UISD employees give back

Pictured, from left to right, are: Roberto J. Santos, UISD Superintendent; Cindy Liendo-Espinoza, STFB Adoptive Family coordinator; Salo Otero, STFB director of development.

In an effort to help fight hunger in the community, United Independent School District Superintendent Roberto J. Santos presented a check to the South Texas Food Bank on behalf of UISD employees.

The total of $8,135.28 reflects donations from campuses and departments across the district.

Accreditation agency gives thumbs up to LCC program

For more than 30 years, Laredo Community College's two-year Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program has churned out certified lab technicians to help meet the needs of Laredo and surrounding community.

Late last month, the program received official accreditation for seven years from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

"This is great news for LCC and the Laredo community because we are the only accredited MLT program in the area," said Adriana Nunemaker, LCC's MLT program coordinator and instructor.

NAACLS is a non-profit organization that independently accredits clinical laboratory science education programs. An accreditation is a process of external peer reviews which grants public recognition to a program that meets qualifications and educational standards.

Although MLT personnel are critical to hospitals, the field is largely an unknown one.

Laredo's largest two hospitals, Laredo Medical Center and Doctors Hospital, employ approximately 20 medical laboratory personnel that prepare, examine and analyze body fluids from patients.

MLT personnel never see or speak to hospital patients. But, they play a vital role in determining diseases or diagnose illnesses and determine treatment for patients.

"We're kind of like a detective trying to find out why a patient is sick," Nunemaker said. "As MLTs, we analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids and tissues for diseases."

To diagnose a suspected heart attack, for example, an MLT will measure substances that signal cardiac stress or damage, and they also count the number and types of blood cells to determine if the patient has leukemia, anemia, or other blood disorders.

Marlene Espinoza, an LCC sophomore, is in her second year in LCC's MLT program.

"I'm extremely happy in the program," Espinoza said. "I love everything about laboratory work because I love solving puzzles. This program is a stepping stone to what I want to be: a forensics lab technician to find out, for example, how someone died."

The LCC MLT program was the first accredited health program in the Laredo area when it was first established in the early 1970s.

"The job outlook for medical laboratory technicians is excellent," Nunemaker added.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Advising and late registration, and the first day of summer session one classes begins Monday, May 31.

For more information on the MLT program, contact Adriana Nunemaker at 721-5261 or e-mail at adriana.nunemaker@laredo.edu.

Trautmann student bound for leadership academy

Anaisa Martin, a student at Trautmann Middle School, has been selected to travel to the Dallas/Fort Worth area as a participant in Education in Action's Lone Star Leadership Academy from June 28-July2.

Martin's selection for the academy was based on her outstanding academic success; demonstrated leadership ability; a recommendation by her teacher, Priscilla Keene; and her involvement in school and community activities.

Martin will join a delegation of outstanding students from across the state of Texas and its leaders to learn about future career and internship opportunities. She will also visit several significant Texas sites.

AHS teacher loses hair over student success

Agustin Ballesteros, a Social Studies and U.S. history teacher at Alexander High School had a couple of wishes.

The first wish was for a minimum of seven of his students to pass the exit level Social Studies TAKS test with a commended score of 2400 or higher. The second wish was that another ten students score 2300 or higher.

Ballesteros vowed to have his head shaven if his students achieved the benchmarks he set for them. The results of the test revealed that eight students earned a commended 2400+ score and that ten students earned a 2300+ score.

Overall, 98.6 percent of his students passed the TAKS Social Studies exit test. Ballesteros now sports a cool new "victory" haircut.

Agustin Ballesteros is poses for a picture before he gets his head shaved.

Agustin Ballesteros gets grazed by the skilled hand of fellow AHS teacher Joe Lawler. Students from Ballesteros' class also took turns trimming his hair .

New summer camps scheduled at TAMIU

This summer, the South Texas Writing Project will present three camp opportunities for second-eighth graders at Texas A&M International University that help underscore the importance of writing and reading in a changing world.

The camps are offered in July. Space is limited and costs very per camp. Information on all camps is available from the STWP at 326-2470 or by visiting offices at TAMIU's Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall, room 314.

The first camp, offered July 5-9 for second-fourth graders, is "Exploring the Universe Through Writing" and is offered in collaboration with the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center and Planetarium. Students will explore the universe with daily planetarium shows, interactive hands-on activities and daily reading and writing in a fun learning environment. The course will meet daily Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 and all project supplies and snacks are provided. The cost is $175 per student.

The second camp, scheduled July 6–July 9 for fifth-eighth graders, is "Writing and Reading in the Digital Age." Students will practice the writing process, use technology, have daily writing and reading activities, learn a new approach to original writing and participate in Hands-on creative activities. The course meets Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The cost is $150 per student and includes lunch and snacks.

The third camp, "Join the Force: Supermedia Patrol Camp," is offered July 12-16 for seventh-eighth graders and presented in collaboration with The Bridge, the Student Newspaper of TAMIU. Students will meet Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (lunch provided) for a fun program focused on writing and media applications for future journalists and photographers. Both English and Spanish writers are welcome and all work is TEKS and TAKS-aligned. The cost is $225 per student.

