February 2011 Volume LI Issue III
Manzano High School
In the Corps of Service Yoselin Torres 2011 Chrisine Romero 2011
Perhaps college, finding a job, or going into the army are not on high school students’ agendas after graduating. Well what if there is something else? An experience of adventure, culture, and enlightenment? And so the Peace Corps was born. People joining the Peace Corps (PC) have numerous reasons for joining, whether it is to find cultural emersion, to assist the less fortunate, or to build a background in foreign relations. Most volunteers have a key common ground: helping to make the world a better place. “After taking early childhood classes and interacting with the kids, I started to find information on the Peace Corps and the education program. I love the idea of helping those in need,” said Condra Garcia, a senior at MHS. The Peace Corps is an organization run by the US government where volunteers have been helping developing countries overseas for the past 50 years. An exemplary candidate is one interested in volunteering and public service, has a college degree, and a commitment to living a humble life for two years. A student can join right out of high school if he or she has a paramount skill. The PC’s motto is essentially “Give a man a fish, he’ll be hungry the next day; teach a man to fish and he will feed his family for the rest of his life.” Just knowing how to do something isn’t usually enough; one has to be able to teach it. For 27 months, Peace Corps volunteers will serve in one of the 77 countries of Africa, Asia, The Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, or the Middle East. A volunteer applies to a certain program area including health, business & information and communications technology, education, agriculture, youth and community development, and environment. From here, the Peace Corps will provide the volunteer with the technical, cross-cultural, and language training they need for the country they will be placed in. They will match the volunteer’s skills to openings in that particular area. Carol and Jack Nuzum, both teachers at MHS, had the desire to reach out to communities in need of assistance. “[We] wanted to serve. My generation was going to save the world,” said Manzano High School teacher Carol Nuzum. The Nuzums were married in 1968. After graduating in 1969, the couple joined the peace corps. “[We went to] South Korea. Which at that time was a very poor country. They were still trying to recover from the Korean War. I fell in love with two things: the Korean people, and the teaching. PC gave us three months of very good training,” said Nuzum. The Peace Corps will determine one’s destination in accordance to the needs of a host country and the ability of the volunteer to contribute to the impoverished country. “We lived with a family. The mother was a teacher at my school. We were teaching English and you had the same [living conditions] as the host you lived with. No indoor plumbing, we had to go to a bathhouse where there was a cold-water picket in the back yard,” said Learn more on page 4!
Shanley Shakes Up Shakespeare on Page 5
Breaking News:
Marisa Maez Makes Manzano Proud Ashley Day 2011 Marisa Maez is a household name in Albuquerque, but before she made a name for herself on Action 7 News, she attended Manzano High School. Maez remembers Manzano and how she got to where she is today. She shared those memories when she recently sat down with the Pawprint for an interview. What do you remember most about Manzano High School? I remember students gravitating toward the different outdoor locker halls according to their clique. You were supposed to be assigned a locker based on your grade. Seniors for example got the coveted C Hall. But kids would gradually share a locker or snag one available where they fit in most; Jocks and cheerleaders in C hall, Cowboys in B, Rockers in D. I remember feeling like my day could be made or broken based on my outfit or if a specific crush actually said “hi”, passed me a note, or talked to me in the Wilson parking lot
after school. Back then, [Wilson] was all dirt, and we had to make our own spaces, then fight to get out at lunch time. Aggressive driving was a must if you wanted to make it to Dion’s on Central in time to grab a slice of pizza with ranch and make it back in time for 5th period. What teacher influenced you the most? Why? The teacher that influenced me most was my junior English teacher, Mr. Usmar. He lit a fire inside me rather than under me, and nurtured my confidence in reading and writing. We stayed in contact for years in fact, before his retirement he sent me a beautiful Christmas ornament, a red glass heart. I put it up this year. He was amazing. My experience in his class certainly helped me become a passionate writer and journalist. What was your fondest memory of Manzano? I loved assemblies, seniors sitting on the East side of the gym, chanting at the juniors...”S-S-SE-N-I-I-I-O-R...S-E-N-I-
What Does Billy Think About “True Grit”? Find Out on Page 6
O-R....SENIORS,” poor freshman doing their best to chime in. Speaking of freshmen, when I was one, I asked a senior, my longtime, huge crush and star soccer goalie, Carl (oh my goodness...I can’t even remember his last name!) to Winter Ball. He said yes! We ate at Scalo, I had the black and white linguini. I felt like the luckiest girl alive! Four years later, I was on Homecoming Court; I wore a red velvet dress that I had handmade to match Julia Robert’s dress in “Pretty Woman”. That was a hot movie at the time. Eric Chavez was my escort. Fun stuff. Good times. Great memories. Did you take Newspaper or Yearbook at Manzano? How did it help you get to where you are today? I wasn’t a member of Yearbook or Newspaper. I don’t think the thought ever even crossed my mind, sadly. Is there anything in high school that you wish you had done, but didn’t? The only regret I
have is that I wasn’t a cheerleader! Is that crazy? I always wanted to be and just never went for it. Silly, I suppose. Did you always want to be a journalist? If not, what did you originally want to be? I attended CEC during my junior and senior year, busting my buns to get a nursing degree before graduation. It worked. I loved it, and it paid for my journalism degree at UNM. I started UNM in the fall of 1994. With my nursing degree, I thought I would stay in medicine and become a doctor. I had plans to eventually attend med-school at UNM while working as a nurse because I got tuition reimbursement. Life is never what you expect it to be. Plans are great, but destiny is greater. During that time, I became a much better writer and story teller. How/ When did you become interested in journalism? My sophomore year
See what else Marisa has to say on page 5!
