April 25, 2008

The Magnet

TR

I B U N

Vol. 15, No. 5

E

April 25, 2008

Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications & Fine Arts, 1701 Victoria St., Laredo Texas 78040

A state- and nationally recognized student newspaper

Students: Recruiting went well

BY ASHLEY REILLY MT STAFF WRITER

S XV años Art student gets Star Award

page 2 Web site gets a new look

tudents believed recruiting at the middle schools was a success.

Many students performed and presented some form of insight to their departments.

“The middle school students were attentive in listening to what we had to offer. They applauded in each presentation and were willing to participate by being quiet when the presenters were speaking or performing,” explained Annie Miller, senior dance student.

The students from VMT believe each presentation went well and caught the eyes of many middle school students.

“I believe we did well. We did get a handful of students sign up for our department,” stated Anibal Jimenez, Conjunto Extremo member.

The middle school students showed interest in the magnet school and were interested in See RECRUITING, page 9

MT photo by Juan Olivares Azahy Ayala and Orlando Moreno perform “Suavemente” during recruiting at Christen Middle School. They are students of instructor Mary Ellen Leyendecker.

Seniors, conjuntos raise $600 for charity

BY ALYSSA GARZA MT STAFF WRITER

page 4 Bulimia, una enfermedad mortal

Two of V.M.T’s bands, Conjunto Extremo and Conjunto Magneto in conjunction with the Senior Class raised $600 for the March of Dimes.

The bands and their sponsors, Robert Lopez and Billy Thatcher, organized a dance for the fundraiser that took place at Saint Peters Plaza on March 13.

Students, faculty, and staff were charged $1 for admission.

Seniors, with the help of Senior

Class co-sponsor Diana Martinez, sold tickets and volunteered for the event. Cans of soda and bottles of water were also sold to raise money.

The groups say they were inspired by the community service efforts of the V.M.T Senior Class of 2008, which raised $600 for the Adopt-A-Family program with the Quinta Essentia club.

“It’s nice to know that our Senior Class community service efforts encourage other clubs to do the same,” said Senior Class See $600, page 7

Earth Day-Arbor Day MT photo by Linda Obregon

page 6 ‘Shattered Dreams’ page 2 Students to state page 3

VMT on the Internet

http://vmt.elisd.org The world’s link to you

E-mail: The Magnet Tribune mt_writers@hotmail.com

Quinta Essentia members Nick Lopez, left, Lorie Zamarripa and Monica Garcia take part in a combined Earth Day-Arbor Day ceremony in front of the Treviño Center on Friday, April 25. Quinta Essentia sponsor is English instructor Gerardo Flores.

Read story in the next issue.

MT photo by Nancy Hernandez Afternoon students Alma Vasquez and Phillip Balli dance during the March of Dimes fundraiser March 13 at Saint Peter’s Plaza.

Dancers awarded Best Dance Group at parade

BY ANA GONZALEZ MT STAFF WRITER Dance students won the Best Dance Group category at the youth parade on Feb. 21.

“The participants involved were about 28 students in the Flamenco class and Folklorico,” said dance instructor Alicia Mckinnis.

“The judges from the parade liked the float,” Mckinnis said “The theme of the parade was It’s A Small World. The theme of the float was Alice in Wonderland, using the Winter Ball’s theme,” said school director Jose Cerda.

“The float was decorated

with some of the decorations used in the Winter Ball,” said Cerda.

The float was Cerda’s truck.

Besides winning first place for best float it also provided the music for the dancers as well.

“I was expecting (an award) because the students were very cheerful in the salsa libre (salsa dancing without a partner), and I think all of them tried their best. They were amazing. I’m so proud of them,” said Mckinnis.

“The students were very disciplined and I would like to thank Mr. Cerda. He was supportive, and he donated the See PARADE, page 2

The Magnet Tribune on the Internet: http://my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/laredo/vmt

2

School News

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

Broadcast students part of ‘Dreams’

BY JENNIFER GARCIA AND SARAH JO REYES MT STAFF WRITERS A fake car accident on March 13 was held at Martin High School to perform “Shattered Dreams,” and VMT broadcasting students were involved.

The event was held on March 13-14 to show young adults about the consequences about drinking and driving.

“The reason it’s called Shattered

Dreams is because all future dreams are shattered when you decide to drink and drive,” Jamin Teran, V.M.T.’s broadcast instructor.

Shattered Dreams started in 2001, and has been a huge influence on young adults.

“It helps out. They see the effects and everything that happens before and after,” stated Teran. “Even professional fire department and police members were in it as well to make it appear

more realistic.” “ I was greatly satisfied with all of the students’ performances. They were able to do a job not a lot of people can do,” said Teran.

“I can honestly say that I thought participating in Shatter Dreams wasn’t a big deal; but once my mom explained to me what it was about, I really wanted to do the part.” Ashley Salinas, a senior.

Peter Gonzalez, a sophomore, also

performed.

Roger Ramos, the senior behind the camera, had a great time filming this even as well.

“It was pretty good. “I liked it and it’s a good idea for students to see the consequences,” he said.

The T.V and radio students recorded the performance and have much footage.

“We used about four tapes,” Teran said.

Art senior gets ‘Star’ recognition

BY YAHAYRA L. RENDON MT STAFF WRITER Senior Jessica Martinez received a Star Award from the district for being recognized as an outstanding art student.

She received it in March at the Nixon High School gym.

Martinez received a certificate.

She felt excited for it until she saw the other people like football and basketball players receiving awards.

“It kind of lost its meaning seeing other students receiving a Star Award just for playing a sport, something everybody does. I tried my best in my art work,” Martinez said.

“Its not that I’m not grateful but it’s just seeing other students being recognized for sports. It bothered me” she said.

She explained why Jassie Rios art instructor nominated her.

“She sees what I go through and how dedicated I am and being an art major,” she said.

Rios explained why she nominated Jessica.

“I nominated her because I’ve known her since her freshmen year and I thought she was the best one.

I thought she had the ability to win,” Rios said.

Rios was pleased Martinez received the award.

“I was super happy for her because I wrote a long recommendation. There were many people nominated, and she won,” she said.

MT photo by Ana Silva Art student and senior Jessica Martinez sits next to one of her paintings in art instructor Jassie Rios’ classroom. Martinez received a Star Award from LISD.

PARADE, from page 1 dresses and mainly everything. The Flamenco and Folklorico dance crew represented the school with a banner. I also want to thank the teachers in the academic department,” added Mckinnis.

“It was hard but we worked through it,” said Dora Ramos, one of the students involved in this project.

“I was so nervous. I mean I was going to dance in front of a lot of people,” she said.

“Winning was fun and exciting I think we earned it,” said Ramos. “I expected to win because that was our goal,” she said.

“I enjoy dancing a lot, especially salsa because it’s different from the usual,” said Ramos.

“I want to thank Mrs. Mckinnis. She helped us a lot and she was the one that gave us confidence to be ourselves,” added Ramos.

“We practiced in the parking lot before the parade,” said freshmen Daisy Barajas, also one of the students involved.

“I think that it wasn’t hard. I mean I already had experience performing,” she said.

“Others also involved in the parade were all teams of all Laredo,” added Barajas.

Staff writer Amy Garcia contributed to this story.

Best Buy grants $2,000 to journalism program

BY MELISSA CADENA MT STAFF WRITER In February the Journalism program received a $2,000 Te@ch Award grant from Best Buy. This is the third consecutive year a group at school has received a Te@ch Award. Previous winners were the radio/TV program and the campus technology coordinator.

The requirement to receive this award was for teachers to write several essays explaining the reasons why their programs deserve the money and in what ways they would spend it.

Mark Webber, journalism teacher, said he was glad to have received $2,000, which came in a gift card.

“I was surprised we received the award. Competition is very tough, and it reflects Best Buy’s perception of programs that take advantage of technology,” Webber explained.

“I had to answer several tough essays questions on our program and how we would use these funds if we were to win,” he explained.

Students’ reactions were full of excitement over getting to spend $2,000 on new, modern equipment.

“We were really happy and surprised of knowing that we were going to receive such an award,” sophomore Keila Granados said.

“It was great finding out our program had won $2,000 to buy new materials,” sophomore Veronica Medellin added.

Webber and several students went to Best Buy on March 6 to select equipment, including a Canon digital single reflex lens camera and two lenses, two other digital cameras, memory cards, a back-up drive, tripod and other equipment.

Best Buy store manager Pete Lugo said the store is always willing to help schools with their technology needs.

“I thank Best Buy for helping us in this way. With their grant we’ve been able to give our journalism program a major upgrade with more and better digital cameras and other equipment we’ve badly needed but didn’t have money for,” Webber said.

A student agreed.

MT photo by Keila Granados From left, journalism students Veronica Medellin, Melissa Cadena, Nicia Gomez and Valerie Briseño look at digital single lens reflex cameras at Best Buy. The journalism program received a $2,000 Te@ch Award grant, which was used to buy cameras and other equipment.

