p. 2 p. 7 p. 6 p. 3

Radar
The
John H. Reagan High School 7104 Berkman Dr. l Austin, TX l 78752 Volume 46, Issue 5
Spring 2009
In Control, a spoof of the on-campus dance group, Outta Kontrol, made the crowd go wild during the TAKS pep-rally. Mr. Davis, Ms. Howard, Mrs. Statham, Ms.
Kaiser (front row) and Ms. Miranda, Ms. Hussain, and Ms. Bauer (back row) all danced and flipped out to “Ice Ice Baby.” “I liked how they were a new version of
Outta Kontrol,” said Shay Carnline. “I couldn’t believe that Ms. Kaiser and Ms. Husain could flip like that.” Check-out more photos on pages 4 and 5.
.
p.
2
Principal Garza year-end letter to
students.
p.
3
Arturo Garcia’s analysis of his
exclusive interview with AISD’s
new Superintendent, Dr.
Carstarphen.
p.
6
A sneak preview of the poetry
that’s about to be found in our
campus lit magazine.
p.
7
Read all about Shay Harris’s quest
to be the country’s best spoken
word poet.
Features
Staff Writers
Arturo Garcia
Flor Cerda-Silva
Dominique Chambers
Loren Cunningham
Christopher T. Cueva
Loren Cunningham
Janette Delgado
Ebony Eberhardt
Briana Fowler
Sierra Henry
Francisco Jaimes
James Earl Jones J.r
Daniel Loza
Te’aunna Moore
Pablo Oliva
Danielle Price
Mr. Reyes*
Jasmin Richardson
Lauren Riggins
Erika Rodriguez
Photographers
Gabby Jones
Lead Designer
James Earl Jones Jr.
Ms. Wolinsky
Advisor
Editorial Policy
Responsibilities of a free student press: Serving
as the primary communication link within John H.
Reagan High School and between the school and
the local community, this newspaper accepts the
responsibilities inherent in being a free press. The
overall objective is to print the news in a fair and
objective way with the utmost regard for integrity.
Editorial Content
1. The students of The Radar staff will print articles that have been researched to the best of their
ability to obtain the most complete information.
2. When personal commentary is given, it will
be in good taste and presented to the best ability
of the writer.
Viewpoints
Printed material that is the view of a staff member or a contributing writer will be labeled as such.
Notice
The Radar will not publish any material not befitting a school publication. This includes, but is not
limited to, the following: libel, discrimination, vulgar
language and racial remarks.
2
Contact Us
[email protected]
A letter from
Principal Garza
I
write this letter to the student
body of Reagan High School
in disbelief that we have already spent almost an entire
school year together. This year
has been an unbelievable year
filled with the greatest experiences for us all. It is said that
Mrs. Garza
some of the greatest relationships are established when people struggle together to achieve a common goal.
That has been our experience. We have been
faced with the most serious of academic situations
and have demonstrated the kind of resiliency necessary to overcome the toughest of times. I want
to thank all of you for welcoming me and making me feel as
though I had always been here.
You don’t know
this perhaps, but
everyday I give
thanks for having the opportunity to work with
you and serve
this community.
I want to congratulate all of
you who will be
graduating on
June 6th. It will be truly, “the beginning of the
rest of your lives”. You have worked hard to
get to this point and I am proud to have met you
and known you if only for one year. In this one
year I have seen in you the determination that defines true winners. I have no doubt that you will
continue on to magnificent futures full of fun,
adventure, awakenings and hard work. I have
been proud to stand with you in our struggle to
“STAND UP FOR REAGAN” because you as
well as those that will follow in your footsteps
deserve nothing less than the best. Reagan is the
best. Congratulations.
I have watched as you have represented this
school on the field, on the court, on the stage,
and especially in the classrooms. I have to admit that watching you in those capacities always
stirred my emotions and brought a lump to my
throat. I had to fight back the tears that were brought on by
the pride that I felt. Having you succeed is the gift that I,
along with your teachers, receive from you. Nothing compares to the joy of having you learn and use the knowledge
that has been transferred to you by a teacher. So when we
see you representing our school and using that knowledge,
it makes it all worth while for us. It will be my honor to
congratulate you on your graduation and send you off to
make us all proud of the things that you will do because of
who you are and the foundation you developed as a student
at Reagan High School.
For those that are not yet graduating I want to remind
you that you are the future of this school. Together we will
continue the journey towards creating the highest performing high school in Austin. I believe that the students at our
school have the potential to do whatever they want to do
and reach academic heights
that will shock
non believers.
We must believe that we
can do it in
order to overcome the challenges that we
face. We must
accept NO
EXCUSES
on our journey
towards excellence. We must support each other and stand courageous
even when we feel like giving up.
Expect exciting new things in the summer and year to
come. All of us are working to provide the new upcoming Raiders and you with some exceptional opportunities as we prepare you for your futures. I want to make
sure that we have your most current information in the
office so make sure to get that to us so that you do not
miss out when we try to get a hold of you this summer.
“We must believe that we can do it
in order to overcome the challenges
that we face. We must accept NO
EXCUSES on our journey towards
excellence. We must support each
other and stand courageous even
when we feel like giving up.”
Again, it has been my pleasure to serve you and
this community and I intend to continue my work
alongside you for as long as you’ll have me. I will
already ask for forgiveness for the constant demand
for excellence but your teachers and I all believe that
you are worth it so excuse us for caring to the point
of causing you distress. We care about you and expect the very best-nothing less as we create the leaders of tomorrow. “Not Without Honor”.
Don’t forget your memories!
Yearbooks arrive Monday, 5/18
See Ms. Wolinsky for details.
Spring 2009S
Features
What ’s On Your Radar?
Are you worried about the Swine Flu?
“Yeah! They say you can
die from it. I’m staying
away from people who
are sick. It’s basically the
same thing as the regular flu, so people shouldn’t
over-react, but at the same
time, I don’t want to die.”
-Alex Govea, 11th
“Heck no! We are all going
to die one day. I’m just living my life as normal. What
am I supposed to do, walk
around with a mask? No,
I’m not going to do all that.”
-Areli Zarate, 12th
“Yes, but I don’t think it’s
that big of a deal because
there is medicine to take
if you do have it. I’m just
doing regular things like
washing my hands. I don’t
think it’s necessary to
close schools if they take
precautions.”
-Erick Perez, 9th
Discussing what matters:
“Seasonal flu causes about
thirty thousand deaths per
year in the United States.
The fact that there has
only been one death in the
U.S. makes me feel less
worried about an
epidemic occurring.”
-Ms. Satham,
Biology Teacher.
“No, but at the same
time, I don’t want to get
sick. I’m going to take
precautions like washing
my hands and stuff, but
I’m not going to take it to
the extreme and be like
‘DON’T TOUCH ME!’ or
wear a mask because that
stuff done work.”
-Sierra Henry, 10th
An exclusive interview with the new boss
O
n March
30th,
Jermiah
Wooley and I
had the opportunity to meet
Dr. Carstarphen,
AISD’s selection for the
Arturo
District’s next
Garcia
Superintendent.
We also had the
opportunity to ask her questions in
an exclusive press conference given
to student journalists in AISD. Dr.
Carstarphen appeared to be very
willing to listen to students and answer questions. She immediately
seemed like a positive and outgoing person reminding me of some of
the many great adults I have worked
with. Our new Superintendent is in
control, but also caring enough to
give us, the students, a voice.
Dr. Meria Carstarphen
will replace Dr. Pat Forgione as
Superintendent of Austin Schools
Spring 2009
Dr. Meria Carstarphen was selected to be Austin Independent School District’s next
Superintendent to replace retiring Dr. Pat Forgione. Carstarphen has spoken at
public forums at Reagan High School, answering questions and speaking towards
concerns.
on July 1st. Dr. Forgone was known
for his support for standardized tests
(TAKS test and benchmarks) to measure student performance, his support
for closing Webb and turning it into an
all boys school, and for splitting the
LASA program from LBJ High School.
