daredevil soundtrack evanescence

January 2007
5
volume 13
Get
Moving!
In the gym
or out on the
trail, local
teens can
have fun
and keep fit
class!
by, for
for and
and about
about the
the high school students
by,
students of
of Clark
Clark County
County
January 2007
Vol.13, Issue 5
Founders
David Phillips • Paul Aizley • Sari Aizley
Board of Directors
President: Tom Warden,
Vice President, Community & Government Relations,
Howard Hughes Corporation
President-elect: Chris Ferrari, Deputy Director of
Government and Public Affairs, R&R Partners
Vice President: Marydean Martin,
Owner, Marydean & Associates
Treasurer: Michele Johnson,
President/CEO, Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Secretary: Sari Aizley, Publisher, Aizley Publications
Past President: Dr. Paul Aizley,
contents!
03
by, for and about the high school students of Clark County
feel the beat! taiko drummers put
on a show of Japanese culture 06
Professor of Mathematics, UNLV
Founding President: Barbara Buckley, Esq.
Nevada State Assemblywoman;
Executive Director, Clark County Legal Services
Mark Brown, President, YourBuyer, Inc.
Cindy Creighton, Executive Director,
Nevada Subcontractors Association
Kathleen Frosini, Director, Career and Technical
Education, Clark County School District
Paul Henry, Esq., President, Henry and Associates
Judy Jenner, Spanish Content Manager, Vegas.com
Denise Karpelenia, Coordinator 6-12 English
Language Arts, Clark County School District
Catherine Levy, Gov. and Public Affairs, R&R Partners
David Phillips, Photo Supervisor, CSI,
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Susan Sawyer, Guidance Counselor, Liberty HS
Patrick Smith, Account Executive,
The Rogich Communications Group
Dr. Carrol Steedman, Director of Credit Programs,
UNLV Division of Educational Outreach
Myrna Williams, CLASS! Founding Member
entertainment! evanescence
‘opens doors’ with new album
14
Ortega!un orgullo hispano
en Las Vegas High School 22
Honorary Board
Shelley Berkley, U.S. Congresswoman
Jan Biggerstaff, former member,
Nevada Board of Education
Thalia Dondero, Board of Regents,
Nevada System of Higher Education
Mark Fine, Developer, CLASS! Past President
Robert Forbuss, Strategic Alliances, LLC
Mary Hausch, Asst. Professor of Journalism,
26 schoolzone! coffee shops by
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Gary Steven Markewich, M.D.
Julie Pippenger, Executive Director,
Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
schools – a clever business ploy
Sarah Ralston
Judi Steele, President & CPO,
Clark County Public Education Foundation
Patricia Wright
Elaine Wynn
Staff
Maureen McDonough, Executive Director
Lina Hernández, Diganos Editor
Ariel Gove, Advertising Director
Mary Phillips, Administrative Coordinator
Stephanie Espinoza, Editor
Jessica Fryman, Staff Writer
Jennifer Polito, Community Relations Director
Jennifer Campeau, Advertising Assistant
Media Services
David Phillips, Cover Photography
TenWestCreative.com, Graphic Design
Student Correspondents
Alicia Cooper, Clark HS
Greg DaLuz, Odyssey HS
Miranda DaLuz, Odyssey HS
Jaime Garcia, Western HS
Anupa Gewali, Green Valley HS
Whitney James, Liberty HS
Kerstin Kent, Faith Lutheran HS
Farah Minwalla, Palo Verde HS
Rikki Mitchell, Faith Lutheran HS
Brianna Rizzo, Arbor View HS
Kayla-Jo Rosoff, Sierra Vista HS
Asia Sapp, Liberty HS
Kaice Scarborough, Centennial HS
Danielle Sloan, Green Valley HS
Jillian Stenzel, Faith Lutheran HS
Erin Walsh, Meadows HS
Gregan Wingert, Las Vegas HS
careers! ever considered
joining the circus? 28
news!
opinion!
entertainment!
body&soul!
artspace!
diganos!
instyle!
sports!
wheels!
10
12
13
14
16
19
23
24
25
26
27
schoolzone!
college!
scholarships!
career center!
28
29
on the cover…
In Red Rock Canyon, Green Valley
High School student David Espinoza
tries out different kinds of exercise to
stay fit in the new year.
04
class!
Publications
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451025
Las Vegas, NV 89154-1025
Phone: (702) 895-1504
Fax: (702) 895-1505
Campus Services Building, Room 226
[email protected]
Submissions and Letters E-mail:
[email protected]
Website: www.classmag.com
CLASS! is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, accredited by the United
Way of Southern Nevada. The opinions expressed herein are the views of
the student writers who submit their work. CLASS!, its board of directors,
its donors and advertisers, and the Clark County School District do not
necessarily agree with these views. Submissions considered for
publication are checked for plagiarism through Turnitin.com.
Submissions may be edited for style, content and space restrictions.
class!
magazine would like to thank our distinguished donors Agave Mexican Restaurant • Allegiant Air • Altadis USA • Altria Corporate Services, Inc. • American Medical Response
• Amy Ayoub • Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation • Angie Cochran • Ann Lynch, Sunrise Hospital • Anna Wilson-Perez • AT&T • B&E Auto Auction • Bank of America • Bank of Nevada • Barrick Gold of North
America • Betsy Rhodes • Bloomingdale’s • Body in Mind Pilates Studio • Boyd Gaming Corporation • Brenden Theaters Corp. • Bunny Hoest • Charles Silvestri • Citibank (Nevada), N.A. • Clark County
Commission • Clark County Public Education Foundation • Clark County School District • Claudine Williams • Club Sport • Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf • Commissioner Rory Reid • Community College of Southern
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Wine Agents • Dillards • District Attorney David Roger • Doggie Oasis • Dr. Carrol Steedman • Dr. Paul Aizley & Sari Aizley • Edward Doumani • Elaine & Steve Wynn • Embarq • Faiss Foley Warren • Fertitta
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• Marilyn and Mel Larson • Mark and Gloria Fine • Mark L. Fine Associates • Mary Bartsas, Bartsas Realty • Mary Kay • Marydean Martin • Mayor Oscar Goodman • McMullan’s Irish Pub • MGM MIRAGE •
Michele Johnson • Mon Ami Gabi • Myrna Williams • N9NE Group • Neiman Marcus • Nevada Arts Council • Nevada Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley • Nevada Association of Realtors • Nevada Ballet Theatre
• Nevada Department of Education • Nevada Mining Association • Nevada Power • Nevada State Bank • Nevada State College • Nevada Subcontractors Association • Nevada System of Higher Education • Nobu •
Palms Casino Resort • Paperdoll Boutique Stationery • Peckman Media • Preferred Public Relations • Pulte Homes/Del Webb • R&R Partners • Regent Thalia Dondero • Rhodes Homes • Rhonda Glyman • Richard
and Patricia Wright • Robin Leach • Roy Purcell • Saks 5th Avenue • Sam’s Club • Sen. Harry and Landra Reid • Sheila Moulton • Sierra Health Services • Sonja and Michael Saltman • Southwest Gas Corp. •
Southwest Printers • Spa at Lakeside • St. Rose Dominican Hospital • Station Casinos • Susan Houston • Susan Sawyer • Task Force for the Fund for a Healthy Nevada • Teamsters Local Union No. 14 •
The Gallery at Summerlin • Tishman Construction Corporation • Tony and Maria Alamo • Tournament Players Club At The Canyons • University of Nevada, Las Vegas • University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletics Dept.
• University of Nevada, Reno • UNLV Performing Arts Center • Venetian Foundation • Vera Turner • Vintner Grill • Wells Fargo • Wynn Resorts
04
Ring in the
New Year
with a new,
healthier
you!
by Kaice Scarborough, Centennial HS
On New Year’s Day you may have already made a
few resolutions for the upcoming year. It’s possible
that one resolution was specifically about losing
weight, as many people take the start of a new year
to be the start of a healthier lifestyle. But how do
you make sure that you lose the right amount so
that you can still remain healthy? There are many
different types of programs out there, but first you
need to find the right one for you.
First things first: consult a physician. Dr. Michelle Zebrack, board
certified in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine reminds teens,
“Before embarking on a weight-loss
program, please see a physician for an
in-depth assessment.”
This evaluation should include a physical examination and a review of
your medical history, family history, diet and physical activity level.
Consulting a physician first is a good idea for inexperienced teens.
Physicians like pediatricians can help teens because they don’t just
work with little kids. They can also help you make a plan and set
reasonable goals for yourself.
photo: David Phillips
Often teens set high goals. When they don’t meet these goals they’re
disappointed and then feel like they’ve failed.
05
There are
so many
activities that
can get teens
moving, from
swimming
to soccer to
kickboxing.
Even
jumping on a
trampoline or
walking your
dog will help!
photo: George Thompson, MCT
“…A little activity is better than no activity. Walking counts, so get moving…”
Teens can be influenced by actresses
and models that are overly thin, as
well, which leads to more unrealistic
goals. Fashion magazines and
television shows advertise their
models and actresses/actors as being
thin, knowing that teens will follow
that same trend. Because American
society today teaches us that it is not
okay to be overweight, teens will
sometimes do anything to look like
those underweight models. This is
what can lead to eating disorders. In
the United States, as many as 20
million females and 1 million males
are struggling with an eating disorder
according to the National Eating
Disorders Organization’s Web site.
Most medical professionals would agree
that for a teen that is not experiencing
medical conditions that would contribute
to weight gain, losing about one-half to
one pound per week is realistic. Losing
many pounds at once may be more
desired, but it really isn’t safe.
So when trying to lose a healthy
amount of weight, teens should start by
considering how much they weigh in
the first place. Body mass index, or
BMI, is commonly used by doctors to
determine whether an individual is
overweight. As explained by the
California Childcare Health Program at
ucsfchildcarehealth.org, the BMI is a
ration of weight in kilograms to the
square of height in meters. BMI that is
between the 85th and 95th percentile
for age and sex is considered to be at
risk of being overweight, and a BMI at
or over the 95th percentile is
considered overweight or obese.
According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics, “15.5 percent of 12- to 19year-olds are at or above the 95th
percentile for BMI on standard growth
charts based on reference data.” This
data indicates that many American
teens are just not eating right, nor are
they getting the exercise that they need.
Consulting a dietician can be a great
way to get started on a better path.
Dietitians are health care professionals
who have received specialized, formal
accredited training. They can help
outline a healthy eating plan for you
that ensures you are meeting your
body’s nutritional needs while you lose
the excess weight. If meeting with a
dietician is not an option, teens can
start with their school nurse. School
nurses are trained to help direct teens
to good information about nutrition,
diet and exercise. They can help teens
sift through the many healthy and
nonhealthy options that are out there.
Sometimes it’s enough just to make
simple, healthy changes to a teen’s diet
and routine.
Dr. Zebrack advises, “Pay attention to
what your body is telling you. Eat when
you are hungry, but remember it takes
about 20 minutes for your brain to
realize your body is getting food. Slow
down and enjoy the meal. Also, take
note of portion size. There might be
four servings in that small bag of
potato chips!”
Exercise is also essential for teens – even
those who aren’t looking to lose weight.
“If you are not exercising,
please start. A little activity
is better than no activity.
Walking counts, so
get moving,”
says Dr. Zebrack.
There are so many activities that can get
teens moving, from swimming to soccer
to kickboxing. Even jumping on a
trampoline or walking your dog will help!
The article “Exercise and Teens,” on
life.familyeducation.com, states how,
“the American Heart
Association suggests
that teens raise their
heart rates for 20
minutes without
stopping, three or
more times a week.”
So instead of being couch potatoes you
can get your body moving. Local
YMCAs also offer plenty of programs
that teach teens how to workout by
themselves, in organized classes or
with the one-on-one supervision of a
trainer. They have programs that teach
teens how to set an exercise format. All
you really have to do is contact the
YMCA and sign up.
As you move into the new year, realize
that maybe this time you will actually
stick to your resolution. You will find
that losing weight can be easy if you
put effort into it, research your options
carefully and look for a program that
features balanced nutrition and exercise.
Then, GO FOR IT because you can do
it. Have a happy and healthy 2007 !
06
Beyond the sushi bar
A new side of
Japan revealed
3
1
2
by Rikki Mitchell, Faith Lutheran HS
The word “drums” makes most people think of a rock band with their crazy
drummer slamming away in the back. But what happens when a group of people
bring Japanese drumming into American culture? An amazing cultural experience
by Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko.
Taiko drumming has resonated through the country of Japan for thousands of years.
In ancient Japan, Samurai warriors used Taiko on the battlefield to signal commands
and to instill fear into the enemy. Taiko was also used to signal danger, and priests
used the drums at religious ceremonies to communicate with the heavenly gods.
Taiko was brought over to the United States by Japanese immigrants in the early
20th century. But after World War II broke out, Japanese-Americans were forced
into internment camps, and when the war ended they tried to assimilate into
American culture in order to remove the prejudice. It wasn’t until the Civil Rights
Movement that the Japanese-American community started to revive their culture.
The Las Vegas Taiko scene started in 1993 when formed by George Goto. The group
performs at numerous events across the city. Their strong rhythms and intense beats
make them well worth the high price to schedule them for an event. Not only are
they entertaining to watch but they allow spectators to witness a part of Japanese
culture that they’ve probably never seen before.
“It gave me a new perspective because it ended up being way cooler than I expected,”
says one audience member, Cheyenne Sandler, in regard to the performance.
“The battle songs were intense and made me want to get up and dance!”
Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko not only brings Japanese culture to America, but the
group members are so diverse that even more cultures are presented. Also their ages
range from 14 to 53 years old, so the members come from all generations.
“My favorite part of Taiko is the difference between all the people,” says Noel
Garcia, the group’s creative director. “I love all the different personalities.”
Desert Pines senior and Taiko group member Angela Chiao agrees.
“Taiko has all sorts of people that join – they’re not all Japanese.”
The best part about the whole organization is how much the group members
love what they do.
“We have such a close-knit group of people, which makes it fun,” says junior
Jenni Rowe. “I just think it’s amazing how everyone comes from different
backgrounds and different sides of town, but we all have a common interest and
love for Taiko.”
