1JOHN F. KENNEDY THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF QUERTARO

PAULAZENIZO

Cover Story

Feature Story

OUR THANNIVERSARY

PLANNING HASALREADY

BEGUN

2 1

SPRING 2009

Mirtha Stappung M.Ed., Ma General Director

Charles Weiss M.Ed., Ma assistant superintenDent

Denise Humphries Ma pre-school principal

Mark Dunn M.ed., Ma elementary school principal

Tara Fitzgerald Cruz Ed. Admin., MS miDDle school principal

Adrian Leece Ma, BSc, FRMtS hiGh school principal

Arturo Bustamante athletic Department Director

C.p. Josefina Morgan M. Admon. y Finanzas

Financial Director

Ing. Julian Urquiza, Jeffrey Lewis Arq. Rodolfo Vega Fricke, M.i.m, Lic. Norma

Rosado, Ing. Carlos Perera, Lic. Roberto Loyola M. Ad., Arq. Elmo

Ceretti, Act. Mara del Mar Snchez Rull, Ing. ngel de Lope Friedeberg.

BoarD oF Directors

Lic. Mnica Duarte Balcrcel eDitor in chieF anD

chair oF the eDitorial BoarD

Charles Weiss, Dorothy Gerhart, Adrian Leece, Felicia Lyons, Magdalena

Chapa, Sarah Devries, Karla RoseDitorial BoarD

Hctor Muoz DesiGn

Karla Ros, Vctor Ortega, Santiago Gutirrez & Asbed Levi

photoGraphy

Adrian Leece, Ana Carolina Lelo de Larrea, Charles Weiss, Erika Lastra,

Felicia Lyons, Karla Ros, Mnica Duarte Pedro Valenzuela Landn, Silvia Daz,

Virginia Elguea. Writers

Graciela Fernndez, Alejandra Chavero translation

alumni oFFiceLic. Mnica Duarte

& Lic. Ricardo Vzquez http://alumni.jfk.edu.mx

aDvertisinG sales

Lic. Karla Ros (442) 218 00 75 ext. 1010

krios@jfk.edu.mx

vol. 1 no. 3

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5th Anniversary of the JFK Parents Theater Group

Learning Opportunities in Middle School

REUNIONS & SNAPSHOTS

COVER STORYPaula Zenizoattorney

An Unusual Friday Trip to Meet Dr. Larriva

Have something to say

Letter from The General

Director

Our 45th Anniversary Planning Has Already Begun

Feature Story

Be your best

Do your best

TeachersSTAFF& CORNER

our Graduates meet the World

of higher learning

AcademicCorner

Connecting with Alumni

2 3

Letter from the General Director Academic

Our Graduates Meet the World of Higher Learning

CornerOUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS BY OUR FACULTY OR STUDENTS

By Erika Lastra

There are many myths about the process of ap-plication for institutions of higherlearning:

College Myth # 1: Getting into the Best College is ImpossibleThere are many myths regarding Colleges. One of the most widely spread myths is that getting into the best college is impossible.

This edition of our JFK times has content related to our 45th Anniversary. Many plans are in place and more specifics will be announced as time goes by. We also are introducing our commemorative logo in this publication in celebration of this important occasion. We hope that many of our alumni, and of course current JFK families, will be able to join us in some of these celebrations. We particularly hope that many will find time to come to our school-wide picnic in March. This will be a very special event in which we hope to see alumni from all parts of the world in attendance.

Mirtha Stappung M.Ed., MAgeneral director

Our Community Supports JFK!

For their community spirit through donations to the school.

a special thanks toFirst of all, we must define best college. Many people are focused on brands, everybody has heard of Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and MIT, so it must be that these are the best colleges, right? Well, only partially true. Of course these colleges are extraordinarily pres-tigious, but that does not make them the best colleges. The best college is the college that is the best match for you. Once you have

College Myth # 1: Getting into the Best College is Impossible

4 5

USABaylor College Davidson College Drexel College Emerson College Goucher College Illinois Institute of Technology Loyola Marymount University NYU Northeastern University Oberlin College Occidental College Rochester Institute of Technology Stanford University Syracuse University Trinity University University of Chicago University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at San AntonioUniversity of Washington Washington State University

you choose the college, the college does not choose you

found your best match, it will be far from impossible for you to get in.

Your college search must be based on a series of variables, such as: degrees offered, majors/minors offered, special interest classes or groups, geographic location, tuition, scholar-ship availability, admissions requirement, etc. So the trick is finding your best match and planning how to improve your chances of get-ting in.

You must remember that you choose the College, the College does not choose you! You have to be smart about the choices you make to become a strong candidate for that particular college. It takes much planning, which starts as early as grade 9 and 10. Only you have control over the plan and the execution of the plan to get admitted to the college of your choosing.

Here are a few highlights regarding what you need to be doing to increase your chances of getting admitted to the college of your choice and of bettering your chances of getting finan-cial aid:

Make sure that you are taking the most chal-lenging courses in which you can succeed.

Commit yourself to social and/or communi-ty service. Start one of your own if possible.

Participate in extracurricular activities that

can showcase your special skills (model un, soccer, sculpture, student council, science clubs, etc).

Make sure that you are taking the required courses for the degree you would like to pursue.

Build relationships with teachers and school administrators, these are the people who will be writing the recommendation letters for you. Make sure they know you well and think highly of you.

Prepare and sign up for the sat or act and the toefl. Take the sat at the end of your junior year, that way you can re-take it in your senior year if you need to improve your scores.

Start thinking about good essay topics. Maybe even start writing a draft.

Start your college searches. Beware of dead-lines and requirements.

Meet with your College Counsellor (yes, that would be me!) The process and the require-ments differ from College to College, and from country to country.

And the most important point:

Do not wait until your senior year to start working on your college admission process!

We provide a lot of support to students as they begin their process of choosing a College. Students start early and approach this task in a very disciplined way. These efforts have paid off.

MEXICO Anahuac Campus DF DFAnahuac Campus Quertaro Quertaro ITAM DFITESM Campus Quertaro QuertaroITESM Campus Monterrey MonterreyITESO GuadalajaraUDLA PueblaUniversidad de Monterrey Monterrey Universidad Ibero Americana DFUniversidad Panamericana DFUVM Quertaro

CANADAQueens UniversityUniversity of British ColumbiaUniversity of Guelph

EUROPEEcole Hoteliere Lausanne

By this time of the year many have been ac-cepted into Universities and Colleges of their choice. Some are still in the application pro-cess. Below is a list, to date for of where they have been accepted:

The best college is the college that is the best match for you.

Commit yourself to social and / or community service. Start one of your own if possible.

6 7

THE JFK SPIRIT

Building

In your opinion, what is the main purpose of the JFK Parents Theater Group?To strengthen community bonds. This project has been very beautiful and has encouraged social interaction between parents of students from different grades. All the people involved really enjoyed it. We dedicated a lot of time to it and in a way, we gave great satisfaction to our children.