“She seems like the kind of
person who is student-centered. She’s
engaged with students and wants to
give them a bigger role when it comes
to making important decisions for their
schools,” said Tim Eubanks, Reagan’s
Stand-Up Chapter Coordinator.
The incoming Superintendent
stated that she plans to take a different
approach to testing and that she will
take the time to stop and think about
how effective the testing is. She stated
that she wants to help low performing
schools and would like to listen to
students and teachers at academically
low performing schools to find out
what is working and what is not.
“She seems really down to
earth and charismatic,” said Jermiah
Wooley. Wooley asked her many
questions about plans for supporting
teen parents. Carstarphen plans on
learning more about this population
and intends to address needs within
the teen parenting population.
Teen pregnancy and parenthood were not the only issues
we asked the new Superintendent to
comment on. We also talked to her
about Reagan’s possible closure next
year. Dr. Carstarphen stated that she
will support and strengthen campuses
with low academic performance, like
Reagan. She said that she has visited
many of the low performing schools
in the district already, including four
the same day we were meeting with
her. She plans on focusing on implementing programs, which train
students to take excellent notes during class as well as new strategies for
studying the material at home.
It’s good to hear that Dr. Carstarphen
has already visited East side schools
and she has many good ideas. I took
special interest in her ideas concerning tutoring for core classes.
Hopefully, her involvement will
translate into support for our campus staying open.
“We need to have safety
nets, extra support, more student
support, and [the District needs to]
support the elementary and secondary schools uniquely to their needs.
We need to have higher expectations
and learn what’s the best way to intervene based on the grade level,”
Dr. Carstarphen said.
Dr. Carstarphen is a fresh
new change for the District that I
think Austin really needed. She
seems to have a lot of unique plans
in store for AISD, and I hope she
will be able to work along side the
students and have time for those students who need to be heard. I’m
positive she will make an impact on
everyone she works with.
3
TAKS Pep Rally Highlights
Did you pass the TAKS?
Take this quiz to find out!
Coach Orr gets his cheer on looking as fly as the cheerleaders. This was
his debut on the cheer squad, but the girls aren’t sure he’ll make the cut
for next year’s team.
The Soul Raider Drumline gained some new members. Mr. Fowler, MASH
Assistant Principal, took center stage getting down and dirty at the height
of the performance. Other teachers like Mr. Martinez, who plays the
drums recreationally, fit right into the background.
4
1.When you took the TAKS tests did you:
Danielle
a.Bubble in a design in the answer sheet. --1 pt.
Price
b.Read the test question and then try to answer. --3 pts.
c.Close your eyes and go with whatever answer your pencil lands on. --2 pts
2.At the beginning of class, when asked to do a TAKS practice warm-up did you:
a.Say “Aww Miss this ain’t even science class this English.” --2 pts
b.Get ready to go to sleep. --1 pt
c.Suck it up, and actually do it. --3 pts.
3.When you didn’t know the answer to a question immediately, did you:
a.Bang your head on the desk until the answer came to you. --1 pt
b.Play eeny-meeny- miny- mo and go with that answer. --2 pts
c.Go with your gut feeling. --3 pts.
4.During TAKS week what did you look forward to?
a.Trying your very best and therefore helping your school. --3 pts.
b.Not having homework or after school activities to do. --2 pts
c.The free cheese snacks they gave you everyday.--1 pt
5.If someone were to ask one of your teachers if you passed, she/he would say:
a.“I don’t know, I thought he/she graduated like 5 years ago.” --1 pt
b.“Absolutely. He/she was very prepared and will do great” --3 pts.
c.“Maybe. Depends on if he/she was hungry or not too hot, or not too cold and if the sun rose at exactly 6:58 that morning.” --2 pts
6.When the TAKS administrator asked you to turn off your phone did you:
a.Pretend to turn it off so he/she will move around. --2 pts
b.Set it on vibrate. --3 pts.
c.Turn it up, so you could hear your favorite ring tone. --1 pt
7.Finish this sentence: You take your time on the TAKS test when ________.
a.You don’t want to fail it. --3 pts.
b.You think they will give you free pizza if you stay through lunch. --2 pts
c.You want a nap without having to be woken up by annoying bells. --1 pt
8.During the TAKS test did you:
a.Daydream about tacos. --1 pt
b.Attempted R.U.B.I.E.S., but turned your test highlighter yellow --2 pts
c.Highlight parts and answer the question to the best of your knowledge --3 pts.
9.What subject test did you practice the most?
a.The one that you needed the most help with, so that you would pass it. --3 pts.
b.The one that you are the best at, so you would feel smart. --2 pts
c.“Mayne! I dons’ted need to praktis nuthin. Ima smat!” --1 pt
10.You want to pass the TAKS test because:
a.You want the IPod shuffle you deserve. --2 pts
b.You want to get out of this school ASAP!!!! --1 pt
c.You know you can do it. --3 pts.
Bonus: The TAKS test was as simple as:
a.♪A-B-C easy as 1-2-3♫…continue singing Jackson 5 song -- 3 pts
b. 3,9,27…an =3n
-- 2 pts
c.a1 +a2 +a3 +…ai +…= ai -- 1 pt
Your Results:
25-30 pts.: Yay! I’d bet lots of money on the fact that you passed and maybe even got Commended for your high scores.
Good job! You understand the importance of a good state exam and to prove you’re college-ready.
18-24 pts: There’s a really good chance you passed, but you’re not completely in the
green zone yet. Don’t throw away your TAKS retest schedule for summer just yet.
10-17 pts: There is no way you passed the TAKS. Obviously you need some lessons on how
important the TAKS test is not only for you, but also for Reagan’s future. You might want to
consider a transfer to another school in AISD, so you can bring down their TAKS scores buddy!
Spring 2009S
TAKS Pep Rally Highlights
Teachers from all different subjects combined together
with Soul Strutter Director, Mrs. Rank, to get down with
their bad selves. At this point in the dance, backed by
the Soul Raider Marching Band, the group went crazy
with their freestyle moves.
Mr. Sanchez points out Mr. McPherson for his cheating
pie eating ways (please note Mr. McPherson’s use of a
spoon and no bib). Mr. Fowler one the contest, but he
faced strong opposition from Sanchez.
Coach Girod cheats during the race to eat their partner’s afro. This is hard evidence of the crime at hand.
“I couldn’t imagine eating that much cotton candy
without getting sick,” said Juana Olguin.
Spring 2009
Wrestlemania? Kind of. After three relatively painless
matches against Coach Girod, Mr. Friede (who was injured), and Mr. Redmon, Coach Marbach, representing
the 2009 TAKS test-taker, finally put Coach Marshall,
representing the evil TAKS test, out of his misery in his
forth match.
Ms. Ramirez suffers from pie-in-the-face trauma after losing the game “Who wants to be a Reagan High
graduate?” Ms. Wolinsky won her graduation cap after
answering tough questions about the TAKS test correctly. Ms. Ramirez didn’t listen to the audience and
was reprimanded via cream pie.
5
In the Spotlight
Three voices loud on paper
Poetry about renewal, love, and hopes for summer love
Ebony
Eberhardt
Lauren
Riggins
Te’aunna
Moore
Deceived
Rock Wit You
Untitled
I’m sorry to say, that I never thought I would
see this day. Over the past month you’ve done
nothing but push me away. It’s hard to believe
that you want me to stay.
