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Sports Briefs
VOL. 1, ISSUE 3 ı May 21, 2010
To ditch or not to ditch?
Winning Big New Security Arrives on Campus by Ben Sandoval Reporter Placing 2nd overall in the State FFA Sweepstakes, the Mesa Vista FFA group is now preparing for Nationals. The group, however, is losing eight strong seniors to graduation. “They’re going to have to fill some big shoes, and although I’m going to miss my seniors, I know they (the underclassmen this year) can do it,” sponsor Connie Lujan said. The team will go to the National FFA Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana at the end of October. In the past, FFA has won bronze as a team, and has had some individuals who have won silver. Lujan encourages other students who are curious about FFA to join. FFA State Competition: 1st Horticulture Produce, 1st Floriculture, 2nd Overall Sweepstakes, 2nd Nursery, 7th Forestry, 10th Entomology, and 11th Landscape
photo from FFA sponsor Eyes on the Prize: FFA members show off their judging awards in Las Cruces. Mesa Vista’s chapter won first place in Floriculture and Horticulture, and second place overall for Sweepstakes.
by Ashtyn Megariz Reporter Students are more cautious now with the addition of two new security guards. And, some teachers say the added security makes it easier for students to learn. “We are here for the safety of all students and to help keep students from being late and truant,” security guard Anthony Vigil said. Superintendent Randall Earwood hired the security guards from Prosec in the month of February to help around the school. The security guards have the front gate guarded at all times and assist with disciplinary issues at the middle and high school. They will also assist the elementary in case of an emergency. “We hope to get more control over kids so teachers can actually teach rather than chasing you guys (students) around school,” security guard Ernest Armijo said. Two more security guards on campus means the original security guard, Isidoro Lucero (Spider, as some kids call him) has two new co-workers. Lucero helped train them. “I taught them the routines… how to run the gate and how to approach students,” Lucero said. The new security guards are not shy with dealing with students, however. Vigil worked at Carlos Middle and High School and Espanola Valley High School for five years. Armijo spent eleven years at a New Mexico boy’s school and eight years at the Penitentiary of New Mexico (PNM). “I try to be firm but fair
photo by Ashtyn Megariz Slow Down: New security guard Ernest Armijo works the gate at the entrance to the Mesa Vista campus. Armijo is one of the two new security guards working at Mesa Vista.
and try to understand the student’s problems. If you can tell, I’m not too friendly and I try to get along with the students,” Armijo said. The new security guards help keep an eye out for students who are breaking the school rules. Some of these rules are the no electronics, no hats in the building, and do not be tardy. With the security guards patrolling, teachers don’t have to worry about these problems so much. “The presence of the new security guards alleviates the pressure of teachers having to enforce discipline of repetitious violations such as hats, cell phones, and iPods,” teacher Victor Jaramillo said. Although the security guards enforce the rules for both
staff and students they are still accepted among all, Jaramillo said. “The most interesting thing that happened to me was the welcome from staff and kids. I felt as if you guys have really brought me in,” Armijo said Although the security guards spend most of their day at Mesa Vista, they still have time for a life outside of school. Armijo has a second job, on the weekends at the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs where he is a security guard. Additionally, he spends time with his four children and wife. “I like to play soft ball, basket ball, go horseback riding, and spend time with my family,” Armijo said.
