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: Leighlah Silva 

Pleasanton High School is proud to recognize Kendra Valle as the Eagle of the Month! A dedicated and hardworking senior, Kendra has spent her high school years fully involved in campus life, leaving a lasting impact on those around her. She has been a member of the drill team for four years and the band for one year, showing her commitment to both school spirit and the arts. 

Not only has Kendra been a dedicated member of the drill team, but she has also taken on a leadership role as the Lieutenant Colonel, guiding her teammates and setting an example through her hard work and passion. Her time on the team has taught her valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance qualities that will serve her well in the future. Beyond her extracurriculars, Kendra has worked toward achieving her goals in the medical field. One of her proudest accomplishments is earning her CNA license, a milestone that brings her one step closer to her dream of becoming a nurse. She credits Ms. Summers for helping her through the process, describing her as an amazing educator who has always been there to support and guide her. 

Kendra’s inspiration comes from her parents, who have always motivated her to work hard and push toward success. Their encouragement has shaped her into the determined and ambitious person she is today. As she prepares to graduate, Kendra looks forward to attending college and then nursing school, where she will continue her passion for helping others. Throughout her high school years, Kendra has not only made unforgettable memories but has also learned important life lessons that have helped her grow as a person. With her leadership, determination, and drive to make a difference, there’s no doubt that she has a bright future ahead. Congratulations, Kendra, on being recognized as Eagle of the Month!

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: Emily Breier

Here at Pleasanton High School we have an amazing staff, to spotlight one person who is an amazing mobile teacher, Mrs. T. Mobile teachers are a vital part of the school system, and they can be unappreciated. She supports students and fellow teachers and is loved by everyone. She is amazing at her job. 

We interviewed Mrs. T and asked her “Have you always wanted to be a teacher?”, she then said “I have always wanted to work in a job I could make a difference in.¨ This statement is so inspiring, many people in the world today couldn’t care less about the people around them, but the amazing Mrs. T loves working here and working with many different types of students with many different personalities. That’s another reason Mrs. T is so amazing, people often can’t handle the many personalities, but she has the skills to do it. This is one of the major reasons we chose her as our staff spotlight this month. 

Being the selfless, kind, amazing person that she is, we are so glad to have her here at PISD. If you see Mrs. T. make sure to tell her thank you for doing such a great job. From the Quill Staff, we would like to say a huge thank you.

By: Alexis and Elisabeth

At Pleasanton High School, students and staff have a unique opportunity to satisfy their snack cravings while supporting their school community. The school’s “talon” is a student-run snack shop that has become a beloved fixture on campus, offering a variety of treats and drinks while raising funds for school clubs, events, and essential resources.  

The talon, conveniently located in the school’s main hallway, is stocked with an assortment of snacks, from chips and candy bars to bottled beverages. Students can grab a quick bite after school, all while knowing their purchases are contributing to a greater cause. The store’s affordable prices and convenient hours make it a popular stop for hungry students and staff.  

All proceeds from sales go directly toward supporting school clubs, extracurricular activities, and special events. Whether it’s funding new equipment for the football team, helping the acting club put on their next production, or covering costs for school-wide events like homecoming or prom, the talon plays a vital role in enhancing the student experience at Pleasanton High.  

The store is primarily run by students, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and financial management. From managing inventory to handling transactions, students gain real-world skills while giving back to their school. Teachers and staff also lend their support, ensuring the store runs smoothly and continues to thrive.  

As the school year progresses, the talon continues to be a shining example of how small efforts can lead to big results. By combining student initiative with community support, Pleasanton High School has created a sustainable way to fund important programs and events while bringing the school community closer together.  

So, the next time you have a minute, don’t forget to stop by the talon. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a salty snack, your purchase will make a difference.

Excited graduate feeling successful for academic achievement

By: Omar Aguas and Mrs.Minniear

Seniors, we are almost there and done with the school year. With only 3 months left, we need to keep locking in and stacking more credits up so we can graduate. If you’re feeling the threat of senioritis, here are some tips to help you make it to the finish line:

1. Stay focused. Now is not the time to get distracted.
2. Now is the time to push through. Get those assignments done, and check your grades daily.
3. Schedule your weekend fun in advance. It will give you something to look forward to throughout the week.
4. Reward yourself with your favorite treats WHEN completing your assignments.

