The online newspaper of Canyon High School

The Eagle's Tale
The online newspaper of Canyon High School

The Eagle's Tale
The online newspaper of Canyon High School

The Eagle's Tale
Abigail Bell

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor

Hi! My name is Abby (with a “y”), and I am elated to be managing editor this upcoming year. This will be my second year on staff, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be a member of this awesome team. I am a junior this year and am one of three drum majors for the Soaring Pride band. When I’m not writing or editing in the news room, conducting or playing my French horn (not in the news room), I can probably be found doing homework, watching old Disney movies, singing off-key or reading a book. Over the past two years, journalism has come to reside in a special place in my heart, and I intend to continue it through my high school–and general–career. And if the whole college thing does not work out, I plan to become an eccentric and reclusive goatherd. Happy reading!

All content by Abigail Bell
With graduation quickly approaching, May is filled with senior ceremonies, events and celebrations.

End-of-year senior events

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
May 14, 2021
Healthcare professionals attended CISD schools to administer optional vaccines to staff members Tuesday, March 9. Assistant Principal Brandi Sanderson said she got the shot because she felt the side effects of the vaccine were less extreme than the side effects of COVID-19. "I feel like getting the shot has to be important to the individual for them to get it."

Vaccination within the population

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
April 21, 2021
Varsity Winterguard performed their show, "Just Let Me Cry" placing third at the Regional A contest March 30. Junior Johnson said the show demonstrates how people process the loss of loved ones. "We're just showing that loss really isn't something you need to be sad about, it's more something that you need to celebrate. Which is why, at the end of our show, it's more upbeat, rather than our slow previous tempo."

Winter guard places fourth at contest

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
April 16, 2021
Senior Joe Shaw began playing on the varsity team his sophomore year. Shaw, who was voted for First Team All-District, described his leadership style as supportive. "I think I'm the one that to bring people up: being able to keep the team together, stop the arguments, stop the fighting--just make sure we're all brothers at the end of the day, no matter what. If the coach is on them or if they're having a bad game--bad practice--I'm the one to tell them 'It's alright, keep your head up.'"

Boys basketball season ends in regional quarterfinals

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
March 31, 2021
According to the National Park Foundation, the United States produces over 260 million tons of waste every year. When traveling to Parks over spring break, it is important to pick up one's own trash instead of leaving it for others to deal with.

The bitter effects of litter

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
March 15, 2021
Squeezing a stress ball, senior Kat Clark ensures blood flow through her arm while donating at the fall blood drive. For the last 10 years, Coffee Memorial Blood Center and Canyon High's Key Club have partnered to host and provide a place for students and staff to donate.

Spring blood drive changes

Mariam Alashmawi and Abigail Bell
February 26, 2021
Canyon High class favorites

Canyon High class favorites

Blake Loria and Abigail Bell
February 9, 2021
Although the choir department could not host an indoor concert this year, members of the ovation choir, as well as students who auditioned, performed in Java and Jams Saturday, Jan. 31. The event was hosted in the breezeway. Several student musicians and bands performed, with a Palace Coffee drink cart available to attendees to complete the atmosphere. From the smooth vocals of senior Kat Clark and her band giving life to the show while she sings the lyrics of “Valerie” by Amy WInehouse, to assistant choir director Reece Kingcade jamming out in his own world while rocking to “Renegade” by Styx, read on to explore Java and Jams.

Students perform, entertain at Java and Jams

Abigail Bell, Blake Loria, Nicole Butcher, and Alyssa Seaton
February 5, 2021
Dave Eggers' 'The Circle' reads as a modern classic and a cautionary tale of the dangers of an extreme free market. The book follows a young woman who begins working at an innovative and trendy new company. As the storyline unfolds, she helps this "Circle" gain a totalitarian-like power over a once-independent society.

‘The Circle’ a modern classic, cautionary tale

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
February 2, 2021
Benjamin Malcolm

Benjamin Malcolm

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
January 29, 2021
Canyon High staff members voted physics teacher Tara Sloan as campus Teacher of the Year, which was announced Monday, Jan. 18. Sloan said teaching is her calling. "I don't know what made me want to go into teaching," Sloan said. "I've just always remembered wanting to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. When I got here, it fit me. It helps me help others."