Why do you think that this Theater Project is good for our students?It sets an example of team-work. This is very important for children and teenagers who, on top of feeling proud of seeing their parents on

Community5th Anniversary of the JFK Parents Theater Group

stage, can see that there is great personal and group commitment and dedication from all of us in the Theater Company. We work intensely, professionally, and passionately with one com-mon goal and purely out of love for theater.

All the money that we have raised over the past five years has been invested in equipment and materials that have allowed us to consoli-date the group. What can give a better example than seeing your mom or your dad working for the School? In the long run, future generations will be able to enjoy all the lighting and sound equipment that we manage to acquire.

We also encourage community work by do-nating some of the money generated by some presentations to different institutions. This also sets a great example to our children. The School has received an award for this.

What plays have been staged?1. Pastorela2. Grease3. Peter Pan4. El Diluvio que Viene5. El Violinista en el Tejado6. El Hombre de la Mancha

How has the Group evolved?With all the projects we have faced challenges, and, with time, we have been more and more adventurous in choosing more complex and popular plays. El Violinista en el Tejado and El Hombre de la Mancha are examples of this. We want to bring something to the education

of our children through plays that, like El Hom-bre de la Mancha, deal with important works of world literature.

Recently a group of musician parents and stu-dents have joined the Company.

How many people are in the company?22 parents, but in every play we have people helping us either selling food, tickets, or even acting. In total we have about 200 people involved.

Who does what?Mnica Melchor: I am in charge of coordina-tion, administration and equipment.Margarita Adame: I am in charge of the artistic side, choosing the play, directing, designing costumes, stage, and publicity.

Did you unveil a plaque celebrating the first five years of the Group?Yes, we did it to celebrate the first five years of the JFK Parent Theater Group and as a recog-nition to all the people that have been part of this beautiful project.

What do you expect for the next five years?To have a proper stage, with the right dimen-sions and necessary equipment. We hope to contribute to this project and leave it as our legacy to future JFK generations.

"Theater cannot disappear since it is the art where humanity faces itself."Arthur Miller (1915-2005) American Playwright

By: Karla Ros

The JFK Parents Theater Group celebrated its fifth anniversary with the presentation of El Hombre de la Mancha. Margarita Adame and Mnica Melchor shared with us the story of this beautiful and successful project.

8 9

This interview was conducted by our talented seventh grade student, Ana Carolina Lelo de Larrea (AC). She interviewed TaeWan Shim (TW). Her classmate has achieved a lot during his short time here. His accomplishments and attitude are an example for us all.

AC: Tell us about yourself Robin. TW: My name is TaeWan Shim. You can call me Robin. My parents gave my name to school officials in the U.S.A. as Robin. I continue to use that name since I like robins. I come from Seoul, Korea. I was born in Pusan which is my parents hometown.

AC: What do you like about the John F. Kennedy School?TW: The awesome and intelligent teachers that know how to teach a variety of students. They can teach if a student is quiet, talkative, intelligent or having a hard time learning something. Students here are very nice, gentle, kind, friendly, and smart. They are just like the Korean friends I had in Korea.

AC: What is your favorite subject in school?TW: Math. It is very easy for me. Math is not really a subject to memorize like other subjects. Its just a matter of understanding. I like how math always has an objective and a solution to each problem. In other subjects like English, Spanish or Biology, the examinations are not multiple choice tests. The tests are mostly presented in a sentence form. There are just too many different kinds of answers. In math its always 50:50, its either correct or wrong. I just love math.

AC: Why do you love math?TW: I enjoyed math since I was little. When I was about 4 years old I loved watching a clock. From that experience came my love of math. I like numbers.

AC: We know that you have entered math competitions in Mexico. Tell us about them.TW: I went to Mathcounts events last year in Mexico City. I won seventh place in the compe-tition. In Puebla, which is a bigger competition, I won third place.

This year I returned to Mexico City and won first place. I hope that I will win first place in Puebla as well. (editors note: He did enter in Puebla and won second place. He was actually in first place until the last thirty seconds!).

This year I have started entering the Math

OurStudentsTHEY HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

Olympics competitions, sponsored by the Government. I won first place in both our Zone and in Regional Championships. I won second place in the State Championships. This year though, I have chosen to be involved in other activities that will keep me from going to the National Championship in Tampico.

AC: What methods can be used to be a good student?TW: Is there a method? Im not really sure. Concentration towards what you are doing is what matters most. If you do your homework while watching TV, it is not as effective as doing it looking at your notes to find the cor-rect answer. Obviously, I recommend doing homework while looking at your notes. We are all given the same amount of time, which is 24 hours each day. The use of time is a very significant factor. It is better to study for 30 minutes while concentrating than to spend two hours talking to your boyfriend or girlfriend or something like that. I dont watch TV or listen to music during school days. I make sure to get my assignments in on time so that late work does not harm my grades.

AC: Many students would like to have your grades. What are your recommendations to them?TW: I recommend that they do their best when doing something (Thomas Edisons quote: Genius equals 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration). Students should also pay atten-tion in class and participate actively. That way they can get an easy 100 for their participation score. They also will not have to study as much for quizzes or examinations because they can remember most of what was taught. You have to always concentrate when you are studying or working in class and at home. If you feel tired you shouldnt study at that time.

AC: Where does your winning motivation come from?TW: I get motivation from my parents and my teachers. They support me in every possible way. I feel proud of myself.

Robin, it is a pleasure to have you here. Thank you very much for sharing with us.

Outstanding Middle School

Student Interviewed By

Classmate

10 11

Pedro Valenzuela Landn is an eleventh grade student interested in becoming a journalist.

Santiago Gutirrez Arboleya is an eleventh grade student who is doing IB photography studies.

We had a special opportunity to interview the recent winner of the Silver Neuron award that is given to a scientist who has made significant advances in the area of Neuroscience. This special recognition is granted by the Cajal Institute that belongs to the Consejo Superior de Ciencia y Tecnologa from the Government of Spain and was recently awarded to a parent of our school, Dr. Jorge Larriva Sahd.

Most of you will be asking yourselves, Who is Dr. Larriva? What extraordinary things did he accomplish to receive such a prestigious award and why did GQ Magazine list him as one of the top ten men of Mexico for the year 2008?

Dr. Larriva is a recognized neurobiologist and also a great artist. In his lab we found not only microscopes, test tubes, samples, neurons, emotions and scientific assistants, but also

interesting drawings of brain specimens from different mammals. Im sure that you could fill a huge art gallery anywhere in the world with these amazing drawings.

Throughout our visit to the intriguing world of neurons and discoveries of this very kind scientist, we could observe what just a few people have been able to see for themselves. We had the chance to learn about the way that Dr. Larriva observes and draws neurons. We were able to see his tools, and now understand how this work has made him worthy of receiv-ing world-wide recognition and acclaim.

