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Count Down To Graduation: 25 Kyle Dunning Staff Writers

With graduation coming up, seniors are preparing themselves for post-high-school life. For those who are going to college, stress levels are higher than ever and "Purple Press" decided to talk to some college students to help graduating seniors get a personal touch on what to look forward to after high school. The interviewees were Clovis High School graduates Tanner Banister (2014), Matt Elliot (2013), and Connor Davis (2013).

Tanner Banister graduated last year and started attending Eastern New Mexico University (already with college credits under his belt), with his major being Business Administration with an emphasis

Berta Sanchez Maria Hudson Staff Writers Going from 9th to 10th grade? Most students think high school isn’t very different from the freshman campus when really it is a big step! Students find a bigger campus, more opportunities, more responsibility, and some great experiences!

Here at CHS, one of our beliefs is: “Every student has worth, is capable of learning, and can achieve high standards," as said on CHS’s website.

Yes, the transition from the Freshman Campus to CHS’s Campus can be a little scary, but can also be an exciting

Jerrika Lopez-Wilson featuring Editor-inChief

Everyone knows our "Golden Girl," Danni Williams, who plays for our very own Clovis High School Varsity Basketball team and was born and raised in our little town of Clovis, New Mexico.

There is no doubt that this girl will go far in life. She is already signed to Texas A&M and has been Gatorade player for the past three

April 28. 2015

Advice From The Wise

on Marketing. After being asked how the college life was, he replied: “Well, I really enjoy college. Eastern is definitely a lot smaller than I thought, but there are a lot of opportunities.”

His favorite class, as of yet, is his Marketing class due to it being in his field of study and he can “get an aspect” of what he is headed towards. When Tanner first started college, he toyed with the idea of joining a fraternity but decided against it; however, he hopes to become more involved next semester. His current living situation is at home, and, while it may be cheap and smart, Tanner highly recommended living in the dorms. His last bit of advice was: “Be involved! My first semester, I had so much time on my hands. So being in the dorms and being active in college activities take up time and helps to make the college experience.

College is what you make it! Staying at home is not the college experience most are looking for.” (Ending with a chuckle!)

New Mexico) because UNM had the major he was looking for, mechanical Engineering.

He explained how he was enjoying himself and that his favorite class was his Architecture due to its “hands on” approach. Matt is currently a member of both the marching band and the racquetball team. He lives in an apartment-style complex nicknamed “Lobo

that figured out. At college, you can take whatever classes you want whenever you want. You’ll certainly have an idea of what you like and dislike after you start being a student. If you know your major, then get involved! Especially with clubs and groups that relate to a specific major.”

adventure! Now what happens educationally at CHS is almost the same as at the freshman campus, seven classes, seven credits and a goal for success.

However, here at CHS, there are more activities for students to participate in and express their inner Wildcat -- such as Choir, Band, Athletics of all kinds, Anime club, JROTC, Book club, etc!

Here at CHS the key is to not overthink; just take it day by day and give it your all.

Students should think of school as their job.

They must take care

of all their work, stay on task, and not get LAZY! Some students

There is more freedom for the students here at CHS; there are off cam-

ask about the teachers; the truth is the teachers aren’t that bad. Yes, the rules and regulations at the high school are different but not bad.

pus privileges during students' lunch hours if their grade average is above a 2.0, with no more than one F. Another problem

years. However, she hasn’t stopped there.

The 5-feet-10 guard recently competed in the American Family Insurance High School Slam Dunk and 3-point championship held in Indianapolis. The competition aired on CBS 1:30 p.m. on April 5th.

Danni is the second New Mexican to be invited to the event, the first being a La Cueva grad, Bryce Alford, who competed in the boys' section of the competition. That

would make Danni the first female in the state of New Mexico to compete in the Slam Dunk and 3-point competition.

In this competition, the shooter had one minute to take 25 shots from the 3-point arc. The top two qualifiers advanced to a final shoot-off in order to proclaim a champion.

This competition was just like the one held during the NBA AllStar Weekend.

Miss Danni

Williams placed 2nd overall, and, afterwards, she didn’t go home empty handed.

She had received shoes, socks, a uniform, a warm-up shirt, and a copy of the film. There were 24 boys invited to the event and 8 girls.