The STWP is an affiliate site of the National Writing Project, the largest professional development network in the U.S. with over 200 sites. NWP, a federally funded non-profit organization, is listed in the "No Child Left Behind" catalog of models for comprehensive school reform. TAMIU is the home of the South Texas Writing Project, first founded in 1996.

Hebbronville students get scholarships to TAMIU

Two Hebbronville High School students will be making their way to Laredo's Texas A&M International University this fall with the assistance of scholarships from TAMIU. Student Deirdre Diane Garcia, third from left, is ranked second in her class. Brian Esteban Palacios, second from left, is ranked third. They are congratulated by, left: Humberto Gonzalez, TAMIU dean of the College of Education, and right, Susana P. Garza, Hebbronville HS counselor and Fantina T. Garcia, HHS principal.

Laredo students named to UNT Dean's List

Three University of North Texas students from Laredo have been named to the Dean's List for the 2010 spring semester. To be named to the Dean's List, undergraduates must complete at least 12 academic hours with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9.

Jesus Osvaldo Garcia, Eraani V. Perez and Gracie Castillo were named to the Dean's List.

UISD readies for graduation ceremonies

The academic journey for nearly 2,300 United Independent School District high school students has led them to this great moment of distinction-graduation. As such, the district is busy finalizing details for the four upcoming graduation ceremonies that will formally celebrate their scholastic achievements as each of them enter a new phase in their lives. Equally exciting is the fact that graduates from each of the high schools have accepted exceptional amounts in scholarships and the amount continues to grow.

The district's high school graduation ceremonies will take place starting Friday, May 28, and Saturday, May 29, at the Laredo Energy Area, 6700 Arena Boulevard.

The high school ceremony graduation schedule will be as follows:

• United High School 7 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2010
• Alexander High School 10 a.m., Saturday, May 29, 2010
  
• United South High School 2 p.m., Saturday, May 29, 2010
  
• Lyndon B. Johnson High School 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 29, 2010

Additionally, UISD also takes great pride in announcing the 2009-2010 valedictorians and salutatorians from each of its outstanding high schools. They are as follows:

Alexander High School

Katherine Proa-Valedictorian

Cassie Chan-Salutatorian

Lyndon B. Johnson High School

Jose Luis Zavala, Jr.-Valedictorian

Rebecca Renee Soto-Salutatorian

United High School

Armando Molina, Jr.-Valedictorian

Arturo Elizondo-Salutatorian

United South High School

Vanessa Ortiz-Valedictorian

Karla Sanchez- Salutatorian

Additional information on each UISD valedictorian and salutatorian and information on how to view UISD graduation ceremonies live via the Internet can be found by clicking on the link below:

http://www.uisd.net/graduations-2010-2458

Free month-long summer math camp set for June 7

Caption: From left to right, high school students Maria Guerra and Javier Cardenas eagerly await as Title V math instructor Jose Santa Cruz finishes placing 4,500 grams of rocks inside a bucket connected to the team's hand-made balsa wood bridge during last year's Title V Math Summer Camp.

Incoming high school freshmen are encouraged to attend the fourth annual Laredo Community College Title V Math Summer Camp from June 7 through July 2.

The free, month-long camp will take place at the LCC Fort McIntosh Campus Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The camp is open to students who have completed the eighth grade and will enter the ninth grade in the fall semester.

Students in the Laredo, United, Webb County Consolidated independent school districts, and area private schools are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is Tuesday, June 1. Space is limited and students will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The math summer camp will feature guest speakers, hands-on technology training, and campus tours.

"We want students to retain the knowledge they received during the last year in middle school," Pablo David Morales, LCC math instructor and camp coordinator, said. "With this camp, students will still have their geometry, algebra, and their general creativity still lit during the summer months as they enter their freshman year in high school."

"The camp will not be focused too much on numbers, but on creativity, and students also will be exposed to the graphic calculator, a critical instrument they'll be using during their high school and college years," Morales added.

Each year, Morales is asked whether there will be homework during the camp. "The answer is, no. We want students to have fun and enjoy their summer as well," Morales said.

The Title V Math Summer Camp is made possible by a cooperative grant shared by LCC and Texas A&M International University via the U.S. Department of Education's program: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

For applications or for more information, contact Pablo David Morales at 721-5404 or e-mail pablo.morales@laredo.edu.

Three TSTA local units merge

By Nick Georgiou
Laredo Morning Times

The three Texas State Teacher Association local units are merging as one, meaning more political clout in Austin, more funding and an overall stronger entity, organization officials said.

"Locally speaking, I think it brings a sense of unification, which is obviously translated for many as strength and more power for both school districts," said Steve Sianez, organizational development specialist for the local TSTA chapter.

The Laredo chapter has a membership of about 3,700 teachers and education support professionals (ESPs), such as bus drivers. TSTA leaders soon hope to reach a membership of 4,000.

Click here for the full story.

LCC advising and regular registration is Thursday

It's not too late to register for the first summer session at Laredo Community College.

Students planning to enroll for Summer Session 1 classes can do so during advising and regular registration day on Thursday, May 27, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at either the Fort McIntosh or South campus.

Self-advised students and students who have been advised but have not yet registered for classes can do so via the PASPort student account system at https://pasport.laredo.edu or by visiting the college's website at www.laredo.edu and clicking on the PASPort logo.

