April 2011
Manzano High School
Volume LI Issue VI
Milieu Club Formed at Manzano
Christine Romero and Yosselin Torres 2011 Have you found yourself wandering around the foothills of the Sandia Mountains and asking just how our planet exists? Why trees don’t need gas, and why flowers don’t need batteries to grow? Do you feel connected to nature and wish to conserve the very essence of it? If so, welcome to Milieu. Milieu is a branch of Roots & Shoots, an environmental club created by renowned environmentalist Jane Goodall. Goodall is known for her 45-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. According to the Roots & Shoots website:“Her (Goodall) firm belief that young people, when informed and empowered, when they realize that what they do truly makes a difference, can indeed change the world, is at the very heart of our program. This powerful message of hope inspires us all. Our program—dedicated to inspiring tomorrow’s leaders today—not only motivates young people to learn about pertinent issues facing our local and global communities, but helps them actually design, lead, and implement their own projects as a means of solving them” The Milieu Club has been formed in schools nationwide. Manzano introduced its first environmental club this year, and is sponsored by Kevin Jarigese, MHS science teacher. Its mission is to foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs, and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for animals, the environment, and the human community. “In Environmental Club we discuss ways to better our school’s community, as well as the community around us,” said MHS sophomore David Garnham. The people who make up the club work cohesively with other youths who strive to make a difference in the world they live in. One of the great benefits is being part of a global organization and seeing the results flourish worldwide. Thespians having fun! Photo courtesy of Ryan Morris, MHS drama teacher “It’s different from most clubs. We’re (the Continues on page 4. Sean Cairns 2012 Manzano’s drama program is enjoying one of its most successful years. Manzano Catwalk Productions (Manzano Drama Department) has had a long history of turning out great shows for the Manzano community, and this year they are adding to their legacy. In wake of the many achievements this year, the drama program is once again gearing up for new shows and a bright future of productions. The newest production by Catwalk is titled “The Curious Savage”. According to drama teacher Ryan Morris, the play is about genuine honesty in people, while also exploring some darker parts of human nature. The production will feature both student and faculty actors. The show was performed once before at Manzano, in 1998. The original production was a students-only play. Looking back on the shows leading up to “The Curious Savage,” the drama program is returning from a very successful year of productions. “We’re proud of what we do and we’re not even half way done yet,” said Robbi Vowell, MHS senior and four year drama student. Vowell has been a major player in almost all of the drama productions in the past few years at Manzano. This year Manzano Catwalk has put on two shows and is working on a third. The first of the two, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, has been the most successful so far, according to Morris. Morris, now in his second year of teaching at Manzano, is helping students to explore new areas of acting. “We’re exploring areas that allow us to have more freedom,” said Morris. Morris said that though he chooses most of the shows, he chooses shows that play to his students’ strengths. “We’ve had a balance of both dramatic and comedic pieces,” said Morris. Playing to actors’ strengths is a good way for the drama program to encourage new recruits to work hard. The four year study plan now in place gives incoming freshmen the chance to learn and grow with the same group of actors and develop social and life Chase Martinez and Michael Craig at the recent Continues on camping trip. Photo courtesy of Christine Romero page 5
Catwalk Productions: A class act
The Paw Print Staff Sounds Off on the Pro’s and Con’s of Facebook on Page 7
Find Out More About OnLine Classes on Page 4
Billy Takes a Break from Reviewing Movies and Tries his Talent as a Food Critic
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Entertainment
Catch a Fallen Star, Put it in Your Pocket Amanda Sims 2012
My typical reaction when I hear a book has been made into a movie, is “Oh no, Hollywood yet again butchered another amazing novel.” In “Stardust,” however, this is not the case. The translation from paper to the big screen did not destroy the integrity of either. The movie complements the novel as the novel complements the movie. Tristan Thorn is an odd boy, growing up in the city of Wall. He’s awkward and not exactly a ladies-man. “It was obvious he would not get his kiss, which he found puzzling. The manly heroes of the penny dreadful and shilling novels never had these problems getting kissed,” (page 47). When trying to convince the young beauty Victoria Forester to kiss him, they spot a falling star. Victoria agrees that if he crosses the wall and brings her back that fallen star, she will not only kiss him, she will marry him. Tristan is roughly tossed into a whirlpool of adventure as soon as he crosses the wall, unlocking secrets about his real family and discovering who he really is. The secret about the Wall, the one place no one is ever
allowed to go, is that it’s a magical realm full of witches, unicorns, nasty princes after the throne, and oddly enough, a star that turns out not to be a hunk of rock, but a lady. Neil Gaiman is a brilliant author with a large imagination. That said, “Stardust” is not my favorite book. It is written in a “fairy-tale” genre, which means it is straightforward and, if it hasn’t been Disney-ified yet, rather gruesome. Gaiman’s novel certainly qualifies as both. The plot is good, and the dialogue funny when it needs to be and dramatic when necessary. However, I believe the book lacks a special something, that might be the fairy-tale genre holding it back. The movie manages to portray everything the book lacks. Matthew Vaughn’s 2007 version of “Stardust” is a pure work of art. Not only does it follow the novel very well, but it also adds the extra boost of spice and excitement. In the novel, the magical and crazy world across the Wall, named Faerie, is very hard to imagine. The descriptions
are good, but sometimes special effects can paint a picture more easily than words. A main example of how the movie added more character and “spice” to the story, is the ride Tristan and Yvaine, the star, catch on the lightning-hunter’s airborne ship. Yes, the ship was in the novel and, yes, its voyage took place in the sky rather than the sea, but in the movie, the captain is named Shakespeare. He is a rather “loopy” man who likes to dress in beautiful gowns and wear makeup, but has to uphold his reputation of being fierce and unmerciful. His ship and the main character’s time aboard it, add very much to the likeability factor of the story. This only happens once in a blue moon, but I think the movie is slightly more entertaining and does a better job at tugging at the audience’s emotions than the book. Favorite quote: “‘Everything I ever thought about myself—who I was, what I am—was a lie. Or sort of. You have no idea how astonishingly liberating that feels.’ –Tristan Thorn, page 234.