“I love Taiko because it brings a sort of Cultural richness to the community,”
Garcia adds.
And it does. At a recent performance – a small event that only lasted 30 minutes –
there were already people coming from the nearby apartment buildings to listen to it
ahead of time.
“Taiko definitely promotes diversity in Las Vegas because all the performances are
multicultural; they’re not just Asian events. The audience learns about our culture
and we take in other cultures as well,” Chiao says.
“Our main goal within our group is to allow people to understand that Japan is
more than just sushi – it’s a nation with a rich history and culture,” says Rowe.
Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko performs at all events from formal hotel private parties to
casual events in Chinatown parking lots. To find out more information about the
group, such as future events and even member profiles, check out
Lvkaminaritaiko.org. Or to schedule the group for an event, contact Teresa Tokumon
by emailing her at [email protected] !
5
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
Justin Hee
Matt Chun, Justin Hee, Noel Garcia
Jenni Rowe
Angela Chiao and Jenni Rowe
Teresa Tokumon, Janeen Nanbu
and Jennifer Caballero
photos 1 & 3 by Kamille Garcia
photos 2,4 & 5 by Rikki Mitchell, Faith Lutheran HS
4
Feigned Reality
Every 15 Minutes staging
raises drunk driving awareness
By Erin Walsh
I pulled into school at 7 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, to a scene of half a dozen police
cars parked in our school parking lot. Attending a private school that tends to be
sheltered from crime and violence, and a school which most of the students,
including myself, have attended since kindergarten, led me to worry that one of my
classmates, one of my life-long best friends, might be injured, or even was dead.
Rumors circulated through the hallways as people gossiped as to why Metro was
outside. Our importune questions went unanswered as teachers told students they
would find out what was going on later.
At 9 a.m., our student body was seated on an outside set of bleachers. Two
policemen on motorcycles, an ambulance and a fire truck emerged with sirens
blaring as we saw Stephen Zaiss, a senior whom we all recognized, saturated in
blood on the hood of a car. He was dead.
Our student body vice president, Chantel Hopper, was no longer yelling as she
cheered on the football team, but rather she was in the driver’s seat of an
obliterated car screaming at her friend and asking if he was okay. She fumbled as
she got out of the car and failed to follow the policeman’s instructions to walk a
straight line.
Kristen Klaunch, the sociable theater student, was placed on top of a stretcher as a
Flight for Life helicopter landed to try to revive amiable Mary Cate Thalgott. They
were victims of a drunk driving accident, but it was no accident… it was staged.
The school took students out of class and faked a drunken driving accident in order
to edify us on the subject. Thousands of dollars were spent to elicit a reaction from
us. Well, they got one from me. I was infuriated that a program entitled, “Every 15
Minutes” was designed to toy without emotions and chew away two days of school
in the last week of the quarter. The grim-reaper and Living Dead (students who
pretended to be victims of DUI accidents) made the school seem like some scene
from a Halloween movie, which downplayed the issue of drunk driving. I was
outraged that anyone would dramatize an already dramatic issue and further blur
the lines between reality and fiction.
I carried the same angry emotions with me to a second assembly the following day.
First we watched a film made of the prior day’s events. We saw, not only the
accident, but families who would have been affected by the accident. I still believed
that there were enough real tragedies that we did not need to stage one. Yet, my
animosity melted into tears when Marcee Schafer, a guest speaker, began to unpack
a few of her daughter’s favorite things on stage. She explained that her daughter was
not involved in an accident because accidents can be avoided. She died at the
hands of a driver who was speeding in a car. This collision was real. Her daughter’s
death was real. Her memories, her story and her daughter’s jacket that she wore
every day, were real.
Though I had already resolved not to drink and drive, now I was resolved to go on a
crusade and keep others from incriminating and victimizing themselves. I disparaged
the program’s methods, but when it came to Schafer’s story, I felt compelled to talk
to her afterwards. When I got the chance, all I could say to her was,
“I’m sorry, but thank you.”
In the hallways, I noticed people crumbling into their friends’ arms and wiping tears
from their eyes. They were moved by a choked-up trauma surgeon as well as the
video made by the 16 students who went on retreat. Vows to never brush off
another friend who might be under the influence and vows to be more cautious in
one’s own driving could be heard in every conversation. Maybe I was selfish to think
that the students at our college prep school did not need to be lectured on such an
overt problem. I was wrong. If people needed a fictitious scene to corroborate the
truth, then it is worth it. There is no doubt that some of us will be saving a stranger,
or a friend, without receiving recognition or maybe without even knowing it.
Dean of Students David Lamb says,
“I hope that at least one life will be saved. If that happens, then of course
every penny is worth it…because you can’t put a price on a life.”
!
c
c c
Plan a snow day c
with friends, even
without the snow
By Amber Hatcher, Clark HS
07
c
Snow is nature’s best creation. There are so many things
you can do in the snow. You can go sledding, skiing,
snowboarding, snow angel making and much, much more.
Too bad we never get snow in Las Vegas. Those who grew
up here may never have experienced a snow day in their life.
But it’s one of the most fun things you can ever experience.
I was in a blizzard once while I lived in Colorado. I had woken up that
morning ready to go to school, but when I sat down for breakfast my mom
told me that it was snow day. Meaning no school! I was free to play in the
snow all day.
My favorite snow activity is snowboarding, but since there was no way for
me to get to the ski resort, I decided to do my next favorite snow activity:
snow caving.
The trick to snow caving is to make the cave before you crawl around
in it. Items needed: one snow bib, one waterproof jacket, one pair of
waterproof boots, one pair of waterproof gloves and one shovel.
The shovel is the most important part. Since this is snow caving and not
“cave caving,” you can actually wear whatever you want, but these items
are the most comfortable.
If you don’t have a shovel, your cave is going
to be very small because digging with your
hands is not very easy or fun. In this case, it
would be wise to invite some friends over to
help. I had a shovel on this snow day, but I
invited friends over anyway because
everything is more fun with friends.
c
After snow caving, we had to shovel the driveway because the snow was
getting packed too close to the house and we did not want it to block the
door. This happened to me during a blizzard once and I was locked out of
my house for four hours because that’s how long it took us to unblock the
door. It was not fun. Let my lesson be your lesson as well: always keep
your door unblocked and unlocked.
After eating grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch my friends and I went
back outside for a snowball fight. Since all of us were girls, we just had a
regular snowball fight because we were afraid of pain. If you are not wimpy
like us then I would suggest an ice ball fight. All you have to do is form the
ball with your bare hands and your body heat will melt the snow just
enough to turn it into ice.
Once we were exhausted, we put in a movie
and curled up on the couch with some hot
chocolate. It was the best day ever.
c
If you are a Las Vegan and have not seen much snow, then just remember
my snow day and try something similar the next time you get a chance.
For the snow activities you can always go up to the mountains or travel to
another state. But to really enjoy yourself without going anywhere, all you
need is some free time and your friends to make the perfect “snow” day.
I can guarantee it will be the most fun you’ve ever had !
08
trading places
Foreign exchange program spreads cultural insight both ways
by Megan Smallen, Coronado HS
As we
become engrossed in
everyday routines and absorb the
immense atmosphere of our country,
it often appears as if no life or culture
exists past the barriers of oceans and mountain
peaks that separate our society from countries
different from our own.
What we do not comprehend is the fact there are many people present in our world
who, despite being part of the American environment, possess their own culture and
traditions unique to their own society.
The foreign exchange program introduces culture and communication to Coronado
High School, and high schools all across Clark County. By having students from
other cultures in our schools, students gain an active understanding of life on the
other side of the world.
“While in this program, students get to experience
another country while meeting new friends,”
says Del Sagers, counselor.
Currently there are two foreign exchange students at Coronado living as American
students and gaining their own knowledge of the many aspects of Las Vegas.
After being inspired to take part in the foreign exchange program by her teacher,
Xiangyan Kong, who is from China, considers her stay in Las Vegas to be unique.
Known by her friends as Joyce, Kong explains that life in China is vastly different from
life in the United States. For instance, with nine classes a day, she considers Chinese
students to have access to a more diverse range of information and difficult subjects.
“In China we wear a uniform and classes are
much harder,”
“says Kong. Through years of experiencing school from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Kong was
eager to take part in the American culture and experience life as a Coronado student.
Once students demonstrate an active interest in the program, they undergo a process
in which they enroll in a foreign exchange organization and are given a designated
host family in a certain country. In many international societies, the country of
choice is the United States; however, the region in which applicants stay may differ
depending on the country in which they currently reside.
Unfortunately, after enduring both written and spoken tests involving the English
language, and intense interviews that introduce potential students to the journey
they will soon encounter, passage to the United States is not guaranteed, making the
trip even more complex.
Many of the organizations that specialize in the area of foreign exchange and
international communication do not have specific requirements, but the ability to
speak the language of the designated country is recommended. In order to receive
credit for the classes they take during their stay at Coronado, foreign exchange
students, despite their age, are recognized as seniors.
Linnea Karell, a foreign exchange student from Sweden, has been an active member
of the program since before school began. She states that her mother was a member
of the program many years ago, which sparked her interest in becoming a participant.
“It is a different and cool experience here,” says Karell.
“School in Sweden is similar to college. You can choose
hairdressing classes and learn in one room.”
Although Karell was given the opportunity to select the region where
she wanted to live in the U.S., she considered locating a proper host family
more important than choosing a city. It is all the people participating, teaching
and sharing that ultimately make the foreign exchange program so powerful.
As members of the program, Karell and Kong meet regularly with other members and
are able to share their experiences with others in the valley. Thus knowledge and
cultural awareness continues to be spread. Despite the drastic change in atmosphere
and education, the benefits of the foreign exchange program prove to be far reaching.
Once home again, the foreign exchange students at Coronado will have gained a
complex knowledge of our history and culture, and will have developed a true
understanding of a life very different from their own. As host to their adventure, the
Coronado community is also able to share in their international experience and form
a better understanding of the world.
“Sometimes Americans misunderstand Chinese culture
in that Americans may know less about us than we
know about you,” says Kong !
09
Key Club: more
than just
community service
by Gregan Wingert, Las Vegas HS
When hearing the words ‘community’ and ‘service’ together,‘fun’ is not a word that usually
follows, but for the Key Clubbers of Clark County, those three words go hand in hand.
During a 28 North Division meeting held on Dec. 13 in
the cafeteria of Mojave High School, there was no end
to the cheering from the Key Club members of various
high schools that were there, including Shadow Ridge,
Las Vegas High and Rancho – just to name a few.
Starting off their meeting with a high-pitched cheer, the
club members recited the pelage of allegiance and then
Key Club’s own pledge:
“I pledge, on my honor, to uphold the
Objects of Key Club International; to build
my home, school and community; to serve
my nation and God; and combat all forces
which tend to undermine these institutions.”
As they read the pledge off the projection screen I
could not help but follow along.
“We make everyone feel welcome,” says Dr. Peter
Rost, Key Club Region 16 assistant adviser and Las
Vegas High School adviser.
Key Club is the oldest and largest community service
organization available to high school students. It all
started May of 1925 in Sacramento, Calif. when 11
male students came together for the first official Key
Club meeting. As part of the Kiwanis family community
service organization, Key Clubs are present on over
5,000 high school campuses in not only the United
States but in Canada, parts of the Caribbean, Central
and South America, Asia and Australia.
As a student at Las Vegas High, I never really thought
about Key Club as more than just a way to get some
community service hours to put on a college
application, but after attending a DCM (Divisional
Council Meeting) I learned that these kids are not just
helping their community, but they are making friends
and having fun doing it.
“It is not just picking up trash on the highways,” says senior
Melissa Salcedo, the historian for the Shadow Ridge Key Club.
Salcedo continues that it is basically the fun version of
community service. “You wouldn’t expect that a charity club
would do spirit and dance competitions,” she says.
It is true that the club members are accustomed to a
spirited atmosphere, and many of the students have
gone to Fall Rally held at Six Flags Amusement park.
The rally is when students from Key Clubs in
California, Nevada and Hawaii come together to
compete in different events including a dance contest,
cheering competition and also a contest to see who
raised the most money for pediatric trauma prevention.
“They go away with friends, leadership and
values,” says Legacy advisor Valerie Hofheins.
John Pacheco, a senior at Shadow Ridge, says, “You
should go because it is a fun experience.”
“We have fun doing community service,” says Rost.
Many clubs do everything from making peanut butter
and jelly sandwiches for the homeless to cleaning up
graffiti to collecting the tops of soda cans.
However, though Fall Rally might be the reason some
students join, it is not the reason why they stay.
“To belong to a group larger than themselves [is one
reason students join],” says Jeff Buchbaum,
Key Club adviser at Mojave. “Also for all the social
opportunities.” Buchbaum believes that the club
boosts kids’ self esteem and knows that the $5,000
scholarship opportunity is also a big plus.
“It’s about service, helping others. Also making
friends and cheering,” says freshman Joy Phan, who
is the president for Rancho’s club.
The members of Key Club have no limits to the types
of community service work they can partake in, and
are encouraged only to fill the needs of the community.
Such was the case where the Las Vegas High School
Key Clubbers repainted the trash cans around their
campus, which is not a traditional community service
act, but is very much appreciated by the staff and
students of LVHS.
“I have over a hundred hours,” says sophomore
Matinin Sinirath, LVHS’s Key Club treasurer. “I like
helping others, putting others before yourself.”
The Key Clubbers of one school have also been known
to team up with other schools’ clubs in order to
complete in big charity events such as the Kids
Without A Christmas, where students from various Key
Clubs throughout Las Vegas came together Dec. 9 at
UMC to distribute donated gifts they collected, sing
carols and spread some much-needed joy to the kids
that are spending their holiday at the hospital.
During major events like Kids Without A Christmas and
Fall Rally, Key Club members have a chance to meet
even more kids who like the same things they do.
Salcedo says the friends that members make in Key
Club stay friends long after high school, recalling cases
where people who had first met while in Key Club have
even gotten married.
“I turned in like 2,000 pop tabs,” says Legacy
junior Theeranart Butrpho.
Rancho’s Key Club is planning a Breast Caner Walk,
and many of the Key Clubs have adopted a family this
past holiday season. Legacy High School has read to
kids at Hayden Elementary, and Advanced Technologies
Academy has colleted 540 blankets for another
elementary school.