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May 21, 2010
OPINION
The Spectacle
by Ben Sandoval Reporter At Mesa Vista High School, there are mixed opinions about athletes receiving (or not receiving) special treatment. Some teachers have been saying for years that there is favoritism shown, but some also say the school has good staff that doesn’t dish out this sort of extra special treatment to athletes. To me, this argument is double-sided. On one hand, this school (and community) seems to be enthusiastic about sports. On the other hand, being an athlete is difficult both physically and mentally. Most athletes try their best to get good grades and represent our school with a positive attitude. Coaches, naturally, don’t think their athletes receive special treatment. They have good reason to think this way – all of the current coaches on staff here were once student athletes themselves. They know what it takes to be one and be made an example of. The basketball coach, Thomas Vigil, said he doesn’t think his athletes, or any other athletes in the school, get special treatment. “The school has a staff with good integrity and I don’t see any of them showing any favoritism toward athletes,” Vigil said. Athletes are under a microscope, and they have a more strenuous schedule than
The Spectacle Staff Adviser: April van Buren Editor: Genna Salas Staff: Yacxubeli Campos Alejandro Griego Lily Hawley Aubrie Kuykendall Pauline Luhman Morgan Mascarenas Ashtyn Megariz Katie Salas Ben Sandoval Jennifer Suazo and Raphaela Viereck
most non-athletes, Vigil said, with all of the games and practices that they have on top of their regular school work. “Even though they get home late from games the student athletes still have to get their work done,” Vigil said. There are teachers, however, who insist they’ve seen student athletes get special treatment whether they see an athlete get less strict punishment, more food in the cafeteria, or more attention from their peers or in the general community. “I think they do certainly (get shown favoritism) – not in my classes – but I do see it in other areas on campus,” teacher Monique Garcia said. Vigil and Garcia, though on different sides of this issue, do agree that student athletes are often prone to getting more attention from their peers or from community members. In my opinion, athletes that receive special treatment are more confident and may be more likely to ask for special accommodations, but that doesn’t mean it’s good to give them that pass. If a teacher or a faculty member gives them too much extra attention they might think they can do whatever they want and still slip by or avoid any repercussions. For teachers, it’s not right to give athletes this kind of attention because
This is the third issue of the Mesa Vista student newspaper, The Spectacle, produced by the school’s journalism class. The goal of this publication is to provide accurate, informative and entertaining information in the true spirit of responsible journalism and to operate as an open forum for students, staff and parents. Those who are not enrolled in the journalism class may still contribute to the publication in the form of a letter to the editor, a guest column, photography or artwork. No editorials will be printed, however, which complain or attack without factual justification. All guest editorials must be signed and approved for publication. The Spectacle also reserves the right to edit copy. Readers’ responses can be mailed to The Spectacle c/o MVHS, or sent in an e-mail to adviser April van Buren at: avanburen@mesavista.k12.nm.us.
drawing by Joseph Martinez
Opinions Vary on Special Treatment for Athletes
it’s not fair to non-athletes. It’s also not fair for student athletes to allow teachers to treat them with extra attention. Especially with finals this week and next, there can’t be any kind of special treatment for student athletes or to any student for any reason. Special privileges shouldn’t happen during the school year no matter what the circumstance is, or who the student is. In the long run, it’s bad for the student and it’s bad for the school.
Student journalists on The Spectacle staff will publish only legally protected speech following the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and invasion of privacy. The adviser of The Spectacle will not determine the content of the paper. The adviser will offer advice and instruction to help the staff cover all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner according to the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics. Gossip columns, horoscopes, song dedications, senior wills and senior superlatives will be avoided due to the narrow audience they serve and the probability they possess of containing libelous material and content. Staff members will strive to correct any errors before publication. However, if the editorial board determines a significant error was printed, a formal correction will appear in the following issue.