Overall, keeping your nose on the grindstone is important, especially when you’re feeling unmotivated. Keep advancing up more until we’re all free and ready to enjoy the freedom of our lives. Celebrate your successes with your friends, and encourage each other to reach the finish line.

by: Liam Powell

February is a unique month in the astrological calendar as it transitions between two distinct yet interconnected zodiac signs: Aquarius and Pisces. These signs bring a mix of intellectual innovation and deep emotional intuition, making February a time of change, creativity, and last but not least, self-discovery.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): The Visionary

The first part of February is ruled by Aquarius, an air sign known for its originality, independence, and humanitarian spirit. Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus, the planet of innovation and rebellion, which inspires people to think outside the box and challenge societal norms. This sign encourages individuality, making February a great time for self-expression and unconventional thinking.

During Aquarius season, many people may feel more drawn to social causes, group activities, and intellectual pursuits. It’s a period where technology, progress, and new ideas take center stage. If you’ve been looking for inspiration to break free from routine or start a creative project, the energy of Aquarius supports that innovation and change you may have been looking for.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): The Dreamer

As the Sun moves into Pisces later in the month, the energy shifts from logic and rebellion to emotion and intuition. Pisces, a water sign ruled by Neptune, is associated with dreams, spirituality, and deep feelings. This is a time of heightened imagination, artistic expression, and self-reflection. Pisces season encourages people to tune into their emotions and trust their intuition. It’s a great time for creative pursuits like music, poetry, and painting, as well as spiritual growth. However, with its dreamy nature, Pisces can also bring a tendency to escape reality, so it’s important to stay grounded and maintain a balance between fantasy and practicality.

This month has great ties to the cycles of our moon. February’s astrology is also influenced by its lunar cycles. The full moon, usually occurring in Leo or Virgo, brings emotions to the surface and highlights themes of self-expression, confidence, and organization. Meanwhile, the new moon, often in Aquarius or Pisces, is a time for setting intentions and embracing new beginnings.

February’s astrology offers a powerful blend of intellect and emotion, making it a time for personal growth, creative exploration, and deep connections. Whether you’re drawn to the visionary energy of Aquarius or the dreamy vibes of Pisces, this month is all about transformation and self-discovery.

By: Kate

Teen violence includes physical (fights, assaults), emotional (bullying, verbal abuse), and social (exclusion, cyberbullying) harm. It negatively impacts mental health, academics, and future relationships. 1 in 3 teens experience violence; 36% face cyberbullying. Here are some causes of teen violence:

• Family Issues: Exposure to neglect or violence.
• Peer Pressure: Pressure to fit in or show dominance.
• Media Influence: Violent content normalizes aggression.
• Mental Health Struggles: Anxiety, depression, trauma.
• Community Factors: High-crime or impoverished environments.

To solve this, here are some solutions:

Conflict Resolution

• Teens: Walk away, stay calm, seek help.
• Parents/Educators: Teach de-escalation and healthy communication.

Building Support Systems

• Teens: Surround yourself with positive influences/ Call 800-252-5400.
• Adults: Provide mentorship and safe spaces. By tackling the root causes, we can create a safer environment for teens.

Although everyone knows violence isn’t good, you can still see the cases out there. We hope we can have a peaceful environment where everyone can be safe and loved. Just like what they said, love is not hurt.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/prevention/index.html

https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/52725

by: Ella Garza

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024), directed by Jeff Fowler, picks up where the second movie left off and brings us to Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles teaming back up to deal with Shadow. The movies introduce characters a lot differently than the games did. But Shadows overall origin remains the same. Keanu Reeves did an amazing job playing Shadow and portrayed his character almost perfectly. The movie’s pacing was quick and there was something happening in every scene. If you look away for just a minute you may just miss something, it’s fitting for the series! The soundtrack brings back classics from the Sonic Adventure 2 games like “Live & Learn” by Crush40 and the theme from the City Escape stage. It brings a nostalgic feeling which really seals the deal on the movie. Overall in conclusion, if you’re looking for a fast paced action-packed movie that will have you waiting for more, Sonic 3 will surely knock the rings right out of you!