A-TECH Key Club President and senior Tamella Arias
says that her favorite volunteering experience was
when she helped at a senior care home where there
was karaoke, and where she was able to listen to the
stories of the residents.
As for who joins Key Club, Rost says, “Some of the
best kids in school. They usually are some of the better
academic kids, and they have a focus for community
service.”
In order to participate in Key Club, a student must
have a 2.0 GPA or better. To learn more about Key
Club, visit the official Web site at www.keyclub.org !
28 North includes:
• Advanced Technologies Academy
• Las Vegas High School • Legacy High School
• Las Vegas Academy • Shadow Ridge High School
• Rancho High School • Arbor View High School
• Eldorado High School • Canyon Springs High School
• Cheyenne High School • Mojave High School
news!
10
MGM MIRAGE gift offers new
opportunity to National Merit Scholars
local and national news that matters to you
MGM MIRAGE gift offers new opportunity to National Merit Scholars
by Anupa Gewali, Green Valley HS
This past October, a new fund to attract National Merit Scholars to
stay local and attend UNLV was established by MGM MIRAGE. The
MGM MIRAGE Academic Excellence Scholarship Endowment began
with a $1 million gift from MGM MIRAGE and is the largest
corporate scholarship donation that UNLV has ever received.
The scholarship will be awarded to one recipient, with all National Merit Finalists
across the nation being eligible.
The National Merit Scholarship is a competition that begins with the PSAT test given
to high school juniors in October of every year. It continues by narrowing down the
students through essays and SAT scores. The final result is a very small percentage
of high school students who receive a large amount of benefits through scholarship
programs such as the program established at UNLV.
According to MGM MIRAGE Chairman and CEO Terry Lanni, MGM MIRAGE may
even continue to give the UNLV endowment fund gifts of $1 million continually over
the next four years.
The scholarship, according to Merlinda Gallegos, Vice President of Corporate
Philanthropy at MGM MIRAGE, would not only benefit the recipient, but also
the community.
“At MGM MIRAGE we believe that education is really the key, so we are
proactive in our role, and we have enjoyed a long-term relationship with
UNLV,” says Gallegos.
“The scholarship creates a strong pipeline of talent to uplift the whole
community. We want to retain some of the brightest minds and recruit
some of the brightest minds to this great city.”
Stephen Rosenbaum, dean of UNLV’s Honors College, states how great the
importance of this scholarship is to the decisions of those seniors choosing schools
to attend in the fall.
“We hope that the MGM MIRAGE Academic Excellence Scholarship will
become one of the most prestigious awards offered to attract our nation’s
most promising young scholars to UNLV,” says Rosenbaum. “We know
that merit-based scholarships are one of the elements academicallytalented students look for when selecting their university of choice.”
This is all put toward the Invent the Future campaign, an effort by the university to
raise up to $500 million through programs such as this, and many others. The
count so far surpasses $332 million since the year 2002. This fund is used in order
to ensure the hiring of more experienced faculty and the conducting of more indepth research, as well as offering more scholarships
High schools in Clark County with National Merit Scholar Semifinalists include: ATA,
Arbor View, Centennial, Cheyenne, Clark, Coronado, Durango, Green Valley, Las
Vegas Academy, Palo Verde, Sierra Vista, Silverado and Valley.
At UNLV the scholars will be able to choose from 220 undergraduate, masters and
doctoral degrees and have access to over 3000 faculty and staff !
!
!news!news!news!news!news!news!news!news!
11
Cox Communications
supports student journalists
news!
by Stephanie Espinoza, class! correspondent
To commemorate CLASS! Magazine’s 12th birthday and in honor of the organization’s
accomplishments over the past 12 years, Cox Communications held a celebration on
Nov. 15 to give the most exciting birthday present of all: a donation of 12 laptop computers.
Working with a staff of seven in the
Campus Services Building on the UNLV
campus, the non-profit organization that
promotes high school journalists had
previously used outdated, broken-down
computers running Windows 98, which
severely limited the productivity of the
magazine. The purchase of new
machines would have resulted in cutting
one CLASS! career workshop, five
student internships and 5,000 issues of
the magazine in order to cover the cost.
Luckily, Cox came to the rescue.
Former television news anchor and
Emmy Award-winning journalist Steve
Schorr hosted the event as Vice President
of Public and Government Affairs for Cox
Communications. Schorr recognized
CLASS! founders David Phillips, Paul
Aizley and Sari Aizley, spoke about the
organization as a whole and presented a
giant birthday cake to CLASS! staff along
with the 12 new Dell laptops.
A KVBC Channel 3 News crew covered
the presentation while CLASS! staff
members accepted the laptops and board
member Tom Warden offered his thanks.
CLASS! Community Relations Director
Jennifer Polito also spoke at the event.
“I felt very proud to be part of
a team [and also proud] that
companies such as Cox
Communications support
our efforts to continue
educating our high school
generation,” Polito says.
Several high school interns attended the
event as representatives of CLASS!’s
student journalists as well.
“I thought the Cox
Communications donation
was a marvelous thing,”
says Las Vegas High School CLASS!
intern Gregan Wingert, who witnessed
the unveiling of the laptops and even got
the opportunity to chat with Schorr.
“It’s nice to see that companies
like that are helping the
community and giving back.”
She adds, “It’s going to make
our lives easier too.”
The new computers will not only help
with the production of the magazine, but
will also allow interns who do not have
computers at home to participate more
during their internship. Upcoming
workshops are also planned to use the
laptops for teaching the interns design
tips and tricks to use for their school
newspaper layouts.
“You guys are the future,”
Schorr told all the CLASS! interns after
the presentation. And Schorr, along
with Cox, is especially dedicated to
encouraging that future and providing
the students with tools that will help
them succeed.
Later in the evening Schorr not only
donated to the CLASS! annual fundraising
dinner, but also offered the organization a
spot on Cox Channel 96 for teen
journalists to hold a TV news broadcast.
“I’m excited to try
broadcasting,” says
Western High School
intern Jaime Garcia.
CLASS! wishes to sincerely
thank Cox Communications for
their generous donations and to
thank all who continue to make
the organization possible !
Above: Cox Communications' Steve Schorr, vice
president of Public and Government Affairs, and
Mark Gangeness, vice president of Information
Technology, join CLASS! staff and interns to
celebrate the organization's 12th anniversary. To
commemorate the occasion, Cox donated 12
laptop computers and other technology to launch
CLASS! as a Cox Computer Donation Program site.
The updated technology will improve the
publication's production process and will be loaned
to CLASS! interns who do not own computers.
Below: Cox Communications' Vice President Steve
Schorr presents laptop computers, flatscreen
monitors and other upgraded technology to CLASS!
to replace the organizations outdated computers.
opinion!
12
Terminator Teachers
proposed bill to arm teachers dumb and dangerous
have your say · tell it like it is · get it off your chest · make some noise
Terminator Teachers
proposed bill to arm teachers dumb and dangerous
More gats could also mean making teachers even
more dangerous.
photo: Jeffrey Phelps/MCT
by Justin Najar, Green Valley HS
Turf wars could erupt between different departments
here at school, such as social studies and math. Drivebys could become a fact of life as teachers hijack and
pimp out those carts the administration uses for
transport. The halls of GVHS could look like the streets
of Compton.
“You don’t know what could happen,” says senior
Jenny Kim.
If teachers had guns in school, some might use them if
they have a beef with a student.
A school shooting in Wisconsin
prompted Wisconsin State
Senator Frank Lasee to
introduce a bill in Wisconsin
that will give teachers the right
to bear arms in the classroom.
“What!?” says sophomore Jordan Becker.
I know!
“
I’
Æve had some pretty angry teachers
before,”says senior Alex Tettamanti.
“
I don’
t want to get shot.”
Tettamanti does not see any benefit in arming teachers to
protect students. In fact, she, like many other students,
would be more afraid of getting capped at school.
“If teachers had guns, I wouldn’t come,” says senior
Jason Majors.
Odds are, making guns available in school would
actually increase school shootings. Kind of like how
kids get fat if they live next to McDonalds. Not only
that, but if you get shot by a teacher, there’s a whole
world of legal entanglements that the school district
gets tied up in. It’s just not worth it.
Lasee believes this will protect students from further
violence at school. Lasee says Thailand and Israel, two
nations wracked with internal conflict, do it, and their
campuses are safer than ever. Opposition to this plan
by school district officials has left many baffled,
because somehow, to some people, letting teachers
come to school with guns makes sense.
What many people do not know is this could already
happen without any changes in the law.
Some kids here at Green Valley High School would
support giving teachers gats. These kids are also part of
the generation that made the “Bumfights” series a hit and
Adam Sandler a star. That should tell you something.
“Whoa. Who does that?” says junior Chad Langille.
They also seem to have a point. Until you think about it.
Increasing the number of guns on school campuses
could actually, AGAINST ALL LOGIC, make them more
dangerous.
“If a student attacks them, they could just use them
anyway,” says sophomore Yazzan Al-Deik.
Come on people. Do you really think you can trust a
room full of teenagers to not try taking the gun?
They’d probably take it and post a video on YouTube
of them shooting at each other and using really thick
books as bulletproof vests.
“By law, you’re not allowed to have weapons in school.
If a principal authorizes it, and the teacher has a
concealed weapons permit, the teacher can do it,”
says Officer Cory Rahe.
Teachers with principal authorization do that.
No, but really, letting teachers take guns to school to
prevent school shootings is like urinating on a fire to put
it out. Have you ever done that? The fire will get bigger,
and it’ll leap up and burn you. Lasee obviously never
urinated on a fire to put it out. His cousin, the president
of the Wisconsin State Senate, apparently has – and
sees that giving guns to teachers is a bad idea.
It’s true!
Israelis and Palestinians have had beef since Israel
became an independent nation in 1948, and all the
Palestinians either left, were chased out or lost their
homes. Then they started fighting each other and
things just got worse.
Thailand’s been fighting a Muslim rebellion in its
southern provinces since 2004. Teachers, seen as
government agents since they are paid by the
government, have been victims of the violence.
We do face school shootings, but the situation here is
not as bad as Israel or Thailand. Teachers with guns
will not solve these problems, because by the time
they need to use them, it will be too late. There needs
to be a way to deal with the root cause of why
students would come to school and shoot someone.
Stiffer penalties against kids who bring any kind of
weapon to school only work as long as the kid doesn’t use
the weapon against someone before being apprehended.
The root cause is our society itself.
“
I read that America is the most
violent country on earth that is not
in a civil war,”says history teacher
Demetrius Beam.
In 2003 alone, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention) reported 49,639 violent deaths in
America. Violent deaths are one of the top-ten leading
causes of death for people under 65 in the U.S.
“We’re just a violent society, and it’s frightening.
Extremely frightening,” says Beam.
Strangely, the Bureau of Justice reports violent crimes
have dropped by almost 50 percent since 1973.
However, statistics don’t change reality, and extreme
school violence has either increased or is just being
reported by the media more often.
A solution to this may be an elimination of the zerotolerance policy. If kids start fighting at school, why not let
them fight, but stop them before things get too serious?
Once the fight is broken up, an administrator should
mediate a discussion between whoever was fighting. That
way some effort can be made to patch up their differences.
To Lasee’s credit however, he cites Thailand and Israel
as places where teachers packing heat to protect
students works, or where someone is standing outside
is ready to unload a clip from their Uzi.
I suggest this strange plan because back in first grade,
I was involved in a fight against two other boys. By the
way, I won, no contest. This kind of solution worked,
and after the principal was done talking to us, he made
us shake hands. We became friends.
Lasee, however, missed a crucial point in his argument.
Thailand and Israel are different from the United States.
We might not be in first grade anymore, but it seems that
our current way of handling school violence isn’t working !
gothic Evanesence
open the door to fans
Sugarcult creates the
best concert experience
what’s hot and what’s not in the world of books, film, music and nightlife
Members of gothic quartet Evanescence
‘open the door’ to fans with new studio release
by Kayla-Jo Rosoff, Sierra Vista HS
Amid the release of the Benniffer flick (Garner not J Lo) ‘Daredevil,’ Evanescence became thrust into the mainstream music scene.
who Lee was singing about, or even if
her songs were inspired by real guys, the
various subjects Lee croons about on
Door are anything but bogus.
First, there is ex-boyfriend and fellow band
mate Ben Moody, who left the group in
the fall of 2003 while touring with them
overseas. The anguish of that departure is
felt all throughout the disc, as heard in
songs like ‘Sweet Sacrifice’ where Lee
vows that Moody ‘lived to break’ her but
that she will ‘forget his name.”
With both the soul bearing and guitar
grinding, ‘Bring Me to Life’ and the
haunting ballad, ‘My Immortal,’ featured
on the ‘Daredevil’ soundtrack, legions of
pop, Goth, alternative and even R&B fans
fell under the group’s entrancing spell.
Flash forward three years, with some 14
million copies of their first album, Fallen,
sold under their belt, and those same fans
have returned for the group’s sophomore
release, The Open Door – even without
the aid of a movie studio’s support.
Like Fallen, Door finds lead singer Amy
Lee shouting out her objections and pain
felt toward all the boys in her life who
have done her wrong. While in the past
fans and listeners alike never truly knew
Though Lee met Moody long before her
most recent split with Seether’s lead
vocalist, Shaun Morgan, the current
single from Door – the unashamedly
vocalized ‘Call Me When your Sober’ –
is anything but an ode to Moody. Similar
to ‘Bring Me to Life’s’ piano-driven
introduction, ‘Sober’ opens lightly, but its
chords pound into one’s head.
With their relationship as
publicized as their breakup, it is
no wonder that within the lyrics,
Lee finds no shame in shouting
how Morgan “played the victim,”
while their relationship was
plagued with “lies” and “shame.”
Though Morgan and Moody are rightfully
unhappy with the singles, some of Lee’s
Sugarcult creates the
best concert experience
by Ashlee Richardson, Eldorado HS
With a sound that gets you up and moving, and a
sense of humor that could put Robin Williams to
shame, Sugarcult is one band you can’t help but have
a blast listening to live.
