Pueblo High School

‘Big Brother’ Keeping An Eye On Warriors

By Mariah Lopez & John Ruiz

“Big Brother” has made its way to Pueblo High School as 25 cameras, in virtually every corner of school, have been installed.

These cameras cost $150,000, which has been paid for by the district’s “special budget.”

Assistant principal Karla Martinez said, “I am very happy to have updated cameras because they produce much clearer images than the old cameras.”

Most staff members interviewed for this story approve of the cameras. However…some students have mixed opinions about the “eyes” around campus, which are inconspicuously smaller and harder to detect than the old cameras.

Emely Villanueva, a junior said, “The new cameras are a little creepy, but they will provide for a safer campus. With a shortage of monitors, these cameras might fill the void of campus security.”

Freshmen Marquis said, “I feel weird being watched all the time. It ruins my privacy.”

Senior Diego Ramirez said. “It’s also scary not knowing where all the cameras are… they could be anywhere.”

…Which is the whole point. Administration is confident that these cameras will aid in controlling discipline and inhibiting bad behavior.

Martinez said, “The cameras were installed in all areas around the school. It’s now possible to see virtually every inch of Pueblo’s campus.”

Security monitors are also optimistic about the new cameras helping keep order on campus.

Security monitor Ms. Nellie Rivera said, “No matter where a student is located, administration and school safety have access to cameras in any location, from phones and monitors in the office. These cameras won’t solve every problem, but they will certainly help.”

Winter Sports Assembly Blows In The Wind

By Victoria Cazares

Pueblo High School’s second assembly of this school year, hosted on Feb. 17 on the football field, focused primarily on the successes of winter sports and generating school spirit for the triumphant programs this season.

Due to bad weather conditions—strong winds and very cool temperatures—some students did not enjoy the experience. Construction projects in the gym prevented the assembly from being inside.

Student Council President Marina Martinez said, “The wind made it hard to decorate, and having the assembly indoors would have been better. Usually the weather is beautiful in February. Unfortunately, we can’t predict the future when planning assemblies.”

The assembly was initiated by senior Gabriel Aguayo playing the National Anthem on his trumpet.

“I was very excited to play [at the assembly], although I was a bit nervous,” Aguayo said. “However, the hype from everybody inspired me to be my best and ended up sounding amazing.”

Throughout the assembly, winter sports were highlighted, and two games of “musical chairs” were played between each class, which helped students focus on school spirit instead of the windy, cold weather.

STUCO President Martinez said, “Everything ended up turning out great, and we hope we can generate even more school spirit at the next assembly.”

The Student Council representatives kept their class enthused, and in the end, the senior class of 2023 retained the “spirit stick”.

“My seniors really showed a lot of energy, excitement and pride for their class,” said senior Mia Rodriguez. “We were all serious about keeping the spirit stick.”

The assembly was curtailed about 15 minutes, and this disappointed a lot of students.

“We didn’t want to go into ‘overtime’ again,” said Martinez, “so the assembly ended long before it should have. Next time, we’ll need to come up with a ‘Plan B’ to fill the entire assembly time.”

Despite the bad weather and challenges with the assembly, students were still elated that they had a chance to show their Warrior spirit.

“The energy and excitement at the assembly was one of a kind,” said senior Mason Weisbrook. “I’ll never forget the chalk and baby powder and all of the seniors’ chants. We made the most of a rough situation [the weather] by having the assembly outside.”

Pueblo students look forward to the next assembly to commemorate the springs sports programs, which will be held sometime in April, according to Martinez. This final assembly will also celebrate the seniors, who will be just weeks away from graduating.

Warriors’ Christmas 2022 Wish List

Compiled by Victoria Cazares

Every year, El Guerrero asks the Warrior Family for their Christmas wish list; this is this season’s list—and, like most lists in recent years, most want clothes and/or electronics.

Juju Ballesteros (junior): “I’d like to have some Chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s.”

Ms. Claudia Valenzuela (Drop-Out Intervention Specialist): “I want health and prosperity in the New Year.”

Ms. Wilma Amaro (science teacher): “I would love better electricity for Pueblo and to rid the world of gun violence.”

