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It was a drizzling experience for some
students in MECHS during an obstacle
course. Contestants faced water balloons,
mini scooters, hula hoops, and a battalion
of sharp shooters. A competing sophomore
named Diego Oliveros said, People were
throwing balloons at me and they hurt if
they didnt pop.
It was a cloudy yet hot afternoon Au-gust 14, 2009, the day the school decided
to set up the Obstacle Course designed by
leadership and Ms. Alcantar.
The obstacle course had an array of
levels and teams. Oliveross says, We
had to do 10 hula hoops then we had to
run and then jump the rope ten times and
then get into the carts and roll ourselves to
victory!
The day was a summer splash to
remember and according to Ms. Alcantar
their will be another one soon to come.
With construction out of the way, Ms.
Alcantar said leadership will be more ca-
pable of making a better, longer, and more
fun obstacle course.
Some people said the obstacle course was
to short and easy. Celia Garcia said, It
wasnt so much competitive, but it was re-
ally fun. Leadership will try and intensify
the difculty of the course
The obstacle course/Hawaiian day was
a relaxing day for students. They couldforget about the pressure from work which
was an objective for the organizers. Many
people agreed it was a good day and it
seems that the next ones to come will be
better. Ms. Alcantar said, The course was
easy but it was meant to be fun which
it was for the participants. We will have
another one once the school construction
is over.
Oliveross nal words were, I would
really like to do it again but I think [it will
be better] if we couldve had more time
to plan it and get more people involved.
Many people are waiting for it to happen
again hoping for the new improvements
to be added, because most people such as
Oliveros hoped the course was more long
and elaborate. Ms. Alcantar said, Leader-
ship will plan a longer and more difcult
course with added equipment, such as
bicycles and a possible water features at
the end of the year.
Math instructor Andrew Waxman had
whipped cream smeared all over his cool
science goggles and his black trash bag
was smoothly converted to an apron in the
pie throwing contest in August.
According to Waxman
the contest was not goodor bad, it was exactly
what I expected and peo-
ple got to throw things
at the teachers without
getting in trouble.
Despite Waxman
being the main target for
the students, he wasnt
scared to get hit except
for when he saw that one kid that gave
him the goose bumps, Jamie Soto, he
was the only one that hit me in the face.
Bedsides Waxman there were two other
targets for the students to hit, biology
instructor Mr. Ray being one of them was
playfully taunting and mocking the stu-dents to throw and aim better. His taunting
did test the students anger a bit but there
was one student who used his anger a bit
more prociently, Cabral Jerry, its the
rst time that they got me and he got me
in the goggles, said Mr. Ray.
Ray claimed he would be a better
participant if the game was switched and
he was the one throwing the pie instead of
the students because he would use his sci-
ence smarts, I understand physics, when
you throw harder you miss
more.The third teacher, English
instructor Mrs. Clarke got off
easily because she wasnt as
big as a target as Mr. Wax-
man and probably didnt get
hit more than ve times. I
was disappointed because I
thought they were trying to
be nice like holding back,
said Mrs. Clarke.
The price to hit the teachers with a
pie was 25 cents--not really a pie--just a
sponge covered in whipped cream. Al-
though it wasnt a real pie students would
still give anything to get a chance to hit
a teacher, it feels good to torture themfor once, says freshman Karen Rojo she
wasnt the only one searching for revenge.
Students like junor Robert Mendez had a
good reason for revenge, If the teachers
were throwing the pies, they would prob-
ably want revenge too.
= 3.14? More like 25 cents
Freshmen Amoree Visser fires a sponge
full of whipped cream at Mr. Rays face.
Jackie ARTEAGA-Photographer
Wild sponge with whipped cream splashes
Mr. Waxman the math instructor.
Jackie ARTEAGA-Photographer
Alex Casllo rolls with style into the finish line. Eric WALDEN-Photographer
Summer
SplashCourseFreshmen Kaira Henderson observes as
the launched sponge flies towards its des-
naon. Jackie ARTEAGA-Photographer
A flying pink water ballon eyes its next
vicm. Eric WALDEN-Photographer
Karla Cruz-muros dodges water ballons while sliding on her scooters.
