Count Down To Graduation: 51 Christa Lemmons Kyle Dunning Staff Writers
Mayor Interview: Part Two
Kyle-Do you have anything to do with, or any control over, speed Mr. Lansford – Not really. I am capable of making an appeal to the city commission, and say that I believe that the speed limit on this particular street is too fast…or slow. But we have a traffic committee, that is part of the police department, and the speed limits are set by a consensus. And I can’t think of anytime that a department other than the traffic committee has messed with the speed limits. Kyle – What kinds of laws and regulations and the like do you, as mayor, have a say in?
March 31. 2015
From Pharmacist to Mayor
give you an example of something that happened many years ago. There was a proposal to have a curfew here in Clovis. It was going to affect people under sixteen years old and require that those individuals be off the streets by eleven o’ clock at night. The ordinance came to the city commission and there was some support behind it but there were also people who objected. It ended up being killed before it ever got off the ground because it was a violation of civil rights, and so it never really got any legs on it. Now that was a city council decision and they said ‘hey, this isn’t a very lawful thing of us to do. We want to ask our legal advisers if this is appropriate or not.” Kyle – Nice. So on a more personal matter, do you have any hobbies or…antique cars…or anything we don’ know about? Mr. Lansford – Nooo… My hobby is primarily Wildcat sports. I love Wildcat basketball. I played basketball when I was in high
plan on retiring, from pharmacy, for a while. Now politics…that’s a different story. Kyle – Have you considered running for mayor for the next election cycle?
David Lansford, Mayor of Clovis, CHS Graduate 1977 school and now I do Kyle – When do you think you’re going to the radio broadcast for retire? the Wildcat games. That is, I guess, my Mr. Lansford – I’m hobby. I like to play golf, I like to shoot fifty-six. I would be guns, I like to collect eligible for Medicare coins. And I really like in nine years. My son, whom is coming into creative things that show dedication and the business, is an originality and the like. excitement for me, especially since I’ll I like watching golf because I appreciate get to work with him. what it takes to become And I still love being a as good as the people pharmacist. I’ve never complained about it, on TV. It takes a lot of determination, skill, I always enjoy work, and I’ll even have and strength to get to days off where I think that point. It’s not by ‘I could have been at accident. work today.’ So I don’t
Mr. Lansford – Well, if somebody of a good caliber were to run then I might not have to. I’m still contemplating on whether or not I’m going to run. This city needs someone with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and a lot of forward thinking and some understanding of what is possible and what is not. I would get behind someone like that. I’m fifty-six, and if someone were to come along with new ideas and lots of enthusiasm, then that person could be the next mayor. Kyle – To wrap up, do you have anything you’d like to say to the city of Clovis or the students at CHS? Mr. Lansford – I graduated from CHS in 1977. That will be forty years in two years, and that seems like a while but for me it really wasn’t. The basics in life haven’t changed.
Understanding that your character, and the way you treat others and yourself, and the effort that your put in to whatever you do in life, and your ability to never give up…well all of these are some of the most important attributes that someone can have. Sometimes, it doesn’t take very long after high school to get discouraged about the world, but there is still a lot of good people and opportunities out there. There are a lot of roses to be picked; go smell the roses. So I would say… Be realistic. Set your goals high but don’t be disappointed if you don’t reach those goals. You might fall short but you’ll still be farther ahead than when you started. If you don’t have goals then you’re a ship without a rudder; the wind will just blow you around. Become a habitual goal-setter. Kyle – Thank you for putting some time on hold to talk to us, we very much enjoyed it. Mr. Lasnford – Well, if there’s one thing I can do…its talk!
PARCC Is No Place To Play
Mr. Lansford – I can
Berta Sanchez Maria Hudson Staff Writers
PARCC came into full operation for the 2014 – 2015 school year in the late winter early spring. The subjects covered will be mathematics and language arts. Q: How did you feel about the PARCC practice test? Christly Springs 10th - I didn’t care for it, personally. Izaah Escoto 9th – I honestly thought it was boring and unnecessary. Jose Barrera 10th - I didn’t find the PARCC testing useful. PARCC, Partner For Assessment Of
Readiness For College And Careers, is a test that is to help teachers assess the extent to which students are on the track of mastering the Common Core Standards. A Total of 19 states, a few of which are Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Massachusetts! The grades eligible to take PARCC start from third to eleventh year. Q: Do you feel you did well on the PARCC practice test? Christyl Springs 10th - I don’t think I did as well as I would have done on a written test. Izaah Escoto 9th - I don’t think I did as good on the English as I did on the math test Jose Barrera 10th - I
believe that I most definitely failed the test.