Sugarcult recently headlined a show that included All Time Low, Meg and Dia and
The Pink Spiders at the House of Blues on Nov. 6. The concert had energy, lights
and devoted fans.
When Sugarcult started to play, there was a buzz in the crowd, and everyone
moved toward the stage. People were screaming, jumping, clapping and singing
their favorite songs at the top of their lungs.
The songs “Pretty Girl (The Way)” and “Bouncing off the Walls” in particular got
the crowd going. Between songs, Sugarcult talked to the audience and cracked a
few jokes. They even recognized one fan (and his toy Chihuahua) from a show they
played back in 2001.
best work is contained within their
depths. While numerous artists attempt
albums that personalize themselves
through a divorce or breakup – and
falter – Lee has perfected the concept.
The rifts on the lyrics never feel too
distracting and serve to aid the poetic
references to their full potential.
While the first two tracks on the album are
sure to be in heavy rotation on any angstdriven teen’s iPod, their 11 counterparts
are anything but songs to be forgotten. Like
its Fallen predecessor, the songs are a mix
of Christianic influences, family memories
and Lee’s own struggles with her fame.
Perhaps, it is in this redundancy of
ideas, where many of the group’s loyal
fans will begin to waver. After all, there
are only so many references to the
longing Lee feels toward her deceased
sister – as heard in ‘Like You’ – that one
can take. And, in songs such as ‘Weight
of the World,’ many who adore Lee may
feel unable to relate.
With both of these songs, Evanescence
finds itself once again wrapped up in the
film world. And as the character Cher
stated in ‘Clueless,’ the band is most
like a Monet: “from far away, it’s okay,
but up close, it’s a big old mess.”
entertainment!
entertainment!
13
This ‘mess’ however, is easily forgotten
with the album’s last track – one that
many would compare to ‘My Immortal’
in both style and texture. Yet it stands
all on its own.
Said to be comprised of an introduction
that was to be used for the film ‘The
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch
and the Wardrobe,’ the song “Good
Enough” is as good as it is thanks to the
aid of its piano.
Listeners never really know if the lyrics are
aimed at Moody, Morgan or God Himself –
and they are all the better for it.
As Lee waits for “the rain to fall,
pour real life down” on her,
the listener cannot help but
be spellbound.
While Justin may have brought “Sexy
Back,” and My Chemical Romance
added a new recording to go with their
new hair color, Evanescence’s “The
Open Door” was easily the most
anticipated album out this fall. Their
powerful lyrics with piano and rock
undercurrents keep fans coming back for
more, even if much of their work seems
to have been dated and reused !
Rating:
HHHHI
There were a few downsides, however.
The floor was only a little over half full
(which may have been a good thing; it
made the concert more enjoyable
because you could actually breathe and
move), and there were some minor
technical difficulties; the volume on the
microphones could have been a little
higher, and sometimes it was hard to
hear the lyrics over the music.
But all in all, Sugarcult and all the other
bands put on a great show. They made
sure that their fans had fun and got their
money’s worth. All the bands seemed to
have a great time as well.
Sugarcult’s ‘Evanescence
photo: amazon.com
The concert was an amazing experience, and anyone who enjoys good music, bold
lighting and amazing lyrics would feel at home at a Sugarcult concert (as long as
they don’t mind being around a lot of very enthusiastic, devoted fans).
After the concert, all the bands hung out by their merchandise booths, talking and
taking pictures with their fans. “Big-time” bands don’t do that. But Sugarcult did,
and it was a nice way for everyone to end the evening !
14
body&soul!
e. coli spreads to taco bell
teentalk with Doctor George
big fat goodbye
don’t stress
health for mind, body and spirit!
e. coli spreads to taco bell
by Alicia Cooper, Clark HS
Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past weeks,
you have probably heard about the recent E. coli
outbreak that brought a storm of illness into our pop
culture and has tainted many of our nation’s essential
food items such as spinach, lettuce and ground beef.
The notorious bacteria struck again in
our food market by plaguing the widely
known and internationally prominent
Taco Bell restaurants across the U.S. at
the end of 2006.
Investigations into this devastating
outburst of disease have suggested that
the toxic bacterium was found on the
lettuce and green onions used in many
of Taco Bell’s products. This conclusion
was made due to the fact that many
people fell ill when consuming items of
Taco Bell’s menu that consisted mainly
of those particular vegetables. The
current discovery of E. coli has damaged
not only Taco Bell’s costumer income,
but also its reputation and competence
in mainstream media.
Escherichia coli O157:H7, also known
as E. coli, is the foremost and leading
cause of food borne illnesses. Based on
a statistic initiated in 1999, 73,000
cases of infection and 61 deaths happen
per year in the United States. Most of
the illnesses are the result of eating
undercooked, contaminated beef,
contaminated bean sprouts or fresh,
leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce.
The most common symptoms and telltale
signs of this disease are abdominal
cramps, severe and bloody diarrhea and
kidney failure – usually occurring in the
young and elderly. If you are diagnosed
with the infection, you probably will have
to take antibiotics, and more than likely
be cured in five to 10 days. The most
critical result of being infected is
hospitalization or death. The chance of a
fatal outcome is 3 to 5 percent.
Most of the dangerous and sometimes
fatal bacterium are found in petting zoos,
cattle farms, vegetable crops and even
local swimming locations such as rivers,
lakes and public pools.
Many farmers are unaware of the fact that
the E. coli bacteria can live in the
intestines of cattle, regardless of how
healthy the animal may look or act. The
infection can spread onto meat products
during the slaughter, but still be packaged
and shipped to various markets without
anyone knowing that the disease is even
there. Most farmers that raise vegetable
crops face a similar predicament.
A number of people blame the
government for the E. coli crisis in
vegetable products due to a lowered
demand of health inspections of the
crops. In fact, the need for inspections
dropped to a reported 37 percent in the
2004-2005 year. Because of such low
rates and lack of careful watch,
countless produce has been tainted
with the bacteria.
Local swimming pools could also be areas
of high contamination since bad hygiene
is the fastest way to spread the disease.
With so many bodies in one enclosed
area, infection becomes a high risk.
teentalk
with Doctor George
Dr. Constantine George is a Las Vegas native.
He went to medical school at the University of
Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, Nevada
and finished his schooling in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. George enjoys working out and reading.
teen talk for today’s teens
Get answers to your health questions each month in the Teen Talk
health column, sponsored by Southern Hills Hospital.
Dr. Constantine George, specializing in adolescent health, gives
you advice on everything from acne to asthma. Send your
confidential questions by e-mail to [email protected], by U.S. mail
to CLASS!, UNLV, Box 451025, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1025,
or by fax to 895-1505.
Here is this month’s Q and A with Dr. George:
Q. If I have sensitive skin, can I still get a tattoo when I turn 18?
Dr. G: Tattoos can irritate your skin so if you want to get one, have a very
small area worked on first and see how your skin/body will react. More importantly,
be aware that tattoos can lead to several problems like Hepatitis C, skin infections
and allergic reactions. Remember that they are very difficult to remove and get rid
of as well.
When facing a dangerous epidemic, one
question comes to mind: how do I avoid
infection? Health officials have made
simple guidelines in order to prevent
contracting E. coli. One way to steer
How important is flossing, really?
clear of the illness is to wash all fruits
Dr. G: Flossing is very important and should be part of your daily routine.
and vegetables before eating – especially
Flossing helps do the following: remove plaque, polish tooth surfaces, control
those that will not be cooked. Another
bad breath and remove debris that adhere to your teeth and gums in between
way is to cook all ground beef and meat
your teeth.
thoroughly. Also, if you are served any
meat product that is undercooked, send
What’s the difference between name brand medicines
it back for further cooking. It would be in
and generic ones?
your best interest to request a new plate
Dr. G: Name brand medications are under patent by the company that
as well.
created them, so they are the only ones allowed to make it. But when the patent
Drink only juice and milk that is
runs out, anyone can make the same drug, so then the drug becomes a generic
pasteurized, and avoid swallowing
drug. Although cost is a difference between brand and generic, they are the same
water from public pools and lakes.
medication so they should work the same.
Always remember to wash your hands
every chance you get, especially after
I’ve never gone to a tanning salon before.
preparing meat and using the
Is it safe to try one?
restroom. Be sure to sterilize all
Dr. G: Tanning beds at tanning salons do emit both UVA and UVB rays,
cooking utensils and counter tops
which are known to cause skin damage, premature skin wrinkling and skin cancer
before and after preparing food.
as well.
If you are already diagnosed with
E. coli, you should refrain from serving
What kinds of foods are good for your mind?
food to others, bathe alone and avoid
Can they actually make you smarter?
swimming in public places.
Dr. G: An easy way to remember this is by referring to the food pyramid.
We should all remember that despite the
Fruits and vegetables are the best foods for your brain because they contain several
food scares that plague us today, we
vitamins and minerals that we need to be at our best. Sweets and fatty foods have
must try our best to control the spread of
lots of fat and other ingredients that, although we need, we should try to keep to
this ailment and not let it control us !
a minimum !
Q.
Q.
Q.
Q.
body&soul!body&soul!body&soul!body&soul!body&soul!
15
big fat goodbye
body&soul!
say farewell to the unhealthy problem of trans fats
by Erin Walsh
Trans fats. They have been inescapable from the news in the past few weeks, from
food labels in the past year and, according to many doctors, from the mouths of
many Americans for the past couple decades. They contaminate our margarine,
microwave popcorn, cookies, etc. They are the reason we are told to choose between
dessert and death. We have been importuned to renounce our favorite foods that use
them and are comforted when we can read ‘0g’ on the nutrition information.
What exactly are trans fats? For chemistry students, trans fats are created by using
partial hydrogenation to rearrange most of the double bonds of a fatty acid that
would originally not become chemically saturated, in order for the hydrogen atoms
to end up on different sides of the chain. In other words, trans fats are synthetically
altered fats made from liquid oil.
The war on trans fats does not begin or end with New York, however.
Denmark spurred the health kick by becoming the first country to
introduce laws against the demonic fats in 2003. The Netherlands,
a country famous for its loose laws on drugs appears to be enforcing more stringent
rules regarding trans fats. Arby’s, Panera Bread Company, Wendy’s, Kraft, Oreo and
soon Disneyland will be trans fat free. Starbucks recently announced their plan to
cut trans fats from pastries, muffins and sweets across the country – a plan that’s
been two years in the works.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration demanded that all packaged products be
labeled with trans fat information by Jan. 1, 2006. State officials in Connecticut and
Massachusetts are also considering saying a big fat goodbye to trans fats in the future.
Vegetable oil alloyed with hydrogen and pressure will produce a harder, stiffer fat. The
inception of turning non-saturated fats into saturated fats about 20 years ago allowed
businesses to preserve foods longer and at a cheaper price. After a few years of
sitting in a box, crackers still had their crunch and potato chips were no longer stale.
Trans fats gave foods a longer shelf life, but shortened the one of the consumer.
Some are celebrating America’s health kick, while others spurn the idea of being
deprived of another choice. Ricka Gen, a health-conscious New Yorker, home-cooks
almost all of her meals.
The more solid the fat, the more likely the fat will succeed in clogging heart arteries.
Trans fats has been proven to contribute to coronary heart disease and have been
linked to other heart and stroke complications. Some research indicates that trans
fats may also have an impact on diabetes, fetal development, neurological damage,
obesity and cancer. The effects of hydrogenated fats (trans fats) on the latter
subjects remain a more controversial subject between scientists.
Alix Smilow, a high school student attending Las Vegas Academy, believes that her
food choices “are choices that [she] would like to decide – not have
New York City is home to millions of people who eulogize Sloppy Joe’s – a haven for
thousands of greasy pizza parlors and a place where the two golden arches of
McDonald’s can be found on every street corner. The Big Apple might be the last
city people would expect to be the nation’s first to bar the use of trans fats, but
many officials were not surprised. According to the “New York Post,” more than a
thousand deaths could be linked to the consumption of hydrogenated fats.
Formidable statistics like these led to the unanimous vote by the New York City
Board of Health to ban trans fats, giving cafeterias and coffee shops until July 1,
2008 to find substitutes that satisfy taste buds as well as the stringent law.
don’t stress!
busy teens need to find
their own way to relax
by Miranda Daluz, Odyssey Charter HS
Relaxing occasionally is an essential for
you body and your mind. Whether
you’re in school, working to enhance
your career or both. Part of being
human is that we need a rest from
time to time. Maybe you’re under a lot
of pressure and therefore have a lot of
stress in your life. Spend the weekend
at a luxurious spa. Of course, there are
other ways to relax.
Most people have found music to be
very soothing. The music would
distract your mind from previous
events that perhaps were stressful.
Music is quite interesting because, it
doesn’t matter if you’re sad, happy,
angry or irritable – music can put you
in a different mood, and often make
you feel better. Some agreeable artists
I recommend include Jack Johnson,
Aaron Neville, Tim McGraw, Lionel
Richie, Brown Boy and many more.
As a considerably high-maintenance
teenager, I have to say that Pilates and
hot bubble baths are truly superb.
Pilates helps with breathing – which
really does more than you think. If you
breathe right each day your mind
“You just never know what other people throw in it,” she says.
With the new ban, she can be a little more relaxed while dining out.
[her] government decide for [her].”
Some are indifferent to the laws, claiming they will be unenforceable.
“Banning trans fats is as enforceable as banning marijuana,”
says one anonymous high school student.
There is no doubt that these changes will impact every American’s pantry. Not only
are national chains being pressured to rework their recipes, but also public
awareness on the subject is growing.
As far as our own Sin City is concerned, the public has already convinced the
state to throwaway its restaurant ashtrays; the steps to ban trans fats may not be
far behind. Whether or not the topic makes it to the political agenda, however,
one cannot deny how unavoidable trans fats have become on the agenda of
the individual !
becomes more clear, and decision
making becomes more simple.
One thing to love about ‘the hot bubble
bath’ is that it’s so traditional.
Throughout the years it has not lost its
status. It’s still the ultimate carefree
way to relax, and can feel like being
in a Jacuzzi.
