The Magnet Tribune A state- and nationally recognized student newspaper
Vol. 19, No. 2 http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt May 28, 2012 Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, 820 Main Avenue, Laredo, Texas 78040 Seniors meet for annual breakfast
‘No Blackout’ lights up the red carpet
By Arleen Barba and Amanda Johnson MT staff writers
Page 3 Seniors get their medallions
Pages 4 and 5
Meeting movie star Precious was a highlight of the trip by Audio-Visual Production students senior Felix Lopez and junior A.B. Gonzalez, to receive their grand prize award in TXU Energy’s “Light up the Red Carpet” contest in Dallas. “I was pretty much proud and speechless, like anybody else would be if they won grand prize,” Lopez said of the April event. Their short movie, called “No Blackout,” was an original rap song giving tips on how listeners can save energy.
The video is about 3 ½ minutes long. Lopez and Gonzalez used students from other fine arts areas in the production, Lopez said. Gonzalez said he was also speechless when they received grand prize. Lopez said he got the idea for the video from a blackout that took place at Nixon High, his home school. Audio-Visual Production instructor Effie Maldonado, their teacher who oversaw the production, said they had just a few days to create the video after coming back from the Christmas holiday. “But with the time they had the video was good enough,” Maldonado said about the
MT photo by Jennifer Gomez Audio-Visual Production students Felix Lopez and junior A.B. Gonzalez stand with their instructor, Effie Maldonado, in their classroom after winning TXU Energy's "Light up the Red Carpet" contest.
grand prize. She said it was a wonderful experience for her and the students. “I was overwhelmed with pride, being able to work with the students and to see them be successful is a great feeling.
They asked about walking the red carpet. This was something that we knew we were going to do but we did not know how big it was until we got there,” Maldonado said. “What you see on TV is ex-
See VIDEO, page 10
No more paper?
Showcase 2012 is online
Devices may someday replace books By Rebekah Rodriguez MT staff writer
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SchoolTube
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iBooks, an e-Book application for Apple devices, has now made textbooks available from major publishers. iBooks has been available since 2010, and on January 19, 2012, Apple announced the release of iBooks 2, which would enable users to create their own interactive textbooks. Students and teachers shared their opinions on the new addition as well as the changes that could take place in education due to new technology such as the iPad, as well as the possibility of textbooks someday being replaced by advancing technology. “I’m all for it, especially for college students where an electronic format would make books less expensive,” said AP US History and Government instructor Matias Arambula. Arambula also added there are many advantages to using an iPad over a traditional textbook. “You won’t throw your back out [carrying books] because all you’ll be carrying is your iPad. Another advantage is you get to keep your iBooks forever,” he said. Students agreed with Arambula’s statements. “It would waste less paper. You could have a lot of books without all the mess,” added Alicia Gonzalez, a junior art student. “It would probably make reading a lot easier and faster,” added Rachel Quintero, another junior art student. Used
in class
One student said he uses his iPad for class, as he finds it very useful. “The advantages are endless since apps are endless; the biggest advantages are convenience and efficiency, hands down, from my experience,” said David Barrera, a junior theatre arts student. Barrera described the numerous functions of the iPad. “The iPad has a lot of unique apps,” he said, naming several, such as the periodic table and note taking applications. Still, both teachers and students expressed their doubts about the iPad being used in schools.
“The iPad doesn’t offer all formats. You can’t use Java or PDF files,” said AP English IV instructor Diana Lopez. Lopez also noted the costs associated with the device as well as the application. “Not many people can afford it; it’s still quite an expensive.” Lopez, who is currently reading Memoirs of a Geisha with her senior classes, added that iBooks are still “a little too expensive.” She said students are using different forms of the book for class, ranging from electronic to the regular paperback edition. “The iBooks version of the book was $13.99, but the PDF version was available for free. They don’t need an iPad to read it because they can read it on their cell phones or other eReaders.” Possible
abuse
Sean Gaynor, AP US History, instructor expressed concerns about the possibility of misuse. MT photo by Kimberly Luna “Students might use David Barrera, a junior theatre arts student, them for viewing inapfrequently uses his iPad to take notes during propriate material, or class and work on assignments. for cyber-bullying other students.” found effect on education. However, teachers did say there “We’re at an exciting point in eduwere more benefits of using the iPad. cation where the technological ad“It does help with creating more vantages that have come could revoinnovative lessons.” said Lopez. lutionize education.” Gaynor believes it could have a pro-
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Seniors 2012
The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012
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Seniors meet for final meal I t was an occasion full of joy. It was the senior breakfast, in the courtyard next to the cafeteria. Held after the senior picture, the breakfast unites the VMT Class of 2012 in a rare opportunity for camaraderie. They were all smiles and showed off their bronze VMT medallions with teal neck ribbons, with pride.
Be watching for more photos on The Magnet Tribune online! MT photos by Chris Avalos
Seniors enjoy happy moments while eating their Chick-fil-A breakfasts.
Right, Senior Class Sponsor Matt Arambula led in organizing the breakfast and class photo. MT photo by AB Gonzalez
Above, a senior twists the end of his fake moustache. Left, seniors are all smiles while waiting for breakfast to be served. Right, instructors Sylvia Velasco-Flores, Ashley Ramirez, and Celia Hernandez. Ramirez is a member of the VMT Class of 2006.
Above, seniors show off their medallions at the senior breakfast. Left, school Director Dr. Martha Villarreal, standing, talks to a group during breakfast. Right, all smiles at the senior breakfast.
Afternoon seniors enjoy a moment together while waiting for breakfast.