A Story of True Teen Love on Page 2 for Valentine’s Day
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February 2011
Black History At MHS
February is the month in which Americans show their appreciation for African Americans and their cultural accomplishments.. Some of the most influential people in American history are African Americans. It makes sense that the U.S. honors the many individuals who have shaped our world as we know it today. “Rosa Parks is an inspirational person to me because she stood up for what she believed in and I believe that she showed everyone, no matter the color of their skin, that they can stand up for what they believe in and anything is possible,” said MHS senior
Teen Love
Sheridan Ballou- Crawford about Rosa Parks’ inspiration to her. From Harriet Tubman to Barack Obama, the list of names grows every day. Though most don’t get the fame they deserve, there are many of African American heroes all around us. MHS senior Ashley Frechette named fellow MHS senior, Crawford, as her hero because, “she’s strong willed… and is a good friend!” Everyday people are those who make the biggest differences in our lives because we live with them, interact with them, and know them on a real level, unlike the celebrities who get recognition and awards for giving
Ernestine Frank 2011
large amounts of money to the impoverished. In the 1960’s one man who made one of the biggest accomplishments for the black community was Martin Luther King Jr. MHS social studies teacher, Mary Butler, recalls hearing MLK Jr’s speech as a girl. “I remember listening and truly being touched by his words, so for me it is the number one speech of my lifetime,” said Butler. The inspirational speech made such an impact in her life that Butler has her students prepare a creative response of their own in
Erika Sanchez 2011
February reference to the speech. “When we study the 14th Amendment and the civil rights movement, my students always surprise me by their enthusiasm. I require them to prepare a creative response [and] one of my favorites is a portrait of MLK hanging on my wall today,” said Butler. For the black community today, Barack Obama is probably the most notable figure because in 2008 he became the first president of African American descent. The night of his election, President Obama had plenty to say including: “It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this
Does falling asleep on the phone, daydreaming in class, Fort Worth, Texas,” explained Garcia. and putting your favorite love songs on repeat sound familiar Garcia and Colon are not your average teen couple. They to any of you teen lovers? Being a teenager may be confusing have a very committed, mature relationship. They are best sometimes. You are not old enough to be called mature, but friends who spend every minute together and live with each not young enough to be called a child. Is teen love real? other. Phillup Garcia and Lily Colon, MHS seniors definitely think “It’s definitely different. But before we moved in we were so. already so comfortable with each other to where it wasn’t “All human beings have the capacity to love, the difference a big deal and we already knew each others’ living habits,” is what love means to each of us. Not how old we are,” explained Garcia. explained Lily Colon, MHS senior. Relationships take time, energy, and care to make them It’s their last year in high school, and Phillup and Lily healthy. Another thing that makes a relationship healthy is have officially been together for one year and three months. fighting. They met at Phillips football summer workouts and have been “I think I get on her nerves more often than she gets on inseparable ever since. mine! But she doesn’t really, I’m typically a calm person,” “We didn’t really talk at first. Then one day I called him a rude name and he messaged me online asking for my number,” giggled Colon, and that’s where it all started,” explained Garcia. Most people here at Manzano would agree, wherever you see Colon, you see Garcia. They do everything together. “Phillip and Lily represent teen couples in a cute, fun, positive manner,” explained Louis Nutall, MHS senior. Garcia and Colon get a lot of support by their friends and family. In the summer, Colon took Garcia to meet her mother and the rest of her family in Texas. “My family fell in love with him! He could only stay a week because of football, though,” explained Colon. Phillip plays football at Manzano, and Colon supports him every game wearing his jersey, and cheering him on in the student section. They are great students with big goals, enjoying their senior year. Colon plans to run for prom queen this spring, as they are both getting ready for not only college, but also maybe even marriage. “We’re shooting for March 2012. Lily picked the wedding Photo courtesy of Erika Sanchez colors to be lemon and lavender. It’ll most likely take place in
An Everlasting Story
Bree Vargas 2013
election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.” Crawford had some influential thoughts of her own about Obama’s historical win in 2008, “Obama winning the 2008 election… proved to me that although there is some racism in our world today, most people have accepted the fact that we work well together and together we can make the world a better.” The United States has seen small people do great things and changed the way Americans see the world. African Americans are among some of the strongest people to overcome hardship and rewrite the “status quo”.
chuckled Garcia. Getting into little arguments are especially common for teenagers. Spending so much time with each other can cause tension and irritation when you don’t even realize it. “I was always alone before I lived with him and now I’ll sometimes want my own space and that can’t always happen,” explained Colon. Sometimes arguments bring a relationship closer. When two people really love each other, they will find a way to work out their differences. “Jealousy is overrated. Girls shouldn’t get mad because they see a girl’s number in her guy’s phone or because he hugs a friend. And vice versa. Although I dislike it, talking it out really does work. You get your point across and see where you do and don’t agree,” explained Colon. Love doesn’t always make sense. People fall in love for many different reasons. Opposites can attract and people can find themselves in relationships that look weird to the outside world. When you find love it can make anything seem possible. “I can’t picture what my life would look like if he wasn’t in it,” explained Colon. The relationships that you make in your teen years will be a special part of your life and will teach you some of the most important lessons about who you are. Sometimes a supporting system of friends and family can be a useful aid for a successful relationship. “All my family supports us and they all pretty much adore Lily,” explains Garcia. Romances allow teens to experiment with feelings without fear of rejection, being hurt, or disturbed. It offers teens a first try of different ways to handle real life situations they come up against; ways to socialize; ways to express their feelings; even ways to avoid certain situations.
