Savannah Peña
Editor In Chief <3
Athletic. Musical. Career-oriented. These are the three best words to describe Savannah Peña.
Peña, 17, is a senior at Tucson High Magnet School. A swimmer on the high school varsity swim team, Peña works as a lifeguard at Manzanita Park, where she supervises people in the pool and helps them when in need.
To become a lifeguard, Peña had to go through rigorous training and exercises.
“They paired me with a guy three times my size, and I had to pick him up from under the water and bring him back up,” Peña says.
Swimming is a skill that runs in the Peña family. She learned swimming at a young age by her dad throwing her in the deep end of the pool, she says.
Likewise, she comes from a family of swimmers as her father is a deep sea diver and she hopes to join her father in a dive one day.
Her athletic powers extend beyond the water onto land. Peña hopes to become a member of Tucson High’s pom line.
Peña also enjoys playing sports, including track. She was in track from 7th grade to her sophomore year, running the 100- meter, the 200-meter, the 400-meter and the 4-by-1 relay. Peña ran track for many years until she faced a number of minor injuries that compelled her to switch to swimming.
In addition to sports, Peña is musically inclined. She has been playing the guitar since she was 7 years old. After playing in a mariachi program in elementary school, Peña joined her high school’s mariachi group, Mariachi Orgullo de la Tusa and has been playing with them since her freshman year.
Peña’s activity list doesn’t end there. Peña was chosen to be the editor-in-chief for the 2019 UA Journalism Diversity Workshop recently.
Peña’s career goal is to write code for companies; she has enjoyed coding since she learned the basics in Dodge Traditional Magnet Middle School. Toward that goal, she already has completed pre-calculus, trigonometry and graphic design, and she plans to take AP statistics.
She is hoping to achieve her goal by attending Northern Arizona University and would like to become a software developer and systems engineer.
“Coding, for me, is like solving a hard puzzle, but I enjoy the challenge,” Peña says.
Peña, 17, is a senior at Tucson High Magnet School. A swimmer on the high school varsity swim team, Peña works as a lifeguard at Manzanita Park, where she supervises people in the pool and helps them when in need.
To become a lifeguard, Peña had to go through rigorous training and exercises.
“They paired me with a guy three times my size, and I had to pick him up from under the water and bring him back up,” Peña says.
Swimming is a skill that runs in the Peña family. She learned swimming at a young age by her dad throwing her in the deep end of the pool, she says.
Likewise, she comes from a family of swimmers as her father is a deep sea diver and she hopes to join her father in a dive one day.
Her athletic powers extend beyond the water onto land. Peña hopes to become a member of Tucson High’s pom line.
Peña also enjoys playing sports, including track. She was in track from 7th grade to her sophomore year, running the 100- meter, the 200-meter, the 400-meter and the 4-by-1 relay. Peña ran track for many years until she faced a number of minor injuries that compelled her to switch to swimming.
In addition to sports, Peña is musically inclined. She has been playing the guitar since she was 7 years old. After playing in a mariachi program in elementary school, Peña joined her high school’s mariachi group, Mariachi Orgullo de la Tusa and has been playing with them since her freshman year.
Peña’s activity list doesn’t end there. Peña was chosen to be the editor-in-chief for the 2019 UA Journalism Diversity Workshop recently.
Peña’s career goal is to write code for companies; she has enjoyed coding since she learned the basics in Dodge Traditional Magnet Middle School. Toward that goal, she already has completed pre-calculus, trigonometry and graphic design, and she plans to take AP statistics.
She is hoping to achieve her goal by attending Northern Arizona University and would like to become a software developer and systems engineer.
“Coding, for me, is like solving a hard puzzle, but I enjoy the challenge,” Peña says.
By: Kevin Cazares Photo by: Christiana Lincowski
Jacquelyn Gutierrez
Editor in Chief <3
Jacquelyn “Jacky” Gutierrez, a 17-year-old senior at Tucson’s Pueblo High School, lives by the quote, “We have all eternity to celebrate the victories but only a few hours before sunset to win them,” from missionary Amy Carmichael.
In 2018, Gutierrez had experienced stomach pain, dehydration, and extreme weight loss prior to visiting a hospital. Once there, Gutierrez was quickly diagnosed by doctors with Type 2 diabetes.
The nurses at the hospital not only made her feel very comfortable they changed her perspective on her diagnosis, Gutierrez says. Rather than seeing her condition in a negative way, Gutierrez’s nurses were able to show her that she could bring about positive changes in her health.
The nurses explained that if Gutierrez worked hard enough and developed healthier eating habits, she would eventually be able to turn around her Type 2 diabetes. This greatly impacted Gutierrez by teaching her an important life lesson: to find the silver lining in everything.
This lesson has emerged as a way of life for her now, Gutierrez says. She can find the silver lining and turn around a negative situation by looking at it from another angle.
