By:Leighlah Silva 

For the past four years, Farah Standley has made a lasting impact on the Pleasanton High School tennis program. A four-year letterman,she has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court, earning first team All-District honors in singles and doubles not once, but twice. With a strong competitive drive, she advanced to regionals last year and was named a regional alternate this year, wrapping up the Fall season with only one match lost.

But her athletic talents go beyond the tennis court. As a freshman, she joined the varsity cross country team an impressive feat on its own. Not only was she the only freshman to run with the varsity squad, but she also contributed to the team’s advancement to regionals, showing early signs of the dedication and leadership that would define the rest of her high school career.

Now, with graduation on the horizon, Farah looks ahead to the next chapter: playing college tennis at either a Division II or Division III school, continuing a journey that has already been filled with personal growth and meaningful experiences. “God, my family, and tennis have affected me more than anything,” she shares. “I want to be the best I can be for myself and the people around me. Tennis has given me an avenue to release my competitive energy and relieve stress. It also brought many lessons and relationships that have changed my life forever.”

As she prepares to leave PHS, there’s no doubt that the memories and lessons will remain. “I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world,” she says. “PHS, especially the tennis program, will be a place I hold dear to my heart and a time I will look back on often. These last four years have truly shaped me, and it’s been an honor wearing the green and white.”

By: Leighlah Silva 

Meet this month’s Eagle of the Month, Pierson Pilgrim, a freshman who is already making waves at Pleasanton High School. With a busy schedule filled with leadership roles, athletic achievements, and a strong commitment to giving back, this student is truly embodying what it means to be an Eagle.

A standout member of the school community, this freshman is a state qualifier in Small Business Management through BPA, and serves as the president of the Class of 2028. He is also a dedicated member of the Student Council, a proud FFA member, and an impressive athlete in Varsity Track and Field, where he competes in pole vaulting.

Having been involved in pole vaulting since he was 8 years old, he has already achieved a personal best of 14’6”, ranking him 2nd in the state for his grade level. Despite being only a freshman, he’s already reaching new heights and working toward even bigger goals.

When asked about his high school experience so far, he’s quick to share how great it’s been. “I’ve accomplished a lot and met many of my goals,” he says. One person who has stood out during his journey is Mr. Gutierrez, his algebra teacher. “Mr. Gutierrez has been a huge help. He’s not only taught me the basics of math but also helped me push through the harder parts. I’ve learned more in his class than anywhere else,” he adds. His love for learning and his positive attitude are key to his success.

Outside of school, this student is deeply involved in his faith. As a member of Pleasanton First Baptist Church since preschool, he now serves as a youth member and continues to grow in his journey with the Lord. His faith has played an important role in his life and influences everything he does, from school to community service.

His leadership skills are also evident in his role as the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) captain, a position he’s held twice this year. He’s even had the chance to serve as a sermon leader during their monthly meetings, which has allowed him to share his faith with others in a meaningful way.

In addition to his academic, athletic, and leadership roles, this freshman believes in the importance of giving back. He’s a regular volunteer in the community and is always looking for ways to make a positive impact.

With his dedication to his faith, his studies, and his community, this freshman is an inspiration to those around him. He’s just getting started, but it’s clear that he’s already on the path to success. Congratulations to this outstanding Eagle of the Month! Keep soaring high!

by: Alex Richter and Layla Rodriguez

Pleasanton Boys golf team won the Jourdanton Invitational with a team score of 309. Zane Rodriguez finished first place individual with a score of 72. Mark Thornton finished second place individual with score of 74. The boys are back in action next Friday and Saturday in Uvalde.

As the PHS golf season continues, players are honing their skills and competing in challenging matches. Golf is a sport that requires patience, focus, and precision, and this year’s team is proving that they have what it takes to succeed on the course.

This season, the team has seen improvements across the board, with returning players refining their skills and new athletes stepping up to the challenge. Coaches are emphasizing course management, consistency, and persistence, helping players develop into stronger competitors.

