Xavier caught the eye of University of Texas of The Permian Basin based on his many accomplishments while running cross country, and recently signed with them on May 2. Not only was he a part of the team, he stood out and won district this year. He was runner up the last three years, to former AHS runner Lucas Marquez.

“I am excited about being able to continue my passion in running,” Xavier said.

Running is not something many enjoy doing, but for Xavier, it is what he loves to do.

“I have always liked to run,” Xavier said. “It has been my favorite thing to do, ever since I first was able to walk.”

Though the team is excited for his success in representing Andrews High School, he will definitely be missed.

“Xavier has been a great leader,” Cross Country Coach Richardson said. “He will do great as he goes on to compete in college.”

Xavier’s parents beamed with pride as he signed on the dotted line.

“We are so very proud of son and his success,” Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez said.

Xavier has reached the finish line of his high school career as a runner. However, there is another win at the end of this race as Xavier runs as a UTPB Falcon over the next years.

Leading the boys and girls team in the 3A division at state was, Junior G.K. Morrison who shot a 74 finishing fourth individually. Freshman Tanner Montgomery claimed the individual champion at the State 3A tournament.

Junior Sarah Black led the girls to their third state title in row with a final-round 74 and a second-place individual showing at state. First-round leader Hailey Burgen placed third, while sophomore Kalli Jennings was one spot behind in fourth.

“It is a true blessing,” sophomore Hailey Burgen said. “Even though we win state regularly, falling short is always a mind game.”

Andrews is well known for the golf program. Some teenagers move in just to play for a promising program. Students like Kalli Jennings, Sarah Black, and Casey Fowler changed their whole life by moving to Andrews for the golf program.

“It was a change and challenging,”Junior Sarah Black said. “Just having to get use to not being really known in golf to a town that is known for winning state.”

As the final placings were announced, smiles defined the seniors faces. This was the last time they would be walking away with this honor for AHS.

“I’m happy, but sad.  Happy because we won state, but sad because it’s over. It makes me want to go back and do it all over again,” senior Joshua Baltzell said. “It’s probably one of the best years that we had.”

The coaches joy was only dampened by knowing that they are going to have to let go of some outstanding players. At  the same time, the coaches are aware that they have some good students coming up to fill their shoes.

“Our program is in pretty good shape right now, and I think it’s only going to be motivation to get better,” girl’s golf coach Mark Burgen said. “We’ve got some good young talent that just needs some development. I feel comfortable that we’ll be able to reload and be pretty strong again next year for both boys and girls.”

In the final tally, Salma Flores came out on top winning the position of president as well as being the first freshman to run for StuCo president.

“The entire week of elections I kinda thought I was outdone by Sam and I truly thought he was going to win,” Salma said. “When I came in that Thursday and saw my name on the bulletin board I was flabbergasted.”

As posters with “Vote for Hooper” and “Vote for Salma” flooded the halls of AHS, students contemplated who they would vote for. In the end everyone had a different opinion.

“I voted Salma because I knew she could best represent the student council,” sophomore Marcus Contreras said. “She is actually really dedicated to everything she does. She deserved it.”

This year was the first year any grade level could run for student council president. This new opportunity was viewed differently by many students.

“It should have been available to high leveled students such as incoming seniors and juniors,” junior Stormy Burt said. “Upperclassman have more experience with high school.”

The other five positions available for student council officers each had one person running. Cassy Gonzales is the new vice president, Brian Mason won secretary, Madelynn McAllister won treasurer, Ivan Salgado is the parliamentarian, and Ivan Rodriguez is the historian.

When it came to the class officers, a total of five people ran, leaving some positions unfilled. For the sophomore class, Tyler Tull won vice-president. In the upcoming junior class, Autumn Lavender is secretary and Kristin Sandell is treasurer. For the senior class, Shawna Hathcock is VP and Natasha Gathings is treasurer.

The upcoming 2013-2014 school year will hold new opportunities and new possibilities in every aspect for these newly elected officers.

Brittney is following in the footsteps of past Mustangs who have also landed  athletic scholarships at West Texas, ranging from football, track and golf.

“I am excited, and am glad I know a few of my teammates since I golfed with them before.”Brittney said.

Golf was Lambert’s ticket to get into the school of her choice, but she is equally excited about the school’s agriculture program and the fact that she will be the third generation in her family to attend West Texas.

“They have a good Ag program, and that’s what I will be majoring in,” Brittney said. “My grandparents and parents attended West Texas, so I’m glad I get to carry on the tradition as a Buff.”

Parents Mark and Shannon Lambert are equally excited about Brittney’s college choice and feel that this will be a great experience for her.

“I am excited for Brittney to attend WTAMU,” Mrs. Lambert said. “That is where my parents, Mark and I all went to college.  She will be a third generation Buff.  I’m proud of Brittney for being asked to sign to play golf with WTAMU.”

Like many mothers, Mrs. Lambert was initially concerned with the work load Brittney will face as a college freshman.

” I was concerned about her playing golf, being away from home and keeping up with her school work, but she is very responsible,” Mrs. Lambert said. “And, like she told me, ‘Mom, if I don’t try it I’ll always wonder what if’’.”

