by: Elisabeth Dills
Welcome back! As we start the new year, we will welcome many things, including new poetry!
‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops At all
– Emily Dickinson
by: Alex Richter
In 2020, the small community of Akron, Ohio, was shattered by a crime that defied explanation. Sydney Powell, an 18-year-old Honor Roll student and beloved daughter, was arrested for the brutal murder of her mother, Brenda Powell. Behind the polished exterior of academic excellence, Sydney hid a web of deception that ultimately unraveled in a tragic and violent confrontation.
Sydney Powell was a star student at Akron’s Norton High School, where she excelled in academics and was well-liked by her peers and teachers. Known for her dedication and intelligence, Sydney was celebrated as a young woman with a bright future ahead of her.
Determined to maintain the image of success, Sydney lived on the campus of Mount Union University and pretended to be an enrolled student after losing her place in the university. Her ruse unraveled when Mount Union University staff confronted Sydney directly, informing her that she was no longer a student, and needed to leave. She was afraid that she could no longer keep it from her mother, Brenda Powell, a dedicated child life specialist at Akron Children’s Hospital.
On March 3, 2020, Brenda was told by her husband, Sydney’s father, that he found out about Sydney being unenrolled. Brenda decided that she needed to come home right away and help her daughter with whatever was going on, and soon, Brenda got a call from the university. During this, overwhelmed by panic and anger, Sydney attacked her mother with a cast iron skillet and a steak knife in their family home. The brutal assault left thirty stab wounds in Brenda’s neck, with irreplaceable damage to her skull from the skillet. After the attack, the university was confused and concerned after hearing banging and screaming. Soon after her mother was already dead, Sydney picked up the phone and pretended to be her mother, Brenda. During the call, the staff members noticed that this was not Brenda, which prompted them to contact the authorities, but they did not arrive in time to save Brenda.
Sydney was arrested at the scene and charged with her mother’s murder. During her trial, prosecutors described a young woman desperate to maintain a facade of perfection, while the defense pointed to Sydney’s struggles with mental health, and attempted to prove that she was not sane. Surprisingly, Sydney’s family agreed with this, and was on her side all along. Ultimately, she was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
Brenda Powell, described by colleagues and friends as kind and selfless, was a beloved figure who had spent her career supporting children and families. Sydney Powell’s former teachers and classmates struggled to process the crime with the bright, polite girl that they had once known…They still debate to this day whether or not Sydney killed her mother in a psychotic episode, or if Sydney simply thought that killing her mother was the only solution to hiding her murderous secret.
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: Ella Garza and Xavier Mendoza
The band is preparing to perform their music for the Christmas celebration soon, so keep an eye out for their next performance! While the band was scheduled to perform in the Merry on Main parade, the weather did not permit it. Community members are eagerly anticipating this Christmas performance.
We also interviewed a band member asking about how they were doing and what songs they were going to play. The band member answered that everything is going well, and they are expecting to go to UIL competitions soon to grow at the rate they’re going. When asked about Merry on Main, the person answered that they were excited for it, but unfortunately, they did not perform. When asked about their favorite Christmas songs to perform. they answered with Jingle Bells.
When questioned about their Christmas celebration performance, they responded that they would be playing many sampled songs from well-known Christmas songs. In recent news, the jazz band was out last week at various public venues; there are also students competing in the All-Region band.
By: Aiden and Layla
This Basketball Season has been successful so far for both the boys and girls! They have been working hard day in and day out making sure they are ready to compete when it comes gametime. Our Eagles have been working and competing in many games and tournaments in order to prepare for the district games which are just now arriving.