Sloan named Teacher of the Year

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
January 28, 2021
In November of 1983, President Ronald Reagan signs MLK Day into law. Celebrated on the third Monday of January, students will have Monday, Jan. 18 off from school to observe the holiday, while faculty will have a staff day.

Student holiday allows observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Jan. 18

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
January 14, 2021
Canyon High School's iConnect students discuss jobs in the tech industry with Dell representatives from across the globe over a Google Meet. They will continue to meet with a different representative each month for the rest of the school year, each time learning about business operations regarding Dell.

Photo of the Week: CHS iConnect hears from Dell representatives

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
November 20, 2020
Thanksgiving break will begin Monday, Nov. 23 and will last until Friday, Nov. 27. While celebrating the holiday, it is important to practice safety precautions to decrease community spread of the coronavirus.

Take a break from school, not COVID-19 precautions

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
November 20, 2020
The cross country teams will compete at the Regional Meet Nov. 10 in Lubbock. Junior Breanna Stuart placed second at the State competition her freshman year and tenth at the State competition last year. Stuart said the season is going well. "It’s been pretty good, definitely different from other seasons," Stuart said. "I would like to finish off the season well and maybe come away with a State title."

Cross country teams compete at Regional meets Tuesday, Nov. 10

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
November 10, 2020
Senior Leigh Cano voted in the 2020 presidential election as a first-time voter. “I voted this year because it means a lot to me,” Cano said. “The rights of people are in their hands right now; a lot of rights are on the line here. I want people to be happy. People’s rights are on the line here, and I don’t want those to get taken away from people, especially since I’m a woman and a person of color. In my opinion, Trump has no plan for Covid. He hasn’t done anything. Over 200,000 people have died already, and still nothing has been done at all. We’re here, in school right now; everyone wears masks, everyone sanitizes all the time, and I feel like this problem could have been solved a long time ago if we all would have just locked down and stayed inside and did what we were supposed to do.”

Junior Bronson Kwaku said voting for former Vice President Joe Biden is voting for the lesser of two evils. “He was one of the first people to make any domestic violence laws to help protect women or men who were battered by their significant-others," Kwaku said. "He passed several different laws about climate change protection. He passed laws protecting people in general, and the laws he has passed that he knew were bad--like mandatory minimums--he came out and said those were horrible laws in hindsight that he tried to fix. He knows what he does, whether it be right or wrong, he can admit it was, and he tries his best. He is a lot more tactful and diplomatic, which as President is pretty important. People are forgetting that it’s “America First,” not “Biden-” or “Trump-” “First.” When someone has a Trump or Biden flag and no American flag, you can see an issue automatically. I wish there was less divide about who should win and more unity about what is happening in our country and things we could fix.”

Although sophomore Brooklyn Boman is not old enough to vote, she said she supports Republican nominee and incumbent, Donald Trump. “Either way, there’s going to be riots, and there are going to be people who are not happy with it," Boman said. "We’re going to have to go through changes, and of course, people will be unhappy. But honestly, it’s better to stay true to yourself and don’t be disrespectful to other people due to their beliefs. Our country is very split in two -- between Democrat and Republican and conservative versus liberal. There’s going to be a lot of tension for the next couple of months. That’s the biggest thing--down the halls, I hear so many terrible things being said about liberals and terrible things about hard right, hard left, and we’re just children. We’re old enough to comprehend our own beliefs, but truly I do think parents and friends and peer pressure are somewhat involved. I think to truly know what side you are going for, you have to research both sides.”

After having a hard time accepting the results of the 2016 election, senior Lauren Taylor said she is excited to see a Biden presidency. “I think it is going to go back to more when Obama was president,” Taylor said. “ I think the country will be less divided. This sounds dramatic, but I really feel like the sky will clear if Biden gets elected. I’ve been waiting for this, and I think a lot of his policies are going to positively impact this country and everyone the way Trump’s policies have not. And for Kamala Harris to be running as vice president--it is so empowering to see to see a woman on the ticket, because it is something that should've happened a long time ago. It is long overdue and really awesome. It is going to impact a lot of people in the country in a really positive way.”

