el arroyo harlingen high school volume

2014 el arroyo
harlingen high school
volume 84
just
focus
This cover features three laser-cut
hexagons that reveal three photos
on the inside endsheet.
contents
people
page 164
spring
page 110
fall
page 004
winter
page 054
page 212
fall: Runningback Rene Medina, 11, runs the ball during the game against Brownsville Rivera on September 14. Photo by Haley Ponce.
winter: Vanessa Hernandez, 11, works on her biology homework after school in the Cardinal Cafe. Photo by Haley Ponce.
spring: Big Red (Toni Prado, 11) and Lady Red (Jocelyn Medina, 12) stick together to pump up the crowd's spirit at Birdbowl XXI on November 1. Photo by Haley Ponce.
people Marissa Silva, 12, Roman Hernandez, 12, Riki Mungia, 11, and Aleksa Rangel, 11 hang out on their way to class. Photo by Denisse Hernandez.
ads community The student section at Boggus Stadium cheers the Cardinal football team as they play against the Brownsville Lopez Lobos on September 20. Photo by Katarina Lorenzo-Luaces.
&
ads &
community
just
focus
harlingen high school
principal imelda munivez
1201 E. Marshall
district 32-5A
enrollment: 1,906
phone: 956.427.3600
fax: 956.427.3792
website: http://www.hcisd.org
2.
1.
1] open door. Before the second playoff game against the Sharyland Rattlers on
Nov. 16, offensive lineman Romualdo Sanchez, 12, emerges through the inflatable
helmet that often serves as an entertaining and honorable entrance performance each game. Photo by Karen Tijerna.
2] game face. At the XVII Bird Bowl Varsity football game, Eli Villarreal, 12, literally wore his school pride on his face through a custom paint job.
Photo by Clara Duffy.
Title
page by editorial board
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
01
1
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TAKING A
CLOSER LOOK
As students approached this school year, they noticed many different changes. A
loud bullhorn asking students to hurry to class greeted them as they walked in
through the red gates bordering the school. The school had been enhanced over
the summer through the campus beautification initiative, with new courtyards
and manicured lawns gracing the campus. However, one new change was most
noticeable: A large piece of campus was missing, as no freshman contributed
to the student body. With this new profound absence, students found that they
not only had more physical space in the hallways, but more space in their lives
to concentrate and cherish the details of their lives in high school that they
may not have noticed before amidst the chaos of what was once 2,500 students
bustling on campus. They were able to just focus. Our camera lenses hexagonally
enclosed to capture many moments throughout the year, and it’s through that
hexagon lens that we’ve been able to magnify the parts of our lives that we may
not have noticed before this year.
1] The Cardinal Varsity team celebrates one of many wins this season. 2] Cardette Major Carissa
Salinas, 12, keeps her chin up and smile on. 3] Leo Hernandez, 12, and Juan Hernandez, 12, catch up
after school. 4] Kate Ferris, 12, and Gilbert Bermea, 12, sing the alma mater at the homecoming pep
rally Oct. 10. 5] Haley Ponce, 11, checks her Edmodo assignments on her phone. 6] Amir Rivera, 12,
and Sara Mesa, 12. 7] Carrie Boswell, 11, works on her biology assignment during her lab period. 8]
The Varsity Cheer and JV Cheer teams unite to pump up their spirit before a game. 9]Alejandro
Gutierrez, 11, and Nathaniel Puente, 11, converse during a passing period. 10] Johnny DeLaRosa, 11,
and Jesus Medina, 11, enjoy their passing period. 11] Valette Jasso, 11, dismounts from her stunt
during a game.
In the same way a magnifying glass enhances the details of the objects beneath
it, this year provided a stage for us to zoom in on the details of the moments
that capture our everyday attention. You focus on inspecting every inch of your
“new” car to make sure it’s escaped from any new dents or scratches each day
in the parking lot. You focus on making sure every feather on your Mardi Gras
mask and every sequin on your prom dress is perfectly in place. You focus on the
details of the moments that mean the world to you, from that first kiss, to the
way you ask your sweetheart to homecoming, and to calculating every digit that
goes into your GPA. All these little things – the beautiful smiles directed towards
you in the hallway, the laughter shared among friends in passing periods, the
sound of your phone buzzing in your pocket with a new text message – these are
the pieces that stitch together to form greater, infinite memories that we will
look back to in the years to come.
