The Spectacle Mesa Vista MHS ı PO Box 50, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
By Denise Ortiz Reporter
News Briefs
MVHS hosts Regional Event For the first time in three years Mesa Vista is the host of C.O.L.T. On Nov. 11, about 150 students, including students from Santa Rosa, Robertson High School and Questa participated in this chapter officer training event. “C.O.L.T is a good event. I like it a lot. It gives FFA students a chance to meet other FFA students from other schools,” FFA president, senior Genna Salas said.
FFA Wins National Recognition This year the Mesa Vista FFA was not only recognized at the state level but at the national as well, earning a silver award for Floriculture. FFA, which been at Mesa Vista for about as long as sponsor Connie Lujan has been here (20 years), competed at Nationals in Indianapolis. The Floriculture team won in Indianapolis and the members included: senior Genna Salas and juniors Katie Salas, Jerome Gurule and Emma Hardison. Mesa Vista FFA also received a Three Star National Chapter Award for being active in school and committee work. Juniors Phillip Rodriguez and Onesimo Archuleta accepted the award for Mesa Vista while at Nationals. “It was a huge city a lot of people were competing, and an experience a lot of people don’t get,” junior Emma Hardison said.
photo by Ben Sandoval // During C.O.L.T., an FFA officer training event on Nov. 11, students from different schools participate in a workshop and listen to an FFA officer present. Students from Santa Rosa, Las Vegas, and Questa came to Mesa Vista for the day-long event.
The Spectacle c/o MVMHS PO Box 50 Ojo Caliente, NM 87549 (505) 583-2275 (505) 583-9133 fax
Basketball Preview p. 7
VOL. II, ISSUE 2 ı Dec. 15, 2010
Schedules to Change By Ashtyn Megariz Reporter The schedule will change again at Mesa Vista High School. These changes include 3-day weekends in January and February, and a return to seven period days instead of six. Fridays will no longer have special, two-hour elective classes and recovery credit classes, yet some students will continue to attend UNM classes in Taos. For the first semester, the school district experimented with a schedule of six classes Monday-Thursday and different, mostly elective classes offered only on Fridays. High
school students could choose to attend classes off-campus on Fridays in Taos or stay at Mesa Vista for the elective classes. Students and staff had mixed feelings about this experiment, which is ending after only one semester. During the first semester, about 50 students attended UNM-Taos. Earwood said he is unsure just yet as to how many will return for the second semester. Students attending the college classes receive about six credit hours each semester. “I like that we get the opportunity to take college classes… it lets us
cont. p. 2, see SCHEDULE
Students Question Search By Jonathan Gallegos Reporter On Oct. 25 school security, principals and teachers put
the entire campus on lockdown in order to search all students at Mesa Vista Middle and High School for drugs and weapons. Though some believe the search was necessary, due primarily to blatant disregard for basic school rules against weapons and drugs on a public school campus, with some students even coming to school reeking of marijuana and talking openly about drug use. Other students, however, believe the search was an infringement on their constitutional rights. One student felt so strongly that he or she wrote a short, anonymous letter entitled “A student’s opinion” and circulated it around campus the day after the search. The day after the search, principals also held a schoolwide assembly to discuss the purpose of the search. Initially, administrators called the search due to the smell of marijuana in the middle school building, and multiple reports that students had been smoking in the restroom, Superintendant Randall Earwood said. Principal Lillian Griego (who could not be reached for comment) questioned the suspected students and, through her questioning, new information began to surface which prompted administrators to hold the school-wide search. The administration then decided to put the cont. p. 5, see SEARCH
page 2
Dec. 15, 2010
NEWS
The Spectacle
StuCo, Staff Plan Changes for Homecoming by Anissa
Reporter
Baca
Homecoming, the week of Feb. 7-11, will include some traditional activities such as dress up days and a pep rally, as well as a few new customs. Student Council members plan to add more events and, instead of choosing the candidates who raise the most money, the king and queen will be elected this year. For as long as community members can remember, the winners have been chosen by whichever pair of candidates raises the most money. Teacher Bernadette Galvez, who graduated in 1973, says she and her classmates raised money for their homecoming candidates. Instead, the student body will vote for the king and queen this year. Some administrators felt that the fundraising was putting a burden on the community, candidates and families of the candidates, so the faculty voted to change this tradition. The middle school has prince and princess candidates in each grade and will also vote, however middle school students will not be allowed to attend the homecoming dance. “I think that it takes strain off of the community, but at the same time it’s not fair since bigger classes have advantages,” student council president, senior Genna Salas said.
