Warriors Join With 2017 MLK Marchers

  

By Yamilex Garcia and Omar Quintana

On Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, the Tucson Community joined hearts as they commemorated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a march that began at the University of Arizona Bio Tech Park (on Kino Parkway) and ending at Reid Park. Among the marchers included several Pueblo students and staff members.

Despite temperatures in the very cool 40’s and 50’s and occasional rain, thousands of Tucsonans endured the three miles of the march.

Vanessa Mendez (Left) and Corina Ballesteros (Right) pose with a picture with Congressman Raul Grijalva.

One participant, Pueblo senior Corina Ballesteros, said that she has always been impassioned by King’s life—as well as his legacy.

“King would have loved what we all did on the march,” Ballesteros said. “His life still continues to resonate all of the original qualities that made him such an icon—for all people. He will always symbolize unity and peace, and that is something that we should never lose sight of, especially in our splintered country.”

Another Warrior student, senior Vanessa Mendez, said that this was her first time marching for anybody.

“I was very surprised how many people were involved in this [MLK] march,” Mendez said. “I felt empowered marching because of the vibrant environment.”

She paused and said, “There are still people out there who believe that King does not merit a holiday,” Mendez said. “I recently learned that Arizona was the last state to approve the King holiday back in the 1980s. However, King definitely deserves to be recognized. Next year, this event will be especially moving because it will mark the 50th Anniversary of King’s death. I am already committed to marching—and bringing along a lot of my friends with me.”

Not all was docile during the march. Many of the participants voiced their concerns regarding several issues including: police brutality; the “Jobs for Justice” movement; and racial profiling. Many of the marchers also protested against President-elect Trump, five days prior to his inauguration.

Food was available at the end of the march, and the marchers enjoyed the live jazz musicians.

The sun broke away from the clouds…

Ballesteros said, “President Obama’s farewell speech was playing at the park. I think that a lot of us were already missing Obama—even though he was still officially the president when the march occurred—especially considering what president we’ll have next…”

Mendez said, “Through this march, I learned that I have a civic duty to perform—as an American. I believe in the democratic process, and I wholeheartedly believe in the First Amendment, which is my right to express my voice, peaceably.” She paused and said, “I think King would be proud of all of us today.”

Both students were photographed with Congressman Raul Grijalva at the end of the march, at Reid Park.

Pueblo Community Speaks Out About Trump Victory

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Compiled by Paula Fierros

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Elianna Martinez, senior:  “With a Trump presidency, our kids in this nation will learn his foul ways that truly hurt inside. A president isn’t supposed to make you afraid of the world; a president is supposed to bring us together.”

Bianca Valenzuela, senior: “I feel those who voted for Trump have brains that cannot comprehend intelligence.”

Alisa Gutierrez, senior: “Not only is Trump racist, he is also homophobic. All of the progress that America has made in social issues in the past eight years, including legalizing same-sex marriages, are now being jeopardized. We’re all doomed. Nobody is safe.”

Keila Robles, freshman: “I’m worried for all of the illegal immigrants in this country who have been threatened to be deported by Trump. This will divide many families in this nation.”

Mr. Steve Lopez, math teacher: “A Trump presidency means that things should be different. We’ll see what he does in office. When Hillary Clinton was in office, she didn’t make much of a difference.”

Mr. Patrick Peatrowsky, economics teacher: “The people have spoken. There is a group of people that we didn’t know existed. I hope for the best. There’s only one president, and we are only one nation.”

Shadie Grajeda, senior: “We Americans can either move forward or stay stuck and bitter.”

Ms. Sarah Sutton, drama/theater teacher: “The election results do not mean a whole lot to me. I still believe that women’s rights are human rights. I still believe that my LGBT brothers and sisters have a human right to love whoever they wish and moreover, that it is not my permission to give. I still believe that ‘All Lives Matter’ cannot happen unless we acknowledge that black lives matter. No results can take my opinions from me. I am an advocate and will continue to be one.”

Estevan Alvarez, senior: “If anyone were to ask me if I think that America is more or less racist than in the past, I would say, ‘Just look at Donald Trump and this election.’”

