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New Monitor Strengthens Security: Joanna Medina

By George Molina

“If I had my way, I would hire four more monitors to help with discipline problems at Pueblo High School,” said Ms. Joanna Medina, one of two monitors hired in 2021.

Specifically, Medina said that she would hire more male monitors to help balance the ratio between male and female security personnel.

“Female monitors are not allowed to enter the boys’ bathrooms without knocking first to inform them,” Medina said, “and by that time, bad behavior is missed.”

Medina knows exactly what it feels like to be in charge over hundreds of young people. She was a correctional officer and counselor for criminally troubled girls at the Gila River Detention Center near Sacaton, Ariz., in Pinal County, north of Tucson.

“My job is definitely easier here at Pueblo than at a detention center,” Medina said. “However, our students at Pueblo really need to follow the rules better, listen to authority, and take their learning more seriously. They also really, really need to get to class on time. Finally, I wish that a lot of girls would learn to dress better and not so revealing.”

Medina said that if she were an administrator, she would hire more monitors to enforce the rules—especially a few more male monitors.

Despite her challenges since being hired last January, Medina said that she is starting to feel the warmth of the Pueblo High School community.

“I really like working with the other monitors,” she said. “They all have their own distinct personalities, and all of our differences is what makes us strong and united.”

Medina said that she hopes that students start taking her and the other monitors more seriously as the first semester comes to a near-end.

“Most of our students are great,” she said, “but it only takes a few bad apples to tarnish that greatness.”

Viviana Fimbres Makes It To Pueblo—Finally!

By Leslie Burgos

Ms. Viviana Fimbres helping some of her math students.

This school year, Pueblo High School is elated to have Ms. Viviana Fimbres join the faculty as a new geometry teacher for mostly sophomores, juniors and seniors.

It’s been a long journey for Fimbres to finally get here…

As a teenager, Fimbres wanted to attend Pueblo like most of her friends and her siblings, but Fimbres was not able to attend PHS because her parents had preferred her to go to a new charter school. After graduating from the University of Arizona, she taught at University High School for four years.

Then…Fimbres transferred to Pueblo—FINALLY making it to PHS.

“Coming to Pueblo was a dream come true—a little late but better than never,” she said.

Thus far this semester, Fimbres said that she has already experienced many positive moments.

“As I was walking into the school in the morning, I was carrying papers in one hand and a coffee container in the other hand—and a student was kind enough to open the door for me,” she said. “Our [Pueblo] students are very generous and kind, and they respect their teachers.”

Fimbres said that she loves Pueblo because of the school’s culture.

“This place [Pueblo] makes me feel comfortable, and I know I can talk my native language here and not be judged for it,” she said.

“Sometimes students have bad moments—like when one left class early and was asked to return, and he slammed a locker really hard,” Fimbres said. “But by the next day, we had both forgotten about the incident. However, most students say good morning to me if they see me in the hallways, and I love that friendliness here.”

Fimbres describes her students as “hard working” and added that all of them have the potential to earn A’s and B’s.

“I’ve been here long enough to wish for a few changes in the bell schedule,” Fimbres said. “I wish that every day classes were dismissed at the same time and that passing periods were a few minutes longer. From the complaints I’ve been hearing from students, our school should offer better lunch menus.”

Fimbres said that she has set her standards high, but she knows that her students are all capable of passing her class with very high grades.

To help these students achieve these high grades she plans to continue getting to know the students and the different ways they learn.

“I believe I can only take my profession day by day as long as I always remember that every student has a different pace of learning,” Fimbres said.

Automotive Class Revved-Up By UTI Visit

By Axel Rosas-Hilburn & Dayanara Gonzalez

It’s not every day when students have an opportunity to see and touch a 2005 Ford GT and a prototype Harley-Davidson motorcycle, but on Tuesday, Nov. 16, the Universal Technical Institute made it possible for Mr. Martin’s automotive students to get close and occasionally plug their ears as engines on these vehicular beasts revved up the westside of the T-Building.

Only 4,500 limited-edition ’05 Ford GTs were produced, and this particular one was donated by Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage, whose brother-in-law was a student at the UTI. As a “gift” for treating his in-law so well, Cage donated this very rare automobile to UTI.

This Ford GT is valued at more than $140,000, and Cage was said to have been very impressed with UTI’s training facility. At the time of his donation, Cage said, “UTI is well-structured to prepare students for a successful career as automotive technicians.”