Principal Lillian Griego is forming a committee of teachers to work out the details of exactly how the voting will happen, Student Council sponsor Monique Garcia said. The committee will consist of sponsor from each class. Homecoming week is also going to be more than the usual pep rally and spirit days. Student Council members plan to add more class contests, like pie eating contests, relay races and other races to get the student body more involved. Both the Student Council sponsor and Vice Principal James Branch say they would like to see the students show more school pride and participating in homecoming activities is one way to do this. The homecoming game is Friday, Feb. 11 and will consist of boys and girls basketball games. The junior varsity and varsity girls are expected to play as well as the boys’ varsity team. The Mesa Vista Trojans and Lady Trojans will play against the Jemez Valley Warriors. The Warriors’ record last year was 3-15 and they were ranked 120 in the state. Last year, Mesa Vista varsity boys’ team was ranked 72 in the state with a record of 17-13. The Lady Trojans varsity girls’ team had a record of 14-4 with a ranking of 59 in the state. “I would like to see all teams be successful and
have a drug free environment this homecoming and to see everyone having a safe and enjoyable time,” Branch said.
photo by Robin Martinez // In Feb. 2010, junior Natasha Trujillo crowns eighth graders Lily Martinez and Ryan Valdez during Homecoming. Crowning of Homecoming King and Queen and Prince and Princess will be decided differently this year.
SCHEDULE, cont. from p. 1 get high school credit and helps us get ahead for college,” senior Carmelita Trujillo said. The end of the new Friday schedule is not the only change this school year, however. During the January and February months, students and staff will have Mondays off, with the district calling these days “Energy Savings Days.” “The state cut the school budget enormously and we were trying to come up with creative ways to save money. This was one way,” Earwood said. The six period schedule will also change to a seven period schedule. “Teachers and students are not getting enough contact time with one another on Fridays. For example, the Driver’s Ed. class needs 52 contact hours to complete the class and they are barely getting that just meeting on Fridays,” math teacher and FFA sponsor Connie Lujan said. There are no required contact hours needed in order to receive a high school credit (excluding Driver’s Ed.), Earwood said.
Because students are currently taking six classes, some classes are filled to the maximum occupancy. Science teacher Victor Jaramillo’s third period class has 32 students and P.E. teacher Miguel Garcia’s fifth period class has 26 students. “We just follow the state standards and benchmarks, which include giving a final exam at the end of the year,” Earwood said. The seven period Friday schedule should be in place before Christmas vacation, Lujan said. This will give administrators enough time to figure out a fair way to reduce schedules and start rescheduling for the second semester, Lujan said. It is still unclear as to what the students attending classes at UNM-Taos will be expected to do about their Mesa Vista classes on Fridays. “The high school teachers are working on it (Friday schedule) and hopefully it will be done before Christmas… students will still be able to attend UNMTaos,” Earwood said.
December is national drunk and drugged driving prevention month. The Mesa Vista Natural Helpers and the local health coalition want to remind you to avoid drinking or using drugs while driving or getting in a car with someone under the influence. Be safe this year and have a happy holiday!!