Classes begin on Monday, May 31, which is also the last day to register for classes for the first summer session. Late registration will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at both campuses for new and returning students. Students must register in person, as online registration will not be available on Monday.

Current and returning students with declared majors can be advised in the department office of their major.

First-time students and those who are undecided about their major can be advised at the Student Success Center, located in Memorial Hall, room 107 at the Fort McIntosh Campus, or in the Billy Hall Student Center, room 116 at the South Campus.

Registration will be conducted in person at the LCC Registration Center at either campus.
Payment of tuition and fees during regular and late registration days is due by 7 p.m. in person at the Bursar's Office or by 11 p.m. with a credit or debit card via PASPort at https://pasport.laredo.edu. A $10 late registration fee will be assessed on Monday during late registration.

Students can view the class schedule on PASPort or on the college's website at www.laredo.edu.
Classes for Summer Session 1 run through Wednesday, June 30.

For more information, call the LCC Registration Center at 721-5109 or 794-4110.

LISD students to graduate this week

The Laredo Independent School District's graduating class of 2010 will be receiving their high school diplomas during commencement ceremonies scheduled for Thursday, May 27, and Friday, May 28.

Commencement ceremonies for Martin, Nixon, and Cigarroa High Schools are scheduled for Thursday, May 27, at the Laredo Energy Arena (LEA).

Graduation day begins with Martin High at 10 a.m., with the procession of graduates starting at 9:45 a.m. Nixon High School's commencement is scheduled for 2 p.m. The procession of graduates for Nixon High will start promptly at 1:45 p.m. Cigarroa High school convocation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., with the procession of graduates to begin at 5:45 p.m.

Doors to the LEA will open one hour prior to each graduation ceremony.

Commencement ceremonies for the Early College High School's first graduating class will be held on Friday, May 28, at Texas A&M International University Kinesiology and Convocation Building (Gymnasium). Ceremonies are scheduled for 10 a.m. Doors will open at 9 a.m. with the procession of graduates to begin at 9:45 a.m.

The parents of the top students from each high school will be guests of honor on stage along with the LISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Marcus Nelson, and school administrators.

Admission to LISD's graduation ceremonies is free. However, a ticket is required at the door. Tickets will be distributed by each high school during rehearsals.

Rehearsals for each high school are scheduled for Wednesday, May 26.

For those who cannot attend the ceremonies, LISD will be airing the graduations live via the districts website at www.laredoisd.org/graduation. LISD's Instructional Television (ITV) will also broadcast edited versions of the ceremonies later in June on Cable Channel 18.

UISD announces early dismissal times for Thursday

The United Independent School District would like to thank all students and parents for a wonderful 2009-2010 school year. In an effort to close out the academic year, all UISD students will have an abbreviated school day Thursday, May 27, 2010.

Release times for students will be as follows:

• Elementary Schools: 11:30 a.m.

• Middle Schools: noon

• High Schools: 12:30 p.m.

For those students attending a pre-kinder half day program, the following schedule will be observed:

• Morning Session students will be dismissed at their regular time (10:45 a.m.) on Thursday, May 27.

• Afternoon Session students will not attend school on Thursday, May, 27. Their last day of instruction will be Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at the regular time.

Please note that secondary schools will be administering final exams to students on Thursday, May 27, 2010. Additionally, elementary campuses will be distributing report cards and other pertinent academic information to students for parents to review. Parents should check with their child's campus for a schedule of activities planned for the last day of school.

Yamaha to partner with LCC for percussion camp

High school percussionists can march to the beat of a different drum this summer as Laredo Community College offers its fourth annual Summer Percussion Camp from June 1-3.

Campers will meet from 2 to 9 p.m. at LCC's Fort McIntosh Campus' Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center.

The three-day camp will offer a chance to gain valuable knowledge and skills in all areas of marching percussion from noted masters.

Interested students are encouraged to register early as space is limited.

Camp enrollment continues through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Registration also will be made available on Saturday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students can register at the Llaguno Music Building, room 102, located near the entrance to the Fort McIntosh Campus.

The camp fee is $50 and includes meals throughout the three-day summer camp. Scholarships to the camp will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

This year, the LCC Percussion Summer Camp has teamed up with Yamaha Sounds of Summer, an intense, nationwide program featuring top percussionists.

"Yamaha's Sounds of Summer camps are the perfect way to kick off the marching season," Matthew Adams, LCC percussion instructor and camp coordinator, said. "The level of instruction students will get this summer will be phenomenal."

The camp will feature daily instructional sessions led by experts in different areas of percussion.

"This camp will be highly interactive," Adams added. "Students will be able to apply the concepts they learn in camp as they rehearse and perform in sectionals and full ensembles throughout the camp session."

This year's percussion camp faculty will include Adams and world-renowned percussionist, Brian Fronzaglia.

Brian Fronzaglia, who is this year's special guest, is a current instructor of percussion at Penn State University who has performed on many international stages and has been seen throughout the United States and Europe.

Fronzaglia is a regular on the summer camp circuit, including the Yamaha Sounds of Summer Percussion Camp, and has served as a consultant and arranger for several high schools nationwide.

Fronzaglia is a founding member of the National Football League's "Battering Rams" drumline and also has directed and arranged selections for the Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals.

