By: Essence Croft

In the heart of our school, the staff is committed to creating safe and positive learning environments that significantly improve student outcomes. Through direct support and specialized services, they ensure smooth daily operations, foster strong community ties, and enhance the overall culture and efficiency of the school.

This January, we shine the spotlight on Mr. Rutland, an essential figure in supporting students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. His role is crucial in preventing issues before they escalate, and his dedication to the well-being of students is truly inspiring.

Mr. Rutland draws motivation from his principal, Mr. Hinojosa, stating, “His approach and leadership have inspired me to do my best. I feel supported.” This sense of encouragement not only empowers Mr. Rutland but also influences his interactions with students, as he emphasizes the importance of building trust and rapport. “People who enter my role should focus on developing relationships with the students. They will respond more positively when they feel connected,” he advises.

Outside of his professional life, Mr. Rutland has a variety of interests that highlight his personality. He enjoys hunting and fishing, frequently traveling for leisure. His culinary skills shine as he delights in cooking, particularly renowned for his BBQ. Additionally, he’s an avid collector of sports cards and currency from around the world, showcasing his diverse hobbies. A particularly unique aspect of Mr. Rutland’s talents is his ability to make homemade jams and jellies.

Overall, Mr. Rutland’s commitment and efforts are valuable in nurturing a supportive environment that fosters growth and success for all students.

By: Jolenne Woodlee

Hello and welcome back, we hope you all had a happy New Year’s to start this new year of 2026! The Journalism Staff would like to recognize our latest addition to history teachers here at Pleasanton High, our very own U.S. History teacher, Coach Wink.   

Coach Wink, as you can tell, is not only a teacher, but he is also a coach. As you can imagine, it’s not an easy job. He has to plan his classwork ahead of time and stay late at night, whether it be for coaching or grading classwork. He exclaimed that a way he got this done was to avoid procrastinating. Late nights can take a toll on coaches because going to sleep late and waking up early is not ideal. Also, if you’re wondering why he wanted to teach U.S History, well, here’s why: According to Coach Wink, he didn’t excel at the other subjects, and he found U.S History to be easy and interesting to learn. 

Coach Wink has plenty of students to see and teach every day, so he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders because we are high school students, and he wants to be a good role model. By doing this, he is himself every day because it shows all his students it’s ok to be different, to be yourself.  With that being said, if you were to ask Coach Wink what his favorite part of teaching is, he would answer, “seeing the kids every day and seeing the different emotions.”

If Coach Wink had to choose a different subject to teach, he chose Science, chemistry, or physics because, along with History, Science was a fun and easy subject. In line with his teaching background, Coach Wink decided to become a teacher because his parents were both teachers and coaches. Through playing college baseball, this opportunity helped him find that love of teaching again. 

All in all, we hope that you support Coach Wink and his new journey at Pleasanton High, and we hope that Coach enjoys his time teaching here.

By: Ella Garza

Version 1.0.0

DISCLAIMER: as of right now, I haven’t gotten far enough in the book to gauge a true, thorough review. This is more so a discussion on its reception and a small piece about a parody that led to my personal discovery of the novel. But, if you stay tuned for the next issue, there will be an update further regarding the book itself.

House of Leaves, a novel by Mark Z Danielewski is a surreal psychological thriller with a confusing yet engaging story line that keeps you face-in. The book is considered a cult classic by many, and I won’t say I disagree. From what I’ve gathered in my reading, the plot consists roughly of a man whose house keeps changing shape. I’ll mostly be focusing on the book’s reception over the years rather than a piece on the contents of the novel.

With its initial publication in 2000 to now, a lot of praise has come its way, one example I’d like to point out is a 2023 tribute to the novel in the form of a custom game map, “MyHouse.wad” a direct parody of the book’s premise in playable form via the 1993 PC video game DOOM. The original publisher puts a spin on it, claiming that the files were that belonging to a recently passed friend. I think it does, so far, the book much justice. And, is how I discovered the novel in the first place.

The novel, and the DOOM mod, are both very different things yet one basis off the other is something crucial, many people like myself have gotten into the book from the mod’s intensive thoroughness with keeping in the same path as the book’s plot line. Progressively getting stranger and stranger as it progresses. Personally, considering I haven’t yet finished the novel itself, I can’t give a good solid number-rated review. But as of right now, given the factors previously stated, it’s an amazing title.

By: Jolenne Woodlee

January is a big month because it’s the 56th anniversary of National Blood Donor Month. It’s a time we remember and thank all the awesome people who donate blood, especially since winter usually means we’re pretty low on blood supplies. It’s National Blood Donor Month, and as we hit 56 years, it’s a good time to remember why giving blood is so important now. January 2026 marks 56 years of National Blood Donor Month. This is a time to really honor blood donors and make people more aware of those winter shortages. Every year, we take this time to really push for change across the whole country—a quick look at why January matters.