“The equipment has helped us a lot in class. We can now take better quali-

ty pictures,” sophomore Nidia Gomez added.

3

School News

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

Senior advances to state meet

BY SAMANTHA HAWKINS MT STAFF WRITER Nixon senior and VMT choir student Ana Vargas recently advanced to the Solo and Ensemble state competition to be held at the University of Texas at Austin on May 24.

“This isn’t my first time going to state.

I went last year as a junior and got a 1,” said Vargas.

Others competing are juniors Estefania de Hoyos, Cindy Garcia and Cristal Flores.

Vargas has received 1s for vocal since eighth grade up until now and is feeling the pressure on maintaining her streak. A 1 is the highest rating a student can receive.

Her way of preparing included practicing day in and day out without end until her voice grew tired. She added there were certain foods such as chocolate, caffeinated drinks, and dairy products

she had to stay away from in preparation for the competition. Since these foods tend to do harm to your voice.

“Making state was such a huge deal for me. I did well in past competitions, but I feel that senior year was the year that it would really count,” Vargas explained when asked how she felt about the competition.

Vargas knew it wasn’t impossible to make it, but considering the music required so much energy and work, she didn’t believe she could have sang well enough to advance.

The Solo and Ensemble state competition will be held at the University of Texas in Austin on May 24. For choir soloists and/or and ensemble (also including students who advance on instruments) perform in front of a selected judge. The judge will then score their performance from a 1-5, one being the highest and five being the lowest.

Vargas will perform Ave Maria by Franz Schubert. Her teacher is music instructor Alejandra Rodriguez.

UIL Choir results State-qualifying (solos) Ana Vargas, 12th grade, 1st Class, 1st Place Estefania de Hoyos, 11th grade, 1st Class, 1st Place Cindy Garcia, 11th grade, 1st Class, 1st Place Cristal Flores, 11th grade, 1st Class, 1st Place Other results Valeria Escobar, 10th grade, 2nd Class, 1st Place Julissa Garza, 10th grade, 2nd Class, 1st Place Alexis Reyes, 10th, 2nd Class, 1st Place Karen Zavala, 10th 2nd Class, 1st Place Rene Martinez, 9th 2nd Class, 1st Place

MT photo by Nancy Hernandez SENIOR ANA VARGAS Source: Choir instructor Alejandra Rodriguez, http://vmt.elisd.org

D.D. Hachar Honors Program

MT photos by Ricky Soliz, top; Krystal Battistata, left Top, Students named to the D.D. Hachar Honors Program at TAMIU are, from left, Ashley Salinas, Noehly Garcia, Christine Rojas and Marissa Treviño.

Left, Melissa Treviño and Alma Vasquez were named to the D.D. Hachar Honors Program.

MT photo by Monica Garcia Students named to the D.D. Hachar Honors Program at TAMIU are, front row, Annie Miller, Laura Olivas, Lorie Zamarripa, back row: Arlyn Martinez and Leslie Widales.

Two piano students play way to UIL state

BY SELINA HERNANDEZ KRYSTAL BATTISTATA MT STAFF WRITERS

AND

Students Julie Hinojosa and Marissa Treviño performed solos in the UIL piano competition on Feb. 9.

Both girls didn’t expect getting a “superior” rating but were really excited they did, and are now going to state.

“I didn’t expect it in piano because piano isn’t my strongest skill, violin is,” said Hinojosa.

Both girls performed one solo in front of one judge.

“I performed Fantasy in D Minor Wolfgang by Amadeus Mozart,” said Hinojosa.

“I played Claude Debussy by Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum

MT photo by Amy Garcia Marissa Treviño, left, and Julie Hinojosa will compete at state in UIL piano in May. from Children’s Corner,” Treviño said.

This isn’t the first time Dr. Mary Grace Carroll, director of piano studies, has had students going to the state com-

petition.

“I’ve had students every year for the past fourteen,” she said.

Carroll had many extreme practices to prepare her stu-

dents for the UIL competition.

“We had structure practice techniques that we use and I had the students play for each other,” said Carroll.

Carroll was glad they gave their time to practice to prepare for the competition.

“I’m happy because the students were willing to sacrifice their time with family and friends to better themselves,” said Carroll.

After graduating from high school both students plan to continue studying music.

“I plan to minor in music in college,” Hinojosa said.

“After graduation I plan to go to college and major in music,” said Treviño.

UIL Solo and Ensemble piano results

State qualifying Julie Hinojosa, 12, Nixon, Superior, Class 1 Marissa Trevino, 12, Nixon, Superior, Class 1 Other results Peter Sanchez, 11, Martin, Superior, Class 2 Ivan Valdez, 10, Nixon, Superior, Class 2 Nicole Paez, 11, Cigarroa, Excellent, Class 2 Emily Garza, 11, Nixon, Excellent, Class 2 Trisha Botello, 10, Martin, Excellent, Class 2 Gladys Plasencia, 10, Martin, Excellent, Class 2 Krystal Dominguez, 10, Cigarroa, Excellent, Class 2 Source: Director of Piano Studies Dr. Mary Grace Carroll, http://vmt.elisd.org

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School News

Former student teacher now on the music faculty

BY OFELIA GONZALEZ MT STAFF WRITER Music teacher Billy Thatcher said he is proud to be part of the V.M.T staff.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to work at VMT. Everyone, from students to teachers and administrators, are very wonderful people,” he said.

Thatcher was a student teacher last fall, and joined the faculty in January.

Besides his own responsibilities, Thatcher helps out other music classes too.

“As of now, I am in charge of the VMT International Guitar Ensemble. However, I also help out “Conjunto Extremo” as well as “Conjunto Magneto.” In the afternoons, I also enjoy helping out the VMT Mariachi.

I mostly help out the armonia (guitarron, guitar, vihuela, and harp) section,” he said.

Thatcher works hard to

teach students who are willing to study music with him.

“I try to motivate students by letting them play songs that they as well as other audiences like to listen to.

Right now, we play songs from South America, North America, and Europe. Some students have also done their own original songs that are performed as well. Anyways, students will also learn music theory as well as techniques to improve their guitar skills,” he said.

Thatcher would like for his students to improve reading skills.

“As of now, I would like for my students to improve on reading more music (solo pieces) which will enable the student to compete and know where they stand and what they need to work on. Also, for the students to learn more songs as an ensemble,” he

MT photo by the staff Music instructor Billy Thatcher gives a lesson while student teaching late last fall. He joined the faculty in January. said.

Faculty and students are lucky, Thatcher said.

“I think both the teachers are very lucky to have the type of students we have here in VMT,

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008 and students to have such knowledgeable teachers that enable the student to really succeed,” he said.

Thatcher’s musical background is a big asset, he said.

“It helps me tremendously because I can relate to the students and let them know what they should or shouldn’t do and explain the reasons why,” he said.

Thatcher first got interested in music when he was in the seventh grade, according to a previous story in The Magnet Tribune, and is still learning.

His favorite instrument is the guitar.

“I love to play the guitar because I can create so many sounds, and it’s never ending,” Thatcher said last fall.

Thatcher was born in Laredo but went Zapata High School and was in a mariachi band, competed and got an award for best armonia rhythm (rhythm section).

Five years from now Thatcher wants to see himself still at the magnet school.

“I want to see myself here at VMT, but then with hopefully a master’s degree in music. This should help me become a better teacher to my students,” he said.

School’s Web site given a new look

BY AMANDA LEE CRUZ MT STAFF WRITER

http://vmt.elisd.org This is how part of VMT’s new-look home page appeared on April 25.

VMT’s Web site has undergone many changes these past few months, after Social Studies instructor Sean Gaynor was appointed as campus technology trainer.

His job requires assisting teachers in the use of important software programs and systems that help them to plan instruction and meet district data reporting requirements.

“Despite the fact that my new job is professionally rewarding to me, I do still have some regrets about having transferred out of the classroom. I miss interacting with students on a daily basis and getting to see them grow academically over time,” said Gaynor.

He redesigned the Web site to make it current and to more closely related to what teach-

ers and students are doing.

The new home page he created allows teachers to add events to department calendars, post student announcements, upload samples of student work and more.

“I would like to ask students to embrace the new Web site and try to use it as much as possible, and to go to your class pages to see when assignments are due and when exams are coming up,” said Gaynor.

People can also view the various school pages to keep updated with the fine arts departments.

“It is a tremendous privilege for students and teachers to be at VMT. Be proud of the work that you do here. Do your best and behave at all times. Be creative in your use of technology on campus, but do so in an appropriate manner (follow the user agreement),” said Gaynor.

Nurse puts info on Web site

BY SELINA HERNÁNDEZ KRYSTAL BATTISTATA MT STAFF WRITERS

AND

VMT’s Web site has now added a question of the week put up by nurse Patricia Keck, RN. Technology campus trainer Sean Gaynor told Keck about having a nurse’s page on the school’s Web site.

Keck thought this would be a way to communicate to students who have questions.

“It’s a good way to get information to teens about different topics,” said Keck.