Going to school every day leaves you
little time for anything else. It’s not
really a problem until it makes you too
busy not only to relax, but too busy to
get enough exercise as well. Kids these
days really don’t value how much they
mean to our society. We are the next
generation and taking care of ourselves
is a necessity. Waking up early and
going running really does help you in
more than just losing weight. It gives
you time to think without someone over
your shoulder, stressing you out. You
could say, it gives you ‘you time.’
Everybody needs to get away once in a
while, but sometimes with work and
school it’s just not possible. Running
or even walking is a way to clear your
head and figure things out for yourself
while getting exercise.
People are different. Therefore, relaxing
methods will be different. The basis of
relaxing yourself is just doing
something that you enjoy. Other than
work. Like hanging with friends,
pottery making, painting, drawing,
watching or doing some form
entertainment, etc. And sometimes just
doing nothing. The main
recommendation for relaxation that I
have received from my peers is
meditation, where you simply sit down
by yourself to meditate on life, organize
your decisions and clear your mind.
Clear your mind and don’t worry about
all that stress for a little while. That’s
what relaxation is all about !
16
artspace!
Exhibit your artistic talents in words and
pictures. E-mail your work to
[email protected], and be sure to
include your name, your school, and a
description of your artistic medium
your space to express your vision in art and poetry
i am
by Greg Daluz, Odyssey Charter HS
I am hollow.
I wonder what you feel.
I hear the words,
I see you but don’t believe you’re real.
I want only life and to be healed.
I pretend to be like you.
I feel nothing.
I touch everything you touch.
I worry about loving.
I cry about pain not about you.
I am alone in everything I do.
I understand life,
untitled
by John Callahan, Arbor View HS grade 10
And what it should be like.
I say things that could possibly be right.
I dream of being normal every single night.
I try to fake it in the words I write.
I hope to be like you,
Not cold as steel.
I am alone in all I feel.
I am a fake.
I want to be real.
untitled by Kerstin Kent, Faith Lutheran HS
desolation
gloomy winter by Michelle Lee, Silverado HS senior
city life, by Michelle Lee, Silverado HS senior
artspace!
!artspace!artspace!artspace!artspace!artspace! 17
life in motion
untitled by John Callahan, Arbor View HS grade 10
untitled Kerstin Kent, Faith Lutheran HS
Michelle Lee, Silverado HS senior
untitled by Kerstin Kent, Faith Lutheran HS
untitled by John Callahan, Arbor View HS sophomore
Programas de Intercambio
Ojo con las libritas de más
Crítica cinematográfica
Ortega: orgullo hispano
19
entérate de las noticias nacionales y locales en español
Programas de intercambio expande las
experiencias culturales
por Megan Smallen, Coronado HS
Así como todos los días estamos expuestos a diferentes
rutinas y a una atmósfera inmensa pareciera como si
ninguna otra vida o cultura existiría fuera de la nuestra.
Mas allá de las barreras y de las montañas existen otras
sociedades diferentes a la que hoy en día vivimos. Lo que
no comprendemos es que existen millones de personas
que a pesar de ser parte del sistema americano, también
poseen otra cultura y otras tradiciones.
Un nuevo programa de intercambio
establecido en Coronado High School y en
otras escuelas del Condado de Clark, está
presentando la otra cara de la cultura y de
la comunicación. Al tener estudiantes de
otros países entre nosotros, podremos
aprender sobre otro mundo y la vida en el
otro lado del mundo.
“En este programa los
nuevos estudiantes
aprenderán nuestras
tradiciones y harán nuevos
amigos,” dice Del Sagers,
consejero de la escuela.
Actualmente en nuestra escuela hay dos
estudiantes que vienen de intercambio y
que están aprendiendo con gran facilidad
la vida en la ciudad de Las Vegas.
Xiangyan Kong, quien llegó desde China,
considera que su estadía en Las Vegas en
una oportunidad genial. Su maestro en
China fue quien la inspiró a que viniera a
experimentar la vida en América.
Kong es conocida como Joyce por sus
amigos americanos y explica cómo que
la vida en China es muy diferente a la
vida en los Estados Unidos. Por ejemplo,
en China cada estudiante tiene nueve
clases al día, para así adquirir mas
conocimiento de diferentes temas.
“En China tenemos que utilizar uniforme
y las clases son mucho más difíciles,”
dice Kong. Después de estudiar desde
las 7 a.m. hasta alas 9:30 p.m., Kong
deseaba poder experimentar la vida
escolar aquí y ser parte de Coronado.
Una vez los estudiantes demuestren
tener ganas en ser parte del programa de
intercambio, tiene que sobrellevar un
proceso un tanto largo. Los estudiantes
tienen que inscribirse a una organización
que es la que lleva a cabo los trámites y
quien escoge las familias patrocinadores
en el país de visita. En muchas
sociedades internacionales, el país más
pedido es Estados Unidos; sin embargo,
el destino es determinado dependiendo
del lugar donde residen actualmente.
Infortunadamente, después de tomar
exámenes de inglés tanto escritos
como orales, y después de pasar por
entrevistas y orientaciones, la entrada a
los Estados Unidos, no está garantizada.
Esto hace que la travesía sea aun
más compleja.
Muchas de las organizaciones que se
especializan en programas de
intercambios y comunicaciones
internacionales no tienen requisitos
específicos, pero se recomienda tener la
habilidad de hablar el idioma que se
habla en el país de destino.
“La experiencia es diferente y
muy linda,” dice Karell. “La
escuela en Suecia es parecida
a la Universidad. Puedes hasta
tomar clases de cosmetología y
quedarte en un solo salón de
clases todo el día.”
Karell tuvo la oportunidad de seleccionar
una región de los Estados Unidos donde
quisiese vivir, pero ella piensa que
escoger una buena familia es más
importante que escoger una ciudad.
Según Karell, son los participantes y las
familias que hacen de este programa una
experiencia tan grande y tan importante.
Para que los estudiantes puedan recibir
crédito por las clases que toman en la
escuela, tienen el estatus de ‘senior’ o
estudiante de último año, sin importar
su edad.
Como miembros del programa, Karell y
Kong se reúnen constantemente con
otros estudiantes para hablar de su
experiencia en esta ciudad. Así, el
conocimiento y la importancia de las
culturas se pueden esparcir. Y a pesar de
los cambios drásticos en la educación y
en el ambiente, estos programas de
intercambio demuestran que son una
excelente opción para muchos.
Linnea Karell, es una estudiante de
intercambio que llegó desde Suecia. Ella
ha hecho parte de este programa desde
antes de iniciar la escuela y nos cuenta
que su madre también hizo lo mismo
cuando estaba en la escuela. Esa fue
una de las razones que la llevó a
emprender este viaje.
“Muchas veces los americanos
no entienden la cultura
china… pero es más probable
que los americanos sepan
menos acerca de nuestra
cultura de lo que nosotros
sabemos de ustedes,”
dice Kong !
¡Gana $$$! ¡Participa en el concurso de poesía
que CLASS! está patrocinando!
Necesitas dinero... ¿para comprar un ¿Cuáles son las reglas?
regalo? ¿Para pagar una deuda?
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¿Para ir de compras con tus amigos? • Tienes hasta el 3 de abril para enviarnos tu poema.
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Escribe tu nombre, edad, escuela, grado y tu correo
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ganar dinero. Simplemente anímate y
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versos... expresa tus emociones hacia
la vida, la guerra, la paz... lo que tu
quieras, el tema es libre.
• Máximo de dos poemas por persona.
Lina Hernández
CLASS! Publications
Box 451025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV 89154-1025
¿Cuáles son los premios?
O envía un correo electrónico a:
• El poema debe ser escrito en español y propio
(Poemas no originales serán eliminados)
• No hay límite de líneas y el tema es libre
(Por favor no se limiten a escribir poemas de amor)
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[email protected]
Nota: por favor no te olvides de mandar tus datos personales, sobretodo tu
correo electrónico, porque si ganas, queremos tener el gusto de poder
comunicártelo. Comentale a todos tus amigos sobre el concurso de poesía y
de lo que se pueden ganar. ¡Estaremos esperando tus poemas!
20
¿Malas noticias? Unas libritas de más durante
las vacaciones
“En el tercer día de Navidad, mi verdadero
amor me dio: tres gallinas francesas, dos
pajaritos y mil calorías extra.”
por Anupa Gewali, Green Valley High School
Esto es algo que vemos todos los años para la época
navideña. Es imposible desistir de probar esos pastelillos,
dulces y bebidas. De acuerdo con el Instituto Nacional
de Salud, quienes ya están pasados de peso tienden a
engordar cinco libras más durante las fiestas de
diciembre. Y ahora que volvemos de ellas, analicemos
las consecuencias.
“Yo pienso que los niños deben aprovechar y comer de todo porque es una época
especial, pero también se debe controlar y no convertirlo en un hábito,” dice Karina
Narang, estudiante de Coronado High School. “No puedes privarte de esas cosas
porque de pronto un día comerás hasta explotar y será peor para ti.”
La directora de Servicios Alimenticios del Distrito Escolar del Condado de Clark,
Karen Vogel, atribuye estas libras de más durante las fiestas navideñas a dos
factores: el cambio repentino de vida de los niños al estar en vacaciones y todas las
constantes invitaciones a fiestas.
“Los jóvenes tienen más tiempo libre ya que no tienen
mucho que hacer. Les gusta sentarse a ver televisión
o algo así, y cuando se relajan tienden a comer,” dice
Vogel. “Además, hay mas fiestas donde la comida es
más elaborada, es decir, tiene más grasa y calorías.”
Junto con la abundancia de comida viene la abundancia de familia y estrés. Según
Vogel, esto también hace parte en la batalla contra la protuberancia y el aumento
de peso.
De acuerdo con la página de Internet MealsMatter.org, el factor más importante que
alguien puede llevar a cabo antes de la navidad es obvio. Antes de tratar de bajar de
peso, hay que prevenir comer cantidades grandes para no aumentar de peso.
¡Para que
te enteres!
Pastelillo de Manzana
Datos Nutricionales:
“Si me encuentro en una fiesta social, como la misma cantidad de comida que
usualmente como en casa,” dice Stephanie Serhan, estudiante de Green Valley High
School. “Pero como hay más variedad, usualmente como porciones chicas de
diferentes platos.”
Calorías:
Calorías de la Grasa:
Grasa Total:
Carbohidratos:
Proteínas:
Pero según Vogel, una sola vez que se exceda, volver a surgir tomaría mucho tiempo
y fuerza de voluntad.
Pudín de Navidad
“Hay quienes hacen un buen trabajo durante todo el año
comiendo porciones pequeñas pero una vez empiezan
con porciones más grandes, es muy difícil volver a la
rutina de antes,” dice Vogel. “Todo depende de cuánta
disciplina sobre ti mismo puedas desarrollar.”
Calorías:
Calorías de la Grasa:
Grasa Total:
Carbohidratos:
Proteínas:
Para aquellos que no pueden vivir sin las delicias de las fiestas navideñas, existen
sustituciones. De acuerdo con un profesional en salud de la compañía Quaker
Oatmeal, cubrir un pastelillo de manzana con un yogurt congelado sin grasa en vez
de nueces acarameladas, o sustituir papas al horno por ñames dulces o comer la
carne blanca del pavo en vez de la oscura! puede salvar horas en el gimnasio.
Y a pesar de que pueda parecer una época de mucho estrés, hacer ejercicio
y tratar de permanecer en forma puede ayudar más y no es tan difícil como
muchos piensan.
“Yo trato de hacer cualquier tipo de ejercicio;
con mi familia siempre vamos a esquiar y también
nos vamos de compras,” dice Ashley Artmann,
estudiante de Green Valley !
552
230
25.6g
72.9g
24g
Pastelillos de Papa
Datos Nutricionales:
344
165
18.4g
43.6g
3.9g
Rompope
319
18
2g
67.3g
9.8g
Datos Nutricionales:
335
187
20.9g
19.4g
7.3g
Elotes en Crema
Calorías:
Calorías de la Grasa:
Grasa Total:
Carbohidratos:
Proteínas:
784
465
51.7g
16.2g
60.3g
Ñame con Malvaviscos
Datos Nutricionales:
Calorías:
Calorías de la Grasa:
Grasa Total:
Carbohidratos: 21.6g
Proteínas:
Calorías:
Calorías de la Grasa:
Grasa Total:
Carbohidratos:
Proteínas:
Carne de Ganso Asado
Datos Nutricionales:
Calorías:
Calorías de la Grasa:
Grasa Total:
Carbohidratos:
Proteínas:
Datos Nutricionales:
Datos Nutricionales:
330
247
27.5g
3.9g
Calorías:
Calorías de la Grasa:
Grasa Total:
Carbohidratos:
Proteínas:
419
123
13.7g
59.6g
5.6g
source: Forbes
21
El concejal Weekly le da una mano a los
más necesitados
por Pedro De León, Las Vegas HS
Mientras sea el Día de Acción de Gracias o Navidad, ese es el tiempo del año
donde debes pensar en otros antes que en ti mismo. Las personas sin hogar y
la gente de la tercera edad son solo dos grupos de los tantos que tienen muchas
necesidades en nuestra comunidad. Ahora que esta época ya pasó, debemos
recordar que todo el año podemos ayudar a los más necesitados.
Muchos de nosotros tenemos todo lo
que necesitamos para vivir y aún así,
muchos lo dan por hecho. Sólo ponte a
pensar en un niño pequeño que no tiene
absolutamente nada. ¿Qué tan feliz sería
si le dan algo tan simple como un
juguete? Y ponte a pensar, ¿cuánto te
enojas cuando a ti no te compran lo que
quieres, aunque recibiste muchos
regalos de tu familia? ¡Es ridículo!
Yo admiro mucho a la pocas personas
en este mundo que encuentran tiempo
en su día para tratar de hacer una
diferencia en nuestra comunidad.
Personas como el concejal Lawrence
Weekly saben de las necesidades que
tiene esta ciudad, y poco a poco trata de
hacer una pequeño cambio en las vidas
de la gente que más lo necesita.
Durante el mes de noviembre del año
pasado, el concejal Weekly llevó a cabo
un evento que ya ha existido por seis
años: ‘Un Pavo como Obsequio’
(Turkey Give Away).
pregunta, “Fantástico, ¿cuánto cobran?”
