Dec 17, 2004

Vol. 12, No. 3

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The Magnet

R I B U N

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December 17, 2004

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

A state- and nationally recognized student newspaper

Our 2nd decade of service to VMT 20 in state orchestra

Art students visit two San Antonio galleries MANUEL MARTINEZ MT STAFF WRITER BY

he Visual Art Department recently took a trip to San Antonio to visit the prestigious McNay Art Institute.

Students were able to witness the masterpieces of famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.

The students were accompanied by all three art instructors, Armando Hinojosa, Jassie Rios, Jorge Vasquez, and specialist Mario Teniente.

English teacher James Buckley also accompanied them on the Nov. 20 trip.

Students were split into groups and taken through the institute where they saw the art collection of Elizabeth McNay. This collection includes some of the most famous paintings in the world.

One such painting was Pablo Picasso’s “Silvette” in which he painted a woman who modeled for him 40 times. This woman was scheduled to visit the institute on that day, but due to the students’ schedule we

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page 2A Moving up, out

page 3A Tapestry gets ready

were not able to meet her.

Another painting, students saw was the first painting Mrs. McNay ever owned. It was a portrait done by Diego Rivera, depicting a young Spanish girl with a flower.

One room was filled with prints done by an artist known as Francisco Goya in which he expresses and depicts the brutality and horror of war.

One painting students liked was Van Gogh’s portrait of two women leaving a mental institution.

“I can’t believe I actually saw a Van Gogh. It was awesome,” said sophomore Andy Flores.

Paintings were not the only items on display at the art institute, in fact there were many sculptures done by world renowned sculptors such as Auguste Rodin.

Rodin is most famous for his innovative sculptures known as “The Thinker” and “The Kiss.”

Another famous sculptor whose work was present at the institute were the sculptures of Edgar Degas, who is very well known for his beautiful sculpture of a ballerina.

MT photo by Ivana Martinez Art student Nahuel Morales enjoys the fountain at the McNay Art Institute in San Antonio during the field trip.

At about 3 p.m. students went to the Guadalupe Center for a free tour of the facilities.

The most noticeable feature of the center is its 40-foot mural of the Virgin Mary, completely out of a special type of tile, which was precisely cut and pieced together.

The artist responsible for the mural is Jessie Trevino,

a well-known artist who lost his arm in Vietnam. He had an assistant help him with the mural.

Also included in the tour was a look at the theater where students of the center perform plays, and a walkthrough of the buildings where they not only teach religious classes but musical courses as well.

LCC Psychology class taught by school counselor

BY CLAUDIA AMBRIZ MT STAFF WRITER

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How would you feel about taking a Psychology class? Some V.M.T students know what this feels like. A concurrent Psychology class has been going on since the beginning of the semester and is now about to end.

“Students have been extremely responsive and eager to enroll in life classes taught at V.M.T.”counselor Diana Pentecost said.

Pentecost is V.M.T’s counselor but in the afternoon, starting at 5:30 Tuesday and Thursday, she turns into a Psychology 2301 teacher for LCC. “Teaching the class is a very refreshing experience, and also I’ve had the opportunity to refresh my knowledge

of perspectives and techniques,” Pentecost said.

As a psychology student, being able to take part in this special opportunity feels awesome. These are the thoughts of a reporter that thinks being able to take college courses while being a high school student and receiving college hours is an outstanding opportunity.

Psychology, to reference books, is known as “the study of mental processes and behavior.” There are a lot of different ways one’s behavior and decisions come to be. Thought has to go through several steps for one’s conscious to react.

Pentecost finds Psychology class interesting. She acquired a major in psychology as part of becoming a counselor.

“Teaching Psychology involves the sharing of information in a seminar type of instruction. The atmosphere is informal and conducive to discussion.

Counseling, on the other hand, usually involves one-on-one interaction and aims to unravel a student’s concern,” Pentecost said.

One participant said she enjoys attending the late afternoon class.

“I really like this class. I’ve always wanted to feel smart and take a college class. Especially a psychology class, where there are so many awesome things to learn,” student Cassandra Castillo said.

Psychology class ended Dec. 10.

Those who pass will get three hours of college credit and a lifetime of learning behavioral sciences.

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

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The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

20 earn places on music association state orchestra

BY DELIA DIAZ MT STAFF WRITER VMT strings students earned 20 places on the Texas Association of Music Educators Region 14 Orchestra in November.

They and other students from South Texas performed Nov. 13 at UISD’s Student Activity Center.

“In years past, Region 14 has used venues in Corpus Christi, Flour Mound, and Robstown for most of its events. Within the past four years, several suitable sites in Laredo have been built. Javier Vera, Music supervisor of United Independent School District, offered the use of the U. I. S. D. Student Activity Complex in 2001.

The site was so perfect for Region 14’s needs that we have used it since that time.” said Bobby Compton, VMT strings instructor who is also Region 14 Orchestra Division chairperson.

Music instructors John Reimund and Melissa Hinojosa had students playing piccolo, bassoon, tuba and euphonium selected to the orchestra.

VMT music students on the orchestra are: Violin I Daniel Arambula, concertmaster; Maribel Del Bosque, Belinda Flores, Maria Garcia and Claudia

Olivares, co-principle.

Violin II Eileen De La Cruz; Melissa Treviño, co-principle; and Alma Vasquez, principle.

Viola Augustin Gamez, Maria Martinez and Corina Zamora, co-principle.

Bass Olga De Leon, Ricardo Reyes and Nancy Torres, principle.

Other instruments Noe Benavides, cello, principle; Victor Vedia, piccolo, principle, Carolina Villarreal; Reynaldo Flores, bassoon; Javier Garcia, tuba, principle; and Juan Zamarripa, euphonium, principle.

Compton said the annual concert requires much practice and concentration.

“Students win placement in the Region 14 Orchestra through audition. At this audition they play three pieces. Two of these pieces are etudes and are chosen by TMEA at the state level. They are released at the beginning of the summer. The third piece is taken from concert music and is announced at the audition. The concert music is announced at the beginning of the school year. The students that do well on these auditions are usually the ones that invest the most time preparing for

MT photo by These strings performers were part of the 20 VMT students chosen for the Region 14 Orchestra in November. Seated, from left, are Corina Zamora, Belinda Flores, Maria Garcia, Maribel del Bosque and Eileen de la Cruz. Top row, Alma Vasquez, Noe Benavides, Daniel Arambula and Melissa Treviño.

the audition. Many came to the Summer Strings Workshop here at VMT to prepare this music.

Membership in the Region 14 Orchestra is an accomplishment that shows dedication and hard work,” Compton affirmed.

He said the principles, co-principles and concertmaster are leadership positions within the orchestra.

Compton was pleased with orchestra students’ performance in

this annual concert.