Matthew Adams is the head of the percussion division at LCC. He joined the college in August 2005 and is currently the principal percussionist/timpanist with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra and an artist/endorser for Sabian Cymbals. He performs all areas of percussion and has performed in a variety of musical settings. Adams is credited for establishing several successful programs at LCC, including the popular indoor drumline, The Laredo Grenadiers, and the LCC Classical Percussion Ensemble.

The summer camp fee also includes a Sounds of Summer T-shirt, a marching essentials book, a Yamaha lanyard with a laminated name badge, and a Yamaha percussion rudiment poster.

In addition, each camper will receive a Yamaha Sounds of Summer Certificate of Completion at the end of the summer percussion camp.

Company sponsors of the LCC Summer Percussion Camp include Sabian, Yamaha Corporation, Innovative, Remo and Hillje Music.

For more information, contact Matthew Adams at 721-5332.

LISD summer school starts June 2

Students who are interested in attending summer classes at Laredo Independent School District are encouraged to enroll for classes. Students can enroll in classes for credit, promotion, or enrichment.

The first day of summer classes is Wednesday, June 2, for all students attending LISD summer school.

LISD's 20 elementary campuses will be offering classes this summer. Students can sign-up for the following programs: Optional Extended Year Program (retentions only) for promotion; Student Success Initiative (SSI) for fifth grade students that failed the reading and/or math TAKS (part of OEYP); Enrichment courses for Accelerated Program for second and fourth grade students, Bilingual Kinder Program, third grade Wellness Camp, third grade Reading Camp, and fifth grade Math/Science Camp; and Special Education (ESY). Classes will be scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Summer classes for middle school students will be available at Christen, Lamar, Cigarroa, and Memorial Middle Schools. Middle school students can enroll in the following programs: Student Success Initiative (SSI) TAKS academies for eighth grade students that failed the Reading and/or Math TAKS; Enrichment classes for sixth and eighth grade students to include Accelerated Program, Algebra Camp, Science Camp, Learning with Gusto, ELL Reading Enrichment Camp, and Special Education (ESY). Classes will be scheduled from 8:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Also available at all middle schools this summer is the Optional Extended Year Program (OEYP) for students who have been retained in reading, math, science, or social studies. Classes will be scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Summer classes for elementary and middle school students will end on Monday, June 28.

High school students can pre-register for summer school at their respective campuses effective immediately through Friday, May 28. Late registration for high school students is Wednesday, June 2.

Summer classes for high school students will be available at Early College High School at Texas A&M International University, Vidal M. Trevino Fine Arts and Communication Magnet, Martin, Nixon, and Cigarroa High Schools. Students can register for the following programs: PLATO Credit Recovery, TAAS/TAKS Academy, 9th grade Credit Initiative and Learning with Gusto/ESL, Special Education and Enrichment courses. Morning classes are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and afternoon classes are scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

The last day of summer school and final exams for high school students is scheduled for Monday, July 12.

The LISD Child Nutrition Program will be offering breakfast and lunch meals to students at all campuses. The summer feeding program is free to all children 18 and younger. The LISD Transportation Department will be sending out buses to transport students.

For more information please contact the Office of Communication at 795-3295.

City recognizes CoOp participants

City of Laredo Mayor Pro Tempore Mike Garza, District I and Deputy City Manager Cynthia Collazo recognized the students who participated in the City of Laredo Co-Op program. Garza, who delivered the keynote address, encouraged the students to never give up, providing his life story as an example of how anyone with enough drive can succeed.

The Co-Op training program partners the City of Laredo with seniors from various local high schools. These students become city employees and the training sites become host to the students. The program is intended to educate the students about real life work environments such as being on time, exposure to municipal government, request in advance for their time off, adhere to rules and policies, and practice proper work attire.

The program runs concurrent with the school year, September through May. The City of Laredo Human Resources Department takes them through a real interview process, hiring procedures, and then assigns the student to best meet the needs of the city department.

This year, students from Nixon High School, Cigarroa High School, Martin High School, and LBJ High School participated in the program, working in the Laredo Public Library, City Secretary’s Office, Employee Wellness, Community Development, Health and various recreation centers for the Parks & Leisure Services Department.

UISD students win scholarships

Caption: On hand to make the presentation were Javier Santos from the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust Fund and Ricardo Moreno, director of financial aid for Laredo Community College. Pictured sitting in front row, left to right, are Prada Elementary students Ricardo Molina and David Blanquez. From Col. Santos Benavides Elementary are students Jacob Abdallah and Greta Villarreal.

Four United ISD fifth-grade students recently received scholarships from the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust Fund after competing as finalists in UISD's Knowledge for College Academic Game Show.

Throughout the school year, fifth-grade students from UISD's 27 elementary campuses competed against each other in an effort to win scholarship money. The game show requires students to spin the Wheel of Knowledge and answer TAKS type questions in the categories of Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts. Through a process of elimination, the final two schools faced-off for the championship game.

Jacob Abdallah and Greta Villarreal, who represent Col. Santos Benavides Elementary School, won first place in the championship game. Through the generosity of the Salinas Trust Fund, Abdallah and Villarreal were each presented with a $1,000 scholarship to Laredo Community College.