El voluntario le contestó: “¡Tienes suerte!
¡Es gratis!”
En este evento se ayuda a las familias
de bajos ingresos y más desfavorecidas.
“Se siente maravilloso
ser parte de un evento
como éste,” Lourdes
Cortés, estudiante de
Las Vegas HS.
“Se necesita ayudar a
las familias que apenas
pueden sobrevivir,” dice
el concejal Weekly.
“Cualquier tipo de ayuda
que podamos dar es
bienvenido, especialmente
en este tiempo del año.”
A mí me dieron la oportunidad de
trabajar como voluntario en este evento
cerca del edificio municipal. Mi trabajo
era dar comida y pavos a la gente de la
tercera edad.
Mientras unos de los trabajadores le
daba un pavo a un señor, éste le
Crítica cinematográfica:
Turistas
por Sander Smith, Coronado HS
¿Se acuerdan cuando hace
mucho tiempo la palabra
“terror” significaba algo?
Cuando las películas se
categorizaban como “terror,”
uno esperaba ver una buena
película y muchas muertes, por
supuesto. ¿Desde cuándo
cambiaron el significado de la
palabra? Al parecer, hoy en día,
ese término solo se aplica a las
películas con una cantidad
excesiva de sangre que no
poseen el factor miedo.
La cara de sorpresa y felicidad que tenía
ese señor te obligaba a sonreír.
Miembros de Wal-Mart, estudiantes del
grupo de PAL de la preparatoria Las
Vegas y unos de los asistentes de
concejal trabajaron juntos en este día.
Supermercados como Smith’s, Albertsons
y Wal-Mart, contribuyeron en las
donaciones de comida y de los pavos.
Otro evento que realizó el concejal se
llevó a cabo también en noviembre,
donde hubo una cena para 300
veteranos. ¡Muchas gracias concejal
Lawrence Weekly !
¿Sabías que?…
Según una lista de la revista
Hispanic Business publicada en
septiembre del 2005, éstas son
las 10 primeras compañías que
emplean a la comunidad
hispana en nuestra ciudad:
1. McDonald’s Corporation
2. Bank of America
3. Washington Mutual, Inc.
4. Verizon Communications
5. Wells Fargo & Co.
6. Olive Garden Restaurants
7. Citigroup, Inc.
8. Marriott International
9. Denny’s Restaurants
10. Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Turistas es una nueva película que
está categorizada como película de
terror. Mientras que la película es un
poco perturbadora, en definitiva, no
asusta para nada.
La película contiene el típico
personaje que se sabe que va a
morir. Casi al final de la película, ya
a nadie le importa si se mueren o no. Si mueren a nadie le parece una tragedia. Y
es ahí cuando la película pierde su credibilidad. Es muy difícil que te preocupes o
sientas miedo por una persona con la cual no te identificas. Ya cuando estos
personajes pierden el sentido, la audiencia no quiere nada más que se acabe la
película rápido.
Pero como también se le tiene que dar crédito, la película fue filmada de una
manera espectacular. Desde las imágenes por debajo del agua hasta las imágenes
de violencia sangrienta, se ve bien. Pero eso se esperaba de John Stockwell, el
mismo director de las películas Blue Crush y Into the Blue. Es obvio que está
obsesionado con el agua tropical.
La película en general se puede predecir. Con la cantidad de películas sangrientas
que están saliendo últimamente es difícil ser original. Pero eso de torturar a la
gente se ha hecho tanto que para ser honestos ya no asusta a nadie !
¿Tienes algo que decir acerca de alguno de los artículos?
Quizás tienes una historia que comentarnos acerca
de algún evento o entidad positiva en nuestra comunidad. Entonces escríbenos a nuestro correo electrónico:
[email protected] o por correo regular a:
Lina Hernández, CLASS! UNLV Box 451025, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1025
¡Anímate y publica tus opiniones!
gramática o restricciones en el espacio.
Artículos en nuestra posesión pueden ser editados a base de estilo periodístico,
!
22
¡La RISA es SALUD!
Ortega: un orgullo
hispano en Las
Vegas High School
Qué borrachos...
Estaba un borracho en una esquina. Una mujer
pasa caminando, el borracho la observa y le dice:
- ¡Adiós fea!
La mujer indignada se da media vuelta y le dice:
- ¡Borracho!
por Pedro De León, Las Vegas High School
Kelli Ortega es una estudiante de la
preparatoria Las Vegas que ha sido
reconocida por el Programa ‘Reconocimiento
Nacional Hispano’ de la Junta Directiva de
Universidades de Nevada.
El Programa ‘Reconocimiento Nacional Hispano’ se
estableció en 1983 el cual proporciona un reconocimiento
nacional para los estudiantes de herencia hispana en su
último año de preparatoria que además de demostrar
excelentes resultados en sus notas académicas, también
son llamados por importantes institutos universitarios.
Este año, más de 175,000 estudiantes en los Estados
Unidos se identificaron como hispanos en los exámenes
conocidos como PSAT/NMSQT. De estos estudiantes,
4,700 les fue otorgado becas o menciones honorables;
todo esto bajo los requisitos y las calificaciones finales de
estos exámenes.
Ortega nació en los Estados Unidos pero viene de
descendencia mexicana por el lado de la familia de su
papá. Ortega se considera una buena persona en todos
los aspectos.
¡Entérate!
La ciudad de Las Vegas fue
considerada como la sexta
mejor ciudad en la nación
para vivir para la comunidad
latina. (Revista Hispana)
especie se acerca y le pregunta:
- ¿Qué te pasa?
Otros de sus éxitos incluye la vicepresidencia de curso en
Las Vegas High School y de la Asociación Nacional de
Ayuntamiento de Estudiantes (NASC, por sus siglas en
inglés). Muchas felicidades para Kelli Ortega, ¡todo un
orgullo hispano!
Sí, somos la especie más venenosa sobre la
tierra, una sola mordida y ¡¡zazzz!! ¿Por qué
preguntas?
- ¡Es que me acabo de morder la lengua!
El 23 por ciento de la población de
Nevada es hispano.
Pepito y su papá están en el supermercado y a
la hora de hacer fila para pagar, delante de
ellos va una señora extremadamente gorda.
El 25 por ciento de la población del
Condado de Clark es hispano.
Mira papá, ¡cuánto lugar ocupa!
- Cállate Pepito, ¡no seas malcriado!
En las elecciones presidenciales del
2004, alrededor de 7.6 millones de
hispanos votaron ese año.
Cuerpos... al natural
El maratón de Las Vegas
Evento: ‘Cuerpos... La Exhibición.’
Día(s): abierto todos los días.
Hora: 10 a.m. a 10 p.m. Lugar: 3801 S. Las
Durante un fin de
semana de enero,
usted podrá
disfrutar de comida
y entretenimiento
en el Hotel y
Casino Showboat.
Llame al (702)
385-9150 para
más información.
Oye mamá,¿por qué papá tiene tan poco pelo?
-Es que es muy inteligente y siempre
está pensando.
Aparte de sus buenas calificaciones, Ortega hace parte
del equipo de porristas y del equipo de natación de su
escuela. “Yo estoy lista y preparada para cualquier reto,”
comenta Ortega.
Eventos para enero
La celebración del Super Bowl
Padres y calvos
“Me encanta tener responsabilidades Y entonces, ¿ por qué tienes tú tanto pelo?
-¡Calla y cómete la sopa !
y mantenerme organizada,” dijo
Ortega. “En todo lo que trato de
Serpientes y muy venenosas
lograr, no doy menos del 100
Una serpiente estaba llorando
por ciento.”
desesperadamente. Otra serpiente de la misma
Agenda Comunitaria
A mediados del mes de enero, participantes
se congregan para correr 26 millas hasta el
centro de la ciudad. Habrá sorpresas y
comida para todos los participantes durante
y después del evento. Llame al (702) 8763870 para más información.
El borracho con una sonrisa le dice:
- Sí, pero a mí mañana se me pasa.
Vegas Boulevard. En el Hotel y Casino Tropicana.
Teléfono: (702) 739-2411. Precios: $24 admisión
general, $22 personas mayores de 60 años, $21
para los residentes de Nevada y $16 para los
niños entre los 4 y los 16 años.
menores de 6 años.
Arte estética y contemporánea
Evento: ‘Arte Contemporánea de
Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Robert De
Niro y Alexander Calder.’
Día(s): abierto todos los días. Hora: 8am a 5pm
Lugar: 107 E. Charleston Blvd., En el Museo de
Arte George L. Sturman. Teléfono: (702) 384-2615.
Los niños y sus chistes
- Pero Papá, mira ¡es casi como un autobús!
¡Que te calles te digo!
En eso se escucha el clásico sonido del ‘beeper’
de algún otro cliente y Pepito grita:
- ¡Cuidado se va a echar de reversa!
No te quedes sentado en tu casa sin hacer nada
y aprovecha los eventos que nuestra ciudad
tiene programados para tí.
Exhibiciones de Arte
Exhibición:
Exhibición:
‘Arte fino’ por Karen Wallo y
Fernando Molinari.
‘Africa: el orígen’ cuadros de
artistas locales.
Lugar: 1401 E.
Flamingo Road.
En la biblioteca
pública del
Condado De
Clark.
Teléfono: (702)
507-3400.
Ciencia atómica en Nevada
Evento: ‘Explore la historia local,
nacional e internacional de la ciencia
atómica en Nevada.’
Día(s): de lunes a sábado. Hora: 9 a.m. a 5 p.m.
Lugar: 755 E. Flamingo Road, En el Museo de
Pruebas Atómicas. Teléfono: (702) 794-5161.
Precios: $10 admisión general y gratis para niños
Sin dejar de llorar la serpiente contesta
-¿Es cierto que somos venenosas?
Exhibición:
‘Espacio ocupado: reuniendo
artistas en espacios públicos,’
trabajos tridimensionales por
artistas locales.
Lugar: 250 N. Eastern Avenue. En el Centro
Comunitario del Este de Las Vegas.
Teléfono: (702) 229-6844.
Lugar: 2207 W. Gowan Road En la galería de
arte Left of Center.
Teléfono: (702) 647-7378.
Exhibición:
‘Lo más
reciente’
cuadros
hechos por
Jesús Bravo.
Lugar: 951 W. Lake
Mead Blvd. En la
biblioteca pública
del Oeste de
Las Vegas.
Teléfono:
(702) 507-3980.
23
the perks and complexities of the fashion industry
fashion news · what’s cool and trendy · who’s wearing what
the perks and complexities
of the fashion industry
behind the scenes at SpaceGirlz
While some young women go tend to
patients at a hospital and others teach at
schools, some get to experience the
unanticipated twists and turns of the
roller coaster we call the fashion industry.
8:26 a.m. Myra DeGuzman heads up to the office, not
knowing what the day’s work will be, but knowing that
there will be a lot of it. As assistant to Rick Skolnik,
owner of the SpaceGirlz apparel company, she is
excited to see what new tasks await her.
Many girls have heard of, seen or own a pair of
SpaceGirlz bottoms. The company primarily
manufactures Junior bottoms, in casual wear and
denim. The designer, Holly Kennedy, is busy this time
of year working on the new apparel for Fall 2007 (Be
the first to know, plaid prints are being manufactured
for next fall!).
Everyone at SpaceGirlz has an important role, and
contributes an intense amount of time and effort into the
production of the clothes.
by Asia Sapp, Liberty HS
DeGuzman’s job involves a great variety of tasks,
including all areas of bringing the designs to life.
Many girls aspire to grow
She does everything! She enters orders and fabrics, and
creates trim sheets, which are layouts of the specifics
of each type of clothing that is made. They indicate
exactly what types of colors and patterns are on the
fabrics, buttons, zippers, etc.
industry. There are a lot of
She is also responsible for making sure that the orders
get to and from the factory on time.
got her degree in fashion
“Everything is on a time scale!”
DeGuzman says.
A heavy load definitely rests on her shoulders.
A missing order to the company would be like a mother
losing her child in Wal-Mart!
Although this job may be too stressful for a lot of
people, DeGuzman handles her tasks with confidence
and pride.
She explains, “I love that
my job is different everyday.
Nothing is repetitious.”
up to work in the fashion
things you have to do, and
like any job, you must start
off at the bottom and work
your way up. DeGuzman
merchandising, and though she is happy with her current
job, she hopes to one day become Production Manager.
To those who are interested in having a job like
DeGuzman’s and want to work their way into fashion,
designing or owning a clothing line, DeGuzman’s advice
for right now is,
“Read magazines and business
newspapers” and “follow up with
all the trends!”
SpaceGirlz apparel can be found in catalogs like
‘Delia’s’ and ‘Alloy,’ and also in stores such as
Wet Seal !
24
sports!
Ladainian Tomlinson:setting a new
standard for players
stay active with cool winter sports
on the field, on the track and on the court
LaDainian Tomlinson: setting a new standard for NFL players
by Greg Daluz, Odyssey Charter HS
The shining star in the NFL today is, without question, LaDainian
Tomlinson. Showing integrity on and off the field, ‘L.T.’ is disproving
the age-old theory that says arrogance and athlete are synonymous.
Professional athletes, as of recent times, seem to be one great disappointment after
another – from the basketball brawls to the ridiculous cheap shots week after week
in the National Football League. However, Tomlinson is setting a standard for the
sport that is almost mythical.
Drafted in 2001, L.T. quickly began to stand out. He rushed for over 1,200 yards in
his first season and scored 10 touchdowns. Most running backs would be thrilled
with a season like this, but not LaDainian. He came back and topped himself in
2002 with 1,683 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. A player with these kinds of
numbers had to have been a star at a young age.
Growing up and playing football in Waco, Texas, L.T. was not a quick standout
player. In fact, in high school he played fullback and, until his senior year, did not
get too much attention. He wound up receiving a scholarship to Texas Christian
University where he was turned into a running back. He got drafted, before
graduating, by the San Diego Chargers.
Tomlinson is now in his sixth NFL season with the Chargers and has been doing
absolutely incredible things. He set the record for fastest player to score 100
touchdowns by doing it in 93 games. He shattered the single-season scoring record
in 14 games with his 31st touchdown of the year (29 rushing and two passing). Did I
mention that he can pass too? He seems to do it all. ESPN calls him “Mr. Everything,”
and even his teammate, Lorenzo Neal, calls him “Superman without a cape.” I wonder
what a man with this kind of talent and work ethic does in his spare time.