There are three people who run PARCC for New Mexico; the Secretary of Education, Hanna Skandra; PARCC program manager, Lynn Vasquez; and Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Jose Garcia. The scoring for PARCC will be different than others, as no individual students' test scores will be released. Only school averages will be given. Also grades 3 -8 will be given the opportunity the retake the PARCC once a year. Q: Personally do you think you're ready for the actual PARCC test?
Christyl Springs 10th - No, I definitely need more practice.
Izaah Escoto 9th - No, I really need to practice on my short answers. Jose Barrera 10th - I’m 50% ready for the actual PARCC test. Paper-based tests area are also available for schools that are not yet ready for the technology. The states in PARCC educate almost 25 million students and include 16 out of 19 Race-to-the-Top winners! There will not be a different version of the test for students with a mental disability. KOB 4 News from Albuquerque, NM reports “opting out of the PARCC testing has consequences for
students and schools.” KOB reports that over 800 parents are opting their child out of the school the day of PARCC testing. Also it was stated “if more than 5% of students at a school don’t take the test, it will automatically lower the school's letter grade with the state. That’s what parents say has happened in Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary School.”
Q: Should there be any PARCC testing? Christyl Springs 10th - Yes but not in that format. Izaah Escoto 9th - No but have NMSBA. Jose Barrera 10th – Yes, I think there should be a type of PARCC testing, but there should be
a study guide to help prepare.
This could cause a problem for most students who plan on going to college because most colleges will only accept diplomas or GEDs, not certifications. Even worse, if less than 95% of the school takes the PARCC, the school will be downgraded.. Students will be given a one-year “safety net” if they do not take the test. This year, if your child does not take the test, his or her school will be “held Harmless,” so they cannot stop the school's rating from coming down. However, they can keep it from coming up.
2 Purple Press, March 31, 2015
Let's Talk-
Jerrika Lopez-Wilson Michael Lynch Co-Editor Staff Writer Gemini- May 21- June 21This month you and your twin will be on the same level of communicating with each other, which you can use as a strategy, since on normal days you and your twin will never get along, because of the opposite mind sets of the both of you guys. So you need to take advantage of this rare opportunity, because you and your twin will never agree on another thing for a long while. Cancer-June 22- July 23 These last months have been severely hard for you in everyway possible, whither it be personal problems, relationship, or school wise, but in this month of March you will finally prevail in everything you have always
Michael Lynch Staff Writter Prom, when you hear that four letter word you think of only three things, the date you'll be bringing, the theme that will be picked out, and lastly what you will be wearing on that magical evening, and I am here to help you decide on what you'll be wearing to this years prom! The Dress, Jewelry, & Shoes: This years theme is "Black Tie Event", which is very classy, so of course
Christa's Point The big question: "Is there such as thing as a bad practical joke?" There is not. It is my personal belief that some people just do not know how to take a joke. They do not have a funny bone in their body. However, some people do not know how to have fun. This is what practical jokes are all about, picking on someone, joking around, being immature, and enjoying it. Unfortunately, we all come across someone who doesn’t know how to be carefree, and they are just far too serious. For me, this is unacceptable because I absolutely love joking around with people. I can agree that there are boundaries, as there are boundaries in everything in life. When
April Horoscope-Splash wanted to, such as an amazing relationship, outstanding grades, and your personal problems will disappear. Take great advantage of this beautiful month, it will give you a brand new start. Leo- July 24-August 23 These last months have been severely hard for you in everyway possible, whither it be personal problems, relationship, or school wise, but in this month of March you will finally prevail in everything you have always wanted to, such as an amazing relationship, outstanding grades, and your personal problems will disappear. Take great advantage of this beautiful month, it will give you a brand new start. Virgo-August 24- September22 In the month of March, most people think of you as very angelic
and beautiful, when others see you, people do not think of you no bad way at all, you are extremely blessed this month, and you need to realize this and take advantage of it, because you never know what will happen sooner or later. Sagittarius- November23-December 20 In this lucky month you will be amazed with bundles of beauty, not only that, but extremely good grades will also come your way, you will be graced with marksmanship, since you are getting all those straight A’s , and that is all we see for all you sagittarius’s, but your luck is extremely high this month. Aquarius- January 21Febuary 19 As this month comes along, we are getting closer and closer to the season of spring, which is your favorite season, where the water is