I am extremely proud of all the students who placed in the Region 14 Orchestra,” he said. “Their commitment to their instrument, fulfillment of academic expectations, and dedication to such a worthy goal shows a great deal about their character and sets a shining example for future students of Vidal M. Treviño to follow.”

Reporter takes part in yearly dance production of ‘The Nutcracker’

BY JOHN HINOJOSA MT STAFF WRITER It’s that time of year again when everyone gets into the spirit of Christmas. You see people decorating their houses with lights, people going out and buying trees — and the mall is packed with people buying gifts as fast as they can fork out their Ben Franklin’s Well, I also got into the Christmas spirit and I had a lot of fun in doing so. I wouldn’t mind coming back next year to do it all over again.

What I’m talking about is VMT’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” in conjunction with the Laredo Ballet Theatre. I had a role in this production.

I know that most of you are thinking: “Oh, wow, big deal, He was in

OPINION

some performance.”

Well, it isn’t actually that bad; as a matter of fact I believe that if anyone else would have joined, they would have had a blast, too.

Not only is it something that you get to do during the Christmas season, but you get to learn another fine art such as what I got to experience, which was ballet.

I know some readers may think it strange for to hear about a guy in ballet. Well, it isn’t as easy as it seems.

I joined the show little late so I had to really concentrate on the scenes which I was to come out in, but thanks to VMT dance instructor Mary Ellen Leyendecker and all the girls and guys that helped me learn the dances, made it so much

easier.

Having the role of party gentleman wasn’t all just about going onstage and just standing there. You had to feel it and dedicate yourself to it to learn. Even though I’m not in dance, much less ballet, I think it’s something that I found that I really, really liked. And, come on, for me to like dancing, that’s awkward because I used to hate it.

The first performance I was in was so nerve-wracking but at the same time I was so happy at all the people who attended. I went onstage and I gave it my best. When my scenes were over, it was like the best feeling in the world.

Dancing in public isn’t necessarily what I do, so when I did it, I felt really great. Then to add more satisfaction, when we came out for the final

bow, all the children stood up and started cheering and shouting, which makes you feel even better because you know you put on a great show.

After the first performance, the rest was a breeze. I got to help out with the snow effects after my scene was over. It was so awesome the way the little children and even some adults would react to the fake snow.

This is something that I definitely am going to do again next year.

At our last show, once the curtains closed for the last time, the dancers went wild screaming, jumping, dancing around, and giving hugs and pats on the backs.

Although the practices at some point were a little tiring, in the end it all paid off.

Spring semester holidays....

Monday, Jan. 17: Staff Development (no school) Friday, Feb. 11: Staff Development (no school)

Friday, Feb. 18: District Holiday March 18-28: Spring Break/Easter Holiday

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The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

Teachers, staff leave VMT

Reyna becomes secondary reading coordinator for LISD

BY ROBERT TENORIO MT STAFF WRITER Elsa Reyna has taught English at the magnet school for nine years, and now she is off on another journey, as secondary r e a d i n g instructional coordinator for the district’s middle and high schools.

ELSA REYNA Reyna’s years at magnet have been excellent, she said.

“The nine years I have worked at the magnet school have been wonderful. The faculty and the staff made me feel right at home. All the

EDITORIAL, page 11A

students I have taught have made a difference in my life,” said Reyna.

The new position is going to be different from what she does now.

“I will be the secondary reading instructional coordinator. This position is going to make a big difference because I will not be in the classroom anymore, but I will be working outside the classroom by improving reading standards for students,” said Reyna.

She is very excited about her new position.

“Change is good and I believe the change will allow me to continue in my quest to teach students language arts,” said Reyna.

Reyna received a master’s degree in reading from TAMIU in August.

She started her new position on Dec. 8.

MT photo by Monica Garcia

Last class World Geography instructor James Turner talks to freshman Stephanie Lira during his final fifth block class on Nov. 10, before leaving VMT to fly executive jets for the International Bank of Commerce. This was his first year at VMT.

Former secretary now BCIS teacher at Cigarroa High

BY ADRIANA AUN MT STAFF WRITER One of VMT’s staff members is moving on to another campus.

Secretary Thelma Cadena, who has been working at VMT for the past four years, is now part of the teaching staff at Cigarroa High School.

Cadena was promoted to a posi-

tion where she will be teaching keyboarding and BCIS. Cadena said this was a “complete career change” for her and although she knows about teaching, it is something she has never done before.

She graduated from TAMIU in Dec. 2002, and has taken additional courses.

One of the things she enjoys most

about VMT is the people and the students in this school.

Cadena said what she will miss mostly about VMT is the people she works with, as well as the student body.

She was asked what her position is on the recent trend of other VMT staff members moving on to other occupations and campuses.

Cadena said she believes that if the

reason for leaving is a promotion, then it is “good” for the staff.

“If (they) weren’t offered promotions then (they) THELMA CADENA wouldn’t leave VMT,” Cadena said.

Tapestry prepares another edition

BY CHRISTIAN SANCHEZ MT STAFF WRITER One of the many fine arts that the Vidal M. Trevino magnet school offers is communications. Creative writing falls under this category and it is taught by Lily Castillo.

Tapestry is a literary magazine created by Castillo’s students. This magazine allows people to express their creativity, love towards someone, and many other feelings. They can do so by incorporating it into literary work, art designs, or photographs.

The magazine comes MT photo by Christen Sanchez together by asking students Christina Morales and Alejandro Valdez are editors of this and others for submissions. year’s Tapestry creative writing magazine.

As far as submissions are

concerned, everybody can submit work. That includes V.M.T. faculty and staff, students, and people from the community. There are some restrictions — no sexual visuals, no promoting suicide, and no resemblance of any type of weapons in artwork. In general, no negative work is acceptable.

Students started submitting work at the beginning of October, when students from the creative writing class went to individual classes, and discussed the theme of this year’s magazine, “As a new dawn emerges from the horizon…” The deadline is Jan. 14. Students can make submissions to Castillo’s

class in the Communications Building.

In charge is Editor Alejandro Valdez, senior at Martin and Co-editor Christina Morales, junior at Cigarroa.

“We try to make the magazine better every year,” Valdez said.

They said as editors they put in long hours because they have to stay after school to complete unfinished work, because of the limited time to work in class.

This year’s Tapestry magazine will be approximately 150 pages long and because of growing expenses it might be sold to students and to the public for between $3 and $5.

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The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

Styrofoam at bottom of 3D sculptures

BY JORGE NEGRETE MT STAFF WRITER “Patience is something that you need to have to be in sculpture. We first have to start small or simple to start making beautiful art pieces,” said Karina Alvarez, Armando Hinojosa’s fourth block sculpture student.

Hinojosa decided his students needed to sharpen up on their sculpture skills, so he had them come up with a design for 3D sculptures. Since it is hard to make a real sculpture, Hinojosa suggested for them to start off with something simple like papier mache.