The Spectacle
NEWS
Cyber Bullying: Technology hurts
Dec. 15, 2010
page 3
photo illustration by Lily Greenman and Athena Martinez
by Aubrie
Kuykendall Reporter
In the United States, statistics show that one out of every four children or teens have admitted to being bullied, according to the Cyber Bullying Research website. Today, in addition to the age-old problem of bullying, our generation is facing a new type of harassment that occurs everywhere there is Internet access: Cyber Bullying.
pretending to be someone else, stalking someone, harassment, and more according to the Stop Bullying Now website. “Cyber bullying is often legally defined as re“Cyber bullying is when a child peated harassment online... the anonymity of the or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliatInternet gives cover not only to schoolyard-bully ed, embarrassed or targeted by another child using the types but to victims themselves, who feel they can Internet, mobile phone, or other type of digital techretaliate without getting caught…online bullying nology,” according to STAR-W Project website. can be more psychologically savage than schoolCyber bullying can happen through a variety of yard bullying. The Internet erases inhibitions, with technology, such as e-mail, cell phone text messagadolescents often going further with slights online es, instant messaging, social networking sites, web than in person,” wrote New York Times reporter pages with comment sections and bulletin boards, Jan Hoffman in her Dec. 4 article “As Bullies Go blogs and chat rooms. Digital, Parents Play Catch-up.” “In the year 2008, a statistic shows that bulCyber bullying is not just calling names online, al- lying via instant messaging appears to be particuthough this is a part of it. Cyber bullying can also be larly prevalent,” according to a 2009 survey of how 13-18-year-olds graphic by Lily Greenman given by the STOP CYBER BU L LY I N G NOW website. Cyber bullying can happen to % 8 anyone and can 10% 2 Social other be done by anyg in k 10% r o one. Both boys 23% netw im/ chat rooms and girls are af12% % 9 fected by cyber 3 77% e-mails bullying equally. “There is somebased on a survey of 148 Mesa Vista one online who Middle and High School students, created a fake during 6th period on 12/8/10
Student Survey
Have you ever been cyber bullied? Yes No
In your opinion, what is the most common form?
ging
ssa Text me
Facebook account under my name and started pretending to be me,” junior Samantha Terrazas said. Terrazas’ is not alone in this type of harassment. In the last few years, the United States has suffered from teenage suicides linked with some type of cyber-crime. Incidences like 13-year-old Megan Meire’s suicide have swept the nation. “Megan Meier, 13, began receiving nasty messages from a boy after a few weeks of an online flirtation with him, via her MySpace account, ending with one that suggested “the world would be a better place” without her. Megan, believing she had been rejected by “Josh,” committed suicide in her home….Six weeks after Megan’s death, her parents learned that “Josh Evans” never existed. He was an online character created by Lori Drew, then 47, who lived four houses down the street,” according to the New York Times website. In many cases, there are some things students can do. Facebook and MySpace let you report abuse, which includes stalkers and aggressive comments. Students can also block or “unfriend” people who are bullying them online. It’s more complicated, though, if the bullying is through text messages or cell phone calls. Most providers will charge a fee to block calls from specific numbers, but it’s very easy to continue bullying from another person’s phone. It often takes police involvement. There is, however, a New Mexico program that offers students an anonymous tip line to report bullying, threats of weapon-related violence and other crimes at school and in the community: 1-866-SPEAKUP.
page 4
The Spectacle Staff This is the second issue of the 2010-2011 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 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. 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.
Adviser: April van Buren Editor: Genna Salas Staff: Anissa Baca,
Jonathan Gallegos, Lily Greenman, Lily Hawley, Aubrie Kuykendall, Pauline Luhman, Morgan Mascarenas, Ashtyn Megariz, Denise Ortiz, Katie Salas, and Ben Sandoval. The Spectacle c/o MVMHS PO Box 50 Ojo Caliente, NM 87549 (505) 583-2275 505-583-9133 fax
Dec. 15, 2010
OPINION
The Spectacle
Our Campus Stinks, but
Efforts to Beautify are Sweet Staff Editorial
The school and district have been making efforts to improve our school, including repainting the buildings, moving the bus loading zone fence, and re-painting the parking lot. We, the newspaper staff, believe these changes are a major improvement to our school but also that there is still some work to be done to make it even better. “I think some of the stuff they are repairing is good and some isn’t, like we didn’t need a new parking lot. We had one and it was fine. I think the paint is good. Our school was starting to look worn out,” junior Jennifer Valdez said Most students appreciate the repairs the school district is making, but also wish something could be done about the sewage-like smell coming from the sewage treatment plant behind the technology building. Due to poor drainage, the smell permeates the whole school especially on a windy day. We believe that getting this taken care of could be beneficial to the school. It could prevent more distraction for students, keep the air clean, and help make Mesa Vista a school to be proud of, not just for basketball, but for a truly nice campus. “We sent an application to the state department. They came and checked the drainage lines. If approved, all drainage lines will be redone,” Principal Lillian Griego said. Another improvement this year has come from moving the fence for the bus loading area to make the loading zone larger. This was changed to prevent busses and cars from hitting the fence while loading and unloading students, according to Lori Kuykendall.