Maximiliano Roman, senior: “The Trump presidency means the following to me: Hell. Stupidity. The next four years will be a waste of time. America will move backwards and go back on the principals in which it was founded.”

Mr. William Richards, magnet program coordinator: “Our options for this presidency have forced the realization that our education system is broken in this country, until it is improved and  Americans can see through social media, rants, political correctness and political parties to the real issues we are stuck in a superficial landscape with no true options for triumph.”

Brianna Metzler, junior: “I equate a Trump presidency to doom and devastation. Throughout his campaign, Trump’s slogan was: ‘Make America Great Again’. However, it should be more like: ‘Make America Hate Again’.”

Cristian Carrillo, junior: “I can’t trust a man like Trump. He is a complete idiot. I’m totally surprised and appalled that he has become the 45th president. We can still hope for a future impeachment. Anyone who makes fun of the disabled should automatically be disqualified as a presidential candidate.”

Dr. Raul Gonzalez, social studies teacher: “There is a light at the end of the tunnel—and that is the 2018 election.”

Britsy Lozolla, freshman: “I think that it’s a sad day. After all of the inappropriate things that came out of his mouth, Americans still voted for him—which says to me that people are insensitive to others.”

Kanani Salazar, junior: “I think it’s a good thing that Trump won because Hillary Clinton wants to let in more Muslims, and it only took a few to take down the Twin Towers in 2001.”

Ms. Karen Rimmell, English teacher: “A Trump presidency means the gains that we have made in civil rights for all people are in danger.”

Ashley Cordova, junior: “The election results didn’t bother me too much because both candidates had ideas that everybody disagreed on.”

Mr. John Contreras, Mariachi Aztlán teacher: “This election decision was an eye-opener. It showed that the U.S. was able to overlook the fact that a candidate who ridiculed minorities, made rash and crude decisions, was full of hyperbole and hate speech, enticed and collaborated with foreign/enemy countries to interfere with our political system and treated women as sub-humans, all the while turning this election cycle into a ‘made for TV side show’, and elect him to the highest possible office of the land.”

Marissa Salinas, senior: “I don’t really think that it’s the end of the world.”

Sophia Shivers, freshman: “I feel that a Trump presidency will be a complete disaster. Even though he hasn’t been inaugurated, it feels like the end of the world.”

Andy Garcia, junior: “I’m very worried about the country’s and the world’s future.”

Ms. Jaylyn Wheatley, social studies teacher: “It’s eye-opening to see how much of the country accepts somebody who uses such hateful language.”

Corina Ballesteros, senior: “I’m not as appalled at Trump himself and his victory but rather the more than 50 million Americans who voted for him. Obviously, these voters are close-minded. It bothers me that we have so many people in this country who support a man who is ignorant and childish.”

Ms. Josephine Rincon, social studies teacher: “America’s selection has put fear especially into children, making them and their families feel targeted.” She paused and said, “I’m mourning our democracy.”

Mr. Rodrigo Cardenas, campus monitor: “Although I may not agree with outcome, I feel happy that Americans can choose who they want to become president. Freedom prevails.”

Summer Romero, junior: “Not everything that Trump has said is a bad idea. For example, I like his business sense which could be good for the country’s economy.”

Ms. Wilma Amaro, science teacher: “Life is not reality T.V.”

Gerardo Daniel Torres, senior: “Some children might be separated from their families when Trump becomes President next year. I am worried about my own family members.”

Mr. Gene Balsz, exceptional education teacher: “Bow down before the one you serve; you’re going to get what you deserve.” [From Head Like a Hole by Trent Reznor]

Carolina Korovokina, senior: “I don’t think it’s fair [that Trump won the election] because he hasn’t shown any political experience. Whenever he is asked questions, all he ends up doing is offending people.”

Alexander Ross, senior: “I’m not happy [about Trump winning the election]. We need to reassess if Trump does something stupid.”

Laura Conde, sophomore: “I’m so shocked that Trump won the election! I means that this country is going to experience more sexism. Hispanics have gone from high to low.”