“We wanted to make 3D art pieces, but since it is really hard to make something real, we decided to make simple 3D shapes,” said Hinojosa.

Karina Alvarez designed her sculpture in the form of a diamond because she really likes them.

Shapes varied from stars and moons, to flames and other abstract shapes.

“It mostly takes about a week to finish this. First you get Styrofoam and sculpt it into any shape that you want.

Then you mix water and flour and surround the Styrofoam shape with the mixture. After that, dip papier mache in water and paste it to the sculpture. Finally, you airbrush the sculpture with an air brush, and just let it dry,” Hinojosa said.

The whole process was interesting, she said, and the 3D objects were displayed for two weeks after the Thanksgiving holidays.

“It was ok. I had a lot of fun doing this,” said Alvarez.

MT photo by Cindy Sifuentes Guillermo Galvan and Carmen De La Cruz help each other make an art piece as part of their 3-D project in sculpture class.

15 teachers receive CPR training

BY DALIA OLIVARES SANDRA RAMON MT STAFF WRITERS

AND

Fifteen VMT teachers have received training for CPR. Mass training gives the teachers an opportunity to watch out for warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, and choking.

Irma Cepeda R.N. VMT nurse, trained 15 teachers who are now CPR certified, including Alicia McKinnis, Cesar Vásquez, Mario Teniente, Patricia O’Shea, Vincent Clark, Gregorio Garza, Mary Ellen Leyendecker, David Blumberg, Robert Lopez, John Reimund, Mark Webber, Blas Martinez, Elsa Reyna, Gene Granados, and Cheryl Kirkpatrick.

Every building needs to have at least one teacher who knows CPR because of the way VMT buildings are spread out, Cepeda said.

Cepeda works with the principal, Blas Martínez, to select key people to be CPR trained so the campus is covered all day and in all locations.

“Teachers really look forward to CPR classes and they participate a lot. They have opportunities with hands on practice with the mannequins,” said Cepeda.

Martinez, who demonstrated CPR on a practice dummy, said he’s never had a chance to use his skill for real.

“Fortunately I’ve never had to use CPR on someone,” Martinez said.

Teachers learned how to give CPR to children and teens, which is different from administering CPR to adults.

On a child or teen CPR is required first before dialing 911 because they likely had heart failure and need oxygen and blood circulated to the brain immediately.

On the other hand, dialing 911 is required first before performing CPR on adults because they don’t have as big of a chance of heart failure as children and teens do.

Teachers also learned two different methods on how to help people who are choking.

For example, they were taught to begin CPR right

away if the person who’s choking collapses.

Teachers receive a certification card after they pass their class, which they need to renew every two years.

Natalie Burkhalter is in charge of training all the nurses at the training center at TAMIU. The CPR training is not mandatory for all teachers, but the more teachers trained in CPR, the more prepared the school can be in case of an emergency.

There are ongoing CPR classes being held at different locations by other LISD nurses in order to have as many CPR-certified teachers as possible at all campuses.

Leonela Gutierrez, a sophomore who also attends Nixon, thinks it’s good teachers know CPR. “I think that it’s actually a very good idea that teachers are learning CPR because of the fact that if an accident were to happen, then action could be taken and we could prevent something really bad from happening. If teachers learn how to do CPR as well

MT photo by Sandra Ramon Principal Blas Martinez demonstrates how to perform a chest compression on a plastic mannequin, a part of CPR training.

as other safety tips and strategies they could really save a life,” Gutierrez said.

“I truly encourage every-

one to be trained and be CPR certified. For any questions regarding this, they can contact me,” said Cepeda.

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The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

UT urges students to earn degrees in communication

BY JOHN HINOJOSA MT STAFF WRITER University of Texas College of Communication officials spoke to VMT students about furthering their education in communications, on Nov. 29, in the board room.

Every school year, the College of Communication comes to speak to magnet school students about attending UT to study communications’ fields.

Assistant Dean Darrell Rocha gave the students information about admissions, tuition, housing and the great things communications graduates have accomplished during and after their studies at UT. He gave as an examples Hollywood movie stars creating studios in Austin in order to use students as on-air talent and behind the scenes workers.

Rocha also pointed out how students work for major Texas newspapers, often reporting what goes on during legislative sessions.

UT officials Noe Gonzales Jr. and Kathlyn Casarez greeted students with pamphlets and folders containing information about the University of Texas.

Gonzales showed a digital movie of the College of Communication students’ achievements. It also showed the manner in which some of the professors taught and their

personal opinions on the ideal way of teaching.

J e s s i c a Rodriguez, a senior communications student who also attends Nixon High, discussed what she thought of the presentation.

“I believe it was informative and very interesting,” Rodriguez said.

Claudia Ambriz, communications student who also attends M a r t i n , MT photo by Priscilla Sanchez echoed her Darrell Rocha, assistant dean in the College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, spoke comments.

“Now that to VMT communications at the school board meeting room concerning continuing their education there.

I’m a junior I’m becoming instructor, explained how students grams in the country. We have had more interested in my options after could benefit from UT’s visit. six students go there, so there is no high school. Having UT here has “The purpose of their trip was to reason current students cannot helped me create an awareness of acquaint the students with the take advantage of what the college what is out there for me,” Ambriz College of Communication,” has to offer and earn a degree from said.

Webber said. “Their communica- UT.” Mark Webber, VMT journalism tion school has one of the top pro-

Art Form students create terrifying haunted house

BY PRISCILLA SANCHEZ MT STAFF WRITER Screams of terror filled the upstairs art classroom on Oct. 29 when Art Form students and instructor Jassie Rios held a haunted house all day.

They received inspiration from Joseph Cornell an American artist from 1903-1972, working with lines and shapes.

“It took us two weeks and a weekend to finally get an image of how it was going to look,” said Rios, “because since the morning and afternoon students had different ideas, having to combine them took a while.”

Decorating two main rooms, a hallway and part of the classroom, didn’t really look like the image they had planned for. Instead it appeared even better.

Each room had its own “scare tactic”. There were streamers made

from trash bags and spider webs, noises of crying babies, screaming and loud pops of balloons.

With the Haunted House being so dark, visitors’ hearts raced, and screams got louder the longer they stayed inside.

Guiding students through the Haunted House in the afternoon was art student Arturo Alvarado.

“Being part of the haunted house was cool ‘cause I got to scare some teachers, like Mr. Hinojosa,” he said.

After entering, students and teachers held on to each other while walking, gripped by the terror of not knowing who or what will scare them at anytime.

At the end of it all some came out with traumatized looks on their faces, while others weren’t moved by it.

“The reactions of the students were funny, it intrigued them,” said Rios. “It was like a creep show.”

MT photo by Jessica Rodriguez Visitors to the Art Form open house found scary characters like these waiting to greet them.

