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
Laura Gill

Laura Gill, Associate Editor

Oh, hey there! My name is Laura Gill, and I am a senior. I look forward to being Associate Editor of The Eagle’s Tale this year. I am on the leadership team for the Soaring Pride Band, and I am in the Canyon ISD PRO Program. I am also involved in the American Sign Language Honors Society, the National Honors Society and the Quill and Scroll Honors Society. My love for journalism has grown throughout this past year, and I will continue using these skills in the future. Though our staff is small, I am confident we will bring a new and exciting look to our news coverage this year. Happy viewing!

All content by Laura Gill
The Varsity Boys Basketball team reached the Regional Tournament for the first time since 2003, before moving to the current campus. "Last year we lost to Estacado, but that was the furthest we've gone in a while," Cornelsen said. "This year, we made it to the Regional Tournament. It shows everybody that it's possible to make it this far if they put in the work."

Five individuals are less than a single team

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
March 23, 2022
Xavier Ortiz

Xavier Ortiz

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
March 10, 2022
Canyon ISD seniors will participate in Interview Week Monday, Feb. 7 - Wednesday, Feb. 9. All seniors should act professionally and utilize this opportunity to prepare for interviews in the future. “Always be respectful and polite," senior Ruston Clark said. "Show up like it is an actual job interview. If they're willing to shake your hand, always shake their hand. Be super respectful and always look them in the eye."

CISD provides resources to students to gain professionalism

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
February 4, 2022
This year's senior, junior prom theme is "Fairy Tale." Prom is set for Saturday, April 2 in the Happy State Bank Stadium Banquet Center. "We're going more along the theme of enchanted forest, so there will be mossy brooks and lots of greenery," junior class president Ellie Frazier said. "We are also going to have a lot of foods and desserts. There will be a tea bar, dessert bar, Chick-fil-A and finger foods."

“Fairy Tale” prom set for April 2

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
January 19, 2022
School districts state-wide received a list of approximately 850 books State Rep. Matt Krause deemed unfit for students to read on Oct. 25, 2021. Among this list are National Book Award Winner Between the World and Me by Brie Spangler, All American Boys by Jason Reynolds, Roe v. Wade: the abortion question by D.J. Herda and Teens & Sex by Myra H. Immell. Associate Editor Laura Gill comments on Krause's proposal and why it is important to understand the decision that falls in parents' laps. 

Banning books: is it actually benefiting students?

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
January 10, 2022
The new Canyon ISD website will go live Wednesday and can still be accessed at Canyonisd.net. "We want to be able to communicate and provide information to future family's and employees," John Forbis, CISD Coordinator of Communication and Human Resources, said. "We want it to be something that when somebody clicks on the website, they look and recognize instantaneously, this is an outstanding district."

CISD offers new website, easier access to information

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
November 8, 2021
Jason Ramos

Jason Ramos

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
October 29, 2021
The NCAA reported that of the 8 million high school student athletes competing across the nation only 480,000 will continue to compete in college. Seniors Brayden Treadwell, Olivia Trask and Rhett Roden do not plan on pursuing sports in college despite the countless hours they have practiced and competed. “I don’t want to play college golf,” Roden said. “I’d rather go to Texas Tech than some small community college, but I’m not good enough to play Division I or Division II. It’s hard to sit here and think about what I am going to do with all my free time after high school golf. How much time am I going to spend on the golf course when I’m not forced to be there?”

More than a sport

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
October 27, 2021
Canyon ISD is offering free meals to all students to help financially aid families who might have been affected by COVID-19. "When you budget for a household family, food is one of the largest areas that monthly income is allocated towards," Alicia Lohberger, Lakeview Elementary School Counselor, said. "Free breakfast and lunches being provided for students each week has to be giving many families back some budget for other areas of spending needed for their children. Parents who feel less stressed about money are automatically going to be less stressed towards their children, resulting in less stressed students in our schools."

Canyon ISD offers hope, aid with extended Seamless Summer Option

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
September 22, 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."

(Media) Callie Rodriguez

Hannah Backus, Editor-in-Chief
September 3, 2021
The Soaring Pride Band's March-A-Thon was Aug. 21. Students are still actively fundraising for band fees, and those willing can donate through the end of this week. “I have seen March-A-Thons in other communities not be as effective as the one here, and I think it has everything to do with the way Canyon supports its organizations within the city,” Rath said. “Canyon is uniquely supportive of something like the March-A-Thon. In other communities, the March-A-Thon is just an activity. In Canyon, this is something that the community hangs their hats on, looks forward to and wants to know is going on.”

Marching to make a difference

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
September 1, 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."

(Media) Kelsey Ray

August 20, 2021
This semester, Danny Parrot was appointed as Chief technology officer, taking the place of Michael Keough, who left to work at Region 16. Parrot previously worked at Region 16 for 15 years, where he helped schools deploy technology in classrooms and around campus. "I have a unique skill set where I have both management experience and technology experience," Parrot said.

