The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
Juliana Cruz

Juliana Cruz, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Juliana Cruz, a former native New Yorker, is a senior at Prosper High School. This is her second year working for Eagle Nation Online and she serves as social media manager, news editor and Editor in Chief. She enjoys writing and wants to continue to expand her coverage. Outside of school and work, she is on the powerlifting team and spends her time with family.

Honors and Rewards:

2 Best of SNO’s, 2023

All content by Juliana Cruz
Senior Juliana Cruz reflects on her high school career as she continues her education at the University of Oklahoma. Cruz reminisces on her time at PHS, on the powerlifting team and her family. "I realized that the phrase, "everything happens for a reason" is a real thing," Cruz said, "— and I'm a victim of it."

Senior Column: Editor-in-Chief looks back on experience and reflects

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
May 6, 2024
As all senior’s look forward to the next step in their journey’s, seniors Kaya Miller, Courtney Reed, Lily Goodman, and Kailyn Anderson pose for their seniors photos as a celebration for all of their accomplishments throughout high school. Graduation will be at PISD Children’s Health Stadium on May 22. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. (Photos courtesy of junior Sofia Ayala)

News Brief: End-of-year senior information, dates and more

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2024
A graphic made on Canva presents some activities and things to do once you are 18 years old. "I know this year most of our seniors will have the chance to vote during the fall for the 2024 election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump," senior Juliana Cruz said. "I cannot wait for my first ballot to be completed right next to my dad as it is the year I entered adulthood and quick chance to execute a new, open freedom."

Column: 18 things to do once 18

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
April 18, 2024
Pulling 315 pounds, senior Juliana Cruz sets a new high school record for the 114 weight class. "I'm grateful for the team I chose to be on and the coaches that invested in me, even through my 'crybaby' moments," Cruz said. "The Lady Eagle Powerlifting team will always be unforgettable." (Courtesy of Isabelle Oathout)

Column: Senior reflects on moments with girls powerlifting team

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
March 22, 2024
Hands on the bar, senior Gabrielle Ocasio smiles as she puts the bar back on the rack after a successful squat. Her best squat was 285 pounds. She placed 5th at the regional meet.

Lady Eagles compete, host regional meet

Tess Gagliano, Juliana Cruz, and Riley McConnell
March 4, 2024
Junior Jake Radcliffe searches for ways why AI is bad on ChatGPT. "It is a tool that is not going anywhere. It's the next level of Google," government teacher Rod McCall said. "Google is a keyword search. You can ask Google on your phone to do a keyword search on the internet. It made searching for information so much easier. Well, this (AI) is the next level."

Artificial intelligence sheds light in learning environment

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2024
Senior Gabrielle Ocasio looks ahead for the signal to squat. Ocasio has been part of the Lady Eagles Powerlifting team for three years. The team placed third at the meet.

Lady Eagles Powerlifting competes at home meet, place 3rd overall

Will Ligon and Juliana Cruz
February 9, 2024
Junior Katya Kondragunta, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and junior Mara Gonzalez Moral finish their discussion on how to help stop polarization and implement depolarization in local communities. "Polarization is when people from different beliefs, like political beliefs in our scenario, form a bubble around themselves in a way and only talk to people who have the same beliefs as them," Moral said. "Depolarization is showing people you can come together from different groups. You can learn to compromise, and you can learn to listen."

Students expand club, promote political depolarization

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2024
In a graphic made by senior Juliana Cruz, displays a playlist of what music is involved in the episode. Senior hosts provide reviews and ratings. Episode 5 includes gym-favorite songs and "Song of the Week."

Podcast: Who’s Got Aux – Gym Edition – Season 2 – Episode 5

Juliana Cruz and Riley McConnell
January 24, 2024
Facing his teammates and coaches, senior Ellis Davis announces his position in the All-American team. Now, he has committed to Texas Tech for college football. "I still can’t believe that I’ll be playing in the All-American game. I would like to say thank you to my coaches, team, and family for helping me earn that spot," Davis said. "Just saying, Prosper Football is different — I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today if I went somewhere else. Our coaches put countless hours into us, during and after the season."

All-American athlete reflects on football career

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2023
In the Nest, senior Kaylyn Chung puts together Legos. There is a competition between the PISD high schools to donate toys to children for the holidays. The school of the most amount of Lego hearts built on their Lego wall will win.