In the next issue of The Magnet Tribune History classes visit San Antonio museum

Music faculty publishes CD of Christmas music

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The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

Money is driving force behind students working after school

BY MANUEL MARTINEZ MT STAFF WRITER

what affected his school work.

“It’s really hard to keep up my schoolwork since I come home late any high school students every night from work,” he said. these days are usually Kristina Garza, senior, said she employed, or seeking loves her job at H.E.B. and has been employment whether it be for the able to adjust to her job well. reason that they need to help their “At first my grades dropped a bit parents with the bills or they simply because I was constantly tired, but need more cash in their pocket. eventually I got used to it and now Rey Cabrera, junior, says he I am able to keep up both my job applied for his job at Outback and my schoolwork,” she Steakhouse because he really want- explained. ed to save up for a new guitar.

Co-worker Gracie Aleman, senior, “I want to buy a Gibson-SG guitar, explained how she comes home very so I applied for the job and ended up late and goes to school tired when getting it,” Cabrera said. she has to close.

He added he liked the idea of mak“I’m hardly ever home anymore ing and having his own money. because I work so late sometimes,” “It’s cool to be able to go places and Aleman said. have my own money,” he explained.

She decided to stay with her job so Frank Hernandez, senior, said he she can eventually buy a car and pay likes the sense of independence he off her senior expenses. gets from earning his own money.

“I need to start saving my money “It makes me feel good that I don’t for a car, but it’s hard with all my have to be dependent on my mother senior expenses to pay for,” she all the time,” Hernandez said. explained.

He added that while he loves his Daniela Hernandez, senior, said job at Peter Piper Pizza, it has some- that aside from earning all her extra

M

MT photo by Irma Hernandez REY CABRERA Outback Steakhouse

MT photo FRANK HER Peter Pip

cash, she enjoys interacting with coworkers and guests at the Marriot Hotel, where she works as the front desk clerk.

“The people here are really nice and I like to help them any way I can, and besides its money in my pocket,”

she said.

She explained h didn’t really affect h much because s Saturdays and Sun social life has chan “I usually only w

Freshmen have hope of finding jobs someday Name: Karen Lopez What grade are you in? 9th Where would you like to work? Dillard’s Why do you want to work there?

What is one reason you would want to work? To be independent, responsible, and to be able to buy my own stuff.

At what age would you like to work? 16 Name: Leslie Widales What grade are you in? 9th Where would you like to work? At the movies Why do you want to work there? Because I think it is an easy, interesting, and fun job. It’s not going to make me get behind on my school assignments.

School is always first for me!

What is one reason you would want to work? To earn money and to buy my own stuff.

At what age do you want to work? 18 Name: Terry Loredo What grade are you in? 9th Where would you like to work? As a baby-sitter Why do you want to work there? Because I love

babies even though they cry a lot.

What is one reason you would want to work? So I can start learning how to be responsible and independent.

At what age do you want to work? 16 Name: Trisha Briones What grade are you in? 9th Where would you like to work? Hot Topic Why would you want to work there? Because I like the atmosphere there and because of the discounts.

What is one reason you want to work? To start saving money for a car.

At what age would you like to start working? 16 Name: Blanca Castillo What grade are you in? 9th Where would you work? McDonald’s Why would you want to work there? So I can get free food.

What is one reason you would like to work? To earn money to buy the things that I want so my parents won’t have to buy them for me. I think that if I start working now I won’t have to relay on my par-

e i t

CAUDILLO

CASTILLO

future.

At what age would you li Name: Clarissa Vasquez What grade are you in? 9 Where would you like to Why would you work the of people who work there.

What is one reason you would like to work for the phone.

At what age would you li Name: Thelma Arambula What grade are you in? 9 Where would you work? T Why would you want to w work there because I like c What is one reason you earn a lot of extra money

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The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

hoto by Christian Sanchez HERNANDEZ Piper Pizza

MT photo by Veronica Lara KRISTINA GARZA HEB

MT photo by Manuel Martinez GRACIE ALEMAN HEB

MT photo by Priscilla Sanchez DANIELA HERNANDEZ Marriot Hotel

“I usually only work on weekends so I can keep up my school work, but how her schedule I hardly see my friends anymore so ct her school life too that makes it kind of tough,” she she only works explained. undays, but that her V.M.T. student counselor Diana anged drastically.

Pentecost supports the idea of a

part-time job as long as a student’s academics are not affected.

“A part-time job is good if a student can handle the responsibility and not lose track of priorities,” she said.

She added there are many factors

that should be taken into consideration before a student takes a job.

“There are so many variables that students should consider,” she said, “such as maturity, reasons for wanting the job, academic potential and schedule availability just to name a

money in my pocket,”

ts he

At what age would you like to start working? 16

Name: A.J Caudillo What grade are you in? 9th Where would you work? American Eagle RODRIGUEZ Why would you want to work there? Because it RAMOS would be a fun place to work and they give good discounts. I also heard that the salary is good there and it’s my favorite store to buy my clothes. u like to start working? 16 What is one reason you would like to work? I want ez to be able to buy my own things.

At what age would you like to start working? I ? 9th would like to work there now but I have to wait a few to work? Chic-fil-A there? Because I know a lot years till I’m old enough e.

Name: Rey Ramos you would like to work? I What grade are you in? 9th he money and to buy a cell Where would you work? Hollister Why would you want to work there? I would want u like to start working? 16 to work there because it’s a cool store and the ula clothes there are awesome. If it pays well, great, but a job is a job and it really doesn’t matter as long as ? 9th I like it. k? T-Mobil What is one reason you would like to work? The o work there? I would like to main reason I would like to work is to have money e cell phones. ou would like to work? To in my pocket At what age would you like to work? A soon as I y

can, which would be around 16 and 17 Name: Erica Rodriguez What grade are you in? 9th Where would you work? Pac Sun Why would you want to work there? Because they sell cool clothes and they have good discounts, and I think it A part-time job is would just be a great good if a student place to have a job at a age. can handle the young What is one reason responsibility and you would like to not lose track of work? Because I want priorities. to have my own money and not be depending on my parents all the Diana Pentecost, time VMT Counselor At what age would you like you work? Around the age of 17 Compiled by Elizabeth Rodriguez, Diana Santillano and Alyssa Garza.

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The Magnet Tribune November 19, 2004

Humans get body enhancements in futuristic anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex This anime is something I think most people will enjoy and more so the plot.

As we advance into the future, so has our technology. The year is 2030 and technology has reached the point where man and machine are fully integrated.

This means that a person can have bodily enhancements for superhuman strength or enhance their senses. People can also enhance their brains, which also enables them to connect directly into any standard computer or network technology.

However, as technology gets better and better, so does crime that involves

Anime 101 by

April Magaña exploiting the technology.

The bodily enhancements can make terrorism or espionage that much easier.

