JFK Times Fall 2011

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JOHN F. KENNEDY · THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF QUERÉTARO

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SPRING 2011 VOL. 1 NO. 8 ·

nov 2011

vision

To facilitate the balanced development of our students; with commitment and respect for the local community and a multicultural world.

Mirtha Stappung M.Ed., MA General Director

Debra Cortney MA Pre–school Principal

Mark Dunn M.Ed., MA

Have someth

ing to say

Elementary School Principal

Tara Fitzgerald Ed. Admin., MS Middle School Principal

Adrian Leece MA, BSc, FRMtS High School Principal

Arturo Bustamante Athletic Department Director

Dra. Josefina Morgan Financial Director

Jeffrey Lewis

OPERATIONS AND SERVICES DIRECTOR

D R'S ay

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G U A

N IO R T U ’S A O R T R F A I B O GU IR P JA S

writers

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Andrea Mier, Francelia C. Avila, Laura Davis, Julia Prats, Mónica Serrano, Mónica Duarte, Luza Arredondo, Karla Ríos, Vanessa Aguilera, Gabriela Castellanos, Luz Calzada, Editorial Committee.

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Editor in chief and Chair of the editorial board

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Lic. Mónica Duarte Balcárcel

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Board of Directors

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Lic. Roberto Loyola Vera, Ing. Ángel de Lope Friedeberg, Lic. María Antonieta Cuellar Minguet, C.P. Benito Adolfo Tagle Jiménez, Arq. Matthew Schmidt Covo, Dr. Raúl Gerardo Paredes Guerrero, Lic. Luz Ma. Aguirre Schoelman

Leonor Cortina

Proofreading and translation

Héctor Muñoz · sextosentido Design

Karla Ríos, Víctor Ortega, Asbed Levi, Luza Arredondo, Verónica Díaz, Schmidt Family, Vanessa Aguilera, Gabriela Castellanos, Luz Calzada, José Guerrero

STORY

Andraetoa Lob COVER

F CLASS O

2005

Photography

Asbed Levi · sextosentido COVER PHOTO Alumni contact

Mónica Duarte mduarte@jfk .edu.mx Advertising Sales

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Rocío Ramírez Tel. (442) 218 0075 ext. 1010 rramírez@jfk.edu.mx

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REUNIONS & SNAPSHOTS

Times Message from our General Director

Mirtha Stappung M.Ed., MA General Director

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As you look through this magazine you too will sense the pride and the enthusiasm that is such an important part of our daily life.

GREAT SCHOOLS ARE MADE OF GREAT PEOPLE‌

We have a great school community! One indicator of that was found in a report from our international quality assurance team, SACS AdvancED, who visited the campus last year. Their evaluation is important in our efforts to maintain international recognition as a quality school.

One often mentioned comment of that visiting team, was about the great school spirit that prevails among students, teachers, staff and parents. They perceived the strong sense of belonging and pride found in each one of the members of our community.

As you look through this magazine you too will sense the pride and the enthusiasm that is such an important part of our daily life. Frequent comments from our many generations of alumni also express their continued feelings of school spirit and their memories of this school as a fantastic place to be. We are sure that you will enjoy the following pages with their stories, interviews, anecdotes and much more!

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OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS BY OUR FACULTY OR STUDENTS

Students in Pandemia

dedicate many hours to practice. It would be impossible to write about each one of the gifted students in the school because there are so many, so we will present you four bright students and skilled musicians. Three of them are in the school band, Pandemia, and all of them have something in common: their passion for music.

The Composer

Paulina Pedraza is a tenth grader who was recently accepted to a two-week summer course at the prestigious Juilliard School of Arts in New Fausto thinks that students from the band are really motivated and committed, he believes they York after sending part of her work and being selected. She composes her own music based on have a lot of musical culture, some of it given her feelings and what she wants to express, “It is at home. Students seem more interested than like therapy” says Paulina. Her interest in music, ever in taking up music, “I hope the music IB is especially playing the piano, started at a very opened for next year” said Fausto. Previously we only had two concerts per year, but since 2010 the young age when her grandma used to play it for her. Although she is used to hearing clasnumber of concerts has been increasing, “there

By Andrea Mier 11th grade student

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t the JFK High School, many talented students are making their mark in music. Pandemia, the high school band, had to be divided because of the growing interest and talent of students, as well as the interest in different music styles. The first division is a rock band, and the second plays more romantic songs, it has Matthew Dean’s support, the new economics teacher and a good musician according to Fausto Cerda, the music teacher.