NBA 2K11: Best video
teams of your choice and deal with trades and rosters, while the Season only allows you to play your team’s season. The best thing about 2K11 is the My Player game mode. In My Player mode you make a Danny Baker 2011 Have you ever imagined playing as or against Michael player and choose everything from his physical Jordan, Magic Johnson or Larry Bird? NBA 2K11 makes this features and accessories to the way he shoots and many other things possible. I give this game 9 stars out of and plays. Your player starts out pre-draft and 10. you have to impress teams, otherwise you will 2K11 is widely known as one of the best sports games out play for an NBA-D League team. and it lives up to the hype. Michael Jordan graces the cover and Making your player is fun, but can be makes any basketball fan excited. challenging. You start off as basically an Compared to an NBA Live game 2K11 seems like a perfect uncoordinated college basketball player. To game. In NBA Live the player graphics are so shiny that they all improve your player you use skill points and look like metal and the movement of them seems unnatural like buy different attributes you want for your player they were programmed. In 2K11 the player’s movement flows like shooting, speed and other physical and nonseamlessly from every crossover to every layup. physical traits. You start off with 10,000 skill As soon as the game starts it takes you to Jordan’s very points which is a lot considering every game own section of the game. There, you can relive Jordan’s top ten you usually only earn about 1,000 to 5,000 skill memorable moments from his career. points. You can play a quick game with exact rosters that are updated Each game you have objectives to do and regularly. There are also a lot of all-star teams and superstar you also have a teammate grade that’s very teams like Team Jordan and classic Bulls, Celtics, Hawks, difficult at first but once you know how to play Lakers and some other star teams. it makes it a lot easier. 2K11 also has plenty of game modes if you want to get a Starting out, you play Draft games against little deeper with a team or person. There is the Association other players in your Draft. In each game you Mode, Season, and My Player mode. have objectives to out play your counter part. The Association and the Season are basically the same but in If you’re a point guard than you’ll have to play the Association you get to take complete control of the team or against John Wall twice, which is frustrating. There is also a game menu with four little VISIT US AT: game modes that are cool to play. There is the FACEBOOK.COM/MYKEVAJUICE Dunk Contest, a Three Point Shootout, 21 and a Bring this in for your scrimmage game where you get to choose your whole team using superstars, past players and FREE 24 oz. even celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Drake. Smoothie Overall 2K11 is great but there are some bad with the purchase of a 24 oz. smoothie. things about it. The game menu is the worst menu I’ve seen in any game; navigating the menu is like trying to go through a maze. “The main menu is so confusing at first I didn’t know where anything was,” explained Kendell Bozell, a Rio Rancho High School senior. The player’s faces aren’t the best, either. Some people look perfect and others I wouldn’t be able to tell who it was if it wasn’t for their jerseys. Expires April 30, 2011 Valid at any Albuquerque Keva Juice SW location. The bad things about 2K11 are barely noticeable once you get to everything that makes it great. Discount redeemed at time of
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‘Topes Are Back Kristyn Willoughby 2013
‘Fast ball hit, oh it’s really up there, it’s… it’s outta’ here!’ To fans, baseball is really what summer is all about; sitting in the stadium, munching on a chilidog, the smell of freshly cut grass in the air; that’s baseball, Albuquerque Isotope baseball. The season has batted off and the ‘Topes are ready for a long season ahead. Last season, fans couldn’t help but applaud the season long effort the ‘Topes gave Albuquerque. The Isotopes finished first in the minor league, with a batting average of .312. However, this wasn’t enough for them to capture first place. While the ‘Topes couldn’t bring home the championship, the effort of the team was truly unstoppable and every team in the league has learned to respect the competitiveness of the Albuquerque Isotopes. If watching a good team doesn’t excite you, then maybe going to a state of the art stadium will. “I really love going to a season game especially when they have fireworks after the game,” Shelby Morgan an MHS freshman, commented. The Isotopes Park is considered to be one of the finest facilities in baseball. The park is not only a wonderful place to see some quality baseball, but also a place to relax. The stadium has an Ozone Center, which is filled with rides and a little grass park, perfect for birthdays, or an ideal place to sit during the game. Since the location is across from first base, it’s the perfect place to catch pop flies. The Isotopes Park also offers great food ,because you can’t watch a baseball game without eating some amazing food. Some of the concession stand menus include foot long corn dogs, Indian tacos, chicken tenders, NM chili cheese fries, and much, more, and for dessert a variety of candy and funnel cakes. “The food at the park is by far the best in town,” said Hannah Facile, MHS senior. The park is having a ‘Bark in the Park’ game where fans can bring their dogs to a game at the park section of the ballpark. In additon to this promotional event the Albuquerque Isotopes have been chosen to hold the 2011 Triple A National Championship Game, which is like the World Series to minor league baseball. So come on down and cheer on the Albuquerque Isotopes; you might even be surprised with a funny act during inning intermissions. There is only one way to find out!