According to Danni, it takes “a lot of hard work and dedication,” in order to maintain or reach Gatorade Player of the Year.

How many seniors can say that they have won

Matt Elliot started out going to college at Eastern but switched to UNM (University of

Village," which is a student housing facility outside of the campus.

Matt also had some advice for the seniors of 2015.

“If you’re in college and you don’t know your major yet, then don’t worry. There is plenty of time to get

originally attending ENMU, but transferred from Eastern to Las Cruces’ NMSU (New Mexico State University) to travel away from home and to get a taste of something different.

Currently, he is working towards Geology, with his favorite class

Matthew Elliot (13'), Tanner Banister (14'), and Conner Davis (13').

Connor Davis was

so far being Criminal Justice. Connor doesn’t need to have a job because his financial aid paid him so much for college that he actually has extra spending money…so he is basically getting paid to go to school.

Connor lives with four other students in an apartment outside of campus. His advice was very close to Matt’s and he put emphasis on not

First Step Of Many

Staff Writers: Maria Hudson and Berta Sanchez

stressing and staying in front of the homework load. “You have plenty of time and don’t get backed up on homework. Just stay ahead and you’ll have an amazing and relatively stress-free college experience.”

So, there you have it seniors of 2015! We had three completely different college students from three separate colleges that give us a personal opinion on how college is and all three are enjoying it.

Don’t be scared of what happens after graduation because, from what we heard during the interviews, there is only more fun to be had and more memories to be made. So don’t stress! Don’t be scared!

A little anxiousness is warranted, but don’t let that consume you and suck the fun out of a potentially great four years! (Or six, or eight, or however long college can last.)

students face is more talk of preparations for college. Luckily, there are many classes here to help prepare you for things you will most likely see in your college years. Not only are there many classes to help you to prepare, there is also an excellent staff that will help you and support you on your journey through your high-school years. Also, if that isn’t enough, there is a Student Success Center every day of the week (except Friday), with many tutors that will help you with the work.

Here at CHS, we have four counselors: Mrs. Cornelison, Mrs. Dobbs, Mrs. Winn, and Mrs. Penland, that are always there for you and will help you with any problem you may have -- not to mention our principal, Mr. Marshall, and our three Vice principles, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Wiseman, and Mrs. Mendoza. So just know that, when you come to CHS, you’re in good hands and there’s nothing to worry about. We are all one family, one school, and one team.

Once a Wildcat always a Wildcat.

Gatorade Player of the Year three years in a row, been on national television, got a rate of 97 from the scouts according to ESPN, and

have been the first female in New Mexico to compete in this competition? Not many can.

Our "Golden Girl,"Danni

Danni Williams and Her Parents

2 Purple Press, April 28, 2015

Let's Talk-

The Golden Voice of Coachella

Michael Lynch Layout Editor Featuring CoEditor

Everybody knows of the famous music festival of the name Coachella. It's filled with great vibes and radical music. Coachella lasts two weekends, and mostly features live Indie musicians such as, Lana Del Rey, Maria and the Diamonds, Florence and the Machine, and so many others.

Coachella not only hosts Indie

Christa Lemmon's Point

I am not saying it is easy, or that anyone should attempt it, however, it is possible to be successful without going to college after graduation.

In life, anything is possible although it would be easier to gain more success by enrolling in college and having a major.

If you read my articles in the newspaper often, you should know by now that I believe that, if people have vision and motivation, they can strive to excellence and achieve whatever they truly want. Of course, not going to college isn’t the best alternative. I am aware that college tuition is also very expensive and not everyone can afford it. It is sad to say that financial issues are the cause of most people deciding that they do not want a career that involves college.

There is also the matter of some others who do not love school, who spent twelve years of their lives striving to graduate high school, just to go back to school for however many years they need.

Young Adults who

musicians, but also has wellknown artists!

You get a very bohemian vibe from Coachella; it takes place every year in Indio, California, which is practically a desert. Very open, fresh, and free-spirited is how I would describe Coachella. Fashion is one of the things that are looked forward to at Coachella. What was seen at the festival, was mostly bohemian, very light clothing, such as crocheted

short, croptops, and knitted cardigans, that would keep people somewhat warm during the night! During the day, what was seen was high-waisted shorts, and a brassiere, with a nice cover up, or maybe a light maxidress, with some gladiator sandals. As you can tell, you get a very down-to-Earth vibe.

