Feb 14, 2006

Vol. 13, No. 3

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The Magnet

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February 14, 2006

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

A state- and nationally recognized student newspaper

Our 2nd decade of service to VMT Dancers express creativity

Faculty, students show differences on survey

BY NANCY HERNANDEZ MT STAFF WRITER

M page 16 Immigration is focus of some

agnet school students and faculty disagreed on a number of questions in an adapted version of The Latino Coalition survey given by this newspaper during late January and early February.

One example: The VMT survey showed that 64 percent of students support gay marriage while 75 percent of the faculty oppose.

The student survey was adapted by a committee of Magnet Tribune staff members from the 2005 National Latino Survey, done by the Latino

Coalition of the United States.

Results were published in early January.

At VMT, 141 students took the survey, 51 boys, and 88 girls (two didn’t indicate their sex). All students but one said they considered themselves Hispanic.

Eight male faculty/staff members completed the poll.

No female faculty/staff responded.

Journalism instructor Mark Webber explained why The Magnet Tribune undertook this project.

“Items on the Latino Coalition survey are relevant to our students, among them immigration, public education

and handling of natural disasters. These and others on the survey are issues our students will be dealing with as they assume their roles as tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.

Staff writer Luis Mondragon, a senior, headed the committee with sophomore Paty Garcia and freshmen Natalie Castillo.

Various staff members compiled the results, and Robert Tenorio, a senior and columnist, created the graphics which accompany the story.

The V.M.T survey was given to both morning and afternoon students, ages 14-19. The survey was also offered to the faculty and staff.

See SURVEY, page 14

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* 48 students students rate the quality of educaeducation in their school as fair, fair, and 47-good, 11-don’t know, know, and 6-poor.

6-poor. 29-didn’t answer. answer.

One result from the magnet school version of the Latino Coalition survey

”

Senior Class celebrates graduation with Winter Ball

BY GRACE GARCIA MT STAFF WRITER

S page 6 Now on the air...

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VMT on the Internet http://vmt.elisd.org

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E-mail The Magnet Tribune mt_writers@hotmail.com Put us on your RSS reader!

MT photo by Robert Tenorio From left, Ashley Ramirez and Sandra Hernandez share a moment at the Winter Ball on Feb. 4 at the Center of the Arts.

tudents take action and with the permission from Jose Cerda, principal, and sponsors helped form a senior class organization.

“It was an idea that came about since last year when the seniors were juniors,” said Matias Arambula III, social studies instructor and one of two senior class sponsors.

As sponsors, Diana Martinez, English instructor and Arambula offer the senior class guidance and advice and help out wherever they can. As sponsors, they also faced a challenge.

“The only difficulty Ms. Martinez and I face is that not all the seniors are active. We must repeat information too many times,” Arambula stated.

Senior Class’s number one goal was Winter Ball, a formal dance not to be mistaken with

prom, held Feb. 4.

The theme was “The Phantom of the Opera,” based on the novel/Broadway musical, an idea thought up by the officers: Chelsea Chavez (president), Aimee Guzman (vice president), John Perez (treasurer) and Martinez.

“We brainstormed ideas that would fit our school, and this one we all truly liked,” said Martinez.

The Winter Ball too place at the Laredo Center for the Arts, second floor and according to Arambula, it turned out to be just the right size.

“Ms. Martinez and I searched for the right place with the right price,” Arambula said.

The invitations were designed and made by Chavez, were very creative and elegant, as Martinez stated, and included the $10 price, per person, of course. Seniors were allowed to invite an underclassmen/non-

See BALL page 24

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

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School Ne ws

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

University of Texas College of Communication pays visits

BY NICK LOPEZ MT STAFF WRITER The University Of Texas’ College Of Communication visited VMT communications students on Nov. 28 to provide information on the programs UT offers.

“Laredo has a lot of talented students,” Darrell D. Rocha, assistant dean for Student Affairs, said of the trip to Laredo. “We want students to be aware of resources and opportunities available to them.”

He was accompanied by Noe Gonzalez, academic adviser.

The university’s College of Communication offers Advertising, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Communication Studies, Public Relations, Radio-TelevisionFilm and School of Journalism.

“VMT puts students ahead,” Rocha said during morning and afternoon presentations, part of which was made with a Macintosh laptop computer in the district’s school board meeting room.

“The University of Texas at Austin has some of the best equipment that students can use,” in referring to computer

labs and broadcasting equipment.

Rocha said students working on The Magnet Tribune, Tapestry, Kaleidoscope and in the radio and television classes are getting valuable preparation for attending U.T. The university’s broadcasting program gives students the opportunity to make television programs and movies, Rocha said. Several Hollywood stars have set up studios in Austin to produce movies, using students as production personnel and performing duties such as public relations and publicity.

In addition, the university is involved in filmmaking.

“U.T. is the only public university that produces its own films through Burnt Orange Productions,” said Rocha.

The latest production is “The Adam Rifkin Caveman Comedy,” starring Adam Rifkin.

He added that because the university is located in the state’s capitol, students have the opportunity to work for major newspapers and television stations in Dallas, Houston and other cities.

He urged students to take part in programs like what the

MT photo Afternoon communications students watch a presentation broadcast from a Macintosh laptop computer, right, in the school boardroom on Nov. 28 during a visit from the University of Texas-Austin College of Communication. university offers.

“Students need to be aware of the opportunities that are around them. We hope students take advantage of the communication program that UT offers,” Rocha said.

“The University of Texas is

the largest and most comprehensive university in the nation,” he added.

“One third of students who attend the University of Texas major in public relations,” he said.

One student was impressed with the visit.

“I thought the information was well presented. They mainly pointed out the important aspects, and what is expected from you if you plan to attend the university,” said sophomore journalism student Kimberly Evans.

Musicians create ‘Star Wars’ spoof for local film festival MELISSA CASAREZ AND ALEJANDRA DOMINGUEZ MT STAFF WRITERS Star Wars comes alive here with a student video production.

John Perez and Guillermo “G” Moreno made a film called “Star Wars: Duel of the Idiots Part 3” for the Sound Experimental Film Festival on Dec. 10.

The film was about five minutes long, and took about two weeks to make.

“It was random and spontaneous, about two guys walking around and calling a guy fat and then starting to fight,” “G” said.

Director of Piano Studies, Dr. Mary Grace Carroll served as advisor.

Working with her was high brass instructor, Robert Lopez. Students working on the film were David Cortéz, first cameraman, Alan Sanchez, second cameraman, “G”, director/actor, and

Perez, fight choreographer/actor.

“We found out about the film festival through our piano teacher, Dr. Carroll,” both “G” and Perez said.

“I found out about the film festival through the Laredo Arts Coalition,” Dr. Carroll added.

The pair explained why they made the film.

“To show people not just what we did because it was worth it. We did well for an amateur film,” both Perez and “G” said.

The boys explained the reason why they entered the festival.

“We didn’t really put the movie in any of the awards. It wasn’t about winning anything; it was more like just showcasing the movie,” they said.

Perez said that “G” inspired him to make films. “G” said he’s interested in how they’re done.

See STAR WARS, Page 4

MT photo by Melissa Casarez Music students and faculty collaborated on a film, “Star Wars: Duel of the Idiots, Part 3,” shown at the Sound Experimental Film Festival on Dec. 10. From left, Dr. Mary Grace Carroll, director of piano studies; Robert Lopez, high brass instructor; and students Guillermo “G” Moreno and John Perez.

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

School Ne ws

3

First student teacher likes work

BY DALIA OLIVARES MT STAFF WRITER Sara Cano is the first student teacher to be assigned to VMT. She has been here since January 20 and will continue until April 20.

She explained her first day at VMT. “I felt very welcomed.

Everyone went out of their way to make that day very comfortable for me,” said Cano.

She was assigned to English teacher Diana Martinez and will be learning everything she possibly can from her.

“One of the most important things I want for her to learn as a student teacher here at VMT is to learn to incorporate the students’ talents in the fine art areas with the Language Arts curriculum,” said Martinez.

Cano attends TAMIU and said studying how to teach and actually being in a classroom are not the same.

“It’s a major difference because there’s nothing like the real experience that you get from being with students,” said Cano.

Cano wants to teach English, Language Arts, and reading.

She mentioned three reasons that encouraged her to want to become a teacher.

MT photo by Jennifer Sotelo

Recognition MT photo by Dalia Olivares Student teacher Sara Cano, left, looks on as senior English teacher Diana Martinez, right, explains an assignment to Venessa Lopez. Cano is the school’s first student teacher.

“First, it was my senior English teacher Mrs. Silbaugh because she was a wonderful teacher, and I wanted to be just like her.

Second, I love teaching, and third I love literature and writing,” said Cano.

Cano appreciates being at VMT. “I like it. The students are great, the atmosphere is calm, and thank you VMT students and faculty for welcoming me,” said Cano.

Martinez shares her thoughts about the school’s first student teacher.

“I’m very glad that VMT has an opportunity to host a student teacher,” Martinez said.

“We have someone that we can share the key to success here at VMT. I want her to leave her experience with student teaching with a positive outlook, with innovative ideas and for her to know that a person needs to be passionate about teaching to become a success-

The steel drum band was recognized Jan. 26 at the Recital Hall as winners of the Sames/LISD Driven to Success Award. From left is Carlos Torres, percussion instructor, Hank Sames of Sames Motor Co., who presented the award, and Evelyn Cain, Sames’ daughter. Earlier this year the Rondalla, under instructor Nino Palacios, was recognized.

Each group received a check for $500 as part of the award.

Radio, T.V. classes get instructor

BY PATY GARCIA MT STAFF WRITER T.V. and radio classes now have a new instructor.

Carrie Robaina has had many experiences working with T.V. and radio.

“I worked as a producer in Kansas City, a disc jockey at a classic rock station. I worked for promotions in marketing for eight radio stations, and I was featured extra in an ABC Movie of the Week,” said Robaina.

She played a ballroom dance instructor in a movie starring Peter Boyle.

Robaina replaced Patsy

MT photo by Mark Webber

Best Buy grant

MT photo by Natalie Castillo New radio/T.V. instructor Carrie Robaina shows how the board in the magnet radio studio operates.

O’Shea, who was with the school since it opened. O’Shea retired from education last May. Robaina’s main goal here is

to help students that want to pursue a career in T.V. and radio to succeed.

“My biggest goal is to meet my students needs by being

The school has received a $2,500 grant from Best Buy through the store’s Te@ch Program. Funds will be used to buy equipment to help integrate technology into the curriculum. From left, Best Buy “Geek Squad” members Robert Speer, Michelle Ramirez, and Peter Reyes, school technology trainer Scott Roberts and school Director Jose Cerda.

proficient and showing them how important their jobs as journalists can be,” she said.

Her first official day on the job was on January 26.

“I’m very excited to be here,” she said, “because it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to help students that want a career in T.V. and radio.”

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School News

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Teachers, staff battle in weight loss contest

BY NATALIE CASTILLO MT STAFF WRITER Magnet teachers and staff are competing to see who loses the most weight.

“It’s part of a challenge. It makes life fun and interesting. Teachers and staff are enthusiastic about it,” said Laura Rios, attendance clerk, who organized the contest.

“The goal is to be healthier, look and feel better, and when people do that they feel good about themselves,” Rios added.

Twenty-seven teachers and staff members are participating. Group A has 13 and B has 14. Every Friday group members check their weight with the nurse.

The contest started January 19 and will end April 12. Group A started with a weight of 2,713 pounds and Group B, 2,724.

“Older people losing weight is good because you stay in better health, your mind is active and sharp, you feel good about yourself, plus it keeps you young,” added Rios.

People are following their own diets,

RIOS CEPEDA Rios said. Therefore when the contest ends teachers and staff will try to keep the same weight, and not gain it back.

School nurse, Irma M. Cepeda, R.N., explained why everybody should watch their weight.

“Not only older people should lose weight, but also younger people in every age group,” she said.

“In teenagers it is very important to have a proper weight in order to prevent diabetes, hypertension, and having high cholesterol at a later age. We also need to include a good exercise program, but you need to proceed slowly. Try walking; it’s an excellent exercise,” added Cepeda.

“Also, body mass index is important.

It is your body weight in pounds divided by the square of your height. It is used to indicate whether or not a person is overweight or underweight,” Cepeda said.

Cepeda said participants have a positive attitude towards the contest.

“Everybody is enthusiastic especially because each group has a very supportive team leader,” said Cepeda.

Team leaders are Principal Jose Cerda and art instructor Jassie Rios.

Teachers and staff check their weight on Friday. Cepeda not only checks that but also blood pressure, pulse, respiration and height. With the height and weight she is able to provide them with their BMI (body mass index).

“It is very important to lose weight, especially if the person is extremely overweight. Losing weight decreases the possibility of illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol,” Cepeda said.

“Not only do you feel good,” Cepeda added, “but you look good. Remember that you have to plan a practical diet that you can follow for the rest of your life, and avoid dangerous weight fluctuation. Hint: drink plenty of water.”

STAR WARS, from page 2 “Every single movie I watch, I always watch the behind the scenes to see how the movie was made,” he said.

Perez has made three films so far while “G” has made seven or eight.

Dr. Carroll said she would encourage her students to make films.

“If they want to make films I encourage them. I encourage all creativity,” she said.

Both Perez and “G” do not have plans to make films as a career but it’s a hobby.

They are making another film called “Final Exam”. It’s about the fine arts teachers killing their students.

“I’d like to encourage everyone at magnet to make a film because of the experience,” Perez said.

“G” appreciated the help he received on the film.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Carroll for pushing me on. I’d like to thank Mr. Lopez for letting me make the film.

And everyone else who helped me,” “G” said.

Dr. Carroll is planning to use the film for recruiting at the middle schools.

