Pueblo Pride – Page 2 – Pueblo High School

Pueblo Hall Of Fame Adds A Dozen Inductees In 2016

By Paula Fierros and Daniela Moreno

The PHS Warrior Foundation Class of 2016

On Sunday, October 23, 2016, the second annual Pueblo Hall of Fame ceremony took place at the Hotel Tucson City Center, commemorating the latest inductees into the Pueblo Magnet High School Hall of Fame.

The Pueblo Alumni Foundation welcomed 12 new members this year: Robert J. Acuna ’61, Dr. Leonard E. Basurto ’62, Dr. Tim Dong ’60, Dr. Dale Frederick ’64, Richard M. Gastellum ’61, Dr. Coronado L. Gomez ’67, Adelita Grijalva ’89, Dan A. Klingenberg ’57, Dr. Miguel Palacios ’63, Dr. Rafaela M. Santa Cruz ’66, Saturnino “Curly” Santa Cruz ’62, and Ramon Valadez ’84.

“We are proud to have such an outstanding group of individuals representing Pueblo the way they have,” said Mr. Richard Guillen, President of the PHS Warrior Foundation.

These individuals were nominated due to their outstanding personal and professional achievements.

“Today we honor those who significantly improve the lives of others through their exceptional performance and efforts,” said Mr. Saturnino Santa Cruz, Chairman for the PHS Hall of Fame.

There was plenty of support from all of our Warrior community, including alumni, their families, and current staff and students. Pueblo Principal Dr. Augustine Romero was also in attendance to honor these distinguished Warriors.

Each inductee spoke of his/her struggles as well as their motivation and perseverance to keep pursuing their dreams.

“I learned speaking Spanish was an honor and to be proud of who you are, no matter who you are,” said Dr. Leonard E. Basurto. He added, “Dos idiomas abren dos mundos.” (Two languages open two worlds)

The inductees hope to inspire today’s Warriors—and for them to learn how to give back to their community as they have.

Dr. Coronado Gomez said, “I hope to inspire other students that are at Pueblo porque ¡Sí Se Puede!”

Inductees and guests were treated with a brunch fit for royalty. The Alumni Foundation funded the entire event and look forward to next year’s ceremony.

Warriors Show Respect At Flag Raising Ceremony

By Iram Arce

On the morning of the eve of Veterans Day, November 10, 2016, Ms. Marie Little’s Automotive SkillsUSA Club members, along with the Pride of Pueblo (band) and our cheerleading team performed a flag-raising ceremony to honor those who serve and have served our country.

Specifically, the following were honored: our Davis-Monthan airmen currently serving here in Tucson, and all of the veterans in our community. This event also paid homage to the Marine Corps’ 241^st birthday.

Later that day, just before the end of seventh period, Ms. Marie Little’s Auto Club retired Pueblo’s flag back to her auto classroom. The old American flag will be placed into a box and attached will be the names of former auto students currently serving in the military.

Then, on Monday, Nov. 14, before first period, the new flags (U.S., Arizona and P.O.W.) were raised by students in the Pueblo Auto Club.

Little said, “After a few years of wear and tear, the flags desperately needed to be replaced to keep Pueblo to the highest standards of respect and dignity.” She paused and added, “I’m very proud of my students taking charge and conducting themselves with genuine care and the utmost respect for the people who were honoring.”

One of the students involved in this patriotic ritual, senior Gabriel Palomino, said, “It’s an honor to be part of the flag’s retirement, especially after knowing that it had been flying over Pueblo’s grounds for a long time. The flag means more than a piece of cloth to me; it represents our country and all of its glory, its struggles, triumphs and perseverance.”

Maria Servellon Accepted to Medical Workshop

By Daniela Moreno

Junior Maria Servellon (Class of 2018) was accepted to the Perry Initiative, a one-day program for young women interested in orthopedic surgery and biomechanical engineering.

Servellon is excited to be the first Pueblo applicant to be accepted to this program. Out of more than 200 applicants in Arizona, Servellon was among just 35 young women to be selected.

“I feel like being accepted has been a stepping stone for young women who are interested in this field,” she said.

On Saturday, September 17, 2016, Servellon attended the one-day program at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Pueblo science teachers Dr. Andrew Lettes and Ms. Elaine Straub accompanied her to this event.