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“There are more students with a lot of talent and a need to express themselves through music, and their peers want to see more and enjoy hearing and watching the band play, the community itself is asking for it”

are more students with a lot of talent and a need to express themselves through music, and their peers want to see more and enjoy hearing and watching the band play, the community itself is asking for it” added Fausto. Besides the scheduled concerts, Pandemia has a final project: to play Metropolis 1, a song by Dream Theatre “It´s almost classical; at Beethoven’s level. It´s going to be a challenge” finalized Fausto Cerda.

The key to the success of the music program lies in the talented and motivated students that

sical music since she was little, she plays a bit of everything “I composed three songs of three and a half minutes that are a mixture of classical and contemporary music” added. Music is a big part of Paulina´s life and even though she wants to study interior design right now, the music option hasn´t been discarded.

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The Drummer

Roberto Escoto is a drummer who also plays the guitar. “They are two different worlds, the guitar and the drums, so I can’t say I would prefer one over the other because they are both so opposite and unique. So basically, they are both my favorite instruments to play”, commented Roberto. He started playing the drums when he was in fifth grade and keeps doing it now with great fascination. His favorite music genres are jazz and progressive, even though he´s in tenth grade, he already knows that he will study either music interpretation or composition.

The Singer

The second student is Pamela Castellanos, a singer who was inspired by the movie The Titanic, “the thing that started it all” as she use to call it. Although her family went to the medicine direction, she went to the music one. She does not play any instrument, but would like to play the piano and violin. She is still not certain where she wants to study, but already knows what she wants: to study music, singing to be exact, and would like to mix it with modeling and acting.

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usic in school has been creating more interest amongst students, teachers, and directors. “We have clearly been receiving a lot more attention from our peers, and more people around the school you would never think had an interest in music are suddenly joining the music program” said Pamela.

The school has been giving them support as well.

The music program was just provided with new equipment, like a new Yamaha drum set, an electronic piano, and microphones. There is still more to be done, but so far the music team, students, and teachers, have done a great job. Keep an eye out for the next school concert so you can hear these talented musicians for yourself.

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Diego has already chosen what he wants to do: compose and play jazz, his preferred genre. He is considering studying at UC Berkeley.

The Guitarist

Two other talented students are graduating at the end of the school year, however they will be remembered in the school as the great musicians they are. One of them is Diego Hinojosa, a skilled guitar player. He has been playing the guitar for five years and has no intention of stopping, “I started playing the bass, but changed to the guitar because I thought I could do more sounds with it”, said Diego, having that level of mastery requires a lot of practice. Diego is still taking lessons and practices between three to four hours every day, although he would like to practice more. He also plays the saxophone, though he prefers and focuses more on the guitar. Being a twelfth grader automatically means to start thinking about careers and colleges and Diego has already chosen what he wants to do: compose and play jazz, his preferred genre. He is considering studying at UC Berkeley.

THE JFK SPIRIT

Francelia C. Avila 12th grade

-JFK students- feel an innate wish to give When I was about to enter 11th grade, one a little of what we have, without receiving of the things I was most worried about was anything material in return. the social service requirement I would have During my JFK High School experience, I realized to meet as part of the IB Diploma Program.

I have been able to participate in several it was the Having always been a person who considers social service activities. These projects have opposite; time a precious commodity, I was concerned made me reinforce friendship bonds and being that sharing a few hours of my afternoon to discover qualities I did not know I had. This selfish and help others would prevent me from focusing year for example, I am an English teacher for giving not on my studies and classes. However, soon after the National Institute for the Education of part of my starting my social service project I realized it Adults (INEA). Working with these people was the opposite; being selfish and not giving has made me realize that -contrary to what is time to part of my time to help my community would believed- many Mexicans drop out of school help my prevent me from achieving complete academic not because they want to, but because their community excellence. financial situation forces them to. Furtherwould I have always believed that we don’t just learn more, my participation in this project has prevent for school, but for life. I am proud to say that also allowed me to discover my passion for me from this ideology is also part of the mission of our guiding others in the road of learning. achieving school, and that’s why JFK constantly offers Giving a little of what I have to help others, complete us the opportunity to get involved in projects has permitted me to live experiences and academic which allow us to use the tools acquired within feel emotions that can’t be described with ence. excell the classroom to build a better world. Beginwords. I am grateful that our school proning in kindergarten, we are able to experivides the opportunity for and encourages ence the great satisfaction that helping others us to participate in various social service brings and this commitment to our community continactivities. Believe me, you will not be disappointed for having contributed to your community and making this ues to be reinforced through all sections of the school.

