Pueblo High School

Rosa Is Free!

By Aliah Luna

On the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 10, I was lucky enough to be invited by Ms. Ginger Arzani, Social Worker at Pueblo and an advocate of immigration reform, to witness Ms. Rosa Robles-Loreto’s announcement that she was leaving the Southside Presbyterian Church after 461 days of living there in sanctuary. With tear-filled eyes, she said that she was returning back home to her family the next day.

“I feel relieved and free,” she said.

Local media was not invited to this event, so being asked to be a part of history meant a great deal to me.

As an undocumented immigrant, Robles took sanctuary inside the Southside Presbyterian Church for more than 15 months. She finally grew frustrated remaining in sanctuary separated from her family. She decided that it was time to return to living her life as a loving mother and wife—leaving behind this country’s broken immigration laws.

Robles entered the doors of the church on August 7, 2014, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entered a final order of deportation against her. She has lived peacefully in the U.S. since 1999.

For 461 days, Robles cooked her family’s meals in the church kitchen and spent nights sleeping in a Sunday school room. Robles and members of the Tucson faith community gathered every evening and prayed for Robles and others who were experiencing difficulties and challenges with this country’s immigration laws.

As a school reporter and photographer for the journalism program, attending this gathering on the eve of Robles’ departure from the Church gave me a sense of how colossal this issue is and how Robles and others in her situation have been adversely affected by this country’s unfairness regarding illegal immigration laws. Those in attendance were very emotional about Robles’ decision to leave. Towards the end of the evening, everybody lit their candles, passing the flame on to their neighbor—all in celebration of Robles returning home.

Nobody knows Robles’ fate regarding her immigration status, but returning to being a mother and a wife was worth the risk.

Nearly 10,000 “We Stand With Rosa” signs have been placed around Tucson, especially throughout downtown, along 4th Avenue, and the Armory Park are, not to mention in schools across the city. Just because Robles is home does not mean that these signs should come down.

Arzani said, “People are encouraged to keep their “We Stand With Rosa” signs visible until immigration laws change. These signs should stay up for years to represent the changes that need to take place in immigration.”

Pueblo Administrators Limits Hall Passes

By Iram Arce

A new rule effective at the beginning of November 2015 limited students’ hall passes. Students are no longer allowed to obtain passes from their teachers during first, fourth, and seventh periods. Students who do not follow this policy will receive a consequence, including ISA (In-School Suspension)—according to Assistant Principal Alma Carmona-Alday.

Carmona-Alday said that students wandering the halls became a serious problem earlier this semester, and many teachers complained about the noise levels in the halls. Many students were ditching their classes and talking to their friends during class time.

She explained that the three worst times for students being in the halls are first period, because it is the beginning of the school day; fourth period because of the confusion between students having class or lunch; and seventh period, because it’s the end of the school day, and some students do not have a final period and need to be off campus.

Mr. Frank Rosthenhausler, assistant principal at Pueblo, said that administrators are doing everything possible to limit the traffic in the hallways, especially due to the shortage of security staff—two away from fully staffed.

However, there are exceptions.

“We understand that some students have important needs,” Rosthenhausler said, “and some students will be allowed to leave their classes. However, what we administrators are trying to do is stop chronic offenders who are always asking for a pass with no legitimate reason.”

This policy will remain in effect for the rest of the school year in the hopes to better our educational life, Rosthenhausler said.

“If we [administrators] start something, it is our responsibility to finish it,” Carmona-Alday said. “Our primary job is to keep our students safe, followed by keeping our students in class, and help them to be successful.”

Shoes & Glasses Available For Students

By Kenya Acosta

Attention Pueblo Students, if you are in need of glasses or any shoes, please contact Nurse Kate Straub, who has been helping our Warriors for eight years.

Some of the sponsors for providing students with free eyeglasses and shoes are as follows: the Educational Enrichment Foundation; Focus on Vision; and the Lion’s Club. Last year, Straub provided 38 kids with glasses and helped 21 with a brand new pair of shoes.

“I promise that anyone who needs [to wear] glasses or shoes will not leave without them,” said Straub.

All Pueblo students are eligible, no matter the legal status or home income. Take advantage of Pueblo’s great opportunity. The process is very minimal, Straub assured, and if you are in need of glasses and/or shoes, please see her at your earliest convenience.

Warrior Football Finishes 7-4, Advances To State, Players Honored

By América Cárdenas

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the 2015-16 Pueblo varsity football team advanced to their first playoff appearance since 1991, taking on the Estrella Foothills’ Wolves. Unfortunately, the Warriors lost with a final score of 35-13.

The Warriors ended the season with a final record of 7-4, giving them their second consecutive winning season.

Junior Michael Beltran said, “Last year we set the trend of a triumphant season, and I hope this year we set the precedent for next year’s post-season performance and appearance.”

Pueblo secured their playoff status by being undefeated in their class to become section champions.

“We may not have finished our season with a state championship, but we are making a name for Pueblo again,” said senior David Greenwood. “We want the community to know that we are not a ghetto south side school and that we have so many great programs here including an outstanding athletics department with committed players with pride and devoted coaches who want us to learn the meaning of team spirit.”

Another senior, Jasiah Booth, said, “I couldn’t be any prouder of my team, and I want to wish all upcoming sports just as much luck in their seasons as our football team had this past season.”

On Nov. 23, several of our Warrior football players were honored by coaches for their commendable performances in Division IV, Section II, including:

Justin Pledger (Offensive Player of the Year)
Jorge Romero (First Team Running Back)
Frankie Gomez (First Team Receiver)
Michael Beltran (First Team Offensive Lineman)
Jasiah Booth (First Team Offensive Lineman)
Elliott Perez-Guillen (First Team Linebacker)
David Greenwood (First Team Defensive End)
Justin Pledger (First Team Defensive Back)
Jasiah Booth (First Team Interior Lineman)
Justin Pledger (First Team Returner)
Armando Lucero (Second Team Receiver)
Adrian Madero (Second Team Linebacker)
Frankie Gomez (Second Team Defensive Back)
Raul German (Second Team Interior Lineman)
Jesus Rodriguez (Second Team Interior Lineman)

Booth added, “Pueblo is back on the map, and I am proud to say I am a part of the school’s turn around years. Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.”

Pueblo Celebrates Dia DeLos Muertos 2015

By Iram Arce

Dia De Los Muertos Yulissa Tarango Daniella Contreras Alejandra Navarrete (kneeling) Damaris Ponce Lazaro Tovar — Left to Right: Yulissa Tarango, Daniella Contreras, Alejandra Navarrete, (kneeling) Damaris Ponce & Lazaro Tovar pose for Dia de los Muertos “altar”.

This past Monday, several Pueblo teachers and hundreds of their students boasted their Dia de los Muertos displays (or, “altars”, as they are referred to in the Mexican culture) throughout Pueblo.

El Dia de los Muertos is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. On this day in Mexico—usually Nov. 2—the streets near cemetaries are filled with decorations of paper, flowers, candy, skeletons and skulls, as well as parades.

Dia De Los Muertos Display Mr Gray — Mr. Gray’s student display for Dia de los Muertos

On this day, death is laughed at in its face. Many euphemisms are used for death, la calaca (the skeleton), la pelona (“baldy”), la flaca (“the skinny”), and la huesada (“bony”). In parades, children carry marigolds, and music is played and dances are made to honor the spirits.

Dia De Los Muertos Display Ms Mejia — Ms. Mejia’s student display remember the 43 of Ayotzinapa

Here at Pueblo, many students learned about the Mexican culture and the significance of Dia de los Muertos. One student, junior Ana Lopez, said, “Ms. [Cathy] Gastelum really taught us a lot about this holiday. I learned mostly that we should always mourn our lost loved ones, and this holidays is an easy way to mourn those who have passed.”