“I really learned a lot performing six mock surgeries,” Servellon said. “I learned how to repair fracture using plates as well as spinal repairs due to scoliosis. I even had a chance to learn how to perform knee ligament reconstruction and to perform surgeon stitching.”

The application process consisted of a paragraph on why she was interested in attending this event as well as stating her short- and long-term goals in life.

“When I learned that I was accepted, it was totally unreal,” Servellon said. “I didn’t feel that I was that worthy of acceptance.”

Her former teacher, Dr. Andrew Lettes, is extremely proud of Servellon’s accomplishment and hopes many more females will follow in her footsteps in the future.

“Dr. Lettes truly encouraged and inspired me when I had him for the first time last year in Biotech 1-2, and even though I don’t have him for a teacher this year, he still inspires me because he is my ‘Science Dad’.”

Lettes said that Servellon’s acceptance into this program is a validation that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and are motivated enough.

Straub echoed Lettes’ words and added, “I’m beyond proud of what Maria Servellon has accomplished this year. I hope that she inspires more female students to follow in her footsteps.”

Servellon is open to all sciences and hopes this experience will help guide her towards her future career. She said that she would like to help in the efforts to develop more effective plastic hearts to those who are in desperate need of heart transplant.

Servellon said that she is starting to investigate colleges and universities to pursue her medical education, and she is curious about the University of California at Berkeley, which is her original home.

“This [event] exposed me to even more science, and I’ve always been very passionate about science,” she added. “There are not many women devoting their careers to sciences these days, still, but more women are needed in sciences because I believe that women are more precise and meticulous than men.”

On Oct. 18, Servellon will be recognized and honored by T.U.S.D. Superintendent H. T. Sanchez during the Governing Board meeting. Servellon has been asked to invite her family to this special occasion.

Memories Of A Class Of 2016 Warrior ~ Damaris Karely Ponce

Damaris Karely Ponce, graduated from Pueblo #7 in her class in 2016 with a 3.73 GPA. (She enrolled in 2012.) She was co-chair of the MEChA Club, a National Honor Society Member, Ivy League Tour Participant, TRiO Student & a member of our Swim Team. Damaris plans to continue her education to become an immigration lawyer.

Damaris read this reflection of her experience at Pueblo to our faculty & staff during their Back To School Meeting on August 1, 2016. You can play the audio clip to hear it in her own words.

Damaris Ponce Pueblo High School Reflection — Damaris Karely Ponce

I remember before Freshman year started, my mom was asked what high school I was going to. As soon as she told them that I was going to Pueblo their faces changed. They told her it was a horrible school and well… we all know what they all say. It didn’t scare me because I mean… I came from Mexico so let’s say I’ve seen worse schools. It didn’t take too long for me to discover that Pueblo was actually a really great school, with the best teachers and administration. I felt welcomed, and I received the help that I needed to accomplish my main goal which at the time, was to learn English. I will always feel thankful for the patience and respect that everyone showed me and other students in my situation. The people that think Pueblo is a bad school are the ones that are not part of Pueblo nor is informed of all the achievements we have made.

Damaris Ponce Pueblo High School Chicago MEChA Conference — Damaris At MEChA Conference in Chicago.

Teachers have this incredible ability to change the lives of their students in such amazing ways. I know for a fact you guys do change lives everyday. Before I was a student at Pueblo I’ve never seen teachers so passionate about helping students develop. It always amazed me the amount of personal hours you give to students. Because of my mom’s job and my stubbornness to not take the city bus I used to come really early to school sometimes. There were always teachers already in school ready to give tutoring to students. And if that wasn’t enough, some of you stay after school really late. People outside of Pueblo would say “well that is their job”, but I know, the students know, that those hours are not going to be paid. You clearly don’t know how to be selfish.

Damaris Ponce Pueblo High School White House Ivy League Tour — Damaris in front of the White House during her Ivy League Tour.

The thing that impacts students the most is that you believe in their dreams and most importantly in them. Students are being told that they can’t go to College because of their background so constantly they end up believing it. But here in Pueblo, teachers and administrators not only believe in the students, but encourage them to great lengths and to be the best person they can be. I am a survivor of Mr. Santa Cruz’s class. I will never forget when the year was about to end, he told us we were special because we didn’t give up and continued with the class. The other day, I saw a classmate and she told me she thought the classes at Pima were going to be easy compared to Mr. Santa Cruz’s class. He prepared us so well, we now feel confident about College. This is just one example. I know each of you prepared us and helped us in every way possible. I don’t know if Pueblo was a bad school before, but I do know that Pueblo is the best school right now.