Prada Elementary was the runner-up school, and students David Blanquez and Ricardo Molina each received $500 from the Salinas Trust Fund. All four students plan to go to college and said they would put the money to good use.

On hand to present the scholarships to the four students were Javier Santos from the Fernando A. Salinas Charitable Trust Fund and Ricardo Moreno, director of financial aid for Laredo Community College.

Santos said, "We were very honored to be asked to participate in this program. It promotes education, it promotes our students and it motivates them."

Moreno added, "We always look forward to providing students with an opportunity to attend college."

Knowledge for College is produced by United ISD's Instructional Television Department. The academic game show recently won a Gold Star Award in the Texas School Public Relations Association contest.

UISD Instructional Television Director Susan Carlson said, "UISD and the ITV Department are proud of our collaboration with the Salinas Trust Fund. And we would like to thank Mr. Javier Santos for his generosity and support of the students of United ISD."

The Knowledge for College Academic Game Show will resume next school year, with middle school and high school students competing for scholarship money.

Knowledge for College airs regularly, and can be seen on several local channels including KVTV, KGNS, CW, FOX and Public Access (PAC).

Flamenco dance course to be offered this summer

Caption: Karina Montemayor, a current Laredo Community College dance major, poses in a Spanish-traditional Flamenco outfit. Montemayor will be one of several dancers who will participate in LCC's Flamenco Beginner Technique Course.

Whether you're aspiring to dance professionally or to simply use it as an exercise routine, Laredo Community College will be offering a Flamenco dance class during the first summer session beginning Monday, May 31.

"This course is only offered once every two years and usually fills up pretty quickly," Alicia McKinnis, LCC dance instructor, said. "The purpose of this course is to have students explore Flamenco, the best-known Spanish dance form outside of Spain."

The Flamenco Beginner Technique Course, DANC 1353, will cover classical Spanish-style dance movements using a wide array of body movements, and students also will be introduced to castanets, an instrument used in Spanish dances.
"This particular percussion instrument is very popular in Spanish music," McKinnis said. "They're held in a hand and used to produce a rapid succession of clicks for rhythmic accents while dancing."

The class will be taught by McKinnis, who has been an active Spanish-style dance instructor at LCC and the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts for the past two decades.

Throughout her career, McKinnis has taught hundreds of students the art of various Spanish dances, including Ballet Folklorico and Flamenco, and has performed popular Spanish works, such as "El Amor Brujo" by Manuel de Falla, and Georges Bizet's "Carmen."

"Flamenco and other Spanish-style dances have always enlightened students because it not only serves as a appreciation for art, but also makes them aware of the Spanish culture, and boosts their self confidence to higher levels," McKinnis added.

The four-week intense course will take place at the LCC Performing Arts Department dance studio from Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For more information on the beginner's Flamenco course, contact the LCC Performing Arts Department at 721-5330.

Advising for current and new students will continue from May 24 through May 27, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Science is fun at USHS

Caption: Linda Resendez, a junior at USHS, was the representative for her team of seven students at the rollercoaster exhibition. Their creation was the "Nightmare" rollercoaster, inspired by "Nightmare On Elm Street" movies.

United South High School TAKS Science teams dedicated their time and effort to build roller coasters out of popsicle sticks and other materials.

Each student "team" was comprised of a construction engineer, design engineer, and promotional engineer.

All 33 entries were on display for judging by campus teachers. Building roller coasters in teams gave students an opportunity to apply their individual expertise to projects. The exercise was also designed to help reinforce knowledge gained in their Science classes.

TAMIU SIFE wins second place in national exposition

Caption: Texas A&M International University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) recently were awarded second place in the SIFE National Exposition held in Minneapolis, Minn. Pictured from left to right, front row are: Robert Evans (SIFE TAMIU advisor), Elena Solano, Hedei Arias, Kesia Rodriguez, Yuri Robles, Linda Mercado, Holly Herrera, Juan Garcia. Back row: Baldemar Lopez, Edwin Martinez, Dimas Chacon, Diego Garcia, Nelson Figueroa, Miguel Chavez, Louie Rodriguez, Rene Rodriguez, Ivan Molina, Jose Maldonado.

Texas A&M International University's Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) has won second place at a recent SIFE National Exposition held in Minneapolis, Minn., where more than 160 teams nationwide gathered to compete.
SIFE TAMIU showcased seven projects that the student organization focused on during the 2009-10 academic year and received second place for its "I-Transgreen" project in the"Sam's Environmental Challenge" special topic competition, sponsored by Sam's Club in Laredo. The team first won at the South Texas Region level, earning a prize of $1,000 and moving to the second round as a Top Five Finalist to compete for the national award. The group won a trophy and a $4,000 cash prize.
In the project, SIFE TAMIU helped El Meson de San Agustin Restaurant and Alicia Ruiz Elementary School to become more environmentally friendly and adopt cost-saving measures. As a result, El Meson was able to derive a cost savings of more than $500 a month. Families participating in the Alicia Ruiz Elementary School project saved $25 per month in their homes' electricity bills.
"We are very excited about this competition," said Miguel Chavez, TAMIU SIFE treasurer, "It's definitely something that we are proud of and it will help us motivate our new members next year."
The student organization was also named one of the top 20 finalists in the "Business Ethics Competition," for its project titled, "Understanding Disability Success," sponsored by Sealed Air Corp., for presentations the organization made to various local businesses on the contributions that people with disabilities can make to the workforce.
Chavez said that SIFE will utilize its competition award to fund community-oriented, volunteer projects this year.
The SIFE TAMIU team is comprised of a diverse group of students from all disciplines who take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. Its goal is to use students' knowledge to better the community through free enterprise educational outreach projects.
For more information, contact Andres Rivas, assistant professor of business and SIFE faculty sponsor, at 326-2484, e-mail arivas@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Western Hemispheric Trade Center 203C.

