By: Gabby Palacios

Mrs. Jones flashes her bright smile for the camera.

Many seniors may recognize Mrs. Jones as the bright-eyed, high-spirited teacher located at the end of the senior hallway. Though her well-composed image is unmistakable, most students do not get the privilege of working with Mrs. Jones. Still, she has a huge impact on those who do get the privilege of working with her, and her work around our campus does not go unnoticed.

Mrs. Jones is part of the English department here at PHS. Her job is targeted towards helping students who need practice with specific skills and strategies to be successful on their English I or II tests, seniors who struggle to master a second STAAR test, and those who have large gaps in reading. As an interventionist, Mrs. Jones has had the ability to see the growth of her students and has a great impact on their experiences here at PHS.

Before she became a teacher here at PHS or even attended college, Mrs. Jones spent time in the Navy and although her enlistment was not planned, she enjoyed the experience which she believes saved her life. On a walk to her job at HEB, she explained that she was “feeling sorry for [herself].” “I was thinking ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do with the rest of my life’… you have this thought of ‘… am I going to be stuck here forever,’” Mrs. Jones explained.

She questioned how she would make it out and buy a house or start a family. But this fateful day, her friends drove by, explained that they were on their way to join the military, and asked if she wanted to join. “They took me right back to my home, I called in sick, left with them and we went to San Antonio.”

After a while, Mrs. Jones was processed and sworn into the Navy. “When I came out, it was already dark, already late and they were like ‘what took you so long?’ and I said ‘what do you mean? I just got sworn in.’ and their mouths dropped wide open… None of them joined that day.”

Mrs. Jones left for the Navy the week following her enlistment, and explains it was the “beginning of [her] today.” Mrs. Jones strongly believes that that day was meant for her. She was at a point in life where she felt stuck, with no idea of where she was going, but the opportunity provided a “vehicle” for her passage to the life she lives today. She explains, “It was one of the best choices I made in my life.”

After her time in the Navy, she became an Atascosa Jailer, then went on to become President of the police academy that she attended. Mrs. Jones decided to leave the position after the ambush on Atascosa county and returned to school, beginning in Palo Alto, then transferring to Texas A&M.

Mrs. Jones, through her service for the country and the students of PHS, has proven to be a caring, strong, and passionate woman that deserves to be recognized. Thank you, Mrs. Jones, for your dedication, hard work, and all that you do for our campus. Pride Pride!

By: Gabby Palacios

Due to Covid-19, this year’s Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) will be held virtually, with participants submitting all of their interview answers and photo documents electronically. Previously, PHS Art teachers and students would travel to the region event hosts, East Central High School, where they would go through a physical interview process.

According to the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) website, the mission of VASE is to “recognize exemplary student achievement in the Visual Arts by providing art students and programs a standard of excellence in which to achieve.” For this year’s event, participants completed an online Student Intent form that explained the composition and creative process of their work and digitally submitted reference photos and final photos of their completed work.

After submitting the form, each entry is evaluated by jurors and given scores based on research and application to the work, technique, use of elements and the principles of art, aesthetics and critical judgment, and personal expression. The artwork is evaluated on the purpose, technique, personal expression, organization, and integration of the piece. A score of four achieves a regional award and qualifies the piece for judging for the state event. Ten percent of the qualifying pieces advance.

Last school year, Michael Castillo (current sophomore), Grace Bogenschneider (graduated), and Katelyn Rivera, and Alaina Caballero (current seniors) advanced to state with their pieces. This year, a total of 37 PHS participants received regional medals and sophomore Trey Martinez, juniors Kennedy Guajardo and Juan Lopez, and seniors Korin Ramos and Gabby Palacios advanced and will compete at the state virtual event, taking place on April 23-24, where they have the opportunity to participate in workshops and adjudication awards. 

Although the circumstances of the event are different this year, our PHS students did an amazing job and enjoyed the event. Sophomore Juan Lopez, explains, “This was my first year in art so I was surprised, but I am very excited for state.” 