The Boys basketball have been having an even season so far with a record of 7-7 taking the win over Nixon-Smiley last night. Here are some results from the men’s varsity basketball team – Pleasanton vs Beeville 85-79 (win) Pleasanton vs Harlandale 77-61 (loss) Pleasanton vs Highlands 65-45 (loss) Pleasanton vs Madison 69-64 (win) Pleasanton vs McCollum 69-64 (loss) Pleasanton vs SAMHS 81-28 (win) Pleasanton vs Stockdale 78-33 (win) Pleasanton vs Davenport 66-55 (loss) Pleasanton vs Beeville 64-61 (win) Pleasanton vs YMLA 77-78 (loss) Pleasanton vs Poteet 69-32 (win) Pleasanton vs Davenport 86-60 (loss) Pleasanton vs Jourdanton 57-43 (win). As for the Eagles there next opponents will be at a tournament in Gregory-Portland on December 12th at 2:30 in Gregory-Portland HS.
As for the Lady Eagles Basketball they have begun the season with a record of 8-9. Here are some results for the Lady Eagles – Pleasanton vs Natalia 62-27 (win) Pleasanton vs Jefferson 57-30 (win) Pleasanton vs Chapin 44-24 (loss) Pleasanton vs Edison 43-27 (win) Pleasanton vs Harlandale 64-29 (loss) Pleasanton vs Del Rio 50-40 (loss) Pleasanton vs Lanier 32-25 (win) Pleasanton vs Fox Tech 42-31 (win) Pleasanton vs Seguin 38-22 (loss)
Pleasanton vs Crystal City 49-45 (win) Pleasanton vs Canyon 57-32 (loss) Pleasanton vs Gonzales 31-26 (loss) Pleasanton vs JFKHS 55-49 (win) Pleasanton vs Highlands 40-30 (loss) Pleasanton vs Jourdanton 57-22 (loss) Pleasanton vs Hondo 44-29 (loss) . The Lady Eagles next opponents will be the Carrizo Springs Lady Wildcats on December 13th at Carrizo Springs HS at 7:30.
The Season for both boys and girls have been off to a great start and both have been working very hard each day and each practice to get better each and every day. Come support your boys and girls basketball teams to show them love.
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: Jolenne and Kadynce
For this month’s teacher spotlight, the Quill has selected Mrs. Huschke. We have selected Mrs. Huschke due to her wonderful and bubbly personality. Some fast facts about her, Mrs. Huschke has worked with Pleasanton High School for nine years!! Isn’t that cool? Her favorite memory she has experienced this year would have to be, she states, “the halloween week”. When asking Mrs.Huschke who do you like to help out, she would say, “I like chemistry so probably Ms. Huizar or Mrs. English”. Mrs. Huschke loves to work with the teachers. Fun fact: Mrs. Huschke loves Star Wars! She believes that this year is going too fast, but going good overall, she also loves to work with all the students, and the classes.
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: The Wiseman
What should you give your friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, or family for Christmas? As the Wiseman, I suggest spoiling them by letting them buy whatever they want. At the end of the day, this month is about opening presents, staying warm, and avoiding all coldness with the ones you love. Gift cards to their favorite coffee shops or clothing stores are the best way to spoil your loved ones.
This jolly season, enjoy sipping a big cup of coffee, or even hot cocoa as the year closes; and remember this: another chapter is upon the horizon.
By: Elisabeth Dills
In the glow of the fire, and holiday cheer, a tender invitation draws hearts near, a-
Mistletoe
Sitting under the mistletoe,
One last candle burning low,
All the sleepy dancers gone,
Just one candle burning on,
Shadows lurking everywhere:
Someone came, and kissed me there.
by: Alex Richter
Snow fell relentlessly outside the frosted window, a smothering silence settling over Maplewood. The town had always seemed smaller in winter, but tonight, on Christmas Eve, it felt downright suffocating. Lucas sat on the worn couch in his living room, his gaze fixed on the single sheet of paper in his hand.
At seventeen, he hadn’t believed in Santa Claus for years. Yet, something had driven him to scrawl out these few lines, as if they might make a difference. It wasn’t even a list–just one wish.
Lucas folded the paper carefully and slipped it into an envelope. The absurdity of this made him shake his head, but he left the envelope on the windowsill anyway.
“Late for mailing, don’t you think?” his sister asked, leaning against the doorframe. Her voice was casual, but Lucas could hear the stain beneath it–the same strain they’d both carried since their mom died in January.