“As the sirens wailed, our mother led my two sisters, brother, and I down to the basement, due to an emergency that the Air Raid Wardens (ARP Wardens) had called in telling us to take cover for an incoming bombing attack.” The night was February, 13 1945 around 10, when the Royal Air Force of Great Britain and the United States Air Force started their bombing runs through the city center of Dresden, Germany. My grandmother, H.M Reutter, witnessed this catastrophe at the age of 10, and to this day she can close her eyes and see it all unfold. Dresden was beautiful, but the bombs reduced it to nothing but rubble and ash, even the people became ash. Dresden was bombed at the specific industrial targets during the war, but on February 13 thousands of tons of bombs were dropped all through the city. The temperatures reached 1,800 degrees; people were fainting from lack of oxygen as they tried to escape this burning hell. The bombing run consisted mostly of incendiary bombs, when they hit the ground it destroyed everything completely, that were dropped all over the streets, engulfing the city in flames. There was nowhere safe for the innocent civilians on the ground. The city’s people were trapped; nothing could protect them except the cement walls of their basements. “We had cloths and blankets that we had soaked in a tub of water to shield ourselves from the heat. We had to break down walls of our basement to reach the next room to escape the building, but by the time we had reached the next room our blankets were dried completely,” said Reutter. “We were in the basement for hours after the first bomb had struck the city.” After the bombing run was finished in the city center, panic and destruction took the city as fast as the bombing run had ended. Soldiers tried to help but Dresden didn’t have a large military presence. Aid workers tried to help but only a few streets were functional so the only helped offered was from neighbors. “Nothing was left but rubble, ash, and dead in the streets. That’s all that was left of Dresden,” said Reutter. Bombing came again the following night, but in industrial areas. Once the city was left to ruins, disorder was all that was left. The police force tried to work with what was left of the city in order to treat all the wounded, but the firestorm left some wounds untreatable. Reutter’s family left Dresden on foot, never to return, following many refugees to Wiesbaden, Germany where they were welcome, but in a war torn country they weren’t allowed to live a “normal life” for quite sometime. “We got what was left of our belongings and the clothes on our backs and left Dresden as soon as we could,” said Reutter. “We were a part of a long line of people leaving the city on foot to Wiesbaden. The soldiers were the first priority in Germany so the trains were reserved for military purposes only. When the ARP had saw my brother, Karl-Hienz, they took him to help around the city and was never seen from again,” explained Reutter. “February 13 was also my brother’s birthday, it was so sad to see him leave our family for good that day.” Eventually, the war came to an end and the rebuilding process had begun, but Dresden was never a home to Rettuer again. The experienced scarred her, leaving Germany in 1956, when she had met her husband and left for the U.S. Dresden’s bombing has left too many memories which she looks back on as nightmares. “Dresden was rebuilt, as many cities were, but that wasn’t my home anymore. The city will never be the same to me, even after all these years. some memories are painful, but I look at where I am now and try to forget the past. No matter how hard I try to forget, the memories will always be there,” said Reutter. The bombing run had taken place over a two day period, but February 13 is the anniversary. It’s a day of remembrance for those who survived and for those who lost a loved one in such a tragedy.
Miscellaneous
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February 2011
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Under Pressure Cloie Logan 2013
It’s a common habit among high schoolers to procrastinate, and such behavior can cause lack of sleep and ultimately, stress. Stress is a killer in today’s society. If stressors are not removed, the stress will eventually substantiate itself as an illness in the form of ulcers, high blood pressure, just plain exhaustion, and other symptoms. “I usually have about six hours of homework every night,” said Samantha Sword-Fehlberg, a junior at MHS. “I also have Girl Scouts, band, jazz band, track, swimming, volleyball, NHS, and GSA on top of that.” Some causes of stress seen in high school are family, friends, relationship issues, monotony, management’s use of authoritative power, and excessive responsibilities. Not all stress is badsome stress helps get things done, and is a stimulant. Although much of stress can have negative repercussions. “I don’t get overwhelmed too often, but schedules conflict a lot so I have to figure out which activity is more important or else figure out a compromise,” said Nicholas Handley, a junior at MHS. The best way to keep stress levels under control, especially as teenagers, is to establish priorities. This helps to reduce feelings of neglect from not giving enough time for pleasure activities. Priorities will also keep grades and homework priorities in check as well
as set apart a good amount of time for doing things you want to do as well. “I never usually am totally stress free, but I love to play video games. They help A LOT with stress,” said SwordFehlberg. Activities such as video games, movies, books, etc, are all distractive forms of stress relief. They help relieve stress by stopping your mind from worrying for a bit, and your body relaxes. Also, exercise is a natural stress reliever, so aerobic activity for at least one hour a week is good to relieve stress. Laughter can help as well. “I’m not under too much pressure, I mean, my mom is like the travel guide of guilt trips but no, I’m not really under pressure to do amazingly well or anything,” said Handley. Many students are under pressure from parents or teachers to do well in school, and this creates worry about other people’s expectations. This can be good for motivation, but the pressure can get to you, so try to keep it under control. Control is a key reason why people get stressed, as many people feel the need to be in control- it’s simply a human instinct. So if the things you can’t control are creating stress, one way to relieve that is to accept that you cannot control things, and find something else you can control to focus on.
A Change in New Mexican History Monica Martinez 2011
A state-wide event occurred on November 2 2010. It was the election to vote for the new Governor of New Mexico. The vote was close and the candidates, both female, fought long and hard. Their debates were on T.V and they were intense because both women wanted to make history. In the end, Republican candidate Susana Martinez was elected Governor of New Mexico. She won the election taking the governor title. Not only did she get the honor of being governor, she also took the title of being the first Hispanic female governor in the United States. She took office January 1, 2011. “Thank you for the confidence and trust you put in me,” commented Martinez to The New Mexico Independent about winning the election. Martinez was born in El Paso, Texas on July 14, 1959. She lived there until she began college. Martinez attended the University of Texas and continued her education on to the University of Oklahoma College of law where she got her law degree. Shortly after moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico in the ‘80s, Martinez met her husband Chuck Franco and got married. She never had children of her own but has
Republican candidate Susana Martinez was elected Governor
one stepson who is serving in the Navy. In 1996, Martinez was elected District Attorney in the 3rd Judicial District. She focused her work on public corruption and child abuse. Martinez has very strong opinions on some of the controversies that have hit New
Photo courtesy of Google Mexico over the past couple of years. The main things Martinez is against are same-sex marriage, medical marijuana, child abuse, and abortion. “I am a strong believer in my religion and that helped me make my decision to be Pro-life,” said Martinez when asked about the matter by The New Mexico Independent. Coming along with her Catholic religion, Martinez
also has strong views on same sex marriage and same sex marriage couples adopting children, as well. Being a strong believer in her religion also shows her political views. When talking about education, Martinez had a lot to talk about and new information to give out. “In tackling that challenge, we must protect critical government services like service such as classroom spending and basic health care for those most in need,” said governor Martinez to The New Mexico Independent. Child abuse is Martinez’s main focus and has been since she became a judge, and she is planning to crack down on abuse of any source. When the governor was asked a very controversial question by The New Mexico Independent about legalizing medical marijuana, her campaign spokesperson answered with a mature and logical explanation. “Susana Martinez does not support distributing marijuana for any purposes, since it is in violation with federal law.” Martinez has yet to address the public on further plans with taking away health benefits like Medicaid.
