Magnet Tribune, Jan. 8, 2016 by The Magnet Tribune

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Vol. 23, No. 1

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January 8, 2016

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

School observes 9/11 attacks

Page 11 Students star in Anne Frank play MT photo by Delilah Gonzalez; graphic by Susana Ginez VMT Philharmonic Orchestra performs the alma mater at the grand opening ceremony of the school on August 6. Shown are the lyrics written by a VMT teacher.

New alma mater

Page 2 Students portray political candidates

Page 11

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English teacher helps write song for the school By Susana Ginez MT Staff Writer Composing VMT’s alma mater, Hand of Destiny, was a labor of love. Faculty and administration all chipped in money from their own pockets since there was no other funding. “Everybody was on board. We worked together as a faculty and administration to make this happen,” John Reimund, music instructor and leader in getting the Hand of Destiny created, said. “Our school is one of a kind so we needed to have an original alma mater that no one else ever had,” Reimund said. With everyone working to-

Watch video online at http://magnettribune.org/?p=6705 Related photos: pages 6 and 7 gether, teachers and staff helped come up with the money in under a week to pay the composer. “The response was so good that we actually had to tell people, ‘Enough, we already got it,’” Reimund said. William Owens, of Fort Worth, composed the music for Hand of Destiny. He gave the school a discount, and Reimund paid $700 in donations. The Hand of Destiny lyrics was written by Tapestry and Pre-AP English I teacher Ashley

Ramirez along with her 20142015 Tapestry class, with a final run-through supervised by AP English III teacher Gerardo Flores, all without charge. “Although the idea had been lingering for almost a year, it took us about a week to finalize the lyrics. The inspiration came from a deep appreciation for VMT, in what I’ve experienced both as a student and teacher. It was a shared appreciation amongst other colleagues/professionals,” Ramirez said.

Dr. David Manuel Garcia, former band director at TAMIU, composed Magnet Overture, a fanfare. Along with Ramirez, he donated his services. “I offered to pay but he refused,” Reimund said. According to Reimund, the Hand of Destiny and The Magnet Overture are different. “The Hand of Destiny is an alma mater written in the style of 19th century art song kind of fused with an alma mater. The Magnet Overture is definitely a 21st century sound and a fanfare,” he said. Both made their debut at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new campus on Aug. 6. See ALMA MATER, page 12

Students enjoy festival at new campus By Irene Alegria MT Staff Writer

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The 23rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival was held at the new Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts campus on Nov. 3. There were plenty of booths, music, and food for everyone to enjoy. “This is actually a good time for VMT students to help each other out and socialize,” freshman Estella Melendez said. It was freshman Felix Puente’s first time attending the festival; he also got a chance to help his class with the booth. “It’s a new experience. Many of the students attending the festival hadn’t had any past experience attending one. They said they were pleasantly surprised at how many people showed up and what the festival had to offer,” Puente said. “More people showed up than I expected since this is my first time attending the festival,” freshman Andrea Guajardo said. “Setting up the (Tapestry) booth was very fun and not as stressful as I thought it would be considering how many people there were,” said Valeria Guerrero, who was in the same booth as Guajardo. Their booth, like many others, had games planned throughout the day. Meanwhile, other booths had refreshments and many snacks for festivalgoers to enjoy. Not to mention the weather, in the low 90s, was not the most pleasant until later on in the day when the wind started to come in. Many students, like freshmen Victoria Perez and Melody Nuño, mentioned how colorful and creative the booths were. “The booths are very different and creative,” Perez stated.

Mariachi de Oro performers sing “Engrega Total” at the 23rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at VMT. From left to right, Juan Mario Solis-guitarron; Ramiro Lugosinger/trumpet; Oscar Martinez-vihuela; and Juan Carlos Flores-vihuela. “I think the festival is colorful and beautiful,” Nuño added. Others who weren’t helping at booths gave their opinions of the festival and overall experience. “It’s very festive and brings many people together, and also the food smells really good,” freshman Karolina Treviño stated. The music was something many seemed to enjoy. Gracie Espinoza, a freshman attending VMT, agreed. “I love the music they played. The students are very talented,” she said. The steel drum band especially had a large crowd as they performed many popular songs and good old classics. The dancers didn’t perform until much later in the day, but by then there was a huge crowd waiting for them to perform. Both parents and students were in the crowd of

More photos, video online at http://magnettribune.org/?p=7247 Related photos: page 12 people eagerly waiting for the dancers to perform. A festival organizer discussed challenges of having it at the new campus. “Excited. A little nerve racking at moments because I mean it’s a new campus, different expectations,” is what Visual Arts instructor Gilberto Rocha had to say about setting up the festival. Rocha admitted that setting up was more difficult since this was the first time at the new campus. “Yeah, well thinking of the different situations that would come from having one right across from Nixon (High School), the traffic, and the time change since we were going to change it to the evening,” he said.

Page designed by Susana Ginez

And although the festival was moved to the evening, he wasn’t surprised at how many people showed up. “No, not really because that was the point of having it in the evening, so more people showed up, especially being across from Nixon,” Rocha added. “I think we did fantastic. I mean there are a lot of things we need to adjust, things that we need to fix to make it even better but in the end I think we rolled with the punches and did a good job,” he said about the festival overall. A VMT student summed up how many felt about the event. “This festival gives off a very positive energy,” sophomore Alexandra Gomez said.

Features Play’s lead role proves challenging http://magnettribune.org, Twitter. @Magnet_Tribune, www.facebook.com/MagnetTribune

The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

By Daniel Flores MT staff writer Sophomore VMT theatre student Maggie Sharp said she had strong feelings for fellow cast members in “The Diary of Anne Frank.” “The actors were really great people to work with. Since there were 10 people in the play, we all got really close. There was a point in time, like about 2 weeks before the shows, when I saw my stage family more than I saw my actual family,” Sharp said. “So when the show was over, we all went our separate ways. It was like, ‘oh what happened to that?’” Sharp portrayed Anne Frank, the main character in “The Diary of Anne Frank.” The play depicts the life under Nazi rule of the Frank family, the van Daans and Albert Dussel in the Secret Annex in Amsterdam, Netherlands, during World War II. “This is the first time having a main role, and such an important role, is really great for my theatre career,” she said. Sharp, a sophomore, has taken a part of eight other plays, but this was her first time in the lead role, she said. Challenges arose as she decided to audition for the role of Anne Frank, for Laredo Theater Guild International performances in October. “It seemed like everyone wanted to audition for Anne. I was up against 110 other people,” she said. “I was chosen and that was pretty awesome, but it was really scary. No matter how many times you audition for something, you still get that anxiety. What If I don’t do well, what if I am this or that?” The book mostly takes place in the Secret Annex, which was located behind a bookshelf. “Since it is a heavy piece of literature, you just have to bring (the characters) to life, and really bring as much justice to what they were and what they did,” she said. She explained what she

Above: Courtesy of Marco A. Gonzalez, play director Right: MT photo by Daniel Flores ABOVE: Theater student Maggie Sharp, sophomore, portrayed Anne Frank in “The Diary of Ann Frank” for Laredo Theater Guild International in October. RIGHT: Sharp poses in A Building at VMT. would do if she could perform as Anne in the future. “If I were to perform the play again, I would look at my previous experiences and build on what I have learned from being the lead before. Like sometimes I would treat it like, ‘This isn’t very important,’ and ‘this isn’t about me,’ when I guess I was just denying the fact that I was a lead because it’s called The Diary of Anne Frank. And I was insisting it wasn’t about Anne Frank. But I see it a different way. So if I were to perform it again I would try to get that fact through my head,” she explained. Sharp discussed her mental state before and during her performances. “Every night before I would go up and perform, I kind of had to block my own personality and channel completely into Anne,” she said. “It was really hard trying to get rid of

“Since it is a heavy piece of literature, you just have to bring (the characters) to life, and really bring as much justice to what they were and what they did.” --Maggie Sharp myself, that there was no trace of me left on stage.” Sharp offered her thoughts on the play. “It was a successful run. We made a lot of money for the theatre company,” she said. “We brought a lot of literature to kids who had never experienced a play before, and this is a like a really big thing for them. I had a bunch of kids come up to me and tell me that I inspired them. I was like, ‘well that has never happened before. I don’t know how to respond to that.’ So, I guess it was successful since we brought so many things to kids who have never experi-

enced things like that before.” She described her favorite moment in the play. “The entire play in itself was a nice experience, but if I had to pick it would have been an accident during one of the shows,” Sharp said. “We had a bunch of props, we had a bunch of magazines, we had books, we had everything. We didn’t really check what they were, though. And one of the books was Hitler’s autobiography. So one of the people picked it from the bookshelf and started reading it. And the first thing they open to is a giant swastika. And they open it up and kind of stare at it for

a second and then throw it in the trash can.” Sharp explained she would leave the play as performed. “I know this is cheesy, but I would whole-heartedly say that I wouldn’t change anything about the play, about the experience, about the actors,” Sharp said. Sharp believes acting may be a possible career choice for her. “Whole-heartedly, yes. Like that is one of the reasons that I’m at VMT. I actually transferred this year. I was at United (High School) last year. I was part of the One Act Play, but I felt like that just wasn’t all I could do. I felt like, since I’ve been in shows before, I fell in love after my second or third show. But I was like, ‘hey this is something I want to do with my life.’ And theatre is the career I’m pursuing right now, which explains why I’m here at VMT.”