Last Spirit Assembly Spotlights Class of 2016 Seniors

By Sandra Iniguez

Pueblo Warriors Class of 2016 Seniors Goodbye Spirit Assembly — Class of 2016 Seniors ready for their Goodbye Spirit Assembly

The week of March 7-March 11, our Warriors brought their school spirit and dressed up for the entire week based on the days assigned by student council.

Monday was “Double Trouble”; Tuesday was “Messy vs. Dressy”; Wednesday was “Gender Bender”; Thursday was “Pixar Day”; and Friday was “Jungle Day”. Friday was finalized with a boisterous assembly that took the Class of 2016 seniors on an emotional rollercoaster.

Here’s video of their traditional grand entrance:

The assembly consisted of performances by the KWXL Radio staff and Pueblo’s Warrior Cheer squad, competitive games, and acknowledgement of multiple sports and clubs. The cheer performance seemed to captivate the audience the most—a preview of their awesome talents that they will showcase on Saturday, March 19, when they compete on a national level in Anaheim, California.

Pueblo Warriors Cheert At Class Of 2016 Goodbye Spirit Assembly — Warrior Cheer ready for nationals

At the very end of the assembly, after the traditional seat change, seniors were presented with a slide show that commemorated their past four years at Pueblo. Not surprisingly, judges Mr. Rana Medhi, Ms. Kelly Crane, and Ms. Angela Gonzalez unanimously chose the seniors as the most spirited group.

“It’s hard to believe that my senior year is almost over, I remember my freshman year as if it were yesterday,” said senior Eneida Flores. “The assembly was a great tribute to the seniors, and it was heartbreaking to see a lot of my peers cry during the slide show.”

Mariachi Aztlán Travels, Performs In Palm Springs With Pink Martini

By América Cárdenas

On January 31, 2016, eighteen students from Pueblo’s Mariachi Aztlán mariachi group, including several chaperones and teacher Mr. John Contreras, ventured to Palm Springs, CA, as an opening act for the group, Pink Martini, a pop jazz and Latin/lounge musical group from Portland, OR, that is traveling around the country.

mariachi-aztlan-pueblo-with-pink-martini — Mariachi Aztlan De Pueblo with Pink Martini

The three-day trip began on Sunday, January 31, at 6:00 a.m., driving straight through to Palm Springs, a five-hour trip from Tucson. Most students slept on the bus, but perked up once they arrived at the hotel.

One member of the Mariachi Aztlán, senior Daniel Motley, said, “Once we got to the motel, we all woke up quickly. My favorite part of the trip was being able to share the stage with Pink Martini and learning a few of their songs.”

Mariachi Aztlán performed four times during this trip, and each performance was slightly different because the group played in different areas.

Rafael Miranda, another senior, said “In order to prepare for the Pink Martini Performances, I practiced throughout the entire year. I also listen to their recordings over and over.”

Senior Jaret Young said, “A member of Pink Martini who really influenced me was Miguel Bernal. He was very open and humble. He told me about his life in Cuba and how he told his family about me and the mariachi. He also offered me free Conga lessons. Another influential member of the group was Phil Baker. He wrote down music for me and offered me free bass lessons in Oregon.”

Mariachi teacher Mr. John Contreras said he was contacted by Pink Martini’s management over the winter break. They said that Pueblo’s mariachi group had been recommended as one of the student groups that excelled in Tucson by the manager of the Rialto Theatre, Curtis McCrary, who had dealt with Pueblo’s mariachi group in various capacities over the part of the 10-15 years.

“One of the members of Pink Martini found some YouTube footage of Mariachi Aztlán, and they liked what they saw,” Contreras said. “They invited us to perform a couple of their songs with them and possibly open the show for them, and that was the way we were put in contact with them.”

Several members of Mariachi Aztlán were interviewed by local news reporters in Palm Springs, who happened to attend the performances.

Senior Yajaira Othon said, “All of the experiences this weekend truly were magnificent! Pink Martini’s band members and their audience were extremely supportive and very nice. This three-day weekend ranks in one of my favorite moments in my high school years.”