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The student news site of McNeil High School

The Trailblazer
The student news site of McNeil High School

The Trailblazer
The student news site of McNeil High School

The Trailblazer
All content by Laura Rivera
Students part of the Architecture - Construction - Engineering Mentor Program (ACE) pose for a photo shortly after being judged and awarded scholarships for their library construction project. Six students from McNeil were awarded scholarships and they collaborated with other students within the city of Austin to complete their buildings. “I was surprised that I didn’t get a scholarship of lower value just because I didn’t get one the year before because I forgot to apply,” senior Katarina Peña said. “So when I found out I got as much money as I did, I was pretty excited. My parents really wanted me to get a scholarship too because I’m going to school out of state, so I was on cloud nine.”

McNeil Students Excel in ACE Program

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
April 18, 2023
Opponents of Texas Senate Bill 14 (SB 14) rally outside of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. If passed, the bill will prohibit trans minors from receiving puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, and will ban health care plans and medical practitioners from covering or performing medical procedures on trans youth.

Texas Senate Bill 14 To Ban Trans Treatment For Minors

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
April 10, 2023
Sophomore hip hop artist Steven Bietz looks at his album collection in his room. He launched his album “Composition” at the beginning of the year, making it his first album of the year and fifth album of all time released under the name “Departure”. “The name ‘Departure’ comes from two different things,” Bietz said. “Nujabes is a Japanese hip hop producer and he produced an album for an anime called 'Samurai Champloo' called ‘Departure’, [which I enjoyed]. The name is also metaphorical because I was actually leaving the internet community that I was a part of when I started producing music.”

Sophomore Explores Hip Hop’s Depth Through New Album

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
March 20, 2023
The Automotive Department competed at the SkillsUSA District Competition on Feb. 15 and had nine students advance to the state competition. They will travel to Corpus Christi, Texas during the last week of March to compete at the state competition. “The real key to getting the students to be successful is confidence, and by going to these types of contests, the students can gain that in their knowledge and hands on skills,” automotive technology teacher Ryan Arnold said. “It's one thing to learn about an automotive system and quite another to try to show that you have learned more about it than other students.”

Automotive Students Advance to State Competition

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
March 1, 2023
James and Brandon Morio pose for a photo shortly after signing to play Baseball for Trinity University. They were joined by their Varsity Baseball Coach Silver Aguirre and both of their parents. “Trinity was one of my dream schools back when I was really young,” Brandon said. “When I was recruited, I was like ‘holy crap, this is a dream come true.’”

Twin Brothers Recruited to Play Baseball at Trinity University

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
February 21, 2023
Texas House Representative James Talarico announces his proposal to raise teacher salaries $15,000 through Texas Bill 1548 during a press conference at the Texas State Capitol. If approved, the bill would make Texas the seventh highest state in terms of teacher salary compensation. “It’s no wonder thousands of teachers are leaving the profession entirely,” Talarico said during the press conference. “So, I’m hopeful that this big bill for a big pay increase for every teacher in Texas will help address that emergency in our classrooms.”

Texas House Bill 1548 Under Review To Raise Teacher Salaries

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
February 21, 2023
Assistant Principal Steve Schuhmann checks his computer for the latest administrative updates in his office located in Suite 3. “[Once I retire], I will be excited to not turn on a computer or cell phone on a daily basis,” Schuhmann said. “I will get a chance to slow down and appreciate all the great things life has to offer.”

21 Years of Service Coming to an End

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
January 27, 2023
Principal Mack Eagleton [left] and senior Aniruddh Mishra [right] pose for a picture shortly after Aniruddh received his 2nd Place Certificate from the US Congressional App Challenge. “I think the challenge itself is amazing,” Aniruddh said. “Enroll in the challenge and create your own app. If you don’t know how to code, learn how to code. That’s my number one thing that I’d say to anybody because it’s one of the most important skills coming up in the modern world.”

Senior Nationally Recognized For Original Website

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
January 12, 2023
Texas House Representative Celia Israel and former Mayor of Austin Kirk Watson debate on Austin PBS as part of the program's ATX Decides segment. “It’s going to take tenacious determination to correct the wrongs of the past and I believe my policies are bold, visionary and forward thinking,” Israel said in an interview with KUVE. “I want to build inclusivity and equity. I’m running because people are hurting. This is not my Austin and if we don’t shake things up, we’re going to get to that elitist city that I don’t think any of us want to be a part of.”

Austin Mayoral Election Run-Off on Dec. 13

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
December 12, 2022
Aquatic science teacher Mark Romano poses beside the student-run tank filled with Neon-Tetras. “It’s important to have [animals in the aquatic science classroom] because students are probably asking themselves ‘When am I going to use this in life?’. Well, they’re making real life happen right here in the classroom by doing the trout program, learning how to start a tank or by just going over there and appreciating nature in its little boxed form here.”