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Page 5

The Magnet Tribune

February 14, 2006

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Magnet en español

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Exhibición de Arte

La migración, un tema importante para estudiantes méxicanos POR ANAKAREN SERNA ESCRITORA DEL MAGNET TRIBUNE La migración hacia los Estados Unidos es un tema de suma importancia para los habitantes cerca de la frontera. Me di a la tarea de entrevistar a dos personas acerca de este tema en la ciudad de Sabinas Hidalgo. (ver mapa) A los entrevistados se les pidió su opinión acerca de personas que ya han emigrado a Los Estados Unidos.

Juan L. Serna de 21 años, comentó lo siguiente; “conozco a alguien y sí estoy de acuerdo porque esa persona ha encontrado más oportunidades de vida en ese país cosa que no se da aquí en México.”

Luis A. Durán de 18 años, por su parte agregó: “Es su decisión, el sabe lo que hace, pero depende si va a vivir mejor allá pues que esté donde se sienta más cómodo.”

También se les cuestionó acerca de la migración ilegal y de la construcción de un muro para prevenirla.

Serna manifestó: “El muro no es una buena solución porque eso no va a detener el deseo de las personas de tener una mejor vida por su familia.”

Durán estuvo de acuerdo con Serna agregando que, “más vigilancia sería la solución.”

Agregando acerca su propia intención de emigrar a los Estados Unidos, ellos contestaron: “Pienso emigrar porque el rango de pago para alguien titulado es casi el doble de lo que te pueden ofrecer en México.” Serna comentó.

También Durán dio su punto de vista al respecto, ”tal vez emigraría si tuviera una mejor oportunidad de trabajo.”

El tema de la migración legal e ilegal continuará siendo un aspecto importante en las relaciones entre México y los Estados Unidos.

Fotografía por Graciela García Armando Hinojosa, encargado del departamento de Artes Visuales, organizo un programa informal de sus mas recientes pinturas de óleo, el 27 de enero en la clase de escultura. En la foto de arriba, estudiantes del instructor de artes, Jorge Vasquez observan detalladamente las pinturas. En la image inferior, Hinojosa explica el tema relacionado con sus pinturas.

MT.photo by Anakaren Serna

Juan L. Serna

Calendario Receso de Primavera lunes, 13 de marzoviernes, 17 de marzo Receso de Pascua jueves, 13 de abril y viernes, 14 de abril MT photo by Anakaren Serna

Luis A. Durán

Exámenes de TAKS martes, 18 de abrilviernes, 21 de abril Ultimo día de clases jueves, 25 de mayo Fecha de graduación viernes, 26 de mayo

Spanish instructor Gregorio Garza contributed to Magnet en español.

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

School Ne ws

Library now open for student use

BY ZANDRA FLORES MT STAFF WRITER The library is now opened, with former custodian Gary Valleza as the new clerk who will be able to assist with anything there.

The library is in the building adjacent to creative writing classes. Students will be able to check out books, but the limit is two books per person.

The library is opened 15 minutes before first block starts and closes as soon as all students leave the library.

Not only did he go from being a custodian to library clerk, but Valleza is in charge.

“I’ve been working for fourand-one-half years for the Laredo Independent School District. At first I was working as a substitute custodian then they hired me here in V.M.T as

a custodian. But in 2004 during the spring I was sent to work at Memorial Middle School.”

“I enjoy my work in the library. Yes, students do come.

In an average day 10 to 15 students come to use the computers or to check out books. I would like to add that all students, teachers, and parents are welcomed to come,” he said.

Valleza has other responsibilities. At night he attends class-

7 MT photo by Zandra Flores New Library Clerk Gary Valleza stands next to a book shelf. The library is located next to the creative writing classroom.

es.

“After leaving the library I go to college at night,” Valleza said.

Valleza would like all students

to know that Cigarroa High School donated books to the library. Students can take home the donated books to keep.

Two strings students receive ‘Head of the Class’ honor

BY CLAUDIA AMBRIZ MT STAFF WRITER A magnet student was named “Head of the Class” for January, joining another who was named in October.

“Head of the Class” is a monthly award in which the finest students from Laredo ISD are nominated.

Maria G. Garcia, a Cigarroa student, was nominated by her string teacher Bobby Compton.

“I have had the pleasure of teaching Maria for the past four years. I have witnessed first hand the dedication and perseverance that she has applied to her study of the violin. Maria is very accomplished at setting goals for herself and working hard to blossom these goals into the reality of her future. Maria’s success is equally attributed her attendance at school functions and willingness to participate and share her talents when ever she can,” Compton said.

“I’m very happy that I got this award” said Garcia about being

MT photo by Claudia Ambriz Maria G. Garcia left, and Belinda Flores have been named “Head of the Class” this school year. nominated.

Garcia not only is a student at Cigarroa High School but V.M.T. as well. She’s a member of the Mariachi Azteca, the Cigarroa orchestra, Mariachi De Oro, Student Council, and UIL aca-

demics.

She plays the violin and competes in calculators in UIL. Garcia has won solo in ensemble and both in orchestra and mariachi.

Garcia participates in school-

based organizations, yet has time to get involved with the community. She volunteers at the Laredo Children’s Museum and Christ the King Church.

Even though it’s her last year of high school Garcia plans to continue reading those music notes.

Upon graduation Garcia plans to attend University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and major in music education. The orchestra and mariachi programs seem impressive, in her opinion.

She plans to reach her goal, which is not so far away, to become a music director.

“Who encouraged me the most would have to be my brother. He was in band in high school, and that’s what inspired me,” said Garcia.

“I would be really nervous standing in front of a crowd where I am getting recognized for an achievement,” she said.

“I got really nervous saying the speech but it was worth it all. The hard work and dedication paid off at the end,” Garcia said.

Artist takes top prizes in an LISD art competition

BY LORIE ZAMARRIPA MT STAFF WRITER Art student Jessica Martinez, sophomore, received first place in sculpting and “Best in Show” award in an art competition.

LISD middle schools and high schools competed in the district wide art competition in November at J.W. Nixon High School.

Art teachers chose eight students from each school to enter

the competition.

Each student had the option to make a sculpture or painting.

Martinez created a sculpture of a dancer encased in glass.

“The whole feel of the piece was supposed to be very dark,” said Martinez.

The sculpture took 12 weeks to finish, even up to the day before the competition.

“The title of the sculpture was ‘A Dark Cabaret’, which is just my interpretation of how

I’d like to see a cabaret done darker,” stated Martinez.

This was Martinez’s first sculpture.

I am very proud of her. She is very creative. I gave her very little help because I did not want to block her creativity. She does most of her work by herself,” added Hinojosa.

“I didn’t really know what to do,” mentioned Martinez.

Outside of school Martinez likes to paint and draw on the

weekends.

“I’ve been really into art as long as I can remember,” said Martinez.

All winners exhibited their work at the Laredo Center for the Arts on Thursday, Jan. 26.

MT photo by Mark Webber Jessica Martinez, with Principal Jose Cerda, shows her prizes from winning an LISD art competition, Her sculpture was shown at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

Garcia wasn’t the only classmate that received this award.

Previously, VMT and Nixon student Belinda Flores, a senior and a member of the strings department as well, was awarded “Head of the Class” for October. Flores was nominated

by Social Studies instructor Matias Arambula III. Compton is proud of her, and Garcia is honored to have been nominated by Compton.

“Thank you Mr. Compton for giving me the opportunity for this chance. I feel honored and lucky to have gotten this opportunity.” Garcia said.

“I am very pleased that Maria was chosen. She willingly donates a large amount of her time and energy to the schoolsponsored activities that she takes part in. Through hours of practice, rehearsals, and meetings, Maria is a valuable member to all of these activities and maintains her strong academic standing while doing what she loves.” Compton said about Garcia receiving “Head of Class.”

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School Ne ws

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Music students receive many honors at TMEA THE MAGNET TRIBUNE Seniors Tony Oliva, trumpet, and Juan Zamarripa, euphonium, made the Texas Music Educators Association All State Band in February in San Antonio.

Music instructors whose students participated are Bobby Compton, strings; Melissa Hinojosa, woodwinds; Robert Lopez, high brass; John Reimund, low brass; and Alejandra Rodriguez, mariachi and voice.

Below are the results of music students and their achievements in TMEA, as reported by music instructors.

Woodwinds All Region Orchestra Victor Vedia, senior piccolo Vanessa Rodriguez, senior clarinet Reynaldo Flores, senior bassoon All District Band Victor Vedia, senior piccolo Amelia Amaya, freshman flute Veronica Tinoco, senior flute Hugo Herrera, sophomore flute Jacqueline Flores, junior flute Bernardo Navarro, sophomore oboe Vanessa Rodriguez, senior clarinet Olivia San Miguel, junior clarinet Brenda Garcia, sophomore bass clarinet Reynaldo Flores, senior bassoon Raul Martinez, senior tenor saxophone All Region Band Victor Vedia, senior piccolo Amelia Amaya, freshman flute Jacqueline Flores, junior flute Vanessa Rodriguez, senior clarinet Brenda Garcia, sophomore bass clarinet Olivia San Miguel, junior clarinet Reynaldo Flores, senior bassoon Raul Martinez, senior tenor saxophone All Area Band Victor Vedia, senior piccolo Amelia Amaya, freshman flute Vanessa Rodriguez, senior clarinet Reynaldo Flores, senior bassoon Raul Martinez, senior tenor saxophone All Region Jazz Band John Lenington, senior alto saxophone

All Region Freshman Band Amelia Amaya, flute Carolina Barron, flute Christopher Cavazos, clarinet All Region Mariachi Fabiola Rivera voice Choir Heather Reilly, Senior, all region (soprano) Ruben Prieto, freshman, all region (alternate) tenor Eliza Villafranca, freshman, all region (alternate) alto Strings Region Orchestra Arambula, Daniel Avalos, Ileen Balli, Justin Benavides, Noe Contreras, Lizet Flores, Belinda Garcia, Maria Garza, Jesus Lozano, Jonathon Magaña, Crystal Martinez, Maria Olivares, Claudia Olivarez, Gerardo Palacios, Andria Reyes, Ricardo Santos, Alyssa Trevino Melissa Vazquez, Alma Villarreal, Anel Zamora, Corina High Brass Tony Oliva, trumpet, district, region, area, state Roel Esparza, trumpet, region orchestra, district, region, area Jose Villa, trumpet, region orchestra, district, region, area Virginia Martinez, French horn, region orchestra, district, region, area Manuel Ramirez, French horn, district Ismael Flores, trumpet, region mariachi Low Brass Salas, Talisha, district band, all region band Bañuelos, Mike, district band, all region band, area band Ochoa, Jesus, district band, area band Zamarripa, Juan C., district band, all region band, area band, all state band, region orchestra Cuellar, Jessica D., freshman region band Ramirez, Joshua, jazz region, area band, region mariachi band Sanchez, Alan, district band, all region band, area band, region orchestra, region jazz —High Brass Instructor Robert Lopez contributed the material for this story.

Alexander Esparza, left, and Martin Rodriguez.

From left, seated, Brenda Garcia, Amelia Amaya, Veronica Tinoco, Olivia San Miguel and Vanessa Rodriguez. Standing, Reynaldo Flores, Raul Martinez, Victor Vedia, Hugo Herrera Jr. and Bernardo Navarro.

Joey Ganoa, left, and Juan Landeros.

From left, bottom, Cristal Magaña, Olga De Leon, Corina Zamora, Alyssa Santos and Ileen Avalos.

Top, Justin Balli, Melissa Treviño, Alma Vasquez, Daniel Arambula and Anel Villarreal.

Seated, Virginai Martinez, left, and Esperanza Hernandez. Standing, Roel Esparza.

Bottom, from left, Claudia Olivares, Maria Martinez, Andria Palacios. Top, Gerardo Olivarez, Jonathan Lozano, and Jesus “Angel” Garza.

Above left, Alan Sanchez; above center, Tony Oliva; above right, Eliza Villafranca, left, Ruben Prieto and Crystal Flores.

Photos by Robert Lopez, high brass instructor; John Reimund, low brass instructor.

Mike Bañuelos and Talisha Salas.

From left, Joshua Ramirez, Juan Zamarripa and Jessica Cuellar.

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Valentine’ s Day

9

Unique ways of getting somebody to go out with you I would write a little note on a dollar and then ask them to go buy me something to drink and hand them the dollar and hope to God that they would read the dollar before they paid -Amanda M. Simply going up to them and opening yourself to them, hopefully they feel the same way at that moment and simply pop the question. -- Miguel B. Get to know them better, spend a lot of time with them, and if you’re really up to it...ask them out. If they say no there’s a still better person. -- Ash T. I go up to them and ask them or send them a note -- D.V. Bring a rose and ask her. -- Gett I wouldn’t, I’d rather the guy do it. -Denise Just ask him. Simple as that. -- Tali.

I’d rather the girl ask me. I’m shy.

Roger If I was a guy, and I was into girls, I would ask them in the most romantic way I could. I would ask her parents permission and tell them the good intentions I have with their daughter. Well maybe that’s the way I would like to be asked out! -- Christy Sanchez.

First ask her on a date, then ask her out -- F.R I don’t think I would ever ask a guy out -- Letty I wouldn’t ask a guy out. It’s too awkward and nerve wrecking. -- R.E.C In my opinion, guys should ask girls out and not the other way around!

