The Magnet Tribune, Dec. 2019

In Memory of Bobby Compton

Courtesy Photo

1967-2019

By Lesdy Hernandez THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

Strings instructor was remembered by students, family and colleagues during memorial service.

Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts gave their last farewell to their beloved teacher, friend and colleague, Robert “Bobby” Compton during a memorial service held on Nov. 6 in the school’s auditorium.

Compton was a strings instructor at VMT for 24 years.

He impacted the lives of many around him including his family, friends, colleagues and students, leaving behind many memorable memories.

Letters written by Compton’s students were placed on his classroom door.

“Mr. Compton I owe everything to you. You taught me

most of the things I know on violin. I hope you are playing your violin in peace. I will use every single drop of knowledge you have given me. Love you, Frog!’’ one student wrote.

Another student wrote that they would miss Compton and if they could tell him anything more it would be that he was the nicest, happiest and most awesome person they know.

Sean Gaynor was a colleague of Compton since 2006 and said that one of his earliest memories of Compton was from their time at the old VMT campus.

“As technology trainer, I would meet with teachers and assist them one-on-one. Whenever I would visit Mr. Compton in the Acosta house, he was working directly with students,” Gaynor

said. “Either there would be a small group of students huddled around him and a music stand in his office, or he would be sitting next to a student listening intently as he/she played.”

Gaynor also added that he knew Compton to be a gentle soul, one who always cared greatly about his students. “(He) was committed to their growth as musicians and people. Of course we feel a deep sadness and are dealing with an irreplaceable loss, but I have no doubt that the beautiful music of heaven just became that much more so,” Gaynor said.

Franco Zamora, VMT alumni class of 2001, was a student of Compton during his senior year. While he was only at VMT for one school year, he had

learned so much from Compton. ‘’He encouraged us to practice constantly and never give up. Mr. Compton was not my teacher for very long—he was in charge of a mandated writing class I took one semester as a sophomore,” Zamora said. “Most classes didn’t seem to do much during this time, but Mr. Compton always wanted to take time to enrich our education somehow. The best times we had in that class was writing haikus and watching Fiddler on the Roof. We stayed in touch for many years, even though I was only in his class one semester.”

Zamora added that Compton was always ready to encourage all his students, even when it was for something as simple as writing a haiku.

Cristina Reyes Hoffman, alum-

na class of 2000, said her favorite memory of Compton was when he helped Hoffman select the purchase of her first violin.

“He was always very helpful and kind. I will always remember how knowledgeable he was and a wonderful string teacher,” Hoffman added.

Mark Webber, retired VMT faculty member, said Compton was a genuinely nice man and a wonderful human being.

“He was so talented and knew how to share his talents with both his students and with the public as a member of musical groups and professional orchestras,” Webber said. “His students were always well prepared and could stand toe-to-toe with the best of their musician peers.”

Compton’s students rememCompton continues on A10

VMT celebrates 27th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival

Page A3 VMT director reflects on time at school

By Lesdy Hernandez & Alfonso Gutierrez THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

On Oct. 29, Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts hosted their 27th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival. Students, faculty, staff and the community enjoyed an evening filled with food, performances and games.

Freshman VMT student Nestor Olguin performed with the woodwind ensemble at the festival for the first time.

“It was wonderful.

I actually opened up and had fun,” he said.

Olguin added that he enjoyed the dunking booth and getting food in the different booths During the festival, Pete Astudillo and Joe Ojeda were recognized by VMT for their musical talent and history.

Ojeda said he is thankful and very happy to be honored by VMT and offered words of advice to the students of VMT. “For all the young artists here tonight Festival continues on A10

Page A5 LISD renovations are heading to south Laredo

Page A6 Juniors Under Pressure

Photo by Briana Sepulveda Student musicians gather for ensemble at the 27th Annual Hispanic Festival.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A2

VMT

VMT celebrates Students honor first responders in 9/11 ceremony Mexican Independence Day

By Sanmartin Garcia THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

Photo by Fernando Martinez Special guests bow their heads during the invocation at VMT’s Patriot Day Ceremony

By Fernando Martinez & Jackie Cheung THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

On Sept. 11, Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts held a ceremony honoring the victims and first responders affected by the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Guests reflected on the tragic event and paid their respects to the victims that lost their lives.

Most students were not born when the attacks happened 18 years ago, but they participated by listening to the 10 bells, one for every 300 people that passed away, and America the Beautiful, by the VMT Philharmonic.

“It’s really important for everybody to know especially these younger—you know your age students, this was 18 years ago, so most of you are not even 18 or you all were just being born,” Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina said.

Roberto Villarreal, Laredo Independent School District chief of police, said the attacks did not affect his career but made him more knowledgeable and aware that America is not free. Villarreal added that he is aware of the people who want to harm the nation.

Douglas Alford, United States Navy veteran, said the

country is relaxed and should be more vigilant of its surroundings “because we never know what’s going to happen from one minute to the next.”

Alford said he is satisfied with the way the nation handled the situation.

“The United States dealt with this terrorist attack exactly how they should. We stood up, made it aware that we’re not going to take this; we’re not going to stand down; we are going to go after the perpetrators of this deal wherever, whenever we can, and we did,” he said. “We went after them, we got them, we had a leader who stepped up and announced to the world that these people did not have a safe haven.

The ones that originated this, wherever they were, they were going to be recovered and that’s what happened; we got to show a solid front for the world to see, otherwise we would appear to be weak, and we are not weak.”

Vietnam Veteran Jesus Segovia recalled he was having coffee with a group of veterans in a restaurant on McPherson Road when they saw one of the planes fly into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, and approximately 20 minutes later they saw the second

plane crash into the South Tower.

“That’s when we said, ‘Hey, this is a declaration of war,’” Segovia said. “We stayed there watching TV until the buildings were collapsed. It was a horrible feeling; a feeling you can’t explain when you see something like that as it’s happening in the moment. It’s really hard to understand why they would do something like that.”

Tijerina said he was getting a haircut at Frank’s Barber Shop on Clark Boulevard while the attack was happening.

“It’s amazing how you can remember these kind of things and I remembered watching it, and it was a very sad, sad moment happening,” Tijerina said.

Tijerina added that the attack is a double edged sword because many lives were lost but it brought the nation together.

“There (were) a lot of good things that happened to it, the world came together, the United States especially came together extremely strong. People found, more importantly, they realized that today you’re here, tomorrow you’re gone; you just never know. So it brought an awareness, I think, to the United States that actually brought us closer together,” he said.

On Sept. 17, Vidal idal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts held a presentation celebrating Mexican Independence Day, where students, teachers and staff listened to VMT’s Mariachi de Oro and enjoyed performances by the folklorico students.

The presentation kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month.

Retired VMT teacher Gregorio Garza gave a mini history lesson detailing Mexico.

He first discussed Christopher Columbus discovering the Americas in 1492, the Spaniards crossing the Atlantic and conquering Mexico in 1521, and Mexico gaining its independence from Spain by inciting the Mexican Revolution on Sept. 16, 1810.

VMT Art Teacher Gilberto Rocha read an excerpt from the Presidential Proc-

lamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month by President Donald Trump.

“For generations, Hispanic Americans have played a pivotal role in our country’s strength and prosperity. Their spirit, energy and leadership are woven into the culture of America, and enrich all our lives,” according to the White House website. “To honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, the Congress,

by Public Law 100-402, as amended, has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as “National Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Trump issued the proclamation and encouraged residents of the U.S to participate in activities, ceremonies, and programs.

Photo by Emily Garza Student, Ana Ochoa dances during the 16 de septiembre annual dance recital.

Communication Dept. visits Texas State

By Lauren Medellin THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

The communication department students at Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts participated in Mass Communication Week at Texas State on Oct. 15 to learn about podcasting, newspapers, and broadcast journalism.

Senior student Rachell Ramirez said going to Texas State inspired her to apply to the university.

“My experience going to Texas State was pretty great, because I got to experience a day at a different school I wish to attend in the near future.

It was great because I got to see my best friend who just graduated last year,” she said.

Ramirez got to meet more people this year

than the year before.

“This experience was different because when I went for the first time we did more activities than we did this time. I also got to meet a lot of people than I did this time,” she said.

Ramirez learned that it takes a lot more planning to do a story and a podcast.

“I learned that communications may look easy yet it’s not. I learned that it takes a lot of brainstorming to plan a story or a podcast in a limited time,” she said.

Ramirez dreams on attending Texas State.

“I’ve been wanting to attend Texas State since my sophomore year,” she said.

Senior student Kayla Gonzalez said she learned how to do podcast and filming. Gonzalez said her experience was

Courtesy photo Communications students participated in Mass Communications Week at Texas State Univeristy.

similar to the last two years she has attended Texas State.