By: Jolenne Woodlee

Jupiter’s moon Io, renowned for its intense geological activity, has become the subject of investigation by NASA’s Juno spacecraft. Recent findings have revealed a significant underground magma chamber, underscoring a major volcanic hotspot on Io’s surface that produces eruptions with energy output six times greater than the total energy generated by all power stations on Earth. 

It is distinguished by its extreme volcanic landscapes, featuring approximately 400 volcanoes and numerous lava lakes. It ranks as the third largest moon of Jupiter, with a diameter of roughly 2,300 miles and a distance of about 262,000 miles from the planet. Notably, Io orbits Jupiter every 42.5 hours, a phenomenon attributed to the immense gravitational forces exerted by the gas giant.

Juno’s latest flyby of Io on December 27th, the craft instrument, Auroral Mapper, caught a massive infrared hot spot in the southern hemisphere. According to LiveScience, multiple eruptions occurred in this area; NASA believes that it may be caused by only one giant magma chamber. This hot spot was shooting out 80 trillion watts of energy. 

The discovery of this highly active volcanic event on Jupiter’s tormented moon, Io, is a testament to the dynamic and complex nature of our solar system. For those interested in further details, I recommend visiting LiveScience and searching for “Jupiter’s Tormented Jovian Moon Io.”

By: Elisabeth Dills

As spring starts and the flower blooms out comes weather that  

From you have I been absent in the spring,

When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim,

Hath put a spirit of youth in everything,

That heavy Saturn laughed and leaped with him.

Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell

Of different flowers in odour and in hue,

Could make me any summer’s story tell,

Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew:

Nor did I wonder at the lily’s white,

Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose;

They were but sweet, but figures of delight

Drawn after you, – you pattern of all those.

    Yet seem’d it winter still, and, you away,

    As with your shadow I with these did play.

– William Shakesphere

by: Alex Richter

In August 2023, a horrific crime shook the Ethiopian city of Bahir Dar. Seven-year-old Heaven Awot was brutally assaulted and murdered. This tragic event not only devastated her family but also exposed deep-seated issues within the community’s perception of such crimes, even as the case gathered international attention.

Heaven lived with her mother, Abekyelesh Adeba, a dedicated nurse, her younger 3-year-old sister, and her 15-year-old aunt (who was her mothers younger sister) in a rented home owned by landlord Getnet Baye. On a fateful day, while Abekyelesh was at work, Heaven informed her aunt that she was going to the bathroom, which in those kinds of properties, was in a separate building. But Heaven never returned. Her lifeless body was discovered by the young 3-year-old near the entrance of their home, showing signs of severe assault.

When Heaven went outside to go to the bathroom, she was lured into Getnet’s property. Once alone, Getnet assaulted her, inflicting serious internal injuries. She suffered internal trauma as the result of the attack, and her body showed signs of extreme physical violence. After the assault, Getnet strangled her to death before planting her in a fake scene outside of her own home. He planted fake objects and created a scene that made it look like Heaven fell while playing, but that doesn’t explain her internal trauma or why her clothes were found in his property. After Heaven was found, she was rushed to a local healer.

The severity of the crime was unimaginable, leaving the family in profound grief. However, the local community’s reaction was unexpected.

Despite overwhelming evidence against Getnet, local residents found it difficult to accept that he could commit such a heinous act. This belief led to a wave of support for Getnet, with some community members refusing to acknowledge the assault and instead blaming Heaven’s death on reckless playing outside of her home.

Getnet’s wife, in particular, was extremely unsettling during this case. In interviews, she consistently denied the assault, claiming that Heaven’s death was the result of a fall. Her demeanor in these interviews was found creepy to international observers, as she appeared detached and content in her assertions, despite the evidence presented.

This denial was so serious that Heaven’s mother faced direct threats by trying to seek justice for her young daughter. At one point, after Getnet’s initial arrest, he escaped, and authorities had no intention of going after him even after he said he would kill Abekyelesh. During this period, Abekyelesh and her family were forced into hiding due to safety concerns. Getnet was rearrested a month later, but the community’s support for him remained evident.

As the case progressed and gained more international attention, with over 240,000 individuals signing an online petition demanding life in prison for Getnet, the local community’s stance remained largely unchanged. Many residents continued to support Getnet, unable to reconcile the image of their neighbor with the atrocity committed. This denial persisted even as global advocacy groups and media outlets highlighted the case, calling for justice and safety for Abekyelesh.