Communications Audio-Visual Production Felix Lopez TV Production, Audio/Video Prod. Liza G. García Denise Marie Rodriguez Sophia Margarita Sánchez Adriana Rangel Marisol Salazar Print Journalism/On-Line Media Chris Alexander Avalos Sharron Nichole Bird Roland Chamblee Karinna Yissel Lopez Alejandra Martinez Jasmine Alexandria Rodriguez Javier Trinidad Solíz Dance Classical Ballet/Jazz Valerie Ashley de la O Stephanie Hernández Daniela Vázquez Classical Ballet Leslie Ann Aguilar Fabian Aldaco Yesenia Arriaga Rebekah Nicole Ballí Nicole Diana Banks
Lisa Marie Herrera Edgar Mendiola Joshua Dominick Orozco Rebeca Luz Perez Tania G. Perez Alyssa Lizet Riojas Martha T. Rodriguez Dalia San Miguel Flamenco and Folklorico Ruby Priscilla Barrientos Jennifer Itzel Benavides Ariana Krystal Chavez Allyssa Alexandra Dominguez Grecia Tamar Guardiola Victoria Guevara Abel Hernandez Karla K. Ramirez Estela Selina Rendon Music Piano Studies Kimberly Ann Chavez Kassandra Denise Mansfield Sergio Felix Ortega Roxanne Margarett Ramos Alma Rodriguez Kassandra Gizeth Sanchez Karina Lizette Trevino
Orchestral Studies Noheli Ortegon Gabriela Lizette Palacios Kassandra Geneva Rocha Priscilla Ashley Salazar Luis David Vazquez Jazz/Classical Guitar Luis Alberto Aleman Agustin Dovalina IV Samantha Renee Garza Sergio Lujan Mark Anthony Medina Choral Studies Rosaura de Leon Anissa Marie Rangel Woodwind Studies Mónica Nicole Escobedo Leticia Abigail Lopez Sara Guadalupe Martinez Francisco Mendoza IV Alexandra Morales Priscilla Irene Murillo Abigail Marie Rios Kevin Rodriguez Trumpet, French Horn Studies Jorge Alberto Cerda, Jr. Daisy Espinoza Joshua Matthew Guevara Hansel Lopez Hector Javier Lopez Barbara Elizabeth Montoya Nicholas Nora Dyara E. Ramos Jose U. Salvador Javier Torres Jr. George Alexander Vasquez Low Brass Studies Hector Javier Cadena Jr. Bruno Rafael Gutierrez Jesse Lee Moya Anthony Olivares Juan Saldivar International Guitar/Mariachi Paola Denisse Arriaga Priscilla Elizabeth Briseño Sergio de los Santos III Rodrigo Esparza Pedro Flores Ricardo A. García Ramiro López Santos Lorenzo Ricardo Humberto Martinez, Jr. José B. Mendoza Joanna Azenette Morales Rene Antonio Ortiz Karina Patricia Reyes
Sarah Noemi Teniente Percussion Studies Alejandro Aguilar David Emiliano Ahedo Juan Jose Castillo Myrna A. Castro Elias Adrian Diaz Theatre Arts Rosa Elizabeth González Nathalie Guadalupe Ibarra Lisa Verónica Martínez Ramiro G. Mata Kimberly Nadine Peña Omar Alejandro Sánchez Amanda Judith Sarabia Art 2-D Design Portfolio, Painting Lizzette Facundo Giovanna Garcia Elliot Gallegos Martin Guadalupe Garcia, Jr. Kendra Michelle Guillen Amaris Zaneta Gutiérrez Marcos Hernandez Paola Lucia Hernández Adriana Elizabeth Herrera David Hinojosa Tania Leal Diana Montserrat Lopez
Ana Paulina Muñoz Francisco Javier Orozco Alice Siegel Amy Marie Treviño Lisa Valdez Drawing, Painting, Jewelry and Sculpture Robert Chamblee Alejandra Chavez Jusmin Brandi Lerma Amado Martinez Rosaura Eliamar Martinez Alejandra J. Mendoza Alejandra Morua Andrea Estefania Niño Crystal Moe Ramirez Dora Adriana Ramirez Rosalinda Taylor Elizabeth Vázquez Keren Yazmin Villarreal Leopoldo Villarreal
VMT Senior Class of 2012 The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012 http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt, Twitter. @Magnet_Tribune, Facebook: Search for Magnet_Tribune
Seniors 2012
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Medallion Ceremony http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt, Twitter: @Magnet_Tribune, Facebook: Search for Magnet_Tribune
S
eniors gathered for their 19th Annual Medallion Ceremony at Martin High School’s Batey gym, on Friday, May 18. It was an emotional occasion for the 139 seniors and their teachers, and a rare opportunity for the VMT Class of 2012 to unite.
Listen to the Senior Medallion Ceremony (audio).
The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012
The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012
Medallion Ceremony http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt, Twitter: @Magnet_Tribune, Facebook: Search for Magnet_Tribune
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Seniors receive medallions at annual ceremony Above, the Cigarroa High School Color Guard presents the Colors during the Senior Medallion Ceremony at Martin High School’s Batey Gym.
Access a Magnet Tribune online photo album here.
MT photos, page design by Jessica Contreras
Above, members of the VMT Philharmonic Orchestra perform at the medallion ceremony. Below, left, Priscilla Murillo gives an emotional Senior Message. Below right, Theater Arts department head Vernon Carroll is Teacher of the Year, and Mario Teniente is Instructional Aide of the Year.
Above, recipients of the 19th Annual Elizabeth Sorrell Scholarships, sponsored by the Laredo Morning Times, are, left, Karinna Lopez, print journalism/online media; Marisol Salazar, creative writing; and Liza Garcia, broadcasting. Below, left, Social Studies instructor Matt Arambula, master of ceremonies. Below right, School Director Dr. Martha Villarreal.
Below, Low Brass instructor John Reimund speaks for the faculty at the Medallion Ceremony.
Visual Arts instructor Gilberto Rocha hangs a medallion around the neck of visual arts senior Lizette Facundo. In the background is Social Studies instructor Sylvia Velasco-Flores.
Below, Social Studies instructors Matt Arambula, left, and Sylvia Velasco-Flores stand at the head of the lines of seniors waiting for the start of the Medallion Ceremony.
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Reviews
The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012
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Say Anything, a beautiful spin on anarchy
Alabama Shakes’ debut is Southern fried rock with heart
Hear, Say By Ale Martinez, Sharron Bird “The Top Five” Ale’s Top Five 1. Lately Troisieme - Memoryhouse 2. Hang Loose - Alabama Shakes 3. Wolf at the Door - Radiohead 4. Boyfriend - Best Coast 5. Vienna - Billy Joel
By Ale Martinez eaders, it looks like we’ve come to the end of our time for this year. Don’t worry, though! This column isn’t over yet. To top off this school year, I’ve decided to leave you all on a high note with a band who not only has immense talent, but immense heart. This up and coming garage-soul band from the south just released their debut album. They’ve definitely started things off on the right foot. From the powerhouse vocals of lead singer Brittany Howard to the music that keeps it all together, this album sticks with you. Alabama Shakes started in a high school psychology class when Howard met bassist Zac Cockrell. The two started meeting after school and wrote songs. Two members later, they began performing and working on covers of songs by Led Zeppelin, Otis Redding, AC/DC, James Brown, and more.