For this month’s Golf article, we have chosen to interview Junior, and member of the Varsity team: Genieve Turner. Genieve is a dedicated athlete whose love for golf steamed from her brother Levi. She says, “My Brother was the one who inspired me to play golf. He started playing his freshman year and he was so proud of himself that he would take me to the field and show me everything he had learned.” As you can tell this work and dedication at such a young age has helped form her as an athlete and contributed to how successful she is now! The next question we asked her was, “What is the biggest challenge you face during golf?” and she answered, “My biggest challenge when playing golf is my mentality. Playing golf in high school while taking college classes plus my vet course through A&M becomes very overwhelming.” What a hard worker! Though Genieve has many other tasks, she still manages to make golf a priority and she tries so hard at everything she does. 

With several matches left this golf season, the team is staying focused on improving their game and being strong this season. Good job, PHS golf!

By:Leighlah Silva 

The Pleasanton Pacesetters have once again proven their talent and dedication by earning the Sweepstakes Award at their competition on February 15th in New Braunfels. This award is given to teams that score an 85 or higher on all of their routines, and the Pacesetters did just that with their kick, jazz, field, and pom routines. The team has worked incredibly hard this season, putting in hours of practice to perfect their performances. Their dedication paid off as they impressed the judges with their precision, energy, and school spirit. Earning the Sweepstakes Award is a huge accomplishment, showing just how talented and well-prepared these dancers are. While this competition was a big success, the Pacesetters aren’t done yet. They have one more competition coming up on February 21-22, where they’ll take the stage once again and give it their all. With their strong work ethic and determination, there’s no doubt they will continue to shine. Congratulations to the Pleasanton Pacesetters on this amazing achievement! Their hard work and passion for dance continue to make PHS proud.

by: Alex R., Alexis C., Layla R., Omar A., and Xavier M.

This track season has been off to a great start for the Eagles, both boys and girls! The Eagles had their first track meet this past Thursday in Marion. Despite the terribly cold weather, the boys managed to secure second place and the girls placed third. This week’s meet has been canceled due to the harsh weather conditions, but will be back at it again next week to fight hard! Come out to support our track team, way to go Eagles!

Caylee Durbin with her champion horse after winning a $10,000 Scholarship for the Barrel Racing Youth Competition.

The 2025 Stockshow has been on a roll recently with Caylee Durbin receiving a 10,000 dollar scholarship from the San Antonio Livestock Show in the barrel racing youth competition! Be sure to congratulate her if you see her. Congratulations to Atascosa Counties 4-H Horse judging team and thank you to Aubrey Carter for coaching the team! The scores and participants are as follows:

1st Place- Senior Team:

• Caylee Durbin
• Coy McMane
• Bailey Saenz
• Madelynn Wiggins

1st place Senior Individual:

• Bailey Saenz

2nd place Senior Individual:

• Caylee Durbin

The 2025 Stockshow and Rodeo has been amazing this year, so make sure you keep cheering them on!

As the season progresses, the high school tennis team continues to showcase dedication and teamwork on the court. From practices to matches, these student-athletes balance academics and athletics, striving for personal and professional victories. This season, the team has shown impressive growth, with familiar faces and new talent stepping up.  With the season still underway, the team is focused on finishing strong and making an impact in upcoming tournaments and matches. Whether aiming for a championship title or simply trying to improve their game, each player continues to work hard here at PHS!

ATSSB All-State Symphonic Band and their band directors recognized at the February School Board Meeting.

Our Mighty Eagle Band has made a significant achievements this month as well. Congratulations to our five All-State students who were recognized at the school board meeting on February 10th! They were sent off on February 12th to perform with the ATSSB All-State Symphonic Band at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 15th at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio. Shoutout to Michael Lister: First Chair, Euphonium (second year), Ivan Padilla: First Chair, Bass Clarinet, Samuel Bermea: Seventh Chair, Clarinet, Julian Villarreal: First Chair, Contralto Clarinet, and Michael Cepeda: First Chair, Alto Clarinet (second year).

By: Elisabeth Dills

“The reward is greater than the sacrifice” an insight into PHS’s Favorite teacher, Mrs. Mcdowell. 

This month’s Teacher Spotlight goes to the amazing Mrs. McDowell! Before becoming our health science teacher, she spent 16 years as an ICU nurse, helping tons of patients with care and dedication. Pretty cool, right? She’s been teaching here for the past eight years, sharing all her knowledge and experience to help students get a head start in the medical field.