Cristina Well if I really like a guy and he didn’t have a girlfriend I would give it a try but really the guy should ask the girl out. -Cassie I would hug her, and whisper in her

How would you ask a guy/girl out? ear “Would you be my girlfriend.” -- F. V. where I don’t know anybody and I see I would do it personally, someone I’m, interested in, and because I would hate asking I’ll just straight-frowardly someone out by phone approach a guy and ask and make it big long him out. I think that start flirting, then would be cool and after a while I’ll ask funny, and who her out. -- Josue knows what Go up to him could happen! all random and - Vanessa L. get close to I wouldn’t him and say ask a guy out “hey I’ve been , they would wondering if have to ask you wanted me. ( to go out Especially sometime” -because I’m M.C the ‘Shy Approach type’. ) -- L.O. her and ask I would go her if we can up to him and know each ask him, even other more -though it does J.P seem weird. -I would M.B. approach her and I wouldn’t ask, it’s just tell her “hey can I the guys job. -- T.B. have your number and I would ask her either maybe go out later” -- S.P during something romantic I would tell her “I or at school. -- J.H. like you would you I would just say “Hey MT photo by Robert Tenorio like to go out with you want to go out?” -Audry Treviño and Ricky Gaytan me” -- J.R Missy I would ask a girl out if I knew her very “Will you be my girlfriend” -- E.A. well like I knew her since I was a 1st First I would ask him what he feels for grader. We both would get along with me. Then I would tell him I like him. -each other we trust one of another. -- D.S. Jorge I would talk to him and then I would Over Dinner or at the movies. -- T.O. bring out that subject by asking him if he I think one day, when I’m in a place feels something for me. Then I would tell

him that I have a crush on him.-- M.R. I don’t ask them I just tell them they are going to be my girlfriend. -Anonymous Take her somewhere, talk a little, perhaps a little bit of flirting and simply tell her how you feel about her and ask if she would like to be my girlfriend. -Juan Well you find something that they like, you give it to them. Man I don’t know there are many ways. -- Joaquin Hey you! Do you want to be my girlfriend? -- G.M. Yo, you’re fine, you wanna be mine? -J.A.N. I don’t think I would ever ask a guy out unless I was desperate! -- A.P.A I would take her to her favorite place, sit her down, and ask her out, while music in the background is playing. I would tell her “I want you to be there for me, I want to be there for you, so I guess what I’m asking is, will you go out with me.” -- M.R. I would probably give him clues that I like him and he would do the rest of asking me out. -- A.M. I would want to say it straight out ‘cause I think it’s better to get it straight to the point. -- M.E.R.L. I would go up to her and just ask her out -- R.D.C. I become really flirty and then go for the kill -- Eliud De la Cruz I wouldn’t, I just don’t have the courage to do it -- Mirsa B. I’m kind of the old fashion type; I wouldn’t ask him out, I would give clues and wait. P.S. He figured it out! -- Karina Renteria I would write it to him in a letter. -J.S.

Writer gives opinion for ideal movies on Valentine’s Day BY: KIMBERLY EVANS MT STAFF WRITER If you’re that kind of couple that likes to spend Valentine’s Day just being at home, munching out and just enjoying each other’s company, then here are some romantic, humorous movies you might want to consider watching.

One of the movies that I recommend to watch this Valentine’s Day is “The Notebook.” This movie focuses on an old man reading to an old woman in a nursing home. The story he reads follows two young lovers named Allie Hamilton (acted by Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun, (acted by Ryan Gosling), who meet one evening at a carnival. They are then separated by Allie’s parents who disapprove of Noah’s unwealthy family, and move Allie away. After waiting for Noah to write to her for several years, Allie

Flicks for that special day. meets and gets engaged to a handsome young soldier named Lon (acted by James Marsden). Allie, then, with her love for Noah still alive, stops by Noah’s 200-year old home that he restored for her, “to see if he’s okay.” It is obvious that they still have feelings for each other, and Allie has come to a point where she has to choose between her fiancé and her first love.

This is a movie where it’s love at first sight, where they then find themselves dancing romantically in the streets, showing how much they love each other, deciding what they really want, and showing what true love is all about.

Another movie that would be good to watch on Valentine’s Day is Shrek 2.

Shrek 2 follows the original movie “Shrek”, with returning characters The

Fairy God Mother, Pinocchio, The Three Blind Mice, your usual princess and prince charming, an ogre, the gingerbread man, and so much more. Shrek 2 improves over the original, and it shows what one person did to express love towards another.

A couple of VMT students gave their opinions on the kinds of movies they would see on Valentine’s Day if they would spend it by themselves, with friends, or with that special someone.

“If I were with a guy I would watch romantic or scary movies to have a reason to get close to him,” said radio/TV student Maricela Rivera.

Remembering that we all have different taste in movies, not many people would prefer watching romantic movies on Valentine’s Day.

Journalism students Nick Lopez and Zandra Flores discussed the movies they would prefer to watch on Valentine’s Day rather by themselves, with friends, or with that special someone.

“I would watch movies such as Rush Hour 2, The Fast and the Furious, Land of the Dead, or Final Destination.

I want an action-packed Valentine’s Day,” said Lopez.

Flores had another idea.

“I’d like to watch action/family movies such as Man on Fire, The Lion King, or Dawn of the Dead,” she said.

No matter what kind of movies you’re interested in watching this Valentine’s Day, if you’re a couple that really loves each other then keep in mind “The Notebook” and “Shrek 2.”

Those kinds of movies show there is such a thing as a “Happily Ever After” ending in a relationship.

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Valentine’ s Day

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

People have different ideas of what they want in a friend Honest funny, talkative, gentlemen, and passive. – Bette Good looking, funny, sweet, and a good personality. – Sam S. Really tall, long hair, a really good sense of humor, nice personality, and just someone I can cuddle with – L.R. Someone who likes to talk and has a sense of humor. – Roger I wouldn’t care the way he looks only if he really shows me he loves me. – Karen O Tall, nice, sarcastic, honest, and trustworthy. – R.C. Trusting, nice, and honest. I like sarcastic guys that know how to express themselves and aren’t afraid to speak their minds. – R.E.C Nice, cute, funny, cute smile, and smart. Some one that can be there for me and make me happy – M.C. Good looking, honest, faithful, smart, good personality, and a normal body – L.V Sweet, funny, kind, outgoing, and open minded – R.T. Well in a boyfriend someone who can make me laugh when I’m down.

Someone nice and goodhearted. – C.M. In a boyfriend I look for someone I could trust and just be myself with, someone fun and intelligent. Oh and honesty is a big thing, Loyalty and of

What do you look for in a boy/girl? course affection. – Erica Rodriguez smile, somebody that makes me laugh, a Somebody who likes me for who good personality, somebody that I am. Somebody who cares is nice somebody that is for me and is loyal as outgoing respectful, well. – L.O. smart, honest, and What I look for in responsible – a boyfriend is Lizeth S. sense of humor.

Smart, athletHe has to be ic, funny, honnice, smart, esty, confitall, respectdence, and ful, responsipersonality, ble, honest, but looks are outgoing, a bonus. – nice eyes, Martha nice smile.

I don’t Someone really go by who gives looks. I go by their attention personality: when you’re 7% looks and talking – 93% personaliAlejandra D. ty. – Josue Good looking, I look for honnice smile and for esty, loyalty, easy him to have a great to get along with, fun, personality. – K.N.V. and athletic, and a girl He has to be cute, funny, that could get along with nice, and outgoing – my family. – John E.D.H. I look for a girl that MT photo by Cassandra Perez For him to be Alma Vasquez and Danny Arambula is fun, easy to get good looking, a nice along with my

friends, and family as well. – Jorge For her to be smart, to have a nice smile, to be shorter than me, and be adventurous. – T.O. To have a sense of humor, respect, knowledge, faithfulness, and compatibility. – Christina M. Someone with a sense of humor and adventurous. A guy whose smart and whom I can just be comfortable with, and be myself with. And of course he has to be respectful, friendly, and all those wonderful things. – Vanessa L. Great sense of humor, same kind of music interest, sweet, intelligent, nice smile, curly hair, and always honest. – Mounik R. I find it in my spouse- intelligence and wittiness. – MRA Someone who is trustful and has a great sense of humor and personality. – T.B. Someone who can act themselves around me and someone who is honest.

– J.H. He has to be cute, smart, funny, outgoing and I have to be able to get along with him – Missy I look for someone with a good sense of humor and a friendly personality. – Evelyn G. I look for him to be nice, funny, outgoing, lovable, and all around cool. –

Unforgettable day involves tasty treats and big surprises Last year my boyfriend blind folded me and took me to eat at IHOP (my favorite place to eat). – J.E. Valentine’s ‘04 because I found a cute, stuffed animal puppy, card, and chocolate rose in my locker. – Denise.

When a guy I liked a lot ask me out on Valentine’s day – K.N.V It was in middle school and that day we had a parade to go to. My then boyfriend and I were both in the band and we had to go to a parade. When we got the band hall to change in to our uniforms he surprised me with a little teddy bear and chocolates. – G.R When my boyfriend sang me a song and gave me a beautiful rose.

My boyfriend gave me eight roses at school and told me that every rose represented the months we had together, then later that night he went to my house and gave me a brown stuffed puppy with a dozen of white roses and a red one for my mom, unfortunately my brother didn’t like him and kicked him out of my house. – L.A.S. I went to the carnival with three of my closest friends. It was really cold, but we managed to have fun. – R.E.C My most memorable Valentine’s Day was in 7h grade. I got a necklace with my

Most Memorable Valentine’s Day initial on it and a big rose. It was from a guy I didn’t even know. – A.D. When my “guy friend” gave me a rose with a card that said I love you – M.C My boyfriend took me to the movies and gave me a red puppy with a heart that says “be mine” with flowers and two balloons – S.M When my friends surprised me with a Valentine’s Day basket. – T.O In middle school, my boyfriend at the time surprised me with every single gift available at the school, like a cup of candies, a rose, balloons, etc. It was memorable because different people kept interrupting the class, and every time my classmates knew the delivery was for me.

– Christina M. My most memorable Valentines day was in 2004. It was my first time having a Valentine and my boyfriend at the time took me to the carnival. We rode the Ferris Wheel together, it was romantic and everything, that day was just perfect. – Erica Rodriguez When I broke up with one of my ex-girlfriends on Valentine’s Day. – M.R. Every year, since someone was nice

enough to give me something – Julie H. I like several Valentines Day because some of my friends usually give me something. But in 7th grade my friend rented this restaurant for her birthday on Valentines, that was fun. – Steph Estrada When I was in 7th grade when my exboyfriend gave me two bears holding a heart that said I Love You. – S.Z. My most memorable Valentine’s Day would have to be the last year; I dressed total opposite to my style and spent it with my close friends. – L.M. When my parents surprised me with a teddy bear and some flowers. – T.B. I spent the day with my best friend (a girl). – Edward My most memorable Valentine’s Day was when my ex-boyfriend bought me a really big teddy bear and he spent the whole day with me. – - M.R. My most memorable day was when someone send me a card saying, “I care for you”, but I never found out who send it to me. I felt very special all day! – Yvette Garza When I announced I was engaged to be married. – MRA

When my boyfriend came looking as cupid to a restaurant. – M.T. When I had my first kiss. – T.D.C.V Last year when I spent it with my boyfriend and he gave me my first Valentine’s Day gift. – A.P.A. When someone broke up with me three days after, lost over love – Miguel Bañuelos The time a guy gave me candies and asked me out then a few days later he broke up with me. – Ash T. I met this cute guy a few months before Valentine’s and on Valentine’s he gave me a bear, roses, and some balloons saying, “I love you.” That day he asked me out Lucy V. This boy gave a dozen craft roses with a tiny paper in each rose, each saying a reason for liking me. It was the cutest thing ever. – Amy Perez The day I got a lot of stuff and I forgot to get the person something in return. – Rey “Revenge” Ramos Valentine’s Day ‘05; It was nothing spending half the day in the school parking lot just goofing off with my friends – Amanda M. The most memorable Valentine’s was the first Valentine’s I spent with my one and only guy. – M.E.R.L

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Valentine’ s Day

11

True love hits whenever Cupid’s arrow strikes My first love was recently. I was in love with this guy BIG time. Well we were in love but I was scared to give my heart to him because I was afraid he would break it and guess what, he did. But hey you never know what can happen unless you take a risk and try.

Alan Garza because he was the nicest person in the world — L.R. My old best friend Albert, because he was a great person. — Vanessa Mtz. A guy named Justin. He was my best friend at the time and he was cute, fun, and a great friend. — J.E. Alfredo Garcia because he was so nice and had a nice personality — K.N.V. Carlos S. because he was nice to me and he will protect me.

Jerry because he was nice to me and we spent a great time together — L.A.S. Allan Garza because I was young and he was just perfect — Letty My first love is the same person I’m in love with now, Jason Hinojosa. We’ve gone through so much that we’ve grown together. He’s my best friend and boyfriend and I don’t know what I would do without him.

— Lauren Palacios.

My first love is Adrian because this guy truly knows me, we know each other so well. He probably forgot about me, but I haven’t forgotten everything about him. — Cassie My first true love was Christina Morales. When I first met her she was nice and cool, as i got to know her more I really fell in “Love” with her.Although we didn't last, she will always be a part of me because she was very special. There is something about her that’s unforgettable.

Even though she was my middle school sweetheart, if she likes me again I would

Who was your first true love? probably marry her. —Ruben Salinas III left but even though we have both moved My first love was Mary, it was love at on to other people we’re still friends and first sight. — F. V. we know that we’ll end up togethJ.M because he’s what I’m er again someday. — looking for in a guy — Anonymous S.M My first love was Joe B a r b a r a Garza. He was the Maldonado first guy that ever because she is actually really so cute and has cared for me, a good personand loved me. ality — S.P We had our Although I flaws, but in was younger, the end we I still believe were always to this day I crazy about loved him. — each other.

F e l i p e He was Gutierrez. amazing , We If it were not went out for a for the fact year and two that we attendmonths, and ed different probably would schools, we still still be together if might have been he didn’t move away together.

He was for college. — Erica almost everything I wantRodriguez ed in a boyfriend, but best of My first true love would all he was the greathave to be Joey MT photo by Cassandra Perez Hernandez. There was est friend. We still Meli Treviño and Justin Balli talk thankfully and something about him are still good that I always wanted to friends. — Christina M. be with him. Of course, his personality My first true love was Jorge H. because was awesome, but I don’t know, to this since the very first time that I saw him I day I still do love him even though we didknew that he was the one. Since the very n’t work out. — Julie Hinojosa first time we talked we clicked and My first true love, hmm, I haven’t found became instant friends. We would have him yet. How am I suppose to know what probably still been together if he hadn’t love is at this age? I mean I know how to

love friends, family and how to like a person, but when do you know its love. I guess when you know, you know. — Steph Autumn My first true love would have to be Luis Peña. He changed me into a better person.