R
Mixing
genres
The band has come a long way from cover songs and garage-band performances. On Boys & Girls, there’s a sound that artfully combines soul, rock, and even a hint of blues. There’s a good mix of runaway jams that are gritty fun and some that deal with heartbreak, pure and simple. One of these heavy tracks is called “Heartbreaker.” The title is self-explanatory, and when Howard sings, the lyrics pack a punch to the gut. “How was I supposed to know you were the heartbreaker,” Howard wails on the track. This song is powerful, and most importantly, believable. Even the titular track is heartwrenching, with slower instrumentations that include a steady guitar and occasional piano. It makes me feel like I’m sitting at a bar on a miserable night listening to the band. It’s visceral, and I love every second of it. Speaking of visceral, “You Ain’t Alone” is exactly that. A song about being lonely, the lyrics reach out to
Sharron’s Top Five 1. Old Flame - Kimbra 2. Overbiter - Say Anything 3. Say You’re Sorry - Sara Bareilles 4. Forever Young (cover) - One Direction 5. Home - Kimbra
everyone, because we’ve all felt alone at one point, right? “You ain’t alone, so why you lonely? There you go on the dark end of the street; are you scared to tell somebody how you feel about somebody? Are you scared what somebody’s gonna think or are you scared to wear your heart out on your sleeve?” You could say that the album is pretty varied. From the heartbreaking blues-y songs, to the rumblings of southern rock jams, Alabama Shakes keeps it together and keeps you listening. Songs like “Hang Loose,” “Rise to the Sun,” “I Found You,” and “On Your Way” are jams that drive the album on with cool certainty. This album is one that can easily be the soundtrack to anyone’s summer. These songs can fill the air on a warm night, during a sweltering dog day, and on road trips. The possibilities are endless when great music is involved, and that’s exactly what Boys & Girls is. With this album, brooding moments and jam sessions come together with sweet satisfaction. Buying
the album
Boys & Girls is available on iTunes and wherever music is sold. Now I’ve come to the hardest part of this column: the end. For the past four years I’ve had the best assignment anyone could ask for. Writing about music has been the best not only because it’s something I love, but because I got to reach people through my writing. To everyone who’s read even just one issue of The Magnet Tribune or my column I’d like to say thanks for giving my writing the time of day. The
future
Next year, I’ll be in college but maybe I’ll put in a guest blog or article. Maybe you’ll see me in some magazine or newspaper. We’ll just have to wait and see. Until then, keep your hearts, minds, and ears open. For more info on Alabama Shakes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama_Shakes
By Sharron Bird narchy, My Dear, was released March 13, 2012, and is Say Anything’s first album in a long time to be released under Equal Vision records. It is also the first album since …Is a Real Boy of 2004 to have Tim O’Heir as the producer. “Anarchy, My Dear is our first attempt to write a true ‘punk’ record; thematically speaking, it’s a collection of songs about subverting society and destroying the boundaries humankind has placed upon ourselves both physically and in our minds. Coincidentally, it also happens to be the first record we’ve made in years where we had total freedom to explore our ‘edgier’ side and present a raw picture of what the band is truly about onstage,” Max Bemis stated while explaining the theme of Say Anything’s newly released album. This statement proved to be true from the start with “Burn a Miracle” as their first song on the album. At first glance it seems to be one of, if not the most, rebellious song on the album; with all the chanting it seems to be more of an anthem. Nonetheless, it is still a beautiful song with a deeper meaning behind it than just rebellion.
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Deep
themes
Of course this album has a deeper theme throughout than just pure rebellion, Anarchy, and sticking it to the man, but more of a “Do what makes you happy, forget anyone who tries to stop you” theme. I especially realize this theme in “Sheep”, “Admit it Again”, and “Peace Out.” Though they each express this theme in a different way, “Sheep” was obviously showing the “I don’t care”, with the lyrics “It’s my life and I’ll live it without you. It’s my song and it was never about you at all” “Admit it Again” is one of the edgier songs, and it’s expressing angst and criticism towards many people, while “Peace Out” is about moving on and being above those who the song was directed to.
Say Anything loved one song so much they named it after their band. Yes, “Say Anything” is a song that truly stands out, and in my opinion any Say Anything fan would truly appreciate this song along with “Night’s Song”. Let’s not forget the Traditional love song. “So Good” seems to be the main song that Bemis wrote about his wife, Sherri DuPree-Bemis of Eisley. Hence, her beautiful vocals are featured in the song. Although this song isn’t very punk-rock, as the album was described to be, you can’t blame Bemis for writing a love song about his wife. It doesn’t quite fit in the album, especially coming after “Admit it Again” which is definitely where Bemis shows most of his anger towards society. Yet, “So Good” is still a beautiful song. DuPree is also featured in possibly my favorite song on the album, “Overbiter,” just because it is the most up-beat, feel good song of the album with amazing bass guitar. The only song that didn’t really grow on me right away was, “The Stephen Hawking”, yet I can’t say it was a bad song, because of the lyrics it contains, and because the song changes its sound so many times. The first few times I heard the album, I thought I hated this song, but that was just me being impatient. It’s really just how the song starts off that I don’t like. It’s a great song, it’s just kind of hard to process it at first, But whether it’s slow or fast, it is still one of the more punk rock songs on the album. My conclusion is, if you jump into this album with the high hopes of Say Anything’s old sound, of course you’re going to be a little underwhelmed, but you can’t expect Bemis to write the same album over and over again. Even though the whole album didn’t seem very edgy to me, there were some songs that were. If you listen to this album with an open mind, considering where Bemis is in his life at the moment, you will appreciate the album for what it truly is.
