World Bamboo Day

In order to raise awareness of the benefits of bamboo and to promote its use in our daily
endeavors, Panikian National High School together with the Marcventures Mining and Development
Corporation (MMDC) collaborated in joining the worldwide celebration of Bamboo day last September
18.

At the school ground of PNHS, a short program was held which was at the same time highlighted
by the display of bamboo crafts and poster making as an open competition to the different grade levels.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Nancy R. Valdoza, MMDC manager stressed in her opening remarks the
significance of bamboo to the lives of the people especially those who live in Panikian considering that
the plant is native to the place’s environment.

She also encouraged the locals to plant since it propagates easily as observed.

Mr. Honeyberth G. Dumalagan, MMDC personnel also discussed in-depth in his short talk the
benefits of bamboo as both source of income and protection.

“We all know that bamboo is indeed ideal in making furniture and home-made decorations,”
said Mr. Dumalagan. “As a protection, we need to understand that this plant prevents soil erosion,” he
added.

Excitement rose as the judges from the mining firm deliberated about the best craft created by
the various grade level.

As announced, Grade 11 ranked 1st , Grade 9 ranked 2nd , and Grade 8 rank 3 rd in bamboo craft
while Grade 7 ranked 1st, followed by Grade 9 and Grade 12 as 3 rd in the poster making contest.

The half day celebration was wrapped on the theme “sustainability equals environment plus
society and economy.”

“The celebration is indeed a success for the first time as the school joins the celebration,” Mrs.
Plaza, the school head said in an interview.

Everyone especially the students learned a lot about bamboos and were challenged to plant
even just a single one.

It was in Bangkok, Thailand on September 18, 2009 the World Bamboo Day was first celebrated
initiated by Shri Kamesh Salam, the World Bamboo Organization President.
 Sugian continues to thrive in Unit Meet

After winning the 100-meter dash in the Triangular Meet against the other two schools from the
Municipality of Carrascal, _________ Sugian once again proved her supremacy by clinching first in the
100-meter dash during the Unit Meet at Cantilan Pilot School Ground, September 6.

Before running to the track, Sugian gets through a hard training. Dashes, runs, and hurdles were
part of her daily routine.

Even if the young athlete found hard time to attend the district training considering that she
barely make enough to pay transportation, Sugian still managed to undergo training by herself.

Jogging, stretching and eating healthy foods were her investment that made her to clinch 1 st
again on the sport she loved.

“Ya man gani ako makaiban pag practice sa Carrascal kay kalajo sanan way ak mahiplete pero
okay ra man sab kay mag-jogging man ako kada buntag. Oo paspas an ako mga kalaban pero ya man ako
kahadlok, tagkusugan ko pa pag-dyagan para makauna ako pag-abot sa finish line ugsa nakadaog ako”,
the victor said with a cheerful voice and a big smile.

(I wasn’t able to attend practices in Carrascal considering the distance and things are pretty
tight. But I managed to get into training by myself through morning jog. It’s not an issue that my
opponents were quite fast too but it did not bring me to fear. Instead I have run as fast as I can do and I
just did it.)

The high-spirited athlete believed that her ticket of opportunity to join the provincial arena of
100 meter dash requires double effort on training and honing her skills.

“kuman na suyod ako sa Provincial Athletic Meet, ako pa doblehon an ak kayod sa pagpraktis
kay mga bagtik na gajud ak makalaban,” dubbed suhian.

(Since I am qualified to run in Provincial Athletic Meet, It dovetails also the idea that I need to
work hard farther taking into account that my contenders are also the best.)

As scheduled, Provincial Athletic Meet will be on October 5-10 where the Municipality of
Carrascal, her very own home town serves as host.

WHAT RISK SET YOU FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE

Its not new to us that as second smoker, we are also at risk of the same harmful effects that the
smoker may have. If you wonder how this second smoke put you to risk, then you might be able minding
to find your self a comfortable seat.

People who never touch a cigarette may be harmed by cigarette smoke since airborne pollutants
exhaled by smoker can be in the opposite way inhaled by others.
 But in what way we can be affected?

Exhaled smoke is poisonous. It has over 4000 chemicals, including 50 that can cause cancer.
Chemicals such as Benzo pyrene found in coal tar, is considered as one of the most potent cancer-
causing chemicals. Hydrogen cyanide –a chemical used in rat poison- is present also in the smoke. Even
worst, Ammonia which is used to clean floors and toilet is also one of the attributing chemicals that
could put your life into peril.