Coachella only happens once a year in April. It lasts two weekends. The size of the grounds is 30 acres; if you

are lucky, you will see some celebrities walking around you! The festival is honestly well known and one of the best you'll go to! If you do decide to attend this event, you will need to know that it is a bit pricey, but the good news is that they do have regular pre-sales for really cheap, so try to get on those!

Coachella is a great life experience that you will enjoy if you are intofestivals. You get to see amazing acts, art,

and people; you may even make some new friends who share the same interests as you! I honestly love going to Coachella every year. I did go to both weekends, and I got to see a lot of my favorite artists! Coachella just gives everybody who goes such great, positive vibes and an amazing time. I hope you consider going sometime, I don’t think it will be going anywhere anytime soon!

do not go to college do have to work much harder to gain the life that they want and to live comfortably . There are a number of intelligent people who never went to college who did, in fact, do well. Sometimes people even became rich purely from personal knowledge, desire to succeed, talent, and experience.

Some of the most inspiring people who never went to college are Abraham Lincoln, who was a lawyer and became the 16th President of the United States. John Glenn became an astronaut and served in the Senate, also, William Shakespeare did not go to college; he is one of the most respected poets and playwrights in history.

Even the ones who are most looked up to struggled once in their lives. Not everyone wants to go off to college; it just isn’t for some people. For some, college is irrelevant to the life they want and their future.

No matter what you choose, someone will love you. In order to pick what is right for you, it will take a lot of soul searching, and you need to be up for it. Do not make any

rash decisions just yet, but, whether you want to think about it or not, whatever you choose to do right will affect the rest of your life.

earn $51,206 a year, which is $23,291 more a year. The more education you have, the more money you make. This is good insurance for your future when you may need extra money for your family or unexpected occurrences.

Success in the dictionary is defined as achieving wealth and eminence. If you are like me and don’t know what eminence is, it is a person of high station or superiority.

You will be more likely to achieve this if you graduate from college. Even though recently it has been harder for newly graduated people to get jobs that they are qualified for, employers love to hire and promote people with some years of university. Attending a school like college where you have to take charge of your education shows potential bosses that you are a hard worker, are dedicated to seeing projects through to the end, and a good investment in the future of their company.

No offense, but if you can’t stick through school, what makes anyone think you can stay with a job?

Even though the dictionary didn’t mention happiness as a

part of success, it is the most important thing to just about everyone. We can all agree that divorces are not happy, so, if you go to college, you are less likely ever to have one. Also, you will probably be married by the age of 27 if you get that higher education. Most people make their life-long friends during college because you will share common interests with them and develop unbreakable bonds through studying for finals and the occasional nightmarish professor.

Even though college may not be affordable right now, you can still find a way to attend.

Since success depends on your attendance, plenty of people offer scholarships. Figure out something you are spectacular at, and you can even get a scholarship for singing in choir, marching in band, or playing sports. If you can be successful at something now, you can be sure that you can be successful in college, and then onward to the real world.

So start now, pick the college that is right for you, and then prepare for success!

What Is Right For You?

Dannelle Kirven Staff Writer

We all know high school occurs in the blink of an eye Well, Wildcats, we must all have our "eyes wide shut" because senior year has sped right past us. Today, we are all filling out applications, awaiting acceptance letters, and trying to figure out the next four years of our lives when it seems like , just yesterday, we were learning our ABCs. Soon, the people we have shared these hallways and parking lot with will all be moving in different directions. However, before we let time get the best of us, let’s take a look at who’s going where.

This is only a small sample of the class of 2015 seniors doing great things. We acknowledge that everyone is working hard and headed toward a successful future.

Denicia Aragon, Wildcadette, National Honor Society member, Plainsman Editor, and Purple Press Editor-in-Chief is attending the University of New Mexico. Denicia chose UNM because it is close to home. She is planning to study media communication.

Maya Mack, Purple Press staff writer, is attending the University of New Mexico. Maya chose to go to UNM because it’s a great school with great people. Maya plans to study mass communication.

