NM MESA Celebrates STEM Day More Diversity in NM MESA and MESA Day at the NM Legislature Toney Begay Executive Director Kim Scheerer students for college majors and careers in deed, more than 100 MESA students from We are in the midst of the 2016-2017 CI Regional Coordinator mathematics, engineering and science. Cibola, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, school year throughout the state of New This is in accordance with Senate Me- San Miguel and Santa Fe counties brought Mexico. We, Mathematics, On January 18th, the Legislators of morial Bill 10, introduced by Senator Pete more than 1,000 letters of support for NM Engineering, Science Achievement, Inc. Santa Fe celebrated the first official STEM Campos from District 8 encompassing MESA to deliver to Representatives and (NM MESA) have been very busy meet- (science, technology, engineering and Colfax, Mora, Harding and much of San Senators from all over the Land of En- ing our mission, even with the additional mathematics) Day at the Roundhouse! Or- Miguel County. The bill recognizes NM chantment. challenges of reduced funding. We are ganized and supported by the Los Alamos MESA for its contributions to science edu- Students heard special presentations by reaching students throughout the state who cation achievement, college preparation, may or may not be thinking about attend- career guidance, field trips, academic com- ing college and majoring in the Science, petitions, leadership workshops, summer Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs, scholarship incentives, com- (STEM) fields. munity service and teacher professional Our student participants vary and re- development. flect the diversity of our state. NM MESA Both the Senate and House then work on has been a beacon appropriations that significantly contribute of hope and encour- to NM MESA funding. The testimony of agement for thou- students, live in the legislative chambers or sands of New Mex- written in letters to lawmakers, is crucial ico students with for legislators to understand the continued enormous challeng- positive impact NM MESA is making on es and obstacles. STEM education in the Land of Enchant- We have succeeded ment. throughout the years NM MESA encourages students, teach- Photo by Kim Scheerer in raising student ers, parents and others to participate in the Many of the MESA students from northern and western New Mexico pose in the academic achieve- Toney Begay democratic process at the grass-roots level! State Capitol Rotunda during MESA Day, January 31. Students observed and ment for college preparation, graduation, Take the time to share your thoughts with learned about the legislative process, delivered more than 1,000 letters of support scoring in the higher percentile of student your representatives and learn the power to lawmakers and demonstrated the informed citizenship that is one of the primary testing, and producing engineering and sci- of speaking up… it’s only when we work goals of the MESA program. ence prototypes encapsulating the STEM together that we see real change. That is a learning concepts required in academic Public Education Department and Higher lesson that could make a big difference in National Laboratories (LANL) Foundation, competitions. Education officials in addition to observing the very partisan climate that is governing New Mexico MESA was there to share in The MESA USA National Rules Com- the legislature discuss and debate policy. what Time magazine in December, 2016 the experience and raise our voices. mittee is diligently working on the next na- Some students were even able to meet described as the “Divided States of Amer- Students from Taft Middle School, Van tional competition. MESA USA will capi- briefly with their respective legislators and ica.” Buren Middle School and South Valley talize on the nation-wide MESA purchases Academy all participated by taking the of Arduino platform and programing equip- Rail Runner, our local commuter train, ment and supplies. The competition will from Albuquerque to Santa Fe! A huge be an Arduino research and engineering THANKS to those teachers that worked design utilizing that research to address an to organize students and families for Rail issue. We, at the national level are trying Runner drop-off and pick-up; they include: very hard to keep the expenses to a man- Dewette Decker (Taft), Aleli Colon & Jan- ageable level for schools and teams. We ice Peters (Van Buren) and Sariah Bujanda feel this new competition does that. (SVA). NM MESA and other state MESA pro- Using collective voices, presence and grams are known for their diversity. We at letters to let state representatives and sena- NM MESA have the word “diversity” in tors know about the importance of commu- our mission statement and value inclusiv- nity programs like MESA, the events of the ity as a core organizational priority. With Day went a long way in helping to secure this in mind the NM MESA staff voted to funding for student activities, teacher sup- change the Loyalty Award distribution to port and staff positions! Schools that par- make available the Award to all NM MESA ticipated in the day got to experience a tour students in our program who meet program of the Roundhouse, the political protocol of participation requirements. We believe a the legislative chambers, the art of the Cap- student who is loyal to NM MESA and itol and also took the time to deliver letters completes the required criteria should re- to their representatives and Governor Su- ceive the benefits of our program. sana Martinez. Additional STEM support- Photo by Kim Scheerer Thank you to all the NM MESA Advisors ers on the Roundhouse Rotunda during the MESA students from Taft Middle School gather around Representative Sarah Mae- and schools who are true partners in devel- day included the NM Museum of Natural stas Barnes, whose district includes much of the Taft neighborhood. Maestas Barnes, oping the generation of STEM, STEAM, History and Science, the Albuquerque Bal- a former MESA student who is now a wife, mom, lawyer and business owner, is a or STEM-H professionals. Thank you also loon Museum, Española YMCA Robotics, staunch supporter of the MESA program. to our partners, donors, and supporters. Sandia Mountain Natural History Center, voice their particular concerns. several universities, community colleges This is the purpose of the annual MESA Check inside for the following articles - and more. legislative field trip – provide students the STEM Day was the first of two days in opportunity to witness the legislative pro- * US, NM Science Scores and MESA Initiatives...... p. 2 which MESA students shared their voices cess and see state government in action. for a democratic republic in Santa Fe. The * Clarizza Morales Chacon - Selfless Senior of the Year...... p. 4 A learning experience for all involved, it official MESA Day at the legislature was is also an excellent opportunity for NM Tuesday, January 31st and students from * Regional Overviews ...... p. 5 MESA to showcase its program. Attend- the North, North Central and West regions * SOCKTOBER Changes Lives, 2017 SIFT PReview...... p.7 ees acted as ambassadors for NM MESA filled the roles of advocate, as well as, while helping NM MESA continue its mis- * MESA Day Preview ...... p. 8 community and MESA representatives. In- sion of preparing middle and high school