When asked what gets her out of bed in the morning, she said two things—running and her students! Whether she’s hitting the pavement for an early morning jog or walking into class ready to teach, she brings the same energy and enthusiasm every day.

So, if you see Mrs. McDowell in the hallway or in class, don’t forget to say hi and wish her an awesome day—she totally deserves it! We appreciate everything she does for us, and we’re lucky to have her!

By: Jolenne Woodlee

Today we will be interviewing Mrs. Kallio, you’re probably wondering “Who is Mrs. Kallio?” Well, she is the staff who works in attendance. And you’re probably wondering what she does? Well let us ask and see. She helps out with the subs, she does attendance every period, she also manually goes in to change if a teacher changes or marks a student wrong, she checks her emails every class period to make any changes if needed. if she needs to change the attendance roster, and she also goes in and checks the log of tardies for students and see if she needs to mark a student tardy, also she takes the notes us students leave or our parents leave she goes in and she manually codes them into the system to make a excused absence. How she manages it all is by managing her time Mrs. Kallio has been with PHS for  seven years, and five of those years she has been in attendance. She loves to see all the faces of Pleasanton High School. If you were to ask her if she likes to work in attendance Mrs. Kallio would say yes! Her favorite day to come to work on she said “probably the middle of the week because it is less hectic”. When you go to take your note or attendance be sure to say hello and give her a smile.

 By: Emily Breier and Alexis Cook

The bowling season is underway, and with every member working hard at practice, we can’t see what they have ahead of them. Winning against La Vernia demonstrates their hard work is paying off. With the upcoming games and tournaments, we can’t wait to see what the team has in store for them. If you get a chance, come out and support the Eagle bowling team.

The first soccer game of the season is scheduled for December 13th. This year, the Women’s soccer team is coached by Coach Joseph and Coach McDowell. For Men’s soccer, Coach Breiten and Pacheco will take the reins. These coaches will bring their expertise to the field this season! Tryouts were held last week, and teams have since been formed. Both varsity and JV teams are ready to kick off the season.

The JROTC is very involved in the community. One event is hosting the annual Veterans Day ceremony, in attendance were students, cadets, faculty, administration, and honored guests. The JROTC has also had some fundraisers that include an online fundraiser, a carwash, a bake sale, and a raffle ticket sale. Each fundraiser went well and we have high hopes for the JROTC. We hope you get a chance to come out and support them. 

By: Leighlah Silva 

If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind the hilarious videos and creative content at Pleasanton High School, meet Aiden Duran and the masterminds of Big E News! From Thanksgiving skits to brainstorming sessions that are equal parts genius and chaos, this club is where the magic happens.

For Aiden, joining Big E News was a natural fit. “When I first got into high school, I really wanted to be involved in things. Since I had a huge interest in YouTube and social media, Principles of AV was the perfect place to start.” That first step opened the door to a world of filming, editing, and bringing creative ideas to life with Miss O’s crew.

Big E News doesn’t just crank out videos—they make memories. Aiden’s favorite project? “Our Thanksgiving skit. Having us all act was a lot of fun.” From silly moments to meaningful messages, the group puts their heart and humor into every project.

The process starts with brainstorming.“We sit around a table and plan out what we could film,” Aiden shared. Whether it’s a funny sketch or a creative segment, every idea is welcomed, refined, and turned into something special.

For those interested in joining the fun, Aiden’s advice is simple: “Ask to get into Miss O’s classes if you want to be part of Big E News.”Who knows? You might just find yourself on the big screen—or at least on the school’s YouTube channel!

With students like Aiden leading the charge, Big E News proves that creativity, collaboration, and a little humor go a long way in making school life more entertaining.

By: Layla Rodriguez & Leighlah Silva 

National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is a global writing challenge where participants aim to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. This ambitious endeavor pushes writers to commit to daily word counts, develop creative ideas, and stay disciplined under a tight deadline. For Pleasanton High School seniors Navi Cunningham, Micheal Lister, and Alvero Sanchez. Junior Alex Ricter, Mylah Baumeister, and Emiliano Lugo participating in NaNoWriMo was a mix of dedication, creativity, and perseverance.