We’re able to focus on all of these things with the simple act of focused attention. So we bring to you a simple memoir of the details, of the moments on the
sidelines and behind-the-scenes, and of the individual voices in a spirited crowd.
As the remaining three classes of HHS, we had the spotlight on us. So as you
remember the year, remember to appreciate the small moments as much as the
monumental ones.
Because this year, we took the chance to just focus on just focus.
02
opening
page by editorial board
opening
page by editorial board
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
2
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
03
3
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TCID:PP
When the human body first wakes up, the brain sends an alarm to internal organs to
begin working out of hibernation. Heart rate increases, temperature changes, and brain
activity spikes. Just like our bodies undergo a meticulous process to wake up, so does our
campus.
Intensity reaches a peak at the beginning of the fall season. Even before the school year
begins, HHS is in full swing in preparation for making the magic happen. Football players
practice in the early mornings for Texas’ favorite high school pasttime. Marching band
stays hours after school to perfect their performance. Cross country, homecoming, media
tech, volleyball, yearbook, color guard, mascots, and flag crew—everyone works to make
things fall into place. The colors red and black fill the school and even the city. Rivalry
begins to emerge, creating tension that sets a deep need for a win. Hard work is something
that does not come easy, but it’s something that Cardinals and Cardinal fans have come to
grow accustomed to, and every day in the fall is a new beginning to progress. One example
is the volleyball teams, who faced a new direction for their program with the arrival of
new head coach Jessica Martinez, who would place an emphasis on team effort.
“New doors have opened to us because of how much our volleyball team has improved,”
Junior Kaycee Banuelos said.
Fall athletics is a definite bonding experience for the HHS community. When we focus
on our community, we look at the parts that make up the whole picture; the fans make up
what it means to be a Cardinal. They can be found everywhere: the staff and students in
the school, the parents and families in the city, and in the alumni who now reside in other
areas of the world. From an early foggy morning at a cross country meet to a crowd’s roar
beneath the Friday Night Lights, the ticket booth lines never fail to represent the dedication of the Cardinal community.
With all these overwhelming emotions we sometimes forget that the beginning of the
year is a time to rekindle the fire that we lost during the summer. The fall season gives
us the opportunity to talk to friends that we didn’t talk to during the summer. It’s a time
to get back into old hobbies or get a job, and for some, it’s a t ime to begin the bittersweet
preparation of applying to colleges. These rites of passages help us progress in our teenage
years.
“The beginning of the year is a time for first impressions. As you enter the classroom
teachers are looking at you deciding how you will act and transfer into the new semester,”
Coach Ledesma said.
Remembering that the fall season is not only a time of sports but also a time to center
ourselves on ambition, knowledge and passion will help us succeed. Built on strength,
sweat, and passion, these athletes become the Cardinal warriors that that community fans
adore and support. This process doesn’t start quickly and doesn’t happen fast; like the human body each morning, the journey to success begins in the fall when school spirit wakes
again.
Story by Elizabeth Oxford.
RUSHING START
senior montgomery medley, left tackle. The halftime entrance was an
emotional memory for the three-year returning Varsity player. “I was
flooded with emotion, my adrenaline was exploding,” Medley said. “I
just wanted to hit someone.” Playing for the Cardinals was monumental to his high school experience, he said. “It meant the world, it was
really my life year=round for four years. I have developed great bonds
with all the coaches, and I’m really sad it’s over.”
senior erik camacho, defensive end. During the half time entrance at the
Bird Bowl XXI game Nov. 2, Camacho said the audience helped fuel
his energy. “I felt the intensity of the crowd and the vibe of my team
mates,” he said. Regarding his three years playing for Varsity, he said
it has shaped his character in positive ways. “It gives me great morals
and the ability to carry myself out as a person in real life, and to make
right decisions.”
04 page by editorial board
fall divider
senior d.j. davis, right tackle. “I was feeling like the crowd’s energy, and I just
felt really proud to be a cardinal,” Davis said of his final halftime entrance
during Bird Bowl XXI. As a three-year returning Varsity player, Davis said he
has been proud to represent his school. “It meant the world to me to have the
bird on the helmet and that name across the chest and to have those experiences,” he said. “It was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my life.”
Photo by Josh Cabrera.
fall divider
page by editorial board
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
4
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
05
5
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TCID:PP
KEEPING BUSY
It can go without saying that most native to the Rio Grande Valley
are not accustomed to cold weather during the winter months.
Instead, we await the balmy breezes that provide a break from the
usually grueling heat of summer. However, this winter was one to
remember as students had to update their wardrobes with leggings,
longsleeves, and thicker coats.