2 VISION - Winter, 2017 US STEM Education Continues to Pale Against the World; Rick Cole CO Regional Coordinator Seldom has a day gone by that another news story places NM near the bottom of some educational achievement list, socio- economic category or jobs growth analy- sis. Numerous articles have also sought to explain these frustrating phenomena, espe- cially since our neighboring states consis- tently fare better than the Land of Enchant- ment on each of those yardsticks. However, the , as a whole, is also slipping in these same categories. As indicated by the latest Program for In- ternational Student Assessment (PISA), American students continue to struggle in the standings in math, reading and science performance. At the same time, the number of American children growing up in pov- erty has escalated sharply, particularly dur- ing the last eight years, and more Ameri- cans, particularly men ages 25-50, are not working (this includes unemployed who are seeking employment and those who are not) at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The PISA is an international exam con- ducted on 510,000 public school students in 65 nations every three years. It consists of uniform, standardized tests in Math, Reading and Science. When the exam was first conducted in 2000, the US was a top- 20 performer in each category. The US slipped to 36th in math by 2012 and further to 41st in 2015. In reading, the US dropped to 28th in reading by 2012 but rebounded slightly to 24th by 2015. Similarly, Amer- ica dropped to28th in science in 2012 and recovered to 25th in 2015. PISA is a comprehensive 6 ½ hour exam for 15 and 16-year olds that concentrates on the ability to solve real-world problems using math. Language arts is a mix of mul- tiple-choice and short-answer questions that seek to evaluate student ability to con- struct, extend and reflect on the meaning of what they have read across a wide range of continuous and non-continuous texts. The science component examines student knowledge and skills across both life and physical sciences in a mix of multiple- choice, short-answer questions, problem- solving and analytical essays. Numerous explanations have evolved as to why certain nations improve and why other stagnate or decline. For example, Singapore leads all categories on the test. It is a small, prosperous nation with a cul- ture highly respectful of education, practi- cally devoid of unemployment and poverty and culturally homogenous. Although sig- nificantly larger in population, the other top scorers – Finland, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Liechenstein, Switzerland, Estonia, New Zealand, Taiwan, New Zea- land – share the attributes of a passion for educational excellence, consistent prosper- ity and cultural homogeneity. Worldwide, boys outscore girls slightly in math, girls significantly outscore boys in reading and the two genders match scores in science. By contrast, the United States has mixed messages on the value of education. In a single day students will hear numerous affirming messages from teachers, family or the media about education virtues, in- cluding feel-good movies like “Stand and Deliver,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” and “To Sir with Love.”. At the same time, students are inundated with pop-culture put-downs of education (think songs like Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” Alice Coo- per’s “School’s Out” and hundreds of rap hits like Killer Mike’s “Burn” and Lupe Even though the United States spends far more per student on its educational programs, US student scores in math, reading Fiasco’s “Words I Never Said; movies like and science are stagnant in the 21st century after three decades of gradual decline in the late 20th century. Conversely, many “Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Ferris of the world’s other nations have seen scores rise dramatically while expenditures per student are only a fraction of the US Bueller’s Day Off,” and “The Breakfast education budget. Likewise, the vast majority of nations outscoring the US utilize less technology, one of the most expensive Club” all show educators to be incompe- components of the American system, and yet outperform their US peers. Clearly, factors other than money and technology are tent fools and education itself as something essential to educational success.

VISION - Winter, 2017 3 Key MESA Initiatives Integral to Reversing the Trend tolerable at best and worthless at worst). In addition, the United States is the most racially, ethnically and culturally diverse nation on the planet with nearly as much disparity in wealth. Trying to effectively teach students that come from such varied backgrounds is as challenging as it is com- plex. Add to that the fact that the US leads the world in divorce and nearly leads the world in children born out of wedlock and child abuse and one has a social cauldron boiling with issues that force the nation to spend more on social workers, nurses and security than other nations spend on their entire educational systems. Abby Jackson and Andy Kiersz of The Business Insider wrote an article Decem- ber 6, 2016 pointing out that the 2015 PISA results again raise questions in industry and commerce about the global competi- tiveness of the US educational system. The result was described as “a picture of edu- cational stagnation” by then US Education Secretary Arne Duncan who said the result was not compatible with the American goal of having the world's best educated work- ers. Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers stated that an over- emphasis on standardized tests contributed to the lack of improvement in education performance. Dennis Van Roekel of the National Education Association said a fail- ure to address poverty among students had hampered progress. Synthesizing diverse perspectives on the issue are part of the challenge of increasing student scores. David Tow, an English teacher at Terra Linda High School, notes that there are les- sons to be learned from Finland: 1) An em- The chart above indicates that New Mexico student proficiency in science is statistically flat over the past five years. This is phasis on competence, 2) teacher-student inspite of a 10% increase in the state education budget and the highest ratio of computers/student in state history. The chart relationship is to foster global thinking, below indicates that eighth grade NM students are performing at essentially the same level in science between 2009 and problem solving and developing indepen- 2015. Meanwhile, the national average for eighth graders rose by seven points, about four percent. Also of significance is that dence, 3) local autonomy in school dis- NM 8th-grade male and female students perform essentially the same while Hispanic students lagged 24 points behind their tricts to best meet the needs of resident stu- White counterparts. Additional demographic data not included in the explanation indicates that this disparity is pronounced dents, 4) use school facilities for academic among first and second-generation Hispanic immigrants while those who have been in the US for three generations or longer learning beyond regular school hours, 5) differ from White students by less than five points. The most significant factor affecting NM student science scores is poverty. practice minimalism and thus avoid depen- The chart notes that those who are eligible for free/reduced lunches score more than 20 points lower than those not eligible. dence on high-cost instructional materials/ What the chart does not reveal is that the number of students in NM on free/reduced lunches during the past six years nearly equipment and develop skill-based out- doubled resulting in a larger cohort of the test-takers struggling with distractions associated with poverty - broken fami- comes instead, 5) foster student inquiry. lies, child abuse, malnutrition, lack of educational support. NM ranks 50 of 51 (compared to other states and the District of Likewise, New Zealand Minister of Columbia) in child well being (quality of family/home life) and this deficiency is the number-one correlation with educational Education Hekia Parata recently revealed performance according to more than three decades of cumulative research by the Family Research Council. to Education Weekly that her nation de- veloped a curriculum framework of very rigorous standards to be independently addressed by each school district so as to best match individual learning styles with strategies that would maximize mastery of select concepts and skills. Teachers in diverse districts then collaborate regularly to build uniformity in achievement across the nation. As a result, New Zealand has consistently raised its scores in each sub- sequent PISA. The MESA model utilizes the phi- losophies listed in both Finland and New Zealand. MESA emphasizes excellence in mastering competence in select concepts and skills. It teaches students to think glob- ally in problem solving as they become independent, critical and yet collaborative thinkers. Advisors have MESA guidelines but also have the autonomy to determine how best to meet the learning styles of their respective students. School facilities are routinely used beyond the regular school day for MESA functions; indeed, some of the most fruitful learning comes during extended project-based sessions outside of class. And although MESA emphasizes the use of technology to keep pace with a changing society, the focus is on utilizing only materials and equipment essential to learn concepts and develop skills. Data already indicates MESA students outper- form their peers in accordance with the above strategies. Thus, MESA strategies, although not a cure-all, could be an integral component of raising US STEM and PISA performance.