The quill staff interviewed these students and asked their opinions and thoughts on this project. Navi explained that her mindset played a key role in her success. “My mentality was mainly focused on getting it done,” she said. Balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and writing was no small feat. Navi shared how she managed her time Navi also faced challenges during the writing process, particularly when it came to keeping her story visually engaging. “A challenge I faced was figuring out how to make things visually interesting but at the same time trying not to overwhelm the text,” she explained. For students considering taking on NaNoWriMo in the future, Navi offered practical advice. “Make sure you stay with the guide, or calculate the amount of words you need for that day,” she said. “Whenever you choose your story, make sure it’s something that can have a good story as well as something you will be able to write enough about.”

Next we conducted an interview with Mylah Baumeister! Mylah’s masterpiece is called “Entries of Love: Just My Luck” which is a novel that focuses on her main character named Sydney Chadwick and his high school experience and the mysteries of his love interest. Mylah was very excited to take on this challenge, and was dedicated from day 1. She said “I decided to take on this challenge because I thought it would be fun, and lead to my dream of being a published author.” As you can see Mylah has a deep love and passion for writing, and she did such an amazing job at keeping up with her novel. We can’t wait to read it here in the journalism crew!

Another amazing NaNoWriMo finisher that we interviewed was Alex Ricter, a member of our journalism staff! Alex titled her book “Tales of the Haunted Manor” and her book focuses on the main character who is named Damien and his twisted ghost adventures. Alex was inspired to write this novel because she loves horror and was inspired by the famous Stephen King. Alex says “I chose to write a horror/thriller novel because my favorite author is Stephen King.” Alex is so excited to finally publish her book, and so are we!

Following these amazing authors is Emiliano Lugo. Emiliano’s love for writing is far beyond this world. Going into this novel Emiliano’s aim was to have fun and not get stressed out. Emiliano reflected on his intense journey through NaNoWriMo. He advised aspiring participants to dedicate consistent time to their stories, emphasizing the importance of planning and steady progress to avoid burnout. During Thanksgiving break, he pushed himself to write up to 9,000 words a day, learning the hard way that balance is key. Now, after completing his novel, Emiliano feels a bittersweet loneliness, missing the characters he brought to life. Still, he’s eager to return to The Worlds Beyond Our Perspective and continue exploring its untold stories.

Though we had all of these amazing interviews, sadly we did not hear back from our two seniors; but shout out to them for also successfully completing their novels! In conclusion we are so amazed by these NaNoWriMo finishers, and our members can’t wait to see what these novels have in store for us! These students are truly talented and determined to stick to their writing and be able to publish a whole novel as highschool students!  

By: Leighlah Silva 

October brings transformation with Libra and Scorpio guiding the way, encouraging reflection, balance, and preparation for new beginnings. Aries will need to focus on relationships, resolving conflicts with patience and grace. Taurus may feel uncomfortable with change, but embracing it alongside self-care will lead to personal growth. For Gemini, this month is a blend of social activity and much-needed rest, reminding them to seek balance.

Cancer’s attention will shift to home and family, with emotional insights arising—especially through vivid dreams. Leo has a chance to shine by sharing ideas but should remain open to constructive feedback as changes loom. Virgo will need to reassess finances and values, as small adjustments now will lead to long-term rewards.

Libra, celebrating their season, is encouraged to focus on self-growth and let go of what no longer serves them. Scorpio, meanwhile, will feel the pull of personal transformation, trusting their intuition to guide them through it. Sagittarius is urged to slow down, reflect, and gather insights that will shape future decisions.

For Capricorn, collaboration and networking will open unexpected doors, leading to new career opportunities. Aquarius will need to explore both ideas and emotions, with self-reflection offering meaningful breakthroughs. Pisces, diving deep into their inner world, will find that trusting the flow of life brings them closer to new beginnings.

This October is all about balancing light and dark, action and stillness. Whether you’re confronting challenges or celebrating growth, trust the transformations unfolding

By: Leighlah Silva 

This month’s Eagle of the Month is a standout student whose hard work and passion shine both on and off the field. Samuel Bermea , a dedicated member of the band who holds a leadership position as a section leader and also steps into the spotlight as a soloist. From guiding his section to nailing performances, he has proven that his talent and dedication set them apart.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. “One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced this year is balancing school and band,” he adds. “Both are super time-consuming, and it’s hard trying to keep up with homework while also making time for band activities.” The secret to handling it all? Time management. “I learned to break down my schedule so I know exactly when I’ll focus on school and when I’ll give my all to band.”