Don’t Be Silly Ask Billy
What did you think of “Troll 2”? Matt Kraus No contest, the worst movie I have ever seen. It is so bad, it demands to be recommended, just so others can fully appreciate just how terrible it is. It is so bad, it’s hysterical, and because of this fact, I loved watching the movie--I haven’t laughed so hard at a movie in such a long time. It’ s a horror film, about vegetarian-goblins, and I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I will say that a double-decker bologna sandwich plays a vital role in it! The acting is incomparable to cardboard, because, in the words of Roger Ebert, “it would be offensive to a useful packaging material.” Overall, the film has to be seen firsthand to fully comprehend how terrible movies can be, and definitely don’t go into it expecting anything less than quite possibly the worst-and one of the funniest movies--you have ever seen. Billy Huntsman
Entertainment Scary Spice Meagan Fluellen 2011
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There are many popular drugs in the U.S. that teens abuse and that many parents don’t know about. One of those drugs is spice, which is illegal in other countries and has a controversial legality in the U.S. Today, spice is considered a medicinal product. Spice has been sold as a legal high, which actually contains illegal substances. The U.S. has been regulating spice and now the product is completely banned. Spice has been around since the ‘90’s, but has become more popular since 2008. There are many different names for this drug. Examples would be K2, genie, spice silver, 2 spicy, and spice of life. There are also three different packages of spice, which are spice, spice gold, and spice diamond. “I’ve heard of it but never used it. Spice wasn’t really popular in my day,” expressed Larry Francia, former MHS student. Spice is the name given to the herbal blend that contains a combination of plants and herbs and was once the legal alternative to cannabis. Cannabis is also another name for marijuana, which gives you a high related to spice, but spice’s effects are longer lasting, which is why people prefer it. Many people smoke spice as an alternative. It’s also a drug that people use to pass drug tests because there is no way of testing for the use of it. “My friend’s brother quit smoking marijuana to get a job, so he started smoking spice so he wouldn’t get caught,” expressed CJ Epler, an MHS senior. Many people think this is just a drug you can get really high from, but they don’t realize the negative effects it has on people. The side effects of spice affect your health. Some effects it has on people are nausea, anxiety attacks, hallucinations, chemical dependency, swelling of the brain, and convulsions. “My friend’s brother said that once he started smoking spice he got constant migraines and his lungs would begin to hurt; to him it definitely wasn’t worth it,” expressed Epler. “My uncle told me that here in N.M., a boy was smoking spice and started having convulsions which later led to a seizure. I don’t think I’ll be trying spice, ever,” expressed Celeste Ortega, an MHS senior. Medical research has found that spice is just as harmful as other drugs; it has just as many side effects and just as addicting.
Ah, Annie’s… Billy Huntsman 2012
Sure, a steak is good; ribs can served with lettuce and mayonnaise, and place? Well, I’m not an interior designer, but if you’ve ever be delicious; and a grilled cow avocado-optional. All dishes are served wondered what a 1940’s New with cheese can make practically with a generous handful of potato chips England-roadside diner looks anyone’s mouth water. But, really, which, I have a sneaking suspicion, are like, you’ll certainly get an idea is there anything better than comfort Lay’s. for it in Annie’s. The bric-à-brac food? Annie’s always has a specials-menu is a little dated, but truth be told You know what I’m talking on which they list, you guessed it, their about--whether it be ice cream, specials, and quite often this is where the it’s endearing, at least to me, chocolate, or, if you’re like me, “soup” in their name comes into play, and and will probably make you feel comfortable. fresh bread--we all have that one if you’re ever there on a day when they The service can be good, particular food that just guarantees have green chile chicken soup, I would depending on which waitress you to make life good, even if it’s just definitely get a cup of it. It comes with get. Typically, you’ll have no until you finish eating it. qualms with the service, and you And comfort food is what Annie’s and a friend can be in and out in Soup Kitchen, 3107 Eubank Blvd., a respectable half hour with full is all about. bellies, but Annie’s, just like all To start, they are open Tuesday other restaurants, does have its through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., slow days, and, yes, it does have and, therefore, they serve both waitresses who can still have their breakfast and lunch, the latter of moody days, and you’ll probably which beginning at eleven. Their know who these women are. breakfasts are probably my least Now, you may be saying to favorite part of the restaurant. They yourself, “Waitresses? What about have the typical staples of an Allwaiters?” American country diner, such as Well, that’s another biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and distinguishable characteristic about even some blueberry crepes that Annie’s, that there are no waiters; have enough whipped cream in that, like its customer-base, is them to choke a donkey. They also mostly comprised of women. have red-and-green chile breakfasts And, all you adolescent males, burritos, and if you like to mix and just in case you were wondering, no, match a combination of eggs, bacon, you’ll not find any fetching females biscuits, and eggs, you’ll be safe in Annie’s 90% female-clientele, in doing so. All-in-all, however, I unless, of course, you go for much would not recommend the restaurant Photo courtesy of Matt Kraus older women. But, hey, think about for breakfast. a large chunk of your-choice-of bread, it: get something to eat, get your I would, however, definitely and the soup is spicy though tasty, and recommend Annie’s for lunch. compliments either the grilled cheese or energy up, and then go break some young girls’ hearts. What I like about Annie’s is that turkey breast as a dipping sauce nicely. The price range is reasonable, it’s simple, including its menu; yes, They have a good selection for dessert, with an average from about $2.50 you’ll be able to find exceptions, though how often you’ll want dessert for to $7, and that combined with good but Annie’s lunch menu is primarily lunch I’m not sure, but just in case you composed of sandwiches. And I sure were wondering, I would recommend the food, a calm atmosphere, good service, and a female-owner who do likes me a good sammich! And angel food cake, doused generously in no sandwich has as much appeal some kind of melted-marshmallow sauce is very friendly make this a good to me as does a grilled cheese, and that tastes just about as close to heaven as lunch spot. In the end, Annie’s is a good Annie’s makes a fine grilled cheese, you can get without dying, or the carrot place to pass by for breakfast, a with a choice of mixing in tomatoes, cake, which, normally, I’m not a fan of, great place to stop in for lunch, green chile slices, and turkey. except of Annie’s, or the bread pudding This is my favorite option at cake, which, again, comes in a heavenly- and an overall enjoyable dining experience. Annie’s, and running a close second sauce. is their cold turkey breast sandwich, And what about the ambiance of the
