Graduate holds attendance record

Manuel Martinez Jr. had a goal of achieving perfect attendance during his 12 years of schooling.

Ruth Fort/For the Optic

From left: Manuel Martinez Sr. with his son Manuel Martinez, Jr., a Mora High School senior who had perfect attendance in his 12 years of schooling. Also joining them are Santana Martinez and mother Delfie Martinez.

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Maria Sanchez/Optic photo

The Mora School Band performs for the crowd during a concert last week at the high school gymnasium. Several groups performed for the concert attendees.

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Maria Sanchez/Optic photo

Mariachi de lo de Mora performs for the crowd during a concert last week at the elementary school gymnasium.

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On his first day of school in the first grade he was so excited to be going to school he said he did not want to miss a day and he did not miss a day in the  years he attended school.

On Friday, Martinez  will graduate from Mora High School and his goal of perfect attendance for the 12 years has been a reality.

He was honored at the last School Board meeting earlier this month. On that occasion he received a plaque for his achievement. He was also awarded a certificate at the awards night at the senior banquet in Las Vegas on Friday evening.

Manuel was born Oct. 6, 1993, in Silver City, N.M. His parents are Manuel and Delfie Martinez; his grandparents are Patrick and Mary Martinez and Wilfred and Ruth Valencia, all of Holman.

When they moved from Silver City to Mora he attended Head Start and Kindergarten and the on to first grade in the Mora Schools. His parents said that they had never had to push him to go to school. He got up on his own and got ready to go. He was determined to stay in school until the end of classes. Even on Senior Sneak Day he refused to leave the school and stayed there all day long, even when all of his classmates had gone. His mother said that he was very healthy and never had to take a sick day. He would not even go on vacations if it meant that he would miss school.

Manuel’s father said that he enjoyed sports, loved his classmates, his family, friends and especially his little brother, Santana. He said that Manuel has a great spirit and he has great respect and love for others.

Manuel is going to enter New Mexico Highlands University this fall. He will begin his studies with a goal of becoming a lawyer.

We are proud of this young man who has done well to meet his goal and trust he will reach other goals in his life with his dedication and determination.

School bands play for concerts

On May 16 and 17, the parents and community of Mora were treated to two great concerts.

On Wednesday night, the Mora High School band gave a rousing exciting band concert with around 40 members taking part. They played many stirring pieces and ended with the school pep song. Joaquin Maestas Manuel introduced each member between songs. Most of the members are eighth, ninth and tenth graders. During the intermission Jeremy Medina played his electric guitar to accompany Melissa Montoya who sang songs. She also plays the clarinet in the band.  

At the beginning of the concert the beginning band, all fifth graders and one sixth grader, treated the crowd to the music they have been learning. They started their classes at the beginning of the year and have learned to play their instruments well and to read the music and follow the conductor without one mistake.

On Thursday night, the mariachi band gave their concert with the trumpets, violins, and guitars. Some of the members sang the traditional Spanish songs as they played.

All of the members of this band are 6th and 7th graders. They were also introduced and given praise by their teacher during the concert.

They ended with Mañanitas (Happy Birthday) and the appreciative crowd joined them in singing along.

Ruth Fort is a Mora County correspondent. She may  be reached at (575) 387-6523 or ruthfortchacon@yahoo.com.