photo by Lily Greenman // Junior Katie Salas, eighth grader Jessica Martinez and woodworking teacher John Waterman re-paint the welcome sign before reattaching it near the parking lot.
photo by Lily Greenman // Men repaint the outside of the building that formerly housed English and History classes, but is not currently being used. Painters also repainted the outside of the gym.
Remodeling or repainting the lines in the parking lot is another change this year. Staff repainted the parking lot layout to accommodate more cars. Another change made to the parking lot this year was to require all student drivers to park in a separate, smaller parking lot that is closed off and watched during school hours. This is to prevent students from leaving campus. This new variation in the way things have been done is good because teachers no longer have to collect keys or worry about students’ keys being stolen. Yet another change is the “Mesa Vista Trojans Welcome You” sign in front of the c-wing building. Woodshop teacher John Waterman supervised the remodeling - students sanded the sign and re-painted it gold. The newly refurbished sign displays students pride in our school and shows students want to make this campus lovely, just as much as the staff. To show our support for improving this school, we the Newspaper Staff would like to sponsor a schoolwide clean-up day a couple of weeks after students return from Christmas break. We hope to provide each class with the proper materials for helping clean up in groups and pick up trash around the school, possibly during homeroom. We hope this will further efforts to keep our school clean. We are Trojans! We are proud. Let’s take pride in our school and be thankful for the district’s work to improve our campus.
The Spectacle
OTHER
Dec. 15, 2010
page 5
SEARCH, continued from p. 1 entire high and middle school on lockdown. Students were not allowed to leave their 4th period classes until the end of the day at 3:20. The principal, as well as Special Education teacher Ben Sandoval and Coach Gina Terrazas searched the classrooms, and students’ personal backpacks and purses. Then, administrators separated students by gender, lining the male students up along the lockers to be patted down head to toe; while most female students only emptied their pockets. The security guards told some students to let them to smell their hands and breathe. “I think they should have searched everybody the
same - boys and girls,” junior Lucas Gallegos said. Loco Parentis is a legal standard that gives institutions, such as public high schools, the ability to act in the best interest of the students as they see fit. More simply put, it means that schools take the position of the students’ parents on campus. This law, which has had much conflict in its history, even going to the Supreme Court multiple times, such as in- New Jersey v. T.L.O. court case where it was found constitutional for school officials to search students’ persons and property well on school property, according to Wikipedia. There is a grey area between a person’s expectations for personal privacy and the institution’s interest in maintaining order. Mesa Vista is not the only school to hold search and seizures. The Espanola School District has a Resource Officer in the high school and special K-9 unit, in addition to photo by Lily Hawley // Vice Principal James Branch speaks at a student assembly on Oct. 26. The security guards princpals held the assembly the day after a search of all students to explain why the search happened and why students’ rights had not been violated. from ProSec.