Interested in the news? Like to write about things going on in your community? If so, join Journalism/ Newspaper for your elective next year! Visit K 212 for more details.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Makes Big Impact
Katelyn Swain 2012
MHS students who enjoy working with children and making the community a better place may benefit greatly by volunteering to be a “Big” for the organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). The definition of a Big is an adult volunteer who is matched with a Little, a child enrolled in the BBBS program. High school students can volunteer too and be a “High School Big.” In doing so, high school students not only make a new friend and add a surprising component onto their college applications and resumes, but it also benefits the life of the younger person tremendously. “The best part is knowing that our statistics show the positive impact on our kids later on in life,” said Lisa Pennington, MHS history teacher and BBBS Big interviewer. Children involved in BBBS are 52% less likely to skip school, 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to be involved in underage drinking, and more likely to get along with their family and peers. To become a Big, one must inquire to speak with a match specialist at BBBS. After that one must apply and if the
organization decides the person is fit to be a big, they are matched with a kid in the area who needs a Big Brother or Big Sister. Bigs and Littles are matched based on location, personality, and preferences. Depending on gender and the kind of child one would like to work with, matching may go very quickly or could take some time. A Big needs to spend a minimum of four hours a week with his/her little. They participate in activities including going to museums, sports events, movies, and more. The main idea is simply to bring magic into the life of a child. BBBS also matches based on school. School based matches meet in schools for an hour a week during the day and do projects together like reading, eating, and playing sports. To big a Big, one must provide at least three references of people the organization can talk to about ones ability to be a mentor, two personal and one professional. If students are unable to volunteer to be a Big, they also have the option of donating money and other goods or volunteering for special activities put on by the community.
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February 2011
Nurturing the Student Body Caring for over 2000 students, mentally and physcially, can be a hard task. However, for Cindi Ramsey it’s not just her job, but something she enjoys doing. Ramsey, one of the Manzano High nurses, has an incredible and experienced background in the medical field, and has put her extensive knowledge in reach of every student at the school. She went to a private college in South Dakota for the first four years of college to get her bachelor’s degree in science, then to UCLA in California for two years of graduate work. “I’ve been a nurse for, oh my god, twice your lifetime,” and she laughs, “I’ve been a nurse practitioner for 23 years out of the 30 total years I’ve been a nurse,” said Ramsey. She has been at Manzano for the past four years taking
School News
care of the 2,000 students who she says represents a small city or a community. There are over 200 students with asthma and she treats everything from seizure disorders to type 1 diabetes,
chronic pain, and fractured bones. “I would probably say that it gives me an opportunity to work with teenagers, which is challenging and rewarding, [although] it is mostly headaches, nausea, or minor
Peace Corps
Meralyn Werner 2011
accidents,” said Ramsey. Although the nurse’s office has always been a place for students to get medical help, counseling, or just take a nap, and it has been remodeled and updated since the end of last year and into the summer break, making the new facilities extremely comfortable. There is a desk at the front for the nurses’ co-worker Marisol Gonzales, and there are individual stalls for students with curtains and light switches for every room, as well as a shower and bathrooms separate from the rest of the office. She also said that many students ask go into her office to talk about their medical careers, or to ask for advice about how to proceed with college and other stress-inducing aspects of being in high school, no matter where
you attend. Manzano has had some rare and wellknown accidents and incidents in the past few years. “[There was a sanding tool] that took the skin off a student’s arm in shop class, and the cardiac arrest on campus last year. We’ve probably called 911 eight times this year already, with things like head injuries, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning.” Ramsey said that she is always looking for a challenge, and feels like she’s capable of counseling as a whole. She mentioned that stress levels seem to be going up this year at school, along with more migraine headaches and fights with other students. “I think underclassmen are more stressed because the SBA testing now counts for something and you need to pass it. With
extracurricular programs and the homework load, it’s hard to find time for doing things that are fun,” said Alex Clark, senior at MHS. Other students seem to also be having trouble getting through classes or staying patient and persistent with work and grades. “You don’t have to have perfect grades, or a perfect life,” said Ramsey, and some students are worried about their classes, or homework loads, and if you need advice about school or an injury, the nurse’s office is located next to the administration offices.
From page 1
Nuzum. The Peace Corps makes certain they have extensive resources for providing volunteers with proper training, information, and support that they need to stay safe and healthy. “Yes, there were many diseases, but PC vaccinated us against everything!! Really, we had about 17 shots before we left the US. But there were still issues. We were given worm medicine routinely during the two years,” said Nuzum. The Peace Corps continually updates medical equipment and materials for the particular area the volunteers are serving. Volunteers are informed on local health issues and given proper necessities for staying healthy. “Cholera outbreaks were a problem. We had been vaccinated against it, but had to carry proof of it because sometimes the health people would stop a bus and give shots for cholera to everyone on it. AND the needles were not clean. So that was the real dangers,” said Nuzum. Unsanitary needles are not the only issues of concern when travelling overseas. Peace Corps volunteers have been raped, tortured, and murdered
Electives Week
over the past 50 years of PC’s existence. In just the last decade, over 1,000 women have been sexually assaulted or raped. A wonderful part about joining the Peace Corps is the opportunity to indulge on foreign foods that Americans don’t get to enjoy fresh, nor “the real way”. Some foods will be delicious and easy to digest; others may take time to acclimate to the tongue and stomach. “The #1 Korean dish, kimchi, is raw and they
used night soil (untreated human waste) as fertilizer and so virtually all raw fruits and vegetables were contaminated. “The upside is that the fruits, strawberries in particular, were SOOO good.” explained Nuzum. Joining the Peace Corps will indubitably humble any American. Living in stark simplicity is often a dramatic change from the privileges so many take for granted in the States. Serving for the Peace Corps can greatly attribute to one’s future. The skills one acquires in service can help to achieve goals while augmenting marketability with potential employers The Peace Corps also offers eligibility for scholarships, academic credit, reduced tuition, and internships throughout certain colleges. There will be an Information Session at the University of New Mexico on March 3, 2011. Detailed information about the Peace Corps and the process of application toward becoming a volunteer can be found on their official website, www. peacecorps.gov.