finally warming up, and you are getting ready to run into the sea! This whole month will only be filled with good vibes, and great people you will only surround yourself with! You agree amazingly lucky to have such great friends and positive emotions! Tarus-April 20- May 20 You know how to get what you want when you want it. This month you will need to use those especial skills in order to get what you want. You have a tendency to talk your way out of anything and let me tell you that you are gonna need that special skiil this month. You are gonna be getting into situatations that you rather not be into. Libra- September 23October 22 You give great advise for solving problems. It is natural for you to get involved in other peoples busnisse but
next time something comes up, just don’t get involved it will be better for you in the long run. If you get involved you will get yourself caught up and will end up losing someone you didn’t intend to. Scorpio- October 23November 22 You like to win, you like to achieve. And everything that you do you do it as a game or a competition. Latley you have been treating life as if it is competion and have been doing what ever it takes to “win”. Life is not a competion and if you keep treating life as a competion you will lose. Capricorn- December 22- January 20 Patience, patience, patience. You have so much patience for people and sometimes people will take advantage of you for that.You are to nice of a person to say anything. But this month you are go-
ing to need to tell them because of not, they will keep taking advantage of you. Pisces- Febuary 20March 20, 15 You are easily convinced. This month there is going be a big decision that you are going to need to make. You will have people in your ear but before you make you decision make sure that you know both possibilities. Aries- March 21- April 19 You are a natural leader.You want to be in charge at all times. This month things will not go your way but don’t throw a fit. Your time will come but not right now.In the end it will all be worth it because someone will notice your ability to tske leadership without being asked.
your outfit will have to be very elegant. Two color choices I will be giving you are ether the colors black or white, (very basic, I know) but you can dress these colors up very well, and will make your entire look simple and clean. Jewelry is one of the biggest items you need when you are trying to get gussied up. If you end up going with a black prom dress, gold is one of the best colors that go with black, it'll give your look a little "pizzazz". Now if you went with a white look,
you would want to with sliver, just to be constant with the simple and clean look that you might be going for. Now for shoes, stilettos for sure, (If your feet can handle them) Black Pigalle's are something you would want to go for in my opinion, nice and sleek, and very comfy for a high heeled shoe. If your feet cant really handle high heels, try finding some nice looking flats or wedges, that will still look very well. A Daring Look: If you are going for a more
daring look for this years prom, then I suggest the color red, it'll make you pop out on that dance floor for sure! People will spot you from a mile away, the crowd will be turning their heads like no other. Pearls will make such a good combination with this entire outfit. The Suit, & Shoes: Nothing new here, all I recommend is a classy black suit and tie. For shoes I think Platers Fiori Flat's are amazing dress shoe, for these types of events! For a
type of hair style you can always go for the classic slick back hair style, which is very "James Dean-ish". I also think a nice watch will go really well with this outfit. A Daring Look: I think a daring look for a dressed up male, is a white suit with black accents, which is my personal favorite combo! I think it will be such a head turner at prom this year! Since this years prom this is very classy and elegant, and again I think A nice Michael Kors or Fossil
watch will be a great accessory with outfit combination. At the end of the night, it really does not matter on what you wear or how you look. just as long as you enjoy yourself with your date. If you already have your outfit picked out, don’t go and change it! Have fun with whatever you are doing, and express yourself. And until next time, Stay Gorgeous.
A Daring Look
Can A Joke Go Too Far? you are friends with the opposite gender and they are dating someone, you do not just kiss them. Am I right? I mean, come on, have more respect for yourself. Also, you should never yell at an adult, or you should never hit an animal. All of these things are true. I can also agree that sometimes people can be cruel when it comes to pranking. The difference is, if it hurts another person, it is not a joke. The person who did the prank is just being rapacious. There is another word for people like that; they are called bullies. Aside from that, jokes are always funny. Humor is just like love, which makes people so happy. I do not think that there is such a thing as a bad joke because, in order to believe that, it would dull my belief in humor,
which I refuse ever to do. There is always a stroke of genius in people who are humorous. They are just as creative and intelligent as scientists are. They just see life from a different perspective, so you should always appreciate the jokes that others are sharing. Be spectacular this April Fools Day, laugh along, be kindhearted and appreciate that you were chosen to pull a joke on. In my book, that makes you pretty special and shows that you have friends who just want to see you smile.