Eric WALDEN -Photographer
Stephanie Sanchez calls for the first two teams to compete.
Eric WALDEN-Photographer
Brian JACINTO - Writer
Bobbi FOSTER-Writer
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Senior Bernice Nevarez makes sure that every part of the car
is clean.
Students weathered the blistering heat
on Friday, August 24th in an effort to
express appreciation for instructors and
faculty members. Ms. Alcntar, in col-
laboration with Leadership members,
organized a non-profit car wash.
Held on a Flexible Friday, some stu-
dents made the extra effort to partake in
the event by using free class periods to
go out and show their support.
I thought it would be a good way to
show teachers that we are thankful for
what they do and it sounded like an event
that would also be fun, says Senior
Nelly Campos, a proud participant in the
Leadership orchestrated event. Students
participating in the car wash were work-
ing cooperatively, washing, rinsing, and
even parking the cars.
Regardless of the light rain
showers later that day, students who
participated in the car wash say that the
teachers were thankful and appreciative.
In light of El Pasos unpredictability
when it comes to weather, our own Mr.
Brewer humorously pointed out that
the ill-timed showers only confirmed
Murphys Law. When you wash your
car, it rains. When asked why he chose
to partake in such an event, ...a student
offered and I thought it would be fun for
them to wash a gigantic van.
[Leadership] will be doing some-
thing for teachers every month and Ill
be happy to help with what I can, says
Campos. Students interested in volun-
teering are encouraged to sign up for
Leadership with Ms. Alcantar in the Pac
Room.
Daffney MYERS - Writer
E WALDEN - Photographer
Faculty Car Wash
Fun in the Sun
Sand, swimsuits, and tons of
water (which do not exist in the city ofEl Paso) were celebrated by the students
of Mission Early College High School.
Beach Day on August 14th was an all day
event put together by Leadership and Ms.
Alcantar.
The sponsor of the activity is
delighted everything went well and still
had the chance to have fun with the other
students. Ms. Alcantar said, I think it
was very successfulthe obstacle course
went well. We accomplished everything
we wanted to accomplish. It was a big ice-
breaker for the studentsit showed [the
freshman that] they can do things other
schools cannot.
The wet weather made some happy
and others gloomy, but sunny or notsome people did not like their activity.
Freshman Aiden Martinez responded, I
guess it is good that we get to [have] more
dressed up [days]. But we have free dress
as it is.
Sophomore Haylee Fierro was in
a more positive mood and ready for the
anything. It is pretty cool [to get dressed
in beach wear], said Fierro. The smile
she wore spread from one ear to the next
spreading the joy she felt.
The rain was an unexpected extra
addition to the day for some of the stu-
dents who participated in beach day. [I
am] pretty excited even though it is rain-
ing and coldit feels like we are at a
beach because it is wet, sandy, and cold,said junior Eric Walden.
Coming in beach wear was not
easy for some people to do. But senior
Rene Orantia was happy to dress the part.
Orantia said, It was really cool and really
fun dressing like a beachmost classes
participated.
The ice breaker on August 14th
did its job well and helped many of the
freshman make new friends. It was a fun
and interesting day thanks to Leadership.
Leadership followed up Beach
Day with Movie Night on September 18th
and an outdoor screening of Gremlins.
Principle Dr. Aguirre spots his next dry prey.Ms. Alcantar looks for revenge.
Senior Jonathan Shoman gazes down as
he helps clean Mrs. Bonillas Hummer.
Senior Hatty Lara has fun drying a car.Senior students wash Mrs. Bonillas
black Hummer.
Senior Daniel Anaya has the ultimate
water power in his hands!
Joseph SAUCEDO - Writer
Karla BERNAL - Photographer
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Senior Nelly Campos visists Nurse Brisee to be sure she is not infected with Senioris
Senior Mike Caracozas Senioris forces him to crush any lowerclassmen he sees.
Story By: Joseph SAUCEDO
Pictures By: Eric WALDEN
Senioritis (\,s-nyr--
ts\) A crippling illness affect-
ing high school seniors every-
where. It is often characterized
by chronic laziness, excessive
absences/tardiness, and dismis-
sive tendencies.Many high schools across
the states are plagued by the
illness, blissfully unaware of its
source and detrimental effects
on seniors.