Since the mind can be connected to a network, hackers can hack the mind of a person of power, such as political and business leaders, and steal information or use them as pawns. Criminals also have access to androids to do their bidding at less of the cost of hiring, paying, training, and equipping humans.

However, as new and more

serious forms of crime escalate, so does an organization bent on stopping it. That is why Public Peace Section 9, a special task force made up of both flesh and blood humans and mechanical cyborgs, has been assembled. Equipped with the latest technology and advance multi-pedal tanks called Tachikomas, Section 9 handles special situations regarding robotic citizens and other machines with minds of their own. Each member has strong points

that come in handy during each mission, but when dealing with such highly advanced criminals, strong points are second only to cold, hard skill.

Overall, this anime was a trip and its cyber plot will attract many new anime fans.

Full Metal Alchemist Full Metal Alchemist is an odd, little anime series.

Everything from the storyline to the character animations, this show runs fluidly from beginning to end.

Full Metal Alchemist, based on a currently running manga of the same name, is about the plight of two brothers named Edward “Ed” and Alphonse “Al” Elric. At a very young age they began to

learn alchemy, which seemed to make their mother happy. Alchemy is a way of manipulating and making objects out of other objects, but they have to be equal in value, if not you can pay dearly for it, which is what the Elric brother’s learned the hard way.

When their mother became sick and died the two brothers performed sort a forbidden form of Alchemy named “human transmutation” in order to revive their deceased mother, but it goes horribly wrong: what they create wasn’t human. Ed ends up paying by losing his left leg and Al pays by losing his whole body, but by sacrificing his right arm Ed is See ANIME, page 12A

‘Shaun of the Dead’ has audiences laughing at antics of characters “Shaun of the Dead” is a drop-dead funny movie you will enjoy.

The movie which stars Simon Pegg (Shaun), Nick Frost (Ed), and Kate Ashfield (Liz) is about the movie “Dawn of the Dead.” But, instead “Shaun of the Dead” is making fun of the movie.

“Shaun of the Dead” starts off with a normal life. People in the London area and the rest of Great Britain are going about their lives.

Coming Attractions by

Robert Tenorio But as days pass, people start to change. Shaun was the first to notice these changes. Many people are starting to act zombie-like.

He and his roommate Ed decide to take themselves out of town and go for

Shaun’s girlfriend.

During this ordeal they overcome many obstacles because the threat of turning into a zombie has turned into an epidemic.

I know this sounds pretty scary but this is “Shaun of

the Dead,” and in this movie everything is made fun of.

For example, Shaun’s mom starts talking to many zombies because she thinks they are not infected. As you can tell she is very naive and she ends up getting infected.

The zombies look pretty funny because one minute they are normal and the next minute there they are with bulging white eyes like the girl from the Exorcist. I thought that was pretty

funny. Also, Ed, Shaun, and Liz were all pretending to act like zombies that they won’t be attacked. Even though it was pretty stupid because they almost got attacked, I have to say it was pretty funny due to it being weird.

I recommend you see the movie because it is just plain funny. There are a lot of stupid things they do that will leave you laughing throughout the movie. I rate it 5 zombies out of five.

Three seniors announce plans to attend college, join the Marines The System is going to bring you something a little different this time.

Something that I’ve never done before. It’s somewhat of an experiment, a sort of runthrough to see what reactions I get. Instead of just interviewing one person at a time, I wanted to showcase three. The reason I decided to do this was because quite a few people have approached me and wanted to be in the paper.

Our first interviewee is Mayte Guevara from Martin High. I believe Mayte will demonstrate the courage some men may not even have by joining the Marines.

Imagine being shipped off to a place you’ve never been before, to boot camp, to physically prepare you for the Marines. During the day she is your typical student with a typical lifestyle, and of course, a great G.P.A. But then at night, she is someone different. You would

The System by

John Hinojosa never expect a sweet young woman like her to be tough and prepare herself by running, weight-lifting, and basically mentally preparing herself for the “real deal.”

“I’m a little nervous about it but I’m also really excited,” Guevara said.

She is scheduled to leave June 20.

Wouldn’t it be great not to have to be at your home campus at all? To me it would be, and that’s exactly what Angie Coronado, a senior at Nixon High, does on a regular basis. She never has to step foot on Nixon territory unless she must. She has been attending the Health Science Magnet for four years and VMT for two.

“It’s really great to not have

to put up with the people at Nixon High School,” Coronado said.

She’d much rather be here because of the atmosphere and because of the many people one gets to meet.

Coronado is a part of many clubs and organizations, such as HOSA. She plans to attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island for eight years.

After that she plans to start a career with N.A.S.A. Our third interviewee is Mary Starkey, another senior at Martin. Mary says “Magnet is cool because of the diversity and the way things are run here.”

She enjoys being here because she doesn’t have to be at her home campus all

MAYTE GUEVARA

ANGIE CORONADO

day long.

“The teachers here are more hands-on with the way they teach you, and the teacher to student ratio is smaller.”

She tells me that all of her high school years have been the same but despite everything; she is always going to remember VMT.

MT photo by John Hinojosa

MARY STARKEY

As far as her art class is concerned she believes one learns art techniques here that aren’t taught at the home school.

That’s all for now. Tell me what you think. If you want to be featured in the paper, stop me in the hallways or drop by the newspaper classroom.

9A

The Magnet Tribune November 19, 2004

Jimmy Eat World, Green Day, Gwen Stefani publish hot albums Artist: Jimmy Eat World Album: Futures Label: Interscope Records Ratings: 4 does out of 5 Web site: www.jimmyeatworld.com Jimmy Eat World has made an excellent new album. At first I wasn’t too sure if I was going to like it, but in the end I did.

It has a lot of intense instrumental music, with inner soft lyrics. In my opinion it’s not bad at all. The band performs music that’s more down to earth.

The story line for most of their songs is that there’s a character suffering a great downfall. Later, the character learns from his/her mistake and grows as a person.

Most of the songs express

Rock review by

Veronica Cruz this type of depression while others show the process of a person growing stronger. It’s all about dealing with life’s issues and emotions during different situations.

“Drugs or Me,” is one of the more interesting songs in this album. The song talks about helping out a person that is fighting a drug war inside of themselves. It also explains that by helping someone you can help them conquer many dangers. By helping they could have a better life to live without

drugs, which would lead them nowhere.

This album is great. I liked it. This time I think it’s a different category of music than were used to coming from them.

-Artist: Green Day Album: American Idiot Label: Warner Brothers Ratings: 5 grenades out of 5 Web site: www.greenday.com In my opinion this is an awesomely good album, I loved all of it.

It’s all hyped-up music: Their album was timed to be released during the presidential election. In the album they “speak” a lot about their beliefs on certain issues.

The song I liked is, “Extraordinary Girl.” It brings out the melody in their album. It’s an awesome song with different beats.

