by: Alex Richter

The PHS bowling team continues to showcase determination, teamwork, and fresh talent in every match. Both the boys and girls teams are rebuilding after the loss of several seniors last year, but the athletes approach this transition with confidence and focus. 

For senior Damien Ramos, the boys’ team captain, stepping into a leadership role has been both challenging and rewarding. This year, he finds himself guiding a team of newer bowlers who are eager to learn. Many of the athletes this season are first-year players, and Damien has been impressed by how quickly they’re picking up the mechanics and strategy of the sport.

Damien himself has undergone major growth as a bowler. One of his biggest personal challenges this year has been transitioning from a straight throw to mastering a curved throw, a technique that brings more power and control but requires precision and practice. As he continues refining his own form, he’s also helping new players build theirs, creating an environment where everyone develops together.

Bowling may look simple from the outside, but Damien is quick to shut down the idea that it’s an “easy” sport. He shared that many people underestimate the physical control, focus, and consistency required to perform well under pressure. When games intensify, some players excel while others struggle, but the team has learned to support one another and regroup when things get tough.

Coach Crissi, in her third season, acknowledges her husband, Coach Daniel Fox, as her “secret weapon” for guidance. She stresses that bowling is a continual learning process, even for experienced players. Coach Crissi notes that improvement often comes with temporary score setbacks and finds it rewarding when players can identify their own mistakes.

When asked to describe a moment that inspired confidence in the team, Coach Crissi focused on the collective spirit: “The best teams to me are the ones that can lift each other through the rough frames.” This sentiment ties directly into how the team stays motivated during low-score weeks, as she believes it is the players, more than the coach, who are responsible for moving the team through hard games.

Finally, Coach Crissi shared a message for readers: “Bowling is a very technical and expensive sport. I encourage people to come out and watch, or if they want to help support to reach out. We are always taking donations to help offset the cost for these kids.” Whether students are seasoned athletes or curious beginners, the lanes are open, and the teams are ready to welcome anyone willing to take their shot.

Both the boys and girls teams are still welcoming new members, regardless of experience level. Bowling at PHS emphasizes growth and opportunity: players aren’t locked into a single position for the season. Instead, their placement changes based on performance, giving every athlete a fair chance to move up the lineup with strong scores.

With a blend of returning players and fast-learning newcomers, this year’s PHS bowling program is poised for success. The lanes are open for anyone ready to take their shot.

By: Aiden Alcorta

As we approach the end of 2025, it marks the beginning of the 2025-2026 Pleasanton Eagles basketball season. The boys’ basketball team has kicked off their off-season training in the summer, making significant strides in speed, strength, and especially their on-court skills. They have been diligently competing in numerous games and tournaments to prepare for the upcoming district games.

Regarding their performance, the Eagles have played 6 out of 25 games, starting the season with a record of 2-4. Results from games are as follows. Pleasanton vs Beeville: 60-53 (Win), Pleasanton vs Alamo Heights: 72-53 (Loss), Pleasanton vs East View: 75-51 (Loss), Pleasanton vs Memorial (Loss), Pleasanton vs Laredo LBJ: 69-47 (Win), and Pleasanton vs Davenport: 91-53 (Loss).

Despite the challenges, the Eagles are optimistic about a strong finish to the season and are eager to secure multiple wins moving forward. They recently traveled to Laredo for a multi-team tournament, aiming to come out on top with the championship plaque.

Come out and support your mighty Eagles! #PridePride! 

By: Aiden Alcorta 

As we approach the new year, the girls’ basketball season is well underway. The Lady Eagles have been hard at work since summer, honing their skills on the court and enhancing their speed. They kicked off the season on November 8th against Natalia. 