On the other hand, an anonymous senior explains that they “wish it was different.” They explained, “I’m thankful we got to do it, but it’s unfortunate that I couldn’t physically be there my senior year.” 

Though the circumstances weren’t the best, PHS did an amazing job at VASE. Good job to all of the regional medalists and good luck to the state qualifiers! Pride Pride!

By: Gabby Palacios

Rising senior Linda Sanchez performing her jump of choice (a left hurdler) during mock tryouts.

After a long week of tough practices, PHS cheer sponsors, Mrs. Rutherford and Mrs. Lopez held tryouts for the 2021-2022 team, with 14 girls making Varsity, and 11 girls making Junior Varisty. 

Throughout the week, the candidates were taught and prepared a cheer and dance routine that they performed with their tryout groups. As they entered their tryouts, each girl performed an entrance routine displaying their spirit and tumbling skills and then demonstrated their techniques for a toe touch jump and a jump of their choice. To finish off their tryouts, each group performed the PHS Fight Song, Jalisco, pom routine.

There were a total of 25 girls to try out for the team and 2 members that sought positions as mascots, and every candidate received a position. With that being said, the 2021-2022 PHS cheer team is larger than it has been in years. Although a 14-member varsity squad is average, the junior varsity team will be made up of 11 girls, almost double the number of the current members.

Rising senior Linda Sanchez explains, “This was a good tryout to end off on. The amount of growth everyone showed from the beginning of the week to the last day of tryouts was amazing. I’m proud of the group I get to end my last season on. It’s a big team so hopefully, we can use that to our advantage. ” Though she is sad to be coming up on her last season, Linda is excited for the new team to get together.

PHS is very excited to see what the new team has planned for next year. Good job and congratulations to all new members. Pride Pride!

Junior Varsity: Abigail Hotchkin, Abigail Sosa, Alejandra Martinez, Aubrey Cantu, Emily Morales, Joyce Reyna, Madalyn Allen, Malerie Martinez, Mercedes Phillips, Pearl Sosa, Valeria Morales

Varsity: Brooke Rankin, Desiree Duran, Eileen Jaksik, Emree Adamitz, Linda Sanchez, Makayla Lico, McAda Rutherford, Megan Mayse, Melanie Douglas, Noelani Guerrero, Paige David, Raylin Castillo, Riley Porter, Sirrah Maxwell

By: Gabby Palacios

PHS Pacesetter sponsors, Mrs. De Waal and Ms. Mendoza Del Bosque, held tryouts for the pacesetter team on the week of Monday, February 22- Saturday, February 27. A total of 33 members make up the 2021-2022 team.

During the week of tryouts, the girls prepared a routine that involved specific kicks and dance techniques, and a combination to advance across the floor. Before tryouts, they were expected to have their right split, right stationary leap, and a right pirouette. For tryouts, the girls performed their right and left techniques and the combination they were taught. 

The techniques expected of the girls have made a strong team of award-winning talent, clearly shown by their performances in school events and competitions. On Saturday, March 27, the team took part in the CrowdPleasers Competition in Retire Hays in Buda, Texas, where they received superior ratings in all of their ensemble, duets, and trio performances. Selena and Mily received a superior rating for their duet Gravity, Selena and Autumn for their duet Lovely, Kaitlyn and Larissa for their duet Beautiful Thing, medium jazz ensemble and Ritmo Trio. They received first place overall and scored best in class awards for the team Pom and Officer Modern dance.

Although she is excited about new beginnings, Mrs. DeWaal is also sad to see her seniors go. 

To the 2020-2021 Pacesetter Seniors:

“Each year it gets harder and harder to see seniors leave.  We build relationships that grow each year in a different way depending on their maturity, events in their lives, or leadership roles.  

Sophie is a first-year pacesetter that brings light to the team with her spunk and humble attitude.  She is a quick learner and blends well with the team.  I wish she would have tried out sooner, but so happy she did it for at least one year.  