Most of it is about being young and how a youngster views his/her life, or the life that an America lives.

Green Day is already out on the road touring, they stop in June 2005. I personally know they do good performances everywhere they go. They connect with their fans as much as they can.

This is a worthy album, believe me, it is.

Free posters in The Magnet Tribune classroom!

-Artist: Gwen Stefani Single: “What You Waiting For” Label: Interescope Records Ratings: 5 awaits out of 5 Web site: www.gwenstefani.com Gwen Stefani is solo, after deciding to take a break from her band “No Doubt”. I personally, never thought the day would come she would become a solo artist.

Her single “What’cha Waiting For?” is a hot hit right now. The song represents her whole debut album. As the lyrics from her single explain, she had to See ROCK, page 12A

Fictional kingdom setting for guild of magicians looking for power Yet again I bring to those that read my column another fiction book which I have had the pleasure of reading.

“The Magicians’ Guild,” by Trudi Canavan, is based in a fictional kingdom where there is a guild of magicians (of course with the title being its namesake).

In this kingdom each year during winter there is the purge. The purge is when the guards go around the inner city rounding all the homeless beggars and escort them to the outer part of the city, away from the nobles and away from the wall that guards the inner city. The guards, protected by shields from the magicians, don’t have much to fear from the vagrants they oversee.

But this year after working

Bookworm by

Ernesto Cavazos hard for years to live at a stayhouse (an inn that gives tiny rooms to rent) with her aunt and uncle, Sonea and her relatives get kicked out because of a decree from the king saying the stayhouses are unsanitary because of so many people living in each one.

So while walking with the crowd she overhears two guards talking about ambushing some troublemakers that pop up each year. Sonea knows her friends Harrin and Cery are part of those troublemakers,

Harrin leading his little gang against the guards each year at the purge.

Finding one of the watchers for Harrin’s gang, she tells him what she knows.

But never seen her before he takes her to see Harrin, but when she finally gets to Harrin and Cery the ambush is already on its way with a magician leading it.

Trapped by guards along with her friends, unable to get past the magician’s shield, and her make a break for it and already expecting an ambush they rush into an

alley where she found two guards already knocked out and escape the other guards.

Now her heart slowing, she starts to catch up with her friends about the happenings of the two previous years. As they reach an area filled with magicians Harrin and his gang start tossing rocks at them, not making through their shield but doing so anyway.

Sonea gets convinced into tossing a rock and like the rest it doesn’t make it through but cheered on she decides to toss another one.

When she hears a insulting comment from one of the magicians. His insult infuriates her into putting all her will into the rock to get through and in doing so she awakens the magic in her,

using it to penetrate the shield even to get the rock through and to hit the magician right in the head.

Caught completely by surprise the magician is stunned by the rock and falls to the ground. When the person he is talking with gets up from seeing if the other is alright he looks around noticing Sonea stunned and surprised, believing she did it. He points directly at her. She starts running as fast as she could but as she is running she feels terrified notices a light coming near and feels a lot of heat and falls to the ground.

She gets up finding herself whole and unharmed, but next to her sees the black See BOOKWORM, 12A remains of a person while

Nurse’s ‘Book of Laws’ strict on how they can help students Have a stomach ache, headache, or a sprained ankle?

Don’t worry; the nurses are here to help -– and they’ve always got a bag/cup of ice waiting for you in their office, no doubt about that.

I get that the nurses don’t really have the right to give or hand out medicine, but my question is: Why? Why must we suffer eating ice when we have a stomach ache or why we must use the heating pad? (Which is quite nice by the way.)

Here is the answer in why ice is our only hope.

The nurses have rules to follow. I had a visit with school nurse Irma Cepeda,

Observations by

Grace Garcia R.N. perhaps in hope for her to answer some questions.

When we began talking about the can and can’t-dos she ended up taking out a three-inch binder, “LISD Health Services Manual,” which I called “The Book Of Laws”…she agreed.

This book held about 300 or more pages just explaining what she is able to do and what not to do.

Nurses are not able to provide students with any medication whatsoever; unless

you have an excuse from the doctor but even then you must fill out a form called “Health Services Department”. In that form you must have not only your parents’ but your doctor’s signature as well.

This form asks questions such as name and purpose of medications, and what side effects they might cause. Some medication can have side effects that might interfere with school, so you might also want to check up

on that.

An allergic reaction is also something the nurses’ fear.

Think about it…one day you have no problems with aspirin but the next day, next week…you can have some sort of an allergic reaction, and yes it’s possible.

Sometimes they like to do a little routine first. First they ask you to lay/sit in their office for a good 10 minutes. Then they just send you back to class and tell you, “If you still feel ill or if it gets worse, you can come back if you’d like.”

I really don’t think anyone just wants to lay/sit in the nurse’s office listening to them talk while all you can

do is look around the room or stare at the ceiling. I think that would make me sick, for sure. On the other hand, you can always ask the nurses for permission to call home.

Reminder to all, nurses are really limited in how they can help you. They can’t provide you with a miracle or actual medicine, just ice bags, heating pads, band-aids and some comfort.

In case of an emergency students, tell them and don’t be timid. They can’t keep you from making a call home, or they can call for you. Be mature about this as well, and don’t make it a habit.

10A

The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

Teachers, staff set good examples with upward moves For several years, some of Vidal M. Treviño Magnet school teachers and staff have been furthering their education to obtain higher positions in their careers.

These teachers have now moved on to their new positions, and The Magnet Tribune congratulates them on their achievements. We know they will perform well in their new positions.

Elsa Reyna, Elsa Ruiz, Thelma Cadena, and Dr. Linda Mitchell are the VMT faculty members that have

EDITORIAL

The Magnet Tribune congratulates former teachers and staff who, through education, have moved up in their careers. left us to advance their careers.

Reyna taught English for nine years before she finished her masters last Agusut. She was recently named LISD reading instruc-

tional coordinator, and assumed the post in December.

Ruiz taught mathematics here for nine years; she is working on her doctorate and became LISD’s math coordinator in 2002.

Cadena graduated from TAMIU in Dec. 2002 after many years of taking classes at LCC and the university. In November she was hired as a BCIS teacher at Cigarroa High School. She was VMT’s secretary for four years.

Dr. Linda Mitchell taught

English for 10 years. She earned her doctorate while at VMT, and became a vice principal at Christen Middle School last year. She was appointed to her new position in Sept. 2003.

The Magnet Tribune congratulates these successful women in their accomplishments. Their drive for more education and upward moves set a good example for all of us.

Comments? mt_writers@hotmail.com

Students supported the Nixon Mustangs in football playoffs We asked V.M.T. students, “What do you think about the Nixon Mustangs going to the playoffs?” This is what they had to say: “Nixon going to the playoffs didn’t really matter to me.