Senior Steven Seigel
says that Senioritis, even in mild
cases, can lead to dissatisfy-
ing grades. In short, failure to
attend class, both high school
and college-level, can be severe-
ly disadvantageous by the time
Finals Week arrives.
Though the cause is
unclear, Senior Jackie Gallinar
says that, Having the feeling
of living up to expectations, is
partially to blame for Seniori-
tis among a multitude of other
sources.
Many of the May gradu-
ates are regularly attending
UTEP though they have not yet
completed high school courses
required for a diploma. SeniorEdna Vazquez says, I think
most of the UTEP students think
the same way in terms of giving
priority to our college courses
over high school classes. Does
an Associates Degree make our
May grads any less prone to the
perils of Senioritis?
There isnt too much
to prevent it [Senioritis] other
than having reality check, says
Seigel. Attending class on a
habitual basis and prioritizing
are some of the few preventative
measures that can be taken.
Juniors Eric Walden and Brandon Manning bow down to Seniors Wendy Rodriguez,
Monica Flores and Nelly Campos.
Attention seniors! The following test will
assess your level of Senioritis. Answer each
question truthfully and calculate your score.
1. Youve ditched 2 or more classes this se-
mester.
2. You dont attend 1 or more of the classes
listed on your Flexible Friday Sheet.
3. There are Fridays you forget to turn-inyour Flexible Friday Sheet.
4. ARMI is a class period you are comfortable
arriving late to, or even ditching.
5. You arrive late to school on a daily basis.
6. You often study minutes before an exam.
7. Youve done one of the following with your
Flexible Friday
Driven to Pavo Rel for a quick swim
Watched Transformers 2 at the dollar movies
Went off-roading near the SAC
Just took off and headed home for the day
8. You are constantly called into the office in
regard to your attendance.
9. You finish homework late at night or the
morning it is due.
10. Youve disregarded most of the work assigned
this semester.0-2
Level 1: You are right on track. Nothing more than a sea-
sonal case of Senioritis. Contact your doctor immediately
if condition worsens.
3-5
Level 2: There is room for improvement. Its time to con-
sider attending class on a regular basis and studying for
exams well beforehand.
6-8+
Level 3: Outright Senioritis! Your infirmity is highly con-
tagious. It would be best to distance yourself from peers.
This is by far the most severe degree of Senioritis.
SENIORITISCHECKLIST
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Fashion SpeaksYoure walking down the halls of Mission High School when
you see some guy with a neon green, three-foot Mohawk. When
you go to the vending machine, you notice a girl with a pair of
red heels clacking away down the hallway. You discover shes
not the only one doing the clacking when you see a boy withwhite cowboy boots and a perfectly matching belt. Through the
doors of Mission are different fashion trends worn by everybody,
from Rockers to preppies and in-between. In the trendsetters
mind they represent more than just style. Their style represents
culture, personality, appearance and the most important, who
they truly are.
FASHION
CherosIs a shortened name for Ranchero and originated
from the Mexican culture. The attire usually requires
matching boots and a belt. The cowboy hat is always
a must. Cheros can be seen ripping up the dance
floor in the middle of a duranguense song.
FashionistasThe Fashionistas cat walk down the runway, every singleday. They make the rules and they break the rules but still
always look fabulous. These type people always have a
pair of zebra printed high heels hanging around in theircloset.
PrepsHollister, Pac Sun, American Eagle, Aeropostale,
Abercrombie and Fitch every brand in the mall you
name, they got it. And they make sure you know
they have name brand clothes because the name,
Hollister is printed in big white letters across
their shirt. Not to mention their clothes always
match to perfection.
JocksThe jocks can be seen screaming, Score like
a mad man around the fields. The extra talented
kid is always running around in Reebok basketball
shorts and pair of Nikes. Things like heels and ties
are a hidden behind thousands of soccer trophies
under their bed.
RockersFrom dark black eyeliner to purple spiked up hair,
the rockers know how to cause a conversation
with their black baggy pants and their graphical
band ties. Rockers can always be spotted at a
Metallica concert shaking their heads and hair in an
adrenaline rush.