Lucas shrugged.
“Just felt like trying something.”
“You used to do that every year when you were a kid. Said Santa was your best friend.”
Lucas’ throat tightened, but he forced a laugh.
“Yeah, well… old habits die hard, I guess.”
A few hours later, as the house settled into silence, Lucas lay awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. His wish was for something he hadn’t been able to shake since the funeral: a way to feel her presence again.
The room suddenly felt colder, the kind of cold that didn’t just touch your skin but settled deep in your chest. A soft jingling noise filled the room, followed by a gust of wind that carried a faint scent of pine and cinnamon.
Lucas sat up. By the window stood a figure dressed in red, his coat lined with thick white fur. His face wasn’t jolly, like every cartoon Lucas had seen growing up. His eyes, sharp and bright, looked straight into Lucas’.
“You’re older than most of the kids who write to me,” the man said, holding up the envelope.
Lucas blinked, his heart hammering.
“You’re not real. This is some… weird dream…”
Santa–if that’s who he was–tilted his head.
“Maybe. But let’s not waste it, shall we?”
Before Lucas could respond, the room disappeared around him. When his vision cleared, they were standing in a sprawling workshop that looked like something out of a movie. The air buzzed with warmth and energy.
“Why am I here?” Lucas asked, his voice steady despite the scene around him.
Santa led him toward a quieter corner where a tall mirror stood. Its surface glistened with a warm glow.
“You are here because your wish was honest. Honest wishes deserve answers.”
Lucas hesitated, glancing at the mirror.
“What is it?”
“It shows you what you’ve been holding onto–and what you’ve been avoiding,” Santa said. “Go on.”
Lucas stepped closer, his breath fogging the glass. The surface rippled like water, then cleared to reveal a scene: his mom, laughing as she teased him about his terrible cookie-decorating skills. Lucas froze, his chest tightening. Another scene followed: her voice humming a lullaby as he slept on the couch; her hands fixing the crooked star atop the Christmas tree last year. Just a week before she died.
“I didn’t think I’d forget her so fast,” Lucas murmured, his voice breaking.
Santa’s hand rested lightly on his shoulder.
“You haven’t forgotten her. You’ve just been afraid to look.”
The images faded, leaving Lucas staring at his own reflection again, eyes watery with tears.
“What’s the point of this?”
“To remind you,” Santa said softly, “that love doesn’t disappear, even when people do. It’s still here, in your memories, in your actions.”
The mirror shimmered once more, and a warmth spread through Lucas, so vivid it felt like his mom’s arms wrapping around him one last time. He closed his eyes, letting the feeling wash over him. When he opened them, he was back in his room.
The snow outside had stopped, and the first hints of dawn painted the horizon.
Christmas was never going to be the same without his mom–he knew that. But it didn’t feel unbearable. His mom wasn’t gone. She had just taken a different form. And for now, that was enough.
by: Alex Richter
The case of Shinichiro Azuma is a chilling example of true crime in Japan that left the nation in shock and deeply disturbed. This tragic case revolves around Azuma, a troubled teenager, and the brutal murder of a young boy, highlighting issues of juvenile crime and psychological instability.
Starting sometime in February, Azuma assaulted three schoolgirls within a two-month span. On March 16, 1995, Azuma was 14 years old at the time when he escalated to murder, killing 10-year-old Ayaka Yamashita. On November 14, 1997, Shinichiro Azuma, 19 years old at the time, abducted, assaulted, and murdered an eleven-year-old boy in a rural area of Japan. Azuma lured the child when he pretended that he needed help.
Once isolated in a remote area, Azuma unleashed unspeakable violence. After restraining the boy, he subjected him to brutal physical assault. Azuma then strangled the child to death, ensuring his victim could not call for help or escape.
In an effort to taunt the authorities, Azuma decapitated his victim. He placed the severed head on the gates of the local elementary school. The scene was gruesome: the head was left in an obvious spot, sending waves of fear and outrage throughout the school district and students.