The Hunger Games has action, love
H
ey, you guys! How has everyone been lately, or anyone from that matter? I’ve been hidden from the world for a while, Nah I’m just kidding, I’ve just been tired lately and haven’t gotten down to real business until now. I’m just going to get straight down to the point, that I’ve been reading the book The Hunger Games. I know what you all are saying “OMG! Chris you’re the best, good looking, smartest man in the world for reviewing this book.” And I would just have to reply with “Yes… Yes I am!” :P Ha! I’m just playing around you guys, I know I’m not the smartest guy around. Any who, The Hunger Games well it’s written by Suzanne Collins. Let me just tell you I have never seen the movie, so I have no idea how anything is suppose to look like. This book was let me say it, insane crazy. I mean
The Book Look By Chris Avalos the only reason though that it made me insane crazy was because there was a movie out and everything I was reading in that book I could just picture in the movie, and that’s just pretty epic to me. The Hunger Games is a book that takes place in the future based on a girl who lives in District 12. It’s basically North America cut into 13 districts but the 13th district rebelled against the capitol and then was destroyed. This left the 12 districts to suffer the consequences and that’s how the hunger games arose. The hunger games is taking two tributes from each district, one boy and one girl, to fight for their lives to see who will be the lone victor.
Katniss Everdeen never expected to be in the games but when they call her younger sister Prim during her (Prim’s) first year, Katniss took her place as tribute for District 12. Now, Katniss has to fight for her life against 23 other tributes including Peeta Melark, who is the boy with the bread. At first I was a bit skeptic in the begging of reading this book, just because I thought it was going to be a bit like Twilight and I hated Twilight so much. So, you can understand my skepticism, but I will tell you this and only this, it’s a must read book. I mean this book had me on my toes the whole time I read it. It wasn’t just some snooty
love story between Katniss and her lovers (just two); it was a book with just so much ACTION! Intense, insane, incredible, dang near gruesome action ever in all my history of reading books. I was just blown away by how gory the book was and how Ms. Collins wrote the dramatic, traumatizing scenes in the book for Katniss. There is this one part where a girl from one of the districts gets her head bashed in by a rock and Katniss says, “I can see the dent in her skull and I know that she’s a goner.” OMG! A dent, not even like, “I can see the rock hit her face and I know that she’s gone.” No, it was described so gruesome like that. I just can’t wait to see that part in the movie!! You guys, its not a love story it’s an action story with a little love but who can help it. Love is just wonderful.
I will say this though, you can’t read the first one without reading the others -- it’s impossible, I’ve tried. Visit Ms. Collins at her website for more info on her and the book. www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/index.htm This will be my last column so have a great summer and I will miss you! It was fun while it lasted. :’)
Opinions
The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012
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A cat’s life can sometimes be dangerous
T
he life of a cat can be spontaneous, adventureous and sometimes can also be dangerous.
Welcome to the lives of Neko and Sushi, brother and sister searching for a new home when they are month old. Born April 1, Neko and Sushi had another sibling but the mother took their sibling and left them by themselves to defend against creatures that might hurt two small kittens. Neko is a small, white, grey striped on top of head, grey eyed tabby; he is also the runt of the litter. He is one curious cat; getting into trouble, chasing little bugs
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Editor’s Commentary By Savannah Peña Editor of this issue The Editor’s Commentary represents the opinions of the editor, and should not be understood to represent the views of the newspaper staff, faculty and administration. in the grass, biting into blades of grass. He’s the trouble maker always looking for something to do to pass the days. Sushi is a small, grey striped, brown patch, whitepawed, blue eyed tabby; she is the responsible one. She sits and watches her broth-
er get into trouble. She is calmer than her brother, Neko. She would rather watch her brother enjoy himself when causing trouble, but when he is not they both cuddle against each other and take cat nap. Both Neko and Sushi traveled and found them-
selves in a home full of children and two loving parents of the children. The children spotted them and called for their attention; they quickly snatched them up� and ran back into the home shouting, “Mom! Mom!” The children showed their parents the two kittens; they begged to keep them. After agreeing the children hurriedly bathed the two kittens, who purred in contentment. The children were surprised that these kittens liked the water, and smiled kindly at them. Neko and Sushi at first, after the bath, were shy and
wouldn’t go near the children or the pet dog. The dog merely smelled them but moved away when Neko pawed the dog’s paws. Neko and Sushi opened up more when chasing strings the children hung it in front of their faces. They also eat their soft kitten food, play with the family dog and sleep with the eldest of the children. Finally, Neko and Sushi found a home where they find themselves showered in love and hope. Where they can finally relax from being vulnerable to the outside world. They have a home now and they love it. Just listen to them purr!
Proving your heritage can be difficult
never have and never will resent my heritage. My skin is light and my Spanish is weak. I get mocked whenever I do speak Spanish, causing me a lot of frustration and embarrassment. One of my biggest goals is to leave this town as soon as I can. No, I’m not Sara Walls (of YouTube and local infamy). I’m Rebekah Maria Rodriguez, a Mexican-American teenager who was born and raised here in Laredo, Texas, well known for its immense Hispanic population. However, despite all the Mexican/Hispanic/Latino/ whatever-term-you-findcorrect culture surrounding
Observations By Rebekah Rodriguez me, I have to admit I’m what my dad jokingly calls “Hispanically challenged.” I’m the one that has to ask “What did they say?” or “Can you repeat that?” whenever I’m spoken to in Spanish. And of course, I’m often referred to as a “guera”, “cracker” or “gringa.” Most of the time, when people call me any of these, I know they’re simply joking. Yet there are times when these comments can become hurtful. Case in point: during a
discussion with some friends and acquaintances of mine, the conversation switched languages, and I became lost. A friend noticed my confusion and told her friends to speak to me in English. They agreed, and the conversation resumed with one of them saying “You need to get on the ball! You need to speak Spanish because we’re in Laredo.” Without thinking I replied, “Yeah, but I think it’s important to speak in English
too since we’re in the United States.” At that moment, the room became quiet, and I received harsh glares from some of the girls. “Well, if you want to be white, you should move somewhere else. I didn’t know you hated being Mexican,” she said with a scowl, before returning to speak with her friends Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I never have and never will resent my heritage. Many people believe otherwise, due to one crucial aspect. As I stated earlier, I struggle to communicate in Spanish. When I was younger, my family thought it would be
best for me to learn English first since I would be speaking it in school. For some reason or another, they never got around to teaching me Spanish. It wasn’t because they wanted me to hide my Hispanic heritage; it was simply a matter of thinking what would be easier and more practical for me. I’ve managed to learn some through taking Spanish classes and listening to conversations with my grandmother, and have made some progress. When someone speaks to me, I mostly understand what they are saying, but it takes me longer to come up with a response, so I’ll ask someSee REBEKAH, page 10
The scale cannot measure your worth By Vasty Patterson MT staff writer y eating disorder started in the summer after sixth grade. At school it was very hard for me not to eat. What would my friends think of me? They would probably think I was some sort of freak. I had always heard jokes about anorexia and things of that sort.
