Hail To The Chief!

One of the highlights at San Pedro High this month was a tribute rendered to Principal Angel Nuñez by the faculty and students in honor of his 48^th Birthday. On Friday, December 4, Student Council Moderator Mr. Apolinar Tzul conducted a live program which was followed by all day fun-filled activities. The following are the remarks made by Student Council President Miss Ingrid Sanchez written by Mr. Tzul.

Forty-eight years ago on December 5, 1950 God blessed Belize and San Pedro with a sturdy son, our Principal, to whom we pay tribute today.

Mr. Angel‰s colorful career began in 1971, when he joined the teaching profession. In 1974, at the young age of 24, Mr. Nuñez became Principal of San Pedro High, a position he has executed diligently for 24 fruitful years to this day.

But education has not been the only field where Mr. Nuñez

has served unselfishly. In 1972 he served on the San Pedro Village Council. Between 1984-1993 he was elected to the San Pedro Town Board and served for 3 consecutive terms, once as Deputy Mayor. But his continued desire to serve his community in other capacities soon made him join the Lions, where he served as President and, for a while, as Lion‰s District 59 Governor.

As a man who is fond of being with people, Mr. Angel has chaired hundreds of programs as a prolific Master of Ceremonies - MC. Yes, a total of 534 programs. This includes Weddings, Toasts, Mother‰s Day, Inaugurations, Beauty Pageants, Political Meetings, Festivals, Patriotic Events, Conventions, Sporting Events and Quinceaños. This, of course, does not include a total of 17 eulogies that he has written so far.

Although gardening, carpentry, cooking, reading and writing are his main fascination, Mr. Angel Nuñez drives on pertinently and is determined to take San Pedro High to greater heights.

"Whoever perseveres," he says, " succeeds and receives."

We salute Mr. Nuñez as he celebrates this month two milestones in his life - his 48^th Birthday and his 25^th Silver Wedding Anniversary. To a man like Mr. Nuñez who knows no bounds of serving with compassion, humility, and love, we say: çFeliz Cumpleaños! çQue Dios Le Bendiga! çFelicitaciones!

A special appeal is being made by the Arts Club against vandalism of art work, a dilemma that is becoming annoying, says Club Moderator Mrs. Natalie Sedacey.

Students from all forms attended a program earlier in the month on AIDS Awareness. The program was co-sponsored by the Town Board and Lions.

The Student Council releases its quarterly report which focuses on its accomplishments since September. More on this inside.

The morn that brought "peace and goodwill" to every person that has ever lived and ever will live is just around the corner., Yes! Every December we look forward anxiously for this 25th. On this day 2000 years ago a baby boy was born into the world to be its savior. It is unfortunate that to the majority of us Christmas is a time of receiving. Most North American kids have visions of Santa Claus coming down the chimney with a sack full of gifts that he will neatly place underneath the Christmas tree. Mexican kids look forward to Los Tres Reyes bringing them gifts on January 6. To a lot of parents, Christmas means extra sacrifices, getting into debts to provide their kids, with expensive gifts. After all, one must keep up with the Jones‰. To shop owners Christmas is the season to make up for sales that did not materialize during the year. Christmas means stocking up and making a guide turnover. To some people like Scrooge in Charles Dicken‰s A Christmas Carol, Christmas is a "ham bug", a time to share their hard earned profits with their workers, the Church, the Salvation Army and other charities. To a number of young and carefree people, Christmas is the time to "eat, drink and be merry."

In all the hustle and bustle that is centered around Christmas time, we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas. We fail to appreciate the greatest favor that God has done us: to become man and dwell among us. As John 3:16 so succinctly puts it, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whose ever believeth in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life." So, as we experience another Christmas, let‰s give gifts, accept gifts, go the extra mile for the kids, make our profits, give the bonuses to our workers and bram. But think about the Christ Child that has risen, thank Him on your knees for humbling himself to dwell among us and show everyone the true meaning of Love. A blessed Christmas to all!