Goodmorning Boo
There’re some things that have been on my mind
The summer time is a great time, a fun time
To unwind
i let thoughts of you take over my mind
All I want is to ride with you in the sunshine
And let the sunlight illuminate our love
I do believe you were sent from above
You took your time and now I’m happy to be with
you
And I always have time for you
boy, I breathe you
As every day goes by your love keeps going strong
When were together we have so much fun
Compared to you these other dudes don’t compete
Lets take a trip in your LaSabre and ride to the
beach
We can hold hands while we walk in the sand
i’m so happy you’re my man
We can talk about us and make future plans
Just thinking about you makes me want to cry
I’m just so ready to be your ride or die
Lets go back home because now it’s night
I love being with you
i know I’m with the truth
I’ve said everything I need to say
Except for no matter where life takes us
Don’t ever go away
I know our love is real deep down inside I apologize
For what ever I will do please don’t walk out my
life
I only want things to be right
Baby I love you and
goodnight
Our relationship gold, my attention my
Passion exposed to only few-red lights
Flash of destined signs – purple skies
Come in – the sun has been hidden by
Everlasting thoughts of the pride of
Freedom, some people are afraid, u can
Tell – see it on their faces, expressions are
As loud as passion pink, earth green, the
Eye color of that peaceful person – perplexed
Moments from private thoughts because
There isn’t a resolution to the problem,
But we must know next, something great
Will come in God we trust – feel my praise
I wouldn’t falsify any answers
But with others Deception is never hidden
Looking back on old times, smells from the
Past I miss it
I miss it a lot
We should never force things, just let
It flow
Friends, if that’s what you want to call us.
Since we’ve been apart we don’t fight or fuss.
But you got to admit that you miss us. I put
too much into you, but it obviously wasn’t
enough.
I know you never wanted to hurt me, but I
must confess. I have some secrets to tell and
get off my chest. When I warned you about
your friends, I meant every word. He was
there for me, when you were too busy putting
yourself first.
When you blamed me for everything and
made me cry. He was there to make me smile,
and dry the tears from my eyes. I kept telling
you everything you needed was in front of
you. But he kept telling me I could do better
than you.
I kept telling you that I love you and I needed you. He kept telling me that you didn’t
deserve me, and I needed to leave you. And
you were all I about lies, I shouldn’t believe
you. So I’m sorry to tell you that I lied and
deceived you!
6
Come to WORD, and listen to students
read their poetry and prose on May 20th .
You won’t be disappointed!
Spring 2009S
In the Spotlight
All “eyez” are on Shay, poetry
slam champion, as she prepares
for national competition this
summer
By Mrs. Wolinsky
V
isual, vulnerable, and empowering are three words
that Shanitria “Shay” Harris, 2009 Austin CityWide Youth Poetry Slam Champion, uses to describe her poetry. Harris will be representing one of four
team members representing Austin in Chicago at the
National Youth Poetry Slam, “Brave New Voices”, from
July 15th – 19th.
Shay Harris has been performing her poetry since her
sophomore year. Her talents have brought her all over
the country from San Jose, California to Washington D.C.
Introduced to the art of spoken word performance by wellknown poet, Zell Miller III, sponsor of the after school
poetry club, she has matured into a poet that covers varied
topics and a wide-range of emotions.
“When I first entered into it, I was the baby of
the Austin poetry scene. I was fifteen years old and I
immediately felt like they [poets] were family to me,”
said Shay, who will graduate this year and go on to study
Architectural-Engineering and Psychology at Texas State
University. “Zell has been like a father to me. He’s the
one who first brought me to slam and he’s also the reason
behind most of my poems because in our classes he gives
us subjects and titles to work from.”
This is not the first time Shanitria has taken the
title of Austin’s youth poetry slam champion. She was first
given the title as a sophomore, and now completes her high
school career with a second title. Shay has written over 47
poems and has performed about 43.
Spring 2009
“Not all poems are meant to be heard,” said
Harris as she explains the difference between spoken
word poetry performance and an open mic. “With slam,
60% is performance and 40% is the words. If you don’t
make the audience and judges feel like you felt when you
were writing the poem, you’re not going to do that well.
Slam is emotional.”
For her championship performance, Shay delivered three poems,“Tears of a prophet”, “Breathe”, and
“Eyez B”. Each poem dealt with a variety of issues and
topics that vary from incest, love, and wisdom. Shay believes that her words empower others to deal with their
own personal pain and triumphs.
“I wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable on stage. The
more vulnerable you are, the easier you will be able to
connect to judges and the audience. To make us all feel
like we’re not alone.”
Shay admits that it’s difficult to talk about personal things
face-to-face, but when she performs, she loses the “tough
image” she uses to cover up her true person. “Sometimes
I forget where I am and what I’m doing because I’m lost
inside the story that I’m telling and that’s the only thing
that matters at the time.”
Reagan had two students who walked up on the
stage bearing their true self in order to win the title
of All-City Youth Poetry Slam Champion. DeVonte
Sanders, sophomore, tried as well. He made it
through the two of three poetry rounds and almost
competed against Shay in the final round, but lost
by just one-tenth of a point.
Each poet is given points and every little
tenth matters. Despite the competition outcomes,
the Austin slam poetry community supports each
other.
“If it’s a good slam, you are going to root for
somebody else, even if you want your own poem to
win,” said Shay.
“Brave New Voices” is being featured on
HBO. It follows poetry slam teams from all over
the country. It’s finishing its first season and there’s
a strong chance that it will be renewed for next year.
While Shay hopes that her Austin team takes the national title this year, she does not care for the silly
drama that the reality show, “Brave New Voices”,
focuses on.
“It doesn’t show how you could put your
life into a poem and die on stage. It doesn’t show
the writing process. It doesn’t show the bonds
you’ve formed with performers from all over the
world. It doesn’t show all the poems. The producers are their own judges with a different set of criteria. And that criterion is against a poet’s purpose,”
she said.
If you’d like to learn more about and read
the poetry of Shanitria Harris, she frequently publishes on her blog:
www.tearsofaprophet.blogspot.com
7
Features
Throughout the month of April, Mr. Pesqueda’s art students Antonio Martinez, Christopher Meraz, Iris Rangel, Lidia Sotelo, and Yvette Hernandez all worked on a reproduction of the
famous The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Hokusai (1760-1849). The mural is located outside of room 14. “We were all astonished by how well the mural turned out in the end and
excited to see something other than just another drab wall,” said Mr. Pesqueda. “This is just the beginning, there will be more to come.”
Meet the
man whose
made a
difference:
Michael
Madison
T
Mr. Madison has helped to
bring over 400 volunteers
to the Reagan campus this
year. His office is located in
the Industrial Arts Building.
hings are starting to look different around here. Murals on the wall, students
lined up for tutoring after school and on Saturdays, a quiet in the halls, and
probably the biggest change many students see -- volunteers everywhere. If
you’ve ever wondered who or what brings all of these friendly faces to our campus,
meet Mr. Michael Madison, Volunteer Coordinator for Reagan High School.
Fact: Mr. Madison has a Master’s Degree from Texas A&M University. Fact: Mr.
Madison has run three marathons and finished in the top twenty of over 7,000 in his
last marathon. Fact: Mr. Madison just got engaged to be married two weeks ago.
Fact: Mr. Madison has single-handedly brought over 400 volunteers to our campus.
If you haven’t added all of these facts together yet, let me tell you what it all means:
Mr. Madison is one remarkable person and is making a difference each and every
day on our campus.
75% of the 400 volunteers Mr. Madison has brought to Reagan come at least once
a week to help teachers in the classroom and tutor students.
“They love being here and building relationships with the students,” he said.
As year winds down, you may want to stop by our Volunteer Coordinator’s office
as he gets ready to leave for the summer and thank him for bringing positive, lasting,
change to Reagan.
8
The Perfect PALs
I
t’s that time of year again where classes are starting to form for Fall. Some classes
require more than just the desire to be in them. One class, PALs requires a five page
application and interview.
What is a PAL? PAL stands for Peer Assistance and Leadership. Students selected for this
class must demonstrate that they have all of the qualities of the PAL name. This semester
over fifty students were nominated by their teachers and coaches. Applications were given
out to those who were nominated by two or more teachers.
After a grueling interview process, the applicants will be narrowed down to next year’s
ten to twelve perfect PALs. The group will spend their class time mentoring kids at local
feeder elementary and middle schools. They will also host blood drives at Reagan throughout the year, as well as volunteering in the community to help with other special events.
“This year’s applicants are very strong social leaders,” said Mr. Pesqueda, PALs
Coordinator. “I’m excited to have the liberty to select my own class and I’ll accept nothing, but the best.”
Next year’s PALs will be announced by May 15th.
A Great Opportunity Awaits you!