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People would make jokes about it on certain occasions as if it was a laughing matter. For me, it was never funny, even before I stopped eating. I was afraid of what my friends would say, so at school I ate like a normal kid. When summer came around the starving began. It went on like that until summer 2010. The disappointing part was
I didn’t even lose the amount of weight I wished to lose. If anything I gained weight at times. The pain I had was enough to want to stop. I hated the fact that even though I wanted to stop I couldn’t. I knew it wasn’t even working, but I still had to keep going. I had to keep going because I was stronger than it. I was “winning”. My hair
Waffle Iron
The Magnet Tribune The Magnet Tribune is a publication produced by students in the Journalism, Newspaper Production and Photojournalism classes of the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, Laredo Independent School District. This publication provides readers with information relating to the school and its students, provides students a lab for producing a newspaper using professional-level computer software and offers an open forum for student opinion. The Magnet Tribune is distributed free of charge.
Story and art by Savannah Peña
Dr. Martha Villarreal School director Mark Webber Journalism instructor and adviser The Magnet Tribune Vol. 19, No. 2, May 28, 2012 Editor of this issue: Savannah Peña Page one shows the bronze statue south of the Harding Building, “The Force of Creation,” created by former art instructor Armando Flores and students in 1993-94. Production is by VMT journalism students using InDesign and Adobe Photoshop on HP computers. Printed by Greater Dallas Press Copyright ©2012 Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Magnet Tribune.
It is the policy of the Laredo Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, limited English proficiency, or handicapping condition in its programs.
started deteriorating. My legs would get cramps out of nowhere. I couldn’t take Tylenol because I had a completely empty stomach. The physical pain made me want to quit, but the emotional pain was the worst. All I wanted was to be the girl on the magazine. We all want that at some point or another, and I like many other young girls was
site)
First Class Award: 1996-97, 98-99, 99-00, 02-03 03-04, 04-05, 05-06, 06-07, 07-08, 08-09, 09-10, 10-11 Second Class Award: 2000-01, 01-02, 10-11 (web-
ILPC
willing to literally do whatever it took to get there. Still the worst part was the reason why. My only true reason for why I did it was because growing up I was “fatter” than all my friends. Being called fat ONCE was all it took, and I’m never going to forget that moment. When because of one person, I did one of the worst things a human being can do to itself. I starved myself. For three summers I starved myself to be lovely. At the time I actually believed it was going to be worth it. None of it was worth it. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and we need to embrace it. Our generation has to change the way we see each other and ourselves. We are all very aware of this, yet most teenagers strive to look like the people on television and the magazines, and sadly the girl on the magazine doesn’t even exist. We feel we don’t look good enough so we buy a product, but it doesn’t work so buy another and another. It’s a horrid cycle that eats at our insecurities. We weren’t born insecure. We were taught how to be insecure so that we can become lifetime consumers. That’s why you go to the store and buy makeup, expensive clothes, or products to fix yourself. And guess what? You’re still the same, aren’t See VASTY, page 10
Award of Distinguished Merit: 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 (Star nomniation), 2010 (online) Award of Achievement: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2011, 2011 (online), 2012 (online) Award of Honor: 1998, 2004, 2005
Contact The Magnet Tribune By e-mail: mt_writers@hotmail.com || On the Internet: http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt || Facebook || Twitter Address: Vidal M. Treviño School of Communication and Fine Arts, The Magnet Tribune, 820 Main Ave., Laredo, Texas 78040 In person: Room TM-23 (Journalism classroom), or drop off items for Mark Webber in the school office.
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Links from all the Act of Kindness chains unite
By Vivianna Resendez MT staff writer
A Rachel’s Challenge event connected close to 177,000 paper chain links. The event brought all LISD schools together with their “act of kindness “chains that were linked together. These links were strips of paper that said something students had done nice for another person. VMT had 2,900 links. In total, LISD had 176,751 links. “Let the parade begin!”Rosina Silva, director of guidance and counseling and parent liaisons, said, to start the parade of schools each carrying thousands of links. Before she would announce the number of links, everyone watched each school march around the track at Shirley Field and eventually meet on the field. Each school had a banner to indicate where they were from. As the school teams came
See the online photo album on The Magnet Tribune
onto the field, members began to sit down as they listened to others speak about Rachel’s Challenge. LISD superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson said bullying in schools is not accepted. “I’m so very proud, first of all, for all our teachers and students. In every school we have bullies. We won’t tolerate it. We have Rachel’s Challenge to address that,” he said. VMT sophomore Katherine Carroll read a part of Rachel’s journal right after a video was played of the Columbine
MT photos by Ashley Galvan Above, Jessica Perusquia and Cristina Salazar, and others, hold the links one last time before leaving them at Shirley Field. Left, sophomore Kathryn Carroll, portraying Rachel, reads passages from her journal.
shooting, on the south score board. All three high school bands, Nixon, Martin and Cigarroa, played at this event. To begin Anthony Martinez, a
Trustees approve plans for new campus
By Matthew Castañeda MT staff writer The LISD Board of Trustees approved plans for the new VMT campus at the board meeting on May 16. Dr. Martha Villarreal, school director, said she was very happy with the decision. “All of the board members voted for it. There was 100-percent approval. I was a surprise to us, and I was very happy with the decision. Sean Gaynor, social studies instructor, said he can imagine what the new facility will be like. “I hope it will be easier to
See the latest version of this story on The Magnet Tribune online.
teach what we teach here at VMT. I would like for the dance department to have more room, and the right facilities for their performance,” he said. “I would like to see the academic classrooms to be stateof-the-art,” he continued. He added the facility would need new furniture and equipment. Construction of the new facility will begin in summer 2014, Villarreal said. I know that (the district) is trying to speed (construction)
up. They’re going out for bids in December for the contractors, then they project a year-and-ahalf to build the facility so we’re looking at maybe the summer of 2014, and we’ll probably be able to move in for the fall of 2014,” Villarreal said. The new campus will be built on land adjacent to Nixon High School, where a parking lot, Literacy Center and old church building is now located. The parking lot and church will be will be razed, and the Literacy Center will be integrated into the new building. The campus will be surrounded by a fence.