Trends
Bobbi Foster-Writer
Martha Cruz-Photographer
Daniel Trejo
Tiffany Zuniga
Dominic AlonsoVanity Flores
George Ugalde
Gabriel Duron
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New On Campus
6
armi
Photo Provided By: Alex CASTILLO
G ARMI
S [D V]
E P E C -
.
W - M ANAYA
The following takes place be-
tween 8:10 am and 8:15 am.
Students run around frantically,
hurrying to reach their classrooms
in time. The sound of footsteps,
confusion, and doors slamming
drown out everything else. The fol-
lowing takes place from 8:25 am
to 8:30 am. Students entered their
respective classroom, trying to nd
a seat. Anchors John Pacheco and
Xavier Martinez inform clueless
students of upcoming events and
important announcements. The
following takes place from 8:30
am and 9:00 am.Peeking inside English teacher
Sergio Perez, students are discuss-
ing a novel. Students in music
instructor Joshua Brewer are going
over their agendas and learning
how to become better students.
Math instructor Andrew Waxman
works with his students to interpret
President Obamas quotes.
ARMI class has commenced
this year for the first time in
the Socorro District, including
MECHS. It has begun with the sole
purpose of helping students who
need the extra help in class. The
district has started with this class
to provide during the mentoring
periods accelerated information
to the students who need it, Vice
Principal Ivette Savina says.
MECHS does not have a highrate of failure. So how are we tak-
ing advantage of this class? Savina
explains, Here at MECHS we are
using it to show our students how
to be successful. We use specic
activities with hopes of showing
students how they can access the
information they need.
Students have mixed emotions
about this new class. Students like
junior Juan Bolanos are excited
about ARMI class. Bolanos says,I really like this class because it
helps you reflect upon yourself.
You get to develop good studying
habits.
Not everyone shares Bolanoss
feelings. Sophomore Micaela
P - GabrielSANCHEZ
Volleyball
Xyxyxxyxy xyx
Arcle By: Miguel ANAYA
Everyone on the eld slowly
squats down, watching the server with
squinted eyes. The sun beats down on
their backs as their eyes lock rmly onthe server. The server raises the ball up
slowly, holding it like sort of trophy.
She tosses it up in the air and smacks
it into the other direction, the sound
of the impact sends a rush of adrena-
line through every player. Volleyball
sponsor Adrian Estroga keeps his eyes
glued to the ball as it flies back and
forth between players, ready to point
out any rule violations and pronounce
the winner.
Geometry teacher Estorga will be organizing and monitoring
this years MECHS volleyball tournament. Before [we had orga-
nized sport tournaments], we had students playing volleyball [during
lunch either way] and Ms Alcantar took it upon herself to organizethe students into a tournament. Last year, Coach Arvizu organized
the tournament and this year it was fallen upon me to do it, Estorga
says.
Students are getting into the action, whether they are playing
or watching. Junior Angel Cepeda says, I entered the tournament
because volleyball is a fun sport and I hope our team wins.
Queens of the Court Captain Alex Castillo says, Our prize will be
pride and knowing we beasted it up out there.
This years sports sponserer Estorga said he made major
improvements to make the games as fun and efcient as possible.
Last year we had the problem of having students taking classes at
Valle Verde during scheduled games and they couldnt make it. This
year I took that into consideration and asked everyone when they
could play so that we didnt run into that problem again. Games
will run into the end of the month, so students will still be able to
get a glimpse of the players tearing it up.
Junior Eric Walden writes all of
his good habits.
Photographer - Alex CASTILLO
Leadership students prepare a poster for an upcoming
event.
D .
Josh Cardoza listenst to his favorite
music in the PAC.
Photographer - Alex CASTILLO
Mine! yells senior Eddie Gardea as he quickly reacts
to the incoming ball.
Sending the ball soaring overthe net, freshman Paulina
Samenego ghts to break aed score.
Phoenix
Activity
Center
Pearson says, I think that this
class is bad because it adds more
work than what we are already do-
ing. Despite feeling overloaded,
Pearson adds she will give that
class her best. I will probably
pass it because I cant let myselffail anything. I still think Im go-
ing to pass, Micaela says.