Although Brittney is eager to go to college and play the sport she loves, she will miss her team, her hometown, and the championship golf program that has won state numerous times. 

“I am thankful that I got to be part of such a great program here, and I will miss it,” Brittney said.

 team regional tournament they scored a two. That is excellent considering the fact that only the top two teams qualify to go on to the state tournament. In the finals Andrews faced the top ranked team in the state of Texas, Wylie and lost 0-10.

Coming off of a tough loss to Wylie, Andrews still got the chance to go to the state tournament. The team won three out of the four matches they played.

The first team the Mustangs went up against was La Feria, beating them with a score of 10-2. The next match up was against Center, with Andrews taking the win  10-7. In the final match Andrews beat Fredericksburg 10-5 finishing fifth at state.

“All in all it was a great year,” Coach John Armstrong said.

Every game was a fight, and very important. “A win is a win” was the saying as the boys ended a few close games in district play, winning some by a single point. Those games added up in the end, as they took second place in district this season.

“We earned a spot, now it’s time to push even harder,” right fielder Kyle Buck said.

The team feels they have the talent to jump into the deep end, diving down into success for the playoffs, but it takes heart dedication and passion.

“We want it,” Jase Hammack said. “working hard is key.”

The team has the talent to ride the playoff train far after earning a golden ticket into the 2013 playoffs, completing district with a 9-10 record.

“I am excited and know we can make it to state,” junior Megan Escobar said. “We must play to our full potential every game and not slack.”

With the four seniors on the team anxious, riding in the window seat on the train and gazing at everything in their path, they want to succeed so they will have something to look back on.

“It is almost the month of May, which means graduation and we are going to the playoffs,” senior left fielder Aimee Guevera said.

The Lady Mustangs fought hard this season an these hard won battles boost the hopes and expectations for everyone as the team proceeds into the playoffs.

“It can’t get any better than this,” Aimee said.

“The most challenging thing for me was staying focused,” Joe said. “Andy wasn’t here to yell at me this year.”

Joe and Henry have studied hard for their individual tests and their effort has paid off, but State will not be any easier. For Computer Science Joe placed first out of approximately 40 students. In Number Sense, Henry had to finish an 80 question test in 10 minutes, completing as many as possible and placing second.

“It is hard to keep my heart at a good level,” Henry said. “I am going to try overcoming my breaking point in number sense.”

At the Regional competition on Friday, April 19, both waited in anticipation for their events. Studying in the little time before they tested, Joe and Henry tried focusing their minds and not letting themselves get psyched out or overly confident.

“I felt that I was well prepared,” Henry said.

The competition they faced was challenging. Joe and Henry felt very lucky as they viewed their results. There were 5A schools with higher scores. If they were 5A, they wouldn’t have made it. So, now Joe and Henry practice everyday preparing for State, hoping to win a State title.

“I’m creating a quiz like game to study for state, to help me prepare for it better,” Joe said. “The Game.”

Being a person of very strong faith, Henry brings his bible to every UIL meet. His faith has kept him at a good level so far. Now, he channels his faith as he prepares for State.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.” Henry said. “Philippians 4:13.”

The award, sponsored by Microsoft, Motorola Solutions Foundation, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), recognizes young high school women for their computing-related achievements and interests as part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology.

 A total of 6 award-winners and 6 runner-ups were selected from high schools across the El Paso/Las Cruces area for their outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology and computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.

“I didn’t want to even go to a robotics camp, but my brother insisted that I go,” Sydney said. “I ended up loving it.”

In addition to winning this prestigious award, Sydney and her AHS Robotics team made it to state competition at Deer Park South High School in Deer Park, Texas. She and the rest of the team, junior Samantha Jarvis, sophomore Dustin Savell, and senior Gilbert Cantu, placed 22nd at state. A lot of time and dedication was put into the robot that the team took to state.

“I have been working on my robot since February, and my other team members joined in March,” Sydney said.

Though they came across a few rough patches and minor mishaps, the team made it to state with a completely programmed robot meeting all the required specifications.

“The robot had to run a chemistry based simulation that focuses on creating molecules using atoms of oxygen and hydrogen,” Fleming said.

Sydney has several other accomplishments besides her NCWIT Award  and her 22nd rank in state robotics.

“I placed in the top three at Arizona State University robotics camp, an award for state robotics, and designed an app for an android phone,” Sydney said.

With three years of programming under her belt, Sydney is ready to face the programming world.

The concert is the first part of the competition. Each choir worked over half the year on three songs until they were as perfect as possible. They perform these three songs to a panel of three judges. After their performance the choir heads off the stage and towards the sight-reading room.

Each choir member is given a piece of music that they have never seen before. They are given six minutes to look through the music. Then they sing the piece and are given an additional two minutes to go over any tricky parts in the music. Afterwards they sing through the piece again.

Last year’s choirs all received sweepstakes. This year the three varsity choirs received sweepstakes and the non-varsity mixed choir received a two in concert and a one in sight-reading.

Sweepstakes is a division one superior rating in concert and sight-reading. It is the highest score a choir can receive at contest and what all choirs strive towards.

The choirs have spent months working on their music, and their hard work has paid off. The choral department can rest easy, knowing they have succeeded.

The choirs will have their last concert in May.