Behind his drive is a personal mission: making their parents proud. “My parents have given me the mindset to do my absolute best in everything I do,” Samuel shared. “They’ve really shaped who I am and why I keep pushing forward.”

When asked what advice they’d give to others looking to succeed, they didn’t hold back. “Stop caring about what people think, do what makes you happy. The biggest enemy you’ll face in life is your own mind. It limits what you think you can do and stops you from what you could do. YOLO.”

With all that wisdom, it’s no surprise that they’ve got big goals. Right now, they’re working toward making the symphonic band at the region level. And once again, it’s their parents who push them to keep going. “They are my biggest fans and always support me through everything. In the end, I do it all to make them proud.”

Whether it’s leading in band, hitting the right notes in solos, or balancing the demands of school, Samuel Bermea shows us all what it means to give your best. They remind us that success isn’t about being perfect it’s about passion, grit, and having the right people in your corner.

Congratulations to our Eagle of the Month!

by: Omar Aguas and Amanda Minniear

This month, the Quill staff selected our new addition to the 400 hallway as our Teacher Spotlight. Mrs.Mitchell, our college prep teacher, graduated from Pleasanton High School and joined our team of teachers this year. 

Mrs.Mitchell has been teaching for 19 years. When asked about her teaching philosophy, she said, “Everyone deserves a second chance and a good appreciation of uniqueness to honor them in class”. Her positive demeanor and energetic personality do not go unnoticed by her students. In fact, her students and other peers would describe her as “ full of energy”. Mrs.Mitchell strives to create a culture that creates a “sense of being a family”.

Overall, PHS is excited to welcome a new teacher with experience and drive to help our students find success. 

by: Elisabeth Dills and Jolenne Woodlee 

In this issue, we will be highlighting the achievements of the girls in cross country, Shalyn Gutierrez and Payton Garza.

Running cross country requires a great deal of motivation. Athletes in this sport often draw inspiration from various sources, such as setting personal goals, finding joy in running, and seeking support from teammates and coaches. Additionally, visualizing success, maintaining a positive mindset, and celebrating progress can all contribute to staying motivated throughout the season.

Now we will dive into an interview from Shalyn, Shalyn states “ cross country runners are like family to me”. I asked her why cross country, and her answer was “My friend thought it would be fun, I stuck with it since seventh grade”  Shalyn’s biggest inspiration she says is her friend Cassidy Vicker. Why? well because she would always push Shalyn to do her best when it came to running.

 Moving on to our interview with Payton Garza, runner for the Pleasanton cross country team, expresses that her biggest inspiration is her teammates. She says this is because something that gets her through her races is desserts and the benefits of the races if she wins.

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: 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: Leighlah Silva

Coach Standley shared, “This season has been great; we’re still in playoffs. We have 2 seniors, and I’m very proud of them. We broke the school record with 29 wins, which was set in 1990. We’re 29-4 right now, and hopefully, after this weekend, we will be 31-4 and headed to the next round.

Reflecting on the team’s goals. Coach Standley mentioned, “We let the kids pick team and individual goals. My goal is to put a good team on the field and in class, and make sure they don’t get any write-ups. I couldn’t be any more proud of these young men. I’ve had very few teachers call and text about their behavior; I’ve had many compliments about these boys.”

Despite their best efforts, the baseball team lost their tournament, ending the season. Coach Standley expressed, “I will always miss my seniors. I’m pretty tough on them, but it always pays off in the end when you see all the boys become successful.

By: Leighlah Silva

As the golf season wraps up for Pleasanton High School’s boys golf team, Mark Thornton reflects on a season filled with highs and the bittersweet sting of falling short. “We had regionals in April, which was our last tournament,” Mark shares, recounting the team’s journey to the final competition of the season. 

Despite their best efforts, the team narrowly missed out on a chance to advance to the state tournament, falling short by just one shot. “We got fourth. We missed going to state by 1 shot,” Mark explains, acknowledging the disappointment of coming so close to their goal. 

With the departure of three talented seniors, Mark recognizes the impact their absence will have on the team. “We’re losing 3 pretty good golfers,” he acknowledges. However, he remains optimistic about the team’s future, believing that they still have the potential to perform well next year. “I feel like we still have a chance to be pretty good next year,” he says confidently. 