Starting strong, the Lady Eagles have achieved a record of 5-1, with a total of 16 games played, including tournaments. The results from some of their recent matchups are as follows. Pleasanton vs. Natalia: 51-31 (Win), Pleasanton vs. Jefferson: 61-24 (Win), Pleasanton vs. McCollum: 89-15 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. Brackenridge: 49-26 (Win), Pleasanton vs. Lanier: 32-29 (Win), Pleasanton vs. Roosevelt: 57-29 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. Fox Tech: 55-35 (Win), Pleasanton vs. Taft: 52-5 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. Carrizo Springs: 51-18 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. Cole: 50-22 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. Cuero: 35-25 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. Stevens: 54-41 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. John F. Kennedy: 43-32 (Loss), Pleasanton vs. Lanier: 33-25 (Win), Pleasanton vs. Highlands: 60-28 (Loss), and Pleasanton vs. Southwest: 48-36 (Loss).

The Lady Eagles have been diligently preparing during these tournaments and are eager for the district play ahead. Their next home game will take place on December 16th against Charlotte at 5:30 PM at the PAC. Come out and support your Lady Eagles! #PridePride!

by: Alex Richter

As the semester winds down and winter break inches closer, our campus is buzzing with activity across sports, UIL, and academic programs. Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening.

Special congratulations go to several students who completed the academically challenging National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge. This intense writing marathon requires participants to draft a 50,000-word novel in just one month (November), aka 30 days. Congratulations to Mylah Baumeister, Jayden Crawford, Luis Ramos, Alex Richter, and Peyton Titzman for their incredible dedication and literary accomplishment.

The band is gearing up for its annual Christmas concert, a tradition many students look forward to each year. Keep an eye out for the official concert date and be sure to come support your fellow Eagles; a huge congratulations goes out to the two band members who advanced to regionals! Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and their accomplishment highlights the strength of our growing band program.

On the athletic side, both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams have finalized their official rosters for the season. After conditioning, tryouts, and practices, coaches have made their final decisions. Soon, athletes will shift their focus to preseason preparation and upcoming matches. Stay tuned for game schedules and ways to support the teams.

With fine arts, athletics, and unique challenges all in motion, it’s clear our students continue to push forward with dedication. More updates to come as each program heads into the heart of its season! Pride, pride!

By: Annameek Haiduk

Colt Aley, a theater student at Pleasanton High School, has shown how his passion and artistic expression allow theater to be more than just a classroom, illustrating how embodying a character captivates an audience and showing how having boundless imagination allows him to take the stage without fear, in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. 

Colts’ devotion to movies sparked his ambition to pursue acting. This prospect shortly led him to discover that theater meant everything to him. From embodying a character to simply being on stage and captivating audiences, theater became something that empowered his creativity and allowed him to gain confidence. Theater also gave him the strength to step outside his comfort zone and lose that fear of public speaking, allowing him to have fun and become more outgoing. With this newfound confidence, Colt was given the opportunity to direct a show for the theater department. This soon became one of his proudest moments, being able to watch something come alive, seeing as the actors make the play more than just a script, this gave Colt the immense feeling of aspiration for theater. Theater has always been something that Colt could go to and rely on, even when the curriculum becomes challenging; being able to make words become alive has always been rewarding. 

  Colt aspires to continue his theater pathway throughout his high school years, hoping to gain more achievements, uplift others, and persist in enrapturing audiences through his acting expression. Colt also dreams of pursuing theater in college, seeing theater as his future career and aspiration. He also hopes to use his talents and knowledge in theater to inspire others, believing that you should never be afraid and that taking risks is both satisfying and fulfilling. 

His advice for aspiring theater students is to “Never be afraid of messing up or doing something wrong, not letting fear hold you back is the key to theater, you lose all the risks that you don’t take. Theater isn’t just about your individual performance, but also about being able to collaborate and tell a story. Trust your instincts and stay true to your expression, don’t be afraid to take ownership and make bold choices.” 

Colts’ theater experience is about more than just a boost in confidence; it’s about how his passion and devotion have shaped him into the person he is today. This journey has instilled in him a sense of purpose and unwavering dedication. By fully embracing his passion for theater, Colt has not only achieved personal growth but also collective growth, having an influential impact on those around him and appearing as a figure others respect and admire.