Ms. Susie Ugalde-Vazquez (administrative secretary): “I want to pay all of my bills or some perfume.”

Illianna Valenzuela (senior): “I want money for college.”

Isaiah Sotelo (senior): “I want money to buy clothes.”

Eve Woods (senior): “I want a new car.”

Adrian Perez (senior): “I want new shoes.”

Alicia Santa Cruz (sophomore): “I want Gucci shoes, a GMC single cab—all black, leveled, 5% tint, with a pink interior.”

Natalie Salazar (sophomore): “The only thing I want for Christmas are Burberry shoes.”

Christopher Santa Cruz (junior): “I want Melo shoes.”

Haley Tarazon (sophomore): “I want Takis.”

David Hernandez (junior): “I want Yanis shoes.”

Beatriz Villalva (sophomore): “I want money for clothes.”

Virgio Roiles (sophomore): “I want beanies.”

Abelardo Tovar (junior): “I want money for video games.”

Eli Lopez (Business Office Manager): “I want items that will help me with my card collection.”

Jessica Navarrete (senior): “I want a new hat.”

Alexis Rivera (senior): “I want a cow.”

Leo Duarte (senior): “I want lots of Ramen.”

Goya Ruiz (Campus Monitor): “I want a Corvette.”

America Cazares (freshman): “I want new basketball shoes.”

Lariyah Jackson (senior): “I want a kiss from my crush.”

Ms. Meg Tully (Assistant Principal): “I want time with my family and my staff.”

Mr. Miguel Sandoval (Athletic Director): “I want Jordan 4s psg, size 13.”

Paul Lopaur (sophomore): “I want new shoes.”

Brianna Reyna (sophomore): “I want Dutch Bros.”

Nicole Martinez (senior): “I want a new phone.”

Carole Martinez (senior): “I want a bag and two boyfriends.”

Juan Luna (senior): “I want a 2018 RT Ram.”

Leslie Burgos (senior): “I want Jorge.”

Alan Munoz (junior): “I want Pokémon cards.”

Juan Valdez (junior): “I want a girlfriend.”

Luis Ramirez (junior): “I want 100 dollars.”

Andres Chavez (junior): “I want a computer for school.”

Alan Salazar (junior): “I want the Fortnite Battle Pass.”

Ms. Lacey Pratt (yearbook/psychology teacher): “I want my husband to give me free time from my kids.”

Mia Garcia (sophomore): “I want a new necklace.”

Ms. Laura Niverson (language arts teacher): “I want a new puppy.”

Victoria Cazares (senior): “I want money for the Europe trip.”

Ivana Vecerra (sophomore): “I want a new phone.”

Kamila Vazquez (freshman): “I want my family to be happy and new clothes as well.”

Zoey Rosthenhausler (junior): “I want black Nike 270s.”

Annah Gutierrez (junior): “I want makeup, new shoes/dunks, and air pods.”

Amaya Cortez-Guzman (freshman): “I want makeup, lightning McQueen crocs, and fuzzy socks.”

Alandra Montoya (sophomore): “I want new stuffed animals.”

Jazmin Ahumada (senior): “I want Jordan 4s.”

Milo Murphy (freshman): “I want new pencils.”

Mariana Gastelum (sophomore): “I want Jordan shoes.”

Joselynn Madrid (freshman): “I want a new iPhone.”

Ariana Romero (senior): “I want a new ring and a turtle.”

Katherine Durazo (senior): “For Christmas, I want to be healthy.”

Natalia Arteaga (senior): “I want a new puppy and to be with my family for Christmas.”

Esmeralda Macias (senior): “I want a charm for Christmas.”

Brianna Sierra (senior): “I want money for Christmas and more sleep.”

Yulissa Celaya (freshman): “I want new perfume.”

Brianna Portillo (freshman): “I want jewelry.”

Marco Hernandez (freshman): “I want a new phone.”

Nicole Corrales (senior): “I want a Chanel perfume.”

Elian Moreira (senior): “I want a new apple watch.”

Sadie Avalos (senior): “I want cute Uggs.”

Johnny Fuentes (senior): “I want an Apple watch.”

