Future of students at MISD
By Giselle
Lots of Marfa ISD students are so close to being out into the real world and are now starting to think about what they want to do with their lives. Students at Marfa have goals about future jobs and where we are going to live for the rest of our lives. Most students at Marfa ISD wish to attend college for various things. I decided to interview a couple of people on what they would like to be in the future as well as how they see themselves in the future.
First, I interviewed a senior at MISD, Loretta Rivera. I started off by asking her, “What do you plan on doing with your future after you graduate from high school?” Loretta said, “I do plan on attending college; I have a couple of colleges in mind, Texas Tech, Sul Ross and Texas A&M. I plan on studying criminology.” “What kind of jobs would you like to get with your degree?” I asked. “I plan on becoming a lawyer after,” she responded.
“Where do you plan on settling to live for the rest of your life after college?” Loretta began, “Umm, I don’t know exactly where, but I plan on staying in Texas with my lovely husband, and my big house, out on a ranch,” Loretta finished with a big smile. “Do you plan on having any kids?” I asked “Yes, I want two kids, three max,” Loretta said.
When I asked her about her future, Ava Flores, a junior at MISD, said, “Well, I plan on attending umm, like nursing school. I lowkey would like to go to TCU or Galveston, somewhere out there, not out here in the country, because I hate the spiders that are here!” On this topic, Ava’s voice started getting louder, and she continued, “I hate –– I just don’t ever in my life want to live on a ranch! I live there already, I hate the spiders, I hate the mice, I hate animals! They just get really tiring!” she yelled.
After her outburst, I asked Ava, “What kind of job do you plan on getting with a nursing degree?” She said, “I would like to do, like, radiology, like taking scans and doing ultrasounds. I could also be y’all’s OB/GYN and ultrasound tech! I could see y’all’s babies!” Ava continued, imagining her future, “I would like to have a big house and a nice husband. I would like my husband to play football, like a pro football player also. So I can just be a stay-at-home wife, or I could just be working in nursing,” Ava answered.
“Where do you plan on settling?” I asked. “Somewhere, like, in the Dallas area. Yeah, I don’t want to be in the country! And if I were to have kids, lowkey I only want like two! Three would be like an emergency, like if I need a girl still,” Ava finished.
I went on to interview Francisco Rosas, a senior at MISD. He said, “I see myself either going to Texas State University at San Marcos, to study psychology, fine arts and creative writing, or doing all of that, but instead of going to Texas State, I would like to go internationally … even though I don’t think that would ever really happen.”
When I asked about after college, Kiko said, “Umm after I get either a major in psychology or a minor, however it works out, I will find a job at a clinic or maybe even like a hospital that might need a psychologist. I want to help people in general … I hope to have a family … and if not I hope to stay single. I also feel like I would like to travel a lot around the U.S. as much as I can. I would also like to travel for work and also just live life to the fullest.”
Next, I interviewed a sophomore at MISD, Itzel Urrutia. She said, “In the future I see myself going to college and majoring in radiology for ultrasounding. And, if not, nursing for babies. I see myself having a good career and hopefully being able to finish college, although it looks like a lot of hard work and a lot of studying! I think I can do it.” “What college do you plan on attending?” I asked Itzel. She said, “I would like to go to Texas A&M, Texas Tech or just anywhere good! After I graduate with a degree, I plan on working. I would like to live in a big city but, like, live outside of the city! On my own ranch with a house we built and my good working husband and three kids; I see myself richer than ever!” Itzel finished.
Finally, I interviewed Dariela, a sophomore at MISD. She said, “I see myself attending a university, preferably Texas A&M, and I see myself majoring in business and maybe a minor in advertising and marketing. I see myself maybe working at a business firm or a company, maybe even having my own business or company. Financially, I would love to have bank in my bank account! But, I mean, with my career I think I will be good. I want to be in a really good financial state and be financially responsible. I see myself settling down, I would like to be in a not-too-big, or not-too-small town, somewhere in the middle.”