On January 29, students awoke to an icy morning that caused
school to begin two hours later. But the weather did not stop the
busy spirits of Cardinals everywhere. Students ran outside to
capture photos of the green trees draped in a coating of white frost.
Those with cars worked to scraping the thick inch of ice coating
entire vehicles, and administrators and teachers arrived to school
early to ensure that things ran smoothly.
Though some may think that cold weather in the winter months
means a time to slow down and take it easy, the work ethic of
students on campus is still in high gear. As the air cools in the late
winter months, students walk the halls with preoccupied minds,
hands deep into their bright red lettermen pockets. Their multipatched sleeves boast accumulated accomplishments over the last
few years, and the crisp air of winter provides the perfect atmosphere for reflection. The winter weeks spent at school provide a
chance for students to realize what areas they are strongest in, and
where they can improve as the second semester begins, whether
it’s a resolution to improve academically or socially.
“I’ve improved a lot when we came back from break, and now
I’m all A’s,” Kayla Martinez, 10. “I’m still trying to improve in
Chemistry. It’s too much to remember.”
In order to stay involved, students made resolutions during winter
break to improve in their committments. Angel Garcia, 10, wasn’t
on the basketball team, but he made it a point to make it to every
practice as the JV light manager in order to become more aware of
the team’s abilities.
“I learned about all their drills, their discipline, and all the rewards that they get after a win,” Angel said. “In case I want to be
a basketball player [next year], now I know everything I need to
know.”
Accomplishing goals is a big part to staying busy in the winter
season, whether it is warm out or cold.
“I do work to stay busy doing the winter, and it keeps me energetic,” Jusstice Gonzales, 11.” Story by Miriam Atkinson.
BREAKING GOOD. Renee Koite, 10, gently pours solution into a beaker during
Mrs. Ortega’s lab. Students were putting copper through various types
of tests to study its reactions while trying to recover as much copper
as possible. “The labs really help me to work better with others,” Renee
said. “It is good to know chemistry for later on in life.”
54 page by miriam atkinson
winter divider
winter divider
page by miriam atkinson
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
54
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
55
55
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TCID:PP
AMUSING TIMES
“Butterflies, cool weather, bright flowers,” Robyn Yanez, 10, said, when asked what spring
means to her. As the sun came out from hiding for a while during an unreasonably cold
winter season this year, students’ spirits gradually awoke. With the arrival of the sun’s
warmth came a season of outdoor lunches, after-school sports practices, and weekends
spent at local parts.
Beginning this fresh, new season gave students the refreshing opportunity to set new
goals. Carefree spring break provided the much-needed mental escape to most, and the
week off was enough time to recharge mentally and physically to resume a challenging
spring season of state testing and end-of-course exams.
“I [was] looking forward to spring break to relax a little bit from school,” Robyn said.
As stressful as school may have gotten, students felt rejuvinated by the fresh air outdoors
on their way to classes.
“I really do like spring,” Katie Vincent, 10, said. “I personally like to take pictures during
spring to capture everything. It’s very relaxing and fun.”
Some of the progress towards goals set up for the New Year became a little shaky, and
that reality set in for some. Those students realized that they now had another chance to
renew themselves and discern some deeper thoughts concerning their goal progress. The
time they had off from school was precious as they came to a turning point to figure out
what it is that they truly wanted from themselves and what goals to scrap and which to
pursue with renewed fervor.
The beautiful season of spring opened eyes up to new opportunities and things to look
forward to for some. It was filled with an endless amount of laughter and memories made,
whether they were spent at South Padre or just at home with friends. Not only was it a
time to be outdoors, but just an overall time to relax with friends to talk endlessly about
the stresses of school.
Stephanie feels that spring is the best weather for running. As track season continued,
the feeling of the sun rays shining down and illuminating the track created a motivating
environment.
“The weather is mostly perfect, so there is no reason to feel anything but happy,” Stephanie Perez, 10, said.
This spring was a time to focus on only the good things and to take a breather from all
drama, homework, and studying. While at school, students sometimes felt trapped and
enclosed -- unable to enjoy the beautiful weather that approached us.
“I get to just take in the abundant life and energy around me,” Katie said.
Summer just around the corner gaves us adrenaline and anticipation as time grew limited. Juniors had to think about which colleges they’ll apply to in the upcoming months,
and seniors had to decide what careers they would pursue after graduation. Slowly, they
grew into themselves by making more focused decisions. Story by Miriam Atkinson.
coming for you. Moises Hererra, 12, has his eyes focused on
the creases of the leather on the inside of the catcher’s mitt.
