Two Class Of 2019 Seniors Receive Dorrance Scholarship

By Jacquelyn Gutierrez

Hector Gamez & Yazmin Almazan

Two very talented and deserving Class of 2019 seniors found out on April 27 that they were the recipients of the prestigious Dorrance Scholarship.

Yazmín Almazán and Héctor Gámez were chosen among hundreds of applications. Only 12 students are selected per in-state university (the University of Arizona; Arizona State University; and Northern Arizona University).

Almazán said, “I had my interview on a Friday; the very next day, I was notified. I was very excited to learn this because there was a lot of competition—unfortunately even from some of my close friends at Pueblo. For a few years, no students from Pueblo were awarded the Dorrance scholarship, and to be one of two students from Pueblo to receive the award this year makes this reception even more exciting.”

Gámez said, “I found out that I received the Dorrance scholarship while I was doing yardwork with my father. I was so excited that I screamed, and I scared my mother.”

Both students plan to attend the University of Arizona following graduation.

Almazán will be studying molecular and cellular biology, and she plans to pursue a minor physiology.

“I’ve been extremely interested in this field for several years due to my experience in biotechnology with Dr. Andrew Lettes in my sophomore year,” Almazán said. “I also want to credit Mr. Bill Richards, my honors biology teacher during my freshman year. He persuaded me to enroll in Dr. Lettes’ class, and I’m so glad that I did because of all of the new knowledge that I would be introduced to—as well as all of the opportunities Dr. Lettes encouraged me to take advantage of.”

Over the past few years, Almazán has fervidly been involved with summer workshops and internships at the University of Arizona regarding biomedical research.

“This collegiate experience really inspired to further my aspirations into research and medicine,” Almazán said.

As for Gamez… This is his second year at Pueblo. Prior to that, he lived in Sonora, Mexico, and knew very little English prior to coming to Tucson. This year, as a senior, he is enrolled in four advanced placement classes, included AP English. Following graduation, Gamez plans to pursue a career in neuroscience—specifically to become an orthopedic surgeon.

“A lot of family members have bad backs, and I think this inspired to pursue orthopedics—because I might be able to help them,” Gamez said.

“I knew nobody when I came to Pueblo, and there was already the language barrier to overcome,” Gamez said. “Receiving this scholarship is an affirmation of all of the hard work it took to acclimate to Pueblo and to life in the United States.”

Both Almazan and Gamez are eligible to participate in the Dorrance Study Abroad Program, which lasts for one semester—an experience that introduces students to different cultures, both in theory (academically) and in practice (the study abroad experience itself)—which contributes to global citizenship.

Varsity Football Sails to 4-2; Remains Hopeful For 4 Last Games

By Esperanza Landeros

Pueblo vs. Rincon ready to kick off season

As of week six of the varsity football season, our Warriors have cruised into a 4-2 record, one of the more successful seasons in recent years—and celebrating some very triumphant moments along the way.

The season began on Friday, Aug. 18—at Rincon. Pueblo was a heavy favorite to win—and that is exactly what our Warriors did. The final score was 58-0! This game definitely set the tone for a winning season.

A week later, on Friday, Aug. 25, Pueblo was victorious again. After 28 years, the Warriors edged out the Sunnyside Blue Devils, with a final score of 7-6. Junior Omar Ibañez was known as “Sunnyside’s Nightmare” that evening for completing countless sacks. In fact, he earned “Player of the Week” and was interviewed on Channel 4 (KVOA).

The winning streak continued—as we hosted the Cholla Chargers for the first time in recent years. This evening coincided with Pueblo’s Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 8. Omar Ibañez had six touchdowns during the game, and our Warriors slaughtered the Chargers with a final score of 66-46. Coach Sanders said, “We prepared ourselves and worked hard. Also, we knew what we were doing—offensively and defensively.”

Unfortunately, the undefeated Warriors were devastated after their first loss of the season when they played the next week, on Friday, Sept. 15, as the Walden Grove Red Wolves devoured Pueblo, with a final score of 40-8. “Despite the loss, players stayed positive and continued to fight like the Warriors we are,” said senior Ernesto Estopellan.

Game Five of the season also proved to be heartbreaking—as Pueblo traveled to Salpointe Catholic High School. Although the Warriors lost this game by a score of 42-0, the loss allowed them to become even more motivated to be triumphant during their next game. Many defensive players needed to improve their tackling skills.