4 VISION - Winter, 2017 . Meet Aspiring Engineer Clarizza Morales Chacon - Atrisco Heritage Academy MESA President and 2017 Selfless Senior Salvatore Treppiedi Medical School; in me and supporting me. My high school she brashly asserts herself, but because she and middle career have not been very easy, Atrisco Heritage High School • president of the National Spanish leads by example and others follow. Honor Society and a member of the Na- and if it wasn’t for the support of my teach- “The more I get to know her, the more Being nominated for Selfless Senior is an tional Honor Society at Atrisco; ers and counselors and the people in my I appreciate how she leads by service honor onto itself; however, being nominat- • participating in an internship at family who support me and believe in me, in so many venues. She has a bright fu- ed by THREE teachers at the largest high the UNM School of Dentistry; I wouldn’t be here right now.” ture ahead of her because she has such a school in Albuquerque is special. Clarizza • an usher at her church, and helps CO Regional Coordinator Rick Cole humble disposition among others while Morales-Chacon, Co-President of Atrisco with many of the events at the church; observed that Clarizza is often the one who she is also making their lives better. This Heritage Academy High School MESA, is • attends events with Jaguars for supports those around her. is true in the classroom, and it is also a worthy recipient who was recognized by Positive Change including visits senior liv- “Having watched Clarizza participate true in her family and the community.” three teachers from among more than 500 ing facilities where she helps the elderly; and compete in MESA for three years, she All the APS Foundation Selfless Senior seniors for her outstanding contributions to • first responder for the American is often the go-to woman,” noted Cole. recipients will be honored at a ceremony to her school, her community and the world Red Cross where she is certified in first aid, “She tends to be the leader, not because be held in April. around her. CPR & the AED. Selfless Senior is an award that Albu- querque Public Schools bestows upon "I had the honor of visiting with Clarissa one senior from each high school who is Morales this week to congratulate her as outstanding in service to fellow students, our recipient of the APS Selfless Senior the school, family and community. It must Award," explains interim principal Irene also be obvious that the service is linked Cisneros. "She is an amazing young lady to leadership and inspires others to lead who 'loves to help anyone'. Her internal through service. instincts to be of service are special. Her “There are a lot of people out there that big ideas and bright smile lit up my office do community service,” says Ms. Morales as they light up the classroom and I can see Chacon, who says she was both excited and why she was nominated and selected." emotional upon hearing the news. “For me Ms. Morales Chacon joins an impres- to be the Selfless Senior is like a great rep- sive list of Jaguars who have been honored resentation of other students that do com- with Selfless Seniors awards. She under- munity service and help their community. stands both importance and the prestige It’s an honor for me to represent our school that comes with joining such an inspiring community and all my peers who make a group. difference in not just the school but also the “All the past winners are great leaders community itself.” in the community, but I didn’t think that I Following is a sampling of comments could be seen as a leader as well,” expa- made by her nominators: lined Clarizza.” I want to inspire others to continue to be their best and helping to “Clarizza demonstrates the quiet form of make change. That’s what being Selfless leadership that helps the overall organiza- Senior means: you do something for some- tion without having to claim the spotlight,” one else and impact someone’s life and you said math teacher Dr. Joseph Jung. “When don’t have to let people know about it.” she sees that something needs attention, Clarizza’s heart for service, combined it just magically happens without a lot of with her outstanding performance with noise or attention.” MESA and a stellar academic record were instrumental in her selection to attend the Ms. Joan Leyba, chemistry teacher, ex- NM MESA Senior Incentive Field Trip plains, “It became evident very quickly (SIFT) to San Diego, California in April. that Clarissa was an exceptional young Ms. Morales-Chacon is one of seven se- lady. Her notes were impeccable, lab re- niors from the Central Outer Region and ports were written with such detail, cal- one of just 24 students from more than 500 culations were completed step by step and seniors across the state to be selected. her conclusions were written with preci- Finally Ms. Morales Chacon understands sion. Objectives were stated, results were the importance of building relationships well supported with data and her analysis and how that has helped reach the place she connected her results and the purpose of is in today. Those relationships include the the lab directly with concepts covered in three teachers (Dr. Jung, Ms. Leyba, Ms. Photos courtesy of AHAHS (above) and Rick Cole (below) class.” Russell) who nominated her. (Above) Clarizza Morales-Chacon poses beneath an inspirational poster after being “I’m very grateful and thankful for the selected as the AHAHS Selfless Senior for 2017. (Below) Clarizza and her teammates Finally, Ms. Diane Russell, wrote about relationship that I have created with each Sonia Macias, Biridiana Marquez and Esther Melgar hug in between contests at the one of Clarizza’s many volunteer endeav- of them. I want to thank them for believing 2016 MESA Day. The foursome are competing again this year. ors: “Clarizza was instrumental in our fam- ily center receiving a 4,000 grant for a food pantry from the UNM Medical School Office of Diversity. She helped write the grant and is looking forward to painting, building the shelves, and help stocking it through the Road Runner Food bank.”

