HELLO THERE. In the ag barn, a porcine project named Freckles wants to make friends with students as walk through the barn. The pig belongs to Sabrina Pluff, a junior FFA member. photo by Ava Hardin.

LEARNING BY DOING. In Mr. Manning’s Anatomy class, senior Brandon Racus makes a cut in the pig kidney. The class worked in groups to discover the path of wastes and urine through the organ and better understand its function.

SPRING INTO FUN. Enjoy the fun of the Easter party hosted by Spanish National Honor Society, junior PJ Hahs plays in the bubbles with his balloon sword. photo by Ashley Briones

HIT THE BOOKS. As part of the photography unit in journalism class, junior Kambryn Borkowski and her group practice their skills in the library. photo by Alyssia Criddle

MAGIC TICKET. In the DramaKats production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, senior Breanna Keelan ends her performance as Willy Wonka with a smile. photo by Ashley Briones

SUNRISE SMILES. As senior Morgan Morozoff takes their picture, seniors Heavin Bell, Amanda Perez and Tameya Surgers capture a memory at Senior Sunrise Friday morning. The event was a time for seniors to come together at the start of school to kick of their last year together.

FIND YOUR PURPOSE. Learning more about Grand Canyon University, senior Chris Aleman visits with GCU representative Taylor Barnes at Wildkats are Going Places Event on Monday. The event featured colleges, technical and trade schools and military representatives. photo by Aurora Shannon

LEADING THE WAY. In the Wednesday night game against Klein Collins, sophomore quarterback Kash Abke runs, looking for a first down for the Kats. Because of a Thursday night game for varsity, JV and freshmen teams played their games on Wednesday.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Working on her cosmo skills, senior Zoey Varner cuts a mannequin’s hair during 3rd period cosmetology class.

LAND OF THE FREE. Starting the parade off with the stars and stripes, members of the AFJROTC color guard carry the American and Texan flag at the beginning on the homecoming parade on Wednesday. The rest of the corp marched behind them led by senior Christopher Aleman. photo by Heavin Bell

FINISH LINE TEARS. Celebrating with her team, junior Ximena Banda embraces sophomore Maribel Vazquez after finishing the district race on Thursday. The girls team placed third and qualified for regionals for the first time in nine years. photo by Cash Arbury

ALL IN A ROW. During the UIL Region 9 contest at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah on Tuesday, members of the Wildkat Band trumpet section play part of their show Dimensions of Destiny. The band has one more contest, The Bands of America contest on Nov. 9. photo by Ella McDonald

MACABRE MAKEUP. Making her face extra scary for the haunted house, freshman Natalie Snoe applies fake blood to her makeup before the annual event. The drama department held the event on Wednesday night in the PAC.

HOTTY TODDY. Sharing a hug with Superintendent Dr. Kimberly James as head coach Kayla Jenkins looks on, senior Carly Paugh celebrates her signing day with a ceremony in the gym. Paugh signed with SEC powerhouse Ole Miss. photo by Ella McDonald

HELPING HANDS. Collecting food and donations for TLC Food Pantry in Willis, juniors Annabell Smith-Grimm and Peter Wetsch volunteer at Kroger Market Place on Friday. Organizations including Sweethearts, yearbook, newspaper and volleyball spent time at the grocery store to help the local food pantry stock up for the holidays. photo by Ella McDonald

SPRINKLED WITH CHRISTMAS CHEER. A box of cookies decorated with sprinkles and peppermints waits to go home with a culinary student. After baking Christmas cookies all week, the chefs-in-training were able to take some home to sample. photo by Charles Ibukun

SENIOR SWEETIES. At the senior sunrise on Aug. 15. seniors Ximena Banda, Sofia Cardenas, Rubi Velasco and Jacqueline Galeana take a photo and create a memory of their senior year. Senior Sunrise is a tradition where the seniors gather and watch the sunrise together at Wildkat Field. photo by Yaire Andrade.

PASSING THE BATON. At the track meet in Klein Oak, sophomore Amber Powell passes the baton to junior Tai Troncoso. photo by Brianna Fuerte

FUTURE HIGHLANDER. Before the National Signing Day ceremony begins, senior Ava Hardin interviews senior Kynlei Chapman before Chapman signs her letter of intent to play softball at McLennan Community College.