Local Music Scene Gears Up for Summer David Jio 2013
Music Is The Enemy – “Covers EP” 2011, Post-Hardcore from Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque’s leading posthardcore wizards have been rather productive as of late, assaulting your ears in the form of a novel yet entertaining 3-song album of cover songs. The EP finely demonstrates their ability to adapt music from a wide range of genres into their signature style of decimating metal breakdowns and blistering punk sections. The most easily recognizable song on the disc is a cover of Cee Lo Green’s hit single “F You”, otherwise known as “Forget You”. They change the upbeat R&B anthem into a pummeling metallic attack that’s every bit as catchy as the original. Next the band does a cover of folk rock group The Mountain Goats’ “No Children”, which takes the brutal lyrical content and provides music to match it, as opposed to contrast it as the original did. The verses that begin with “In my life…” and “I am drowning…” are converted into screaming breakdowns that emphasize the lyrics effectively. Finally, their cover of old school
hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” is brooding and melancholic, but the plodding guitar melodies create an atmosphere of doom that matches the original’s theme to perfection. What the listener is left with here is an impressive take on three songs that one would never expect a punk or metal band to cover. Fields of Elysium – “Unraveling Arcane Dynamics” 2009, Technical Death Metal from Santa Fe, New Mexico Like a galaxy being torn apart by a supermassive black hole, Santa Fe death metallers Fields of Elysium are tearing apart the fabric of metal music with their debut album “Unraveling Arcane Dynamics”. The quartet consists of the dual vocal attack of bassist Andre Lamoureux and guitarist Quanah Lee, along with the blasting precision of drummer Gerald Roybal and Omar Serrano-Perez’s brilliant guitar work. The album explodes into existence with the supernova of a song “Decomposing Celestial Mass”, a track that showcases the band’s skill with quick tempo and time changes, their gift for counterpoint in the guitar
lines, and their ability to switch without warning into smooth free jazz sections, further perpetuating their musicianship. Despite the super precise technical approach of the album, the band still achieves a marked heaviness that many bands in the style tend to lack. This insane assortment of jazz odyssey and death metal brutality is an experience that is impressive from a musical standpoint and also enjoyable to
Music is the Enemy! Photo courtesy of Google
listen to. Mistress of My Enemy – Demo 2011, Metalcore from Albuquerque, New Mexico A rapidly rising force in the Albuquerque music scene is Mistress of My Enemy, a metalcore band that combines speedy verses, melodic choruses, and epileptic breakdowns to keep the listener intrigued and entertained. The vocalist’s Mohawk is pretty cool, too. This three-song demo is a sampler of many things to come, and the sheer potential leaves the listener excited to hear what this band can expand into. Over the course of these three short tracks, the band manages to keep their sound varied yet cohesive. The vocal shrieks are reminiscent of Black Dahlia Murder, providing an impressive range going from high shrieks to ultra low growls. The drums are like clockwork and provide a strong foundation for the guitarists to use their harmonizing, interweaving melodies and gives precise kick patterns during their erratic and exciting breakdowns. Although this demo is plagued by mediocre production, the quality of the music rises above that to deliver a good experience. Keep an eye on these guys.
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School News
MHS Clothing Bank Makes Fashion Affordable
Monica Martinez 2011 In today’s society, fashion and style are everything. From Nikes to Hollister, everywhere you look, name brand is in. Fashion is making a statement across the world but it’s not always affordable. Especially now with the economic downfall, fashion and style have been put on the sidelines. What about the less fortunate people who are barley able to afford what they can get? Clothes can be expensive no matter if it’s name brand or not. For teens, the clothes that are bought are constantly being outgrown; the stress for new clothes will come again shortly. Well, stress no more, because Manzano is making a difference. At the end of February, MHS started a clothing The clothing bank at MHS. Photo courtesy of Cheyanne Herrera bank. The two people who made it to students who need clean clothes. possible are life-changing teachers. “It’s awesome to have an onsite clothing bank and a laundromat,” said MHS staff Yvonne Reneau and Gloria Trujillo member Reneau who started the bank. have gone above and beyond to make A few years ago, Reneau received the washer and dryer for her class. Finding no need sure this is happening. for them, she decided to open the washer and dryer to her students in need. This was a The clothing bank is here on positive decision made by Reneau because it helped a lot of students. campus, located in ‘S’ hall portables. In Later, the problem was not washing clothes but having the clothes to wash. When order to have clothing bank access, you students were complaining of having no clothes, the idea of a clothing bank came to need a counselor referral. It is available Reneau’s mind. to all Manzano students who are in a With the start of this program, not only are students able to wash clothes in comfort, financial situation. It is all individual but the students in the class are learning something as well. shopping, so there is no fighting over “It teaches my students to be helpful and respectful to those who are in need,” said the same shirt. Reneau. Not only is the clothing bank an A lot of people are involved with the efforts in making this happen. From Manzano available resource, but so are the staff to Manzano parents, the whole community is coming together. One of the funds that washer and dryer. A washer and dryer helps support the clothing bank is the Protecting the Pride Funds (PPF). are located in K-121 and are available PPF is an organization that donates money to Manzano for certain clothing items:
socks and underwear, of course, are the first items on the list, since they are personal and should be worn by only one person. Due to the kindness of this fund, more than 20 students have been able to get new clothes.This allows students to feel clean and comfortable with fresh and new undergarments. There are a couple of things the clothing bank really needs, especially now that the year is ending. Prom is the biggest end-of-the-year event and it’s coming fast. “Prom is coming up and donations on dresses, suits, shoes, and ties would be very great to get,” said Reneau. Prom is one of the most exciting and memorable events in a senior’s life. If donations of the items above are made, then everyone at MHS will enjoy prom. “One of my favorite stores is Buffalo Exchange,” said Reneau, who stated that stores such as that one inspire her to use recycle. This is just another way that Manzano is recycling. Reneau is all about reduced, reused, and recycled items because she believes it is making the world a better and cleaner place. Reneau and Trujillo both make this clothing bank possible. The members of the clothing bank would like to ask everyone reading this, if you have any extra hangers, clothes, or shoes sitting in your closet, bring them down.