Included among Clarizza’s many accom- plishments and endeavors are: • member of Upward Bound UNM; • currently ranked in the top 25 of her class; • attended a symposium at Duke University for Minority Women in Science where she attended seminars on science ca- reers; • has been with the MESA/Dream- Makers program for the last four years. This year, she servedsas Co-President. She has put in many hour beyond what is re- quired to help the team get ready for yearly competitions by creating race cars, pros- thetic arms or the Science Bowl competi- tion in our MESA/Dream Makers club; • chosen to be in The Health Ca- reers Academy program through the UNM-

VISION - Winter, 2017 5

Article and photos by Kim Scheerer Central Inner keeps active in and out of the community The urban appeal of opportunity lin- earth without experiencing the scorching • Valley High School MESA got gers over the Central Inner region of NM sun of summer outside the cave. Special their STEAM (science, technology, en- MESA! With most of our schools located THANKS to Mr. Duran who makes things gineering, art and mathematics) on by within a 20 minute drive of most places in happen! visiting both the NM Museum of Natural the Albuquerque Metro Area… we seem to • Amy Biehl and Del Norte High History & Science and the Albuquerque get around. Our community STEM-ven- School’s both demonstrated their love of Museum of Art & History in beautiful Old tures include: electricity & coding by participating in Town. Highlights included the large scale campus workshops that overviewed series satellite photo on the museum floor where • East Mountain High School and circuits, breadboards, LED’s and servo students found their homes and school and NexGen Academy took to the land. Both coding. Students were successful with acquiring some of Mr. Goodrich’s vast schools visited, hiked, climbed, lunched, teamwork and technology! knowledge of dinosaurs! learned and skipped rocks at Kashe-Katu- • Raytheon, the big fancy company, As we move towards Spring, the Cen- we/Tent Rocks National Monument; part of worked with Van Buren Middle School tral Inner region will look to capitalize on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). students to mentor 4th and 5th graders at additional STEM-venture opportunities. Students traveled north to experience the nearby Emerson Elementary. MESA stu- Our partnerships with the BLM, Raytheon, beauty that the flanks of the Jemez Caldera (Top) MESA students from Manzano, dents, grades 6-8th, worked as Technology local Museums, National Parks and UNM and Cochiti tribal culture present! South Valley and East Mountain High mentors while learning about circuits and work to help show our students the many • , South Schools get funky at the Carlsbad Cav- building LED hearts with Raytheon staff. possible pathways into the world of STEM Valley Academy and East Mountain High erns Visitor Center; (above) Students • This January, Van Buren Middle – government service, academia, industry School students traveled to Carlsbad Cav- at Del Norte High School collaborate School, also took two teams to the Future and non-profit agencies. By the way, job erns in the southwest part of the state. on coding; (below) Students from East Cities Competition at the UNM School opportunities in NM are most plentiful in Manzano’s MESA leadership team led the Mountain and NexGen Academy High of Architecture and Planning. Highlights the order just listed; more people work for adventure with organization and logistics. Schools leap for joy on a picture perfect included a chat session with the School’s the government in the Land of Enchant- We traveled in late November to experience day at Cochiti Lake. Dean, Geraldine Frobes! ment proportionally than any other state. the wonders of the caverns deep within the

6 VISION - Winter, 2017 Do I have enough Math courses? Shawndeana Smith As for the New Mexico State University, West Regional Coordinator the four years/units of high school math are There are plenty of things to remember required as well. Accepted math courses when getting prepared for the future, which range from Algebra I to Geometry to Cal- also includes getting accepted to a College culus, if offered. or University. We at NM MESA make it Finally, NM Tech University requires our utmost priority to make sure students four years/units of high school math as are prepared as possible. So we have put well. However, since its focuses on de- together a little write-up for guidance. gree programs that require advanced math So you may be wondering many things courses, the university does highly recom- about your admissions requirements to the mend that all of their incoming freshmen college of your choice. You are probably complete a pre-calculus or calculus course wondering, “What math classes do I need in high school. to get into college?” Here you go: It is very important to know whether or The University of New Mexico requires not you are on the right track to getting ac- four years/units of high school math. These cepted to your preferred university. Below classes may include Algebra I, Geometry, are the phone numbers to the admissions Algebra II, and Trigonometry. Pre-Calcu- office to the schools above in case you lus, Calculus and Statistics are also accept- have any more questions. ed and are considered college preparatory UNM – (505) 277-0111 Photo by Nick Kunz courses. Take as high a level of math as NMSU - (575) 646-3121 Students bask in the sunshine illuminating the colorful Rio Mora National Wildlife possible in finishing high school. NM Tech – (575) 835-5424 Refuge during a multi-day esploration and study of a NM icon of natural beauty. West Region is STEM Motivated! NC Region explores wild and urban parks Nicholas Kunz Service, and hiked to nearby petroglyphs Shawndeana Smith be many hands-on workshops and activi- NC Regional Coordinator while learning regional plant and animal West Regional Coordinator ties to assist them with gaining the skills Students in MESA’s North Central Region ecology along the way. Finally, they con- and knowledge for their projects as well as As the middle of the school year passes have participated in a number of exciting tributed to the future of the refuge by par- for future studies and even careers. us by, the West Region schools are gear- events this year. In early September, an ticipating in a service learning project to Many schools will also be engaging in ing up for a busy spring semester. There is inaugural regional event called the North prevent erosion. STEM field trips to various locations in the an array of activities happening this spring Central Region Community Kickoff was In late October, select schools also partici- northwest. Students will be visiting muse- for them. Seniors are also completing their held at Rio Mora National Wildlife Pre- pated in the NC STEAM Day at Santa Fe’s ums and universities to learn more about courses and anticipating their graduations serve in Northern New Mexico. This event Railyard Park and SITE Santa Fe. Students opportunities available to them. The West and those selected to attend the MESA was the first of its