Photo courtesy of Google
Sean Cairns 2012
Most students look forward to electives day. It is a day when students find out about new classes that they may be interested in taking, at least that’s how it was. This year electives day has been extended to an electives week, and instead of three periods where students get to explore, they will now have to find their own direction as electives teachers will be advertising their classes during the lunch period. “Under the old system everyone was forced to do something,” said Ken Tuley, MHS administrator. Tuley explained that the problem with the previous system was that it was inefficient. If a student were to go to two electives and not like either, he or she would not have a chance to explore other options, however
with the new system students will be able to investigate as many or as few electives as they choose. Tuley also said that is worth students time to attend both CNM and CEC seminars, which would leave them only one
Photo courtesy Katelyn Swain
period with which to explore an elective. Though at first glance this new system appears to make more sense, teachers have mixed emotions about it. Pat Lewis, MHS yearbook teacher, is not for the changes at all. “If we’re not going to do it the old way, we shouldn’t do it at all,” said Lewis. On the other hand, Heather Gillespie is excited about the changes and thinks this new method will work better than just having one day where students can explore. She agrees with Tuley that there will be fewer interruptions to classes than there have been in the past. There are some teachers who are ambivalent on the issue. “I have mixed emotions on it,” said David Ostravitz, MHS
guitar teacher Both Cook and Ostravitz agree that certain electives will have advantages, by virtue of what they are. Andrew Cook, MHS Spanish teacher, shares Ostravitz’s opinion. “Obviously, if you have a performing arts class, like I do, then you have a bit of an advantage,” said Ostravitz. Cook, as a foreign language teacher, takes a different approach to things, and has a generally hopeful outlook for electives week. “Usually, electives day is a day where three students find out what their electives they want, and the rest just follow them around,” said Cook. On the other hand, he feels that teachers were not given enough time to prepare
for the coming electives week. He said that they should have kept it the same way for this year and let them plan for electives week next year. Whether this will prove a more effective method for allowing students to choose electives, only time will tell, but for the time being, students will have to adapt.
School News Army Of One
PAW
Mariah Griego 2011
Standing for the Pledge of Allegiance can be a common thing at sporting events and at schools, but do Americans understand or realize what saying those words mean? Derek Leonardo Dallago is one American who understands why we stand for the flag. Three years ago Dallago was just another Manzano High School senior. However, as his fellow classmates were getting ready to enroll in college that summer, Dallago was getting ready to start his basic training for the United States Army. Photo courtesy of Mariah Griego “Training was very hard, but caring person. we are the world’s best Army As a kid, Dallago never gave so we have to be on our game,” joining the Armed Forces any explained Dallago. thought, but on September 11, Friends say that Dallago has 2001, that all changed for him always been really nice, funny, and the lives of many other young and has always been there for men and women. them. Friends also added they “I joined the Army because can always count on him when I wanted to do something with they are down, and that he is truly my life and make my mom and a good friend and a loving and my country proud,” exclaimed
February 2011 Dallago. Being in the Army is difficult, it requires hard work and has its scary moments. “The Army is not easy. If it was, then everyone would be in the Army,” said Dallago. According to Dallago, the hardest part of being in the Army is being away from his family, also adding that it can be frightening not knowing if he will see them again. Being in the Army does have its enjoyable days also. Dallago travels to different places and parts of the world and is able to see and do things that he would not have been able to do in New Mexico. Dallago likes to do the obstacle courses and enjoys shooting weapons. During his free time, he likes to play his video games, go to gym, and go out to clubs. Some students say that they do not agree with the Army and think we should not be in a war right now, but those negative comments
Where Art Thou, Shakespere? Many students are intimidated by Shakespeare’s works. But what if you had a funny and intelligent teacher breaking it down for the class? Manzano High School students know Shakespeare is taught in many English classes. Shakespeare’s works have evolved the English language into what it is now. Still, too many kids think Shakespeare is hard to understand and are even more frightened by his works. At MHS, there is a class that is taught specifically for Shakespeare, and counts as an elective for underclassmen and for seniors this can count as an English 12 credit. The class goes over many of the comedies written by Shakespeare and many other works. Usually in regular English classes you are taught the famous tragedies, such as “Romeo and Juliet”, “Othello”, “Julias Caesar”, and more. Shakespeare’s tragedies usually end with death and unhappiness. In Shakespeare class you are taught about another side of the works. Like comedies and histories, these plays give humor and somewhat accuracy in his history plays. “Shakespeare always has something to say about modern society more than any other writer. Shakespeare teaches us more about human nature than any other writer,” explained Dan Shanley, teacher of the Shakespeare class Shakespeare writes in what is known as Elizabethan English; with many “thees” and “thys”. Shakespeare’s language can still be found today. However, many students think Shakespeare’s language is hard to read and understand. His works have helped society form modern day English He may have lived 400 years ago, but he still has an impact on society today. “Shakespeare is a complicated man. This class breaks his works down and makes it easier to understand,” explained MHS senior Maggie Morgan. Shanley helps to make the language understandable and show that even though Shakespeare lived and wrote these in a different time, they still come together, and he makes his language flow to be where everyone can understand what he is trying to say. “The class discussions in the class make it interesting. Shanley helps show us what Shakespeare is trying to say,” said MHS senior Kevyn Tompkins D’e Garcia excitedly. Shanley did not like Shakespeare until college when he started reading “Hamlet”. “Hamlet” is still one of Shanley’s favorite plays that got him to love Shakespeare and
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PRINT do not bring Dallago down. “I feel all right with that, that is just how they feel, I don’t do it for them, I do it for everyone.” explained Dallago. Everybody has their own opinions about the Army. In consequence, the Army can be a very hard topic to talk about. “I like the Army because it protects this country,” junior, Jeremy Webb commented. Not everyone agrees with the Army, but some students here at Manzano High School are very thankful and do appreciate what they are doing for United States citizens. “I think that people in the Army are brave, and I thank them for fighting for us. it’s good, I wish them the best,” said Genevieve Lujan. Hundreds of soldiers have passed away and left their families behind. “I think it is sad because they are giving up their lives for the U.S. and have families that care
about them a lot,” commented junior Shylis Busby. When people show respect to the soldiers and let them know that America appreciates what they are doing for the country, it makes them really proud to be out there doing what they are doing because it shows they are fighting for the right reasons. “I get a warm feeling knowing that what I am doing is making people happy and safe, that’s my job,” explained Dallago. Most people do not know how hard it is for Dallago, or the rest of the soldiers, to be away from their families. Some might not understand how their families feel not seeing or hearing from them day in and day out, laying in bed every night praying for their safety. Dallago would like to thank his teachers, JROTC, and his country for helping him become the man he is today.