The second message she put before spring break was about sties.

“I saw four kids and they all had sties and didn’t know anything about them, so I decided to write some information about them on the Web site,” said Keck.

About sties, she wrote, ”Ever had a red bump on your eyelid that hurts when you touch it? Most of these are sties, inflamed oil glands at the edge of your eyelid.

These are caused by bacteria from the skin that gets into the oil glands in the

eyelid.”

The current topic is about Gardasil, “the vaccine that protects women against cervical cancer.”

Keck hopes to get more ideas to write about from the students who have medically related questions.

“I am open to any questions or concerns any students may have about health issues,” said Keck.

To access the page, go to the Web site at http://vmt.elisd.org and click on “School Nurse” under “School Resources.”

http://vmt.elisd.org This is how the School Nurse site appeared on April 25.

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

School News

5

Art seniors display four years of effort

BY LINDA OBREGON MT STAFF WRITER Students displayed their talent and hard work at the eighth annual art show in the courtyard and upstairs. Each year senior students have an opportunity to showcase their artwork they’ve been working on since freshman year.

From drawings to paintings and advanced arts, students have different types of art to choose from to learn about.

Senior Crystal Muñoz explained what form of art she likes.

“I like to draw war stuff in black and white. I like disastrous scenes because it catches my attention. I want to put it out there that we are at war.

I mean they know, but I want to display it. It’s art,” she said.

She explained the purpose of this show.

“It is to exhibit my art work that I’ve done for the four years that I’ve been here.”

Muñoz has spent since freshman year preparing for this show. She finally had her chance to show off her work on April 18.

“They had told us that we had to display our art work, so we’ve been preparing since freshman year,” Muñoz said.

“I would have had more art work out to be displayed, but it was just not enough time,” she added.

The show lasted from 9:30 in the morning to 2:30 in the afternoon.

Parents and friends saw what works of art the students had done throughout their years at magnet.

“I think that it displays the students hard work throughout the years and that it’s a good way of putting the students out there to get noticed,” Muñoz said.

The music department was there along with the art students performing their music for all to hear.

MT photo by the staff Morning students look at work at the art students’ show on April 18, held in the courtyard and upstairs in the art building.

“I’d like to thank the music department. The show is a great success. I’d also like to thank the teachers for letting their students come out and

recognize the art students. I look forward for this every year,” said Jorge Vasquez, visual arts instructor.

“We have a lot of talented

kids. We train them in all the departments of art so they know the different genres of art,” said Vasquez.

Class holds first show at Center for the Arts

BY EVANGELINA MARTINEZ MT STAFF WRITER

MT photo by Claudia Alba Visitors to the Journalism students’ 12th annual photography show’s opening reception on April 11 at the Center for the Arts look at copies of The Magnet Tribune.

Journalism students have show

BY VALERIE BRISEÑO MT STAFF WRITER Throngs of on-lookers visited Journalism students’ photography during the opening reception of their 12th annual photography exhibition at the Laredo Center for the Arts, on April 11.

The 40 journalism students worked on the exhibition of their photos for about five months. They ranged from digital color and film black-andwhite photos of people, to animals, to still-life, to sports, to nature.

Mark Webber, Journalism instructor, thought the exhibition went great.

“I thought we had a great turnout, probably one of the best so far. We had a larger space to exhibit than in years before, and visitors seemed to enjoy both the photos on display and space to move around,” he said.

Sophomore Juan Olivares had a picture of VMT’s former cat “April” and a picture of a tree in his backyard, among

others.

“It turned out quite nicely.

Many people were literally “Ooo” and “Awwing” as they glanced at our photos. What a delight! Seems like there were more people than last year, which is great. I actually felt like some sort of celebrity for the whole night! And some lady said great comments on my picture of April, which flattered me so,” Olivares said.

He enjoyed looking at the work by his fellow classmates.

“I felt intrigued. My fellow journalism classmates did a fantastic job with their work. I felt jealous of some of their photos! We certainly had more photos up on the wall than last year. And each and every one of them is unique in their own way,” he said.

Olivares said several pictures struck him as being outstanding.

“Yes! There were many pictures that sent me into shock.

Most of the pictures were from Shaula Rocha. She takes incredible pictures, but at the

show, they were better than ever. Another picture that amazed me was the one of the homeless man playing a cardboard guitar, taken by Keila Granados. Now that’s a great picture. It actually tells a story,” Olivares said.

LCC/TAMIU art students and nature photographer Julia Watson also had opening receptions for their work.

Freshman Tanya Salas found a painting she thought as being outstanding in the LCC/TAMIU exhibit.

“There was a painting of some rip sticks that I fell in love with,” Salas said.

The shows end April 30.

“I appreciate the Center for the Arts for allowing us the opportunity to have space to exhibit the student’s work,” Webber said.

In all, the photo show exhibit was a success, Olivares thought.

“This year’s photo show was the best so far. Hopefully next year will be even better than ever … with free food, of course,” Olivares said.

Art instructor Jassie Rios’s students had their first show at the Laredo Center for the Arts in the Community Gallery in February.

Junior Liz Sanchez explained why the show was important to her.

“People got to see my art work and think about how I thought,” Sanchez said.

She said there were many different categories of art for visitors to look at.

Sanchez said she enjoyed seeing her work on display besides other students’ art.

“I like to think that it stands out and it’s different from everyone else’s,” she said.

She said she would have done one thing differently for the show.

“I would like to have put something that would amaze people more than what I usually do.”

Sanchez said she could tell spectators were reacting to her art.

“They wouldn’t come up to me but I could tell that they were probably thinking what I was thinking (when I created it),” she said.

She explained why she liked showing her work.

“I like having art shows because we get to display our work and people can see it the way we do,” Sanchez said.

Junior Hector Perze said he liked the show because “it had a variety of art.”

He said he saw art that he would have liked to have created.

“I saw some wild stuff that I thought was creative.”

He said he saw differences in his art work and the other work displayed.

“Mine were tags (graffiti-like art) and had characters,” he said.

He said he would have made some changes to what he showed.

“There’s always stuff that as you go that is old and just not me anymore, and I would want to change things like that,” Perze said.

Perze wants people to see his art as he does.

“I would like for them to see that my art is decent and not horrible. I would want them to see my art like I would.”

Rios said it was held at the Center for the Arts for the students.

“All of my students participated, a total 25 students,” she said.

She said certain things were displayed in the art show.

“The breadth of their A.P. (advanced placement) portfolios,” she said.

She hopes this is the first of many yearly art shows.

Rios saw many reactions from the spectators.

“There was a lot of different types of art that the students got to interact with, so there were many different reactions” Rios said.

Rios did not include her art in the art show.

“No, it was just for my students. I have my shows on the side,” she said.

Rios said she had shows in San Antonio and Lafayette, Louisiana this year.

She was happy to see students getting involved in art.

“All the students put their own work up and it was nice to see them really taking part in getting it perfect. Art has its own formula, its own process and every little detail matters when you’re working with art.”

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Magnet en español

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

Bulimia, una enfermedad mortal muy frecuente POR ANAKAREN SERNA REDACTORA DE ESPAÑOL Bulimia nerviosa una enfermedad relacionada con un disturbio mental que involucrando un trastorno alimenticio. Decidí entrevistar a un estudiante en el doceavo grado quien tiene dicho problema para saber un poco mas de su enfermedad. Su identidad se mantendrá anónima debido a la magnitud de sus confesiones y comentarios. ¿Qué es bulimia para ti?

“Bulimia para mi es mi problema, mi pensamiento, prácticamente la bulimia es mi vida.

Desgraciadamente así vivo no es algo positivo saber que tu caminas alrededor de esta enfermedad pero en mi caso así es.”

La causa de esta enfermedad eres tu mismo.

“Yo estoy consiente que esta enfermedad la forme yo. Mas que nada todo empezo porque detestaba mi físico desde que tengo uso de razón el sobrepeso era un dilema en mi vida.

Mi bajo autoestima ayudo a la creación de la bulimia en mi persona,

al igual que el medio (revistas, programas de televisión, Internet etc.).”

La autoestima puede ser un beneficio al igual que un peligro para tu vida.

“Mi autoestima era una rueda de la fortuna bajaba y subía nunca había estabilidad había días que me agradaba pero otros sentía asco y desprecio de mi físico.”

Saber que tienes un problema no es tan fácil.

“Al principio la verdad yo no sentía que tenia problemas, al contrario creía que todo mundo cuando ya no quería comer pues vomitaba, básicamente sentía que esto era normal.

Después me di cuenta que ponerme pálida, temblar, deprimirme rápido no era muy normal así es que decidí informarme mas. Me informe, obviamente anónimamente porque no quería que nadie supiera lo que hacia a pesar de que yo creía que era normal y es allí cuando supe que lo que hacia era una enfermedad que podía causar la muerte.”

La bulimia puede hacerte cometer muchas estupideces.