Her experience fueled her passion for pediatric oncology; she wants to have the same positive effect on children as the nurses had on her. Gutierrez plans for her impact to be in her local community, and she hopes to inspire children to see the positivity in the sometimes dark situations they find themselves in.
Gutierrez, who was born and raised in Tucson, is trilingual. Her languages include English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
In her free time, she volunteers at the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson for eight hours each week. Gutierrez spends most of the time at the medical center in the pediatrics department, often taking vitals, and sometimes holding babies left at the hospital by parents who do not want them.
Volunteering makes Gutierrez feel like she is making a difference within the world.
Gutierrez says she feels it is important for children to experience affection when they are young, and she is grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on their lives.
One important benefit Gutierrez will take away from her volunteer work at the hospital is knowledge about pediatrics for her future career.
In addition to her aspirations for a career in pediatric oncology, Gutierrez also has a strong love for journalism.
Gutierrez became involved in journalism in middle school, and she has exercised this passion ever since. Gutierrez will be going into her second year as editor-in-chief for Pueblo’s school paper, El Guerrero.
Journalism is important because she wants to be able to tell stories for people who may not be able to tell the stories for themselves, Gutierrez says.
Journalism can help others to find positivity in difficult situations, and also teach others to find the silver lining in life just like she did, she says.
In 2018, Gutierrez had experienced stomach pain, dehydration, and extreme weight loss prior to visiting a hospital. Once there, Gutierrez was quickly diagnosed by doctors with Type 2 diabetes.
The nurses at the hospital not only made her feel very comfortable they changed her perspective on her diagnosis, Gutierrez says. Rather than seeing her condition in a negative way, Gutierrez’s nurses were able to show her that she could bring about positive changes in her health.
The nurses explained that if Gutierrez worked hard enough and developed healthier eating habits, she would eventually be able to turn around her Type 2 diabetes. This greatly impacted Gutierrez by teaching her an important life lesson: to find the silver lining in everything.
This lesson has emerged as a way of life for her now, Gutierrez says. She can find the silver lining and turn around a negative situation by looking at it from another angle.
Her experience fueled her passion for pediatric oncology; she wants to have the same positive effect on children as the nurses had on her. Gutierrez plans for her impact to be in her local community, and she hopes to inspire children to see the positivity in the sometimes dark situations they find themselves in.
Gutierrez, who was born and raised in Tucson, is trilingual. Her languages include English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
In her free time, she volunteers at the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson for eight hours each week. Gutierrez spends most of the time at the medical center in the pediatrics department, often taking vitals, and sometimes holding babies left at the hospital by parents who do not want them.
Volunteering makes Gutierrez feel like she is making a difference within the world.
Gutierrez says she feels it is important for children to experience affection when they are young, and she is grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on their lives.
One important benefit Gutierrez will take away from her volunteer work at the hospital is knowledge about pediatrics for her future career.
In addition to her aspirations for a career in pediatric oncology, Gutierrez also has a strong love for journalism.
Gutierrez became involved in journalism in middle school, and she has exercised this passion ever since. Gutierrez will be going into her second year as editor-in-chief for Pueblo’s school paper, El Guerrero.
Journalism is important because she wants to be able to tell stories for people who may not be able to tell the stories for themselves, Gutierrez says.
Journalism can help others to find positivity in difficult situations, and also teach others to find the silver lining in life just like she did, she says.
Mireya Borgen
Managing Editor
Ambitious. Amiable. Empathetic. Mireya Borgen answered an interviewer’s questions with a steady calmness, shifting at times to enthusiasm when excited.
Born in California and raised in San Tan Valley, Borgen is heavily involved with her community.
Borgen, a rising senior at Camille Casteel High School in Queen Creek, challenges herself with rigorous Advanced Placement courses, and she’s been an active member of high school varsity cheer team for four years as well as a member of the National Honor Society.
While balancing school activities with her out-of-school life, she works as a hostess at the restaurant Local Eats in Gilbert. She also volunteers some of her time to the American Cancer Society.
Beginning her freshman year, Borgen first helped the American Cancer Society organize an event, and that’s when she discovered the joy in helping others.
Borgen’s face fills with excitement when saying, “I loved volunteering the first time, so when my mom asked if I wanted to go back I said, ‘Yes,’ without hesitation.”
People close to her who were affected by cancer have inspired Borgen to continue her volunteer work and to make a difference, not only in her personal life but in her community. Several family members and family friends have died after having cancer, and Borgen believes that better research might have saved lives or improved treatment.
As Borgen explores her interests, she discovered she wants to commit her future to advocate people who can’t advocate for themselves, to build a platform and have an influence for those who can’t fight challenges or battles.
