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Opinions
Opinions
Journalism Journalism students students students find find hope hope for
for
a a bright bright future future
future
Teachers try try for for Boards
Boards
Photo by Kelly File
Jason Dewitte lectures during one of his chemistry classes. Dewitte has
recently earned his National Board Certification.
Kimberly Kreitinger
News Editor
Nation Board Certification
was achieved by Jason DeWitte this
year and will be attempted by three
Thirty-two La Cueva drama
students went on a trip to Denver,
Colorado, for the Denver Drama
Tournament on Dec. 1-4.
The purpose of the tournament,
which La Cueva drama students
attend every year, is to find some of
the best actors and drama students
that can make it in the entertainment
business. There were about 1700
kids at this tournament.
The La Cueva drama students
performed the play “No Exist.”
for the competition. Students
had practiced for this play for about
six weeks.
There were some talented
competitors to challenge La Cueva’s
other La Cueva teachers this upcoming
year.
DeWitte achieved his certification
from hours of work and tests
last year.
This year, Richard Faulkner
for career and technical education,
Teresa
Heaphy for
science, and
Francisco
Timm for
social studies
will attemptNation
Board
Certifications.
The National
Board for
Professional
Teaching
Standards
is a nonprofitorganization
that is made
up of a
board of
leading educators
and
politicians.
The organization sets up
standards for teachers and gives out
National Board Certifications annually
for teachers that met these standards.
Teachers that apply for National
Board Certification have to
Drama Drama goes goes on on trip
trip
William Rombin
News Writer
PAGE PAGE 2
2
The
A A A A A Student Student Student Student Student Publication
Publication
Publication Publication
Publication of of of of of La La La La La Cueva Cueva Cueva Cueva Cueva High High High High High School School School School School
Friday, Dec. 9, 2005
drama students. Despite this, the La
Cueva drama students did well.
There are various ratings
plays and individual students receive
for their performance.
This year was the first year
La Cueva received a superior rating.
Brittany Vaughn had earned this superior
rating for musical solo. Also
for musical solo, Samantha Doyle
earned an excellent. In addition, Beca
Sigal and Naomi Martinez both received
excellent ratings for monologs.
The overall play received an excellent
rating.
Dianne Keyson, the drama
teacher at La Cueva, is happy with
this year’s drama students. She had a
good feeling about her students this
year, and her intuition proved to be
right.
The tournament was held at
Features Features
Sports
Sports
Iraq Iraq Iraq soliders soliders are are are in in student’s
student’s
thoughts
thoughts
Edition
“Where Excellence is a Habit” Volume XX Issue 5
the Denver Convention Center for the
ability to hold as many people as possible,
since there was no telling how
many people were going to be at the
tournament.
There were 32 students
going on the trip from La Cueva. This
was out of 150 total students that take
drama at La Cueva.
In addition to drama, which
goes up to three levels of skill, students
can also take classes on
stagecrafting and theater production.
Some students did not want
to go partially due to the stress of
the competition. In addition they did
not want to miss out on school.
The students stayed at the
Marriott Hotel for during the trip.
The students returned on Monday for
school, so they did not have to miss
too many days of school.
PAGE PAGE 6
6
submit a portfolio that included various
analyses, student work models,
and videos of their teaching in a big
group and a small group. In addition,
a test must be taken, which usually
takes most of the day to complete.
There are different certifications
for subject and age group being
taught, so the requirements for a
certification vary.
The whole process usually
takes 250 to 300 hours to complete.
There are a total of 400
points in the total assessment that
can be attained. To pass, 275 points
must be earned.
“It’s a very good process
in learning. It made me a better
teacher,” said Pat Graff, one of the
National Board Certified teachers at
La Cueva.
Getting a National Board
Certification is one of the two ways
to earn the top teaching license in
New Mexico. The other way is to get
a master’s degree.
In addition to earning the
top teaching license in New Mexico,
National Board Certified teachers in
New Mexico currently get an extra
$4,500 in their paychecks.
In 2005, there was a 40%
pass rate in the nation, and a 25%
Girls Girls Basketball Basketball is is strong strong strong for for for the the
the
season
season
pass rate in New Mexico. There are
currently a total of 179 National
Board Certified teachers in the state
of New Mexico.
At La Cueva, there are currently
four National Board teachers.
These teachers are Graff, Martha
Bedeaux, Maria Ladd, and Jane
Pierce.
Bedeaux, Graff, and Ladd
are all certified in English Language
Arts for adolescence. Pierce is certified
in English as a New Language for
adolescence.
If the three teachers are able
to attain Nation Board Certification
next year, La Cueva will have more
National Board Certified teachers
than any other high school in the
whole state of New Mexico.
The three teachers trying
for their National Board Certifications
have been getting help through
the whole process. Bedeaux, Graff,
and Ladd have helped mentored
them for every other week for two
hours.
“It’s very important that
they get mentored,” said Graff.
The whole procedure of
getting certified doesn’t come cheap.
It costs $2,300 for the whole process,
and $350 for each part of that
has to be redone.