The Spectacle
OPINION
May 21, 2010
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Senioritis: Class of 2010’s Fun is Overdone STAFF EDITORIAL Every year, younger classes dread the end of the spring semester. The senior class “takes over” and runs amuck, although some say it is harmless, others disagree. The newspaper staff thinks it is a problem that has gotten out of hand at many high schools, and senior bullying needs to stop. “All students need to be respectful of each other. I don’t see all seniors behaving this way and the ones that do probably do because of their own insecurities,” Spanish teacher Theresa Sandoval said. editorial cartoon by Fabian Maestas Although the senior class has worked hard for the past four years and many think they deserve to goof off, during the school year office and a hurt younger student, with little- freedom they have finally earned,” English is not the right time. Their celebration of this to-no self-esteem. A national survey shows teacher Sallie Gallegos said. So even though we do not approve of occasion should not start until graduation is that 30 percent of all students will be bullied over. At the end of the school year about 60 sometime in their lifetime, according to the the seniors’ crazy behavior, we still love them percent of seniors are playing “catch-up” in how-to-stop-bullying.com’s national survey and will miss them when they are gone from the attempt to bring up their grades, teacher Victor in 2009. Nearly 160,000 students miss school campus. And it’s important to remember that Jaramillo said. The other 40 percent are either every day for fear of being bullied. Bullying they have also made a positive impact. Some done or just don’t care, he said. If they do not can cause students to feel inferior, depressed have taken younger students under their wing take an interest in keeping or bringing up their and even suicidal according to The Kansas City and helped them adjust to high school. We just want senioritis to stop. This is a heads up for grades, however, they might not be eligible to Child Injury Law Website. “It has a negative effect on the school the classes to come and a reminder to all that walk across the stage and receive their diploma. when seniors bully others, seniority is not always right. The 2009-2010 “I think the seniors because the younger year is coming to an end and the Newspaper start to party because they are The younger generations that look up Staff wants next year to start off right. about to leave MVHS and generations that look up to them will make to them will make the To put an end to seniorities, the class go to college, so they think the same mistakes and same mistakes and bad of 2011’s class president and sponsors can set they are all bad and tough, bad decisions they are decisions that they are up a program where the seniors have a “little but they are not…” said an making now. making now,” sophomore buddy,” like a seventh grader or a freshman. anonymous seventh grader. — Sophomore Justin Varela Justin Varela said. They could do various activities together like Bullying also becomes Finally we would like tutoring or games during spirit week to help more common this time of year, according to principal Ruben Lucero. At to point out that many seniors are scared. They unite the grades. Perhaps the administration could also this school, bullying is usually teasing or harsh are about to graduate high school and be on jokes. Although it is not physical it can still have their own. Most of them will move out and better train school staff to notice bullying. and a negative effect on students. The seniors and have to support themselves for the first time when seniors fall victim to senioritis, perhaps upperclassmen say it is just fun and games, but in their lives. They have to pay bills and be staff could be better trained on how to reach the targets of these cruel jokes think otherwise. responsible for all their actions. Such childish out to them and help them come up with One 7th grader said he was bullied mentally, behavior could just be a way to cope with fear. better solutions. Our last suggestion is to make “Senioritis is another phase in human a program like “Safe School Ambassadors” that so much that he hates coming to school. If he tries to tell someone, he said he thinks it would development….those who persist with foolish, is made up of kids from different cliques and do more damage than good. Pranks may seem clownish behavior or celebrating are the same teach them to put an end to bullying within funny at the time, but when the humor fades, people who had difficultly leaving elementary their own groups and eventually the entire the only thing left is a senior in the principal’s and middle school. They are terrified of the school community.
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May 21, 2010
FEATURES
The Spectacle
Siblings May Be Annoying, But We Still Love Them by Morgan Mascarenas too mad about it. In the end, he said he Reporter Annoying, mean, best friend, thought it was really funny. twin…these adjectives can all describe the In general, Jaramillo loves relationship between siblings. spending time with his family. When he Junior Carmelita Trujillo loves her was younger, he would go hunting three siblings very much. As the youngest of with his dad and brother and says four kids, growing up she believed everything he loved how their friendship her siblings told her, even silly things like when grew because of it. her sister said she could touch the clouds. Yet “My siblings are great she gets along with her siblings really well. because we love to spend time “My brother and I are very much alike together and have a picnic and so it’s fun to be with him,” Trujillo said. just talk,” Jaramillo said. Additionally, she and her siblings have Jaramillo and his siblings similar interests like sports and listening to the have always spent time together. same kinds of music. They were raised to be close to one Being the youngest of four kids, she another, he said. remembers doing a lot of things with her Like many siblings, siblings. One funny memory she shares with Jaramillo and family have some things in a sibling was when she and her brother were common. Four of the six Jaramillo kids younger they went fishing, and she threw went into education. One of his sisters is him into the lake. Although it’s common for counselor Denise Lopez, another sister is siblings to fight, Trujillo said she gets along Special Education teacher Diana Jaramillo, well with her family. and his other sister Antoinette is an English “I love my brother very much, and teacher in Albuquerque at YDDC (Youth when he comes down from college, I spend as Diagnostic Developmental Center). Also he much time as I can with him,” she said. and his brother have a physical resemblance so Like Trujillo, teacher Anthony sometimes people would mix them up. Jaramillo also has several siblings — four sisters One thing he doesn’t have in common and one brother. As the oldest, he has a lot of with his siblings is that he’s not as loud as memories and said he enjoyed getting to watch t h e y are. He’s more low key and everyone grow up. quiet. But despite being the One memory that quiet one, he loves talking stuck with him is when his to them and visiting with brother decided to play a them all the time. prank. They were going Eighth grader to ride horses and his Damian Herrera is brother untied the the middle child saddle on his horse. of four siblings. After riding for a bit, He has two sisters the saddle came off and two brothers. and Jaramillo fell right Having siblings has off his horse. Even its ups and downs, and though Jaramillo’s being in the middle, he brother pulled a prank used to get picked on by photo by Genna Salas on him, he wasn’t his other brother, he said.