‘Sister’ has tough role in Frank play By Aryanna Rodriguez MT Staff Writer Daniela Ramon said out of all the plays she has done, “The Diary of Anne Frank” was not only the most challenging but one of the hardest. She played the role of Margot Frank in a very different and dramatic way. “Of all the plays I have done this was certainly one of the most challenging, not only because there was so little information about Margot Frank but because it was my first full dramatic role with a really dark theme to it,” she said. The play in October by Laredo Theater Guild International mostly takes place in the Secret Annex, behind a bookshelf inside a house in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Netherlands, during World War II. Ramon was definitely happy about the opportunity she had as a senior. Along with her opportunity came challenges which Ramon was ready for. Ramon, a theatre arts student, had to face the challenge of finding information on Margot Frank. Ramon mentioned that there isn’t much information on her character because Margot’s diary was never found. Only Anne’s diary was found. “It was difficult trying to find information because there is almost nothing. There are some books that have little detail about her life but it’s mostly just what other people say about her,” Ramon said. Ramon didn’t give up even with the challenges she had she had to face while trying

Left: MT photo by Aryanna Rodriguez. Right: Courtesy of Marco A. Gonzalez, play director LEFT: Theatre student Daniela Ramon, a senior, poses during class. She played Margot Frank in “The Diary of Anne Frank” in October. RIGHT: Ramon appears in a scene from the play. to play the role of Margot. She was determined to be able to come out in the play even though there was little information on her character. She used the little information she had from the books and biographies about Margot to study. It wasn’t a lot of information but she made it work. She liked the challenges that she had and kept a positive attitude towards them. “A lot of it was left to me, and I kind of liked that I was able to have a lot of interpretations into a historical character,” she said. Ramon really tried her best to stay true to her character, and she wanted to play the role of Margot as best as she

“A lot of it was left to me, and I kind of liked that I was able to have a lot of interpretations into a historical character.” --Daniela Ramon could. She was able to connect some things from her life to the play which helped her express emotions that she needed for her role. “There are things that I could draw on myself being a sister because there are some conflicts that my sisters have had with my mom, and Anne had a lot of difficulties with her mom. It’s something I could draw from and relate to,” she

explained. Daniela was able to connect with her ”sister,” fellow VMT student Maggie Sharp, who played Anne Frank, in many ways. Her connection with Anne really helped her in the play. She recognized that it was hard for Anne. “Margot knew what she was going through and even though she wasn’t so similar to her sister she knew that it

was hard for her to be such an expressive person,” Ramon said. Overall, Ramon really enjoyed the opportunity she had. “I liked that I got to explore the intimacy that happened during such a very dark time especially with a character who had so little information about her,” Ramon said. She recognized that in the end all the hard work, and studying she had to do on Margot Frank was worth it. Ramon agreed that the role of Margot was a great role for her. “My least favorite part of playing the role of Margot was probably the lack of information of her, but it was a very great role.”

The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

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MT photo by Miguel Zamarripa Guests that included law enforcement personnel and public officials recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the annual 9/11 ceremony in the school auditorium, on Sept. 11.

Students thanked at 9/11 event

By Edward Barrera MT Staff Writer

Students, staff, police, and veterans at the 9/11 ceremony in the Vidal M Treviño auditorium remembered the 2,977 who died in the terrorist attack, including the 411 who died rescuing people on that day. To start the ceremony, Dr. Martha Villarreal, director of the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts, addressed the importance of remembering 9/11 and briefly going over the sacrifices made that day. Guest speaker was Chief of Police for the Laredo Police Department Raymond E. Garner. “We don’t need another 9/11; we’re a strong nation. Maybe we did something wrong, maybe we didn’t read the right signals that were being brought out by the FBI and some other organizations. But we’ve changed. We’ve changed a lot, and how we look at the history of what has happened, a lot of good people died,” Garner said. “Not only Americans, but there were a lot of foreigners who died at the twin towers. We in law enforcement, we as police officers and firefighters, the veterans, they appreciate your generation because you remember us,” Garner said. “You know what we do. Yes, in law enforcement, we’ve gone through some bad times here of late, but we will overcome that. I do want to take my hat off to your generation. Seems like you all are going to be leading this generation in the right direction. And I applaud you, and at the same time, I say thank you for honoring us,” Garner added.

“We don’t need another 9/11; we’re a strong nation. ... We’ve changed a lot, and how we look at the history of what has happened, a lot of good people died.” --Raymond E. Garner, Laredo police chief

Video, more photos:

http://magnettribune.org/?p=6499

Junior Kevin Gonzalez read the September 11 address originally written by 43rd President George W. Bush. “Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation,” read Gonzalez. “As we mark the first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice; and we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the world and security at home.” Students Laura Coleman and Adele Alaniz went up on stage to recall the events of 9/11. “The buildings burst into flames and then collapsed, killing thousands,” Coleman read. “The attacks in New York and Washington constituted the first major foreign assault on the continental United States since 1814,” she read. “More people were killed on U.S. soil on September 11 than on any day since the American Civil War.” Student Javier Chavarria rung chimes on stage 10 times -- each ring of the chimes represented 300 who perished in the September 11, 2001, attack. At the finish of the chimes’ ringing, Mario Valle and Anthony Hernandez played Taps. The Ovation Brass Quintet played

Amazing Grace afterwards. As the final performance of the ceremony, the VMT Concert Choir sung Dona Nobis Pacem. Several people shared their opinions. “The ceremony was awesome. I was in New York when 9/11 happened. This was very touching and it was awesome. I enjoyed it a lot,” Cesar Martinez, who is in law enforcement and was a guest at the ceremony, said. Another guest said 9/11 was the reason why he joined the army. “It means a lot. 9/11 is one of the reasons why I am part of the U.S. Army, so I got the opportunity to go serve in Afghanistan for the reasons behind 9/11. It meant a lot to me… It’s hard to describe since I’m very sentimental, seeing as I had friends and co-workers that lost their lives in the war. It was a pretty good ceremony,” Cesario Santiago, a soldier, said. A school official explained the reason behind holding 9/11 ceremonies. “The first responders did a great job when the terrorist attack happened. After having visited New York, it’s like a personal meaning to me after seeing a fire station that had the garage door down in New York. It had the names of the men and women who didn’t come back painted on it. It’s really sad,” school Counselor Ana Laura Salinas said.

Heritage event shows off pride By Kirsten Gutierrez MT Staff Writer “Viva Hidalgo,” the consul general said in very strong and confident voice. “Viva,” the crowd responded. “Viva Morelos,” the consul general said. “Viva,” the crowd responded. “Viva Guerrero,” the consul general said. “Viva Mexico, viva Mexico, viva Mexico. “This is a glimpse of El Grito, the heart of this year’s 16 de septiembre ceremony on Sept. 17, next to the cafeteria. Sophomore Karen Potten said she enjoyed hearing the Grito de Dolores. “To me it was a flashback, and I thought it was very awesome,” Potten said. Carolina Zaragoza Flores is consul general of Mexico in Laredo. She was the one that cried out “El Grito De Independencia” during the 16 de septiembre ceremony. “When we do the cry of Dolores (El Grito De Independencia) that means that we remember those heroes,” Zaragoza Flores said. Zaragoza Flores said students in the audience probably already know about Mexico’s independence. “For me it is an honor to be here with all of you. I think many of you are bi-national, bi-cultural students,” Zaragoza Flores said. “I know that your parents maybe have taught you about Mexico’s independence, and what it’s all about.”