This concludes the future plans of just some of the Marfa high school students, everyone’s lives go in different paths after high school, and we will see these students achieve their goals in the coming years!
Conjunto
By Tenessa
This school year we have a new class which is a conjunto band, with Mr. Martinez as the instructor and teacher. Many kids are having fun in the class learning different kinds of instruments: accordion, guitar, bass, drums, keyboard. Mr. Martinez has been in a band and loves producing music in his studio, which he calls “the Dream Shack.”
He can play all kinds of instruments, and he can also play a song by ear, or just by hearing it and without looking at the notes. He is very passionate about his music and loves teaching our students not only musical notes but also about the culture behind conjunto bands.
Marisa Hernandez, a senior who is one of Mr. Martinez’s longtime students, plays the drums and piano, and is currently learning how to play the accordion and bass guitar. She said that she loves this class, and wishes she had the opportunity in her earlier years of high school. Because she is a senior, this year this will be her first and last year playing in the conjunto band.
I asked Martinez how the year has been so far, teaching his passion for music to the new generation. He responded, “It’s the best decision I have made in my years of teaching. I love all these kids as if they were my own, and I can’t wait to see how much more they can accomplish.”
Jose Muñoz Bueno, a sophomore, said of Mr. Martinez’s class, “It’s pretty fun, fun playing the instruments. Sometimes it’s tough, learning the stuff, sometimes he’s tough on us to learn a new chord or a song.” Jose explained, “I play the bajo quinto, 10-stringed guitar. At first I was playing a five-string guitar, and Martinez asked about the banjo quinto, and I picked it up and enjoyed it.”
When asked what the conjunto band is planning, Jose said, “We have a Christmas show in December, and next week we start practicing for that.” Jose is excited for that performance, and JoAngel is nervous. Jose concluded that he’s in the class because, “Martinez asked me to join, and I want to help him maintain and grow the program. It’s his passion to be in a band, and he has passed that passion onto his students.”
JoAngel said, “It’s a lot of fun — originally I just wanted to try to learn the guitar because I have one at home. But, hearing Mexican music being played, playing it myself, and even receiving praise, it’s become something I’m extremely passionate about.”
We thank Mr. Martinez for getting this class together and for giving us the opportunity to experience playing and learning about music and instruments. We hope this program lasts for a long time!
Halloween
By Zoey
Halloween is coming around, it is the spookiest holiday when people dress up as ghosts, ghouls, and monsters in general. Or, even, people will dress up in very cutesy, very demure, not-scaring-the-kids-away ways. Halloween is the season when people decorate their houses and decorate pumpkins.
The Fall Festival just happened, and the community got together in the gym where there were booths and games people played. You could win prizes, get food, and buy what they had for sale, like scented candles and spicy jalapeño jelly. Our class sold aguas frescas. It was so fun! There was deep-fried oreos, corn in a cup, a cake walk, hamburgers, cookies from Bitter Sugar, a shooting game, and much more!
For the newsletter, I’m going to be interviewing people about Halloween, what they’re going to dress up as, their favorite Halloween movie, etc. Me, personally, I am very excited for Halloween, and I know other people are excited as well.
First, I interviewed Janayah. I asked her, “What are you gonna dress up as for Halloween?” She replied, “I have no clue to be honest.” She suggested she might dress up as Rio from the movie Rio. She then started quoting from the film, “Hashtag ‘I wanna party … I wanna dance,’ if you know, you know.” Then I asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” (like what they say in the beginning of the movie Scream). Coincidentally, she replied, “The Scream movies!”
Next, I asked Jan, “How excited are you for Halloween?” She replied, “I’m pretty excited, we gotta go all out! I don’t know, I might be a rat for Halloween, you know, cause I’m feeling a little spooky, a little funny. I’m excited. Hopefully I get a lot more candy than last year, because last year was not it!” Jan seems excited and is determined to get more candy than last year.