By: Jolenne Woodlee

Building Connections and Life Lessons: The Philosophy of Mrs. McDermott’s Classroom. In the bustling world of modern education, where digital interactions often replace face-to-face communication, Mrs. McDermott stands out. As an interpersonal studies teacher, her classroom is more than just a place to learn theory; it’s a living laboratory for real human connection and vital life skills. 

McDermott emphasizes the importance of “building more connections with the students in real-life situations.” She understands that the skills taught in her class—communication, empathy, and relationship building—are not abstract concepts confined to a textbook. They are tools students will use every day for the rest of their lives. This practical approach makes the subject matter instantly relatable and engaging. “I think the topics within the class are easier and more enjoyable,” she notes, reflecting on how applying the curriculum to real-world scenarios elevates the learning experience from a chore to a pleasure. Students are encouraged to step away from screens and engage in meaningful, personal interactions that help them navigate their social worlds more effectively.

The path to the classroom wasn’t a straight line for Mrs. McDermott; it was guided by a profound appreciation for mentorship. “Who inspired me to teach is more or less my coaches, who were my favorite teachers,” she shares. These mentors demonstrated the power of a teacher’s influence beyond academics—instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Now, she pays that inspiration forward, hoping that her students will take the “life lessons throughout life” that she absorbed from her own mentors. Her ultimate goal isn’t just to teach a subject but to shape individuals, fostering personal growth and character development. Mrs. McDermott is eager for more students to discover the advantages of her unique course. She hopes more kids will sign up because “it’s a great class and a lifelong benefit to learn.” The skills acquired here offer a significant advantage in all facets of life—from personal relationships to future careers. 

Mrs. McDermott’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: education should make you a better person. By focusing on interpersonal studies and real-world application, she ensures that her students are not just prepared for tests, but for life itself. She hopes that long after they leave her classroom, her students will embody the lessons learned, making them more compassionate, connected, and capable human beings “now in their everyday life.” It is this dedication to personal growth that truly defines her unique and impactful approach to teaching.

By: Kadynce Miller

‘Tis the season of gift-giving! Today, we’re sharing how to select the perfect gift for your loved ones and peers. 

Tip one: listen to what the person you’re shopping for expresses throughout the year about their holiday wishes. Pay attention to their hobbies—art supplies for a budding artist or a new book for a book lover, for instance. 

Tip two: focus on gifts that foster a sympathetic connection rather than just monetary value. It’s not about how much you spend; it’s about the thought and care you put into the gift. A handmade item or something modestly priced can often resonate more deeply than an expensive one.

Tip three: seek out opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family. Whether it’s watching their favorite shows and movies while enjoying snacks together, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments matter.

Overall, the holidays are not just about giving or receiving gifts; they’re about creating memories together. They represent the joyful traditions you cherish with your loved ones and the fun you share. The Quill staff wishes everyone happy holidays and a wonderful winter break! 

By: Ella Garza

Off, (often stylized in all caps), was originally a French-Belgian 2008 RPGMaker cult classic made by artist Mortis Ghost. This month, back in 2024, the remaster was announced and later released in August of 2025. You take the role of puppeting around a being known as the 4, our protagonist. As is explained in the first couple of minutes of playing, you’ll be made aware that this strange man is on a sacred mission to “purify” the world. There are four zones, three of which are numbered accordingly, each producing one of 4 crucial elements necessary for the inhabitants to survive. 

The video games stem from their engaging plot line, peculiar art style, and their abundance of information, which leaves for the most part to the imagination. The soundtrack is probably the game’s most recognizable part, composed by Alias Conrad Coldwood. Tracks like pepper steak have been fan favorites for years. 

I will say, the original rpgmaker release of Off has a lot of issues regarding pacing, content, and even in some areas coding, these issues are later addressed in the recent remaster. The remaster offers a nice coat of varnish on what was already a beautiful start to a painting. A handful of new secret optional bosses, a new battle ui, and of course a brand new soundtrack. While the soundtrack was a controversial topic for most, it only makes sense for something like this to present something a little more refreshing than what was otherwise a very short collection of songs. 

