The Magnet Tribune, May 15, 2019 by The Magnet Tribune

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Vol. 26, No. 2

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May 15, 2019

Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, 2102 East Lyon St., Laredo, Texas 78043

VMT: Recipient of the 2019 Texas Medal of Arts Award

MT photo by Bailey Yeary Honored alumni gather alongside faculty and members of the Treviño family during the Medallion Icons event on March 7. Eight alumni were honored for their work throughout their adult lives. In the center is school director Dr. Martha Villarreal.

Eight receive icon honors

Emily Garza Staff Writer

It was a night of gratitude. Eight alumni expressed heartfelt thanks for returning to the school that helped launch their careers at the first Medallion Icons event on March 7. A former journalism student was glad she had the opportunity to return to her roots for this recognition. “It was an amazing feeling. It was a reminder of where I started, and an opportunity to thank the teachers, VMT founders and staff for fighting for this school because not once but more than 3 times the school has been at risk of closing,” Wendolyne Rivera Morales said in an email after the ceremony. Former music student was excited about being a part of the evening. “It was a great event! I feel very honored to have been selected for the first Medallion Icons event!” Jose Villa said in an email after the ceremony. Morales was part of the first

class at VMT in 1993, and her fine art was journalism with Mark Webber. Morales remembers details of how everything was when VMT first opened. “I was part of the first class of VMT. When VMT opened its doors, we did not have a classroom. Classes were held at the San Peter Plaza, under the trees, under the sun, and sometimes at the LISD board room,” Morales said. Villa, who was part of the high brass class directed by Robert Lopez, remembers all the productivity going on around VMT and how it helped him throughout his career. “I remember that so much was always going on with so many events and performances throughout all of the departments. It helped me gain confidence in performing in front of others and meeting a lot of other musicians,” Villa said. Morales remembers the school coming together as a team to create the perfect place for generations to come. “I remember a group of teachers, leaders, and stu-

MT photo by Bailey Yeary Folklorico dance students perform during the Medallion Icons event in the auditorium. Eight alumni received honors in this first-ever event. dents passionate about art and communications, working together to build a school that would become the niche for future communicators and artists,” Morales said. Villa recalls the Hispanic Heritage Festival being his favorite memory from VMT. “I really liked the Hispan-

ic festival. It was my favorite event and I always enjoyed every one of them. During my high school years I started my own cover band and I remember my professor Mr. Robert Lopez gave me the opportunity to perform with my band at one of the Hispanic festivals,” Villa said

Morales explained how everyone at VMT was self-driven to achieve their goal. “But no one seemed to mind (having classes outside) because everyone saw this opportunity to pursue a career in a field that they were passionate about,” Morales said. Villa credits VMT for helping him get to where he is now as a musician. “VMT helped me in many ways. With the help of my instructors, I gained knowledge and experience to further my education and continue my music studies. It had always been a goal of mine to study at Berklee College of Music and VMT helped me get there,” Villa said. Morales knew she wanted to do journalism as a toddler. “I was very lucky that at the age of 5 or 7 years old I knew that I wanted to be a journalist,” Morales said. Villa as well knew he wanted to be a musician from the beginning. “I always knew I wanted to See ICONS page 4A

School gets prestigious arts award

Fernando Martinez Staff Writer VMT has received the Texas Medal of Arts, becoming only the second school to attain the honor. Staff members attended three events in Austin, in late February, in which they had the chance to meet others who were attending and see the honorees. Dr. Martha E. Villarreal, VMT director, explained what the application process was like. “We were invited to apply by the Texas Institute of Cultural Trust about 2-and-a-halfyears ago; it was a very arduous process, but it was a good experience. Putting it together I realized just how much this school has done in the years that it has existed because it was comprehensive. We had to cover from the very beginning until what had happened up to 2 years ago. It was so nice to go and research, pull out all the information, old pictures, old videos, and everything that had been accomplished and it was amazing,” she said. “(The invitation) called for us to do a narrative. They allowed us to include documentation and photos, but what I did is I put together a book, it was a 2-inch book. It was a binder really, and I included

Used with permission of TMAA Awards, Tyler Schmitt VMT Director Dr. Martha Villarreal, seated front left, poses with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other honorees and officials of the Texas Medal of Arts Awards in the Governor’s Mansion in Austin on Feb. 27. videos, a lot of pictures, newspaper clippings, anecdotal reports from people that had worked here and were no longer here. I included a lot of additional material in that book that we turned in,” she said. Villarreal described what her reaction was like towards receiving such an honor. “I was very excited. I mean

this is big, the Texas Medal of Arts award is equivalent to the Academy Award. It really is that prestigious. Really for us, for any school, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’re only the second school to have ever been selected, so that made it extra special for us. The experience itself, going over there and meeting Page designed by Bailey Yeary

all those people, witnessing the depth of the honor that it brings with the award, it’s unbelievable. I’m very happy that I was able to experience that before I retire,” she said. Being part of the events in Austin, Villarreal explained what her schedule was like. “It was very hectic. I arrived and they had a huge suite for

us in which they provided us with every comfort. As soon as we arrived we rested a little bit then we went on to the reception at the Blanton Museum, and that’s where our students played. It was such a joy and a thrill to see how well received and how impressed all the spectators were with our See ARTS MEDAL page 4A

Feature

The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

Woman recalls fond circus memories

Anna Davenport Staff Writer

here’s a lot of adventures to be had in the circus -- some more unforgettable than

others. “I still liked it, even when we had a lot of problems at the circus, like no power or broken trucks. I remember a lot of things that happened. Especially when we were in the Carson (circus). One night we got an elephant stampede. It was terrible, terrible. You only heard everybody say, ‘Get in the trailer and don’t go out! Don’t go out and get in the trailers!’ All the elephants were knocking over and throwing everything there was. They caught almost all the elephants. There were about six or seven elephants but one, just one, they couldn’t get. They couldn’t get it until two days later. There was a big, tall Indian who took care of elephants, and he was the one only one to follow it. He ran behind the elephant until it got tired and brought it back,” Margarita Cannon Castillo said. Castillo is a third generation circus family member. “I was born on June 10, 1938, in San Luis Del Cordero, Durango, in Mexico. I was born under the tent, the same tent we lived in. I was the second child out of the thirteen of us,” Castillo said. Castillo had an early beginning into the circus life. “When my grandmother died (Francisca Vargas de Garcia), my daddy separated from the circus and made his own business, Circo Castillo Hermanos (Castillo Brothers Circus). Contortions were my first act. I started practicing when my daddy made his own circus, when I was around seven. My brothers, sisters, and I saw people practicing and started on our own. We liked it. I liked it. And I started making different acts like the balancing ladder on my shoulders (also known as “La Percha”) with my sister Catalina on top. And then I started to do acrobatics with my sisters Alicia, Gloria, and my brother Tito. Together we did acrobatics. Up, down, the jumps, one on top of the other, all that. Then we started making other acts, things like this. The more we grew, the more we practiced,” Castillo said. Family is key hen the circus business is a small one, family plays key in making it happen. “Before my daddy’s business was little, and now he started to make a bigger one and although young, almost everybody in the family started to perform. And I started to practice the trumpet, just playing. No written music, just practiced like that, playing by ear. And I helped my daddy play in the circus. When he bought the microphones and the speakers, I helped him with announcing too. And it’s the same as those little circuses you see in Mexico. When a circus is little, the family makes everything. They sell the popcorn, they come over to sell the sodas, or we’d get some little boy: ‘here, I’ll pay you or you can go free to the show if you sell things.’ And that’s what we did when we had no time to go and sell. But we all did these things. Maria (my grandmother) sometimes made little candies to sell or she’d make some sandwiches to sell and she’d fix them on a little tray for some boy to sell. And another would sell popcorn or peanuts but you do everything in the family. If your own business is the circus and you are the family, you make

Top: In the ladder act, Carmely is seen at the top of the ladder, Margarita is seen at the bottom, and Griselda is seen to the side. They are members of the Castillo family who performed in the circus in the mid 1900s. Left: At center is Gloria holding her sister Maria with her feet while raised off the ground by her teeth as her father and brother Tito pull her up. Bottom: A former member of the circus, Margarita Cannon Castillo, seen in the living room of her sister’s house, shares beloved memories. Above, right, courtesy of Margarita Cannon Castillo. Below, MT photo by Anna Davenport.

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everything there, and that’s what happened in my daddy’s circus,” she said. Family members each had their own acts, she said. “And we all did different things; everyone did different acts. My brother Tito did an act with the feet. Then my sisters Ofelia began to practice it and Rosa did it. Catalina did the waterwalk and the bicycles when we were lonely. So many different things and we made the whole show. By the next show, we had different acts: the clowns didn’t do the same thing like now in Mexico where you go at different Apple News

ting hurt, although things can happen. It’s like a race car driver, when they get in that car they’re not thinking about whether they’ll get hurt or scratch their car. They get in that car for the idea that they could win. The same goes for the ring. You get in the ring to perform for the audience. You don’t have fear in your mind, thinking that you might fall or that you could possibly never walk again. You never have those things in your mind. I don’t think any circus performer would have thoughts like this in their mind. When I see something happen, it hap-

times and the clowns do the same thing. Before they didn’t do this, we didn’t do this to keep people coming. We sometimes stayed in one place for two weeks and people would come every night. Sometimes the same people would come back to see again because we were different. And sometimes we repeated an act, but we changed the program. And people liked this. They kept on coming. And that’s the way we grew up,” Castillo explained. Despite the possible dangers the circus had, Castillo said she was unafraid. “I never thought about get-

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pens, but you don’t keep in your mind that it’ll happen,” she said. Cannon said a sister found out how dangerous her act was. “My sister Alicia had an act like trapeze that had many dangerous changes, and it was a nice thing. Then one day she fell from really high and her elbow came out. We were in a very small town and some people from the audience came and said they knew an old lady. The old lady came, held Alicia, and pushed the elbow back into place. Then maybe about thirty days later Alicia started having problems moving her fingers. We took her to a doctor. They did x-rays and saw that the bones were open and her veins were leaking and that liquid was hardening which was making it hard to move her fingers. They had to operate (to remove) the dried liquid and fix her bones. She got a cast for forty days. She never worked that act again because a little after she had the cast removed she got married and was pregnant. She worked other acts like the ladder but she still didn’t think about other things like getting hurt again,” Cannon said. “I had also fallen during a performance. The cord that held me during my performance broke and I had nothing to grab onto because the cord was all that had been supporting me. I fell on my arm and for three days I couldn’t work because my whole arm hurt. But the circus is like that.” Travel mishaps raveling had its own adventures, she said. “And the circus is nice because you get to travel. That’s another thing I liked about the circus. I like it when the people come in to see the actors. They applaud and everybody likes it. And we had a lot of different things like accidents. We’ve been in places with floods, in the water, picking up everything wet. Or sometimes a storm’s coming. One time at night in the truck we all rolled over with everyone inside. I was in the cabin and I had Julio and Gricelda. You felt like you’re going down and you felt yourself going downhill. I came out however I could and then I removed Julio and Gricelda. And the driver was saying, ‘Help me! Help me!’ And I told him, ‘help yourself.’” “I was checking on everybody in the truck. There was Lupe, Ofelia, Catalina, Ilda, my daddy, everyone. But we all just got scratches and things like that. My daddy had to go with another one of his workers back to the city on foot to go for a truck and get some help. The rest of us stayed there on the road since we were scared of snakes. Everyone was scared but nothing happened to them. My daddy came back and some stayed behind to pick everything up. I was around 18 years old when this happened, so I was taking care of everyone when this happened. We went back to the city and had to wait for a train to take us to Monterrey but they didn’t have any room for us. It was full. And we told the guy (ticket agent) that we needed to get to Monterrey and it was still night, maybe two or three o’clock in the morning and the guy said, ‘Well, I’ll talk to the chief of the station.’ They let us go in the caboose and we left,” Cannon said. Cannon explained why she enjoyed being a part of the circus. “When I got into this business, I started to like it for the people’s applause,” Cannon said. “The people came and watched. And that’s why I liked it. The applause.”

