Medhi Wins December 2023 ‘Bake-Off’

By Desiree Noriega

Once again, Pueblo High School’s faculty had an opportunity to boast their delectable creations; last quarter, the competition was “chips and salsa”, and this time around, on Dec. 14, faculty members showcased their favorite baked goods in the “December Bake-Off”.

This contest’s winner, journalism teacher Mr. Rana Medhi, entered his “pineapple upside-down cheesecake” dessert.

“Not to sound overly confident, but I knew I’d win,” Medhi said. “This dessert is a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. It wins at every competition.”

Math teacher Ms. Taylor Pacheco, said, “I think Mr. Medhi’s dessert should not have won for having to replace the whipped cream.”

Pacheco’s dessert, “Oreo Balls”, won second place.

Third-place winner, librarian Ms. Marsha-Jean Burrola, said, “I’ve seen better days.”

Burrola’s dessert was truffles.

MTTS Coordinator, Ms. Brenda Levinson-McCune, organized this event, although she said that it was Ms. Karla Martinez’ (assistant principal) idea to have a faculty “Bake-Off” before the end of the semester.

“This contest was to celebrate the holidays, but it was a bit of a struggle with everybody so busy with the end of the semester and preparing for Christmas,” Levinson-McCune said.

She added that she will continue these food competitions next semester.

“I’d like to organize at least two more contests this school year,” she said. “I would like to have themed contests, but I’m still brainstorming ideas for future events like this.”

Pueblo Class of 2024 Takes Group Photo!

By Kassandra Espinoza

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 2:30 p.m., the yearbook class organized and took a group picture for the Class of 2024, captured on the “Curly” Santa Cruz football field bleachers.

A senior in yearbook, Tatei Lopez, organized this event, posting an Instagram on the yearbook and student council pages to inform seniors where and what time the class picture would occur.

“I organized with our principal, Mr. Rosthenhausler, to set up the date and the time when everyone was mostly free for the class picture,” said yearbook editor-in-chief Sergio Lopez.

Unfortunately, many seniors did not show up for the photo shoot, which was not mandatory. Some seniors have reduced schedules and left school early, and some were not interested in participating.

Tatei Lopez said, “I think the picture should be made mandatory and be taken during school hours so we can have a bigger turn out of seniors.”

“Honestly, I don’t see why we should take another picture,” said Sergio Lopez. “In my opinion, the picture turned out great, and we can’t keep scheduling photo shoots for seniors who do not want to participate.”

He added that the senior group picture has been a Pueblo High School tradition for many years for yearbook classes because the photo allows students to unite and capture one of their last memories of high school.

Yearbook teacher/advisor Ms. Lacey Pratt said, “We took the senior picture to include in the 2024 yearbook, and we wanted to capture the spirit of this year’s seniors. It’s unfortunate that not every senior participated.”

A retake has not been discussed, Pratt said.

LaVetter Gym Floorboards Damaged!

By Saul Arias & Aubrey Garcia

Pueblo High School’s LaVetter Gym floorboards are warping and causing mold due to a water leak from roof.

It is still unknown what caused the leakage from the pipes, but the damage is extensive.

“The leakage started years ago,” said Assistant Principal Meg Tully, “we have contacted TUSD about this issue.”

TUSD contacted Risk Management Facilities, who have yet to determine a plan and date for the repairs.

“I hope it gets fixed as soon as possible,” said Assistant Principal Karla Martinez. “We’re just waiting for the district to contact us with a plan and date for repairs.”

It is estimated that the repairs will take a week to be completed, and the gym will have to be closed due to toxic fumes from chemicals used for restoration.

“We have to take into account that boys and girls basketball practices there,” said Martinez. “Also, students use the gym during both lunches.”

‘Project Contact’ Returns For Another Year

By Estevan Alvarado & Adam Bonillas

Project Contact has returned to Pueblo High School once again this school year.

Project Contact is a mobile clinic that provides essential services—offering students condoms and birth control as well as sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment. They also educate students about safe sex and teen pregnancy.

“It is absolutely important for everyone to get informed,” said Nurse Kate Straub, who is credited for providing Project Contact to the Pueblo community.

Services are available to both male and female students on campus every second, third, and fourth Monday of the month from first period to the end of second lunch. Students can sign up for a visit in the nurse’s office, and they will be notified to visit the van with a call slip.

“Say ‘Yes’ to education! You can help yourself and your friends with accurate information,” said Straub.

She added that all services provided are confidential.

“It takes two to have sex, and STDs do not care if you are a girl or a guy,” said Ms. Michelle Magana, one of the several workers in the mobile clinic.

PHS Cafeteria: From One Star To Four Stars!

By Jose Nagore

Throughout much of the summer, Pueblo High School’s cafeteria was renovated, which has dramatically improved the atmosphere where hundreds of students gather for lunch each day. Even those who have been at PHS more than 30 years have said that nothing significant (except the mural on the north wall) has been done to the cafeteria during their tenure.

New renovations include new flooring, repainting, added padding to walls, new bathrooms, and new lighting. The $700,000 price tag for this prodigious project was paid for by grants—and money well spent on the cafeteria’s first “face-lift” in decades.

Students have been quick to evaluate the project.

“The cafeteria looks a lot cleaner than ever,” said Pueblo senior Jonas Vazquez, “It looks amazing, and I hope that students take better care of it all—and that means picking up after themselves every day instead of leaving everything a mess!”

“There is a lot more room on the tables,” said Pueblo sophomore Angelo Ortega. “We students get to hang out with more people during lunch now.”

Sophomore Magle Andrade said, “The [renovated] cafeteria is not as dark, which seems to really brighten our lunch time.”

Besides the impressive renovations, students have also noticed the food quality.

“[The food] is way better compared to last year, especially the pizza,” said Pueblo junior Israel Figueroa.

“I’ve noticed that we have a lot more variety in the food choices this school year,” said Pueblo junior Sebastian Marinval.

“The kids [last year] complained about the appearance and taste of the food,” said cafeteria worker Manuela Drum, “so a lot of what is on the menu this school year has been changed to satisfy students.”

According to PHS Principal Frank Rosthenhausler, there are still a few late additions to complete the cafeteria renovation project – including new furniture, bar-style tables, round tables, and even some sofas.

“The library was the first major overhaul at Pueblo, and now with the cafeteria near completion, we can focus on the next project—which will be new gym floors and bleachers,” he added.

New Dean At PHS Receives ‘Big’ Welcome

By Jonathan Redondo

The 2023-24 school year is definitely a school year of “new hires” at PHS. One of the more than two dozen new faces to grace our campus is our new Dean of Students, Mr. Simon Arriola.

Coming from Austin, Tex., Arriola is bringing “big” plans from the state where everything is bigger. He oversees all disciplinary actions at Pueblo, focusing on keeping students productive and maintaining order on campus.

“If you aren’t in trouble, there’s a good chance you don’t know me,” Arriola said half-jokingly.

Arriola said his first impressions at Pueblo were positive.

“It was clear from my first few days at Pueblo that this great school has many diligent students, and they have multiple opportunities to be successful,” he said. “The sheer number of students hoping to graduate and move on in their next chapter of life is very impressive.”

He added that the College Preparatory Academy is one example of offering students big opportunities for success.

“I already feel like a Warrior,” Arriola said. “I’m excited about helping students strive for excellence and success.”