Cage added that he wished that he had opportunities that UTI offers when he was younger.

UTI, an automotive program based in the Phoenix, Ariz. area, is not only a technical school specializing in teaching individuals with hands-on training, but they also engage high school automotive students by traveling in a large semi-truck packed with automobiles and motorcycles to boast to high school students all over the Southwest, including New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and West Texas. The day before Pueblo, UTI visited several other high schools in Tucson.

“We try to educate as many students as possible on various subjects,” said UTI teacher Andy Hill. One of his colleagues, Chris Johnson, also accompanied Hill to speak to students and to showcase the Ford GT and Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

During this visit to Pueblo, both Hill and Johnson educated students about how nitrous oxide affects engine performance.

Senior Mireyya Barreraz, who is enrolled in Pueblo’s automotive class, said, “I learned a lot about their [UTI’s] presentation on nitrous oxide in car engines. It’s this kind of hands-on training that makes this class interesting and engaging and ‘real life’.”

Another automotive student, junior Isaac Rojas, said, “I really enjoyed seeing the car and the motorcycle, but I also learned a lot from our friends from UTI regarding how nitrous oxide affects engine valves.”

Junior Christopher Jackson said, “I really enjoyed hearing how loud the revved-up engines are! I think half the campus must have heard these engines! I was surprised that the Harley-Davidson motorcycle’s revved-up engine was even louder than the Ford GT’s engine.”

Automotive teacher Mr. Martin said, “Their [UTI’s] visit this year and in the past is an excellent way to promote their school, and my students enjoy having guests in the class.

Raytheon Honors Mr. Ernesto Somoza

By Kevin Salazar

Pueblo High School’s very own Mr. Ernesto Somoza, who teaches graphic design and sponsors numerous clubs, has been named Raytheon’s Teacher of the Year, among the dozens of applicants from many high schools in the Tucson area.

After being nominated in August by Pueblo colleague, economics teacher Ms. Mary Wallace, Somoza endured several levels of eligibility—and in the end, received the call that informed him that he was one of three teachers who would receive a $5,000 grant.

Somoza said, “I was eventually notified that I was a finalist, which made me really happy.” He paused and added, “Then, I had to be at my best during a Zoom interview—competing against other finalists.”

He added, “I almost missed the phone call the next day that informed me that I was the recipient of the award. I kept ignoring a call during first period because I didn’t recognize the call number and name. But, luckily, I eventually answered my phone a few times later and learned of my award.”

This is not Somoza’s first time at being honored by local organizations. He has been recognized by the TUSD media, Tucson Values Teachers and by the University of Arizona.

“Being recognized for what I do at Pueblo is truly elating,” Somoza said. “My job is challenging, although I’ve never looked at it as a job because it’s too much fun.” He paused and added, “All teachers work hard to inspire their students and to prepare them for the future. I wish I could share this award with everybody.”

Besides dedicating his school day as a graphic teacher for the past six years, Somoza also sponsors/teachers the Bicycle Club, the Hiking Club and also volunteers his time for various other projects, including district and community leaders.

“Our [Pueblo] students need to compete with others across the city,” Somoza said, “and this grant money will help me afford the equipment necessary to expedite this process.”

Somoza and his students recently began to design and create T-shirts for various Pueblo clubs after purchasing equipment necessary for such a venture.

“There’s so much more I need in my classroom to compete with other high schools’ graphic design programs,” Somoza said, “but I feel confident that we’re on our way. I want Pueblo to be the district and community leader in this field.”

Somoza is currently applying for another grant award that would help him achieve this status. He encourages other educators to apply for grants in their subject matter because “they’re out there.” These grants, he asserts, will make positive changes in students’ learning.

“I see how engaged students are when they’re learning graphic design with state of the art equipment,” said Somoza, “This enthusiasm and engagement really does change their perspectives and turns otherwise disinterested students into individuals who truly want to learn and share their knowledge with others. This contagion is absolutely amazing to observe.”

Ms. Mary Wallace, who nominated Somoza for this award, said, “Ernie [Somoza] is the most amazing STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] teacher I have ever met! He helps everybody selflessly with his knowledge of technology.”

With a future full of new adventures and new projects, Somoza shares his happiness for what he does for a living.

“What I do [at Pueblo] just happens to award me a paycheck every two weeks,” he said. “The real reward is preparing students for success and instilling them with the kind of knowledge with which they can graduate and use forever.”