“Recuerdo una vez que estaba con

Fotos por Claudia Alba

Exposicion de fotos El día viernes 11 de abril del 2008 los estudiantes en el área de periodismo tuvieron su exposición anual de fotografía. Dicha exposición tomo lugar en 500 San Agustín Ave., Laredo Center for the Arts.

Imagen por Anakaren Serna y Nancy Hernandez

una amiga y empecé a temblar, odio temblar porque si no estas cerca de la comida me pongo muy mal; le comente a mi amiga que quería irme a mi casa porque no me sentía bien cuando llegue a mi casa recuerdo que me comí todo lo que vi porque no me podía controlar.”

La vida no es un juego.

“Me gustaría decirle a todas esas personas que apenas están empezando a vomitar que dejen de hacerlo hoy por que mañana puede ser demasiado tarde. Gracias a Dios yo acepte mi problema a tiempo y no espere un síntoma crítico para hacer algo sobre esto. Espero que tú también hagas lo mismo.

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

Teachers start earlier under new calendar

BY TANYA SALAS AND NEREYDA SERRANO MT STAFF WRITERS Each year, students and teachers receive a school calendar that shows student holidays, TAKS test days, and staff development.

And the calendar states teachers begin Friday, Aug. 15, one day earlier than in past years.

Next years' calendar also states students will enter school Monday, Aug 25. two days earlier than this year.

In the 2008-2009 school year graduation for seniors will be held on the same day but on a Thursday, on May 29.

Also, there will be one extra day of TAKS testing, 14 days.

Students will have 23 days off from

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School News

school in the 2008-2009 year, which includes student holidays and staff development, which is the same as this year.

The only date that will stay the same for both calendars is the last day of school, May 28.

Linda Rodriguez, a freshman creative writing student, was pleased about the new calendar.

"I'm glad that they didn't cut our holidays shorter. We need all the rest we can get," she said.

Rodriguez said the only thing she disliked about the calendar was the fact that, "they're cutting our summer vacation two days shorter."

Rodriguez said the calendar will not affect her academics because "there's not really a big difference, so I expect to

LISD calendar comparison First teacher day First student day Staff development Thanksgiving Christmas holidays Staff development Teachers return Students return Staff development Spring break Staff development Easter holiday Staff development Last day of school Graduation Teacher work day

This school year Monday, Aug. 20 Monday, Aug. 27 Monday, Oct. 8 Wed.-Friday, Nov. 21-23 End of school day Dec. 24 (none) Monday, Jan. 7 Wednesday, Jan. 9 Monday, Jan. 21 March 17-21 Monday, March 21 (none) (none) Wednesday, May 28 Thursday, May 29 Thursday, May 29

do the same as I did this year."

Vanessa Bernal, a freshman music student, also liked the new calendar.

"I'm glad they didn't add or take away much," she said.

Bernal also said there were some things she didn't like about the calendar.

"I wish they didn't have to cut our summer vacation, the extra days

Next school year Friday, Aug. 15 Monday, Aug. 25 Monday, Oct. 13 Wed.-Friday, Nov. 26-28 End of school day Dec. 18 Friday, Dec. 19 Monday, Jan. 5 Tuesday, Jan. 6 Friday, Feb. 20 March 16-20 (none) Friday, April 10 Monday, April 13 Thursday, May 28 Thursday, May 28 Friday, May 29 Source: www.laredoisd.org

would've been better, even if they just are two days," she said.

Like Rodriguez, Bernal wasn't worried about her academics.

"I'll probably just keep doing what I'm doing."

The calendar for 2008-2009 can be seen at www.laredoisd.org, then click on the "Calendar" link.

$600, from page 1 President Ashley Reilly.

Band members performed in the hot weather from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with only a break for lunch.

“Some of they guys even looked like they were going to faint because of the heat, but it was all worth it,” said band member Trishia Briones.

Vocalist of the Conjunto Extremo J.J Martinez said he is proud of the support from teachers and students in this event.

“It is an awesome feeling we got from helping an organization such as the March of Dimes,” added Conjunto Extremo member Anibal Jimenez.

The check was presented to March of Dimes representative A.B Barrera on April 3. Senior class members prepared a refreshment table with punch and cookies.

“It went well; we got to talk to the representative and discussed our motivation for benefiting the March of Dimes,” Jimenez said.

MT photo by Lorie Zamarripa Students presented a $600 check to March of Dimes. The money was raised at the dances held on March 13. From left: Music instructors Billy Thatcher and Robert Lopez, and music students Christian Cisneros, Jorge Iruegas, Juan Jose Martinez, Jorge Ortegon, Oscar Diaz, Anibal Jimenez, Jerry Olivarez, March of Dimes representative A.B. Barrera, Trishia Briones, Ana Bustos, and English instructor and Senior Class co-sponsor Diana Martinez.

Master class benefits guitar, piano students

BY SHAULA ROCHA MT STAFF WRITER The Magnet Guitars and Hanon Piano Society traveled to Del Mar College in Corpus Christi on January 28 to attend master classes.

A master class is a class given to students of a particular discipline by an expert of that discipline, in this case classical guitar and piano.

Piano students received lessons from DMC professor of piano Alene Burch, while guitar students took lessons from DMC professor of guitar Philip Hii. The two departments took 45 students; while every student from the departments was invited, only those preparing pieces for participation in UIL Solo and Ensemble were selected to perform for the master class.

Piano student Julie Hinojosa commented on playing her piece during the master class.

“It was very nerve-wracking. That was my first time playing the whole piece,” Hinojosa said Guitar student Mary Frances Lopez said the master class was of great benefit to her.

“I learned what techniques I needed to

practice on, and it helped me become a better guitarist,” Lopez said.

VMT classical guitar instructor Ricardo Cortez said the trip was an invaluable experience for his students. “…Mr. Hii is a truly great guitarist. He is also a great teacher. My students have always come away from his master classes more motivated and inspired to practice and play. In addition, the VMT guitar students always perform better having been through a good master class,” he said.

Dr. Mary-Grace Carroll, VMT director of piano studies, agreed. ”It’s always good to get out of town. This trip gave the piano/guitar students a chance to get to know each other better,” she said.

Cortez thanks VMT director Jose Cerda and LISD for helping to provide such a positive experience for the students. ”These types of experiences are invaluable for a student’s personal growth and development. Being exposed to a college environment can spark a student’s excitement about going to a college or university and pursuing a career,” Cortez said.

The master class is an annual event for the Magnet Guitars, but this is the first year the Hanon Piano Society has gone.

Refill, Recycle and Save!

Ink jet cartridges 1119 Taylor St. at McPherson, 791-8126 2108 South Meadow Ave., 729-0123

8

School News

Recruiting ‘08

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

Internet: http://my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/laredo/vmt e mail: mt_writers@hotmail.com

9

RECRUITING, from page 1 applying to attend VMT, he said.

“I could see the interest of the students from the expression on their faces; I believe they enjoyed the show,” said Jimenez.

Middle school students also showed interest in the dance department.

“As I danced I could see the students smiling and wanting to see more of our dance,” stated Miller.

Recruiting is a form of broadcast for the school, and the students believe there is a purpose for recruiting.

“I believe recruiting is a vital source for furthering VMT’s fine arts and communications.

As seniors graduate, we need to fill those

spaces with future outstanding students from the middle schools,” explained Miller.

Jimenez agreed.

“These recruiting events showcase to the middle school students that they too can be apart of something special such as VMT. It only takes work and dedication to achieve their goals in life. This is what VMT teachers instill in their students throughout their years at VMT.” School Director Jose Cerda feels the future students have the ability to succeed and would fit in at the school.

“There are many students that have applied to VMT and have really great scores on their TAKS,” Cerda said.

MT photos: Top left, Ricky Soliz; Top center, Valerie Briseño; Above, Nancy Hernandez; Far left, Samantha Hawkins; Left, Claudia Ramos; Bottom center, Ricky Soliz; Below, Cassandra Perez

10 Kris Roe wows local audience Entertainment

N

ow for something fresh, I’ll introduce to you my very first concert review.

I recently attended a low key acoustic set played by Kris Roe of Ataris and decided I’d write about it and hopefully start a new happening for this piece.

Since my first encounter with Ataris, I have loved their fast-paced drums and guitar/punkish sound. With beats amazing enough to pump anyone up, it’s no question why it became my life’s goal to see them in concert or meet the lead singer before I pass. Fortunately for me, good things do happen for the patient.

“I think that the best thing about these acoustic shows is that they are very intimate and very personal,” said Ataris front man Kris Roe in an interview with Que Pasa. He played at Average Joe’s in December 2007.

The show consisted of a back-to-back set of the entire 1999 “Blue Skies, Broken Hearts … Next 12 Exits” album along with a few requests.

Throughout the night, Roe maintained a remarkable interaction with the audience, taking break from his music to play Prince’s “Purple Rain.” He spoke about the album and occasional-

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008 A

B

C

D

Hear, say

By Theresa Rocha ly about the meaning of certain songs.

“I wrote this song when I was nineteen …I didn’t know anything then …” he said before playing “1*15*96.”