The Warriors did, indeed, come back fiercer than before—playing Rio Rico on Thursday, Sept. 28. Senior Raúl German completed three sacks, and defense put up a great fight and didn’t let any of the Hawks come through our Warriors. In the end, our Warriors had the Hawks flying back to their nest. Junior Ruben Rivera scored three touchdowns alone in this game, and the offense also did great, but senior quarterback Dominic Carrillo had difficulty completing the passes to add more to the scoreboard. The final score was 35-0.

The Warriors still have four games left this season, including Friday, Oct. 6. The team wishes that we continue to have our Warriors support us at each of these games.

Warrior Cheer Advances To Nationals

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By Yamilex Garcia and Omar Quintana

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For the second consecutive year, Warrior Cheer will be attending national competitions in March because of their performance on Saturday, November 19, 2016, in Goodyear, Arizona, where they scored qualifying numbers—more than enough to advance to the next level.

The Cheer team left Tucson on Friday night in order to be ready to wake up at 5:30 a.m. the next morning and check in to the competition by 8 a.m. on Saturday. The team warmed up for 10 minutes before performance time—one of the first teams to compete.

Mr. Frankie Grijalva, who has been Cheer’s coach for the past three years, said that his team’s success this school year is “a big deal”.

“Despite having a slightly smaller group than last year,” Grijalva said, “the team is very talented.  We need to focus on improving our tumbling between now and the national competitions [in March].” He paused and said, “Last year, the team placed 13th nationally, and I think that we can do better this year. It’s all up to the Cheer team.”

Senior Alisa Gutierrez, who has been a member of the Pueblo Cheer team since her sophomore year, said, “After we seniors leave, I have a feeling that the team is going to keep doing well—as long as they have the mind-set to win. The talent is definitely there. They just need to realize this for themselves. They can reach any goal that they set their minds to. Practice how you perform, or you’ll perform the way that you practice.”

Calista Gonzales, a junior, said, “Going into the competitions last weekend was definitely an adrenaline rush. I was shaking and beyond nervous, but this seems to be what motivates me to do my best.” She added, “I’m sure we’ll do well in competitions next spring in California—that is, if we can all stay eligible.”

Senior Shadie Grajeda-Dabdoub, who has also been a member of Cheer since her sophomore year, said that she feels confident about the national competition in March. “We know that there are tough teams to beat, but somehow Pueblo’s Cheer team pushes harder. Instead of feeling intimidated by these superior teams, I look at them with great respect and apply this respect to myself—which is an attitude that everybody on the team should also mirror.”

Enrique Navarro, a senior, has been committed to being a part of Cheer all four years at Pueblo.

“Cheer is more organized this year, and team members are more motivated because we strive to become better,” Navarro said. “Our competitors really inspired us to be stronger and to be in a league of winners.”

Between now and March, Navarro said that the team will need to practice daily and clean up their routine if they are to be victorious in March in Anaheim, Calif. Cheer also needs to become stronger as a team and said that although competing against one another adds strength to the team, too much competition can add unnecessary tensions.

Alisa Gutierrez said, “I love my team with all of my heart. They are my second family.” She paused and added, “I push my teammates because I know that they can achieve greatness, and I’d never set them up for failure.”

Shadie Grajeda-Daddoub said, “I have high hopes for Pueblo’s Cheer program. I know that we will continue to do great things.”

Coach Grijalva said, “Between now and March, our Cheer team needs to raise money for the trip to California. Other than that, with practice and determination, we’re ready.”

Maria Servellon Accepted to Medical Workshop

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By Daniela Moreno

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Junior Maria Servellon (Class of 2018) was accepted to the Perry Initiative, a one-day program for young women interested in orthopedic surgery and biomechanical engineering.

Servellon is excited to be the first Pueblo applicant to be accepted to this program. Out of more than 200 applicants in Arizona, Servellon was among just 35 young women to be selected.

“I feel like being accepted has been a stepping stone for young women who are interested in this field,” she said.

On Saturday, September 17, 2016, Servellon attended the one-day program at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Pueblo science teachers Dr. Andrew Lettes and Ms. Elaine Straub accompanied her to this event.

“I really learned a lot performing six mock surgeries,” Servellon said. “I learned how to repair fracture using plates as well as spinal repairs due to scoliosis. I even had a chance to learn how to perform knee ligament reconstruction and to perform surgeon stitching.”

The application process consisted of a paragraph on why she was interested in attending this event as well as stating her short- and long-term goals in life.

“When I learned that I was accepted, it was totally unreal,” Servellon said. “I didn’t feel that I was that worthy of acceptance.”

Her former teacher, Dr. Andrew Lettes, is extremely proud of Servellon’s accomplishment and hopes many more females will follow in her footsteps in the future.

