Emily Andrade
Emily Andrade was born on March 27, 1997 in Tucson, Arizona. She attends Arizona College Prep High School, and will be a senior this coming school year. Emily has two brothers, one older and one younger.
Emily is a very well rounded person. She has played volleyball in the past years, she is very involved in her church, and she enjoys doing volunteer work.
Emily’s future plans are to attend East or West Coast College after high school. She wants to go into journalism and study abroad. After that, she wants to travel and help people across the world.
Emily is currently attending the Diversity Journalism Workshop here at the University of Arizona, and is giving her all to make this newspaper the best it can be.
Andres Becerra
From Michigan to Arizona, Andres Becerra has lived in more than a few places, which explains his bicultural roots. Currently located in Nogales, Arizona, Becerra, 17, is a rising senior at Lourdes Catholic School. His hopes are to go UC Berkeley in order to receive his Bachelor’s Degree and follow on to get his Master’s Degree in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Becerra remains unsure as to what career he would like to pursue.
Despite not knowing what profession he would like to have, Becerra knows two things: he strongly wishes to travel Latin America, and most importantly, do something big. As explanation, Becerra says, “I am terrified of death and being forgotten, which is why I want to do something grand with my life.” His aspirations seem to point within the journalism/communication field as of now.
When asked to describe himself in one sentence, Becerra says, “I am a person who bores easily and doesn’t like to stay in the same place for long.” When compared to the places he has lived and the places he would like to go, this statement makes a lot of sense. However, this isn’t all he is. Becerra considers himself as a very indecisive existentialist with a ridiculously good memory. As a photographer and online editor for The Chronicle, Becerra is an artist through and through.
Despite not knowing what profession he would like to have, Becerra knows two things: he strongly wishes to travel Latin America, and most importantly, do something big. As explanation, Becerra says, “I am terrified of death and being forgotten, which is why I want to do something grand with my life.” His aspirations seem to point within the journalism/communication field as of now.
When asked to describe himself in one sentence, Becerra says, “I am a person who bores easily and doesn’t like to stay in the same place for long.” When compared to the places he has lived and the places he would like to go, this statement makes a lot of sense. However, this isn’t all he is. Becerra considers himself as a very indecisive existentialist with a ridiculously good memory. As a photographer and online editor for The Chronicle, Becerra is an artist through and through.
Shania Benallie
Fashion obsessed Shania Benallie, 16, was born on December 15, 1997. Her passion for fashion and daring style doesn’t go unnoticed. From her spontaneous haircuts to red lipstick, she tries it all.
‘You have to look good to feel good’ is Benallie’s motto, but she isn’t all frills. When she isn’t writing she spends time dominating her high school’s basketball court (Fort Thomas High).
On the inside, Benallie is a happy and caring person who has a tight bond with her family. She is the third of four sisters. “We fight a lot, but I can’t live without them.” says Benallie with a laugh.
Benallie looks forward to pursuing a career as a best-selling novelist.
Gillian Brailsford
Gillian Brailsford was born on December 28th, 1996 on the north side of Tucson. She has one full brother and five stepsiblings.
She is an upcoming senior at Arizona College Prep Academy where she is an AP student and participates in Student Council, designing posters and organizing events.
Her hobbies are drawing and riding her bike and scooter around Tucson. She works as a Tucson lifeguard, and she enjoys alternative music and reading.
Her first pet, Maisy, is very important to her. She also has a snake named Nagini.
After she finishes high school, she wishes to study abroad and join the Peace Corps.
Yasmeen Chanes
Born in Dallas, Texas, Yasmeen Chanes has made Tucson her home ever since she moved at three months old. As one of the three editors of the online newspaper, The Perspective, she took the role of the ‘fun editor’ and schedules bonding activities for the staff and gathers recruits.
Yasmeen currently attends University High School. In her free time, she is the vice president of Model UN; she is a member of the Legacy Club and the Feminist Club. She also enjoys volunteering. Although these activities take up a lot of her energy, her three toy poodles, Hugo, Rusty, and Duchess, are very important to her.