Pueblo Hosts Spirit Council Conference

by Katherin Rivera Ochoa & Neveah Sandoval

On Monday, Nov. 1, Pueblo High School at last had the opportunity to show hundreds of other Student Council students from Tucson and several Southern Arizona towns that we could successfully organize and host a well-orchestrated event.

Student Council members from nearly two dozen Tucson high schools and even small towns participated in the Southern Arizona Spirit Conference, an event that Pueblo has been wanting to host for several years but denied the opportunity because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[Health] precautions were still in place,” said Pueblo’s Student Council president, senior Antonio Vega, “but everything went smoothly.”

Still, Vega said that the event was a lot of work; Student Council advisor, Mr. Gregory Obregon, agrees.

“I helped to delegate and support Student Council throughout the process,” Obregon said. “There was a lot of organizational responsibilities to take care of—contacting a lot of schools in the region and ensuring that we were prepared for as many as 900 students.”

In the end, more than 600 students from more than a dozen schools attended, a number that still impressed Obregon. A few schools canceled their trip to Pueblo for various reasons—mostly because of transportation and COVID-19 issues.

“We completely started from scratch,” said President Vega, “but we pulled it off, and every school got to boast their school spirit and to collaborate with other Student Councils and share success stories. If I had to evaluate the event, I would give it thumbs up—definitely a huge success.”

Senior class president Anitza Ramirez was also very instrumental in making this event a reality.

“We students were all a little nervous about hosting such a huge event,” Ramirez said, “but judging by the turnout from other schools and by the cheers of each school, this was definitely a success that we all can be proud of hosting. There was some real bonding going on, and that was definitely one of our objectives.”

Ramirez added, “I am so proud of all of our Pueblo students and Mr. Obregon for making this conference so memorable and successful—especially in the short amount of time that we had to organize everything.”

A group of classic car enthusiasts also showcased their automobiles—including vintage Oldsmobiles, Cadillacs and trucks.

Snacks, candy and water were available to all students—much of which was paid for by the Arizona Association of Student Councils.

“I’m continuously impressed with the dedication of our Student Body president, Antonio Vega,” Obregon said. “He is one of the hardest workers I have ever had the honor of having in Student Council. He was super dependable and took charge of everyone working.”

He added, “The senior class president, Anitza [Ramirez] also has such amazing ideas! She is definitely gifted in the creativity department. She has a demeanor that was perfect for emceeing duties at this spirit conference.”

Welcoming ‘Feminist Club’ To Pueblo

By Dayanara Gonzalez and Arnold Ochoa

From left to right:
Caroline Fioramanti (Sponsor), Luis Salazar, Cielo Rangel, and Anindita Farzana

A new school year often brings new clubs to schools; one of these is the Feminist Club, which has the purpose of uplifting, empowering and supporting women through the focus on women’s issues, not only at Pueblo but in the community at large.

The Feminist Club’s advisor, English teacher Ms. Caroline Fioramanti, said that the club will achieve their goals by sharing their ideas publicly and raising awareness through several types of activities and fundraisers.

The club has already gained over 40 members through “word-of-mouth” around school and through her own promotion of the club in her classes. All students are welcome to attend the weekly meetings.

“I wanted a group open to all genders, and the interest has been amazing!” said Fioramanti. “This [students joining] tells me we needed something like the Feminist Club.”

Junior Lailani Figueroa, a member and treasure of the Feminist Club, joined because she believes we should have equal rights for men and women. Figueroa also wants to share information with club members and to help women who might be troubled by women’s issues, as well as to help students initiate peaceful protests and marches and inspiring students to volunteer to help various charities.

Figueroa said, “I advise people come and join the Feminist Club. I want everyone to feel included and respected.”

Certainly, not all members of the club are female.

Senior Armando Soto said that he joined the club because not only does he really like Ms. Fioramanti as an educator, but also because he was interested in what the club could teach him.

“I would say that I really enjoy getting to socialize with the members,” Soto said. “I’m having a lot of fun meeting new people and getting to know more about them.”

Fioramanti said that she started this club because not only has she experienced sexism in her own life but feels very passionate about feminism and women’s issues in the lives of young people.

“We are not at place of equality yet. There is much work to do,” she added.

“I have been involved in a few different feminist clubs in my teaching career, and I truly feel that educating others about feminism is important, especially for young people.”

The meetings are held on Mondays after school from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

“I want everyone to feel safe here [at Pueblo] and in our community,’’ said Fioramanti.