HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
HHS junior Rico Rendon and other students in Karen Jackson's chemistry classes took advantage of good weather and a paper burning lab exercise Thursday by moving their classroom outdoors. The purpose of the lab was to observe chemical change.

NEW KID IN CLASS
Name: Amie Marquez
Years of Experience: Nine
College: University of the Southwest
Teaching Assignment: Will Rogers, kindergarten
Favorite Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Favorite Pastime: Sewing
My most influential educator was Linda Connell. She taught me through high school and the junior college and made an effort to know her students on a  personal level -- which made me eager to learn.
(Look for a new teacher profile in this spot on a regular basis.)

NO MERCY
Kaitlin Gray led the pre-game cheer prior to scoring three goals against Artesia on Tuesday night. Teammates combined for another seven points to mercy rule the Bulldawgs and give the Lady Eagles a season-opening victory on home turf.  (Watch video highlights on Eagle TV-Sports).

NEW KID IN CLASS
Name: Amanda Sayre
Years of Experience: Six
College: University of the Southwest
Teaching Assignment: Broadmoor, second grade
Favorite Book: The Bible
Favorite Pastime: Playing with my daughter
My most influential educators were my parents. They have always shown me love, support and encouragement. No matter what I have done, they have always been my cheereladers.
(Look for a new teacher profile in this spot on a regular basis.)

LOOKING FORWARD
Fleet-footed Zach Proctor and the rest of the HHS Eagles soccer team began their season by defeating defending state champion Las Cruces 2-0 at home on Friday night. Proctor knocked in a couple goals the following day in a 5-1 victory over Gadsden. (Watch video highlights on Eagle TV-Sports).

SUMMER GRADS
It might have taken them a couple extra weeks to complete their coursework, but  Victor Dominguez, David Lopez, Alina Mendoza and Robert Wilcox can now count themselves among the 2008 HHS graduating class. The students and three others finished up credits over the summer and were honored at Tuesday's School Board meeting.

EAGLE NIGHT
Football players of all ages were on hand for introductions during Friday's tribute to the gridiron at Watson Stadium. Following the pep rally, high school players suited up for the black-and-gold scrimmage. (Watch video highlights on Eagle TV-Sports).

OLYMPIC GOLD
Jarren Lewis was among  dozens of Mills kindergartners who made a trip to the medal stand after competing in the Mills version of Olympic games throughout  last week. It was all part of a process to familiarize the students with world events as well as good sportsmanship. (Watch the video on Eagle TV-News).

NEW KID IN CLASS
Name: Alycia Finkbeiner
Years of Experience: First
College: Oral Roberts University
Teaching Assignment: Broadmoor, first grade
Favorite Book: The Hobbit
Favorite Pastime: Reading or scrapbooking
My most influential educator was Mrs. Humble, my third-grade teacher. I was a new student and she was very kind to me. I also remember doing creative, hands-on activities in her class. It was during this time that I first had the desire to teach.
(Look for a new teacher profile in this spot on a regular basis.)

NEW KID IN CLASS
Name: Abby Holmes
Years of Experience: First
College: Wayland Baptist University
Teaching Assignment: Music, Stone & Jefferson
Favorite Book: Jane Eyre
Favorite Pastime: Watching and playing sports
My most influential educator was Carol Barnes. She not only encouraged my music, but taught me about life. I still use her words of wisdom today.
(Look for a new teacher profile in this spot on a regular basis.)

DAY OF FIRSTS
Not only was it the first day of school for Stone first- grader Noa Doak, Tuesday was also her first day in an American school. Doak and her mother, Petra, recently moved to Hobbs from Holland. To see highlights of a school day shared by nearly 8,000 students, go to Eagle TV-News.

BACK TO WORK
Students report to buildings and classrooms on the first day of school that HMS staff members have been getting ship shape, in some cases, for most of the summer. Major projects include new computer labs and projectors at Hobbs High School and aluminum bleachers at Watson Stadium. (Watch Eagle TV-News for a roundup of school opening preparations).

CHIP OFF THE BLOCK
HHS sophomore Chelsi Van Dyke was in the show ring almost as much as the judges during the Lea County Fair. She came away with four first-place division finishes, a slew of runner-ups, a good payday at the Junior Livestock Auction and a nod of approval from her father, Brent Van Dyke, a HHS agriculture teacher.

PARADE PEP
Highland Jr. High cheerleaders  were among the participants in a parade that attracted thousands of spectators and snaked through Lovington for more than a mile on Wednesday. It was all part of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo, the major summer event that marks the end of vacation and signals the beginning of school. HMS classes resume on Tuesday. (Watch the video on Eagle TV-News.)

AP PAYDAY
HHS students, including Marcos Aranda, collected checks totaling more than $30,000 for AP qualifying scores during a banquet Monday night. While 10 percent of New Mexico high school students pass an AP exam on average, the number is more than doubled at Hobbs High School. (Watch the video on Eagle TV-News).