Online Classes Create New Opportunities for APS Students Erika Sanchez 2011 well as parents on a day-to-day basis," School can be difficult for some explained Derrick Adkins, online U.S high schoolers. Making up a credit History Teacher, and former MHS usually means night school, summer social studies teacher. school, or an 8th hour class, but the Students are expected to log onto new thing everyone is talking about is their course 2 to 3 times a week and online classes. submit 2 to 3 assignments each time APS ECademy Night Schools new they log on. Typically students should technology program is getting more be spending at least 2 hours on the and more popular. Over 1,000 students computer each log in per course. are taking online courses this semester. "I can work on it whenever, and "ECademy offers all of the core the assignments are short, so it’s easy courses required for the diploma, plus to get a lot done," explained Kristen a few elective courses," explained Rod Dupont, MHS senior. Hansen, MHS counselor. Several consecutive days of ECademy is not just a technology inactivity could result in parent phone site. They have a lot of similar calls or the student eventually being characteristics as a regular classroom dropped from the course, depending setting. They have a principal, on the student’s grade. If the student assistant principal, online learning does not have access to a computer, coordinator, and tech coordinator. there are always other alternatives. "Being an online teacher requires "Computer labs are open at Del a lot of patience and dedication. Norte, Sandia, Eldorado, and Volcano We are constantly connected to the Vista after school," explained Cristian computer, reviewing and creating Gonzales, an MHS senior. our course, grading assignments, and The grading scale can differ staying in contact with students as depending on the course you are
taking and the instructor teaching the course. ECademy issues grades cumulatively. Work includes worksheets, essays, tests, and even class discussions. "We have this thing on my online class called the ‘discussion board’, and our teacher posts up a topic and we comment on it and get to communicate and write back on other people’s comments," explained Gonzales. For our current freshmen and sophomores, online classes are one option that satisfies their new graduation requirements. You may take more than one class at a time and each class is worth one-half credit. "Online classes are often very challenging courses, with as much or more work involved than a classroom course. They can also be frustrating because asking questions of the teacher takes time between question and answer," explained Hansen. Sometimes learning over a computer can challenge students versus in a classroom with a teacher to demonstrate. "I think online English is easier than an actual class, but I would've
preferred to take Chemistry in class, because it’s hard to understand when you’re just reading instructions, instead of someone showing you," explained Dupont. Some teachers at Albuquerque ECademy/ Evening High are not only online teachers but are face-to-face teachers in an original setting as well. "Dealing with 200 different personalities/students online is a lot different than dealing with them faceto-face," explained Adkins. Although working at your own pace may sound easy, it is important to stay disciplined before time flies by and students are unable to make the deadlines. "Online courses are not for everyone. It requires a lot of time and dedication. Students should really put thought in before signing up for an online course," explained Adkins. Technology is forever changing and constantly growing, just as education and the ways teachers teach is changing.
MilieuContinued from front page 1
students) all different. Most clubs, like German Club, are just German speaking students; same way with ASU and BSU,” said MHS senior Ian Hedges. The club took a trip to the Manzano State Park the last weekend of March for a camping trip. During the trip, the students delved into active learning by caring for and interacting with the environment. “We went on a camping trip, built bird houses and set an example for other people,” said Garnham. In addition to the camping trip, Milieu also goes on hiking trips into the Sandia Mountains. In order to understand the environment, one must place oneself in the center of it. This is one of the major values that the club exalts themselves on because it implements positive change and a raw outlook on nature. A Pinon tree will soon be planted at Manzano High School in memory of Mrs. Gracie Sellars, an honorable teacher who passed away last fall. The tree will be planted near the PAC. “The tree sets an example for everyone else. It shows that we care and want to make a difference,” explained Garnham. Milieu meets Mondays and Wednesdays every week in room E27.
School News ASU at Manzano Katelyn Swain 2012
April 2011
Other than the delicious foods ASU has raised money at school carnivals to give to charities, including Koats for Kids. Also this year, they’ve put on a canned and the intriguing oriental décor, food drive for people in need and are currently helping out an how much do students at MHS organization that helps abused children. really know about the Asian ASU is also involved in some activities to help Japan since their culture? If the answer to that recent disasters affecting the nation. They plan to help Student question is, not much, a great way to learn more about it would Senate with a benefit dance with profits being donated to Japan. be to check out the Asian Student They will also be fundraising money to donate. “They’re one of the more energetic clubs and they always have Union (ASU) at MHS. stand-out performances at the cultural assemblies,” Josh Bowen, ASU is a new club this year at MHS that explores Asian cultures and participates in activities and gets involved in programs to help better the community. Kheim Tang, MHS freshman, said, “It allows me to give back to the community and to participate in activities that help charities.” Students in ASU meet every Wednesday at lunch in Jennifer Huynh’s, MHS English teacher and advisor of ASU, classroom in K-215. The turnout is usually around 25 to 30 students. Huynh said, “The point of ASU is to welcome people of different types to spread awareness of all Asian cultures.” ASU in the ampatheatre. Photo courtesy of ASU So far in this school year,
Requested Conferences Tyler Gallegos 2012
For many years, Manzano High School has done parent conferences for updates on student’s progress. With the new student led conferences, students lead the conference and inform their parents of how they’re doing in school, with their advisor overseeing the meeting. However, due to snow days, students and staff have to come in for another three days of school on which they were orginally off for conferences and for junior testing. APS came up with three alternatives and asked students, parents, and teachers which one they liked the best and when they wanted to make up the three snow days. The vote was for the conference days to be school days. So now the administration came up with the idea to leave it to the parents to request if they want a conference or not. Juniors will still be testing during this time. So some were wondering if this will mess up the junior testing? “I don’t think this will interrupt our testing and we just won’t have to go to classes and just take the SBA,” said MHS junior Yen Huynh These conference dats have always been in the master schedule
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every year. This is a loss for students, as well as teachers and parents to check on the progress and find ways to improve the student to excel in class. Although many students are happy that the school year wasn’t extended into June, many are upset that they won’t have this time to show off their hardwork to their parents and guardians. Advisories have officially been stopped for the year, and for conferences they are being held on the same days were making up but only by parent or guardians request. “I’d prefer that we do that than extend school and have a later summer,” said MHS junior Tyler David. Next year the conferences will go on as usual, with specific school days being designated for parents to meet with teachers. Students who feel that a conference would benefit them this year need to set up a time with their specific advisory teachere and their parents. Also Next Step plans are to be completed by students and signed by their parents. This is a part of the advisory process that helps students think about what they want to do after they graduate from Manzano. If you have any questions about this ask your advisory teacher.