Showcase 2012 MT photo by Rebekah Rodriguez Dance student Kathryn Carroll performs at the annual Showcase 2012 at Laredo Community College. See more photos and a video on the newspaper’s website.
View the photo album and video of Showcase 2012 here.
fourth grader from Ryan Elementary, said the Pledge of Allegiance. Lorena Gomez, a fifth grader from Lyndecker Elementary then sang the National Anthem.
After the amount of links were announced each school marched off the field as Nixon, Martin and Cigarroa’s drum lines played.
Rocking the Vote
MT photo by Norma Guerra A senior who attends Martin High votes at VMT’s Rock the Vote event on May 3 at St. Peter’s Plaza. Scan QR code to read the story online
Columns 9 Secret: Ao Oni is underappreciated
The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012
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W
ant to keep yourself entertained for several hours for FREE? Yeah this sounds like an ad, but it’s NOT. It’s the new issue of GameBreak about Ao Oni! What? You’ve never heard of Ao Oni? That’s because the game is so unpublicized that barely anyone has heard of it! I learned about the game through a YouTube video made by “PewdiePie.” Whenever you get a chance you should look up his scariest moments with the game, but he does, umm, cuss a lot. I was so entertained watching PewdiePie that I had to go and download the game. It turns out there is already a fan page on deviantart.com and they put up links to help anyone download the many versions! DON’T WORRY ITS
Game Break By Roland Chamblee LEGAL. The game was made independently using RPGmaker XP; no big companies produced the game for profit. The game is a role-playing game with graphics and layouts similar to the Pokémon series made by Nintendo but has a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT storyline, of course. You control Hiroshi who walks into a haunted house with three other people: Takuro, Takeshi, and Mika, and they all get trapped. The gang immediately gets split up as Hiroshi goes alone to investigate a noise in a separate room. When he
comes back he finds out that everyone has disappeared. The game keeps you guessing as to what is going on. At one part you can see a silhouette of a person through one of the doors, then you find Takuro scared stiff hiding in cabinet. After a couple of challenging tasks you end up in the library where the demon first makes his appearance. Soooo the graphics and layout are like Pokémon, huh? That doesn’t sound at all scary! And its true it doesn’t! Just look at the demon’s picture! It just looks like someone photoshopped a purple head on a poorly
Players react to SCP. Watch it on The Magnet Tribune online.
drawn body. BUT THAT’S NOT THE CASE! Keeps
on going
The Ao Oni cannot be killed, just like in Amnesia, giving you the only option to run and hide when possible. And the game doesn’t give any indication of him coming, making you think on your toes throughout the whole
thing! I promise you will be entertained, BUT frustrated like me. I WARN YOU the game is extremely challenging. I got stuck several times! If you get stuck, I advise you to look up a walkthrough on YouTube. Perhaps some more PewdiePie. Just type this link down below URL to get you in the fan club: http://ao-oni-fanclub.deviantart.com The most entertaining in my opinion is Ao Oni 6.23, but that shouldn’t discourage anyone from playing any of the other ones! Currently the fan club has Ao oni 1.0, Ao Oni 3.0 Ao Oni 5.2, Ao Oni 6.23, Siro Oni, Hakkyo Oni, and Ao Oni S. The last three are in Korean and require a different method to get them to work properly, I promise you: it’s worth it, though!
The NFL serves up 4 player suspensions
N
FL Commissioner Roger Goodell has finally issued out the punishments for players involved in the Saints’ infamous bounty program. Goodell already served up some major penalties to coaches involved including an indefinite suspension of previous Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, a full season suspension for Head Coach Sean Peyton, an eight-game suspension for General Manager Mickey Loomis, a six-game suspension for linebacker coach Joe Vitt, a $500,000 fine and the loss of two second round draft picks. These were some pretty harsh punishments and tough blows to the Saints organization, and the punches keep coming for the team. Goodell has recently issued out his punishments of players taking part in the bounty program beginning with a full season suspension of linebacker and defensive captain Jonathan Vilma. Other players penalized are: --Defensive End/Defensive Captain Will Smith, suspended for first four games.
The First Down By J.T. Soliz
Vilma
Fujita
Hargrove
--Linebacker Scott Fujita, suspended for first three games. --Defensive Lineman Anthony Hargrove, suspended for first eight games. Outrage has been heard from most players in the Twitter world deeming the suspensions “too harsh” or “unjust”. Players may appeal suspensions within 30 days but I don’t think their suspensions will be uplifted, considering that player safety is one of Roger Goodell’s most important issues. The Saint’s will have to deal with the fact that they might be without some of their main players on defense and look to other players to step up and lead the team
Smith
Used with written permission of the New Orleans Saints.
through what’s looking like a tough season for the Saints. Luck
of the draw for
Colts
For months it’s been predicted that the Indianapolis Colts would take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall draft pick and Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III would go second to the Washington Redskins. This much remained true for the first two picks of the draft. Andrew Luck went first and Griffin indeed did go second but after that, no draft “Guru” could have predicted the flurry of draft day trades that took place for picks 3 through 7. The Minnesota Vikings originally owned the third pick in the draft but the
Cleveland Browns traded up to take that pick from the Vikings and draft running back Trent Richardson from Alabama. The Vikings then chose offensive tackle Matt Kalil with the fourth pick they received from the Browns. The Jaguars traded their number 7 pick for the fifth pick the Buccaneers owned. With their newly acquired number 5 pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Dallas Cowboys then made a move for the St.Luis Rams’ sixth overall pick. The Rams traded away their sixth pick for Dallas’ 14th and with that, the Cowboys were able to get corner back Morris Claiborne from LSU. More
trades
The last bit of trading came with the number seven pick. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted safety Mark Barron from Alabama with the seventh pick they received in the trade from the Jaguars. That was the end of surprise trades for the first 10 picks in the draft. Some teams made some great trades to improve their
team for this incoming season. The Cowboys really needed a good corner back to help them contain offensive threats in their division like the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles who have dangerous wide receivers and quarterbacks. So, they went out and traded up to get themselves a guy who can help them immediately. Another pick I’ve got an opinion on, is Miami’s number eight pick. I’m not very sold on Ryan Tannehill as a potential starting quarter back in the NFL. He didn’t start many games as quarter back at Texas A&M and could use a little more experience but who knows? He may surprise people and become the new franchise quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. Either way, the Dolphins’ General Manager is really hoping this Tannehill pick pans out for the team after failing to acquire quarter backs Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn in the offseason. Draft
results
If you’d like to check out all of the draft results click on www.nfl.com/draft/2012/ tracker/by-round.