Final Final Exam
Exam
Schedule
Schedule
PAGE PAGE 7
7
Thursday, Dec. 15: Periods 1, 3, 5
Friday, Dec. 16: Periods 2, 4, 6
7:40- 9:30 Period 1/2
9:30- 9:40 Announcements
9:40- 9:50 Passing Period
9:50- 11:40 Period 3/4
11:40- 11:50 Passing Period
11:50- 12:20 Lunch
12:20- 12:30 Passing Period
12:30- 2:20 Period 5/6

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2
Photo by Rob James
Lake Michigan as seen from Chicago’s Navy Pier. This scene shows the hopeful, bright
future of our underappreciated generation.
We We are are not not a
a
generation generation lost
lost
Lake Lake Lake Lake Lake michigan michigan michigan michigan michigan mirrors mirrors mirrors mirrors mirrors future future future future future
Rob James
Managing Editor
It all goes to show you that the
teen generation of today is not destined
to failure.
Although it was close to freezing
in Chicago, the beauty numbed
the pain. As the breeze picked up in
the Windy City, so did the level of
awe. A group of friends and I were
stopped at the end of the famous
Navy Pier, being the tourists everyone
recognizes from the first glance,
with our cameras in hand.
Every now and then someone
would recite the familiar line, “Oh! I
need to get a picture!”
But this moment was worth
more than only one thousand words.
It was so much more.
It was a sight that would not
have become old for days, weeks,
months, and yes, even years. It was a
city suspended in a sunset that seemed
to be suspended in time.
Our whole group, sat on the
edge of a pier off of Lake Michigan,
suspended in awe. The skyline, which
Opinions
Opinions
blocked the actual horizon, did not
take anything away. Instead, it added
a couple thousand more words to the
already countless others.
It wasn’t just a sense of hope; it
was a clear and colorful view of it. It
instilled intensity in the future and
serenity in the present, mixing the
feelings of the moment with the colors
of the sunset.
This sunset did more than just
make a couple of jaws drop. They all
fell, along with a layer of silence. The
sunset seemed ages longer than any
of the times before, and the silence
was just as long.
And, as we all sat there shocked,
we all thought the same thing: what
others were saying was as far as anyone
could get from the truth.
This generation, made up of
teens, was not going down the drain
but was rather looking up. Towards a
breath-taking view, as we were in Chicago.
The seven of us, from all over
the United States and even one from
across the world, drank in the setting
sun and the rising optimism.
The fact that our group took in
that view for so long and with such
The Edition
awe, to me spoke more than volumes
but instead, libraries.
Though the simplicity of the sunset
was hidden by the illustrious sight
of the skyline - including the Sears
Tower, now the tallest building in not
only our country but our half of the
world - the sun still set like nothing
was getting in the way. Nothing was
in the way of what it wanted to show
us and the rest of the city, including
those who weren’t as lucky as the
seven of us to pause and peek at the
future.
Our generation of teens will
turn out to be better than what our
critics say will be the result. Just as
the colors radiated from behind the
skyline, so will our generation from
behind its stereotype.
Just like America after 9-11, this
generation will shine through and
show what beauty lies beneath.
And it will amaze people what
awe the future will establish in those
watching merely from a pier, as a tourist
of sorts, just trying to brave the
cold that has surrounded them.
Today’s generation of teens is
not destined to failure. So, here’s a
toast to Chicago and so much more.
Santa Santa is is not not a a rapper
rapper
Dmitry Kotlovsky
Opinions Writer
“Ho ho ho” said Santa Claus,
and he wasn’t even quoting a rap song.
As you may have noticed, it’s that time of
the year again, the holiday season.
I may have some bad news
about Christmas, though. My sources tell
me that Santa has diabetes, Mrs. Claus is
no longer a Mrs., Santa’s helper elves are
on strike due to long hours and low pay,
and one of his reindeer was recently diagnosed
with tail cancer.
My sources also said that none
of these “minor setbacks” are going to
affect Santa’s abilities to spread the joy of
giving gifts to all the boys, girls, nuns, and
village idiots.
The colorful lights sparkle up
the houses like the reflections in a bald
man’s head, gifts get wrapped up like a
mummy, and best of all we get to hang
shiny balls on a big green tree. See you’re
not the only one that feels ashamed for
thinking that.
Another thing is that I am always
very confused, like a zebra with horizontal
stripes, as to what kind of presents
will be most fitting for their respective
person. Then again, holidays aren’t
about presents, right? Right? Right…
Zebras aside, I wish you all a
very happy holiday, no matter which one
you celebrate. Ho ho ho to you all.
Letter Letter to to the the editor
editor
Lc Lc Lc Lc Lc has has has has has room room room room room
to to to to to improve improve improve
To the Editor:
After reading the recent replies to Dmitry Kotlovsky’s satirical
articles on the social hierarchy of our school, I was disappointed that The
Edition would choose to only include letters opposing Kotlovsky’s opinion.
I decided to write in attempt to shed some light on the other side of
the argument, without slander or rebuke.
Unfortunately, I have known, and am one of, the people that
Kotlovsky is writing on behalf of in his articles. I understand what it means
to feel like you do not have much to offer in the “popular” economy that
dominates much of the high school experience. I know the importance
that teenagers place on money, friends, and social savvy. It is sad that our
own La Cueva High School has a reputation as an extremely stratified
school, with some of the wealthiest teens in the city. It is also sad to say
that our school seems to rely on this status more than should be acceptable.
