MPHS Spanish II students and teachers with their display of ofrendas at the Mount Pleasant Public Library

Logan Curley presents her ofrenda to King Von

(L to R) Mishelle Ysasi, Morgan Zepeda, and Haley Garcia with their ofrenda to Michael Jackson

 

(L to R) Eilene Martinez, Jannely Aguilar, and Kenlee Jaggers display their ofrenda to Mac Miller

 

Contact: Kelly Cowan

MPHS Spanish classes celebrate Día de los Muertos

Many think that taking a language class involves only learning to speak it. In reality, saying that a new language is only a part of the curriculum also challenges students to read and write that new language and incorporates lessons on the culture of the countries where those speak the language. One such lesson in the study of Spanish is that of Día de los Muertos or The Day of the Dead.

Día de los Muertos is a 3,000-year-old ritual celebrated in Mexico and many other parts of the world in which families remember their deceased relatives. While Halloween and Día de los Muertos share a few similarities, both are very different festivities that don’t have much in common besides the time of year, costumes, and skulls.

The roots of Día de los Muertos reach back to indigenous people like the Aztecs, Toltecs, and other tribes living in the area that is now Mexico. They believed death was a natural part of life and that their deceased loved ones only wandered into another sphere of existence. As long as the living people remember their deceased ones, they are not dead. Hence, it’s a celebration of life and not a time to mourn the dead. Another critical aspect of the festivities is the ofrendas, or altars, decorated with flowers, candles, incense, toys, tokens symbolic of the person, and food the deceased person enjoyed.

Mount Pleasant High School Level 2 Spanish students had the opportunity to create an ofrenda for a loved one, relative, or inspiring famous person who has passed away. The students could create their ofrendas in groups or individually. The ofrendas are now on display at the Mount Pleasant Public Library and the Mount Pleasant High School library, where they will remain through the end of Día de los Muertos, November 2.

The new members of the E.C. Brice Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society.

E.C. Brice Elementary inducts students into the National Elementary Honor Society

Twenty-seven E.C. Brice Elementary School 4th graders became National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) members as the Brice Chapter held its induction ceremony last Tuesday, October 24. Students and audience members listened to an explanation of what it means to be a member of NEHS. Chapter officers described the essential characteristics of an NEHS member.

NEHS recognizes 4th-grade students for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated personal responsibility. The organization seeks to provide meaningful service activities for students to the school and the community and develop essential leadership skills in elementary school students.

Brice’s Principal, Amanda Jones, welcomed the guests in attendance. New members Kade Jackson and Jeremiah Mora led the pledges to the American and Texas flags. New member Mason Diaz gave the invocation. Mount Pleasant High School senior and MPHS National Honor Society Secretary Mea Banda was the guest speaker for the event. Banda congratulated the students on achieving membership in NEHS and encouraged them to keep the four pillars of NEHS, scholarship, responsibility, service, and leadership, as essential characteristics in their lives over the next year. The chapter officers, President Jamari Meeks, Vice President Anna Henry, Secretary Judah Deal, and Treasurer Paisley Hamilton, explained the criteria for membership and the four characteristics of an NEHS member. Brice NEHS Advisor Jana Moore introduced each new member as they walked across the stage to receive their certificate from Jones.

The E.C. Brice Elementary School NEHS Inductees for 2023-2024 are Kaylyn Andrade, Liam Banda, Dayana Castellano, Carter Chavez, Nicole Contreras, Judah Deal, Mason Diaz, Nicole Escobar, Isaac Gomez, Paisley Hamilton, Anna Henry, Kade Jackson, Ronnie Lopez, Abraham Martinez, Easton Martinez, Josiah McNary, Jamari Meeks, Averi Mendoza, Jeremiah Mora, Josielyn Moreno, Cesar Munoz, Avalyn Netro, Yoselin Perez, Jason Ramirez, Heasly Reyes, Sua Rosales, Korra St. Clair, and Mailen Tapia.        

The Brice NEHS Advisor is Jana Moore, with Faculty Council members Kristina Broadway, Marcie Chamness, Natzyelly Gonzalez, Donna Neal, and Harlie Robertson.

MPHS golf at Sulphur Springs Country Club

The Mount Pleasant High School golf teams continued their fall seasons in Sulphur Springs this week, with the Lady Tigers playing last Monday, October 23, and the Tigers last Tuesday, October 24, both at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Leading the way for the Lady Tigers, Kylee Strickland shot a 79 and finished 5th overall, followed by Sophie Greco with an 88 and 8th place, and Kate Ball with a 111. For the Tigers, 2023 state qualifier Jacob Baker shot a 72 and tied for 1st place. Brandon Carter shot an 82, Braiden Merryman an 86, Alessandro Greco 101, and Prestyn Joyner 116.

The Sulphur Springs tournament was the last one for the Lady Tigers until next spring. The Tigers will play in their final fall tournament on November 6 at Mt Pleasant Country Club. Benny Blaser coaches MPHS golf.