MT photo by Martha Inguanzo Rosie Villareal sings “No me se Rajar” with Mariachi de Oro at the afternoon 16 de septiembre event on Sept. 17 in the B Building-Cafeteria courtyard. Kathryn Kahn, mother of student Katelyn Kahn, thinks it’s good to celebrate this event. “Well, being that we live on the border, I think it’s very important that we celebrate both sides (Mexico and United States), and I think it’s a good way for our kids to learn and accept each other and learn history,” Kahn said. The choir sang the National Anthem under the direction of instructor Celia Hernandez. Junior Gisel Garza led the Pledge of Allegiance. The first song the VMT Mariachi de Oro played was “No Me Se Rajar” with vocalist Rosie Villarreal. The second song was “El Gavilancillo” with Ramiro Lugo and Oscar Ortegon on vocals. Cynthia Mora, mother of Rachel and Ben Mora, really liked the performances. “I thought it was beautiful,

Audio interview, more photography: http://magnettribune.org/?p=6244 but I’d like for the school to have used their beautiful auditorium,” Mora said. Library aide Jorge Gloria said he looked forward to seeing this event. “I always like it when they start ringing the bell and start saying ‘Viva Mexico.’ It starts giving me goosebumps. This performance at the school was very professional, and on behalf of our students I’m very proud of them. I think they did well,” Gloria said. The songs the dancers performed were “Vamos A Tabasco,” “El Rojo,” “El Azul” and “El Tigre.” Guest dancers from LCC performed “Jalisco En Tabasco.” Junior Cindy Saavedra was a performer at the event, and said they were able to get ev-

erything organized. “We got everything organized with lots a practice, coordination and our teacher pushing us to do better and better,” Saavedra said. Senior Kathy Alvarado said she loved this event. “It shows our culture, and it’s beautiful,” Alvarado said. Junior Kevin Gonzalez thought the event was beautiful and well organized. “It really brought out our culture and it shows how a lot of us came to be since a lot of use come from that country like our parents, grandparents and other family members,” Gonzalez said. “A message to the students: keep up the good work. That was a really good performance and really fun time.”

Page design by Karla Alvarez and Mario Rodriguez

MT photo Milton Hattem Travis Elias shows off his Outstanding Soloist award he received at the UIL State Meet in May.

Elias gets major UIL award By Milton Hattem MT Staff Writer Senior Travis Elias, who also attends Martin High, received a state UIL Outstanding Soloist award in May. Elias, a French horn player, performed Concerto in F Major, Opus 40 by Geodike. Elias, then a junior, was one of only two students that day to win an award. It was a rather unexpected achievement, he said. Elias said he felt nervous and excited at the same time. When asked what his musical goal was, he said, “I only have one, to make it to the Texas all-state band.” He explained what it takes for someone to go to UIL state. “A lot of practice, determination, and to be dedicated,” he said. “It took two months of practice to prepare for UIL. When I got there I was nervous, but I’ve gotten used to it throughout the years.” High brass instructor Robert Lopez spoke about Elias’s achievement. He said only a few receive this award. “I was very proud of him, very excited, and felt a lot of emotion because it is a very high level accomplishment,” Lopez said. Lopez explained what it takes to go to UIL state. “It takes a lot hard work, dedication, and attention to detail, mostly,” he said. “VMT students are very capable and talented to accomplish so I’m pretty sure he won’t be the last one,” Lopez added. Elias said that during practice that he had to work on the details, and that the practice was good once he was satisfied with it. He added that his parents weren’t very fond of the idea of him playing French horn, but they supported him nonetheless. The award was an accomplished goal, but was not his main goal, Elias said.

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New Faculty Gaynor returns after 1 year away http://magnettribune.org, Twitter. @Magnet_Tribune, www.facebook.com/MagnetTribune

By Victoria Cardenas MT Staff Writer

Social Studies teacher Sean Gaynor has returned to VMT.

“It feels great, it almost feels like I never left. I was not gone for very long. I’m excited to be back with the new school and also I’m very happy to get my old job back and to teach AP classes,” Gaynor said of his oneyear absence. Gaynor talked about the new VMT campus and how the facility will be able to fulfill the needs of the students and teachers. “Having better facilities will be able to help our students achieve even greater things,” Gaynor said. The old VMT compared to the new one had a lot of character, he said of the teachers at VMT that have been teaching there since the beginning. The environment in the old campus was not as good for the students. “When you’re in a place for that long it grows on you,” Gaynor said. “But the buildings at VMT were not meeting the needs of our students,” Gaynor

The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

said. Gaynor has been teaching since 2004, and was hired at VMT in 2005. Gaynor left in 2014 to UISD to work as a testing coordinator in charge of special populations. With the job he was not going to be able to work long shifts to maintain the schedule he now has with his family. Gaynor now teaches AP Government and economics for MT photo by Victoria Cardenas seniors and U.S his- Sean Gaynor, Social Studies instructor, explains a recent lesson to students in his sixth block class, Jeannette Jurado, left, and Arelee Castro-Prado. tory for juniors. He prepares the students Audio interview: for AP exams, a nationwide prohttp://magnettribune.org/?p=6582 gram with nationwide standards thing about being at VMT is that “I know it’s possible to sucfor colleges. ceed,” Gaynor said. “I believe Also he prepares the students a high percentage of students generally want to be at school,” in my students, and I’m willing for the U.S History end-ofGaynor said. to push them to set high goals course STAAR test required to Gaynor said he was raised in for themselves for college. I graduate from high school. very poor circumstances and think that is my true strength,” “I would love nothing more Gaynor said. than for all of my students to be grew up in a small community. He had very good teachers that Gaynor sees himself in five able to get into the best possible pushed and guided him to colyears still a dedicated educator college they can,” Gaynor said. lege. Gaynor said he was the as he is now. He has set goals to Gaynor said he thinks highly first in his family to get a bachbecoming an assistant principal of his students. someday. “I love my students. The great elor’s degree.

Carrillo: Students must be responsible

By Miguel Zamarripa MT Staff Writer

LCC. He said he has discovered things he Pre-AP English I teacher didn’t know he had in his teaching years. He Ricardo Carrillo is in his realized that he has first year at VMT. Although Carrillo knew about more patience that he VMT, he never knew that VMT is thought he had, and he’s more demanding one of a kind. of his students. “I heard about VMT and I “One of the things thought it was a good idea beI’ve learned about cause I myself was in band at Nixon High School, so I thought myself is that I think it would be great and would be a I have more patience good opportunity for other areas than what I thought of art and different types of arts I had. I’ve also found over the years that like painting, sculpture, dance I have to go back and all the music. VMT has and do less research MT photo by Miguel Zamarripa its own culture, its own atmointo things to make Pre-AP English I instructor Ricardo Carrillo teaches a grammar lesson during a sphere,” Carrillo said. 5th block class. learning easier. I’m Carrillo likes students here at finding myself more VMT. He thinks students here Audio interview: are very different, in a good way. demanding, and I http://magnettribune.org/?p=7597 have higher expectations, espeHe thinks VMT staff members the instruction and apply it and ing is having to look for differcially at this school. They need are very professional at their just be responsible for all the to be higher,” Carrillo said. ent ways to present something jobs. work and also, as a teacher, get- when they don’t get it. So what’s As all teachers, Carrillo also “What I like about VMT is the ting instruction to that student,” hard is trying to look for another staff. They are very professional. has goals for his students. He Carrillo said. has a philosophy, and that way to teach them the lesson, in They treat me very well, and Carrillo, like any other philosophy is “responsibility.” a different way so they can unsame thing with my students. teacher, faces challenges in the He said as a teacher he thinks derstand,” Carrillo said. Everyone is nice, even students teaching world. What seems Carrillo, as any other person that I don’t teach are very cour- that as he performs instruction more challenging to Carrillo is what’s left is for students to be at VMT, is happy to be here. He teous to me,” Carrillo said. looking for ways to teach the responsible to do as they are enjoys the atmosphere, students Carrillo has been teaching lesson and help students under- and especially the staff. Carrillo taught. for 17 years; he teaches mostly stand what he is trying to say. “My teaching philosophy, it is very thankful to be a part of English. He has also taught at When he has a way to presVMT. Cigarroa Middle School and LCC goes along with responsibility. As a teacher I need to explain to ent a lesson but students don’t “I’m very thankful for the dis(Laredo Community College). understand is what’s hard for them, but once that’s taken care trict and Dr. (Martha) Villarreal Now he is at VMT and some Carrillo. of then I believe that it’s the (school director) to have me here days teaches after school at “What I find very challengstudents’ responsibility to take at VMT,” Carrillo said.