The participation in social service activities makes us world a better place.

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Teaching Social Responsibility

JFK Gives Back

At JFK we believe in driving development of our community as a whole, so we can all benefit from every effort. Community service is

projects giving service to communities in need.

These are some of the results we have proudly achieved through our Social Service Programs in the last five years.

part of our identity as a committed institution. We consider it a generous attitude towards life and not just a mere activity, a valuable

INEA

Our students taught basic education and computer skills to 818 adults.

Habitat for humanity

JFK students and parents have built close to 40 houses.

Clothing drive

Over 6,000 complete sets of clothing, valued at over 1’200,000.00 pesos collected by parents and students.

Support

For local public and private schools.

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lesson that enriches our life and helps us learn about ourselves and our world. This is why every grade in our school is actively involved in

Best Buddies

Hogares Providencia

JFK students have collected food donations valued at $96,812 pesos.

JFK students have collected food donations valued at $96,812 pesos.

Music Scholarship For interested non-JFK students.

Over 280 people in 3 centers have received visits from our students.

JFK students worked with over 130 mentally challenged people.

Food Bank of Querétaro

Food Bank of Querétaro

Alzheimer Centers

Sinanka’y and San Sebastian (Nursing Homes)

Students provided services to over 280 senior citizens.

JFK Recycled Aluminum Campaign

Money donated yearly to UAQ Animal Shelter.

(Orphanages) Through our annual collection campaign, we provide over 60 orphaned children with milk for the entire year.

Firehouse Supplies

SOJA, A.C.

Educational materials

Dreams comes True Program

Annual Toy Drive

Jurica Reforastation Program

School Composting

JFK students made materials worth $50,000 pesos for two local special needs schools.

Children’s Day Celebration

Students and parents yearly visit to Jurica’s elementary public school provide food and piñatas for 350 students and teachers with a value of $248,750 pesos.

Over $150,000 pesos in supplies collected for three firehouses in Querétaro.

(Children with cancer) - JFK students assisted over 200 children.

Parents and students plant over 150 trees per year.

Plastic Recycling program – Proceeds support environmental groups in Querétaro.

Toys in good conditions valued at over $150,000 pesos collected by students.

Created over 15 tons of soil used on JFK football field and plants on campus.

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THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

The Spirit of Service

An inspirational person serves as an example for others and drives us to achieve more than what we would on our own.

That person plants a seed within each of us that then grows into something unique. When searching for inspiration at JFK, we don’t need to go far. We can find it within our own student body. Four young ladies that I had the opportunity to interview: Montserrat Garza, Valeria Martinez, Clara Montes, and Monica Serrano are truly inspirational. They exemplify the spirit of the IB social service program, CAS, and serve as role models not only for their peers, but for the entire community.

All four students have developed projects that have had a positive impact on the community. Their CAS projects and portfolios were so impressive that they were invited to participate in InterCAS, a conference for social service projects. They were sponsored through CAS and traveled all the way to Ecuador to participate in this project.

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"The worst mistake you can make is to do social service out of pity"

Laura Davis - 10th grade English teacher and Julia Prats – 12th grade

Teaching English at "La Alegría de los Niños" But before that began, the motivation to make an impact started within each one of these students. They all had a desire to make a positive impact and created unique projects to accomplish that. Monica Serrano started teaching English at "La Alegría de los Niños", a foster home for children who have been taken away from their families due to inappropriate or abusive living conditions. She participated in a section that was dedicated to helping the older children transition to independent living as they were technically too old to live in the foster home. While doing that work, she and Valeria Martinez noticed

that the children there had lost faith in people and shut themselves off emotionally. They had become closed off and didn’t socialize well.

Monsterrat Garza mentioned that the children even had trouble trusting them as volunteers because so many people volunteer once and say they will come back, but never return. The children were very cautious about opening up, even to themselves.

The three girls identified a key issue that seemed to be holding these children back from being whole and happy. Not only did they do that, they also identified the same issues in themselves and really empathized with the young kids. “It’s hard when you’re growing up in a society where you can’t show your emotions,” mentioned Valeria. “You repress your emotions and then they build up.” So the girls came up with a way to give these children an outlet. According to Monica, they aren’t helping the children, they are giving them the tools to help themselves. The main tool they use is theatre. They use games, acting, and art to connect the kids with their own emotions, learn to interact more with others, and gain confidence in their own abilities.

The lasting impact of the Theater Project The program has had a lot of success. The children’s teacher has noticed that the kids who participate in the project have been more responsive to her and that the students have even been able to relate better to each other.