I’m happy for them, though.

I think it’s cool that a team from Laredo made it,” Nick Lopez, freshman.

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, (also known as Treviño Magnet School and VMT), 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 published and distributed free seven times during the regular academic year.

Blas Martinez Director and publisher

Mark E. Webber Journalism instructor and adviser, The Magnet Tribune

Vol. 12, No. 3; December 17, 2004 Editor of this Issue: Jessica Rodriguez Editors: Sara Rodriguez (Oct. editor), Jessica Rodriguez (Nov. editor), Daniela Romo (Dec. editor), Adriana Aun (Feb. editor), Ivana Martinez (April editor), Melissa Vazquez (May editor), Luis Herrera (Web site manager).

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. Current design was created by sophomore Ed Herrera in 2004.

Production is by VMT journalism and photojournalism students using Microsoft Word, QuarkXPress and Adobe Photoshop on a networked Dell and Macintoshes.

Printed at Alice Newspapers Inc. Copyright ©2004: Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Member: National Arts and The Magnet Scholastic Tribune Press Association

“I think that is really cool and more because I’m from Nixon,” Alejandra Villarreal, freshman.

“I think they’re a great team, in my opinion,” PFC Raymond Lee Martinez, former student (CHS).

“The fact that they went was a wonderful thing. The record speaks for itself. I’m glad we made it and made history this year. Making history sets the tone for next year’s team, which will help motivate them for next season. I can go on and on about Nixon’s football team because I am a huge fan and supporter,” Laura Gamez, junior.

“I like the fact that a Laredo team made the playoffs. Nixon’s football team gives us pride and joy,” Cindy Dominguez, junior “In my opinion, I think that Nixon deserved to be in the playoffs because they are the best high school team,” Annie Miller, freshman “I am happy for them because they deserved it and it’s actually their tradition,” Joyce Ochoa, sophomore “I hope they do better than they did last year,” Jorge Felix, sophomore “I hope they win!” Tabatha Palacios, sophomore “I feel really proud for my boys doing a great job, and also because they deserve it for their hard work in going to the playoffs. I just can’t believe they went this far,”

Grecia Cristina Andrade, senior “I hope they win,” Fabiola Rivera, sophomore “I think they deserved it.

They’ve been working really hard all year long, and I hope it pays off on Saturday against Taft,” Leslee M., senior. (Editor’s note: Nixon lost to Taft, 42-15.)

“I was proud that they made it to the playoffs. I just hope they go all the way,” Josh, sophomore.

“Well, I’m happy they got there, and I hope they do great!” Juan Caballo, sopho-

A Penny for your Thoughts by Irma Hernandez ior “It’s fantastic that the team made it because they did have a chance to play against the San Antonio team. The J.W. Nixon football players are good and will still be.” Diana Y. Garza, junior

more.

“It’s cool,” Carlos Gaona, sophomore “It’s really cool they made it all the way to playoffs this year. They really have good players on the team.”

Christelle Arriaga, junior “They made it, great, just to get their heads handed to them” Luis Mondragon, jun-

Waffle Iron by

Veronica Cruz (story); Nick Lopez (art)

Holiday special

11A

The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004 Letter to the Editor MT gets e-mail from Chinese magnet maker Dear Sir, Nice day! After reviewing your website, I’m so glad to learn that you may have requirement for Magnets.

As a leading manufacturer of Magnets materials in China, Feller Magnets corporation would like to establish the long-term business relationship with your esteemed company for our mutual benefits.

The perfect magnets we can supply as following: (long list follows).

For more details, warmly welcome to visit our website: www.fellermag-

nets.com.

With quality management system which is the key for enter auto industry, modern inspecting techniques and advanced technical team and facilities, Feller ensure to provide the competitive price, prompt delivery, high quality and best service for you. Your reply with specific inquiry will be high appreci-

ated!

Thank you in advance!

Best regards!

Miss Ojita Zhang Shenzhen Feller Magnets Corp, Shenzhen, China, www.fellermagnets.com (Editor’s note: We received this letter at our e-mail address: mt_writers@hotmail.com.)

China e-mail shows confusion with school’s name E-mail from China! Yes, that’s right — this year The Magnet Tribune received an e-mail all the way from the other side of the world. Isn’t that exciting?

Well, not quite, considering the contents of the mail were completely irrelevant to the school or The Magnet Tribune, for that matter.

The e-mail reads as follows: “Dear Sir, Nice day!

After reviewing your website, I’m so glad to learn that you may have requirement for Magnets. As a leading special manufacturer of Magnets materials in China, Feller Magnets Corporation would like to establish the long-term business relationship with your esteemed

The Bug by

Adriana Aun

Photos show samples of magnets offered to The Magnet Tribune

by Feller Magnets Corporation in China.

company for our mutual benefits. The perfect magnets we can supply as following: blah, blah, blah.

The e-mail goes on to list an infinite amount of different types of magnets and

even provides images of the samples.

As for “after reviewing your website” — I don’t think so! If they had taken the time as to even glance at the page, I’m pretty certain that they

would have seen the word “school” somewhere in there.

If you visit the site you’ll see in bold letters the headline “PSA awarded international recognition” for one of the stories. Big hint right there this isn’t a magnet company. Not to mention the fact there’s images of students and teachers as well.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t see how anybody — no matter what country they’re from — could have mistaken the Tribune Web

site for a magnet company site.

People nowadays need to pay a little more attention to what it is they’re doing, or reading, in this case.

Even though it was kind of a disappointment to find out this e-mail wasn’t exactly commenting on our performance, I have to admit that this little miscommunication incident was pretty funny.

Comments? mt_writers@hotmail.com

Too many school rules keep students from enjoying school Naturally, as a teenager, school is one place where I spend most of my day. That is where I get an education and “discover my individuality”. But honestly, is that really true? Since when do schools really let anyone express themselves with so many regulations under their belts? As a senior in Nixon High School, the expression of one’s individuality isn’t something that can be distinguished among all the students. I understand that all rules are placed for a reason, but treating students like if they have no say so in any situation can’t really define the freedom that our country represents.

How can a student feel acknowledged if their opinion isn’t taken into consideration?

Take the dress code for example. Since when did

Editor’s Commentary Jessica Rodriguez, Dec. editor 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.

schools start taking an interest in fashion? How many students haven’t been called upon because of their clothing or accessories? I for one, have many friends that try to dress in their own way, but always get voiced on because of their piercings.

Supposedly, piercings are very distracting to everyone and do not let students concentrate on their studies. I know that everybody is different and has different opinions, but whose to say that one’s dressing is abnormal, distasteful or distract-

‘96-97, ‘97-98, ‘98-99, ‘99-00: ‘02-03 First Class Award ‘00-01, ‘01-02 Second Class Award

ing. I really don’t think that students spend their time just looking at what others are wearing. I honestly believe that everyone should dress the way they feel most comfortable; besides, school is the one place we spend most of our day.