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Features

The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

Tarantula takes senior to Intel science fair

Lauren Medellin Staff Writer

“Midpoint I felt like giving up. It was continuous like I’ve done this before but I didn’t think I was going to do the project on time, because I did not have the science classes to go and go to another classroom and work with my sponsor,” Esther Morales said. Morales, a VMT senior dance student who also attends Cigarroa High School, received first place for her LISD Secondary Schools Science Fair project called Ultrasonic Behaviors. She now goes to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Morales clarified on what inspired her to do her project. “I was looking for alternates. We use pest control all the time to draw away or kill spiders or animals whether we have in the house or not. What we don’t realize is that those chemicals also affect us so when I did this project I wanted to find something that wouldn’t affect us as much and instead of killing the arthropods and making them face extinction, drawing them away from your house instead of killing them,” Morales said. Research orales pointed out where she got her research from. “The research I conducted myself. I studied at University of Utah. I had already been working with this you know seeing the reactions towards tarantulas specifically, and they kind of put lines of, 'How many waves of sound

they could stand' but they (researchers) didn’t write the reactions. When I conducted the experiment myself there was a reason why they didn’t write a reaction because there was a different reaction every time. It’s not going to act this certain way every time you put the sound. It acts different ways as you go along, so you can say I got my research from Cornell that I read online. But the research was mainly me trying to see what it would do,” Morales said. Morales explained how long it took to complete her project. “The project takes about 3 to 5 months depending on the process of the project. Mine was very delicate. The waves I was using wasn’t affecting us as much because us as underage students, but if an older person was next to me it would really affect that person, like it would hurt that person. This project does have downfalls but it’s an alternate solution and since it was a really picky project, I had to be very careful on where I conducted the project and look after my variables so it wasn’t that wild to manage,” Morales said. Challenges orales explained the hardest part of her project. “Other than getting things done on time I was making it look pretty. I’m so bad at decorations and that’s why I didn’t make it last year. Last year I lost by 3 points (Nationals) and just because of how it looked. This year I really focused in it like I tried to get people’s ideas on how it should look because I’m not the best decorator.

MT photo by Lauren Medellin Senior dance student Esther Morales will be going to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Her project won LISD’s science fair. Aside from using ultrasonic waves and to see their reactions to something or trying to use with glasses to see if it worked. Actually the hard part was decorating it which is kind of odd,” Morales said. The glasses she referred to were various liquor glasses. "In this project glasses with the range of 80-130hz were divided into 2 groups: group one was 80-100hz and group two was 100-130hz. These groups were used to see the behavioral changes of the pink toe tarantula," Morales said. "In grade school we are taught that everything vibrates. For example, tables vibrate, and the air molecules move around each other. So sound is produced when something vibrates. The vibrating body causes the medium (water or air) around it to vibrate. Sound waves consist of areas of high and low pressure called compressions and rarefactions, respectively. During

this procedure liquor glasses were used as vessels in order to resonate sound. Every material such as glass has a resonant frequency," Morales said. "The glasses were filled half way with sparkling water. I used my index and pointing finger to circle the rim of the glass. As sound resonated, the vibrations of the given sound caused a specific reaction in the pink toe tarantula," Morales said. ‘I won’ orales pointed out what she enjoyed about the project. “The fact that I won. I enjoyed that like finally taking a breather, resting. That satisfaction when you work so hard for something. I really enjoyed that," Morales said. Morales explained her reaction on winning the science fair. “I was actually really shocked. It’s been my second year trying and last year I was

3A really upset when I didn’t get it. I remember going up to my sponsor that year and I was like, ’you know what, next year I’m going to make it. Next year I’m going to do the best that I can and I’m going to oversee this and I’m going to be able to achieve this.’ So this year I started to give up midway. I had a conversation with my former science teacher who’s not in that school anymore. I saw him at a competition and he gave me this huge pep talk on why I should keep going after the pep talk. I kind of started going again. The results were pretty shocking. I thought I wasn’t going to get it again and the school didn’t think I was going to get it and nobody thought that I was going to get it because Nixon always gets it, and for being the first time as a Cigarroa student and representing my school. Not only my school but the whole district,” Morales said. Morales clarified what she expects from the international science fair. “When I go to Phoenix, Arizona, I don’t know what to expect. It’s kind of blank. I’m expecting a big ballroom full of international people. I had a meeting with the dean of Science and they were explaining everything, and they were telling me that they were going to have people from Japan, and people from Chile. You’re going to meet people from everywhere. I think that’s what I’m expecting, a big experience. Overall, it’s about going out there and showing what I’m capable of and doing and sharing that with the rest of the world,” Morales said. She said she will leave May 11 and return on May 17. Morales summed up what she learned. "There are multiple solutions to a problem and that animals do get affected by music like we do and that if you work hard enough you can go somewhere," Morales said.

ELA teacher helps courts as interpreter Eva Montiel Staff Writer

he job of your dreams can come true and help you succeed. This is true in Ricardo Carrillo’s case. “Some years ago, I was at another campus and we were having morning and after-school tutorials and the teachers, along with me, were all tired. So, one day, we were having a faculty meeting and the teachers started complaining to the principal. They were saying how this was already too much and how they were all staying super late and one of the teachers said that she might start losing people,” Carrillo, an ELA teacher, said. “The principal replied with, ‘what are you all going to do? Where will you go?’ Like kind of implying that we couldn’t do anything else. That moment I thought to myself and I knew she was right, and I felt very vulnerable. After that, I started looking into other things,” he said. “At that time, my wife was working for one of our local judges, Oscar Hale, and I was at a Christmas get together for their court. We were talking. He asked me, ‘why you don’t become a Spanish/English interpreter and vice versa,’ and so I did,” he said. Carrillo’s lucky day finally arrived. “It was in November of 2011. That’s when I started to investigate it and I was educating myself in the terminology, vocabulary and looking forward into the process to obtain my license. A license is required for those wanting to work at the court, even though not many of the people working there have it, but it is Arts Schools Network

necessary. At that time, I was seriously considering changing professions,” he stated. Interpreting has been a part of Carrillo’s daily life, he said. “This fall, I will complete 7 years with Webb County, he said. Carrillo added that interpreting has been quite a difficult and challenging job, but he is grateful to have had this experience and outcomes from it. “An interpreter’s job first and overall is to remain inconspicuous, which means that the attention should not be on you but on the people that are the witnesses. “There was this time I did clarify a certain meaning related to an accident that had occurred. It was about a tractor/trailer accident, where a man was killed due to the accident and I had to clarify what had happened, according to the testimony. One of the guys that was inside the trailer said that when the trailer hit the truck, he was thrown through the windshield and at the same time the hood of the trailer opened, and he landed on the hood and he went sliding down the hood. The people there thought he had ended up sliding on the road, but it wasn’t that way. So that’s where I had to step up and my interpretation helped to clarify that testimony,” he added. Being able to translate and interpret the words of both languages makes him proud and to him is an honor to be able to help people in this way, he said. Two languages e said he is able to interpret in English and Spanish. “I do both depending on

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MT photo by Michelle Rodriguez ELA instructor Ricardo Carrillo, shown here in his classroom, has a second career as an interpreter in local district courts. the situation. There have been situations in which a person is asked a question but that person that doesn’t understand English. I must interpret in Spanish. After they’ve responded I must interpret their phrases in English. Even though most of the people inside the courtroom understand the language being spoken, this is necessary for the court reporters, the person taking down everything; it needs to be done that way,” Carrillo said. Carrillo doesn’t see this achievement as a job but instead as a career because it is something he is passionate about. “I consider this as my second career. Why? Because I do this during the summers, and there’s been summers where I’m busier than others, but I do consider this as a second career,” he said. He feels has really helped him become a better person

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because of his interpreting skills. “It all started in my church. Several times a year, we have guest preachers that come and speak only English. A big part of the population of our church, a congregation of about 3,500 people, don’t understand English. The pastor knew I’m an English teacher and one day he came up to me and asked me if I was willing to interpret. I told him I didn’t know anything about it, but I was willing to try it since I’m bilingual. Afterward, at the end of worship, people came up to me and thanked me for interpreting the visiting preacher. They said that if it wasn’t for me, they wouldn’t have understood the message. Since then, I knew I was doing something good and that helped me a lot when I got to court,” Carrillo said. Carrillo listed some of the steps required to take this Facebook: MagnetTribune

position. He said any person wanting to take this career needs is to have desire, attitude, and courage in order to prosper. “The person needs to be completely bilingual: being able to speak, read, write, listen, and understand both languages. The person must go through a process to obtain a license. Anybody can obtain a license so doesn’t need a degree. The most that is required is for the person to be a high school graduate. After that’s done, the person is required to take two tests. One is online relating to legal terminology. The other one is the practical exam, where it must be spoken. The court reporters play a CD for you, and that’s where you start interpreting. One little thing I want to clarify is that interpretation is spoken,” he added. He said he has a passion See CARRILLO, page 5A http://magnettribune.org

ICONS,

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be a musician. Growing up I always looked for opportunities to keep learning. VMT was the place that reassured me that music was the profession I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Villa said. Morales had a positive mindset getting to the point where she is right now. “Education, persistence, taking failures as teachable moments instead of looking at them as mistakes. As a student, when choosing my jobs or projects I would always make sure that they were related to my career or professional path. Even as a student when you are looking for a job never invest time on something that is not aligned to your career. Try to get into your industry as early as possible, even if you get a job with a small role in a radio station, television station or newspaper,” Morales said. VMT impacted Morales and Villa’s lives in a meaningful way for their future. “VMT shaped my way of thinking. It made a free thinker. Showed me to dare to do things differently, to follow my own path, and to always pursue opportunities to re-invent yourself as a professional,” Morales said. “In many ways. VMT helped me become the musician I wanted to be but also shaped the person I am today. Learning from outstanding professors from VMT had so many benefits and taught me so many skills that I use on a day to day basis as a music educator and in my personal life,” Villa said. Morales and Villa compared VMT when they were students to the way it looks now. “I am very impressed with what they have accomplished with VMT. The building, the technology, the students are using the same tools that we use in companies. What I see that has stayed the same is that passion for doing things differently and achieving excellence,” Morales said. “I really loved the ambiance

ARTS MEDAL,

MT photo by Bailey Yeary SoundTown members perform jazz at the reception after the Medallion Icons event in the cafeteria.

Medallion Icon honorees

Eli Cano, Dance Ivonne L. De Leon, Classical Guitar and Dance Carlos A. Morales, Jr., Guitar Wendolyne Rivera Morales, Journalism George L. Saenz, Jr., Low brass Luis Saldaña, Low brass Dr. Miguel Angel Solis, Jr., High brass Jose R. Villa, High brass See more photos online:

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and vibe of the downtown campus. I liked how every department had its own building and how we would collaborate with others and there was always so much going on. However, this new building is beautiful. Taking the tour and learning about how much it has grown was very fun,” Villa said. Morales and Villa give thanks to VMT for helping them be the people they are now and for allowing future generations to have a head start in their careers. “I would like to thank (school director) Dr. (Martha) Villarreal and everyone that

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students. They couldn’t imagine that these were just high school kids or that they could perform at the level they did. It was wonderful and that was the first night,” she said. “The following day we rested a little bit in the morning then it was off to the Governor’s Mansion for a brunch, where we also got to meet all the honorees. We met wonderful people there. A lot of previous honorees were present, the governor was exceptionally kind, very friendly, very complimentary as was his wife. It was a wonderful experience. At the Governor’s Mansion, we were presented the medal by the governor. He put the medal on us and he congratulated us, as he did this to every individual honoree,” Villarreal said. “That same afternoon we started preparing for the Gala and the presentation in the Long Center Auditorium. It was full to capacity, and we had to get on stage as they showed a presentation of each of the honoree’s contribution to the arts. Of course, for ours, they showed all the things that our school does, all the programs and the accolades that we’ve received, and it was wonderful. I got a chance to talk about our wonderful school and it was really an honor for me to be able to share all the great things that happened at this campus,” she said. “That was followed by the Gala, another amazing experience, where we got to meet a lot of important people to the arts. We had a wonderful meal and I got to meet a lot of encouraging and supportive people. It ended late that evening, and from there we just went to the hotel and rested. I got toArts Schools Network

The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

has believed in keeping the doors of VMT opened. Thank you for being warriors, defenders of VMT; so that the youth in Laredo, the future artists and journalists could learn, get the skills in their fields to have a head start in their careers,” Morales said. “VMT is a wonderful place that helped me become the musician I am today. It helped me achieve my goals and it represents excellence, innovation, and high standards. I feel very proud to have been a part of this wonderful institution,” Villa said. Coming up and planning the first Medallion Icon event consisted of a committee with a lot of planning for a successful event. Aimee Martinez, a history teacher who is part of

the committee for this event, discussed her view of the event. “A committee made up of fine arts and academic teachers and Dr. Villarreal have been meeting since the beginning of the year to plan the Medallion Icons event. We created a mission statement, requirements for the awards, and an agenda for the awards ceremony and reception. Former VMT students were invited to apply for the award. The committee considered their professional accomplishments, successes in the fields of fine arts and communications, and contributions to their community before selecting the first recipients for the award,” Martinez said. Martinez said the event was

successful. “The event was a total success. We were able to pay tribute to some of the most accomplished VMT alumni. The most rewarding part of the event was being able to highlight how the fine arts have impacted the lives of former VMT students. The honorees are not only deserving of this recognition, but they also serve as role models and inspiration for current and future VMT students. They prove that investing in the arts is fruitful and necessary,” Martinez said. The honorees reacted with enthusiasm being selected as an “icon.” “Nominees expressed a great deal of gratitude and appreciation just for being considered for the award. The honorees were elated to have been selected by the committee and made a lot of sacrifices to attend the awards ceremony or send a representative,” Martinez said. Martinez acknowledged the faculty and staff for all the effort that was put in to make the first Medallion Icon event a good one. “We owe the success of this event to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff. The music and dance departments provided entertainment and helped showcase the talent and passion of our students. The communications department helped us cover the event and ensure we have a beautiful record of what we hope will be a tradition for VMT.” Martinez said. “The art department worked tirelessly to make the reception space in the cafeteria beautiful and inviting. Mrs. Alicia Cruz-Vidaurri and Mrs. Luz Lara worked diligently behind the scenes for weeks with the planning and execution of the event. And lastly, the custodial staff ensured that everything was in place before and after the event. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the entire VMT family.”