Aside from all that, to be completely honest, I’ve been a tad biased here. Nevertheless, I still think that if this wasn’t something I had personally been a fan of, it would still deserve the perfect five-star rating it’s getting in this issue. 

The original version of OFF is free and available on the developers site here, the remaster on the other hand is roughly 15 dollars on steam, and occasionally goes on sale!

By: Liam Powell

December’s horoscope brings a powerful blend of closure and new beginnings as the year winds down. With the sun starting the month in bold Sagittarius, there’s a collective push toward adventure, honesty, and big-picture thinking. People feel more motivated to take risks, speak their truth, and chase opportunities they’ve been hesitant about all year.

Later in the month, the energy shifts as the sun enters steady Capricorn. This transition grounds everyone, creating a strong desire for structure, responsibility, and long-term planning. December encourages people to reflect on what they’ve learned, release what no longer serves them, and set realistic goals for the year ahead.

The month’s emotional tone also becomes more heartfelt and nostalgic. Relationships—family, friends, or romantic—take deeper meaning, and many feel pulled to reconnect, apologize, or express appreciation. It’s a month where intuition sharpens, and people feel more aware of what truly matters.

Overall, December’s horoscope points to a powerful conclusion to the year: a time to celebrate progress, embrace gratitude, and step confidently into new beginnings.

By: Ella Garza

The rights of human beings all over the world are a well-talked-about topic, but for good reason. We take the month of December as a time to shed light on the individual rights of everyone worldwide. This started all the way back in 1948 when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Now, awareness like this is extremely crucial for people who tend to be underrepresented in the world, for example, people of color, those in poverty, disabled or impaired people, and a plethora of other typically unseen communities. Taking this time to shine a light on those whose rights are often disregarded or violated is important. People in these marginalized or underprivileged communities deserve the same rights, just the same as anyone else.

To help those in need, and further celebrate this month, there are always tons of places to donate and share information about human rights.

By: Victory Alcantara

For decades, many believed that the T-Rex was the only large-bodied theropod in its environment. However, skepticism always existed within the scientific community. In 1988, a tyrannosaur previously assigned to Gorgosaurus was redescribed as a new taxon, Nanotyrannus lancensis, commonly referred to as the Pygmy Tyrant. This species was presented as a speedy hunter weighing between 1000 and 1500 kilograms, coexisting alongside Tyrannosaurus rex. Notably, it featured longer arms and more teeth than its much larger relative, distinguishing it in the theropod lineup. Initially regarded as a fringe hypothesis and often dismissed as a conspiracy theory, this perspective gained significant traction as of October this year.

At the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences lies The Dueling Dinosaurs, a fossil discovery that has transformed our understanding. The block contains a young Triceratops found in an articulated position with a tyrannosaur, previously cited as a juvenile T-Rex. However, with the discovery of a completely preserved tyrannosaur, we now know beyond a reasonable doubt that this animal was not a T-Rex.

The confirmation of Nanotyrannus’s existence revolutionizes our understanding of the ecology of Late Cretaceous North America. This finding calls into question many dinosaur skeletons once thought to be juvenile T-Rex specimens, prompting a re-examination for Nanotyrannus. More detailed descriptions of The Dueling Dinosaurs are expected to be released soon, promising to shed further light on this fascinating dinosaur.

by: Alex Richter

Let’s be honest with ourselves for a second: school spirit has flatlined. You’ve probably noticed it, too. Throughout the 2024–2025 year and now in the early months of 2025–2026, the enthusiasm that once filled our hallways has turned into a shrug.

The big question is: why don’t students care anymore? Well, part of it is burnout. Everyone’s dealing with stress, and when you’re exhausted, throwing on a goofy outfit for Spirit Week doesn’t feel like a priority. Another part is that we’ve become hyper-aware of how we look, how we act, how we’re perceived. It’s easier not to participate than to risk looking “cringe.” Some students feel so disconnected from the school that they don’t even want to attend. When you don’t feel like you belong, why would you feel motivated to show pride? 