I have seen many of my friends discouraged when they cannot meet
the social and economic standards that La Cueva students often expect,
and I myself often feel the pressures of stratification at this school because
of my own family’s financial status.
I was disappointed by some of the arguments made against
Kotlovsky’s articles because they do not seem to consider the position of
others in their school. I believe that the letters submitted would have
sounded much different if their authors had taken the time to place themselves
in the position of their peers. I am not trying to say that the writers
were lying or being malicious in their arguments. I am simply stating that
perhaps we can all benefit from a little compassion and understanding of
others who are not as fortunate as ourselves, either in financial stability
or the ability to surf the social wave.
I also believe that our school, as well as any other school, can
always benefit from a little inside criticism. Perhaps the assemblies do
lack something to please every personality, and perhaps there is some
social discrimination apparent in our concourse. If we all take a step back
and consider Kotlovsky’s advice, we may find an area for improvement,
even if we do not agree with all of his premises.
In conclusion, I think our school and our newspaper could be
better if all of us gained some empathy and understanding when issues
such as these arise. The ability to handle social issues in the workplace, in
education, and in the government is essential if we are striving to be well
rounded, informed adults. Whether we agree or disagree, there is always
room for improvement, and I believe that Kotlovsky’s articles give our
school that chance to improve. If we take the opportunity, we will benefit
enormously.
Name withheld by editor
The Edition Editorial Policy
The Edition is published monthly by the
newspaper staff of La Cueva High School. The
Edition’s purpose is to provide a forum
through which readers are informed about
issues of public concern. The Edition’s writers
have an obligation to cover issues thoroughly,
accurately, and fairly. Through the letters to
the editor, the public is encouraged to
participate in the paper’s forum. Editors
reserve the right to edit letters. Letters that
are not signed will not be considered. Letters
containing libel, obscenity, and invasion of
privacy will not be printed. Opinions
expressed in The Edition are those of the
editorial staff and do not necessarily represent
the administration’s opinions.
Advertisements are $8 per column inch and
must be received ten days prior to
publication. Inquiries about advertising may
be made by calling 823-2327 Ext. 255
Our Our Our Our Our
Policy Policy Policy Policy Policy
Dec. Dec. 9,
9,
2005
2005
Our Our Our Our Our
Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff
The Edition
Editor-In-Chief
Patrick Lester
Managing Editor
Rob James
News
Editor- Kim Kreitinger
Staff- William Rombin
Features
Editor – Brian Campbell
Staff - Ashley Dehon, Amber Nollenberg
Opinions
Editor – Kayla Moseley
Staff – Brande Bernat, Dmitry Kotlovsky
Sports
Editor – Jackie Paul
Staff – J.J. Muse
Photography
Chief Photographer – Kelly File
Photographers – Lisa Ruby, Marek Barros
Business
Manager – Sarah Leon
Staff – Nicole Novy
Adviser
Pat Graff, MJE & NBCT

Dec. Dec. 9,
9,
2005
2005
Fans are still flocking to see
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,”
the fourth book and movie in J.K.
Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Over
time we’ve seen Potter and his fellow
wizards Ron Weasley and Hermione
Granger mature, while dealing with
their increasingly difficult magical and
hormonal problems.
There have been threeheaded
dogs, giant snakes, and the
bone-chilling dementors, but now the
trio must face an even greater force:
puberty. Yes, our heroes have finally
grown up. Their teenage years promise
to be just as turbulent and terrifying,
but a lot more horny.
The film follows the exploits
of Potter (Daniel Radcliffe),
Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Granger
(Emma Watson), beginning with their
trip to the Quidditch World Cup.
After the match between Ireland and
Bulgaria, supporters of the vanquished
Lord Voldemort (Ralph
Fiennes) terrorize the celebrating
spectators.
On his return to Hogwarts,
Potter and his fellows are joined by
choice pupils from two other
wizarding schools, Beauxbatons and
Durmstrang. Professor Albus
Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) announces
that Hogwarts will host the
Tri-Wizard tournament that year, with
one student representing each school
in a three-event contest. The mysterious
Goblet of Fire will pick the competing
students.
Victor Krum (Stanislav
Features
Features
Ianevski) is chosen from Durmstrang,
Fleur Delacour (Clemence Poesy)
from Beauxbatons, and the charming
Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson)
from Hogwarts. In an alarming twist,
the Goblet also chooses Potter as a
fourth competitor.
Bound to enter the tournament,
Potter finds himself thrust into
danger once again. But for Potter,
dealing with girls is even more difficult
than fighting dragons and
merpeople. Potter wants to ask Cho
Chang (Katie Leung) to the Yule Ball,
but is shot down when he finally
builds up the nerve.
This film won’t disappoint
avid readers of Rowling’s Potter
books. Director Mike Newell had to
trim the plot quite a bit, but still captures
most of the story. The Dursleys
fail to make an appearance in the
movie, and Granger’s fanatical obsession
with freeing house elves is left
out. Those of you looking forward to
The Edition
“Harry “Harry “Harry “Harry “Harry Potter Potter Potter Potter Potter and and and and and the the the the the Goblet Goblet Goblet Goblet Goblet of of of of of Fire” Fire” Fire” Fire” Fire”
Patrick Lester
Editor-in-Chief
Movie Movie review
review
Photo by Lisa Ruby
Fans go to see the newest installment, in the Harry Potter
saga. It is billed as one of this winters best films.
seeing Dobby and Winky will just
have to wait. Also, Quidditch scenes
from the World Cup were cut.