(Media) Parrot named Canyon ISD Chief Technology Officer

Charlie Clark, Staff Reporter
May 17, 2021

Dribbling through memories

Laura Gill, Danielle Burns, and Debany Arciniega-Saenz
May 14, 2021

Happy State Bank Stadium Banquet Center virtual tour

Hannah Backus and Laura Gill
April 9, 2021
Upon entering Six Flags Over Texas, Gill's sister Katy, brother Timothy and mother Kristina begin a fun-filled family day. As they were leaving the park people ran back in the gates, running from an active shooter situation.

4 minutes of fear

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
April 6, 2021
Junior Breanna Stuart and freshman Hannah Stuart cheer for and time their brother, freshman Anthony, at a track meet. "It was really exciting," Hannah said. "I think that was the meet where Anthony was trying to break five minutes in the mile. So, we were very excited cheering for someone we care about."

Those who run together stay together

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
April 1, 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."

(Media) Winter guard places fourth at contest

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
April 16, 2021
Randall High invited student gamers from Canyon High to compete in esports alongside them this season. "Esports is absolutely a sport," Randall High esports coach Joshua Wilson said. "It is rooted in competition, involves athletic and strong mental ability, requires practice and takes place in stadiums, cheered on by tens of thousands of diehard fans. It brings the joy and thrill of athletic competition to people from all walks of life who would otherwise never be able to play a traditional sport." 

Randall High esports team invites Canyon High student gamers

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
March 22, 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.'"

(Media) Boys basketball season ends in regional quarterfinals

Abigail Bell, Managing Editor
March 31, 2021
Juniors and seniors will be able to take engineering courses through the Pre-University Program at West Texas A&M University. “One of the things about the College of Engineering at WT is we practice what we call human-centered engineering,” Dr. Emily Hunt, WT Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics Dean, said. “We believe that once we have developed these skills over the course of our education--engineering and hard work--you develop a skill set that impacts humanity directly. We have a responsibility to use the skills we have received and developed over time to make a difference for people.”

Canyon ISD partners with West Texas A&M University to expand advanced program

Charlie Clark and Laura Gill
March 5, 2021
Juniors will receive their class rings at the annual ring ceremony Monday, Feb. 22 in the auditorium. Provided by Jostens for the last seven years, representative Todd Morgan said the event is an important part of getting a ring. “Crazy is the new norm,” Morgan said. “The weather, along with everything else that’s been going on for the past 11 months--you’re adapting, you’re adjusting and trying to not miss out. We’re trying not to let the kids miss out on big things.”

Juniors receive class rings in ceremony Monday, Feb. 22

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
February 22, 2021
Through the sudden shutdown of life as we knew it. Through the loss of thousands of lives within a matter of weeks. Through watching major historical events unfold right in front of us. Through the fear of never returning to what we know to be normal. Through a global pandemic ... We are 'Still Here.' So begins Volume 100 of the Soaring Wings Yearbook.

‘Still Here’

Blake Loria and Laura Gill
February 8, 2021
The class of 2021 senior class officers are using all money from the candy grams to help make up for lost funds from the lack of prom last year. "We will pass the candy grams out during homeroom February 11, which is a Thursday," senior class sponsor Kimberly Sharber said. "If for some reason somebody's gone or we miss them, we'll either give it to them eighth period or the following Monday."

Valentine’s Day candy gram sales fundraise for 2021 senior class

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
January 26, 2021
Senior Landon Finke, juniors Kelton Harbison and Kyler Hilton and senior Josh Moreno chant alongside the rest of the varsity cheer team at the football game against Dumas in October. Their first time cheering with the team, the quartet of new members; including Finke, Harbison, Hilton, Moreno and junior Caleb Bruce, will continue to cheer with the squad and compete with them in the co-ed UIL Spirit Competition on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

‘Three cheers for the boys’

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
January 11, 2021
Skyla Ramsay

Skyla Ramsay

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
December 4, 2020
Leo Club is a Canyon High service organization that meets Wednesdays after school. Debany Arciniega-Saenz said Leo Club is a great opportunity to make new friends, gain new experiences and most of all make a difference.

Leo Club encourages students to volunteer, builds leaders

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
November 9, 2020
All candy reviewed by The Eagle's Tale staff is available for purchase at both Walmart and Amazon for $2–$16.

More tricks than treats

Brooklyn Pernell and Laura Gill
October 30, 2020
Kennedy Pernell

Kennedy Pernell

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
October 16, 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.

Sign of the times

Laura Gill, Associate Editor
October 2, 2020
The class of 2021 senior photo will be the 43rd to be exhibited in Canyon High's upper commons.

Seniors take class photo Aug. 31

Laura Gill and Debany Arciniega-Saenz
August 26, 2020
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