Getnet was eventually sentenced to 25 years in prison, a verdict that many outside the local community viewed as excessively lenient given the severity of the crime. But the reluctance of the local commmunity to acknowledge the crime underscores the need for increased awareness and education about sexual violence and child protection. 

As the world grapples with the aftermath of the atrocity, Heaven’s story serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for change and justice for the most vulnerable. Activists and concerned citizens are urging for continued advocacy to raise awareness about violence against women and children. Supporting legal reforms and demanding accountability from lawmakers are essential to ensure that no other child suffers a fate similar to 7-year-old Heaven’s.

By: Aiden Alcorta 

As the season has been off to a good start,  the beginning of the second round of district play has begun for the boys basketball.  Currently the Eagles are ranked 5th in district but are continuing to try and secure at least a 4th place spot  in district. As the season is almost to an end the eagles have to be in 4th place at least in district in order to make the playoffs. Below are some of the results of the district scores for the Pleasanton Eagles. Pleasanton  vs Devine 66-59 (loss), Pleasanton  vs Somerset 81-41 (loss), Pleasanton vs Pearsall 62-59 (loss). Pleasanton vs Florseville 44-37. Pleasanton vs Uvalde 49-42 (win), Pleasanton vs Carrizo Springs 66-62 (win) Pleasanton vs Devine 60-57 OT (loss). Pleasanton vs Somerset 42-37 (loss).

The Pleasanton Eagles are on a losing streak of two but are looking forward to changing that and getting back into the win column and secure a spot for the playoffs. The Eagles have 4 more games left in the season with their next district game hosted in Pearsall @6:15 on January 28th. The Eagles hope to see yall cheer on the team and support them as they try to fight for a playoff spot.

By: Layla Rodriguez

This season has been going well for the Lady Eagles basketball team. Our Lady Eagles have been soaring through district, almost at the end! As of right now the girls are sitting at 4th place in district, and are hoping to maintain this spot for the rest of the season in order to make it to the playoffs! This past week the ladies played Devine at home which sat them in 4th place. Right now the season is coming close to the end with only a couple games remaining which determine if these ladies can withhold their spot!

Since we have not had many interviews this season for the Lady Eagles, we have decided to interview the one and only Fin Dog! Finley Hilburn is a senior and the captain of the Basketball team. We asked Finley a few questions and here are some responses… The first question we asked is: “What is it like being a team captain?” Finley said “Ever since I was little I wanted to be a captain one day because I thought it would be the coolest thing ever. I can safely say after getting the privilege of being theme captain for our team is one of the greatest things I have ever gotten to do.” This quote shows the love that Finley has had for basketball and the will to be a team captain ever since she was a little girl. The team loves her being a captain and all agree that she brings so much positivity to the team. Having a teammate and a leader like Finley has helped the team excel so much. She also discusses her love for basketball and how she has been playing ever since she was a little girl. She states “I have always loved basketball and it is all because of my dad. We would always watch games together and talk about the players.” Finely is so dedicated to the sport and this stems from the love for the sport and bond she built with her dad making her the amazing player she is today. 

Overall the ladies are so blessed to have a captain as great as Finley and that they have done so well this season so far! With these last few games our Lady Eagles need all of the support they can get in order to withhold their spot in district to advance to the next round.

by: Emily

The JROTC Eagle Battalion has been busy planning the second semester. With events happening back to back they are excited to see what they have planned, and what is going to happen. The battalion has a bright future ahead as well as each cadet striving to be the best that they can be.

Let’s start with past events like the Roasavent drill meet the Armed, UnArmed, and PT teams precipitated in these competitions. Each team did an amazing job truly showing the effort of cadets, coaches, and instructors. The JROTC also competed in a raider competition the team participated in four events doing very well. Before I move onto the future events I have one last event to cover, the JROTC BBQ plate sale. This event was truly made possible by the JROTC Booster club who does so much for the program.

We interviewed cadets Layla Guerrero and she had many positive things to say about the JROTC. She says “My favorite thing about JROTC is the people”. She later stated that she joined because of the different activities that JROTC does. She is the rank of staff Sergeant participating on the Armed drill team.