Monserrat and Valeria shared with me stories

of students who opened up to smile for the first time or who started participating in activities with enthusiasm when before they were held back by fear or insecurity.

I think that what is so special about these girls and the projects they are creating is the motivation behind it. They aren’t doing service for the recognition, nor to complete the IB program, nor for the grades. They are doing it because of a deep connection to the feelings of others and a sense of oneness with humanity.

“When you get out of your bubble of different realities, in the end it’s just one. We’re human, we are the same,” Valeria affirmed for me. She also added, “the worst mistake you can make is to do social service out of pity.”

When asked to share advice for those who would like to be more active in social service, the girls had plenty. They said that you should open your mind to different perspectives. People are afraid of differences. Fear can be your worst enemy or your best teacher. You should open your mind and confront challenges. They said not to be afraid to do something you think might not make a big change. You can even start by just helping a friend with their math homework. All small ideas become something big.

In fact, this ‘small article’ had to become a two-part feature because of all of the inspirational words from these young ladies. In the next issue, you will read about Clara Montes, her trip to Ecuador, the Eco-Club, and other students who are making an effort to leave a better world for future generations.

They aren’t doing service for the recognition, nor to complete the IB program, nor for the grades.

They are doing it because of a deep connection to the feelings of others and a sense of oneness with humanity.

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A FOCUS ON OUR STAFF

Miss Ana Julia Flores

Mexican History and Theory of Knowledge teacher.

By Mónica Serrano Quintero – 12th B

Being a teacher takes great commitment because we are helping students become future Mexican citizens with capital letters.

Mónica Miss Ana Julia, what can you tell us about yourself?

Ana Julia I was born in Mexico City. I have two daughters, six grandkids and this year I celebrated my 36th wedding anniversary. 17 years ago we decided to live in Queretaro and we have been very happy. I studied History at the Universidad Iberoamericana, I also have a Masters degree in Educational Leadership and I’ve finished a “Diplomado en Competencias” specialized in High School teachers.

M How long have you been a teacher?

A I started teaching in 1974; stopped for several years to become a housewife and mother, and started teaching again in August 2001 at the Kennedy. Last year I got the 10th year recognition.

M What made you become a teacher?

A Ever since I was a little girl I liked teaching.

As a History student my job options were teaching or research; I never saw myself all day long in an archive, so when I was in the fifth semester I was offered a teacher position in the Oxford School, it was a great experience and it helped me decide on being a teacher.

M What has been your biggest challenge in teaching?

A One of my biggest challenges was that first year when my former teachers became my colleagues and my little friends became my students. Another came eleven years ago when I started working at three schools. But every day I face the challenge of making students interested in what happened in the past.

M What does it mean for you to be a teacher?

A I believe that a teacher’s job is to guide students in their personal development, because they are going to be the men and women in whose hands the politics, the economy, the creativity, and why not the teaching of future generaM Have your students taught you something? tions, will be. As teachers in this school we are helping them become citizens of the world.

A I will always be learning from you. You have taught me how to use technology; you have M Do you think being a teacher means a commitment? shared with me your knowledge and I have A Being a teacher takes great commitment because we learned attitudes and values from you. Last year are helping students become future Mexican citizens with a student taught me the value of family solidarcapital letters, aware of their own identity, that will try to ity. You have also taught me to pursue my goals transform Mexico into a united, rich, honest country by and dreams; and every day you teach me to see fulfilling their responsibilities to make it the great country life through the eyes of youth. we should be proud of.

M What do you like the most M Would you like to share with us something more? about being a teacher?

A I thank you for considering me for this interview.

A I like to be able to share my experiences, to I thank God for being able to work in what I really enjoy leave a seed of interest in the history of your in an atmosphere of respect and empathy. One of my country. Mexico would be a much better country goals is to share with other teachers what I have learned if we loved it, but we cannot love what we do not so I can leave a better world for future generations. know. I like that sparkle in your eyes that means “I am interested” or “I understood” or “I can M Thank you very much for you time and your words. really apply that to my life”. It makes me feel Our readers will be glad to get to know you a little that I am making a difference. better through this interview.

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PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR OUR MODEL OF EDUCATION

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SPORTS

WHAT ARE WE UP TO?

The support and commitment of parents, faculty, alumni and friends have made education a reality for thousands of students. Remember that your gift, no matter how great or small, will make our school stronger for our students.

We have established a $1’000,000.00 pesos goal.

Renewing our auditorium

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Our auditorium represents the soul of our school.