“Siblings can definitely be mean. One time my older brother shaved off my hair for fun,” Herrera said. Even though
photo by Genna Salas siblings can be mean, Herrera said he loves spending time with his brother and other siblings. “One time we went to California and stayed at the beach the whole day. It was a lot of fun,” he said. Also, Herrera gets along with his older brother and sister the most because they are closer to him in age. They also share a love for sports, so they have more in common. “The best memory I share with my siblings was when my older sister got a ring of honor for sports. It was really cool and I was so proud of her,” he said. Regardless of whether you love or hate (or both) your siblings, they are family. More than your parents or even a future spouse, siblings know you almost your entire life. “I love having a brother, he’s so much fun and he’s my best friend,” junior Carmelita Trujillo said. HUGS: (Left) Brothers Brendon (seventh grade) and eighth grader Damian Herrera are two of four Herrera siblings. (Above) Junior Chris Marquez and his brother, seventh grader James Marquez, with seventh grader Jose Terrazas and his sister, senior Sabrina Terrazas are just a few sets of siblings at Mesa Vista Middle and High School.
The Spectacle
GOODBYE to 2010
May 21, 2010
TOP SENIORS
SENIOR MEMORIES
Anna Baecker gpa: 4.0 Valedictorian
2010
(I like it) here ‘cause at Mesa Vista it is a smaller school and it is easier to know people here. —Manuel DeVargas
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I like all the students at Mesa Vista, because I’ve known them from like head start or second grade, I grew up with them.
My favorite memory from my senior year is when all the basketball players were messing around at midnight madness.
— Olibama Maestas
— Larry Mercado
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Where are they going next? Northern New Mexico Alex Griego College New Mexico State Kristen Archuleta University Gerald Campos Manny DeVargas Leticia Garcia Samantha Giron Brianne Herrera Jacob Martinez Larry Mercado Daniel Ocana Amanda Serrano Sabrina Terrazas Eugene Trujillo Michael Velasquez Jennifer Suazo
Highlands University Jerome Broyles
Work Force
Crystal Martinez Jeremy Salazar Ramon Trujillo
Joe Chavez
University of New Mexico
U.S. Army Reserves
Anna Baecker Lucrecia Chavez Mariah Galvez Robin Martinez Andrea Salazar Alexandria Vasquez
Navy
Patricia Alire Jared Alire Jerome Broyles Samantha Giron Alex Griego Olibama Maestas Greg Trujillo
Mariah Galvez gpa: 4.0 Valedictorian
—Jennifer Suazo
3,2,1, pose! Front row (from left): Jeremy Salazar, Sabrina Terrazas, Estevan Trujillo, Alex Griego, Jerome Broyles, Gerald Campos. Second row: Larry Mercado, Robin Martinez, Anna Baecker, Mariah Galvez, Alex Gallegos, Cassie Suire. Third row: Daniel Ocana, Kristin Archuleta, Crystal Martinez, Samantha Giron, Gene Trujillo. Back row: Leticia Garcia, Jared Anderson, Manny DeVargas, Greg Trujillo.
What do you like most about Mesa Vista? I like the people, I’ve met people who aren’t your average individuals here. I’ll miss Mrs. Lujan and her words of encouragement and Mrs. Sally’s skits because they made the day go by faster.