Inspired by her mom, Borgen has grown a strong belief in justice for all, wanting to have a positive impact. Her mother, Maria, one of 10 children, paid her way through college and was a broadcast journalist in Nogales, Sonora. Later, as an interpreter in government and medical settings, her mother raised Borgen and her two siblings to be fluent in English and Spanish and to work toward improving the communities they live in.
“I want to make a difference and impact people's lives in any way possible,” Borgen says.
“Everything happens for a reason, people will come to me for a reason, to help change their situation.”
Stuck between immigration law and environmental law, Borgen plans on starting off her career by majoring in English followed by going to law school.
Although Borgen has a concrete plan for life after high school, she still thoroughly enjoys the present. For example, she enjoys a mutual love for Taylor Swift with her friends, as well as taking car rides with her friends for adventures.
Borgen wants to improve her love for writing and explore more of the journalism field by participating in the Journalism Diversity Workshop.
“Everyone here is amazing. On the first day of the workshop I connected with a couple of the students attending. I already know I'll be in contact with everyone here.” Borgen says.
Born in California and raised in San Tan Valley, Borgen is heavily involved with her community.
Borgen, a rising senior at Camille Casteel High School in Queen Creek, challenges herself with rigorous Advanced Placement courses, and she’s been an active member of high school varsity cheer team for four years as well as a member of the National Honor Society.
While balancing school activities with her out-of-school life, she works as a hostess at the restaurant Local Eats in Gilbert. She also volunteers some of her time to the American Cancer Society.
Beginning her freshman year, Borgen first helped the American Cancer Society organize an event, and that’s when she discovered the joy in helping others.
Borgen’s face fills with excitement when saying, “I loved volunteering the first time, so when my mom asked if I wanted to go back I said, ‘Yes,’ without hesitation.”
People close to her who were affected by cancer have inspired Borgen to continue her volunteer work and to make a difference, not only in her personal life but in her community. Several family members and family friends have died after having cancer, and Borgen believes that better research might have saved lives or improved treatment.
As Borgen explores her interests, she discovered she wants to commit her future to advocate people who can’t advocate for themselves, to build a platform and have an influence for those who can’t fight challenges or battles.
Inspired by her mom, Borgen has grown a strong belief in justice for all, wanting to have a positive impact. Her mother, Maria, one of 10 children, paid her way through college and was a broadcast journalist in Nogales, Sonora. Later, as an interpreter in government and medical settings, her mother raised Borgen and her two siblings to be fluent in English and Spanish and to work toward improving the communities they live in.
“I want to make a difference and impact people's lives in any way possible,” Borgen says.
“Everything happens for a reason, people will come to me for a reason, to help change their situation.”
Stuck between immigration law and environmental law, Borgen plans on starting off her career by majoring in English followed by going to law school.
Although Borgen has a concrete plan for life after high school, she still thoroughly enjoys the present. For example, she enjoys a mutual love for Taylor Swift with her friends, as well as taking car rides with her friends for adventures.
Borgen wants to improve her love for writing and explore more of the journalism field by participating in the Journalism Diversity Workshop.
“Everyone here is amazing. On the first day of the workshop I connected with a couple of the students attending. I already know I'll be in contact with everyone here.” Borgen says.
By: Jacquelyn Gutierrez Photo by: Pascal Albright
Amanda Mourelatos
Managing Editor
A Tucson native, 16-year-old Amanda Mourelatos loves stuffed animals. With a massive collection, she’s a big kid at heart.
With just a few less than 300 animals, her collection likely began when her first stuffie was placed in her crib as a baby. Through elementary school, Mourelatos usually slept with about 10 of her fuzzy friends in her arms every night. Her dad had to build special shelves in her room to hold all of the animals — from a Beanie frog to a rainbow dinosaur, and from a pink dog with a ginormous head to more than a dozen Care Bears, and even Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Now she sleeps with just one, a brown bear from Build-A-Bear named Shoeshine, given to her by her boyfriend. Beyond that well-worn bear, she has a few other favorites. One is a pug named Sam, who her grandmother gave to her and who went everywhere with her — the grocery store, the movies, anywhere a 6- or 7-year-old might go. Another favorite is a shaggy dog named Benji that belonged to her dad when he was a little boy.
Mourelatos is a junior at Tucson’s eastside Sahuaro High School, where she is taking journalism and Spanish.
Mourelatos participates in sports, including basketball and soccer, she coaches children and teens in soccer for her job, and she is part of her school’s marching band.
She says she is timid with strangers, but once she gets to know people she’s “an open book.” Despite her initial shyness, Mourelatos is one who likes to criticize or correct people when they use poor grammar.
Her biggest fear is being left alone with her thoughts for too long. She comforts herself by by calling her boyfriend, distracting herself by doing things, or even crying. And recently, Mourelatos recently has become passionate about yoga and meditation.