Name Escuela John F. Kennedy A.C. Bank BBVA Bancomer CLABE 012680001709099635 Account No. 0170909963

If you made a donation or if you need a tax deductable receipt, please send the deposit slip to: Mónica Duarte mduarte@jfk.edu.mx

By Mónica Duarte • Editor in Chief

The goal of our 2011-2012 Annual Campaign

At the beginning of the school year we witnessed the great fruits of our Annual Campaign; a modern, colorful, multipurpose court will enable our school to host sporting events opening new and important opportunities for our athletes.

It took a lot of work and help to take this project from a wish to a reality. Aside from the traditional events which drive our

If you wish to make a donation to the Annual Campaign 2011 – 2012, this is our Deposit Account:

Annual Campaign, such as the Kermesse and the Christmas Bazzar, we hosted very successful events that will become part of our cherished Kennedy traditions.

The Golf Tournament and the JFK Race were the result of an enormous team effort. They both appealed to the whole family –three generations having fun together– and the whole Kennedy community participated to make

them a smashing success. Now, it is time to establish a new challenge.

The 2011-2012 Annual Campaign has the goal of modernizing a very important space in the Kennedy’s life: our Auditorium. This place sets the stage for our most important events; from sports matches, to alumni reunions, from conferences to theater performances, from concerts to dances and graduations.

Our auditorium truly represents the soul of our school… and we want it to shine more than ever. For this, we have established a $1’000,000.00 pesos goal. To reach it we will

call again upon the 40 companies that have believed in us to sponsor our efforts; the legions of volunteers that have made our events a success; our alumni, who are always eager to participate, but most of all, to the generous participation of each and every member of our great community, because every donation, no matter how small, counts. We will keep you posted throughout the year to let you know how we are closing in on the goal.

We count on you to make this new challenge a reality!

It is time to establish a new challenge.

Every donation counts.

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Our m o C mitamrethnt with E no Knows ries Bounda

Green School

Feature Story

We are proud to inform you that our school will be participating in the GREEN SCHOOL project, launched by SEP and SEMARNAT to certify schools that sponsor an integral program with the commitment of contributing in a positive way to the environment.

JFK will be a leader in environmental management

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Our school has worked in pro of the environment through our Eco Club. Know we will take this effort one step further by taking on a challenge that requires high quality environmental education and the active involvement of students, parents, teachers and staff.

We will work through the school year in 5 directions:

Soon we will let you know the activities, we are planning to reach these goals. If we work together we will receive our certification on June 2012.

Help us step up to this challenge!

4. Efficiency of electric consumption

1. Environmental Education

2. Management of solid residues 3. Efficiency of water consumption 5. Community environmental actions

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Our t Commitmrten with Ea noh s ow Kn Boundaries

Feature Story

Green School

By Miss Luza Arredondo and Karla RĂ­os

The Schmidt del Rio family faces the National Geographic Environmental Challenge Congratulations to Mr. Matthew, Ms. Michele, Lucia and Natalia!

With ideas, assertive comments and suggestions to improve our non-formal educational practices, our active and committed Kennedy families have already made an important mark in our community. A good example of this is the Schmidt del Rio family which has shown us that making a difference is possible and that it is necessary and urgent for all of us to join in a change of attitude.

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Please highlight for us the achievements you have had.

What elements in your family history prepared you to adopt such friendly lifestyle to our planet?

It has been a more of a gradual awareness. We have been hearing about global warming since we were kids, but it is now that we are seeing and experiencing its effects. This is why we chose not to contribute to the problem but to be a small part of a total solution. Earlier this year, National Geographic convened its first environmental challenge to reduce carbon dioxide (http://360energydiet.com/about-the-diet/ ). Nine families from several countries were involved in it, and we were fortunate to represent Mexico. We had “coaches� who advised us every week to optimize resources.

What projects did you carry out in your home?

We separate garbage, recycle it at the collection center and make compost for the garden where we plant fruits and vegetables. Also, we do rainwater harvesting, treat water and reuse it in the garden, use solar energy, favor the consumption of local products, and substitute chemical cleaners for natural homemade ones. One day per week we eliminate our consumption of meat, we dry our clothes in the sun rather than in the dryer, and try to use our bikes as much as possible.

They are probably more benefits than achievements. This change in the way we do things has brought us very pleasant results, like savings of gas and time in making rounds to the school and other activities.

What insights have you received from your children?

It is funny, but the early adopters of green measures and authority quite naturally are the children. Once we explained to our daughters the importance of not wasting energy and water resources, they became small environmental detectives at home.

Do service personnel, family members or guests who come to visit you do the same?