— Ivette Ramirez Celina C. because she was affectionate and everything I wanted. — Edward My first love was Thomas. He was a really cool guy. I still talk to him and he’s still my love. — M.R. Alex because she means a lot to me and completes me. — Joaquin Someone who I still respect and care for his well—being. Things didn’t work out between us, but there is no grudge towards him on my behalf. He was special to me. I really love him. — Norma Rachel because she is my first “real” girlfriend, she also cares for me and supports me in every aspect. Not only that but she’s funny and sweet, oh yeah she is the most beautiful girl to me. —Juan Joaquin, He’s my first real boyfriend. — Alex Suzie, cause we clicked real quick.

Well I won’t name him but he won my heart cause of his sincerity, respect, and over friendship — TDCV Sara, because she was so nice — RB Jerry, because he was a hottie — S.J. Lawanda because she is so sweet — Dwaine Michael Rodriguez because he’s the only one that I have opened up to and that I can trust to be there for me. — Adriana A. Samantha Lee Ramirez, I’ve never been so happy in my entire life, she’s a good listener, very mature when necessary and she’s everything I’ve looked for and being in love has never felt so great — Miguel B

Embarrassment strikes when you least expect it I was on a date with this guy I really liked and I was wearing a spaghetti strap blouse, when all of a sudden one of the straps tore and I practically flashed him and all the people at the mall. — LP My family, my date and I were at church after breakfast when all of a sudden he farted in front of everybody.

That was so embarrassing to me because many people in church know me. — Anonymous I accidentally spilled my Coke on him and burped in front of him. — K.N.V. We went to the movies, but I had to take my little brother with me, It was so embarrassing because he told my date a lot of dumb things I’ve done. — Anonymous We were in Olive Garden and I was cold. The air was hitting towards our

Most embarrassing dates table, and I needed to go to the restroom so bad that I had an accident.

Fortunately I had my sweater and I tied it in my hips to hide the stain. — S.G. We were out on a date walking down the sidewalk towards the restaurant, when all of a sudden the heel on the shoe broke and I fell. We had to go back home and change shoes. After that, I didn’t want to go back out anywhere. — M.T It was like in September and we went to the movies. I fell down with the popcorn and soda. — J.A.N. Me and my friend were out at Graham Central Station and we had nobody to pick us up, so we called a friend to pick us up. After he picked us up we went for a cruise down San Bernardo Street.

We were jamming out to music for like two hours. Later we went to his house and he had brought a friend along. I felt so embarrassed the next day because the guy goes to my school.- Anonymous Going to eat with this girl I had barely met. We never talked throughout our whole meal. — F. V. When the guy I was with burped super loud. — Ivette Ramirez My most embarrassing date would have to be my first date. We were at McDonald's eating an oreo McFlurry when I had a chunk of oreo on my lip and my date was like “umm…you have something on your lip”… I could’ve died.

— L.M. My first embarrassing date was when

I burped in front of my date when I was full. — Y.G It was a rainy night and we were going to go to the movies. As we were walking to the box office I slipped and landed on my behind. I was all wet and went back home. — Rafa I took my girlfriend to a bachelor party and when the cake came and the girl popped out. it was my ex. — MT I went on a blind date and the guy was boring and weird. I sat with my friends — TDCV We were at the movies and I got the idea of running to chase a bird. The bird got away and I slid on some rocks. — M.G The time I went to the mall with someone and my cousin came out of her workplace mocking me. — Mike Bañuelos

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Happy Valentine’ s Day

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

People seek compatibility and trust in relationships Trust and have a good time with – D.V. I would just want pure honestly and enjoyment. – Bette I’d want someone whose there for me and keeps promises all the time. – Ana Having fun together and a great conversation. – Gett Someone fun and someone who makes me laugh. A fun relationship. Vanessa Mtz. Good communications, have fun, and be with an exciting person and I’d love a guy who makes me laugh. – Sam S. Someone I could laugh with and crack jokes with, someone I could be myself with.

– Sam F. Definitely someone where communication takes place. Must have a good sense of humor. – RR. Compatibility and someone who can also be my friend. – Erica Someone I can be myself with and laugh with at random things. – Denise.

Someone I can trust and who will love me for who I am. – Maria Someone who understands me and someone I can trust and will love me for who I am. – Arcelia Sense of humor and love – Tali Someone who understands me. – Roger G. I would really like to have my own relationship with that person and not having anyone to interfere with what with we do.

Specially the mother-in-law. – Christy Sanchez Honesty, trust, laughs, fun, and long

What do you want in a relationship? love, communication, respect- – K.N.V. conversations – R.E.C I want a good line in commuLove, respect, and a lot of undernication, trust, and comstanding between both of us. – passion. – G.M Angelica C. I want great comRespect, communicamunication, lots of tion and especially love. l a u g h t e r , – Karen O. romance, CASH! Everyone wants J/K, and trust. something differLove, truthent, for me the perfulness, fect relationship sweetness, would have a lot and just a of respect. I nice guy all would want my around – boyfriend to C.V respect my thoughts and me. I think every girl needs a lot of attention. so any Communicaboy who gives all tion and loyalty – their attention is a J.R good catch. – Lauren What I would Palacios want in a relationship In a relationship all I’d would be honesty, really ask for is honesty, and respect, and communication to be loved and cared for, affecbecause without hontion, loyalty. – Erica Christian Sanchez MT photo by esty there is no relaRodriguez Alex Jasso and Joaquin Zapico tionship. – Cristina M. For us to have trust,

What I would like in a relationship is honesty, the truth, respect, and care for you can know if the person does care. – Cassie I would want loyalty, respect, and understanding between the both of us. We wouldn’t be afraid to be emotional and confront one another. – Martha I would want a relationship where trust, loyalty, love and companionship played a major role. Where the fear of that person leaving you never would exist. Where an ever-lasting love would be there for as long as we both live. – F. V. For him to have a relationship with my family as well, for him to be smart, gentleman, love not infatuation, that I would see him often, friendship, be able to talk about everything, and honesty faithful. – Christina M. I want for that person to love me, care for me, and to have trust in each other. – I.R. Just for there to be love, loyalty, and trust. – M.B. Love, honesty, trust, laughter, and cuddle – Julie Hinojosa Love, trust, comfort, loyalty, and fun times – Ivette Ramirez Trust, fun, honesty, time together – Alex Cabrera As long as the guy I like is cute and has money and just a nice car – Alex G. Laughter, nice personality, humor and tons of candy – Melissa H. Fun, humor, honesty, trust, something

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Secret crushes come in all shapes, sizes and ages Olivia San Miguel, because she knows wherever she goes, our footsteps retrace footprints meant for us to follow down the aisles where I first laid eyes on her.

Michael Kirkland because he’s simply perfect.

Zandra Flores because I have fun with her.

Robyn Reyes because she is funny and her hair is gorgeous.

Mrs. Rios because she is the most outspoken person.

Steve Val because he is only the greatest guitarist.

Albert Alvarado, he makes me laugh and is very down to earth.

Javier Aranda. He is the type of person I would like to spend the rest of my life with and I really love him.

Christina Hernandez, her smile is breathtaking!!Peter Villa, my wonderful and loving boyfriend My crush is Veronica Cruz. She is just the nicest person I’ve ever met.

Paty Garcia because she’s beautiful and she doesn’t even know it.

Michael Kirkland simply because he is tall, long hair, blonde, and he’s just the sweetest thing in the world. He’s perfect.

My boyfriend Fafty because he’s always there for me and is really nice to me.

Frank, because he is a really nice and sweet person.

Who do you have a (secret) crush on? And why?

This guy I met during the holidays named Carlos, he is super sweet and romantic.

Jose Tello he’s very sweet and kind.

Fernando A. because he is funny, kind, cute, and an awesome guy to hang out with.

Erin Perez because he’s hot and nice.

Nick Lopez because he’s so cute and funny.

Mike because he is funny, has a great personality, good looking, he is honest and gives me advice.

Ernesto because he is nice and I could trust him with anything.

Heather Reilly cause she laughs at my jokes even though we both know they weren’t funny.

Cesar Sanchez because we have a lot in common and because he is the best perfect person I’ve ever met and I hope I can be with him.

Juan because he is so cute.

Ana because she’s hot.

Alyssa G. because she likes tacos.

Alfredo because he’s outgoing, nice, and cute.

I have a crush on this guy named Pierre and we are currently going out. I’m falling for him so fast because to me he’s perfect in my eyes. He’s funny, loyal, respectful, handsome,

smart and his beautiful eyes Alejan make me fall in love with was b him every time.

Ju Paty Garcia she’s Rig really pretty and she has a beautiful smile R. David Cortez,but must I really need a reason as to why?

He’s just different then most guys in which I think is a good thing.

Just don’t tell him I told you so.

I have a crush on w a guy name Evan he is my boyfriend and is ly fu the most amazing guy and when he is the best guy and I’m I ha always happy with so MT photo by Robert Tenorio him. ju Alhely Hinojosa and Joseph Mendiola I had a crush on lov

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

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

13

Perfect first dates involve music, dining, movies and the beach Movie and a dinner, then something cool like jump in the trampoline and then see the stars at night with each other. – Bette I don’t know, just go somewhere to talk and laugh. – Vanessa Mtz. Anything really, as long as it was fun and we both had a good time. – J.E. Anytime, anywhere, and no cheesy lines. – Sam S. Something adventurous, and surprise me with something beautiful. – Sam F. To spend all day together, doing fun things like pranking people, going to eat at Peter Piper Pizza, and last lay down at a trampoline at night and look at the stars while talking. – Christy Sanchez Walking around Toys R Us playing with all the toys! Ha,Ha!. – Denise.

A comedy movie and a nice dinner. – Maria.

Stroll in the park with dinner. – Arcelia.

McDonald's. Lame, I know, then maybe a movie-cheap date. – Tali.

Go to the beach and walk barefooted in the sand holding hands. – Angelica C. Go to a restaurant both alone and flowers everywhere with candles. – Karen O. The perfect first date would be for Kimberly Evans to go out with me. – J.A.T Hang out by the swings at a park and have a deep conversation – R.E.C Going to the movies then going to eat at a nice restaurant then ending with a walk home and a good night kiss – M.C. Spending dinner with his/her’s parents – Miguel Bañuelos

What would be the perfect first date?

Going out to the movies then going to eat somewhere nice then at last go cruising with him in his car then dropping me off at my house and giving me a kiss – A.C Have some dinner then go to the movies with a long good night kiss – J.P I guess just going to the movies and then after that go eat somewhere and then just hangout in the park. – C.M. Maybe Go watch a movie, then to eat…and afterwards go to a park and just sit on the swingsets together enjoying each other's company, and just talking. – Erica Rodriguez Around my friends because they are themselves opposed to have a candlelight dinner when they are going to be totally fake. – J.A.N. To me the perfect first Date would be that he would cook and make a candle light dinner. Then we would take a long walk on the beach to watch the sunset. It would all end with him taking me to my house and giving me my first true kiss. – Cristina The perfect first date will be a nice or funny movie and to a romantic dinner and just a walk around the block under the stars. – Cassie The perfect first date will be for us to eat on top of his hood eating under the stars and at the end a nice sweet kiss. – Felicia

Alejandra Gutierrez cause she looks like an angel. To be she was beautiful.

Juan Antonio Oliva Jr. Because he’s perfect for me!

Right, Tony? Marry me, Si? I will love Adrian Perez forever and a day!

My crush is Irma Hernandez because she is smart, nice, outgoing and sweet, sometimes dumb, but nevertheless she is so pretty.

Carlos Rodriguez because his new look brings out more of his character.

Edward, Joey H., Frank C. and Carlos.

I like this one guy J.J. because he is a cool guy and pretty awesome to talk to.

Luis Peña because he is the most sweetest person in the world Jose Villa because he seems like a cool person Gaby (cuata). She plays hard to get.

Julie because we have a lot in common.

Adriana because I like her smile.

Anthony Lopez because of the way he is with me.

I have a crush on Vanessa Martinez because she was always there for me when I was down.

I have a crush on Thomas Cardenas because he’s really funny and sweet. He’s always trying to cheer me up when I’m down.

I have a crush on Albert Alvarado, because I like his personality, amazing guy to talk with, plus he is cute and bert Tenorio just looking at him makes me feel happy. It was just like h Mendiola love first sight.

It would be perfect if we went for a walk on the beach under the clouds and stars. Then we lay a blanket on the sand and cuddle.

After we go and take a swim in a pool then eat. – Martha An awesome concert, dinner at IHOP, then a walk on the beach and laying down just looking up at the stars and spilling our hearts out to each other. – Mounik R. For us to go out to eat at a fancy restaurant and afterwards go to the beach and watch the sunset. – S.Z. Just to have fun like a movie, dinner, and just hangout together. – T.B. Maybe like a long walk at the beach, walking barefoot through the water watching the sunset in the horizon. – J.H. My perfect date would be me picking the girl up, taking her out for dinner and a movie, then a drive at the lake, then drive her home, and walk her to the door – J.T. Going somewhere just to talk to get to know each other – Missy Walking all over Laredo, just walking and talking – Monica My perfect first date would be that I would take her to the carnival and have a fun time there together and play some games that I can win for her a stuff animal. Once we both had our fun the final ride would be the ferrous

I have a tiny crush on Jaime Rodriguez because he makes me laugh in a way that I haven’t R. David Cortez, but laughed in a long time. must I really need a I have a crush on Alex reason as to why? He’s He’s Gaytan he is mine and I really hope it stays like just different than most that! We have so many guys which I think is a great things ahead of us. good thing. Just don’t Even though we’re tell him I told you so. together I still feel like a little girl with a first Michael Kirkland simsimcrush! tall, I have a crush on Ed J. ply because he is tall, Herrera he is so sweet long hair, hair, blonde, and and I don’t think there is he’s he’s just the sweetest anyone out there that thing in the world. He’s He’s can compete with his perfect. sweetness.