[Photo] Eagle Brief: Dec. 11 – 17

Kaya Miller, Co Editor-in-chief
December 11, 2023
Arm wrapped around Coach Darrin Kight, senior Davis Perkins mourns the end of his season. "It was special watching Davis get close with his coaches and teammates over the past few years," said senior Alexis Kirksey. "Watching him from the student section was always so fun."

Football takes final loss of season, 35-7

Riley McConnell and Juliana Cruz
November 28, 2023
In a a graphic made my senior Juliana Cruz, displays a playlist of what music is involved in the episode. It includes a local Indie Rock band and fan-favorite Rock band. Today's songs were "Flush" and "Poison" by Laredo Two and "Now and Then" by the Beatles.

Podcast: Who’s Got Aux – Rock, Indie Rock Artists – Season 2 – Episode 4

Riley McConnell, Juliana Cruz, and Gracie Archibeque
November 16, 2023
Leg planted into the ground, sophomore Zaden Krempin blocks the defensive lineman, allowing the team to move the ball downfield. This year marks Krempin's first on varsity. The Eagles will take on Lake Highlands this Friday at 7 p.m. at the Coach Kenny Deel Stadium in Melissa.

Football takes victory against Plano East, heads to Round 2 of playoffs

Riley McConnell and Juliana Cruz
November 14, 2023
In a graphic made on Canva, senior Juliana Cruz speaks upon a friend's life being taken away because of an irresponsible use of a firearm. "Students should be able to understand there’s another side of guns when it’s used incorrectly or in the wrong hands," Cruz said. "I understand why organizations fight for the ban of it, as it injures and kills those around us, even loved ones."

Column: Senior reflects on perspective regarding firearms

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor in Chief
November 9, 2023
In a digital graphic made by senior Juliana Cruz, "Who's Got Aux?," is the title of the podcast, created by last year's hosts, 2023 graduates Gianna Galante and Mithra Cama. In this episode, with new hosts, senior Riley McConnell and Cruz, introduce each other to music the other has not heard before. They discuss their opinions after each song is played.

Podcast: Who’s Got Aux – Modern R&B, local artists – Season 2 – Episode 3

Juliana Cruz and Riley McConnell
November 2, 2023
In celebration of a first-quarter touchdown, coach Coby Richards and Brian Thompson yell in excitement. The 49-yard pass from quarterback Nate TeneBarge to senior Javan Henry was followed by an explosion of cheers, setting the score 14-6. "I always love football game season," junior Laurel McIntosh said. "This game was special since it was my sister's and my senior friends' last game. Also, it was a close game, so it was exciting to watch."

Football secures 3rd win against Allen, 1st in district

Riley McConnell and Juliana Cruz
October 31, 2023
Prosper will be one of several municipalities hosting mandatory –state training exercises. The safety practice will be held at Prosper's Children's Health Stadium. This event will give not only safety officials in area practice, but student journalists from all three district high schools also received invitations to participate in a press conference about the event. "This will provide students with an opportunity to participate in a mock press conference," Hamlin said. "With several people from different law enforcement divisions — the press conference is going to be in response to the events happening that day."

News Brief: Police Department, school district, other officials host training exercise at stadium Content

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor in Chief
October 24, 2023
In a digital graphic made by senior Juliana Cruz, "Who's Got Aux?," is the title of the podcast, created by last year's hosts, 2023 graduates Gianna Galante and Mithra Cama. In this episode, with new hosts, senior Riley McConnell and Cruz, play songs that each of them never heard before and may like. They discuss their opinions after each song is played.

[Video] Podcast: Who’s Got Aux – Principal Nick Jones, Texas Country bring featured sounds – Season 2 – Episode 2 –

Riley McConnell and Juliana Cruz
October 20, 2023
The home side student section screams as the team scores a touchdown, leaving the score at 12-0. It was a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown. The theme this week was 'Pink Out' for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Starters, backups contribute to varsity win on Friday, 42-0

Riley McConnell, Juliana Cruz, and Gracie Archibeque
October 17, 2023
At the game against Mckinney Boyd High School, seniors Gretchen Teigen and Charlotte Walley stand on the sideline of the field dressed for the 'Pink Out' theme. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Student Council honored PHS staff who overcame breast cancer by giving them gift baskets during the pep rally on Oct. 13.