The truth is we do not live in a radical way; it is a matter of initial organization and then it becomes routine. I do not believe that people who come to visit us have to do things in a different way as how they do in their own home.

What would you suggest to our Kennedy community?

Do not be afraid to change habits, it is not necessary to sacrifice any comfort to be able to live "green", you can start with one thing at a time and that change will inevitably lead to another. There is a lot of practical information now a days and tips on the web.

What message would you like to send to Kennedy School teachers?

The Kennedy has already traveled a long way on these issues.

The new Green School Certification brings endless opportunities for knowledge, environmental awareness and implementation. It's an incredible project which will probably involve and benefit the whole community.

Where to start with the cultural changes to our environment and life on our planet?

"Think globally and act locally" is a very wise phrase. We should begin with the simplest, so it is within our means and make a habit of it; for example: stop buying bottles of water, separate our trash, carry our own bags to the supermarket, turning off lights that are not in use , make rounds with our neighbors, and so on.

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Feature Story

By Michele Schmidt

Food is one of my favorite subjects, because it brings all of my interests together, from growing organic fruit and vegetables at home, to shopping for it, to cooking and sharing it with friends and family.

Natalia and the magic sunflower from the garden (she planted them herself!)

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As long as we are talking about food, and our awareness of its source, a huge part of it has been because of Slow Food

http://www.slowfood.org/ We joined a couple of years ago and it’s been one of our best experiences. This is a description from their web site:

“Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.”

We belong to the local chapter in this part of the Country (El Bajío) and we have been able to meet excellent producers of cheese, honey, amaranth, delicious fruit, local bread bakers and many other top quality ingredients and food.

Our friend and coordinator for this area, Ada Solana, organizes field trips where families and producers spend the day together, and our children get to know real people behind real food. For example, they now know that the milk, cheese and butter we eat come from a ranch and live animals, and not the local supermarket!

We went to Dr. Peraza’s cheese farm in Querétaro — I swear it’s one of the best goat milk cheese I’ve ever tasted.

Thanksgiving

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We started producing our food two years ago. We plant on raised beds built out of the recycled wood planks used in the construction of the house; they have an automatic drip

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This is Lucía and our last fall harvest. We have some young fruit trees that already started bearing wonderful avocados, grapefruits, crabapples, figs, and limes.

irrigation system which makes it very easy to grow almost anything.

We are blessed living in Mexico.

Everywhere you go you can find a huge array of fresh ingredients year-round, and at very low price compared to other countries.

I do my shopping once a week at the main market, “Mercado de la Cruz”.

I have to admit that making the right choices isn’t always easy. We cannot get everything we like locally. As for our efforts in diminishing our meat intake, well, I don’t think we will be turning vegan any time soon but as I hear more about the benefits of turning to greens, the idea is getting a little more attractive.

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Andrea Lobato talks us about the challenges of working for the OAS in Washington, D.C., how she got there and what she has in store for the future.

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By Mónica Duarte • Editor in Chief

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We know you are in Washington, D.C. working for the OAS (Organization on American States), can you tell about your responsibilities and what you are accomplishing there?

a n i t n Arge 24

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I work in the Department of Human Development, Education and Culture of the Organization of American States. I am responsible for all the communications of the Scholarships Office. The OAS has a scholarship program that has been ongoing for more than 50 years. I was brought in last year to help with the communications materials for the 50th anniversary celebration.

Canadá Haiti 25

talk a r e b m e I rem after a i l u J a n A with Missst Delegate at the I won Be nd she told me that a Model UN longest paths begin even the one small step. with

and college, where you are evaluated based on your grades, for the first time being in a full time job the most important skills have been learning to work with people, being a team player and learning from the ones that have more experience.

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What has been your biggest challenge?

Professionally, having to be more diplomatic. When you are in such a serious and politicized environment, you really need to I then was asked to stay to continue per- be attentive to what you say. forming other tasks. My daily activities include Personally, being alone in another country is drafting press releases and announcements to challenging, you learn a lot about yourself and the Missions and Ambassadors, writing reports appreciate all of the things that most of the time you took for granted. Being away from for the Executive Secretary and the Secretary my country has made me realize all of the General, designing promotional materials for the department and webpage and social media good and bad things about it, and that it is important that we work towards trying to updates. Through our media campaign promoting our last scholarship program we broke make them better. the record for the most applicants received for What are your plans any OAS scholarships. for the future?

