Around Campus – Page 13 – Pueblo High School

‘Expectations vs. Reality’ Promises to Entertain

By Angelita Delcido

The Pueblo Theater family is treating the Pueblo HS Community with a “real life” view on situations that people experience everyday—a performance that acts out expectations for situations, and shows the reality of these situations. The show is called “Expectations vs. Reality”, and there will be four performances.

After all of the month-long challenges to remember their lines and character building, teacher and director Ms. Sarah Sutton is eager for her students’ performance to entertain and impact audiences emotionally, as well as to make them laugh.

“That’s [making an audience laugh and making an emotional impact is] an actor’s job,” Sutton explained. “We want to entertain—whether our acting makes the audience laugh, or cry.”

pueblo-players-drama-2016-expectations-vs-reality-set — Pueblo Players Drama rehearsing for upcoming shows.

Sutton said the show will definitely entertain, but some audience members may consider the rating to be PG-13 because of some of the show’s themes—including conversations regarding relationships, teen pregnancy, alcoholism, suicide and death.

Sutton wants the community to know that although these “things” are prevalent, “it’s not the crux of the show. Sometimes we think that teens aren’t listening to adults, but everything that we adults say and do influences their every-day life.”

This show has been approved by school administrators.

She also explained students have invested a lot of after school time to rehearse this performance—an estimated 52 hours!

“This is also our first show with live music,” Sutton said. “Over the years, we’ve proven ourselves to the Pueblo Community, and we now have faculty asking to help with lights and sound.” She paused and said, “That’s how professional our program is now.”

The purpose of the show, Sutton said, is to entertain.

Senior Jalena Norzagaray said, “I want to leave a legacy for incoming theater students. I want to inspire the younger actors and actresses to commit to this program because it has helped me in so many different areas of my personal and academic life.”

She added that practices were sometimes grueling but enjoyed how after all of the hard work, everyone united as a huge family.

Sutton added, “I’ve had many of these students since they were freshmen, and to see them now as seniors and how they have grown into young adults is incredibly rewarding.”

[Writer’s footnote: I truly had the honor of watching this performance before the opening night, Thursday, Dec. 1. All of their hard work definitely shows in their performance! Warriors—come join the theatre family at 7 p.m. in the Little Theater, but you should be there a little earlier because these performances sell out quickly. The performance will be Thurs., Dec. 1 and Fri., Dec. 2; and Thurs., Dec. 8 and Fri., Dec. 9, all at 7 p.m.]

CBI Hosts Luncheon With Success

By Lya Thurston

On November 23, 2016, Pueblo’s CBI students hosted a luncheon for 35 students and some selected faculty and staff members—serving Thanksgiving Dinner a day early, including turkey, side dishes and several pies.

Ms. Indelisa Mendibles, a CBI teacher-assistant, said, “For all 16 years that I’ve been at Pueblo, our CBI students have been hosting this event.”

Mendibles explained that CBI constructed the place mats, decorations and the name plates as well as the streamers, which created a festive ambiance for the classroom T-8—which ended up looking more like a restaurant.

Mendibles said that the construction of the place mats was important because the CBI students are currently learning about patterns and certain colors—and they got to use this knowledge to help with the decor.

One student, Juliane Douriet, said, “It’s been a lot of fun to eat with my family and friends. It’s very lively with all of the decorations.”

Alyssa Tapia, another student, said, “The luncheon was very exciting, and it’s very relaxing to eat with people I know.”

A third student, Jesus Egurrola, said, “I really like all of the food that is being served. It’s like we’re a family eating together today.”

Some of the volunteers for the luncheon had started preparing food as early as 2 a.m., but in the end, all agreed that this was another successful event for our CBI students and another shining moment for our Pueblo community.

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.”

Class of 2009 Pueblo Grad Returns For Visit—Very ‘Humbled’

By Daniela Moreno

Mr. Rudy Valdez, one of the more than 300 Pueblo graduates in the Class of 2009, visited the advanced journalism class for a press conference explaining to them what life has been like following his high school graduation.

Valdez thought he had his whole life figured out, but after attending Pima for a short time after high school graduation, he realized how much more was really “out there”.

“I was scared at first [to move to L.A.] because I didn’t know what to expect,” said Valdez.

Prior to moving to Southern California, Valdez could be seen in several local commercials; he also had several promising modeling assignments. However, Arizona is not the place to act and model, Valdez said, because of the very few opportunities available.

Though he struggled a lot and hit many lows (including living in his car for nearly two months), his persistence allowed him to keep dreaming about “making it” in California.

“It’s humbling to admit how rough times became,” Valdez said. “But I wasn’t returning to Tucson so easily and quickly.”

His perseverance has paid off.

Valdez has been featured on shows such as Scandal, Switched at Birth, and Black Code and hopes to one day even move into production.

“It felt so great knowing I finally got here,” Valdez said. “Nothing has been easy, and I don’t expect things to stay easy for long. But, I love doing what I am doing—and everybody should love what they do for a living. It’s not just a living—it’s a life.”

Walter Cronkite Comes To Pueblo—Again!

By Yamilex Garcia and Omar Quintana

On Monday, November 14, 2016, Ms. Anita Luera, the director of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism for high school students, spoke to more than three dozen students in Mr. Rana Medhi’s journalism and Ms. Marie Little’s yearbook programs at Pueblo Magnet High School, primarily discussing the value and power of journalism in our society today.

“Journalism should be about the truth, and our society needs the truth more than ever,” Luera said. “Journalism careers will increase as people will always need news, and hopefully well-balanced, fair, objective news.”

She also promoted the upcoming 2017 Summer Institute at ASU for all students interested in media careers. Students can begin applying for this program as early as January.

victor-garcia-anita-luera-walter-cronkite-school-of-journalism — Ms. Anita Luera speaks to our yearbook students with Victor Garcia sharing his experience.

Pueblo senior Victor Garcia was encouraged by his media teacher last year, Ms. Pamela Shapiro, to apply—and eventually be accepted to attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Summer Institute last summer. Garcia said that he wanted to explore the modern facilities of the school as well as its technical parts, including the contemporary newsrooms. For two weeks, Garcia worked with other students from mostly Arizona, as well as one student from France.

“We [the students in the program] still keep in touch via group chats,” Garcia said. “That’s how close we became because we had to work together and produced a media package.” He paused and said, “It’s an intense program—you really learn a lot about the world of journalism and have to meet deadlines and be responsible. I would encourage all students who have a general interest in media to apply for this prestigious program.”

Garcia said that he learned a lot about diplomacy in the Summer Institute. “It wasn’t all about journalism,” he said. “My work ethic improved a great deal when I returned this year to Pueblo as a senior.”

Garcia said that he hasn’t firmly committed to a collegiate major, but at this time, he is exploring an option in public policies—somehow involved in the political world.

Luera visited a few other media programs, including radio (with Ms. Sarah Wilson and her students) as well as photography (taught by Ms. Emma Tarazon).

This is Luera’s ninth year of visiting Pueblo Magnet High School, speaking to hundreds of students over the years.

“I never get tired of coming to Pueblo,” Luera said. “Your school [Pueblo] is very fortunate to have so many different media programs—especially as part of your magnet program.”

Anita Luera, a long-time journalist and past president of the Arizona Latino Media Association, is the first director of high school journalism programs for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Luera oversees an expanding array of high school programs, including national training institutes for high school journalism teachers and students. She also leads school’s outreach programs to high schools around the region that are working to develop and improve their journalism programs.

Pueblo Community Speaks Out About Trump Victory

Compiled by Paula Fierros

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 45^th 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.”