However, school spirit actually matters; it isn’t just about wearing matching colors or showing up to a game. It’s about morale. It’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel supported, and when students engage in spirit events, it builds community. It turns a school from simply a building where we sit for eight hours into a place we’ll remember. School spirit can make people happier, more connected, and more willing to show up, to try, to care. That energy doesn’t just make events better; it makes the entire school day feel lighter.

Right now, our morale is dropping because we’ve stopped showing up for each other. When school feels dull and disconnected, students care less, and that negativity spreads quickly. A lack of energy becomes the new normal. But it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Rebuilding school spirit doesn’t require giant rallies or perfect Christmas outfits. It starts small. Participate in one event. Wear one color. Cheer one time at a game. Encourage a friend to join in. Show up with the tiniest bit of enthusiasm, and you’d be surprised how far that spark can spread. Spirit is contagious, and our school isn’t lacking fun; it’s lacking people willing to take the first step.

Whether you’re a freshman who feels invisible, a senior counting down the months until graduation, or someone in-between who has never once gone all-out for Spirit Week, your participation matters. We can bring back the energy, the pride, and the sense of community we once had, and school spirit needs a comeback. It’s time to get it back. Pride, pride!

By: Genevieve Chancellor

On a Christmas Eve, much further now than it seems, a little girl awakes to a chest at the foot of her bed. This little girl’s name is Esther, and she’s never seen this chest before. It features paintings of reindeer and a jolly old man with a kindly old woman on it. She slides out from under her bedding, quiet as a mouse. She opens the chest and peers inside. There is no bottom, just a long hole filled with snow. Leaning in to look further into the chest, Esther slips and falls down the hole.

Tumbling and tumbling down, she lands in a snowdrift, a few miles outside of a town. She looks over, and what does she see but a town where Christmas is king. The buildings are brick with snow-lined roofs, with bushes lining the way. As she draws nearer, what is it she sees but a sign that says Welcome to the North Pole. Esther stands there in stupor, the North Pole? But how can this be? She was in Nebraska just a moment ago. 

Someone seems to notice her shock because then a kindly voice calls out, “Oh my dear! Are you lost?” Esther looked up to see the kindly looking woman who had been painted on her chest. “Yes, ma’am, I’m afraid I am,” Esther replied with a polite nod of her head. 

“You poor thing, how’d you get here, little miss?” the kindly woman asked. 

“I fell through a chest, all the way down a tunnel, I tumbled and tumbled,” Esther explained, telling the woman her woes. 

“A chest, you say? How odd,” the woman says, tapping her foot. She gets a shimmer in her eye and says, “Come along, my husband can help you.” She says, walking off with a joyful skip in her step, Esther follows after her, rather confused. Who is her husband, and what does he do? They walk to a house larger than the rest with a stable of reindeer, and a workshop to the left, small Christmas elves scurry about, some shout orders, some stumble around.

The kind lady leads Esther deep into the home to the lounge, where a jolly old man with a big white beard and matching hair sits. 

“Gertrude! Do you know where my chest went?” The jolly old man asks, turning around, scratching his head. 

“Oh, we have a guest, I’m sorry, my dear, but I’m really pressed. You see, my magic chest has vanished, poof, it’s gone! I can’t make my runs without it,” The old man explained his worries. 

“Our guest here fell through a chest right into the snow outside of town,” the kindly woman says with a twinkle in her eye. 

“Fell through a chest? Could it be? Tell me, little girl, did this chest have paintings of reindeer and two old folk?” The old man asked. 

“Yes, yes, it did,” Esther replied. “But who are you?”

The old man laughed, a great hearty laugh. 

“Why, I am Santa Claus, I bring gifts to all the boys and girls of the world.” Esther stood there, shocked. “You’re Santa?” She asks, still in disbelief. The kindly lady laughs, finding it rather amusing. 

“Esther, I’ll take you home, but I’ll need my chest back. Do we have a deal?” Santa says as he bends down to her level. Esther nods, and Santa Claus picks her up, carrying her out towards the barn with the reindeer, all lined up in rows, connected to a sleigh. They took off, and suddenly, Esther fell back to sleep.

