Make-A Wish at PCHS
by Brienna Parnariso Make-A-Wish Colorado is an organization that originated in 1983, but internationally, the organization developed in 1980. As a whole, they've brought light and wishes to about 520,000 children around the United States. Colorado’s first Make-A-Wish recipient was Jennifer Mazak. The young girl wished to meet her favorite radio show mascot, the KIMN chicken, after battling liver disease her entire life. The joy and success brought Colorado to the intentions of making this a regular opportunity for other children struggling with rare diseases. Freshman, AJ French, stated, “Make-A-Wish is a foundation I have known about, but havent been at Pueblo County High School long enough to witness them support the organization! I am super excited to see how the school comes together to brighten the life of Cash.” Pueblo County High School united as one in hopes of providing Cash with his own Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. The boy was diagnosed with obstructive, hypertrophic, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary valve stenosis hours after birth. This altered his day to day life, ability, and happiness. The young boy has expressed that having his own clubhouse with similar features to the cartoon would bring him happiness and ease. We hope to bring enlightenment outside of cartoons and Cash’s chocolate lab, and be able to bring a dream to life! By, Michael Applegate
At Pueblo County High School the Distributive Education Clubs of America team (DECA) went to state on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 27 & 28, at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. With 28 students from PCHS competing in many different categories. Desiree Bowlby, first-year teacher and head of the DECA department said, “At first it was overwhelming and then I would have to say it was pride and enjoyment. The students had a great time and everyone came out with a little nugget of information.” State Finalists were Ethan Conrad, Mati Lewin, Gianna Manxanares, Noah Weckx, Ava Tucci, and Ava Cortese. The National Qualifier from PCHS in the Hotel and Lodging Management category is Mati Lewin and in the Principles of Business Management and Administration category is Noah Weckx. Gianna Manzanares, senior, and one of the state finalists said “It was different, it was a little more nerve-wracking but very bittersweet because it was the last one I would participate in as a senior in high school.” Bowlby said she was mostly nervous for all her students because she wanted them to feel good about themselves and the experience. She also wanted them to know that she was there for them as their little cheerleader on the side. After they started rolling she said, “ I just started to be great in how well they all did.” She also wanted them to all know how proud she was of all their efforts. As well as the whole Pueblo County School being proud of them all too. By, Javin Martinez
Yet another club has done Pueblo County Highschool proud as Technology Student Association, (also known as TSA) has won a state competition. These hard-working students have achieved what other Southern Colorado schools could not as PCHS was the only one south of Denver with competitors in the top 3. The Following Students from PCHS placed in the state competition. National Qualifiers 1st Place Video Game Design Dallas Musso, Eric David, Noah Schwartz, David Velarde, James Rothbaum, Eli Martinez 2nd Place Catapult Design Beckett Morgan, Blake Anderson, Eli Martinez 2nd Place Digital Video Production Capreese Lisac, Zach Mead, Isabella Vetta 2nd Place Software Development Noah Schwartz, Eric David, David Velarde 3rd Place Dragster Design Zach Watkins 3rd Place Structural Design and Engineering Tyler Greenfield, David Tafoya Semifinalists Architectural Design Zora Malone, Kiriah Kopasz, Skyla Kopasz Board Game Design Keri Santistevan, Morgan Romero Data Science Olivia (Aspen) Shoaf Dragster Design Walker Gray Robotic Design Zach Watkins, Noah Schwartz, Eric David Structural Design and Engineering Cloie Cortez, Averie Williams Zach Mead, Capreese Lisac Transportation Modeling Madison Kersten Webmaster Eric David, Zach Watkins, Dallas Musso So what is TSA? Well, TSA was founded in 1978 to develop leadership, math, science, technology, and engineering skills for students and others in communities. This organization has provided students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter college or maintain a job that corresponds to their respective fields. As peers of our school, TSA should be congratulated and thanked for their hard work and dedication, they not only showed what it means to be a hornet but also someone from Colorado. Their sacrifice of time and labor sets an example for all who live in Colorado. By Ruby Raya
High school credits are one of a teenager's most significant accomplishments in life. Here at Pueblo County High School, students take their credits very seriously and try their best to accomplish everything thats needed to be able to move on to college. Picking certain classes that can help with getting credits up, and that students can actually enjoy. Feb. 28, 2023, the class meetings were held for all students, freshmen through seniors. Obviously, the main talking point was credits thats were given for semester one, credit recovery, next year's class choices. The information given was very helpful. Students can be able to find their credits in PowerSchool and they can apply for classes by a form given by their specific counselor depending on their last name. [A-Gi] Sherl Lockwood, [Gl- M] Flo Downs, and [N-Z] Caren Vezzani. Some unique classes students can apply for are, Intro to Agriculture, Cabinet Making, Crew Dance, Band, Criminology, and plenty more! By Ezra Elizando