Surprisingly, few of the new
characters in the fourth movie make
a lasting impact. Delacour, depicted
as a beautiful temptress in the book,
is certainly less than that in the movie.
Krum, a tremendous athlete and
member of the Bulgarian Quidditch
team, seems almost flabby. Diggory
is basically the same. Even Alastor
“Mad-Eye” Moody, a retired dark
wizard catcher, seems like he belongs
at a Halloween party, not fighting evil.
Voldemort, however, lives
up to his billing. Fiennes plays the
part of the reborn sorcerer, and does
a great job of bringing the villain to
life. Sadly, he’s only in the movie for
about ten minutes.
Rowling’s fourth book was
a masterpiece, and while the movie
doesn’t live up to that standard, it’s
still the best of all the Potter films.
Page
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3
River River of of Lights
Lights
provides provides enjoyment
enjoyment
Amber Nollenberg
Writer
Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and just like the wellknown
song goes, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Everyone
knows the dance to that tune. It means that is it time for great
holiday food, family and those relatives that you didn’t even know existed,
and lets not forget about the gifts!
But there’s a whole lot more going on around Albuquerque
than those sale-crazed moms and dads. There are even some more
delicious events than those homemade pies that grandma makes for
Christmas dinner. Along with various other festivities around the city,
Albuquerque has a mass of sparkling lights to look forward to. From
Nov. 26 - Dec. 30, the people of Albuquerque get the chance to enjoy the
Rio Grande Botanic Garden’s River of Lights.
The River of Lights, which began in 1997, is New Mexico’s
largest walk-through light show. The visitors there can enjoy the magic
of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and spectacular displays.
Each and every year, exciting new sculptures and numerous stunning
displays are designed and built by Albuquerque Biopark artists and
craftsmen to later be unveiled for the public.
What’s more is that all proceeds from the River of Lights go
to benefit the Albuquerque Biopark and its Bio Van that makes free
trips to schools all around Albuquerque.
“The River of Lights is a wonderful thing to do with your family,
friends, or loved ones,” says Julie Swenson who attended the event
this year. “It really gets you in the Christmas spirit, and it’s an unforgettable
sight to see.”
The Biopark will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Tickets can
be purchased at the Albuquerque Zoo or Albuquerque Aquarium from
9 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. daily or at the Biopark gate. Prices range from $6 for
adults and $2 for children ages 3-12. The event opens at 5 P.M. nightly.
So this winter,
take some time
away from the jam
packed shopping
malls and ravaged
parking lots, and
take a relaxing
trip to the River
of Lights. It’ll
really brighten up
your Christmas
Graphic courtesy of www.cabq.gov spirit!
Advertise Advertise Advertise Advertise Advertise with with with with with us! us! us! us! us!
Call 823-2327 ext. 255

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Gift Gift Guide
Guide
The Edition
Dec. Dec. 9,
9,
2005
2005
A A gift gift for for every every student
student
It is the season for giving, and receiving, with an
emphasis on the receiving part when it comes to
high school students. Let’s face it: when it comes
to buying gifts, the average high school student
lacks in ability and funding to buy a gift for many
friends or family members. But students definitely
have the ability to want gifts! And that’s
what this gift guide is all about, finding the perfect
gift for the most special person, yourself. Help
out your friends and family by using our gift guide
to perfect your wishlist so they won’t have to
think too hard.
Compiled by Jackie Paul
iPod and iPod Nano
iPod Video ($299 for 30
GB on apple.com), and
iPod Nano ($199 on
apple.com) available at
Best Buy, Circuit Cityand
apple.com- The newest in
iPods, the iPod Nano and video
both have full color screens.
These are fun gifts that are reliable
and guarunteed to deliver
hours of entertainment.
The 30GB iPod has up to 7,500
songs. Both can come in either
black or white, and includes
the software for itunes.
Photo by Kelly File
Starbucks Gift Card
Starbucks Gift Cards available at any local
Starbucks for prices up to $500. -It seems that every
high school student is now addicted to caffeine. A gift card
from Starbucks is well desired and necessary. Who doesn’t
need a mocha or latte to warm up in the frigid winter cold of
the holidays?
What What do
do
you
you
want
want
for for the
the
holidays?
holidays?
Photo poll compiled by Marek Bartos and Jackie Paul
DVDs
Here are some great DVDs that any student would want for the
holiday season whether it would be comedy, drama, or action
that a student is looking for.
Family Guy Season Three
$31.98 at Hastings - A hilarious
series about a typical
American family. This series
was created by Seth Green, and
is entertaining to almost any
high schooler.
Star Wars Episode III:
Revenge of the Sith
$20.99 at Hastings -The final
installment of the the Star
Wars movie series, this movie
shows young Anakin
Skywalker turning into the
feared Darth Vader.
CSI: Miami The Complete
Third Season
$63.99 at Hastings -CSI is a
quintessential drama that has
many viewers on the edge of their
seats. Miami offers interesting
plot twists and has great characters.
“My Little Pony”-
Cole Gooding,
junior
Batman Begins$20.29 at
Hastings -The story of the beginning
of the life of the man
called Batman. It traces the life
of Bruce Wayne turning into a
hero figure in Gotham City. This
movie is action-packed and interesting.
