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
Hannah Backus

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief

Hello! My name is Hannah Backus, and I am a senior. This will be my third year on The Eagle's Tale staff and second as Editor-in-Chief, and I am so excited to be serving the students of Canyon High once again. Alongside newspaper, I am co-president of Spanish Club and a part of iConnect. I am also involved in the National Honor Society, the National Hispanic Honor Society and the Quill and Scroll Honor Society. Journalism is something I am very passionate about, and I hope to carry these skills into my future endeavors. Our small staff will be working very hard this school year, so be sure to support us by reading our writing and giving us feedback. Happy reading!

All content by Hannah Backus
Senior Editor-in-Chief Hannah Backus reflects on her high school career as she nears graduation. For some, it is a happy moment, but for others, it is a disappointing goodbye. For most, it is a combination of both. "On May 27, my fellow classmates and I will walk across the stage, symbolizing the closing of the many doors we’ve walked through in the past four years," Backus said. "Some we will miss more than others, but each of them will have had an impact on our lives."

An unwelcome goodbye

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
May 29, 2022
After placing 2nd at Regionals, both the boys and girls bowling teams advanced to State. The boys team placed 8th and the girls team placed 17th, while sophomore Brylee Jesko placed 27th individually at State. “The fact that we made it to State this year made people realize we actually have a bowling team,” sophomore Aric Cruz said. "That definitely raised awareness for the bowling team, and maybe more people will be interested in joining.”

Striking Records

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2022
Senior survey

Senior survey

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2022
2022 EOC STAAR Testing Dates

2022 EOC STAAR Testing Dates

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2022
All seniors and staff at Canyon High School are encourage to fill out a google form by April 15. Seniors who complete a form will be entered in a giveaway to win a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card. Only seniors are eligible to win.

Senior survey

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2022
Math teacher Amanda Bell was named Canyon High School Teacher of the Year on Monday, Jan. 31. Other finalists include science teacher Hayden Blankenship and manufacturing teacher Chase Fulton. "Every single one of my kids has shown growth in class," Bell said. "That’s always been my goal: to help them grow and be confident in themselves."

Clear as a bell

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2022
Students wanting extra help in math are welcome to and attend a tutoring session during homeroom on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Those interested must sign up using the corresponding QR code above. "This is such a great resource any student can utilize,” math teacher Amanda Bell said. “It helps students build bonds with one another and aspire to be great."

Math lab to provide peer tutoring, one-on-one help

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2022
After months of hard work, Canyon High School students participated in the Randall Country Junior Livestock Show Jan. 8-15. “I raise all the goats that I show,” Cowley said. “My parents started raising them when I was born, so I was kind of born into it. We all have something in common: a drive to win and do good.”

Growing up showing livestock

Lara Reeves and Hannah Backus
February 3, 2022
College, Career and Military readiness counselor Cenee Precure developed a website that will provide students with the resources they need to become CCMR ready. The website can be accessed through the CHS website, a link attached to Precure’s emails or the QR code below.

(Media) College, career counselor launches new website

Addie McCord, Staff Reporter
January 22, 2022
According to a study done by Walden University, 30% of students in high school will be employed for a portion of the school year. Having a job offers many benefits but can be distracting and lead to lower grades in school. “It helps out with my family’s income, and it keeps me busy,” sophomore Lillian Ritchey said. “Sometimes I can use some money to spend on fun things, so it’s nice."

Students share personal experiences balancing work, school

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2021
2021 Varsity girls wrestling roster, schedule

2021 Varsity girls wrestling roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2021
2021 Varsity boys wrestling roster, schedule

2021 Varsity boys wrestling roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2021
Sophomore Hannah Shepherd, left, and junior Aaralyn Adame, right, watch as sophomore Kylie Flores tackles freshman Alizae Reveles in wrestling practice. After the Canyon ISD school board approved the proposal in May, Canyon High School is now offering a girls wrestling program beginning this school year. The program is also being welcomed to the CISD junior high campuses. “Once we started the boys program, we always knew the girls program was coming,” Frausto said. “We couldn’t be more excited to get this program up and running.”