A. Flores learns as she teaches

By Justyne Bernal MT Staff Writer

A former VMT theatre student has returned as a geography teacher. Angelita Flores has taught at other schools before but made her way back to VMT, the place she always looked

forward to attending as a student.

Although Flores was also a student at Martin High School, she always felt more of a VMT student as she looked forward to coming every day. “VMT is just a whole different experience. I just remember always thinking I can’t wait until

after lunch cause that’s the best time of the day. I loved coming to VMT. It was awesome this atmosphere…,” she said. In fact, her class made history as it was the first to bring Winter Ball to VMT. Till this day, the Winter Ball remains due to the hard work of the class of 2006. “Being the first senior class

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to bring the winter ball to VMT, we did everything we could to raise money; we cooked the food and had a tremendous amount of support that helped us,” she said. Not only did she return to VMT, but she is now working alongside her former teachers. “At first it’s weird because

See ANGELITA FLORES, page 5

New Faculty 5 R. Flores connects with students

The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

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By Homero Arevalo MT Staff Writer

World History teacher Raul Flores puts his collective and administrative experience to good use now that he’s back in a classroom.

“I was an administrator at the Job Corp, where I helped students get jobs and go to college,” Flores said. As a teacher, Flores said he enjoys inspiring his students and watching them take a liking to what they are learning. “It’s definitely rewarding when you make an impact on a student,” he said. He feels one of the reasons students lack the desire to learn history is because they can’t relate to what is being taught. Flores said another reason many students dislike or fail history is because it is delivered to them in a way that isn’t interesting. “History was a 60 percent

failure for first time takers of the class,” Flores said. He says he feels if teachers find a new way to teach it, the amount of students that enjoy history can increase. “I want them to understand there’s a purpose for knowing history,” Flores said. Although he wasn’t planning on being a teacher, Flores took a liking to it. He said he feels students realize when people teach for other reasons besides helping them. “Students do pick up on those type of MT photo by Homero Arevalo attitudes,” he states. Raul Flores, World History instructor, explains a concept to his 5th block class. He also stated that Audio interview: he feels teachers need http://magnettribune.org/?p=6617 patience, and must understand to understand that we don’t at-risk. that there’s students with perknow what goes on at home so “Kids have real personal sonal problems at home. Exwe need to have patience with problems at home that can implaining why, both LISD and pact their learning and we need students,” Flores said. UISD, have many students

Mahtani passes on dance experience By Lucero Rea MT Staff Writer

Lorena Mahtani, former VMT student, is in her first year teaching at VMT. She teaches jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and ballet.

“Dance is my life. It’s a passion that I’ve had for about 20 years,” Mahtani said. When she was a child she was given the opportunity by Cheryl Kirkpatrick, dance department instructor who is now retired from VMT and Mary Ellen Leyendecker, dance instructor. It helped her because it was the first time she was technically trained for dancing. This helped her follow her dreams and pursue them, and she said she would like to do the same for her students. She has learned that there are many different type of dancers out there. “Everyone is special. Everyone has their specific types of

ANGELITA FLORES, there’s this different relationship when you’re a student and then a teacher and it’s a little intimidating, but no they’re really awesome and welcoming. It’s been awesome working alongside them,” she said. Flores compared VMT as a student and as a teacher. “I get to see it and relive it with you all,” she said. She said she benefited from attending VMT and explained how different it was from learning at her home school. “It’s a different quality of learning. We’re learning about life skills, communication, and just

strengths and weaknesses,” Mahtani said. She thinks VMT is an awesome school. She used to teach at Laredo Community College, and said there is a big difference in age and maturity level between high school and college students. She said that the students at VMT are very humble and eager to learn. “But I think that the students at VMT are more fun,” Mahtani said. Her favorite type of MT photo by Lucero Rea dance is jazz because Dance Instructor Lorena Mahtani, right, demonstrates a technique during a 5th it’s energetic and block class. She is a former VMT student. exciting but it also deAudio interview: rives from ballet. She http://magnettribune.org/?p=6808 said people can see the technique developed through ballet. turns,” she said. jazz is more eye-catching,” “It has developed in a bigger “You can see the technique Mahtani added. plane such as jumps, kicks and developed through ballet, but

from page

opening up as a person. It was just an amazing experience,” she said. Flores said it would be nice if students could attend VMT at an earlier age, giving younger students more advantages. “I wish everyone had the opportunity to come here. And I wish maybe there was something like VMT for elementary and middle school,” she said. Flores said she knows what it’s like to be in students’ shoes and tries her MT photo by Justyne Bernal best to make things Former VMT student and World Geography instructor Angelita Flores poses with 5th block students, from left, Christian Mendoza, Guadalupe Rangel, Rogelio Rojas, and Jesus Martinez. as easy as she can, being VMT is the Audio interview: “cream of the crop of http://magnettribune.org/?p=7861 LISD.” Page design by Victoriano Garcia

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New campus opens with ribbon-cutting ceremony

David Treviño, son of school founder Vidal Treviño, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

School Director Dr. Martha Villarreal speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus. Superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

A woman shields herself from the bright light with a fan during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

School district officials and members of the Vidal Treviño family react after the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

Above: Bobby Treviño, left, son of Vidal Treviño and a district employee, and school director Dr. Martha Villarreal prepare to cut the ribbon at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus. Right: J.W. Nixon High School’s ROTC presents the colors at ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

Page designed by Martha Inguanzo and Susana Ginez Photos by Delilah Gonzalez See more at The Magnet Tribune online: First look at the ribbon-cutting ceremony http://magnettribune.org/?p=5848 Video highlights of the ribbon-cutting ceremony http://magnettribune.org/?p=5855 More highlights of the ribbon-cutting ceremony http://magnettribune.org/?p=5858 Ribbon-cutting ceremony opens new campus http://magnettribune.org/?p=5892 More VMT ribbon-cutting ceremony photos http://magnettribune.org/?p=5912 Teachers collaborate on alma mater, fanfare http://magnettribune.org/?p= 6705

Members of the VMT choir perform at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus. School director Dr. Martha Villarreal, far right, and students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

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The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

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New campus opens with ribbon-cutting ceremony

David Treviño, son of school founder Vidal Treviño, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

A woman shields herself from the bright light with a fan during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

School district officials and members of the Vidal Treviño family react after the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new campus.

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The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

Social media can change behavior

hy exactly do we feel empowered enough to act a certain way on social networking platforms like Facebook? Well, the site requires users to sign up with their real names, so technically we aren’t completely anonymous or far removed from virtual conversation. Nonetheless, our behavior online can be less pleasant. In a series of five experiments, some authors illustrated the effects social networking had on individuals. Professor Keith Wilcox of Columbia University and Andrew T. Stephen of the University of Pittsburg set out to answer this question in their study titled, “Are Close Friends the Enemy? Online Social Networks, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control,” which was accepted for publication in the Journal of Consumer Research. “Think of it as a licensing effect: You feel good about yourself so you feel a sense of entitlement,” Wilcox told The Wall Street Journal. Essentially, individuals want to protect their “enhanced view” of the world, he stated. Hence, this is why occasionally, people post comments on Facebook they would probably never say aloud.

The Bug By Martha Inguanzo (People) feel free to say things they wouldn’t normally say because of embarrassment. (Social media) can also provide an outlet for behaviors that might be harmful or abnormal to other people. On the other side, a Utah Valley University study from 2011 figured that the longer college students surfed Facebook, the worse they felt about their own lives. With that being said, questions follow… Whose research is right? How can self-esteem both rise and plummet via the same social networking platform? While both studies make different points, the information from Utah had found that the users who didn’t personally know their Facebook “friends” were believed that “others had better lives,” going back to have a lower self-esteem. Both studies have gathered six reasons why we act differently online, all taken from Wilcox and Stephen’s social

networking. It also highlights the findings from the five experiments on self-esteem and self-control. Numero uno: “You don’t know me.” This notion comes down to simple anonymity: when the person remains anonymous, it can also provide a sense of protection; this allows the user to move about without any indication of identity or even distinguish between characteristic other than potentially a username. This provides a meaningful release for people. They feel free to say things they wouldn’t normally say because of embarrassment. It can also provide an outlet for behaviors that might be harmful or ab-

normal to other people. This keeps you from embarrassing yourself at any time.

logging in again. The person has “voiced” their feelings and has left for good.