Alexandra is my Lieutenant Colonel on the team and a 3rd-year dancer. Each year her confidence grows more and more, and I have definitely seen her bloom into a beautiful dancer.  The amazing quality that I will miss about her, is her way to turn hurdles into opportunities.  Opportunities to grow, learn and teach.  Alex is a great motivator for the team and for me.  I will miss her daily De Waal interruptions, just so she could say, ” I love you”.

Milagros is Major for the Pacesetter team and a 3rd-year dancer.  I have known Mily since she was a freshman and enjoyed her bright personality in the classroom as well as with the team.  She is the most talented dancer with the humblest demeanor. She has more love and gratitude in her little finger than most people display in their lifetime. I will miss her radiant smile and goofy ways. 

Jewels will probably be the hardest hit to my heart from this year’s senior group.  Jewels and I started at the same time and she is one of my original dancers once I became director of the pacesetters. We have grown together each year learning new ways to improve this team.  She is truly a talented dancer that will sacrifice herself for other’s success. Jewels has taught me patience, professionalism, and reflection through conversations and events.  Like I said, each year in a different way my relationship grows with the pacesetters, Jewels has seen and been involved in every way.”

– Mrs. DeWaal

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 Pacesetter team, and good luck to all of the seniors in the years to come! Pride Pride!

The 2021-2022 Team: Rosemary Garcia, Kaitlyn Allen, Alexandra Garcia, Madison Peters, Xitlalli Hernandez, Sydney Sorola, Cristina Ramos, Sergio Gonzalez, Kasey Patel, Alexis Robles, Illeana Ochoa, Natalia Cano, Anisa Murillo, Jamine Carlos, Marisol Villarreal, Brianna Arevalo, Larissa Villarreal, Miranda Caballero, Beatriz Castor, Jecenia Guzman, Krista Gutierrez, Kendra Valle, Eboni Rivera, Yasmeen Diop, Autumn Tortes-McGinnis, Selena Cerda, Dolores Guel, Heather Akers, Saidee Almendarez, Aryanna Partida, Lorenza Gonzales, Bianca Perez, Belle Martel

By: Gabby Palacios

Mrs. Hardy pictured hard at work in her office.

Though most PHS students have heard the name “Mrs. Hardy,” unless you are a student with the last name beginning with the letters N through Z, you may have never gotten the privilege of speaking with or even seeing her in person. Still, Mrs. Hardy’s hard work and dedication to our campus and students does not go unnoticed.

Mrs. Hardy attended Jourdanton High School which has proven to be a very different experience from PHS. She explained, ¨Of course, attending high school and being able to look back on it afterward is very different, but Jourdanton is much much smaller than Pleasanton… Growing up, Pleasanton was almost kind of our rival so it was kind of weird to come work here but it’s been a lot of fun,” she explained.

After graduating high school in 1992, she decided to apply to Texas A&M University. She was, unfortunately, rejected. “…At the time I was very embarrassed about [it] but now I’m really kind of proud of and open about it… I applied for A&M and I did not get in… So I kinda had to figure out things because I always thought that was where I wanted to go.” 

 It was this that allowed her to make the life-changing decision to attend Palo Alto. She stated, “The best thing that happened to me was that I went to Palo Alto. The absolute best thing I did was going there. I went there and it was nice and small. I was able to just commute from home. Which was really nice because we saved a ton of money… My parents were both educators in Jourdanton so that helped us a ton… Palo Alto was never intimidating to me, I was always comfortable there. I had friends that were there. It was kind of just like a continuation of high school.” Even though her plans dramatically changed, Mrs. Hardy stayed positive throughout this time, made the absolute best of her situation, and, in the end, grew from and enjoyed her time at Palo Alto.

After a year spent at Palo Alto, she then transferred to Texas State University for one year. Two years after she first applied to TAMU, she decided she wanted to give it another shot. “After I finished at Palo Alto I decided to go to what is now called Texas State, at the time it was called Southwest Texas. I went there for a year and then I decided that If I never tried A&M again I would always regret it… I applied and got in… and finished the rest of my time at A&M.”