Dr. Larriva proceeded to show us through the microscope how he is able to document his discoveries.

He explained that he is the only scientist in the world who is currently using his scientific approach to study nerve cells. There is a lens situated on a side of a tube which projects the microscopes image to a drawing paper. The projected image is outlined by the observer with a pen bringing about a replica from the

By Pedro Valenzuela Landn Photos by Santiago Gutierrez

An Unusual Friday Trip to Meet Dr. Larriva

image observed through the microscope. This procedure enables him to obtain drawings depicting the neuron types and their synaptic connections. This information further enables to determine the microscopic organization of the brain. This is how Dr. Larriva is able to draw such amazing works of scientific art.

We wondered how he came to use this tech-nique to make images of neurons. He told us that one day while he was drawing a neuron of a rodent brain, he discovered a series of neu-rons that until that moment nobody had ever seen in a single image. Previous observations made by other researchers failed to identify such cells utilizing other modern techniques.

In one of his trips to Spain, he visited the In-stituto Cajal and was allowed to study the origi-nal brain specimens made by Santiago Ramn y Cajal. Ramn y Cajal, together with the Italian histologist Camilo Golgi, won the Nobel Prize of Physiology and Medicine in 1906.

Dr. Larriva continued explaining his discov-eries and we were amazed. He explained the

modern use of technology in his experiments, but said that the old fashion procedure he fol-lows it does not only provides novel informa-tion but it requires artistic skills, and that is a unique, joyful combination.

Time was running out for our visit. We were enjoying his laboratory in his laboratory of neu-rocytology at the Instituto de Neurobiologa de la UNAM in Juriquilla. But, our remaining time was short. We had a chance to ask him one last question. What were your feelings when you received the Silver Neuron prize?

Come on man, imagine he said; We were in the Cajal Institute over in Madrid and all of a sudden the Director of the Institute began talking about my achievements and my work and all of a sudden, he says they were granting me the award. I almost fell over! he said as he laughed.

We appreciated the way in which this kind and joyful Doctor shared his invaluable time enthusiasm and knowledge with us in such a generous way.

He explained that he is the only scientist in the world who is currently using his scientific approach to study nerve cells.

...the old fashion

procedure he follows

it does not only pro-

vides novel informa-

tion but it requires artistic

skills, and that is a unique,

joyful combina-

tion.

Who is Dr. Larriva? ...and why did GQ Magazine list him as one of the top ten men of Mexico for the year 2008?

12 13

Martha Salinas del Valle RetiresBy Felicia Lyons & Silvia Daz

A FOCUS ON OUR STAFF

TeachersSTAFFCORNER&

We are pleased to inaugurate this section of the JFK Times with an interview with Mrs. Martha Salinas Cruz who will retire at the end of this school year. We wish her, and her hus-band, Mario, the very best in their future.

When did you start your involvement with JFK?We left Mexico City in February of 1975. We knew that we wanted to live in Jurica because we loved the big open spaces. We moved with our two children, Martha, age 4 and Mario who was 1. We wanted them to enter into the best bicultural school in the area, and that was the JFK. My husband Mario was working in Tremec, company that was sponsoring the school. This was the year I started as a JFK parent. In those days there were almost 500 students.

Tell us a about your time as a school parent.I was part of the school-wide Parents Associa-tion. Part of my responsibilities were helping to organize all the different festivals like the Book Fair, and the October Fest, which is now called the Kermesse.

During the early 80s we were a host family for international teachers who would live with us until they got used to the area and moved to their own houses.

What have been your professional experi-ences in the school?I started out as a substitute teacher in Elemen-tary School. A bit later, the General Director Javier Maldonado and he hired me to work in the area of public relations. I was responsible for interviewing and receiving new families, helping them in their integration and orga-nizing the re-enrollment of students for the coming year.

Another responsibility I had was to oversee the Social Service Program for High School students and to keep a record of their progress.

I have experi-enced so many good things, so many friends, so many changes and had so many wonderful years.

14 15

WHAT ARE WE UP TO?

On The MoveJFK

The sudden need for Middle School students and teachers to move to new classrooms caught everyone by surprise. This provided a learning opportunity for all. Many real ques-tions arose about how to organize this change. A lot of important decisions needed to be made at the same time. Classrooms needed to be found to accommodate three-hundred students and their teachers.

New spaces were found within a few days. Moving was a challenge but teachers and students had the right attitude to respond. People made the moves and all got aboard for the changes. We really got to see how unified we are and how all this was possible because of the strong teamwork on the part of both teach-ers and students. We see change as Learning Opportunities, because that is exactly what they are!

This learning opportunity again reminded us of what a wonderful working team and learning environment surrounds us at JFK. But you may wonder: What exactly did we learn?

Learning Opportunities in Middle School

Proud to be the Middle

By Virginia Elguea

I was also responsible for editing the school newsletter. Later I worked in the library. I was there to assist the children. I was in charge of registering and keeping track of all the books.

After few years Dr. Galicia, who became General Director and Jose Morgan, our Finan-cial Director invited me to start a new project: the Jaguar Shop.

When did you start working as the Secretary in Pre-school?I started working around June of 2001 for Mr. Weiss who was the Pre- school Principal. I have been very happy here. I have beautiful friends and coworkers. I have also had the opportunity to see students that I met many years ago as children coming back as parents with their own children as our students.

What changes have you seen over these many years of service to the school?At the beginning it was a little community school. Everybody, from Pre-school to High School knew each other. Many children would walk to school, and we did not even have a fence around it. Later it started growing, little by little. We had a big change when Javier Maldonado was here. Since then the school has been growing, not only in infrastructure, but also in school programs and curriculum which makes us such a great and special school today.

What are some of your fondest memories?I have experienced so many good things, so many friends, so many changes and had so many wonderful years:

I remember the celebration of the 25th An-niversary of the school in which I was part of

Some answers could be as simple as those found in the following list:

We were able to show a great solid and col-laborative response to meet our needs.

Middle School Teachers showed that they really know how to make it happen through team work.

We know how to set common goals and achieve them.

We learned more about our ability to adapt to new situations.

We learned of our ability to show tolerance, understanding, flexibility, and openness to change.

We learned that we could, no matter what, maintain the right attitude to finish the task.

At the beginning

it was a little

community school.

Everybody, from Pre-school to

High School

knew each other. Many

children would walk

to schoolthe Planning Committee. We had a closing ceremony at the Teatro de la Repblica. We finished the social part of the event with a great party at a very popular Disco. We also had a car raffle at the school.

For several years I also participated as a member of the Health and Security Commit-tee. I have very good memories of organizing school events, such as: Teachers Day, Alumni Reunions, Christmas and Mothers Day Cel-ebrations.