Courtesy photo VMT staff members who went to the Texas Medal of Arts Awards in addition to school director Dr. Martha Villarreal, were, bottom row: Gilberto Rocha and Billy Thatcher. Middle row: John Reimund, Assistant Principal Dr. Elsa Barron, Alicia McKinnis, and Ric Cortez. Back row: Vernon Carroll, Dr. Mary Grace Carroll, Robert Lopez, and Mark Webber.

2019 Texas Medal of Arts honorees

Conspirare, Music Ensemble, Austin Craig Dykers and Elaine Molinar, Architecture, San Antonio and El Paso Trenton Doyle Hancock, Visual Arts, Houston Stephen Harrigan, Literary Arts, Austin Jennifer Holliday, Theatre, Houston Brandon Maxwell, Design, Longview Matthew McConaughey, Film, Austin Mark Seliger, Multimedia, Houston Boz Scaggs, Music, Plano Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, Arts Education, Laredo gether with some of the Honorees the following morning for breakfast, and that again was fantastic because I got to personally meet some of the HonApple News

orees and their families,” she said. Villarreal recounts the memories that she will hold of the event.

Twitter: @Magnet_Tribune Page designed by Bailey Yeary

See more photos online: magnettribune.org/ ?p=19049 “My memories are that I met the most incredible people, all very famous in their areas. I met an incredible writFacebook: MagnetTribune

er, Stephen Harrigan, then I met world-renowned architects that have done incredible buildings all over the world, that’s Elaine Molinar and Craig Dykers, just fantastic. I also met Boz Scaggs, very famous musician with wonderful music, Ray Benson, very famous for his album Asleep at the Wheel, (and) fashion designer Brandon Maxwell. He dresses all the movie stars, and he has his own TV show. He’s so funny and just so bubbly, so friendly. That’s one thing that was so surprising to me that although these people are so famous, so important and have done so much in their lives, they are still the most down to Earth, the friendliest people, and those are memorable experiences,” she said. Villarreal explained how the medal benefits VMT. “We are now part of the elite, we can brag, we can advertise, we can promote that our school is at another level, and once you reach this level, you’re at the pinnacle. For us to be at this level is just fantastic because we were recognized statewide, not only that because it went national so we are recognized, we can promote, we can use this wonderful award and honor to be able to recruit more kids and hopefully recruit more patrons that can support what we do here. I think that is one of the biggest benefits. Of course, just to have that medal hanging at the entrance of our school is just so wonderful, everybody that comes to our school will know who we are, and what we have done,” she said. Villarreal added that she is See ARTS AWARD, page 11A http://magnettribune.org

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Students, teachers discuss 4-day week Jocelyn Figueroa Staff Writer

with recruiting and keeping teachers, the newspaper said.

David Rincon, a freshman from Nixon High School, likes the idea of a four-day school week. “I think it’s a good idea, we get more time to ourselves. We will be able to do more things with another day off,” Rincon said. An estimated 560 districts in 25 states have allowed at least some of their schools to adopt a four-day week, with most moving to a Monday-to-Thursday schedule, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. Generally, schools make up for the lost day by adding extra time to the remaining four days, according to Harvard Graduate School of Education in a June 2018 article. Colorado school District 27J went to the 4-day week in August 2018. Officials estimate they will save about $1 million a year, according to The Denver Post newspaper. They saved money on transportation, utilities and substitute-teacher costs. Residents of the school district did not approve of a tax increase which forced the change to four days, The Post said. Students will have longer class periods from Tuesday through Friday, according to The Post. The district hosts childcare on Mondays from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $30 per child. District officials also hope the four-day week will help

5 days vs 4 days aredo students and teachers discussed their opinions about compressing the school week into four days. Rincon discussed his reaction if the district were to have a four-day week. “I would feel relieved because the five-day a week puts a lot of stress on us,” Rincon said. Julian Vela, Nixon’s Spanish teacher, also liked the idea of a four-day week. “I would embrace the change,” he said. “It would benefit all involved because (my family) could spend more quality time together.” Rincon and Vela both think they wouldn’t get bored with 3 days off. They said they would spend it on themselves. “We will be able to do more things with another day off, doing something I like, or hanging out at my friend’s house,” Rincon said. “My days would be filled with activities. I would rest and do constructive things,” Vela added. Vela and Rincon both see advantages to a four-day school week that they get to rest and spend more time for themselves.

4 days isn’t enough nlike Vela and Rincon, Juan Astudillo, a VMT world geography teacher, thinks that school shouldn’t be compressed into 4 days. “Five days is good enough

MT photo by Julieta Lopez World Geography teacher Juan Astudillo presents a lesson during a recent first block class. Astudillo said he prefers having a 5-day school week. to get most work done. Four days is not enough time to get a week’s work done,” Astudillo said. Astudillo would be unhappy with a change to a four-day week. “I would be disappointed. I feel that students’ abilities to learn what they need would be negatively affected,” he said. He thinks the school week should remain at five days. “Five days is ideal for a school week. Making it shorter will only place more stress on teachers, students, and parents,” Astudillo said. Astudillo doesn’t see any advantages in four-day school week. “I do think I’ll get bored with three days off. I really see no advantages at all,” he said.

He added that some families may have problems with a four-day school week. “I think childcare will be difficult to find because of the extra day off,” he said. Top school district administrators did not respond to Magnet Tribune emails asking for comment. Dr. Elsa Barron, VMT assistant principal, said she likes the idea of a 4-day school week. “I like the idea of having a 4-day school week because that would mean a 3-day weekend,” she said. She doesn’t think it would affect her schedule. “During the summers, the district works a 4-day week; therefore, I’m used to this type of schedule, and I really enjoy

the 3-day weekends,” she said. Barron added that advantages would be more for adults rather than students. “I believe a lot of my colleagues would enjoy and welcome a 4-day week. My family would probably be happy for me to have a 4-day week,” she said. Barron said the district would have to think about what’s right for students before making the change. “Certainly, before a decision for a school district to become a 4-day school week, many factors need to be researched in order to make sure that it could be a right thing for the district and that the district will continue to service children of LISD to meet their academic needs,” she said.

Meal program considers food truck food Mauro Flores Staff Writer As districts in the Rio Grande Valley incorporate food trucks into their schools, Child Nutrition Program Director Roberto Cuellar Jr. said Laredo ISD plans to integrate them as well. Cuellar discussed the possibility of having food truck food available to LISD students but said it may not be that different from the food the cafeteria provides now. “It’ll be more grab and go stuff,” Cuellar said. For instance, students could expect grilled cheese sandwiches with wheat bread, reduced fat pizza, and burritos. A big question with food trucks is their cost. Cost shouldn’t be surmountable because less staff would be required on the food truck, Cuellar said. Cuellar said the district plans on having the food trucks up and running in a year and plans to make them available to everyone — students, faculty and staff. “When people think food truck, we don’t want them

CARRILLO,

Studying is needed his career and just like any other takes many sacrifices. Some of these sacrifices include attending classes in order to become more knowledgeable. “I go to a workshop at San Arts Schools Network

MT photo by Mauro Flores Students eat at the VMT cafeteria during a recent second lunch period. LISD is considering making a food truck available to the district’s students. on their thoughts of food truck food. “I think it’s a great idea. We students need a change in the food we eat,” said Carolina Treviño. Lorena Rodriguez added, “I would love to eat food truck food in our school.” Treviño and Rodriguez expressed how they would like food truck food only on some

days. When asked what were some food options they’d like to see these students mentioned homemade hamburgers and chili dogs. Both said they think food truck food would be a great change for Laredo ISD. “Here at Laredo ISD we’re ahead of our game,” Cuellar said.

Antonio every ogy. In most “I told (the lady) June, and these cases, the workshops last Webb Couninstead, ‘tell me 2 days which ty pays for what happened, are a Saturday this training and a Sunday. and I will tell your but instead, The people that story for you.’ She I pay out of conduct these my own pockwas squeezing my et. I receive workshops are court interpretcertificates hand very hard ers with years for attending, because she was of experience. and I also get very emotional, What they do is continue eduthat they train and that was one cation hours, us, they bring which you of the things that need to renew us the latest information: laws your license,” impacted me” and how we Carrillo said. Ricardo Carrillo need to be comMost of the pliant. We retime, many ceive training in of the people ethics, being a court interpret- working at the court have exer, and in the use of technol- perienced a lot of stories that

vary in satisfying or sad moments, and so has been in Carrillo’s case. “They always say your first experience is always the most memorable. It was about an old lady, in her 70s, who was a victim of a crime in Rio Bravo or El Cenizo. I could see she was very emotional while testifying in front of many people what she had gone through. I remember speaking with her and telling her everything was going to be okay, and for her to calm down. I told her, instead, ‘tell me what happened, and I will tell your story for you.’ She was squeezing my hard very hard because she was very emotional, and that was one of the things that impacted me. That’s when I realized how im-

to think its greasy stuff. Its healthy stuff that the school will offer,” Cuellar said. Healthy drinks ome beverages that might be served include vegetable and fruit smoothies. Cuellar said he will keep the food healthy while offering freshness. Two students from J.W. Nixon High School were asked

from page

this career is, and that he would really love to continue developing it. “Since I work with mostly all courts in Webb County, there’s been people who have told me that they will always have a position available for me whenever I decide to retire (from teaching). Right now, I’m enjoying my time very much here at VMT, but if I one day decide to retire then I would try to get a full-time position doing that,” he said.

Food trucks elsewhere Some Rio Grande Valley school districts are already using food trucks to serve students breakfast and lunch. A partial list includes: Lyford ISD Rio Hondo ISD Edcouch/Elsa ISD Los Fresnos Consolidated SD Elsewhere in Texas Pflugerville ISD Austin ISD Keller ISD Belton ISD He said regulations would need to be met in order to make food trucks a success. “Food truck vendors would have to meet compliance with the health department as far as being able to sell food in the food delivering trucks and on school grounds, ” Cuellar said. Laredo ISD would also have to make sure the trucks have any equipment needed to pass code as far as Child Nutrition Program policy is concerned. “Laredo ISD’s Child Nutrition Program is always at the forefront, and takes different initiatives to please all customers,” Cuellar said.

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portant it is for a person’s story to be told,” he said. Throughout the many years of experience Carrillo has had, he sends a message to students and people aspiring to this job. “I would tell them, depending on the two languages they are planning to work in, to be very knowledgeable in both languages, or to be able to understand, read, write and speak both languages. I would say to start attending trainings and court hearings, as experience helps you a lot. Anyone can walk into a courtroom. It would be amazing for you to attend these trials so you can see and listen to the interpreters and see what they do.” http://magnettribune.org

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English teacher describes her journey into poetry

Kevin Garcia Staff Writer

Courtesy photo Nixon High School English instructor Cynthia Dougherty-Bernal is a published poet who got her start at writing at VMT.

MT photos by Irene Alegria Vernon Carroll, left, and Dr. Mary Grace Carrol, right, both shown in their recent 1st block classes, received Icons of the Arts award at the 10th Icons of the Arts Gala event on March 28.

