Sports
Peace delegates inform MHS
JENNIFER SUAREZ
Senior News Editor
On January 18, 2001, AWARE sponsored a presentation by three peace delegates who were returning home from Colombia.
Along with the delegates Ana Maria Vasquez, a Colombia native who currently resides at Darien rainforest because of the violence occurring in Colombia, also joined them. The three peace delegates, Anne Horst, Richard Boren and Pam Fitzpatrick, along with Ana Maria Vasquez, informed students at MHS about all that is occurring in Colombia. Their demonstrations consisted of videos and speeches.
Colombia has endured four decades of a brutal, uncivilized conflict between the national army, leftist guerilla movements, and right-wing paramilitary forces. Unfortunately, the victims have been civilians. To alleviate this situation, under the guise of fighting the “war on drugs,” the United States government has voted to send over $1 billion in military aid.
As a result, many delegations and organizations have begun to voice their opinion about this situation. Witness for Peace is one of those delegations which hopes to send a clear message to policy makers and is currently aiming to make this delegation large and diverse.
The Witness for Peace delegation has a wide range of experts and activists to hear their analysis of U.S. policy in Colombia. Aside from learning more about the economic root of Colombia’s conflict, they travel to areas outside of Bogota to see firsthand the impact that U.S. military assistance is having. Their main objective is to obtain all the skills needed to achieve change in U.S. policy.
“Just as lighter fluid among flames produces more fire, more arms produce more wars in the midst of social conflict. The military aid will not put an end to the war nor eradicate drug-trafficking. It will only increase the number of deaths and the suffering of the Colombian people,” said Ricardo Esquivia Ballestas from Justapaz, Colombia.
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Black History Month at Miami High this year promises to be an educational, yet fun experience. Miami High has “bid adieu” to yet another teacher. This time the teacher is Ms. Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba and graduated from Miami Senior High School.
History Month
CRYSTAL DAWSON
Business Manager
This year’s committee and a number of clubs participating are working hard to make sure of it.
Kicking off Black History Month activities was a dance on February 2nd. Other activities include a fashion show, a hair braiding contest and the annual Black History Show.
Also on the agenda this year is a special visit and lecture from Bishop Victor T. Curry, pastor of New Birth Baptist Church and President of the NAACP of Miami.
There are also several field trips and a Black History pep rally dedicated to the 1970s. This year’s national Black History theme is Creating and Defining the African American experience in family, church, politics, and culture.
“February is not just a month for recognizing only African Americans, it is a month for learning about our roots and who we all are,” said Ms. Loubeau, chairperson of Black History Month events.
to Sanchez
MARISOL GUERRA
Co-Focus Editor
Following graduation she gathered her suitcases and went to St. Thomas University. There she followed her passions and majored in English Literature.
Many would agree that Ms. Sanchez is “a wonderful teacher, and a great role model for all students,” as stated by Jessica Torres, junior.
Wondering where it is that Ms. Sanchez is headed? Well, she is now on her way to becoming the activities director at Miami Beach Senior High School. Ms. Sanchez hopes to find the very same “homey” atmosphere that she found at Miami High.
“Ms. Sanchez is a great person. I will seriously never forget the number of times that she gave me advice and the strength to continue. Being the captain of K-OSS is a difficult job and Ms. Sanchez has always been there to lend a helping hand. We all love you and good luck,” said Edda Juarez, senior.
Ms. Sanchez has chosen to close the chapter in her Miami High book by stating, “Nothing in life is permanent, so take advantage of every moment and don’t leave words unsaid.”
Times would like to wish Ms. Sanchez good luck.