Chandler Shaw, Editor-in-Chief eaglestaleonline and The Eagle’s Tale

Hello, my name is Chandler Shaw. I am a senior, and the editor in chief of The Eagle’s Tale print and online editions. This is my third and final year on newspaper staff here at Canyon High. Other than this, I participate as an oboist and drum major in our school band, I compete on the UIL journalism and speech teams, act in the school’s theatrical productions, and take piano lessons on the side. When I’m not doing any of this, you can probably find me curled up with a book, enjoying a conversation with my friends at the local coffee house, or typing away on an idea for a novel. My family consists of my two grandmothers, my mother and father, my younger brother, our two horses, two puppies and four cats. I love them all very much, along with my much larger extended family of friends and schoolmates. I look forward to finishing my last year in high school, and majoring in English/Journalism in college. If you have any questions about school or The Eagle’s Tale, feel free to ask!

Cheers!

Jayden Beatty, Associate Editor

My name is Jayden Beatty, and I am a junior. I am the associate editor of the Eagle’s Tale, This is my second year on staff, and I am extremely excited and motivated to be here and to produce the best publications possible. My goals are to be editor in chief my senior year, and I plan to go on to study mass communication and public relations. After that, my dream job would be a PR representative for a book publishing company. I compete on the UIL Journalism team writing editorials, and I am a competitive member of the speech and debate team. I work at Photography by Vondel, and I have a paid internship at Fortis Press publications. I am an avid Harry Potter fan, and I’m very proud of my nerdiness. I love my friends and my favorite thing to do is have movie nights (usually Harry Potter) with them. I love my family, who I couldn’t live without, and my car whose name is Vera. I’m pretty friendly; I’m always open to new friends and talking to new people. I can’t wait to see what this year brings!

Trevor Ferril, Copy Editor

My name is Trevor Ferril, and this year, I am a junior at this school. This is my second year on the Eagle’s Tale staff and my first as copy editor. I am interested in chess (still up for games if you want), videogames (still playing Mega Man but looking for something I haven’t tried before), music, UIL academics and science (this does encompass math since it is a science.) I don’t like death metal, rap, most first-person shooters, the University of Texas (I’d love me some Bevo steak) or the New York Yankees (Who doesn’t hate them?) I’m also involved in the school’s Leo Club, the Amarillo Chess Club, varsity choir and will try to earn induction into the ASL Honor Society. I’ll be around pretty much whenever, so if you want to talk, just find me. Just don’t jaywalk in front of me when I’m driving or you may find out quickly how much guts you have.

Cortlyn Dees, Sports Editor

Hey everybody! My name is Cortlyn Dees and I am a sophomore here at Canyon High. I am the sports editor for The Eagle’s Tale this year. This is my first year on staff and I am so excited to bring y’all fast and accurate sports information. Other than journalism, I love playing tennis. I will be starting my second year on the varsity team and am looking forward to a great season. I also really enjoy hanging out with my friends and church youth group. I am blessed with an amazing and supportive family, whom I love with all my heart. I’m looking forward to an exciting year and I’ll see y’all on the field…or the court…the course…or the track!

Melanie Blakeman, Staff Reporter

My name is Melanie Blakeman, and I’m a junior. It’s my first year on staff, and I’m extremely excited for the year I have ahead of me in newspaper. Outside of journalism, I write music (guitar, vocals and piano), poetry- mostly slam poetry, and I’m a free-lance photographer. I love my laptop, coffee shops, and good books. I plan to go to either Denver University or the University of Texas at Austin and study photography, journalism and creative writing.  As a part of the staff, I hope to make this year a blast for all of my staff mates and write stories that will entertain and enlighten.

Angel Martinez, Staff Reporter

My name is Angel Martinez, and I am a senior at Canyon High.  This is my first year on the staff for The Eagle’s Tale.  I joined the staff because of my love for writing and curiosity about the different types of writing.  I love to write novels, poems and short stories, and I hope to publish much of my work.  I read almost every book that comes my way because reading is something that I find just as enjoyable as writing.   I love listening to all kinds of music, watching anime, playing chess and learning new things.  As of now my interests lie in English and Biology; I’m hoping to become a novelist or an evolutionary biologist and maybe (just maybe) change the world a tiny bit.

Elizabeth Gilliland, Staff Reporter

My name is Elizabeth Gilliland, and I am a sophomore here at Canyon High. This is my first year on staff, and I have competed in UIL journalism in both news and editorial writing. I am also on the JV volleyball team here at Canyon. Other than volleyball I spend most of my time playing the piano and doing homework. I love going to my church youth group and hanging out with my friends. I am also very artistic, and I love to draw, read, and write. This year I am in student council, and I will be playing soccer this spring. If you don’t know me very well, please come and say hi because I am always open to new friends!

Maisie Dyer, Staff Reporter

Hello! My name is Maisie Dyer and I’m a sophomore and a newbie to the journalism world. But I’ve loved writing since I was a wee lassie. I wish I loved other sports, but my heart is in cross country. At school I’m all caught up in my classes, choir and this dandy newspaper. I’m the kind of person that may come off real shy and… weird. Once you get to know me though, you better get your crazy pants on because we will party hardy. I go The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and participate in early morning scripture study, Wednesday night activities and Sunday worship. I love my family of 2 brothers, 4 sisters, Mom, Dad and 2 crazy pups. My best friend is Talmage Richardson! And if I had to live anywhere for the rest of my life I would, in a heartbeat, move to Utah. I love to be me and hope you don’t go deaf or blind when you see me bustin’ a move or singing to my heart’s desires in the hall.

Austin Musgrave, Staff Reporter

My name is Austin Musgrave. I am a junior staff reporter for the Eagle’s Tale Newspaper.  This is my first year on staff.  I am looking forward to what our staff can accomplish. My interests include really fast cars, sports, music and movies. My favorite TV show is “24,” and my favorite movie is a tie between “Fast and Furious” and “Bourne “Ultimatum.” I like Italian food and sea food. I hope you enjoy the paper. Have a great year.

Laura L. Smith, Adviser

I’m Laura Smith, adviser of the Canyon  High media team.  We began the 2011-2012 school year with three returning students and a fresh crop of talented young journalists. In addition to producing the online publication, we publish a newspaper designed as a news magazine that highlights feature stories. We publish 2-4 issues a year of the print publication.

I have a small but wonderful staff of students who are filled with the spirit of adventure, dedicated colleagues and a supportive administration. We have a great time in room 1305, and the students who pass through these doors go on to accomplish great things.

We are still learning, still laughing, still growing. I am blessed to have such talented and delightful fellow travelers.