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For now, I think that I’ll be in DC for another year. I am looking forward to getting involved in new projects in the organization, It is a funny story, when we did one of the SAT exams at the Kennedy I got an invi- and getting more responsibilities. Later on I tation to go to a summer course in Georgetown want to pursue a Masters and in the longer University. I attended the Program the summer term, go back to Mexico and work somewhere before 12th grade and they took me to the OAS where I can make a change in policies regarding education and youth. as one of the tours. It was a beautiful 100 year old building just around the corner from the White House Gardens and they told me that there was an internship program for University students. I kept it in the back of my mind and when I was about to graduate from the University I decided to apply. I didn’t tell anyone and a month before I was supposed to start they told me I got it. When my internship was coming to an end they offered me a job here.

How did you arrive at this important job?

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What is your fondest memory of the Kennedy?

I will never forget the JFK, this is where I met a lot of my friends and I will always keep my memories in a very special place in my heart. Other than my friends, it is impossible not to remember some teachers who really made a difference in my life.

I remember a talk with Miss Ana Julia after I won Best Delegate at the Model UN and she told me that even the longest paths begin with one small step. She told me to be patient and to take pride in every achievement no matter how little it was, because it will always get me closer to wherever I wanted to go. I saved a little plaque she gave me and kept her words in my mind to this day.

What do these words mean to you?

Love What moves you to achieve y What holds incredible things. Famil strength. you together and gives you Success Achieving what you have

itment

been fighting for.Comm you believe Following through with what taro/ in and what you do. Queré México Two of my biggest loves inspire that define me as a person and me to do more.

Getting p hi the internhsing I was someptroud of was veryople apply because pel over the form al d only a world an t it. few ge

What has been your biggest discovery while working there?

It has been very exciting to be working in such an important organization in another country.

I have learned a lot of things and I have discovered how important it is to be prepared to deal with all types of people and situations that are out of your control. After high school

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What has been your biggest accomplishment since you left the school?

I have had some accomplishments since I left the JFK. Getting my first real job at the newspaper (a.m. QuerĂŠtaro) and writing there for four years was a very big achievement for me, and I am still writing from DC on special occasions.

Graduating from my career with honorable mention was also a very big accomplishment; I had good grades in middle school and high school but I was always struggling with math and physics. Once I was focusing on what I’m really passionate about it was easier to do better and improve my grades in university. Getting the internship was something I was very proud of because people apply form all over the world and only a few get it. After the internship, it was great to be offered a job just after graduating. From my group of 90 interns only 5 of us received job offers. I am thankful to be given the opportunity to work with great people and experts in the field from all over the world.

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What do you want to share with Kennedy students and alumni?

I would tell them to get involved in everything that the JFK offers. Sometimes when you are involved in things like IB, the student council and other activities you think it is just a waste of time, but everything that you do gives you some experience and perspective that later on will be useful. I remember the workload I had in 12th grade while I was doing the IB Diploma; after that, University seemed very manageable and my time management skills were great. Everything that you do will help prepare you for the future.

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What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love being around my friends. Traveling is one of my biggest passions and while I am in another country I love to explore the city and take every opportunity I have to meet new people, new places and have incredible experiences. fl 28

I er b m e m re orkload the wd in 12th as I ha hile I w w gradoeing the IBer d ma; aft DiploUniversity that,emed very. se ageable man

Class WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?

Melissa Menéndez Vallejo

"MELISSA MUNSTER" PARTICIPANT OF LA VOZ MÉXICO

an career as é an 11 year Following t singer, Melissa Men aindependen ,represented Querét w jo o le sh al y V it ndez ’s real in Televisa issa writes el ro’s talent M éxico". on "La Voz M s and participates pck su ro ’s c, et . L musi Sanz’s team ost public m Alejandro sa in the port Melis her career ! f o re tu adven

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Notes SINGER, MUSICIAN Class of ‘98.

Melissa Munster is a singer and songwriter, creator of her own genre, RockPop Chicloso or bubblegum Rockpop, which takes its name because of the immediate effect generated in the minds of the listeners. “You realize it’s bubblegum when you surprise yourself singing the song you just heard”. Love is the main theme of its compositions; romantic ballads and electric guitar rocker riffs and rhythms which will make you dance are also elements of this genre. A young and experienced truly Mexican rocker, accompanied live by her musicians.This year marks her 10th anniversary in the rock scene and her 3rd as a soloist surprising audiences from the underground with an explosive attractive live show.

Vanessa Aguilera

st 1 place La Voz Universitaria Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro

st 1 place

In the Rock con Estrella contest from Cerveza Estrella

st 1 place

This book tells a unique story of spiritual and consciousness awakening and development in a person just like us who, through her experiences, has been able to recognize the Evolution of light, present in her life from childhood and through every stage.