“What I learned from this experience is how to do a podcast like the planning beforehand. How to find a good name for the podcast, and the formatting,” she said.

Gonzalez is comfortable with having communication as her major in college. This was

her third time attending Mass Communications Week and this experience has made her more comfortable in pursuing journalism as a field, she said.

Gonzalez said she wishes to attend Texas State.

“I want to major in psychology, but minor in journalism so it kind of made it a perfect choice to go there,” she said.

Junior student Yenitzza Chapa said she learned to use different strategies for production.

Chapa said her experience was exciting but she didn’t like that there were a lot of hills. This is the 16th year VMT has participated in the Mass Communication Week.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A3

FEATURES

VMT director reflects on time at school

By Vivian Coleman THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

Photo by TMAA Awards, Tyler Schmitt VMT Director D.r Martha Villarreal wears the Texas Medal of Arts Award VMT received at the Governor’s Mansion on Feb. 27.

As a young girl, Martha Villarreal expectantly waited for the Mariachi her father paid to serenade her the night before her birthday. For her, this was home, and soon, Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts would become her home as well, taking on the tradition left behind by her father.

Raised within a progressive, cultural family, Villarreal grew a strong appreciation for the arts, and even though she plans to retire to spend time with her family, she conveys the importance of her choices that led her to VMT, her home away from home.

Her father, as a photographer, was an advocate for the arts. Despite her lack of dance talent and her ability to be “flat and sharp at the same time” while singing, from an early age, Villarreal learned the importance of the fine arts on enhancing skills needed later in life.

However, it was not until she arrived at VMT that she recognized

the significance of the arts on low-income students. Many freshmen enter VMT barely passing, yet something changes as these students immerse themselves in their fine arts, Villarreal said.

“It helps them academically.

Their grades go up and we see 95% of our graduating class graduate at 15% or higher,” she said.

Before she dedicated 12 years of her life to VMT as a director, which she claims were “the best years of her career,” Villarreal was a principal, teacher, counselor and businesswoman.

Even though her life grew hectic as she juggled obtaining a doctorate degree while raising two kids, Villarreal always made time for her family.

Villarreal acknowledged that she attempted to retire in the past, but she became invested in furthering each program at VMT before she left.

Villarreal relates that each year, the administration at VMT fo-

cuses on one fine arts program to develop for students. This year, Villarreal is pushing communications by working with Laredo College to help students obtain their associates degree at the magnet school before being paired with a university.

But as her grandchildren grow older, she longs to spend more time with them.

She expresses her longing to spend time with her growing family and attend the family outings she has missed because of the numerous plans detailed to expand the programs the campus offers.

Although spending time with her family is an instrumental part of retirement, Villareal plans to continue to make a difference whether it’s in an organization, for the city or the district.

“I want to retire and just keep on doing things that make me happy,” she said.

Nixon alumni becomes first female football coach

By Alejandra Arriaga THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

Robyn Lee Colin broke boundaries becoming Laredo’s first female football coach at Nixon High School for the 2019-2020 season.

Colin, 29, was born in Kingsville and later moved to Laredo in 1998 with her parents. Colin stated that she had a very happy, yet busy childhood. Her parents were teachers and coaches.

Growing up surrounded by sports in Colin’s household was fun and exciting, not only were they competitive, but very close, she said.

“So, win or lose, we know we have each other to lean on for support,” she said.

Being Laredo’s 1st female football coach has been wonderful and has affected and motivated many girls and women of all ages to reach their dreams of doing the same, Colin said.

“I suppose the way it has affected me is it has humbled me and opened my eyes to how impactful a girl with a dream can be on her community,” she said.

Colin states that winning this year’s annual Hammer Bowl was exciting and fun.

“That rivalry runs deep in my

veins, so a victory is my only option. The fact that we won was exciting, but to be a part of the coaching staff this go around was just the icing on the cake,” she said.

Although she had many choices, Colin wanted and strived to be someone who could influence others and make a difference.

“I think every day I am given the opportunity to do just that and for that I am grateful,” she said.

Colin explains that her mother was her biggest inspiration.

Her mother had a difficult childhood and early adulthood, but never felt sorry for herself and continued to persevere.

“She was always a prime example of what a strong, independent, goal-oriented woman looks like and I am proud to call her my role model,” she said.

As Colin grew up, she showed interest in coaching by observing her parents whom were coaches and seeing the impact they had on their players.

“I wanted to impact generations as well. Plus, I love to teach, and I love to play sports, so it only made sense to combine the two passions and coach,” she said.

She was determined to be a coach and help others learn, as well as better them-

selves as athletes and people.

“You cannot win every game and you cannot ace every test.

However, you can learn from your mistakes, keep practicing and try again,” she said.

Nixon has always been in Colin’s heart.

“Nixon is my alma mater; I love this school with every fiber of my being. I have a lot of pride in my school and I wanted to come back and be a part of this family once more,” Colin said.

Cigarroa student earns Outstanding Soloist

By Zoe Alvarez THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

25,000 musicians perform at the state UIL music contest every summer in Austin. Only 2-3% of those performers receive the “Outstanding Soloist” award. Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts violinist Anthony Flores was part of those few.

“Outstanding soloist” is a recognition awarded to musicians who perform their class one solos (highest difficulty) to the best of their abilities and are selected by judges who come from all over the globe.

“This achievement is truly a mark of musical excellence,” Flores said.

Due to the intimidating amount of soloists competing, Flores never thought he would be able to earn the distinguished “Outstanding Soloist” his junior year of high school. “Being able to achieve this award is very difficult,” he said.

Flores said luckily, he brought back the award. Only one other person at Cigarroa High School, earned the “Outstanding Soloist” recognition in 2014.

“I’m glad to be the 2nd person to ever get it,” said Anthony.

Although he was not confronted by peers, some doubted his musical capabilities. Acquaintances did not wish him good luck on achieving such an award as they found the idea unrealistic.

“I’ve heard from friends that a certain someone said ‘Anthony

will never get noticed like that as an Outstanding Soloist,” he said.

Ironically, receiving the recognition of “Outstanding Soloist” was never a goal of Anthony’s.

After Anthony’s violin solo performance, his judge told him: “That’s the best solo I’ve ever heard!” He figured it was a lovely comment but had no clue of his future as a competing musician.

“I just thought to myself, ‘what a nice compliment,” he said.

Of course, much more comes into play when receiving “Outstanding Soloist.”

The journey begins with Anthony’s choice of a class one solo which he quite enjoyed. He then was responsible to learn the entire solo and perform it at Solo & Ensemble in February. The catch is, he must be able to perform his class one solo memorized and receive a rating of one in order to advance to state. The judging only becomes harsher with every advancement.

The easiest part of this process was the fact that he was already familiar with his piece.

“All I had to do was take my own time and practice it until it was perfect,” he said.

The difficult part was at the state competition where he had to play the solo without any nerves which could have jeopardized the overall sound of his performance.

“The hardest part was performing it while having to deal with all the bad thoughts going to your head and trying to make you nervous,” admits Flores.

Flores’ advice to all those musicians who wish to be awarded with “Outstanding Soloist” is to practice! He finds that practice makes perfect but only if one works to the very best of their ability.

“That’s practically what it takes to perfect something, practicing it for the longest time,” he said.

“

times he would miss a note, other times he did not enjoy the tuning, or it just did not sound right.

“I just wanted it perfect on the spot,” he admitted.

Flores finds that patience is key to learning and polishing solos. Learning a solo takes time and dedication, the results will show in due time.

About a month after his state competition, Flores’ orchestra director Mr. Aguilar, invited him and his peers to an LISD Board meeting to be recognized for his performance at state.

“Once they called my name, I stood up and walked towards the front but as the lady was saying my name she said ‘let me explain more about this violinist…’” he explained.

He then watched in confusion as his director handed him a nice big UIL state medal.

“I was pretty confused at first. I was thinking why am I getting this medal? What did I do?” He said.

He then remembered what his director told him the day of the competition and shared the excitement that his friends had for his great accomplishment.

“I was really happy to achieve that medal,” he said.

At the ceremony, his peers screamed and cheered as he received his medal.

“After receiving that award,

I feel proud to be able to represent VMT because I have my strings teacher here, Mr. Compton.”

“No matter what solo it is, if you can take it to state, do it,” Flores said.

Of course such opportunities are not given, they are earned.

“I would practice almost every day, to the point where my parents probably thought “oh god this song again?” he said.

His journey to “Outstanding soloist” also came with its setbacks. There were plenty of times where Flores would become frustrated with his solo. Some-

most of them hugged me and congratulated me,” he explained.