After graduating from A&M College Station in 1996 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, now referred to as Education, she took her first job here at PHS as an Aerie Lab teacher. Her next job came a short year later at McDowell (Hondo) Middle School where she ran a computer lab. Though she did enjoy the school, she wanted to be able to work hand in hand with students and be able to build the connection with those she was teaching. She remained in Hondo for two years before an opening at PJH came up and she excitedly applied.

It was here (2000) that she worked with students who struggled academically with English and mathematics. Mrs. Hardy enjoyed being able to work with and learn alongside her students. “The first time I ever bought a car, my class helped me. We had a lesson on it. We talked about interest rates and we talked about taxes and all of those things so being able to incorporate real life into the things the kids were learning helped them so much and kept me inspired and wanting to go and do more for them,” she expressed. While she taught at the junior high school, she studied for her Master’s Degree with A&M Kingsville.

At this point, she decided she was ready to take on the job of a counselor and worked at Somerset High School. She spent a short year and a half here when she realized her heart was here at PHS. In the middle of the school year, she applied for a position as a councilor and has been here ever since.

Despite the many jobs and wild rides she has experienced in her lifetime, Mrs. Hardy has enjoyed her time at PHS and hopes to stay right where she is for years to come. She enjoys the unpredictability of the job and the fact that she still gets to work hands-on with students. After her time to retire has come, she hopes to continue to help others as part of a crisis response team.

Though most of her work is done behind the scenes, Mrs. Hardy has a huge impact on our campus life. She has a true passion for helping others and educating students, shown by her years of experience and her goals for the future. Thank you, Mrs. Hardy, for all of your hard work and support for PHS.

Pride Pride!

By: Gabby Palacios

Ms. Arnold, an Art 1 and the Graphic Design teacher posing for a photo

Mrs. Arnold is an alumna teaching Art I and Graphic Design here at her alma mater, PHS. Though things have changed tremendously since she graduated with the class of 1995, she still admires PHS, its traditions, and what we stand for as a community.

The Art and Graphic Design teacher attended the University of Texas at Austin, fulfilling her desire to attend the same college as her aunt, who she deeply admired. She explained, “One of the main people that influenced me growing up was my aunt… so I just knew that’s where I wanted to go.”

It was at UT that she studied to become an Art teacher. “All throughout school I really liked art and creating, that’s just what I enjoyed, [and] what I was successful at …” she explained. Mrs. Arnold wishes to have as lasting of an impression on her students as her teachers once did on her. She continued, “ I just knew that I wanted to [make it fun and interesting] for other students who maybe didn’t really know what they were into but could come to art and create things and enjoy it… Even if they’re not going to be an artist, it still helps them in other areas of their life and gives them an outlet.”

Mrs. Arnold began teaching at Stinson Middle School in San Antonio in 2000 and would go on to spend the next 8 years teaching there, until she decided to move to Poteet Middle School in 2008, spending 4 years in the neighboring town. After a job opening became available at PHS, Mrs. Arnold moved back to the old classrooms she once sat in as a student and found her place as the outgoing Art and Graphic Design (Yearbook) teacher we all know and love her to be.

Though she wasn’t able to get her career started here at our campus, she had always known she eventually wanted to be a PHS Art teacher. She explains, “[I didn’t start working here initially]  because there were no job openings… It was my ultimate goal but there were no art positions available…” Still, Mrs. Arnold appreciated her time at Stinson because it gave her a sense of home and reminded her of PHS, which she deeply enjoyed. “I always felt like Stinson reminded me of here which is why I was glad that was my first job… It just felt the same like where you have teachers that work really well together, everybody liked going to work, and we all liked working together…” she added.