MHS senior . At the meetings, students discuss plans for their next community service activity and also plan for team building opportunities. Along with the community, ASU is also beneficial for the students involved in the club. “I’ve made a lot of new friends from ASU. It’s a good club to join for anyone who wants to give back to the community and learn about Asian culture,” Tang stated The ASU at MHS is a new club that accepts all people. This year they’ve already made over $1,000 that’s given to help the needy people of the community and hope to do more to help out this year and in future years. This is a club that would be great for people from any ethnic background to join if they’re interested in the Asian culture or if they just want to get involved in a community benefit program.
“I recycle, I walk, and ride my bike, rather than drive. I plant plants, and I always unplug my charger,” Casie Baca, senior.
How do Monarchs Honor Earth Day?
Drama
Continued from front page.. skills . “The self-confidence it builds is uncanny,” said Morris. Morris would go on to state that drama helps students build important life skills, such as public speaking. More than speaking, students learn about how much work goes into managing a show and how much work it takes to make everything happen. “The most important part of doing a play is the process behind it,” said Morris. Also worth mentioning about the drama program was its participation in the New Mexico Thespian Competition, where junior Jaden Posada qualified for the national competition. Posada preformed two monologues titled “Walter,” and “Simon.” Posada explained that the two monologues had to be the opposite of one another; one dramatic, one comedic. The drama program is now starting to prepare for next year and the new shows it will be doing. Auditions for plays are open to the entire student body, if a student is interested in auditioning, he or she should contact Morris in the PAC.
“I don’t leave water running, we don’t leave the TV on, or the lights, and we don’t drive much,” Nathanael Andazola, senior “I don’t pollute the air with a car, I walk just about everywhere,” Troy Canada, senior.
“I never litter and always recycle,” Baileigh Wollam, senior.
MHS Dedicates a Memorial to a Legendary Teacher Feliz Munoz 2011
Friends, loved ones, and co-workers came together to celebrate the life of Ms. Gracie Sellers, as a wing of the MHS library was dedicated in her memory. In the southwest area of the library are just some of the books Ms. Sellers had collected throughout her life. She loved to read and her family thought it would be nice to share that love with Manzano students. Last year MHS lost a very professional, loyal and caring woman in October. Ms. Sellers was a very spiritual woman with strong values. Her friends say she was full of stories, adventures, and absolutely loved New Mexico. Helen Cortez, activities director, was a very close friend of Ms. Sellers. Cortez spoke at the dedication ceremony. She expressed the many times she and Ms. Sellers spent together. “She always talked about her upbringing and her family. Anytime we were together she had stories to tell me,” said Cortez. Versa Clark, MHS teacher, and another friend of Ms. Sellers, dedicated two books that remind him of her to the collection. The two books are “Can You Hear Me Now” and “Debating Race with Michael Eric Dyson”. “Gracie always encouraged me to have my students read, so I always start my class by reading,” expressed Clark. Ms. Sellers has left a legacy here at Manzano. This wing in the library ensures that her legacy will continue. Miss. Sellers Memorial. Photo courtesy of To see all the books Ms. Sellers has left behind and ones that are dedicated to her, check them out in the library today. Ashley Day.
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Is Our Creativity on Life Support? Cloie Logan 2013
Music and art should be greater emphasized in public schools, especially in Albuquerque. Art is something people can be very passionate about, and if more people were involved in this passion, there could be less trouble in the streets, and less violence along with greater capacity for intellect. Music and art have been known to provide many people with a strong emotional outlet. For example, after every major natural disaster in the past few decades, organizations practiced art therapy with the victims of the disasters. This art therapy helps relieve the grief, frustration, and possible loss and depression that comes with such an occurrence. This practice can be mirrored in high crime areas such as Albuquerque. Perhaps if people were just left to express their emotions through art, there would be a decrease in fights and discontent. In order to raise a well-rounded generation of students, they need to be exposed to everything- not just math, science, history, and English. At Manzano, each student is required to take one fine or practical arts credit, foreign language classes included. Some students don’t even see the inside of an art or music class after elementary school. Maybe if we put as much emphasis on the arts as we do on core subjects, our generation would grow into a less violent, more well-rounded group of individuals. It is understood that the arts can’t be everyone’s forte. But neither can science, math, history, or language arts. In our teenage years, we are supposed
to be figuring out who we are, and if we aren’t justly exposed to everything, how can that help? Yes, we have the opportunity to, and it’s each student’s choice if they want to sign up for an arts class, but some who just strive to get by won’t, even if they are the ones who may be most helped by a class of this sort. We should make “one required fine or practical arts credit” mean exactly that. Everyone has to take Physical Education, so why not have everyone take an arts class as well? Language should be in a separate category, it isn’t fair to have the arts at a disadvantage, because many people simply take a language (which is required anyway) and slide past their arts credit. To have students take an arts credit is not asking much. Students are required to take classes of everything else: math, science, history, English, physical education, foreign language, and health. It could help people in the community as well. I’ve heard from people in the guitar program here at Manzano say that they probably wouldn’t be in as good of shape as they are now if they hadn’t been in guitar. Their grades and overall behavior have improved because of the program. The arts should be emphasized just as much as everything else. Since the Cold War, maths and sciences have taken top billing. It’s time for a revival of creativity.