"It helps humble me and remind me of the bigger picture in life," she says.
She goes to yoga every Tuesday with her mom at their church, where the class features Proverbs. At school, Mourelatos is part of the mediation club.
"Being given the opportunity to work my body and my mind in a mindful way has definitely changed my mental health for the better. I find myself stressing less and being more grateful for the little things," she says.
Her family always checks up on her and her mental state. She appreciates how they care for her even though sometimes she may take it for granted. She says she’s a little of her mother and a little of her father: like her mother in physical appearance and like her father mentally.
Mourelatos looks up to her Yiayia, which is grandmother in Greek, because she has been through a lot in her life, including coming to the United States from Greece to start a new life while raising children.
A perfect day for Mourelatos consists of getting a few hours of yoga in, going on a date with her boyfriend, spending time with friends, getting gyros and rice for dinner at the Greek food restaurant Fronimo’s, then taking a drive to Phoenix to see a good concert.
Mourelatos has been to many concerts, including Panic! at the Disco, Twenty One Pilots, Daughtry, AJR, Shinedown, Andy Black, and Steve Aoki. Her first concert was Fall Out Boy, Awolnation, and Pvris in 2016.
Mourelatos also looks up to Jen Ledger, the drummer.
“She’s such a badass and she is a great female role model,” Mourelatos says.
With just a few less than 300 animals, her collection likely began when her first stuffie was placed in her crib as a baby. Through elementary school, Mourelatos usually slept with about 10 of her fuzzy friends in her arms every night. Her dad had to build special shelves in her room to hold all of the animals — from a Beanie frog to a rainbow dinosaur, and from a pink dog with a ginormous head to more than a dozen Care Bears, and even Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Now she sleeps with just one, a brown bear from Build-A-Bear named Shoeshine, given to her by her boyfriend. Beyond that well-worn bear, she has a few other favorites. One is a pug named Sam, who her grandmother gave to her and who went everywhere with her — the grocery store, the movies, anywhere a 6- or 7-year-old might go. Another favorite is a shaggy dog named Benji that belonged to her dad when he was a little boy.
Mourelatos is a junior at Tucson’s eastside Sahuaro High School, where she is taking journalism and Spanish.
Mourelatos participates in sports, including basketball and soccer, she coaches children and teens in soccer for her job, and she is part of her school’s marching band.
She says she is timid with strangers, but once she gets to know people she’s “an open book.” Despite her initial shyness, Mourelatos is one who likes to criticize or correct people when they use poor grammar.
Her biggest fear is being left alone with her thoughts for too long. She comforts herself by by calling her boyfriend, distracting herself by doing things, or even crying. And recently, Mourelatos recently has become passionate about yoga and meditation.
"It helps humble me and remind me of the bigger picture in life," she says.
She goes to yoga every Tuesday with her mom at their church, where the class features Proverbs. At school, Mourelatos is part of the mediation club.
"Being given the opportunity to work my body and my mind in a mindful way has definitely changed my mental health for the better. I find myself stressing less and being more grateful for the little things," she says.
Her family always checks up on her and her mental state. She appreciates how they care for her even though sometimes she may take it for granted. She says she’s a little of her mother and a little of her father: like her mother in physical appearance and like her father mentally.
Mourelatos looks up to her Yiayia, which is grandmother in Greek, because she has been through a lot in her life, including coming to the United States from Greece to start a new life while raising children.
A perfect day for Mourelatos consists of getting a few hours of yoga in, going on a date with her boyfriend, spending time with friends, getting gyros and rice for dinner at the Greek food restaurant Fronimo’s, then taking a drive to Phoenix to see a good concert.
Mourelatos has been to many concerts, including Panic! at the Disco, Twenty One Pilots, Daughtry, AJR, Shinedown, Andy Black, and Steve Aoki. Her first concert was Fall Out Boy, Awolnation, and Pvris in 2016.
Mourelatos also looks up to Jen Ledger, the drummer.
“She’s such a badass and she is a great female role model,” Mourelatos says.
By: Elijah Perez Photo by: Pascal Albright
Faith Chadwick
Online Editor <3
A student at BASIS Peoria, a charter high school in the northwest Phoenix metropolitan area, Faith Chadwick is passionate about a wide array of the written form.
As a junior, Chadwick took six Advanced Placement classes, totaling 14 for her high school career. Despite the challenging academic rigor, the 17-year-old says she understands the value of hard work and perseverance.
Though she’s attending the week-long journalism camp in the UA School of Journalism this week, she’s most enthusiastic about fiction and poetry.
Chadwick says her writing aspirations have been influenced by the excellent English and writing teachers she has had, including her creative writing instructor, Nikki Buchanan, who has been a food critic for the Phoenix New Times.
“She’s taught me a lot about constructive criticism, how to give it and how to receive it,” Chadwick says. She’s enjoyed in-class story workshopping, and Buchanan has even lent her books of poetry.
