‘Time To Start Fresh’

(Campus Monitor Receives Home Through HFH)

By Aubrey Medina & Rihana Medrano-Thompson

Campus Monitor Ms. Crystal Alvarado and her two sons moved into their new home during the holiday season, courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

Alvarado, who joined Pueblo’s security team last February, remained patient throughout the long process of qualifying for a new home.

“Once I was accepted [just nine out of 300 applicants], I actually worked 250 hours with the construction of the home,” Alvarado said. “My sons [Jacob and Estevan—a sophomore at Pueblo] weren’t eligible to help because they’re both younger than 16. They weren’t even allowed on the construction site.”

After all the sweat and body aches, Alvarado said the effort was “beyond worthwhile”.

“I have a home near Sentinel Peak [‘A’ Mountain] with a gorgeous view of the city,” she said. “Christmas this year was a little different—as we were moving and settling in.”

Alvarado finished her application to the Habitat for Humanity program a year ago, and “graduated” in July 2023 after meeting numerous qualifications. She found time on weekends and weekday evenings to meet the mandatory 250 hours of labor.

“There were a lot of times I just wanted to give up,” Alvarado said. “I didn’t, though. Working on the construction of my own home ended up being an accomplishment I’ll never regret.”

One of the many benefits of being a HFH recipient is not paying interest on a mortgage payment, saving the family tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.

The Alvarado’s said they plan to start off “fresh”—no old furniture, dishes, and other household items.

“We are starting off with just our clothes, a few television sets and my sons’ game consoles,” Alvarado said.

[Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976 by married couple Millard and Linda Fuller, is a partnership, not a giveaway program. Habitat’s homeowner families buy the houses that Habitat builds and renovates. Habitat homeowners also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor working alongside volunteers. As a result, Habitat for Humanity houses are affordable to low-income families around the world. The organization operates with financial support from national governments, philanthropic foundations, corporations and mass media companies. foundations.

Habitat directly helps more than four million people each year secure decent, affordable housing, and an additional eight million people now have the potential to improve their housing conditions through a range of indirect services. Our annual report provides full details.

Habitat for Humanity continues to build and renovate decent, affordable housing in all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 other countries.]

Pueblo’s Christmas 2023 Wishlist

Compiled by Ariana Garcia and Leia Ortega

Each holiday season, El Guerrero journalists ask random students/faculty and staff to answer the question: What do you want for Christmas this year? Here is the list for Christmas ’23:

Ana Cubillas, senior: “I want a car to drive every day.”

Manny Rivera, senior: “I would love a Spider Man 2 and GTA 6.”

Fabian Lopez, senior: “All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth.”

Israel Valencia, junior: “I really would like to have 3Ds with Pokemon X.”

Marc Anthony Escobedo, senior: “Love to have some Chick-Fil-A and straight A’s.”

Kendahl McCarthy, sophomore: “Some new sewing needles would be great!”

Jorge Parra, junior: “I’d love a huge hug.”

Mouse Saenz, sophomore: “I’d love to have some crochet yarn and maybe some different sized hooks.”

Marsha Jean Burrola, PHS librarian: “I would love to have those two scratches on my car to be fixed.”

Prisilla Garcia, senior: “I’d love to live in a mansion.”

Jorge Ramirez, senior: “A partridge in a pear tree.”

Azul Frias, sophomore: “I’d love to have some ‘Hello Kitty’ pajama pants.”

Antonia Calvillo, senior: “I want a blanket that can cover seven people.”

Bryan Melendez, junior: “I want a new jacket and socks.”

Mr. Rana Medhi, journalism teacher: “I want Santa Claus to shave his beard; hairy people scary me.”

Brisa Bautista, senior: “I want a hippopotamus.”

Josette Moreno, freshman: “I really want some Lego flowers or gift cards.”

Francesca Duran, senior: “For Christmas, I really want a stuffed black bear.”

Ms. Gonzalez, teacher: “I’d like any gift my partner gives me because they are always super thoughtful.”

Linkon Carillo, sophomore: “I’d love to have ‘Zelda, Tears of the Kingdom’.”

Dylan Mendez, senior: “I want a 10-piece McNuggets meal!”

Kaz Detwiler, sophomore: “I really need a new sketchbook and new art supplies.”

Daisy Talavera: “Money, clothes, a Stanley cup and a new iphone case.”

Adelina Grijalva: “I’d love to have some Legos and new airpods.”

Jazlynne Fernandez: “Levi jean—specifically 501’s—would be awesome!”

Oscar Miranda: “I’d really like to see our JV basketball team to win a game.”

Paola Salazar: “I want a Kevin Alvarez jersey.”

Frida Bustamante: “For Christmas, I’d like to have some new makeup, books and shoes.”

Xristan Berry: “I want LED light strips.”

Desiree Noriega, sophomore: “I want a new Ariat jacket.”

Gaddiel “Vez” Chavez: “I’d love some Nike red championship ‘Dunks’.”