Letter to the Editor Dear Spectacle newspaper staff: Your Oct. 7 article on the ACT did not mention Talent Search, although it did mention the ACT Prep we provided at Mesa Vista. I would like to share some information about Talent Search. The Educational Talent Search Program is funded by the U. S. Department of Education. For over thirty years, the program has served 950 6th – 12th grade students in numerous schools throughout northern New Mexico each year. Of the 950, about 175 students are from the Mesa
Vista Consolidated School District. Talent Search students at Mesa Vista learn about relationships between higher education, lifestyles and future planning options. They are exposed to college and career planning, college life, and are assisted in preparing for college admission tests, completing financial aid forms and transitioning to middle school, high school and to postsecondary institutions. Tutoring services may also be provided and program-sponsored guest speakers introduce students to a variety of careers including but not limited to film making, special
photo by Lily Hawley // Agriculture teacher Connie Lujan speaks out at an assembly. Lujan explained why administrators have the right to search students on campus.
“We received a lot of positive comments about the lockdown. Kids appreciate it and like the fact we are trying to clean the campus up,” Earwood said. Due to the unrest in the school following the search, administrators held an assembly to tell students the reason their persons were searched. Assistant principal James Branch (who would not comment) spoke at the assembly about the safety of this school and how administrators’ actions were only to ensure a safe, drug-free environment for all students. “I hope the students realize we are trying everything we can to provide a safe, drug-free environment for the kids, who are here to learn,” Earwood said. effects make-up artistry, forensics and more. Whether you’re a talented photographer, an artist, a poet or a math whiz, develop your talents fully by continuing your education beyond high school. Join the Educational Talent Search Program and learn more about careers, colleges and financial assistance to help make your dreams come true. Services are provided at no cost to eligible students!
Your Talent Search Advisor, Ms. L. Salazar (505) 795-7853
page 6
SPORTS
Dec. 15, 2010
The Spectacle
XC, Volleyball Come to an End; New Indoor Track Begins By Genna Salas Editor in chief
er, was unable to finish due to heat stroke. Overall it was a good season A little team goes a long way. and Sandoval Jr. said he is happy This year the cross country team they all qualified for State. This was only had three runners, juniors his and Lucero’s fourth year making Ben Sandoval Jr., it to State for Haliey Lucero and cross country. This season was Julia Martinez. DeAll three runbetter than last year; spite too few runners are still I won districts for the ners for a full team, practicing in second year... they still competed preparation for with their heads the upcoming — Junior Hailey Lucero high and hopes of track season making it to State. this spring. At the district meet on Oct. 30, at the Wellness Center in Pojoaque, each runner qualified for State. Sandoval finished in 20th place. Lucero By Ben Sandoval was the back-to-back district champ Reporter The Mesa Vista volleyball team for girls’ varsity and beat the girl in 2nd place by two minutes. Martinez improved on their win total from last year, increasing it to 3 wins and finished in 4th place. “This season was better than last 13 losses. The lady Trojans also imyear; I won districts for the second proved their district record to 2 wins year beating the girl in second place Coach Marcy Romero thinks that the by more than a minute,” Lucero said. girls showed a lot of improvement At the State meet, on Nov. 6 at from last year. “Denise and I got the girls to realRio Rancho High School, Sandoval placed 57th with a time of 19:15 ize that they’re better than what they and Lucero finished in 4th place with thought and I would take it on again a time of 20:55. Martinez, howev- next year if they offered me the job,” Head Coach Marcy Romero said. The varsity finished 3rd in a loss to Cuba
“
”
Volleyball Wrap-up
photo by Ben Sandoval // Runners from all over compete in the National Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, NM in January. Athletic Director James Branch and coach Ben Sandoval, Sr., hope to start indoor track at Mesa Vista. Practices started in mid-November.
in the second round of the district tournament, and finished with an overall district record of 2-6 not including district tournament play. Cuba swept the lady Trojans in Cuba to advance to the final round of the district tournament. Junior Julia Martinez received All District Honors at the conclusion of the tournament
Indoor Track
It’s not uncommon for people to automatically think of basketball when the topic of Mesa Vista sports comes up. However, this winter there’s a new sport on campus: indoor track. D e n i s e The sport (Archuleta) and I got consists of evthe girls to realize that ery event that they’re better than there is in what they thought... the outdoor version, with — Volleyball coach the exception Marcy Romero of the javelin, which
“
photo by Alyssa Lopez // MV Lady Trojans await their next match at the 2010 NRG Competition at Penasco High School. The Lady Trojans took 5th place overall.