kind in NM MESA’s started off the day with an inspiring tour Region also hosted a STEM Day at San Senior Incentive Field Trip are patiently long history of facilitating meaningful of the Railyard Park, learning about its ad- Juan College. awaiting their departure. student learning, and was designed as an vanced and modern design and carefully On February 16th, STEM Day at San The West Region students ended their intensive few days of workshops and fun planned sustainability features. They also Juan College involved all middle schools 2016 year with many activities conducted to generate enthusiasm for the year among participated in a number of workshops and high schools in the West Region. at their school sites and with various orga- MESA students. demonstrating properties of soil types, San Juan College organized tours to their nizations. Students all took part in canned Students spent the two days at Rio Mora identification, and pH measurement, while Math, Science and Technology Depart- food drives, coat drives and the ever so National Wildlife Refuge immersed in simultaneously connecting the concepts to ments along with a tour of their famous popular children’s toy drives. There were exploration and investigation. They par- composting, and ultimately the use of com- Planetarium. Schools also took part in a plenty of festive fundraising opportunities ticipated in teambuilding games and ex- post in agriculture. The service learning mini-competition for their completed pros- organized at each school as well. perienced workshops and exploration with project for the day involved collection of thetic arms. This was a good opportunity Now the West Region schools are gear- the Nature Conservancy and the Denver late fall organic matter to add to the park’s for them to see firsthand what the MESA ing up for our annual MESA Day Com- Zoo. They had free time to relax in nature composting program. After lunch, students Day competition will be like. petition on the UNM Campus set for two and socialize with students from different learned about Artistic and Curatorial In- As usual, it was a fun, jam-packed se- days in March. Students and advisors will schools, and camped under the late sum- novation, while receiving a tour at SITE mester for all MESA Day students and it is likely be using their time over the next two mer New Mexico sky. Additionally, they Santa Fe, a contemporary art museum, in certain that these opportunities are all ben- months to complete their arms, technical visited Fort Union National Monument, the midst of its Biennial series, titled SITE- eficial to their educational endeavors papers, and presentations. There will also heard a lecture by U.S. Fish and Wildlife lines. MESA Christmas Celebration is Festive – Great People, Great Food, Great Fun! Helena Kirkwood hand-cut fries & Napa slaw family (the weather was not cooperating so NM MESA Bookkeeper Entrée choices (plus one vegetarian option Terry chose to drive back home to El Paso For Christmas 2016, the New Mexico on the night of): • San Ysidro Grilled Salmon - with as the forecast was for ice and snow). Also MESA staff, families, and especially chil- • 8 oz. Prime Rib-slow roasted with green chile cheddar hominy, green beans, sadly missed, Betty Chancey and Sonny, dren, enjoyed an awesome gathering at the buttermilk mashed potatoes, mixed veg- avocado cream, and pea spouts another loss to us due to the inclement Chama River Brewing Company. They etables, au jus and creamy horseradish weather and long drive back to Roswell. had a wonderful, rather private, party space Kim Scheerer did and tremendous job of I’m sure we spent at least 2 or 3 hours and an excellent menu. • Orecchiette and Sausage – Orec- coordinating with the restaurant so that all eating and chatting and then we started The 3 course menu included a delicious chiette and Italian spicy and sweet sausage, were pleased with their choices. table-hopping to have more fun and con- assortment of appetizers and entrees sautéed fresh rosemary, tomato and cream Rick Cole and Shawndeana Smith se- versations with others. The dessert was lected and purchased gifts for all the chil- chocolate fondue, definitely conducive to Three Course Dinner Menu • Grilled American Kobe Meatloaf dren. The kids looked sparkly eyed and table hopping and sharing as well as deli- Appetizer (2 of each) - served with buttermilk mashed potatoes, happy with their gifts and there were lots cious. Hummus with Flatbreads and Vegetables mixed vegetables, smoked tomato butter of oohs and aahs as they went up to receive The party broke up about 9 pm with sat- Chicken Satays and crispy onions their gifts. Great choices, they looked to be isfied and sated MESA staff heading home Cornmeal Crusted Calamari specific gifts for each child and definitely for the weekend after a busy all-day-long Truffled Bleu Cheese Fries • Beer Battered Fish & Chips -At- age appropriate. staff meeting culminating in our terrific lantic cod in Class VI Lager batter with We really missed Terry Ramirez and her Christmas Party 2016. Photos by Rick Cole (left) Blake Smith is excited to hold a new toy; (center) Kimi Allen Scheerer dips fondue with the Kunz girls and RaLee Smith while Nick Kunz ponders how late his girls will be sugar-hyper that evening; (right) Paloma Kunz grins as she prepares to dig into a perfect bowl of macaroni and cheese.

VISION - Winter, 2017 7 North and North Central Regions Demonstrate Leadership in Epic“Exploration of Prosthetics Leadership Summit” Nicholas Kunz Orthopedics department, presented a fasci- NC Regional Coordinator nating workshop exploring the production of prosthetics, entitled Engineering the Hu- Students in NM MESA’s North and North man Body. Altiora Media ‘s workshop on Central Regions journeyed to New Mexico drones (Aerial Media Company), one of Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM on the favorites of the day, explored current NM MESA Changes Lives of 22 Amputees! Monday, November 14, 2016 for a collab- drone technology, including hardware and orative day packed full of excitement and software, and provided students the oppor- Terry Ramirez ery pack sold for their local homeless shel- experience known as the Leadership Sum- tunity to fly a drone high above the Student SW Regional Coordinator ter and this year students in New Mexico mit. The day was an exploration of PROS- Center at NMHU. As part of New Mexico MESA, students donated over 1,600 socks to local shelters THETICS. How are they created? What Among the other popular sessions were get to participate in service learning. This throughout the state! This initiative helped careers are available in related fields? How NM Highlands University’s Nanoscience year New Mexico partnered with LIMBS at the local and global level. We had great can MESA students help create opportuni- professors and students, Laser technology International to raise funds for amputees. participation from all over the state, espe- ties and accommodations for people across from Francisco Apodaca, STEM Director The funds would give an amputee in a cially North, Central Outer, Southeast and the world in need of prosthetic