Schools should allow students to have the ability to support their campus in their own way as well. Many students like going to the pep rallies and cheering on their football team, but with the new regulations, the pep rallies don’t seem as fun any-

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

more. In Nixon High School, the students are not allowed to take confetti or any other type of embellishment to the pep rallies. Even musical instruments have been forbidden. I don’t understand why these actions have taken place. From what I understand, this is all to keep the gym clean and prevent fights.

I think keeping the gym clean shouldn’t be an excuse because as taxpayers, our parents pay for these buildings and for the custodial work. As far as I’m concerned, the fights will always be a problem in any school.

So far, my years in high school have been great and will be hard to forget once I have moved on to college.

Although, I will be able to do without the new rules being placed. I do feel sorry though, for those students who have to stay here and be

ILPC--’97-98, Award of Honor; ‘98-99, ‘99-00, ‘00-01, ‘01-02, ‘02-03 Award of Achievement

How to respond to 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: Journalism classroom/darkroom, or Mark Webber’s box in the attendance office.

“

I understand that all rules are placed for a reason, but treating students like if they have no say so in any situation can’t really define the freedom that our country represents.

Jessica Rodriguez, December editor

”

troubled by these rules and many others that may come.

Comments? mt_writers@hotmail.com “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.”

12A

The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

Pros hurting sports with violence, steriod use Are steroids and violence the new era for sports?

It seems as if today’s professional athletes have lost respect for their “talent,” and they have forgotten the effort they had once put into their sports.

Nowadays, athletes can easily get away with consuming steroids because of their image, since many people see them as role models.

These athletes should feel proud to be playing with the best, and getting ranked among the best, but instead, they abuse their privilege and decide to play the game unfairly.

They use substances in order to be “stronger,” when they have to come back to earth and realize, that in the first place, they are profes-

are simply turning into jokes. If they continue on this road of shame and lies the consequences will be disrespect from all their fans.

Violence has also been prominent in sports, like the incident involving Ron Artest. Artest and other players from the Indiana Pacers and Pistons fans in Detroit fought after one player was hit by a cup of beer. Lately, there have been other incidents in which violence has taken place, like a recent Pittsburgh Steelers’ game against the Cleveland

Browns, in which two players fought.

Nixon High football players discussed their opinions on violence and steroid use by professionals.

“I think it’s real unprofessional for these professional athletes to use steroids to enhance their playing skills because that’s what we like about them,” Jason Hinojosa, a varsity player, said.

He criticized them for taking part in violent behavior.

“I think it’s pretty dumb when tempers flair,” he added. “They don’t know how to control themselves. These guys are professional. They should set the example.

“It doesn’t affect me personally. It makes the sport look bad,” Hinojosa contin-

ued. “It is sad they can’t use their talents to the fullest potential without use of a drug.”

Hinojosa’s teammate Carlos Salazar also was critical of professional athletes’ behavior.

“It is putting a bad name on sports and tempting future athletes to use steroids. It doesn’t affect me but it does affect the sport because it will cause big changes,” Salazar said.

“People are going to pay more attention to how the game is played and how the athletes train,” he added.

What is next? Let’s leave it to fans to form their perceptions of what is going on.

Comments? mt_writers@hotmail.com

nate. Since it takes a magician to unlock magic in others they are selective of those they let in only allowing nobles. But if a person has great enough potential then the persons power could activate on its own, but since

the magicians have been unlocking power instead of them being released on there own for centuries that has been a forgotten.

After the incident that was caused by Sonea’s awakening powers an immediate

council of magicians is called to decide what is to be done about finding Sonea.

Lord Rothen, the one who pointed at Sonea, was called to tell of what he before the high magicians.

Sports Zone by

Ed Herrera sionals because they are naturally strong; if they have to use steroids to be stronger, then what is left for other, weaker athletes? This situation is simply unprofessional.

Unfortunately, these athletes have to stop doubting their strength and athleticism. Athletes try to amaze us and think we don’t notice, but in reality, they’re only lying to themselves.

Superstars in baseball, basketball, football, and other sports are supposed to be highly professional, but

BOOKWORM, from page 9A remains of a person while the fire still consumes him.

Scared for her life she continues running, fighting through the terrified crowd when someone grabs her and upon turning, relieved to see it is Harrin.

The magicians guild only accepts nobles so everyone in it are noblemen and noblewomen, some snotty and distasteful of lower classes while others are kind-hearted and more sympathetic of those less fortu-

ROCK REVIEW from page 9A take a big chance in doing a solo album. She has been wanting to for a long time but never understood what she was waiting for.

For starting off on her own, she is sounding good with her smash single.

-Artist: Jesse McCartney Album: Beautiful Soul

Happy New Year!

Label: Hollywood Records Rating: 1 soul out of 5 Web site: www.jessemccartney.com Jesse is a good-looking guy who reminds me of Nick Carter.

McCartney is known for his acting appearance in the WB’s “Summerland” but is now trying his hand with music. I personally think he needs to work on his music. I didn’t feel it, didn’t understand it, and yeah, he needs help.

I think it’s too soft; he needs some hipper sounds because to me it’s dead music.

It’s a Good Life”, the albums debut single has made him somewhat “famous” for his music.

Basically I didn’t like his album; he really should work on his instrumentals and remixes.

Hamilton Trophies LISD-approved vendor

ANIME, from page 8A Awards and gifts for students-faculty-staff-administrators *Honor Roll *

Perfect Attendance

*UIL Academics *Clubs

*All Sports *Organizations

*Apple awards

*TEKS Awards

Plaques-Trophies Ribbons-Certificates-Medals-Gifts Free engraving done on premises

Hamilton Trophies 1320 Garden Street, Laredo, 78040 phone & fax 956-724-9990, 722-9463

able to fix his brother’s soul to some armor, which was nearby.

Now the two are on a mission to regain their original bodies in which they are willing to do anything for. In order to do this they decide they need a gem named the “philosopher’s stone” which can reduce the cost of using great alchemy.

Honestly, this show has something for everyone in my opinion. Watch it and you’ll be pleased.

The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004 Art students in San Antonio at the McNay Art Institute on November 19.

MT photos by Ivana Martinez

1B Society by Ivana Martinez morning editor

2B

The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

Society by Ivana Martinez morning editor

Steel drum students performed at the Recital Hall on December 9.

MT photos by Veronica Cruz

The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

3B Society by Melissa Vazquez afternoon editor

Art students visited the McNay Art Institute in San Antonio on Thursday, November 18.

MT photos by Ivana Martinez

The Magnet Tribune December 17, 2004

4B Society by Melissa Vazquez afternoon editor

Students entertained parents at the Progress Report Night held on Thursday, December 2, at the Urban Building.

MT photos by Mark Webber