”
requires at least 250 feet of space to be thrown. The gym does not provide enough space for this event. In addition to the traditionally outdoor events, is the hammer throw, which is actually a steel, rubber, or copper ball attached to a wire that requires the thrower to spin around and release the ball. The sport has drawn attention from all over the state. Although it’s new to this school, indoor track has been open to high school athletes since 2006 when the convention center officially opened the 200 meter banked curve track. Since the high school indoor track season started in 2006, the meets have grown from 200 athletes, to more than 400 from four different southwestern states. Mesa Vista’s indoor track season began mid-November. Practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Ben Sandoval Sr. is the coach. The track meets start on Jan. 16 and continue every Sunday until Feb. 7. Interested students should talk to Coach Ben Sandoval.
The Spectacle
FEATURES
Not Created Equal? M e s a Vista High School is known for its Sports Opinion basketball team, Column By Genna Salas particularly the boy’s varsity team. Although the team good and deserves support each year, it is frustrating that support for boys basketball tends to overshadow the other sports and clubs that are also very active. This year the cheerleaders put on a pep rally for the volleyball players since they made it to the second round of districts. Despite both the volleyball players and cheerleaders hard work the crowd still showed little support. Let’s be completely honest. When was the last time you went to a volleyball game to support the girls, and not just to socialize or postpone going home and having to do chores? I would also like to recognize the cross country team. Although there were only three runners they went to State and had an amazing season, yet they too do not get the support they deserve. This year only a few people ever went to the cross country’s meets and most people didn’t even realize they were in season. Another thing I would like to ask this school was when was the last time we have had a decent cheerleading team; one that actually does stunts and lifts and is working hard on dances? As a cheerleader I will be the first to say we were not that good last year, but over the summer and with practices during this semester, we have improved greatly. So instead of caring solely about basketball, we should all support each and every sport. No matter if they are small, they don’t qualify for state or they are still new to the school and are trying to work their way up to bigger and better things. It is important that our community supports all the students, even the ones that aren’t always on top. So next year and for the rest of the sports that are still to come lets support them. Go to a game or a meet to see your classmates and to cheer them on, or even at school let them know that you support their efforts. Another thing the school could do is announce how the basketball (including the girls and middle school) track or baseball team did at their game or at the meet in home room. We could also have more pep rallies that show how proud we are of our teams, no matter what the score was, or what place they got.
Dec. 15, 2010
page 7
Basketball Season Begins sity teams hit the court with a good work By Pauline Luhman Reporter It’s the start of Mesa Vis- ethic and team unity, Vigil said. The playta basketball season for both boys and girls JV and varsity teams. The girls are starting off with a new coach, athletic director and assistant principal James Branch. The boys are still being led by head coach Thomas Vigil and assistant coach Miguel Garcia. Official practice for the girls started on Nov. 8, while the boys started open gym practices way back in April and their official practices started Nov. 1. The first game of the season was on Nov. 24 at Escalante High School, where the boys won 70 to 54. As of Dec. 8, the boys varsity team has won three of the team’s six games so far. “I expect them to play hard, play together and get better every single day… if they do these three things we should be able to make it to the state tournament,” coach Thomas Vigil said. The boys have been practicing informally at open gym, starting last April where they would do a few drills and play most of the time. When practices officially started this November, both JV and var-
ers also learn new drills quickly, he said. The team’s only weakness so far is that the players are short compared with many other schools. “My philosophy is that we respect all of our opponents, however, we will go in to each game fearing no one,” coach and athletic director James Branch said. The girls’ first game was Nov. 19 against Questa, they won. Of the first four games, the girls’ varsity team has won two games. Both varsity and JV have a total of 15 players, some players are even on both varsity and JV. Branch, who is the former Taos School District athletic director, said he plans to develop at least three key players to replace any players who are injured or sick that day of the game. The lady Trojans did well at the NRGs on Dec. 8. The final score was close, however, they lost by 7 points. “I think that if the girls continue to work hard (and) stay injury free, that will continue to improve us as the year progresses,” Branch said.
photo by Pauline Luhman // Junior Dominic Torrez and senior Andrew Clavery await the rebound during a home game agaisnt Penasco on Dec. 7. Middle school boys and girls basketball games begin in January.