Next up, I started interviewing the one, the only, Kayla Vasquez. I started off by asking what her Halloween costume is. She said, “I’m going to be a specific doctor, and you won’t know until Halloween.” Then I asked, “What’s your favorite Halloween movie?” She replied, “My favorite Halloween movie is Friday the 13th because I was born on the 13th.” I replied, “Facts!” (which, I know her birthday for a fact, because my brother Aiden has the same birthday!)
Then, I asked, “How excited are you for Halloween?” Kayla replied, “I’m so excited, you don’t even know! And I feel like this Halloween is gonna be the best Halloween!” She continued, “I feel like everyone’s going to have a good Halloween and everyone better dress up because Halloween is really fun!”
Next I interviewed junior Sara Salgado. “What are you dressing up for Halloween?” I asked her. She said, “I don’t know yet what I’m dressing up as for Halloween, but you know it’s gonna be lit! Because I never celebrate Halloween, my parents don’t like Halloween, so I’ve never celebrated it. So this year, y’all better make it lit, and we better all dress up and make it good!”
To conclude, I asked, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” Sara replied, “My favorite scary movie is Eli, E-L-I.” Sara concluded, “I just know it’s gonna be good! Like, we better go trick-or-treating and everything out there!”
News and updates from around Marfa ISD
By Itzel
Homecoming results and the dance: This year’s homecoming queen and king were Maryfer Martinez and Diego Jurado. I asked Maryfer how she felt about winning homecoming queen, and she said that during the moment she felt really excited and happy, because truly she did not think she was going to win. Mary said she was also really happy to see “that my friends were excited for me to win!”
Diego said he felt really good, and that he, too, didn’t think he was going to get king when he heard them announcing Andres’ name for prince. Diego said he was really nervous while on the field. The football guys played against Sierra Blanca during homecoming and won!
Afterwards, we had a homecoming dance. The dance wasn’t really that boring if you like to dance –– but it’s just that people here in Marfa don’t like to dance! And because it was last-minute, and just for homecoming, we couldn’t invite people from out of town or different schools, so that will most likely be the last homecoming dance we will ever have!
Football Updates:
The football team this year has struggled through a series of tough losses. We’re currently 2-6, with three of those losses being by three points or less: a devastating outcome. However, today we will take on Garden City at home, and the team is ready to turn the season around!
Austin McGary, a freshman, said, “My first year of playing high school football has been fun and challenging. The best part has definitely been playing with my teammates and scoring in the games against Grady and Balmorhea!”
Volleyball girls are STRAIGHT UP BALLERS! (And District Champs!)
This year, the Lady Horns won District Champions, which hasn’t happened in the last seven years! In district games, the girls are 3-0, which means that they automatically became District Champs. Their Tuesday win against Sierra Blanca was just gravy and cemented their status even further.
“Playing against Fort Davis was fun, it was definitely a challenge, but it was fun. After those games, there was a huge sense of relief,” said sophomore Dariela Munoz, who plays on the front row of the team.
“Being a district champ is awesome because WE’RE awesome!” said sophomore Zoey Salgado, the team’s libero. She added, “Practice every day has been tough [with recent losses of teammates] and the rotation is difficult and challenging because it’s new, but for team dinner it was all worth it!”
The best game, according to Zoey and Dariela was the home game in Marfa against Fort Davis, which we won and brought out a big home crowd that showed out! It’s been a wonderful, crazy ride! Our first playoff game will be November 9th either in Seminole or Andrews.
Kiko is going to State: Francisco Rosas placed 8th in cross-country regionals in Arlington, Texas, earlier this month and will continue onto the state competition on November 2 in Round Rock, Texas. About his performance at regionals, Kiko said, “I’m excited that it’s my second and final year advancing to state. I hope to place in the top 20 this Saturday! Overall, I think the regionals meet this year was good. There was a lot more shade than last year, which was nice!”
Journalism will hold a mock election Tuesday
By Journalism Class & Government Class
The 2024 Presidential Election is upon us, and in less than a week America will have a new president. On Tuesday, November 5, Marfa JSHS students (with the help of Ms. Powers’ journalism class) will cast their ballots in a mock election.