During the show he refused to take requests because he said that the crowd was likely to ask for the more mainstream material. But as I am such a devout fan, I called out the name of one of my favorites and surprisingly he responded saying that it was one of his favorites.

After that, the crowd sang along at Roe’s demand to the better-known tracks and the night came to a close as everyone fumbled for the lyrics to his version of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer.”

By the end of the night, my wish had been fulfilled as I walked out of the place with Roe’s autographed setlist and a hug from Roe himself.

Reviews

ARTIST: PLAYRADIOPLAY! (A)

ALBUM: TEXAS This album will do one of two things: it will either rock you to sleep on the school bus or mellow you out at home.

Wherever you chose to listen to this album, you will love PlayRadioPlay!’s simplistic lyrics and great sound.

PlayRadioPlay! has played alongside the Gym Class Heroes, Fall Out Boy, Young Love, and other groups of the like.

Daniel Hunter is the voice behind the wild group and its name as well as the “quirky” tracks off this album including “My Attendance is Bad,” a song in which he makes references to The Dallas Cowboys and The Arcade Fire’s Win Butler.

The album is now being sold in stores everywhere.

THIS MONTH’S FIND: JOSH KELLEY’S

“ALMOST HONEST” (B) I found this album at Dollar Tree. It is a cross between jazz, John Mayer and Jason Mraz.

Top picks this month

BY RICARDO SOLIZ MT STAFF WRITER ARTIST: TRISTAN PRETTYMAN Sounds Like: KT Tunstall with a mix of Sheryl Crow and a hint of Carole King.

ALBUM: HELLO (C) Favorite Track: Madly See ALBUMS, page 16

‘Loud’ sees world through 9 year old’s eyes Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a highly emotional novel and is exceptionally different than any other book I’ve ever read.

The book is narrated through the perspective of a 9year-old, Oskar Schell, who’s on an adventure to find out the explanation of a mysterious key that he found in his FOER father’s room after tragic his death in the September 11th attacks.

After the news of his father’s death, Oskar is left alone and hopeless. The Schell family is falling apart, and there is no telling as to what can bring them together.

Bookworm

By Cassandra Perez Oskar’s mom is having trouble coming to terms with her feelings and doesn’t know how to show her true emotions.

Oskar’s grandmother is extremely terrified that she will lose her sole grandson, on top of her losing her son and husband.

Upon finding the key that he found in his father’s closet, Oskar feels it’s his mission to find the missing treasure.

Oskar travels through the five boroughs of New York to try to uncover what the key is for. Throughout his adventure, Oskar encounters contact with

all sorts of characters.

The story is unique and the characters, a perfect mishap of flaws and authenticism, are affable and realistic.

The story climaxes as Oskar discovers what the key fits, and also the meaning of his life (all our lives, actually), in a long-awaited letter from astrophysicist Stephen Hawking.

Much more is revealed as this brilliant fiction works thrilling variations on, and consolations for, its plangent message, “[that] in the end, everyone loses everyone.”

For balance, Jonathon Safran Foer includes the subplot of Oskar’s grandfather, who survived the World War II bombing of Dresden, through letters and flashbacks.

Although this story is not quite as evocative as Oskar’s, it does carry forward and connect firmly to the rest of the novel.

The two stories finally intersect in a powerful conclusion that will make even the most jaded hearts fall.

However, with pictures and random one-lined sentenced pages, Foer’s style is intriguing and unlike any writing I’ve ever seen before.

This book is a wonderful second novel, and Everything is Illuminated is not an easy achievement to follow up.

Foer did it beautifully, though, with his heart-touch-

ing story of a most unusual young boy with the utmost perseverance and faith. Foer reminds us how beautiful the English language was and still is.

‘Super Smash’ back and much better than ever SUPER SMASH BROS: BRAWL!!! Yes! After the long 7 years of waiting, the Super Smash Bros. series is back and better than ever!

Ever since Super Smash Bros: Melee entered our lives, people were completely addicted to that game. I was one of those people. Get ready, because Brawl is the one to end them all!

Here’s what I think about the GREATEST game ever made…: Graphics: 10/10 Brawl is an exclusive game made just for the Wii console, and I have to say that the graphics on this game are insanely awesome! I can’t get enough of it. The cut scenes in the Subspace Emissary are done brilliantly. The fire from Mario’s fireballs looks so real.

Sakurai finally designed the Fire Flower item the way it

Game Break

By Juan Olivares should be. There’s even a deflicker so that you have more graphic content to enjoy.

Who needs Blu-ray anyway?

Brawl’s got it all.

Sound: 10/10 Brilliant. I’d say 101 percent on the music. There are hundreds of songs to listen to. You can unlock more by finding CDs in levels, or unlocking them via Subspace Emissary or Challenges. There was no truly remarkable music from the previous games. But Brawl has such a huge selection of music from the previous consoles that that alone is reason enough to buy Brawl. I even

hum the theme of Brawl from time to time! (Yeah, it’s that good!)

Storyline: 10/10 At last, a storyline! The first game had hardly any storyline at all. A floating hand throws some toys on a desk and they come to life and start battling each other. It was still good, it just lacked story.

In Melee, we got a half-finished adventure mode and a rather pointless all-star mode.

All-star mode was fun and all, but it had some major flaws like having only one life, and a poor attempt at a final battle.

Melee had a classic mode, still

no story, but rather fun.

But what does Brawl have to offer? A massive adventure mode, requiring at least 5 hours to complete. It has cutscenes, team selection, sticker power-ups, replay stages, the ability to save your progress, 50 save files, and best of all, a motive.

You are trying to defend the realm of Nintendo from the subspace army. Just look at Melee. Where was the motive in melee’s adventure mode.

Why do you have to face Bowser at the end? It’s not like he stole the princess. In fact, the princess tries to murder you in the very first stage.

What did Bowser ever do to deserve getting attacked. What did you do to deserve getting attacked by the princess Peach? But hey, we have Brawl now. So we can all just forget about melee’s pathetic storyline completely. Now the

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Smash Bros. series has another reason to play besides the violence. ^^ Gameplay: 10/10 The main subject of this game. It’s outstanding! That’s See GAME BREAK, page 16

11 Sophomore enjoys studying art, traveling People

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

“My favorite thing about VMT is the feeling it gives to everyone; a sense of expressing yourself in what you like to do,” said Beatriz Aranda, sophomore.

Beatriz is an art student with Jorge Vasquez.

“I would always see my bother come home with his paintings and talk about VMT. That encouraged me to get into VMT because art at Nixon seemed limited to me,” she said.

With the inspiration of her brother, Beatriz became an art student and has continued since her freshman year.

“What I enjoy most about my art class is, well, everything. My teacher is awesome, my classmates are fun and we all have fun

The System

By Monica Garcia while working,” she said.

One of her favorite things to draw is horses.

“They are beautiful creatures and are a symbol of strength,” she said.

Aside from art, Beatriz enjoys traveling and visiting different places out of town.

One of her favorite places to visit is Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.

“The sites are beautiful and the style that the people have is cool,” she said.

Beatriz has also encountered a unique experience appearing in a television

show in Monterrey.

“The host of the TV show is a friend of mine and he knows how much I like to draw so he showed my drawings on TV and interviewed me,” she said.

“I want to be known for my work,” she said.

Although she is not yet sure in what direction her career will go, one of her personal goals include improving her artwork.

MT photo by Monica Garcia

BEATRIZ ARANDA

Cheers and Jeers

By Nick Lopez

Cheers

Jeers

Photojournalism students’ exhibition.

TAKS testing for underclassmen and some seniors.

April Fool’s Day

The heat and humidity.

No TAKS for seniors.

Global warming

Earth Day

The Dallas Mavericks not playing well this season.

The Senior Art Show.

The San Antonio Spurs playing well this season.

400 Chik-Fil-A sandwiches sold.

Who knows you better?

By Lorie Zamarripa

Jenni Hernandez puts her sister and best friend to the test Amanda Meza

Jenni Hernandez

Nicole Hernandez

Random Objects

What do you like taking pictures of?

My Friends, memorable stuff

Random Stuff, Interesting Stuff

Nada Que Ver

What is the one word or phrase you use a lot?

Freak or shut up What is one of your worst habits?

Stubborn

Todo Stupid

She is late a lot

She wakes up super late

Fake people

What is your pet peeve?

People that are not real

Drama

Work or write songs

What do you do on your free time?

I work and I play guitar

Plays guitar and hangs out with friends

Action movies

What type of movie do you like?

Fiction or Comedy What type of music do you like?

Indie

All types with exception of Horror

February

When is your birthday?

February 19th

February 19th

Pink or green

What is your favorite color?

Purple and Green

Purple and Green

Water

What is your favorite type of drink?

Passion Tea

Diet Coke or Green Tea

Rock star

What type of career do you wish to pursue?

Music Business

Music Business

All types of Music

Indie and Hardcore

12 Classes set example by reusing material The Magnet Tribune February 25, 2008

We only have one Earth: One place to live and until scientists figure out a way to live in Mars we have to start caring about our Mother Earth.