It’s indeed necessary to prohibit smoking in public places. When someone smokes a cigarette,
most of the smoke doesn't go into their lungs. It goes into the air, where anyone nearby can breathe it.
In as little as 8 to 20 minutes physical reactions can occur that are linked to heart disease and stroke.
These reactions include increased heart rate, less oxygen to the heart, and constricted blood vessels that
increase blood pressure and make the heart work harder. Smoke makes your blood stickier, raises your
"bad" LDL cholesterol, and damages the lining of your blood vessels. Eventually, these changes can make
you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

Secondhand smoke can also trigger asthma attacks, make asthma symptoms worse, and even
cause new cases of asthma in kids who didn’t have symptoms before.

As you are informed, you need to take informed actions for your own health. You need to be
aware that everyone can be exposed to Second Hand Smoke (SHS) in public places where smoking is
allowed, such as some restaurants, shopping centers, public transportation, parks, and schools. That is
why it would be better to evade these places right away where smoking is allowed.

Health is wealth and need to be valued at all times. It is the most painful thing if compromise to
disease. Let us be aware and inform others on the effects of SHS. On the other, smokers should see to it
that nobody is closest to them when they smoke as a manifestation of care for others and living
responsibly.

APPLE’S REIMAGINED LIMIT

No one sticks to one. Even Apple Company gave up its fidelity.

After a series of flagship of various successful launch of Iphone model, the company broke its
design fidelity by embracing dual sim on their Iphone Xs and Max series.

With the beast release last September and although the new iPhones might look similar on the
outside, a lot has changed under the hood. The A12 Bionic 7nm chip powering the new iPhones is one of
the best in the business. The 6.5- inch (2688 x 1245 pixels) OLED Super Retina HDR display is a treat to
the eyes on the iPhone Xs Max. Everything including FaceID seems a lot faster. Cameras have been
improved and we shall compare it with the Google Pixel 2 shortly.

According to the company, you’ll find the same overall design and major features, but this
release is packed with a handful of big improvements. And so, those who found last year’s iPhone X just
a little too expensive for what you get, this year’s improvements might be enough to win you over.
Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max about the package
specs(attributed from MAC World).

-The much faster and more efficient A12 processor

-A better camera (the main wide-angle rear camera has a new sensor with pixels, there are new
lenses, the front 7MP camera is twice as fast, and the A12 does much better image processing)

-The ability to adjust the depth blur in Portrait Mode photos even after you take the photo

-Faster Face ID (thanks to a faster A12 chip and faster Secure Enclave)

-Better stereo, including wider sound field playing back stereo video and music and the new
ability to record video with stereo sound

-Better waterproofing: IP68 instead of IP67 (it can submerge longer or deeper without harm)

-Better battery life

-A 512GB option (you probably don’t need that much storage space, but the option is there)

-A gold color option (in addition to Silver an Space Grey)

-Improved wireless charging

Panikian Women Volleyball Team sweeps Championship’s Opponent

Panikian National High School Women Volleyball Team bagged the victory after defeating their
opponents from other schools during the Triangular Meet, at Carrascal Baywalk Stage on August 23-24,
2018.

Powerful sets were the breakfast on the very first set of the game. Every team was too
determined to grab the key to unlock the leading score and even the victory.

Overwhelming defenses and offenses were romp away.

The flaming game was still continuing until the end of the first set where Panikian Team won the
leading score.

Second set starts with a bang! Unbreakable sets were released as well as the hot defenses.
Every player played their role in their teams that made the second set more interesting.
 No one could simply get some points because of the offenses and attacks that made players
from both team exhausted.

Despite of being tired everyone was still giving their full support and play in their team.

Medrano and Buella joined forces with the team and unleashed powerful serves to maintain the
lead.

The head coach, Mrs. Suhian, meanwhile concerned about the way her team played the last two
sets. “We are still on the need to polish the team’s attacks and flaws to make it clean on the coming
games,” Suhian asserted.

In the end, teamwork and strong determination made the Panikian Girls Volleyball Team bagged the
victory.

PNHS Sepak Team clinches first in Unit Meet

Unleashing consistent powerful wins, Panikian National High School Takraw players in women’s
division proved that the school is a powerhouse of the said game after settling first again in the Unit
Meet held at Cantilan Pilot last September 7 & 8.

The team swept both the Sepak Takraw players from Cantilan and Madrid hence recording 4 streak wins
down from the Triangular Meet with Adlay NHS and Carrascal NHS.