A lovely day

A lovely day

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
October 30, 2020
While sophomores and juniors take the PSAT, Freshmen and seniors will report to their given location for first through third period. Freshmen will be released for fourth period lunch, and seniors will be released for lunch fourth through fifth periods. All students will resume their normal schedules at sixth period.

Sophomores, juniors to take PSAT Oct. 14

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
October 13, 2020
Coach Bryant claims 150th win as head coach at Canyon High. The #7 ranked Eagles defeated Midland Greenwood 48-0 Friday, Sept. 25 at Happy State Bank Stadium.

Bryant wins 150th game as head football coach at Canyon High School

Blake Loria, Abigail Bell, and Hannah Backus
September 25, 2020
Ellie Brown

Ellie Brown

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
September 23, 2020
Nineteen years ago today, thousands of Americans lost their lives when hijackers took command of and crashed four planes, two of which hit the World Trade Center in New York City, N.Y. Dust and ash covered Lower Manhattan, and even though the nation was permanently affected, the day is often times neglected by Americans.

9/11 remembered, but not lived

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
September 11, 2020
Every year, Safety Day is practiced around the district in case of emergencies on campuses.

Students participate in Safety Day Sept. 4

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
September 3, 2020
Every blood donation to the Coffee Memorial Blood Center has the potential to help up to three individuals.

Back-to-School Blood Drive begins Aug. 24

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
August 21, 2020
After 20 years of teaching at Canyon High, head band director Mike Sheffield will move to a new school.

A closing note

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
August 18, 2020
The "Hank the Cowdog" series is composed of 74 novels, with six titles written but unpublished.

In Case You Missed It: ‘Finding Hank’

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
July 24, 2020
The ancient Greeks believed in six types of love, and they had words specific to each kind.

In Case You Missed It: Celebrating a Deeper Love

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
July 10, 2020
Journalism adviser Laura Smith accompanies graduates Erin Sheffield, Callie Boren and Sarah Nease after winning a UIL state championship in 2017.

Eagle’s Tale adviser spreads wings, soars to new beginnings

Blake Loria, Abigail Bell, and Hannah Backus
June 18, 2020
Qualifying debate students spent the past few months preparing for the week-long tournament.

Debate students participate in online national tournament June 14-20

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
June 15, 2020
Senior Macy McClish and juniors Emma Wilcox and Kodi Hicks display scrunchies made by McClish.

In Case You Missed It: Scrunching up a profit

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
June 12, 2020
Shortly after the NAACP rally, many demonstrators participated in a second protest in front of the Amarillo Police Department. Those who attended marched from the station to a nearby park.

Marching to the beat of change

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
June 10, 2020
Recent protests across the U.S. inspired Bell to share a poem she originally wrote in a freshman English class.

What is too much to ask?

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
June 9, 2020
Four staffers got together to compare the blue coconut-flavored snow cones from Sonic, SnoBall Stop and Oasis.

Syrup, surveys and snow cones

Caroline Ragland and Abigail Bell
June 8, 2020
The temporary series will include blogs, opinion pieces, news stories and more from staff members.

‘In Case You Missed It’

Abigail Bell and Blake Loria
June 4, 2020
The Eagle's Tale staff aims to provide quality content over the next few months.

(Media) The Eagle’s Tale to publish content throughout summer

Blake Loria, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2020
Drop-off times for students are organized by last name.

Student material drop-off, pick-up May 19-21

Blake Loria and Abigail Bell
May 19, 2020
Freshman Scott Henderson was Reserve Champion for the Early Models Tractor Restoration Project at the Junior Agricultural Mechanic Show.

Restored for ribbons

Abigail Bell and Blake Loria
May 18, 2020
COVID-19, SARS and MERS are all outbreaks caused by the coronavirus, named for the spikes on the virus' surface that create the impression of a crown.

COVID-19 outbreak: What is this virus?

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
March 24, 2020
To prove my dedication to the "experiment," I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to achieve Friday's punk style.