Alexandria Vasquez gpa: 4.0 Valedictorian
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photo by April van Buren
What do you like most about Mesa Vista? I like that it’s a small school and the kids get individual attention in class. I’ll miss my friends because they help me get though the day.
What do you like most about Mesa Vista? I like that its more like a family, (we’re) not just numbers. I’ll miss going places with FFA and meeting friends who will stay with me though college.
Lucrecia Chavez gpa: 4.0 Salutatorian
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I am going to miss (teacher) Sally (Gallegos), because she was an awesome teacher and I learned so much from her in class.
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What do you like most about Mesa Vista? I like that it’s a small school and you get a lot of one-on-one time with teachers. I’ll miss my friends ‘cause they give me another reason to come to school, besides class.
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SPORTS
May 21, 2010
The Spectacle
Stars Shine in Girls Track;Baseball Improves Record by Yacxubeli Campos Reporter After losing every game last season, the baseball team had nowhere to go but up this year. They finished the 09-10 season with a total of eight wins and eight losses, and had the added strength of female player, senior Samantha Giron. The baseball team (with the help of Coach Clifford Richardson) also maintained no less than thirteen players. Richardson said he is proud of his team’s work. “When I showed the kids I was willing to put the time in, they were willing to put the time in,” Richardson said in the Rio Grande SUN newspaper. This year, the team had stronger pitching players, such as sophomore Sean Richardson and junior Alejandro Lopez. Lopez’s pitches are hard, but not as good as Sean Richardson’s, (Clifford) Richardson said.
The team is a mixture of grades, including two seniors, three juniors, seven sophomores and one freshman. Giron joined, she said, because she grew up with an older athletic brother who got her into the sport. “She has been hitting the ball pretty good in practice,” Clifford Richardson said in the Rio Grande SUN. “It was a great season, had so much fun. I can’t wait for next year,” sophomore Sean Richardson said. TRACK WRAP-UP
Griego in the 300 hurdles at the the relay. Griego nearly missed a Pecos Invitational and sophomore medal in the 300 hurdles event, Julia Martinez in the 400 and 800 as the top six earn medals and he meter run at the West Las Vegas placed 7th overall. Invitational and the Fox Vixens Relays. The girls 400x4 relay qualified for State at the 3-AA District Track Meet. Martinez placed third in both the 800 and 400 meter runs, being outkicked just at the finish line on both. She was also on the 400x4 Overall, the track team relay which placed placed 2nd at Districts. Although fourth overall and the boys didn’t place, the girls took earned a state medal. 12th at the State Competition Senior Samantha at University Stadium in Giron, eighth grader photo by Ben Sandoval Albuquerque in early May. Selina Siqueros and In a few track meets, freshmen Brandy before Districts, several of the Valdez and (alternate) Jump!: Freshman Jeremy Broyles jumps track players reached qualifying Larissa Pena Martinez over a hurdle in the 300 meter hurdles, time, including senior Alex joined Martinez on followed by freshman Santiago Terrazas.
Cheerleaders ready for New Squad, New Coach by Pauline Luhman the squad and I am very dedicated to their There’s a new coach success. I hope that those interested will take Reporter working to make the Mesa Vista cheerleaders the time to talk with me about my goals and champions for the 2010-2011 school years. expectations of the cheer squad,” Gallegos said. Coach Yvette Gallegos, Gallegos plans who helped as the assistant to have a squad who I like the coach coach this school year, has taken will be trained to do a the lead for this coming year. few stunts by the end of because she seems to “I have been a this summer. Summer be into it (her job). cheerleader since I was in practices will be one day — sophomore a week for three hours, elementary, and I like the coach Yacxubeli Campos but the day is still being because she seems to be into it (her job),” sophomore decided, Gallegos said. Yacxubeli Campos said. After school practices during the school year Gallegos was not a high school will be three days a week. cheerleader because her high school only “It is imperative to have summer had dance teams, which she was a part of for practice to develop the squad to a competitive four years. In college, Gallegos found a dance level,” Gallegos said. team and stayed with them for a year. She also In the fall, Gallegos said she hopes to choreographed a dance for a high school class get new uniforms, which will cost about $200. while in college. Now, she is here to improve However, they will be a perfect fit she said. The the Mesa Vista cheerleading squad. squad will also fundraise in order to go to State “I am looking forward to working with Championships in 2011.