TAMIU offers diverse summer camps for all ages

Give your child the chance to learn chess, improve their academic and sports skills, explore their own interests or build their self-esteem this summer with Texas A&M International University’s summer camps.

Registration is currently underway. Tuition and meeting times vary for camps.

Pre-School Camp
This camp is a time for your child to grow, learn, and make new friends. The campers will improve their reading, writing, social studies, and math skills through projects and hands on activities. The Pre-School Camp is open to children ages 3 – 5 and will run from 8 a.m.– 12 p.m. from July 5-29, Monday-Thursday. Tuition is $400. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/Pre-SchoolCampRegistration.shtml.

Kids Creativity Workshop
The summer is a time for fun and games and to explore new things. During the workshop your child will get a chance to act, use their artistic abilities, make music, and find new worlds through reading.
The camp is open to children in grades 1st-6th and will run from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. from July 5-29, Monday-Thursday. Tuition is $400. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/KidsCreativityRegistration.shtml.

Kids Academia Workshop
Children can lose a significant amount of information over the summer if they do not practice what they know and gain knowledge even before school starts in the fall. Through the Academia Workshop’s innovative methods of teaching, children will be able to improve in areas where they need the most help. The camp will run from 1 to 5 p.m. on July 5-29, Monday-Thursday. The workshop for children in grades 1st-6th will attend Super Science, Writing Composition, Math Path, and Computer Madness.

Summer Academy 2010
The Summer Academy, open to students in grades 7th – 11th, classes include Writing/English, SAT/PSAT, Math, and Technology. Tuition is $425. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/KidsAcademiaRegistration.shtml or http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/SummerAcademyRegistration7-11.shtml.

Ultimate Robotics Camp
Students ages 5-14 can design their own robot and watch it come to life. The Junior Lego League Session I & II, for ages 5-8, will take place from 8 a.m.- 1p.m. Session I will run from June 7 – 10 and Session II from June 14-17, Monday-Thursday. Tuition is $160. NXT Robotics workshop, for ages 9-14 will take place from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. from June 21-July 1, Monday-Thursday. Tuition is $225. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/Robotics.shtml.

Ballet Dance Courses
Learning the fundamentals of ballet can be a growing experience for a child, helping them express themselves through fine arts and music. These courses will teach the basics of ballet and help participants learn new methods of dance while having fun and meeting new friends.
Campers ages 3 – 6 will meet from 9-10:30 a.m. Campers ages 7 to 10 will meet from 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Campers ages 11 – 13 will meet from 12:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuition is $400 and will run from June 7-July 1, Monday-Thursday. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/BalletCourses.shtml

TAMIU Athletics
TAMIU’s Athletics Department is offering a variety of summer sports camps for boys and girls—baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and softball, throughout June and July. Fees and meet times vary. The camps are geared towards providing a quality experience to students of varying athletic skills. Each camp is directed by a TAMIU head coach and supported by assistant coaches and current student-athletes. For more information, please call TAMIU’s Athletics Department at 956.326.3000 or click on http://www.godustdevils.com/genrel/051010aaa.html

Classes for adults are also available.

Chess Camp
It’s never too late or too early to learn the classic game of chess at the TAMIU Chess Camp offered to participants of all ages. Tuition is $120.
The Beginner Camp will meet from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and the Intermediate Camp will meet from 1 – 3 p.m., June 7 –17, Monday-Thursday. The Expert Camp will run from June 21 - July 1, Monday - Thursday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/ChessCamp.shtml.

Weight Loss Dance 2010
Participants will not only learn a fun and musical way to lose weight, but will receive guidance in proper eating habits. From the camp, participants can expect to take away a good time, a smaller dress size, invaluable knowledge, and friends to work out with after class concludes. The camp will run from 9-10:30 a.m. from June 5 – July 31, Saturdays excluding July 3. The camp is for participants’ ages +18. Tuition is $275. For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/WeightLossDance.shtml.

Weight Control Camp for Adolescents’ Health
TAMIU’s College of Education will offer a Summer Weight Control Camp for 10 - to 15-year-olds in June and July to teach students about the importance of a healthier diet and lifestyle.
Camp Session I will be June 7 – July 2 and Session II will be July 5- 30. The camp will be held 1:30 – 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Registration will be May 17-24, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Student Center Rotunda. The camp is designed to manage campers’ body weight, help make lifestyle changes, campers’ exercise and diet patterns and further enhance their self-esteem. Cost per camp session is $400 for regular campers and $350 for research participants. Cost for attending both sessions is $700 for regular campers and $600 for research participants. A gift certificate of $80 will be provided to research participants. For more information about the camp, research participation option and registration, visit tamiu.edu/coedu/fitnesscamp or contact Dr. Kyung-Shin Park, assistant professor of education, at 326.2685 or 326.2695.