Alongside the display, Azuma left a series of taunting messages written in blood. One note read: “I have tasted flesh and blood. It is thrilling and I want to feel it again.”
Azuma also directed letters to the police, where he mocked their inability to catch him and signed the messages with aliases meant to provoke fear. These messages revealed his desire for control, as well as his indifference to the suffering he caused.
Azuma’s past revealed a history of neglect, bullying, and untreated mental health issues. Reports indicated that he had a fascination with violence and was isolated from his peers. Experts analyzing the case have suggested that Azuma’s unstable upbringing and the lack of a supportive family contributed to his descent into violence. For his sentence, Azuma was only charged with 2 years of juvenile detention. He is now in his forties, living among the residents of Japan.
Azuma’s notice remains complex, blending elements of frustration, psychological illness, and a desire for control. He admitted during interrogation that he wanted to experience the “ultimate power” over another person. Such statements further alarmed authorities and the public about the dangers of untreated mental health issues, especially in teenagers.
By: Aiden Alcorta
As the 2024-2025 football season comes to an end, the Pleasanton Eagles finished with a record of 4-6. The Eagles came up short against a very talented team, the Canyon Lake Hawks, with a score of 24-42. The Eagles had a hard-fought season and put in so much work to the season. As the Eagles look to get revenge next season, they are now putting in the work in the off-season. Congratulations to the Eagles for not quitting when times were hard; they fought every battle until the final buzzer sounded.
Also, a HUGE congratulations to Aiden Rich in making the San Antonio Sports All-Star Game!! Make sure to vote for Erik Coronado for the San Antonio Sports All-Star Game. Voting is on woobox.com choose your vote and fill out the information at the bottom. Until next season, #PridePrideEaglePride!!
By: Layla Rodriguez and Alexis Cook
And we’re back with another sports recap! This month’s Sports Recap will be focusing on Band and our Basketball program.
First, we will start with our Lady Eagle Basketball! The Eagles have been competing so very hard this season, and it is just the start. Going into the first game, they fought and managed a big win. Next, they competed at Jefferson and once again managed to take a big win!
Now moving on to the Boys Basketball program. This season has been looking equally as great for these boys! The boys competed at home against Beeville, and it was a close one. The game went into overtime, but not to fear, they pulled off the win.
Saturday at 11 a.m., the Pleasanton Eagle Band went head-to-head against Calallen High School in an exciting competition. All teams brought their best to the field, showcasing impressive talent and determination. Despite a strong performance from the Eagles, they ultimately finished in 20th place, while Calallen High School secured 11th place. The match was a hard-fought contest, with both schools displaying grit and sportsmanship throughout the event. Although the Eagles didn’t achieve the ranking they had hoped for, they showed great resilience and skill, making the competition a valuable experience for the team.
Percilla Gonzales
By: Liam Powell & Xavier Mendoza
Ms. Gonzales has been a vital part of our teacher support system for some time now. But how many of us have taken the chance to truly get to know her?
Her journey began with an early dream of becoming a pharmacist. The idea of diving into the world of medicine was exciting, and the flexibility of the career path seemed ideal. However, Ms. Gonzales eventually found her true calling in education. She majored in multidisciplinary science and even dedicated an additional year to earning her certification to teach high school—a goal she had nurtured for a few years.
She began her career as a science teacher in the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), where she built a strong foundation of experience alongside her science degree. Before long, she joined Pleasanton ISD, steadily working her way into her current role as teacher support.
Ms. Gonzales has a genuine love for connecting with people from all walks of life. She takes time to listen, understand, and offer help wherever she can, a dedication that naturally led her to her current position. Despite the demands of her role, Ms. Gonzales still makes time for her passions.
In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows and movies. But her hobbies don’t end there. “There’s something about a book and good weather that makes my heart smile,” she says—a sentiment that many can relate to.
Basketball is another love of hers, one that goes back to her college days at St. Philip’s College, where she played for fun. Now, the tradition lives on through her children, who share her enthusiasm for the game.