Cantilan battled with the team as the first game.

Players of both team started hitting their fancy kick early in the second set of the game for them to
make their own team to grab the leading score.

Cantilan tried their best to shatter their net defense but still it was a missed and made the other team to
continue the lead in the second set.
 The opponent refused to give to Panikian the victory in which three consecutive points counted
as they throw effortful defense and offense.

Just like what happened in the second set, opponents were trying to destroy the team in the
second set, giving them overhead smashes. Panikian countered their attacks by giving their
overwhelming kicks.

Rey Ann Yparraguirre, a regional Sepak Takraw athlete of PNHS bombed their opponent with her
fiery attack that made the team secure the lead in the first set.

“Attacks should be thrown to the weak side. As we all know, the chain is as strong only as its weakest
link,” stated by Yparraguirre after being asked about their winning technique.

Each eye focused on the ball and on the play especially each opponent’s weak spots. Teamwork
is present in every single kick and must be on point on hitting the ball. The game ended with Panikian
Team as the winner.

“It is indeed surprising and never in my wildest dream that the team(Panikian) have reached this
far in playing,” replied by the Coach of Cantilan Sepak Takraw Team in an interview. “well it’s good to
hear, we have our powerhouse,” he added.

Meanwhile, the team got the Madrid players knelt and had been declared champion eliminating
the rival in the score 21-13, 12-21, 21-12.

Smiles on the faces of the winning team proves that they enjoyed the game and it was a big
success.

FLOODS, LANDSLIDES BATTER BABUYAN

Hundreds of families were displaced and claimed one child dead in Babuyan after torrential rain
brought by tropical storm basyang triggered multiple landslides and flash flooding last February 13,
2018.

Exactly 5:00 am Tuesday, Barangay Babuyan unexpectedly experience heavy flooding associated
by debris of logs and trees coming down which made early evacuation difficult for the people.

Meanwhile, a landslide occurred at barangay’s evacuation center recording 1 casualty of a grade

5 pupil Zephania Conjurado.

People resorted to evacuate in the highlands and track local mining roads at the foothills to
reach the municipal evacuation center in Carrascal.

“Para maka-survive, nanaka kami sa bukid tagbatok nam an dayan nan mining trucks,” Kelvin
Costuya, an evacuee stated.
 (In order to survive, we moved to the mountains and there traced local mining roads.)

Twenty individuals were injured and rushed to the municipality’s hospital.

Municipal Disaster Office head, Kresta Mae I. Pa-as said that the situation is extremely serious
and so ordered her team to find all means to rescue the victims who were not able to evacuate.

On the other hand, continued rainfall and road landslide hampered the rescue operation of the
disaster team.

Floods prompted by Basyang through heavy rain have ranged far and wide and impacted rural
and urban areas, including the neighboring Barangays which put the roads of Tag-anito and Bacolod
completely submerged.

The water receded in the afternoon and embarked every house accessed by water with laterite.

Damage in structure, agriculture and pet animals was estimated to reach 1 million.

There are still about 1,000 people living in emergency shelters and the authorities are
considering housing the displaced people in a new place.

The Philippine is struck by 20 storms or typhoons each year on average, many of them deadly.

CAMPUS WRITERS PREVAIL IN MSPC 2018

Panikian National High School budding Campus Journalists continued to triumph in different
events during the conduct of Municipal Schools Press Conference held recently at Carrascal Central
Elementary School, September 26, 2018.

Opening program started the event with acknowledgment of participants and outlining of the
purpose.

Mrs. Amorel Arreza, Carrascal I District School Paper Coordinator stressed in her message that
winners in the event will acquire their berth on the upcoming Division Schools Press Conference.

“This is not only a contest, but a training as well,” said Mrs. Arreza.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Adeline A. Sugian, District Supervisor accentuated the importance of attitude
in the lives of campus journalists.
 “We all have a choice. We can choose an inner dialogue of self-encouragement and self-
motivation, or we can choose one of self-defeat and self-pity. It’s a power we all have. And that is,
precisely attitude, utters Mrs. Sugian. “Attitude is simply worth-having and is more important than
having intelligence alone,” she reckoned.

The contest proper followed immediately after the opening program with the three secondary
schools: Adlay NHS, Carrascal NHS and Panikian NHS on green for the victory.

The campus journalists received their certificates during the awarding and closing program.