His director was excited for Anthony’s award. His parents shared great pride for his hard work and dedication to the violin that gave him his award.

“They were really proud of me and I’m just as happy to be able to make them proud,” he said.

Flores feels proud to be able to represent VMT and Cigarroa.

“I feel proud to be able to represent VMT because I have my strings teacher here, Mr. Compton. He’s helped me out on many things with violin. But most importantly, I feel proud to represent Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School. That’s where I’m originally from and that’s where I first started learning violin,” he shares.

Flores plans on earning “Outstanding Soloist” once more.

“I plan to hopefully achieve this award again so I can have TWO!... imagine having two outstanding soloist awards?” Flores said.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A4

Quick takes on stories you might have missed

By Alejandra Arriaga THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

1. Four LISD schools

2. LISD increases pay

3. Peyton Manning

On July 23, the LISD Board of Trustees approved to re-examine its minimum salary schedule and apply the $1,200 increase for teacher compensation. Teachers with no prior teaching experience will receive a $2,500 pay increase. Teachers with one to five years of experience will receive a $2,600 pay increase and teachers with six or more years will receive a $2,800 pay increase.

Professionals and paraprofessionals will receive a 5% increase. Newly-hired teachers will start at a $50,950 salary. Teachers with one year of experience will get $51,800 while two year will get $52,500. LISD Superintendent Sylvia Rios praised the finance department and the board of trustees for working hard for teachers.

Laredo Independent School District is leading in a movement aimed at improving player safety. Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning recognized Laredo Independent School District in a video posted on YouTube for their implementation of Riddell’s InSite smart helmet technology. LISD purchased 375 helmets, the largest order in Texas, with LISD high schools receiving 85 helmets and LISD middle schools received 30 each. The helmets provide safety by providing a head impact monitoring system which utilizes a five-zone sensor pad and along with the monitoring technology, the helmets are state-of-the-art in terms of general safety. Players are faster and stronger than ever on the whole which can lead to greater impact at the point of contact.

nominated for Blue and health insurance Ribbon were recognized Anita Dovalina, J.C. Martin, M.S. Ryan and H.B. Zachry elementary schools were honored by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos with a Blue Ribbon award. The schools got nominated for the award based on their academic performances.

Students and staff got to celebrate and view their schools get recognized through a live stream. The four principals will later travel to Washington D.C. to represent their respective schools. Diana V. Martinez and other principals, expectations are now at a higher level, and each said that they will work even harder to maintain their Blue Ribbon status.

commends LISD for helmets

Grand piano donated to VMT Martin experiences two lockdowns ByXitlaly Avila THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

Photo by Xitlaly Avila Dr. Mary Grace Carroll plays the Steinway model "B" grand piano donated to VMT's Hanon Society with her student.

By Jordyn Rebeles THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

A grand piano was donated by the family of the late Dr. Antonio “Tony” Vidal Cantu to VMT’s Hanon Society. The piano is a Steinway model “B” that was made in New York City and is between 35-40 years old.

“The age is excellent for musicians because this means the instrument has been broken in.

The notes sound beautiful and are easier to play because the keys are sensitive,” Mary Grace Carroll, piano instructor, said.

After a student played one note, the sound continued for almost a whole minute. All of the students were very grateful for the donation and excited for this rare opportunity.

“My dream is to share my ideas and I believe playing piano will help me achieve that goal,” Erick Ordoñez, a freshman, said. “It’s going to be an experience that I’ll remember for a very long time.”

The previous owner, Dr. Antonio Cantu, passed away on June 29, 2018. On his behalf, David Treviño, donated the piano to VMT, saying that Cantu had cared about the school very much.

“I believe that this school’s students are very special and smart,” Treviño said. “I am very supportive of the arts. Knowing and understanding the arts, music, drawing and journalism can’t be absorbed. They have to be taught just like math and science. This school does a very fine job at that.”

When asked why she had chosen piano as her fine art, sophomore Kathlyn Alejandro said, “It just sounds so beautiful and relaxing. It relieves so much stress and I get lost in the music.

This is going to be my second year in the Hanon Society and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

The relaxing effects of piano music were proven the second Carroll started playing the Steinway. Everyone in the room let out a breath no one knew they were holding in. Students swayed with the melody and moved their fingers with the notes that were played.

“So, sometimes, people will sit around the piano, or even lay under it, when someone is playing,” Carroll said to her students.

Everyone that was close enough laid down under the

piano and as their classmates played, they would point at the mechanics that made the music.

The Steinway on its own was a beautiful thing to witness. It’s a rare piano to see in such good condition and old age, much less to have in your possession.

“I’m so excited to be able to play such a beautiful instrument,” Alejandro said. “I’m so very, very grateful for this piano.”

Treviño said that he was more than glad to donate the piano because he is hoping to help VMT and its students to grow.

“VMT holds a very special place in my heart. The students and staff are so hardworking and creative,” he stated. “Learning the arts helps build kids’ self-esteem, helps with their character development, and their inner-self and gives them something to look forward to in school. It also drives them to be better people and to make the world proud and successful.”

This is proven by Ordoñez, who said, “The more you make, the more there is to see, so just keep drawing, imagining, and creating.

Express yourself.”

On Oct. 15, Martin High School went into a lockdown due to a road rage incident that began at the Burlington Coat area.

The incident started because of a close vehicle accident involving a woman and the two suspects.

The two suspects were mad at the fact that it was a close call and decided to take matters into their own hands. They followed the woman around all while wearing Michael Myers masks. The victim then proceeded to drive into Martin High School causing Leyendecker Elementary, L. J. Christen Middle, and Martin to go into lockdown for about half an hour.

On Nov. 18, Martin along with L.J. Christen Middle School went through another lockdown

and lockout, respectively, that began a little after 4 p.m. Laredo Police and U.S. Border Patrol were chasing a suspicious van. The suspect crossed into the high school from the Moreno Aquatics Center. He was later apprehended by the LISD Police Department and was turned over to the Laredo Police Department. The situation ended about two hours later.

Additionally, on Oct. 8, Martin students went to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to experience and learn about the campus, its classes and students, and extracurricular activities. The students got to do experiments with the university’s engineering students, go to the planetarium on campus, and eat lunch in the university’s cafeteria.

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. The Magnet Tribune is distributed free of charge.

Maria Salas Journalism/Online Media Instructor & Adviser Dr. Martha Villarreal School Director The Magnet Tribune Vol. 27, No. 1 - December 2019 Production: VMT Journalism/online media/CTE students using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator on HP computers Printer: Greater Dallas Press, Garland, Texas Copyright: ©2019 Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts & The Magnet Tribune VMT is a magnet school within the jurisdiction of the Laredo Independent School District.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 |A5

LISD renovations are heading to South Laredo

By Victoria Hernandez THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

Courtesy photo by Laredo Morning Times Martin Sanchez stands in field house now named after him for his passion at Nixon for his 32 years of loyal service.

Nixon dedicates field house to longtime Mustang

By Emily Garza THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

The field house at Nixon High School was dedicated to longtime coach Martin Sanchez.

Sanchez has been a part of the Nixon athletics department for 32 years. The field house was named after Sanchez on Oct. 24 and he was honored with a plaque and a portrait.

The portrait will be placed in the field house.

Current and former coaches that have worked with Sanchez, students, athletic directors and administration attended the field house dedication ceremony.

Sanchez embodies Nixon’s alma mater every time it says, “Forever green and gold.” Every year, during the Martin-Nixon game, he changes his name to “Nixon Sanchez” since hates Martin High School.

Sanchez has his heart at Nixon working as the equipment manager for the athletes and

gives it his all every day. People take this dedication as a small gesture of appreciation since he has done so much for Nixon all these years.

Sanchez greets students in the hallways, asks them about their day, helps with any guidance if needed and helps bring a smile to anyone’s face all the time.

In every pep-rally, he is announced and all students show their appreciation by clapping or chanting his name even though most are not in sports. Sanchez will be at any game supporting the athletes to keep them going throughout the game.

Laredo Independent School District is planning on improving both Dr. Leo G. Gigarroa High School and Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa Middle School, including accompanying schools.

The district began the discussion for the remodeling back in February 2018 when there was a bond proposition of $150 million for remodeling of district facilities.

The bond would cover a new building for Cigarroa Middle School, renovate Cigarroa High School, elementary schools in the South, build new ROTC buildings at Nixon High School and renovate Martin High School’s science/multipurpose building.

The bond was then added to the May ballot to be up for a vote.

It was approved and the citizens of South Laredo would also have their taxes raised, according to the Laredo Morning Times.

During the election in May 2018, South Laredo residents participated in a vote on whether to approve the bond. Over 64% of voters were for the renovations, while 36% of voters opposed the renovations.