If you liked what you saw in
The Radar, apply to be a part of next
year’s staff of journalists, photographers,
artists, designers, and writers.
Join The Radar!
See Ms. Wolinsky in Room 14 for more details.
Spring 2009
Radar
The
John H. Reagan High School 7104 Berkman Dr. l Austin, TX l 78752 Volume 46, Issue 4 May 2009
Corbin Woldhagen and Lakrisha Jacobs hold the super cabbage from the Life Skills garden. “The students tended all of the vegetables grown in the
garden,” said Mr. Jessen, Teaching Assistant. “They have grown various types of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and also some root plants like carrots
and potatoes.” Read more about how Life Skills has made a difference on pages five and six.
.
p.
2
XY Zone makes a difference in the
lives of hundreds.
p.
3
Did Reagan pass or fail this year?
Go here to find out.
p.
6
Te’Aunna Moore reviews Public
Offenders’ CD latest release.
p.
8
Once again our track team moves
up the ladder to success, but
will scheduling conflicts halt our
chances for the State title?
Radar
The
John H. Reagan High School 7104 Berkman Dr. l Austin, TX l 78752 Volume 46, Issue 6
Spring 2009
Tori Serna and David Johnson dance to celebrate their election as 2009 Prom King and Queen of John H. Reagan High. This year, the campaigning was intense.
Other nominees, Laura Ramirez, Noe Hernandez, Antoine Hadnot, Nicoallette Carr, Ivan Diaz, Alma Sanchez, Aracely Del Fierro, and Nick Govea all worked hard
to get their names out there in the weeks before the big night, but Tori and David took the crowns.
.
p.
3
Words to live by:
Teachers give their advice.
p.
4
Predictions, Memories, and
Thanks!
p.
6
Memories in pictures.
Candids throughout the year.
p.
7
Senior class officers say their
goodbyes to the one fantastic
group of graduates.
Arturo Garcia
Flor Cerda-Silva
Dominique Chambers
Loren Cunningham
Christopher T. Cueva
Loren Cunningham
Janette Delgado
Ebony Eberhardt
Briana Fowler
Sierra Henry
Francisco Jaimes
James Earl Jones
Daniel Loza
Te’aunna Moore
Pablo Oliva
Danielle Price
Mr. Reyes*
Jasmin Richardson
Lauren Riggins
Erika Rodriguez
Photographers
Christopher T. Cueva
Lead Designer
James Earl Jones
Ms. Wolinsky
Advisor
Editorial Policy
Responsibilities of a free student press: Serving
as the primary communication link within John H.
Reagan High School and between the school and
the local community, this newspaper accepts the
responsibilities inherent in being a free press. The
overall objective is to print the news in a fair and
objective way with the utmost regard for integrity.
Editorial Content
1. The students of The Radar staff will print articles that have been researched to the best of their
ability to obtain the most complete information.
2. When personal commentary is given, it will
be in good taste and presented to the best ability
of the writer.
Viewpoints
Printed material that is the view of a staff member or a contributing writer will be labeled as such.
Notice
The Radar will not publish any material not befitting a school publication. This includes, but is not
limited to, the following: libel, discrimination, vulgar
language and racial remarks.
2
Contact Us
[email protected]
Congrats Class of 2009
Staff Writers
Spring 2009S
Teachers Words to Live By
Class Sponsors
I am so mixed with many
emotions. I am so happy,
so proud, so excited, and
so sad all at the same time.
We have workd so hard
to get you to this point
and I forgot that means
you would be leaving me.
(That’s the sad part). But,
I am so overwhelmed with
joy and as sense of pride
that is near and dear to my heart. My last words to
you are keep striving for excellence and you can do
anything you want and do not let anyone tell you
different!
Each and everyone of you have taught me a lot this
year about life, the pursuit of happiness and unconditional love and I have taught you all the same.
-Ms. Chatmon
Theodore Roosevelt said, “In
any moment of decision the best
thing you can do is the right
thing, the next best thing is the
wrong thing, and the worst thing
you can do is nothing.”
Graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
As you go out into the world as
young men and women, bear in
mind your morals and your principles.
Take a moment to thank all the important people that
made you who you are today. Remember the wisdom from
your teachers, your parents, your loved ones, or any other
special individual that might have guided you. Be conscience of the choices and decisions that you make. Use
your wisdom and make good, concrete choices for wisdom
and good choices bring success!
Your new life will be a journey and in this new journey,
you will encounter many types of people, both good and
bad. Always remember that leaders are like eagles; they
don’t flock, but soar alone.
Congratulations for all your hard earned accomplishments and may God bless you. Thank you for being an important part of John H. Reagan High School history. I congratulate you and wish you the best of luck in the future
years to come.
“I wish yall the best and I love yall.”
-Mr. Holmes
-Ms. Casiano
“Take the opportunity to go to college and
further your education. Don’t e in such a
hurry to start working because after you
get older, that’s all you do. Enjoy your
youth and enjoy your college life. College
was the best time of my life, don’t skip it.”
-Mr. Marshall
“Run very far away from here. You should
leave Texas at some point.”
-Mr. McPherson
“Put your best foot forward, it’ll be different
than it was at Reagan. If you’re going on to
university or college, you need to realize we
helped you with everything.
“Be prepared for the journey and remember to work hard and you will be
successful.”
-Coach Riggins
-Mr. Johnson
“Remember to always create possibilities
and never settle for second best.”
-Mrs. Pryor
“Life is educational, continue your
education.”
-Coach Reyes
“Know that hard work pays off and no matter
what the circumstances, you can overcome
and achieve any goal you set for yourself.”
-Coach Darby
“Don’t skip classes like you do here or you’ll
wind up working at Whataburger.”
-Mr. Sanchez
“If you ever feel threatened in urban situations, pretend to be either crazy or stupid.”
“Go to college or trade school. Its worth the
pain and suffering and it’ll make your family
proud.”
“Experience life and trouble before you settle down.”
“Have fun, enjoy life to the fullest.”
-Mr. Rodriguez
Spring 2009
-Ms. Howard
“Don’t worry. Be happy.”
-Coach Stirrat
-Mrs. Guckian
-Mr. Redmon
“Use sunscreen.”
-Mr. Pasqueda
3
Memories, Predictions, and Thanks
“I just want to thank my “I’d like to thank Ms.
friends for making this year Wolinsky for being the best
teacher I’ve ever had.”
fun.”
-Juan Martinez
-Natalie Wences
“I wanna give thanks to
Coach Darby for helping
me through my four years
of Reagan.”
-Michael Carnline
“I would like to say thank
you to all of the people who
helped me get through my
troubles and back on track
to graduate.”
-Starr’Shay Nance
“I’ll remember my friends
and all the great times we
had together this year.”
-Rocio Gomez
“In ten years, I will be done “Thank you Mr. Payne for
with college and will be helping me out and helping
me pass TAKS.”
working as a teacher and-Alma Sanchez
football coach.”
-Matthew De Leon
“I’ll remember going to I will remember all of the
contest as a Soul Strutter. fun i’ve had with my friends
I would like to thank Mrs.
in Mr. Redmans Class
Rank and Mr. Armstrong
-Audrey Cervantez-Solis
for letting me be part of
something special.”
-Janeece Calvert
“In ten years, I am going
to have my own beauty
shop. It’s going to be
called, ‘Sahay’s Salon’.”
-Sandy Surita
“In ten years, I see myself “I see myself in ten years
being a history teacher and from now attending medical
school to pursue my career
coaching sports.”
as a doctor.”
-Jermiah Wooley
-Irene Trejo
“[In ten years, I see my- “In ten years, I picture myself] fashion designing.” self as a nurse and having
-Nelson Francois
a bright future.”
-Jeanette Rodriguez
“In ten years, I will be married with two kids and I’ll
have pursued my dreams of
becoming a nurse.”
-Parisiane Njoku
“In ten years, I’m going to
try to start a family or just be
chillin’ like I do now.”