Below comprises the list of Winners from the school:

Cristine Mobe – 1st place (News Writing English)

Sarah mae Villaroza – 1st Place (Science Feature Writing English)

Angel Intano – 1st Place (Photo Journalism English)

Veronique Buniel – 1st Place (Photo Journalism Filipino)

Kathleen Sotoniel – 2nd Place (Feature Writing English)

Allane Gianna Dacoylo – 2nd Place (Copy Reading and Headline Writing English)

Remalyn Ranara – 2nd Place (Sports Writing English)

Carl luie Legaspi – 3rd Place (Editorial Writing)

Crystal Arreza – 3rd Place (Cartooning)

The two school paper advisers, Mr. Romnick C. Portillano (Englsih) and Mrs. Sheryll M. Cuartero
(Filipino)painted their faces with a big smile after the announcement of victor.

“It’s a good start for us considering that these writers are on their early start,” Mr. Portillano
said.

Mrs. Cuartero however gave weight on the constant training in school to prepare writers to
further competitions.

The campus journalists received their certificates at the closing program.

As scheduled, the Division Schools Press Conference will be on October 10-12.

LARO NG LAHI HIGHLIGHTS 19TH ARAW NG PANIKIAN

The Barangay Local Government Unit of Panikian made its 19th

Araw ng Panikian burst to laughter through Laro ng Lahi competitions participated by 9 puroks
on September 14, 2018.

The games commenced in the afternoon after the opening program and lunch.

Focusing on the theme “Panaghiusa sa katawhan, Kalambuan Natong Tanan,” The two-
day event was filled with fun and enjoyment as families from all across the purok they represent
gave their best effort to participate and claim prizes.

The event displayed actions, physical and endurance. The event brought the barangays
together and shows camaraderie and cooperation between constituents with their barangay
officials.

Among the games competed were Karang-karang, Tug of War, Maria and Joseph went to
Town, Putokan (Balloon game), Palosebo, and Climbing Bamboo Challenge.

“Kagana gajud basta dili ra sports an events sa pag Celebrate nan Araw nan Panikian,
haod ini, dili ra players an nag enjoy, pati na an iban,” said deliriously by Mrs. Letecia Ortiz,
Purok 2 president.

(It’s so nice that the activities focus not only on sports as we often used in the celebration
of Araw ng Panikian. Just like this, everyone enjoyed the event aside from the players.)

Earlier, Mamelito Cabadonga announced in their session that MarcVentures Mining and
Development Corporations (MMDC) gave 50,000 pesos to be allocated on Laro ng Lahi. Let’s
make the celebration burst into laughter dubbed honorable Cabadonga.

Vicente H. Pimentel III, municipal mayor graced the event in the opening program by
inspiring the folks in his message.
 “Undeniably, Barangay Panikian can be considered one of the progressive barangays here
in our municipality,” said Mayor Pimentel. “Therefore, I urge everyone to be part always on this
continued pursuit of progress by doing the right thing for the common good,” the mayor added.

Among the Local Government leaders who joined the celebration were Honorable Vice
Mayor Alfred B. Arreza and Sanguniaang Bayan Member Jessie James T. Valle both gave
messages centered on unity and harmony.

A live band knitted enthusiasm of the Panikiananons from the morning until evening with
the awarding of the winners on the same day.

NEW SCHOOL OIC ASSIGNED

Panikian National High School welcomed the new Officer in Charge in the person of
Alma D. Plaza last September 1, 2018 to assume the role in providing strategic direction in the
school system.

In a special order signed by Dr. Marilou B. Dedumo, Schools Division Superintendent of

Surigao del Sur appointed Mrs. Plaza who happened to be the preferred recommendation of then
principal of the school Nilo F. Tripoli

Plaza replaced former principal of the school, Nilo F. Tripoli after the effectivity of his
retirement last August 31, 2018.

Teaching in Tago NHS for decades, she transferred just recently to PNHS last December
2017.

“I chose to be part again in my very own place and the challenge is worth accepting since
I will be serving the constituents in this place whom I was once nurtured too,” plaza said in an
interview. “I want to get your support just like the support given to the previous school heads of
this institution.”

Early in her assumption to office, she literally addressed right away the physical
condition of the school and its environment.

Teachers vowed their support to Plaza as she adopt the new responsibility.

SCIENCE MONTH CELEBRATION KICKS OFF

In adherence to Presidential Proclamation no. 264, Panikian National High School

celebrated the Science Month last September 28 with various activities putting climax on Search
for Mr. and Miss Environment 2018.
 This year’s theme anchors on “Imbibing Science Culture, Sustaining Inventions and
Innovations.