Numero dos: “You can’t see me.” This is technically providing a shield to the anonymous user. This allows for misrepresentation of a person’s true self; online a male can pose as a female and vice versa, for example. Also, the invisibility of the Internet prohibits people from seeing facial expressions, tone of voice, aversion of eyes, etc.; however, even if one’s identity is known as anonymity it can be removed from the equation, the inability to see and respond to physical cues by other individuals can cause one’s inhibitions to be lowered.

Numero cuatro: “It’s all in my head.” The human mind assigns characteristics and traits to a “person” during digital interactions. The mind also assigns traits to a user according to an individual’s own desires, needs, and wishes: traits that the real person might not actually have. Thus, this allows fantasies to play out in minds.

Numero tres: “See you later.” The asynchronous nature of the Internet can affect a person’s inhibitions. Something like this can be posted instantly; however, it can take forever for someone to reply. Thus, it’s easier for someone to start throwing their opinions out and then leave; a person can make on simple post that can be considered things such as very personal, emotionally charged, or inflammatory and the just “run away” by never

Numero cinco: “It’s just a game.” This means that a feeling of escapism is produced. A way to throw off a specific need without having to worry about any consequences. In this way, the user is able to dissociate their online persona from the offline reality. Numero seis: “Your rules don’t apply here.” Online, a person’s real life status may not be known to others. If you cannot see the user, you don’t know if you can be talking to a celebrity, cop, head of state, etc. Additionally, people can be reluctant to speak their minds in front of an authority figure. See THE BUG, page 11

An encyclopedia of my ordinary life

his is an encyclopedia of my ordinary life. In this encyclopedia you will find some of my interests, what makes me who I am, some experiences, and my observations or thoughts. I completed this encyclopedia over one weekend because in my AP English class it was an assignment. I enjoyed doing it because it’s a little about me.

Dancing Like No One’s Watching I dance daily, ever since I was 5 years old with music or without. If I have a beat stuck in my head I dance. I like dancing at parties and I don’t mind dancing in public. I dance like no ones watching when music blasts out of a speaker. Family Is My Priority We are a big family I’m the third daughter and I have three sisters. We have laughing and

smile at the end.”

Observations By Delilah Gonzalez I never look back and keep my head up high. I’ve always been strong enough to take a step and move on. fighting moments. My family is my everything. They are first, over anyone or anything in my life. Family will always be my first priority. Goals To Achieve I dream big, set goals and take action. I have my longterm goal: to go to college, get married, have a big family, and day by day grow old. No goal is too big to achieve. Like Mother, Like Daughter Do my hair like mom, do my makeup like mom, dance to

any music like mom, use high heels like mom, be strong like mom and be a great friend like mom; all I wanted to do since I was 5. Now I’m 16 and I’m just like my mother. I even have her attitude, too! We are just like mother like daughter. Live Life Smiling Ignore negative comments; forget things that make you frown. “You Only Live Once,“ Drake says. Live long, love life, and laugh hard. Like my idol Prince Royce says “Sometimes you have to cry, in order to

Memorable Moments Wake up on a Sunday morning, sun rising and I’m getting things ready. My grand-pop and I head to a lake pier to go fishing. I gently grab grandpop’s hand and remember priceless moments we spent together. But in that very moment I opened my eyes and whispered “I love you pops!” and I realize I was living a memorable moment. Music To My Ears Put my headphones on. Turn it up to a country song. I fill my ears with some Luke and Carrie while eating a delicious M&M Mcflurry. Looking outside the window as the sun shines bright and asking myself what would be life without some tunes to turn up.

My Paw-tector and best friend My protector has small paws and barks so loud. He has shiny black hair and brown eyes. He goes everywhere I go like his my shadow. His name is Boi and he is my best friend. Photography is life Focus, snap a shot, check image and repeat. Smiles, Frowns, captured in a camera realize everything in life is a picture. Photography is life. Strength I never look back and keep my head up high. I’ve always been strong enough to take a step and move on. I consider negative thoughts, but at the end prove them wrong. I don’t pray for an easy life, I pray for God to give me strength to conquer a difficult one.

Waffle Iron

The Magnet Tribune The Magnet Tribune is a publication produced by students in the Journalism, Newspaper Production and Photojournalism classes of the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, Laredo Independent School District. This publication provides readers with 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.

By Edwin Villanueva

Dr. Martha Villarreal School director Mark Webber Journalism/online media instructor and adviser The Magnet Tribune Vol. 23, No. 1, January 8, 2016 Editors: Susana Ginez, Martha Inguanzo Nameplate on page one was produced by student Brandon Gamez. Production is by VMT journalism/online media/CTE students using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop on HP computers. Printed by Greater Dallas Press, Garland, Texas Copyright ©2016 Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Magnet Tribune.

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.

First Class Award: 1996-97, 98-99, 99-00, 02-03 03-04, 04-05, 05-06, 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 09-10, 10-11, 11-12, 13-14 (online) Second Class Award: 2000-01, 01-02, 10-11 (website), 11-12 (paper and website), 12-13 (paper), 13-14 (paper)

ILPC

Award of Distinguished Merit: 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 (Star nomination), 2010 (online) Award of Achievement: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2011, 2011 (online), 2012 (online), 2013, 2014 Award of Honor: 1998, 2004, 2005

Contact The Magnet Tribune By e-mail: mt_writers@hotmail.com || On the Internet: http://magnettribune.org || Facebook || Twitter 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.

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Love not only blinds, but kills

ove, the one thing that makes the world go round, makes the ride exciting. From Romeo and Juliet to Augustus and Hazel, love has always shown to be never ending and apparently till the end of your life. Dramatic love such as this reminds us that love can sometimes mean feeling a little crazy. In Lauren Oliver’s book “Delirium,” she introduces us to a society where love is seen to be a monstrous disease known as “deliria nervosa” that can only be cured by a special surgery performed to every citizen once they turn 18. The setting is Portland, Maine, in the present where the city is divided from the Wilds by an electric fence. The Wilds is the area outside of Portland. It is mainly off limits to residents of Portland be-

The Book Look By Belen Silva cause outside of those electric fences are the Invalids. Invalids are the people who decided not to take the Cure and live in the wild instead of living a life without love. The main character in this book is 17-year-old Lena who will soon undergo the procedure to get the cure on her 18th birthday. Consequently, she meets Alex, an Invalid. You may be troubled with the question on why an Invalid is living in the deliria safe-zone of Portland. Alex is part of the resistance that goes against any actions to rid the world of love and the

views that the government is feeding its citizens. As Lena’s world is striving for the idea with a perfect environment without love, she can’t help but fall in love with Alex. Doomed love from the beginning never stopped anyone, right? Within just a few days before Lena’s procedure, Alex proposes to Lena that they run away together. Lena, of course, being completely dumbfounded by the idea, decides to leave her family and friends behind all for the only love she has ever encountered. No pressure. The day of departure, Lena

and Alex are preparing for a long journey that awaits them in the Wild. By midnight, Lena is leaving behind the only life she has never known. Alex and Lena reach the end of town and head towards the electric fence. Of course, neither of them are going in without a plan. Yet, their plans fail when security officials find them trying to leave Portland. Guards circle around them and eventually capture Alex. He begs Lena to run. Lena, of course, can’t leave without the one person she is doing everything for. And yet, this is why she must do this. The story doesn’t end there, which is why I’ll leave it up to you to read it. This dystopian trilogy shows that only will love thrive, but sometimes love must thrive by the actions of a

single person. Will Lena go back and rescue Alex? Or will she find someone new to love in a world where love is the only thing left?