FLYING HIGH. At the mock track meet held on Thursday, junior Kaeley Uhlig flies over the bar during the pole vault competition. photo by Danica Sundquist

FLIPPING OUT. As the swim team runs out during Meet the Kats, senior Keddie Ramsden shows off for the packed stands. Meet the Kats serves as an introduction to all sports teams before the school year starts. photo by Stone Chapman

SCOOPS OF FUN. Welcoming new and returning choir members at the ice cream social, senior Samantha Sullivan scoops chocolate ice cream. Sullivan, the choir vice president, and other members of the leadership team served ice cream and led the fun at the event on Monday.

PHOTO DAY DAZE. In the craziness of picture day, freshman Yadira Torres has her school picture made by Inter-State Photo employee Zaquira. Pictures of freshman, sophomores and junior were taken the past two days and are available for purchase at inter-state.com/order code 78769RB.

CHANGING TIMES. his senior year, QB Derek Lagway lead the team to the third round of the playoffs and garnered national attention during his recruitment. After two years in Florida, Lagway has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

GROOVY WILDKAT. With the swim and dive float, sophomore Aaron Barker shares his 70s vibe and tunes with the parade. photo by Marina Wilson

HYDRATION IS KEY. At the JV game against Grand Oaks, sophomore Valencia McDaniel offers water to junior Brennan Scott. photo by Victoria Medina

HEADED TO VICTORY. Running with the ball looking for the touchdown, freshman A’Majai Friend plays in the game against Cleveland at Berton A Yates Stadium Thursday night. The freshman A team and B team both won their games against the Indians. photo by Baylee Blankenship

YEARBOOK CELEBRATIONS. As part of National Yearbook Week, members of the Wildkat staff complete one of the 25 items in the photo scavenger hunt hosted by Walsworth Publishing. Photos required included recreating a famous movie scene, showing school spirit, showcasing campus art and showing some school history. photo by Lilly Blue

PROUD FAMILY. After running the district cross country race at College Park on Thursday, junior Marisol Gonzalez Vazquez takes a picture with her dad, Bernardo Vazquez, and her aunt, Faviola Vazquez. Gonzales is a member of the varsity girls team and finsihed the race in 22.50.

FIREFIGHTER DREAMS. Teacher Brandy Caffey tries on some of the equipment of the trade when members of the North Montgomery Fire Department visited the school on Monday for Mikayla Mikeska and Alyssa Wycoff’s class. The class recently completed a unit on fire safety. photo by Jo Murillo

SURVEY SAYS. Closing out Red Ribbon with celebrity day, sophomore Isaiah Higgins and junior Ella McDonald embrace dressed as Steve Harvey and PitBull. Red Ribbon Week featured dress up days including pajama day, twin day and dress as your favorite teacher. photo by Jackie Diaz

WITCHY WOMAN. During the evening performance of Hansel and Gretel, senior Sagheene Bello plays the role of the witch. Both Drama 2 classes staged the play for elementary students during the day and for the public during the evening.

STAY GOLD. Bathed in blue stage lights, senior Joseph Sheldon and junior Alyssa Meier bring the characters of Ponyboy and Cherry to life. The advanced drama classes performed the play for the public Tuesday and Wednesday nights. photo by Ava Hardin

WILLIS UNPLUGGED. Playing his solo, Recuerdos de a Alhambra, senior Josh Alcantara performs as part of the concert. Alcantara is a member of the Guitar 3 class. photo by Brianna Fuerte

CUPCAKE CRAZY. Enjoying the award after his perfect attendance, freshman Keegan Holden eats his cupcake during the 1000 Cupcake Party on Monday. Students were rewarded for straight As and perfect attendance at the bash featuring 1000 cupcakes. photo by Kyndall Schiffner

LEADER OF THE PACK. Battling the cold, rainy weather, senior and team captain Noe Gallaga focuses on the ball during the game against Aldine Eisenhower during the home tournament at Wildkat Field. The Kats will play Bellville at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6. photo by Sujeidy Ortiz

COMING HOME. Reading a story with his class, English teacher John Lewis teaches on Wednesday during fourth period. Lewis, a Wildkat alumnus, is one of many Wildkats who have come home to teach in the school they graduated from. photo by Alexzander Talkington