limbs? At- at Luna Community College, and MESA’s third- world country a prosthetic leg. New Southwest. tendees also learned about other interesting own Alejandra Carmona who presented Mexico MESA rose up to the challenge and CC Snell Middle School in Bayard, NM careers relating to STEM fields, rounding Prosthetics Party! The Prosthetics Party was able to raise enough funds by selling raised enough funds to change 4 peoples’ out their day and inspiring them to become gave students the opportunity to explore socks to change the lives of 22 amputees! lives- the most for any one school! GREAT leaders in their schools and communities. simple designs and technology relating to Trevor Bergman, Executive Director at the JOB CC Snell!!! We at NM MESA are Attending MESA programs hailed from prosthetic limbs while simultaneously pro- time said, “New Mexico MESA is amazing very proud of all the students and Advisors Mora Middle and High Schools, Robertson viding a fun and engaging environment for and is leading the way in philanthropy by for participating in our statewide service High School, , West collaboration. using STEM as an opportunity to make the learning opportunity. Mr. Bergman has Las Vegas Middle and High Schools, Santa NM MESA values leadership and with that world a better place.” seen how much we value service learning Rosa Middle and High Schools, Espanola come other components such as communi- Students sold socks through ‘SOCKTO- and has developed wehelptoo.com, where Valley High School, Anton Chico Middle ty service. As part of this leadership, NM BER’ and for every 75 packs sold a pros- students can help raise funds for the charity School, Carlos F. Vigil Middle School, Me- MESA partnered with LIMBS Interna- thetic leg could be purchased. The students of their choice and continue to help locally morial Middle School, and Santo Domingo tional to give back to a person in needing a also received a pair of warm socks for ev- and globally. Middle School. Students rotated among an prosthetic limb. At the event, each school inspiring variety of hands-on workshops. donated funds and individually fundraised SE Region Plans “Sumo;” Thanks Sponsors Dr. Elizabeth Dirk and her colleagues from to be able to provide a prosthetic leg to UNM Biomedical Engineering and UNM someone. Betty Chancey gion would like to sincerely thank the fol- SE Regional Coordinator lowing agencies for their continued support Like all MESA schools, the Southeast of the Southeast Region MESA programs: Region MESA programs have been work- Devon Energy donated $20,000 for the ing hard to finalize their Prosthetic Arms, Devon Achievement Award for a MESA Technical Papers, Posters, Oral Presenta- senior graduating from a MESA program tions, Budget and Receipt reports in prepa- in Eddy or Lea Counties and planning to ration for MESA Day. pursue an engineering degree. This is the In addition to working on MESA Day 3rd year of this prestigious award. The events, three MESA programs in Carls- student recipient will be selected by April bad, NM have planned, organized and set 1st and will receive $2500 per semester for in motion the creation of a new Robotics eight semesters if required academic prog- competition for participation by Southeast ress is maintained. Information on submis- Region high schools and middle schools. sion of applications will be distributed this Hopefully, the event will expand and be week and posted on our web site. open to other regions in the next year or Navajo Refinery – Holly Frontier Corp so. recently donated six new Lego Educations “SUMO On the Pecos” will require Robotics kits to the Artesia High School teams to build a robot designed to push an- MESA program. other robot out of a circle. The first robot Xcel Energy donated $750 to Berrendo to push its competitor over the boundary of Middle School for the purchase of Robots. the circle wins that round. Robots cannot These donations made it possible for be designed to damage other robots. This these two schools to participate in the new Photo by Nick Kunz event is open to both High Schools and SUMO on the Pecos competition and pos- Students gaze skyward as they launch and watch drones fly over the New Mexico Middle Schools. A Play Day is being of- sibly RoboRave. Highlands University Student Center during the NC-NO Leadership Summit. fered on Saturday Feb 25th . Teams may “Thank You” Devon Energy, Navajo bring their robots and practice with other Refinery – Holly Frontier Corp and XCEL teams in preparation for the actual compe- Energy for your continued support of the 2017 SIFT is bound tition which will be held on Saturday, April Southeast Region MESA programs. You 8, 2017. Awards will be given. are greatly appreciated! for San Diego, Sun and Surf! MESA participants in the Southeast Re- Anita Gonzales, State Events Coordinator The Senior Incentive Region First Name Last Name School Photos courtesy of Field Trip for this year Central Outer Clarizza Morales-Chacon Atrisco Heritage Academy San Diego Chamber has been scheduled for Central Outer Christopher Gallegos Atrisco Heritage Academy of Commerce April 5-8, 2017 to San Central Outer Caitlin Baca Belen High School Central Outer Felicia Baca-Griego Belen High School Diego, California. 24 NM MESA students Central Outer Mekiel Olguin Belen High School seniors and 4 advisor West Randy DeGroat Crownpoint High School who earned the op- chaperones from the NM West Oscar White Crownpoint High School tion to participate in MESA Programs state- Southwest Iliana Viscarra SIFT will visit, ex- wide have been select- Southwest Jonathan Baca Las Cruces High School plore and learn in a ed to participate. This Central Inner Casey Haynes Manzano High School variety of venues in year’s trip will include Southwest Lachlan Boyd Mayfield High School San Diego, deemed visits to the San Diego North Alejandro Montoya Mora High School the city with the Zoo, SeaWorld San Di- North Jack Rains Mora High School best overall climate North Warren Roybal Mora High School ego, Balboa Park, Tor- of any city in the West Nizhoni Tallas Navajo Preparatory School rey Pines State Natural Southeast Alejandro Olvera Roswell High School contiguous United Reserve, the Fleet Sci- Southeast Sydney Annala Ruidoso High School States. Students ence Center, and more. Southeast Sidney Davis Ruidoso High School will be outdoors Students will participate Southeast Chloe Elliott Ruidoso High School conducting marine in educational hands on Central Inner Liberty Sanborn Valley High School biology studies in programs at all locations Central Inner Julia Whitten Valley High School the Pacific Ocean including SEACAMP North RayVen Gonzales West Las Vegas High School as well as exploring San Diego and local in- Central Outer Rocio Amaya High School wildlife and nature Central Outer Guadalupe Moreno dustry and college loca- in Torrey Pines ADVISOR Michael Boyle Robertson High School tions. Congratulations ADVISOR Sariah Bujanda South Valley Academy State Park, Sea to all attendees selected ADVISOR Kaelin Redmond Mayfield High School World and the San to participate: ADVISOR Chelsey Servantes Belen High School Diego Zoo.