-Raven Henry
4
Spring 2009S
Memories, Predictions, and Thanks
“In ten years, I’ll be very “In ten years, I will be in
rich and I’ll stay in Aus- California with Big Bank.”
tin because Austin is
-Marc Taylor
the ‘music capital of the
world’.”
-Daniel Loza
“I will remember all of the “I’ll be married to Omar
interesting and absolutely and we’ll have three kids
hilarious people I’ve met while making good money.”
this year.”
-Rosemary Berumen
-Danielle Price
“In ten years I’ll remember getting in trouble for
forgery.”
-Nicolas Govea
“In ten years, i plan to be “In ten yers, Chris would
working as an RN and hope- have forgotten about his
fully have started a family.” bet and he will owe me.”
-Yvette Hernandez
-Jessica Martinez
“I will remember all of the “In ten years, I’ll never
good and bad moments remember that weak
that has made me more
prom.”
stronger than ever to ac-Mario Resendiz
complish my goals in life.”
“I’ll be starting my business in ten years; a clothing and shoe store.”
-Tatiana Haynes
-James Earl Jones Jr.
“My most memorable “I want to thank Ms. Chatmoment would be my se- mon for helping me apply
nior year when we beat LBJ for college and for being
awesome!”
by 65-63, ruining their per-Jose Luis Ramirez
fect season.”
-Ivan Acosta
Spring 2009
“I would like to give
thanks to all the teachers
who have been part of my
success, and to all of the
teachers who encouraged
me to keep going when
times were rough. Shout
out to Ms. Chapman
--Go Forensics!”
-Nicoallette Carr
“I want to thank Mr. Slack
for helping me stay on
track and hopefully in ten
years I’ll still keep in touch
with Jessica, Maria, Jose
Luis, and Carlos Perez”
“I’d like to thank Mr. Fowler
for never giving up on me
and always staying by my
side so until graduation.”
-Gabby Apresa
-Leila “Gee”
5
In the Spotlight
Dear Mr. Sanchez,
On behalf of the senior class of 2009, we want to thank you for giving us all of your support, love, care, and most of all, for motivating us
as if we were your own children.
As a teacher, you gave us the ability to appreciate what we learned in class more than any other teacher would have. You threw your
sense of humor into everything. We always appreciated how you kept your cool, even though most of us were butt-heads at times.
Regardless of how we acted, you knew that we loved you, and that everything would be fine. You believed in us even when we felt like
everything and everyone was against us. You’ve supported us in and outside the classroom, and we thank you for that.
When you became an assistant principal we were sad to lose you as our English teacher, but were happy that you continued to stay at
our school, encouraging us and believing in our potential as the class of 2009. Now you are here for everyone, not just a certain group
of lucky students. You will be the inspiration for many more students for many more years.
We are sad that we have to say goodbye to you, but it is important that we let you know how much we love you and the strong impact
you’ve had in our lives. We consider you to be not only a role model, but also the father of the class of 2009.
6
Love,
Crunch ‘09
Spring 2009S
2009 Class Officers’ Best Wishes
President
Myshelle
Perkins
T
en years from now I will be done with
college and starting my engineering
career. I want to have a family, be
well off and eating a lot of Chili’s. Yumm.
Vice President
I
Antoine
Hadnot
want to give a special thanks to Madam
Toulouse, Ms. Chatmon, and Mr.
Sanchez. In ten years, I think there will
be a class reunion. I will remember doing community service and going on college visits.
I
Danielle
Price
Spring 2009
Treasurer
want to thank first of all, my parents for all
their support. Mr. Sanchez for always making me laugh. My band director Mr. Armstrong
for always being there for me and never giving
up on me. To my friend/amiga, that has been
my twin sister all my years in high school. In
ten years I see myself with a nurse degree, my
own apartment, and living the life. I remember
freshman year when we had a quintet with the
clarinets and since we didn’t practice, we really messed up. We went on stage and we just
played whatever came to mind. I remember the
band director looking at us like we were crazy.
We couldn’t control our laughter and then four
of us just walked off the stage while one of us
just kept on playing. I also remember mi amiga
always texting.
Secretary
T
he things I’ll remember is hanging out in front
of the Old Mall on the wall
Dalila
Gonzalez all the time doing nothing,
just laughing, going out to eat. All the times
Ricky fell down and Mr. Sanchez dancing
at prom. When Chilli and Nick got caught
forging. In ten years I should be finishing
up medical school to become a neurologist.
I’ll be married to Nicolas and have a poodle
named Nicky. Just kidding. His name will be
Bob and he’ll be a Great Dane. I’m gonna
own a Nissan 350Z in a blue color. I would
like to thank my mom, my dad, my brother,
my sister, Nicolas Francisco Govea Blanco,
Mario Resendiz, Pedro Perez, Enrique Del
Rio, Christopher Thomas Cueva, Veronica
Martinez-Hernandez, Elizabeth Mendoza,
Mimi, David Johnson, Antoine Hadnot, and
all my other friends, God, and you. Yeah, you.
You know who you are.
Secretary
David
Johnson
I
n ten years I see myself
as a manager at Dell or
IBM. I’ll never forget
the times we had, good and
bad. I with everybody luck
in the future.
President
T
en years from now, I predict that there
will be a class reunion at Reagan.....if
its still open. Just playing, a reunion
somewhere nice so everyone who comes actuChristopher ally has a good reason to come. I’ll remember
Cueva
all the times that I was taking pictures of people
with the Nikons and all the moments tht I captured with it. Especially the ones that eneded up
in the yearbook and newspaper. I’d like to thank
all those people that I’ve known who h elped me
to get to this point. Shout-outs especially to Mr.
Pedro Sanchez. He helped me and gave me so
much inspiration when I came to Reagan. All of
the people who were and are class officers. A lot of
this couldn’t have been done without them. Finally,
to all my good friends, Dalila, Nick, Pedro, Ricky,
Mario, Alma, Rosemary. Eli -both of yall, Shanitria
and Jasmin.
Senior Liasion
I
Jasmin
Richardson
will always remember the first dance of
our senior year. So many people were there
showing support for the Class of 2009. I
think that everyone will succeed in our class because of all the help we’ve received at Reagan. I
want to thank Mr. Savage for putting up with my
outbursts in geometry. I would also like to thank
Mr. Marshall for making me work so hard. Finally
I would like to thank Ms. Wolinsky for being my
best friend, confidant, and the coolest person at
Reagan.
7
Prom Highlights
8
Spring 2009
Features
Nationally recognized XY
Zone changes males’ lives
Staff Writers
Arturo Garcia
Flor Cerda-Silva
Dominique Chambers
Loren Cunningham
Christopher T. Cueva
Loren Cunningham
Janette Delgado
Ebony Eberhardt
Briana Fowler
Mrs. Girod*
Sierra Henry
Mr. Harris*
Francisco Jaimes
James Earl Jones Jr.
Mrs. Landry-Washington*
Daniel Loza
Te’aunna Moore
Pablo Oliva
Danielle Price
Mr. Reyes*
Jasmin Richardson
Lauren Riggins
Erika Rodriguez
Mrs. Shelton*
*Denotes Guest Writers
Photographers
Gabby Jones
Lead Designer
James Earl Jones Jr.
Ms. Wolinsky
Advisor
Arturo Garcia
M
otivated with a ready-to-go attitude, the all-male group XY Zone, a program of Communities in Schools of Central Texas, is
making a difference in the lives of hundreds of men who have and are attending Reagan High.
The XY Zone meets every Thursday on a rotating schedule where adolescents talk about making the transition into manhood,
and all the responsibilities that come with it. The XY Zone strives to create young leaders in the Reagan community and teaches the Five
Pillars which are: Relationships, Responsibility, Respect, Reaching out, and Role Modeling.
This brotherhood has visited with some pretty amazing people including the Chief of Police, Art Acevedo, the Texas State Attorney
General, Greg Abbott, Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson of the Texas Supreme Court, and many more successful individuals. The group has
gone on tons of trips like NASA, camping at Abilene State Park, the Holocaust Museum, and to the Austin Univision studio to learn about
television production.
“Mr. Harris, our ‘General’ has introduced me to some amazing experiences,” said Dominique Chambers, junior. “I have learned a lot
from Mr. Harris and think that every guy at Reagan should get involved with this group.”
The XY Zone has also organized community service projects including Health Fair and providing teen parents at Reagan’s daycare with
Child ID kits, which contain vital information on their child if he/she should go missing, feeding the homeless, neighborhood clean-ups,
reading to elementary students, and volunteering at the Austin Marathon.
“I always tell the men that one of the greatest contributions that you can make to mankind is to give to those in need,” said Mr. Harris,
Director of XY Zone. “This also gives students experience that they can put on resume, use in internships, and gain self-confidence with.”
The young men in the Zone go for guidance and advice, while others go just to be involved, but regardless, the XY Zone has brought
together all ethnicities and perspectives for a common goal, becoming a better person, chilling with friends, and having a good time.
The XY Zone has been featured in the national spotlight on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation,” “In Black America” with John
Hanson, and was the subject of an article written by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Leonard Pitts. Recently they have been asked to be part
of a short documentary by UT film student, Ishanee Parikh.
“We are always looking to get the message out about our school’s program and wonderful people who make it all come together,” said
Mr. Harris. “It means a lot to the program when school staff is always asking what they can do to make XY Zone successful.”
The XY Zone has many more projects in store and is always looking for new members. If you are a male who wants to get involved,
please see Mr. Harris in the Communities and Schools office located in the New Mall, room 434.
The 2nd annual
Editorial Policy
Responsibilities of a free student press: Serving
as the primary communication link within John H.
Reagan High School and between the school and
the local community, this newspaper accepts the
responsibilities inherent in being a free press. The
overall objective is to print the news in a fair and
objective way with the utmost regard for integrity.
“Taking Charge of Yourself”
O
Editorial Content
1. The students of The Radar staff will print articles that have been researched to the best of their
ability to obtain the most complete information.
2. When personal commentary is given, it will
be in good taste and presented to the best ability
of the writer.
Viewpoints
Printed material that is the view of a staff member or a contributing writer will be labeled as such.
Notice
The Radar will not publish any material not befitting a school publication. This includes, but is not
limited to, the following: libel, discrimination, vulgar
language and racial remarks.
2
Luis Lopez, sophomore, shows off his strength and endurance for the Marine
Corps by doing plenty of pull-ups.
Health Fair
n Wednesday, May 6th, stations were set up throughout the breezeway of the cafeteria introducing students
to all kinds of ways they could better themselves and
their busy lives.
Some of the organizations that handed out information and
spoke to students at the fair were the Department of Health and
Safety, Travis County’s Extention Services, Travis County’s
Underage Drinking Prevention Program, the American
Diabetes Association, CATCH, Youth Partnership for Change,
and the United States Marine Corps.
One bit attention-getter was the pull-up bar that the Marine
Corps had near their table. Students and staff were challenged
to do as many pull-ups as they could handle. This measure of
strength was a sign to the Marine Corps officers that the people
trying it out have what it takes to join the Marines.
The Medical Arts, Science and Health or MASH smaller
learning community had a sneak preview of the event before
the rest of the campus did because of the fair’s focus.
“I feel that the event was very successful and good for the
students,” said MASH Assistant Principal, Mr. Fowler. “XY
Zone did a great job organizing the event.”
Contact Us
[email protected]
Spring 2009S
Features
What ’s On Your Radar?
Would you pass or fail Reagan as a school this year?
“I would give Reagan a
passing grade because
it’s a good school with
good teachers who know
what they’re doing and
the school has wonderful
counseling for students
who need help.”
-Alethea Hernandez, 11th
“I would give it a pass
because we’ve improved
with our attendance and
grades as students on
campus and the teachers
seem more interested in
teaching.”
-Audrey Cervantez, 12th
“It would pass because the
teachers helped me pass
and that makes me want
to graduate from here.”
-Ni’jalon Dunn, 9th
“Reagan passes. Many
improvements have been
made this year. There
have been serious attempts at changing the
school culture.”
“I think it would pass
because the teachers try.
It’s just that the students
dont try hard enough.”
-Tiara Bell, 10th
-Mr. Martinez, Teacher
“Measure Your Life” measures up to greatness
T
he Spring Show titled “Measure Your Life” was the
end-of-the-year dance showcase of the Soul Strutters
that featured Mrs. Rank’s dance classes. Over 70 students performed in at least one of 21 different routines,
which included hip-hop, modern, novelty, and jazz styles of
dance.
“Every dance had to do with improving your life in some
way,” said Mrs. Rank. For example, first period danced
to ‘Changes’ by 2Pac and the Soul Strutters did a dance to
“Losers” by N.E.R.D. about students who skip class. “I
wanted the audience to leave feeling that they did not only
see a great show, but they learned something as well.”
Money raised from ticket sales will be used to pay for the
Soul Strutters’ spring banquet and costumes for future performances with the Soul Raider Marching Band.
“I’m really proud of all the performers. The show went
well this year and it couldn’t have done so well without all
of the hard work and cooperation given to the event by the
dancers,” said Mrs. Rank. This was the Director’s second
spring show to direct and over 100 tickets were sold for the
show which took place on Friday, April 24th.
Spring 2009
Courtney Lewis, Janeece Calvert, Loren Cunningham, Jalissa Calvert, and Desdory Molina strike a pose at the end of their
dance to “Toxic” by Britney Spears at the 2009 Spring Show “Measure Your Life”.
3
Features
Making
life much
sweeter:
Life Skills
department
praised for their
tender loving
care
By Mrs. Shelton
Guest Writer
U
p until this year, a Life Skills teacher has
never won Teacher of the Year, but this
year Mrs. Penny Shephard, received this
honor.
“There is no doubt in any of our minds that she
certainly deserves this title,” said one teaching assistant. “She has made remarkable changes in the
Life Skills department.”
Mrs. Shephard has been a Life Skills teacher for
four years. She, the teachers who work in the department and students in the program are very visible on campus performing duties such as collecting and recycling paper and aluminum cans for the
entire campus, selling homemade foods throughout
the day, tending and harvesting the Life Skills class
garden, and catering events.
“It’s real nice of them to make brownies and stuff
for us,” said Nelson Francois, senior. “They do it
out of the kindness of their hearts and their food
is way better than a lot of the desserts sold by our
cafeteria.”
Teachers and staff all over the school notice and
praise the great things that the Life Skills department does for the campus. During the very stress-
4
Above: Mrs. Penny Shephard
was selected by the faculty to
win the honor of Teacher of
the Year for 2009. She works
in the Life Skills unit with six
co-teachers including, Ms.
Lake, Mr. Green, Mr. Jessen,
and Mr. Van Horn.
Below: Darrion McBride
harvests lettuce in the class
garden, which is different
from the community garden
created this spring. “Darrion
is harvesting lettuce in this
picture, but he’s really a composting soil expert,” said his
teacher Ms. Shephard. The
students have been working
hard to use fresh organic
ingredients all year, like this
lettuce, in all of their cooking
classes and lunches that they
make.
Above: Lakrisha Jacobs harvest vegetables. Jacobs has a great relationship
with the Life Skills staff and enjoys healthy competition. For example, during
Halloween she participated in sack races with her teacher Mr. Green. “The
competition was fierce,” said Mr. Green. “That time Lakrisha won, but by just
a little bit.”
ful week of TAKS, Life Skills provided everyone working with two full lunch meals
and two desserts. Teachers and staff were served deluxe nachos, sloppy joes, strawberry
shortcake, and an array of cookies and brownies all made by students in the program.
“It was so yummy!” said Ms. Wolinsky, Journalism and Yearbook teacher. “I was
impressed with how beautiful the buffet table looked and with how much attention
and tender loving care the kids gave to our meals and desserts. It really helped me get
through the day.”
Life Skills students have also catered community events on campus and money that
they raise through their bake sales and cooking goes back into their grocery fund, so
that they can buy the ingredients to create more goodies.
In the midst of all of these duties Mrs. Shephard takes time to plan fun and educational field trips for her students.