David Medina (senior): “I want Jordan 1’s.”

Favian Moreno (senior): “I want more clothes.”

Isabel Hernandez (senior): “I want money.”

Maria Garcia (senior): “I want shoes.”

Arianna Flores (senior): “I want more money.”

Alessa Lopez (senior): “I want new earbuds and a Waffle House gift card of $20.”

Ximena Arvizu (senior): “I want everyone to be happy.”

Jazmyne Garcia (senior): “I want more makeup.”

Sydney Grandberry (sunior): “I want Air pods.”

Robert Escalante (senior): “I want to go to an NBA game.”

Isaiah Coleman (senior): “I want for Santa to be real.”

Monica Martir (senior): “I want my first car.”

Prisilla Garcia (junior): “I want my mom to be happy.”

Giselle Beltran (sophomore): “I want a car.”

Ms. Karla Martinez (Assistant Principal): “I want students to go to class.”

Dr. Mario Reyes (In-School Intervention teacher): “I want a 2023 Dodge Ram.”

College Preparatory Academy: Another Door to Success

by Marcelino Perez & Beatriz Villalba

Dr. Teresa Toro meets with Academy Seniors.

The College Preparatory Academy is a program co-authored by counselor Dr. Teresa Toro and Assistant Principal David Montano to challenge students to enroll in rigorous course work to: (1) apply and potentially be accepted into prestigious colleges and universities; (2) apply and have the opportunity to qualify for full-ride or free tuition scholarships; and be accepted into prestigious colleges and universities; and (3) be academically prepared for colleges and universities.

Once students join this program, they are committed to a four-year plan to keep them on track to graduate with as many AP, Honors, GATE, culturally relevant and dual enrollment credits as possible and to graduate with stellar grade point averages and other scholastic accolades. This program will also give students a better chance of being accepted into Pueblo’s National Honor Society, which always “looks great” on a senior’s resume.

Toro said, “Anyone who is willing to follow the contract’s guidelines and requirements will be allowed to join the academy.” She added that all grade levels are welcome to be part of the Academy but especially encourages freshmen so that they don’t miss out on the beginning foundational experiences.

The Academy was the “brainchild” of Toro and Montano—as she wanted to establish and implement a program to academically challenge those students who are willing to commit to and, inevitably, applying to excellent post-high school colleges and universities.

Toro said, “This program took a long time to create. I started developing the idea in 2008, and the Academy was officially established during the 2019-20 school year.”

She added that Assistant Principal David Montano assisted her with this program, bringing his skills and expertise to the Academy.

“This program has guided 182 students this year, including 65 seniors,” Toro said. “We expect at least 200 students in the Academy next school year.”

Toro explained that joining the Academy offers students more benefits that just potentially being accepted into prestigious colleges and universities in Arizona and beyond. While in high school, students will also earn Pima Community College and University of Arizona dual enrollment offerings, advanced placement (AP) offerings, GATE and Honors offerings, and community service and capstone experience. It is possible to earn 20 AP credits and 15 dual enrollment college credits upon high school graduation.

Toro said, “Being in the Academy can be like a golden ticket into colleges. For examples, the University of Arizona Honors College admissions officer said that when they see that a student has been a member of the College Preparatory Academy, his or her name application will be vetted on the “priority” list of admissions.

She added that even if students in the Academy earn less than a “C” grade, they are not permanently removed from the program; these students will be put on “academic probation”—giving them an opportunity to improve their grades and be reinstated in the Academy.

Toro said, “Students can grade replace or enroll in credit recovery and get off probation by attending one of the CCLC credit recovery boot camps or attend summer school to replace low grades.”

Students must earn C’s or higher to remain eligible in the Academy to benefit from the four-year experience. They must also complete at least 20 hours of community service per semester and fulfill the other requirements of the Academy contract.

Monitors Go Mobile!

by Jose Nagore & Julian Tellez

Nora Monge, Nellie Rivera, Goya Ruiz & Vicky Bellay (L-R) with new security golf cart.

Our Pueblo High School security monitors received a golf car earlier this school year courtesy of the TUSD Pueblo Site Council, which our security team has been requesting for several years.