“Money so I can
go to the mall and
buy what I want.”-
Loren Billington,
freshman
CDs
There are many different musical styles and genres that have
something to offer to the listener. Here is a list of some of the
popular CDs for the holiday season that will accomodate almost
every students gifting wants.
Johnny Cash - American
IV: The Man Comes
Around
Johnny Cash is a great musician
that plays to the
modern American audience
by covering songs
originally done by bands like the Nine Inch Nails,
and Depeche Mode, on his new CD, “The Man
Comes Around.” This CD also contains songs
that are originally written. The whole CD demonstrates
Cash’s great vocals and ability to make
the listener feel the entire song.
Fall Out Boy- From Under
the Cork Tree
Fall Out Boy initially seems
like a very hatable band, but
this has songs that will get
stuck in anyone’s head for
hours. Their new CD,
“From Under the Cork
Tree,” comes jam packed with catchy addicting
songs such as, “Sugar We’re Going Down,” and
“Dance, Dance.”
Kanye West-
Late Registration
Kanye West has the ability
to get almost any person
that listens to music to enjoy
his. All of his songs are
catchy enough to dance all
night to. “Gold Digger” has been a number one
hip hop song for ages, and it never seems to
get old, or less appealing to anyone.
“ X-Box 360, with
Perfect Dark”-
Robert Nelson,
junior

Dec. Dec. 9,
9,
2005
2005
Gift Gift Guide
Guide
The Edition
Page
Page
5
Gorgeous Gorgeous gifts gifts for for the the girls
girls
There are a few simple things
in life that can make a girl happy
during the holidays, there are some
complicated ones too.
Chocolate
Theobroma
Chocolatier
12611 Montgomery
Blvd.,
at Tramway-
Every girl loves
chocolate, and
Theobroma just happens
to be the best chocolate
place in town. They have
the best chocolate covered
strawberries year round, and
amazing truffles.
Makeup
When it comes down to makeup,
girls have many options in brands.
Benefit and MAC offer the best
quality, and the cutest options
Find Find the the perfect perfect guy guy gift
gift
What do guys want? There are
many things that are sort of all the
same. Practicality doesn’t matter
nearly enough as entertainment
value when it comes to the perfect
guy gift.
Video Games
Every single guy wouldn’t mind owning
one of the new Xbox 360s. With
its recent release there are about
10 games available to play on the
Xbox 360, but they are all said to
be good. Xbox 360
$400 can get you
a futurist looking
console with
changable faceplates,
a huge hard
drive, and a fast
playing
interface.
“A fluffly white
puppy, and an ear
piercing.” -Kendra
Crooks, freshman
Benefit Makeup
Benefit in Macy’s at Coronado
Dancing Darlings Lip Gloss- These
four lip glosses are in
holiday shades, and
come in a fun set.
They can be layered,
and mixed to create
tons of different lip
gloss shades. Benefit
is a great brand that
can be found at Macy’s or online at
Sephora.com.
Mac Makeup
Mac in Dillard’s at Winrock
Mac eye Kohl, or eyeliner $12-15-
With eye liner being the most basic,
yet important factor of makeup, girls
need a good quality eyeliner. Mac has
a variety of eyeliners that include ones
that are waterproof, and a variety of
shades.
Games for the Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 games are exclusive,
and integrated to entertain for hours.
It is foreseen that the best of these
games will be Call of Duty 2, Perfect
Dark, and Dead or Alive 4.
Board Game
It may seem that a board game is
overly old fashioned compared to a
game console such as the Xbox 360,
or a PS2, but a good board game
such as dipolomacy could entertain
guys of all ages for hours.
Tiffany’s
“A car and a
paintball gun”-
Alfonso DeOcampo,
sophomore
Jewelry
Every girl is desirous of jewelry.
When it comes down to finding the
perfect jewel, it can get as pricey as
it can cheap. Finding the perfect piece
of jewelry depends on visual appeal.
Tiffany’s remains to be the most visually
appealing, but great accessories
can still be found at lower prices
at department stores or even Target.
Tiffany’s silver
bracelet $125-
Tiffany’s has many iconic pieces of
jewelry that any girl would scream
for. A piece of jewelry in the Tiffany’s
blue box is a dream come true for
many. Their sterling silver bracelets
are bound to last a lifetime on the
wrist of a lucky teenage girl.
Diplomacy
Diplomacy Board Game $44.99
at Amazon.com-A board game
that entails war and world domination.
In this game any guy can
live out his big ego.
Necessities
George Foreman Grill
$14.99 at amazon.com- If a guy keeps
this grill in his room then he is
guarunteed the most convenient grilling
opportunity.
Sunglasses
It may seem like the last thing to think
about during the winter is protecting eyes
from the sun. But once summer comes
around, anyone would be wishing that
they asked for a stylish pair of shades for
the holidays.
Sunglass Hut
Versace Medusa Sunglasses ($300) In
Coronado Mall, Sunglass Hut offers a
large selection of brands. Including
Versace and Chanel. The Sunglass Hut
has the perfect selection of stylish shades
ranging from $50 to $400.
Manicure
No girl can turn down a manicure. Many
nail salons offer gift cards or certificates
for manicures, pedicures, or for other
services such as waxing.