8 VISION - Winter, 2017 2017 MESA Day Event is MESA USA Qualifier Extraordinaire Anita Gonzales time. (High School Only) State Events Coordinator • Design efficiency: greatest ratio of device performance to device weight Attention MESA particpants: Middle plus receipt submittal and documentation. School MESA Day is Friday, March 17, (Middle School and High School) 2017 at the University of New Mexico Technical Paper – Teams will submit a and High School MESA Day is Sat- technical paper which examines all aspects urday, March 18 at the University of New of their design process, all major design Mexico choices and related STEM concepts. Academic Poster and Oral Presenta- The NM MESA, Inc., Annual State- tion - Teams will present academic posters wide Math and Science MESA Day is de- to a panel of judges and will then respond signed to encourage the concept of prob- to judges’ questions. The posters should lem solving through teamwork. It salutes include items such as data (e.g., charts, NM MESA students for their commitment tables and graphs), photographs, drawings, to academic excellence and reinforces the other ideas, and any necessary written ex- NM MESA mission of preparing students planations which help to explain their final from historically underrepresented ethnic design’s features and quality, including in- groups for college majors and careers in corporation of Arduino programming and math, engineering and science. components. This year we will be inviting all of our school programs to participate. We have New Mexico MESA is the defending spilt our event into a high school and national champion in both the high school middle school event and are anticipating and middle school division as Deming approximately 400-600 attendees at each. High School and Red Mountain Middle Our entire event will consist of the multiple School won those titles respectively in portions of the Prosthetic Arm Engineering the summer of 2016. Competition will be Design Challenge. Some will be graded on more intense than ever as this will be the site, and some will need to be judged prior largest MESA USA event everr staged in to the competition. New Mexico. This year’s winners will get MESA Day will be the qualifying event to compete in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the National MESA USA Competition. the third week of June for the 2017 national The Prosthetic Arm Challenge 2.1 involves championship. the development of a low-cost prosthetic Prizes will be given to the first, second device with integrated computer science and third place winner in each category of components to complete a set of predefined competition as well as to the overall win- tasks. Teams will compete in the three ners. The general public is invited to spec- components below: tate at both the performance competition and oral presentations, although seating is Performance – Teams will research, design, limited in the presentation rooms. Parking build, test and compete using a prosthesis is readily available on the UNM campus designed to complete the following tasks: for the event as MESA Day takes place • Distance Accuracy Task: greatest during UNM’s spring break. distance and accuracy achieved by throw- We are looking for over 60 judges and ing bean bags into the Target Zone in the volunteers at each of our events, in addi- fastest time. (Middle School and High tion to 75-100 volunteers prior to the event. School) Judges and volunteers do not need to have • Object Relocation Task: fastest technical expertise or previous knowledge time achieved by placing objects into and as all of our volunteers will be trained on removing objects from the specified con- Photo by Rick Cole events. If you are interested in volunteer- tainer. (Middle School and High School) Cibola sophomore Bailey Dodson practices during last year’s MESA Day as team- ing, please visit our volunteer page at: • Dexterity Task: greatest number mate Patrick Busey watches. Dodson, now a junior and President of the Cibola HS http://www.nmmesa.org/event/mesa-day- of bolts and nuts correctly placed and se- MESA Club, is back in action to defend her all-around MESA Day state champion- 2017-volunteer-information/. cured onto the testing device in the fastest ship award last year as well as compete for MESA USA honors. NM Tech Field Trip Reveals “Value” of Tech Education Rick Cole experiences in the institution’s classrooms, This is in addition to the world-renowned “I was amazed at Tech’s degree pro- CO Regional Coordinator laboratories and student services buildings. research and discoveries made in astrono- grams,” explained West Mesa High School November 16 was the date that nearly 100 my at the Very Large Array, meteorology senior Guadalupe Moreno, who as Presi- The success of NM Tech is no longer students from the Central Inner and Central at the Langmuir Laboratory on Magdalena dent of the WMHS MESA Club, led a con- a secret. The world renowned university, Outer regions toured NM Tech this school Ridge, climate change at the NM Tech Re- tingent of Mustang students on the MESA formally titled The New Mexico Institute year. search Station in Antarctica, tobacco and tour. “Students do so much at Tech. It of Mining and Technology, has long had a Students saw first-hand the more than drug addiction in biochemistry, advanced would be a great place to learn for those reputation for stellar academics as its grad- $20 million that has been spent over the coding in computer engineering and nu- who want to be engineers.” uates have transformed scientific research, past decade on building new facilities merous patents in mechanical, electrical, “NM Tech was already on my radar as engineering and even entrepreneurship. and upgrading iconic structures. Students civil and environmental engineering. Tru- a great school,” added Troy Denton of Va- And yet it is not only the least costly of were introduced to the college in one of ly, hundreds of articles could be written on lencia High School. “But after seeing the New Mexico’s four-year liberal arts uni- the many conference rooms in the Fidel all that has been discovered and achieved campus and getting to watch what students versities, it is one of the least expensive Student Union Building, a state-of-the-art scientifically on the campus let alone by its do, it is no wonder the school is considered universities in the nation. venue which won several awards for its in- graduates in industry and government re- one of the best.” As a result, NM Tech has been selected novative design. The introduction to Tech search around the world. “I am very excited that our MESA stu- as the “best” university in the nation for included an overview of admissions pro- Professors in mechanical and environ- dents got to tour NM Tech,” added Belen “educational value” by the Princeton Re- cedures, financial aid options and an over- mental engineering introduced students High School MESA Advisor Chelsey Ser- view on several occasions and consistently view of its numerous trend-setting engi- to some of the concepts they could learn vantes. “Students not only got to see what ranks among the top 15 colleges in the na- neering and technology degree programs. in these programs if they chose NM Tech. a great school it is academically, but that it tion for value (tuition paid vs. education re- Students even witnessed how NM Tech Actual electrical engineering students also has good food, good dorms and lots to ceived and resulting salaries earned). This been instrumental in changing the way the demonstrated projects they completed do on campus to make the college experi- consistent performance has attracted stu- U.S. government conducts homeland secu- which enable them to master the concepts ence as fun as it is worthwhile.” dents from all 50 states and more than 40 rity, resulting in the termination of scores of circuitry and power to solve some of the Food was the final experience for stu- foreign nations to earn undergraduate and of terrorist intrusions and plots in America vexing problems facing manufacturing in- dents on the tour as they ate lunch in the graduate degrees. Indeed, NM Tech ranks before they could be conducted. The col- dustries and transportation. cafeteria in the Fidel Student Center. Stu- among the top 15 universities in the nation lege’s research on explosives engineering For those who are intrigued by rocks, dents were able to choose from a wide vari- whose undergraduate students go on to earn and numerous innovations on counter-ter- and even those who are not, the Rock and ety of entrees as well as side-dishes, salads doctorates. And the university is in the top rorism have also benefited state and city Mineral Museum in the NM Bureau of and desserts. “I could come to NM Tech five in the nation for the ratio of graduate police departments around the nation in Geology building offered the state’s most just for the food,” joked Clarizza Morales students to undergraduate students. fighting crime. Many of these innovations comprehensive collection of minerals. Los of Atrisco Heritage Academy. New Mexico MESA has partnered with have been highlighted routinely on such Lunas High School Advisor John Davies Every year, NM Tech ranks as one of NM Tech for more than three decades to TV programs as Mythbusters, National noted that “I could spend all day in the mu- the top choices for NM MESA seniors in give MESA students a tour of the facilities, Geographic Explorer, BBC Horizons and seum – what a magnificent and stunning choosing a college education. It is no doubt introductions to faculty and students and PBS Nova. collection!” that the tour will yield new frosh.