The signs are everywhere.

It's easy to turn the other way and pretend nothing is wrong but the sad reality is that our Earth is in pretty bad shape and it's going to take a lot of work to fix it.

Earth Day was April 22, 2008; I wonder what you did that day. Odds are you didn’t hit the streets picking up litter but perhaps you considered making a minor change in your lifestyle to help yo' mother (Earth) out. I sure hope you did.

Here are some students and teachers here at V.M.T that deserves a big ol' pat on the back for their green efforts.

Jossie Gonzalez, sophomore Theater Arts student, has been recycling since about forever. Her parents and she have been recycling plastic and aluminum for a very long time. Sadly, she feels that Earth Day is pretty pointless, but not completely.

"It's pointless because nobody does anything but at

The Green Scene

By Alyssa Garza the same time it's a way to get people thinking about the environment," she said.

Jossie also has a few words for those who just sit back and wait for the environment to just rot: "It's your loss. The environment keeps you alive.

Even if you won't experience the effects in your lifetime your offspring will face the consequences of what you did.”

Well Jossie, I have to agree on that and I hope more people would wake up and smell the coffee or the garbage … you know the one that is full of things they aren't recycling.

Can I have a big round of applause for Mr. Webber's Journalism classes? Well I don't mean to toot my own horn but I have to say we're doing a pretty good job in this part of the school.

Students from the journalism classes have a little box in class in which we put our "laser printer paper gone

wrong". We put all our sheets of copy paper that we can't use and the reuse them for drafts. Custodian Alicia Gonzalez puts the paper and cardboard into blue recycle bags then Webber takes them home and puts them on the curb to be taken to the city’s recycling center.

Props to the art teachers as well! Not only do they create masterpieces but they also REUSE by using scrap material in their work. For the Winter Ball 2008 Armando Hinojosa and Mario Teniente used several pieces of cardboard for signs and decorations. They are constantly gathering pieces of cardboard and other scrap material to use in their art pieces.

Just a reminder.

A BRIGHT IDEA!!! I know you've heard it a thousand times: Change a light bulb … or two … or three … or all of them. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, they're pretty darn amazing. Using CFL's

MT photos by Amanda Cruz VMT faculty and staff sport their Earth Day shirts. Top left, school Director Jose Cerda, right math instructor Thomas Campos. Bottom left, David Blumberg, BCIS; Rafael Flores, custodian.

can save you the green (money!) while going "green" because they last longer and consume less energy compared to incandescent bulbs.

If you're curious about these bulbs work and you can benefit from chasing them you can www.treehugger.com.

how how purvisit

From The Magnet Tribune’s newswire service

Texting while driving faces ban MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS (MCT) COLUMBIA, S.C. — Young, inexperienced drivers — those with learner's permits or restricted driver's licenses — could be prohibited from talking or texting on a cell phone or any other wireless device while driving, under a bill passed by a South Carolina House panel.

The bill, which narrowly passed on a 7-6 vote, now moves to the House floor.

"If this passes, it's going to save some lives and make parents aware how dangerous it is for a 15-year-old to get behind the wheel of a car with a cell phone," said Rep. Lanny Littlejohn, R-Spartanburg, S.C., the bill's sponsor.

State law grants learner's permits to 15-year-olds who pass a written test. They can drive only with an adult in the vehicle and only during daylight. After six months, the driver may apply for a restricted license that allows driving without an adult.

Restrictions end when drivers turn 16 and are granted regular driver's licenses.

Several lawmakers who voted against the bill said they worry about setting a precedent that infringes on personal freedom.

"It's a slippery slope," said Rep. Ted Pitts, R-Lexington, S.C. "Next thing you know, you can't eat french fires while driving. You can't eat a hamburger while driving."

Rep. Jim Stewart, R-Aiken, S.C., agreed, adding there are many other potential distractions for drivers that the bill does not address.

"From my experience, when people are talking on cell phones, they go slower," he said. "I don't think cell phones are part of the stuff that's going wrong when we have accidents."

Few studies have extensively examined the link between crashes involving teen drivers and cell phone use, said Elly Martin, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of

Transportation.

But it is well documented vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds.

In 2006, 12.9 percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes were ages 15 to 20, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data.

Bryce Richardson, 16, of Fort Mill, S.C., who has his learner's permit, thinks the bill is a good idea. "(Cell phones) are way too distracting. Unless you have experience, it could distract you and you might not see a pedestrian or other car."

Bryce's mother, Sharyl Richardson, has mixed feelings.

"On the one hand, I am never fully thrilled with the idea of more laws, more rules, more restrictions," she said. "But I do feel that it's a problem. Kids are distracted enough with the radio. And they're still developing their driving skills.

Texting is probably one of the worst things they can do behind the wheel of a car."

Eight charged in beating of high school senior THE ORLANDO SENTINEL (MCT) LAKELAND, Fla. — The 16-year-old's face was covered with heavy makeup in an effort to hide the bruises she suffered during a videotaped beating deputies said she suffered at the hands of girls she considered her friends.

Victoria "Tori" Lindsay, a senior at Mulberry High School, said she learned a lesson from the betrayal, which led to the arrest in early April of six girls, one boy and a young man on charges of felony battery and false imprisonment.

"The No. 1 friend is your family," she

Discussed in ‘The Bug,’ page 15 said in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel at her home.

Tori's mother, Talisa Lindsay, said it was painful to watch the video, which a Polk County sheriff's detective brought to their home days after the March 30 attack so Tori could identify the girls involved. Investigators say they planned to post the video on YouTube and MySpace.

"I was flabbergasted," Lindsay said. "I felt completely helpless."

Tori has bruises, a concussion and

damage to her left ear and eye, although her family said she is expected to recover. The family would like a public apology from the girls, and they also want a law to protect kids on video and social-networking Web sites. Tori plans to continue her schooling at home rather than return to Mulberry High.

Meanwhile, the grandmother of one of the girls who was arrested says her family is suffering, too.

The beating is alleged to have happened at Mary Nichols' house while she was at work. Since the Sheriff's Office

released the video this week, Nichols said, she has been receiving threatening, obscenity-laced telephone calls.

The tape shows Tori being beaten and taunted as other teenagers shout in the background.

Nichols' granddaughter, Mercades Nichols, 17, remains in the Polk Regional Juvenile Detention Center along with six other minors who were arrested in the case.

Tori was staying at Nichols' Lakeland home because she was having problems with her family, the Sheriff's Office and Nichols said.

13 Grandfather to live forever on my back Lifestyles

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

I

like tattoos. I always have.

I used to draw them on me when I was in middle school and I will probably never stop getting them.

Tattoos are not just for Harley dudes or sailors anymore.

Some people get tattoos for fun, or on a whim, but I think most people get tattoos to document important events in their lives. All of my tattoos have significant meaning to me, and I love the idea of using my skin as the canvas for a visual journey of my life.

The most meaningful one though is my back portrait of my grandpa and I. I had been planning on getting something that represented my grandpa ever since he passed away. I was just so attached to him, so when he passed away I didn’t know what to do. Like everyone that loses a loved one I was devastated.

Slowly I learned to let go, but never to forget.

Useless Fax

By Jessica Rodriguez

the.useless.fax@hotmail.com

I started to think of things I could get tattooed on myself that could represent him. After five ideas I was going through a photo album just recently and I found what appeared to be the most amazing picture ever. I thought instantly, “this is the one!”

I told my friend this is what I wanted, and she told her brother, my tattoo artist.

I went over the next day and we spoke of what was going to be done. He explained all of the things he could do with it and I tried to give him some of my ideas. It ended at that and two weeks later I went back to get it started.

Saturday evening, the day of the tattoo, I picked up my friend Eddie because I needed company.

After four excruciating hours of complete and total pain the most amazing tattoo that I could ever get was finally done.

When I saw it in the mirror I wanted to cry — it was such a memorable moment just to see how exact the tattoo was to the picture.

Everything from the contours to his face to the shadings on my baby face were precisely correct. It was a moment that I will forever remember.

I will never forget how it felt

Jessica Rodriguez shows the new tattoo on her back, of her late grandfather holding her at one day old.

when I saw it.

To be honest, I really don’t think my grandpa would like for me to have gotten any tattoos at all, but I think it was important for me to get it. It was a big part of this long journey and it gave me closure.

In my opinion, I think anyone who wants a tattoo should get one. If it makes you happy then go for it — just make sure it’s something you don’t regret.

Remember your body is the canvas and the tattoo artist is painting your story.

Five tips guys should know about color ll Ha

There are so many reasons to love the transition from fall and winter to spring and summer. With the help of about.com check out the five spring and summer must haves for a perfect casual look.

Fashion Runway Amanda Cruz, Lucia Villagomez Ricky Soliz

pair of jeans and can be worn into the evening on the warm summer nights.

Plus, they look great cool and summery. One pair is really all you need.

You can get a lot of use out of them.