ART CLUB SPEAKS OUT

By: Mrs Natalie Sedacey

This year the Art Club takes on an informal approach, meeting once a week in a very casual atmosphere. With generous donations made we were able to purchase a few basic items, including drawing penals, pastels and watercolor paints. Our projects have included both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional forms. Some of these projects were leaning to create colorful bird houses and paper mache pots. For the more traditional styles, we have briefly explored techniques on how to sketch and paint landscapes. We also attempted to create a few portrait drawings. I would like to see more traditional styles of Art being carried out, including the drawing of still-life objects, more seascapes, landscapes and practicing portrait drawings. I would like to extend an invitation to anyone, who would like to lean and explore various mediums in art, to come out once a week and have fun in art.

Editor - Mr. Apolinar Tzul

Asst. Editor - Miss Conchita Valdez

Members - Daryani Perez

An Attitude of Gratitude

BY: Mr. Angel Nuñez

All of us Christians should live every day of our lives with an "ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE". When we do, we shall be able to better appreciate those around us and the nice things God has given us.

Let us be thankful for our mothers and fathers and all our relatives who want good to come to our lives.

Let‰s be grateful to our teachers who want to mold us into better individuals.

Let us be appreciative of our students who put their lives into our hands for us to shape them into fine young men and women.

Let us have a sense of obligation to our neighbors who bring peace and tranquillity in the area where we live.

Indeed we are indebted to our friends at school who become part of our lives as we labor day after day in school.

Let us feel that warm gratitude for needy people whom God puts in our paths so that we may practice our charity and our love.

Let us be thankful to our leaders, religious, political, cultural, social and business leaders who make life more zestful, comfortable and exciting.

Let us be grateful to our Heavenly Father whose guidance protects us from all evils and dangers.

Friends, let us live each day with an attitude of gratitude. The more we appreciate those around us, the more they will appreciate us. May God be in your life this Xmas and every day of your life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ‰99!!

What your Student Council has accomplished for you

Monthly Horoscope

This is a passionate time for you, Libra. Usually a social butterfly, you will find greater rewards in spending intimate time with the one you love most. Exercise and physical activities bring great exhilaration. Whether you are planning some time on the slopes or pursuing muscle tone in the gym - enjoy! Resist the urge to make everyone happy. Pleasant surprises are seen.

Bonuses are exceptional! Your financial picture keeps getting brighter. You will be pulled between that which you truly want to do and your obligations more than most signs this month. Parties go very well. Gossip abounds with family and co-workers. You will hear it all - but do not pass it on. Someone has to set a good example. You laugh a lot and practice looking patient.

HAPPY SOLAR RETURN, Sagittarius! This is your month! Be rowdy! Enjoy! Everyone is going to want to see you. You receive tickets to your favorite sporting event or concert. Take a chance! You will be rolling up your sleeves and helping with decorations and, perhaps, tasting the punch! A Grand Trine in fire at New Moon begins a cycle where you can get more done than you can imagine!

Finances go extremely well. You will be astounded by the generosity of others. Moments of past holiday joys and sorrows are shared with others. Your relationships deepen now. A roller coaster of activity is seen! Burnout can occur if you do not take a little time away to just relax. Others benefit greatly from your compassion and thoughtfulness. You are a blessing!

Dr. Love

Dear Doctor:

I have been having this crush on a guy in my class for 2 years and a half. Just seeing his face everyday makes me shiver for joy. I have never confronted him to tell him I love him. I believe that this could happen very soon because now I can barely hold the feeling I have inside for much longer. If you knew what I was talking about you would feel the same way. I believe this guy is drop dead gorgeous. If the person who I am talking about knows who I am, I would like him to know that I can‰t go out with him because I like the feeling he gives me. What can I do?

In Love But Confused.

Dear In Love

It is difficult to reply to your letter because you do not have a real question. You are not confused. You are a coward. You should show him that you like him by simply being nice to him. No, you do not love him; you have a crush. It is normal to have a crush, but then that feeling is also ëcrushed‰ when you meet the real one. The guy is ëgorgeous", so what? I am gorgeous, too, and I don‰t want you to have a crush on me.

You are too young to get serious. Enjoy your teens because when you get hooked on one, it will be a totally different story.

Dear Doctor

I have a crush on this guy who recently left San Pedro to study in Cayo. My friends told me that one of his family members got injured so he had to move. Since then I haven‰t been the same. I was writing him some letters telling him that I liked him. Of course, I didn‰t sign my name, I put your secret admirer. When he left, one of my friends, actually three of them called him in Cayo. They talked for about 30 min. When I arrived at the house from where they called they started getting excited and telling me all about him. He kind of knows who I am, but not really. They told me he was coming back for Christmas, but I‰ll only believe it when he tells me. What should I do?

