This year, many Akins Eagles earned awards, trophies, and other recognitions at a wide range of competitions.
Many were focused on career exploration, such as mock trials, veterinary studies, and agriculture. Others won awards for excelling academically through programs like Dual Language or art. Additionally, Akins’ track and field and a successful year with several students placing high at area-level meets.
Three students achieved state-level recognition for their art through the Texas Art Education Association. Katherine Hernandez, Dulce Lopez, Lelan Nguyen, and Nyshai Wilkerson all qualified for State during a regional competition in February. All students earned a state-level medal, with the top scorer earning a 4.
This year, Akins students participated in the Baylor University Entrepreneurship Challenge at the state level. This competition sees students giving a “Shark Tank” style pitch to judges to determine their entrepreneurship skills. Teams entered from schools all over Texas, and students Isaiah Moreno, Serena, Carolina Munoz, and Kelly Huynh achieved third place. Members of the team also won a cash prize from St. Edward’s University in a city-wide competition in November.
Another big accomplishment was achieved by the 22 seniors who earned their biliteracy certification through Austin ISD’s bilingual program. Students earned an Austin ISD Seal of Biliteracy certification for taking dual-language courses since they were in elementary school.
The Akins Marching Band also had a very successful season this year. Notable achievements include earning a superior rating at UIL, finishing 4th place out of 20 bands at the US Bands Southwestern Championships, and finishing 1st place in their division at US Bands Central Championships. Additionally, the Akins Varsity Band earned 3rd place for brass and 4th place for percussion at the Dallas Winds Invitational.
Several photography students were recognized in the ATPI Environmental Self-Portrait Contest. And several students competed in the Texas Association of Future Educators’ area competition with 22 students advancing to the state-level competition. They competed in events such as Ethical Dilemma, Children’s Literature Spanish, Professional Development, and Interactive Bulletin Boards. The Akins Diamonds and Sapphires competed at Johnson High School in the Ascension Dance Hill Country Challenge. Both teams were awarded 1st place in their division.
Students participating in Mock Trial excelled at the YMCA Youth and Government State Competition. Both participating judges placed in the top 10. Laila Seddiki placed 3rd overall as county judge. Emmanuel Sanchez-Portillo placed 8th overall. The Akins Correctional Services Internship competed in the Texas Public Service Teacher Association State Criminal Justice Competition in Houston. The Cell Extraction team were awarded the title of state champion.