At one time, PHS had a few of these golf cars. One began to slowly need repairs until it became non-cost effective. Another golf car was stolen.

Security monitor Ms. Nellie Rivera said, “We were able to find a golf car that was discounted by hundreds of dollars, and with the help of Mr. Medhi’s persuasive written proposal regarding the necessities of this vehicle, the Council at last agreed to our request, and we were grateful for their decision.”

According to Pueblo High School security monitor Ms. Vicki Bellay, the golf car was normally priced at more than $4,000 by Golf Cars of Arizona, but a sale price was far less—which was a satisfactorily amount for the Site Council.

Now, the golf car allows monitors to quickly arrive at an emergency and to cover Pueblo’s sprawling campus much more efficiently and extremely quickly.

This battery-operated vehicle’s charge lasts about three days, according to Bellay.

“I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have this car,” she added. “We’re hoping that we monitors can have another second vehicle to double the coverage of our security zones—or to have an extra one in reserves.”

Security monitor Ms. Goya Ruiz said, “This golf car has allowed us to arrive at emergencies much quicker—including students who have been injured. It’s been a life saver!”

With a shortage of security monitors this school year, and having easy access to all corners around campus, the golf car has been even more necessary.

Ms. Nora Monge, another security monitor, said, “Having access to the golf car has been a real gift to us. We hope to enjoy it for a long time and continue to use it to help the Pueblo community.”

Another monitor, Ms. Joanna Medina, said, “I was very excited to get the golf car—like getting a new car—and it makes my job easier. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to drive.”

Prom 2022 Returning to ‘Almost Normal’

By Isaiah Sotelo

Yazbel Robles, Class of 2022 President of Prom Committee

Pueblo High School’s “Happily Ever After” themed prom is bringing students back to the routine of having proms again! This year, the Prom Committee has a real treat for Warriors.

The prom will be held on Friday, April 29, from 7-11 p.m., and the event will be located at the Ambassador Event Center. Tickets are now $60 but will increase to $70 in April as the prom date nears.

Student Council students will be hosting and prepping for the prom, and sponsor Mr. Gregory Obregon is very enthused about this event.

“We’re going to try to be as ‘normal’ as possible this year,” he said. As for students’ safety, he added that there will be enough security to make everybody feel comfortable.

Obregon also asks anyone who attends the prom to wear a mask as a safety precaution.

“Based on how things [COVID-19 cases] are right now, we’re going to ask people to wear masks,” said Obregon, “so make sure those dresses and tuxedos match with those masks!”

The venue will be providing drinks and pastries for students—free to everyone who purchased a prom ticket.

Prom Committee president, Yazbel Robles, encourages people to eat before prom.

Robles and a team of about a dozen have been planning the prom since the beginning of the school year. She encourages students to go to prom because it’s an opportunity that students shouldn’t miss.

“We’ve been in a pandemic for so long and most of us haven’t experienced a traditional prom,” said Robles. “We really want to bring this experience back into our school year and make it an event that we all look forward to before graduating.”

Obregon anticipates a larger than usual prom because students haven’t experienced a “real prom” in the last three years due to the pandemic.

“For everyone who is here right now, especially seniors, Pueblo was not able to offer them a ‘real’ prom last year, and there wasn’t a prom at all in 2020.” He paused and added, “Let’s all get back to being almost normal this year—at least, as close to normal since 2019!”

“I’m excited to go to prom because it’s going to be a new experience for me,” said senior Evelyn Parra Rodriguez

She added that she hopes that all the seniors attend prom because it is a time when students will have an opportunity to feel grown-up, get dressed up, have fun, and make life-long memories.

Another student, junior Lucia Pineda, said, “I’m excited to go to prom because I really look forward to dressing up and looking as pretty as possible.”

Junior Sadie Avalos added, “I’m excited to go to prom because it’s our first year back [to prom] since COVID-19 happened, and it’s going to be an unforgettable memory from our high school years.”

“It’s going to be fun and a great time,” confirmed Obregon. “It [prom] is something that that you will always remember and will be one of the highlights of your high school experience.”