Chadwick’s range is wide. In her class, she’s written a short story about a dystopian society where people have become so desensitized to buying emotions off of a shelf, as well as a humor essay about a color-blind girl who dreams in full color.
Chadwick says she believes that journalists have a critical responsibility to upholding the pursuit of truth.
“The voices of the people who can truly make change are often drowned out by people who can speak louder,” Chadwick says.
Photography is one of her main ways to express her creativity. Chadwick has loved to capture emotions and stories in her photos ever since she took a course in freshman year.
Heritage is also important to her identity. As a Cypriot-American, Chadwick says she believes culture is an indispensable element that should be preserved. She loves speaking Greek and enjoys Mediterranean food, such as souvlaki.
Chadwick has participated in many clubs and activities, inside and outside of school. For her school club Student Service Initiative, she runs a science club at Homeward Bound Arizona: Pathways Out of Poverty, a shelter for families.
She is also vice president of Spanish Honor Society.
The senior participates in Model United Nations, an extracurricular event that simulates delegation and resolution-making. In this event, she has won the “Best Delegate” award for the last two years at the University of Arizona conference.
The Model UN experience “allowed me to be more globally knowledgeable, both in the present and historically,” she says, adding that the program also has taught her to be diplomatic, courteous, collaborative and respectful.
A music enthusiast, Chadwick has always loved to sing ever since she was a young child. She enjoys indie and alternative groups that have a small following.
Chadwick says it is important to dedicate time to her beliefs. After attending Christ Church of the Valley for most of her life, she is inspired to take the next step in singing for junior high students.
When asked what her favorite memory is as a child, Chadwick reminisces about family game and movie nights. Every Friday, her parents would put a tablecloth on the floor for their pizza dinner while they watched Netflix on the wii. She says these nights are among her favorite childhood memories — along with running between department store coat racks.
As a junior, Chadwick took six Advanced Placement classes, totaling 14 for her high school career. Despite the challenging academic rigor, the 17-year-old says she understands the value of hard work and perseverance.
Though she’s attending the week-long journalism camp in the UA School of Journalism this week, she’s most enthusiastic about fiction and poetry.
Chadwick says her writing aspirations have been influenced by the excellent English and writing teachers she has had, including her creative writing instructor, Nikki Buchanan, who has been a food critic for the Phoenix New Times.
“She’s taught me a lot about constructive criticism, how to give it and how to receive it,” Chadwick says. She’s enjoyed in-class story workshopping, and Buchanan has even lent her books of poetry.
Chadwick’s range is wide. In her class, she’s written a short story about a dystopian society where people have become so desensitized to buying emotions off of a shelf, as well as a humor essay about a color-blind girl who dreams in full color.
Chadwick says she believes that journalists have a critical responsibility to upholding the pursuit of truth.
“The voices of the people who can truly make change are often drowned out by people who can speak louder,” Chadwick says.
Photography is one of her main ways to express her creativity. Chadwick has loved to capture emotions and stories in her photos ever since she took a course in freshman year.
Heritage is also important to her identity. As a Cypriot-American, Chadwick says she believes culture is an indispensable element that should be preserved. She loves speaking Greek and enjoys Mediterranean food, such as souvlaki.
Chadwick has participated in many clubs and activities, inside and outside of school. For her school club Student Service Initiative, she runs a science club at Homeward Bound Arizona: Pathways Out of Poverty, a shelter for families.
She is also vice president of Spanish Honor Society.
The senior participates in Model United Nations, an extracurricular event that simulates delegation and resolution-making. In this event, she has won the “Best Delegate” award for the last two years at the University of Arizona conference.
The Model UN experience “allowed me to be more globally knowledgeable, both in the present and historically,” she says, adding that the program also has taught her to be diplomatic, courteous, collaborative and respectful.
A music enthusiast, Chadwick has always loved to sing ever since she was a young child. She enjoys indie and alternative groups that have a small following.
Chadwick says it is important to dedicate time to her beliefs. After attending Christ Church of the Valley for most of her life, she is inspired to take the next step in singing for junior high students.
When asked what her favorite memory is as a child, Chadwick reminisces about family game and movie nights. Every Friday, her parents would put a tablecloth on the floor for their pizza dinner while they watched Netflix on the wii. She says these nights are among her favorite childhood memories — along with running between department store coat racks.
By: Mendrel Fayuant Photo by: Christiana Lincowski
Kevin Cazares
Assistant Online Editor
In a serene tone a tall boy answers all of the questions asked without hesitation yet with a peaceful certainty in every answer as he sits back casually in his chair.
Kevin Cazares, born on Sept. 1, 2002 in Tucson, Arizona, describes himself as relaxed. The 16-year-old Pueblo High School student wants to be a psychologist when he grows up.