For the 30th Anniversary I worked on the yearbook, taking pictures and collecting infor-mation and highlights of the school history. That was a lot of fun! Im proud to say that I am part of the JFK story of success.

I belong to this great JFK community and I will always remember the school with love.

We see change as Learning Opportu-nities, because that is exactly what they are!

16 17

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR OUR MODEL OF EDUCATIONSPORTS

Our students have learned the same lessons as well. They have learned that we are not always in control of every situation, but that we are in control of how we approach such new challenges in life and come up with good solutions. We believe they learned more about tolerance, understanding, and how to remain flexible in order to move on in life. We are also very proud of them for their mature response to this situation. We are able to grow stronger because we are growing together.

Plans are moving right along for the con-struction of the new Middle School building.

THE NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDINGTo begin with, we are proud to say this will be a Green Building, which means some environ-mental characteristics have been taken into consideration, among them:

A green wall, at the front of the building, will help to keep air clean as well as shade some classrooms.

Solar cells to illuminate the building.

Used water will be recycled.

This beautiful innovative building will be con-structed in 3,300 sq. meters and will house:

17 classrooms

1 multipurpose room for +100 people

1 art room

1 music room

1 room for drama

Technology lab

Ecology and Social Service room

Elevator for disabled people

All in a three story building

November 1-5, in Puerto Vallarta 1st place Golf1st place Tennis Singles

ASOMEX Tennis And Golf Tournament

November 6-9, Puebla 2nd place/Juvenile B girls category 3rd place / Juvenile C girls category

ASOMEX Volleyball Tournament

BE YOUR BEST

DO YOUR BEST

The JFK Athletic Program is a very important element of our educational process. It con-tributes to the physical, social, emotional and academic well being of our students. It offers multiple opportunities to support character development, self control, teamwork and a healthy life-style.

We proudly share the achievements of our stu- dent-athletes from the 2008-2009 school year.CONSTRUCTION PLANS

Construction plans are well along. There are many ways in which you can help us move this project forward as a parent, alumni or member of our wider school community. It takes a com-munity effort to ensure the very best for our students.

We seek community support in terms of join-ing us when invited to serve on committees, offer advise and consultations when requested, provide material and/or financial assistance for specific needs of the project.

Please contact us if you have access to any of the basic materials used to construct a building (ex. rebar, cement, florescent lights, electrical wire, etc.) that you might be willing to donate, purchase or provide at a discount to us to move our Middle School Building Project forward.

More specific information about particular items is available from Efren Rosiles, erosiles@jfk.edu.mx or through our school telephone system. 442.218.0075 ext. 1913

Look for the architectural plans of this new fa-cility! They will be exhibited on campus for all to appreciate and enjoy. And yes, we are Proud to be the Middle

To begin with, we are proud to say this will be a Green Building

18 19

SPORTSSPORTS

November 21-23, Tampico 41 medals2 Team Spirit (sportsmanship) awards

February 7-11, Puebla1st place and Team Spirit (sportsmanship) award/boys 1st place (for the last three consecutive years)/Juvenile C girls

March 5 to 9, Monterrey2nd place - Infantile boys category

February 14 17, Quertaro1st place Juvenile A girls1st place Juvenile B girls1st place Intramural Infantile boys2nd place Infantile girls

ASOMEX Track And Field Event

ASOMEX Soccer

ASOMEX Soccer

ASOMEX Volleyball

A special thanks to our 20082009 sports team sponsors!

We will encourage active participation of alumni, students, teachers, parents and those who share a special place in their hearts for the JFK.

The events listed below will include planning for our special guests and we hope that you can join us in our celebration.

We continue to collect yearbooks, old photos and other memorabilia for our growing collec-tion of historical memories. We encourage you to allow us to copy your old photos from the school and other materials that you think may be of interest to us, to share with others. Our Communications Office is open daily and we encourage you to drop by or give us a call at: 218.0075 ex. 1006 or 1010. email news@jfk.edu.mx / mduarte@jfk.edu.mx

This next year finds us celebrating our 45th Anniversary. Our 2009-2010 school year will include special events, with a particular focus upon our academic program, as we remember our past and celebrate our future.

This theme is a wonderful way to express our feelings about this coming year and our 45th Anniversary Celebrations.

This special year will find us remembering so much from our past. We will see again the original main entrance to the school. (Just ask and we will show you where it is).

We will walk around the large Aztec Calen-dar with the cardinal directions of N,S,E and W. They are still there in front of our Library/Media Center. Our beautiful Library/Media Center now helps to build our future.

We will see how the many old trees have grown as we remember our past. We will visit new facilities constructed to help build our future.

We will meet old and new families; weaving ourselves into events that will connect the rib-bon of our lives as the Grand Kennedy Com-munity in celebration.

Past and future tied together in an endless cycle of learning and growing.

We will share particular dates with everyone as time passes using our school web site www.jfk.edu.mx and our alumni web site http://alumni.jfk.edu.mx to keep everyone up-to-date on events during this great year of celebration.

2120

We will encourage active participation of alumni, students, teachers, parents and those who share a special place in their hearts for the JFK.

The events listed below will include planning for our special guests and we hope that you can join us in our celebration.

We continue to collect yearbooks, old photos and other memorabilia for our growing collec-tion of historical memories. We encourage you to allow us to copy your old photos from the school and other materials that you think may be of interest to us, to share with others. Our Communications Office is open daily and we encourage you to drop by or give us a call at: 218.0075 ex. 1006 or 1010. email news@jfk.edu.mx / mduarte@jfk.edu.mx

Our 45th Anniver-sary Plan-ning Has Already Begun

Our 45th Anniver-sary Plan-ning Has Already BegunThis next year finds us celebrating our 45th Anniversary. Our 2009-2010 school year will include special events, with a particular focus upon our academic program, as we remember our past and celebrate our future.

This theme is a wonderful way to express our feelings about this coming year and our 45th Anniversary Celebrations.

This special year will find us remembering so much from our past. We will see again the original main entrance to the school. (Just ask and we will show you where it is).

We will walk around the large Aztec Calen-dar with the cardinal directions of N,S,E and W. They are still there in front of our Library/Media Center. Our beautiful Library/Media Center now helps to build our future.

We will see how the many old trees have grown as we remember our past. We will visit new facilities constructed to help build our future.

We will meet old and new families; weaving ourselves into events that will connect the rib-bon of our lives as the Grand Kennedy Com-munity in celebration.

Past and future tied together in an endless cycle of learning and growing.

We will share particular dates with everyone as time passes using our school web site www.jfk.edu.mx and our alumni web site http://alumni.jfk.edu.mx to keep everyone up-to-date on events during this great year of celebration.