Mackenzie's Point
With April Fools Day tomorrow, we all have started planning our pranks. There are tons of crazy stories online about elaborate jokes pulled on people. We have
to take a step back to evaluate. There are different levels of jokes, but, in the past few years, people have taken things up a notch. The increased antics raise the question; "Do these practical jokes go too far?" It is clear that some jokes go too far, so I have researched almost every type of joke. There is the classic and basically harmless pranks like slipping weird stuff into people’s backpacks, saran wrapping people’s cars, and putting whipped cream in someone’s hand while they are sleeping and tickling their nose. These are good, and you can play them on people and it should be okay. We all have some kind of humor, so most of us will think that this stuff is funny. The next level of pranks is the time-
consuming ones, where you plan in advance what you will do to the person, and it can be huge, like completely covering a car in sticky notes; or little, like changing the auto correct in their cell phone to when they type common words it changes to weird words like “yacht”, “pancakes”, or “mango.” These can be okay, but you want to make sure that they catch the mistake on their phone before they try to text someone important. These are fun to pull on your friends, and this is not hurting anyone, plus they just make people feel confused about what is happening. When they find out, they will start laughing. The pranks that go too far are terrible. I have heard of so many times where people think that it is funny, but it leaves the
victim damaged and sad. There is a line that people cross where you can’t go back. Anything where someone is physically harmed is just off limits because you can go around actually hurting people. Some of the harms from pranks can be unseen. Your pranks can really hurt people. There are no words to describe how it feels when people start laughing at you, and you didn’t think it was funny. Overall, there are pranks that can go too far, but it all depends on whom you play it. Some people may not care, so the most important part to planning your jokes is to know how your “victim” reacts. So have fun this April Fool’s Day, and remember to confuse and not abuse!
Denicia Aragon Editor In Chief. We have all heard of the horror stories and watched the videos that warned us about the dangers of drinking and driving, especially on prom night. As teenagers, it’s in our nature to believe we are invincible, that nothing can defeat us; not even death can touch us. However, we do not realise the the one thing that can hurt us the most is ourselves and the decisions that we make. Watching our
A Shattered Dream
very own students show us what one wrong decision can cost us made me open my eyes to the fact that I am not invincible, and real life has it’s consequences, regardless of whether or not you knew it was a bad idea before you sat in the car. During the demonstration, I witnessed a few key factors that really stuck out. It was obvious the car was totaled, but thinking about how much force went into causing the car to end
up that badly, must have been massive. The driver must have not even realized how fast he was going. Plus, the one who was drinking and driving wasn’t nearly as hurt as those who weren’t driving or the other car’s passengers. This goes to show, it could be deadier to let someone else drink and drive, even if it isn’t you. If you just keep saying,“It was just a presentation, not real life,” it doesn’t change the fact that
the scenario they portrayed can and has happened before. “Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving accident” (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). If the statistic isn’t enough for you to be convinced, then watching that demonstration and listening to Lonnie Leslie and Leticia Zarate stories at the school assembly should have given you a wake-up call. We watched three of our
Purple Press, March 31, 2015
own students, friends, and loved ones, get taken out of a destroyed car and put into body bags. We are fortunate to have seen it as an act before we were to see it actually happen. It took great courage for Lonnie Leslie and Leticia Zarate to stand up to an entire school and tell their stories. It must have been hard to say all that they did, and we should all be thankful for their coming to visit us. We, as a student body,
3
are very fortunate to have teachers and principals that care for us so much that they wanted to ensure we are being safe and careful. Not just on Prom night, but every time we are getting behind the wheel of a car. Teenagers make stupid decisions every day; it’s in our DNA. Please, don’t let drinking and driving or letting someone else drink and drive be one of them. This decision may be the last one you ever make.
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Maya Mack Staff Writer
Yes, Prom Date
Imagine walking towards Leon Williams stadium being lead by a trail of doughnuts, then all of the sudden you walk onto the field and see the crush of your dreams standing there dressed as you favorite superhero with a box of doughnuts that written of the inside was the word “Prom?” Just the thought of walking in with someone on your arm and the cute
Dannelle Kirven Staff Writer
No Prom Date
Okay, ladies and Gentlemen, it is once again that time of year…. PROM SEASON!!! Promposals and corsages are definitely in the air as Prom quickly approaches us, and the one thing everyone seems to be scrambling for is a date. But who needs one? While taking a date could mean a free ticket and dinner, is it really worth it? There are so many risks when you decide to take a date to Prom. For example, if you
prom picture you’d be able to take draws people to try and find the perfect date. And then you can forget that awkward moment when your favorite slow jam comes on and you are just sitting there without a dance partner, because you have a prom date. You spend your whole Saturday getting ready, and then your date rings on your doorbell and you open the door and you’re shocked with amazement.