Freshman who had high hopes
of starting class later found
themselves disappointed to learn
school will now start at 8:15 am.
Freshman Erik Duran says, I
thought it was pretty cool to go
to high school. But I was kind of
surprised they were extending
our time in school and I didnt
like that.
MECHS instructors are work-
ing hard with Savina and Princi-pal Dr. Aguirre to adjust to this
new period. Savina says, We
try to promote organization and
time management. We think that
those skills are important to have
and practice so you can become a
very successful student.
Sophomore Damian Valencia goes over notes in ARMI class. Pho-
tographer - Alex CASTILLO
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A new school year has brought new
staff to Mission Early College High
School. MECHS not only has a new
freshman class but, new teachers and staff
members for this 2009-10 school year.
MECHS now has a new teacher for 10th
grade chemistry, dance, physical educa-
tion, BCIS (Business Computer Infor-
matrion System), 9th grade English, 11th
grade English, government. Gloria Jurado
is the new office clerk, Ms. Quintanilla
the new attendance clerk and Mr. Miranda
is the new counslor.
The new teachers have praised Mis-
sion Early College High School. The new
dance teacher Ms. Perez said, Im really
excited, I have a supportive staff, a sup-
portive administration, that encourages
me and, the students are great.
The new staff members prefer
MECHS and are happy of being part of
the staff. I love it, I couldnt be any-
where else, said new Physical Education
teacher, Ms. Gonzalez.
The new BCIS teacher, Mr. Bonilla,
said, Should I tell the truth?when asked
about how MECHS first got in touch with
him. Bonilla got in touch with Dr. Aguirre
first with the help of Mrs. Bonilla.
MECHS seems to bring a new envi-
ronment to many of the new staff mem-
bers. Sophmore chemistry teacher, Ms.
Abanos old high school had a populationof 3,000 students. Nobody knew each
other Abano said.
The new teachers described their previ-
ous jobs. Mr. Bonilla said, I was teach-
ing, but I was doing credit recovery in
Socorro high school for super seniors.
Abano said,Standardized tests counted as
major grades in her previous position.
The teacher from other cities or states
commented on how changes have come.
The new chemistry teacher, Mrs. Abano,
has just moved to El Paso from North
Carolina. Abano said, The people [in El
Paso] are friendly and helpful.
The new school year was a new start.
Mrs. Adrienne Abano, Ms. Monica Perez,
Ms. Yanel Gonzalez, Mr. Raymond
Bonilla, Ms. Angela Clarke, Mr. Segio
Perez, Mr. Robert Acosta, Ms. GloriaJurado, Ms. Cristina Quintanilla and, Mr.
Humberto Miranda were all part of this
new start. They now represent MECHS
staff and enjoy being here.
By Karla Sanchez & Valerie Tafoya
New Year, New FacesMs. Perez is one of the many new teach-
ers at Mission Early College High School.
Her curriculum is dance and health.
Photographer- Mahew Alonso
New teacher, Mr. Bonilla, works hard on
his lectures, as he is proud to be apart of
the Mission Staff.
Photographer- Mahew Alonso
Phoenix Flames & Embers
Everyone stretches out their back so it would be easier to move and dance around.
Photographer- Eric Walden
The Phoenix Flames coordinator, Ms.
Perez, shows everyone a secon of thetryout dance.
Photographer- Eric Walden
Having much knowledge about chemistry, new teacher Ms. Abao will give insight
about molecules to sophomore students.
Photographer- Mahew Alonso
Nohemy AlemanGaby Velez
Ana VasquezLisa Garcia
Alex CastilloValerie MolinaJessica Dominguez
Leyla PalaciosMeagan Alvarado
Alex ApodacaGizelle Silerio
Ana Diaz de LeonJeana NevarezClarissa HerreraRocio Fernandez
Mitzelle EscobarHattly Lara
Alyssa ColacionEstefania Nunez
Griselda ArreolaCourtney MagnasonMiriam Pando
Amanda LujanJoanna Rodriguez
Wendy GarciaJazmine Gallardo
Kaory FloresDaphne MyersKaitlyn IagerErika Quiroz
Michelle Jimenez
Aendance clerk, Ms. Crisna Quintanilla
places a phone call.