Mark in no stranger to the world of golf, having played varsity golf his freshmen year as well. This season marked his second year on the team, a testament to his dedication to the sport, which he has been playing for roughly 8 years. 

One of Mark’s proudest moments this season was shooting his best tournaments this season was shooting his beast tournament round ever at regionals, where he scored an impressive 70. Reflecting on the season, Mark feels positive about the team’s performance. “We played well and had a lot of good times. It just kind of sucks to miss it by 1 shot,” he admits. However, he remains hopeful for the future, confident that the team will bounce back stronger next year. “ I think we’re going to come back pretty good next year. I’m just gonna miss the seniors,” he adds, highlighting the bond shared among teammates. 

As Mark Thornton looks ahead to his future with Pleasanton High School’s golf team, his passion for the sport and determination to succeed serve as a driving force for himself and his teammates. With his eyes set on new challenges and opportunities, Mark is ready to tee off into the next chapter of his golfing journey, carrying with him the memories and lessons learned from a memorable season.

As the final bell rings and the school year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the moments that made this year unforgettable. One name stands out among the rest, shining brightly in the realm of sports and school spirit. 

Chance’s high school years have been a wild ride. “They go by fast, but they’re fun. I think I’ve made the most of them,” he said with a grin. He’s all about living in the moment, soaking up every bit of the high school experience. 

A total sports fan, Chance has been killing it on the football field and the baseball diamond for four years straight. He started out playing both sports on JV as a freshman and then quickly moved up to varsity, showing everyone what he’s made of. 

Chances success isn’t just about his skills; it’s also about his family having his back and his coaches keeping him in check. “My mom and dad are always there when I need them,” he said, feeling grateful. And about his coaches, he added, “All the football and baseball coaches have been awesome. I own them a lot.” 

When asked about his biggest inspiration, Chance doesn’t hesitate to credit his dad. “My dad inspires me to be a better man, to be more respectful and responsible,” he shares. This influence is evident in Chance’s character, both on and off the field.

Looking ahead Chance has bigger plans. He’s set his sights on college, where he hopes to continue playing football and baseball. Beyond his playing days, Chance aspires to become a coach, passing on his knowledge and love for these sports. 

As Chance prepares to open a new chapter in his life, his high school achievements serve as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of those around him. With his sights set on the future Chance is ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way, both on and off the field.

By:Leighlah Silva 

From navigating the highs and lows of high school to embracing challenges both in and out of the classroom, Jayden Fox has illustrated what it means to be a dedicated and driven student at Pleasanton High School.Throughout his four years, Jayden has been an active participant in extracurricular activities, including cross country and track, showcasing not only his athletic brilliance but also his commitment to personal excellence. Additionally, Jayden has showed his musical talents to the school band, skillfully playing the tenor saxophone with passion and skill.However, Jayden’s impact goes beyond the field and the stage. Inspired by his father, Jayden has embodied the values of resilience and strength, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. Jaydens father’s guidance has shaped Jayden into a compassionate and determined individual, ready to take on new challenges with unwavering determination.Jayden’s academic journey has been marked by the support and guidance of teachers like Mrs. Bast, whose dedication to her students has inspired Jayden to strive for greatness. Mrs. Bast’s commitment to excellence has not only influenced Jayden’s academic pursuits but has also served as a guiding light in their personal development.Looking ahead, Jayden plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, a testament to their ambition and drive. With a goal to inspire others and make a difference in the world, Jayden is poised to embark on a new chapter filled with endless possibilities.As Jayden Fox prepares to leave a lasting legacy at Pleasanton High School, his journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, determination, and the unwavering support of family and mentors. Jayden’s story is not just one of academic achievement but also of personal growth and resilience, making him a shining example for his peers and a source of pride for the Pleasanton Highschool community

Sliding into the season!

    By: Leighlah Silva 

It is that time of year again, baseball season has started here at PHS! The head coach, Coach Standley, has some high expectations for his team. “Our goal is to win the district championship”, last year they made it very far and enjoyed every moment of it. Coach Standley is most sure that these young men have what it takes to go far. The tryout requirements involved tracking the speed of a throw, hitting a baseball off of a “Tee”, and also tracking the speed of that, they have a timed mile-and-a–half run, and they are required to catch pop flies while saying “ball,ball,ball”. 