Mini-Fridge
Mini-fridge $59.95 at
sharperimage.com- The ultimate in
practicality, a mini-fridge. With a minifridge
a guy can sustain himself for a
few good days wihtout leaving his
room and disturbing his video game
play. If a guy also asks for a George
Foreman grill he can survive for a
good week or two in his room.
“A keytar; it’s a
guitar with a
keyboard.”- Liz
Ulrich, senior
Luxury Nails and Spa
$12.99 for a basic manicure-
There are many options in deciding
where to get a manicure. Luxury
Nails and Spa is located on Wyoming
and Academy, and has a nice
facility.
Clothing
Styles are different, and its impossible
to pinpoint the perfect store
in which to buy clothing for the
Holidays. Hot Topic is perfect for
band t-shirts, or Harry Potter clothing.
Hollister has cute items, and
American
Eagle is best for
jeans.
Hot Topic
About $20 for
most band
shirts- perfect
for supporting a good band. Hot
Topic has a large variety in band
shirts.
Swiss Army Knife
with 1 GB Jump drive
$197 at swissarmy.com- As if a swiss
army knfie didn’t come in handy at
all times already, now the uses are
bountyless. With this knife a guy
can play the role of tough wilderness
man, but can also play the role
of computer know-it-all by having a
jump drive in hand. This knife is great
for cutting rope or storing a homework
file.
“A car, something
sporty, a Toyota
Celica GTS” -Olga
Sologub, sophomore

Page
Page
6
Heroes Heroes abroad abroad remembered
remembered
by by families families at at home
home
Ashley Dehon
Features Writer
Personal Commentary
Living in the United States before
2001 was comfortable and cliche. It was awesome,
it was safe. But then it all suddenly came
crashing down.
On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked
two planes, and one after another they crashed
into the World Trade Center Towers. Immediately
after, soldiers were shipped off.
No one could have guessed that the
soldiers were being booked for an extended
stay. The U.S. had gone to war.
Now, four years later, the United
States has come a long way. The country has
celebrated four anniversaries of this tragic event.
The U.S. has been through a lot, seen a lot, and
felt a lot.
Although we have accomplished
many great things, the war is not yet over. Many
of the United States military forces are still in
the Middle East, and many of those serving are
parents.
Children and teenagers all over the
country have suffered for the lives their parents
gave for their country. But my experience of
being a student while one of my parents is in
Iraq has not been all that bad. Of course I miss
my mom, but the greatest feeling in the world is
knowing that my parents are heroes.
These children’s parents will be re-
Features
Features
membered for centuries for dying to save their
country. Whether they were firefighters in New
York City or soldiers in Iraq, these people will
be cherished forever.
Through the years, the U.S. has come
together and showed compassion for the soldiers
who fight for their lives. Today, citizens
are going to Iraq to save the U.S., but everyday
these people are dying inside all for the safety
of loved ones back home.
Many people can describe the way they
feel about their relative being Iraq. Most cannot
explain the way they feel when a game is
missed or a holiday.
“ My cousin is in Iraq. I miss him a lot.
He is my best friend,” said Samantha Shankles,
sophomore.
All in all, one could say someone’s
loss is another’s gain. In this case, America’s
loss just happens to be Iraq’s gain. Tragedies
will happen, but we’ll move on and create a
whole new life to live.
The Edition
The Edition Archives
The The truth truth about about Mr. Mr. C
C
Where Where Where Where Where all all all all all the the the the the letters letters letters letters letters to to to to to him him him him him go go go go go
Brian Campbell
Features Editor
Mr. C, Saint Nick, Santa
Claus, Old-Fat-and-Jolly. Whatever
you choose to call him, he gets more
letters in a month than most of us do
in a year.
The branch of the U.S.
Postal Service in Albuquerque alone
receives about 400 letters to Santa
each year.
Now the question is that if
Santa gets mail, where does it go?
Well, the most obvious answer would
be the North Pole. Most of the time it
does not get there, though. Something
about insufficient postage.
Most Santa letters in the Albuquerque
area end up at the main
distribution center. Here, the mail is
sorted.
The mail that does not have
a return address is separated from
the rest and put into its new home,
the trash can.
Some of the mail is sent to
the Hope Group. The Hope Group is
a Hispanic organization that gives
presents to some needy families.
The rest of letters get responded
to by Santa Claus himself. If
your parents told you there was no
Santa, shame on them. Santa actually
exists. What your parents never told
you was what Santa actually is. He is
a well written, grammatically flaw-
less, form letter.
Some states, such as New
York and New Jersey, participate in
a program called Operation Santa
Claus. What happens is that post offices
allow people to take some of
the letters to Santa and have those
people get Christmas gifts for the
children.
For now, Albuquerque only
uses the Hope Group. Maybe next
year they could expand it into the kind
of system that other states have.
?
Brande Bernat
Opinions Writer
Parents say driving is a privilege.
Gas prices say driving is expensive. Teens
say that driving is a must.
Cars are the driving force behind
the teenage population today. They drive
teens to do well in school in order to receive
lower, “good student”, insurance rates.
They drive them to go out and get jobs to
pay for insurance and gas. They can, however,
also make a lot of trouble and much
more stress to a student’s already stressfilled
life.
Driving, just like anything else, can
be dangerous. Teenage drivers make up 7%
of licensed drivers, but account for 14% of
car related fatalities and 20% of all reported
accidents, according to drivehomesafe.com
Many accidents involving teens occur when
the driver has a friend, or several, in the
car. It puts not only the driver but also the
passengers in danger.
There is no doubt that driving is a
big responsibility and a huge monetary investment,
which brings up the question: As
a teen, is driving a benefit or a burden?
In high school, students do more
then just go to school and return home again.
After school jobs as well as extra curricular
activities can send students all around town.
Having the ability to drive can help
take stress off of students as well as parents,
Dec. Dec. 9,
9,
2005
2005
What What drives drives our our world
world
who hate the job of being a chauffeur.
At the same time parents also get
freaked out at the idea of their little baby’s
lives not revolving around them anymore.
They sometimes use driving as a way of keeping
their kids closer and commonly to motivate
them.
“Driving is a benefit, but it is also
a way for parents to make you more miserable.
It is just one more thing they can take
away from you if you get in trouble. It can
also make your curfew earlier,” said Alex
Rios, junior.
Some students just have too much
going on to have a job and still keep up with
all of the other things they want to do. In this
instance, parents step in and help out with
costs.
“Driving is definitely a privilege
because it makes you more independent and
it’s cool because my parents buy me gas,”
said Tiffany Suazo, junior.
Driving can also help socially. It’s
hard to hang out with friends when you can’t
drive.
“Girls like a guy who can drive,
but right now, I think driving is not good
because I rolled over in an A.T.V. and broke
my arm,” said Zack Rockhold, sophomore.
No matter what the case may be,
it is not hard to see that to most teens, driving
is a very important part of life. It gets
you from point A to point B, and gives you
the independence all teens want.

Dec.9,
Dec.9,
2005
2005
Girls’ Girls’ Basketball Basketball posts posts up
up
The La Cueva
Girls’
basketball
team practices
after school
to get ready
for the coming
season. The
Bears started
the year with
two victories
in the Rio
Grande Mini
Tournament
against Cibola
and Rio
Grande.
Senior team
captain
Kaitlyn Rice
had 33 points
and 14
rebounds in
those two
games.
wrestlers
wrestlers
start start season
season
Patrick Lester
Editor-in-Chief
La Cueva’s wrestling season has begun
once again, and the Bears are taking it to
the mats in an effort to grab a state title. But
standing in the way is west-side rival Rio Rancho,
and La Cueva will likely find it difficult to keep
the championship trophy out of Ram hands.
Head Coach Robert Mantano and senior
captain Ryan Lazo will lead the somewhat
undersized Bears into battle. In a sport where
competitors’ weights range anywhere from a
scrawny 90 pounds to a whopping 300 pounds,
La Cueva is unable to boast a wrestler over
200 pounds.
Despite this obvious setback, the
Bears are training for serious competition with
their opponents. Practices are held every day
after school from 3:00-5:00 p.m., and consist
of an hour of conditioning drills (jogging and
sprints) and another hour devoted purely to
wrestling.
“He [Mantano] pushes us hard. I appreciate
it all. We have to practice every day,
but all the work will be worth it this postseason,”
said junior Scott Zhang, first-year wrestler on
the Varsity squad.
Lazo, who finished in second place at
last year’s state competition, is a seasoned
leader amongst a relatively inexperienced
team. About 30 wrestlers are on the team, but
most won’t have as much on-the-mat action as
Lazo. Even if La Cueva can’t reach the winner’s
circle as a team, Lazo, who Zhang describes as
Sports
Sports
Photo by Kelly File
a “beast”, expects to have a solid year.
Lazo will have his work cut out for
him this season. The Rio Rancho Rams, last
season’s state champions, boast a strong program
perennially, and have no desire to end
their string of dominant campaigns this year.
So are these Bears afraid?
“No, we’re not afraid at all. We’re
going to let the wrestling speak for itself,” said
Zhang.
They may lack size, but the Bears
aren’t short on heart. Is that enough to get them
past Rio Rancho? The truth will be told in time.
Kimberly Kreitinger
News Editor
Photo by Marek Bartos
Members of the La Cueva wrestling
team practice with Head Coach
Robert Mantano after school.
The Edition
The La Cueva Girls’ Basketball
team is starting off splendidly this
season.
Even though the team lost
four seniors from last year, which include
Sarah Anderson, Stephanie
Bladwin, Briana Paxton, and Vanessa
Strobbe, the team is still strong.
“I think we are equally as
talented as last year. I think we will
be as competitive or more so this
year,” said Greg Berger, head coach
of the girls’ basketball team and the
woodshop teacher for La Cueva.
Indeed, there are many returning
key players on the team, including
the two seniors and co-captains
on the team, Kaitlyn Rice and
Kellie Snyder. Furthermore, Sandy
Cook, Brenna Freeze, Kim Lopez, and
Marisol Romero, all key players, are
on the team for this season.
“They’re former players.
They’re returning veterans of the
team, so they have that experience
on the floor,” said Berger.
Strengths for this year’s
team are the inside game and post
plays.
“If we get the ball to the girls
in the front, I think that’s going to be
our strength,” said Berger.
In addition, the team has
improved on defense, according to
Berger.
The girl’s team has already
tasted victory. The team won the Rio
Grande Mini Tournament. In addition
to La Cueva, Cibola, Del Norte,
and Rio Grande all participated in
the tournament.
So far the team has won all
its games. Two have been against
schools in the Rio Grande Mini Tournament,
a 55-36 victory against
Cibola and a 43-36 win over Rio
Grande. The La Cueva Girls’ Basketball
team is currently ranked eighth
in the state.
Senior captain Kaitlyn Rice
became the first recipient of the State
Page
Page
7
Farm Albuquerque-area High School
Girls Basketball Player of Week
award after La Cueva’s victories over
Rio Grande and Cibola. Rice had 33
points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists
combined against the two schools
during the tournament.
La Cueva also placed first
in the Farmers East Invitational, with
victories over the Albuquerque Academy,
Las Cruces, and Rio Rancho. The
Bears then beat Manzano at home
52-49. Even with these successes, the
team will still have to face fierce rivals,
against whom victory might not
be so easy.
“Sandia at district is going
to be the team to beat. They were
young last year; they didn’t have many
seniors go. They’re going to be the
team to beat,” said Berger.

Page
Page
8
The La Cueva Boys’ basketball
team is starting off well. With a
solid line up, it’s going to be hard to
defeat the Bears this year. Even though
the La Cueva lost Brandon Holland,
Scott Gracey, and big man Bryan
Pullan, the Bears will be stacked with
talent this year.
With returning players like
Ryan Daniels, Andy Konash, Jeron
McIntosh, and Matt Nordaker at the
guard positions and Jamie Ocksrider
and Greyson Wieczorek standing tall
at the post position, La Cueva will be
hard to beat.
Although the Bears have
many returning players from last year,
they also have some new ones with
talent. These players include Dale
Sanchez, a transfer from Belen who
also helped the football team and will
be playing forward for the Bears.
Caleb Kock, Ali Ahmed and
Charlie Hiemerl will be getting some
action at the post position. Chris
Cordova and Dan Koller will be helping
out at guard.
Sports
Sports
The Edition
“ We have all been playing
together for years so we are all comfortable
with each other on the court,”
said senior post Wieczorek
Although the Bears are flying
high they are still ranked behind
powerhouse Cibola High School, lead
by senior Kasey Cunningham. Cibola
came to La Cueva on Dec. 1 and took
it to the Bears, winning by a score of
91-66. Cunningham scored 30 points
and grabbed 23 rebounds for Cibola.
The Bears will have to beat the Cougars
in the postseason if they plan to
win state.
The Bears are coming into
this season with goals.
“ Our goals for this season
is to win district then to go back to
the pit and win state,” said senior
guard Konash.
The players are all motivated
because they know they have a
chance to get to the championship
trophy.
The Bears are special because
they have the best guards in
the state, lead by senior guard Ryan
Daniels. Daniels steps his game up
for the season and amazes spectators
with his performance on the
court. J.P. Barela, another phenomenal
guard, still uses his criss-crossing
hands to confuse opponents’ defenses.
These two senior guards will
be leading the team with their ambition
to win and their dedication to
leadership.
Dec. Dec. 9,
9,
2005
2005
team team is is goal-oriented
goal-oriented
Cunningham, Cunningham, Cunningham, Cibola Cibola Cibola Cibola Cibola hand hand hand hand hand bears bears bears bears bears 25-point 25-point 25-point 25-point 25-point defeat defeat defeat defeat defeat
Photo by Kelly File
Senior guard J.P. Barela
shoots while guarded by
two Cibola players during
La Cueva’s 91-66 loss to the
state’s top team.
J.J. Muse
Sports Writer
Flow Boots 4 Sale
Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 2006 2006 2006
2006 2006
Photo by Marek Bartos
Senior Jamie Ocksrider goes for a layup during an afterschool
practice. He and Greyson Wieczorek are La Cueva’s
two top post players.
Brand Brand new new Flow
Flow
snowboard snowboard boots.
boots.
New New Boa Boa Lacings, Lacings,
Lacings,
Never Never been been used.
used.
Size Size 13. 13.
13.
Call Call Jak Jak @ @ 270-1338
270-1338
The Bears have the talent,
they have the ambition, and they have
desire to bring a title back to La
Cueva. All they need to do now is do
what they do best, which is take out
anyone who stands in their way of the
“Blue Trophy.”
Seniors
Seniors
lead lead Swim
Swim
team
team
Amber Nollenberg
Features Writer
On your mark, get set,
swim! It’s that time of year again.
After taking first place at the All-
City meet and third in the State meet
last season, the girls swimming and
diving team is back and looking
stronger than ever.
With the return of head
coach Vince Sanchez, and the welcoming
of a new assistant coach Jessica
Sydell, the Lady Bears are looking
to steal the swimming show
again this year.
“Our coaches Vince and
Jessica are great. They challenge us
to rise above the rest and dominate
the water,” said senior captain
Caitlin Locke.
With the return of several
strong upperclassmen swimmers
and returning seniors Amanda
Quillen, Caitlin Locke, and Sarah
Leon, they are a force to be reckoned
with.
“I think we have a really
strong team this year,” said junior
Amanda Maes, who finished second
place in the 100-meter freestyle in
last year’s state competition.
The Lady Bears will had
their first meet, the Barney Relays,
on Nov. 19 at the Albuquerque
Academy.