Morgue worker eats brains of the dead

he worst that can happen? Try an inexplicable zombie outbreak. iZombie: the most amazing show of all time. Season one had just come out on Netflix and you bet I laid on my bed all day and night watching it. I binge watched iZombie. And let me tell you why; it is one of the most amazing shows that the CW has created. iZombie caught my attention, truly it did. Liv Moore, which is ironic enough because it sounds like ‘Live More,’ turns into a zombie when she is invited to a boathouse party. Before all of this happened, she was a human who worked as a medical resident in a hospital. She was

TV Fanatic By Krysta Robles engaged to Major Lilywhite, but that was until she wanted to protect him from herself. When she goes into “full-zombie mode” she fears of turning him into a zombie as well. Onto her new job working as an assistant medical examiner along with her boss, Ravi Chakrabarti, who was the first to figure out that Liv was a zombie. Of course, becoming a medical examiner means to be in a morgue. And, being in a morgue means being sur-

rounded by dead people and dead people have brains that are not used anymore. So, becoming a medical examiner, Liv got brains for free. She would eat the brains when Ravi, the boss, would leave. That is until her boss caught her in the act and began accusations. He wasn’t wrong, but his reaction sure did confuse Liv. Ravi acted as if her zombieism was the measles, which, obviously, it isn’t. But, back to the eat-

ing brains of the dead in the morgue; eating brains comes with a side affect. When eating a brain, Liv encounters visions of their deaths, which helps her partner, Detective Clive Babineaux. Liv becoming his partner wasn’t, and isn’t, official, but they solve homicides due to Liv’s visions; so, he needs her. I totally recommend this show to many of you; yes, it’s not The Walking Dead, Lost, or Fear the Walking Dead, but it’s something for humor and it’s something I adore. I love this show and I think everyone should give it a chance; you will fall in love with the characters just like I did. So, don’t miss season two of iZombie on

The CW on Tuesdays at 8!

Designing homes for animal villages

he Animal Crossing Series has always been a personal favorite series of mine ever since its debut in America in 2001. The franchise has always been known to be a great time waster since the game brings you in to the world of Animal Crossing. The gameplay has always been turning over a new leaf as you start to move into a new town with little money and start creating bonds with the villagers around you! Happy Home Designer is a fresh new spin off of creating homes for all-time favorite villagers and including new villagers along the way. Gameplay Gameplay wise it’s not an ordinary Animal Crossing game where you can customize your home or village instead you’re a home designer. The gameplay starts off with Tom Nook asking a new face to the town, Lottie, about the new worker coming in to join Nook’s Homes since he doesn’t remember how you look. So you design how you look by Gender, Eyes, Skin Color, Hair style and color. Your then introduced to the workers in Tom’s House which are returning faces like Digby and Lyle along with Lottie. Your first task as a rookie is

Game Corner By Manuel Ruiz

Screen shot A new school built by a player is tested by his or her fellow workers as they play around as being a teacher or a student in Animal Crossing. to help design a home as a way to introduce players to the new mechanics of the game. The main goal of the game is to create home for villagers then along the way create buildings for the unnamed town that you help grow along the way. At first you start off with very little furniture to design homes with but as time goes on you will always get new furniture as you progress to the game. Along the way you now have the freedom to pick which

spot the villagers can live in and design the outside of a villager’s house and also create building like a Shop, Hospital, and a School based on your imagination. There is also an online feature which can be used to see other player’s designs around the world which can be visited and rated by the player thought. amiibo integration Happy Home designer is the first in the series to use amiibo functionality which can be

used to unlock design requests from the villagers depicted on the cards which can be used on New Nintendo 3DS systems along with regular 3DS Systems with the use of a NFC adapter which was bundle with the game. The cards are cheaper than model amiibos and are in a pack which contains 5 random villagers, plus one special random character. The amiibo cards are a great way to design favorite villagers of the player if they can’t find the villager they are looking for. Pros The gameplay feels smooth and has a search system which can be used to find furniture on the word you type on, and is perfectly useful when looking for certain items. The game also gives players a book to learn more ways to design homes like adding ceiling fans, or adding/removing windows to the villagers by using Play coins once there are now able to use it without using play coins again. The game also has an edit feature to help players in case they didn’t enjoy the outcome of the design of the home after they seen the house once more. Cons

Even though the game is great it still has its flaws. For one the game has a feature when you add a furniture to the villager home they do an Emotion showing how they love or shock on what you added to the house. The main problem with this feature is that villager don’t seem to say anything about an unrelated furniture to their theme all they do is a shock emotion or don’t say anything to the player about it. If the player does not add any furniture or anything related to the theme they don’t seem to punish the player by being mad or telling the player to do it over again. Second thing is that the game doesn’t feel a spin off instead it feels like a virtual doll house with the animal crossing theme added in. Final thoughts My final thoughts on the game is that it’s not perfect yet but it’s not bad either. It’s a great game to enjoy for the meanwhile we wait for a main series game. For a long time series, fans that play the game won’t enjoy it as the previous titles of the game but it maintains fun gameplay and keeps players from coming back to design more homes for favorite villagers. The game gets a 7/10.

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Candidates debate at Rock the Vote

By Angie Bravo MT Staff Writer

Students portraying political candidates discussed immigration and other events at Rock the Vote, held October 15. The four candidates were Carly Fiorina (Elisa Olgin), Hillary Clinton (Daniela Treviño), Donald Trump (Emilio Hinojosa), and Bernie Sanders (Marco Guajardo). Each candidate had 1 ½ minutes to give a response to the question they were asked by moderator Sophia Alonzo in the auditorium. The first question asked was on gun control. Fiorina stated that guns should not be banned. Clinton said, “Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.” Before Trump proceeded to answer the question, the audience booed him. Trump said that he would not place regulations on citizens. Sanders stated he would enact the “Common Sense Gun Reform.” According to the act, a background check would be done on gun buyers. Sanders added that gun makers would not be liable for selling guns. Once Sanders concluded his response, the crowd went wild. The second question asked was on healthcare. Fiorina said it is up to the states to decide who gets the healthcare. Clinton stated she would lower the price on prescription drugs, and healthcare should be monitored by the government. Trump, the following candidate, said, “Obamacare is an absolute horror,” and under Trump’s leadership, states would decide who receives healthcare. Sanders said when he’s president he would lower prices on prescription drugs, announced that prescription drugs should be imported from Canada, and noted the follow-

MT photo by Madelyn Dion The Rock the Vote debate in the auditorium is just starting and the candidates are being announced. From left, Bernie Sanders (Marco Guajardo), Hillary Clinton (Daniela Treviño), moderator Sophia Alonzo, Donald Trump (Emilio Hinojosa), and Carly Fiorina (Elisa Olguin). ing: “Healthcare should not have to depend on the unreliability of private businesses. It should depend on the stability of the U.S. federal government. Healthcare is a human right.” The next question was on free college. Fiorina stated that free college would upset taxpayers. Clinton said every student will receive free tuition by working at least 10 hours. “I will also make sure debt does not hold you back,” Clinton said. Trump stated, “I do not see the point of creating a universal system for dedicated students to attend college, at the same time excluding a very specific group.” Sanders said that under his administration, he’ll slice student loan rates in half and said for students who don’t meet the standards for receiving federal student aid because their income is not low enough, college will be affordable for them as well. The last question was on immigration. Fiorina stated, “Before we

More photos: http://magnettribune.org/?p=6818 can create an immigration policy we must secure the border.” Clinton said that she will increase legal immigration. She will make sure that massive deportation does not happen in this country. Trump then followed and said, “People cross our borders, take advantage of our immigration policy, and exploit our economy, only pulling us deeper and deeper in debt.” Trump has a five point plan for immigration. Point one, build a wall. Point two, enforce immigration laws. Point three, no more detention centers. Point four, oppose DREAM act. Point five, no future tuition benefits. Trump received a small amount of applause. Lastly, Sanders said that when he’s president, immigration will be a great priority. He will not allow a wall to be built. “If we build a wall, we discourage the dreams of millions of people that wish to arrive here legally,” Sanders said. Sand-

ers will also sign the DREAM act into law. Sanders then received a lot of applause. Candidates’ roles Students who portrayed candidates discussed their roles in the mock debate afterwards during a vote on the patio next to the cafeteria. Many teens believe that because they are so young, their votes don’t matter, but when asked if Rock the Vote could change teens’ perspectives on voting Olgin (Fiorina) stated, “An event like this will show teens that every vote does count. Like I said, you could be rich, you could be poor, you could be white, black. Every vote counts because we’re all citizens of the United States.” Treviño (Clinton) responded with, “No matter what age we are, we shouldn’t feel that our ideas or our ideals or thoughts or our implications on anything doesn’t matter. It does matter. We all matter.” Hinojosa (Trump) answered,

“You know, really every vote, it doesn’t matter the age. All votes are weighted the same…” Lastly, Guajardo (Sanders) noted the following: “Their voice does matter. That’s the reason why the voting age is so young, because the government knows that their voice does matter, but they don’t exercise their voice enough. And I believe that an event like this will hopefully motivate them to get out and make some real political change…” Voting results According to voting results, Sanders won with 142 votes or 72 percent of the total, followed by Clinton with 43 votes (22 percent). Trump and Fiorina each had 6 votes (3 percent). “It’s our job as adults to show them the importance of why their vote does count and with the 2008 election, when Obama was elected, so many young adults went to the polls and it showed that significance there,” Social Studies instructor Sylvia Flores, who helped organize the event, said.