There is a girl named Maricela R. who I really like because she is a very sweet girl who is always smiling that it even gets contagious.

I have a crush on this girl named Karla. I have a crush on her because she is the most beautiful girl that I have ever known.

Rudy because he is a great guy who respects me.

I have a crush on Thomas because he is a really nice and

“

”

wheel cause it gives you a closer view to the star making it a romantic moment. – Jorge It would be just us, hanging out and having fun. Getting to know each other better. – Cassie My perfect first date would be at a quiet and calm place with love music and a romantic setting. – D.S. My perfect first date would be in a cozy and quiet place where we both like to be with some love music.– M.R. My perfect first date would be going to the movies and then to eat. – Lily Valls My perfect first date would be during the night as we slow dance to a romantic song with a simple kiss. We would stroll through the endless night gazing upon each other’s eyes. – A.M. The perfect first date would be anywhere as long as I’m feeling great with the person I’m with.– M.E.R.L. Dinner and a movie. – Alex Jasso Sitting down with someone that captures my mind with words and that the conversations are endless and exciting! – Deryk A date where neither of us are nervous and quiet the whole time…for us to be able to carry a conversation. – Vero I always wanted to go canoeing out on a date. Just the two of us out in the serenity of a flowing river. Then to have a picnic and just talk. – Norma Dinner in a fancy romantic restaurant and after that go for a walk under the bright shining light. It would be really cool to go for a walk on the beach with a a bright moon. – Oly

cool person to hang out with.

I have a crush on Jackie Gutierrez because she seems like the right person.

I have a crush on Julio Trevino because he’s so cute.

I have a crush on Leroy Estrada because he is my boyfriend and he has all the qualities I want on a guy.

Joaquin, he’s my boyfriend.

Alex because I love her.

David .L because he’s a fun and cool guy that makes me feel good.

Ryan Gosling, I guess it was just the role he played on The Notebook.

Alex. C he is truly amazing.

Jake Gyllenhal, he’s so cute and adorable!

I have a crash on Alan cause he is so nice.

I have a crush on Arnold Zimmerman because he is so nice.

I have a crush on G because he is hot.

I have a crush on Ale because she is so sweet Elliot because he can always make me laugh No one… No wait on a lot of girls … but especially Gloria.

S and Lucia V. lol Adriana because she is a beautiful, ecstatic young lady, which I love and will do anything for.

Steve Val because he is only the greatest guitarist.

Peter Villa, my wonderful and loving boyfriend.

Arnold, Guess who this is?

Michael Rodriguez because he is always there for me no matter what.

view 2005

teley.

School Ne ws

14

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Students, teachers discuss their opinions on survey

BY ROBERT TENORIO MT STAFF WRITER Students and faculty discussed their opinions on items on the Latino Survey given by the Magnet Tribune.

There were differences in what people had to say in questions on the survey.

“I have an issue with the wording of this survey. I do not agree that people should just be called Latinos. We all have different ancestries and should be distinguished differently. I call myself a Chicano,” said visual arts teacher and civil rights activist Jorge Vasquez.

Vasquez discussed society and Laredo today.

“I feel at times we can get displaced especially here in Laredo when it comes to things such as jobs. If you compare a gardener from Laredo to a gardener from Nuevo Laredo, people will most likely go with the gardener from across the river because of cheaper prices,” Vasquez said.

Social issues such same-sex marriages spark much debate and many opinions. More than 70 percent of all students support same-sex marriage, the survey shows.

“I feel that the reason students here at the magnet school are more accepting of

VASQUEZ

BUCKLEY

this issue is because many people here are allowed to think openly and do not just think in one direction,” Vasquez said.

Border issues have played a major role for citizens that live along the U.S.Mexico border, he explained.

“Violence across the border in Nuevo Laredo has slowly been spilling over to the Laredo side but thanks to the programs such as Crime Stoppers, we are able to control it. But I think it’s a matter time that there will be a bigger outbreak of violence here in Laredo. Nuevo Laredo is just across the river,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez said that Latinos can be successful in life.

“We have the attitude to be successful.

We are intelligent and we have the desire to better ourselves. Better quality of edu-

NAVA

MENDOZA

cation though means a student has a greater chance of having a better life,” Vasquez said Vasquez promotes the Democratic Party as being good for all people.

“Democrats are known for serving mostly the low class and middle class people, unlike the Republicans, which has much support from the wealthy.

Republicans are interested in tax breaks while Democrats are more interested in social issues such as government programs. One such example is the food stamp program,” Vasquez said.

English teacher James Buckley feels that some questions that were given in the survey were not relevant to the Hispanic community.

“Such questions have nothing to do

with culture. For example, there is the Iraq war. It was not a matter of culture but of awareness,” Buckley said.

There is a good effect, he says, on the Latino community.

“A lot of things in the survey have an outcome on the Latino community, especially Wal-Mart. A lot of Hispanics are big shoppers at Wal-Mart. It is very affordable. Laredo Wal-Marts contribute the most profit than any other Wal-Mart in the country,” Buckley said.

Buckley believes that because of the students’ open-mindedness, the idea of same sex marriages are indeed widely supported.

“I believe that this school has students who are more opened minded and artistic. It would most likely be a bigger issue at the home schools,” he said.

Students also weighed in on questions on the survey.

“Family background causes a lot of people to limit themselves. Many want people to settle what they have,” Juan Nava, senior, said.

Nava believes there are many important issues affecting millions of people.

“There is a lot of discrimination and corruption plaguing our society today,”

See SURVEY, page 14

SURVEY, from page 1 The purpose was to compare the different points of view between the student survey, the faculty survey, and the 2005 National Latino Survey.

The Latino Coalition in Washington did not respond to telephone and email requests for comments on VMT’s survey.

The following are the results of VMT’s student survey: * 54 students think lack of education is what keeps Latinos from succeeding in the United States, followed by 47-racism, 20-language, 9-immigration, 8-don’t know, and 3-being allowed to work. * 59 students think the US is losing the war in Iraq, followed by 47winning, 35-don’t care. * 68 students don’t know what political party they relate with, followed by 53-Democrat, 11-independent, 9-Republican, 6-other. * 123 students think mega-stores like Wal-Mart are good for the community; other responses where 10bad, 4-don’t know, and 4-both good and bad. * 79 students approve of new laws that would make sure that employers would only hire workers that are in the US legally followed by 51-disapprove, 7-indecisive, and 4-don’t answer. * 64 students think the border security in the US is about right followed by 46-too lenient, 18-too strict, and 13-indecisive. * 90 students support gay mar-

riage followed by 30-opposed and 21don’t know. * 69 students are pro-life on abortion followed by 57-pro-choice, 15don’t know. * 95 students say they are Catholic followed by 20-Christian, 4-Atheistic, 2-Protestant, 1-Jehova’s Witness, 1Mormon, 2-Agnostic, 16-didn’t answer. * 56 students in political beliefs are moderate, followed by 41-liberal, 25conservative, and 13-don’t know, 6no answer. * 103 students approve for under teenage girls requiring parental consent before getting an abortion followed by 29-opposed, and 9-don’t know. * 48 students rate the quality of education in their school as fair, and 47-good, 11-don’t know, and 6-poor, 29-didn’t answer. * 57 students answered that state administered tests (TAKS) is the biggest problem in public education today, followed by 35violence/drugs, 19-lack of good teachers, 19-no teaching of traditional values, 16-indecisive, 4-overcrowding, 2-lack of bilingual education, 8-no answer. * 55 students said they were somewhat prepared financially to recover from a major disaster, followed by 49-very unprepared, 29-somewhat unprepared and 7-very unprepared, 1-no answer. * 115 students answered they have

a computer at home, and 26-said they did not have one at home. * 82 students they didn’t have a savings or checking account followed by 27-savings, 16-both, and 12-checking account, 4-no answer. * 58 students answered they speak equally English and Spanish at home, followed by 31-always English, 27-mostly English, 14mostly Spanish, and 11-always Spanish. * 70 students answered they didn’t know what Latino figure they most admire today in the United States, followed by: * 29-George Lopez *7-Salma Hayek *3-parents *3-Shakira *3-Manuel Gallegos *3-Cesar Chavez *3-Sandra Cisneros *2-Jennifer Lopez *2-Antonio Banderas *2-Claudio Sanchez *2-Daddy Yankee *2-Santana *1-Intocable *1-Shawn Michaels *1-Ricky Martin *1-Carlos Mencia *1-Cameron Diaz *1-Robert Rodriguez *1-Mana *1-Joaquin Cortez *1-Gloria Lopez *1-Henry Cuellar Faculty/staff survey

The following are the results of V.M.T’s faculty and staff survey: * 6 answered they prefer speaking English, followed by 2-Spanish. *4 answered they were Hispanic and 4-no. * Ages were 38, 39, 41, 46, 49, 49, 52, and 60. * All eight adults were male. * 6-adults answered that education is what keeps Latinos from succeeding in the United States, followed by 1-language/English fluency, 1-no answer * 4 think the United States is winning the war in Iraq. Other answers were 2-losing, and 1-history will tell. * 4 answered they relate more with the Democratic political party, followed by 2-Republican, 1-independent, 1-other. * 4 think mega-stores like WalMart are good for the community, followed by 3-bad, and 1-no answer. * 7 approve of new laws that would make sure that employers would only hire workers that are in the U.S legally, followed by 1-disapprove. * 5-adults answered that the border security in the U.S is too lenient, followed by 2-about right, and 1-too strict. * 6-adults oppose gay marriage and 2-no opinion. * 4-adults on abortion are prochoice, followed by 3-pro-life, and1neither. * 4-adults responded they are Catholic, followed by 1-Christian, 1-

spiritual, and 2-NA. * 3-adults answered they are moderate in political beliefs, followed by 2-conservative, 2-liberal, and 1-no answer. * 7 approve underage teenage girls requiring parental consent before getting an abortion, followed by 1oppose. * 4 responded that the quality of education in their school is excellent, followed by 2-poor, 1-average, and 1mediocre. * 3 think TAKS is the biggest problem in public education today, followed by 1-no traditional values, 1violence/drugs, 1-lack of good teachers, 2-none of the above. * 5-adults answered that they are somewhat unprepared financially to recover from a major disaster, followed by 3-very unprepared. * 8 answered they have a personal computer at home. * 6 answered the have both a savings and a checking account, followed by 1-only checking, 1-neither. * 3 answered they speak at home always English, other answers were 3-mostly Spanish, and 2-mostly English. * 4 answered they don’t admire a Latino figure living today in the United States, followed by 1-attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, 1Arturo Sandoval (trumpet), 1-Oscar de la Hoya, 1-Henry Cuellar.

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

School News

15

VMT students’ opinions as recorded by the survey Left: Students’ results of “Do you have a personal computer at home?”

Faculty results: Eight, yes.

National poll: Yes: 49% yes, 47.7% no, 3.3% no answer.

----------------Right: Students’ results of “What do you think is the biggest problem in public education today?

Faculty results: Three: TAKS, one: no traditional values, one: violence and drugs; one: lack of good teachers; two: none of these.

National poll: 33.2% violence and drugs; 14.6% lack of quality teachers; 12.1% overcrowding; 11.3% lack/bilingual education; 6.6% lack/basic 3Rs skills; 6.3% lack/choice for parents; 5.1% non-traditional values taught; 10.8% don’t know/refused to answer.

Left: Students’ results of “On abortion, are you pro-life or pro-choice?”

Faculty results: four: pro-choice, three: prolife, one: neither.

National poll: 57.4%: pro-life, 27.2% prochoice, 15.4% don’t know/refused to answer.

----------------Right: Students’ results of laws requiring employers to hire people legally in the U.S.?

Faculty results: seven: support, one: opposed.

National poll: 36.5% support, 55.5% opposed, 8% don’t know/refused to answer.

Left: Students’ results of “What is your religion?”

Faculty results: four: Catholic, one: Christian, one: spiritual; two: no answer.

National poll: 57.4%: pro-life, 27.2% prochoice, 15.4% don’t know/refused to answer.

----------------Right: Students’ results of “What language to you speak at home?”

Faculty results: Three: Always English, three: mostly Spanish, two: mostly English.

National poll: 67.2% Mainly Spanish, 15.2% Spanish/English equally, 15.9% mainly English.

MT graphics by Robert Tenorio SURVEY, from page 14 Nava said.

He also believes that the Democratic Party is the best party for the Hispanic community.

“I say that the Democrats are the best party because they are for people all around,” Nava said.

Wal-Mart, he says, plays a big factor in everybody’s lives.

“I think Wal-Mart is cool because it is

very affordable for everyone. Anyone can shop at Wal-Mart,” said Nava.

One student though, expressed different opinions when it comes to issues that affect the Hispanic community today.

“I think abortion plays a major role in our community because it is such a controversial issue. Many people are pro-life while others are pro-choice,” said M.G., senior, who asked to be iden-

tified by initials.

The senior also believes this is not all that great.

“It is stupid and not accruable in my opinion. I feel that some questions were just out of context,” said M.G. Moreover, another student has a different perspective when it comes to border issues.

“The United States should be more at

ease with illegal immigrants because most want to better themselves and send money back to their families,” said Idalia Mendoza, senior.

However, she has a different view when it comes to same-sex marriages.

“I don’t approve of same-sex marriages,” Mendoza said, “because in the Bible it says that one man and one woman should be united.”

16

School News

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Dancers find their art an important part of their lives

BY ALYSSA GARZA MT STAFF WRITER

D

ance classes have been around since V.M.T opened in 1993.

Young dancers say they are fortunate to have classes offered here – and that dance is a very important part of their lives.

Both a freshmen and a sophomore say dance has helped them in many different ways.

“It has helped me become a better dancer and person, also to be patient and confident,” sophomore Beverly Fraga said.

“It has helped me mentally and physically,” freshmen Azahy Ayala added.

Dance teachers feel there are some special qualities that students pick up in the dance studio.

“Dance helps improve self-esteem, posture, confidence, balance, and strength,” dance instructor Mary Ellen Leyendecker said.

Variety of classes The classes offered here are Flamenco, Folklorico, Jazz, Classic Ballet, Point, Variations, Pos-De-Deux, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Lyrical, Celtic, and Swing.

Dance instructors are Cheryl Kirkpatrick, dean of dance department who has been with VMT since it opened, Alicia McKinnis, and Leyendecker. They all work closely together.

Students need to posses certain qualities to be good dancers.

“They need sense of rhythm, flexibility, desire, hard work, and patience to learn and to achieve their goals,” Leyendecker said.

Classes have rules students need to abide by.

“They need to be on time, change into their proper attire, do pre-warm up stretches, be in good health and state of mind, and leave their problems outside the studio,” Leyendecker said.

Not only do dancers need to abide by these rules, but also dance class requires a lot from students.

“It requires 100 percent discipline. It’s not just a PE credit, it’s a fine art,” Leyendecker said.

There are things that distinguish V.M.T.’s dance program from dance studios and other dance classes. The instructors here are specialized and state certified to teach. In some dance studios dancers only have a few hours a week of instruction. Here at V.M.T stu-

dents have about an hour-and-a-half of instruction time every day.

“Students take dance on a daily basis,” Leyendecker said.

There are some things that separate the dance teachers from academic teachers, she said.

“Dance teachers work the hardest. It’s not only mental but physical as well,” Leyendecker said.

She said dance teachers are always on their feet, and although they are sometimes in pain due to medical problems or other reasons they continue using their feet and in stay in action throughout all of their classes.

The dance department is also involved in many performances and events. They put up extra performances during annual productions such as the Nutcracker, and the spring performance.

During the spring performance parents, friends, family members, and the public can see the different style of dance taught here at V.M.T. In addition to performances and productions, dance students hold fund-raisers to raise money for costumes, shoes, and other necessities.

An upcoming event is the new Cinderella production.

The MT photo by classic ballet Alyssa Garza classes are involved in it.

Seniors Chelsea It will be held Chavez and John Perez strike April 21 at a pose in a VMT the Student dance studio.

Activity Cutout: Monica Center Garcia and o n Lorie Hwy. Zamarripa 359.

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Entertainment

17

Brown and The Like are great girl artists; Roberts’ a reject Rock review by

Veronica Cruz music you can move to.

She has a great voice that brings out the sparks of her album.

The 11-song www.gomoxie.org album she proKaci Brown duced has Artist: Kaci Brown styles of music that show how Album: Instigator flexible she is, and includes Label: Interscope Records R&B/hip-hop and pop/dance.

Ratings: 3 leaders out of 5 The song I most enjoyed is Web site: “The Waltz.” The track has a www.kacibrown.com beat from a folklore dance..

Kaci Brown is a young Texan Another really hot song of hers and a new artist. For a begin- is “Like ‘Em Like That,” about ner in hip-hop, she is doing how she likes particular boys, well, in my opinion. but in rascal form.

Her voice compares to singer I believe you will hear more Mandy Moore’s, yet her music from her later in the R&B/ hipis a mix of hip-hop with some hop business; she has shown blues. Let’s just say another much promise in her first Toby Lightman, but with album.

--Artist: The Like Album: Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?

Label: Geffen Records Ratings: 5 I likes out of 5 Web site: www.ilikethelike.com Nothing, in my eyes, is better than three girls playing instruments.

The Like is not your usual girl band. The themes for their songs are bittersweet, which, I think, makes them a good group.

They are good musicians and I really enjoyed their album.

Their music balances between emotions and actions, being harsh yet melodious all at the same time.

A great hit is “Under the Paving Stones,” an awe-inspiring song that just attracts you

to both the music and the singing.

This band, which I like a lot, is very s m o o t h , downstream with their lyrics, or let’s just say extremely poetic.

--Artist: Emma Roberts Album: Unfabulous and more Label: Columbia Records Ratings: 1 unfab out of 5 Web site: www.emmaroberts.net Emma Roberts. You might just know her as that little girl who has her own show on Nickelodeon, but she is an artist outside of her acting roles.

Her album is all about her

www.gomoxie.org

The Like growing up, which I found kind of hideous,but hey-they’re her feelings being let out for people to hear.

I honestly believe Emma could have done better, but it’s her first try, maybe next time she will improve.

I didn’t like her album. She lacks good taste. Sorry, but I can give her one prop, although she does have a good voice, she needs to work on her lyrics; which is her main weakness.

King Kong shows many emotions in latest movie remake “King Kong” will keep you on the edge of your seat as you see the Kong at his best.

The movie, which stars Naomi Watts (Ann Darrow), Jack Black (Carl Denham), and Adrian Brody (Jack Driscoll), is based on action-thriller drama, and yes you heard it-comedy.

This version shows the different perspectives regarding King Kong’s attitude towards society. In the first movie, he is portrayed as a mean beast. I was shocked when I saw the Kong’s soft side in this flick. I always thought that he was mean and cruel There are many differences when it comes to comparing the 1933 film to the 2005 film. For example, the visual effects differ because technology has evolved.

An example of a visual effect, and one of my favorite parts of the movie, is when King Kong climbs the Empire State Building with Ann. It is much better to see Kong climbing the building in this movie than the

Coming Attractions by

Robert Tenorio one in 1933; the older version looked fake. King Kong’s costume, for example, looked like if it was going to fall apart. The costume seemed to be poorly made, but, nevertheless, it is exciting just to see the massive beast climbing one of the tallest buildings in America.

Also, I loved the fighting between King Kong and the dinosaurs. In the new version the scene looked so real!

Because pretty much everything was digitally made, I thought I had front row seats to a fight. It was full of action!

Honestly, I really was not too excited during the first hour because it focused on the Carl Denham character and his movie. I was like, “Where is the Kong?” I was sometimes even

in my own little world thinking, “What am I doing here?” The beast finally appeared, though, when I least expected it.

My favorite character, however, was Anne Darrow because she showed so much sincerity throughout the film. This lady was willing to show her kindness to the Kong after she notices that beast has a soft side.

One of the best parts in the movie is when Kong escapes from captivity and enters Downtown Manhattan, terrorizing and killing many bystanders.

But, for you moviegoers that do not like to sit for too long, be prepared. Since this is a Peter Jackson movie, director of Lord of The Rings, King Kong is more

than three hours long. I did not get out of the theatre until 1:45 a.m., but it was worth it-even though the first hour wasn’t so great.

This film is full of excitement and I will give this movie 4

Kong’s out of 5. Except for a few minor mistakes and its boring beginning, the movie was almost perfect. I strongly recommend people see the movie. It’s like being a part of an adventure.

Good Times

18

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Sophomore theater student is hard at work on music projects Armando Lopez sophomore and afternoon theater arts student has a music project named Eulogium. The name Eulogium is a Greek form of the word “Eulogy”, a tribute to someone at a funeral.

Unlike your typical music genre this one is a bit distinct.

Instead of Black Metal, Lopez describes his project as “unblack metal”.

“It is black metal music without the old, tired black metal lyrics. Conventional black metal lyrics’ themes stretch across the occult, the blasphemous, and the National Socialistic, all themes I am very much opposed to,” Lopez explains.

He began his project about a year ago. The idea came to him as a need to write, record, and

The Local Scene Student bands taking over by

Alyssa Garza and Lucia Villagomez share the music that he had and has in his head. He started off by compiling riffs that he created, finding lyrics that he had written beforehand, and when his dad bought a new computer which had recording software. With those things he began recording. He plays guitars, drums, bass, keys, piano, and he also writes his own songs and music. He does both clean and grinding vocals as well. His lyrics are relatable and send out positive messages.

“I don’t write my lyrics on a

high-horse, so many people can relate to them, I feel.”

Everyday life, particularly in wintertime, inspires him to write. His lyrics have a very strong spiritual resonance.

Themes include everyday trails, politics, and the otherworldly. His aim is to prove that this style of music is not owned exclusively by any kind of elite, and that it can be played for any purpose the one who plays it intends it for.

“I want to reach as many people as possible and let them

Mystic Stars by

Lasha Seniuk KNIGHT RIDDER/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE (KRT) ARIES (March 21-April 20) Early this week, private home discussions reveal the hidden fears of loved ones. Public criticism, career failure or the disapproval of authority figures may be more debilitating than anticipated. Plan unique family events or social gatherings: friendly encouragement and group support will prove invaluable. Wednesday through Friday, a long-term relationship may begin an intense phase of emotional negotiation.

TAURUS (April 21-May 20) Younger friends or relatives may be unusually introspective over the next few days. Allow for extra privacy, if possible. At present, complex social or romantic decisions will require quiet reflection. Later this week, study financial records for errors. Before mid-March, forgotten payments, newly revealed mistakes and unfinished paperwork may prove costly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) New relationships are exciting but temporary. Over the next six days, enjoy private moments with potential friends but avoid longterm goals or future plans. Before next week, emotional promises may prove unreliable: ask for clearly defined dates and respond quickly to sudden changes.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Study daily habits and health regimes for needed improvements this week.

Many Cancerians will now benefit from a rekindled interest in exercise or outdoor activities. Tuesday through Friday, avoid business discussions or minor disagreements with colleagues. At present, the hidden agendas or private politics of co-workers may affect the decisions of authority figures.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Over the next six days, a colleague or close friend needs extra encouragement.

Social isolation will not help heal ongoing family or romantic disappointment. Creative entertainment, new ideas and group involvement will bring the desired results: offer cheerful discussion or fresh activities. Be consistent: yesterday's successes will need to be repeated.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Business decisions, although controversial, will this week work to your advantage. After Tuesday, revised duties may bring added job opportunities and a need for skill develop-

ment. Ask key officials for special permissions, educational funding or new assignments. All is well.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Before mid-week, home plans may be easily disrupted by the emotional demands of a close friend. Romantic advice, social guidance or the recent actions of a potential lover may all be at issue. Remain dedicated to ethical solutions and public honesty: your observations are accurate.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Long-term career aspirations can now be re-established. This week, many Scorpios will end almost three years of low business interest or workplace disillusionment. Carefully consider all job proposals: before mid-March, employment contracts will require detailed negotiations.

Wednesday through Saturday, social and romantic invitations are misleading.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Family relations now improve. Over the next six days, respond positively to the detailed plans or rare social discussions of loved ones. Close friends and relatives may now wish to expand leisure activities in the home. Your enthusiasm will be appreciated: remain open to all creative ideas. Friday through Sunday, minor financial restrictions may also be lifted.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) Friends and new acquaintances may now press for added access to your daily life. Special favors, living arrangements or rare family activities may be a key concern. Be polite but set firm boundaries: private and public relationships are this week best kept clearly defined. After Wednesday, a shy co-worker may voice strong opinions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) Romantic triangles are this week distracting and unproductive. After Tuesday, a close friend may misinterpret your emotional or social interest in a colleague. Avoid complex discussions: this is not the right time to address ongoing issues of trust and privacy. Later this week, financial documents require attention.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Workplace negotiations will this week provide unique insights into the methods of key officials. Financial improvement, long-term contracts and job promotions may not arrive as expected. Diplomacy and accurate facts are important: thoroughly evaluate options before offering a response.

know there is still something to live for nowadays,” Mando said.

As of now he doesn’t perform for the public.

“This is a solo project.

Perhaps sometime in the future, I’ll get a performance band together,” Lopez said.

His main supporters are his parents. Behind them is Felipe Diaz III the man behind the black metal band Sorrow Storm, his band members in Pessimus Imperium, and all of the people who have bought demos and have added him as friends on Euloguim’s MySpace. As of now this project looks like it’s been going smoothly. I think it’s a very interesting thing to look into.

Aside from some recording difficulties and frustrations,

Mando has received some hate mail including blasphemy and racial slurs, but no way is that stopping him and it doesn’t really bother him.

“That’s hardly a problem, as I know I’m causing a disturbance in their little microcosm.” Mando said regarding the hate mail.

If you want to know more about this ongoing project you can go to Eulogium’s MySpace, www.myspace.com/Eulogium or contact Armando Lopez at extol_777@hotmail.com Discography: A Light in the Darkness (demo) Where Solace is Mine (full length, coming February 2006)

People

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

19

Artist appreciates art, enjoys work So I’m sitting down, thinking of who to interview next…then it hits me. I know the perfect person. He’s nice, he’s sweet, he’s smart, he’s Andy Flores; a junior at Nixon High School.He is currently taking Advanced Art with Jorge Vasquez.

“Normally we paint and draw in a variety of different medias and styles. Abstract is my favorite,” Flores said.

He also takes commerical photography at Nixon.

I asked him why he chose art and he said, “Art has always been something that captivates me. Although I’m not that great at it, viewing and appreciating someone else’s art is always awesome.”

If he had a choice, he’d be at VMT all day.

“Nixon to me is just a place where I overcome the groggy morning feeling. VMT, I treasure the most, it’s a part of me that I’ll always take with me,” he said.

The System by

Veronica Lara He is also a computer salesman at Best Buy. His job is to provide customers with product knowledge and guidance as far as shopping for anything wireless related.

I asked him if he enjoyed working and he replied, “Hands down! I love it. I don’t see myself doing any other job for a while.”

His favorite hobby is playing paintball. Although he doesn’t play as much as he used to, he still tries to play as often as he can. He normally spends free time on his computer, enjoying good music, or writing about random subjects.

A regular day in Flores’ shoes would be as follows: “I wake up, Saved by the Bell is on, I watch that. Then I shower, I get dressed, and go to my car. At that point I’m on the verge of being late. Now I’m at Nixon… yeah… now its lunch time. I go out to lunch with my friends if we have money, then I go to my art class, then history. Then school is over, I get home, kiss and hug my mom, followed by missed ya mom, love ya mom, then I’ll go somewhere like a friends house, or just go unwind the traces of the day in my room.”