Ms. Gonzales is more than just a pillar of support for our teachers; she’s a role model who balances her professional and personal life with grace. Like the pages of a favorite book, her life is filled with stories waiting to be discovered.
While her focus now is on supporting our teachers, her efforts ultimately benefit all of us, ensuring we receive the quality education we deserve.
By: Leighlah Silva
As the new school year unfolds, we’re excited to welcome two standout sophomores to the journalism team, Emily Breier and Elisabeth Dills. Both bring unique perspectives, ambitions, and determination, making them a welcome addition to our staff. Their stories highlight not only their dedication to journalism but also the qualities that set them apart as exceptional individuals.
Emily’s journey into journalism began at the fall fair for freshmen, where a spark of interest led her to sign up. Though she faces challenges, like the occasional writer’s block, she doesn’t let that hold her back. Emily’s commitment to her work is evident in how she actively seeks help and feedback, always eager to improve her writing and bring fresh ideas to the team. Her persistence in overcoming obstacles is inspiring, and her passion for learning shines through in her efforts.
Outside of journalism, Emily envisions a future in cosmetology, where she plans to use her creativity and sense of style. But for now, she’s excited to stick with journalism throughout high school, building skills and making connections that will serve her well in any career she chooses. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: put in the effort, and remember that trying your best is what matters most. Emily’s resilience and positive outlook are sure to leave a lasting impact on our journalism team.
Elizabeth joined the journalism team seeking an extra class to round out her schedule, but her natural love for writing and connecting with people made her a perfect fit. She brings an enthusiasm for storytelling that is contagious, always eager to engage with new people and learn about their perspectives. For Elizabeth, journalism isn’t just about reporting facts; it’s about building relationships and understanding the world around her.
Like any writer, Elizabeth faces her own set of challenges, especially with meeting deadlines and avoiding the pull of procrastination. However, her awareness of these obstacles only makes her more determined to succeed. Elizabeth plans to stay with journalism, using the skills she gains to enhance her communication abilities and stay engaged with the world. Her perseverance and people-centered approach bring a refreshing energy to our team.
Both Emily and Elizabeth have shown a willingness to step outside their comfort zones, take on challenges, and grow as writers and individuals. Their dedication and unique perspectives bring depth and diversity to our journalism team, making them invaluable members who will undoubtedly leave a mark on our publication.
This issue we will be talking about is American Diabetes Awareness Month, people may not know but November is the Month of many awareness health issues including American Diabetes Month, Bladder Health Month, Diabetic Eye Disease Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, National Epilepsy Awareness Month, National Healthy Skin Month, National Hospice Palliative Care Month, National Stomach Cancer Awareness, Month Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Prematurity Awareness Month, Transgender Awareness Week (2nd week in November), but this issues we will be focussing on American Diabetes Awareness Month, because granted it is a serious thing some people don’t recognize that November is the month of American diabetes. There are different types of diabetes, type one and type two.
Type one diabetes is caused by your body attacking itself therefore causing it not to provide enough insulin, this can be diagnosed in children or young adults. Type two diabetes is when your body doesn’t produce insulin well and can’t keep your blood levels stable, according to the CDC website “You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if you’re at risk”.
There are also prediabetic and borderline diabetic. Prediabetes is when your sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to have type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC website, “Prediabetes is a serious health condition that increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.” What causes prediabetes? According to the CDC, “ Insulin is a hormone that acts like a key to let blood sugar into cells for use as energy. If you have prediabetes, the cells in your body don’t respond normally to insulin. Your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond.
Eventually, your pancreas can’t keep up, and your blood sugar rises. This sets the stage for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes down the road.” However, borderline diabetes is when your blood sugar level is higher than it should be but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Borderline diabetics have some insulin resistance due to excess body fat, especially around their belly, and a lack of physical activity.
by: Alex Richter
Junko Furuta, a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo, Japan, was abducted on her way home from a part-time job by two teenage boys on November 25, 1988. Junko was a well-liked student at Yashio-Minami High School, recognized for her beauty, intellect, and outstanding academic performance. Her peers respected her, and she had a promising future in front of her, though her life was tragically cut short. The case, involving four teenage perpetrators, shocked Japan and left a lasting impression on the community.