Two teachers receive Icon of the Arts awards

Irene Alegria Staff Writer

r. Mary Grace Carroll, piano instructor, and Mr. Vernon Carroll, dean of theater, received Icons of the Arts award at the 10th Icons of the Arts Gala event held at the IBC Bank Annex by the Laredo Theater Guild on March 28. “I was at a theater guild board meeting and we were informed that the award was going to happen and who was going to be awarded this icon award,” Mr. Carroll stated when asked where he was when he found out he would be receiving the award. Dr. Carroll was on campus when

she got news of receiving the prestigious award. Each explained the highlight of their careers. “Being persistent and pursuing my graduate degrees. Using my talent to help others and making a good decision in becoming a teacher,” Dr. Carroll said. Mr. Carroll added, “Teaching at VMT for one thing, that’s the first thing. Directing shows for the Theater Guild and its predecessor Laredo Musical Theater International. I think every show I direct is the highlight of my career. Some that I remember very well are The Crucible, Fame, Beauty and the Beast, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Steel

Magnolias. Those are shows that I particularly enjoyed working with. All of them really but those stick out in my mind. Oh, and Shrek, of course, Shrek. Shrek was particularly a bright spot, I genuinely enjoyed doing that.” They explained how they hope others remember them in 25 years. “I hope they remember that I did my best and that I liked working with people. Enjoy seeing the light come on with students and I particularly enjoy seeing students do things better than I can do them. And basically, that I existed, I guess. It’s kind of hard to come up with something, I don’t think about that. I think about what we’re doing

now and what students will be doing in 25 years,” Mr. Carroll stated. Dr. Carroll added, “I hope people remember that I contributed what I could and that I tried to bring out the best in my students.” Memorable moments t the event itself, held in the IBC bank Annex, Mr. Carroll stated that a memorable moment was “When Henry Mejia introduced me, took out a roll of gaff tape and held it up and said that he had learned a lot from Vernon Carroll and the first thing was about gaff tape. So that was a memorable moment.” Dr. Carroll added, “Seeing my friends that I hadn’t seen for a

while, listening to my husband’s acceptance speech, which was very funny. And seeing others being honored in such a special way.” The Carrolls were asked what moment in their careers they would go back to. “Opening night for Shrek when I saw my daughter, Kathryn Carroll, playing the lead and listening to her sing and watching her perform that role of the princess. It was really very special,” Mr. Carroll stated. Dr. Carroll added, “I’d go back to my final doctoral recital at the University of Miami so I could play it over again.” The Carrolls explained what this honor meant to them in their pro-

fessional lives. “For me, it means that the work that we do to promote the arts in Laredo is important and that it’s recognized,” Dr. Carroll stated. Mr. Carroll added, “Visibility, for one thing, I guess. People look and see and its sort of a stamp of approval of the quality of the work that I’ve done. And that people have recognized that I have done a body of work and not just one show that was good but consistently doing very good work, you get an award like this, I think. I guess it’s just a testament to my body of work that I have done in Laredo and other places.”

All State for two, a third gets into an elite program

K ayla Gonzalez Staff Writer

ard work has paid off for two seniors. Miguel Garcia, tuba, and Cesar Lira, bass trombone, felt excited when they were selected for TMEA All State. Garcia, who studies at VMT with instructor John Reimund, also attends Martin High School. “I felt really grateful,” Miguel said of his selection to All State. Garcia said that has been looking forward to performing all school year. “I have been working for state since my freshmen year,” Garcia said. He has been playing tuba for eight years. “Tuba was the first instrument I ever played,” Garcia added. His four years in high school music has been hard for him, he said. “Each practice would get harder and

more stressful,” Garcia said. After high school he plans to attend The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and major in music. Garcia recommends that aspiring musicians to practice daily. “Practice every single day and to always try something new,” he said. Lira, who studies with VMT music instructor John Reimund, also attends Nixon High School. “I feel really blessed,” Lira said about making it to TMEA All State. The day Lira found out that he made it to state the first person he called was his mom. “Like every Latina mother she called every person she knew to tell the good news,” Cesar said. All his friends were happy for him when he made it to state. Lira said that he has looked forward to state since freshmen year. TMEA ran from February 13 to 17. His

family went to see him at the All State concert. He said this was his second year trying for state. This time he got first, “but it was a lot more stressful,” Cesar said. He has been playing for three years. He enjoys playing his instrument even on bad days. “Even when you feel like you don’t want to play no more and are just forcing it,” Cesar said of the bad days. After high school he plans to attend Texas A&M-Kingsville and major in music then would like to transfer to Columbia University. Lira advises anyone that wants to try music, “Just make sure you are playing with your heart and not your head.” While Daniel Martinez did not make All State, Reimund said he beat out many all staters across the country to secure one of only 10 openings for new freshmen tuba majors at the University of North

MT photo by Eva Montiel Music instructor John Reimund stands with seniors, from left, Daniel Martinez, tuba; Cesar Lira, bass trombone; and Miguel Garcia, tuba. Garcia and Lira were TMEA All State performers, while Martinez was accepted into University of North Texas’ prestigious music school.

Texas. “This is considered one of the top tuba

studios in the country and world, Reimund said.

Female athletes discuss competing against a transitioning male

Lesdy Hernandez Staff Writer

athleen Molina, sophomore, and Amor Aguilar, freshman, who play softball for Martin High, discussed the case of Mack Beggs a transgender wrestling state champion athlete from Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. Beggs had requested to compete

against male athletes, but due to the UIL policy, athletes must compete under the gender listed in their birth certificate. “It’s not fair because they are not letting him (Beggs) compete against who he wants to compete,” Aguilar said. Beggs started his transition from female to male in his freshman year in high school by taking low doses

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of testosterone. two female com“If I was in that “It upsets me bepetitors forfeited cause they should situation it would matches in fear of let him and others getting injured, and make me feel like last year, Beggs’ play who they want to. If I was in that senior year, one feI’m limiting my situation it would male forfeited even power.” make me feel like after the opposing Kathleen Molina coach and teamI’m limiting my power,’’ Molina said. mates insisted the Back in 2017, Beggs’ junior year, girl wrestle Beggs.

Both years he won the Texas 110 pound girl’s wrestling championship. “It’s understandable because they were not comfortable and it is scary to compete against someone who is either bigger than you or internally different from you, but it was understandable why the girls forfeited,’’ Molina said. “He has the strength of a guy and

er journey as a writer started at The Magnet Tribune. She now an English teacher and a published poet. Cynthia Dougherty-Bernal has published three books of poetry so far in her career as a poet. She discussed how she started out to become a poetic writer and about her journey to become an inspiration to others. Dougherty-Bernal, who now teaches English at Nixon High, explained how she describes herself as a writer. “As a writer, I feel that I’m anti-romantic. I’m more based as a realist and I feel that I try at least to touch upon darker or emotional topics involved in daily living. Once it’s focused, it’s dealing with transiting from being identified as a girl, versus a woman, versus a mother and trying to not get locked into that. A lot of my writing centers around what I like to call, ‘The Divine Goddess’ and how god can be good and bad. I embrace the full spectrum of that,” Dougherty-Bernal said. She described the genre her own poetry would fall into. “I know that being called a feminist is a loaded word but I do connect with the feminist ideology. I can’t pretend that I’m an expert in it. I also describe my poetry as dark, partially because my influences are Edgar Allan Poe and Sylvia Plath. It’s kind of an inner mingle quite a bit so feminist and liberal,” she explained. Dougherty-Bernal stated how she developed the passion to become a poetic writer. “When you’re shy, when you’re quiet, when you’re scared of your own shadow, your only voice is what you can write down on paper because sometimes you’re too scared to say it out loud. At least that’s where I started. Nobody really believes it now when they meet me but I was above and beyond shy and my surroundings, my soul, was found in books. One of the first books given to me by my elementary librarian Mrs. Diaz was a poetry book. You wouldn’t think to give a second grader a poetry book but she did and I feel like that’s the biggest turning point for me. I really was connected to it and I just started to read everything in poetry that I could get my hands on,” Dougherty-Bernal said. She explained how Diaz inspired her. “She was the first in a line of people who inspired me and she just had such confidence in me. Like, I feel, how can you possibly give a second grader a poetry book and feel like you connected to it, and she would give me books like that. She would give me an illustrated copy of ‘Raven’ by Edgar Allan Poe. Later on, when I wanted to read longer and bigger things like chapter books, things like that, she gave me ‘Scary Stories to tell in the Dark,’”

Scan to see her books “Nobody really tells you why or she said. Dougherty-Bernal described the how you get a scholarship, but when I went to get it at the end of my senior inspiration for her writing. “Living, daily life, conversation. year I had my collection in my hand, I’ve been told I’m rather sympathet- printed, folded, a self-designed covic or empathetic. I try my best not er, everything made by myself with to but I tend to absorb what people feedback from Mr. Webber and my share with me. I have really close friend Daniela,” she said. “I rememfriends that have told me I have that ber walking in for my interview for face that allows people to talk to me. that scholarship and I had three A lot of people and others might cat- copies in my hand. I gave one to egorize it as oversharing,” she ex- each of the adults who were there. plained. “So two or more years down the “A lot of people share with me line, we were invited to (then-TAMIU and the way I process it, the way I president) Dr. (Ray) Keck’s home try to get it out of me so I don’t in- with the honor kids. We were looking ternalize so much around his house as I’ll basically put and he had a library “When you’re shy, in his home. He it all out on paper, whether it’s some- when you’re quiet, pulled me aside; he thing they have to this shelf in when you’re scared went gone through. I take his library and took of your own what they express out one of my copor it’s something I shadow, your only ies of my collection went through and and I was like ‘yay, voice is what you validation,’ but this there’s no other way for me to express it. can write down on all started because So then I need to I felt like VMT gave paper...” get it out so I won’t me my voice, it gave Cynthia have to carry it with me a bit more conme all day long. I’ve in myself,” Dougherty-Bernal fidence written about being Dougherty-Bernal judged, on my misadded. carriage and depression. I’ve writShe explained how writing will ten on so many topics and I don’t never become obsolete, and how it is beautify them. I just think it is what now enhanced by technology. it is,” Dougherty-Bernal said. “I feel like it was becoming obShe explained some of the chal- solete. Now you get a little spark of lenges she faced when starting out interest. I think that it won’t die beas a writer. cause technology has a hand in it “Being taken too seriously. I was where you have all these people who very hesitant to share what I wrote can express themselves by blogs, after a few bad experiences where vlogs, and even YouTube channels, I kind of felt dismissed or brushed even on social media like Instaaside but that changed when I went gram, Facebook, etc.,” she said. to VMT,” she said. She said aspiring writers and During her time in VMT journal- other artists should not let others ism classes, Dougherty-Bernal had get in their way. help from her friend Daniela and “I would say that for any and from the instructor. all aspiring writers or any talent, “Mr. (Mark) Webber is a unique don’t let others’ judgment stop you,” personality, and I didn’t think he Dougherty-Bernal said. “Don’t let noticed me. I was one of many (stu- others’ ‘good advice’ restrict you. It dents) but he did. He was one of the could be coming from a good place ones who helped me put together (a and a good heart, but it’s not easy poetry collection) and allowed me to to pursue a passion. Nothing in life use the resources there in the class- is easy that is worth doing. I feel like room, both him and my friend Dan- if you feel this that shows a way into iela. They helped look over my ma- your inner depths, your soul, then terials and when I was there I put express it. If it’s singing, dancing, my whole collection together there I don’t know, competitive jumping, in Mr. Webber’s class,” she said. whatever it may be, if it connects She said her poetry collection to you from the inside then nobody came in handy when interviewing should dictate to you who you are.” for a scholarship.

MT photo by Lesdy Hernandez Kathleen Molina, left, and Amor Aguilar, Martin High softball players, discuss the situation of a high school transgender male athlete competing against female athletes, in Euless, Texas.

the girls were trying to avoid getting badly injured,” Aguilar added. Aguilar and Molina also expressed what they thought should have been done in these situations. “They should be able to play with who they want to,” Molina said. “He wanted to compete with guys not girls, so they should have allowed him,” Aguilar said.

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Opinions There’s no place like home: my city This is senior Justyne Bernal’s final column in The Magnet Tribune’s print edition. rom the outside looking in you cannot explain it. From the inside looking out, you cannot describe it.” This quote perfectly describes the way I feel about my community, Laredo, Texas. A place that is 90 percent Hispanic. Laredo is known for having Mexico in its backyard, and as “The Gateway City,” “The City Under Seven Flags,” and more. Here, there is real Mexican foods sold at stands or restaurants at every corner that satisfy all our taste buds. Where we say Green and Gold is Forever, Once a Tiger always a Tiger, and Toro Pride Runs Deep. Where teams annually from different areas come and play in the famous Border Olympics tournaments. Here is where if you know the streets Saunders, McPherson, San Bernardo, you could get anywhere without getting lost. This is the place that dedicates the entire month of February to celebrate Washington’s birthday, where the Outlets Shoppes is a vast income source, and where our biggest traditions are rivalry games. Here is where families have cookouts every week despite the 100-degree weather. This is home. City people are described as the opposite on social media. Not only online, but politicians or people who are so

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By Justyne Bernal Read more opinion columns at

http://magnettribune.org/category/opinions/ close-minded no memories “My opinion of my that go along here, ones city? There is no with the stewho do not know Larereotypes. As place like it. do have the I mentioned, People always say loudest negayou cannot that there is no tive opinions. understand it Over the from the outplace like home and side. Our city years the indeed Laredo is a is depicted as tourists have place that is stopped coma crime zone. Being next to ing, and irreplaceable.” Mexico does downtown Justyne Bernal not negativebuildings are ly affect us. not as attracNow, people tive as before. are afraid to come down here I do not believe that this should because of the image the news define people’s interest in comhas put out for us. Citizens who ing down to Laredo. It certainly do not live here may fear for has not changed the outlook of their lives when hearing about us, the people who live here. Bordertown Laredo but should This all leads to the pernot. The misperception needs ception that our country is to be cleared out because Lar- having what President Trump edo is a safe place to grow up, describes as an “emergency visit, or live in. crisis.” He tends to go on and As much as you ask people on about having to build a wall what they feel towards their to divide two countries that community the ending answer hold each other on a tight rope. will not change. They are go- It makes us, citizens who live ing to say that it is sometimes at the border to feel like he is boring but there is no place like talking nonsense. The imagit. It is such a disappointment es that are put into people all to see that people who did not over the country is that Mexigrow up here, those who have co is attacking or coming at us