Cazares is eager to take a psychology class at his school, which will help him pursue his dream career. He shows sincere interest in what happens in the human brain, how it works, and why people do what they do.
Cazares decided to attend the UA Journalism Diversity Workshop because he finds journalism fun and because he wanted some variety from the mood at home, he says.
At school Cazares plays American football, a sport he has pursued off and on since his freshman year. On his PlayStation, Cazares is focused at getting better at Mortal Kombat.
Sports and video games aren’t Cazares’ only interest in popular culture. A movie enthusiastic, Cazares considers his favorite genres to be comedy and action, and he’s interested in starting to watch horror movies. In music, Cazares likes Kanye West and similar artists and sound, and he attended a Snoop Dogg concert about four or five years ago.
Cazares says he has a few pet peeves are: scratching noises, cockroaches and squishy noises. Despite his hate for the brown bugs, Kevin likes other animals, including dogs, and he owns a small standard poodle named Candy. “She’s kind of funny, kind of annoying, kind of funny annoying. She always wants to lick your feet. If a serial killer was in the house she’d go up to them and ask for attention.”
Cazares has done some traveling, including a trip to New York last December to see the ball drop at New Year’s.. He described the scenery of the city as “pretty rainy” in those days. That trip with his dad also included visits to Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Baltimore. But Cazares said the food in none of those cities topped the Southern cooking he tasted in Atlanta, on another trip.
After encouragement from his friends, Cazares will join a school field trip to Panama, a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he says.
Cazares” role model is his dad; he admires how even through hard circumstances he’s been successful in life. His father, Hernan, was raised by his uncle after his parents left the family and he began working at age 12. He worked in manufacturing and now works in the sale of solar panels. “He made the best of it,” Cazares says.
Cazares’ go-to phrase is “just raw dog it,” which means to push through no matter what, such as when he took the SAT despite being unprepared.
Kevin Cazares, born on Sept. 1, 2002 in Tucson, Arizona, describes himself as relaxed. The 16-year-old Pueblo High School student wants to be a psychologist when he grows up.
Cazares is eager to take a psychology class at his school, which will help him pursue his dream career. He shows sincere interest in what happens in the human brain, how it works, and why people do what they do.
Cazares decided to attend the UA Journalism Diversity Workshop because he finds journalism fun and because he wanted some variety from the mood at home, he says.
At school Cazares plays American football, a sport he has pursued off and on since his freshman year. On his PlayStation, Cazares is focused at getting better at Mortal Kombat.
Sports and video games aren’t Cazares’ only interest in popular culture. A movie enthusiastic, Cazares considers his favorite genres to be comedy and action, and he’s interested in starting to watch horror movies. In music, Cazares likes Kanye West and similar artists and sound, and he attended a Snoop Dogg concert about four or five years ago.
Cazares says he has a few pet peeves are: scratching noises, cockroaches and squishy noises. Despite his hate for the brown bugs, Kevin likes other animals, including dogs, and he owns a small standard poodle named Candy. “She’s kind of funny, kind of annoying, kind of funny annoying. She always wants to lick your feet. If a serial killer was in the house she’d go up to them and ask for attention.”
Cazares has done some traveling, including a trip to New York last December to see the ball drop at New Year’s.. He described the scenery of the city as “pretty rainy” in those days. That trip with his dad also included visits to Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Baltimore. But Cazares said the food in none of those cities topped the Southern cooking he tasted in Atlanta, on another trip.
After encouragement from his friends, Cazares will join a school field trip to Panama, a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he says.
Cazares” role model is his dad; he admires how even through hard circumstances he’s been successful in life. His father, Hernan, was raised by his uncle after his parents left the family and he began working at age 12. He worked in manufacturing and now works in the sale of solar panels. “He made the best of it,” Cazares says.
Cazares’ go-to phrase is “just raw dog it,” which means to push through no matter what, such as when he took the SAT despite being unprepared.
By: Odalys Martinez Photo by: Pascal Albright
Isari Martinez
Copy Chief
Known for crazy socks and an outgoing personality, Isari Martinez leads the copy team in the UA Journalism Diversity Workshop. In her collection of fun and mismatched socks, her all-time favorite pair is her unicorn socks, but members of the workshop had only heard about those and had not seen them by mid-week.
Martinez, who will turn 17 on July 1, attends Pueblo High School, in Tucson. Though Martinez hasn’t figured out where she’ll go to college or what she will major in, she has one goal: She hopes someday to live in San Diego, California.
“I love the beaches and the feeling they gave me, and I want to be Cali girl,” Martinez says.
Martinez doesn’t typically choose favorites; she has no favorite foods, she doesn't have a favorite color, and she likes all types of music.
“I don’t have a favorite color cause I’m not racist,” Martinez says.