Another junior, Anamim Yarisa, also in Ms. Gastelum’s classroom, said, “Everybody should reflect on those who have passed. A holiday like Dia de los Muertos makes it much easier to say goodbye to somebody we’ve lost.”

Several other teachers partook in this holiday with their students, including art teacher Mr. Ned Gray, Spanish teacher Mr. Jesus Orduño and social studies teacher Ms. Jessica Mejia.

Dia De Los Muertos Display Betsy Shepard Jesus Orduno — Mrs. Shepard & Mr. Orduño’s student display of Dia de los Muertos

Football Team Ends 25-Year Post-Season ‘Drought’

By America Cardenas and Xamantha Williams

Pueblo Magnet High school’s football team ended the regular season with a record of 7-3 and as section champions secured their first playoff appearance since 1991. The Warriors are set to take on the Estrella Foothills Wolves on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m.

Last season, Pueblo’s football program set the precedence of a 7-3 season; however, the team fell short of the playoffs by one game.

Senior Jasiah Booth, who has played varsity football at Pueblo for four years, said, “Playoffs is something I have dreamed about since my freshman year and to be the class to accomplish this is such a great feeling.”

The 25-year post-season drought has definitely come to an end for Pueblo, and the Warriors are eager to have the opportunity to play in the November tournament.

Pueblo Warriors Football Ready To Run In State Playoffs — Warriors excited about representing Pueblo at State Playoffs

“Getting to playoffs is an accomplishment in itself,” said senior Jorge Romero, “however, I am no where near satisfied just yet.”

Junior Angel Faras added, “We’ve had one goal all season: [to make playoffs]; and now that we have made it this far, we are ready to fight for what we truly want which is State.”

The team has been preparing for the post-season since late May, and the Warriors are proud to have the opportunity to represent Pueblo in Goodyear, AZ, this weekend.

“Our team has become a brotherhood and I am excited and eager to play with my family in this amazing opportunity,” said senior Justin Pledger.

“We are not some ghetto south side school, we are going above and beyond people’s expectations this year,” said senior David Greenwood.

Senior, Luis Armenta said, “We are going to put all our hearts into this game and go out there and fight like true Warriors.”

Although the Warriors will still continue their season into playoffs, here is a recap of the last five regular season games.

Game 6: Friday, October 2:

Pueblo was victorious against the Catalina Trojans with a final score of 72-0, breaking the school’s record for all-time points in a single game. The Warriors scored in all ways possible: punt return, kick return, passing touchdown, rushing touchdown, interception, and fumble. This was also the Warriors’ first home game of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and all athletes wore pink in support.

Game 7: Friday, October 9:

Pueblo traveled to Palo Verde and took their fifth win of the regular season with a final score of 56-7.

Game 8: Friday, October 16:

The Warriors took on the Pusch Ridge Lions in weather that was less than 60 degrees—with rain and winds of more than 20 mph. Unfortunately, Pueblo lost with a final score of 13-35. Pueblo Cheer continued to rally for the Warriors throughout the cold, wet night.

Game 9: Friday, October 23:

The night began with senior recognition, a chance for seniors to be escorted across the field by family members before the beginning of their last game at Lou Farber Field. The night was filled with smiles and laughs. This was not a night just for seniors but also the night that Pueblo could secure their spot into the playoffs as sectional champions. The Warriors were victorious, with a final score of 73-41 against the Empire Ravens, once again breaking the school record for most points scored in a single game.

Game 10: Friday, October 30:

The last game of the regular season for the Warriors was against the Santa Rita Eagles, and the Warriors took the win with a final score of 55-6.

Now, it’s time for the Warriors to advance to the State playoffs, and we all cheer them on. On Saturday, Nov. 7, students and the Pueblo community are encouraged to travel to Goodyear, AZ, on the “Spirit Bus” to give our team some hometown support. The bus trip will cost $10, and another $8 for admission into the game. The bus will leave at 3:15 p.m. at Pueblo, and will return to Pueblo at approximately 11:30. Support our football team!