Her experiences at PISD have shaped her into the proud eagle alumna she is today. Reminiscing on Mrs. Kotzur, a former art teacher of PJH and PHS who retired last school year, Mrs. Arnold expressed her gratitude for the encouragement and good memories her teachers gave her, explaining, “I always enjoyed art but… I think it also had a lot to do with the teachers… they just always made it fun and interesting. I wanted to do the same.”

Though many may not have gotten the opportunity to know her as a person, Ms. Arnold has proven to be one of the most genuine, light-hearted, and spirited people to ever walk the halls of PHS. On behalf of the rest of PHS, thank you, Mrs. Arnold, for being a constant supporter of our school and always being positive. In the words of Mrs. Arnold herself, “Eagles all the way. Go big green!”

PRIDE PRIDE! EAGLE PRIDE!

By: Kloie Sosa

CSM Nuells standing proudly at his podium

 Pleasanton High School sends a big welcome to our new Army Instructor, Command Sergeant Major Nuells. CSM Nuells is very honored and excited to be the first teacher spotlight of the new school year.

CSM Nuells is from Victoria, TX and this will be his first year of teaching. He attended Eldorado High School in Las Vegas, NV then went on to attend Webster University, earning a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration.

Some of his hobbies are racing his car (in a controlled environment), playing basketball, and lastly grilling and barbecuing. CSM Nuells served 30 years in the army, earning many awards and decorations. The Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, for example.

Command Sergeant Major Nuells has been to many different countries, including Korea, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. As of right now Nuells is still a part of the army, his last day of active duty being October 31, 2020.

Command Sergeant Major Nuells stated, “My transition has been great and stress-free since I have already started working in my second career.” Nuells realized that he wanted to teach JROTC two years ago so that he can continue to help mentor young men and women. He stated, ¨What is rewarding about my job is watching the growth of my students and how they mature and develop their leadership skills¨. Command Sergeant Major Nuells enjoys the way everyone here at PHS treats each other like family.

We are thrilled to have you at our campus and wish you a great year of teaching!

By: Gabby Palacios

The PHS Varsity cheer team pictured with their awards from the last day of camp.

Every summer, the PHS cheerleaders attend a 4-Day Overnight camp with the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and prepare for the upcoming season. However, due to Covid-19, the teams were unable to travel for camp, so the camp was brought to them.

Throughout the span of three days, the cheerleaders and mascots spent 8 hours a day learning a cheer, multiple chants, band dances, and two Extreme Routines. They also participated in leadership training to learn how to be great role models to the community, understand the sports they cheer for, and recognize what it means to be a cheerleader.

Every day, after long hours of tough work and team bonding, daily awards, varying from skill-based to fun contests, were given out. On the last day, the honorary All-American Award tryouts took place. For these tryouts, participants must perform the All-American cheer, one Extreme Routine Dance, and a jump of their choice. Any contestant who receives the award has the opportunity to travel with fellow UCA All-American cheerleaders and participate in special events, including the Varsity Spirit London Tour, where they perform in a Christmas Parade. This year, sophomore Brooke Rankin, juniors Linda Sanchez and Noelani Guerrero, and seniors Gabby Palacios, Lynda Rodriguez, Diya Chandra, and Erica Santee received the All-American award.

Junior Linda Sanchez, explains, “In my previous two years we’ve gone to an away camp so we got to meet new people and experience new teams and how they perform… We got to interact more as a team [at away camps.] This year doing an at home camp, it was different getting to know each other…”

Although they were unable to experience getting to know other teams, this allowed them to take a step back and work on building a new foundation for the team based on teamwork, friendship, and communication. “In past years, people were so caught up in wanting to hang out and meet people from other teams, that they neglected to get to know their own teammates. It was more hanging out with your specific friend groups rather than a team bonding experience. This year, I truly felt that I got to know everyone, for the most part, and bond with them as a team,” states an anonymous senior.

Although this year’s camp was different from what the team was used to, they learned a lot of new material and continue to work on and improve the skills of the team. Wishing you all a good rest of the season!

PRIDE PRIDE! EAGLE PRIDE!