If she’s listening to music, it’s probably John Mayer, Walk the Moon, or Beyoncé. As for TV, she likes Downtown Abbey, The Mindy Project, and New Girl. She’s a fan of The Hunger Games Series and loves A Wrinkle in Time.
In the next few months she will begin the college application process and she is optimistic about the future.
Kristina Cota
Kristina Cota, 17, was born in El Paso, Texas and grew up in Gilbert, Ariz. She attends Mesquite High School. Kristina hopes to experience a small slice of college life during her time with the UA School of Journalism.
She has intentions of using the idea of what college life is like to start mentally preparing herself for what it takes to achieve a high level of education.
Kristina loves to play the guitar and watch movies. She likes to consider herself a well-rounded procrastinator. She loves to travel because it allows her to see other cultures and their lifestyles, specifically third-world countries. Being able to see the way others live their lives makes her feel grateful for the life she has.
Kristina believes it’s beneficial to try to get best idea you can before judging or taking on a situation in order to get a correct idea of what’s really going on and how you can contribute.
Thomasina Dinehdeal
Born May 9, 1997 in Tuba City, Thomasina Dinehdeal is a quiet but bright individual. She currently lives in Tuba City, and attends Tuba City high School.
Behind Thomasina’s shy personality hides a very interesting girl. She is a part of both the Native American Honors Society and the National Honors Society, revealing someone who is very well accomplished.
Growing up on a reservation means a lot to her.
“My culture is important to me,” says Thomasina. “When you’re on the reservation not many people judge you.”
Thomasina participates in the shooting team and marksmanship team in her school and community. Although her local culture is important to her, she hopes to be a traveling English teacher, as she likes to explore other cultures different from her own.
Jane Ellis
Jane Ellis loves writing and reading Fanfiction, and sees herself becoming a writer someday.
Her experience with “hardcore” journalism has only reached the extent of interviewing basking turtles.
Jane has a rare condition, fibular hemimelia, which messed up the development of her right foot. As such, she only has four toes on said foot, as well as a mysterious freckle.
Victoria Grijalva
Born in Tucson Az, and raised in Agua Prieta Sonora/ Douglas, Arizona, Victoria Grijalva was raised with a duality of Mexican and American culture, language, and tradition. She is Alfonso Grijalva, and Adriana Ochoa’s first daughter of three. That is the main reason her sense of responsibility is innate.
Most of her time gets spent reading, writting, riding her bicycle, and the most noticeable of all, laughing. Broadcast journalism is her field of preference.
Grijalva likes the idea of giving a face to news, and considers herself a good candidate. She describes herself as a person with conflicting personalities, due to the fact that she can be a very childish person, but at the same time she finds herself very responsible.
Quinton Johnson
Quinton Johnson, 16, of Red Mountain High School in Mesa, Arizona aspires to receive his master’s degree in an undetermined field. His confidence in his ability to learn allows for a strong sense of will in life. With such a high level of education, he feels he can achieve happiness in his line of work, and elaborates with “I want to get up in the morning and feel like I want to go to work.”
In his spare time, he likes to watch Tom Brady comebacks in the fourth quarter. His love of football motivated him to join his school’s JV football team as a quarterback for one season.
In addition to his fondness for sports, he also thoroughly enjoys listening to music and reporting for his school’s newspaper.
When writing articles and personal narratives, he does not look at what is written that’s good, but rather what needs work. “Every moment I’m thinking and writing down words I can use to make my work better,” says Johnson.
Lynnsi Nichols
Lynnsi Nichols, 17, attends Red Mountain High School. Her hobbies are hiking, writing music, and being outdoors.
She wishes to be a secret agent when she grows up. There is never a dull moment when you are hanging out with Lynnsi. She is funny, outgoing and always has something to say.
Lynnsi tends to get easily distracted and run into things, but her clumsiness seems to add to her personality rather than take away.
An energetic, girl who can run on no sleep, she will brighten your day and is sure to make you laugh.
Bryan Orozco
Bryan Orozco, 17, was born in Arizona. Aside from being musically driven and very adaptable to situations, Bryan is in constant pursuit of knowledge and happiness.