With the renovations, LISD’s property taxes will approximately increase by 14 cents from $1.3697 per $100 property valuation to $1.5152, to pay for the construction of the renovations. The

“

Both plans for the Cigarroa Middle School campus were approved by all members present.

”

state of Texas will pay for 70% while LISD will pay for 30%.

On Sept. 17, the LISD Board of Trustees held a meeting to decide whether to approve the two agenda items to have Cigarroa Middle School be its own campus in its own location, separated from Cigarroa High School.

Monica Garcia motioned to approve the purchase of lots and acres in the Lomas Del Sur Subdivision and for LISD Superintendent Sylvia G. Rios to approve the purchases. Both plans for the Cigarroa Middle School campus were approved by all members present.

During an Oct. 17 board meeting, the board decided to take no action on the purchases but to have their lawyers review the plan for the new campus.

Courtesy photo by the Cigarroa HS Band Booster Club

Cigarroa High marching band makes history

By Emily Garza THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

The Dr. Leo Cigarroa High School Toro Band recently made the Area Marching Band Contest Finals for the first time in school history. This 2019-2020 school year was a state year for 5A schools.

Senior band member and varsity football player Arturo Alvarez said he had mixed feelings when judges were announcing finalists.

“I was just looking at the field and thinking to myself, ‘I gave it my all. I left it all on the field but I want to march again just one more time.’ And as that went through my mind I burst into

tears. I felt like if we were going to advance but I was scared.”

When he heard that the band was given a time to perform at finals, he screamed like he had never screamed before in his life, Alvarez said.

“It was such an amazing feeling and experience to hear that you have a shot at going to state. It is just so amazing,” Alvarez said.

Isaias Martinez, junior band member, said when the school’s name was announced it was amazing because he never thought Cigarroa could accomplish getting to finals.

Samantha Flores, sophomore band member said she was shocked and that it was the best feeling achieving such thing.

During a state year, after receiving a one division at the University Interscholastic League band contest, you are eligible to compete at the Area Marching Band Contest.

Out of the 28 bands competing, judges select the top 10 bands to advance to finals. Cigarroa was one of the bands selected to advance. During preliminary scoring, Cigarroa placed nine out of the 10 bands competing. After finals, they were

scored and placed in tenth place.

Their marching show was called “ The Puppet Master” and it was under the direction of their Head Band Director Servando Serna along with assistant directors Jose Calderon, Marshall Summers and Monica Arriaga.

The Toro Band consists of no more than 90 band members and it was the only band to represent Laredo.

Brianna Felix, freshman band member, said it felt good being a small band and still advancing.

“It feels pretty good because you know we are always seen as a

low band and we are a small band, but we still made it,” Felix said.

Martinez and Alvarez are both proud to be part of a first time area finalist band.

Martinez said he is proud he will able to say he is one of the first ever members to do that in the program.

“Being part of this first band to make finals is something I will truly cherish for the rest of my life,” Alvarez said. “I know our band will be talked about for years to come and that we set the standard for future Cigarroa bands.”

WA K

A

Maria’s SHOE S

IN

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A6

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A7

juniors

UNDER PRESSURE

By Bailey Yeary & Analiz Robledo THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

How one junior manages a day full of school, music, errands and home.

Pressure is the burden of physical or mental distress and the weight of social or economic imposition, and it affects everybody.

Something people don’t believe is that high school students, especially juniors, are under tremendous amounts of stress due to multiple reasons.

All of this pressure can have very negative effects on students. Because high school juniors have so much work to do and so much to study for, plus extracurricular activities, students wake up early and stay up late, in turn not receiving the recommended eight to ten hours of sleep almost ever.

When The Magnet Tribune asked students for their opinions as juniors, many of them were ready for their junior year to end even though it’s only been several months.

Maria Rodriguez, a piano student at Nixon High School and Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts, wakes up at 5 a.m., takes a shower and gets dressed for school.

She practices piano for 45 minutes, and does any homework that needs to get done and leaves her house at 7:18 a.m. to get to school around 7:50 or 8:00 a.m.

She said she finds it difficult sometimes to balance attending two schools along with her life outside school.

“It is hard, but it’s not impossible,” Rodriguez said. “You just have to get your stuff done. As the right hand of my mom, I am always running errands and picking up the kids and cleaning this and that.”

Rodriguez then follows her

schedule, which consists of an English class, piano class, lunch, accounting, physics and Spanish.

Statistics show that almost half of teens in high school are stressed “all the time,” mostly due to relationships and teachers.

According to a 2018 American Psychological Association survey, teens reported worse mental health and higher levels of anxiety and depression than all other age groups.

Viviana Caballero, a student-athlete at Nixon, says she feels “as if (she is) drowning in (her) own pile of homework. I have no free time.”

She also finds it difficult as an athlete balancing the long hours and little sleep, she said.

“We come in at 5:30 a.m., and we are on the field by 6. It’s tiring, and I really want to sleep when I get home,” Caballero added.

When juniors were asked if they felt pressured now that conversations about college and futures have started, they all said they felt “extremely pressured”, or “have no idea what (they) want to do.”

Caballero said it is a big responsibility.

“

“Yes, because you’re still in high school and you’re not certain what you want to do when you’re older,” she said. “That’s a big responsibility on us, at times I don’t even know what shoes I want to wear, imagine figuring out what you want to do in the future, and that’s tough.”

Another factor to consider regarding stress in teens is social media.

Nowadays, teens spend most of their time looking through social media and thinking that they must look or act a certain way. In the same APA survey, one third to one half of teen respondents reported that social media made them feel judged or bad about themselves.

Juniors in high school have a lot of responsibilities.

For example, they must stay on top of their grades and prepare for standardized tests.

In Texas, for instance, juniors take STAAR tests, but as juniors, they only have one test pending: U.S. History.

High schools also offer Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses to students going into their junior year. Most

It’s tiring, and I really want to sleep when I get home,” Viviana Caballero

students take AP courses to help their grade point average, but many turn down dual-enrollment to avoid “extra stress.”

Alejandra Casiano, a dance student at VMT and Nixon, said she is “always focused” on her classes.

Rodriguez, being the right hand of her mom, helps her with chores and errands that need to get done. After school, she gets in her car and drives home. Once inside, she’ll make her siblings lunch. Then waters her plants, and she talks to her neighbor for half an hour.

Afterwards she’ll go to her room and watch TV. Then it usually hits 10 p.m., and she will get on her phone and play Animal Crossing or be on social media. She’ll fall asleep around 11 p.m. or midnight. Sometimes she will be really tired that she’ll just come home, make food, and fall asleep around 5 p.m., and won’t wake up until the next day at 5 a.m.

“Just don’t waste any time that you have and use it wisely,” Casiano said. “I would say just don’t stress out about everything and don’t procrastinate just get your stuff done and focus on yourself and don’t focus on anyone else but you.”

We asked 55 high school juniors what they felt most pressured by this semester. Of those students, the majority answered that they feel the most pressure from themselves and their academic responsibilities. On a scale from one to 10, we also asked the same students how stressed they felt this semester, and most answered between seven and 10.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A8

COLUMNS

Creepy and Unexplained: The Lost Boy

By America Moreno THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

The disappearance of Robert “Bobby” Clarence Dunbar has been a story that has been passed down for generations.

It is a story where two boys were taken away from their homes, one to be raised by another family and the other to rot unknowingly.

The beginning of a never-ending story

Bobby was born on April 1908 in Opelousas, Louisiana. He was the first son to Lessie and Percy Dunbar. On August 12, 1912, the Dunbars took a trip to Swayze Lake in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana to escape the sun’s rays back at their hometown. The Swayze Lake was described as being a swamp filled with alligators and a heavily wooded area at the time.

On August 23, Bobby, 4, had gone to the lake to shoot garfish with a family friend named Paul Mizzi and his younger brother, Alonzo. The boys then made their way back once they were called back for dinner.

However, little Bobby did not return back to the campsite.

Bobby was nowhere to be seen.

Lessie fainted at the tragic news of her son missing and Percy hurriedly returned to the cabin due to being away for work once the

news broke out. After no hint of had the same age, blonde hair, boy after bathing him, confirming Bobby, searchers began to look and blue eyes as Bobby. It was him by moles and other scars. for his body in the lake, assum- heavenly news for the Dunbars.