Now to future events, the first we have the Military ball, being planned by Captain Kylie Breier and alongside her helping in the military ball committee meeting once a month to make this military ball the very best. The event following  is the 5th Brigade drill meet. The Armed and UnArmed compete at this for their chance to make it to Florida for drill team nationals. We wish the JROTC the very best of luck in everything that they do, and if you get the chance make sure you come out to support them in their events.

by: Mrs. Minniear

The spring season is here, which means it’s time for another competitive round of tennis matches and tournaments for PHS. The varsity Eagle tennis team competed in the Veterans Memorial Tennis Tournament at the HEB Tennis Center in Corpus Christi last Friday and Saturday, January 27th and 28th. 

The following individuals placed:

Elite Draw: Boys Doubles: 4th – Brennan Lopez & Jax Smith, Boys Singles: Jace Warre-Cons Champ, Girls Singles: Farah Stanley-Cons Champ, Girls Doubles: Lauren Miles & Addi Pawelek – Cons Champ. A-Draw: Boys Doubles: Nick & Andrew Lucas- 1st, Boys Singles:Kolton Sexton- 3rd, Girls Singles: Kendal Crouch- Cons Champ, Mixed Doubles: Joe Reyna & Senica Croft-Cons.

This year’s spring tennis coach, Coach Portillo, is welcomed to lead our tennis program to success this season. This Wednesday, our varsity tennis champs will be competing in a dual match with Medina Valley on our own courts after school. Next week, JV will compete at Clemens and Steele High School. Make sure to wish our Eagle tennis teams a good match!

By:Leighlah Silva and Elisabeth Dills

The Pleasanton High School varsity soccer teams are all heart this season, giving it their all on the field as they push toward their ultimate goal: becoming District champions. 

As we start a new year and new semester, we introduce our boys varsity soccer team they’ve had an eventful start with, 1 tie, 2 losses, and 2 wins. Varsity’s best game was on Thursday, Jan 9. When up against Poteet, varsity won 6-0!

With a current record of five losses, two wins, and one tie. The girls are proving that determination and teamwork are the key to success. In fact, the varsity ladies celebrated their first win on January 14, against JFKHS, shutting them out with an impressive 3-0 victory. The team followed that up with another dominant performance on January 24, defeating Bandera 5-0. These wins show the potential and skill of the team when everything clicks. 

“Our girls are putting in endless effort,” said a team insider. “They’re not just playing to win, they’re playing for each other and for their school.” 

Despite setbacks, the Lady Eagles refuse to back down. Every practice, every game, and every moment on the field is a step closer to their dream of earning that district title. With their focus and passion, there’s no doubt this team will continue to give it their all until the final whistle of the season. 

Come out and support these soccer athletes as they keep fighting for victory, these teams journey’s is far from over.

by: Liam Powell

Stock Show is a time of year many ranch kids love. This year Sadie Schimelpfening is giving some insight and sharing her experiences! Sadie joined the stock show in the 3rd grade due to her love of animals and because she was involved in FFA and 4-H. She finds the stock show community fun and exciting. 

Sadie shows roughly 3-4 steers and two pigs each year she raises at home. Though, her favorite animals to show are definitely steers! She likes the pigs too but the steers are more fun and best to work with in her opinion. Sadie’s best year was definitely last year as she won her breed at the country show with her pig and steer. Placing first in San Antonio with great success due to her well bred and maintained animals, she then placed second in San Angelo. Keeping high in this year’s stock shows and placing good goals for her senior year.

When asked if she has any advice for people interested in joining the stock show she recommended talking to locals, other showers, Agriculture teachers at your school, or even extension agents. She advises starting with easier animals than jumping right into animals so big and expensive like steers. Rabbits, chickens and goats are great ways to start off, the easiest to maintain and definitely less expensive than other options such as steers and sometimes pigs. But it’s good to get in contact with those experienced to get advice and ease tension.

This year, Sadie Schimelpfening did exceptionally well in the stock show. We will definitely be looking forward to her next showing animals, as well as those who decide to start next year. We can only see what next year has in store for us now.