Seniors register to vote during drive By Daniel Flores and Mario Rodriguez MT Staff Writers A Social Studies instructor spoke about the importance of voting and having a good political view during the school’s recent Voter Registration Drive in early October. Sean Gaynor, Social Studies instructor who helped register students at the three home schools, explained why he helped seniors to sign up. “Especially for my profession which is U.S government it is important as a U.S citizen to vote no matter what race, color or gender,” Gaynor said. He explained why voting is important. “It is crucial and it’s very necessary regardless of race and gender and a right such has voting should be cherished because it protects our liberty,” he said. Making seniors sign up to vote is important, he said. “At such a young age it is important to influence young minds to make sure to exercise this right as an American of the United States,” he said. When he was young, Gaynor said he looked forward to cast-

The Bug,

page

MT photo by Karla Alvarez Social Studies instructor Raul Flores, right, distributes voter registration forms to seniors in the auditorium in early October. ing his ballot. “I love voting actually because it lets me have a choice who I want to be the next president, congressman, mayor, etc.,” he said. He discussed the reaction of

the students who he registered to vote. “Very positive actually because I saw a lot of optimism

and they were understanding while feeling beneficial,” Gaynor said. “The point was made across.”

the advent of cyberbullying in recent years. The website overcomebullying.org states that with the advent of modern communications such as email, chat, text messaging and cell phones as well as the ability to publish online on websites, blogs and social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace making their message instantly available to millions, the bul-

ly’s reach and powers of social manipulation have been increased exponentially. Cyberbullying may also include other offensive behaviors such as cyberstalking, revenge porn, and creating copycat accounts of others. The online disinhibition effect can also have potentially deleterious effects on one’s job security and future employment opportunities.

Another possible consequence is that people will learn to distance themselves from interactions on the Internet so that they are not traumatized by those behaviors which would be unacceptable in faceto-face interactions but which usually go essentially unpunished. These are consequences of certain internet users believing themselves to be unchained

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Gaynor said VMT students’ behavior was excellent during the voter registration drive. “They behaved and they followed the student conduct word per word and their positive attitude was reflected on others during the registration drive and it was noticed by me and all others,” he said. Some seniors in Gaynor’s class, who helped with the voter registration drive, discussed their thoughts about voting. “I feel old,” Rene Peña said. “It’s kind of pointless since I can’t vote until I’m 18.” One said she felt voting was important. “Yes, because a single vote could win the election,” Maria Bernal said. She felt negatively towards a certain political party’s candidate. “I believe that the Republican Party would do more harm than good,” Bernal stated. A general thought among most of the seniors was since adults are taking voting seriously, they should take it seriously, too. “I think they should lower the voting age by one year,” Estefania Contreras said.

You never really know who you are talking to behind the computer so don’t ever get too comfortable with anyone. Acting differently online can cause serious damage to people who are abused. There can be very serious consequences because of immaturity. Perhaps one of the most serious consequences of the online disinhibition effect is

from typical social strictures. The author of Six Causes of Online Disinhibition states that compared with face-toface interactions, online we feel freer to do and say what we want and, as a result, often do and say things we shouldn’t. For more information dealing with why we act different online than in person go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Online_disinhibition_effect.

Columns Rising star makes mark with single

here is a new and arising star in the making. Alessia Cara is making the world her own with her new single, “Here.” Cara, 18, is making a mark. When her single was first released, it gained 50,00 streams. It gained her recognition. Her music, in general, is amazing and is gaining her the fame she deserves. Her music is insightful and it’s fresh from what you usually hear on the radio. “Here” is a fresh, new sound from the radio, and as I said before her music is fresh. The way her song flows and was produced is outstanding. Cara is an arising star and her music is something you won't get tired of listening to. “Here” is by far my favorite song, maybe because I can relate to it. It’s written and produced amazingly. In a way, “Here” is relatable to anyone. Co-written by Sebastian Kole, “Here” seems to be offer a cautionary message and once again, relatable. In a way, we all can relate to this song and maybe all her songs in her new album, “Four

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Hear, Say By Krysta Robles Pink Walls.” I bought her album and instantly fell in love with her lyrics and her voice; both are very soothing. “I'm sorry if I seem uninterested/  Or I'm not listenin', or I'm indifferent,” she sings, as if she doesn’t want to be there. Cara doesn’t want to be surrounded by people who seemingly don’t understand the fact that she wants to be alone. “Truly I ain't got no business here /  But since my friends are here, I just came to kick it.” Clearly, Cara doesn’t have any business there, but her friends are going so she simply tagging along. For the most part, she wanted to have fun but that’s not her type of scene. She, as an artist and a human being, is an introvert. I have been watching her in-

terviews, and she doesn’t keep up with her songs. Not in a bad way, she simply doesn’t want to see the reviews because she doesn’t want to hate what she has created as an artist. I know how that feels; every time I write, I don’t know whether at the end I would hate it or love it. I adore Alessia Cara and her way of speaking throughout her lyrics. In two years, I hope she has earned the fame she deserves. Her voice is something I would never grow tired of and I genuinely recommend you to listen to her and her album, Four Pink Walls. It'll blow your mind. I guarantee it. Justin Bieber has a Purpose” Justin Bieber is the ultimate pop singer who has been around since 2009. You may

know him for his mistakes, but trust me, everyone criticizes him for one mistake even though Bieber is only human. Okay, back to his career; his musical career started at only 16, but he started on YouTube way before that. His is managed by Scooter [Braun], and the way he found him will blow your mind. He found Bieber singing on YouTube; Justin was a regular kid before his manager found and made him the singer he is now. Justin Bieber, now 21 years of age, released his album, “Purpose,” Friday, Nov. 13. Most know Justin for his mistakes. I don’t blame them, of course, but after all the things he has done, don’t you think he deserves a break? He’s made mistakes and he has apologized, world wide, on his episode of “Bieber Roast.” Besides all of the media hating him, they don’t recognize the charity he has done. No one has. And it pains me because he tries so hard and no one is there to get it. But once he makes a mistake, it’s like everyone is there to see it. With his new album out,

The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

“Purpose,” it seems as though old fans are trying to return. I stayed; I’ve been a fan of him since 2011, 2 years after he started. Anyways, his new music is beautiful and Mariene Sanchez, a fellow columnist, likes his new sense of music style. I bought his album as soon it was released. I love his new style and I’m sure, you will love it, too. 10/10 recommend. I recommend this album because it’s not like his other albums. He sounds more mature and is more diverse in his style of music. He is maturing -- not only himself, but his music as well. In his album and his music, you can tell through his music is expressing his apologies through music and beautifully written lyrics. In “Purpose” he says a speech that speaks out to those who go through problems every day. In “Life Is Worth Living,” he tells of going through depression and stopped working as an artist. He is facing problems every day and overcomes them over with his beautifully written album and lyrics.