Coach Standley has coached baseball for twenty six years as a head coach. This is his fifth year at Pleasanton as a head coach, unfortunately his first year at Pleasanton was cut short due to Covid-19. Coach Standley played baseball all his life including college baseball. “I’m a very competitive person and I grew up playing baseball. I’ve played college baseball. It’s anatomy to help kids become better people, fathers, sons, husbands. Baseball tides in with all that very well”. Baseball has been Coach Stanley’s way to meet these wonderful young men and teach them ways to be better on the field, in the classroom, and outside of the classroom.We wish the baseball team a good season and hope to see them at district championship. Pride, Pride!

Live-Love-Pitch 

By: Leighlah Silva

Get ready to rally under the lights and feel the pulse of the school spirit in softball! Softball season has officially started here at PHS.“The goals for the season are to continue changing the culture of the softball program.  This is a rebuilding year; and we want to add to the foundation that we started last year. We will be very young this season and introducing new concepts to the younger group as well as the returners from last season. We will always build on the success from the previous year and our goal is to have a successful season and make the playoffs.” says Coach Cook, Which we know they are capable of. 

The newcomers have settled in very well on the team “Great team, just need more experience”. The freshmen have really out done themselves especially during tryouts.“We put the girls through a variety of drills that tested their abilities to catch, throw, run, and hit.  They had to be able to attempt each drill and were given a score based on how successful they were at completing .We recorded their times from contact to first base and to second base. We were looking for kids who could achieve times to first in 3.5 seconds and 7 seconds or less to second.” And they have surely found them. 

The girls have played in scrimmages and tournaments, they are having a very good start to the season with not much loses. We hope the girls have an amazing season and continue to shine bright in the school’s eyes. Pride, pride!

Student spotlight 

By: Leighlah Silva 

Welcome back PHS, another month has passed which means another article! This month’s student spotlight goes to the amazing freshman Claire Keylich. Claire is involved in many extracurricular activities including student council, volleyball, and soccer. “I’ve been doing volleyball since 7th grade and have been in club volleyball for 3 years. I made varsity volleyball this year and it was definitely a big jump from 8th grade to varsity, a whole new level but I was able to adjust and improve to have a successful season. Lastly, I’ve been playing soccer since I was 5 and I’m now a freshman on varsity. Varsity soccer is a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I’ve gotten better at adjusting to the speed and rhythm of the game which has made me improve a lot”. As you can tell Claire is a highly gifted student-athlete, making varsity in two sports as a freshman is very outstanding! 

Claire has accomplished so much and will continue throughout her years at PHS. “My mom helps me the most when I need help or encouragement whether it’s sports, school, or advice. She is always giving me positive feedback and is always encouraging me at my sport events or my school events, however my sister inspires me the most. I always look up to her and she is the person who is always there for me. She is the first person I go to whenever something happens or whenever I need her the most”. Claire is a great role model and always will be! The Quill staff hope you enjoy the rest of Claire’s highschool years, and we hope everything continues to go well for her. We are honored to have this opportunity to write an article about this outstanding freshman. Pride pride.

By: Leighlah Silva

Good afternoon PHS! The quill staff are coming to you with yet another student spotlight article. This month Emiliano Lugo has been selected as our spotlight. Emiliano is a highly gifted and talented student both in and out of the classroom. He participates in many extracurricular activities such as chess club, art club, and bowling club which is a new club here at PHS! You can say he is very active in and out of school. Emiliano says that all of these extracurricular activities have helped him experience new things and meet new people. His chess instructor Ms.Infante has very good feedback she says “He is very polite and generous, he helps his teammates improve in many things, even though sooner or later they will be going against each other in chess. He has a very great mindset about everyone being a winner”. 

Emiliano says that his peers have impacted his life in ways that many don’t and that is what is important because he has experienced many opportunities that he wouldn’t have experienced if it weren’t for them. Emiliano says he has adapted to the high school lifestyle by walking a lot in the hallways and meeting new teachers. 

The PHS quill staff are thrilled to have this opportunity to get to know Emiliano and honor him for being such a great student!