VISION - Winter, 2017 9

Photos by Rick Cole (left) CO middle school students race to place a frog in a tic-tac-toe diagram where the first player to arrive can rearrange the pieces as teammates must be aware of an ever- changing game scenario; (right) Valencia middle school students explain the science of composting with worms before providing each school with their own worm kit. Central Outer Region is STEMendous! Rick Cole a delightful lunch featuring more than a only learned how to lead meetings, teach Community Service has also been a big CO Regional Coordinator dozen entrees. Students saw firsthand how others and organize activities, they also part of CO endeavors in the winter. Besides Although there have been a few cold a STEM education at NM Tech is rigorous demonstrated leadership in the science numerous food and clothing drives for the spells in central New Mexico this winter, but fun, inexpensive but with the highest behind recycling, planning for future ca- less fortunate, CO students also ministered the overall temperatures have been warmer average starting salaries and long-term sal- reers, problem solving and the long-term to those in hospitals and nursing homes, than normal. Could it be that the “hot” per- aries of its graduates in comparison to any implications of STEM-based legislation by enhanced the environment at the Valle del formances of Central Outer regional stu- other NM college. Indeed, NM Tech ranks local and state government. Students were Oro National Wildlife Refuge, cleaned dents in NM MESA have been changing among the top 15 universities in the nation even able to tour the campus and see why school grounds and community centers, the climate? They are certainly changing in job placement and salaries. the UNM – VC is the largest satellite cam- spread Christmas cheer and even sold the climate of learning STEM in the Land Advisors in the region learned new pus in both enrollment and facilities of all enough socks through the SOCKTOBER of Enchantment. strategies and practical methods to prepare UNM branch institutions. fundraiser of LIMBS International to pur- CO students have done STEM research students for 21st-century high tech jobs at CO students also set the pace in student chase four artificial limbs for real ampu- at the Very Large Array, the world’s larg- a workshop presented in conjunction with selection for the annual NM MESA Senior tees who needed them. These efforts were est radio astronomy telescope. They have the December Regional Advisors Meeting Incentive Field Trip. Although the CO is supplemented by the writing of 280+ let- also toured NM Tech, New Mexico State at the University of New Mexico Valencia only one of seven regions in the state, it ters to state legislators in conjunction with University and competed in the New Mex- Campus. STEM Career Specialist Sarah has seven of the 24 students selected to the January 31 MESA Day at the NM State ico Brain Bee and a regional engineering Clawson of the UNM-VC reviewed how participate in the SIFT. This is nearly 1/3 Legislature. challenge at . This jobs are changing, what careers are evolv- of all attendees or roughly twice as many “You know, we’re all busy,” explained supplements the three dozen prosthetic ing and which strategies teachers should as its natural allotment. This select group Los Lunas High School MESA senior arms that are being prepared for MESA employ to prepare middle school and high includes Caitlin Baca, Felicia Baca-Griego Owen McCaffrey. “But no matter how Day, numerous workshops on a wide va- school students for an increasingly techni- and Mekiel Olguin of Belen High School, busy we get, it is always good and always riety of topics (including wildlife biology, cal society. This was especially pertinent in Clarriza Moralez-Chacon and Christopher fun to be involved in MESA. I am so glad tower building, edible cars, game design, light of the fact that 30% of today’s jobs Gallegos of Atrisco Heritage Academy that I have had the opportunity to be active code writing, etc.). did not exist 30 years ago and 50% of the and Rocio Amaya and Guadalupe Moreno in MESA. I’ve learned so much and had so Nearly 50 CO students participated in jobs predicted to be available in 2047 do of West Mesa HS. These students will be much fun. It kind of makes the craziness of the annual NM MESA Field Trip to NM not exist today. joined by Belen MESA Advisor Chelsey high school tolerable because everything Tech November 16. Students were able to Besides learning STEM concepts, CO Servantes and 17 other students and three in MESA has a purpose and helps give me visit classrooms, laboratories, the gym- students have been learning and practicing other advisors from around the state to en- direction for the future.” nasium, dormitories, conference rooms, leadership. The 2017 Middle School Lead- gage in a series of engaging and fun STEM That is one insightful quote on how the the state mineral museum and the Fidel ership Summit was conducted at the UNM- activities in and around San Diego, Cali- CO Region has been STEMendous through Student Center cafeteria, where they ate VC January 27. A total of 77 Students not fornia during the first week of April. the winter season.

Vision NM MESA Executive Director Editor Toney Begay Rick Cole Deputy Director Regional Coordinators Photos by Rick Cole Ling Faith-Heuertz Betty Chancey, Terry Ramirez, (left) Jose Velasquez of Valencia High State Program Coordinator Shawndeana Smith, Rick Cole, Kimi Scheerer, School showcases his prosthetic arm his Anita Gonzales Nicholas Kunz, Alejandra Carmona-Cruz team built with a 3-D printer; (center) Taylor Wright of Belen Middle School Vision is an electronic newsletter published quarterly by New Mexico MESA. It is published by the MESA staff as a public service to all stakeholders of NM MESA and the general public. submerges his “spud in a sub” to see if Opinions are the views of the MESA staff and those who submit articles or letters to the editor his potato compartment is truly water- on issues of concern, or in response to any material produced in the newsletter. Submissions can proof; (right) Tito Martinez & Kevin be made electronically to [email protected]. The editor reserves the right to edit any submis- Armijo of Valencia HS, aka “Baked sion for grammar, clarity, the omission of profanity or libelous material. All editing will retain Beans,” showcase first-place ribbons af- author’s intent. ter winning the VC MESA Challenge.