This began when two boys approached Junko from her school. Hiroshi Miyano, the group’s ringleader, had previously tried to form a romantic relationship with her, which she politely declined. This resulted in his friends–Nobuharu Minato, Yasushi Watanabe, and Jo Ogura–having the idea to abduct her. After forcing Junko to call her parents and claim she was safe, her captors held her in the Minato family home, effectively preventing any search and rescue efforts.
While in captivity, Junko suffered extensive abuse and endured unimaginable hardship. Reports indicate that she was deprived of food, subjected to physical and psychological harm, and endured prolonged suffering. Over 44 days, Junko was brutally tortured by the boys in unspeakable ways.
There were instances where Junko’s suffering might have come to an end. At one point, a young visitor to the house saw her and informed the authorities that there was an abused girl in the home. However, when police arrived to investigate, they were convinced by both the boys and the parents that no one in the house needed help, leading them to leave without further action. In another instance, Junko managed to reach out for help briefly by phone, but her captors stopped her before she had the chance to speak.
Junko eventually succumbed to her injuries on January 4, 1989. In a final act of cruelty, her captors concealed her remains in a concrete-filled container, disposing of it in a landfill. The sentences for the perpetrators were met with widespread outrage, as the legal system’s treatment of juveniles led to relatively short prison terms for all involved. Hiroshi Miyano received a 20-year sentence, while the others received even lighter sentences.
This case remains a painful reminder of the need for stronger protections for victims. The legacy of Junko’s story has contributed to increased awareness and advocacy against violence, as people remember Junko not only for the injustice she endured but also as a symbol of change.
By: Layla Rodriguez
For this month’s Poll, we asked our students at PHS if they prefer winter or fall and why. Here are some great responses! “I prefer winter because it is Christmas time!” and a student favoring fall said, “I love fall because of the feeling, and the festive foods!”. Concluding our results, the big winner of this month’s Poll is winter! Thank you to everyone who participated this month. Come back next time for a fun new topic!
By: Ella Garza
This issue’s new discovery is that scientists have discovered a new species of antarctic dragonfish. A dragonfish is a fish native to warm Indo-Pacific waters and are 16-centimeter elongated fish encased in bony rings of armor. A research team from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at William & Mary had identified what’s known as the “banded dragonfish” while investigating museum-archived larvae samples.
While most of our ocean is still unexplored, new species are being discovered almost every day. This strikes a lot of conversations in communities even outside of science. Visit https://new.nsf.gov/news/new-antarctic-dragonfish-species-discovered for more information.
By: Emily Breier
Let’s talk about the top ten teams in the NFL. Every team works hard, though the question is, who is the best of the best? Let’s start with number ten the Arizona Cardinals they have a winning streak of six wins and four losses. Coming in at ninth place is the Green Bay Packers with six wins and three losses. Next is the Missoda Vikings who have seven, and two records putting them in eighth place. In seventh place is the Washington Commanders; their record so far this season is seven wins and three losses. Coming in at number six is the Pittsburgh Stealers with a score of seven and two
Now let’s get to the top five, at number five is the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of seven-two. Next up is the Buffalo Bill with a great score of eight-two. At number three is the Ravains with a score of seven and three. The Lions come in second place so far this season with a streak of eight and one, so close to the number one spot but not close enough. Now is the moment we have all been waiting for the number-one team in the NFL this season. You know them, you love them, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have nine and zero scores right now being the only team with this record.
Every team deserves the praise, of course, for putting in countless hours on and off the field. No matter what team you support, I hope you enjoyed the update of the top ten.