Editorials
Are You Illegerate?
Karla Maldonado 2012 In the United States, the biggest problem has become that as young people, we have become a society of alliterate, passive spectators. Ok, so what exactly is illegeracy? Illegeracy is the inability of a citizens to recognize and make decisions about political matters that affect them. If you are illegerate, you fail to make sense of your culture and historical background, you fail to see your life as open to choices and give up any political power, such as voting. The average American teen would rather sit and watch “Jersey Shore” or “Secret Life of American Teenager” than national news or reading up on current events. As students, we sometimes think that reading a book or knowing history is a waste of time, that we would rather spend collecting friends on ‘Facebook’. In many cases, it’s not our fault. It is the educational system and the media that fail us. The media system is concerned about how many Monsters you drink a day, and how many new pair of jeans you buy, instead of being an educational outlet. Advertisers do not benefit from anyone being an intellectual. They rely on all those social drop-outs to buy the newest phone, a new car every 5 years, and all those other shiny things out there. News programs, magazines, and other newspapers neglect the focus on important news and rather focus on entertaining us rather than informing us. We have to face the fact that our culture has become too concerned about how entertained we can be kept in a classroom, and how many things we can buy. We have been hijacked, corporatized as well. A friend of mine told me that it’s her life and her choice towards what she does with her free time. Yes, she is right, it is her life. The best part of being in a democratic society is that we have a say. We decide who becomes our leaders. So, why would we neglect that right that many die trying to obtain, for example Libya and Egypt, to become illegerate? It’s time, as the future generation, to take control of what is being sold to us and be proud of the intellectualism only the human race has.
Can We Really Heal the World? Mariah Chavez 2011
With all this talk about how people are destroying our planet, such as temperature changes, pollution, trashing our planet, cutting down our rain forests, overconsumption of our resources, overpopulation, ect... it’s kind of hard to say if after all of the damage that we’ve done to this planet, if it is irreversible. It’s really dishearting to see that the people that inhabit this planet know what kind of harm they are doing and yet they continue to do it. A person may try to defend their actions by saying that we need to take an excessive amount of resources to accommodate supply and demand. Also that there is really nothing they can do about polluting the planet because people need means of transportation. Although I do agree that we need resources to accommodate the supply and demand. Keep in mind that doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to over consume. There are plenty of things that you can do to not over-consume. You can car pool, take your own bags when you go grocery-shopping, and recycle. We need to remember that by taking more then what is needed, our resources begin to run out, which is a problem not only for our generation, but for future generations as well. When it comes to people saying there is nothing that can be done about polluting our planet. I say that they are wrong. I mean yes, people do need ways to get around, and I’m not suggesting everyone should break out their bikes and start peddling to work and school every day. Just consider that there are alternative ways of renewable energies. For example, wind turbines, water turbines, and ethanol are great alternatives. In short, I believe that there are changes that need to be made for the health and survival of this planet. Without these changes, the future is unclear.
Editorials
Facebook Isn’t for Everyone Max Alaniz 2011
Facebook is not for everyone. Lately there has been talk and even newspaper articles about teens becoming depressed and even suicidal over Facebook. Allow me to retort by first saying that if you seriously are that depressed about other people looking like they are having a good time in their pictures, then maybe you should spend less time on Facebook and get a real life and go have some good times too. If you’re more worried about the number of “friends” you have on your Facebook profile, then your mental stability should be questioned, because the number of friends you have in real life and the number of “friends” you have on Facebook are probably vastly different, especially if you are “collecting” friends. If you log onto Facebook and see “809 new friend requests,” get over its not that important. You always see the profile that has 99,999,999+ friends, but guess what, no one cares because no one actually knows and actively talks to that many people. Another accusation about Facebook is that it starts drama. Well, guess what? There’s this nifty little button on your edit friends page that says ‘block’. Why don’t you do the smart thing and block whoever is trying to post things to hurt your poor little feelings. Or another smart idea is to not add your enemies to your friends list or even better, my personal favorite; grow some backbone and toughen up a little and stop crying to your mothers about everyone who doesn’t like you. This is life and that’s how the real world works, toughen up. The accusations continue to pile up with more talk of sexual predators on the Internet. Well if you will look back a few sentences about the block button there’s one solution. Another is a setting that will only allow friends you have confirmed to message you or to even see your profile. Another suggestion to parents is stop letting your 12-year-old daughter post half naked pictures of herself on her profile. I mean, honestly, what do you expect? And for the individual who is getting unconsensually flirted with, just report the person, delete them as a friend, block them, and get on with your life and worry about something that really matters, like “Jersey Shore”.
