Story and photo by Miracle Chavarria

El Ave News writer

Papers scattered across her desk like confetti, each one demanding immediate attention. The harsh sound of the tardy bell recoils throughout her head, a relentless timer marking the chaos of the early morning rush. Outside the door, a swarm of students rush toward the front office, their chatter and footsteps swallowing the space whole. And at the center of it all—calm and composed—she sits, keeping the school’s attendance steady.

Hattie Jurado, Crane High School office attendant, handles the campus attendance with precision and heart.

After speaking with Jurado, it became clear how important attendance-keeping is in public schools. An accurate log of attendance is not only important to ensure that students are showing up to school, but public schools get money when students are present and lose money when they stay home.

“Attendance is a very important job at the high school,” Jurado said. “We receive funding from the state for our attendance. These funds keep our school running.”

Jurado’s day begins with a flurry of phone calls, student check-ins, and unexpected tasks.

“I keep up with the students' attendance, answer the phone, and help with all that comes up throughout the day,” she explained.

The software she relies on is called Ascender, a program that helps her track every student’s attendance with accuracy.

Jurado’s journey into the school environment was inspired by her family.

“I began working at the school to have the same hours as my kiddos,” she said. “I wanted to enjoy my time off with them and be able to attend all of their extracurricular activities.”

However, the job came with surprises.

“You most definitely cannot plan your day in a school environment,” she laughed. “Things happen at the last minute… You never know what your day is going to entail, but that is the exciting part.”

One skill she says is essential in her role is being bilingual.

“It is needed and used every single day,” she said.

This dual-language ability helps her connect with students and parents alike, especially when addressing attendance concerns.

“I love when the parents call,” she said. “I make sure they know that I care about their child's attendance.”

When students are frequently late or absent, Jurado takes a balanced approach.

“I try to be encouraging but also let them know that it is affecting their learning,” she said.

On busy mornings, Jurado handles the rush with grace.

“Some days there are five, and some days there are 30,” she said. “They have gotten a lot better this year.”

Jurado said the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the students be successful and strive to be better every day.

“I love to watch them grow and witness all of their accomplishments.”

And while she couldn’t name one specific memorable moment, Jurado said she cherishes the small gestures—signs, pictures, and snacks shared by students.

“They bring me things for the office,” she said with a smile. “I love snacks!”

If you see “Miss J” around, make sure to give her a pat on the back for the excellent job she does and for the love she shows for CHS and its students.

By Jordyn Orozco

El Ave News staff writer

The colors burst in a flurry of motion. Flags cut through the wind with a sharp whoosh, their intricate designs creating a vivid spray, a hypnotic blur. Each synchronized movement feels like a wordless command, pulling the crowd into collective awe. Above the rising cheer of the stands, the air—thick with the scent of rain-soaked earth and wet pavement—seems to hold the performers in a singular, focused rhythm where nothing exists but the arc of the silk and the beat of their steps.

That rhythm comes from countless hours of practice. The Crane High School color guard spends day after day perfecting their routines for this year’s marching show, which they will perform every Friday night—and soon, every Saturday—throughout the fall season.

Color guard coach Lisa Bolton has seen firsthand the persistence her students bring to the field.

“Not allowing yourself to be defeated when you haven’t given yourself enough time—that’s the key,” Bolton said. “There is always room for improvement, and as long as you don’t give up, you can do anything you put your mind to! Every kid in this band is resilient, and the band directors give countless hours. Always remember: never let one setback determine your outcome.”

That spirit is evident among the members themselves. Four-year veteran Maritza Cordova, now a senior, is determined to make her final season count.

“I think this show has a lot of potential,” Cordova said. “If we just add more moves and cool tricks, we could make it even better.”

With competition season approaching, the color guard is pushing themselves harder than ever. Their next big test comes on Saturday, when Crane High School’s band and color guard take the field for the pre-UIL marching performance. For these students, every toss of the flag and every step in rhythm is more than practice—it’s proof of their dedication, teamwork, and pride.

By Coach Machele Pahl

El Ave News contributor

On Saturday, the CHS cross country teams traveled to Lubbock to compete in the Lubbock XC Invitational against twenty teams which stands as a regional preview.

Both JV teams competed very well with Esteban Morales leading the teams with a medal position. Also competing was Marlene Rodriguez, Amanda Gutierrez, Arianna Iniguez, Ava Hernandez, Amber Mendoza, Noah Garcia, Daylen Hightower, Luis Ochoa, Michael Esparza, Jiovani Murguia, Valentin Velasco, Jacob Esquivel, Gael Lupercio, and Luis Rodriguez. 

Varsity Girls Results 

41st - Aubrey Torres

67th - Adrian Bonachea

71st - Vida Flores

108th - Berkley McNeese

109th - Robyn Vega 

Varsity Boys Results - Team Champions! 🥇 

5th - Steven Lozano

8th - Josh Morales 

11th - Ivan Martinez

22nd - Luciano Alvarez

27th - Phailon Flores

39th - Sebastian Rizo 

59th - Damian Gallegos