Waking in her bed on Christmas day,the chest was gone instead, there was a letter and a music box, the letter was signed by Mr and Mrs. Claus.

By: Jolenne Woodlee

For this month’s treat, it is a yule log cake. The yule log cake is a classic holiday dessert that originated in France. Inspired by the ancient custom of burning a large log during winter solstice celebrations, this cake symbolizes warmth, light, and togetherness. Today, it’s a centerpiece of Christmas tables around the world.

Sponge Cake Ingredients:

– 4 large eggs  

– ½ cup granulated sugar  

– ½ cup all-purpose flour  

– 2 tbsp cocoa powder  

– 1 tsp vanilla extract  

– Pinch of salt  

Filling Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream  

– 2 tbsp powdered sugar  

– 1 tsp vanilla extract  

Frosting Ingredients:

– 1 cup butter, softened  

– 2 cups powdered sugar  

– ½ cup cocoa powder  

– 2–3 tbsp milk  

– 1 tsp vanilla extract  

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sponge

   – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).  

   – Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.  

   – Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.  

   – Gently fold in flour, cocoa, salt, and vanilla.  

   – Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.  

2. Roll While Warm  

   – Turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar.  

   – Peel off the parchment and roll the cake up with the towel.  

   – Let it cool completely—this prevents cracks later.  

3. Make the Filling  

   – Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.  

4. Assemble the Cake  

   – Unroll the cooled sponge.  

   – Spread whipped cream filling evenly.  

   – Roll the cake back up tightly.  

5. Frost and Decorate  

   – Beat butter, sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla into a smooth frosting.  

   – Cover the cake with frosting, using a fork to create a bark-like texture.  

   – Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.  

   – Optional: Add meringue mushrooms, holly leaves, or berries for decoration.  

Tips for Success:

– Roll the cake while it’s still warm to avoid cracks.  

– Chill before serving for easier slicing.  

– Experiment with fillings—chocolate ganache, coffee cream, or fruit preserves- to add variety. 

The Yule log cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of tradition, artistry, and holiday cheer. With its rustic look and rich flavors, it’s guaranteed to impress guests and bring a touch of magic to your festive table. 

By: Liam Powell

The Jonestown massacre is one of the most disturbing events in modern American history, not because of graphic violence, but because of how a community’s trust was manipulated. It took place on November 18, 1978, in a remote settlement in Guyana, South America, where more than 900 members of a group called the Peoples Temple died under the control of their leader, Jim Jones.

Jim Jones founded the Peoples Temple in the 1950’s, promoting messages of equality, racial unity, and social support. Many people joined because they believed in these ideals, and the group grew quickly. Over time, however, Jones gained more control over his followers’ lives. His behavior became unpredictable, and he discouraged members from maintaining contact with friends and family outside the group.

In the mid-1970s, Jones moved his followers to a village he created called Jonestown, saying it would be a safe, peaceful community away from outside criticism. However, life in Jonestown was far from ideal. Former members reported strict rules, long work hours, and limited freedom. Concerns from relatives in the U.S. eventually led Congressman Leo Ryan to travel to Guyana to investigate the situation.

At first, Ryan’s visit seemed calm, but tensions quickly rose when several residents expressed their desire to leave Jonestown. As Ryan and his group attempted to leave from a nearby airstrip, they were attacked by armed guards connected to Jones, resulting in Ryan’s death—the first time a sitting U.S. congressman was killed while performing his duties.

Following the attack, Jim Jones ordered his followers to take part in an event that would become known worldwide as the Jonestown massacre. Many members were pressured or forced to participate, and families were torn apart by the tragedy. Today, Jonestown is remembered not only for the number of lives lost but for the warning it represents. The event shows how dangerous manipulation, isolation, and unquestioned authority can be. It also highlights the importance of staying connected, asking questions, and seeking help when something feels wrong.

The Jonestown massacre remains a somber reminder of the need for awareness, critical thinking, and strong community support systems so that tragedies like this never happen again.