5. Sunglasses

1. Men’s Polo Today, every designer has their interpretation and makes it a lot easier to find some that fit everyone’s style from Preppy to Punk.

2. Shorts

Shorts are the most common and popular items for spring and summer. From denim, to plaids, to solids, shorts are one way of showing off your personal style.

staple in the American wardrobe, but it has become more so than ever. And finding the right jean isn’t really that hard. Just look for something comfortable.

3. Premium denim jeans for men

4. Flip-flops

Everyone already knows denim is a

They look great with your favorite

Of course no spring or summer outfit would be complete without a pair of awesome sunglasses. This is a must-have fashion accessory. The right pair of sunglasses can make anyone look like a celebrity.

This season is all about having fun.

So let lose and break out with colors!

Dressing down for a cool-looking spring

Photo by Lucia Villagomez Name: Mando Vasquez Grade: 10th Favorite Store: Pac-Sun Fine Art: Guitar

Photo by Amanda Cruz Name: Monica Lopez Grade: 10th Favorite Store: Hollister Fine Art: Radio and TV

Photo by Ricky Soliz

Photo by Ricky Soliz

Name: Itzel Guevara Grade: 9th

Name: Luis Rodriguez Grade: 11

Fine Art: Art

Fine Art: Art

14 UIL split will not benefit students, district Comments? Write us at mt_writers@hotmail.com

A

UIL committee in Austin met earlier this semester to decide the districts for the next two

years.

One result was splitting LISD and with it the decades-old football rivalry between Nixon and Martin high schools.

For the next two years Martin High will stay in District 29-5A, but Cigarroa and Nixon will compete against schools in District 31-4A. The new alignments will require additional expenditures for travel as well as more lost classroom time for athletes, especially, at all three schools.

A positive side to this split for Nixon

EDITORIAL The Magnet Tribune believes splitting LISD schools into two UIL districts will impact education for athletes as well as require more funds for costly travel. and Cigarroa is the new and different competition the smaller schools offer, and the chance to travel to new places.

Athletes may welcome the new competition, but perhaps not the constant

Halftime Show

By Kimberly Evans

Tennis players fondly recall recent season Students who play tennis and attend VMT played in the District 29-5A tennis tournament Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5.

Many of the players said playing tennis has changed them as a person not only physically, but also emotionally as well.

“I’m more patient than I was before, and tennis, for me, is a big stress reliever,” said Vivian Martinez, Cigarroa tennis player and piano student.

Josue Solalinde, steel drum student and Cigarroa tennis player said tennis has brought him more leadership in his everyday routines, given him the chance to loose weight, and made him more blissful.

Solalinde placed first at the L.I.S.D. Invitational and placed sixth in the District 295A tennis tournament.

The players discussed what they will miss most about playing with their team now that the season is over.

“Aww, I will miss my teammates because everyone has a spunky attitude and we’re always working hard together,” said Arlyn Martinez, dance student and Cigarroa tennis player.

Nicco Crawford, choir and

Opinion

dance student and Martin tennis player mentioned what his goals are for next season.

“I’ll miss my team, but I know I’ll be back next season, and when I do I hope to become a great tennis player and leader for my team and follow in the footsteps of my fellow senior teammate Kimberly Evans,” said Crawford.

Personally, I will miss playing tennis in high school. I plan to continue in college but I know it won’t be the same.

In this last tournament I was given the opportunity to attend the regional tennis tournament for the third time by winning second for the varsity girl’s singles division and having been seeded number two in the draw.

Tennis saved my life and gave me something to look forward to, which is college.

“I would recommend tennis to anyone because not only is it a lifetime sport, but it keeps you healthy and it’s really fun,” said Solalinde.

“Playing tennis made me grow as a person and it showed me how to trust myself, gave me more confidence, and also showed me that if I want something, I have to work hard for it, said Martinez.

Next fall’s notable dates Teachers return, Friday, Aug. 15 First day of school, Monday, Aug. 25 Thanksgiving, Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 26-28 Christmas holidays: Students, after class on Thursday, Dec. 18 Teachers, after staff dev., Friday, Dec. 19 Teachers return, Monday, Jan. 5 Students return, Tuesday, Jan. 6 Source: www.laredoisd.org

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

travel to three Corpus Christi schools, Alice and Kingsville.

Martin will still have to travel to Eagle Pass for games against the two schools there, and also add Del Rio and San Antonio Southwest to its schedules.

This brings us to our next point, more frequent travel, up to 150 miles from Laredo for competition. The distances alone will cause students to miss more class, since athletic teams would have to leave earlier in the day to get to distant game sites on a more frequent basis. This could influence how students do on the TAKS.

Secondly, with the district already on a tight budget, travel will require more funding, requiring athletic and UIL teams at the three high schools to spend more money, on top of the usual funding for the equipment and supplies students need to succeed.

Therefore, The Magnet Tribune believes the realignment of LISD’s schools into two UIL districts could have a negative impact on student achievement, especially athletes, and force the district to spend valuable funds on costly travel.

Written for the staff by Jon Cox, with other staff members.

Should VMT be a home school?

Opinions about VMT becoming a home school have been heard. We wanted to know if students thought the same thing so we asked, “Do you think VMT should become a home school?”

Yes, as long as there are extra-curricular activates like athletics, m o r e school programs like Student Council, and a book for yearbook where students could sign stuff.

Ivan Fuentes 10th

Yes, I do want VMT to be a h o m e school. I think it would be better both academically and mentally.

Valerie Gonzalez, 10th MT staff writers Jon Cox and Ricky Soliz contributed to Penny for Your Thoughts.

A Penny for Your Thoughts

By Claudia Alba V M T s h o u l d become a home campus. I have a lot more fun here than in my home school. The teachers are more involved with us here than in our home schools. Also the environment here is more positive and every one gets along. I love being here and I love the fact that I do not feel trapped by gates like in my home school.

Dafni Villarreal, 9th

No porque then I’m not going to be able to se my friends from Nixon, y luego ya no seria lo m i s m o porque ya no serian students from different schools because it’s going to be one school now, if you know what I mean. So no I wouldn’t like for it to be a home school.

Keila Granados, 10th

N o , because we will not be able to interact with other students from different campuses, and one of my reasons in joining VMT is to meet and make new friends from various LISD schools.

Kassandra Cardenas 11th

I think VMT should become a home school because I have more fun here than at Nixon.

It would be even better because I would like for my dance class to be longer. I would like for it to become a home school because I could spend more time with my friends from others schools, especially the ones from Martin.

Erika Moreno, 9th

Waffle Iron Story by Nidia Gomez, Art by Keila Granados

15 Parents must demonstrate what is right Opinions

The Magnet Tribune April 25, 2008

What in the world is going on with society nowadays?

There’s all these kids running around with this idea in their heads that the world revolves around them, acting as if they’re untouchable. Well that’s just one of things bothering me right now.

First of all, I think one of the worst things to ever come into existence is the idiot box, better known as television.

All you can see whenever you turn it on is one “reality show” after another.

I don’t understand what people find so interesting in all this. All it is is a lot of really bad acting and gossip.

Do people really enjoy getting into other people’s business that much, and if so, why?

All this is doing is making it acceptable for kids to act spoiled and immature. They place these people on pedestals and start looking, talking, and acting like them.

What happened to being an individual?

Society nowadays only

The Bug

By Claudia Ramos seems to care about all the wrong things.

Speaking of society…what the hell is up with our generation? No, you know what, it’s not just us teens — what’s up with some parents turning a blind eye to all the dumb stuff their kids get themselves into?

Okay, so a couple of days ago I was on the infamous and somewhat entertaining Web site YouTube. I ended up running into this news story where eight teens took part in beating up this ONE 16-year-old girl.

The whole thing was completely absurd; the six girls (two boys served as lookouts) were upset about a couple of comments the 16 year old left on her MySpace. Are you serious? You’re going to have a girl knocked unconscious

and lose part of her hearing and vision over MySpace comments?

Guess what the parents did — turned a blind eye and defended them. From what I’ve read and seen on the news, only one teenager’s guardian was repulsed by their actions.

So, hearing about all this made me realize just how dumb and irrational kids are getting nowadays, and how unbelievable some parents can be.

Seriously, I can’t go one day at school without hearing someone complain about something insignificant.

Kids, it’s not that big of deal, build a bridge and get over it; there are far bigger things in the world than you.

I wish people would stop and look at the world. I’ve

Comments? Write us at mt_writers@hotmail.com

noticed a lot of people from my generation don’t question anything.

They don’t question why we live the way we do, why we give all the wrong things, like money, value, why everything the government says doesn’t make sense (take as an example the 9/11 scenario) or why we have all these distractions in our lives.

I don’t believe this is limited to my generation; I think most living people walk around with their eyes closed either most or all of their lives.

You know, you really shouldn’t believe everything you’re told especially when it comes to politics, but that’s a different, longer, and too complex of a subject to try to explain right.

On a slightly similar but different note, I find it very peculiar the only people that can carry on conversations that don’t consist of a whole lot of nothing are the ones everyone seems to under-

mine.