MT photo by Veronica Lara ANDY FLORES

Boy has problem in deciding what to give girlfriend for Valentine’s Day Valentine’s gift problem

Ask Cass

Dear Cass: I’ve been going out with my current girlfriend for the past 2 months. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, my question to you is: should I go all out on a present or should I just get her something simple, like a card and some candy?

Bobby*, 17 Let me ask you this: are you really serious about this girl?

Have you told her “I love you” or something to that effect? If you haven’t, I really don’t recommend you to go all out on some gift that’s for a girl that you might not even have a future with. Okay, I know that might sound really mean, but come on, we’re in high school.

We know that all relationships

by

Cassandra Perez aren’t going to last forever. I do recommend, however, that you do buy her something, but nothing really huge. A card and a box of candy is perfect. It shows that you care about her enough to get her something. I hope she appreciates it because she very well could have gotten nothing at all.

that didn’t really work out and I ended up getting hurt in the process, but the thing is that I still have some feelings toward him, and I feel bad that we aren’t talking. Should I feel this way and how should I act around him?

Savannah*, 15 Cass says:

How to act around a crush

Since this guy hurt you, no, I don’t think you should feel bad that you and he aren’t talking.

But then again, it is very hard to not talk to someone you have strong feelings for. My advice is to try your best and forget about him. It’s going to be hard, but you need to try

Dear Cass: I need some major advice.

See, the thing is I had this crush on a guy and I decided to get to know him better. Well,

and forget him so you can move on to bigger and better things. The thing that could make this a bit easier is to just avoid him altogether. It will make it seem as though he is not there, which will make it easier for you to forget about him. This also goes for when you are around him. Just pretend he’s not there, like he doesn’t affect you in any way. I know there’s that possibility that he might still say “Hi” and wave, and that he might want to talk to you again, but just be polite and remember that this guy hurt you. Don’t think he won’t do it again.

A good time to reveal feelings Dear Cass: When is it a good time to tell someone how you feel about them? Last year I would always

kind of watch this girl I liked from afar because I thought that she was really pretty, and I finally met her about 4 months ago. We started talking and hanging out and I really do like this girl, but I was thinking maybe it’s a little too soon. Is it?

Andrew*, 16 Cass says: Well, it is pretty rapid. You barely met her, but from what you told me it seems to be working out. You guys hang out and talk a lot, so I say go for it. Take a risk and tell her how you feel. I know that she may not feel the same way, but you should know how hard it is to like someone so much and not let them know how you feel. Plus, when you let your feelings out it’ll feel better. I wish you good luck and that everything works out for the best.

Spring Break: March 13-17 - Easter Holiday: Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14 TAKS: Tuesday, April 18-Friday, April 21 - Last day of school: Thursday, May 25.

20

Enter tainment

U.S. team hopes to mine gold

Ro KRT ss Cam Po we pus rs

Benvenuto, ad un nuovo anno dell’eccitamento nel mondo degli sport.

Welcome, to a new year of excitement in the world of sports.

I’m practicing my Italian because the year starts with an important event, the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

Torino has been preparing for this event since the last Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the winter of 2002.

Italy, which has waited 50 years, was the last country to host Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956.

“Rome, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Palermo, Venice, Naples and Milan are host cities that best represent Italy.

Torino, a city with a lot of history, art, food and

wines has come through a process of organizing not only itself but the whole country as well; this include security, accommodations, hospitality, tickets, tourism, host cities, and others as well.

You might be wondering what sports are being held and I wonder too, that is why I searched the Olympics Web site, and sports like biathlon, bobsleigh, burling, ice hockey, luge, skating and skiing.

According to www.olympic.org athletes like Lindsey Jacobellis, 21, snowboarder from Stratton, Vermont, is a USA star, appearing for the first time in the Olympics. The three-time X Games snowboarder champion is enthusiastic and ready to compete.

“I plan to try my hardest this year,” said Jacobellis, according to an interview in the press.

Another great athlete from Vermont is the veteran Ross Powers, 27. Powers is a bronze medalist (1998) and a gold medalist (2002).

“I really think going into the 2006 Olympics (U.S.) snowboarders have a great shot at getting a lot more medals,” Powers said, according to an interview with the press.

Apolo Anton Ohno, 24, from Seattle, Washington, in short track (1500 meters) is successful and famous in this sport. When Apolo was 19 he was one of USA’s best athletes, competing for the first time in the 2002 Olympics,

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Bookworm by

Annie Miller

Sports Zone by

Ed Herrera Apolo was a gold medalist in the 1500 meters and a silver medalists in the 1000 meters. With these accomplishments the 23 year old from Seattle, gives hopes to this country.

Another of USA’s best is the men’s hockey team, where the roster is full of NHL (National Hockey League) players like Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars, Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings, John Grahame of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Mathieu Schneider of the Detroit Red Wings, they are enough for this team to grab the gold.

The USA national team is full of young, great, and very competitive athletes. Now it is up to us to support them and to believe in them.

2006 will be full of great sporting events, so keep in touch!

You can watch all the action on NBC, TimeWarner Cable channel 10.

This is a glossary and/or description of winter sports as defined by wikipedia.com: - Biathlon: it consists of 10 events in the Olympic program. Men and women compete in a sprint, pursuit, individual and relay.

- Bobsleigh: teams make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked purpose-built iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled.

- Curling: Curling is a competition between two teams with four players each. The game is played on ice, and players take turns. The players use brooms to move the stone. The objective is to get the stone as close as possible to the center of a circle.

- Luge: small one- or two-person sled on which one lies down and feet-first. Steering is done by flexing the sled’s runners or pulling straps attached to the runners.

- Skating: Figure skating: is a sporting event where individuals, mixed couples, or groups perform spins, jumps, and other “moves” on the ice, often to music Speed skating: is a form of skating in which the competitors attempt to travel a certain distance as quickly as possible. Types of speed skating are long track ice speed skating, short track ice speed skating, inline speed skating and quad speed skating.

- Skiing: is the activity of gliding over snow using skis (originally wooden planks, now usually made from fiberglass or related composites) strapped to the feet with ski bindings. Alpine, cross country,

Teen who gets involved with adult finds trouble “Moving and insightful... a page-turner... Read it, tell your mom to read it, tell your best friend to read it, and then read it again.”--Seventeen.com Katie.com by Katherine Tarbox is a compelling and cautionary autobiography about the dangerous risks of chatting online with anonymous people.

As you may see, I believe that this book serves as an excellent example of people exposed to predators on the Internet. One should be able to remind friends or relatives to avoid responding to messages that are suggestive, obscene, or harassing.

Katie Tarbox is a 13-year-old girl who lives in New Cannan, Connecticut. New Cannan is the richest town in the country where a lot of successful people live.

Katie’s mother, Andrea Tarbox, and her stepfather, David, are workaholic parents.

Her parents are always busy and barely have time to spend with Katie. She shared a close bond with her sister, Abby.

Their relationship becomes weak when Abby moves out of her house to go to a private school in New Hampshire. Katie is left with her stepsister Carrie.

They do not communicate with each other. She becomes a neglected and lonely teenager.

As Katie contemplates her loneliness, Abby visits the family. She brings a computer and leaves it at home. Katie is tempted to use the computer to chat over the Internet.

During a Sunday morning, she enters teen chat rooms. She receives an instant message from a 23-year-old guy named Mark who becomes her friend.

Mark seemed to understand her; he told her that she was intelligent and wonderful. Katie begins to fall in love with Mark.

They set a date to finally meet in

Dallas, Texas for a swim competition. She impatiently waits for him in a hotel where the swim team is staying. She receives a phone call from Mark. He tells Katie the room number where he is staying. She walks into his room and discovers who her cyber soul mate really was. He begins to behave inappropriately. Soon a pounding at the door interrupts them. Mrs. Tarbox told Mark that Katie’s friend told her she was with him. Mark informs her that Katie came to visit and left an hour ago. Katie escapes as Mark talks to her mother. Mrs. Tarbox finds Katie. She tells her mom that nothing happen between them.

Her mother is upset and calls the Dallas police. They interview Katie and discover that Mark’s true name is Francis John Kufrovich. He is a 41-year-oldman. When she arrives at her school, Katie begins to hear horrible rumors about the incident in Texas.

Katie begins to feel depress and tells her mother the real truth about the event that occurred in Texas. She tells Mrs. Tarbox that he touched her in an inappropriate way.

The mother pressed charges on “Mark”. Katie was involved in FBI interviews, polygraph tests, court appearances, and much more. The New Canaan Police Department asked for photos of Mark, and copies of some emails. He pleaded guilty and was incarcerated for 18 months for molesting Katie. The FBI discovered that Mark had pursued other girls and boys on the Internet. A search of his house turned up other evidence.

After two years, Katie tells her story in front of 600 people. She feels Mark took away two years of her life. She constantly has a vivid image about the incident.

Katie believes that one must take precautions about chatting

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Lif estyle

21

Girls and guys are stressing over Valentine’s Day gifts What should girls get for guys on Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day…we have a hard time getting through guys’ heads, and we’d much less know what to get them for that special day. So really, what does a girl get a guy for Valentine’s Day? It’s not like we can get them roses, teddy bears, and balloons! It gets hard for us to know what they really want.

To help us girls, we went and gave a couple of guys a survey on just what they would want for Valentine’s Day. The choices for the survey were a t-shirt they’d been wanting for a while, electronics (CDs, games, movies, etc), a $25 gift card to their favorite store, or a basket full of gifts. The results of the survey are as follows: Results for the survey 39 percent -- electronics (CDs, games, movies) 37 percent -- t-shirt they’d been wanting for a while 12 percent -- $25 gift card 12 percent -- basket full of gifts So girls, don’t stress yourselves out over what to get your guy for Valentine’s Day. Stay cool, stay calm ... each other’s company should be more than enough!

Gals and Guys by

Amanda Cruz, Lucia Villagomez and Joseph Mendiola

MT photo by Lucia Villagomez (Wondering) ... What should I get him?

Waffle Iron by

Nick Lopez

Hmm...? What should I get her?

What should guys get for girls on Valentine’s Day? What should a guy get a girl for Valentine’s Day? Guys always have trouble getting a gift for that special someone in their life. I guess its just because guys don’t know what girls think, so we wouldn’t know what they would want or like.

You can always see a guy fussing back and forth whether to get them teddy bears, balloons, chocolates, or roses.

I took a survey of what girls would want for Valentine’s Day. The girls could fill out as many choices as they liked. The choices were: a romantic dinner for two, a dozen red roses with a box of chocolates and a cute Valentine’s Day card, a stuffed animal with balloons and an original love poem, or a $25 gift certificate.

Twenty-five girls filled out the survey. The results are: • 48 percent -- a romantic dinner for two.

• 84 percent -- a dozen red roses, a cute Valentine’s Day card and a box of chocolates • 92 percent -- a stuffed animal, balloons, and original love poem.

• 12 percent -- a $25 gift certificate to their favorite store.

Guys, I hope that this helps you with buying that special someone a great gift.

To my one and only Alhely Hinojosa: I Love You and Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!

Opinions

22

Comments? Write us at mt_writers@hotmail.com

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

Successful Winter Ball end of a long trail of hard work For the first time, the Winter Ball was held to celebrate our seniors’ long journey through V.M.T. and the end of high school.

The Winter Ball was held by the new Senior Class organization.

Matias Arambula III, World History instructor and class cosponsor, and Diana Martinez, English instructor and class cosponsor, held fundraisers with the

EDITORIAL The Magnet Tribune congratulates the Senior Class organization for fundraising and holding the Winter Ball. aid of officers and other seniors.

Class officers are President Chelsea Chavez, Vice President

Aimee Guzman, Treasurer John Perez, and afternoon representatives Belinda Flores, Melissa Vazquez, Sondra Venegas, and Brenda Rojo.

Other seniors who have contributed extra time are Nancy Zavala, Daniel Arambula, Cassandra Garza, Jennifer Peña, Alexa Alvarado, Cristal Magaña and Noe Benavides.

The Magnet Tribune congratulates sponsors, officers and all seniors for creating the Senior Class organization, raising money for the Winter Ball and for making it a success. We also congratulate Principal Jose Cerda for his support of our seniors.

We expect their motivation and hard work will carry over to future class events.

Valentine’s Day is usually spent with family and friends Valentine’s Day just gets better and better every year for many people.

Finding couples and meeting new friends is classic for high school students during the month of February.

Adding to this statement, we asked the students at V.M.T. the following question: Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

SANCHEZ

“I actually do celebrate Valentine’s Day. I love to give out cards/letters, chocolate/candies, and I buy little presents for special friends,” Samantha Sanchez, junior.

A Penny for your Thoughts by

Christian Sanchez “Um, sometimes, some years I go all out with candy grams and stuff. I celebrate with the friends I commonly hang out with most of the time,” Samantha Flores, junior.

FLORES “No, not really. I mean I don’t really give out any cards or presents. I remember once a group of friends spent it together rather than in couples, but that was a while back,” Nancy Torres, junior.

TORRES

“To be honest, I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Not to say I’m against it, but to me it seems so overrated. I think it’s nice for couples to get candy and cards for each other, but some people overdo it. I used to give out Valentine cards out when I was in elementary, but not any more,” Erica Garibay, junior.

GARIBAY “Yes, well giving the person you love a present or a gift is showing them how much you love them. Valentine’s cards are dumb. Don’t give them out, it’s a waste of time,” Joshua Ramirez, junior.

RAMIREZ “I spend it with the person that I love, and give presents to all my friends. I think that cards are not good ‘cause you are not showing your love,” Antonio Rivera, freshman.

RIVERA

Love gets a good examination from different angles What is love? Is it those butterflies you get when your crush is around? I for one don’t believe so, because heck, I get “butterflies” the day before the first day of school. Doesn’t mean I’m in love with school now, does it?