Photographer- Evelia Fraire
To prevent any injury, everyonestretched out their muscles by doing
buerflies. Photographer- Eric Walden
Members
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The plaza theater gives you a unique
sense of the old art-deco style with a newage spirit. When you are seated, a light
show representing an elaborate day and
night rendtiton behind it, different to start-
ing a movie as opposed to previews. In the
end its worth the drive and the cost.
I saw a movie called Blast of Silence
at the plaza film festival on Friday, Au-
gust 14th. The movie was black and white,
we had to see this movie because the one
we wanted was sold out. I found that the
movie was a good mix of suspense, action,
and mystery for a black and white movie
from the early 60s. The movie begins
in New York City with a hit-man named
Frankie Bono who was there for a job from
Cincinnati. The movie begins at Christmastime with a cetrtain emptiness that Frankie
feels being away from home with no fam-
ily. He sees a world around him filled with
happiness and family togetherness and
feels at times bitter that he can not experi-
ence that happiness. The feeling of loneli-
ness gets worse when frankie sees some
old friends form the orphanage he grew up
in and they invite him in for a Christmas
Eve party, only reminding him what the
happiness of family brings. He soon falls
in love with a girl he knew, but he is re-
jected after finding out she already has a
boyfriend. The dismayed Frankie becomes
only more dismayed after realizing that
he still has a job to do and thats the onlyreason hes in New york for. Frankie then
becomes distraught from his job as
he has to kill a bystander who
gets in his way of finishing
his job. After talking
with his bosses he is
told that he signed a
contract and has to finsh
the job or its his life in
jeopardy. The moment of
climax comes when the guy
Frankies is supposed to kill
falls into his trap. Frankie kills
him and barely gets away. Only
a few moments later Frankie
i s tracked down by thetargets bodygaurds
and is shot and kil-
lexd. The title,
Burst of Si-
lence comes
from the si-
lence that
is brought
to Frankie when
he is shot and killed.
Overall I thought the
movie was a good movie, it had
a good balance of action with a mes-
sage.
Matt Chapman - Special to The PhoenicianA Blast of Silence
Artists of the Future
When you travel, you often buy
a postcard of one of your favor-
ite attractions since it depicts the
beauty of the experiences you had
there much better than any picture
or story you can write. Not in Costa
Rica. In this Central American
paradise, you dive deep into these
picturesque articles of postage and
experience the adventure first hand.
While the tour was conducted
through EF Tours, whose purpose
is to introduce and educate stu-
dents about foreign countries, that
doesnt mean learning a few facts
and figures here and there made the
excursion any less thrilling. Over
the course of two weeks in June, we
learned little bits about the geogra-
phy of Costa Rice while swimming
at the foot of La Fortuna, one of the
countrys most gorgeous waterfalls.
We witnessed the biodiversity over
the region by walking the paths of
INBIOparque, a reservation show-
casing the different species unique
to the country. We discovered Lake
Arenal was the largest in the land
while kayaking through its waters.
And you can really only learn how
sporadic the whether is over there
when you experience a sudden
downpour in the middle of horse-
back riding in the mountains (it
literally felt like someone poured
buckets of water on us!).
Though activities such as zip-
lining through the jungle (and a
kilometer between mountains at
that) were exhilarating, unique and
sometimes plain scary, it was just
as fun to sit and relax on the beach
with your friends, old and new. It
can be said that traveling with the
people you hold close to your heart
can really put a test to your rela-
tionship but in this Latin American
heaven its hard not to love every-
one you meet. Over the course the
trip, the different groups of friends
began to merge and fuse, introduc-
ing us to new friends and strength-
ening the ties to our existing ones
to create lasting bonds that span a
lifetime.
But dont worry about being left
out of this amazing opportunity,
for those of you who wish they
couldve gone theres going to be
another trip to Costa Rica filled
with some familiar activities as
well as new expeditions to enjoy in
2011.
Zach Reyna - Special to The PhoenicianCosta Rica
Anna Patino-Artist
By Laura SaucedoPicture on bottom: Black Bird L
Senior Zach Reyna and a fellow travaler Claudia Ramirez try on
their shells
Student Submissions
8