In spite of that, Walters, the ing he had fallen inside and had However, once meeting the traveling tinker, had stated the drowned. They used dynamite little boy, both Percy and Lessie little boy was in fact, not Bobby, to blast throughout the lake, hop- were unsure whether the little boy but Charles Bruce Anderson, the ing when the water exploded a was Bobby. Though the little boy illegitimate child of his brother sight of Bobby’s body would ap- did look like him, the Dunbars and a woman who worked for his pear, and a massive cable family, Julia Anderson. He THE LOST BOY: with grappling hooks was declared that the boy had BOBBY DUNBAR pulled across the lake to been left in his care by Julia drag the depth. Howev- • 4 years and 4 months and although many backed er, the Dunbars and the up this statement, he was • Stout but not fat searchers had no luck and still taken under custody were led to believe Bobby • Large, round blue eyes by the police. Walters was had been eaten by an an- • Light hair arrested for kidnapping, imal, more convincingly which was punishable by • Very fair skin, with rosy cheeks an alligator. The searchers death at the time. He spent began to cut up the reptiles • The left foot had been burned two years in prison before in hope Bobby’s remains when a baby and shows a scar on his attorney appealed. would be inside. UnfortuWalters was released withthe big toe on the right foot. nately, no luck there as well. out being given a retrial.

The Dunbars quickly • Wore blue rompers and straw The Dunbars’ perfect hat, without shoes. acted by contacting the poreunion was soon ruined lice and igniting an eightwhen Julia Anderson, the month search to find Bobby. noticed he did not have the scar supposed mother of the little boy, on the big toe of his left foot, as arrived at the town demanding Big Break Close to a year later of the dis- stated in the description. More- her child back. When Anderson appearance, on April 13, 1913, a over, when Lessie was first intro- met the boy, he had the same rebreak on the case occurred. Au- duced to the boy, his reaction was action towards her as with Lessie. thorities had arrested, William fear and intimidation. However, Anderson had also been unsure Cantwell Walters, a traveling despite the visual facts of the scar whether the little boy was hers, tinker, near Columbia, Missis- “fading away,” which was the Dun- as she confessed Walters had fled sippi. Walters became a sus- bars justification for the scar not with the kid more than she initially pect due to traveling with a boy being there anymore, and the re- allowed. On the contrary, she statthat strikingly matched Bobby action the little boy had towards ed, “In my heart, I know its Bruce.”

Unfortunately with Anderson Dunbar’s description. The boy Lessie, she declared him her little

considered an outsider and a woman with loose morals, no one believed her. She was pushed away from her claimed child. Anderson fled the town and never returned.

It was reported she moved on, got married, and had more children.

Though this seemed like a happily ever after for the Dunbar family, the story was far from finished.

The next chapter Margaret Dunbar Cutright grew up knowing the legacy of her grandfather. She was told that her grandfather was indeed Bobby, despite the claims of Walters and Anderson. Throughout her life, she was expected to believe the assertion, but when introduced to a photo album carrying newspaper clippings about her grandfather’s disappearance by her father, Bob Dunbar Jr., Margaret’s curiosity about whether his grandfather was Bobby or not, grew. She began contradicting her family’s beliefs.

Margaret spent weeks in the reading rooms of the Library of Congress, realizing Julia Anderson could have been telling the truth after all. The descendant decided to contact the Anderson family for more information into the abnormal case.

The Lost Boy continues on A10

Rising Star: YouTuber Experiences: a girl can achieves ultimate success do whatever she wants

By Victoria Hernandez THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

PewDiePie is a Swedish gaming YouTuber named Felix Kjellberg, who has garnered over 101 million subscribers and 23,453,772,001 views over the course of nearly 10 years. Courtesy of YouTube While he was attending college, majoring in industrial engineering and management, he found YouTube and soon realized his true passion was making videos on the internet.

“At that time I was 20 years old, I was living in Sweden, in a small flat, I had just moved away from home, I had no idea what I was doing, I just knew I enjoyed it. [I was] studying industrial economics and management, my true calling in life. I decided this YouTube hobby, I’ll probably have to set aside because I should probably focus on my finals. So I uploaded a video saying I was going on a break but in reality that I was quitting, this was it for me.

But luckily the break didn’t last long, I was back uploading videos again. I had found what I was actually passionate about and I wasn’t ready to just let it go. I knew a career in YouTube was far away it was more of a myth than a dream at this point because people didn’t even know if it was possible.

But it was always at the back of my mind that there was this tiny chance that this could actually happen,” Kjellberg said in his ‘Unboxing 100 MIL YouTube AWARD!!

Kjellberg explained the success of his Minecraft series and how it has affected his channel in his August video ‘Adressing the Rumors…’.

“You have all these different things you want to hit as a YouTuber and sometimes you hit one or two of them, but with Minecraft, it’s just been everything. And it’s just been all positive. The channel is getting more views than [it] has ever gotten. Everyone seemed really happy and positive about it. I abso-

lutely loved recording it. And ad revenue is absolutely fantastic. Like it could not be better. I feel like I’m finally earning what people think I’m making out of YouTube videos.”

PewDiePie is the first YouTuber to reach 100 million subscribers. For his subscribers and fellow YouTubers, it shows how far you can get on the platform and be able to follow your passions. In his video, Unboxing 100 MIL YouTube AWARD!!, he explained his journey as a creator and helped him change as a person.“I used to be an introvert but YouTube really helped me open up because on the other side there was people that really appreciated the side of me that I didn’t show to anyone. At this point I had completely failed school, I’m sorry Mom and Dad. My passion was somewhere else and I famously began selling hotdogs to sustain myself but I look back at this time with great memories because I was finally pursuing my goals, my dream. Not selling hotdogs, but making videos in my spare time that is. At this time I managed to meet a girl, who later became my wife. I won’t bore you with every step of the way of the journey. It’s been long, it had its ups and downs. I made a lot of mistakes on the way but I’ve grown, I feel like I have least. And I feel like I finally come in terms with the responsibility I have as a creator, about 100 million subscribers too late but you know. But the channel has done a lot of good too. We raised millions of dollars to charities and I’m really proud of my audience for helping me do that. Looking back at myself in that flat in Sweden, it’s a very surreal experience. I would have never imagined this outcome, beyond my wildest dreams came true, ten times over, a hundred times over. I’m nine years old now, I’m still [so] awkward but I finally got confidence in myself and I’m really proud of who I am today. And instead of a hundred subs, we hit a hundred million subs.”

YouTuber continues on A10

By Emily Garza THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

A girl should not have to worry about the people she has in her life. Nowadays, girls are judged whether they have guys as their only friends or if they remove guys from their life, as well. From personal experience, I have seen girls who get bad reputations from other people because they have guy friends. It could be a girl and guy walking as friends but people assume they are dating.

Also when people see a girl rejecting guys, they think bad of her since she does not give them a chance, when in reality the girl simply does not want to date.

I have been through that situation before where I don’t want to have a relationship with anyone, but guys either want to force it or make you feel bad for not wanting anything with them. Being the person that I am, I still allow the guy to be in my life as a friend, but some don’t want that and nag about being in a relationship. If the girl says no to a guy, she has her reasons for her response.

Also, if the girl decides to say no to one guy but yes to another, that’s fine as well because it is what the girl wants.

Just because you are trying so hard to get to one girl, but you see her paying attention to another guy then you should not make the girl feel guilty for talking to the other guy because it is what the girl wants. If a girl chooses to not have a specific person in her life, that’s fine and no one should have the right to judge.

Whether it is because she prefers that guy instead of the other, if one guy didn’t try at all and the other guy did, it is fine. A girl should be able

“

to decide who she wants to be with.

Sadly, people always have opinions about your life. People are going to tell you that you’re mean since you rejected them, that you seem like a girl who goes from guy to guy since you have guy friends, etc. People make it seem like they know everything about your life yet don’t know anything. Rumors go around about you having a boyfriend yet you haven’t had one in over three years.

People are always going to have something to say since they see you doing great in your life. Since you are showing happiness and joy, people are always going to find a way to take that away from you.

Another point is that a girl should be able to compliment someone without it being called flirting.

She shouldn’t have to worry whether the guy tells other people, “She flirted with me.” Complimenting a guy shouldn’t go straight to being called flirting. That concept should also apply to guys. A guy should be able to say, “Hey, you look good today,” without people thinking he likes a girl.

People are always going to be quick to judge with anything that you do with your life. I have learned up to this point to not care about what anyone says and to enjoy my own life. Focusing on your life is one of the most important things you need to do.

Loving yourself and doing things for you is going to make you want more for yourself and see your self-worth.

Everything you do whether it’s going to college seven hours away from home, staying single or finding a new hobby, do it for your own happiness.

Sadly, people always have opinions about your life.”