Remembering Our Past... Building

Our Future

SEPTEMBER

Parents Association Leadership Reunion Party.Teams Of 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007Grandparents Reading Day45th Anniversary JFK Reads CelebrationSpecial Book Fair

AUGUST

Our New Family Picnic

OCTOBER

Jaguars DayMiddle School Spelling BeeAnnual Assembly ReunionDay Of The Dead / Halloween Parades

FEBRUARY

School-Wide Flag Ceremony MARCH

Community-Wide Picnic And Alumni Reunions

'09 '10

2322

Special EventsSEPTEMBER

Parents Association Leadership Reunion Party.Grandparents Reading Day

45th Anniversary JFK Reads CelebrationSpecial Book Fair

Special Events

AUGUST

Our New Family Picnic

OCTOBER

Jaguars Day

Middle School Spelling Bee

Annual Assembly Reunion

Day Of The Dead / Halloween Parades

NOVEMBER

Health WeekEcology Week

DECEMBER

Posada

FEBRUARY

School-Wide Flag Ceremony

MARCH

Community-Wide Picnic And Alumni ReunionsAPRIL

Art And Culture Week

JUNE

High School Graduation

'09 '10

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Alumni Feature

Paula Zenizoattorney

CLASS OF '96

The list of professions that our alumni join is quite long and diverse. Graduates have become successful in careers as varied as Doctor, Teacher, Artist, Investigator, Architect, Actuary and Athlete. Many also have become mothers and fathers along the way.

We have such interesting life paths amongst our graduates that an edition with a cover story could be written about each of them! In this edition I have decided to share with you the story of Paula Zenizo, a successful Attorney who at present lives in Brazil and works for Guardian Industries.

"I really remember lots and lots of good things about my time at the school."

An interview by our Editor in Chief Mnica Duarte B.

Paula, in what grades did you at JFK and when did you graduate?I studied at the Kennedy from 2nd up to 12th grade. I graduated in 1996. I dearly remember all of my teachers from Elementary to High School; Miss Margaret, Miss Carol, Miss Corzo, Mr. Walker, Miss Ema, Liliana Boyain, Chava, Miss Rosita, Miss Cario, Paty Betancourt, Georgina, Maureen, Mrs. Stransky and Peter Kelly; amongst others.

Will you share some of your memories of the school?There are a lot of stories that bring back good memories. I especially remember the times in Junior High when they would get us all together for mid-term exams. More than being just stressful, it was actually a lot of fun. I also remember the rehearsals for the 20th of November parade downtown,

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the College and Career Fair, and the Halloween Parade.

High School sports activities also bring back good memories. The basketball tournaments were a lot of fun! I had a great time playing on the basketball team and participating in the Students Day Competitions. I really remember lots and lots of good things about my time at JFK.

Are you still in touch with friends or any teachers from the Kennedy?Yes. My best friends are the ones I made in Elementary School and we are still very close. I sometimes run into former teachers and it is really nice. I have a lot of appreciation for all of them and they all bring back good memories.

In your opinion, what makes JFK special or different? What makes JFK different is that they teach you to think for yourself, to have your own opinion, and to learn how to defend it. The fact that they teach you to get results without making you stress over the mechanism is

important; as opposed to the traditional system of just memorizing and repeating what you are taught.

How did you choose your profession? For me it was very clear. One day I just thought that what I wanted to do was to help people and I realized that studying law would give me that opportunity. When a lawyer is involved in a situation it is because someone needs help. Even though the course of my career has changed into Legal and Human Resources work, I continue to deal with the same type of situations. Law and Human Resources are similar in the way that you need to think strategically.

Sharing my own experience about my process of choosing a career, I would say that the College

"...what I wanted to do was to help people and I realized that studying

law would give me that opportunity.""Hard work is the

key to success."

and Career Fair that was held at the school was a good opportunity to meet and talk to people with experiences in different fields. Attending the fair meant not only getting in touch with universities or colleges, but also meeting pro-fessionals that shared their knowledge about the real world activities of each field.

I also remember talking with my parents and to several parents of my friends; asking for advice. That was possible because this felling of closeness that I experienced as a student. I re-member Miss Georgina, my Law teacher at the Kennedy. She also encouraged me to study law when she learned that I was thinking about it.

Hard work is the key to success. That has been true in my experience and with my cur-rent accomplishments.

Where did you study Law?I earned my BA at La Universidad Autnoma de Quertaro (UAQ). I later received an MA de-gree in Law, Economy and Public Politics from the Ortega y Gasset University Institute, of the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. I also have a degree in Business.

How do you think that JFK prepared you to choose your profession?What I realize today is that going to JFK was the best tool my parents gave me. What I learned there shaped the person that I am today. It taught me to be understanding of cultural differences and to communicate at all levels, upwards and downwards.

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One of the controversies of JFK when I was there was that it was considered too liberal. If we had a problem we would go and defend our point of view with the Principal or with whoever would listen. This has helped me a lot because, since then, I have never been afraid of expressing my points of view. I lost that fear at JFK.

What has your career been like? My first job was with the Canseco-Saldaa-Es-cobedo-Tirado law firm. Until this day it is the best training I have had. I learned a lot both

personally and professionally by working with that firm (coincidentally they are also Kennedy families).

They always gave me the freedom, support and opportunities to grow. I worked for them for seven years. Four of those years of work were while I was studying for my degree. I came back and worked three more years with

them after I earned my Masters Degree. While working at the firm I started dealing with Guardian Industries as a client and I was attracted to them from the beginning for the fresh, open, and vital attitude that I saw in their staff. They possessed a long term business plan. It was with them that the opportunity to enter a completely new area came up.

I entered their Legal and Human Resources Department. Guardian invested a lot in my training and they gave me all the tools neces-sary for the position and I was able to grow a lot as a lawyer.

"I love nature, adventure, and being outdoors."

"Happiness is loving what you do and who you are."

My first position was Legal and Human Re-sources Manager for Mexico and after almost two years I was given the opportunity to be in charge of all Latin America in these fields. Guardian is a company that gives a lot of op-portunities to its employees, very much like JFK does. They allow you to achieve every-thing that you want to do. In my career I have

learned that there are very few truly committed people, and that it is the committed people who succeed.

Which has been a meaningful professional achievement for you?When I was working at CBS we received a case and my boss asked me to take care of it telling me that if I solved it, he would give me half the fees. I won the case; my boss honored his word and payed me. I was still a student and had never made so much money at once. I bought a Chevy to make my life easier, I later sold that

Chevy and with that money I paid most of my Masters Degree in Europe.

More that the money itself, what gave me great satisfaction was the fact that I accom-plished something that no one, not even myself, thought I could accomplish. That experienced changed my life because it made me realize that, while there are things that you

cant control, most of the time we set our own boundaries. It was then when I decided to not have any.

What has been your biggest professional challenge so far?Being part of the project for building a new factory in Brazil. The factory is now built and operating and looking back and realizing that before this big working factory there was noth-ing but dirt and sugar cane is very rewarding. Now we have to implement systems, meet quality standards and that also demands a

lot of effort. I am still working on hiring the HR team for the factory.