The last day that L.T. had off was Dec. 18, and he spent it at Rady’s Children Hospital
for his sixth annual Touching Lives Holiday Program, where L.T. and teammates gave
out 1,500 toys. Tomlinson’s Touching Lives Foundation contributes to under-privileged
children and families, through everything from promoting education to distributing over
1,400 Thanksgiving dinners this year. Tomlinson offers scholarships, and even has his
own football camp. How many 27-year-old guys can say that?
Tomlinson is a man and athlete of great integrity and ambition. Nothing came easy to
him, yet he has achieved everything he could have wished. He has stayed humble
through this record-breaking season where he is being called the “best player in the
NFL.” We will see many more great things from Tomlinson, on and off the field !
Stay active with cool winter sports
People use the excuse that summer is over to get lazy.
Just because the season has changed does not mean you
can’t play sports outside. It’s time to get up and get going.
by Brizie Montano, Coronado HS
There are various sports you can choose from during the winter season.
Biathlon, broomball, ice hockey and speed skating are all popular winter sports
looking for players.
Though you might not have heard of it, biathlon is actually a Winter Olympic sport that
combines cross-country skiing and precision target shooting. The athletes are told to
ski with their rifles through to a distant shooting range, where five shots at five
knockdown targets 50 miles down the range are taken from a laying position.
Depending on the format of the sport, either a penalty or penalty laps are looked at for
shots that miss. The skiers then race to another loop and come back to the shooting
range for another chance to shoot, this time while standing upright. Penalties are given
again for missed shots. The skiers race to a last loop, ending the race.
Ice hockey is a team sport. There are six players and one goalie for each team, plus
several substitutes, all who are on ice skates. The object is to score goals by
shooting a puck into the opposing team’s goal. Players control the puck with a long
stick that ends in a curved blade, as many are familiar with. The players are allowed
to redirect the puck by using any part of their body, other than their hands, and
without kicking the puck.
Almost exactly like ice hockey, broomball is when players use brooms instead of
hockey sticks to hit a volleyball into the other team’s goal. Broomball is also played
on an ice rink. The broom can either have a wooden or aluminum handle, and a
rubber-molded triangle head, like a normal broom. The brooms dipped in rubber are
much more durable. The teams include six players, a goalie and five outfielders. Just
like ice hockey, the object is to score more goals than the opposing team. Players are
only allowed to use their brooms; no body parts are allowed.
In speed skating, skaters must travel a certain distance more quickly than the other
skaters. Skaters skate four distances and whoever has the best time wins. Most
races are done on an indoor ice rink, with a distance of 40 kilometers. When the
race is skated outside, the distance can be as long as 200 kilometers.
Like all sports, these winter games have safety rules to be followed. Always dressing
warmly is the key rule. If you do not dress for the cold weather, you could get
frostbite, which can result in the loss of a body part if not treated immediately. Look
into buying water-absorbent clothes. Although snow and ice are somewhat solid, you
can still get wet if it melts or you fall through thin ice.
Always know the game you are playing and understand fully what you must be
doing. If you need to, take lessons that will walk you through the game step-by-step.
Drinking water and staying hydrated is also a major part of staying safe. Use the
proper equipment for the sport you are playing and make sure the equipment is in
good shape. Pay attention to all rules and everyone should enjoy the game !
Full Licensed.
Is being able to drive still a big deal?
Parking lot rowds still on th rise
getting around town in style
Fully licensed
by Jaime Garcia, Western HS
All high school students go through the stage of getting their own cars. How excited
you are when you get your license and are allowed to drive. It’s one of the best
moments of your life. But does that special feeling last?
There seem to be many factors that now take away from the excitement of being
able to drive. Gas prices are fast becoming one of them.
“It can be frustrating,” Western High School senior Clayton Brown says.
“I go through half a tank a week. It’s a hassle
always paying for gas.” Fellow senior Kolin Niday adds,
“I spend about 20 to 30 dollars a week.”
Niday also says in regard to driving, “I like it, but in the morning there’s a
lot of traffic.”
Traffic and gas prices aside,
there is also the fact that
students often become so
used to driving that they
don’t see it as a special
privilege at all.
Brown agrees, “Yeah,
on ce you do it
enough, it becomes
second nature.”
But Brown and Niday both try to treat driving seriously and not take it for granted.
Niday says, “It’s a lot of responsibility, always making sure you have gas and being
careful on the road.”
So, while the weight of being able to drive may not seem as heavy as it has in the
past, students still recognize that driving is not something to be taken lightly. It’s a
skill that we’ll use for the rest of our lives, it gives us something to be responsible
for and it marks the beginning of our passage into adulthood !
Parking lot crowds still on the rise
With over 2,000 people at some of
Clark County’s larger high schools,
there’s bound to be some confusion and
frustration in what should be the most
simple of places: the parking lot.
At Centennial High School, a new rule
was put into effect beginning Oct. 9
that forces those parked in the west lot
to exit from there. They are not allowed
to leave from the main entrance as it is
now chained off. Though the new rule
may help control the traffic flow, some
students feel that the parking lot is still
too crowded during the morning and
afternoon rushes.
“They need to have more traffic directors
because the traffic flow is way too
heavy for just two people to handle,”
says Jazlynn Matlock, sophomore.
In regard to whether or not the parking
lot really is overcrowded, dean Dean
Steve Slocum says, “It’s overcrowded in
the sense that everyone waits until the
last minute to get here. There’s plenty
of room for everyone to park.”
Slocum is one of the deans in charge of
the front entrance at Centennial. Teri Criner
is another dean that helps with directing
the buses and cars in the morning to try to
avoid congestion at the west entrance.
illustration: Chris Ware, mct cmpus
Is being able to
drive still a big deal?
wheels!
wheels!
25
by Taylor Hassman, Centennial HS
Including students and staff, 246 people
are currently registered to park at
Centennial High School. Since many have
not yet gotten their parking stickers,
administrators are left with an inaccurate
number of cars to keep track of. They ask
for everyone to register in the banker’s
office for five dollars. That fee allows you
to park for the entire school year.
At Centennial, three actions will be
taken when you do not have the
required permit. The first notice will be
a sticker on your windshield or door
stating that you have received your first
warning. If you don’t want further
consequences to take place, you need to
get the permit as soon as possible. If
you don’t have your parking sticker the
second time, all of your driving privileges
will be taken away. The final step is
having your car towed away. You’re left
to pay the fee for that action.
Every parking lot has some problems
with traffic, but if everyone works
together to make the traffic flow more
smoothly, less people would be
complaining about the amount of time
that it takes to get in or to get home and
it would make everyone’s life easier !
schoolzone!
26
The attraction between students and coffee
gives businesses ideas
what’s happening on campuses around the valley
The attraction between students and coffee
gives businesses ideas
By Danielle Sloan, Green Valley HS
School is a place for learning new things – a.k.a, loads of homework and studying. Sometimes the days are terribly
long and become mundane with the repetitiveness and boringness of it all. The hours pass by one by one, and sleep
is no longer an option when you have three exams the next day. How is a student expected to make it through?
The answer to this predicament is often
by using anything from sugar pills to the
latest energy drinks, though the mostly
commonly used stimulant for students
tends to be coffee.
All those corporate coffeehouse CEOs
aren’t ignorant to this. They are well
aware of the needs and wants of young
adults, and they know that many of us
need and want coffee.
So, what do these CEOs do about this?
Well, they embrace it.
They stick their coffee shops within
walking distance from both high schools
and colleges, making it very convenient
for us to get our coffee and give them
tons of our money.
The UNLV Student Union is now the
home of the all-time favored coffee
shop, Starbucks.
In addition to being on just about every
corner of every city in the U.S.,
Starbucks is also often found in local
bookstores, such as Barnes and Noble.
obviously not coincidentally, the coffee
shop is located very, very close to one
Green Valley High School. The new Java
Detour was expected to open on January
11, 2007, according to a friendlysounding Java Detour employee that I
spoke with momentarily on the phone.
The big corporate guys no longer care to
hide away their intentions. They make
their intensions quite obvious nowadays.
GVHS Junior Kim Carter expects
to “be there often. Maybe even
before school, on occasion, to
help me get through the day,”
Carter says. “I need the
caffeine juice!”
A chain of coffee shops, Java Detour,
recently opened a new store at 1659 W.
Warm Springs Rd. Conveniently, and
Not only does the convenient placing of
Java Detour for the Green Valley
highschoolers give them the opportunity
Now, let’s think. Who frequents these
bookstores? Why yes, college and high
school students.
to get a bit of coffee before the school
day begins, it also gives them a place to
hang out during the weekends, and a
place to look oh so cool together in.
“You see, as teenagers, we
naturally want to act older –
more mature – and we feel we
can accomplish this by drinking
coffee, like the grown ups,” says
Carter. “And by we, I mean most
of the kiddos at our schoolio.”
See how Miss Carter started her last
sentence with a conjunction? Now, all
she needs is a latte and – BAM! – she’s
a 40-year-old housewife !
Students of the Month
January 2007
Las Vegas High School
Amanda Hernandez
Gil Solis
Las Vegas High School recognizes the talents of
Amanda Hernandez, one of its most passionate band
members. A two-year drum major who “dabbles in
percussion,” Hernandez not only participates in the
Winter Drum Line playing the vibraphone, but also in
the Jazz Band playing the trumpet.
Gil Solis proves himself to be an outstanding student
and mentor at Las Vegas High School.
Hernandez has been a part of the Las Vegas Youth
Orchestra for three years as well.
“I play French Horn in Youth Orchestra and Concert
Band,” says Hernandez. She has even conducted the
LVHS marching band.
Amanda
Gil
Hernandez hopes to attend Northern Arizona University
to major in music education and performance. She also
plans to try out for a Drum and Bugle core in California.
“I aspire to be active in competitive marching arts,”
she says.
Aside from her musical activities, Hernandez
participates in FEA (Future Educators Association) and
works on the yearbook staff. English Literature and
Composition AP is her favorite class.
We’re customers too
Solis plays on the Junior Varsity Soccer team at school
and has also participated in volleyball for the past
two years.
“I really want to practice my soccer skills so I can
make Varsity next year,” he says. For this year, he
plans to try out for the school volleyball team.
In addition to sports, Solis is active in several
organizations. He serves as treasurer of SOL (Student
Organization of Latinos), and participates in PAL
(Partnership at Las Vegas), where he goes to work as
an unpaid intern at Rundle Elementary School every
Wednesday to learn firsthand about the career he is
interested in pursuing.
“I like helping people,” says Solis, who is considering
becoming a teacher.
His passion for teaching doesn’t end at PAL. Solis even
gives up his fourth period to tutor freshmen. He says
he does not like seeing kids fail, so he tries to help
them succeed.
Staying sober in college
– difficult but rewarding
helping you prepare for the next step
Staying sober in College
– difficult, but rewarding
college!
college!
27
by Kerstin Kent, Faith Lutheran HS
So, why should one bother saying “no” to drinking? There
may be more reasons than you think.
Self-confidence – Many people use alcohol to make themselves more outgoing
around others. With alcohol in their body, people get this fake confidence that wears
off after only a few hours. Not drinking will help teach college students how to be
confident on their own, which will be a great help later in life.
Kevin Eisenhut, KRT
College. Just one word can bring hundreds of thoughts to mind.
From numerous essays to boring lectures, there’s more than
enough to keep a college student busy. However, college also
often brings up images of wild parties. And with these parties it
will be harder than ever to resist the temptation of alcohol.
Don’t gain weight – Twelve ounces of Budweiser has 145 calories, and a Heineken
can pack in 170. Now, have a few of these a couple times a night, and the calories
really start adding up. Soon you’ll end up not only drunk, but obese as well. Eat
some celery instead.
Fewer regrets – While intoxicated, one doesn’t have the mindset of a sober person.
The chances of doing something you regret are much greater if you’re drunk. If you’re
sober, you probably won’t ‘accidentally’ hook up with your best friend’s boyfriend.
Learn to say no – Saying no can be hard, but it’s important that one knows how to
do it. Instead of giving in all the time, learn to say no. This will be important later in
life. Not letting people walk over you and make your decisions for you will help in so
many ways, including friendships, career opportunities and relationships.
Control – If you’re sober, you have control. Not only over what you do, but over what
your friends are doing. If you have the car keys and you get bored at the party, you
get to decide when to leave and go find where your crush is hanging out instead.
Learning to say no to alcohol right now will give you the strength to
say no to anything unwelcome in the future that might present itself.
Everyone is NOT drinking – Believe it or not, if you say no to the alcohol, there’s a
good chance you won’t be the only one. If you have the will power to stand up
against the peer pressure and say no, you’ll be surprised at who might do the same.
Be different – Do you really want to look and act like every other person in the room
with you? Individuality is key, and being able to say no and walk around without
alcohol in your hand will help you stand out from the crowd.
Many others just need someone to be the leader and be the first one
to say no. Then they will quickly follow your lead.
Your safety – An estimated 1,700 college students between 18 and 24
years old die each year from alcohol-related injuries.
Stay out of trouble – Yes, drinking is illegal for those under 21. If the police find a
minor intoxicated, the punishment is not pretty. If alcohol is found in your dorm
room at college, expulsion is possible.
If you’re sober, you’ll know better than to get in the car with a drunk driver. You’ll be
the one to drive, and in the long run you could even save your friends’ lives.
Is a few hours of ‘fun’ really worth everything that’s you’d be giving up? Believe it or
not, you can have a good time in college, even without alcohol !
!
28
Scholarships!
make the most of your college future
January Scholarship Directory
RMHC of Greater Las Vegas/HACER Scholarship Program
Contact: http://www.rmhlv.com
Amount: $500-4,000
Deadline: Feb. 15 (Postmarked)
Requirements: Applicant must be a high school senior with at least one parent of Hispanic descent, attend an accredited post-secondary educational
institution the year of graduation and have at least a 2.5 cumulative unweighted GPA. A transcript must be submitted with SAT/ACT test scores. Applicants
must also submit a letter of recommendation and a personal statement regarding their Hispanic background, recent community participation and potential
contributions to the Hispanic community. Selection of recipients will be based off of their career goal. More information and the RMHC application form
can be found on our Web site.