GRE Prep LIVE Classes
A GRE score is a critical influence in your graduate school application. This review course offers students the tools and preparation they need to score the best on their GRE exam. Students complete pre and post-diagnostic tests, which are assessed by Cambridge Educational Services. The GRE Prep classes will run from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. from June 5 - July 17, Saturdays excluding July 3. Tuition is $325.
For more information or to register, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/dip/GRERegistration.shtml.

All classes are subject to cancellation if there are an insufficient number of attendees.

For additional information, please contact Kimberly Martin del Campo, program coordinator, Office of Continuing Education at 956.326.2765 or e-mail kim.martindelcampo@tamiu.edu.

Family Rosary honors Laredo students

Family Rosary has named two students from Laredo as winners in the 2010 U.S. “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest, a national competition that encourages students to express their faith through art, poetry and prose. They were selected from more than 4,000 entries and more than 40,000 participants in the 15th annual contest.

Each year, children and teens from Catholic schools, parishes and other Catholic organizations utilize their creative skills to illustrate a different faith-based theme. This year, the theme was "The Family That Prays Together Stays Together" and students from kindergarten through 12th grade creatively depicted in various art forms how their families are united by daily prayer and faith.

The winning students are Juan Jose Bondoc III of St. Peter’s Memorial School, who won first place in the Kindergarten Division, and Aaron Matthew Aranda of Mary Help of Christians School, who was named the third-place winner in the Grade 3 Division.

For his award-winning entry, Bondoc drew a colorful picture of his family praying and a large Rosary. The 6-year-old lives in Laredo with his brother and parents. Bondoc enjoys playing T-ball, riding bikes and visiting his grandmother. His favorite subject in school is art.

For his entry, Aranda submitted an inspiring poem entitled “Prayer Rocks!” The 9-year-old lives in Laredo with his parents and younger brother. Aranda likes to play basketball and watch football while his favorite subjects in school are language arts, math and science.

“The contest enables children of all ages to express creatively the importance of prayer and faith in their daily lives,” said Father John Phalen, CSC, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “Our founder, Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, created the expression that we used as the theme this year. He lived in a small village in Ireland and his family would gather together each evening to pray the Rosary. Father Peyton realized at a very early age just how important this prayer is in helping families to grow closer as they face the trials and tribulations of modern society.”

In addition to the “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest in the United States, separate competitions are conducted in Mexico, East Africa, West Africa, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Ireland, France, Chile, Haiti and the Philippines. Entries are judged on content, ability to capture and interpret the theme, artistic and technical proficiency, and adherence to rules.

In the United States, up to three winners are chosen per grade: first-place winners are awarded $100 U.S., while the sponsoring organization earns $200 U.S. and the “Think Good Thoughts” DVD. Runners-up in Grades 6-12 get the “Assumptions” and “Finding Mary” DVDs while Grades K-5 receive “The Life of Christ” DVD series from Holy Cross Family Ministries.

Martin cadets get honors

Pictured from left to right, are: Monica Castro, first-year cadet with the highest grade point average; Josue Martinez, second-year cadet with the highest grade point average; Karla Martinez, second-year cadet receiving the overall highest distinguished cadet of all Martin JROTC cadets and the SAI (Senior Army Instructor) Award for Scholastic Excellence; and George Sandoval receiving the fourth-year cadet with the highest grade point average.

The Martin High School JROTC Tiger Battalion Cadets were recently honored with medals and ribbons for their contribution to the corps and the community during the annual ROTC awards presentation held at Martin High School.

During the ceremony, the annual national awards were presented to cadets in the field of academics and in recognition of the outstanding attributes demonstrated by their leadership skills, Americanism, and support of the United States as members of the Martin High School JROTC. The criteria for these awards are based on the cadet's performance in JROTC, their grades in all subjects, as well as their overall leadership ability and all-around excellence.

Cadets receiving the highest grade point average in all of their classes were recognized and presented with certificates and ribbons of academic excellence in their category. The cadets receiving the highest GPA were Monica Castro, freshman class; Josue Martinez, sophomore class; Kimberly Torres, junior class; and George Sandoval, senior class. The highest grade point average of all grade levels went to Sophomore Karla Martinez. She received the distinguished cadet medal and ribbon and the Senior Army Instructor Award for Scholastic Excellence.

A number of veteran organizations and other patriotic organizations at the local, state, and national levels also provided awards for outstanding junior ROTC cadets. Some of the special awards presented were the Military Order of World Wars presented to Alfredo Rosales, the Scottish Rites to Abril Guerrero, The National Sojourners to Karla Martinez, the Military Officers Association to Ivan Jimenez, Sons of American Revolution to Esteban Dominguez, Daughters of American Revolution to Kimberly Torres, the American Legion Military Excellence to Lurby Sosa, the American Legion Military Academic to Gabriela Galvan, the Reserve Officers Association to Geronimo Banda, the VFW to Maria Galvan, the American Vets to Marco A. Rodriguez, and the Reserve Officers Association (USMC) to Rodrigo Esparza.