Kick off summer with these styles
W
e did it! It’s official; class of 2012 is weeks away from graduating high school. All that hard work is about to be over…for now. We are about to step into the “real world.” The morning of graduation is when it will hit us. We will be stepping into the arena as students and walking out as young adults; with four or more tough years ahead of us. On the bright side for those of you not taking summer classes you get to relax for the following three months. For those of you taking any summer classes then good for you, it’s always admirable to take such a challenge. I, on the other hand, will be working this summer so I won’t be stuck at home all summer. Now you might be wondering what all that has to do with fashion. Well, it has a lot to do with it actually, because outfits are always involved wherever you are, and wherever you go. I know that not everyone likes looking up what the “latest trends” are but that’s why you have me. In my last column of my
Fashion Hallway By Karinna Lopez high school career I will be talking to you guys about this summer’ must haves. A big thing for summer is cropped tops. You probably have seen many girls wearing cropped tops at music festivals such as SXSW and Coachella. Along with that trend are the very bold hotpants. No matter if they are denim or print, low or highwaisted, hotpants are huge for this summer. If you want to take a risk with both, try combining a cropped shirt with a pair of hotpants. Give it a go; summertime in Laredo can be dreadful so this fashion trend is perfect for summer. Now you don’t want to show off too much so carefully look at yourself in the mirror or ask anyone how you look before you step out. It’s a great trend but you need to know how to make it work depending on your body type. Still,
don’t be afraid of trying the cropped top trend this summer. You might love it or absolutely hate it, but hey at least you gave it a try. Something very stylish I’ve been seeing lately is black and white. This trend is classic and it tends to look more formal, but this summer things are heading for a different direction. Be playful and remember to have fun when dressing up and stick to being you. It’s always fun playing around with clothes. A great way of giving this trend a try is buying shirts with thick stripes in black and white. Now you’re adding personality to style. Pair it with some white shorts and add a pop of color with sandals or flats and even a headband. There you have it, a stylish summer look. Stripes and lace are everywhere this summer. You might have already seen it on
Karinna, Sharron and Ale talk about getting ready for prom.
shoes, handbags, headbands, you name it. Lace has always been one of my favorite trends; it’s so feminine and elegant plus you’ll get so much use out of it. Make sure you have a lace dress this summer; it is perfect for date night. Stripes are another trend I absolutely love. I’m a big fan; almost all of my shirts have stripes (I’m sure I’ve mentioned that before). Try mixing stripes, bold colors and prints. A look I use is pairing a cute striped shirt with army green color pants and cute snake skin print sandals. It’s different, but that’s what makes it fun.
If you have more of a boyish style then this trend is right up your ally: A huge trend this summer will be the long to just above the knee boyish “long shorts”. Now, if you are worried of looking like a “guy” then pair them with feminine tops. Also to look more feminine add flip flops or heels. One last trend is NEON; yes you’ve read right, Neon is back and its going to be here for a while. Bright neon shirts, bags, shoes, belts, jewelry you’ll see it just about everywhere. You’ve seen it on runways and now this trend is hitting the streets and I absolutely love it. If you’re not too sure about how to wear neon colors try mixing with neutrals. There are also some key pieces like a blazer that make your outfit look fun. Most importantly, now we don’t have to shop for our school dress code.YAY! So imagine all of the clothes we can buy without worrying if it’s dress code or not. If you’re not a big shopper take breaks when buying new clothes, shopping doesn’t have to be terrible. Happy shopping!
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Hinojosa talks about creating the Tejano Monument
By Kimberly Luna MT staff writer
It took a little over a decade for Armando Hinojosa to complete the Tejano monument. “About 11 years ago Dr. Barrera, a medical doctor from McAllen, went up to Austin and realized that there was a bunch of monuments in the Capitol but nothing having to do with Hispanics or people of Mexican descent. So he said we needed a sculpture to tell us the right history of Texas,” Hinojosa, artist and retired VMT Visual Arts department head, said. Based
Seniors attend unveiling ceremony Photo: Screen grab from MT video Retired Visual Arts instructor and department head Armando Hinojosa speaks to Magnet Tribune staff writers Kimberly Luna, center, and Vivianna Resendez about the Tejano Monument project, in Austin. Scan the link at left to watch their video series.
Video interviews with Armando Hinojosa online at The Magnet Tribune.
on history
The sculpture depicts the history of Texas prior to the Battle of the Alamo. “The history of Texas goes all the way back to the 1500 when the Spaniards came and all the history books— until now—start the history of Texas with the Battle of the Alamo.” The Tejano monument was composed of 11 pieces. Hinojosa said the series of sculptures resembles steps on a ladder. “[The monument] is like in steps. At the very top of the rock is the Spanish explorer, he has his hand on his face covering the sun and is looking ahead and he’s looking directly at the Capitol. If you go in a timeline, he’s the one at the very top. He was
Video interviews with students who attended the unveiling in Austin.