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A9

SPORTS

LISD Football Brief Nixon Mustangs

DATE:

GAME:

SCORE:

30-Aug 6-Sep 12-Sep 30-Sep 26-Sep 4-Oct 11-Oct 17-Oct 25-Oct 31-Oct

Martin Tigers Cigarroa Toros Roma Galdiators Zapata Hawks United South Panthers Alexander Bulldogs Eagle Pass Eagles Del Rio Rams United Longhorns LBJ Wolves

33-30 (W) 35-28 (W) 36-35 (W) 21-14 (W) 69-37 (L) 41-14 (L) 49-21 (L) 31-21 (L) 45-14 (L) 49-13 (W)

Photo by Zoe Alvarez Nixon High School football player runs with a Mustang flag.

Martin Tigers

Photo by Zoe Alvarez The annual Martin vs. Nixon rivalry game took place at Shirley Field. Nixon beat Martin with a final score of 33-30.

DATE:

GAME:

SCORE:

30-Aug 6-Sep 13-Sep 19-Sep 27-Sep 4-Oct 11-Oct 25-Oct 1-Nov 9-Nov

Nixon Mustangs Carrizo Springs Wildcats Cigarroa Toros Alexander Bulldogs Winn Mavericks Southwest Legacy Titans Southwest Dragons McCollum Cowboys Harlandale Indians Harlan

33-30 (L) 31-12 (W) 56-7 (W) 52-48 (L) 28-24 (W) 28-17 (W) 35-16 (L) 43-21 (W) 63-48 (W) 48-21 (L)

Cigarroa Toros DATE:

GAME:

SCORE:

29-Aug 6-Sep 13-Sep 20-Sep 26-Sep 11-Oct 18-Oct 25-Oct 2-Nov 8-Nov

Zapata Hawks Nixon Mustangs Martin Tigers Crystal City Javelinas Sharlyland Rattlers Roma Gladiators Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets Pioneer Diamondbacks Mercedes Tigers Valleyview Tigers

20-15 (W) 35-28 (L) 56-7 (L) 20-0 (L) 42-17 (L) 40-0 (L) 49-0 (L) 48-6 (L) 48-7 (L) 56-21 (L)

Photo by Zoe Alvarez Cigarroa High School and Nixon High School face off in a non-district game at Shirley Field.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A10

OPINION

Paranoia over time

By Zoe Alvarez THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

The United States is on its 253rd mass shooting with some of the most recent including El Paso and Dayton, Ohio. The Gun Violence Archive describes a mass shooting as four or more people who were shot or killed in the same location around the same time. Unfortunately, 253 mass shootings takes a toll on Gen Z -- babies born in the mid-1990s to early-2000s -- kids.

In the age of full-time around the clock news coverage and social media, Gen Z kids are much more aware of the events that are unfolding around them every single day. Society’s children are growing accustomed to dreaming about these shootings. As a consequence to these nightmares, these children and teenagers develop a paranoia earlier in life than adults.

Teenagers fear attending class at their high schools. A place where students are meant to feel safe and continue on to higher education. After every mass shooting, students ask themselves once again, “Will my school be next?”

Such a morbid question a high school student is asking rather than those of their bright futures.

Yet, these nightmares and paranoia are something that have been experienced before.

Turn back to the generation of baby boomers who grew up in

the time of “duck and cover.”

During the Cold War, it was made known that Russia had finally detonated their nuclear bombs in 1949. This created mass concern for the United States.

The Federal Civil Defense Administration was created in 1951 to train schools on how to prepare in case that Russia would strike the country with a nuclear bomb.

Baby boomers grew up participating in “duck and cover” school drills in case of an atomic bomb.

The nation feared a nuclear attack. There was great concern in the news over a potential strike from Russia. The children and teenagers became used to the constant talk about an incredibly possible nuclear attack. Baby boomers dreamed frequently about the nuclear attacks.

As a consequence, paranoia began to spread like wildfire throughout the nation. People, at the time, built bomb shelters, overstocked homes with survival supplies, and began completing life lists at an alarming rate.

The tragic number of 253 mass shootings in the present day takes the nation back to the time of “duck and cover.” A saddening truth reveals itself again; history indeed repeats itself.

Politics: separation of church & state

By Brianna Pineda THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

The argument of the statement “separation between church and state “ has been around for quite a while. There are people arguing all sorts of things about this notion, one of them being that “separation between church and state” isn’t in the constitution, so I’m here to put some clarity to this situation.

“Separation of church and state” was written for the first and only time in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Baptists from Danbury, Connecticut. He wrote this letter to explain the First Amendment and to ease the fear of the Baptists. The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Case in point, the Constitution does in fact say to keep religion separate from anything governmental, so separation of church and state is just a term used to summarize the First Amendment.

Even though I’m in full agreement with this notion, I can understand why people don’t see eye to eye with it. They want their children to pray and be taught about their specific religion in school and for a man or woman of their religion to make their country, state, and city decisions.

This is the way that they feel both them and their children are truly protected, to their belief, and are being taught something worthwhile. However, since we’re a diverse country there would be

a huge clash between students and teachers leading to unhealthy environments at schools and in people’s work places.

As for incorporating religion into political speeches, debates, and elections, just because you go to church every Sunday or even every day might make you a good Christian, Catholic, or however you identify religiously, it doesn’t make you suitable to make any major decisions for any country, state, or city. You should be able to tell the difference between the two and realize that they don’t always go together. Being good at one thing doesn’t automatically make you good at another. Therefore, people should not trust someone with major decisions for any country, state, or city based on their faith, and as politicians, you should follow the constitution that we all vowed to do right by.

In my opinion, separation of church and state is a very much needed amendment in the United States because while the majority of our country may be Christian there are also Catholics, Muslims, Mormons, Jews, Atheists and a lot of other beliefs. This is because we are a diverse country with diverse minds, so we must have respect for one another and keep religion out of schools, elections, public political speeches, etc. Of course this is my perspective on the notion and situation. As always, you decide how you see it.

To test or not to test?

By Vivian Coleman THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

It is a well-known fact that teenagers acquire numerous hormonal imbalances before reaching their majority; yet, they are expected to make decisions that will affect them for the remainder of their lives. Seldom are teens told that confusion during this stage of life is expected: it is completely normal for teenagers to fail at knowing what to do with their lives.

Removing the added stress of college entrance exams ensures a lack of self-doubt from scores that do not define an individual. Without mandated ACT and SAT entrance exams, students will reach and set their own limits instead of stretching themselves thin as they attempt to be enough for everyone but themselves; and thus, doubts within impressionable youth will be eradicated along with feelings of self-loathing and inexperience.

At some point in life, every individual stands at a crossroads as they attempt to discern the meaning of their lives; yet, failing to score well on exams enables self-doubt which inevitably leads to giving up. Additionally, an exceeding number of parents fail to understand the gravity of their opinions as their rebuttal about their children’s decisions further encourage loathing within said teens: children should be encouraged to fail so that they can get back up and try again. Although numbers and data are coveted in this culture, standardized test scores do not represent a child’s intelligence, talent, or worth. Critics may advise against test optional institutions due to the promoting of skills college entrance exams divulge; however, a skill set should not be valued over students’ mental stability.

Society is trapped within a metaphorical box, too lethargic to rebel against societal norms as mundane stresses lurk about. As high school seniors prepare for college, numerous students are stricken with the cost of this new burden: entrance exams, tuition, scholarships. However, eliminating college entrance exams will ease the stress numerous students experi-

ence. Despite the accolades numerous individuals might receive from becoming college ready, SAT and ACT exams are stress inducers that limit students’ capabilities, enable doubts within impressionable youth and brings about anti-social tendencies. Therefore, college readiness exams should be re-evaluated in order to discern students’ full potential.

Young adults are taught to aspire and are told that a lack of ambition amounts to a desolate lifestyle. Often, students feel as if the scores from said standardized exams define who they are as individuals and ensure failure later on in life; however, this is not the case.

An entrance exam does not de-

“

Standardaized tests are no longer the standard in this modern day and age.” fine the ambition or moral justice individuals may possess; it merely limits various students’ capabilities by producing overworked, emotionally distressed teens that prioritize studying over growing themselves as individuals. Numerous students feel that despite the various accomplishments pursued, their goals will never be attainable due to the harsh standards of college entrance exams.

Consequently, various scholars argue in opposition of test optional institutions due to admitting students who are not prepared for college. David Coleman, College Board President, indicates a potential slope for students who are not prepared due to a lack of entrance exams and will leave with a “massive debt.”

However, despite Coleman’s sincere worry, trusting students to choose whether college entrance

exams clearly showcase their skills should be left up to teens.

Despite yearning to be free from the whims of parental supervision, preparation for the future tends to ensnarl teens which leads to isolation. As teens prepare for the next stage of life by continuously studying, students garner a lack of experience with social interactions, thus, ensuing lack of bonds and growth of socially awkward teenagers. Eradicating authorized standardized college exams allows students to embrace bonds with other teens and discourages isolated studying. Counter arguments claim that study groups are resourceful as it allows teens to engage with both studying and others in their own age group; yet, overly involved teenagers are too busy with other engagements to actively participate within study groups.