Tyler Gallegos 2012
as he read it more the more he understood Shakespeare language. Shanley likes Shakespeare and he wants to show students why he loves it and help students better understand the language and make them hopefully like it as well. Shakespeare is consistent at not being consistent making words to help them flow in a rhythm. Shakespeare is hard to understand which makes his plays frightening but it gets easier after you read more and more plays to better yourself in Shakespeare’s words and language. “It’s fun, and Shanley is an amazing teacher,” exclaimed Geneva Neiser Shakespeare has changed the English language for 400 years and still continues to do so. If you would like to know even more about this class, see Mr. Shanley in room K211 for more details.
Photo courtesy of Cheyanne Herrera
Marisa Maez at UNM, I took a public speaking class at the Journalism Department. I fell in love. I aced the course and upon the encouragement of the class professor, I took more journalism classes as electives. Within a semester, I was hooked. I had high aspirations of becoming a television journalist. Next, I had to break the news to my parents. “Mom, Dad, I’m not going to medical school. I want to be on TV.” They about died! But after graduation in 1998, I landed an incredible job at KOAT-7 as an associate producer. 8.How did you get to where you are today, anchoring for Action 7 News. I quickly worked my way from behind the scenes
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to in front of the camera. Eventually becoming a full time reporter and fill-in anchor. By the time I was 25, I was anchoring the 6pm news and reporting for the 10. That same year, I gave birth to my first daughter. Three days before returning to work from maternity leave, I resigned. I simply couldn’t let someone else put my baby to bed. I took a year off and eventually returned to television news as a part-time morning anchor, full-time mom. Over the span of 8 years, I have risen at 2:00 am, arrived at work by 3:30, anchored the Morning News and finished my day by 7:30. I rush home to three children and start the whole process over Monday through Friday. I absolutely adore my job!
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February 2011
“True Grit” Has True Heart “True Grit”. Oh, man, oh me, oh my, that sounds like one rugged and manly movie, doesn’t it? Piques a lot of interests too, I think. The film has an attention-grabbing title, an enticing storyline, an attractive cast, and, of course, it’s a Coen Brothers movie! Oh, the Coen Brothers! You know, in the world of film, there are dependable directors—dependable, as in directors on whom you can depend to produce consistent top-quality films. These include such directors as Darren Aronofsky (“Black Swan” and “The Wrestler”), Martin Scorsese (“Shutter Island” and “The Departed”), and Quentin Tarantino (“Pulp Fiction” and “Inglourious Basterds”), just to name a few. But the Coen Brothers, directors of such films as “Fargo”, “No Country for Old Men”, and “O, Brother, Where Art Thou?” have to be included in that list; the filmmaking duo known for their masterful camerawork, subtle ambiguity, and often clever, though dark, humor. I have always been a Coen Brothers fan, because of the quality of their films, and
Entertainment
“True Grit” is no exception. The film is a remake of the 1969 film of the same name, which was itself based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Charles Portis. The 1969 film starred “The Duke” John Wayne, who won his only Academy Award for the role, as Deputy U.S. Marshal “Rooster” Reuben Cogburn, who is recruited by 14-yearold Mattie Ross (Kim Darby, who was 21-years-old at the time), whose father was killed by John Chaney (Jeff Corey) because of a deal gone wrong. Mattie hires Cogburn because he is described as being the most ruthless man available. Together with the help of the Texas Ranger La Boeuf (pronounced “la beef”, who was played by Glen Campbell), Mattie and Cogburn delve deep into the Arkansas-Choctaw-nation to find and punish Chaney. In the 2010 version of the movie, 2009 Oscar-winner for Best Actor (“Crazy Heart”) Jeff Bridges plays the role of Cogburn, Oscar-winner Matt Damon plays the role of La Boeuf, Oscar-nominee Josh Brolin plays Chaney, and unknown Hailee Steinfeld—a genuine 14-year-old!—plays Mattie Ross. The story is pretty
Amanda Sims 2012 Billy Huntsman 2012
straightforward and simple, like many great movies are, and having seen both the 1969 and 2010 version, I have to say that the Coen Brothers’ adaptation of the film puts a whole new light on the mythologized world of the Old West. And that is something that probably many people see with Coen-films, is that there comes with them a hidden or very subtle spirituality, not religious per se, but simply something that gives their movies a stronger vigor. Because after you see other Western films— “Seraphim Falls”, “3:10 to Yuma”, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”, and “Unforgiven” being a few good and quick examples— you’ll feel as though most other films in the genre are shallow and insubstantial. And maybe they are; generally, you don’t go into a Western movie expecting to find a peaceful mindset for yourself.. And why? Because everyone is trying to kill everyone else. And I didn’t—and I certainly don’t think you will, either—walk out of “True Grit” with a smile on your face and a desire to go out and rescue an abandoned
puppy—even though I do love puppies—but there’ll definitely be a subtle fulfillment. In the end, it boils down to Bridges and Steinfeld as the two characters who carry the story, and they do an amazing job of it. Both give incredible performances and have been recognized, along with the rest of the movie, at the 83rd Academy Awards. Total Oscar nominations for “True Grit” include Best Adapted Screenplay (Coen Brothers), Best Supporting Actress (Steinfeld, although I will believe until the day I die her performance was of the caliber to be Best Actressworthy), Best Actor (Bridges, who, should he win, will be the only other actor, other than Tom Hanks, to have won two consecutive acting Oscars), Best Director (Coen Brothers), and Best Picture. I regard “True Grit” as being one of the best films I have ever seen, the Coen Brothers’ best so far, and the best movie of 2010, and as such, am pulling for it at the Academy Awards, and I would highly recommend to any and all who read this article to go see it.