By: Jolenne Woodlee and Kadynce Aguliar
The Quill staff are delighted to report on our foreign exchange students, Dalighla and Barbare. Dalighla is from Germany, and she had some good things to say about Pleasanton High School so far. When discussing Pleasanton High School, Dalighla states, “It’s good, I like it”. When asked how she likes her host family, her response was, “ I like my host family”. Dalighla also stated,“The first week was hard, but now it’s easy.” Overall, she seems to enjoy her stay here in Pleasanton, Texas.
Barbare, on the other hand, is from Georgia. When asking her opinion about culture, her answer was “Like every teenager, it was my dream to get to America, leaving the Washington airport and seeing America through my eyes was very shocking and impressive at the same time. The cultural difference is that Americans know time management which is not a big problem in Georgia.” We asked Barbare to elaborate about the difference of the culture today, she had a lot of good things to say about it. When talking about some of the most challenging things she has faced she stated “One of the difficult barriers is the English language, because American English is different from all other English spoken by people in the world.”
We are excited to host these delightful students on our campus. Make sure to give them a welcoming smile if you meet these two!
Pop Culture: New York Fashion Week
by: Layla Rodriguez
This month we are focusing on the one and only New York Fashion week! There were so many different looks and new styles being introduced that many love, here are some of the favorites!
Ralph Lauren
Firstly we have Ralph Lauren. She brought a whole new meaning to style. Her main outfit featured a whole Jean look with some pops of color shown in the accessories. She was going for a chick hippie cowgirl kind of look and she definitely nailed it! This was one of our more simple but favorite looks this week.
Alessandra Ambrosio
Next we have Alessandra Ambrosio and she looked absolutely stunning! She featured a red jumpsuit with a butterfly cut neckline and white undertones fading into a flowy bottom. No accessories needed, this piece was a real show stopper!!
Grace Ling
Lastly we have Grace Ling, with this one of a kind line that had many jaws on the floor. This dress features a vine of thorns wrapped around her body with a few birds coming off of the vine. The all silver look is really eye-catching as well as its unique design! This line emphasizes being delicate, yet dangerous and brings so many new possibilities to the table.
Overall this New York fashion week was a huge success! Our journalism crew loved seeing the unique outfits and the creative people behind them. If you liked this month’s Pop Culture segment, come back next month for the next hot topic!
by: Liam Powell
In the fast-paced world of science and technology, recent discoveries have sparked excitement across various fields. From breakthroughs in medical research to advancements in renewable energy, these findings are poised to shape our future.
Following the success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are exploring new applications for this technology. Recent studies suggest that mRNA could be used to combat various diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders. For instance, a clinical trial showed promising results for an mRNA vaccine designed to target melanoma, offering hope for personalized cancer treatments.
Quantum computing continues to make headlines with recent advancements that enhance computational power and efficiency. Companies like Google and IBM have reported progress in qubit stability, a key factor in making quantum computers viable for practical applications. These developments could revolutionize industries such as cryptography, materials science, and artificial intelligence, enabling calculations that are currently unimaginable with classical computers.
As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, new discoveries in renewable technologies are emerging. Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method for harnessing solar energy using perovskite materials, which could significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency. Additionally, breakthroughs in energy storage, particularly with solid-state batteries, promise to enhance electric vehicle performance and grid stability, making renewable energy more accessible.
The human microbiome—the collection of microbes living in and on our bodies—continues to be a hot topic in medical research. Recent studies have unveiled links between gut health and various conditions, including mental health issues and autoimmune diseases. This growing understanding could lead to new treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of microbiome diversity for overall health.
As climate change poses increasing threats to biodiversity, researchers are discovering ways to bolster ecosystem resilience. A recent study highlighted the potential of assisted migration, where species are relocated to more suitable habitats to counteract climate impacts. Additionally, advancements in ecological restoration techniques are helping to rehabilitate damaged environments, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
These discoveries illustrate the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry and its potential to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. As researchers continue to explore uncharted territories, the implications of their findings will resonate across disciplines, ultimately shaping a more informed and innovative future. Keeping an eye on these advancements will be crucial for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of science and technology.