That’s a big no on my behalf, by the way.

Everybody has their own definition, example or “experience” about love. Who’s to say who has been right or wrong all along? No one can be to sure when it comes to emotions.

I believe it’s all in the media…television tends to let kids nowadays believe everything they see. Movies tend to let you know that when you like or love someone, the actor tends to think of that someone a lot, not to mention act silly around them and embarrass themselves.

Okay, so some things you do learn from your parents, but where did they learn it from?

Observations by

Grace Garcia Their parents…and then where did they (your grandparents) get the info on love? Where do you think this all came from?

I think this whole nonsense meaning of love was thought up in by someone who was just plain bored. Love is abstract, people, but then again we all think differently.

I’ve asked some of my classmates and close “friends” as to what they think love is. I always get a similar answer as, “It’s when two people share affection.”

Okay, so how do you know when they’re showing/sharing affection?

“It’s when they really care

about each other.”

How do you know they care…or for that matter, “really care”?

Eventually either I anger the person (not intentionally) because they’ve run out of explanations, or confused them so much they themselves begin to wonder.

If you considered my questioning to be rude then I guess I’m sorry. I actually didn’t mean to sound or be rude this time around…but notice that I said “I guess”.

There’s a lot of people out there that believe that love only happens once; others believe that they’ll never forget their

first love. Seriously, how do people come up with this stuff…what did they have before to compare it to, to even consider it their first love? Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not really just bashing love…it just so happens that it’s the big question because, hey, it’s February.

I tend to ask the same questions about all emotions. How did one come about saying there are certain emotions and naming them, too?

For example, what is fear?

Your answer might be, “it’s when you’re scared, when you’re afraid of a certain something…a phobia.”

Ok, so, how do you know when your afraid or…scared?

“It’s when something creeps you out really bad or when you begin to tremble out of fear.”

So, how do you know what creeps you out and doesn’t one tremble when it’s cold out, too?

You’re not scared then, are you?

You really don’t expect me to believe you have a real good answer, do you?

Call me weird, I guess, but I have a different way on thinking. I believe everything deals with chemicals in the brain. I’m like that little kid from “Animaniacs” (cartoon back in the ‘90’s) that always asks “why,” but in my case I’m asking “how”. It’s a never-ending question in which I like, it’s intriguing.

I’m not as cold as I seem here.

I have “felt” that whole thing.

I’ve liked people before…crushes and whatnot. I even believe I had a first love and a true love, and let’s not forget about the tooth fairy and Santa Clause too. It’s just not my thing.

As a good “friend” once perfectly worded it, “I don’t like liking someone”.

Does that make any sense?

This is something he and I have

See OBSERVATIONS, 24

Opinions

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

23

Comments? Write us at mt_writers@hotmail.com

L.I.S.D.’s plans leave V.M.T. at end of long list

Y

ou may remember when I wrote in the September issue about the $60 million bond issue voters approved for construction projects.

I told you all about the many things the district was going to bring to our schools -- from new cafeterias, to new band halls, and much, much more.

Well, from the information I gathered on the district’s January 12 board meeting packet on the Web site, L.I.S.D. is keeping its word and bringing many wonderful things to our schools … ok, maybe I’m sugar-

coating the situation a bit too much for what I really think.

What is really happening is that plans call for leaving V.M.T. until the end. May I add, leaving us behind in favor of Nixon and Martin’s field houses, a new Shirley Stadium, soccer and softball fields, and four-lane lighted practice track fields for Nixon and Cigarroa, which personally I think can wait. Plans call for leaving any kind of change to V.M.T. until the end of these projects. You might be thinking, “How long is that? A year?”

No, try fall 2008. At least that is what the proposal said but you know L.I.S.D. -- it’ll probably be until 2009.

Where will I be in 2009? Well, hopefully I will be studying hard to graduate from a university, so what good will the taxes that my parents are paying be? Seriously, I think that these new fields are projects that can be put off a while longer.

L.I.S.D. asked taxpayers to vote for the bond issue saying that it would “enhance the district’s instructional support

The Bug by

Irma Hernandez facilities.” I really don’t think they are going about this statement the right way, and some people I know, including me, are very upset about this.

On a lighter note, I would like to thank L.I.S.D. for the renovations to the cafeterias at Lamar and Memorial middle schools, and Cigarroa High.

They look awesome.

I don’t know about the other schools, but at Cigarroa the food service offers a good variety of food every day, and many of the students seem to like it.

Not to seem picky, but have you ever thought about giving us different choices of beverages? Just a question.

Band, magnet provide fond memories for the future It’s the second semester, my last semester of high school.

Even though this semester is going to be a piece of cake for me, since most of my classes are electives, it’s still going to be my hardest semester ever.

After this semester is over …

NO MORE HIGH SCHOOL! I guess it hadn’t hit me until now. I’m a senior! After I get out this semester I won’t be coming back.

Lately I’ve really been thinking about this. It’s actually kind of depressing. The thing that I’m really going to miss the most is being in band at my home school, Cigarroa.

Yeah, I know it sounds all “band geek”, but it’s something that I really care about, and it has given me all the best memories. I’ve been in the band program since I was in 6th grade, like most band members. There I met most of the friends I have today, including those that I don’t really talk to anymore.

At first I didn’t really like band, and I thought that it was somewhat boring. I was thinking of getting out my

Editor’s Commentary Sandra Ramon, Feb. 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.

freshman year, but for some reason I didn’t. That first semester I was put in “the pit” (percussion) even though I really didn’t want to be there, and I hated it! But as time passed, I grew to love it. Later, during my sophomore year, I met my now-best friend Dalia Olivares. Well, I actually met her here at Magnet, but it was basically because of the band.

We were both in the same music class here.

Man, Dalia and I have done the weirdest and craziest things together! Like this one time, we got the idea of walking back from magnet to Cigarroa!

Just in case you don’t know how far that is, it’s roughly about 20 to 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). So it

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

took us two hours and fifteen minutes to get to Cigarroa on foot! We even had to change shoes because Dalia had high heels and I had my Converse.

(By the way, neither of them are comfortable when walking long distances.)

It has just been so much fun that I hate to say that it’s almost going to be over. Our trip to the state-level competition at Austin last year is something I’m never going to forget. It was an overnight stay and that first night Dalia and I stayed up late, knowing that we had to wake up at about 6 in the morning. Well anyway, the reason that we stayed up was because we wanted to straighten our hair for the competition the next morning. We weren’t planning

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

to stay up as late as we did, but we ended up staying up until about three a.m. because the whole night we had people calling our room telling us to go to their room and/or they would just come into our room to bother us. It was funny because after all that, the next morning when we woke up it was raining and as soon as we opened the door, the humidity made our hair all poofy. So in the end, right before the competition we ended up having to pick up our hair.

We’ve had so much fun, and I’m glad to say that it’s mostly because of band. I’m going to miss it so much! I don’t expect anyone that’s not in band to understand, but it’s just the feeling that you get after a great performance, or trying to catch your breath after marching the show that you’ve been working on all summer long, and then in the end hearing that your band’s hard work paid off because you’ve received that superior rating.

These things, plus millions

ILPC--’97-98, ‘03-04, 04-05 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.

of memories of the fun, weird, and funny things that would happen on the trips, the late practices, the competitions, and the football games are what I’m going to take with me from band.

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 published free five times during the academic year.

Jose Cerda Principal and publisher Mark E. Webber Journalism instructor and adviser, The Magnet Tribune Vol. 13, No.3; February 14, 2006 Editor of this Issue: Sandra Ramon 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. Nameplate design was created by journalism student Ed Herrera in 2004.

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

Printed at the Alice Echo-News Journal Copyright ©2006: Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Magnet Tribune Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/KRT 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.”

24

School Ne ws

The Magnet Tribune February 14, 2006

MT photos by Robert Tenorio

MT photos by Robert Tenorio

Scenes from the Winter Ball

More Winter Ball

Top: Tiffany Corona and Ricky Valdez.

Left: Arnold Zimmerman and Guillermo ‘G’ Moreno.

Upper right: Amy Guzman and Jose Aguilar.

Upper left: Victor Osorio, holding microphone, entertains partygoers.

Right: Karina Renteria

Top: Chelsea Chavez and J.J. Elizondo.

BALL, from page 1 VMT student, under the condition they follow the exact rules as everyone else the major one being the dress code.

The attire guidelines for young ladies were dresses – long or short, shirts and blouses, evening dressy pants, high heels, open toe or closed, strapless or spaghetti straps permitted, being careful not to reveal to much of cleavage/pelvic areas.

The attire guidelines for young men were suits, coats optional, dressy pants, button-down, longsleeved dressy shirts, ties are required, dressy shoes (no tennis shoes or sandals), and hats were optional. Masks were allowed to be worn, but dark glasses weren’t for both genders.

Now of course, what’s a ball without its feast?

The food at the ball consisted of chicken salad on croissants, Rottini pasta salad with a French vinaigrette, artichoke dip with crostini toasts, a variety of cheeses, fresh vegetable tray, fresh fruit and for dessert a German chocolate cake with frosted grapes; Beverages such as citrus punch (served from a beverage fountain) and bottled water were served.

There were at least 144 (seniors

and dates) present at the Winter Ball, Martinez said.

“Of course, not every senior took a date,” said Arambula.

Not to mention the number of administrators/teacher chaperones: Mr. & Mrs. Cerda (principal), Martinez and Arambula (sponsors), Jassie Rios (Art instructor) and Guillermo Farias (Social Studies instructor) were at the welcoming table accompanied by Arambula.

David Blumberg (technology instructor) was the photographer; Alejandra Rodriguez (choir instructor), Lily Castillo (creative writing instructor) as well as Martinez decorated the floor.

As for other chaperones, there were Robert Lopez, Melissa Hinojosa, Gene Granado, and Mary Grace Carroll from the music department, Vernon Carroll, dean of theatre, Carrie Robaina (broadcast instructor), and Sara Cano (student teacher, English).

As for the chance of changing anything for that night, Martinez would have liked for someone to have dressed as the phantom to be at the door, greeting the students yet Arambula wouldn’t change a thing.

“It went better, way better, than I expected,” he said.

Both sponsors did think alike when asked what they would do differently for next year.

“More fundraising.”

As for decorations, the tables had white masks, red roses, and candles wrapped around with the music sheets from the Phantom of the Opera Broadway musical.

For the entrance there were rose petals, a poster replica of the actual musical, designed and made on campus by Mario Teniente, art specialist. Picture set-up: red velvet curtains with a phantom mask made by Teniente.

“Since the Opera takes place at the famous Paris Opera House and it has red curtains, we tried to recreate the scene with red curtains with black background to tie our theme further.” Martinez noted.

“The centerpiece was this beautiful chandelier made by Ms. Martinez, It was hung in the center of the hall and tied with a gold satin cord,” Arambula said.

Seniors saw their way to the Winter Ball with many fundraisers.

“Too many or not enough (fundraisers) depends on how you look at it,” Arambula said.

Seniors had a dunking booth during the Hispanic Festival and five Chick-Fil-A sales, not to men-

tion the Italian night, which turned out to be a spaghetti plate sale.

“With all the testing going on and senior activities at Nixon – it’s now just a spaghetti plate sale,” Arambula said.

The plate sale went slow at first but sales picked up later. The plate contained a salad with Italian dressing, spaghetti and meatballs, garlic cheese bread sticks, and of course a soft drink. About 45 seniors helped out that night of the spaghetti plate sale and others helped by bringing in some items such as the sauce and spaghetti.

Arambula thanks the administration and faculty for their support.

The unity the seniors demonstrated was one of many memorable moments for Martinez.

“All danced, laughed, and enjoyed the party...Everyone looked classy and elegant!” clarified Martinez “Everybody dancing the night away was one. Most memorable – seniors taking their leave at the end and thanking the sponsors and chaperones,” Arambula said.

“I feel very fortunate to have been asked to serve as their sponsor. It has been fun and rewarding to lead such a great group of talented and responsible students,”

Martinez said.

A reminder to all seniors to “please” buy senior T-shirts because the sponsors need to set up a date for a first V.M.T. Senior Class group picture, To know where to purchase the shirts, just stop by Martinez’s classroom.

“This was truly a labor of love as far as I am concerned. I have no regrets having sponsored the Senior Class of 2006.” Arambula said lastly.

As of having anything else planned for the seniors after the Winter Ball, maybe a breakfast for the morning seniors and a “merienda” for the afternoon seniors.

Attention all seniors, a scrapbook (similar to a memory book) is being prepared to keep stuff such as invitations and pictures of the event as well as student signatures. It’s one way to preserve the memories of the first V.M.T. Senior Ball.

“As we move away from the winter ball, we begin to plan for our Recognition and Medallion Ceremony…I look forward to planning a successful and memorable ceremony for the seniors this year.” Martinez said, “This is the first senior class organization here at VMT and we would like to thank Mr. Cerda for letting it be.”

OBSERVATIONS, from page 22 like someone, we begin to feel weak and that isn’t a good feeling. I’m not to sure about him but to me; it’s really a pain knowing I like someone because it’s just history repeating itself, but just with someone new.

A small difference, on the other hand, is I actually show more emotion than him.

For example, I show a lot more life. I talk to random people, and I get “hyper” sometimes. I believe he also has a gift. If it only takes him a week to get over someone, then that. my friends. is a true gift. I’m usually struggling to get rid of the thought that I might like someone. I tend to dwell on the crush and the more I try

to avoid the thought/person the more I think about it.

When it comes to liking someone, I end up having bad luck. I end up liking all the losers and users. This last person I liked just messed with my head completely…though I can’t choose which word to label her as…loser or user. Yes, I

said her…it doesn’t take a genius to guess my sexuality, but let’s not get into that.

I guess, to come to an end on this issue’s column, I will not wish you a “happy” V-Day, but I’ll just wish you luck in figuring out what you’re doing and getting yourself into.

So remember, people, think before you act, and not just when it comes to love.