Do you have any advice for the future JFK graduate?Always put 110% into everything you do. There is no way to fail if you work like this. Success should be a consequence, not a goal.

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AlumniCONNECTING WITH ALUMNI

http://alumni.jfk.edu.mxThe virtual JFK alumni community is growing. With your help and participation we reinforce our connec-tions; forming a web of relationships that will bring big benefits to all of us.

You now have the ability on this site to both change your user name and password.

BLUE LEVELAlumni that have created their personal page.

GREEN LEVELAlumni that have validated their personal information.

YELLOW LEVELIndicates that a third party has given information about them.

UNKNOWN GENERATIONHelps us to find out!

RED LEVELOver 700 names but their personal information needs to be completed.

Lets get it done!

BLUE LEVELGen. Name1973 Kathryn Kosloski Montag1977 Scott Dewald 1982 Ma. Fernanda Alfaro Repetto1983 Guillermo Haza Vanderpeereboom1984 Adriana Correa Granados1984 Jos Antonio Marin Vanderpereboom1994 Juan Manuel Fraga Sastrias1996 Fernanda Zenizo Lpez1996 Pilar Regalado Gonzlez De Cosso1996 Ricardo Vzquez Barrera1997 Antonio Guerrero Miramontes1997 Emmanuel Vzquez Barrera1997 Federico Borrego Escamilla1997 Gustavo Arriola Chapiro1997 Juan Alberto Salazar Rocha1997 Maricarmen Chvez Galas1998 Alfonso Daz Mijares1998 Ana Luisa Torres Visoso1998 Ana Mara Flores Castro1998 Anaietzin Rodrguez Scalise1998 Lisa Guadalupe Vega Torres1998 Melissa Menndez Vallejo1998 Michelle Ducloux De Landa1998 Valeria Fagiolani De La Madrid1999 Catalina De La Cerda Martnez1999 Dante Victor Sepulveda Mendoza2000 Alejandra Ros Fernndez2000 Marisol Fernndez Cobela2000 Roxana Arriola Chapiro2001 Denisse Lorena Seplveda Mendoza2003 Alberto Braulio Lara Pompa2005 Antonio Herrera Nieves2005 Montserrat Fernndez Chicharro2005 Priscilla Guerrero Snchez

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1987 Mnica Estela Lpez Amador1988 Mariana Novoa Barrios1989 Fernando Correa Granados1992 Gabriela Lecuna Maltes1992 Gabriela Cortes Arriola1992 Ivonne Snchez Torres1992 Martha Georgina Salinas Del Valle1994 Juan Francisco Hernndez Duran1994 Ricardo Antonio Rodrguez Miranda1994 Rodrigo Casas Fernndez1995 Alejandro Martn Lpez1995 Cecilia Torres Visoso1995 Jorge Viesca Lebrija1995 Mario Ducloux De Landa1996 Alejandro Dvila Sainz1996 Alexandra De Juambelz Urias1996 Bernardo Lastra Fallas1996 Emmanuel Solis Gracia1996 Jillian Stoltzfus Beck1996 Jorge Vega Torres1996 Karime Pureco Oseguera1996 Miguel Alejandro Booth Parra1996 Paula Zenizo Lpez1996 Sandra Pia Cota1996 Xavier Balestra Ordaz1997 Bessie Briseo Franks1997 Gizella Preciado Martnez1997 Hector David Preciado Martnez1997 Italia Prado Faras1997 |Juan Pablo Mtz. Fernndez De La Vega1997 Julien Vanden Bossche 1997 Liliana Avils Rodrguez1997 Luis Javier Maldonado Fuentes1997 Mara Fernanda Peafiel Ochoa1997 Paola Luca Karime Parra Herrera1998 Alfredo vila Zenteno1998 Alonso Jorge Medina valos1998 Cesar Rodolfo Martnez Garza Cordera1998 Ceyrine Pellikaan Camon1998 Erika Balestra Ordaz1998 Issa Eugenia Plancarte Mujica1998 Karla Fernanda Llorns Beltrn1998 Mara Urquiza Corredor1998 Mariloli Gonzlez Reynoso1998 Oscar Rodrguez Lara1998 Sergio Humberto Meja Cosenza1998 Thalia Gissel Jurequi Martnez1999 Aurora Flores Gmez1999 Barbara Morales Casas1999 Francisco Javier Loizaga Melhado1999 Giovanna Patricia Salazar Rocha1999 Hugo Alberto Herrera Heras1999 Luis Hoyos Gonzlez

1999 Luis Enrique Bustamante Zertuche1999 Mara Fernanda De Juambelz Uras1999 Marta Hoyo Gerard1999 Roberto Flores Gmez2000 Juan Manuel Cardoso Biard2000 Luis Guerrero Miramontes2000 Mayra Selene Hernndez M2000 Sandra Martnez Garza Cordera2001 Jazmn Valdez Herrera2001 Oly Soto Garduo2002 Guillermo Astorga Peralta2003 Bernardo Garca Soto2003 Carlos Maycotte Yamn2003 Daniela Arias Vargas2003 Diego Morones Betancourt2003 Diego Rodrguez Billerbeck2003 Eduardo Quintero Daz2003 Federico Orozco Mouret2003 Luis Alberto Olvera Park2003 Manuel Maas Bolaos2003 Mariana Csar Fernndez2003 Marisol Gonzlez De Cosso Hdz. 2004 Alfonso Monroy Mendoza2004 Ana Silvia Cuarn Snchez2004 Andrea Ledesma De Anda2004 Juan Pablo Chvez Merino2004 Mariana Fernndez Cobela2004 Mariana Garza Amors2004 Ximena Martnez Palafox2005 Alejandro Villalpando Arenzana2005 Andrea Lobato Meeser2005 Andrea Iurria Gonzlez2005 Daniel lvarez Gorozpe2005 Dulce Andrea Arias Vargas2005 Francisco Guillaume Minero Charpentier2005 Jaime Mansur Monroy2005 Jos Luis Becerra Villaseor2005 Kurt Vicente Kulander Snchez2005 Loretta Rodrguez Pizarro2005 Mariana Larrea Delgado2005 Paulina Mara Barrios 2005 Ricardo Torres Prez-sandi2005 Roberto Garca Medina2005 Rodrigo Astorga Peralta2005 Rodrigo Fortunato Maycotte Yamin2005 Sofa Condes-diez Martnez2005 Yara Georgina Paz Partida Pizzini2005 Zamir Maauad Llorente2006 Alejandra Felgueres Ortega2006 Alejandro Martin Berger Saunderson2006 Alfredo Uribe Pacheco2006 Andrea Garca Lascurain Villar2006 Andrs De Miguel Camarena