Waiting in Vain

Dear Waiting in Vain

Stop being a fool! How can he like you in return for an anonymous letter. Can he love an anonymous person?

At your age, I have some good advice for you. Be an admirer of many ëguys‰. Be nice to all and find out which one is the nicest to you. When you are about 20 years old or older, you will be able to make your right pick or choice. As to what should you do when you see him for Christmas, ask him why doesn‰t he get serious with his life. Moving between San Pedro and Cayo and back is not good for his schooling. Now, do you want to get hooked to someone who is not serious even with himself?

J J J

POEM

I went to a party, Mom,. I remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would. I didn‰t drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right. Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I‰d get home in one piece. Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet. I started to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out into the road, the other car didn‰t see me, Mom, and hit me like load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say, the other guy is drunk, Mom, and now I‰m the one who will pay.

I‰m lying here dying, Mom. I wish you‰d get here soon. How could this happen to me, Mom? My life just burst like a balloon. There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine. I hear the medic say, Mom, I‰ll die in a short time. I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn‰t drink. It was the others, Mom. The others didn‰t think. He was probably at the same party as I. The only difference is, he drank and I will die. Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life. I‰m feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife. The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don‰t think it‰s fair. I‰m lying here dying and all he can do is stare. Tell my brother not cry, Mom. Tell Daddy to be brave. And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy‰s Girl" on my grave. Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive. If only they had told, Mom, I would still be alive. My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I‰m becoming very scared. Please don‰t cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there. I have one question, Mom, before I say goodbye. I didn‰t drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?

He was in the first third grade class I taught at Saint Mary's School in Morris, Minn. All 34 of my students were dear to me, but Mark Eklund was one in a million. Very neat in appearance, but had that happy-to-be-alive attitude that made even his occasional mischievousness delightful. Mark talked incessantly. I had to remind him again and again that talking without permission was not acceptable. What impressed me so much, though, was his sincere response every time I had to correct him for misbehaving - "Thank you for correcting me, Sister!" I didn't know what to make of it at first, but before long I became accustomed to hearing it many times a day.

One morning my patience was growing thin when Mark talked once too often, and then I made a novice-teacher's mistake. I looked at Mark and said, "If you say one more word, I am going to tape your mouth shut!" It wasn't ten seconds later when Chuck blurted out, "Mark is talking again." I hadn't asked any of the students to help me watch Mark, but since I had stated the punishment in front of the class, I had to act on it.

I remember the scene as if it had occurred this morning. I walked to my desk, very deliberately opened by drawer and took out a roll of masking tape. Without saying a word, I proceeded to Mark's desk, tore off two pieces of tape and made a big X with them over his mouth. I then returned to the front of the room. As I glanced at Mark to see how he was doing, he winked at me. That did it! I started laughing. The class cheered as I walked back to Mark's desk, removed the tape, and shrugged my shoulders. His first words were, "Thank you for correcting me, Sister."

At the end of the year, I was asked to teach junior-high math. The years flew by, and before I knew it Mark was in my classroom again. He was more handsome than ever and just as polite. Since he had to listen carefully to my instruction in the "new math," he did not talk as much in ninth grade as he had in third.

One Friday, things just didn't feel right. We had worked hard on a new concept all week, and I sensed that the students were frowning, frustrated with themselves - and edgy with one another. I had to stop this crankiness before it got out of hand. So I asked them to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then I told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed me the papers. Charlie smiled. Mark said, "Thank you for teaching me, Sister. Have a good weekend."

That Saturday, I wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and I listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday I gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" I heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" "I didn't know others liked me so much." No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. I never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another again.

That group of students moved on. Several years later, after I returned from vacation, my parents met me at the airport. As we were driving home, Mother asked me the usual questions about the trip -the weather, my experiences in general. There was a lull in the conversation. Mother gave Dad a 20 sideways glance and simply says, "Dad?" My father cleared his throat as he usually did before something important. "The Eklunds called last night," he began. "Really?" I said. "I haven't heard from them in years. I wonder how Mark is." Dad responded quietly. "Mark was killed in Vietnam," he said. "The funeral is tomorrow, and his parents would like it if you could attend." To this day I can still point to the exact spot on I-494 where Dad told me about Mark.

I had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. Mark looked so handsome, so mature. All I could think at that moment was, Mark I would give all the masking tape in the world if only you would talk to me. The church was packed with Mark's friends. Chuck's sister sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why did it have to rain on the day of the funeral? It was difficult enough at the graveside. The pastor said the usual prayers, and the bugler played taps. One by one those who loved Mark took a last walk by the coffin and sprinkled it with holy water. I was the last one to bless the coffin. As I stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to me. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. I nodded as I continued to stare at the coffin. "Mark talked about you a lot," he said.

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting for me. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it." Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. I knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which I had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it." Mark's classmates started to gather around us. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary." Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said without batting an eyelash. "I think we all saved our lists." That's when I finally sat down and cried. I cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again."

THE END

Guest Talk on Promoting Communication

Building good communication skills among peers was this afternoon‰s guest talk presented by Dennis Sunderman who was invited by the Student Council to address the student body.

The discourse focused on learning to communicate clearly and concise with other people and promoting a healthy relationship with the community.

"It is important to listen carefully when someone speaks to you," said Sunderman, " otherwise you will fail to understand what others want to tell you." Following the talk, Mr. Sunderman was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Student Council Vice President Evelyn Sanchez.

The welcome remarks were done by President Ingrid Sanchez, while Mr. Apolinar Tzul moderated the presentation. The next guest speaker is Superintendent Rudolph Orio from the San Pedro Police Detachment scheduled for Thursday, January 28, 1999.

BY: Daryani Perez

TEACHER‰S FUND-RAISING DRIVE ENROUTE TO CUBA

So far, besides our daily meat pie and coke sale, we have had a Turkey Dinner and will be conducting a grand Xmas Dance on December 18, 1998.

Presently, the teachers bank account stands at $3,099.53. We would like to take the opportunity to thank all students who have patronized or assisted us in any way. We also want to remind you that we are always available to assist you in your fund-raising drive. Remember one hand washes the other and both wash the face.

An Interview With A Student of the Environmental Club

By: Adriana Vasquez

Q: Do you find the Environmental Club interesting?

A: Yes, I find it very interesting.

Q: Why did you join the Environmental Club?

A: I joined it because I think that it is very interesting and educational.

Q: Who are your friends in the Environmental Club?

A: My best friend is Luis.

Q: What do you think about your instructor, Mr. Nuñez?

A: I think he is kind, nice and friendly. Not to mention he is very funny with us at times.

Q: Do you have anything else to say?

A: I would like to tell the others in the Environmental Club to work harder.

High School Choir Delights Audience on Township

By: Esra Al-Dabbagh

On Friday, 27^th November, the Central Park was full to capacity with citizens who could hardly wait for the San Pedro Township Day to begin.

The celebrations began with Mr. Angel Nuñez as Master of Ceremonies announcing our SPH Choir who sang the National Anthem.

The Choir also performed with the directions of Mr. Tim Budd, the Music Teacher, three breath-taking selections. They were "The San Pedro High School Song", a Spanish song called "Viva La Compagnie" and their final one was "My Heart Will Go On" from Celine Dion which captured the hearts of everyone.

The Audience was certainly delighted by the melodious renditions of our high school group. Hats off to them!!!

Students attend National AIDS Day Programme

by: Martin Dawson

Christmas Message to SPHS Students from Mrs. G., Chairlady

Christmas is a time of sharing and loving. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Besides the cakes, apples, grapes, new clothing and shoes which we are expecting to receive, Christmas entails searching deep in ourselves. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Are we prepare to give Him some of our time by giving instead of expecting to receive or by sharing something we have with the less fortunate. Remember Jesus said "Whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me."

SPORTS UPDATE!

Grand Xmas Bash December 18

The staff of San Pedro High School for the first time ever is organizing a grand Christmas dance featuring lead vocalist Barrington Castillo and his reknowned musicians.

The massive splash down will be held upstairs in the second floor in the classrooms of 1b and Form 3 on Friday, December 18 commencing at 7:00pm.

There will be food on sale and soft drinks. The entrance fee is only $5. Santa Claus will be in attendance to distribute gifts to students. Make it a date and don‰t be late.