People think drugs make you slow, stupid and lazy (to name the few), but I find it all to be the complete opposite.

Some of the smartest, sharpest, and self-motivated people I know happen to use drugs (nothing severe like dope though).

Most (I emphasize this) of the people I find to be completely immature, irrational, self-absorbed, and blind happen to be cookie-cutter students that go along with everything everyone tells them.

Now I’m not encouraging everyone to go out and take drugs, I’m just pointing out something I found to be completely ironic and interesting.

To sum this all up, what I’m really trying to point out is how society is going down the drain. It doesn’t seem like there’s any hope left for any of us; think about it, these kids are the future.

(Read news story on girl’s beating, page 12)

People should not let their addictions rule An addiction is one of the worst things that can take control of a person. There can be different types of The Magnet Tribune The Magnet Tribune is a publication produced by students in the Newspaper Production and Photojournalism classes of the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, Laredo Independent School District.

This publication’s intent is to provide readers with information relating to the school and its students, provide students a lab for producing a newspaper using professional-level computer software and offers an open forum for student opinion. The MT is distributed free.

Jose Cerda Director and publisher Mark E. Webber Journalism instructor and adviser, The Magnet Tribune Vol. 15, No. 5, April 25, 2008 Editor of this Issue: Nancy Hernandez.

Name plate shows the bronze statue south of the Harding Building, “The Force of Creation,” designed and created by former art Instructor Armando Flores in 1993-94. Newspaper redesign by second block students in August 2007.

Production is by VMT journalism students using QuarkXPress and Adobe Photoshop software on a network of Dell computers.

Printed at the Laredo Morning Times Copyright ©2007: Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Magnet Tribune

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

It is the policy of the Laredo Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, limited English proficiency, or handicapping condition in its programs.

addictions and towards different things. A very common one is an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

I personally feel very sad when I see people hooked to a certain drug. I imagine what they’re going through and it is a depressing feeling.

Adolescents are the most vulnerable to these addictions, although that is not always the case. We as teenagers tend to try and experiment new things and were sometimes more vulnerable to pressures.

On an average day in 2006, about 1.2 million adoles-

Observations

By Nancy Hernandez cents, age 12 to 17, smoked cigarettes, 631,000 drank alcohol, and 586,000 used marijuana.

I think depression is one of the main reasons for drug and alcohol abuse. When you feel you have too many problems and you feel you don’t have anyone to rely on, drugs or alcohol is always the way out. Some say it makes you

forget about your problems.

But the bad part is that after the effect fades away you’ll feel the same or even worse.

The “hi,” the sensation you feel when your under the effect of a certain drug, cannot last forever.

According to www.focusadolescentservices.org “Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol and

drug problems include those with a family history of substance abuse, who are depressed, who feel like they don’t fit in or are out of the mainstream.”

I don’t understand how some people are not able to find something that can make them feel better than that drug. There are so many things in the world that can replace that. Life is too short to spend time being under the influence of drugs. There is nothing like enjoying life and feeling happy without the need of a substance to do the job.

High school is coming to an end You’re walking down the line to obtain your diploma, you see your friends sitting down with smiling faces and others with tears running down their cheeks, you see your teachers and you see the whole graduating class.

What will you be thinking and feeling that exact moment?

The end is coming to a really long trial. The time of walking down the hallways changing from class to class with our friends will long be past.

Editor’s Commentary

By Nancy Hernandez The Editor’s Commentary represents the opinions of the editor, and should not be understood to represent the views of the newspaper staff, faculty and administration.

We won’t see the same faces we see every day at school.

High school leaves a lot of experiences, both good and bad. Each one of us has

First Class Award: ‘96-97, ‘97-98, ‘9899, ‘99-00: ‘02-03, ‘03-04. ‘04-05, 05-0, 06-07 Second Class Award: ‘00-01, ‘01-02

our own. The good part is that we always learn from them.

It’s a really frightening feeling to know that in a short time we’ll be out into the real

Staff Superior: ‘99-00, ‘01-02 Staff Excellent: ‘02-03, ‘03-04 Staff Hon. Mention: ‘97-98. ‘98-99

ILPC

world, a world which no longer will treat us as young high school students, but as adults.

Some people don’t realize this but our life will change in a surprising way.

It would be wonderful for time to turn back and stay in our lovely childhood years, but that’s not possible. We have to look forward with confidence. This is part of life and part of us.

My recommendation is, take advantage of the last days you have left.

Award of Distinguished Merit: ‘05-06; ‘06-07 Newspaper Star rating nomination: ‘06-07 Award of Achievement: ‘98-99, ‘99-00, ‘00-01, ‘01-02, ‘02-03 Award of Honor: ’97-98, ‘03-04, ‘04-05

Contact The Magnet Tribune: By e-mail: mt_writers@hotmail.com — On the Internet: www.my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/laredo/vmt Address: Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School, The Magnet Tribune, 1702 Victoria Street, Laredo, Texas 78040 In person: TM-23, (Journalism classroom/darkroom), or Mark Webber’s box in the attendance office.

16

School News

The Magnet Tribune February 25, 2008

GAME BREAK, from page 10 all I can say… I mean, it’s what a gamer was waiting for! Super cool, hispeed, butt-kicking action that’ll make you want to come back for MORE. It has certainly improved since the first two installments, though, people do say that the characters have gotten weaker and have slowed down.

Whatever.

Controls: 10/10 Customizable controls! That’s right, you can choose the setting that best fits you. You have four “weapons” to choose from: the nun-chuck and Wiimote controllers, the Wiimote (Sideways), the Classic controller, and even your old GameCube controller.

(Yay! Now you have use for your old

GC controllers!)

Replay Value: 20/10 When it comes to replay value, the Smash Bros Series gets my regards of a 20/10..There is never a time when Smash gets boring. You can choose a location in Adventure mode and replay it instead of having to go through the whole thing. There’s also a Boss Battle mode and dozens of event matches.

Brawl’s got three stadium challenges, target test, multi-man brawl, and homerun contest, all of which have online co-op mode which allows you to play with other fellow “brawlers” all over the world via Wi-Fi. The best feature of Brawl is the VS mode. Play online, with friends, or

with CPU opponents. Customize your match with Special Brawl. Choose from dozens of new stages as well as 10 past stages from Melee. If the stages in the game are somehow not enough to satisfy you, then make your own. Yeah, that’s right. You can customize your own stage!

If you don’t fell like playing, you can always watch some other random people beat each other up in spectator mode. You get a new custom stage, replay, and screenshot every day handpicked by Nintendo. A game like this won’t die for decades.

Overall: 10/10 BEST! GAME! EVER!!! That’s just it... No fighting game can compare to

MUSIC, from page 10 Tristan Prettyman is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and former Roxy model.

The San Diego, California native’s sound could be best described as folk/ Country-Blues-ish.

“Hello” is Prettyman’s second album and is a reflection of her life, taking listeners threw stores of her life, love, and heartbreak.

“If someone were to say to me.‘Tell me about yourself,’ I would just had them a copy of ‘Hello’ and say, “Here, this is everything you need to know.” notes Prettyman on her official website (www.tristanprettyman.com).

Her song ‘Madly’ is a basic love song, about a

relationship that didn’t last.

The track was also featured as single of the week on iTunes.

ARTIST: TEMPOSHARK Sounds Like: Pet Shop Boys meets Trent Reznor ALBUM: THE INVISIBLE LINE (D) Favorite Track: Joy Temposhark is an English electronic rock band, formed in Britain and London by singer and songwriter Robert Diament and Luke Busby.

Temposark’s debut album ‘The Invisible Line’ includes many brand new songs and tracks from their rear EP’s that have been re-produced and in

some cases re-written. The album also includes a duet with Imogen Heap called ‘Not That Big’.

“Joy” is a track that would fit on a Mika or Scissor Sisters album. It meshes the style of both of those artists. It’s catchy chorus, makes you want to get up and sing along.

this. No flaws, no errors, just “OOoos” and “Awws” for this game. Kudos Nintendo for making this game! I recommend it with all my life. [: Rent or Buy? Buy it! Even if you don’t own a Wii console, you should still get a copy of it. You should buy five copies of them and hand them out to your friends.

No, wait! Buy 20 of them! Keep them for the distant future and pass them on to your children and grand children! (Trust me; you’ll be glad you did.)

Reviewer’s Score: 10/10 Game Release: Super Smash Bros.

Brawl (exclusively for the Nintendo Wii) (US, 03/09/08) for $49.99.

Mr. Cerda’s birthday MT photo by Mark Webber

School Director Jose Cerda looks at the watch faculty and staff gave him as they celebrated his birthday on April 8 in the library. Faculty and staff held a luncheon in his honor.

FIVE SONGS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE DAY: 1. Paradise – Ana Laan 2.

Boys – Ashlee Simpson 3. Foundations- Kate Nash 4. I Want Your LoveChromatics 5. Deceptacon- LeTigr -- Compiled by Theresa Rocha and Ricky Soliz

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