Kyle Dunning , ROTC Deputy Group Commander and Purple Press staff writer, will be attending the University of West Florida. Kyle chose UWF because he used to live in Gulf Breeze, Florida, which is where he spent eight

Mackenzie Credle's Point

High Schoolers all over America are starting to think about their futures, specifically college. Even though most of the current seniors have applied to their colleges of choice, plenty of juniors and sophomores have started thinking about whether or not they should attend.

I’m not here to put down any colleges because all education choices are your choice, but here is why you need to go to college to be successful.

In this world, money tends to dictate success and proves that college is key to being successful. If you decide to skip a college education and not to complete High School, you will be making around $18,734 per year. If you stick around and earn a High School Diploma, you will be earning $27,915 a year. This is a huge increase just by staying around in High School. College graduates with a Bachelor's degree can

Who's Going Where?

years of his life before moving to New Mexico. Kyle will be studying political science.

Your Clovis High School Plainsman Editor, Elizabeth Martinez, is attending the Academy of Arts University. Elizabeth chose the Academy of Arts because it offers a good photography program, which she will be taking advantage of in the fall.

Luis Badillo, Varsity Cross Country Runner and Plainsman Editor, is attending the University of New Mexico to experience the city life and study graphic design.

Clovis High’s football homecoming queen and Ms. CHS, Shyleen Cortez, will be attending San Francisco State University. Shyleen chose to attend San Fran because it’s a great school and plans to study psychology.

Varsity football and basketball player, Kaine Bender, is considering attending Concordia University in Nebraska.

Kaine plans to run track and study business marketing.

Clovis High School Choir Hall of Famer, Frederick Fitch, will be attending the University of New Mexico. Frederick chose UNM because it is close to home and has a wonderful music program. He will be studying vocal performance and theater.

State champion pole vaulter, Heather Pastirchak, will be attending Concordia University in Nebraska.

She shared that “After visiting the University for a pole vault street exhibition taking place on the 4th of July, I met the pole vault coach, and I was offered a scholarship to compete

for the Concordia Bulldogs. I finalized my decision after I investigated their pre-professional social-work program.

Go Bulldogs!”

Our Varsity Lady Wildcat basketball star, Danni Williams, received a fullride scholarship and, with that, will be attending Texas A&M University to play basketball. Danni chose Texas A&M because it has a great basketball team and plans to study sports management.

Varsity Wildcat football player, Isaiah Callahan, will be attending Eastern New Mexico University to play football on scholarship and study civil engineering.

D’Lanor Briggins will be attending Eastern New Mexico University where she signed her national letter of intent and plans to study animal science.

Member of National Honor Society and the Varsity Wildcat Baseball team, Derik Kuykendall, will be attending The Army Academy of West Point, with a very rigorous acceptance rate of

9%. Derrick will graduate West Point as a 2nd Lieutenant

Antonio Hicks will be attending the University of New Mexico. Hicks has received the Daniels Scholarship. He is the first Clovis High School recipient in four years to receive this scholarship. Hicks plans to study sports medicine, so he can further his career and become an athletic trainer.

Another one of your very own Varsity Lady Wildcat basketball stars, Shelby Jones, will be attending Abilene Christian University on a fullride basketball scholarship; she hopes to become an anesthesiologist.

Purple Press would like to wish every Class of 2015 senior the best of luck as you enter into the next great chapter of your life. For those of you still deciding, don’t be afraid to contact an administrator, counselor, teacher, or even a friend for a little guidance.

Denicia Aragon Editor-in- Chief Standing in the ramp of the Pit in Albuquerque right before my last performance, I realized a few things that never really hit me throughout the year. I am so happy I had the opportunity to be part of an amazing team, a real family I could call my own, and sisters that I have always wanted.

What also hit me was the emptiness in my stomach knowing it was all about to be over.

At this very moment, I realized that it was all worth it. All the 6:30 a.m. practices, every 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. practice, Monday night practices, every brutal workout Mama Dorman (the assistant coach) had us doing, the rock-hard, slicked back hair we

My Last Contributions

were forced to have every performance, it was all so little to ask for the joy this team and dancing has given me for the last six years. Even though we did not receive a state trophy that day, we had the stadium screaming as if we deserved it.

Leaving the floor with that performance we made ourselves known and made Clovis more than, just a small town no one has really heard of.

The Wildcadettes have amazed courts from Roswell to Santa Fe, and from Albuquerque to Orlando, Florida.