By: Mrs.Minniear, Alexis Cook, and Xavier Mendoza

As January has begun, congratulations to Pleasanton High School’s Business Professionals of America students who went to Regional Competition last weekend in Hondo.  Advancing to state are: Maribel Cerrillo, Tanner McDougal – 1st Place Global Marketing Team, Adyson Pawelek, Isabella Trapp, Sadie Hartmann, Genieve Turner – 1st Place Presentation Team, Presly Moos, Pierson Pilgrim, Cianna Acevedo – 2nd Place Small Business Management Team, Reagan Hilburn – 2nd Place Prepared Speech, Kinley Alvarado – 2nd Place Health Research Presentation, Lauren Miles – 4th Place Advanced Word Processing, State Alternates are: Farah Standley – Digital Media Production
Madison Conner, Razalyn Machado, Andrew Lucas, Nick Lucas – Visual Design Team. 

A huge congratulations to our Mighty Eagle Band for honoring FIVE All-State musicians. Here are their names and placements: Samuel Bermea – 7th chair clarinet, Michael Cepeda – 1st chair alto clarinet (2nd year All- State, Ivan Padilla – 1st chair bass clarinet, Julian Villarreal – 1st chair contralto clarinet, and Michael Lister – 1st chair euphonium (2nd Year All-State). We are so proud of their hard work and dedication! These talented students earned spots in the ATSSB All-State Band and will perform at the Texas Music Educators Association convention on February 15th

PHS Bowling has weekly game’s and are in district matches! This shows that they have been working hard and have been successful with their training. It also shows that they’re capable of winning much more. They have a match January 29th against La Vernia at 5PM. They will try their hardest to win and show Pleasanton what they’re made of! Be on the lookout for their next game February 3rd where they will face off against La Vernia again., and be sure to root for our bowling team in their upcoming games so they can bring home trophies and hopefully make it to bigger competitions! 

by: Leighlah Silva

Monique Flores has been hitting all the right notes during her time here at Pleasanton High School, and her dedication to The Mighty Eagle Band has earned her the title of Eagle of The Month. From countless practices to unforgettable performances, Moniques high school journey has been full of music, hard work, and inspiration. 

One of Moniques favorite parts of being in band has been participating in UIL competitions. These events have given her the chance to not only showcase her skills but also meet students from other programs and learn from their experiences. “It has been such a great experience going to UIL competitions, getting to meet other bands and grow as a musician”, she shared. 

Throughout high school, Monique has found inspiration in two incredible teachers: Mrs. Doege and Mr. Lopez. Their support, guidance, and encouragement have pushed her to excel both in music and as a person. 

After graduation, Monique plans to take her passion for music to the next level by attending Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where shell major in music. With big dreams ahead, Monique is ready to continue making an impact, on note at a time. 

Congratulations to Monique Flores for being this Month’s Eagle and for her outstanding contributions to the Pleasanton High School band.

by: Elisabeth

To kick off the new year on a high note, were excited to introduce this month’s featured teacher: our newest art teacher, Mr. Cervantes! An exceptional artist and an inspiring educator, Mr. Cervantes brings both talent and passion to our community.

Although he is new to this school, he is not new to teaching. He has taught art for 20 years, with only 2 of those years spent here. Before starting his teaching career, he worked as a graphic designer, combining communication and art. In addition to being a teacher and an artist, he enjoys being a wonderful grandpa and tending to his lawn. His biggest inspiration in life is his father, while his fascination with art has been present since kindergarten. When asked what message he would like to share with the students at PHS, he responded, “You guys are a good group. From where I come from, y’all are a good group.” If you see Mr. Cervantes, be sure to show him some appreciation.

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: Omar Aguas

There are many ways to show love during Valentine’s Day without spending money. If you don’t have money in your wallet, there are always alternative gestures that can show someone you care. 

One way is by reminiscing about how you first met each other as it became more than just a meaningful relationship, maybe do something with them that reminds them of that special day. Perhaps watching a marathon or binge watching their favorite movies. As a final showing of love, give them XO’s to show that they mean the world to you and that the love chemistry will carry on for years.

With no school this Valentine’s day, take the long weekend to spend some time with the people that matter to show them they’re loved!

by: Ella Garza

January is national blood donor month, this month we honor those who give to others in need of blood transfusions. The first national blood donor program in the US started during World War II and has been the reason for so many positive things. Blood donation caused the discovery of different blood types in the 1900s. Blood transfusions have helped keep people healthy for years and years, so give and get back this January for national blood donor month!