Mr. Rana K. Medhi, journalism teacher: “Driving to work on Wednesday morning [the day after the election results], I felt almost the same sense of doom and frustration as the morning of 9/11 back in 2001—almost as if I were driving into another tunnel of thick fog. Somehow the country needs to find a way to the other side. Again.”

Mr. Iram Arce, junior: “Anyone who can’t handle a Twitter account shouldn’t be able to handle the country’s nuclear launch codes.”

Aliah Luna, junior: “I don’t think that it’s fair that somebody with absolutely zilch political experience or expertize should be allowed to even be considered to be America’s leader. Why should I earn and pay for a college degree in which I have no investment for in my future? Therefore, why should any politician buy his way into an American political campaign without knowing the backbone of politics.”

Ms. Kathryn Gunnels, English teacher: “[Following the Trump victory], be brave. Stay strong. Consume less. Talk louder. Educate yourself and those around you.”

Javier Menchaca, junior: “Not much will change in America with a Trump presidency. Actually, he has very little power.”

Victor Garcia, senior: “I voted for the first time on Election Day. I am very disappointed in our country’s choice for the next president. I feel that he is going to divide our nation even more than it already was.”

Genesis Alba, freshman: “No matter who won the election on Tuesday, America is doomed.”

Ms. Claire Brock, English teacher: “It means we need to step up in taking care of each other and protecting each other. Mass solidarity and struggle is the only way up. And education is your weapon, students, so please use it.”

Yoel Baca, sophomore: “There is no such thing as making America great again.”

Daniel Escobar, senior: “We’re screwed.”

Ms. Jeanette Rupel, English teacher: “A Trump presidency means that we have to stay vigilant and involved in politics, monitoring our federal, state, and local legislations. It means my job is crucial—tteaching students to read literature to develop empathy and multiple view points; to write to give them eloquent, persuasive voices; to research facts to develop strong arguments based on logical and reason; and to persevere through all types of challenges. I will empower, encourage, teach. We are equal and will not go gentle into that good night. We will rise, like dust, moons, suns, and air.

Ms. Kelly Crane, English teacher: “[Trump’s victory] makes me feel physically ill.”

Ms. Bonnie Stull, early childhood teacher: “My head hurts. Trump’s only one person. Pence scares me more.”

Ms. Rhesa Olsen, math teacher: “I moved to Tucson from Indianapolis/Carmel, Indiana. [Vice-President-elect] Pence is from Zionsville, which is just a short driving distance away from Carmel.  When he ran for governor, I did not vote for him because of his discriminatory views he tried to tie into his being a Christian.  My view of being a Christian is that we are to treat others as we would like to be treated. So, I am even more upset that Donald Trump won the electoral votes in the presidential race because I don’t like either man philosophically. The election is what it is, and all I can do now is move forward and hope that those who won realize that more people actually voted against them than for them. Perhaps this will enable the new officeholders to remember that what makes America great our diversity, that the poor and middle class deserve the same opportunities as the wealthy, that not everyone should have assault rifles, and since we all share this same planet, that we should do what is necessary to help protect it. Hopefully, they will have also learned that everything they have said and done has been recorded.”

Cajero Library Brings Awareness To Banned Books Week

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By Yamilex Garcia and Omar Quintana

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Before the fall break, Pueblo librarian Ms. Marsha-Jean Burrola constructed a display of banned books in commemoration of the Banned Books Week that began on Sept. 25 and lasted through Oct. 1. However, Burrola said that she wanted to leave the display for a few weeks after the break to maximize the number of students who viewed the banned literary works.

The Banned Books Week Coalition is a national alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness of the annual celebration of the freedom to read. The Coalition seeks to engage various communities and inspire participation in Banned Books Week through education, advocacy, and the creation of the programming about the problem of book censorship.

Senior Sara Noriega recently visited the Pueblo library and was dismayed at the number of banned books display, many that she has read in her lifetime.