Canyon High School welcomes new girls wrestling program

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2021
Liza Nisen

Liza Nisen

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2021
Picture day retakes scheduled for Dec. 2

Picture day retakes scheduled for Dec. 2

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
November 10, 2021
Noah Romero

Noah Romero

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2021
2021 Varsity girls basketball

2021 Varsity girls basketball

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 12, 2021
The soft opening for the student bakery took place Monday, Oct. 4. The bakery is in the CTA building and is open to students throughout the school day. "The staff was so amazing and helpful, even under the pressure of serving around twelve students at once," junior Brooklyn Boman said. "I highly enjoyed what I bought and I found that my fellow classmates thought the same."

Baking their way to success

Addie McCord and Hannah Backus
October 6, 2021
Marlee Ramirez

Marlee Ramirez

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 1, 2021
Students have the chance to attend multiple homecoming events Sept. 11-17. In replacement of the original homecoming dance, Student Council has planned a Homecoming Hangout, open to all students. The week also features Flick on the Field, an old CHS tradition, and the annual homecoming parade and powderpuff game. The week concludes with the homecoming game Friday from 7-10 p.m.

Homecoming week features new events

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2021
Get involved on campus

Get involved on campus

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2021
Callie Rodriguez coaches ________ and teaches geometry. Before coming to Canyon High, she coached volleyball, softball, tennis and powerlifting in Bangs, Childress, and Levelland, Texas. "Canyon High School has been my goal for some time now," Rodriguez said. "It has upheld an outstanding reputation in both athletics and academics for as long as I can remember."

Callie Rodriguez

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 3, 2021
Best places to eat lunch off campus

Best places to eat lunch off campus

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
August 30, 2021
After teaching at Randall for three years, Stephanie Bass will be teaching Business Information Management at Canyon High School. "I look forward to learning from my students and teaching them skills they will use in their lifetime," Bass said.

Stephanie Bass

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2021
David DeLeon comes to Canyon High after coaching tennis in Hereford for five years. Alongside coaching, DeLeon teaches algebra. "This is my home," DeLeon said. "I take great pride in being from Canyon and giving back to the community I was raised in."

David DeLeon

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2021
Cody Steinman has subbed for Canyon Independent School District for the past several years. He will be teaching social studies at Canyon High School for the first time. "I am excited to meet my students and start building relationships with them," Steinman said. "I've heard great things about the faculty and student body, and I'm looking forward to interacting with everyone. Plus, it is a beautiful campus."

Cody Steinman

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
August 20, 2021
Kelsey Ray transferred from Randall High School, and will be teaching honors Algebra 2. "I am looking forward to getting to know my students and the staff at CHS," Ray said. "Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. I am excited to challenge my students and help them be the best they can be."

Kelsey Ray

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
August 20, 2021
Canyon High School hired 37 new staff and faculty members this school year. Click on each image below to read about some of the new teachers, administrators and coaches.

Meet the 2021-2022 new hires

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
August 20, 2021
Canyon Rush was a first year event that provided underclassmen with a chance to tour the school and explore different clubs and organizations, while upperclassmen got the chance to showcase their favorite parts of school. "I think it's super important for every kid to have a place at school, whether it's athletics, fine arts, journalism, iConnect or a club," associate principal Jessica Ray said.

Canyon Rush showcases clubs, offers a chance to tour school

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
August 20, 2021
Students can participate in an end-of-year pep rally on Monday during homeroom. The theme will be Spirit War: Purple vs White, and underclassmen are asked to wear white, while upperclassmen are asked to wear purple. "We chose this theme because we wanted something simple and easy for all students to participate in," cheer sponsor Nicole Moore said. "We figured there's no better theme to end the school year than proudly representing our school colors."

End-of-year pep rally Monday, May 24

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2021
Interview Week, part of Canyon ISD's Competitive Edge Week, will continue through Thursday, April 22. Beginning in 2019, this year is the first year that Interview Week will be held virtually. The administration team worked with seniors to schedule an interview with a professional from the community. "This is a week dedicated to giving students across CISD the opportunity to think about their future through the lens of the professional community," administrative assistant Jessica Ray said.

Interview Week continues Tuesday, Thursday

Sean Buck and Hannah Backus
April 20, 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."

(Media) Vaccination within the population

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
April 21, 2021

Happy State Bank Stadium Banquet Center virtual tour

Hannah Backus and Laura Gill
April 9, 2021
Dual Credit Apply Day will be held Wednesday, March 31 for students signed up for a 2021 fall semester dual credit class for the first time. For students absent Wednesday, a make up session will be held Thursday, April 15. "Mr. Gropp and I do this every year for students who have signed up for dual credit for the first time," counselor Christ Fant said. "Topics will include testing requirements, registering for classes, how and when to pay, and college textbooks."