Science Club organized competitions such as Quiz Bowl, Garbage Segragation, Poster
Making and the stir-causing competition of vying Grade level representatives for Mr. & Miss
Environment 2018.

“We have strong conviction that these initiatives will somehow promotes good
competition, collaboration and critical thinking of the students,” Ruth Pascua, the school science
coordinator emphasized. “Luckily, all the grade level pay effort from the minor contest to the
major one,” she added.

The students energetically filled with enthusiasm enjoyed the pageant as the contenders
made paseo to battle out their crafts in designing recycled dress.

Mr. Cesar Pradas, a science teacher and the event organizer is very proud of the students
output. “Event such as this will arouse creativity from our students. It would be also a high time
for them to practice recycling,” said Mr. Pradas.

Declaring the winner, Joshua Crabajales snatched all 5 minor awards including Best in
Recycled Outfit, Most Photogenic, People’s Choice, Best in Production, Best in Uniform and
also was crowned Mr. Environment and Ms. Angel Mae Villareal as the Ms. Environment 2018.

With the strong support and active participation of Science Coordinator and teachers,
Science Club Officers and students, the celebration ended with so much success.

CASH FOR WORK

Cash For Work (CFW) somehow eases the gravity of preparation as Panikian National
High School burnt efforts in the planning and undertaking works on school facilities for the
upcoming Provincial Athletic Meet 2018.

CFW labors have been deployed in the school to pick the lead in ground cleaning and
improvement.

Others exerted as mason in flooring, mowing the grass, and even doing minor repair.

Workers were present in the school for a week which started last September 26.

The School Head Mrs. Alma D. Plaza showed gratitude to Honorable Mamelito M.
Cabadonga, Barangay Captain after heeding her request to send CFW labors in the school.

She appreciates all the time the support given by the father of the barangay to school
whenever a necessity arises.
 The cash-for-work program is a short-term intervention implemented by the DSWD to
provide temporary employment to distressed or displaced individuals by participating in
preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their
communities or in evacuation centers.

Recipients of the said implementation are provided with cash in exchange for the work
rendered.

The work they perform depends on the need of the community and is on the discretion
primarily by the LGU.

Under the memorandum of agreement (MoA), each beneficiary will receive P290 per day
for 10 days of work.

ALUMNI DONATES NEW SCHOOL PERGOLA

To express gratitude to its Alma Mater, Alumni Association of Panikian National High
School constructed a new school Pergola started last August 25, 2018.

During the 50th celebration of the Alumni Homecoming 2018 last May 29 at school
ground, the gathering clinched into a deal to donate a school pergola.

Honorable leizl goma, Alumni Association president emphasized in her message that the
homecoming would be truly worth-remembering if we leave not only memories but physical
memories to look upon.

“This gathering should have a purpose beyond reminiscence. And that is to embark a
project that is something be reminisced as we come here now and, in the future,,” Miss Goma
said.

Through the on-the-spot Search for Alumni King & Queen, the officers gathered budget
to fund the planned project which is now under on-going.

Meanwhile, Panikian National High School Faculty and Staff overwhelmed the
association with sincere gratitude.

The president is hopeful to continue helping the school through putting up same projects
every year.
 CARRASCAL DISTRICT I & II MOUNT PPST-RPMS IMPLEMENTATION (JUNE
21)

Amidst surmise of additional burden, Carrascal Districts I & II set its gear on the
adoption of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) as it pushed District
Roll-out of the framework last June 21-22 at Carrascal.

In order to establish comfort all throughout the seminar, the facilitator divided the
participants of both districts into three.

First group occupied La Cusina de Carrascal. The second group held its venue at Mt.
carmel Parish Convention Center while the third is situated at CECES Library Hub.

Having different facilitators, the resource speakers simultaneously run the seminar.

To give light to the topic, Mr. Carlos Tian Chow Correos underscored the importance of
the RPMS – which is aligned with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) –
in helping teachers improve the delivery of quality basic education.

“It’s not an additional burden as what you think. It’s actually an aid of making things
clear and objective since it outlines the required skills and competencies of quality teachers,
enabling them to cope with the emerging global frameworks,” Mr. Trugillo, one of the resource
speakers explained.