Seventeen is rising group in S. Korea

eventeen is a South Korean 13 membered boy group that debuted on May 26 under Pledis Entertainment with their nice and catchy song “Adore U,” which talks about how they feel about this one girl; they’re madly in love with her “enough to get dizzy.” They’re constantly lovestruck whenever she passes by and they always care if they seem dumb towards her but they can’t help it; you would definitely feel self-conscious when your with or near your crush. Ever since their debut, Seventeen has been gaining more fame and fans with just their mini album 17 Carat (which was composed and produced by the members themselves). These fun 13 boys are: Jeonghan, Woozi, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino, Hoshi, S. Coups, Mingyu, Wonwoo, Joshua, Jun, and DK. Seventeen is divided into 3 talented teams which are the Hip Hop Unit (Vernon, Mingyu, Wonwoo, and S. Coups), the Vocal Unit (DK, Joshua, Jeonghan, Seungkwan, and Woozi), and the Performance Unit

Musical Seoul By Mariene Sanchez (Hoshi, The8, Jun, and Dino) Just a few weeks ago, these talented boys released “Mansae,” another love song but unlike “Adore U,” these boys are actually going for the girl they like. What makes the song and the music video suspenseful is that they’re in love with the same girl. Although they all show interest to this one girl, she shows none towards them which makes their efforts a bit pointless but they continue to try to win her heart. In the song, they tell you about how they used to be so mean and blunt towards people but they act differently towards her so they see her in their dreams and they want to be her only one so they hope she doesn’t fall for anyone else or they’ll get crazy jealous; they only want her to look at them. Although it seems as if they were being possessive over a

girl that’s not even theirs, they truly want to take care of her and protect her, so it isn’t just an “oh I’m infatuated with you, be my date.” No, they actually want to be there for her when she needs them. I highly recommend you to check Seventeen out because their talent shouldn’t go unnoticed. 24K’s ‘Super Fly’ Comeback 24K consists of seven members: Daeil, Cory, SungOh, Kisu, Jeunguk, Lianghui, and Jinhong. 24K has been through a ton of complications such as two of their members leaving and SungOh being repeatedly compared to BTS’s V (Taehyung) when he has said he is his own person and doesn’t like being compared to anyone (with all due respect towards V). Although two of 24K’s members left, in their other music

video “Hey You,” there were two strangers wearing masks but no one knew who they were aside from the members, but they were later revealed as the new members, Lianghui and Jinhong, which was a really great way to reveal new members. Although they had ups and downs that may have been distracted and rough for them, 24K members still managed to put them behind themselves and bring “Super Fly,” which is their comeback title, with bright and proud smiles on stage. Super Fly talks about a girl (I think boy groups have an obsession for falling for girls) they find interesting but they don’t understand why since their the complete opposites. They don’t seem to care about what anyone thinks of them but her. My favorite part of the song is when Jinhong sings, “You freeze my heart even though you are not cold” because it shows what sort of an impact the girl is leaving on them. 24K really is an underrated group, sadly, but they are a

Twitter.com Shown are members of KPop boy band Seventeen. very happy and bright one. Whenever they are on variety shows, they tend to stay serious for a few moments and then they go back to joking around with each other. It’s really a great thing to see since their bond is really heartwarming and comfortable even for viewers to watch. Later on, I hope they get the attention they deserve by other audiences.

Local skaters ride toward the big time

owadays, many skaters are on the rise to become up-andcoming skateboarders in their respective areas. Many of these skaters are in our own backyard. Sometimes literally, if you have a pool! In all seriousness, the level of skating in recent years has skyrocketed to an all new level, in that recent generations of skaters have taken their skills to newer obstacles in and around their respective areas. Even in our own local skating scene, events have transpired at our old campus. On Saturday, November 14, a skate session was held on Main Avenue in front of the Harding and Urbahn buildings. The session drew out a sizable crowd, with many coming out to support their local skate shop, Chapter 4 Skate Shop. Chapter 4 Skate Shop, 1218 Hidalgo, is nearing its first year anniversary of business and helping to bring more awareness of skateboarding to our city through efforts such as the Build Project and competitions and even video premiers. One such competition went down recently on Sunday, No-

Pretty Sweet By Nikolas Herrera vember 15. The LADD (Laredoans Against Drunk Driving) competition was held to raise awareness against drunk driving, and served as a remembrance to Derek Ray Trevino who was killed in a drunk driving incident in 2011. The competition drew out yet another sizeable crowd, with skaters registering in beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories. Referring back to video premiers, when one mentions video premiers, they think possibly a movie. With skating however, a variety of videos come out from major skateboarding companies such as Van’s skating video named Propeller, or Crailtaps video called Pretty Sweet, or even Flips Extremely Sorry. Other examples of videos from major skating companies include Zero’s Cold War, the Nike SB Chronicles Vol. 1 & 2, soon to be 3, Lakai’s Fully

Flared, and many more, which are available on DVD’s that can be bought online through order or even through iTunes. Chapter 4 Skate Shop so far has premiered Plan B’s True, Van’s Propeller, Mountain Dew’s We Are Blood, and LRG’s 1947. Many of these companies’ skaters dedicate months, even years at a time to releasing full length street parts to be featured in these videos, which are generally anywhere between 2-5 minutes long. Through literal blood, sweat, and tears, the effort they put into their video parts are what advances the standard set for skateboarding and raises the bar to all new levels the beginning forefathers of skating never would have even imagined. One might raise an eyebrow and question how one even picks up a sponsorship from these major companies. The traditional aspect of

MT photo by Nikolas Herrera Robert Ramos, left, and Alex Sifuentes perform a heelflip and a nose slide at Eastwoods Park. receiving a sponsorship was to make a sponsor-me tape ― a tape of one’s skating street spots, showing off the best of their abilities on the board ― and to send it in to the desired company to receive sponsorship from. Nowadays, with the technology made readily available and through social media, skateboarding companies can pick up riders in the blink of an eye. This allows for a more readily available form of submitting sponsor-me tapes and for skaters’ dreams of making their

passion their career come true. To the average person mind’s eye, skateboarders are just a nuisance to security guards everywhere and do nothing but trespass, make noise, and create mayhem wherever they go. To skaters, however, it’s an outright lifestyle that to many, saved them in many ways, shapes, and forms. This lifestyle brings together many individuals from different backgrounds and personalities to live life on the board and to bring together communities all throughout the world.

School News

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The Magnet Tribune January 8, 2016

RTV student has weekly program

By Angie Bravo MT Staff Writer

Mario Lopez, sophomore, is a part of the Radio and Television department. There, he interviews guests on a new program called Who’s Who? Lopez said he received his position because RTV instructor Jamin Teran asked; however, he said he believes he is a good choice for the show because he is well spoken. Lopez described the overall experience of interviewing others as being “fantastic” and added, “It’s super fun.” His biggest challenges when he interviews others are making mistakes and not knowing questions, he said. Lopez stated that his two most memorable moments were when he interviewed VMT Journalism instructor Mark Webber and former VMT student Eliseo Ceja, now a Big Buck Country (FM 98.1) on-air

personality. Lopez explained why Eliseo Ceja was so memorable to him. “He’s a good example of what I want to do in the future,” Lopez said. When it came to how Who’s Who? will help him in the future, Lopez stated, “It’s going to help me in college.” He added the show and RTV will help him get ready for the college environment. Lopez explains how he prepares for the show. “I practice one day before,” he said. He also gets to know a little bit about the people he’s going to interview beforehand. For the students who want to interview others, Lopez suggests that one should not have fear and one will mess up but it’s all about practice. “Just practice and practice,” Lopez noted. “Now that I’m getting experience, I’m getting better.”

MT photo by Angie Bravo Radio-Television student and Who’s Who? host Mario Lopez, right, speaks with former classmate Eliseo Ceja, who is now an on-air announcer at Big Buck Country FM98.1, during a taping of the program in mid-December. Lopez’s biggest suggestion was to simply practice often. Lastly, Lopez stated the following in regards to those who

Online at: https://www.youtube.com/user/RTVVMTProductions

would want to interview people:

“If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Halloween contest photos Hispanic Heritage Festival

Scences from this year’s Hispanic Heritage Festival. Top: Dancers perform a traditional folk dance. Left: Students chat at a booth selling water. Below: Students offering an item at their booth.

Journalism students judge contestants in the afternoon Halloween Costume Contest, sponsored by The Magnet Tribune.

Contestants competed in Funniest, Scariest, Cutest, Most Original, and Couples in the morning and afternoon. Teachers had their own contest in the morning. More photos, video and results online at: https://magnettribune.org/?p=7644 (morning results) https://magnettribune.org/?p=7214 (afternoon results

Above: People walk on the school parking lot where the festival was held. Left: Teens in the driver seat help a student with an activity.

MT photos by Edward Barrera

Alma

mater, page

Writing the lyrics to the Hand of Destiny had a few challenges. “Some of the challenges included incorporating the three high schools and making sure the alma mater encompassed an equally shared impact of everyone’s experience at VMT,” Ramirez said. Ramirez feels like she has continued a legacy since the last changes her graduating class, class of 2006, created. She discussed what she would tell her children about this achievement. “I will tell them that making a positive change, a lasting impact other than bringing them into this world, is one of my greatest achievements; nothing means more to me than knowing I’ve done something worthy in the eyes of others,” Ramirez said. It’s rare to hear that magnet schools have an alma mater, Reimund said. “It puts us in the public eye,” Reimund said. “We get recognition. It gets our name out instead of just locally.”

MT photos by Crystal Martinez and Mario Rodriguez

Page design by Susana Ginez