“Dr. Lettes truly encouraged and inspired me when I had him for the first time last year in Biotech 1-2, and even though I don’t have him for a teacher this year, he still inspires me because he is my ‘Science Dad’.”

Lettes said that Servellon’s acceptance into this program is a validation that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and are motivated enough.

Straub echoed Lettes’ words and added, “I’m beyond proud of what Maria Servellon has accomplished this year. I hope that she inspires more female students to follow in her footsteps.”

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Servellon is open to all sciences and hopes this experience will help guide her towards her future career. She said that she would like to help in the efforts to develop more effective plastic hearts to those who are in desperate need of heart transplant.

Servellon said that she is starting to investigate colleges and universities to pursue her medical education, and she is curious about the University of California at Berkeley, which is her original home.

“This [event] exposed me to even more science, and I’ve always been very passionate about science,” she added. “There are not many women devoting their careers to sciences these days, still, but more women are needed in sciences because I believe that women are more precise and meticulous than men.”

On Oct. 18, Servellon will be recognized and honored by T.U.S.D. Superintendent H. T. Sanchez during the Governing Board meeting. Servellon has been asked to invite her family to this special occasion.

Alicia Reyes Breaks State Record

America Cardenas Pueblo El Guerrero

By America Cardenas

Pueblo Basketball Player Alicia Reyes Breaks Arizona Record For 3 Pointers Made In A Game
Alicia Reyes (Center) holds scorebook showing the 17 3-Pointers she made to break record.

On January 27, Pueblo’s Girls’ Basketball team enjoyed a colossal win over Cholla with a final score of 98-11. Another victorious moment that night was sophomore Alicia Reyes, Class of 2018, setting a new state record.

Reyes made 17 three-pointers during the game (for a total of 51 points in just three-pointers!) and ended up scoring a total of 57 points, topping the previous Southern Arizona high of 54 made by another Warrior, Angela Lopez, set in the 2007-08 season.

“She [Reyes] is my shooter, she is my best shooter!” exclaimed Coach Ismael Galindo.

The previous record of three-pointers made in a single game was 14 set last season by a Phoenix Sierra Linda High School student, Janae Gonzales.

“When I hit the record breaking three-pointers, I could not stop smiling,” Reyes said. “I could see my teammates cheering for me, and it was a great feeling!”

Reyes tied the national record of 17 three-pointers that was set by Rebecca Greenwell from Kentucky back in January 2013.

“I want to break the national record!” Reyes exclaimed. “That would definitely be something to talk about for a long time!”

One of the team’s greatest games this season was their matchup against the Safford High School Bulldogs; that evening, the Warriors girls’ basketball team broke that team’s 24-consecutive winning streak.

The girls’ basketball team ended the regular season with a final record of 22-3, going undefeated in their section. They need the support of the Pueblo community when they take on the Casa Grande Cougars in the second round of sectional playoffs on Thursday, February 11.

Students Learn Valuable Lessons At DECA Conference

By Iram Arce and Daniel Cantu

On Sunday, March 1, six Pueblo Students attended the DECA [Distributive Education Careers of America] Conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, competing in events among 2,000 other students from all around the state.

Also known as CTSO [Career Technical Student Organization], DECA is part of marketing—giving students an opportunity to learn business skills and compete with others in various activities.

Mr. Pete Pederson, Pueblo’s digital printing (and yearbook) instructor, was a judge for one of the DECA contests that involved students having to apply for an entrepreneurial business proposal. Pederson said that Pueblo students did not compete in this event.

“All contests were scenario-based,” Pederson said. “Students had to play their part and exemplify business etiquette and business savviness.”

Mina Van Gorder, President of the DECA chapter at Pueblo, attended the competition for the second time—this year with more experience and preparation.

“Last year, I had no idea what I was doing,” Van Gorder said. “Now I had more experience on what to expect from the competitions.”

Junior Daniella Contreras admitted that she was really nervous in front of people during the competition, but was able to confront her fears and succeed.

“I was about to have a breakdown, but luckily Mina [Van Gorder] was there to help me out,” Contreras said.

After the competitions students enjoyed the award ceremony—and this is when our Warriors found out that they would not advance to the next round.

“Although we didn’t win, we met lots of new people and gained much more experience on how to talk professionally, making us effective leaders,” Contreras said. “Learning how to be an effective leader is important—not just at school but in ‘real’ life.”

The advisor/sponsor for DECA, Dr. Maria Bicknell, explained that students were very successful raising money for this trip through numerous events and student participation.

Bicknell said, “I’ve been to many of these conferences, and I never get tired of them. I have a never-ending passion to help our students grow and to learn to be leaders as well as critical thinkers. I really want them to succeed in life.”