College entrance exams are a hindrance to students due to the isolation sparked for preparing for a college that may not accept them. Studies indicate that, despite the credentials candidates may possess, admission to the most selective institutes are not guaranteed due to the abundance of qualified applicants.

It is imperative that students feel secure in their abilities instead of reaffirmed of their doubts by being rejected by these institutes in spite of the long hours sacrificed studying. Grace Chapin James, deputy director of admissions at the University of Chicago, conveys the gratitude that admission counselors express towards her for “removing … a pretty insurmountable barrier,” when the University of Chicago became test optional.

Now is the time to understand that standardized tests are no longer the standard in this modern day and age. The emotional and physical stability of teens should not be squandered by potential admission to a university due to preparing for a test that does not present an accurate representation of their abilities.

Reporter Laura Camera explains that studies prove that more than a thousand colleges Test continues on A10

The elephant in the room

By Jovan Contreras THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

On April 20, 1999, one of the deadliest school shootings occurred in Littleton, Colorado. Two senior students, Erick Harris and Dylan Klebold, murdered 13 students, one teacher and wounded more than 20 others. “Both Harris and Klebold were known to be the low of the lowest on the popularity scale” stated John Savage, a survivor of the massacre. “The killers would get bullied daily by the jocks of the school, which really put the athletes a target on themselves.”

The documentary Zero Hour stated that the killer made tapes planning out their massacre. The day of the massacre Harris and Klebold placed two duffel bags containing propane bombs set to explode in the cafeteria.

Thereafter, they went to their cars to wait for the bombs to go off. When the bombs failed to detonate, dressed in black trench coats, they began their killing spree. Their rampage commenced from outside the school to the library where they instigated a bloodbath.

Eventually, their time was running up and they ended up turning their guns on themselves.

I have noticed that when unfortunate events happen in school, no one really looks at the elephant in the room. Society jumps straight to gun

regulations or rehabilitation for mental illness.

The Columbine High School massacre is a national phenomenon. According to Sky News, the Sandy Hook shooter was obsessed with the Columbine massacre.

On April 20, 2018, Ocala, Florida’s Forest High School shooter stopped after one bullet fired telling officials that there are other people who will do what he did in the memory of Columbine.

Overall, we just need to learn to be decent human beings. Instead of picking on the outcast, talk to them and treat them like humans and not a punching bag. Get more school staff active in the school environment. Have programs that will rehabilitate the mentally ill. Eighteen-year-olds can’t buy a handgun, but can legally purchase an AR-15 that can easily cause triple the destruction.

I know that people look up to both Harris and Klebold’s actions when they know they’ve had enough bullying by fellow classmates. As a high school student, I still see kids getting picked on. It is frightening that the unfortunate event of Columbine could possibly happen to my school. It only takes one bad move to make your school be on the local news or be the number one trending topic on Twitter.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A11

COMMUNITY

VMT teacher Laredoans gather to advocate paints mural for for climate change City of Laredo

By Jordyn Rebeles THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

On Sep. 21 about 200 people, led by the Texas A&M International University Sunflower Kids Club and the Rio Grande International Study Center, walked from the Laredo Independent School District Performing Arts Center to Frontera Garden for a climate strike to protest for global warming.

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist, was the one who started the climate strike movement. In August 2018, she took time off from school to protest outside of the Swedish Parliament holding signs calling for stronger climate action.

“Why are we here? Who started this? How did this come about,” Puneet Gill, Assistant Professor at TAMIU, said. “This started with Greta Thunberg. She is credited with raising global awareness of the risk imposed by climate change and holding politicians accountable for their lack of action.”

Thunberg, along with many others, believe that it is only the young that can get the attention and pressure politicians to stand up and make a change.

“You are failing us. But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal,” Thunberg said at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York City. “The eyes of all future generations are upon you.

And if you choose to fail us, I say: We will never forgive you.”

For ten years, Professor Ananda Mukherji of TAMIU has been very conscious about her consumption. She believes very strongly in the notion of sustainable choice and behavior and the need to educate the younger generations about their consumption and the environment.

“What motivates conscious consumption,” Mukherji said at the Laredo Climate Strike.

“The number one thing is knowledge. You really need to know what is happening. You know, I’m an educator, and knowledge is very important.”

Hayley Kazen, a TAMIU English professor, said that RGISC is trying to get more student groups involved to lead these events because it’s all about the students and their futures. She added that several of her stu-

dents went to the climate strike.

According to the RGISC Facebook, their mission is to preserve, protect and foster respect for the Rio Grande, the land around it, its environment and cultures, through research, education and the help of Mexico, the United States, individuals, agencies and organizations.

“We want to encourage other Laredoans to join our movement as we start to get together and start making the demands that we want of our local officials and local businesses and move to a more sustainable economic and social system,” Tricia Cortez, the executive director of RGISC, said.

Cortez believes that we have to start changing our mindset of endless consumption of anything and everything we want because we live on a planet that has finite resources.

“Today was the first day of growing a movement in Laredo led by people to start to demand action on climate change,” Cortez said.

“This is a global problem and it’s going to require local solutions.”

TAMIU celebrates 50 years of legacy in Laredo ByVivian Coleman THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

Established in 1970 in Laredo, Texas A&M International University plans a year long “World of Difference” celebration of their upcoming 50th year anniversary in 2020. TAMIU will be holding this celebration to commemorate their golden anniversary through a variety of activities, including a speech from President Pablo Arenaz.

As first semester comes to a close, alumni, faculty and staff boast about the positive impacts TAMIU had on their lives.

“As our celebration theme affirms, ‘A World of Difference’ serves a community and region with tremendous pride and looks forward to extending its legacy for generations to come,” said Arenaz.

Rita Cisneros, a 23-year-old TAMIU alumni, further proves that the university has made “a world of difference” in her life. After five years spent on campus, Cisneros acknowledges TAMIU as her home.

Cisneros admits that she was unprepared for college life as a fresh United High School graduate in 2014. She had hopes to leave Laredo to further educate herself, like so many of her peers. However, Cisneros does not regret attending TAMIU, even in spite of the loans.

Cisneros describes TAMIU as “a place like no other where I learned to become independent, a leader, a scholar always discovering new ideas and of course, the occasional napping spots.”

Despite TAMIU not being her first choice, Cisneros says that she would not change her decision for the world.

“Being an alumni of Texas A&M International University means more than the degree you earned but the lessons and memories that shape you, who you are today. Whoever said college years are the best years of your lives are correct. It’s cliché but it is true, trust me. There will be no other you than the one you discovered at TAMIU,” Cisneros said.

By Xitlaly Avila THE MAGNET TRIBUNE

On Sept. 20, the City of Laredo held a small event to recognize Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts Art Teacher Gilberto Rocha as well as Mauro Martinez for the murals commissioned by the city.

Rocha’s mural is located on the west of North Bartlett Avenue between East San Jose street and East Travis street. Martinez’s mural is sited on the west parking lot of the Outlet Shoppes of Laredo.

Rocha teaches painting and drawing at VMT. He was born and raised in Laredo. Rocha has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas in San Antonio and a Masters in Fine Arts from the School of Art in Chicago.

Rocha converted a building, 1120 Davis, into an art studio where he’s been doing his work for approximately four years.

In his interview Rocha, talks about how he’d driven by that wall on Bartlett many times and thought about painting something on it. However, in order to paint on that wall he’d have to ask the owners of the property for permission.

This isn’t the first time Rocha was selected to paint a mural.

He made a mural for the city of Cotulla located in the downtown area. The mural was made to draw tourists. It consists of historical people, events and geographical features in Cotulla.

One of the pieces in his mural was influenced by his father’s socks after he came home from work. The painting shows socks hanging on a clothesline with tears dripping down. He wrote “Calzetears” on the top of this section of the mural.

“To me they went beyond sweaty, I think he worked so hard and so much that to me they would be crying,” Rocha said.

His vision for the mural here in Laredo was to create something that was nontraditional, playful, and “thought provoking.” Rocha said he didn’t want people to think about politics.

“To me making a mural that wasn’t traditional and that is playful and that is thought provoking, it’s something that I’ve been looking forward for many years,” Rocha said in his interview. “Personally, working in many other cities doing murals and gallery work and now to know that our city is sponsoring that and is really pushing it really excites me because we are going in the right direction.”

Courtesy photo Gilberto Rocha A piece of the mural commissioned by the City of Laredo that is located on Bartlett Avenue.

The Magnet Tribune | Dec. 2019 | A12

FROM THE COVER & MORE

Compton

From page A1 ber him fondly. The messages on his classroom door are a reminder of the many lives he touched not only this school year but throughout his career.