Baxter: Wally The Warrior’s Greatest Rival

By Jose Nagore & Julian Tellez

Baxter, a two and a half-year-old Boston Terrier, has become a “regular” at Pueblo with his owner, teacher Ms. Christina Benitez, making students and teachers smile throughout the day.

Baxter was adopted by Benitez back in 2021 and can be found roaming around Pueblo, mainly within Benitez’s Credit Recovery classroom, Room 254.

“I love Baxter!” said math teacher Ms. Rhesa Olsen, whose classroom is adjacent to Benitez’ room. “He is adorable and very comforting!”

According to Benitez, Baxter was at first “smuggled” into Pueblo, but admin liked the idea of Baxter improving morale at Pueblo and allowed him to keep returning. Baxter has been helping students stay positive during his “visits” ever since.

“I like it when Baxter is in the classroom,” said junior Skylese Grajeda, a student in Benitez’ classroom. “He really makes me feel relaxed in the classroom.”

Benitez lost her previous dog after 12 years.

She said, “I felt lonely without a companion, and I kept going to animal shelters to find a new pet. It wasn’t until I went to Animal Kingdom that I found Baxter. He licked my leg, and I felt like Baxter chose me to adopt him.”

Benitez hopes that Baxter will stay with her throughout the rest of her teaching career.

Medhi Wins December 2023 ‘Bake-Off’

By Desiree Noriega

Once again, Pueblo High School’s faculty had an opportunity to boast their delectable creations; last quarter, the competition was “chips and salsa”, and this time around, on Dec. 14, faculty members showcased their favorite baked goods in the “December Bake-Off”.

This contest’s winner, journalism teacher Mr. Rana Medhi, entered his “pineapple upside-down cheesecake” dessert.

“Not to sound overly confident, but I knew I’d win,” Medhi said. “This dessert is a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. It wins at every competition.”

Math teacher Ms. Taylor Pacheco, said, “I think Mr. Medhi’s dessert should not have won for having to replace the whipped cream.”

Pacheco’s dessert, “Oreo Balls”, won second place.

Third-place winner, librarian Ms. Marsha-Jean Burrola, said, “I’ve seen better days.”

Burrola’s dessert was truffles.

MTTS Coordinator, Ms. Brenda Levinson-McCune, organized this event, although she said that it was Ms. Karla Martinez’ (assistant principal) idea to have a faculty “Bake-Off” before the end of the semester.

“This contest was to celebrate the holidays, but it was a bit of a struggle with everybody so busy with the end of the semester and preparing for Christmas,” Levinson-McCune said.

She added that she will continue these food competitions next semester.

“I’d like to organize at least two more contests this school year,” she said. “I would like to have themed contests, but I’m still brainstorming ideas for future events like this.”

Pueblo Class of 2024 Takes Group Photo!

By Kassandra Espinoza

On Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 2:30 p.m., the yearbook class organized and took a group picture for the Class of 2024, captured on the “Curly” Santa Cruz football field bleachers.

A senior in yearbook, Tatei Lopez, organized this event, posting an Instagram on the yearbook and student council pages to inform seniors where and what time the class picture would occur.

“I organized with our principal, Mr. Rosthenhausler, to set up the date and the time when everyone was mostly free for the class picture,” said yearbook editor-in-chief Sergio Lopez.

Unfortunately, many seniors did not show up for the photo shoot, which was not mandatory. Some seniors have reduced schedules and left school early, and some were not interested in participating.

Tatei Lopez said, “I think the picture should be made mandatory and be taken during school hours so we can have a bigger turn out of seniors.”

“Honestly, I don’t see why we should take another picture,” said Sergio Lopez. “In my opinion, the picture turned out great, and we can’t keep scheduling photo shoots for seniors who do not want to participate.”

He added that the senior group picture has been a Pueblo High School tradition for many years for yearbook classes because the photo allows students to unite and capture one of their last memories of high school.

Yearbook teacher/advisor Ms. Lacey Pratt said, “We took the senior picture to include in the 2024 yearbook, and we wanted to capture the spirit of this year’s seniors. It’s unfortunate that not every senior participated.”

A retake has not been discussed, Pratt said.

LaVetter Gym Floorboards Damaged!

By Saul Arias & Aubrey Garcia

Pueblo High School’s LaVetter Gym floorboards are warping and causing mold due to a water leak from roof.

It is still unknown what caused the leakage from the pipes, but the damage is extensive.

“The leakage started years ago,” said Assistant Principal Meg Tully, “we have contacted TUSD about this issue.”

TUSD contacted Risk Management Facilities, who have yet to determine a plan and date for the repairs.

“I hope it gets fixed as soon as possible,” said Assistant Principal Karla Martinez. “We’re just waiting for the district to contact us with a plan and date for repairs.”

It is estimated that the repairs will take a week to be completed, and the gym will have to be closed due to toxic fumes from chemicals used for restoration.

“We have to take into account that boys and girls basketball practices there,” said Martinez. “Also, students use the gym during both lunches.”