Spring 2009S
Features
Right: Jose Saldivar gathers ingredients for a catering project at Sam’s Club. Students are not just shopping they are learning about money management, reading recipes, and studying nutritional labels and
proportions for making strong purchase choices in the real world. “Jose loves to cook as much as he loves
to eat,” said Ms. Canady, long-term substitute in Life Skills. “And he’ll be the first to tell you that.”
Bottom: Christain Govea mixes up her filling for
sweet potato pie that will be served for one of the
holiday bake sales. “Christain is a hard worker who
loves to cook and she’s very good at following her
recipes,” said Ms. Shephard, teacher in Life Skills.
Top: The entire Life Skills gang gets ready to serve teaching staff during TAKS testing. “We served two full meals that week and two
desserts,” said Mr. Jessen, Teaching Assistant. “The teachers were very pleased to have meals prepared and ready. The meals kept all
the students and teachers busy throughout the day and everyone had a chance to learn how catering works in a professional sense.”
Many students in Life Skills may go on to work in the catering and food service industries.
While most of the activities are fun for students, they also provide them with important educational and job development opportunities,”
said Mrs. Shephard. “The activities teach the students such skills as staying on task, working in teams, reading, and math.”
The teachers evaluate all the students in the Life Skills program and determine individual student strengths and preferences for possible job
placements when transitioning to life after high school. Many of the students who participate in Life Skills go on to work in catering, food
service, custodial, and the industrial arts.
“The Life Skills students perform their duties so perfectly that it makes our job as staff seem easy, but it’s far from easy. Keeping the students motivated is challenging and depends on the individual student,” said Shephard. Positive encouragement is the best motivator according to Mrs. Shephard, but “when necessary we use a reward system.”
Mrs. Shephard credits the entire Reagan community for giving her the belief that she is working at the best campus in AISD. “I know I
speak for all of us when I say how much we appreciate the level of support, encouragement, and patience you all give us everyday,” she said.
“The Life Skills staff and students have done a lot for Reagan. Mrs. Shephard and the rest of the staff respect each other. They get along
so beautifully and are the epitome of a team,” said a teacher. “We should always take the time to thank them for their hard, persistent work,
and for making the rest of the Reagan community part of their community. We are one school and Life Skills is a significant and great part
of that school.”
Spring 2009
5
In the Spotlight
Alumni send out a positive and uplifting call
Te’Aunna reviews Public Offenders’ latest release “Drop Jewels”
F
or my first
of many
upcoming
CD reviews, I
decided to start
with talent that
found its heart
Te’Aunna
here at Reagan.
Moore
Public Offenders
began their quest to bring hip-hop
to our city almost ten years go.
All the members, Black Prophet,
Phenom, Lyricist, Yoli, and Gator
(Ge Don) attended Reagan. This
is their third release backed by Call
to Men, an organization dedicated
to stopping domestic violence
situations.
Black Prophet’s rapping style is
straight-forward and deep. Yoli’s
rap and singing voice stand out because she’s the strong female of the
group. Phenom sings with guest,
Tje Austin, in a tribute to 2Pac’s
“A girl named Brenda” and does
the entire track, as well as other
tracks, amazing justice. Gator (Ge
Don) brings in more influential harmonies. Lyricist rap is diverse and
it makes you want to bob your head
and get crunk.
All the songs on “Drop Jewels” inform the listener about the truth when
it comes to relationships that can go
towards the way of violence. My
favorite tracks are “What you think
is love”, “When is daddy coming
home?”, “Call to Men”, and “Under
Pressure.”
“What you think is love” has a
slow, laid-back, beat. I like the
lyrics and it’s really soulful and
deep. “When is daddy coming
home?” is a song about a dad who
isn’t around to be part of their children’s lives. It’s a song that I can
relate to. “Call to Men” is more
up-tempo. It charges men to standup and be responsible for their actions. Finally, “Under Pressure”
is another classic track that makes
people think about why they fold
under pressure. It’s real chill.
What stands out about Public
Offenders is that they were able to
make an entire album focused on
the subject of domestic violence and
positive change. This album isn’t
preachy, but it sends a message, and
the message is clear in each of their
distinctive styles that range from classic soul to crunk.
You can purchase this CD for $10
and have it hand delivered to you by
Ge Don himself (he teaches Garage
Band every Monday and Wednesday
after school in room 501). To send
Public Offenders a shout-out you can
reach them by way of Yahoo: [email protected] or MySpace:
www.myspace.com/poffenders
Holla!
Grade: A+
National Honor Society inducts twelve new members
N
Nicoallette Carr, senior, lights a candle that represents one of the core values that National Honor Society stands for: scholarship, leadership,
character, and service. “I will miss the good times we had together as we did community service. I’m happy I got to know my peers and
Madame Toulouse,” said Nicoallette.
6
ational Honor Society celebrated Cinco
de Mayo by inducting twelve new
members for 2009-2010 in a traditional
candle-lighting ceremony and reception. NHS
is an academic organization that seeks to foster
a sense of community service in its members.
Eligibility is determined by GPA.
New members inducted include:Yanel
Aguirre-Diaz, Jorge Andrade, Leticia Casiano,
Karina Charre, Desmond Ford, Kanisha Grant,
Eduardo Lopez, Desdory Molina, Zacharias
Moya, Michelle Reyes, Eduardo Romero and
Perla Villegas. Presiding over the festivities was
Madame Toulouse, sponsor.
These new inductees will be joining Devon
Skadberg, Princess Ohiagu, Ariana Buenrostro
and Janet Maldonado next year and give back
to the Austin and campus community through
volunterism for Habitat for Humanity, the Austin
Marathon, Blue Santa, and campus clean-up and
beautification events.
Graduating members of this year’s NHS are:
Parisiane Njoku, Tori Serna, David Johnson,
Myshelle Perkins, Antoine Hadnot, Frinthia
Clay, Nicoallette Carr, Areli Zarate, Ericka
Castillo, and Dalila Gonzalez.
“Congratulations to those scholars and leaders!
Keep giving back and continue be strong characters in our society,” said Madame Toulouse.
Spring 2009S
In the Spotlight
Blue Jesters’ One Act Play advances to Area
competition for the first time in 22 years
I
n April, the Blue Jesters made history by advancing to the Area round of UIL competition, with their
One Act Play, “Bad Seed”. The show was a thrilling story about a little girl named Rhoda, played by
Stephanie Loza, freshman, who is a sociopath serial killer. At the conclusion of the 35-minute performance, her mother Christine, played by Alexis Powers, attempts to kill her daughter and thinking she’s
dead, then commits suicide. Both girls won an award for Best Ensamble.
The supporting cast included: Santos Perez, junior, Erika Mendoza, freshman, Justin Waller, senior,
Danielle Price, senior, David Shirek, junior, and Markus Houston, freshman. Sasha Alfred, junior, assisted
Danielle Price with backstage duties. Emeli Torres, freshman, worked the lights, Kanisha Grant, junior,
Danielle
ran the soundboard. Danielle Price acted as Assistant Director to Ms. Guckian. .
Price
“Going into the first part of the competition I wasn’t expecting much, though I knew our show was
pretty solid,” said Justin Waller, who received Honorable Mention in both rounds of competition. “I was so happy to advance to the next round.”
The District round of the contest consisted of all the eligible 4Aschools: LBJ, Lanier,Travis, Crockett, as well as Dripping Springs. Dripping
Springs’s production of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” was a comedy that kept the audience engaged and in stitches throughout the show,
also moved on with Reagan to the next round of the competition.
Area competition took place at Henderickson High’s two-story auditorium. The stakes were even higher and more ruthless.
“Everyone was nervous, but we still believed in our show,” said Sasha Alfred.
The cast of “Bad Seed” preformed “admirably” said Director Nikki Guckian. “It was the best I had ever seen them do the show. Though
they gave it their best shot, it wasn’t enough for the judge.”
“He [the judge] didn’t even have anything negative to say, everything mentioned was complimentary,” said Markus Houston, who played
the father ofAlexis Powers’s character, Christine Penmark. “I was so angry when we weren’t chosen to move forward. It didn’t make sense.”
Dripping Springs moved on to the next round along with a school from outside the district.The entire cast agreed that Dripping Springs really
earned their advancement, but questioned judges fairness overall.
“Everyone worked really hard for this. Despite the outcome at Hendrickson, I am so proud of them,” said an overjoyed Mrs. Guckian.
Briana Fowler
T
New cheerleaders
are reppin’
Reagan next year
hroughout April, cheer
coaches, Ms. Dillawn and
Ms.Hargis, held tryouts for
the 2009-2010 squad. Fifteen girls
tired out and all made the team.
“We have a good group of devoted
girls and we gon’ be live and work hard
to rep Reagan in a positive manner,”
said Ebony Eberhardt, sophomore.
The 2009-2010 cheerleading freshmen are: Lizbeth Arroyo, Quinterrell
Holmes, and Anna Cisneros.
The sophomores are: Briana Fowler,
Ebony Eberhardt, Hilaria Govea,
Azucena Pineda, Yessenia Leonides,
Raven Coleman, Alexis Powers, and
Brittany Williams.
The juniors: Princess Ohiagu,
Kanisha Grant, and Elizabeth Calleja.
Azucena Pineda and Alexis Powers
will be returning to the squad for their
second year. A Captain has not been
determined yet.
“I learned how to be a leader and be
responsible. I look forward to having a
great team and to compete against other
cheer leading squads,” said Azucena
Pineda.
The girls will have practice everyday
Spring 2009
and attend camps during the summer.
Cheerleaders from the University of
Texas have also volunteered to help the
girls during the summer with cheers,
chants, dances, and fundraising.
“We’re new and improved,” said
Raven Coleman, a new member of the
squad.
The squad of 15 is the biggest squad
that Reagan has had in over four years.
Pep-rally audiences will see more stunting and tumbling. There will also be new
cheers to learn and cute uniforms to see.
“I see a group of girls who are excited
and wants to show that Reagan is live and
that we’re back and bigger than ever,”
said Coach Hargis. “We can’t wait to start
performing for the campus in the fall.”
Stephanie Loza, playing a child
serial killer named Christine, is
questioned by Justin Waller’s
character. Alexis Powers, who
plays the mother of Christine’s
character, eventually commits
suicide because of her daughter’s actions.
Justin Waller, Markus Houston, Santos Perez, Danielle Price (Back Row), David
Shirek, Stephanie Loza, Alexis Powers, and Erika Mendoza (Front Row) show
off their plaque for winning the first round of One Act Play.
Loren
Cunningham
s the school year winds down, the Soul Strutters, Reagan’s
award winning dance team, sadly says goodbye to their
Senior teammates, Shae’Quaya Jones (Captain), Janeece
Calvert (First Lieutenant), and Courtney Lewis (Second Lieutenant),
while welcoming the newest rookies to the team.
“I will miss the inspirational talks we had. All of the Senior officers helped us through the hard times and gave us discipline, a sense
of responsibility, and hope. Next year we’re going to have to really
work hard and not use the word ‘Can’t’. If I’m elected to be Captain
or First Lieutenant, I will not give up on the team and support them
through anything. Every person on the team will be wearing the
name Soul Strutter, not just for the name, but for the hard work and
dedication it demands of us,” said Jalissa Calvert, sophomore.
The rookies for next year are: Rokeisha “KeKe” Thomas, Katara
Caro, Evelyn Hernandez, Ana Saldago-Rios, Kharryiah “Kay Kay”
Johnson, and Latrice Washington.
These rookies will join their veteran Strutters: Desdory Molina,
Loren Cunningham, and Jalissa Calvert. Molina and Calvert are
also in the running for officer positions. Mrs. Rank, Director, will
announce who will take over as Captain and Lieutenant for 20092010 at the spring banquet on May 21st.
A
2009/10 Soul Strutter Rookies: Top
Row: Ana Salgado-Rios, Katara Caro, and
Evelyn Hernandez. Bottom Row: Lizette
Garza, Rokeisha Thomas, and Kay Kay Johnson. (Not pictured: Latrice Washington).
Seven new Soul
Strutters take
the scene
2009/10 Cheerleading Squad: Front Row: Ebony Eberhardt, Briana
Fowler, Hilaria Govea, Alexis Powers, Elizabeth Calleja, and Lizbeth Arroyo.
Back Row: Kanisha Grant, Azucena Pineda, Yessenia Leonides, Brittany Williams, Raven Colmen, Devon Hardeman, Quinterrell Holmes, and Anna Cisneros. (Not pictured: Princess Ohiagu).
7
Sports
Survival of the fastest
T
By Mrs. Landry-Washington and Mr. Reyes
Guest Writers
he Raider track team competed in the 2009 District 26-4A track
meet on April 15-16th at Berger Stadium and had outstanding performances. Many of these athletes will advance to the
Regional Track Meet in San Antonio on May 15 – 16th.
Gabriel Carbajal (V), Trent Nash (V), Robert Algiere (JV), James
Marshall (JV), Jarvis Baldon (JV), April Perry (V), Raven Henry
(JV), and Frinthia Clay (V), Laniya Brown (V), Sierra Henry (JV) all
had first and second place finishes in many different events. Second
place finishes were awarded to Michael Carnline (V) and Ashley
Brown (V).
Raven Henry, senior, and winner of the 100 m Hurdles and High
Jump events along with her sister Sierra Henry, sophomore, who took
home a first place finish in the 200 m and 400 m event were unable
to compete on the Varsity level due to transfer restrictions and UIL
rules. Their coaches and parents have gone to the District and then
Executive UIL Committee to appeal their ruling which would allow
for a waiver to let the sisters compete at the Varsity level.
“At this point in time we are still waiting for the committee to
convene,” said Coach Reyes. “We hope they will be able to run for
Varsity. They have been such a blessing to our team and I sincerely
wish them good luck.”
Frinthia Clay, Laniya Brown, and Raven Henry have all signed a
collegiate athletic scholarship to attend Prairie View A&M University.
“I’m very proud of these girls accomplishments and congratulate
their efforts,” said Coach Riggins.
The coaches are very optimistic about advancing forward to State
final competition the first weekend in June at the University of Texas,
unfortunately this weekend conflicts with graduation and could present serious conflicts for the graduating seniors on the team. Current
standings coming into Regionals put the girls at second in the 4x100
meter relay in and the boys are ranked third.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” said Coach Darby. “If we advance,
we may not be able to compete due to graduation, but we are still
going to put forth our best effort. This Swine flu has really hurt us,
but our legacy will move forward despite the scheduling conflicts.”
Congratulations to the hard work and dedication of the 2009 Baseball
team this season. Remember: It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. It’s
how you play the game!
8
Front Row: Ronnell Francois,
Terran Williams, Quinton Jackson,
Michael Carnline, Trent Nash,
Jermiah Wooley, Gabriel Carbajal.
Middle Row: Layton Beasley,
James Marshall, Robert Algere, Luis
Lopez, Chris Conway. Top Row:
Coach Darby, Coach Marshall, Sean
Williams, JaQuarius Daniels, Joseph
Keys, Jarvis Baldon, Erin Randle,
Coach Hunter, Marc Calderon, Julio
Arroyo and Coach Washington.
Michael Carnline hands off to Terran Williams in the 4x100m Sprint Relay
at Killeen Ellison Relays.
Left to Right: Laniya Brown, Frinthia Clay, Ashley
Brown, Coach Riggins, and Shamara Harris (pictured) along with April Perry and Michelle Perkins
(not pictured) will all compete at the Regional meet
May 15th and 16th.
“I am so proud of how my girls did this season. They played a highly competitive schedule this season, and
played hard each time they stepped out onto the field. We came a long way since we first started practice
on January 26th,” said Coach Girod. “We had kids who had never played, and by the end of the season were
catching, hitting, and stealing bases. Coach de la Huerta and I are so proud of you babies! We look forward
to another great season next year.”
Spring 2009