2006 Andrs Antn Daz2006 Christoph Gabriel Schmidt Dlano2006 Daniel Balsa Lizrraga2006 Fernando Hugo Martnez-rubio Aburto2006 Jorge Antonio Cuarn Snchez2006 Jos Rogelio Bringas Jaime2006 Julin Alejandre Gerez2006 Luis Francisco Marn Tijerina2006 Manuel Hernndez Gmez2006 Mariana Ojeda Vega2006 Mauricio Andrs Fdz. Buenda2006 Mnica Tirado Posada2006 Paola Pederzini Ramrez2006 Rafael Mouret Abadiano2006 Servando Jos Lpez Morales2006 Susana Mendoza Trillo2006 Triana Romina Higuera Petersen2006 Xalli Cristina Zuiga Carloz2007 Adriana Lobato Meeser2007 Bruno Stump Ugarte2007 Diego Fernando Villalpando Arenzana2007 Gabriel Sosa Morfin2007 Gabriela Gracia Duarte2007 Hanna Billerbeck Acua2007 Ilian Dorantes Bollain Y Goytia2007 Jeannete Millan Harfuch2007 Jimena Chvez Merino2007 Lisa Marie Schenkel 2007 Luis Miguel Surez Tovar2007 Mara Del Mar Lajud Sobrino2007 Marimar Bravo Cadena2007 Octavio Retamoza Iriarte2007 Paulina Morones Betancourt2007 Rodolfo Cruz Lpez2007 Sara Beth Briseo Franks2008 Ana Sofa Tamborrel Signoret2008 Andrs Antonio Terrazas Arnaldo2008 Carola Isabel Pirez Gmez2008 Fernando Snchez Morales2008 Gabriela Mesta Kim2008 Gloria Karina Pia Cota2008 Javier Canseco Saldaa2008 Jos Daniel Sayavedra Sahagun2008 Lilia Elizabeth Rabling Garza2008 Lucia Martinez De La Escalera Clapp2008 Manolo Vidal Basagoitia2008 Mara Rivadeneyra Madero2008 Mara Fernanda Bringas Jaime2008 Martha Eli Pacheco Mijares2008 Mauricio Iurria Gonzlez2008 Natasha Kaufmann Gmez2008 Paola Simental Campos2008 Rafael Moreno Terminel2008 Renata Villarreal Tommasi

UNKNOWN GENERATIONGen. Name ? Adriana Luque Pastor ? Adriana Snchez Lara ? Alejandro Murgua Snchez Lara ? Alex Hoflack Basauri ? Carlos Gerardo Garza Adame ? Carolina Novoa Barrios ? Cristina Franco ? Edith Arechiga Flores ? Fedreica Pratellesi Bedini ? Fernanda Rosas Borja ? Gabriela Lozano Fuentes ? Gabriela Mara Del Consuelo Ruz Ruz ? Heinrich Hermann Loose Greiser ? Isabel Gonzalez Torreslanda ? Luis Eduardo Gonzlez Ruz ? Manuel Gonzalez Valle ? Manuel Alejandro Ruz Lpez ? Mara Concepcin Malagn De Len ? Mara Teresa Urquiza Estrada ? Martha Alejandra Malagn De Len ? Martha Dinorah Cuanalo Santos ? Mnica Vzquez Mellado Zolezzi ? Patricia Tovar ? Patricia Lozano De Phillips ? Pedro Surez Martnez ? Rafael Gmez Del Valle ? Rodolfo Fernndez Argelles ? Stephen Sauder Bolan ? Stewart Mckenzy

2006 Fernando Vallejo Hagstotz2006 Juan Francisco Maqueda Arredondo2006 Kristy Cano Najera2007 Aid Martnez Villarreal2007 Alberto Padilla Rivera2007 Alejandra Zenizo Lpez2007 Alejandro Moreno Figueroa2007 Mara Ins Miselem Martnez Del Ro2008 Antonio Villarreal Larrauri2008 Lourdes Lorena Zamanillo Tamborrel2008 Mylene Cano De La Fuente

GREEN LEVELGen. Name1972 Ana Maria Eberstadt 1975 Tina Sherman-peel Sherman1977 Tammy Sherman 1978 Juan Antonio Esponda Morales1979 Jaime Antonio Lpez Urquiaga1980 Armando Alejandro Rivera Castillejos1980 Beatriz De La Cuadra Couln1980 Cristina Gonzlez Barajas1980 Ma. Eugenia De La Isla Herrera1980 Mara Elena Guerra Villagomez1980 Mnica Barrera Villagomez1980 Vernica Weinstein Landa1981 Marc Oliver Rau Hartmann1981 Robert Jones 1982 Antje Groppe 1982 Elda Nora Esponda Morales1982 Roco Presa Ampudia1983 Carlos Alfonso Bonilla Haro1984 Cecilia Araiza 1984 Gabriela Castellanos Lizarraga1984 Horacio Temelo Ledesma1984 Ingmar Groppe 1984 Jos Guillermo Del Hoyo Huidobro1984 Jos Luis Gallegos 1984 Juan Gabriel Ballesteros Martnez1984 Mariana Vilanova De Allende1984 Ricardo Badilla Robledo1984 Sandra Zavala Ayala1985 Beatriz Eugenia Gonzlez Garciancira1985 Csar Fandio Blaisten1985 Ma. Teresa Chacn Herrera1985 Pol Marin Van Den Pereboom1986 Gustavo Olvera Girn1986 Ignacio Alfredo Gonzlez Fausto1987 Gabriela Prigmore Faras1987 Jessica Surez 1987 Lucy Huber Herrera1987 Luis Alberto Vega Ricoy

YELLOW LEVELGen. Name1981 Alfredo Moussier Malo1982 Leticia Marroqun Gmez1984 Amada Hernndez Ramos1984 Hildegard Yolanda Frei Nieto1984 Norma Anglica Prez Landn Martin1984 Ral Vicente Araiza Torres1987 Franz Elizondo 1993 Luisa Lillian Mccullough Durn1996 Anibal Alejandro Alcocer Ochoa1996 Berenice Rodrguez Aguayo1996 Eduardo Jacobo Crdova Lucas1996 Mara Del Pilar Gonzlez Fausto1996 Olga Burillo Almada1998 Carlos Alberto Domingo Cano Njera1998 Javier Garca Lascurain Villar1998 Lydia Daz Vivanco2000 Carla Vernica Rivera Luna2000 Susana Larrea Delgado2003 Ral Vicente Araiza Torres2003 Citlalli Ayala Muoz2003 Daniela Fernanda Ramos Aguilar2003 Federico Alatriste Harrsch2003 Gabriela Peafiel Ochoa2003 Hayde Montserrat Gallardo Martnez2003 Jimena Huerta Azuara2003 Jos Manuel Garca Cndano2003 Mara Del Carmen Aguilar Parada2003 Mariana Montao Isita2003 Mnica Ruth Manero Hennessey2003 Octavio Ramos Lazcano2003 Paola Torres Barrera2004 Jos Miguel Ortiz Portas2004 Judith Rodrguez Garza2005 Andrs Huerta Azuara2005 Bernardo Salinas Del Valle2006 Gustavo Aguilar Parada2006 Jorge Torres Barrera2006 Jos Pablo Csar Fernndez2008 Christian Salvador Sols2008 Patsy Gabariela Arteaga De Anda

2008 Valeria Ruiz Castaeda2008 Victoria Andrea lvarez Barajas2008 Ximena Vargas Pillado

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WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?Class Notes

Hidden memories on campus

Since the article about our new Time Capsules appeared, we have been approached by several alumni reminding us that other generations of students have had similar schemes in passed years. In fact, it seems, that there must be hidden collections of memories all over the campus!