The annual Snowball dance for Pueblo County Highschool is here and was held on Saturday, Jan. 28 in the Auxiliary gym. The dance had a great number of students to make it a fun time for everyone. Freshman to seniors crowded the school in their best attire to enjoy the evening. As usual there were five Seniors selected for Snowball king. The Students showed up in their best attire with respective dates hoping to wear the crown. Trent Bagget, senior at PCHS said, “Even though I didn’t win, I still had a great time.” Besides the royal competition students the night was filled with dancing and fun memories. Before arrival couples enjoyed a dinner out at various restaurants around town. Texas Roadhouse seemed to be a popular choice. Overall, this years dance was a hit. By Brienna Panariso
Pueblo County High Schools’ Arts Academy has begun the production of the classic The Addams Family. Being pursued and directed by Taylor Gilman, the cast will come together to perform on several occasions, including opening night on Thursday, Mar. 9 at 7 p.m., Mar.10 and Mar. 11 at 7 p.m. and Mar.12 at 2 p.m. Cast members and tech crew have dedicated time since Nov. of 2022. They have been pursuing the production into the start of Mar. 2023 with hard work and commitment. This includes all tech, drama construction and art classes that put work, effort and ideas toward the Addams Family musical. Moss Ray, junior, said, “I'm excited to see how timeframes and elements clash within the production, and have grown intrigued to see how PCHS will come together to put on such a flawless production.” The Addams Family is seen as an American classic in both comic literature,television and movies. This is due to its large history of influence and impact on many people. The musical is comedy based, and began with simple comic panels. An anomaly and award winning piece is admirably welcomed onto the stage of PCHS. Taylor Gilman, the TAA instructor, stated, “The Addams Family musical is going to be TAA’s best production to date!” PCHS is honored to have students, volunteers, and educators within the department that make this experience possible for the entire school and are excited to conclude the development of the musical. Come out to support your school, friends, peers, and instructors by contributing and viewing the upcoming Spring Musical. By Javin Martinez
What is HOSSA? HOSSA is a student-led global organization with the intended purpose of promoting the healthcare industry and enhancing the quality of healthcare. Opportunities from this organization include amazing ones such as scholarships, competitions, and conferences. Not only does HOSSA provide college opportunities but also guidance on what healthcare professions would be more suitable for an individual, along with the means of following that path. The HOSSA club at Pueblo County Highschool that provides students with a golden opportunity to find out what they would like to do after high school. Meetings are held in purpose of spreading awareness of the organization and what good opportunities it provides for students looking to seek a healthcare career. If you seek any kind of future with a profession in healthcare HOSSA is definitely the path for you, and even if you don't plan on a healthcare career HOSSA is full of great times and opportunities that’ll be sure to leave an impression to look back on. By Ezra Elizando
A new Pueblo County High School club has arrived, known as the Chess Club. The game of chess has been around for more than 1,000 years. It gives great opportunities to the students who have played it with their elders. When it comes to chess, people have high expectations with skill and are able to think wisely on every move, being able to win against anyone which comes in handy for newcomers in the club. For instance, junior Tyler Greenfeild stated, “Chess Club being new is great for people like me who enjoy it.” He seems to be a skilled student in the club as he has a winning streak of four games already. Days for the chess club consist of many short games for practice. Even though Chess Club is doing great for its first year, it isn’t the only successful club. For example a while ago, PCHS created a new club called ESPORTS, which was an accomplishment for it being its first season. New beginnings for clubs really connect the students who have the skills for the club. By Javin Martinez
The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) is a test that takes place at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. The reason why students take this test is to monitor their growth and progression. Teachers can identify the weaknesses in both instructions and in students by these measurements offered through NWEA testing. This test can help teachers improve their ways of instructing as well as show the district if their students are at the level of knowledge they expect them to be. It’s an assessment to improve the district and its way of teaching and managing. Although NWEA is a necessary component of school, a lot of students and teachers have mixed opinions about the test. Olivia Foster, junior stated, “I think NWEA is very time-consuming to do. I think it helps teachers and the district know things but they should try making it smaller so it doesn't take as long.” Students such as Foster view the test as time-consuming as well as an inconvenience to their education. On the other hand, teachers view the test as worthwhile and a needed progress check for them and their students. Janae Gribble, a science teacher stated, “I think it's a good way of tracking students' progress and for teachers to see how they're doing.” Clearly, students and teachers have different opinions on NWEA, but as a matter of fact, NWEA provides valuable information for both teachers and the district, and changing the process now would be negative for the district. |