That is his target. “I focus on myself and don’t worry about
outside forces,” Moises said. “It comes natural.”
102 page by miriam atkinson
spring divider
spring divider
page by miriam atkinson
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
102
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
103
103
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TCID:PP
While in high school, students tend to focus on the
infinite and memorable moments they share with the
people around them. With Snapchat, Instagram selfies
and Twitter, capturing these memories is easy.
However, there are still doubts in the back of every
teenager’s mind, even as they strive to create memories that will remain long-remembered. Many worry
about their futures and whether or not they make the
right decisions. The future isn’t something that most
students in high school care to or like to think about.
They’d rather focus on one single moment and see
what happens from then on.
But as this year came to an end, there were still many
questions that were left unanswered. Will the things
done in high school lead us to something even bigger?
What will happen to all the friends we’ve made?
There were many experiences to gain while in high
school. Real friends were made, most learn how to
manage time, and the biggest thing of all is that we
learned how to be independent. We slowly learned
something that would have an impact on our futures.
“Throughout the year, you gradually start changing
into a different person,” Lauren Becerra, 10, said. “Your
mind and attitude changes on your outlook on life.”
According to Lauren, the choices she made affected
the way she saw things, either in a negative or positive
way.
With this new year came new experiences that
helped us grow as people. Friends, goals, and future
decisions about class schedules or which colleges to
apply to became the center of our attention.
“Now that I am junior, my work ethic has changed
and I am more focused on my grades and getting into a
good college next year,” Amanda Olivarez, 11, said.
Keeping our minds focused was hard, but it was the
priority. Each year we spent walking down these halls
were opportunities to create the memories that will
last us a lifetime. Even as the year ended, we still had a
long way ahead of us to grow.
Story by Miriam Atkinson.
introspection. Diana Garza, 10, poses for a photo with her group during
her photojournalism class. Finding meaning in every picture taken has
been a main goal for the class during their self portrait assignment. “I
didn’t think I would be able to take amazing photos,” Diana said. “It has
been really fun to learn about different ways to take photos and their
meaning.”
CURIOUS MINDS
148 page by miriam atkinson
people divider
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
148
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
people divider
page by miriam atkinson
149
149
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TCID:PP
In a city full of die-hard Cardinal fans, we have many supporters.
Many of our parents were once Harlingen Cardinals. They stood on the
exact same bleachers and held each other’s pinky’s reciting the same
alma mater. Many families realize the true meaning of pride and the
importance of remaining true to the Cardinal legacy that has been
passed down for generations.
It takes a lot of true devotion and commitment for the community
to be there sitting on the bleachers at the precise time of the game to
support our Cardinal boys. Weather is apparently not a factor when it
comes to supporting the team. Through some of our most bitter and
harsh winter weather, the Cardinal community sat on those bleachers bundled up and never left their seat until each of the four quarters
ended, expressing true dedication.
Not only does our community support our athletic teams but they
lend a helping hand to each cardinal and the things we strive for.
When cheerleaders need sponsors, they can always count on someone
in this city to help them out and help support our school. Many local
businesses also show their support by buying an ad to be placed in our
yearbook.
These businesses realize the hard work that goes into making such
a memorable book and they know that the cost isn’t cheap. With the
help of them agreeing to pay for an ad to promote their business in the
yearbook, we are able to have enough money to make a great one.
Knowing this is their last year; many seniors want to leave a lasting
impression and decide to buy a senior ad to fill the last few pages of
the yearbook. Looking back 100 years from now, they’ll be able to see
just how much they’ve grown within themselves and the people who
helped them create moments they will never forget. These memories
will last forever in a written time capsule, which everyone will cherish
and look back on no matter how far we roam.
No matter where we go, until the day we toss that cardinal red graduation cap into the air and our fingers caress a diploma, we remain Harlingen Cardinals and we will forever carry the pride of representing
our city with us wherever we go. We will always have the community
cheering us on and helping spread that infinite Cardinal spirit for as
long as we can remember. Story by Miriam Atkinson.
s tained love
it’s not just a sign, it’s cardinal pride. Sarah Bazan, 12, proudly holds up a
cardinal banner during the football game with a smile on her face. She
goes to a lot of athletic games and participates whenever she can to
help support. “It’s very great knowing that it’s not just a school thing,”
Sarah said. “Everybody wants to support.”