Inside Romano’s Aquatic Science Classroom

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
November 17, 2022
Romano poses next to one of his guppy tanks utilized for cross-breeding different guppy species. “In aquatic science, I modeled my first tank on the Brushy Creek ecosystem,” Romano said. “I also tried to make a self-sustaining ecosystem to teach the students about nutrient cycles and food chains.”

Romano checks his fish’s well-being in his wooden aquarium. “My favorite fish are the guppies that I started a couple of years ago,” Romano said. “They’re native to Venezuela and their habitat has been destroyed. I keep them in the classroom because if it wasn’t for hobbyists like myself, this fish would probably be extinct. This is an allegory for what’s going on with a lot of different species on Earth.”

Republican Texas Governor Gregory Abbott delivers his victory speech to his supporters in South Texas. Governor Abbott won the Texas General Election with 54.9% of the general vote against former Democrat US Congressman Beto O’Rourke. The election also marked the 14th consecutive sweep for the Republican party across statewide offices. “Tonight, Texans sent a resounding message,” Governor Abbott wrote on Twitter shortly after his victory was announced. “They want to keep Texas a beacon of opportunity that we have provided over the past eight years.”

2022 General Election Proves Texas Remains a Republican State

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
November 15, 2022
McNeil and middle school choir students sing the US National Anthem at the Oct. 28 varsity football game as part of Choir Middle School Night. During the event, choir students encouraged middle schoolers to join the organization during their first year of high school and socialized with one another. “My favorite part of Middle School Night was just seeing the future choir students of McNeil and knowing that the program will be fantastic with them,” senior Class Captain and Secretary Elizabeth Severinson said. “Singing together and becoming proud of what you’re creating is the most rewarding experience.”

Choir Middle School Night Recap

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
November 3, 2022
The Principles of Education and Training class pose as a group before leaving to teach at Pond Springs Elementary School. “My favorite part about the teaching program is how we actually get to be student teachers,” senior Sohni Ballard said. “Teaching is such a hands-on experience based job, so it’s great that we have the opportunity to be in an actual classroom, instead of learning about it through a textbook.”

Students Teach at Pond Springs Elementary School

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
October 21, 2022
Incumbent Republican Texas Governor Gregory Abbott and Democratic former US congressman Beto O’Rourke will face off in a debate on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. The General Election will take place on Nov. 8 and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 11. Early voting starts on Oct. 24 and ends on Nov. 4.

Abbott and O’Rourke To Face Off in Debate

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
September 19, 2022
Andrea Larson and RRISD Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez pose after Larson was nominated as a Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year Finalist. She will compete against two other finalists and the winner will be announced on Oct. 21 during a special luncheon to honor all contestants. “The fact that my colleagues here at McNeil chose me as their teacher of the year means so much to me because they know me and they can see the work I do every day,” Larson said. “I hope what [the judges] see is my passion for supporting all students to their highest levels of success, my dedication to this profession and to the people who choose it even in difficult times, and my hopes for the future of education.”

Andrea Larson Nominated as a Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year Finalist

Laura Rivera, News and Life & Arts Editor
September 7, 2022
Advanced and on-level biology teacher David Berry organizes and prepares the required materials for a science lab in his new classroom. At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, he moved to the F wing after not having a permanent room for three years. “The part I like the most about my classroom are the windows,” Berry said. “The windows let in all the natural light and I’m such a plant person, so I got to bring in all my plants and incorporate more life into my lessons. I think that nature has a calming effect, so having these plants in the classroom has been calming.”

Teacher and Students Reflect on New Wings

Laura Rivera, News, Feature and Podcast Editor
September 2, 2022

2022-2023 College and Career Campus Visits

Laura Rivera, News, Feature, and Podcast Editor
August 23, 2022
Russia and Ukraine’s flags stand side by side during Ukraine’s invasion. The forceful entrance by Russia began on Feb. 24 and on the first day, 137 people were reportedly killed. As of today, 5.3 million refugees have fled Ukraine and 2,700 civilians have been killed.

A Timeline of Ukraine and Russia’s History

Laura Rivera, News Editor
May 2, 2022
The RRISD Board of Trustees approves an hourly wage increase for educational assistants (EAs) and those involved in special education as well. RRISD EA Cindy Hernandez, was one of the leading figures who advocated for a change in EA compensation. Her efforts and those of other educational assistants were taken into consideration by the RRISD Board and became implemented on March 31.

RRISD Board of Trustees Approves Pay Increase for Educational Assistants

Laura Rivera, News Editor
April 14, 2022
US Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Jackson introduces herself to the Judiciary Committee and recites the Oath of Truth on her first day of confirmation hearings.

An Inside Look into Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Confirmation Hearings

Laura Rivera, News Editor
April 11, 2022
Seniors receive and make their college decisions for the Fall of 2022 school year. They also offered future college applicants advice and guidance.

College Decisions and Advice from Seniors

Laura Rivera, News Editor
March 8, 2022
The official promotional banner for The Book of Boba Fett’s first season.

The Book of Boba Fett: A story that loses its focus

Laura Rivera, News Editor and Social Media Manager
February 18, 2022
President Biden signs 17 executive orders during his first day in office.