“Green Hornet” Gets Swatted by Critics David Jio 2012
An awkward amalgamation of dirty innuendos and bombastic explosions, “The Green Hornet”, directed by Michel Gondry, is an action-packed ride into the familiar silver-screen vigilantism we all known and love. Seth Rogen plays the part of Britt, a playboy by inheritance to his successful newspaper editor father’s fortune. Slacker Britt lives a life of reckless partying and exploits his father’s estate to enjoy a high-status position at parties, an addition to his father’s lifelong disapproval of his son’s laziness. In a rather predictable early movie plot twist, Britt returns home to find his father dead from an allergic bee sting. Several humorous events unfold and soon Britt is battling drug dealers with his father’s AsianAmerican mechanic/coffee brewer (Jay Chou) under the guise of the
Green Hornet. The character of Britt is clumsy and inept, while his “sidekick” Kato uses his advanced street martial arts to beat baddies and his genius mechanic skills to construct indestructible crime-fighting cars and gadgets for the duo to stylishly do their business. This ineptitude makes the viewer feel sorry for Britt, but the egomaniacal character persona makes it difficult for one to sympathize with him, especially when he begins to mentally abuse the soft-spoken Kato, who is really the only reason he’s able to live his superhero fantasy. This tension begins to become uncomfortably frustrating for the viewer as the impending doom becomes more pressing presented by crime lord Chudnofsky, played by Cristoph Waltz . Other than the hilarious jokes between action, the movie’s calling
Original “House”
card is its lush explosion work and over-the-top special effects. Of course, as with many comic-book action fests, the plot becomes stale and predictable within the first few minutes of action. Between jokes and explosions, a wearisome love interest story plays out putting Cameron Diaz in between Kato’s sincere romancing and Britt’s revoltingly perverted moves, all the while inadvertently using her crime forensics background to predict what kind of moves a Green Hornet superhero would make, while somehow never suspecting Britt’s open obsession with the character. All-in-all, the film succeeds as an entertaining party movie to watch with friends over a pizza, but the annoyingly predictable plot leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Vampyres seem to be the next hottest thing in today’s entertainment, but the “House of Night” authors have flipped the switch. Their innovative twist on stereotypical vampyres and their completely new, creative story full of sizzling romances will leave you craving more. Describing “House of Night” in one word is simple: originality. Yes, vampyres aren’t anything new, but never before have vampyre’s been depicted at an angle like this. P.C. and Kristen Cast are a mother-daughter author pair. They live in Tulsa, Oklahoma where Kristen attends the University of Tulsa and where P.C. taught for fifteen years and is “an award-winning fantasy and paranormal author.” According to an interview with them on ABC’s “Nightline,” P.C. writes the majority of the novel and Kristen makes sure her mother’s writing sounds sufficiently like teenagers, as the main character is 16. Zoey Montgomery’s world spirals out of control when the Tracker marks her as a vampyre fledgling. The mark is based on the ordinary outline of a crescent moon. Later, she has a definitely not ordinary out-of-body experience with Nyx, the night goddess that all vampyres and fledglings believe in. When Zoey wakes up, her fledgling mark is completely filled in like a full vampyre’s would be. Zoey finally makes it to the vampyre school called House of Night where she is able to rename herself Zoey Redbird, meet her four best friends, and discover that not only is her mark unusual, but so are her powers. She has an affinity for all five of the elements, which means she has the potential to be more powerful than any living fledgling or vampyre in the whole world, that is, if she survives the Change. The House of Night is a “finishing school” for vampyres that lasts approximately four years, just like high school. At the end of those four years, fledglings either change into full vampyres, or they die. Fledglings also physically need to be around adult vampyres to survive. As the reader finishes each book in the series, it becomes more and more apparent just how unique the Casts’ story is. Each character is introduced with their own specifically distinctive personality and the Casts do a wonderful job of maintaining each character’s personality not only throughout “Marked”, but also in the following novels. For example, one of Zoey’s new best friends is a boy named Damien, who has a love for words. In almost every sentence he utters, there is at least one word in which Zoey and her gang have to ask for a translation. The only disagreeable thing about “Marked” is the unnecessary cursing, drama, and blunt action. Marked is a quick and entertaining read, but was certainly not meant for a younger audience. It is fast-paced and packed with bloodlust, drama, and romance, everything a teenager wants in a novel. Pick up “Marked” (maybe even the second and third novels –“Betrayed” and “Chosen”—as well) to find out what kind of trouble Zoey and her friends get into and whether Zoey makes the change, or if she croaks. Favorite quote: “And this is the token guy in our group, Damien Maslin. But he’s gay, so I don’t really think he counts as a guy.” Instead of getting pissed at Stevie Ray, Damien looked serene and unruffled. “Actually, since I’m gay I think I should count for two guys instead of just one. I mean, in me you get the male point of view and you don’t have to worry about me wanting to touch [you],” (page 81).
Editorials Can You Hear Me Now? Katelyn Swain 2012
Students at MHS should be allowed to use phones during lunch and breaks. MHS cell phone policy had changed for the 2010-2011 school year from not being allowed to have cell phones on campus at all to having cell phones that must be off from 7:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MHS should change the cell phone policy so that cell phones are still prohibited in classes (unless permitted by the teacher for specified learning reasons) but they are allowed during lunch, at break, and during passing periods. Students should be allowed to have time on their phones during breaks from class and at lunch. A lot of the time, students use their phones to get information on classes, lunch plans, and after school activities if they’re not able to physically get a hold of somebody they need to talk to. Sometimes, a student may not even be texting a friend, but a parent who needs to pass information to their son or daughter. Every now and then students are texting another relative with information a student needs to know. The office may say that if a parent needs to get a hold of the student, they can simply call the student to the office. But let’s be honest, how many parents would rather call the office and ask them to send a note to their son or daughter or call them to the office to have them talk or receive information from them over sending a simply text to them, not many. Administrators also seem to believe that cell phones distract students during the learning process. This may be true, but students don’t need to be learning or paying attention to at lunch or during breaks. The best solution to this problem is to change the policy so that students can use their cell phones when class is not in session.