“I was shocked to learn that some of my all-time favorite books have been banned, including To Kill A Mockingbird, just because of the use of the ‘n’ word,” Noriega said. “Back in the 1930s, in the South, the use of the ‘n’ word was prevalent, unfortunately. But, that’s just the way it was. Even though we know that the ‘n’ word is ugly and offensive, banning a book based on its authenticity and historical context is just ethically and socially wrong.”

She continued, “We live in America, which is supposed to be a democracy, and when I see books being banned, it reminds me of a world like that depicted in the movie and book Fahrenheit 451—a world where books are banned because how dare humans be allowed to think for themselves!”

Burrola explained how books get banned from school libraries. According to the American Library Association’s (ALA) web site, “A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. These challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice.”

She continued that the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Guideline, called The Student’s Right to Read, states that young people have an inalienable right to read books that offer diverse perspectives on their cultures and communities. Attempts at censorship deprive students of this right.

This book specifically states: “Censorship leaves students with an inadequate and distorted picture of the ideals, values, and problems of their culture. Writers may often represent their culture, or they may stand to the side and describe and evaluate that culture.”

Banned Books was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,300 books have been challenged in the past 34 years, including Looking for Alaska; Fifty Shades of Grey; I Am Jazz; Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out and many more.

Suicide… (You Never Know)

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By Paula Fierros

suicide-prevention-story-graphicYou’ll never know when it’s going to happen; everyday we walk by people with perplexed feelings and thoughts—so overwhelmed to the point where they are consumed by these negative feelings and thoughts. Sadly, one of the thoughts running through that person’s mind could be: “Maybe it will be easier for everyone and for me if I was gone.”

According to the World Health Organization, more than 800,000 people die around the world each year from suicides. Many more—in the millions—attempt suicide. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds. Nearly 1.4% of all deaths are suicides, the 15th leading cause of death around the world.

Here in Arizona, 12,400 people committed suicide in 2014; most of those were 15-29 year-olds (although our elderly population is a close second in suicide age rates). Suicide is the second leading cause of deaths among Native Americans in Arizona.

The numbers are increasing, according to suicide statistics.

Of the 15 U. S. cities with the most suicide rates, three of them are here in Arizona: Tucson is number three; Mesa is number six; and Phoenix is number 14.

Las Vegas, Nev. has the most suicides of any American city at a rate of 35.5 per 100,000 people.

These numbers are sobering, but on paper, they are just numbers. The reality is, suicide affects thousands of Arizona families—as well as everybody in our communities…friends, teachers, co-workers and colleagues.

One student, who will remain anonymous, described that they were feeling as if they were “drowning”. She continued, “All that you’re feeling is the water, and pretty soon you start to feel heavy and you start to sink as you continue fighting, then you get tired and let the water take you.”

suicide-prevention-story-graphic-2Another Pueblo student, “You don’t see anything else [when you feel suicidal]. It’s like tunnel vision.” She continued, “Your feelings block out any sliver of light. At times, you only see the little light of hope. But, you’re so used to the darkness you get comfortable, and you let it engulf you, like a big, cold hug.”

Still, another student said, “It’s really important that you talk to someone that you trust. You need to let people know you have problems.”

After getting help, these three students are now in positive places in their lives. They now know they are worthy of living and hope that others can learn through their experiences.

What makes suicide so difficult to accept is that we survivors rarely find out why somebody took his or her own life. The key to helping a person is talking, letting them feel comfortable, letting them feel they are worthy of life,  loving and living.

Here at Pueblo, there are many individuals who are always here to listen. Besides teachers, administrators and staff members, there are many specific individuals who are here to help—especially Ms. Ginger Arzani, Mr. Efrain Carrillo, all of the counselors and the nurses.

Arzani said, “Fight the power!” Truly, Arzani said that she wants students to know to fight through their struggles and to deal with their issues.

She added that her office is open to all students at all times, or they can make an appointment with her to fit their schedule.

“Each day, we should begin with gratitude in our hearts,” Carrillo said. “Everybody should know that there is so much to be grateful for.”

Carrillo is available in his office from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 119 from Tuesday through Friday.