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Accusing April 2011 other activities. Facebook There are certain exceptions to Meralyn Werner 2011
this opinion, like cyber-bullying or Facebook-stalking, because those Just like with everything else, things are strictly related to the I believe that one thing, such as internet and online social networking Facebook or Twitter or a certain sites. On the other hand, the people environment or experience won’t cause a person to become influenced, I that cyber bully are likely to do it in think that it’s a combination of things the “real world” as well, and people that stalk others on Facebook might be that result in unhappiness and other particularly nosy to begin with. issues like low self-esteem. The internet just gave people Recently in the Albuquerque outlets to extend their personality, and Journal, an article was posted if people don’t want their information mentioning a new study revolving to be public knowledge, they should around Facebook saying that it has refrain from putting it on those sites. been known to cause depression in Also, Facebook has privacy settings teenagers. available to change who can see your The article said that because information, such as your pictures or teenagers can see other people’s your phone number. There are also happy pictures, relationships with protections on Facebook for members their friends, their status updates, and under 18, which provide extra security popular connections, disconnected, for younger people. or unhappy, people on Facebook are The bottom line is, don’t let other feeling depressed. Although there is people affect you online and don’t some truth to this, I think that people become more depressed by looking at will be depressed no matter if they all the fun other people are having, go get on Facebook or not, they can be out and have that fun yourself instead. unhappy just by looking at happy Make your own life better instead of people at school, or feeling like envying other teen’s lives! they’re left out when their friends do
7 Facebook Games Meadow Butler 2013
Facebook is a place for friends to connect with friends and family but there are also other things to do like playing games. Some of the games on Facebook are fun, but they aren’t as fun as some people make them seem. Some constantly play games that they are so addictive that they can’t stop playing and in the end they can end up getting in trouble. I used to play a game on Facebook called “Superpoke Pets” and I played it all the time, whenever I could get on a computer. Eventually I noticed it was controlling my life to an extent because I would get in trouble because I didn’t want to get off the computer when I was told. It was ridiculous! So I ended up breaking my stupid addiction. Now I play once in a while. There are a lot of other things that people could be doing instead of being on Facebook 24/7. You could spend time with you family, hangout with friends, exercise, but most importantly you could do homework, if you have any. A solution for being addicted to games on Facebook is moderation. You don’t have to quit playing the games you love, but they aren’t worth getting in trouble, Ashley Day 2011 or blowing off your homework. Instead of playing everyday, you can play a couple Facebook has become an area for people to vent their feelings or share times a week or on the weekends. events happening in their lives with their friends. But it seems like too many Some people disagree with my people “vent” too much. opinion, like my cousin. She loves to play I’m so tired of seeing 20 posts from the same person within 2 hours of “Farmville” and “Fronterville”. She is so each other. addicted to the games that she gets on her One person on my friends list, who does not go to MHS, happens to post husbands Facebook so she can send herself at least 30 times a day. One minute they will post “my life is so amazing, blah stuff and take care of her farm and what blah blah,” but then15 minutes later they post something like “I hate my life, I not so she can get extra stuff. One day she need to get out of here.” And then they’re random posts that hardly ever make told me to get a “Farmville” so I could any sense. send her stuff and I told her “no” and in Honestly, no one cares enough to know your every thought. the end she got mad at me, and yet she still I don’t think posting twice everyday, or so, is bad, but too many more tries to get on my Facebook to play. Talk posts than that is outrageous. Don’t people have lives other than being on about shameful. Facebook? So instead of playing a Facebook One way to fix this is thinking about what you like to read about your game, you could be doing more important friends. You can’t possibly want to know every single thing that happens in things. You could moderate playing your their lives.“Just went to Walmart.” “Tied my shoes funny today.” “Just ate games and still enjoy other things that some macaroni and cheese.” “Just saw this girl I hate! She’s so annoying!” you like to do. Anything can become an See, gets a little bothersome. People don’t need to post all of these things, one addiction and it’s sad when it’s a Facebook or two is enough. game. Next time you’re on Facebook and about to post something, think about who’s going to read it and if it is really necessary.
Too Much Sharing is Not Caring
Computer Creepers Autumn Quillen 2014
Facebook seems to be growing like weeds in the teenage world. People have been calling it the “safer version of MySpace,” which I guess is true. It’s a simple social network where people can advertise, say what they think, keep in touch, or whatever else people want one for. Now, is it the safest thing to have? I doubt it… A lot of people, including myself, have a Facebook. It’s great to mess around and talk with friends and family. However, meeting new people and accepting random friend requests probably isn’t the smartest thing to do. People can make fake profiles and will want you to be their friend for reasons we all don’t want to know, and some requests can even be viruses. Now, us being the ignorant teenagers we are, it’s highly unlikely we’re going to be able to tell the difference, considering it’s nearly impossible to notice anyway. Ways to look out for little creepers on the internet are to simply just know the people who are your friends on there. Just being careful and having common sense might not be a bad idea either. People have been pretending to be another person as well, so if you’re not familiar with your friend getting a facebook, you might want to ask them about it. Personal information can be controlled on there too, so just keep an eye out. Yes, we all know there’s not going to be any serious problems for us any time soon. That being said, do you really want to take that chance? We’ve all heard the cyber stories, and little nerdy computer hackers are out there. So what if they just so happen to come across your pretty little face and want to be your friend? You click that confirm button, and that’s when things can get serious. The point is to just be careful with your facebook. You never know who’s on the other side of the computer, and being smart with how you handle everything could save your life. So be aware of anybody who wants to be your new best friend.
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Athletes Paul Clear
April 2011
(Tennis)
Monarchs
Staff
Jeffrey Forster
What attracted you to tennis? Just to stay in shape & thought it would be fun What motivates you before a match? Watching tennis games, listening to music and getting warmed up. How do you celebrate a win after? Shake oppenents hand, just chill or go eat.
Rachel Bean
Students and Staff
(Track)
Ed Bortot (Administrator) Best part of MHS? The community here, we have great support from parents, and a lot school spirit. Favorite class from high school? History Dream Vacation? Greece Best Memory of MHS? The NTech ďŹ eld trip with the AVID classes because we got to see explosions.
GPA: 3.8 Motivation in school? My family and just the teachers here. Basically most of the adults in my life. Best Class? English Dream Career? Computer Scientist
Kerry Kortkamp
What attracted you to the track? I’ve always liked running and the team is really close. What motivates you before a meet? Listening to music and just picturing the race in my head. How do you celebrate after a win? I go and sleep or I go out to eat with the team.
Mari Dannenbaum (Government & Econ)
GPA: 3.5 Motivation in school? To eventually graduate and get into colleges that I want to get into. Best Class? English Dream Career? To open a dance, play a few intruments, and be in drama.
Best part of MHS? The diversity Favorite class from high school? Sociology & Drama Dream Vacation? Italy & Greece Best Memory of MHS? Getting to announce football games this past year.
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