Dual Credit Apply Day offered to first-time students

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2021
Students interesting in joining iConnect must apply by Friday, March 26. The application can be found in the appropriate grade level Google Classroom, or by visiting cisd.io/iconnectapp. "By participating in the program, students are able to meet with Dell representatives, help teachers with troubleshooting and using devices, speak at school and district events, and help the testing and college and career events," iConnect coordinator Jessica Ray said.

iConnect applications due Friday, March 26

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2021
Boys track roster, schedule

Boys track roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 14, 2021
Varsity golf roster, schedule

Varsity golf roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2021
Prom will be held on Saturday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Happy State Bank banquet center. This years theme for prom will be 'Under the Lights,' with the stadium lights visible from the banquet center. Pre-sales are cuurently open for CHS juniors and seniors only through tomorrow. Quest ticket sales will open March 22.

Tickets available for prom ‘Under the Lights’ through March 12

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2021
Following Gov. Greg Abbott's announcement that all state-wide mandates in regard to COVID-19 will be lifted, the CISD school board voted Monday, March 8 that masks will be optional for students and staff effective April 5. Editor-in-Chief Hannah Backus comments on the decision and how to treat others equally, regardless of whether someone chooses to wear a mask or not.

On or off: mask shaming

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 9, 2021
Science bowl team places sixth in regional contest

Science bowl team places sixth in regional contest

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2021
Varsity baseball roster, schedule

Varsity baseball roster, schedule

Hannah Backus and Nicole Butcher
March 4, 2021
Grace Knox

Grace Knox

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2021
2021 STAAR EOC dates

2021 STAAR EOC dates

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2021
Seniors Brody Cook and Sadie Boyles were announced as Mr. and Miss CHS Friday, Feb. 5 during homeroom. As a Canyon High tradition, only seniors are considered for the title. The runner-up contenders for Mr. CHS were Rafe Butcher, Jay DeFoor and Jett Meek. The runner-ups for Miss CHS were Raylee Bain, Kyla Cobb and Kenadee Winfrey.

Cook, Boyles named Mr., Miss CHS

Blake Loria and Hannah Backus
February 11, 2021
Canyon ISD updates attendance policy

Canyon ISD updates attendance policy

Hannah Backus and Caroline Ragland
February 10, 2021
These holiday cookies were covered in white icing, then sprayed with pink color mist, which can found at Walmart, while using a stencil to create the checkered pattern for Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day recipe

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2021
As a part of a lab in anatomy and physiology in sixth period, teacher Cortney Shaller demonstrates making the initial incision of a cow's eye to junior Diego Sanchez Thursday, Jan. 21. "Dissection allows the student to have a hands-on experience and allows them to physically touch and observe the different organs," Shaller said. "This experience allows students to observe how form and function work hand in hand. This gives them a better understanding of their own bodies."

Photo of the Week: Cow’s eye view

Sean Buck and Hannah Backus
January 29, 2021
Varsity softball roster, schedule

Varsity softball roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2021
This is showing only so you can see it.

Four make varsity tennis All-State Honors

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
January 25, 2021
Varsity boys soccer roster, schedule

Varsity boys soccer roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2021
As we enter 2021, The Eagle's Tale provides our readers with ways to help track, work toward and keep new year's resolutions. Using these tips, make this a year where resolutions become reality.

Resolutions made, resolutions kept

Blake Loria and Hannah Backus
January 11, 2021
Although Amarillo College courses begin Tuesday, Jan. 19, tuition payments are due Friday, Jan. 8. "Dual credit is a great opportunity, but it is not for everyone," counselor Chris Fant said. "The classes are more difficult than regular classes, and some students need to develop more academic knowledge and self-discipline before they are ready for college-level coursework."

AC dual credit payments due Friday, Jan. 8

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2021
Chance to reflect

Chance to reflect

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2021
Christmas around the world

Christmas around the world

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 18, 2020
The Soaring Pride Band's show, 'Fugue State,' is under the direction of Eric Rath. This is his first year as head director of the Soaring Pride Band. Prior to this, Rath worked as head director for Canyon Junior High. “I came in 2014,” Rath said. “So coming into this role has different responsibilities, but it’s not a complete change of pace. It was really important to try to keep those standards high, and keep the culture of excellence in place.”

Soaring Pride Band marches in UIL State Contest Monday, Dec. 14

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2020
Junior Hadlee Cook performs with her group for a final project in Traci Prather's ASL II class signing a Christmas song. Cook's group signed 'Let it Snow.' "Normally, we would get together and perform them for the deaf community, but this year, things are different," junior Hadlee Cook said. "We worked a couple days on this, putting something together we had a lot of fun with. We came up with ideas on how to incorporate words or phrases that were in our songs and make them fun. We had a cheer with a make-shift fireplace for the fire it mentions in the song. We had bowls of fake snow we were throwing around. We were switching the way we were standing and made some dance moves in there."

Photo of the Week: The signs of Christmas

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2020
Teen Leadership member Neely Wood writes a goal for the month of December to be a better role model during a meeting. Wood, a senior, is one of four Canyon High students who meet monthly with members form other schools through Zoom. Wood said the program, which is offered across the Texas Panhandle, teaches students leadership skills and allows them to take part in and change their community.

(Media) Local leadership

Charlie Clark, Staff Reporter
December 10, 2020
Backus considers her passion for cooking and how her passion became her dream. "I got my love of baking from my grandmother," Backus said. "I would be so excited to visit her, getting to learn her recipes and spend time with her in the kitchen."

Baking dreams from scratch

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2020
Serving in the Air Force from 1993-1997, Senior Airman Robert Salazar now teaches Auto Technology to Canyon High students.

Senior Airman Robert Salazar

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2020
In recognition of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Eagle's Tale staff members sat down with three Canyon High veterans to hear their perspectives on serving in the military and what the holiday means to them.

Thank you, Canyon High veterans

Blake Loria, Hannah Backus, and Kodi Hicks
November 11, 2020
Veterans Day facts

Veterans Day facts

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2020
Girls varsity basketball roster, schedule

Girls varsity basketball roster, schedule

Hannah Backus and Jonah Bliss
November 5, 2020
Canyon High School mock election results

Canyon High School mock election results

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2020
For those who dislike pumpkin, this recipe can be made using a baked and mashed sweet potato instead of pumpkin puree. Nevertheless, it is the perfect recipe for the fall holidays.

Halloween recipe to fall for

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2020
Research shows that playing with a pet therapy animal can release hormones which help to elevate someone's mood and decrease anxiety. “Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems," (Mayo Clinic).

Charlie comforts Canyon High

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 23, 2020
Research shows that playing with a pet therapy animal can release hormones which help to elevate someone's mood and decrease anxiety. “Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems," (Mayo Clinic).

Charlie comforts Canyon High

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2020
PLACE HOLDER

Boys, girls varsity tennis roster

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 19, 2020
The 'Homeroom Challenge' will benefit the Snack Pak 4 Kids program, which provides 36 Canyon High students Snack Paks and over 10,000 more students across Texas.

Homeroom Challenge to ‘restock the shelves’ for Snack Pak 4 Kids through Oct. 20

Hannah Backus and Charlie Clark
October 15, 2020
Club information for Canyon High

Club information for Canyon High

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2020
Girls cross country roster, schedule

Girls cross country roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
October 5, 2020
American Sign Language teacher Sarah Martindale signs to students during her first period class. Martindale began teaching at Canyon High School after spending five years teaching in Miami, Texas.

(Media) Sign of the times

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
October 2, 2020
Homecoming week began Monday and will continue through Friday, Oct. 2. Students can participate in themed dress-up days and can vote for the homecoming finalists.

Homecoming week begins with dress up days

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 28, 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
Although homecoming king is traditionally announced at the Powder Puff football game, the king will be crowned at the pep rally on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. following the cancellation of the game.

Homecoming court nominations close Friday, Sept. 25

Blake Loria and Hannah Backus
September 22, 2020
Zara Salazar

Zara Salazar

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2020
Boys Cross Country roster, schedule

Boys Cross Country roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2020
Felix Cardenas

Felix Cardenas

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2020
After the discount deadline passes, the 1/4 page and 1/8 page senior baby ads will cost $65 and $95, respectively.

Senior baby ads discount available through Friday, Sept. 18

Hannah Backus and Blake Loria
September 14, 2020
Football Roster & schedule R

Football roster, schedule

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2020
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