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when in fact, they are not. We maintain a neutral friendship that keeps us all safe. People believe that it is an unsafe environment to live or grow up in. I cannot agree with this; I have never felt like my life was on the line. The news makes it seem like we have to dodge bullets when we go downtown or to the park. That people are being murdered left and right when our city is not dangerous. I have never felt like I put myself at risk; we are the closest to the border yet here is where I feel the safest. Not to mention, the FBI looked at the rest of the nation and their crime rates compare to ours. Last year’s statistics show that every city along the Texas-Mexico border has fewer murders occurring than in major U.S cities. This goes to show that it is not a war zone the way social media or politicians make it seem. There is time to fix immigration and border security. There is no rush because down here we are in a good place. The mutual friendship we hold with Mexico helps us in trade and retail sales. Ask any U.S Border Patrol or Customs Officer; they see it every day. People who come to the U.S in the hope of a brighter future. Those who cross every day to give their children a better education; those who cross to come work tirelessly all day. They are not afraid of losing what they have for a better tomorrow. The stereotypes

that Mexicans are taking our jobs is a joke. They take every job opportunity, ones that most Americans are not willing to do. For border towns such as ours to be attacked because the majority of us are Hispanic is simply discriminatory. We are targeted to be described as full of negative and useless people when in reality, it is the opposite. In Laredo you will find hardworking salesmen, teachers, officers, waitresses, managers, we have it all. When attending a summer camp up north I was asked if I ever felt afraid to go outside because of how dangerous it is. If I was ever held at gunpoint or saw people cross the river? All that? Stereotypical and insane? Maybe. It is because this is the only place I have ever lived in but it is not bad. Now, I am not saying that Laredo is the safest because every city has its downside. My opinion of my city? There is no place like it. People always say that there is no place like home and indeed Laredo is a place that is irreplaceable. The culture, people, history, and food is like no other in the world. The tight bonds that are created or renewed in this city each have stories of their own. Although there is not much to do, this city truly becomes a representation of who we are. Whether it be our manners or our traditions, Laredo stays within all of us.

person who harmed their loved one. Closure allows the family to cope with the situation and not have to look or think about the murderer ever again if he is placed in the death penalty. In my opinion, sentencing the murderer to death is a good way not only for families to get closure, but also a good way of retribution. When someone takes the life of another person in a heinous way there is no right way to get justice, but there is a way to show that taking the life of another person is intolerable and has major consequences. With this said, capital punishment is a great way for society to show that murder is a crime that will not be tolerated and will be

punished for in a justice way. It is also a good way of retribution because by putting the killer in a death sentence he will not be able to lie in some prison with three meals a day, clean sheets, and air conditioning. Capital punishment should definitely not be taken away because in my opinion, it is a good way of justice, a good way for a family to get closure, and it prevents potential murderers to commit a crime in the future, it is a good way to get retribution, and it is an effective deterrent. In addition, there are many criminals who are found guilty who do not deserve the right to a shorter sentence with the possibility of getting out later in life.

Death penalty may deter serious crimes

This is senior Aryanna Rodriguez’s final column in the The Magnet Tribune’s print edition. he death penalty has been a part of America’s justice system for a long time now, and as of today, it is legal in 30 US states. Capital punishment is a much talked about topic because there are individuals who support it and others who are against it. Some argue that the death penalty should not be allowed because some consider it unconstitutional. Others say that capital punishment is a good way to get justice and in a lo of cases helps gives closure to the family. In my opinion, the death penalty should be allowed because it prevents future crime in the way that it is an effective deterrent, it is a good way of retribution, and it is a good way for the victim’s family to get closure. The death penalty is an effective deterrent because it is a punishment that has the potential to discourage future criminals from committing

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By Aryanna Rodriguez Read more opinion columns at

http://magnettribune.org/category/opinions/ the murderer misconduct. “In my opinion, clowho is exeSince there cuted which is a lot of insure to a victim’s terest in preis important family is extremely venting future because it important because murders from prevents them taking place, from possibly it is a way in which the strongetting out of they are able to gest punishjail and commove on.” ment availmitting any more murable should be Aryanna Rodriguez ders, and it used to deter it. If the death penalty is given helps give the victim’s family to murderers in jail it can make closure. In my opinion, closure to a potential murderers think twice about committing a crime victim’s family is extremely imas serious as killing someone. portant because it is a way in This might not stop every po- which they are able to move on. tential murderer but it will defi- Also, sentencing the criminal to nitely stop some as they fear to the death penalty can help the lose their life. In addition, the family feel safe from something death penalty certainly deters happening to them by the same

Read Debatable by Angie Bravo in The Magnet Tribune online, in the Opinion section.

Debatable By Angie Bravo

Pink and blue colors should be unisex

The Magnet Tribune The Magnet Tribune is produced by students in Communication and CTE classes of the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, Laredo ISD. This publication provides information relating to the school and its students, provides students a lab for producing a newspaper using professional-level computer software and offers an open forum for student opinion. The Magnet Tribune is distributed free of charge. Dr. Martha Villarreal School director Mark Webber Journalism/online media instructor and adviser The Magnet Tribune Vol. 26, No. 2, May 15, 2019 Nameplate design: Mauro Flores. Production: VMT journalism/ online media/CTE students using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop on HP computers. Printer: Greater Dallas Press, Garland, Texas Copyright: ©2019 Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Magnet Tribune.

VMT is a magnet school within the jourisdiction of the Laredo Independent School District.

This is senior Lucero Rea’s final column in the The Magnet Tribune’s print edition. f an individual is shopping for clothes for a newborn, what color do they usually get? The overall rule nowadays is that girls are more likely to dress up in pink clothes and boys in blue. Before a baby is even born, and before being able to choose colors, it gets color coded. Regardless of apparently living in a modern-day era where individuals encourage gender equality, the stereotyping of gender keeps on being such a social problem, it is still obvious that there is still a major gender division when it comes to young girls and boys. An abundance of parents do not want to differentiate the children by the color of clothing they are wearing. Certain girls do not like skirts and some boys do not want to be macho. This culture is imposing rules and thoughts on young kids when some of them are taking it as a mismatch of what they truly feel inside. Color stereotyping

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.

Experiences By Lucero Rea most parents is sending “This issue is not should start the incorrect about the colors. A letting their message to sons/daughyoung kids. pink skirt and a blue ter do. Yes, Their dressing cap are not the they might be should not devils. The messages too young but define if they even at such a are a girl or a hiding in the colors young age they boy. are what are already know Nowadays, actually harmful.” what they are if men wear comfortable pink clothLucero Rea in and what ing they will not. Bows and most probably be labeled as a homosexu- skirts are not meant to be put al, and this is one of the wrong on a little girl who does not like thoughts our culture gives us them, and young boys should on a daily basis. If the one wear- not forcefully be put in athleting pink would be a young boy ics if they would rather cheer at it would be harmful; he could a football game. This issue is not about the even end up being bullied at school. The majority of modern colors. A pink skirt and a blue parents usually let their kids cap are not the devils. The meschoose their own clothing for sages hiding in the colors are this matter, and it is something what are actually harmful. Be-

fore a child’s life even begins, they are assigned a script on how to be a boy or a girl, and the rules are given through colors. Certain individuals are not pleased with them simply liking pink and blue, they want them to be the colors and wear them. It is not fair for certain girls to be prohibited from playing in the mud and getting dirty for having to stick to things such as ballet, beads, beauty pageants, and rainbows just because that is what a lady is “suppose to like.” The color coding starts even before birth and a lifetime of introduction to these ideas can negatively impact them through their self-worth, career choices and how to obtain certain things. This color coding follows individuals all the way throughout their entire life. If individuals keep on thinking that a girl is meant to cook and stay at home, while a boy needs to focus on making money, we should sit and reflect for a quick minute on how adult life really is like.

Contact The Magnet Tribune E-mail mt_writers@hotmail.com || On the Internet http://magnettribune.org Facebook /MagnetTribune || Twitter @Magnet_Tribune || Adviser Mark Webber mwebber004@laredoisd.org Address: Vidal M. Treviño School of Communication and Fine Arts, The Magnet Tribune, 2102 East Lyon St., Laredo, Texas 78043 In person: Room A212, Journalism classroom, or drop off items for Mark Webber in the school office.

The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

Officer talks about strays problem

Emilia Vela Staff Writer

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With the hopeful wags of a dog’s tail and the deep affectionate purr from a cat, how could one not fall in love with every animal they come across? The promise of being a lifelong companion and a protector, the world is full of loving animals ready to be adopted and become part of your family. “I see more rescues happening than I do adoptions, which is sad because from the amount we pick up we should see the amount go out of healthy animals,” stated Officer David Vela of Laredo Animal Protection Services. Everyone has seen their fair share of animals on the streets but what has been done to help the poor animals? People like Officer Vela have a deep interest and concern for the animals in our community and want to do what they can to help those animals. “A lot of people think we’re the bad guys because we’re picking up animals that are walking around, but it’s not. If you think about it, that poor animal, if we don’t pick it up is it going to have water or meal at the end of the night?” Our city has a problem with an increased amount of stray animals who’ve had to fend for themselves against weather, hunger, other animals, and people. This leaves the job to the Laredo animal protection services to pick them up, care for them, as well as find a new home for the animals. The process for caring for these animals takes time, patience, affection, and trust. Trust between the animals and the volunteers. “The fearful ones you know they’re friendly but since they’ve been abused it takes a little while to gain their trust. And you know we’ll work with what we have there, with

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May 15, 2019

Students debate dual vs AP classes Emily Garza Staff Writer

MT photo by Jordyn Rebeles Two stray dogs sit in a doorway at Martin High School on April 9. The Laredo Animal Shelter deals with stray animals and unwanted pets.

a treat here and there, pet them lightly, and then we’ll continue to keep on going until they trust us,” Officer Vela continued. Pets coming from abusive or neglectful homes are fearful animals and shouldn’t be confused with aggressive ones. They make sure to inform the family of the dogs past when adopting them. Families should take their time with the new member of their family. They’re not going to warm up to them immediately, it’s going to be a day by day process. One of Laredo’s biggest problems is the lack of spaying and neutering people do for their pets. It creates an overpopulation among the

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animals and there simply aren’t enough people adopting them. The shelter is considering doing a catch and release program for cats. This would entail catching the cats, spaying and neutering, and releasing them back into neighborhoods. “Cats may seem like a nuisance, but in reality they keep insect population low, they kill snakes, they kill rodent, so you know they’re really good for back yards and stuff like that if you stop and think about it.” While they haven’t yet made a decision on whether or not they are going to implement this idea its effects could be very positive for the community, but will take some trial and error.

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“I mean you have to take into consideration do we leave a dog there in one of the kennels in bad conditions to suffer? I mean we don’t want animals to suffer but we do euthanize but only on a basis where the animal cannot be helped. They are checked by a veterinarian first.” What is happening now is a travesty against animals all over America. How could one not want to see Laredo citizens making an impact on these animals. “These animals are your friends, your protectors, your cuddle buddies when it’s cold. It’s really fun working with the animals. You have to be in it for the animals,” he said.