WRITER Class of ‘94

Vanessa Aguilera JFK alumni published several months ago her book “La Evolución de la Luz” (the evolution of light); here she shares how she accomplished the biggest achievement of her career: This book was born out of a kind of weird restlessness. I had been a holistic therapist and healer for some time and, ever more frequently, a little voice inside me said: Write… I did not really know what I would write about. Until one day I sat in front of the computer and decided to start without having the latest idea of what it was to come out. And the, magic happened!

Words started flowing and I could not stop until the book was finished. This has been a great achievement for me because writing a book is like bearing your soul and, much to my surprise; it was an ambivalent process because it involved pleasure as well as pain. Put in the end I really enjoyed it! It was not just the writing stage but what came afterwards, the promotion and getting a publisher. It was finally published by Palibrio. You can get it at the momento in amazon.com and in palibrio.com; also at the Bioenergetics Center, in Juriquilla, Queretaro.

In the Monttana Idol contest from rocker Charlie Monttana

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JFK's Time Capsules At the John F. Kennedy School, one of our biggest prides is our graduates to whom we say good bye every June to start a new adventure away from their home at the Kennedy. But their leaving does not mean they are no longer with us. We have a direct contact with our alumni through several media, including this magazine, but we also want to preserve a part of them. That is why the JFK’s Time Capsules were created.

It is already a tradition that on the day the school offers a good bye lunch to the 12th graders, that same morning there is a ceremony where all of that years graduating class, deposit in an urn, letters, yearbooks, memories, pictures and whatever they want to preserve. This urn is then hermetically sealed to be opened six years later in a special ceremony where all students from that Class are also invited to share memories, anecdotes and the experiences lived during those last years.

The first generation to live the JFK’s Time Capsule experience was Class of 2006 and it will be the first to open it and discover its wonderful memories in the ceremony that will take place in 2012.

This is, without doubt, a tradition that holds great meaning for JFK and all our alumni.

Remember this will always be your home.

REUNIONS & SNAPSHOTS ber Remem ll this wi e b s alway me. your ho

JFK's Grandmas Reunion

ment at grandWe had a beautiful mo Pre-school where parents' reading day in t 10 grandmas we had the visit of abou who have been and their grandchildren unity since their part of the JFK comm rgarten here. It children attended kinde all so excited was so nice to see them ar them telling to see each other and he w much they have other grandparents ho the years. It was enjoyed the school over a very moving moment!

84’ Class Reunion Class of ’84 had an incredible reunion at Juan Pablo Maza’s house where they had gathered several times before. This occasion came with the opportunity to say hi to Katy Paez who lives in France and visited Queretaro during the summer. Gabriela Badilla, Gabriela Castellanos, Ricardo Badilla, Lorena Aguayo, Beatriz Carrera, Manuel Robles, Helmut Huber, José Antonio Urquiza, Juan Pablo Haza, Marco Montero, Ariane Witte, Mauricio Suárez, Angélica Loy, Anya Saucedo, Miguel Romero and Begoña Llanos, were present at this lunch.

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81’ Class Reunion The idea to meet again came from the Alumni Breakfast that took place last year at the JFK. I realized then our 30th anniversary from leaving school was up. I looked for José Guerrero and asked him to help me organize the event and search for our classmates.

In the first reunion we had, I had taken with me the first and only yearbook we ever had. From then, we used Facebook and every means available to look for our classmates.

The previous gatherings were a lot of fun because we remembered friends, teachers and stories that some of us had forgotten. Truth be told, we all shared a special love for the school.

During our 30th Anniversary Reunion we met classmates we had not seen since Middle School. François Brenta

ing Second Row stand rmo ille left to right: Gu nzález, Go el nu Calzada, Ma y r be Hu Juan Pablo .

Salvador Malagón

a left to right: Susan First Row standing relos, Mo ia cil Ce , a Reyes Sánchez, Margarit de la ue riq En ín, nd fael La Jorge Cevallos, Ra Calzada, ero, Luz del Carmen Cuadra, José Guerr y Mauricio Romero.

Gerardo Martínez

even sent us a video so we could know what he’s been up to.

One thing we all perceived was that we still share the love and trust we had when we were kids, as if time had not passed in these three decades.

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Alumni Breakfast at JFK

June 16, 2012

Save the date We are waiting for you!

For more information: Communication office Ph +52 (442) 218 0075 ext. 1006, 1010 news@jfk.edu.mx 34

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