here before anybody else so he’s looking at the land; he’s looking at where he’s going to bring the people,” Hinojosa said. “Then right in front of him is the guy on the horse and he’s there looking very proud and he’s moving to the longhorns, the male and the female longhorns. Then you go a step down and you have the family. “Then you go further down from the family and you have little boy with the goat. The boy is pulling the
goat for the milk. He’s got the horn of the goat and he’s pulling it. Then next to him is a little girl with a sheep. So that’s the monument,” Hinojosa explained. Although the crowd seems to like the sculpture of the guy on the horse best, Hinojosa prefers the family unit in his monument over the rest. “My favorite piece is the family because to me—in our culture—the family is very important. We’re all very close to our family. One of the sculptures is a lady with the baby and her husband who is a working Tejano. He has one arm around his wife and he’s looking down at the baby and the wife is looking up at him. So that family unit is the one I like best.” Years
in the making
Overall, the statue took around four years to complete. “It took about seven years to raise the funds but it wasn’t until the last 4 ½ years that I really worked at it. That’s why I had to retire from teaching two years ago to finish all the pieces in time. They had already set the deadline which was March 29 of this year, 2012,” Hinojosa stated. The funds for the Tejano
monument were obtained partially by selling smaller scales of the pieces in the monument. Most of it however, was made through donations. “The state gave the committee in charge of the creation of the monument about one million dollars which was about half of the money necessary. The other half was raised by the committee,” Hinojosa shared. New
history instruction
The monument’s main purpose is to illustrate the history of Texas that is not taught in school just yet but will be soon. "The important thing that the sculpture brought out was that now the people know the real history of Texas. Wal-Mart started a foundation where they are going to write new books of history where they are going to teach the RIGHT history of Texas. They are going to start in Austin and then eventually bring them down here.” Now that he is done with the Tejano monument — his biggest project yet — he is now working with another sculpture that will eventually be revealed.
Online on The Magnet Tribune Left, review of ‘Dark Shadows.’ Center, Induction ceremony of the Quill and Scroll National Honor Society of Journalism
By JoAnah Cavazos Jennifer Benavides MT staff writers
and
“It was the best field trip in our four years of high school,” said Alejandra Mendoza, a senior art student in Visual Art instructor Alfonso Santo’s class. Art students in the senior class of 2012 witnessed the unveiling of the Tejano Monument. The field trip took place in Austin, on March 28 for the entire day. Why? Armando Hinojosa was a former art teacher and department head at VMT. Cultural
aspect
The students learned about the Tejano culture. “The Tejano monument was to show our Tejano history in one amazing sculpture,” said Rosaura Martinez, senior art student. This field trip was not only of educational purpose but also in form of support to Hinojosa. “He was an awesome teacher and he was with us all four years so it’s great that we can now be there for him,” Martinez said. Hinojosa has created numerous art projects, including sculptures here in Laredo. One is at the airport; another is at a bank and also at United High. “He built the longhorn at United!” said Alejandra Mendoza, senior. The unveiling of the Tejano Monument in Austin took place outside the Capital building, where the students toured later. “The Tejano Monument took about four years to construct and about seven years to fund,” said Mendoza. What
Right, review of ‘City of Bones.’
it contains
able feeling to walk down the red carpet, meeting the other contestants, being interviewed and having their photos taken. Afterwards they entered a room with about 50 people, where they performed their rap, “No Blackout.” TXU offered Gonzalez and Lopez a position during the summer to create a video for
the energy company. Lopez accepted the offer. As part of the grand prize, the school will receive an award of $7,500, and the individual winners will receive video-editing software. The winners will also be offered the opportunity to shadow TXU Energy marketing department employees.
The monument consists of 11 pieces: conquistador, a cowboy, a horse, a man and woman with a baby, boy, goat, girl, sheep, and two longhorns. These represent Tejano history in Texas. “This experience was so amazing and remarkable because it was our teacher’s art and it meant more to us than just a good piece of work,” said Dora Ramirez, senior art student.
smirk appearing across her face. As soon as I finished, she burst out laughing. I asked her what was so funny. “You sound so weird when you speak Spanish. You sound like a white person.” Maybe I’m overreacting when I say this hurts. I try to make an effort, but to most of my peers, I’m better off not trying at all, and that’s what hurts the most.
For people to think that it’s better for me to abandon my heritage than to try and connect with it. Still, that won’t keep me from trying. I am determined to let people know I am proud of my roots. It won’t be easy, and I’m bound to slip up (such as the time I said “Tengo hombre” instead of “Tengo hambre” to my eighth grade Spanish teacher).
My pride runs through me when I hear “Guadalajara” being played as I watch the dancers perform the traditional hat dance. I scream “Viva Mexico!” just as loudly as I scream “Viva America!” I eat cuernitos like there’s no tomorrow and yes, I watch Caso Cerrado (with the captions on, of course). The blood that runs
through my veins proves that I am stronger than anyone else’s doubts or insults. I may not be perfect when it comes to communicating in a second language, and I may not be familiar with all aspects of my culture, but I love what I already know, and have a sense of pride of my family’s past and where we come from. To me, that is enough pride in itself.
those who suffer from an ED) it was a nightmare; it was another block in the road to being perfect. This is my story, and I’m writing it so people realize an ED is not a choice or a phase. An ED is a disease, and a very common one, too. It’s a terrifying disease that should
not be taken lightly, and we (society) play a big role in it. We permit it to happen, or even make of fun of the whole matter. Society places a huge value on being thin, and as teenagers we strive to reach an ideal that doesn’t exist. It must stop. If you or anyone you know
or care is going through an eating disorder or something related, do something! The signs for anorexia or any type of eating disorders are pretty obvious. Drastic change in eating habits, bad body image, and self-harm are some of the most common signs of an eating dis-
order. If you are struggling with an eating disorder don’t be afraid to seek treatment, and never, ever be afraid of gaining weight. Go ahead and eat! Those pounds mean nothing. The scale can never measure your worth.
VIDEO, from page 1 actly what we experienced. Felix told them that every where they turned someone from TXU knew them by the video. He said they were very nice people and that they felt as if they known them for a long time. The whole experience was overwhelming but we will definitely try doing this again next year,” she added.
The Magnet Tribune May 28, 2012
The other top finishers, according to the TXU website, were Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas and High School for the Visual and Performing Arts in Houston. Lopez and Gonzalez talked about the fun things they did when they got to Dallas. They said it’s an indescrib-
REBEKAH, from page 7 body to translate what I want to say. It doesn’t come to me naturally, and that irks some people into thinking I refuse to speak the language when it’s really just difficult for me. For the same reason, I avoid speaking in Spanish is because of the teasing I (along with many other monolingual Laredoans) endure. While reciting an essay in Spanish to a classmate once, I noticed a
VASTY, from page 7 you? It’s because beauty products or nice clothes will not cure or prevent insecurity. That change can only begin from the inside out. Most people will not think this is a big deal, but it is. To other people it’s just gaining a little weight. To me (and to