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dvanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes are different, course-wise and in difficulty, students say. Students, in general, argue which is the best to take. There are a lot of pros to both options. In order to take dual classes, one has to pass the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) test. If one does not pass the TSI’s second part (which is a second chance) then one has to take AP classes. The test is made up of mathematics, writing, and reading. It is designed see if a student is capable of taking college-level courses. Gadiel Quintero, a junior at VMT whose fine arts is high brass and is in SoundTown, and Eddie Barboza, a senior at VMT who is in woodwinds, are both taking dual classes. They explain their experiences, so far. “Dual isn’t difficult for me. The only part that I struggled with was with turning in the assignments on time, but so far the classes have been pretty good,” Quintero said. “My experiences have been very stressful, educational, and very worth it,” Barboza added. Quintero and Barboza say they think all students are capable of taking college-level courses. “Yes, they all are. The class itself isn’t difficult. The hard part is to be responsible and turn in your assignments on time,” Quintero said. He also discussed the TSI. “I don’t know why they make the TSI so difficult if the only difficult thing in the class is the essays,” Quintero said. “Yes (everyone is capable), simply due to the fact that it really isn’t a Arts Schools Network

MT photo by Emily Garza Instructor Alicia Cruz-Vidaurri helps junior Raul Garza with an assignment during a recent 6th block English 1301 dual enrollment class. Other students use electronic devices to complete their assignments online. hard course to go through. The assignments are explained in detail and there is always help provided by (high school) instructors or the professors themselves,” Barboza said. Quintero and Barboza feel Dual Enrollment courses benefit students more than AP classes. “Dual is the most beneficial because you get the college experience for free,” Quintero said. “I firmly state that dual has many

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more benefits than AP. The different interactions between professor, instructor, and the curriculum really just help a high school student slowly immerse into college life and remove that amount of money from college spending,” Barboza added. Quintero and Barboza both say they would not change to AP classes even if they had the chance to make the change. “I wouldn’t change to AP because

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I would have to depend on passing the AP test to get the credit,” Quintero said. “No, I truly doubt that AP classes would have given me the skills to prepare for college that dual has given me,” Barboza added. For many, Dual Enrollment is helpful in different ways. For Barboza, he said he will be benefiting from dual in two specific ways. See DUAL page 2B

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from page

AP vs Dual

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“Dual will benefit me in the future for sure. The amount of money removed from college (spending) and preparing for what a college level class really is (are benefits),” Barboza said. The reason for Barboza taking these dual classes was to get a look at how college will be in the future. “I wanted to be taught and instructed by an actual professor to see what the environment is like,” Barboza said. Quintero explained how dual will help him in the future, as a college student. “Dual will help me a lot because I will already have an idea about how college is like,” Quintero said. Quintero takes AP classes at his home school and dual at VMT. Given the chance to also take AP classes at VMT, he decided not to. MT photo by Emily Garza “I chose dual instead of AP (at Junior Raul Garza asks a question during a recent 6th block English 1301 dual enrollment class VMT) simply because AP credits with instructor Alicia Cruz-Vidaurri. Students who pass will receive three hours of college credit. don’t always transfer to all universiBenavides and Vasquez both ex“Both have a good amount of ben“Yes it will (benefit) since it is not ties,” he said. plained their opinions on Dual Enefits. AP can give you more hours a regular class and the instructors In addition to what dual students rollment and AP classes. than dual if you pass the AP test do expect you to be focused every had to say, two other students dis“I’m pretty sure they are differbut then again with dual you get the day and at least make sure you are cussed their journey as AP students. ent because they have actual colcredit as long as you pass the class. prepared for college,” Vasquez said. Catherine Benavides, a junior at lege classes with a professor and we Another thing, though, is that it isn’t When asked if they would switch VMT whose fine art is woodwinds, have high-level coursework. Most impossible to pass the AP test as to dual if they were given the chance, and Juan Jose Vasquez, a senior at probably the biggest difference is long as you prepare for it as much as both said “no” for different reasons. VMT whose fine art is theater, both they (dual) have to be on point with you can. You’re set,” Benavides said. “No, I wouldn’t. I don’t find a take AP classes. deadlines because “Dual does give problem with my Both described they might only be you the credit as AP classes and how it is to take “Most probably the “Dual does give reminded to turn in long as you pass I’m doing well so I those courses and biggest difference you the credit as something once or but AP gives you wouldn’t want to whether they think twice,” Benavides more weight added switch,” Benavides is (students) have long as you pass AP are difficult classsaid. to your GPA, which said. es. to be on point with but AP gives you “Yes,” Vasquez colleges look into,” “I wouldn’t “It all depends deadlines because more weight added said, “because I feel Vasquez added. switch because I how you make it to like (students) have Even if they don’t would feel the presbe. If you decide not they might only be to your GPA, which more pressure since pass the AP exam sure since they are to pay attention and reminded to turn colleges look at.” those grades transfer these students still college classes and not do your work to the colleges and in see themselves benin something one Juan Jose Vasquez it’s another thing then yes it’s hard AP, even though it’s efiting from these to worry about,” because you will be or twice.” a high-level course, classes, anyways. Vasquez said. behind but if you Catherine I think it’s more re“I’m sure it will because these Both described their experiences are responsible then laxed,” Vasquez said. classes are still at a higher level than as AP students. you’re good,” BenaBenavides With many dis- regular classes so even if I don’t get “So far I have really enjoyed being vides said. cussing whether the credit, I’ll have some information an AP student. I have learned a va“For me being alDual Enrollment or AP has the most in my head and know to not worry riety of things such as doing a lot at ready in AP classes for two years, it benefits, these AP students offer because I’m used to the high-level once, turning in things on time, and has been fine. I take them as normal their opinions. course work,” Benavides said. See SCHOOL page 3B classes, just focus,” Vasquez said. Arts Schools Network

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new techniques for studying,” Benavides said. “My experiences have been good, not so much stressing, and I overall enjoy the classes,” Vasquez added. Freshman and sophomores also offered their opinions about these courses. At first, these students didn’t know much about AP and Dual Enrollment courses; some didn’t even know anything about them. Many said they knew dual are college courses; they didn’t know anything about the advantages and disadvantage. Some of the students knew what these classes were made up of, and they knew what they wanted to take -- either dual or AP. “Yes, I would take dual. It’s less (college tuition) payments for myself and my parents,” said Yenitzza Chapa, a sophomore at VMT whose fine art is creative writing. “I would take AP because having college classes would interfere with my regular classes since I wouldn’t be able to handle it,” said Jocelyn Trejo, a VMT freshman who takes creative writing as well. “Dual would be hard since they are college classes.” After giving some information about both AP and Dual Enrollment, students had full knowledge of what they consisted of. Students decided

MT photo by Rachell Ramirez AP US History instructor Dolores Chaney discusses history of the Chicano Movement during a recent 5th block class. Students who take AP classes can receive college credit if they score masters. which one would be easier to take after the explanation. Some students as well changed their minds on what they would prefer to take. “Dual would be easier for me because you just have to pass the class to receive college credit, and in AP you don’t know if you will pass the AP test for the college credit. Dual

will also be more beneficial because it is giving me an opportunity to see what college is like, get college credits, (and) less time and money spent at college,” Chapa said. Trejo’s thinking changed. “After hearing that, dual would be easier in the long run because I just have to pass the course and

my grades and credit will transfer for college,” Trejo said. “Yes, I did change my mind to take dual now because of all the pros it has.” Chapa had decided on taking dual classes from the beginning and her mindset did not change. “In my opinion,” Chapa said, “dual still benefits me the most.”

Reporter is glad she’s in dual enrollment Opinion

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Emily Garza Staff Writer

told myself that I was going to take AP classes even if I passed the TSI because I knew that AP classes helped with my GPA, and in my mind, I never saw myself taking college-level courses. I took the TSI and passed, which meant I had to take Dual Enrollment courses. I had to get a note from my parents saying they didn’t want me Arts Schools Network

Which do you feel would benefit you more, Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement? We’ll publish the most thoughtful responses on the newspaper’s website. Write to mt_writers@hotmail.com

to take the dual classes in order to get out of me taking dual. I was really bummed out because I knew my parents wouldn’t deny the offer of me taking Dual Enrollment classes. I ended up taking the dual classes

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and now I can say I don’t regret it at all. I didn’t know anything about their benefits and now that I do, I’m going to be graduating with at least four college courses that are part of my basics, and that’s a big relief. If I would have taken AP classes I would have worried about passing the AP test in order to get college hours. I have nothing against AP classes because they are taught at a much higher level than regular classes, and for that reason, I wanted to see how other people compare AP and dual courses.

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“I didn’t know anything about their benefits and now that I do, I’m going to be graduating with at least four college courses that are part of my basics.” Emily Garza

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9A Death Cab for Cutie rocks SA Reviews

The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

t was a cool day in San Antonio as fans stood in line outside the Aztec Theater. The sold-out-show band Death Cab for Cutie would be playing that evening, April 2. The doors were opened and eager fans rushed for a chance to see the band front row. Fans enjoyed purchasing band merch, drinks, or simply meeting other fans and discussing what songs would be performed for the show. It was a highly anticipated performance. Death Cab for Cutie began the show with their current hit song “I Dreamt We Spoke Again” from their most recent album Thank You for Today. The crowd was absolutely ecstatic for this song. The lights were of purple and blue hues that matched the color scheme of the synth. Ben Gibbard’s vocals were smooth to every word he sang. I remember swaying back and forth to the chorus and bass. This was the song that one can get lost in. All my senses were overwhelmed. The music was booming, the lights shining in my eyes, the bass so strong I could feel it in my chest. It was incredible that they had us all in their musical trance. Back to back they performed songs like “Summer Years,” “The Ghost of Beverly Drive,” “Long Division,” and “Title and Registration.” “Summer Years” was absolutely rich in sound. Smooth vocals calmed the crowd, the pulsating bass gave a heartbeat to the song, the keyboardist’s and guitarist’s individual notes danced around each other creating a dynamic sound. “The Ghost of Beverly Drive” is one of their stronger songs. Lights were flashing as Ben Gibbard sang his is heart out to the fans. The bassist and lead guitarist following close behind. My sens-

New Music Monday By Zoe Alvarez Read more Zoe Alvarez columns at

http://magnettribune.org/category/reviews/ Death Cab for Cutie’s official website deathcabforcutie.com es were overwhelmed by the intensity of this performance. It had my heart beating rapidly to the energetic chorus. This was definitely one of their louder songs. “Long Division” and “Title and Registration” were a crowd favorite. These were part of their older albums. People swayed and danced to “Long Division” and began listen gingerly to “Title and Registration,” which is a much more mellow song. I was left in awe each time. Every song was played with perfection. Upbeat sounds he tone of the show then transitioned into a much happier upbeat sound with their songs “Gold Rush” and “Crooked Teeth.” “Gold Rush” was their most recent hit single from their album Thank You for Today. Many danced and sang along with the singer, others took part in singing background vocals with the guitarist. “Crooked Teeth” was a throwback to their older music. This performance was lively and intimate. The vibes were absolutely incredible. The show continued with older music such as “A Movie Script Ending,” “No Sunlight,”

and “What Sarah Said.” “What Sarah Said” was a more emotional performance. This song has heartache and painful experiences in the undertones within the lyrics. It was teary performance that left the crowd emotional. The lights dimmed and Ben Gibbard walked up to the edge of the stage bathed in cool purple light. He gave a rather intimate (can I say incredible) performance of “60 & Punk.” Fans stood watching intently as he sang to the audience. It was a calm, bring-you-downa-level kind of song. This vibe then changed to a more energetic one. There was a single smooth strum on the guitar. The well-known long intro to “I Will Possess Your Heart” began. They performed the entire intro which is almost five minutes long. The highlight of the song was the unique Death Cab for Cutie sound that went into it. This means intensity within the bass, unique sound to the vocals, and a great blend from the keyboard, guitar, and drums. Every chord, key, note, and lyric blended beautifully together to create their well known and loved sound. They continued with other tracks such as “Title Track,” “Autumn Love,” “Black Sun,” and “Expo ’86.” While the three other tracks were calming and more mellow and joyful, “Black Sun” was a stronger performance. This was the song were the speakers blasted the heavy sound of the bass and guitar.

MT photo by Zoe Alvarez Death Cab for Cutie performs on April 2 at the Aztec Theater in San Antonio. This was when all the lights flashed brightly. It was when everyone was into it. Some may believe Death Cab for Cutie has a light soft sound but this performance proved them wrong. More on the program orthern Lights,” “Cath,” and “Soul Meets Body” were next on the set list. I adored every single performance. “Northern Lights” had everyone moving along to the song. This one is much more upbeat. The chorus provided lights of many colors all flashing and shining on the band. “Cath” had the crowd pleased at the band’s throwback to their older music. The fans had the time of their lives jamming out to this performance. The guitar intro was my absolute favorite. “Soul Meets Body” was the cherry on top to these three songs. This was an iconic performance. The crowd sang along word per word. I would close my eyes every so often to just listen to every little detail of the song. From the sparkling sound of the intro

“N

to the vocals in the chorus. Then came along “Bixby Bridge Canyon,” “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” and “When We Drive.” These were a part of the mellow calming vibe of Death Cab for Cutie. The encore began with “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.” Which is one of their most iconic songs. Ben Gibbard stood alone playing his acoustic guitar. The venue was filled with the sounds of the audience singing along to the song. The feeling of love and sadness were present in every lyric of the song. It was quite an emotional performance. The show came to a conclusion with their songs “Tiny Vessels, and “Transatlanticism.” These were the songs that put Death Cab for Cutie on the map. Fans sang with along as the band played. The venue was filled with the sound of the guitars and vocals. These songs were the grand closing of the show. Death Cab for Cutie was in the top three best concerts I’ve been to.