Never coming home

with anything less than second place, besides State, they have brought home thirtytwo trophies total from four competitions.

Competing in Orlando Florida was a dream come true for the

Wildcadettes. We spent five days in Orlando getting to see dance teams from all around the United States.

Getting to have the full Disney World experience was a huge bonus, as well.

We had the chance to see different types of dancing, and the competition was on a whole other level than it was with the same teams we see every year at all of our other

Spring Showcase 2015

Holli Robinson Staff Writer

ATTENTION STUDENTS AND PARENTS!!!!!!!!!

This year’s annual Clovis High Spring Showcase is coming up fast. Come enjoy the fun on April 30th in the Cafeteria Area from 5:30-7:00pm. The Clovis Choir will be singing the National Anthem to start off,

followed by the Fight Song played by the CHS Band. Throughout the showcase, artwork will be displayed to show off the wonderful talent and hard work of the High School art students. Also, enjoy activities like Krypto, or watch the Drill Ceremonies displayed by the AFJROTC, and watch the Science demonstrations by the Science Department.

Of course, we didn’t forget the food! There will be free hot dogs given out, and the Culinary Department will be making their delicious Pro-Star Competition meals.

Make sure to stop by the animal zoo before leaving, and don’t forget to dress appropriately because the weather is going to be HOT-HOT-HOT!

competitions. The entire atmosphere was like nothing we've ever dealt with at other New Mexico competitions, and every other team was prepared to win.

Going from 5th place to 2nd place in a year in a national competition is incredible, and we achieved our goals, to make ourselves, our families, our coaches proud. I hope we made you, the community,

proud of us, as well.

Your support impacted us and encouraged us to be a team you would be proud to say is from your town.

One behalf of the whole team, we want to thank all those who made our Florida trip happen.

This is a preveiw of the 2014-2015 back cover Clovis High School Yearbook. On sale for $95.00, and $100.00 after May 1st.

Purple Press, April 28, 2015

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Superintendents, parents, those how made donations, anyone who helps us with all the crazy fundraisers we had, and to our

time. The 2014-2015 Wildcadette dance team has made history, a bond like no other, and memories that will last a lifetime. I am eternally grateful to be a part of something so amazing. I wish next year's team best of luck; congrats to all those who are continuing and also to

coaches who planned it all, thank you so much from all of us. You made our dreams come true.

None of us thought this day would ever come; now we're wishing we had a little more

those who have made the team. You are in all of our hopes and prayers.

4 Purple Press, April 28, 2015

Top Row: Maya Mack. Ky;e Dunning, Holli Robinson, Christa Lemmons,and Mackenzie Credle.

Bottom Row: Mr. Augustine Martinez (Advisor), Dannelle Kirven, Denicia Aragon, Jerrika Lopez-Wilson, and Michael Lynch

We apologize for any mistakes we may make, including punctuation, spelling, or any other errors you may find.

We appreciate any and all comments that will improve our paper. We hope to give you the very best that our journalism class can offer.

Purple Press is a Publication Vehicle for Student Expression The School Board encourages students to express their views in school-sponsored publications and to observe rules for responsible journalism. This means, expression that falls into any of the following categories shall not be permitted: any expression which is false or obscene, libelous, slanderous, or defamatory under state law; which presents a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts, violation of school rules or materials and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school, or which violates the privacy rights of others.

Student editors of school-sponsored publications are responsible for determining the news, opinion and advertising content of the publication. The publication’s adviser is responsible for supervising the production of the publication and for teaching and encouraging free and responsible expression and professional standards of journalism.

The views expressed in The Purple Press are not necessarily those of Clovis High School or the Clovis Municipal School Board of Education.

Advisor:Mr. Augustine Martinez Editor-In- Chief: Dencia Aragon, Featuring Jerrika Lopez-Wilson Layout Editor: Michael Lynch Featuring Mackenzie Credle Staff Writers: Christa Lemmons, Kyle Dunning, Dannelle Kirven, Maya Mack, Holi Robinson, Maria Hudson,Berta Sanchez Proofreader: Mr. Larry Poe Publisher: Clovis News Journal • 521 Pile St PO Box 1689 Clovis, New Mexico 88102 (575) 763-3431