Chairscholars, Inc. Foundation Scholarship
Contact: http://www.chairscholars.org
Amount: $3,000 – $5,000
Deadline: Feb. 28 (Received)
Now’s the time to start
thinking about college!
Here are a few things you
can do for the month of
December:
If you are a JUNIOR:
• Narrow down your school choices
and begin scheduling campus tours.
Requirements: Applicants must be physically challenged, in need of financial aid, must have an adequate academic record and must demonstrate some
form of past community service. Selection is based on academic performance, the student’s capability to become an exceptional citizen in the community
and financial need. An essay of 300-500 words must be included, describing how the applicant became physically challenged, how his or her situation has
affected the applicant and applicant’s family and the applicant’s ambitions. For more requirements and an application, please visit our Web site.
If you are a SENIOR:
Nevada Power Partnerships Scholarships
• File the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) online as soon
after Jan. 1 as possible at
www.fafsa.gov (Need help? Call
Nelnet to speak with a Loan
Counselor who can assist you with
the FAFSA).
Contact: http://www.nevadapower.com/comenv/safety_edu/scholarships.cfm
Amount: 2 per high school – $1000
Deadline: March 15 (Postmarked)
Requirements: An agency, organization or school must confirm that the applicant has completed a minimum of 20 hours of community service in the
preceding 12 months. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and must submit a high school transcript, a personal statement that outlines career
objectives and ambitions and a 500-word essay describing why community service is important. Applicants must have one to three letters of
recommendations from the organization that the student volunteered at, as well as one letter of recommendation from a school official. Students must
submit a resume stating academic success, honors and awards, school activities, leadership demonstrated in the school and community, number of
volunteer hours and any community service project.
RMEL (Essential Regional Energy Association) Foundation Scholarships
Contact: http://www.rmel.org/foundation/foundationscholarships.cfm
Amount: 5 – $1,000
Deadline: March 15
• Complete tax returns and gather
additional financial statements.
Information provided by
www.nelnet.net/collegeplanning
Requirements: Applicants must be high school seniors sponsored by an RMEL-member. They must pursue an electric industry position certificate, an
associate degree or a full-time undergraduate degree, planning to study careers related to the electric energy industry. Recipients are chosen based on ambitions in the electric energy industry, motivation to
accomplish their goals and succeed, academic achievement, school participation and community service. For more information, please visit our Web site.
Sons of Norway Vegas Viking Lodge 6-152 Scholarship
Contact: http://www.vegasviking.com/index.html
Amount: 2 - $500
Deadline: March 19
Requirements: Applicant must be a senior in high school, a legal resident of Clark County and of Norwegian descent. Applicants must complete the Sons of Norway Vegas Viking scholarship application, which
can be found on our Web site.
Nellis Officers’ Spouses’ Club Scholarship
Contact: http://www.nevadacf.org/scholarships.htm
Amount: 1 – $2,000, 2 – $1,500, 1 – $1,250, 3 – $1,000 Deadline: March 21 (Postmarked.)
Requirements: Applicants must be seniors who are military dependents and have a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit a transcript including SAT/ACT test scores, class rank, examples of demonstrated leadership
and extracurricular activities. A 500-600-word essay must also be submitted, answering the question, “How has your experience as a military dependent influenced your collegiate goals and aspirations?”
Please use the Nellis Officers’ Spouses Club application form.
For more information on how to plan for your future, how to choose a college and how to get financial aid, log onto the
Clark County School District’s Guidance Counseling website at http://ccsd.net/cpd/guidance_counseling.
resumés · career advice · tips and techniques for landing that dream job
HVACR Diva! a woman in air conditioning’s quite refreshing
By Gregan Wingert, Las Vegas HS
While sitting in class most students
never consider what is directly above
their heads. But when the air conditioner
breaks, everyone knows. In a career that
is traditionally thought of as a ‘man’s
job,’ service technician Crystal Schnurr
of Arrow Air Conditioning is one woman
who knows her way around an air
conditioning system.
Schnurr was hired straight out VoTech high
school after completing its Heating
Ventilation Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
(HVACR) program, which is the only public
school program of its kind offered in Clark
County. The classes are taught by Larry
Ball, who worked in the air conditioning
and refrigeration field himself prior to
becoming a teacher at VoTech.
Air conditioning technicians spend their
time installing or repairing air conditioning
systems. A great portion of Schnurr’s job is
figuring out what’s wrong with each of the
systems she has been called to assess.
“When I look at a system and I don’t
know what is wrong with, it that feeling
is the worst,” Schnurr says.
Schnurr gets an average of four to five
calls a day, and the more complicated jobs
take around six hours to complete. Her
most challenging call was fixing the chiller
systems at the Air Force base.
As an air conditioning technician, Schnurr
is now making $10 an hour, and as soon
as she finishes her college training she will
earn upwards of $15 an hour.
“Schooling helps you know the equipment
inside and out, and that is what makes
you valuable as a service intern,”
Schnurr says.
In the VoTech program, the students learn
the ins and outs of various types of air
conditioning and refrigeration units. Ball
teaches his students about how air flows
in the ductwork of an air conditioning
system and he even teaches his students
about the refrigeration systems of a
Slurpee and soft serve ice cream machine.
CCSD Job Bank
choices & decisions
dinner and a movie
“Joanna, why don’t we
do dinner and a movie
this weekend?”
“Yeah, but rules are made to be
broken. And it’s not like I’m asking
for marriage, just a date,”
answered Matt.
“Matt, I really can’t this weekend,”
replied Joanna.
“I know, but if it turns into more and
we have a fight then work would be
tense. I don’t want that to happen.”
“You said that last weekend. If I
didn’t know better I’d think you’re
avoiding me.”
“I’ve told you every weekend since
you’ve started working here that I just
don’t date co-workers. I just don’t
think it’s a good idea. And the boss
has a rule against it anyway,”
said Joanna.
“Whoa! Slow down. One date is not
going to lead to fighting. It’s just
dinner and a movie. I know how
much you love Eddie Murphy movies,”
suggested Matt.
“Well, it would be fun,” said Joanna.
“Yeah, and if we don’t tell anyone, how
will the boss find out?” said Matt.
Question:
• How do you feel about an employer telling employees that they can’t date?
• Should Matt and Joanna go out together?
• If you worked there and wanted to date a co-worker, would you? Why? Why not?
“If I’m excited, they can get excited,” says
Ball, who has been known to break out
in song and dance to motivate his
students to learn.
During the second semester of the
program, juniors and seniors in Ball’s
classes start internships making $8 to $9
an hour at various locations in Las Vegas,
not only gaining some extra cash, but also
gaining experience in a field that many will
pursue as careers.
“It’s hot, it’s hard, it’s work – but it’s a
lot of money,” Ball says. He explains
that one of his students now makes $20
an hour, and two of his former students
each own their own business.
sponsored by:
29
career center!
career center!
HVACR Diva! a woman in
air conditioning’s quite refreshing
choices & decisions
Sheet metal workers earn
while they learn
Other students become
interested in the field because
they hear how fun Ball’s classes are.
Ball even confessed that he shaved his
head because Anthony Denning, a student
of his, won national gold at Skills USA in
the HVACR category. Denning now has a
chance to go to Japan to compete at an
international level.
Kellie Pelletier, a freshman at VoTech
currently in Ball’s metal work class, is
planning to take the Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration program because her
love of math and drawing ultimately lead
her to consider a career in the air
conditioning field.
Schnurr was introduced to the career by
her cousin and was drawn to the
independence that air conditioning
technicians have.
Pelletier admits that most kids see air
conditioning as a boring choice, but that
you are doing so much more than just air
conditioning. Though she knows it is a
traditional male occupation she says,
“I love my job,” Schnurr says, “the
freedom to do what I want to do,
and to do what I love doing.”
“Yeah it is, but it’s a
girl thing too.” !
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career center!
30
Sheet metal workers earn while they learn
By Stephanie Espinoza, class! correspondent
When thinking about a possible career, many decide they want to use their mind to do technical work. Others decide they’d
rather be more physically active and work with their hands. For those interested in the first, the second or both, the sheet
metal industry is one broad career path worth considering.
A union sheet metal worker is a kind of craftsman who constructs, installs
and services architectural sheet metal, kitchen equipment and ductwork
for HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) systems in all types of
buildings. And for those students interested in sheet metal work, along with those who
don’t know much about it but would like to try out a new career, there’s no better
opportunity than the Sheet Metal Local #88 Apprenticeship Program.
Located at 2540 Marco Street in Las Vegas, the training center allows students
straight out of high school (age 18 and up) to begin real on the job training – 8,000
hours over the course of five years. They also take 1,012 hours of real college
classes that reinforce that training while working toward an Associate Degree
through the Community College of Southern Nevada.
“The model that we use down here is ‘earn while you learn,’” says the program’s
training director Daniel Rose. “It’s different than a regular college system where
you take all your courses at the same time, graduate and then hope you have a
job. Here you attend classes at a training center for five years – two nights a week
– and during the daytime you’re getting paid to work for a union contractor.”
Rose, who’s been in the industry for 12 years, started at the apprenticeship
program himsef. “I found out what a sheet metal worker does and I was interested,
so I took the entrance test and was accepted,” says Rose.
Applying to the apprenticeship hasn’t changed much since then. Students still need
to pass a math and reading entrance test and then have an oral interview with the
Joint Apprentice and Training Committee (JATC). Rose explains that your test score
along with how you do on the oral interview ranks you and allows acceptance into
the program.
Brandon Zeleniak, a fourth-year apprentice, came into the program when he was
20, though he wishes he had known about it in high school so he could have
started even earlier.
“I was working in a different field before I got into the sheet metal industry, but I was
unhappy with it,” says Zeleniak. “My friend, who actually teaches at the school, told
me about [the apprenticeship program] initially, so I figured I’d give it a shot. And
I’ve been working in the industry every since.”
Zeleniak works as a detailer at Bombard Mechanical in AutoCAD and design,
AutoCAD being a group of computer-aided design software products used for 2-D
and 3-D drafting and design.
Big plans for the big top
“That’s what I’m primarily interested in,” he says. “But I enjoy field installation as
well, since I enjoy working with my hands.”
He went on to describe just what it is he does as a detailer.
“For AutoCAD, I take drawings from an engineer and I make shop drawings of those
drawings. It’s hard to explain if you don’t have a background in construction, but
I’m basically taking the engineering drawing and clarifying it for the people I’m
giving it to. I also coordinate with other trades like plumbers and electricians
working on the job to make sure our work will go in in a timely fashion. In essence,
a detailer is somebody who looks ahead of the job and tries to simplify it.”
What Zeleniak seems to enjoy most about the sheet metal industry is that every day
is not always the same, however, and that there are so many different choices one
can make within the single industry of sheet metal.
“It appeals to different personalities. For example, for people who are very technical
there’s drafting and AutoCAD design, etc. For people who enjoy working with their
hands there’s field installation and stainless steel welding and more. And the
apprenticeship offers me an opportunity where I have options in my career so I know I
won’t get tired of it.”
In addition to being at least 18 years of age, passing a Basic Math and Reading
Competency Exam and passing the oral interview, interested students must also
submit an application with copies of their birth certificate, high school diploma or
G.E.D., transcripts and a valid Nevada driver’s license. Applications are accepted at
the Sheet Metal Local #88 Apprenticeship Program office in person the first Tuesday
of every month from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Once accepted into the program, a first year apprentice will earn $16.71 an hour, plus
benefits, according to Rose. “Then they get a raise each step as they go through the
program,” he continues. And the program is available to both men and women –
anyone willing to work hard and learn the aspects of the industry.
“I think it was a great career choice,” says Zeleniak. “I don’t regret the decision to
get into sheet metal one bit. Also, I think through the apprenticeship program I
learned a lot of good work ethic and just practical, hands-on applications of things I
can use in life. I highly recommend it to anybody, especially people in high school.”
For more information about the program and application process, contact their office
at (702) 632-3014 !
By Manuella Monreal, Las Vegas Academy
Running away to join the circus is often an idealistic childhood dream. But for senior Sarah Reyes,
attending a circus school to one day perform under the big tent is her unique and very real ambition.
Juggling since the sixth grade, Reyes
has some skill when it comes to the
often unrecognized performance art.
“My partner and boyfriend, Dustin
Knouse, performs street shows at
First Friday with me. This past Ren
Fair we had our own act. We’re also
members of the World Juggling
Federation and members of the
Sandou Theatrical Circus School,”
Reyes says.
While she and Knouse practice the
common pins, they also go the extra
mile and juggle knives, clubs and
other unusual objects. Her partner
has also been seen at First Friday
swallowing knives.
Some may wonder just where a
person would train to be a juggler
with the circus. Believe it or not, there
is a school that specifically trains
people to one day travel with a cast in
the extravaganza. And Reyes has had
some professional aid in following her
juggling career as well.
“Dustin and I practice at the Lance Burton
show in Michael Goudeau’s dressing
room. He’s the juggler in the show, and he
helps us out with learning new tricks.”
The next natural question that pops
into one’s head is: Why? What would
drive a Las Vegas Academy band
major to want to be in the circus?
According to Reyes, the reason is
not only to be part of an enchanting
experience for people of all ages, but
also to give her the practice and
experience she might need to
eventually have a show of her own.
“The circus is a great place to start a
juggling career. I’ve also known
people who have worked in a circus,
and it seems like it would be a great
experience for me. However, I don’t
plan on working in a circus for too
long. I’d like to work on a cruise ship
as well, but my goal is to one day
have my own show.”
While juggling is her main ambition
right now, Reyes has other
performance skills that she hopes
will one day land her in the spotlight.
“I do magic – more card magic than
anything else – and I am currently
trying to teach myself how to ride a
unicycle. I’m trying to learn as
much as I can so when I’m ready to
work professionally, I’ll have a lot
of skill to back me up.”
Reyes’ circus aspirations will never
get in the way of her schooling,
however. She plans to attend the Art
Institute after high school and then,
once she gets her degree, she hopes
to realize her dreams in full !