Becoming the unexpected

Taking the path to what you didn’t want and you didn’t see it coming. Then, taken off the path you were destined to take.

Dennis J. Gurrola and Dominik G. Gamez

May 21, 2026

Michael Van Schoick, math teacher at Augustus F. Hawkins High School discuses the concern of the LGBTQ+ community and the decisions of our president Donald J. Trump against the LGBTQ+ community. Van Schoick gave a detailed description to Advocate news reporters of how he views the LGBTQ+ community and his thoughts about everything that stands for and that is against LGBTQ+.

Story continues below advertisement

Donate to The Advocate News @Hawkins

$60

$1200

Contributed

Our Goal

Your generous donation will support the student journalists at Augustus F. Hawkins High School. It will allow us to print the newspaper and mental health magazine, purchase or repair equipment, cover our annual awards banquet and other expenses.

Su generosa donación apoyará a los estudiantes periodistas de la Escuela Secundaria Augustus F. Hawkins. Nos permitirá imprimir el periódico y la revista de salud mental, comprar o reparar equipos, cubrir nuestro banquete anual de premios y otros gastos.

About the Contributors

Dennis J. Gurrola, Staff Photography

Dennis Gurrola (he/him) is a senior in has last year of high school (class of 2026). He is a student athlete who is known for his impressive baseball skills as he’s going into his third year with the team at Augustus Hawkins High School. He’s looking forward to walking the stage with honors. He’s looking forward to his graduation as he starts planning for his future in any way he can. He dreams to become part of a special operations team in the U.S Air Force.

Dominik G. Gamez, Staff Photographer

Dominik Gamez (he/him) is a senior, in his last year of high school (Class of 2026). He is a student athlete who’s played 3 years of football,soccer and has done 2 years of Track and Field. He enjoys every second of every sport because he’s not sure if it’s something that sticks with him in the near future. Sports isn’t the only thing Dominik does. Dominik has a small passion for school as he looks to graduate in June 2026. He’s tried to maintain A’s and B’s in his high school time. He’s aiming to join the US Airforce as a member of a special operations team, maybe even become the leader of one. A kid who wants to make his parents proud.