Plot shows events leading to murder

ased on real events, Hulu’s “The Act” is a dramatized telling of the infamous Gypsy Blanchard case. The Gypsy Blanchard case is about the murder of Claudine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, Gypsy’s mother, and the role she played in her death. The Act takes the direction of showing the events leading up to the murder and uncovers the longtime running disability financial fraud scam. We open on the 911 call made by a concerned neighbor to check on Dee Dee and Gypsy, then jump back seven years prior in the middle of an interview. In this interview, we begin seeing the toxic and controlling relationship between the two when Dee Dee answers questions on behalf of Gypsy. Sometime later, when

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their new neighbor Lacey gives Gypsy a makeover, Dee Dee eavesdrops on their conversation and once Lacey leaves she sternly makes Gypsy remove the makeup despite her pro-

tests. When visiting their neighbors, Gypsy’s offered a Coke and Dee Dee takes her home to warn her what would happen if she were to have an allergic reaction to that amount of sugar. In a trip to the mall, Gypsy and Dee Dee steal an item and are spotted by a skeptical neighbor, Dee Dee throws a neighborhood party to appeal to the community. Days later, at the party, Gypsy tries to

eat a cupcake and when spotted by Dee Dee she is rushed to the E.R. where Gypsy hears something that contradicts what her mother’s been telling her for years. With plenty of gut-wrenching scenes portraying the isolation Gypsy lives in, you begin to feel empathy for the mental condition of Gypsy’s mind. Easily swayed by others, a childlike innocence, and the desire for normality all factor into making her a socially awkward, out-of-date girl that’s not in touch with society. The Act is a Hulu Original and is for mature audiences with language, violence, drug abuse, and sex. The first episode aired on March 20, 2019, and it is currently unknown how many episodes or seasons

Hulu This is a poster for The Act, which airs on Netflix. will air online. Each episode averages near 50 minutes and new episodes air Wednesdays.

Teen wants to help in her home country

aley Pham is an 18-yearold YouTuber who began her channel when she was in the 3rd grade. She has two channels which are her main channel and her vlog channel, both of which have 2,066,285 followers in total. Her content mostly consists of high school and car vlogs, and transformation and beauty videos. On June 4, 2012, she uploaded her first video titled “Simple, easy pinky spring lip.” Her main motivation to start her channel was to post beauty-related videos. Pham has always had a passion for video-making and editing. In her ‘what i’ve learned from 7 years on YouTube’ she explained how she was introduced to it. “Back in 3rd grade, when my dad showed me this app on his phone called iMovie, I was obsessed with making stupid movies and editing them and Arts Schools Network

MT photo from YouTube

Rising Stars

Haley Pham has more than 2 million followers on on main YouTube channel and on a separate vlog channel.

By Victoria Hernandez Read more Victoria Hernandez columns at

http://magnettribune.org/category/reviews/ Haley Pham’s YouTube channel youtube.com/user/ sodapop738

using freeze frames and then adding music and all of this stuff. I just made the weirdest videos you could ever imagine and there was no purpose for the videos. I literally just wanted to make a video just so I could edit it and then upload it because that was so fun to Apple News

me,” she explained. Having found success on her biggest passion, it has given her the confidence to do projects in which she loves. In September 2018, she launched her first collection of apparel called ‘girly pop’, which is what she calls her supporters and her whole fan-base is called ‘phamily’. “Thank you for watching me because I’m finally doing what I love and I finally like so happy and motivated to say that this can be my career and now I have so many ideas that I never thought I could make a reality.

Twitter: @Magnet_Tribune

I’ve always wanted to make a business but I was never confident enough not to go to college and just start a business. That is terrifying, do you know how much room there is for error, how much learning that I’m gonna have to go through but now with you guys, I’m confident enough to take those risks,” she said. With having a YouTube Facebook: MagnetTribune

channel for so many years, she has been able to have that financial stability, which had made it possible for her to move out when she was just 17 years old. “I can afford this place literally because of you, this sounds so cheesy but if you weren’t watching this I couldn’t do this, so it is YouTube and See RISING STARS, page 11A http://magnettribune.org

10A

Column The man who never checked out The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

nfamous horror films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” and Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” have given hotels a whole new meaning by becoming an eerie setting for murders. These films show killings of guests and a hotel that can turn a man into a maniac within months. Frightening enough, the real-life unsolved murder of a man who claimed to be named “Roland T. Owen” seems as if it was something straight out of a horror movie. Room #1046 has been added to the list of the sinister hotel room numbers such as Room #1 and Room #237.

The man who named himself “Roland T. Owen” oland T. Owen” checked in the President Hotel, now known as the Hilton President, in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 2, 1935. The man originally wanted to check into the Muehlebach Hotel but refused to once he was aware of the high price of $5 a night. He mentioned he was from Los Angeles and asked for an interior room, one without a window facing the street. Employees stated that Owen was well-dressed with a large overcoat and appeared to have a large, white, wedge-shaped scar, four and one-half inches across the base over the left ear and a cauliflower ear, a condition known in wrestlers and boxers. Owen was described as being “about 20 to 35 years old; 5 feet 10; weighed 180 pounds, had blue eyes and bushy brown hair.” He registered to stay for three days but had no luggage with him, other than a toothbrush and a comb. After Owen was granted his hotel room, a bell boy, Randolph Propst, took him to his fatal destination in room 1046.

Creepy & Unexplained By America Moreno Read more America Moreno columns at

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Evidence in room 1046 he police had not discovered much in the crime scene but enough to assume someone else had been mixed in with this. The little evidence consisted of a label from a necktie, an unsmoked cigarette, four bloody fingerprints on a lampshade, a hairpin, a small unopened bottle of diluted sulfuric acid, a broken water glass with a jagged edge in the sink, and to the police’s surprise, no clothing that matched Owen’s description, and the hotel utilities such as soap and toothpaste were also missing. There was no sign of the cords which must have been used to tie up Owen and the weapon that stabbed him. The only prints that were found in the scene were from the telephone, which police suspected belonged to a woman. A hotel employee had reportedly seen a woman and a man hurriedly rush out the hotel which made the police convinced that “someone else is mixed up in this.”

“R

The unusual guest t a later time, the maid, Mary Soptic, had gone to tidy up the room. She noticed how the shades were drawn and a lamp being the only source of light, once she entered the room. Owen seemed agitated and left shortly after the maid arrived, but mentioned to her to leave the room unlocked once she was done since he was expecting a friend. “He was either worried about something or afraid. He always wanted to kinda keep in the dark,” Mary Soptic reported to the police regarding Owen’s behavior. Soptic had gone up to the room again around 4 p.m., with clean towels. She took notice of how the door was unlocked when she made her way inside the room. Once again, the room was strangely dimmed. Owen was on the bed, fully dressed and eerily watching Soptic’s every move in the dark. There was a note on the desk that read, “Don, I will be back in fifteen minutes. Wait.” After Soptic finished her duties, she left the room. Soptic returned the following day, January 3, in the morning. The President Hotel doors were able to be locked from the outside instead of the inside. Owen’s door was locked from the outside, forcing Soptic to use her passkey. He was once again sitting in the dark and he offered no explanation as to who might have locked him inside the room without a key. There was an intense atmosphere between Soptic and Owen which later was interrupted by an incoming call. Soptic overheard Owen speaking on the phone with the mysterious “Don.” “No, Don, I don’t want to eat. I am not hungry. I just had breakfast. No, I am not hungry,” Owen said. Once he hung up, he began interrogating Soptic about her whereabouts in the hotel and continued to complain about the high rates of the Hotel Muehlebach. Soptic became wary of the

if he tried to commit suicide or not, and before slipping into a comma, Owen answered with a faintly, “No.” Owen reportedly died at the hospital 18 hours later, in the early morning hours of January 5, 1935.

MT photo by Kansas City Public Library “Roland T. Owen” was really named Artemus Ogletree. unusual events that kept com- activity of the telephone. The ing her way but continued to phone had been off the hook work nonetheless. Soptic re- for ten minutes without being turned later that day with a set used. When the bellhop made of fresh towels. However, Owen his way to room 1046, the “Do was not alone this time. Soptic not disturb” sign was hanging noticed two men were talking on the doorknob. The bellhop inside the room. She knocked decided to knock, despite the and told the men her reason for sign. A deep voice told him being there and a much harsh- to come in, but the door was er voice than Owen’s had let locked. The bellhop notified the the maid know they weren’t in man of the situation but the need of towels. Soptic shrugged man failed to address it and it off and returned to work after continued on by saying, “Turn getting the man’s response. on the lights.” The bellboy continued to heavily knock for several minutes but received no re13th Street obert Lane, a worker for sponse. “Put the phone back on the Kansas City Water De- the hook,” the bellboy shouted partment, is said to have been through the door before makthe next person to have inter- ing his way back to the lobby. acted with Owen after Soptic Around 8:30 in the same and “Don.” Lane had offered a morning, another bellhop, Harride to a young man running old Pike, had gone up to room along 13th Street, about a mile 1046 due to the telephone and a half away from the Presi- remaining off the hook. He dent Hotel. Lane was surprised knocked, but unlike the first by the man being dressed in bellhop, received no response only pants and an undershirt, within the first try. The bellhop with no coat, due to the winter decided to make his way inside night. However, Lane noticed the room with a passkey, which a deep scratch on the man’s ended up with encountering arm and the way the man Owen’s naked body in the bed, cupped his hands, to which in sheets with dark marks. The Lane assumed the man was bellhop had assumed Owen trying to hide the blood from was passed-out drunk and another wound. Lane asked proceeded to put the telephone about the arm once the young back in the stand and left the man asked to get dropped off room. somewhere he could catch a The bellhop had made a taxi. The young man respond- mistake with this assumption, ed by saying, “I’ll kill him to- as Propst, who went up to deal morrow,” to Lane’s curiosity. with the same situation would Lane dropped the man in a taxi discover. “When I entered the room, stand and never saw him again. this man was within two feet of the door on his knees and Room 1048 n January 4, Jean Owen, elbows-holding his head in his a guest who was given the hands. I noticed blood on his key to room 1048, the room next head,” the bellboy reported to to Roland, (no relation to him) the police. When the witness turned on heard arguing between what sounded like a man and a wom- the lights, he saw more blood an in room 1046. According to on the walls and in the bathpolice reports, she heard a ‘re- room. There was blood everypeated commotion’ that night. where. The terrified bellboy ran “I heard a lot of noise which out of the room to notify the sounded like it (was) on the assistant manager about the same floor, and consisted large- horrendous experience that he ly of men and women talking had encountered. The assisloudly and cursing,” she said tant manager proceeded to call in her statement. “When the the police. noise continued I was about to According to the police, call the desk clerk but decided someone had committed the not to,” Jean said. horrible things to Owen about six or seven hours earlier when they arrived. Meaning, Owen The man in room 1026 ‘commercial woman’, a had been brutally tortured far term given to women of the long before the first bellboy had night in the 30’s, had walked gone up to check the room. He into the hotel looking for a man was tied up around his neck, in room 1026. Supposedly, the ankles, and wrists. He had woman was a “very prompt” been repeatedly stabbed in the customer, according to Charles chest, with one of the knife Blocher, the graveyard shift thrusts puncturing his lung. elevator operator at the hotel. His skull was fractured from The woman supposedly had a repeated blows to the right side meeting with the man in room of the head. A detective at the scene had 1026 whom she failed to find. At a later time, Blocher was asked Owen who had been in summoned by the woman, who the room with him. Howevwas with a man. Blocher took er, before drifting into unconthem to the ninth floor and sciousness, he answered, “Noit is still unknown what con- body,” to the detective, losing nection they had with Owen. his opportunity for justice. The detective proceeded on by The bloody day asking Owen how he ended up he upcoming morning, the getting hurt, to which Owen hotel’s telephone operator responded by stating that he had told a Randolph Propst to fell against the bathtub. The go up to room 1046 due to in- detective asked Owen whether

Page design by America Moreno

Searching for an identity fter Owen’s corpse was put in display and sketches of the victim were published in the newspaper, several people claimed they knew him, but with different names. Tony Bernardi, a wrestling promoter, had identified the dead man as someone who had visited him several weeks earlier to sign up for wrestling matches. However, Bernardi mentioned the man gave himself the name, “Cecil Warner.” Multiple bartenders also stated that Owen was accompanied by different women during the night that Robert Lane had offered him a ride. According to police’s discovery, a man who fit the description of “Owen” did spend some time in the Muehlebach, as well as the Kansas City and St. Regis Hotel. The man used the name of “Eugene Scott.” The Staff at the Regis Hotel had informed the police that Owen had a companion who has yet to be identified. Now the police had yet to identify the real identity of the dead man and his killer.