Recap of Biden’s First Year

Laura Rivera, News Editor
February 1, 2022
Dr. Daniel Presley became the new RRISD Acting Superintendent on Jan. 6. He replaced former Superintendent Dr. Azaiez, who is now on administrative leave due to misconduct allegations.

RRISD Announces New Acting Superintendent

Laura Rivera, News Editor
January 18, 2022
Netflix’s Cobra Kai released its fourth season on Dec. 31, providing fans with 10 episodes to end the year 2021 in just the right way.

Cobra Kai Ends 2021 on a Strong Note

Laura Rivera, News Editor
January 11, 2022
(workers left to right: Mackenzie Gordon, Ashaley Polino) The Thespian Brew begins serving drinks around 7:55 a.m and closes at 8:50 a.m.

[Photo] The Thespian Brew Returns to the Stage

Laura Rivera and Gabby Cohen, News Editor and Life & Arts Editor
December 13, 2021
Unified Champions Club Co-President Savanna Pierce-Shimomura colors along with other club members.

New Clubs, New Opportunities for Students

Laura Rivera, News Editor
November 18, 2021
Jeremy Moon received a perfect score on the AP Computer Science Principles Exam. The accomplishment places him in the 0.33% of worldwide students who answered every test question correctly.

Sophomore Receives Perfect Score on AP Exam

Laura Rivera, News Editor
November 8, 2021
McNeil FFA hosts its fourth annual Halloween on the Farm on Oct. 28.

Halloween on the Farm brings fall fun to campus

Laura Rivera, News Editor
October 22, 2021
The official logo of the PSAT.

10/13 PSAT Testing Day and schedule information

Laura Rivera, News Editor
October 8, 2021

Federal action against Texas Abortion Law

Laura Rivera, News Editor and Social Media Manager
September 30, 2021
Una parada del 2017 celebrando el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins (Spanish Version)

Laura Rivera, News Editor and Social Media Manager
September 28, 2021
Una parada del 2017 celebrando el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana.

National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins (English Version)

Laura Rivera, News Editor and Social Media Manager
September 28, 2021
The official logo of the Mavericks Women in Science Club

Women in Science Club’s First Meeting

Laura Rivera, News Editor and Social Media Manager
September 1, 2021
Justice Stephen Breyer answering questions at Georgetown University Law Center

Justice Stephen Breyer Deserves to Remain on the Court

Laura Rivera, News Editor and Social Media Manager
September 1, 2021
Governor Kathy Hochul reading the Oath of Office as she becomes New York’s first female governor.

Kathy Hochul Officially Becomes Governor of New York

Laura Rivera, News Editor and Social Media Manager
August 27, 2021

Changes and Rules for the 2021 AP Tests

Laura Rivera, Reporter
April 23, 2021
Oprah Winfrey interviewing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as part of the CBS special that was released on March 7.

Breaking the Royal Silence

Laura Rivera, Reporter
March 25, 2021
An SAT bubble sheet being filled out by a student.

Rescheduled SAT Date Announced

Laura Rivera, Reporter
March 25, 2021
President Biden repeating the Oath of Office next to First Lady, Jill Biden.

From former Vice President, to President

Laura Rivera, Reporter
January 25, 2021
Martin Luther King Jr. waving to the crowd as he delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C.

School to be closed on Jan. 18 to honor MLK

Laura Rivera, Reporter
January 15, 2021
The‌ ‌Mandalorian‌ ‌(Pedro‌ ‌Pascal)‌ ‌and‌ ‌the‌ ‌Child‌ ‌graphic.‌

“The Mandalorian” season two created a broader galaxy for “Star Wars”

Laura Rivera, Reporter
January 14, 2021
The “WashiTape” phone holder craft kit, one of this month’s Taker Space craft kit options.

The Jinx Lacey Memorial Library Taker Space craft kit distribution

Laura Rivera, Reporter
November 18, 2020
The main characters from “The Good Place.”

“The Good Place” ends in a good place

Laura Rivera, Reporter
November 5, 2020
The newest Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett.

What you need to know about Justice Amy Coney Barrett

Laura Rivera, Reporter
November 5, 2020
Michael Scott (Steve Carell) representing “The Office” and Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) representing “Parks and Recreation.”

Why “The Office” is better than “Parks and Recreation”

Laura Rivera, Reporter
October 22, 2020
An example of a properly organized desk.

10 ways to organize your workspace

Laura Rivera, Reporter
October 15, 2020
Some of the main characters from “Cobra Kai” such as Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Miguel Diaz (Xolo Mariduena), Robby Keene (Tanner Buchanan), Samantha LaRusso (Mary Mouser) and Tory Nichols (Peyton List). Image courtesy of Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81002370

Cobra Kai Strikes Back

Laura Rivera, Reporter
September 30, 2020
AP College Board Logo

Law Strikes College Board

Laura Rivera, Reporter
September 22, 2020
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