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February 2011
It’s Not Our War United States should stay out of Egypt unless the U.S is directly threatened by Egyptian radicals. Lately, United States has been too busy figuring out what is going on in Egypt, causing the Egyptian president to ask us to stay out of their business, and American journalists getting attacked. From the time this country was founded, our leaders have tried to keep us from engaging in conflict or joining a war unless Americans were directly threatened; like the bombings of Pearl Harbor and 9/11. The United States is being too nosy by indirectly asking the Egyptian dictator to step down from office. Obama has indirectly asked this in interviews, placing America in a dangerous position. I have heard a few reports were Americans journalists were threatened and many protesting Egyptians yelling that they hate America. As the most powerful country, we have to let other
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Karla Maldonado 2012 countries deal with their political issues on their own. In Egypt there are many radical Muslims, it is also the origin of Al-Qaeda, so why are we tempting the waters? Why are we placing more Americans at risk? Some may argue that it is our duty to help those in need, those who are having trouble with their government. Yes, a democracy works perfectly in the U.S, but our ideologies that trace back to Puritans cannot be forced upon another country. When we were having our civil war, not even Britain, the most powerful country at the time, intervened. So, why should we now? As Americans we need to be aware that not every country likes us, we also cannot force countries to do things, much less their political leaders. Every country needs to make their own decisions, in the hope that they will learn from their mistakes, like we did.
Watch Your Mouth Amanda Sims 2011
The use of bad language, or “curse words” is flooding today’s world. Students curse, parents curse, teachers curse. Everyone, on occasion, suffers a slip of the tongue, but using that same four-letter word every other breath is irresponsible and certainly preposterous. Every minute of every day, words in the English language as we know it are changing, morphing into new meanings and slightly different words all together. That is how our vernacular as we know it came to pass. The changing of words is no different for how we adopted our current set of curse words today. For example, the word a-- started out as meaning donkey, which then evolved to arse, and so on. I cannot speak for any of you, but I have never once heard my grandparents -or if you are so young your great-grandparents- curse for anything less than a stubbed toe. That is probably because bad language was unacceptable and taboo when they were youngsters; in addition, their parents most likely never cursed around them either. Is it possible that because we, the people of America, we the youth for the next generation, we so frequently utter these words, that they will no longer be viewed as taboo for our descendants? Or has that already begun? Cursing is an addiction; a butchering of the English language, that is difficult to cure once the poison has been administered. It is also contagious, and often these words sprint from the tip of a tongue without so much as a fleeting thought. A solution, if you cannot refrain from cursing, is to replace the vulgar word with another, perhaps even random, word. An example of this would be fudge, heck, crap, or even brat. Another solution is to merely think of what you say before you say it. If cursing is a habit, that does not mean it is impossible to change, it only means that you might have to think about what you say before voicing your opinion. Foul language does not do anyone any good -unless of course you drop a hammer on your toe then, for a split second, it is a good pain reliever- because not only is it offensive, but it is unprofessional. While it may be put up with in a few situations, unpleasant language would never stand a chance in others, for instance, a job interview. In the “real world” of actual jobs, college, and real consequences for your actions, cursing is less than acceptable. You may use the excuse that well, my parents or my friends curse, so therefore I can too because I want to be cool. That is where the phrase “what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular” comes into play. Just because your friend jumps off a bridge, certainly does not mean that you should as well. People, of all ages and experience, should say no to cursing. When you have that urge to utter such an offensive word, or perhaps stream of words, bite your tongue. It does society no good for anyone to massacre the English language and to influence others to do the same.
The Paw Print would like to congratulate Mr. Rimer for being honored on the New Mexico Senate floor on February 3. He was recognized for being a 2010 National Board Certified teacher.
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Students and Staff
February 2011
Who knows Mrs. Briggs better?
* Indicates that answer is correct
Mr. Briggs (Husband)
Mrs. Briggs Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Car: Mustang GT 500 Favorite Movie: “American Pie” Favorite Candy: Snickers or Red Vines Favorite Sport: Basketball or Tennis
Favorite Color: Blue* Favorite Car: Mustang GT 500* Favorite Movie: “The Sound of Music” Favorite Candy: Payday Favorite Sport: Tennis*
Mr. Duran (Friend) Favorite Color: Orange Favorite Car: Mustang* Favorite Movie: “Remember the Titans” Favorite Candy: Kit Kat Favorite Sport: She played Basketball, but she currently plays Tennis*
Who knows Justin Jew better? Mymy Tran (Girlfriend)
Justin Jew
Favorite Food: Crabs or Pork. Some kind of meat, right? Favorite Color: Red Favorite Car: Acura Favorite Sport: Football* Favorite Candy: Gummy Bears
Favorite Food: NY Steak Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Car: BMW M6 Favorite Sport: Football Favorite Candy: Gummy Worms
Valentine’s Day: Do you Love It or Hate It? James Crawley, senior
Julian Moore, freshman “I like Valentine’s Day because you get to show your love towards others.”
“Women expect too much on Valentine’s Day!”
Kelsey Riley, senior
Destiny Wellstood, sophomore “I think Valentine’s Day is fun. I like being able to show people that I care about them.”
Don’t Be Silly Ask Billy What do you think about “Step Brothers”? -Danny Baker “Step Brothers is a stupid movie, but it knows it is., which gives it a charming quality. It’s undoubtedly one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. I love quoting lines form it because the movie is so funny in so many ways, both apparent and abstractly. Somehow Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly have a screen-presence that automatically gears you to start laughing. Overall, if you haven’t seen “Step Brothers” yet, move it to number one on your Netflix Queue.” -Billy
“I love Valentine’s Day. It’s sweet and cute how boys try to flatter their girlfriends.”
Evan Melendez (Friend) Favorite Food: Hot wings Favorite Color: Green Favorite Car: RSX Favorite Sport: Football * Favorite Candy: Snickers
Contact Information: Advisor: Matt Kraus Editor-In-Chief: Feliz Munoz Copy Editor: Sean Carins School News Editors: Alysha Landavazo & Ashley Day Sports Editor: Danny Baker Entertainment Editor: Billy Huntsman Photo Editor: Cheyanne Herrera and Kaitlyn Swain Editorial Editor: Tyler Gallegos Ad Editor: Yoselin Torres Phone: 559-5904 E-mail: manzanopawprint @yahoo.com