“Mr. Compton, you are more than just a teacher to me. You are my friend and you mean so much to me, you taught me on how to be a better musician. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am now. You hold a special place in my heart, and it has been an honor to be your student.’’ One student wrote.

Another student thanked Compton for being there when they [students] needed him and always helping them. They also wrote how Compton was always proud of them even when they didn’t know their parts and how he always had goofy jokes and how they think he was the funniest guy on earth.

Festival

and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Many students enjoyed their first and others enjoyed their last Hispanic Festival as students of the magnet school.

Nahomi Garza, freshman at VMT, said that the Hispanic Festival was an outstanding and amazing event that she wants to attend next year.

“It was pretty fun, I enjoyed all the games, good and the band performances Angel Cedillo said these past four years at VMT were fun and amazing. Discovering art as his passion has led him to some interesting and positive things in his life, he said.

From page A1 and all the young artists of Laredo, believe in yourself, never give up on your dreams, always put God first and do everything with all your heart,” Ojeda said.

Ojeda and Astudillo have been making music for over 25 years.

Astudillo was nominated for multiple awards and Ojeda won a Grammy award for best Latin rock/alternative performance.

“Dr. Villarreal, thank you so much,” Astudillo said. “VMT, all the staff, all the students, faculty and anybody who had to do anything with this incredible honor. I’m really overwhelmed

Photo by The Magnet Tribune The String Quartet played during a memorial service in honor of their instructor Bobby Compton.

“This being my last Hispanic Festival, I enjoyed it very much,” Cedillo said. “I enjoyed being with my friends, helping my booth sell stuff. I also very much enjoyed watching my friends perform with the band.”

Cedillo is really proud of being part of VMT and doing what he loves to do most which is art.

Thomas Flores, a senior piano student at VMT, said he enjoyed his last Hispanic Festival.

“It has been fantastic,” Flores said. “I will never forget every moment of it. I say the best part is seeing old friends and enjoying every last minute since it’s my last Hispanic Festival. I’ll always appreciate my heritage no matter what.”

YouTuber

From page A8 At the beginning of his YouTube career, Felix found the love of his life, Marzia Bisognin. Felix and Marzia met through his YouTube videos and soon began their 8-year long relationship.

On April 17, 2018, Felix proposed to Marzia during a trip to Japan and the internet absolutely lost it.

They officially wed on August 19, 2019, on their 8th year anniversary. Their wedding video has been viewed over 24 million times.

Felix expressed his enjoyment of his wedding day in his ‘Married in Minecraft Epicly - Part 29’ video. “It was such an amazing day, it was the best day of my life and I know it’s so cliche to say that. My family was there, Marzia’s family was there, my close friends were there. Everyone [was] in such a good mood, everyone was just happy. Marzia was so beautiful, we’ve been planning it for over

Test Photo by Briana Sepulveda Adriana Ibarra performs for an audience during the Hispanic Heritage Festival.

The Lost Boy

to look at it with fresh eyes,” Margaret said.

With the duos comeback, the truth to this case was close to being revealed. The From page A8 women reviewed the legal files that origiAn extended journey nated between William Walters and his to the truth lawyer in 1913. Within the files, they disMargaret was able to reach out to Lin- covered letters from Julia Anderson and da Traver, the granddaughter of Julia other witnesses of the Bobby Dunbar mysAnderson. Traver grew up being told tery. It was an ecstatic find for the women. her uncle was kidnapped by the Dunbar One of the letters, which remains family. Just like Margaret, Linda grew anonymous, was sent to the Opelousas curious about the strange case through- courthouse and was in favor of William out the years. Both Linda and Margaret Walters and the defeated Julia Anderson. began working together, trying to solve The writer referred to herself as “The the case that happened decades ago. They Christian Woman” and spoke words that were both committed to discovering the made Margaret change her perspective truth about their family histories, de- even more about the case of her alleged spite being convinced by the beliefs they grandfather, Bobby Dunbar. The letgrew up with. Both Linda’s and Marga- ter, received by Walter’s lawyer, read: ret’s families disapproving throughout. “Dear sir, in view of human justice to Once the case progressed, the women Julia Anderson and mothers, I am promptbegan to go against each other. The fami- ed to write to you. I sincerely believe the ly feud had reignited. Linda reported that Dunbars have Bruce Anderson and not Margaret was convinced that the boy was their boy. If this is their child, why are they Bobby Dunbar all along and she believed afraid for anyone to see or interview him it was Bruce Anderson. The women’s privately? I would see nothing to fear, and stubbornness prevented an even sooner this seems strange. The Dunbars claim result. However, Linda confronted Marga- that if this had been their own child and ret and advised her to “look more closely.” he had been gone eight months, do you “You keep wanting to know all about think his features would be so changed Julia. You need to look more into Les- that they would not know him only by sie and Percy and judge their char- moles and scars? This is a farce. If the acters,” Margaret recalls being told. Dunbars do not know their child who “And that did not make me happy in ret- has only been gone eight months by his rospect, she was obviously right. I did need features, why, they don’t know him at all?” to put down what I believed and be able After the undesirable enlightenment,

From page A1 have gone test optional, thus, showing the ineffectiveness of college entrance exams on describing a candidate’s potential.

It is time to understand the real cost of burdening teens’ shoulders and alleviate the pressure.

Margaret asked her father for a DNA test to put this case to rest. Unfortunately, her father denied her requests each time she asked. Bob Dunbar Jr. believed there was no need for the sample.

However, in 2003, Margaret’s father finally gave in, with the intent to prove he was a Dunbar. The DNA sample was compared to Bobby Dunbar’s younger brother, Alonzo. The Dunbars were convinced the results were going to be in their favor.

A month went by when Margaret’s phone rang. The lab assistant informed her that the DNA samples did, in fact, not match. The boy who the Dunbar’s claimed as their own was not Bobby Dunbar, but Bruce Anderson, Julia Anderson’s son.

Upon this news, Margaret, along with her relatives were shocked. Members of the family became furious with Margaret and the results. Some of the Dunbars weren’t aware of the test at all, causing mixed feelings about the results. The Dunbars’ long held beliefs about their family became doubts. They were surprised, confused, and hurt at the same time. For them, the results were something they wished not to know.

When asked about the results, Bobby Dunbar Jr. was unaware of how to feel.

“It took my breath away. You know, I hadn’t considered that. My thought was to prove that daddy was Bobby Dunbar...

I just pondered, you know?” he stated.

To this day, not all members of the Dunbars’ family have forgiven Margaret. They feel as though Margaret had betrayed the

a year and it was so much stress to plan a wedding. I just wish I knew that it would turn out so amazing because then I wouldn’t have worried about a single thing because it could have not gone any more perfect and I’m just so happy. Tears me up just thinking about it, I’m so happy.”

Kjellberg has gotten married to the love of his life, reached 100 million subscribers, beat the Ender Dragon (in Minecraft), and reached 2 million members on his ‘PewdiepieSubmissions’ subreddit on Reddit; all in the same week. In his video called ‘Best Week Ever.’, he expressed his delight over the milestones, “I’m so happy, everything is happening at once.

Perfect timing, good job guys.”

PewDiePie’s story can be seen as an inspiration. Felix has now found joy in a new chapter of his life; a beautiful marriage, unfathomed success, and true happiness.

Senior, Briana Sepulveda, amends that, “Standardized tests limit the true capability of a student. Some students have even lost their sense of achievement and confidence to succeed, due to the fact that tests like ACT and SAT have put a label on them based on their scores.”

Dunbars’ name; many are still healing.

An Anderson Margaret, along with her father, reached out to Linda to reveal the news. She was as shocked as everybody else, but happy to gain a family member. Linda reported getting up from the couch that she was sitting when she received the news and hugged Bob’s neck, knowing they were family.

If the boy that the Dunbars claimed as their own was Bruce Anderson all along, then what happened to Bobby Dunbar? It’s eerie to know a family raised a boy with the belief he was family, but in the end, he was a stranger.

Margaret was convinced Bobby had fallen into the swamp that fateful day in the lake.

A small child such as him could have been easily eaten by one of the many alligators.

When the supposed Bobby Dunbar grew up, reporters approached him seeking more insight on the alleged kidnapping by William Walters. Bobby, or should I say, Bruce, remembers traveling with William Walters but failed to comment on the memory of the family trip to the lake. He also stated he was not the only child Walters and himself were traveling with, which caused theories to spur.

Bruce recalls the other boy dying shortly before Walter’s arrest, making people think Walters was responsible for both Bruce and Bobby’s kidnapping, in the end.

Alas, the case of Robert Clarence Dunbar remains unsolved.