National Blood Donor Month started in January 1970. President Richard Nixon declared it a special month because blood donations always go down during that time of year, and they needed a way to help make sure there was enough. Winter really throws some curveballs at blood drives, making it tough to get people to donate. Bad weather, like big storms or really cold temperatures, can sometimes mean we have to cancel local blood drives. When it’s flu season or when we’re dealing with COVID-19 and RSV, we just see more missed appointments and fewer healthy people who can donate. After the holidays, everyone’s usually traveling or just busy, so giving blood often takes a backseat. However, it’s actually when we need it most, since a lot of elective surgeries that got put off until January are now happening. Think about the real difference your generosity makes. Think about this: somewhere in the U.S., every couple of seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion. It’s for all sorts of reasons—operations, cancer care, long-term health issues, or even bad accidents. Since we can’t just make blood in a lab, donations from kind volunteers are the only way for folks who need it to get it.

One pint of blood can make a huge difference: Think about it: just one donation can be split into red cells, platelets, and plasma. That means it has the potential to help as many as three different patients. Cancer Care: A big chunk—around 25%—of all the blood we’ve got goes to helping folks with cancer. Red blood cells only stick around for about 42 days, and platelets are even quicker, lasting only a few days. So, if we want to keep a good supply, we really need people to donate often.

Here’s the plan for 2026:

This January, groups are giving out some pretty cool stuff to get people to donate: Give blood or platelets with the American Red Cross between January 1 and January 25, 2026, and you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing. You could win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA! This giveaway, a partnership with the NFL, is our way of saying thanks. We give all donors a free mini-physical, where we check their pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and iron levels. So you’re probably wondering, “How can I actually get involved?” Well, there are a bunch of ways, and we really welcome your input. You could start by checking out our upcoming events – we always have something going on, and it’s a great opportunity to learn more and meet folks. Another option is joining one of our working groups. These groups tackle specific projects and really appreciate new perspectives. If you have some time to spare, volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute directly; there are always tasks that could use an extra pair of hands. And, of course, simply spreading the word about what we’re doing helps a lot – tell your friends, family, and anyone you think might be interested. We believe in community building, and every little bit helps us reach our goals. If you’re a healthy adult and weigh 110 pounds or more, you can probably donate.

Here’s what you can do next: To set up a time, you can check out the AABB Blood Bank Locator or the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Both will help you find a spot that works for you. Tell everyone your story and use #NBDM2026 on social media to inspire others. If you can’t give blood, you could always volunteer; lots of places are looking for folks to assist with sign-ups and snacks. This January, please consider donating. Your help could truly be a lifeline for someone.

By: Ivy Arredondo

As the New Year approaches, many people set new goals and resolutions for themselves. Although over 30% of Americans create New Year’s resolutions, approximately 90% abandon them within the first four months. Sticking to a new routine can be challenging, but there are various strategies to help you achieve your goals and aspirations for 2026.

To make and maintain your resolutions, it’s essential to understand your motivations. Whether your goal involves improving your health or simply doing something you enjoy more, knowing why you want to make this change can keep you focused. Remind yourself of these reasons when you feel distant from your goals.

A common mistake people make is setting their goals too high or making them unrealistic. While aiming high can be motivating, starting small can often lead to more sustainable changes. For instance, instead of committing to an hour of running every day, consider starting with thirty minutes a day or every other day. Another effective approach is to track your progress. Keeping a log of your daily activities and goals can help you visualize what needs to be done and allow you to manage your time more effectively.

Overall, making a New Year’s resolution requires time and dedication, so it’s important to do everything you can to fulfill the goals you set for self-improvement. Remember, experiencing bumps in the road doesn’t mean you’re failing; it simply means you’re in the process of achieving your goals.

By: Diamond and Kadynce

In late 2025 and early 2026, Nicki Minaj experienced a significant decline in her Instagram following, reportedly losing millions of followers due to several controversial actions that alienated parts of her long-time fanbase.

The backlash began after her appearance at a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event in December 2025, where she openly praised Donald Trump and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling Trump a “role model” and “dashing.” This, coupled with her criticism of political figures and policies, sparked intense outrage. Minaj referred to JD Vance as an “assassin” for his political effectiveness during the event and made public remarks about Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies regarding transgender children. She also faced criticism for using homophobic slurs against journalist Don Lemon.

While viral reports claimed that she lost 10 million followers overnight after the TPUSA event, data tracking suggests the decline was more gradual, with estimates indicating a loss of approximately 3-4 million followers since October 2025. Amid mounting backlash and calls for her deportation—gaining over 120,000 signatures on Change.org—Minaj deactivated her Instagram account in late December 2025. As of early 2026, her account remains inactive.

By: Genevieve Chancellor

Twelve years ago on July 18th, Law professor Dan Markel was shot dead in his garage after dropping his two sons off at preschool. All fingers point to his ex-wife’s family and the messy custody battle that prevented the mother from gaining full custody. As the murder was further looked into, a web of connections was revealed leading to the arrest and incarceration of five.