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On April 21, Gallegos held tryouts for captain and co-captain, electing captain Genna Salas, junior, and co-captains Amber Ocana, junior, and sophomore Katie Salas. In order to become captain or co-captain they competed in several categories, each making up dance routines and cheers. Gallegos based her captain decision on their scores. So far, the captain and the coach plan to compete at the state cheerleading competition in May of 2011 by learning more stunts. They would also like to make up more cheers and dance routines for the games at half time. “This is a new learning experience for me but I am up for this exciting challenge,” Gallegos said. Gallegos and the captains held an open practice this week for anyone interested in joining the squad. Participants had to score a minimum of 30 points out of 100. The final team will be announced on Monday. Space is limited to 12, not including the captains. There will be no more tryouts until 2011.
The Spectacle
SPORTS
May 21, 2010
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All-terrain Sports Capture Students’ Interests by Alejandro Griego can compete and win in the rodeo. REPORTER At Mesa Vista most people “When I was a little, my grandparents only pay attention to the school sports. So took me to rodeos and I became fascinated what about all the other sports that kids do at with the sport,” Trujillo said. school that are not school related? Her events are Pole Bending and “I go snowboarding because it is fun Barrel Racing. Pole Bending is an event and I only get to go one season where a horse and one out of the year,” eighth grader rider weave through Alexis Archuleta said. six poles and are timed photo by Josie Salas I thought it Archuleta may from start to finish. was cool. I started love to go snowboarding but If they knock over a Rodeo Queen: Junior Natasha Trujillo her breakdancing when horse Dakota in Rio Arriba County at the sophomore Robert Herrera pole, it’s a 5-second Showdown in Old Abiquiu in June 2009. She I saw my uncle doing finds dirt, motorcycles, fishing, penalty which can be is one of many students who participate in flips. — sophomore devastating. riding his dirt bike and hunting Barrel non-school sports. Christopher Pacheco to be fun for him. racing is where a “My dad got me horse and one rider hunting and fishing skills, but sophomore interested in dirt biking when he bought me a - typically a girl – maneuvers through three Christopher Pacheco can light up the dance dirt bike,” Herrera said. barrels to make a clover shape while riding. This floor with his break dancing and kick it on the Some things he can do are stoppies, is also a timed event, according to Wikipedia. soccer field. wheelies and ramps on his dirt bike. He has his On June 19, Trujillo will be crowned the “I mostly do Freerunning, Parkhour, own personal ramp. Herrera mainly sticks to free Rodeo Queen, making it a good year for her. Breakdancing, Soccer and Street Football,” riding in El Rito, but does do some freestyle, Freshman Pacheco said. which involves trick maneuvers on his bike. Santiago Terrazas has a Pacheco’s inspirations My dad is the Herrera may not be the only trick good year when he can for starting these sports came one that got me into rider on a dirt bike at Mesa Vista, but junior draw for a hunt. He from watching his cousin and hunting and fishing. Natasha Trujillo may be the only student who loves to hunt, fish and uncle do break dance maneuvers This is an ongoing free ride on his on the street. family tradition that ATV. “I thought that was cool. I started with my “My dad is the started Breakdancing when I ancestors. one that got me saw my uncle doing flips from into hunting and — freshman his breakdancing,” Pacheco said. fishing,” Terrazas Santiago Terrazas Pacheco’s started his said. “This is freestyle dancing, freerunning an ongoing and parkhour when he was 14 family tradition that started with my years old. When he was 12, he started street ancestors.” football and, at age 10, soccer. Santiago’s main hunting weapon is a While Pacheco’s after-school hobbies rifle but is now starting to hunt with are fairly common, librarian April van Buren a bow. He likes to hunt deer and elk in participates in a less well-known sport, El Rito, he said, and he mostly stream women’s roller derby. fishes with a spinner where he catches photo by Josie Salas “It’s nice to have hobbies away from native fish like Cuttthroat, German work and school,” van Buren said. “It is also Rodeo Queen: Junior Natasha Trujillo rides in La Browns and Rainbows. fun to get to know a group of rowdy and Estancia Alegre. Trujillo will be crowned the 2010 Terrazas might be able to light diverse women who aren’t afraid to play a Rodeo Queen for Rio Arriba County in June and up the forest and creeks with his good contact sport.” will compete for State Fair Queen in September.