200 page by miriam atkinson
ads divider
ads divider
page by miriam atkinson
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
200
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
201
201
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TCID:PP
don’t lose
focus
1] Students take their daily lesson to the library. 2] Seniors Whitney Allen, Brooke Teinert, and
Courtney Love play brand new graduates in the senior skit at the senior pep rally. 3] After winning
Bird Bowl, proud students stand on the sidelines and sing the alma mater. 4] Students admire the
Burning of the H after the homecoming pep rally. 5] Seniors take the floor and sing the alma mater
after the homecoming pep rally. 6] Adrian Barrera, 10, laughs during class. 7] Pricilla Cruz, 12, and
Krystal Moya, 11, smile big for the camera at open house. 8] TJ Saenz, 12, celebrates after his trumpet
solo. 9] Varsity football players no. 75 Stephen Zapata, 11, and no. 3 Elijah De Leon, 11, celebrate a
touchdown at Bird Bowl. 10] Varsity basketball players high five each other as they are introduced
at a game. 11] Track members bow their heads in prayer before a meet.
“I lost people, family friends,” Emmanuel Garcia, 10, said. “So I turned to God. I
read the Bible and prayed.”
When Emmanuel looks back on his sophomore year, he focuses on the growing
faith he had.
“Thats what He wants me to do. He wants me to focus on him,” Emmanuel said.
When Stoni Gracida, 11, thinks about her junior year, she recalls that she focused
most of her energies on working harder in school and getting better grades.
“My senior year is next year,” Stoni said. “I needed to work harder and start
thinking about college.”
No matter what your main focus was this year, everyone has a different story.
Whether it was your last year here at Harlingen High School, or your first. Looking back on this year, everyone thinks of the moments that they focused on the
most.
Seniors truly cherished this year and focused on their last memories made
aomng the halls of Harlingen High School.
When Ben Cordero, 12, reminisces about his last year in high school, the first
great memory that comes to his mind is the incredible time he had at his UIL
band competition.
“We got straight ones,” Ben said. “It was an awesome feeling, and definitely one
to remember because it was my last time competing and one of the last memories
I made here.”
Brandi Martinez, 12, explains that her favorite memory was the time she spent
shouting at the top of her lungs for the football players at Bird Bowl.
“The rivalry was so intense,” Brandi said. “We wanted to prove that we are the
best bird in town and we did that.”
As a whole, there are details that everyone thinks about when they look back
on their year. These are details that made this year different than any other.
Whether it was advancing 21 students to the UIL academic regional competition,
setting new district records at the meet of champions, hiding from Martha when
you’re wearing leggings to school, dodging the new construction for the years
to come, or singing songs from Frozen as you and your friends walk down the
hallway side by side, this year was different, It was special. There will never be
another year like it, and no one will have an experience quite like focus.
Story by Kate Ferris.
238 page by kate ferris
closing
closing
page by kate ferris
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
238
Page No.
Job No.: 047638
239
239
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
TCID:PP
just
focus
1.
2013-2014
el arroy o y earbook st aff
2.
adviser
Lynda Gonzalez
editors-in-chief
Kate Ferris
Miriam Atkinson
people editors
Elizabeth Oxford
Deeandra Gathright
sports editors
Teddy Lopez
Rikki Yanez
photo editors
Jacob Velez
Haley Ponce
social media editor
Christina Garcia
story editors
Victoria Cortez
Lauren Freeman
business managers
Ciara Torres
Sydney Marquez
staff
Karla Arellano
Adrian Barrera
Joshua Cabrera
Yajaira Franco
Denisse Hernandez
Christina Martinez
Brittany Mendez
Riki Mungia
Gabby Navarro
Amanda Olivarez
Liliana Perez
Aleksa Rangel
Kimberly Ray
Edwin Sanchez
Mercedes Sanchez
Claduia Sandoval
Marissa Silva
Eliseo Soto
Karen Tijerina
Gabi Vargas
Cassandra Vega
1] victory gaze. Tomas Castellanos, 12, sweats
off his face paint after a competitive
ultimate frisbee tournament.
Photo by Karen Tijerina.
2] laters haters. Kate Ferris, 12, bids farewell
to the high school she has learned to call
home. Photo by Victoria Cortez.
240 page by kate ferris
parting page
Job No.: 047638
Page No.
School Name: Harlingen High School
InDesign CS5
Windows
TCID:PP
240