To Date or
memorable nights ever.
It is time for the two of you to get in the car and head out to
dinner, whether you are meeting up with a prom group or it is just the two of you, you know that’ll you will have a great dinner. There is nothing better than sitting down and having great conversation on great food. When you walk into the restaurant people will be in “Aw” because you two just so happen to be the most stunning people to walk into the restaurant. You are both laughing and having a great time and you can’t help but feel that this is going to be on of the most
Dates mean matching colors; and, for the boys, this could mean a world of confusion. Girls can find a prom dress in any color under the sun while a boy, on the other hand, might not find the exact shade of “tickle me pink” that his date is looking for, leaving the quality of your Prom photos up in the air. Speaking of Prom photos, do not get me started on that traditional “Prom pose.” Back to the wardrobe, the moment every lady is looking forward to is slipping into her heels after she puts on her dress. But, for
the girls whose dates may be a bit vertically challenged… you’ll be slipping into ballerina flats, once again compromising not only your fun but your ideal Prom look. Now, this may only be for the gentleman, but the cost for you young men is usually through the roof! First, you have to purchase you and your date’s ticket. Depending on how long you wait, this could cost you up to $100.00, but that is only the start. Dinner could be anywhere from $50$75, and do not forget the corsage (Accord-
ing to promadvice.com the standard corsage is approximately $35.00). So there you have it, Fellas. Before you know, it you have spent over $200.00 on what is supposed to be the best night of your senior year, not the most expensive. Not to mention you just might fall victim to the “nodancing” date. In addition, going to prom with friends opens you up to many more Promitunities, such as taking cute photos in the photo booth with all of your friends, and being able to switch up your
You think to yourself how is it possible for someone to look this good. You both are ecstatic because your color coordination plans have falling into place perfectly. Now it is time to take those prom pictures you have been waiting for all day. You both fall into promposes so naturally. You’re having fun and you couldn’t be happier that you have this great date to share it all with.
Now it’s inevitable that this moment will happen at some point in the night, you and your friends are dancing and have a great time to the newest and most hype songs and then the DJ cuts the record and John Legend’s slow songs begin to come on. Everyone gets with their date or dancing partner and you just fall back from the crowd. OH WAIT, that does not happen to you because you have you smoking hot date
Nahh to Date?
are a person who likes to hit the dance floor and your date doesn’t, you’re obligated to sit out and miss all the memories being made on the floor. Aside from not being able to get your groove on, taking a date means having to compromise your fun. If your date drove and he or she is ready to go at 10, but Prom doesn’t end until 12, you’re just out of luck… or stuck walking; and, if you’re a female, walking home in your heels won’t be the highlight of your night. However, these are only the beginning of your troubles.
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coming to swoop in and sweep you right off your feet. You both dance the night away to those slow songs while thinking to yourself, “This is the greatest night ever.” Now that the night has wrapped up you have all of these fantastic memories with the crush of your dreams, from the way you guys looks, to the amazing dinner you to share and then ripping it up on the dance floor. You’ll have memories
dancing partner. Going to Prom alone or with friends also establishes your independence, letting all of your peers know that you are a strong, independent high school junior/senior and you don’t need a Prom date! All you need is your best dress and your best friends to have the time of your life and memories that will last you a life time. So, don’t stress if you haven’t asked someone to Prom, and don’t fret if you haven’t been asked. The way I see it; No Prom Date -- No Problem! *Special Notice – Prom will be held a month earlier this year, and will now be on April 18th.
Top Row: Holi Robinson, Kyle Dunning, Dannelle Kirven, Maya Mack, Jerrika Lopez-Wilson Bottom Row: Michael Lynch, Christa Lemmons, Mackenzie Credle, Denicia Aragon, Mr. Martinez (Advisor) Not Pictured: Maria Hudson, and Berta Sanchez 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: Augustine Martinez Editor-In- Chief: Denicia Aragon Co-Editor: Jerrika Lopez-Wilson Staff Writers: Christa Lemmons, Mackenzie Credle, Kyle Dunning, Michael Lynch, Dannelle Kirven, Maya Mack, Holi Robinson, Maria Hudson,and Berta Sanchez. Publisher: Clovis News Journal • 521 Pile St PO Box 1689 Clovis, New Mexico 88102 (575) 763-3431