Alternative styles offer new perspective

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
March 11, 2020
Eight students earned a rating of four as well as a medal at the Visual Art Scholastic Event Saturday, Feb. 29.

Students participate in Visual Art Scholastic Event Feb. 29

Hannah Backus and Abigail Bell
March 5, 2020
The Canyon High School Chamber Choir performs as a TMEA Honor Choir in San Antonio.

Chamber Choir performs as honor choir at TMEA

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
February 25, 2020
All the pulseras and bolsitas are handmade by artisans from Central America.

(Media) Spanish Club to sell bracelets for Pulsera Project beginning Feb. 19

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
February 18, 2020
The ancient Greeks believed in six types of love, and they had words specific to each kind.

Celebrating a deeper love

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
February 14, 2020
The Student Takeover was originally scheduled for Tuesday.

Student Takeover rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 10

Caroline Ragland and Abigail Bell
February 10, 2020
The jazz band competed as an ensemble at the contest.

Band members perform at solo, ensemble competition

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
February 10, 2020
Feb. 3 is the last concert the choir will have before performing at TMEA Thursday, Feb.13.

Band, choir to perform Monday Feb. 3

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
February 3, 2020
The seven Canyon students to qualify for 4A All-State Band include (left to right) junior Leigh Cano, sophomore Blake Usleton, junior Hannah Hamil, senior Wade House, junior Aubyn Nall, sophomore Bree Castleberry and junior Lily Williams.

All-State Band to perform Feb. 15

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
January 24, 2020
"Java and Jams" will replace "Desserts on Broadway" this year.

Student musicians to offer ‘Java and Jams’ Jan. 18

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
January 17, 2020
The "Hank the Cowdog" series is composed of 74 novels, with six titles written but unpublished.

‘Finding Hank’

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
January 7, 2020
Freshman Micaela Cruz placed 9th overall in the flute section.

63 students make All-Region Band

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
December 19, 2019
Sophomore AJ Smith explores Ancient Roman archaeological sites from his desk in room 2310.

Virtual reality offers students immersive learning experiences

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
December 2, 2019
Thanksgiving provides an opportunity for individuals to express their gratitude and feelings toward loved ones.

A wholesome holiday

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
November 28, 2019
Students, staff thankful for family, friends

Students, staff thankful for family, friends

Macy McClish, Abigail Bell, and Blake Loria
November 27, 2019
Aaron Anderson

Aaron Anderson

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
November 25, 2019
Keymy Aponte

Keymy Aponte

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
November 18, 2019
Senior Bret Ramirez marches trumpet, one of many instruments he plays including guitar and piano.

Band contest season marches to a close

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
November 7, 2019
Junior and Spanish IV student Madeline Shadduck glues flowers she made in class on the arch of the ofrenda while setting up at the museum.

Spanish classes win grand champion ofrenda, honor El Paso victims

Blake Loria, Hannah Backus, and Abigail Bell
November 6, 2019
The Amarillo Sod Poodles won the 2019 Texas League Championship in their first season of play.

Fits like a baseball glove

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
October 30, 2019
Greg Stevens, class of 1988, addresses juniors and seniors at the assembly.

Greg Stevens brings wealth of life experience to Hall of Fame

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
October 10, 2019
Joined by other school board members and school personnel, board president Bruce Cobb cuts the ribbon at the Career and Technology Academy Sept. 24.

Canyon ISD launches Career and Technology Academy

Blake Loria, Hannah Backus, and Abigail Bell
October 9, 2019
Students may wear masks, but the mask cannot cover the entire face.

Masquerade ball to begin homecoming festivities

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
September 25, 2019
Senior Macy McClish and juniors Emma Wilcox and Kodi Hicks display scrunchies made by McClish.

Scrunching up a profit

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
September 10, 2019
Kris Holman is one of Canyon High's newest teachers, teaching business information management (BIM) and coaching tennis.

Coach teaches life skills on courts, keyboards

Hannah Backus and Abigail Bell
September 6, 2019
AJ Smith

AJ Smith

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
August 27, 2019
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