By Emely Villanueva
On Thursday, Sept. 28, Pueblo High School seniors were treated to an assembly to celebrate their acceptance to the University of Arizona. At that time, 63 Warriors had applied and been accepted.
Among the 63 seniors was Aritza Nuñez, who found out she had been accepted to the U of A earlier in September.
“It’s surreal that I’ll be attending the University of Arizona,” Nuñez said. “I’m glad that I’ll be in good condition when I start my college career next fall as so many of my friends will be with me.”
Students who were accepted to the U of A had an opportunity to see different programs and centers at the U of A. The Guerrero and SALT Center, Financial Aid Office, Housing Office, and the Frank Honors college as well as many other organizations offered information for future Wildcats.
Seniors were also given many “goodies” from their U of A admission counselor, which included a tote bag. Students were also able to receive lanyards and candies. Students were free to snap pictures with different U of A props and their friends and family. This event was orchestrated by College and Career Center coordinator Mr. Manuel Avala-Miranda and the U of A Admissions Office.
Since late September, approximately 30 other Pueblo students have been accepted to the University of Arizona, said Avila-Miranda.
“Another 100 or so seniors have applied to the U of A,” he added, “and we’re working on getting even more students to apply.”
He added, “I feel very proud of students who have decided to apply to Ivy League colleges and universities because I believe all students have the potential to apply to top-tier learning institutions. It makes me feel proud for students to discover their potential and confidence, and those students can represent our community and go on to make a bigger positive impact in our society from earning their college degrees.”
Ms. Victoria Leon, one of the Next Steps advisors at the University of Arizona, said, “We’re all so happy to know that even more students are applying to the University and other colleges. This reflects Pueblo’s College and Career goal of having 99.99 percent of students having a plan for post-secondary educational goals—whether it be at a college or a trade school. We’re here to help students choose the right path.”
Paola Salazar, currently ranked number one in her PHS senior class, found out she was accepted to the University of Arizona in mid-August.
“Even though I’m a senior, it doesn’t seem possible that I’ll be in college in less than a year,” said Salazar.
She added that she is flattered to have been accepted to the University of Arizona but is keeping her collegiate options open, including Ivy League colleges on the East Coast.
“I haven’t signed anything in ink yet,” Salazar said, “but I’ve always loved the U of A.”