As stipulated in DepEd Order No. 2, s. 2015 (Guidelines on the Establishment and

Implementation of RPMS in DepEd), DepEd assured that the mechanism will manage, monitor
and measure performance to be able to create continuous improvement and professional
development for the teachers.

Various activities were provided in each session to make learning eventful and versatile.

The mandate of the adoption of the program took its validity in DepEd Order No. 42, s.
2017, otherwise known as National Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Professional
Standards for Teachers.

However, DepEd stressed that the system have gone through rigorous consultation,
development and validation -among them are the pre- and in-service teachers, principals,
supervisors, regional directors and educators, and representatives from government agencies and
nongovernment organizations- to ensure that the program is geared on focus work efforts toward
achieving the Department’s vision, mission, and values.

MINING REAFFIRMS MIS SUPPORT(WED OCTOBER 3

 Carrascal Nickel Corporation (CNC) confirmed via text message on October 3,
Wednesday that the firm will continue to shoulder the students’ miscellaneous fees this school
year 2018-2019.

Mr. Parker, CNC’s Community Relation Officer gave the information through text to the
school heads of the recipient schools.

As per requirement, CNC obliged the school to prepare School Form 1- a school register
that shows the names and number of students in each class – to validate the total enrolment of the
school as basis for the amount to be provided.

Meanwhile, Panikian NHS enrolment is approximately three hundred.

On the budget proposal submitted by the PNHS, A total of ₱520.00 pesos per student
composed the miscellaneous fee of the school and is itemized on the following:

Developmental Fee ₱100.00

School Organ(SO) ₱90.00

Supreme Student Government(SSG) ₱50.00

Testing Fee ₱50.00

STEP ₱40.00

Computer Fee ₱30.00

Athletic Fee ₱20.00

DLC ₱20.00

English Club ₱20.00

Math Club ₱20.00

Science Club ₱20.00

Filipino Club ₱20.00

Aral. Pan. Club ₱20.00

Theater Arts Club ₱20.00

EDITORIAL – Teaching them Copy-paste?

People copy people they look up to. Worst is they don’t sometimes regard its ethical
facets.

Our country is now imbibing the culture of violence and death. Ferocity is quietly
climbing in streets recording thousands of deaths in anti-drug operations since 2016. To justify
further the variety of this stifling plight, clergymen were gunned down in churches while filing
recently five local officials that have been killed since the start of July.

Unsurprisingly, this can be sometimes attributed to the means of the state in delivering
justice. This war on drugs might have set a good example to embolden assailants. It might have
built their confidence in easiness thinking that the trend is now their trend too. Do they just copy-
paste?

Undeniably, it’s a fact that violence had existed in the Philippines even before Duterte
came to office. These long-standing issues were on every dream of the countrymen longing for
the absolute absence of bloodshed in the Philippines. There is nothing wrong in giving strong
and obsessive priority in ending the state chaos. Perhaps, the administration’s tough approach
worsens it all.

The end should always be justified by the means. If the end is to plant peace and harmony
in the country, then our means are on mess. Seeing people wailing for their loss of loved ones
contradicts our goal to implant peace and harmony.

Predictably, the Duterte administration is empowering vigilante killings. Their calls for
permitting ordinary citizens to kill drug dealers and his vow to protect officers who get sued
while pursuing his drug campaign are manifestations that our country is establishing a cruel
culture in attaining justice.

The fear is, when time comes that our own system - aggravated by the pronouncements-
becomes accepted examples by vigilantes and mimic the same principle believing that these acts
are recognized. It’s as if we are teaching them copy-paste. We are setting means which aren’t
acceptable. Setting examples by words and deeds which clearly does not jive to coincidence
since they are both of the same motive.

So much death had been put to courtesy and acceptance of the president without second
thought. This could lead into a state coming to a change of belief that life has no rooted dignity
to place respect into.

We are training people to accept what’s definitely not acceptable then and now. We are
teaching people to copy the array of violence and paste it in our own hands.
 It’s true that what we sow is what we reap. But it’s also true that what we set is what they
get.

The government and its people is like a child-father relationship. Our leaders are our
father and the people are their children. Inclined ethically, we don’t want to set bad examples to
our children.

Let us always try to act as though there is a little boy or a little girl around, and try never to do
anything that would give them a bad example.

GEORGE WILLIAMS: THE

LEGEND
Dynasty. Legend.

These are common words we tend to use even if they don’t apply to a situation or person. 
Merriam-Webster defines the term dynasty as a family, team, etc., that is very powerful or
successful for a long period of time.  It defines legend as a famous or important person who is
known for doing something extremely well.  I would take it a step further and say the success of
that person has to happen over a period of time.