This is what students in MHS had to say about current Vice President and democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who entered into the race in July when President Biden withdrew from the election.
“I would vote, if I were of age, for Kamala, because I believe her political views are more fair and aligned with my beliefs specifically. But both have their good merits,” said Kiko Rosas.
Antonio, Tenessa, and Marisa are voting for Kamala Harris. Tenessa and Marisa cited women’s rights as the reason they’re voting. Marisa said, “I would vote for Kamala because think about this: I feel like she would be a great president for our country. And I feel like things would be a lot better if she were president instead of Trump because Trump was already president and it didn’t go so well. And he’s also, he’s been convicted … and Kamala, like, I feel like we should give her a chance to see the first woman president. So that’s mostly why … So I feel like the main reason I would vote for Kamala too is because she doesn’t want to ban abortions.”
Antonio said he’s voting because of gun laws. Kassandra, Mia and Katana will not be voting in the election. Katana, though, is leaning toward Trump because she wants expanded oil drilling.
This is what students had to say about former President Trump, who was president from 2016-2020 and is a Republican. One student said that the economy is the main reason he’d vote for Trump. Inflation under Biden, he said, has made many normal, lower and middle-class Americans suffer.
“I like how he speaks,” said another student, Ayven, a junior. He continued, “Like, he has a weird sense of authority, like, ‘We’re gonna build a wall.’ I liked his shift at McDonald’s, he knows how to get votes.”
October Article
By: Destiny Davila
It’s Halloween, and I’m a big horror fan, so I thought I would recommend three horror movies to watch today. The movies I recommend are Scream, Terrifier, and It. The reason behind why I like horror movies is because I like to get shocked a little. Like, when a little jumpscare comes out or whatever, I like to see people get scared and frightened. I think it’s fun to scare people and stuff like that. I’ve learned a lot from horror movies.
The movie Scream 7 is very interesting because I like the character of Ghostface. And the editing of the movie makes it scarier. I like Jenna Ortega’s acting in the movie, too.
The movie Terrifier I think is more interesting than Scream because they end up at some kind of pizza place and then after leaving from the pizza shop, the two girls go to their car and find that their tire was slashed. After the girls left, the killer clown guy killed the two men that worked there. That scene is surprising and SO scary.
The movie Pennywise is really cool; I like the way that they edited the movie. The acting and the plot are very smart. The one with Pennywise the clown, the way he is in the sewer when Georgie gets his paper boat is edited perfectly. He follows the boat to where the clown is and it ends up in the sewer so he goes to try and catch it before it falls in. It is a very tense scene, all about a boat and a gutter!
I also interviewed a 6th grader, Liam Lopez, about his favorite horror movies. When I asked him why he likes horror movies, he said, “I enjoy that adrenaline, like when I chatter my teeth, and bite my nails.” Liam recommends Goosebumps!, although he said, “I don’t like the puppets,” but he doesn’t like them in a good, scary way.
Another of his favorites is, “Friday 13th, because it has a spooky killer.” His final recommendation is the movie Fall. He said, “It’s just a freaky idea and situation. Two girls climb a 2,000-foot radio tower and then get stuck. One of them gets dehydrated and starts going crazy. I did not see the plot twist at the end. I even thought it was mind blowing.” I asked Liam, “What do you find interesting about horror movies?” He said, “The plot and quality of the actors.”
I then interviewed juniors Isaiah and Messiah. “I like blood and guts and gore,” said Isaiah, “You know it’s fake, when you’re watching a horror movie, any kind of slasher isn’t good though, it needs to be well written.”
“I would recommend the original Halloween, or the second Chucky –– that one’s really really baller!” Isaiah continued when I asked what he would recommend.
“I’d recommend the first two The Conjurings, those are really good, but not the last one.” said Messiah.
“And Killer Clowns from Outer Space!” Isaiah added.