Ms. Rachel Bopp, one of Pueblo’s counselors for freshmen, sophomores and juniors (with last names that begin with “M” through “Z”), said that she and all of the counselors are available to students.

“We [counselors] have training and experience dealing with crisis intervention,” Bopp said. “Students need to know that there is always somebody here to help them, any day of the week, at any time.”

Students Register To Vote In November 2016 Election

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By Lauren Ahern

On Wednesday, October 5, 2016 and Thursday, Oct. 6, Pima County  Voter Registrars donated their time to encourage students and members of the Pueblo community (including all teachers and staff as well as students’ parents and relatives) to register to vote in order to cast their ballots on Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 8. Students must be at least 18 years old by Nov. 1 to be eligible to vote in this year’s election.

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Ms. Cheri Bludau, a volunteer voter registrar, has been going to other high schools in the Tucson area, including Santa Rita, Palo Verde and Catalina, to encourage students and their schools’ communities to register to vote. There is a competition among the four schools to get the highest number of registered voters, and at last count on Thursday afternoon, Pueblo was far in the lead.

“I think it’s very important for our young people to become involved in the political process,” Bludau said. “After all, they are the future America, and they need to be aware of the policies that shape their state and their country now—and to decide whether or not to make changes to their state and their country.”

Ms. Mary Wallace, social studies and economics teacher, organized this event.

“This [voter registration] is real,” Wallace said. “It doesn’t make much sense to teach government and economics to students without putting some ‘real world’ activities and engagement out there for our students.”

One student who registered, “Dioney Corona, a senior, said, “I can’t wait to vote on November eighth. I am going to do my part to ensure that Trump doesn’t even come close to becoming the next president of the United States.”

Wallace added that—along with support from other teachers—she will stage a “mock” election for all students on Election Day, Nov. 8. More details will be given about this event in the near future.

“I’m proud of the number of students and adults who registered to vote the last few days,” Wallace said, “although I always wish that the numbers could be higher.”

Rosa Is Free!

By Aliah Luna

Candles In Honor Of Rosa Robles

On the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 10, I was lucky enough to be invited by Ms. Ginger Arzani, Social Worker at Pueblo and an advocate of immigration reform, to witness Ms. Rosa Robles-Loreto’s announcement that she was leaving the Southside Presbyterian Church after 461 days of living there in sanctuary. With tear-filled eyes, she said that she was returning back home to her family the next day.

“I feel relieved and free,” she said.

Local media was not invited to this event, so being asked to be a part of history meant a great deal to me.

As an undocumented immigrant, Robles took sanctuary inside the Southside Presbyterian Church for more than 15 months. She finally grew frustrated remaining in sanctuary separated from her family. She decided that it was time to return to living her life as a loving mother and wife—leaving behind this country’s broken immigration laws.

Rosa Robles With Her Mother

Robles entered the doors of the church on August 7, 2014, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entered a final order of deportation against her. She has lived peacefully in the U.S. since 1999.

For 461 days, Robles cooked her family’s meals in the church kitchen and spent nights sleeping in a Sunday school room. Robles and members of the Tucson faith community gathered every evening and prayed for Robles and others who were experiencing difficulties and challenges with this country’s immigration laws.

As a school reporter and photographer for the journalism program, attending this gathering on the eve of Robles’ departure from the Church gave me a sense of how colossal this issue is and how Robles and others in her situation have been adversely affected by this country’s unfairness regarding illegal immigration laws. Those in attendance were very emotional about Robles’ decision to leave. Towards the end of the evening, everybody lit their candles, passing the flame on to their neighbor—all in celebration of Robles returning home.

Nobody knows Robles’ fate regarding her immigration status, but returning to being a mother and a wife was worth the risk.

Nearly 10,000 “We Stand With Rosa” signs have been placed around Tucson, especially throughout downtown, along 4th Avenue, and the Armory Park are, not to mention in schools across the city. Just because Robles is home does not mean that these signs should come down.

Arzani said, “People are encouraged to keep their “We Stand With Rosa” signs visible until immigration laws change. These signs should stay up for years to represent the changes that need to take place in immigration.”