Saint Augustine’s University track and field coach George “Pup” Williams embodies both terms.

Saint Aug’s won its second-straight NCAA Division II Men’s outdoor championship on May
24.  For Williams, it was his 12th men’s outdoor title and 35th under the legend who has led the
program for 38 years.

“It’s not regular,” said Williams, when asked about winning another championship.  “It’s a
different group of student-athletes every four years.”

Even more impressive than the success of the program, which has included numerous Olympians
such as Bershawn “Batman” Jackson, Williams has a 95-percent graduation rate.  Seventeen of
his student-athletes walked across the stage at the Raleigh, North Carolina school on May 10.

The building of a legend began in 1965 when Williams graduated Saint Augustine’s College.  He
was one of the first to integrate the Wake County School System, becoming a teacher shortly
after graduation.  He also earned his master’s degree at North Carolina Central University.  He
came back to Saint Aug’s as an assistant basketball coach.
In 1976, he was asked to be the track and field coach on an interim basis.   When starting out,
Williams sought the advice of three legendary sports figures: Dr. Leroy T. Walker, the first
African-American to coach the U.S. men’s track and field team in 1976; Clarence “Big House”
Gaines, who coached at Winston-Salem State from 1946 to 1993 and became the first African-
American coach to be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame; and John McClendon, who was a
pioneering basketball coach and became the first African-American coach of a professional
team.

“I went to the master, Dr. Walker,” Williams said.  “I then went to my other best friend, Big
House Gaines, because he was a winner and I asked him what constitutes winning.

“Every year at the CIAA [Tournament], I would have breakfast with Dr. Walker, Big House and
John McClendon.  I would talk with these super men who I always admired,” he continued.
“They didn’t have a whole lot, but they were winners.  I understood then it didn’t take a whole
lot of things, but a whole lot of love, understanding of young people, and hard work to make it
happen.”

Just like his mentor, Dr. Walker, Williams was selected as the U.S. men’s Olympic track and
field coach for the 2004 Summer Games in Athens.  The team won nine gold, 13 silver and three
bronze medals.

“It felt great to be selected by my peers” said Williams, who was an assistant coach in the 1996
Olympic summer games in Atlanta.  “It was a tough experience and was stressful, but I had a
great coaching staff.”

After all of the accomplishments, what’s next for Williams?

“A new group of kids,” he said.

And another shot at a national championship.

Feature Story: Coach Mario

Rincon
On a small country farm just outside of Colombia's beautiful capital city,
Bogotá, lived a rather large family of seven. Mario and Ernestina Rincon
raised their five children on this farm on the outskirts of a small town called
Duitama. Here Rincon built his family a tennis court. This is where the legacy
of his namesake and middle child began his tennis career. 
The elder Rincon always loved tennis so when his children were old enough
he began practicing with them. Growing up, the father was the strict parent in
the house. The mother was soothing and more relaxed than her husband
especially when it came to tennis. The younger Mario, like most South
American boys, enjoyed playing soccer but his father had other plans. He saw
potential in his son's game and encouraged him to pursue it. The son
welcomed the challenge. 

"It was a lot of fun. I have a big family and it was always fun being together
and growing up playing tennis. Tennis was a huge part of our family,"
said Mario Rincon, the University of Miami men's tennis coach. "I think being
part of a big family allows you to always have someone to play with and
compete against. It's a lot of fun." 

At 14 years old Rincon began travelling throughout South America playing in

tournaments. After high school he attended North Greenville University, a
junior college in South Carolina, before he was recruited by the University of
Kentucky. Kentucky was a state school and home to about 35,000 students.
While collegiate tennis gave him the challenge he was looking for, the
experience was unlike anything else. Used to living in a small town, he found
the size to be overwhelming. 

"I was really shy when I was in college. I didn't make a lot of friends. The
friends that I had were friends from the tennis team and I had a good
relationship with them and the coaches," Rincon said. 

Basketball became one of Rincon's secret pastimes. Although he loved the

game he regrets playing the sport. 

"I wish I hadn't played because I spent so many hours playing basketball there
for fun that my knees took an unnecessary beating. I was never any good in
basketball but it was a lot of fun," he said. 