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The Spectacle
BACK PAGE
May 21, 2010
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God of War III: Game, Series Lives Up to Hype by Lily Hawley Reporter Technology has come so far in the last century but this year recent limitations have been redefined in a river full of bloodletting and Greek mythology. Other games pale in comparison to God of War III, a game that turns Hades and Olympus on end, literally. God of War III is a single player, ‘hack and slash,’ actionadventure game developed by Sony Santa Monica Studios and released in March. As a whole, the “God of War” franchise has sold more than 11.5 million units worldwide. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment, it is the fifth and final installment in the story of Kratos. The Ghost of Sparta’s tale is sad. In the beginning, when he was general of the Spartan army, he struck a deal with the god of war, Aries, to spare his life. In return Kratos served Aries fighting in many wars on his behalf. He is eventually betrayed by Aries and tricked into killing his own wife and child. Plagued
by nightmares, he seeks the help of the other gods. In exchange for becoming the gods’ champion, they will rid him of his dreams. They commission him to kill Aries who is trying to take over Athena’s city of Athens. In order to kill a god he has to find Pandora’s Box. When he retrieves the box and the power within it, he sets out to kill the rogue god. He succeeds and is made the new God of War, however, the other gods do not appreciate being the equals of a ex-mortal. They trick him out of his powers and Kratos vows he will have his revenge. He gathers a Titan army with which to storm Mount Olympus. From here God of War III picks up and starts the end of the tale. Battling with all manner of Greek monsters from regular runof-the-mill satyrs to Kronos the great Titan king himself, Kratos seems horribly outmatched. For an antihero who is as dead inside as the former God of War, there is nothing he won’t do to get his revenge.
screenshot from Sony Games Kratos uses innocents to further his progress and cuts down random people to restore his health. In the God of War series, the violence is so different from that in other games. It is raw, undeniably cruel and pulls players into the game in a way few games do. But even though it seems that this game centers around nothing but a core theme of blood and guts, there is a very important underlying message that is even more significant than outstanding graphics and violence: Hope. “It is what we fight with
when all else is lost.” This is a quote from the character Pandora, who comes into the story and awakens within Kratos a fatherly protectiveness. She is also responsible for rekindling the hope in Kratos that gives this game a storyline full of interesting turns and a surprising finale. Future generations will find this game just as awe-inspiring as we do now. After all, no one can deny the might of a fallen god. NOTE: This game is rated “M” for mature and is not suitable for younger audiences.
Sixth Graders Prepare for Culture Shock in Fall in 2010-11 by Aubrie Kuykendall Reporter The transition between elementary and junior high can be difficult, but also exciting, for many students. “I like middle school, but it can be hard because you can’t be late to classes and you have to get good grades,” seventh grader Alyssa Lopez said. It is not uncommon for students to have a hard time settling into their new schedule, the responsibility and often the
higher expectations. “It was kind of hard getting used to the lockers and the time (limit),” seventh grader Miquela Martinez said. Along with simply adjusting, students also often miss some aspects of grade school. “I really miss recess from elementary, because it let me get out of class,” Martinez said Don’t let all this “bad” stuff make it look like middle school is scary or boring. In fact, it has it upsides.
“I like all of the electives that you can choose from, like woodworking and computers,” seventh grader Christopher Dominguez said. Middle school often offers more after school programs, including MESA, FFA and tutoring after school. “Tutoring is fun because we get to be without friends and work together on math,” seventh grader Lee Roy Martinez said. Middle school is a step closer to adult life. It teaches
responsibility and teamwork. “Transitioning from elementary to middle school is the first major milestone in beginning adult life. There are independent choices that get to be made, and depending on those choices, one can be an outstanding individual or a complete hoodlum. So the autonomy that a kid gets as a middle school student is a precious gift, one that we don’t get in elementary,” RN/EMT LCDN SBHC Clinical Coordinator Crystal Martinez said.