In his pursuit of knowledge, he focuses himself into his studies. As long as he’s enjoying the process of learning all the way to the end, Bryan plans to continue to thrive and expand his wisdom and skills.
Despite his passion for journalism, Bryan finds himself intrigued with Latin American studies. He feels that he is able to thrive in both lines of work and sometimes likes to make both worlds collide by expressing his opinions through articles which cover diversity, Chicano life in America, and even worldwide sports that are loved by many cultures.
“I want to do everything correctly,” says Bryan. “By doing it correctly, it will all be worth the effort at the end because I will have made myself happy, whether that is in the field of journalism, or as a professor in Latin America.”
In his pursuit of knowledge, he focuses himself into his studies. As long as he’s enjoying the process of learning all the way to the end, Bryan plans to continue to thrive and expand his wisdom and skills.
Despite his passion for journalism, Bryan finds himself intrigued with Latin American studies. He feels that he is able to thrive in both lines of work and sometimes likes to make both worlds collide by expressing his opinions through articles which cover diversity, Chicano life in America, and even worldwide sports that are loved by many cultures.
“I want to do everything correctly,” says Bryan. “By doing it correctly, it will all be worth the effort at the end because I will have made myself happy, whether that is in the field of journalism, or as a professor in Latin America.”
America Parra
She’s 17 years old, born in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., but was raised in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.
Singing is one of America Parra’s favorite pastimes, especially when it comes to Christian music. She is devoted to God and her church, Congregación Cristiana International Eliezer (C.C.I.E.).
America loves journalism with a passion. She is bilingual, allowing her to write in English and Spanish.
She enjoys writing poems and songs in both languages. America is also an avid public speaker. She received 3 consecutive oratory awards, and was able to meet the Mexican president due to her achievements.
Singing is one of America Parra’s favorite pastimes, especially when it comes to Christian music. She is devoted to God and her church, Congregación Cristiana International Eliezer (C.C.I.E.).
America loves journalism with a passion. She is bilingual, allowing her to write in English and Spanish.
She enjoys writing poems and songs in both languages. America is also an avid public speaker. She received 3 consecutive oratory awards, and was able to meet the Mexican president due to her achievements.
Keoni Quinonez
Born and raised in Tuba City, Arizona, Keoni Quinonez is an optimistic individual.
She attends school at Tuba City High School where she is an incoming junior with the graduating class of 2016. Quinonez enjoys her free time and spends it playing both volleyball and basketball. She has been doing so for the past seven years.
Quinonez has big plans for the future. She hopes to become a Physician Assistant as she attends college in the upcoming years. However, she has always enjoyed writing and also wants to continue pursuing the field.
Recommended by her Sophomore English teacher to be in the Journalism Diversity Workshop, Quinonez was a bit hesitant at first about applying but decided to do so anyway.
Throughout the time in the workshop she has learned that she is a capable writer and can do anything if she sets her mind to it.
Jonas Saganitso
Jonas Saganitso, 17, has a passion for the great outdoors. He enjoys activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and stargazing.
“[He is a] well-traveled and spirited person with great taste in music,” said Victoria Grijalva, a current student in the Journalism Diversity Workshop.
After joining the Navy as a Navy corpsman, Saganitso wishes to become a professional photographer. His love for photography is evident by the constant pictures he takes.
Arii Sylvers
Arii Sylvers, 17, attends St. Gregory’s College Preparatory School, where she wears many hats- as she has leadership roles in multiple clubs. Not only was she active on Prom Committee, but she is in Diversity Club as well.
She also holds position as senior class representative while still being active on her varsity volleyball team.
Sylvers was born in Ft. Wayne, Ind. and then moved to Florida where most of her family lives. In third grade, she finally relocated to Tucson, Ariz., where she has stayed ever since. She loves to attend concerts and hang out with her friends.
At St. Greg’s, Sylvers is very active in the school newspaper (The Gregorian Chant.) “The Chant,” as her school calls it, has become popular around school now that her class year has taken it over.