[Photo] Eagle Brief: Oct. 16 – 22

October 16, 2023
In a digital graphic made by senior Juliana Cruz, "Who's Got Aux?," is the title of the podcast, created by last year's hosts, 2023 graduates Gianna Galante and Mithra Cama. In this episode, with new hosts, senior Riley McConnell and Cruz, play songs that each of them never heard before and may like. They discuss their opinions after each song is played.

Podcast: Who’s Got Aux – Zach Bryan, SZA take spotlight – Season 2 – Episode 1

Riley McConnell and Juliana Cruz
October 13, 2023
The nine photos in this collage represent the people important to senior Juliana Cruz. The photo in the middle shows Cruz's grandmother holding the columnist when she was just a few weeks old. The necklace worn on her grandmother, Cruz wears today. "Watching my grandma leave this earth was a learning lesson – to make sure my family and I hold each other accountable to be able to watch each other grow," Cruz said. "Ever since February, my approach with family has been more grateful than ever."

Column: Don’t take life for granted, capture the moments

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2023
In the nest, 2023 PHS graduate Caitlyn “Cat” Schurter paints a bookshelf. Shurter attends California Polytechnic University. The nest offers outlets for creativity with the 'Makerspace' that holds resources and technology available to students.

[Photo] Eagle Brief: Sept. 18 – 24

Kaya Miller, Co Editor-in-chief
September 18, 2023
At his desk, long-term substitute Gary Spurgeon works on his computer. PISD hired Spurgeon to substitute for English IV for around three months. In the attached article, Spurgeon shares his story overcoming cancer and returning to his job as a teacher.

[Photo] Long-term substitute teacher overcomes throat cancer to teach

September 14, 2023
Hand on heart, senior Tyler Mercer stands with his team during the national anthem. Mercer committed to Tulane University to further his football career. In the attached article, Mercer reflects on his high school football career and decision to graduate early.

Football team captain reflects on career

Riley McConnell and Juliana Cruz
September 8, 2023
Texas requires all public school classrooms to have an emergency plan. The poster displays standard response for students and adults (faculty). Lockdown procedures only present what to do in a classroom.

[Photo] Editorial: More drills could help ensure safety

ENO Staff and Anisha Mandem
September 8, 2023
A graphic design made on Canva, illustrates "Stop, think before you vape." Texas passed House Bill 114, which sends students immediately to disciplinary school if caught with a vape or e-cigarette. This applies to all Texas public schools.

Texas law serves disciplinary action for vaping

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2023
Lining the hallway wall, the Talonettes' door decoration presents a theme based on the Taylor Swift "Eras" tour. Every advisory class had the opportunity to decorate their doors in a music theme for the homecoming door decoration contest. One of the spirit days also allowed students to decorate in Taylor Swift outfits.

[Photo] Eagle Brief Aug. 28-Sept. 3

August 28, 2023
Prosper ISD begins construction of Richland High School, located along south Prairie Drive. RHS will be the fourth high school in PISD. Plans indicate it will be completed in 2025.

News Brief: Board members place bond referendum

Juliana Cruz, Co-Editor-in-Chief
August 25, 2023
"Make Your Bed" by Admiral William H. McRaven delivers an eye-opening view of accomplishing a small goal. This book is the written lecture from McRaven himself. "I read more fiction but self-help books are also important," senior Juliana Cruz said. "It gives the bigger picture of what's happening right outside your door." (Book cover courtesy of "Make Your Bed")

Review: ‘Make Your Bed’ delivers life-changing goal

Juliana Cruz, Co Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2023

News mag provides resources for new students

Kaya Miller, Tess Gagliano, Gracie Archibeque, Lauren Clayton, Riley McConnell, Sofia Ayala, Juliana Cruz, Erica Deutsch, Anisha Mandem, Jake Radcliffe, Isabel Multer, and Neena Sidhu
August 11, 2023
Hands raised in front of their faces, juniors Juliana Cruz and Samiya King check the contrast of their skin tones against their suits for a project for their American Sign Language class. The class requires distinct clothing, in order for people to comprehend hand signs. Students at Prosper are able to take the ASL course up to four levels.

[Photo] Eagle Brief May 11 - May 25

May 12, 2023
"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn delivers a murder mystery about Amy and Nick Dunne. Writer Juliana Cruz said this story by Flynn gives a chilling read and is highly recommended. "The plot was a lot more complex than it seemed," Cruz said. "Flynn makes sure to include small details of just the setting to make the reader as uncomfortable as possible."

Review: ‘Gone Girl’ delivers chilling murder mystery

Juliana Cruz, Reporter
May 5, 2023
In a graphic, an outline of a girl places her face in her hands, which fades into the sexual assault awareness ribbon under two hands, symbolizing support of survivors. The color that represents sexual assault awareness is teal. April is sexual assault awareness month.

Prosper community brings attention to Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Juliana Cruz, Reporter
April 26, 2023
Counselors and administrators offer resource pamphlets dealing with substance abuse and other issues for students and parents who need them. The pamphlets can be found in the upper and lower house offices. "There's proactiveness from student groups with suicide awareness," officer White said. "We want the halls littered with topics about vaping. It won't stop them, but it'll be fresh in their minds."

School police officers, staff work to prevent use of illegal drugs – including fetanyl

Juliana Cruz
March 28, 2023
Writer Juliana Cruz gives Colleen Hoover's Verity an 8/10 rating. Cruz said this story by Hoover stands as a unique offering from this author. "It surprised me when this story turned out to be creepy in certain parts, and I wouldn't suggest reading it before you're going to sleep," Cruz said. "Hoover includes romance but in a different writing technique, and it just kept me hooked."

Review: “Verity” by Colleen Hoover gives readers a different experience

Juliana Cruz, Reporter
February 21, 2023
As she holds eye contact on the event, senior Evelyn Grace Pecory listens to advice from head coach Brian Thompson. Pecory placed seventh in the 132-pound-weight class. The girls competed Thursday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.

Powerlifting competes in home meet, places 5th overall

Riley McConnell and Juliana Cruz
January 30, 2023
Popular artist SZA's new album 'SOS' engages listeners. The album released on Dec. 9. "Everyone was excited about the album," said junior Riley McConnell. "SZA is loved by so many people, so this album was exciting to a lot of people."

Review: SZA releases new album ‘SOS’ to mixed opinions

Riley McConnell, Juliana Cruz, Gianna Galante, Mithra Cama, and Kevin Madzima
December 15, 2022
Engineering teacher Daniel Geiter waits for the first timer to be set as he kneels to help students with their cars. Geiter said he finds excitement in the project. "I want people to look for alternative solutions," Geiter said. "Let them push the rules, but still be in (the) spirit of the competition."

Annual LeMans Race: Engineering team creates innovations

Juliana Cruz and Kace Spears
November 15, 2022
Pictured above are fishing team members Ben Hurbough, Carter Evans, Hayden Chase alongside their coach. The Prosper fishing team presented their first-place trophy to Mr. Jones Oct. 20. The team brought in 1st out of 49 other high schools in the North Texas Division; the total teams were 240. This was on Lake Lewisville. The team will be meeting tonight, and their next tournament is Nov. 12 on Lake Ray Roberts.

[Photo] Eagle Brief Nov. 7 — 13

November 3, 2022
"Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story," by Ryan Murphy shares the horror story of famous serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer. With its maturity rating at TV-MA, viewers are warned about the graphic content depicted in it. "I heard a lot about Dahmer," senior Gianna Galante said. "Seeing it on screen made me open my eyes a little more to the real world."

Review: Inside look at ‘Monster: the Jeffrey Dahmer Series’

Juliana Cruz, Reporter
November 2, 2022
Holding hands, Andres and Rosetta Cruz, parents of junior Juliana Cruz and sophomore Luis Cruz, stand for photos in traditional Indian clothing. "Everyone passing probably smells the food," Rosetta Cruz said after eating Indian cuisine. "That's definitely why they're staring." In Prosper ISD alone, the South Asian student population has grown to 15.54% of the community. However, some of these students voice they aren’t feeling a connection to the overall community.

Column: Students should spread appreciation, acceptance of different cultures

Juliana Cruz, Reporter
October 14, 2022
Walking around, Dr. Lute Croy monitors the lunchroom. Dr. Croy anticipates the school year, and hopes to lead the students to success. "I want to be a part of in some way, helping develop the next generation of leaders." Croy said. "We help each other grow as leaders.”

New assistant principal achieves several firsts

Juliana Cruz, Reporter
September 7, 2022
Seniors Amanda Hare and Morgan Reese interview district attorney Jeff Crownover. Crownover first work as a teacher, but then went back to law school. He now combines his love for education and the law as he works for the district.

[Photo] District's attorney discusses career, goal of helping teachers support students

September 17, 2021
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The Student Voice of Prosper High School
Juliana Cruz