On Tuesday, October 4, 2016, Pueblo’s student council held the first blood drive of the year with over 60 students participating in the donation.
Student council teacher and advisor Ms. Kari Warner said that the American Red Cross is always in need of blood for those who are in desperate need of this precious commodity in theTucson community.
“It’s cool seeing students willing to donate and help others,” said Warner.
Juniors Joseph Palomarez and Viviana Cruz shared their enthusiasm for helping others by donating blood and said they plan to continue donating.
“I was blessed with the blood to donate to everybody and might as well use this privilege to donate to others,” said Palomarez.
Warner said that there will be other blood drives throughout the school year if students missed this opportunity—in December, February, and May. Students who are 18 do not need parental permission; however, for 16- and 17-year-olds, a parent’s signature is required as well as a completed packet to allow their child to donate blood.
Many of us know Mr. Mario Matanza as Pueblo’s girls’ volleyball coach, but this year he is also the school’s new communication liaison.
He was offered the job by our principal Dr. Augustine Romero and gladly accepted this position.
“I felt that I was perfect for the job,” Matanza said. “It’s vital to keep the communication between parents and the students and faculty open at all times.”
He explained that his new job primarily consists of trying to engage our community—especially the parents—in school activities.
Matanza explained that many students do not take full advantage of the opportunities that are offered to them.
“My advice to all students is to explore all of the opportunities that are available to you here at Pueblo,” Matanza said. “There are excellent resources that will help all students in any situation.”
Tri Universities Presentation makes a stop at Pueblo
During sixth period on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, seniors were treated to presentations from Arizona’s three public universities: the University of Arizona (here in Tucson), Northern Arizona University (located in Flagstaff) and Arizona State University (located in Tempe). Of the nearly 385 seniors at Pueblo, more than 300 were able to attend.
Representatives from each of the three universities spoke for approximately 25 minutes each, promoting the positive qualities about each of their campuses as well as discussing financial aid information. Near the end of these presentations, seniors were encouraged to pick up brochures and other informational literature about one, two or all three of the universities.
College and Career counselor Ms. Mandy McTavish organized this event, which was deemed a success by the high number of seniors in attendance and by the comments of those seniors following the event.
One senior, Alejandro Carrazco, said, “This event couldn’t have come at a better time for us seniors because a lot of us were getting too comfortable about just being seniors. For me, hearing from these universities inspired me to start thinking about my future. I want to pursue a career that has something to do with math, and I’m thinking about attending N.A.U.”
Class of 2017 Seniors taking advantage of presentation
Another senior, Griselda Miranda, said, “These presentations reminded me that I am really a senior and that I need to start preparing for college this semester and not waiting until the last minute. I thought the whole event was extremely well-organized and eye-opening to every senior in attendance.”
Senior Adnan Taleb said, “I’m not decided yet where I’m attending college next fall, but I’m starting to get information from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University regarding engineering and science-related degrees. Today’s visit from all three state universities is definitely a wake-up call for all of us seniors.”
Counselor McTavish said, “I was pleased by the number of seniors who showed up for the presentation today. But, seniors need to do more than just attend these events. They actually have to apply for colleges—and soon. They need to study for ACT tests as well as prepare to apply for FAFSA.”
McTavish added that she and the other counselors will be delighted to assist all seniors throughout the school year but adds that NOW is better than next April or May.
On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, Pueblo class of 2017 seniors attended this year’s first college fair during second period. Because of the block schedule, the senior class was divided into two sections so that students would have enough time to visit with various colleges and programs.
Many colleges were available to Pueblo seniors, including Arizona Christian University, Central Arizona College, New Mexico State College, Pima Community College, Universal Technical Institute and Prescott College. Several military branches were also present.
Senior Mikaela Sesma-Nuñez said, “This college fair was very helpful to me, and as I get ready to graduate from high school in about nine months, it helps me transition to the next step.” She paused and added, “I want to study cosmetology at Pima [Community College], and I was able to get a lot of useful information from the PCC reps today.”
Another senior, Griselda Miranda, said, “This [college] fair made me realize that I need to start preparing for my future, and college is definitely a part of that future. What an eye-opening experience, but it’s reality. I’m seriously considering attending either N.A.U., the U of A or even New Mexico State [located in Las Cruces] because their admissions office doesn’t require Tucson residents to pay out of state tuition.”
Ms. Mandy McTavish, Pueblo’s new College and Career readiness coordinator, organized this event.
She said, “This college fair required a lot of organization—including a lot of phone calls! I was very pleased with that the seniors conducted themselves professionally. This won’t be the last college fair seniors will experience this school year.”
McTavish added that she would like all seniors to attend Tucson College Night at the Tucson Convention Center on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, an event that hosts more than a hundred different colleges and universities from around the state and entire nation.
Ms. Mandy McTavish, our new Career and College Readiness Coordinator, can’t wait to help our Warrior student body get on the right path towards college and success.
McTavish has been counseling for eight years and reveals that she is very passionate about her job and dedicating her career to helping students.
McTavish said, “I’ve always loved helping students figure out how to solve their problems.”
Having grown up in an underprivileged home herself, she knows how difficult these goals might seem for some of us.
“When you [students] do have a goal and make a plan, it’s easy to be guided,” said McTavish.
Already, McTavish professes her love for Pueblo because our diversity and hopes to guide each student towards a better future.
She has advice for our students: “Find your passion, find out what you love, and I’ll help you get there.”
Recently, on Wednesday, September 14, McTavish helped to coordinate and host the 2016 College Fall Tour held in the South Gym, inviting all Pueblo seniors to talk to more than a dozen organizations (college, universities and a few military branches) regarding their post-high school careers. She also organized the “Tri-Universities” presentation on September 20 in which Arizona’s three universities spoke to seniors as well as offering them brochures and information about their colleges.
“I know that a lot of our seniors are scared about going out in the real world, but the earlier that our seniors know where they’re going, the more they can enjoy the rest of their high school days,” McTavish said.
She added, “Every senior is capable of greatness in their futures.”
Mr. Sean Jack has been part of the Pueblo community since March 2015 as a campus monitor, and now is saying farewell as he leaves for the Denver, CO area to be a coach and counselor at an all-boys academy.
Jack said that the boys at the academy are troubled (with the law) and sent by their parole officers for rehabilitation. While in Colorado, Jack said that he will finish his last semester of college courses for business management.
Sean Jack
Sean said that he is enthusiastic about beginning a new personal era of life.
“I expect a little anger at my new school, but I know that I’m up for this challenge,” Jack said.
Sean said that he will miss the bond he enjoyed at Pueblo and joking around with the teachers.
“I’ll always laugh at all of my memories of catching students ditching,” he said.
He added that he will miss seeing students ripping their jeans as they attempted to jump over the school’s fence.
Jack’s last day at Pueblo was Monday, August 29, 2016 and before leaving, he expressed that he hopes he left a positive legacy. He especially wants students to know that he believes in them and that they should take advantage of all of the opportunities that are available to them.
“There’s are a lot of students who believe that they will not do anything after high school, and I just want to let you know that everyone is going to find their way,” Jack said.
