Albuquerque, NM —  Gov. Susana Martinez announced May 13 the 2015 New Mexico True Summer Reading Challenge, designed to help prevent students from losing reading proficiency during the summer.

“Our challenge is simple: read more books during your summer vacation, and you can earn some amazing prizes,” Governor Martinez said. “When our students read over the summer, they are better prepared for the upcoming school year. Everyone loves a challenge, especially when there are prizes. This is a win-win for students, parents, and teachers.”

The New Mexico True Summer Reading Challenge is open to all New Mexico elementary school children, ages 5 through 12. All students who submit...

Once again, Gallup proves itself to be a multi-talented community.  The 8th Annual Birdhouse Auction sponsored by the Ups and Downs team from the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life hosted a fun and quality event at Sammy C’s May 3.

Over 60 people gathered to take part in the fun when the auctioneers, Joe Hibbard, John Hornbeck and Patrick Moore got the evening under way.

“Who’ll give me 20? 20? 20?”  was the starting call for many of the sales.

Some, quickly developed into bidding competitions and turned into big donations for the American Cancer Society.

Gallup High School science teacher, Mary Ann Seslar was inspired by a photo of an old watch. She started...

Bonus edition!

Do you realize the first National Park was designated in 1872?  The Yellowstone National Park Act set aside over 2 million acres of land in Montana and Wyoming for the park.  Since then, over 400 national parks have been created and preserved.

There are more than 25 national parks and monuments close enough to Gallup to be visited overnight or in a weekend. I asked several UNM students where they will go this summer if they get the chance.  Amanda Livingston said she will take a 4 day trip to Las Vegas so she can relax before working hard this summer. Sheldon Rodriquez wants to make it to Sand Diego. And brother and sister Sam and Fabian Vicenti want to go to...

When Micah Cabrera discusses Gallup, New Mexico, he personifies the definition of hometown pride. In fact, his admiration of the town is so strong that it is the setting of a children’s book series authored by Cabrera called “Pepito and his Little Donkey Cito.” The main character, Pepito, lives with his family in Gallup and explores a number of important topics that he hopes readers, particularly residents of Gallup, will enjoy and appreciate.

Early Years and Inspiration

Born in Gallup in 1955, Cabrera’s family moved to California the following year so his father could pursue a career in banking. However, Gallup remained a constant in his life in several ways. As a child...