift the perception of suicide to spread hope and share vital information about the signs and warnings of people affected by suicidal thoughts. A well known organization known as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has been saving lives and bringing hope since 1987 and continues to save lives till this day. If you want to show support and acknowledge suicide prevention month you can check up on those close to you or wear a yellow or orange ribbon to show support to the cause. 

By: The Wiseman

For our advice column this month, this journalist poses the age-old question: what advice can you give a student beginning their senior year?

As high school initiated weeks ago, the final chapter of school is being written for seniors as it will continue onwards. Slowly filling itself out based on each day, month, and year, we’re able to write the final chapter ourselves. Each day counts as a sentence, the months being the paragraphs, and the school year being the whole finalized product of the story. So, start it off well, and end it with an impact. With that being said, finish your story as it will become your history that will go down in memory forever. 

Signing off,

The Wiseman

By: Alex R.

In a case that has shaken South Korea, two teenagers were sentenced on August 29th, 2017, for their roles in the harrowing kidnapping and murder of an 8-year-old, bringing a sad end to a tragedy that has left lasting scars. The victim was found dead in an apartment complex. The suspects, Kim, and her accomplice Park, both high school students, were arrested shortly after. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident soon unraveled into a calculated and horrifying crime, sparking national outrage and demands for justice.

Investigations revealed that Kim had lured the young girl into the apartment when the girl had asked to use her phone. Once inside, Kim strangled the child and frequently updated Park via messages. According to reports, Park had encouraged and instructed Kim to carry out the murder. It turns out that both girls were influenced by disturbing online communities that used fantasy roleplay. Park, arrested for her role in planning the attack, became a focal point in discussions about how young people can be drawn into dark, manipulative places and dangerous online subcultures. 

As the trial progressed, more disturbing details emerged. Prosecutors revealed that Kim had a history of violent tendencies and a fascination with death. Park, described as a mentor figure, was shown to have a romantic relationship with Kim, and they often talked about murder and twisted fantasies online. The defense argued that both teens were suffering from severe mental health issues, framing the crime as a tragic accident as a result of psychological distress rather than cold-blooded intent. However, the court ultimately sentenced Kim to life in prison, while Park received a 13-year sentence for her involvement, she is to be released in 2030.

This horrific case ignited debates in South Korea regarding the influence of the internet on youth behavior, the shortcomings of the juvenile justice system, and the lack of mental health support for troubled teens. It also led to public calls for tougher penalties for violent crimes committed by minors. This case has been widely discussed in the media, and will forever be known as a brutal crime by two disturbed teens.

By: Layla Rodriguez

For this month’s poll, we have posted a very controversial topic…students could choose their favorite content platform: Instagram Reels, TikTok, or Youtube Shorts. Our results were very surprising considering YouTube Shorts only got one vote… come on PHS! That being said, Shorts are out of the running. It was very close between TikTok and Instagram Reels with Instagram Reels taking the win for first place!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @phsthequill for more polls and updates!

“Hey Siri, play Summertime Sadness, by Lana Del Rey”

Lazy summer afternoons, 

Walks along the beach, 

Balmy evenings, cloudless skies, 

Stars just out of reach,

Sailing on a quiet lake,

Hammocks in the shade…

These are the simple treasures 

Of which August days are made.

-Anonymous

By: Layla Rodriguez

For this month’s sweet treat, we will be bringing a festive fall twist… pumpkin rolls! To make this delicious fall treat, you will need:

Roll:

-1 cup sugar

-¾ cup flour

-1 tsp baking powder

-1 tsp pumpkin spice

-¼ tsp salt

-3 large eggs

-⅔ cup pumpkin puree 

-1 tsp vanilla extract

Icing:

-3 cups powdered sugar

-8 oz cream cheese

-2 tbs butter 

-1 tsp heavy cream

Firstly, preheat the oven to 375 degrees, then line the pan (18×13 in.) with parchment paper. Next get a large mixing bowl combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, salt, eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract and mix till there’s no clumps. After it is all mixed together, pour the mixture into the pan and spread evenly. Once already put it in the oven for 12-15 minutes! Once the cake is done put it onto a cup towel and roll into the towel and let that sit for one hour. Now it’s time to make the frosting! First combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, room temp butter, vanilly and heavy cream into a bowl and mix with the mixer until smooth. Last but not least unroll your pumpkin roll, ice it and enjoy!