Varsity and JV Boys play at home on Dec. 17 against Escalante
Varsity and JV Girls play at home on Dec. 18 against Penasco
The Spectacle
BACK PAGE
Dec. 15, 2010
page 8
Death Comes Too Soon in Potter 7 Lily Hawley Reporter Harry Potter, the name that over by
the past decade has come to mean magic, appeared press photo from Warner Brothers
for the seventh time Nov. 19 on the big screen in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One.” “The boy who lived” has taken the world on an adventure of which few could have dreamed, but this time his story is coming to a close. There is only one more film after this. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has had an effect on the world like no other. The “Deathly Hallows” movie grossed $76.3 million in its first five days. Such high box office sales are not surprising since the movie stayed so true to the book, which itself sold 400 million copies worldwide. This newest film is the most accurate HP conversion from book to movie yet, due to it being split into two parts. The book, at 784 pages, was just too much to compile into a two and a half hour movie. “I think it’s the only way you can do it, without cutting out a huge portion of the book,” said actor Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry, in an interview with MTV. “There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut - although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans - but the seventh book doesn’t really have any subplots. It’s one driv-
ing, pounding story from the word go.” Harry has forsaken the wizarding boarding school, Hogwarts, for a tent in order to hunt down and destroy He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s (Voldemort) secret to immortality. Split into seven pieces, Voldemort’s soul is hidden within seven horcruxes that Harry must find and destroy in order to bring the Dark Lord’s cruel rein to an end. Potter’s best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as usual, are along for the dark wizards, spells, death, and evil snake-filled ride. Danger is everywhere and characters you know and love will perish in this latest Potter film. Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, is now dead, however, and the group is on its own without a guide. The trio is completely clueless as to first how to find and then destroy the split pieces of the Dark Lord’s soul. In the first part of “Deathly Hallows,” it’s the beginning of the end for Harry’s tale that won’t be complete till the second part is released on July 15, 2011. The problem with movie and book series is that one day the tail has to come to an end and, as much as it breaks your heart, you have to close the book and turn off the TV because you wouldn’t love it the same if it never ended. This is it. The finale. It is phenomenal.
Hunting Season Sparks Excitement at Mesa Morgan Mascarenas Reporter Hunting in by
this region has always been popular. “The place I go to hunt is Pine Canyon or Jiracas, where my family and I hunt elk. Then we can enjoy elk burgers. Yummy,” freshman Krista Ocaña said. In New Mexico, youths under eighteen may hunt with a certificate from a hunter education course, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Freshman Emiliano Martinez started hunting when he was about six or seven and has been safety certified since he was eleven, he said.
“I’ve been hunting for a long time with my family, and I like it. The best time was when I got a sixby-six bull elk,” Martinez said. During the summer, known as the rutting season, deer and elk travel in groups, according to hunting expert Angela Baird, so some might say that this is the best time to hunt. The official deer and elk season, however, occurs from mid-September to mid-December. People have many different opinions on which season are the best to hunt. Baird says that autumn is the best season to hunt because animals are on the move and distracted by breeding.
“To me, November is the best time to go hunting because that’s when the animals begin searching for food and heading down to migrate. When it snows, it makes tracking easier,” seventh grader Patrick Torres said. Hunting is also a social activity. Ocana said she enjoys the family time and that it brings her family closer. “My favorite memory was when we went hunting and we accidently took the wrong trail and ended up on the other side of the mountain. It was really funny because I had told them we were going the wrong way but they wouldn’t listen and I
was right all along. We had a lot of fun trying to find our way though,” Ocaña said.
drawing by Fidel Serrano