As a result of this continued fascination, we would like to call on any other alumni that may remember where they left memories hidden or buried around the school.

Here is the information that we have uncov-ered so far:

On the main patio, between rooms 4 and 5, there is a glass panel covering an inset with

a clear message from the Class of 04, open in 2014.Right in the middle of the High School patio rapidly losing

definition, but still readable, we can see a message from the graduating class of 02 and some hand imprints in the concrete. Does anyone remember if anything is buried here?

Between the cafeteria and the High School stage, inset into the wall, is a small plaque that nowadays is usually hidden by the trash cans! This reads: Class of 2005.

On the path going away from the cafeteria toward the car park are some unusual painted stones. Although there is no pattern to these, there seems to be quite a few there, and someone com-mented that they too were left by a graduating generationbut we dont know which year. Is anything buried here too?

Another rumor is of a much earlier generation burying their treasures and memories under a tree. Which tree? We dont even know if it was a tree on the patio or elsewhere! Can any-one help with more information?

If you belonged to a generation who buried your treasures at graduation please contact us (aleece@jfk.edu.mx). We would like to identify actual sites and determine a suitable date to call those alumni back and relive their last days at JFK!

If you belonged to a generation who buried your treasures at graduation please contact us.

By Adrian Leece

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Ana Luisa Torres VisosoClass '98 I entered the Early Childhood Education Program at JFK in 1984 as a K2 student. I was a member of the graduating class of 98.

Current PositionCoordinator, John F. Kennedy School Office of Admissions and Student Records

When did you return to work at JFK? I started my work here in September of 2006.

What has been your experience working at your alma mater?It is nice to come back to JFK after so many years and to see how it has changed, grown, and improved. It also brings me a great deal of satisfaction to work here because I believe in its philosophy. I know from personal experience that it is one of the best schools in Queretaro (the best in my personal opinion) and I like to be part of it.

What do you think you contribute, in a special way, to the school as both an alumni and a member of the school staff? As an alumnus I know the school and I think that I can trans-mit my pride for it and my own experiences here to support the presentation of a positive image of the JFK.

Ricardo Vzquez BarreraClass '96I was a member of the graduating class of 96

Current Position: Admissions Clerk, John F. Kennedy School Office of Admissions and Student Records

When did you return to work at JFK? I joined the staff in September of 2007.

What has been your experience working at your alma mater?When I started working here, I felt a lot of nostalgia because one of my major memories in entering was my own admission process. Now I am part of this same process but on the other side of the table. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to often be the first contact of the student and his family with the school.

What do you think you contribute, in a special way, to the school as both an alumni and a member of the school staff? I continue to feel the same joy and satisfaction that I felt as a student as I continue being a part of the John F. Kennedy School, working on the professional side.

I want to add that I am proud to know that I am not the only one who came back; also old friends have come back; but now to enroll their children and to work here. I have a special love and appreciation for the Kennedy.

Some of our Graduates

Return to JFK to Continue

Their Career

The educational system of our school prepares graduates to work in bilingual and multicultural environ-ments. The school itself is such a place and we have managed to attract some alumni to return to work on the other

side of the desk in important positions at JFK.

They came back well prepared from their University studies and bring a

unique perspective to their work. They have managed to share some of their im-

pressions as alumni that are still living and working inside the institution.

By: Karla Ros Valeria Fagiolani de la MadridClass '98 I graduated with the class of 98

Current Position: I am an Web master administrator.

When did you return to work at JFK? I came back in January of 2009.

What has been your experience working at your alma mater?My experience has been very good! I like to be back sharing with people that I had known from before. I also like being able to meet so many new people. The school environment is nice and positive. I like being here more-and-more each day.

What do you think you contribute, in a special way, to the school as both an alumni and a member of the school staff? In my particular case I think I can contribute by being an important link between the school and the alumni

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05Reunion Our thanks go to Antonio Herrera for sharing Pictures from the reunion that friends from the class of 05 had last December.

Good times and thanks!

05

05

Mara del Pilar Gonzlez FaustoClass '96 I finished ninth grade here in 93 and left to study in another high school. I am listed on the alumni web site with the graduation class of '96.

Current Position: I am currently teaching High School classes. I teach grade nine Chemistry.

When did you return to work at JFK? This is my third year giving classes here at the school.

What has been your experience working at your alma mater?I returned to JFK three years ago with an invitation to teach Science classes in Middle School. It was a strange sensation for me to find the school so changed and at the same time so much the same as when I left it. I returned to find double the number of students and buildings, a bigger library, an auditorium and so many new things.

Nevertheless I found that there also were some of the same Elementary classrooms, the old eucalyptus trees next to the General Directors Office and the stones of the old flag ceremony area and most of all the same

warm smiles of those who were still here since that time. It was strange to feel new and at the same time feel so familiar with everything.like coming back home.

I returned as young new teacher to the school. I had many mixed emotions and feelings as I came back. I regained my balance as I identified with those things from my past that I remembered. It was also reassuring to remember that things actually do not change, but what happens is that the change comes in how we see things.

What do you think you contribute, in a special way, to the school as both an alumni and a member of the school staff? After three years of been happy here, I am sure that the way that I experience my situation is a bit different than that of other teachers. I share a special bond with students as I explore conflicts and agreements with them. I am able to share the joys and achievements with them knowing that I have walked the same halls, listening the same teachers, supporting the same Jaguars and felt the same pride of being a Kennedy student. I am convinced that my past experiences create certain defini-tions on our relationships and obliges me to be a certain kind of example for them. I teach Science and I would like to inspire students to follow this me into this interesting career. I have always said that it was my JFK Science Fair work that made me fall in love with the field of Science.

Do you have other connections to the school?Yes, I met my husband here in seventh grade. We graduated in the same class. We met again after about six years and mar-ried. My little boy, Anibal is five years old and is also a JFK student.

REUNIONS & SNAPSHOTS

I met my husband

here in seventh

grade. We gradu-ated in the

same class. We met

again after about six

years and married.

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