An unmarked grave egardless, by the beginning of March, preparations were made to bury the victim in an unmarked grave. However, the head of the funeral home in charge of the body received an anonymous phone call before “Owen” could be brought in to the city’s Potter’s Field. The man asked that the burial is delayed until money could be sent to cover the expenses of a burial in the Memorial Park Cemetery, near the caller’s sister. He then carried on by claiming that “Roland T. Owen” was the dead man’s real name and that he had been engaged to his sister. Supposedly, Owen had left a woman he knew and mentioned: “cheaters usually get what’s coming to them.” The funeral director said that the mysterious patron told him that Owen “just got into a jam,” and that the police “are on the wrong track.” The man failed to identify himself and hung up. After some time the call ended, the telephone rang in the office of the Rock Floral Company. It was a woman who wanted ‘13 American Beauty roses sent to Roland T. Owen’s funeral,’ and who said that she was doing it for her sister. None of these calls were able to be traced and both identities are still unknown today. Once the money came in anonymously via special delivery mail, “Owen” was finally buried in Memorial Park Cemetery. Other than a handful of detectives, no one attended the

funeral. The bouquet of roses for the grave arrived and it was accompanied by a card within the flowers, which read, “Love forever, Louise.” Artemus Ogletree he anonymous man identity remained unknown until late 1936 when a woman named Eleanor Ogletree had read about the murder in an “American Weekly” magazine. Ogletree stated that the description that was given to “Owen” had matched her missing brother, Artemus. The Ogletree’s hadn’t seen him since he left his home in Birmingham, Alabama in April 1934 with aspirations to “see the country.” The last his mother, Ruby, had heard from him was from three short typewritten letters. The first of these notes arrived in the spring of 1935, months after “Owen” died. Mrs. Ogletree later said she was suspicious of the letters due to his son not knowing how to type. The last letter said he was “sailing for Europe.” Additionally, several months after the last letter, Mrs. Ogletree had received a call from a man calling himself “Jordan.” The man had said that Artemus had saved his life in Egypt and that her son had married a wealthy Cairo woman. When Mrs. Ogletree was shown a photo of “Owen,” she immediately recognized the dead man as her missing son. He was only 17 when he was murdered.

The Box n 2003, a researcher at the Kansas City Public Library received an anonymous phone call from someone probing the case of “Roland T. Owen.” The person claimed they were going through the belongings of a deceased person and found a bunch of newspaper clippings about the case in a box. They mentioned that “something” was found in the box but failed to say what it was before hanging up. As to what the person found, it still remains a mystery today.

The Unknown espite being identified, so many questions remained unanswered. If the dead man was truly Artemus, why did he use false identities? Who were Don and Louise and how did they contribute to the murder? Who was the “commercial woman?” What was Artemus doing in Kansas City? Who sent the three typewritten letters? What relationship did Jordan and Ogletree have? Who paid for the funeral and the roses? Was Jordan the man who was seen at the hotel the night that Artemus died?

The most common theory here have been multiple theories that have emerged regarding the case but the most popular of them all involves Artemus cheating on the mysterious caller’s sister. Looking back at the evidence, such as the commotion of a man and a woman loudly arguing in room 1046, the fingerprint on a telephone that supposedly belonged to a woman, the sighting of the pair hurriedly making their way out of the hotel, the patron caller who informed the funeral director that “Owen” was engaged to his sister and that “cheaters usually get what’s coming to them” and the mysterious “Louise” that had sent flowers to the burial, it all somehow added up. Both “Don” and “commercial woman” might have been related and together in this crime. “Don” had paid for the funeral expenses in order for Artemus to be buried next to his sister. And the woman who sent the flowers felt guilty enough to send roses in tribute of her sister. Perhaps, Artemus was unfaithful to the deceased sister and the siblings took it upon themselves to punish him? The world might never know.

11A

The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

Wildflowers offer strong pops of color

he Texas wildflowers are blooming. The landscapes are painted with vivid colors of yellow, pink, blue and purple. The bluebonnet blooms beautifully on the lovely Texas landscape. I always loved the bluebonnet. It was my symbol of pride for Texas. Such a delicate flower with blue hues was native to my home state. I absolutely loved knowing that I have the opportunity to see the bluebonnet every spring. As we passed on the interstate I saw seas of bluebonnets. My

Thoughtful Thursday By Zoe Alvarez Read more Zoe Alvarez columns at

http://magnettribune.org/category/opinions/ father then offered to stop for a moment to take pictures. I stood with my camera as a gentle cool breeze passed the flowers making them sway gingerly. It was a lovely sight to see. The sun shined providing

a warm light for the flowers to bask in. I felt tranquility like no other. It was a delightful afternoon. The moment I was living in was pure and almost ethereal. I could feel the warmth of

the sun on my skin. I breathed in, taking in the wonderful day Spring had given me. She gave us her best gift, the blooming of the wildflowers. From far away these flowers were vibrant patches of violet, bubblegum pink, coral orange, and soft white. Up close they were flowers of all kinds mixed together to create blends of flowers. It was truly a gift to the eyes. I couldn’t help but feel happiness and content towards these wildflowers. Spring seems to outdo herself every

“I couldn’t help but feel happiness and content towards these wildflowers. Spring seems to outdo herself every single time.” Zoe Alvarez

single time. These little Texas wildflowers became one of my fondest memories. Song for today: Are You Bored Yet? by Wallows

Novel highlights mental health issues All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven was a very tearful reading for me. It makes you see how a person suffering from depression is affected as well as the people around them. It didn’t just make me cry, however. It made me think. Think of friends, family, school, lovers, and teachers. It’s that type of book. One sentence you’ll be sobbing your eyes out and the next you’ll be smiling and laughing. The way Jennifer captured her characters is absolutely perfect. She makes you relate and understand them with just a few words. She makes you take their side, no matter how hard you try not to. She understands how they think and what they would say to connect to others. This well-written novel allows the reader to feel every struggle, doubt, and emotion the characters have. Theodore Finch is a bad boy who doesn’t seem to be able to fit in. He’s just too dark minded and thinks too much about living and dying. Every day, he thinks of new ways to kill himself, why he would, and why he

The Book Look By Jordyn Rebeles wouldn’t. He some ques“This book will decides to go tions. make you cry, “I loved the up to the top plot,” Xitlaly of the bell towlaugh, and get anexplains. “No, er only to find gry all at the same I loved, loved, a girl who got time. The author loved, loved, there before loved it, times him. He slowknows her way ly talks her the last numaround words and down. Later, ber in exisdoes an amazing job tence. Maybe he finds out she was the even above at showing it.” Violet Marky, that.” Jordyn Rebeles the poor girl This book who survived will make you a car crash. Despite his nor- cry, laugh, and get angry all mal gloom, she makes him feel at the same time. The author sunny. He doesn’t understand knows her way around words why, but he knows he likes it. and does an amazing job at He decides that today won’t be showing it. This book will the day he takes his own life make you understand what because she smiled at him. someone with depression feels It will be the same reason he and what they go through. It makes you realize what the doesn’t do it any other day. Later, I sat down with one of people around them will feel as my friends, Xitlaly Avila, who they go through that. It is such also read the book, to answer a powerful book that makes

arts award, from page

proud that the students got to experience this. “I just want to say that I am so glad that our kids were there and that they became part of this, they got to know a lot of these very renown, recognized people, and they got a chance to talk to some of these people and impress those people, because they certainly impressed a lot of the people that were there. What an experience for our students to have

Rising Stars,

been a part of this. Of everything that I saw there and that we did, I think to me the most important thing was that our students got to experience this and it’s something that we’ll never ever forget,” she said. Instructors Dr. Mary G. Carroll, piano instructor, and Mark Webber, journalism instructor, shared their thoughts. “It’s a big honor for the school. It’s gratifying to see what we do has been validat-

from page

working with brands. I’m super duper duper grateful to be here, there’s not like a second that I take this job for granted or my life granted. I realized how privileged I am and I’m not gonna like ever stop working this hard to always you wouldn’t do stuff like this is just crazy. It was always my goal to make a life like this for myself so the fact this is like one of the first steps of that happening is mind-blowing to me,” Pham stated. In a January video, she was asked questions by her fans, one of the questions being ‘What are your biggest dreams?’ “This is an interesting one, I always wanted to make money so that I could give to other people because you can’t really pour from an empty cup. If I was struggling with money then how I was going to help anyone else with their struggles if that makes sense. So I always wanted to make money first off to provide for my family and then once that was out of the way, start providing overseas. Clearly, people overseas

you punch your wall, curl up into a ball, and hug your loved ones. When I asked her about her favorite scene she responded, “They were all so good. My favorite scene was when it was Finch’s birthday. He made it special for Ultraviolet. That scene was so moving and romantic. I love him.” In all the bright places, there are two main characters. We see their story unfold from both of their view points. However, when Xitlaly was asked about which character was her favorite and why, she didn’t hesitate with an answer. “Finch is my favorite character because even though he was

going through his own stuff he took time to make Violet happy and feel loved. He tried to be different people just to please her. He couldn’t see that she loved him for him, even with all his baggage.” After reading this book, there were many things I wanted to ask the author. What inspired you to write this? Who did you base the characters off of? Was it hard to write all of these emotions without feeling them yourself? My friend, however, took a different approach when asked what she wants to say to the author if given the chance. “Please get a movie date out I’m trying to see the love of my life. The movie needs to get done because I really want to see the emotions get played out by an actor.” I recommend this book to anyone. Xitlaly shares the same thoughts, saying, “You recommended this book to Estefania and me. Then I recommended it to my boyfriend and Estefania showed it to her sister, so yes. I highly recommend this book to everyone.”

ed by a major state-wide arts organizations. Plus, years of school news coverage by The Magnet Tribune was a part of the application, which I’m proud of,” Webber said. “Our school is among the best in Texas, and I am grateful to be a part of this winning team!” Carroll added. Carroll and Webber described their experiences at the reception, presentation, and dinner in Austin.

“It was amazing being there with so many people who are key players in Texas arts and culture. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Webber said. “A once in a lifetime experience,” Carroll added. Carroll and Webber described what it was like to attend the event. “For me, it was the comradery the 10 of us shared in representing VMT at a major art event in the state,” Webber

said. “I was reminded of how proud I am to be teaching at VMT, and how proud I am to be a native Texan,” Carroll added. “I was also impressed at the generosity and hospitality showed to our performing students.” Webber described what the award means to him. “The award is a legacy that will live on, as long as VMT is a school,” Webber said.

MT photo from YouTube Haley Pham has more than 2 million followers on on main YouTube channel and on a separate vlog channel.

$2,000 instead of like $30,000 a year,” she said in ‘why i’m not going to college’ video. Pham has striven for success since she was just a teenager, and I would say she is such an inspiration to my generation. Her ambition combined with her goal-oriented mind makes her a force to be reckoned with. Like most people her age, she has had her fair share of struggles; her parents divorcing, her mother losing her job, and her financial problems while growing up. Growing through them made her the person she is now, a person who can be looked up to for inspiration that you can overcome your own struggles. At just 18, she has accomplished many things; being nominated for ‘Breakout YouTuber of the Year’ at this year’s Shorty Awards, releasing her online apparel store, and gaining over a million subscribers in 2018 alone. Pham is an example of the old saying “hard work leads to success.”

have it a lot harder so I always wanted to travel to Africa. More recently what my aunt has brought to my attention is kids in Vietnam because I’m half Vietnamese so it would be a little closer to home. She wants to start a foundation where she helps kids from orphanages get an education and stuff like that. That’s like my end-all-beall that I feel like is what is so fulfilling to me so whenever I’m older and I’ve made my money and I have my house and I have everything I need, and my family is taken care of. “I want to broaden my reach, to actually help people and do things like that and make nonprofit foundations and go on mission trips and that is really what excites me so I never feel guilty about making monetary goals because I’m like it’s going to my family, it’s going to eventually kids out of the country, stuff like that so those are things that drive me every day when I wake up and I make videos. The reason I want to be successful so yeah I’m really excited for all that stuff and

I hope that one day whenever I launch something like that, that you guys are excited and supportive of me,” she stated in her ‘why i want to make money’ video. Pham’s plans for after high school is to become an entrepreneur and start a business while still uploading YouTube videos on her channel. Although she doesn’t plan on going to college, she does believe that education is important. “Ever since I was younger,

I always had businesses and it was pretty clear that I wanted to be kind of entrepreneurial as well as creative. A lot of entrepreneurs just don’t go to college because it’s really not necessary to pay for business school when you could use that money to invest into a business and a lot of people can learn just by doing rather than paying to do it or you can just not go to college and pay for online courses that aren’t as much like that would be like maybe

Farewell to our Senior Class of 2019! Everybody else: we’ll see you back here on Monday, August 12! Arts Schools Network

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School News 12A Art, music relive Jazz culture V

The Magnet Tribune May 15, 2019

MT held its annual Jazz in the Heights on April 18. The event featured live music, art, and student project to bring awareness of the Jazz community.

See related photos online: magnettribune. org/?p=19511

VMT music instructor John Reimund plays the tuba at the VMT Jazz in the Heights.

Photos and page design by Briana Sepulveda

Two men perform at the VMT Jazz in the Heights.

Art pieces are displayed outside of the auditorium at the VMT Jazz in the Heights.

Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jazz projects are showcased at the VMT Jazz in the Heights.

Dr. Mary Grace Caroll plays the piano at the VMT Jazz in the Heights.

Jazz band performs at the outdoor stage during the VMT Jazz in the Heights.

A piece of art outside of the auditorium decorates the VMT Jazz in the Heights.

Half days: May 24, 28, and 29. Graduation day: May 30. Arts Schools Network

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