Dan Markel was a Legal professor at Florida State University, at the time it had been one year since his divorce with his ex-wife Wendi Adelson, and a bitter and hard custody battle began. Dan Markel was shot in his home in Tallahassee twice. His neighbor hearing the commotion called 911, and reported a light colored Toyota Prius driving away from the scene. During an interview following the murder of Markel, Wendi Adelson states that her brother had joked about hiring a hitman and that her parents held “more reason to dislike Danny than almost anyone else. He hurt their daughter.” Wendi has in all court proceedings denied being involved in the killing of her ex-husband.

In the summer of 2016, the driver of the reported Toyota Prius was identified as a member of the Latin Kings Luis Revera, who confessed to being involved in gunning down Markel after being paid $35,000. He reportedly recalled being told “The lady wants her two kids back”. The gunman was arrested around the same time, Sigfredo Garcia provided the link through the mother of his kids Kathrine Magbanua, who had dated the elder brother of Wendi Adelson and also worked at the family practice.

Kathrine Magbanua was brought to court in October of 2016, she was tried for murder conspiracy and the solicitation in the killing of Markel she denied for three years before being convicted of all charges during a retrial. Wendi’s older brother was next to the stand, Charles Adelson, he was arrested in 2022 and put on trial in 2023, where he denied his involvement in the killing and claimed to be a victim of an extortion scheme, where he claimed that Magbanua threatened to kill him in 48 hours, if he didn’t pay one-third of a million dollars. Magbanua took the stand again contradicting her previous statements where she admits to recruiting Garcia for the murder. The brother was convicted for all charges and arrested.

The most recent involvement comes with the mother of Wendi and Charles, Donna Adelson, who was arrested only a few days after her son’s conviction. Donna and her husband were arrested in the airport before they boarded a one way flight to Vietnam, after she had been heard on a jailhouse phone to her son discussing buying tickets to a country with no extradition contract. Donna was charged with murder solicitation and conspiracy, which she pleaded not guilty. Her trial took two weeks where she was portrayed as a cruel mother in law who was furious with the limited access to her grandchildren. On Sept. 4 she was convicted as guilty on all charges, a month later she was sentenced to life without chance of parole.

by: Ella Garza

As the new year begins, many people set resolutions to eat healthier. While some recipes for healthy treats can be a bit overly complicated, these chickpea brownies present a perfectly simple and guilt-free alternative to the traditional boxed versions!

Ingredients:

To make these delicious brownies, you’ll need:

– 1 15oz can of chickpeas

– ½ cup nut butter (almond or peanut)

– ½ cup sweetener (maple syrup or honey)

– 1 tsp coconut oil

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– ¼ cup almond flour

– ¼ cup cocoa powder

– ¼ tsp baking soda

– ¼ tsp salt

– ½ cup toppings of choice (e.g., chocolate chips, peanut butter chips)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, nut butter, sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Once blended, add in the dry ingredients (almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt) accordingly.

4. Grease a flat 8×8-inch pan or a loaf pan for thicker brownies, then pour the batter into your chosen pan.

5. Bake for roughly 22 minutes in the flat pan or 30 minutes in the loaf pan.

6. Allow the brownies to cool before slicing. They can be stored covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Enjoy this sweet treat as part of your healthy eating resolutions without the guilt!

By: Victory Alcantara

Perfect

When I see Franz Kafka’s

The metamorphosis, 

I get excited because I know 

this story forward and backward.

I also know all about Gregor feeling 

trapped in a new self, him hiding

under the couch, and Mr. Kafka,

whoever he was,

never explaining why this 

might happen to someone  

and how i can never explain,

not even in an essay for

Ms. Blaufuss, why this has 

happened to me.

I chose “Perfect” by Jason Reynolds because of his use of poetry to advance the story in Miles Morales’s Suspended. This specific poem gives us a deeper insight into Miles’ mind, showing us how he relates to Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis because of his mutation into spider man, illustrating how Miles struggles with his identity. This poem reminds readers that it’s okay if we struggle to explain ourselves to others, just like Gregor.

By: Liam Powell

January marks the beginning of a new year, a time for reflection, goal-setting, and fresh starts for all zodiac signs. As we transition from Capricorn season into Aquarius, the focus shifts toward responsibility, concentration, and creative thinking. Many individuals may feel inspired to organize their lives, improve their habits, and establish clear plans for the future. Emotions are likely to be more stable than in previous months, which can aid in making practical decisions.

As the month progresses, the influence of Aquarius introduces a more innovative and independent atmosphere. This is an excellent time to explore new ideas, strengthen friendships, and think about how to implement positive changes in school, work, or personal life. Overall, January’s horoscope emphasizes a balance between discipline and imagination, reminding everyone that the start of the year presents an opportunity for growth, renewal, and moving forward with confidence.

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!