One favorite she admits to having is she loves elephants. They are her favorite animals, and her favorite book is “Water for Elephants,” which was turned into a 2011 romance movie in which a couple are brought together by their mutual love for an elephant.
During her junior year, science and journalism competed for her favorite class, she says. She also admits one other favorite, a TV show: “Game of Thrones.”
Everyone has one person they admire in in life and who they wish to be like. For Martinez, it’s two people: her mother and her Tio Jay. Her mother inspires her, because of her strong work ethic. Her tio, she says, is like a brother, and the two will “always be there for each other.
Each of these people special in her life bring something different: Her mother gives her love and her tio gives her freedom to live.
Martinez is an outgoing person, and she says she believes everyone around her should be connected in a way. She encourages people to communicate and brings people together. She says she likes to live life to the fullest as best as she can so she can cherish memories later in life.
Though Martinez has a couple of phobias — being alone and heights — she doesn’t let those hold her back or be an obstacle to moving forward in life.
When Martinez first joined the UA Journalism Diversity Workshop she wanted to become more experienced in journalism, meet new people, and have fun. So far she has met people she believes she’ll stay in touch with long after the workshop. She says she is creating memories and having fun, including a battle with a vending machine, throwing someone’s waterproof phone in a fountain, and hanging out with her new group of friends.
Martinez may only have a week at the Diversity Workshop but she knows she’s going to have a blast — and when she’s around, so will the students around her, whether they see the unicorn socks or not.
Martinez, who will turn 17 on July 1, attends Pueblo High School, in Tucson. Though Martinez hasn’t figured out where she’ll go to college or what she will major in, she has one goal: She hopes someday to live in San Diego, California.
“I love the beaches and the feeling they gave me, and I want to be Cali girl,” Martinez says.
Martinez doesn’t typically choose favorites; she has no favorite foods, she doesn't have a favorite color, and she likes all types of music.
“I don’t have a favorite color cause I’m not racist,” Martinez says.
One favorite she admits to having is she loves elephants. They are her favorite animals, and her favorite book is “Water for Elephants,” which was turned into a 2011 romance movie in which a couple are brought together by their mutual love for an elephant.
During her junior year, science and journalism competed for her favorite class, she says. She also admits one other favorite, a TV show: “Game of Thrones.”
Everyone has one person they admire in in life and who they wish to be like. For Martinez, it’s two people: her mother and her Tio Jay. Her mother inspires her, because of her strong work ethic. Her tio, she says, is like a brother, and the two will “always be there for each other.
Each of these people special in her life bring something different: Her mother gives her love and her tio gives her freedom to live.
Martinez is an outgoing person, and she says she believes everyone around her should be connected in a way. She encourages people to communicate and brings people together. She says she likes to live life to the fullest as best as she can so she can cherish memories later in life.
Though Martinez has a couple of phobias — being alone and heights — she doesn’t let those hold her back or be an obstacle to moving forward in life.
When Martinez first joined the UA Journalism Diversity Workshop she wanted to become more experienced in journalism, meet new people, and have fun. So far she has met people she believes she’ll stay in touch with long after the workshop. She says she is creating memories and having fun, including a battle with a vending machine, throwing someone’s waterproof phone in a fountain, and hanging out with her new group of friends.
Martinez may only have a week at the Diversity Workshop but she knows she’s going to have a blast — and when she’s around, so will the students around her, whether they see the unicorn socks or not.
By: Victoria Grijalva Photo by: Pascal Albright
Isabela Gamez
Copy Editor <3
Tucson native Isabela Gamez, known as Isa, is a 17-year-old student at Tucson High Magnet School. Gamez will start her senior year in August.
Choir is Gamez’s favorite class in high school. Her vocal range when when singing in her school choir is a soprano or a soprano 2. She joined her high school choir because of her love for singing.
Gamez says she has “been singing since I was little.” She joined choir initially in the 6th grade and says she has loved it ever since. Gamez’s choir sings a variety of music. They sing music in different languages including Spanish and Latin. Her choir would also sing songs in the classical genre, Mozart, etc.
Gamez’s favorite choir memory is when her choir performed in Anaheim, California and won the gold award, then going to Disneyland right afterward.
Singing and music also tie into a few of her hobbies and what she loves to do to pass time.
Gamez loves to listen to music for entertainment and enjoys going to concerts.
Gamez says that she “likes all genres of music except country”. She has attended three concerts in her lifetime, from national acts to local bands, including pop singer Gwen Stefani and rapper Post Malone. She says that her favorite out of the concerts she has attended was Gwen Stefani.
Gamez’s love for music also influences her love for dancing. She finds dancing key in her life because she sees it as a “good way to de-stress.”
Gamez is involved in the National Honor Society, doing volunteer work. This year she participated in “campus clean up (that involved going to the school to) rake leaves and clean up the campus.”