After graduating from Kentucky in 1988 with a bachelor of science in

agricultural communications, Rincon went on to play professional tennis. He
spent nine years with the Association of Tennis Professionals and five more
on the Japanese pro tour. Rincon made appearances at each of the four
Grand Slam venues: the U.S. Open, French Open, Wimbledon and Australian
Open. During the Japanese pro tour, at one point he was ranked No. 2 in
singles. 

"It was incredible. I loved every single day I was out there. Battling and
making money playing tennis, that was a dream come true. Although I didn't
make any headlines, I got to play the Grand Slams and the Sony Ericsson
here. It was great. I played for many years and I tried to play for as long as I
could. I'm really happy I had that opportunity," he said. 

When Rincon's ranking began to decline, he weighed his options and decided
it was time to retire. Off the court distractions may have played a role in the
end of his career but family will always be his top priority. 

"My mother was battling cancer. She went through a bunch of chemotherapy
treatments and her body was really weakened. She had Osteoporosis. It was
rough to see because with that illness, a person's bones just disintegrate and
break one-by-one," he said. "My mom was very brave and she always wanted
to overcome the illness, but in the end it was just too much. We were always
around her and she was a loving mom. She was great." 

Around the same time, Rincon met his wife, Laura, who is from Bogotá as
well. The pair met in Colombia and after they were set up on a blind date by
Rincon's cousin. After dating for two years the pair tied the knot and now have
three daughters, Laura Sofia, Daniela and Gabriela. 

Living in Kendall with his family, Rincon is now in his eighth season as the
head coach of the University of Miami men's tennis team. Those closest to
him praise his coaching style and genuine care for each of his players. 

"He gets to know all of the players. He really understands each one of them.
He finds out what makes them tick and what motivates them," assistant
coach Mark Dickson said. "He communicates so well with his players." 
Rincon understands that his players come from all walks of life and have
learned tennis differently. He believes as the head coach it is his responsibility
to be able to adapt to their ways of learning. 

"I think a very important part of coaching is listening because that's how you
learn their minds and how they listen on the tennis courts and what decisions
they're going to make," Rincon said. 

Upon the arrival of his players, Rincon felt it was his job, along with Dickson,
to get to know each player and determine how he can help them become
better. 

Victor Mauz, a junior from France, did not visit the university prior to coming to
UM as a transfer student, but built a relationship with Rincon beforehand
through e-mails and phone calls. When his plane landed thousands of miles
away from home, as well as everything and everyone he had ever known,
Rincon was waiting at the airport for his arrival. 

"We can talk about a lot of things and exchange about not only tennis. He's
younger so that helps but it is also in his personality to be engaging and closer
to his players," Mauz said. 

As a child Rincon's father was hard on him when he played tennis but the
head coach does not give his players the same treatment. Always looking for
the positive in a situation, he is constantly trying to motivate the team and
bring them closer together. 

"His coaching style is so quiet and passionate and I think everything about it is
wonderful. He brings out the best in me and the best in everyone he's
around," Dickson said. 

While he gets to do the one thing he loves every single day, the job can be
demanding. He spends a considerable amount of time away from his family
due to recruiting and traveling for matches throughout the season. His girls do
not know life any other way, but he tries to make up for lost time when he is
home. 
"If I could describe all of my girls in one word it would be active. They're
always up to something, always saying things, always busy," Rincon said.
"They're great. I love when we play matches here and they're around the
university and cheering for the players." 

Rincon's daughters are following in his footsteps and learning how to play
tennis as well. They're active in physical education classes and enjoying
running at school. 

"I don't have a lot of time to teach them on a full-time basis but they enjoy
lessons every once in a while," he said. "I try not to push them too hard." 

Rincon and his siblings remained close even after their lives took different
paths. His oldest brother Juan is now a resident of Buenos Aires, Argentina,
while José, who is one year Rincon's senior currently lives in Port St. Lucie,
about two hours from Miami. Maria, a year younger, remained in Bogotá, and
Eduardo, the youngest, works at the University of Arkansas as an assistant
tennis coach. While the siblings may be spread out, they find time to see one
another and keep in contact. 

The head coach does his best to make those around him feel comfortable. He
is more engaging than any coach one would ever meet. He spends extra time
giving players the one-on-one attention they sometimes need. He eats a
healthy Cuban meal at Mango Manny's in the campus food court with his
assistant coaches. He takes his wife dancing at their favorite salsa and
merengue spots when he can. When his father travels to the United States to
participate in a marathon or visit his grandchildren, he is there. 

Rincon's love extends beyond the tennis court. It is radiant and everyone
around him can feel it.