"Every cadet who participated in a community event, whether it was as a volunteer at the Food Bank or Feast of Sharing or at a WBCA parade or color guard for non-profit organizations received a ribbon or a certificate" said first year Senior Army Instructor Master Sgt. Adolfo Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, Assistant Army Instructor, SFC Jesse Garcia, Martin High School Principal Oscar Perez and former SAI (Ret) Col. Thomas Brown along with about 100 parents were on hand to recognize these outstanding students.

For more information please contact the Office of Communication at 795-3295.

Top Nye readers get bikes

Pictured here left to right, are Hector Cardenas, Fabian Rosales, Moses Nunez, Benjamin Garza, Christa Rosas, Marc Nunez and Elizabeth Hernandez. In the back are Mayor Raul Salinas and Principal Patricia Lanas.

For the second year in a row, City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas has given a donation for students who participate in Nye Elementary School’s Accelerated Reader Program. Students read as many books as they can and at the end of the year, seven bikes are presented to the top seven readers.

This helps the students read more books and, according to third-grade teacher Hilda Castro, it’s another incentive the school uses to motivate the students to read more books.

“I’m proud to do this for the kids, to help encourage them to read, so we can show that Laredo does, in fact, read,” Salinas said. “Remember, readers are leaders.”

Sheriff's Office gives out scholarship

Pictured from left to right are: Sheriff Martin Cuellar, Lt. Ricardo A. Garcia, Deanna Garcia, Commander Julio Gonzalez, Chief Fred Garza and Deputy Jesse Gonzalez

Sheriff Martin Cuellar has announced that the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas has awarded a $500 scholarship for the spring semester to Deanna D Garcia. Garcia is the daughter of Sr. Lt. Ricardo A. Garcia, of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, and Jacqueline Garcia.

This award is the Motorola Scholarship provided by the Motorola Foundation and managed by the Sheriff’s Association of Texas.

Deanna Garcia graduated from the distinguished Achievement Program at J.B. Alexander High School in 2008 from the Health & Science Magnet Program and a member of the Alexander High School Band from 2004-2008, she was also part of the National Honor Society & Courtesy Service Club.

Deanna Garcia is currently attending University of the Incarnate Word, finishing her sophomore year, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. She is a Dean’s List recipient and current vice president of membership of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity.

This scholarship is provided for a son or daughter of a peace officer serving Texas, pursuing a degree, or a Texas student pursuing a degree in criminal justice and a career in law enforcement.

Scholarship applicants are eligible to receive up to two $500 scholarships, but they must reapply each semester and meet all of the requirements.

Applications and prerequisites may be found at the following website www.txsheriffs.org Click on Scholarships and then Youth Scholarships.

“I am very proud of the assistance the Sheriffs' Association of Texas provides to individuals who are pursuing a college degree and applaud their efforts to complete their education in a chosen field. I encourage everyone in Webb County that wishes to pursue a career in Law Enforcement and meets the criteria to please apply for these type of Scholarships just like Deanna did,” Sheriff Martin Cuellar stated today at the scholarship presentation at the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

LCC theater to close for repairs

Laredo Community College’s Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center theater will close for the summer for regularly scheduled maintenance repairs.

“After seven years of uninterrupted service, the theater has reached a point in its lifetime for maintenance repairs,” said Ricardo Iñiguez, LCC TV and Fine Arts Center director. “We want the theater to be in perfect condition to provide the community another seven years of continued performances and events.”

The theater will be closed Sunday, June 6, through Monday, Aug. 16. Upgrades and maintenance repairs will be done to various lights, rigs, sound systems, and improve the theater’s acoustics.

Located at the LCC Fort McIntosh Campus, the 750-seat theater was completed in 2003. Roughly 50 performances and community events are held each year at the theater.
For more information or to make theater reservations for the next fall and spring semesters, contact the LCC Fine Arts Center at 721-5334.

United South student takes top honors at UIL competition

Photo caption: State Contest Director Mark Bernier congratulates Vanessa Ortiz and her coach Argelia Ortiz moments after announcing results for the 29-5A Literary Criticism State Competition.

Returning 29-5A District Literary Criticism Champ, Vanessa Patricia Ortiz, took first place honors in the UIL state competition held at the University of Texas on May 8. Earlier, at regional competition, the United South High School valedictorian candidate, qualified for state by placing second in regional competition held at UTSA on April 24.

Ortiz is coached by Argelia Ortiz, English teacher at United South's Magnet School of Advanced Global Business and Technology. Angie Sanchez is the Magnet Dean at Untied South. David Canales is the school principal. Argelia Ortiz has been coaching UIL for about five years and has previously advanced to regional and state competition. This is the first year one of her students has won state.

In 2009, under Argelia Ortiz's guidance, Vanessa Ortiz took first place honors at the local district level, then advanced to state competition after placing third in regional competition. A junior then, Vanessa Ortiz finished tenth out of 27 competitors at the state level. This year Ortiz bettered last year's academic accomplishments by far. This year, Vanessa Ortiz placed first in district, second in regional, and now first in state competition.

Vanessa Ortiz plans to attend Trinity University in San Antonio where she plans to study medicine. Her proud parent Elia Ortiz has seen her daughter triumph in her high school career in worthy events: UIL-Academics, cross-country running and the Rotary 4-Way Speech Contest. Ortiz will represent all six Laredo Rotary Clubs in area competition on May 15 in Corpus Christi.