Gamez’s grades and education are important to her because she wishes to get the most out of her years in high school for a strong future. Gamez also says she appreciates school because she wants to be educated on many controversial topics (mainly topics involving politics) and to be able to form her own opinions based on her education.
Gamez plans to attend the University of Arizona after she graduates from high school. She says she chose the UA because it’s a “good school with good programs.”
Another one of Gamez’s hobbies is that she has a passion for writing. She used to journal her thoughts and feelings about each day, and that’s what fueled her love for writing. She uses writing as a way of processing what’s going on in her life and as a way of expressing her feelings.
Gamez’s mother discovered University of Arizona’s 2019 Journalism Diversity Workshop and introduced the idea of attending the camp to her.
Gamez says she was interested in the camp and in gaining some journalism experience so she decided to sign up.
Though she didn’t have any journalism experience before attending this workshop, she hopes that workshop helps her discover whether she wants a career in journalism so that she can decide what classes she wants to take in college.
Choir is Gamez’s favorite class in high school. Her vocal range when when singing in her school choir is a soprano or a soprano 2. She joined her high school choir because of her love for singing.
Gamez says she has “been singing since I was little.” She joined choir initially in the 6th grade and says she has loved it ever since. Gamez’s choir sings a variety of music. They sing music in different languages including Spanish and Latin. Her choir would also sing songs in the classical genre, Mozart, etc.
Gamez’s favorite choir memory is when her choir performed in Anaheim, California and won the gold award, then going to Disneyland right afterward.
Singing and music also tie into a few of her hobbies and what she loves to do to pass time.
Gamez loves to listen to music for entertainment and enjoys going to concerts.
Gamez says that she “likes all genres of music except country”. She has attended three concerts in her lifetime, from national acts to local bands, including pop singer Gwen Stefani and rapper Post Malone. She says that her favorite out of the concerts she has attended was Gwen Stefani.
Gamez’s love for music also influences her love for dancing. She finds dancing key in her life because she sees it as a “good way to de-stress.”
Gamez is involved in the National Honor Society, doing volunteer work. This year she participated in “campus clean up (that involved going to the school to) rake leaves and clean up the campus.”
Gamez’s grades and education are important to her because she wishes to get the most out of her years in high school for a strong future. Gamez also says she appreciates school because she wants to be educated on many controversial topics (mainly topics involving politics) and to be able to form her own opinions based on her education.
Gamez plans to attend the University of Arizona after she graduates from high school. She says she chose the UA because it’s a “good school with good programs.”
Another one of Gamez’s hobbies is that she has a passion for writing. She used to journal her thoughts and feelings about each day, and that’s what fueled her love for writing. She uses writing as a way of processing what’s going on in her life and as a way of expressing her feelings.
Gamez’s mother discovered University of Arizona’s 2019 Journalism Diversity Workshop and introduced the idea of attending the camp to her.
Gamez says she was interested in the camp and in gaining some journalism experience so she decided to sign up.
Though she didn’t have any journalism experience before attending this workshop, she hopes that workshop helps her discover whether she wants a career in journalism so that she can decide what classes she wants to take in college.
By: Kenya Sykes Photo by: Christiana Lincowski
Kristen Bia
Copy Editor
Kristen Bia, a sophomore from Ganado High School, never went to preschool. Her mom taught her at home her preschool year, which Bia says made her initial school experience “anti-climatic” and led to her being “anti-social.”
Growing up in the Navajo Nation, Bia attended Many Farms Community School then transferred schools in 5th grade when her mom remarried.
“I didn’t make friends until after spring break,” Bia says. “I was that one weird kid who didn't talk to anyone.”
Bia says she’s always been “logical” and “straightforward,” with more of a realistic than an imaginative mindset.
“I wouldn't say my childhood was boring; I just knew what I had to do and to just get it done instead of just playing with the other kids,” she says.
Bia began journalism her freshman year; she wanted to try something new.
“We didn’t start writing until September, and that’s when it started to get interesting,” Bia says.
She enjoyed learning facts and writing them out in her own style, she says. An active student journalist, she enjoys writing hard news stories and entertainment articles.
When Bia was 7 years old her dad passed away. Her favorite memory with him was when they went on a trip to Colorado and she fell in a lake.
“I remember my dad the most in this moment,” Bia says. “It was a time when my family still felt whole.”
On the Navajo Reservation, Bia’s daily life has routine: waking up, eating, doing her afternoon chores and sleeping.
“It depends on the day and who you are” Bia says. “I mainly clean, cook and watch my siblings because my mom works late.”
Bia takes an hour-long bus ride to her school. One day when she was younger she was running late and cut her knee climbing over a fence, leaving a scar on her left knee.
“I didn't even notice the (cut) until later that day, and it was actually my P.E. teacher who noticed the (cut) first,” