By Kristiana Trinidad
Junior Staff Writer

Chocolate is known to most as every dieter’s nightmare. With its sweet, rich, and creamy taste, who wouldn’t be tempted to take a little bite? Despite the many myths regarding chocolate, chocoholics can rejoice, since the sweet treat can have health benefits.

Many say that chocolate will rot your teeth. However, the source of chocolate, cacao beans, has antibacterial agents that help to prevent tooth decay. The high amount of sugar in milk chocolate cancels out that effect, so dark chocolate would be much better for those who fear cavities.

“Chocolate has been known as a aphrodisiac,” says Mr. Stridde, A-TECH’s health teacher, “but it would be better to have all your teeth than a pocket full of chocolate.”

Another common myth is that chocolate will cause a person to be extremely restless due to it having the stimulants bromine and caffeine. It’s true that those stimulants are present in chocolate, but they’re in such small quantities that they do not have any effect on humans.

Contrary to common belief, it’s not likely that someone could get “high” from eating a few chocolates. It would take the consumption of about twenty-five of pounds chocolate before a person could actually feel any changes. The smell of chocolate, however, could possibly cause the addition of theta brain waves, which results in relaxation. Chocolates also include a gentle mood elevator called phenyl ethylamine.

The most common of all myths is that chocolate gives people acne. Despite what parents and grandparents say, this is completely false. In fact, some scientists believe that diet doesn’t have as much an effect on skin as once believed. Also, chocolates actually contain antioxidants that improve the appearance of skin.

Not all chocolates have all these benefits. White chocolate has none of them, for example, because the cocoa is responsible for all the health benefits. All forms of white chocolate have absolutely no cocoa, so it technically isn’t chocolate. Milk chocolate is almost as bad because it has the lowest antioxidant capacity.

The healthiest chocolates are ones that are processed the least. That’s the reason why dark chocolate is considered much healthier than milk chocolate.

Too much chocolate, however, can lead to other things such as headaches and obesity because milk chocolate is high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar.

“You get very little benefit from milk chocolate,” explains Mr. Stridde. “Milk chocolate has less value for you than dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has qualities that make it a decent nutrient. It’s all in the way you use it.”

Opinion

Tyler Livingston
Copy Editor

Since 1973, abortion has been a right for pregnant women who decide that they are not able to care for a child or willing to carry a child for nine months before its birth to put it up for adoption afterward.

Those who call themselves “pro-life” firmly believe that at the moment of conception, a child—a human life—exists and should be treated as an equal to any other living human.  This means that in the eyes of someone who is pro-life, aborting a fetus is synonymous to committing murder.

On the other end of the spectrum lie the “pro-choice” supporters who believe it is a woman’s right to decide whether to abort a fetus, claiming that the human-to-be is part of her body and not yet a fully-developed person.  Thus a woman has the final say in what goes on inside her own body, and if she chooses to obtain an abortion, it is a personal—and completely legal—decision.

There is another element to this debate that doesn’t get as much attention as some would like.  This element deals with what to do after an abortion-gone-wrong, when the fetus survives the abortion and is alive outside the mother’s body.

Without a doubt at this point, regardless of whether a person is pro-life or pro-choice, it must be admitted that doctors are now dealing with a living human being.  The baby has no physical connection to its mother whatsoever.  At this point, the child needs to be cared for just as if it were any regular thirty-year-old patient, using the best techniques possible to maintain the weak and innocent life.  Killing the baby—or simply allowing it to die—is murder.

In some cases, since the now-born child was supposed to be aborted, the doctors are not permitted by law to treat the baby in even the most extreme cases of unhealthiness.  Nurses are asked to transport the child to a separate room, wait for it to die without attending to it, and dispose of it in accordance to that particular hospital’s guidelines.

According to NRLC.org, some cases named “partial-birth” abortions, the fetus is pulled out of the womb by its feet until all but its head is exposed.  The doctor then punctures a hole in the baby’s upper neck using a pair of regulation scissors and extracts the brain, collapsing the skull so the child’s remains can be removed from its mother’s womb with out causing her any long-term damage.

These babies are clearly human beings, so partial-birth abortions are in direct violation of the Constitution’s promise of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

It is obvious that killing—murdering—a small and absolutely defenseless human child should be illegal, even after a failed abortion.

These babies should be cared for, allowing them to live past their first few hours out of the womb.  If the child’s mother still does not wish to care for the baby, it should be put up for adoption to a loving family who is ready to care for a child.

Under absolutely no circumstances should a baby living on its own with no connection to its mother be left for dead in a back room at a local hospital: this is, undeniably, murder.

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Thank you,

The editors

By Iun Chen
Junior Staff Writer

On Thursday, March 5 at 12:00, three National Merit Scholar finalists at A-TECH received their awards. The finalists were Casey Goodwin, James Morgensen, and Christian Tidwell.

During the National Merit award luncheon at A-TECH on March 5, the three finalists, along with their families and various members of A-TECH’s staff, were invited to a luncheon in the library, where the finalists were given their Certificate of Merit. First, the guests were treated to a well-prepared catered meal, and then Ms. Diamond presented the Certificate of Merits to the three finalists.

When Ms. Diamond was presenting the awards, she talked about the students, their achievements, their extracurricular activities, and interesting facts about them.

When Ms. Diamond asked Morgensen if there was anything else the guests should know about, he said, “I haven’t worked that hard throughout the year. It seems like it, and maybe I am just judging because I am myself, and I’m not as objective as I could be, but it seems like to me that I haven’t put down that much effort as much as I could have.”

“I’m the middle child of nine kids, so it was kind of funny being home-schooled with everyone pushing me,” said Tidwell. “And then also, my parents tricked me into getting straight A’s, and then gave me thanks by giving me free dinners.”

After the finalists received their awards, pictures were taken with their families. Ms. Diamond gave another short speech about how proud she was of the students for getting this far in elimination process.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a non-funded, non-profit organization that recognizes students for college scholarships. The entry requirements are based on PSAT and NMSQT tests. The NMSQT test is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

In September, about 16,000 of 50,000 people are recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation narrows the number of people down to 15,000 after the SAT scores, high school grades, extracurricular activities, and a 500-word essay is submitted. From this point, all finalists receive an award Certificate in Merit recognizing the performance in the competition so far. This is where the three A-TECH finalists stand.

Dear Dr. Hiz and Her,

My boyfriend and I have been going out for five months and he just told me that he loves me.  I am kind of afraid of falling in love, and I know that I’ll never be in love with him.  I’m not sure how to respond.  What do I do?
-Undecided Sophomore

Dear Undecided,

There’s no reason to be in a relationship with someone who you don’t love, especially if you know you’ll never be in love with him.  Why are you wasting your time?  This kid loves you (or so he says) and you’re leading him to think that you feel the same way.  Typical woman.

-Dr. Hiz

Dear Undecided,

You are young. There is no rush to fall in love the minute you’re in a long-term relationship. If you’re sure that you will never fall in love with this guy, you should tell him so, instead of leading him on. If you’re not honest with him, he will continue to love you but it would be a good idea for him to know that you don’t intend to stay with him for forever. If you are sure that you don’t love him then obviously there is something wrong with the relationship. My advice is to tell him the truth and wait to find the prince charming that you can really fall in love with.

-Dr.Her

By Kim DeGuzman
Research Editor

When A-TECH’s Student Council began the Raising Student Voices and Participation (RSVP) program in January, no one was sure what to expect.

“I wasn’t looking forward to it because in all honesty, it’s a waste of time, since most people don’t even participate in it,” said junior Ken Insalata. “It does give room to discuss our thoughts about our school and make it better, but what’s the point if four out of twenty some odd people actually participate?”

First came Summit One, which allowed A-TECH students to list their like and dislikes about A-TECH. After bringing the list of ideas to the administrators, facilitators came back in Summit Two and presented the most popular changes. Summit Three, the last and final summit, on March 6, updated students on the new changes.

Due to the RSVP Summits, a new cell phone policy emerged. Before the change, students could only use cell phones outside the building before and after school. Now students are allowed to use cell phones inside the building before and after school, just as long as it’s not during instructional time.

Besides a new cell phone policy came new cafeteria changes, such as more chairs in the SAC. However, due to budget cuts, the school is no longer allowed to hire additional adult workers but can hire more student workers in the cafeteria.

The school is also considering putting real toilet paper and seat covers in all of the restrooms if the budget allows it and microwaves in the cafeteria if they comply with safety regulations.

“I think the RSVP summits have greatly improved the school and I think we should have them more often so the school can improve even more,” said A-TECH junior Ryan Schuler.

Summit Three was the last RSVP summit for the year, and hopefully many more of these changes will be in effect next year.

“Although the changes won’t affect us seniors, it’s nice to know that things can be changed,” said A-TECH senior Jared Dobson.

By Iun Chen
Junior Staff Writer

Clark County School District has many rules, including one that prohibits cell phones during instructional time. This time period extends from the minute school starts until the minute school ends, including the passing periods. Lunch is an exception because it is a non-instructional time.

A-TECH established a rule to go alongside the CCSD policy. The A-TECH rule stated that cell phones could not be used inside the building at anytime during the day, except in the Student Activities Center during lunch. Using cell phones was only permitted to outside the school building.

However, as a result of A-TECH’s RSVP summits, this rule has changed.

“Through RSVP, students came and said, ‘Why are we treated differently than comprehensive high schools?’ explained A-TECH Dean, Ms. Price.

During the RSVP summits, students asked why A-TECH had a special rule for cell phones. When RSVP facilitators went to their training sessions, Student Council members said that the cell phone issue was a big hit during the first two summits.

Because of its popularity, the issue was brought to the administration. The school administration talked it over, and decided to revise the rule.

“It’s almost like we broke tradition,” explained Ms. Price, Dean of Students, “So we looked into it with Ms. Diamond and Mr. Burt and we said hey, we don’t see why it needed to stay.”

The revised cell phone rule is that cell phones are allowed in use during any non-instructional time on campus except classrooms, office areas, and the library. During the school day, cell phones should still be turned off except for during lunchtime in the SAC.

“I really like the change in the cell phone policy,” says freshman Marjorie Franzen. “It only makes sense that we are able to use our phone after school when we aren’t in instruction and want to call our friends asking where they are, or if we want to text our parents telling them that we are talking to a teacher.”

Now that the cell phone policy has changed and students are allowed to use their phones inside the building, Ms. Price expects students to take advantage of this rule.

Kim DeGuzman/ Maverick Messenger
Students participate in the latest RSVP summit.

Yes–RSVP made a real difference

Brianna Vargas
Assistant Editor

The RSVP program has lead to real change at A-TECH. The summits allow students’ voices to be heard.

One of the main problems students had issues with at A-TECH was the cell phone policy the administration previously enforced. Prior to the RSVP program, students were only allowed to use cell phones outside of the school or in the lunchroom during non-instructional time. These restrictions applied even before and after school. Many students did not agree with this policy.

“I hated being limited to where I can use my cell phone,” said sophomore Kristy Bustos. “I thought we should have been able to use our phones, before the bell rang, anywhere. We’re not interrupting class.”

As direct result of the RSVP summits, this policy has been changed. After bringing up the cell phone issue for two RSVP summits, cell phones finally have fewer restrictions. Students are now able to use their phone anywhere in the school before the first period bell rings in the morning and after the last bell rings in the afternoon.

Before the RSVP program, the problems A-TECH students had issues with were not easily addressed. For example, most A-TECH students would not walk up to Mrs. Diamond and tell her “we need more chairs in the lunchroom.” The facilitators are officials, so they have more say than just a student does. In a way, RSVP is A-TECH’s version of Congress. The facilitators are our representatives, speaking for us to the administration. They show the administration that its not just one student complaining about school, but that the majority of A-TECH’s student population has real issues with aspects of the school.

“I love RSVP,” said junior Jesse Sutherland. “I think it’s a great idea because it gets the administration to hear all the student voices and know that we all share the same opinion.”

Even the administration agrees that it was the RSVP program that made them realize some policies needed to be altered.

“I think that the RSVP program is a great idea,” said Vice Principal Mr. Burt. “It gives the student body a chance to talk to the administration and gives them a voice more than just Student Council.”

RSVP will continue next year because it a program most student don’t want to see disappear. A-TECH students can finally speak as one to improve their school, changing everything from cell phone policy to bathroom toiletries. With RSVP, A-TECH students can start small and hopefully move their way up to bigger school controlled issues.

No–the RSVP summits wasted students’ time

Emily Browning
Junior Staff Writer

RSVP Summits are a recent addition to A-TECH’s culture. The summits are supposed to give those in charge of A-TECH’s rules a chance to hear what the students think. In reality, they are nothing more or less than a major waste of valuable class time.

“I think RSVPs are pointless just because all of our ideas and suggestions are turned down,” said sophomore Melissa Goodnough. “If there was more openness to change, then they would be really beneficial. But since there seems to be none, they are a waste of time.”

“They’re not going to do anything we ask,” said junior Mitch Young. “It’s just an excuse for the administration to say that they listen to our problems.”

So far, the only result of the RSVP is a minimal change to the cell phone policy. Instead of only being able to use cell phones outside and in the SAC at any time during the day, now students may use their cell phones anywhere outside of classrooms before the beginning of first period and after the end of eighth period.

All this means that A-TECH’s cell phone policies now match the policies of the rest of the Clark County School District.

“We should discuss our school stuff in assemblies instead of with the RSVP,” suggested sophomore Beatriz Gurra

While this might be a better solution, many of the changes students have requested simply cannot be done. The principal and administration must follow the school district’s policies and regulations no matter what the students want.

“I think,” said freshman Sky Woodard, “that it’s a waste of time.”

“The downside to the summits is that they are long and waste a whole day,” said senior Drew Young. “The upside is that the representatives who came to my class are cute.”

On Friday March 16, A-TECH had its last RSVP summit for the 2008-2009 school year. At the beginning, the representatives told students about all the things that the administration promises to change for next year (with nearly no changes for this year), including things like microwaves in the cafeteria.

The only thing that actually changed, even minutely, this year is the cell phone policy. A-TECH students will have to wait and see if any of the promised changes will actually be made in the 2009-2010 school year.

Photo by Casey Goodwin/Maverick Messenger
Senior Jennifer To sips on lemonade during the lemonade challenge.

By Casey Goodwin
Editor-in-Chief

Disco ball balloons, shouting students, tables covered with cups of lemonade, and overall chaos filled the SAC on Thursday, February 26.

For one day every school year, seniors in A-TECH’s business and finance program participate in a competition to see who can make the most money for a nonprofit organization by selling lemonade during lunch.

This year, business students managed to raise over $1,200 for the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.

This year, there were four separate lemonade stands. Disco Lemonade was sold at the front of the SAC, Krazy Strawz at the back, and Electric Lemonade and Sour Patch Kids were on either side of the room. Each stand had its own gimmick to attract customers.

Of the four teams, Krazy Strawz raised the largest amount of money and won the challenge. The students who worked for this team were Melanie Breaux, Brad Cochran, Karissa Dold, Yuki Falcon, Ashley Huddleston, Jennifer Lee, Abby Randall, and Nicolas Rosa.

Business students working for Disco Lemonade, with it’s 1970s theme, dressed up like they were at a disco. This stand also sold lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick in cups from that restaurant.

Krazy Strawz, on the other hand, sold several different types of lemonade. Along with a glass of lemonade, students also received a plastic egg containing a bouncy ball, a fun straw, and an umbrella for their drink with each purchase.

While some students brought presale tickets for a lower price, the total cost of lemonade varied from $1.50 to $2, depending on the stand.

It was hard to find a single table in the lunchroom that did not have at least one lemonade cup.

“We’re having fun while donating our proceeds to charity,” said A-TECH senior Henry Castillo. Castillo bought Electric Lemonade, Krazy Strawz, and Disco Lemonade. He also sampled a friend’s cup of Sour Patch Kids.

According to Castillo, Krazy Strawz made the best cup of lemonade. “They make me want more,” he explained.

Senior Jennifer To is of a different opinion.

“I’ve been drinking this one, so I think this one’s better,” said To, pointing to her cup of Sour Patch Kids lemonade. To had also purchased lemonade from Krazy Strawz.

By Madame Beatrice
Assistant Resident Astrologist

ARIES: March 21-April 19
Your parents won’t let you drive the car, you’re about to break up with your boyfriend and your best friend is moving to Dubai…wow, looks like this month is going to be a tough one for you. While one of your many options is to sulk and whine about it, instead just forget about it and try to have some fun this month.

TAURUS: April 21-May 20
You want to go to that summer program that pre-accepted you. The only problem is that it is $2000. You can’t expect your parents to pay for the summer program if you’ve also asked them for a car, a Blackberry Storm, and a Nikon CoolPix. Pick the thing that you truly want the most.

GEMINI: May 21-June 21
February is finally over and March is here. After the very busy month you’ve had in February, what with homework, friends, family, extracurricular activities and life in general, use March to relax. When proficiency exams come on March 17, use the much needed day off to catch up with your friends, unless you are a sophomore.

CANCER: June 21-July 21
You want to be a cheerleader. You’ve decided to go to your zoned school’s cheerleading tryouts to see if you can make the squad for next year. You’ve practiced for the past 6 weeks and you think you know every move in the book. Your hopes are high…it’s too bad you don’t have any rhythm.

LEO: July 23-August 22
Looks like your life will be one giant to-do list this month, with school, community service projects, your mom telling you to clean your room, work and your social life all fighting for your attention. The rule of thumb here would be DON’T PROCRASTINATE! Get the necessities done first, and have fun later.

VIRGO: August 23-September 22
After the fight you and your significant other had at Sadies, you’re considering whether to break it off. However, you are afraid of being single once again. Ask yourself, is your long-term happiness worth being single?

LIBRA: September 22-October 21
For some reason, this month you feel as if everyone hates you and you have no friends or anyone to talk to. Well, maybe they do. Maybe you’re obnoxious and you insult everyone who just wants to tell you “hello.”

SCORPIO: October 21-November 22
So you failed your driver’s test…don’t be so sad. Not having a driver’s license doesn’t give you the license to take out your anger on everything and everyone in sight, blaming them for the fact that you failed your test. You can always retake the test, you know.

SAGITTARIUS: November 22-December 21
While everyone is out having fun, you’re inside, studying for your SAT…again. You’ve taken it eight times already. Don’t you think your high score of 2250 is enough? You could do without the extra 150 points.

CAPRICORN: December 21-January 19
After spending many late nights playing Dungeons and Dragons, you’ve finally come out of your room because you haven’t eaten a proper meal in a month and you don’t want to starve to death. That, or your computer died and you’re going downstairs to scream at your parents to turn the electricity back on.

AQUARIUS: January 10-February 18
This month, you’ll reconnect with your old friends. All will be well at first, until they start exhibiting behaviors that remind you of why you drifted apart from them in the first place. Remember what your friendship is based on: how good a friend they are, not the embarrassing public behaviors they exhibit.

PISCES: February 19-March 19
You can’t remember the last time you had a day off from work. You love your job, but your grades are the worst they have been in your whole entire high school career and you can’t remember the last time you spent more than two seconds talking to your parents and your little sister. Might I suggest a break?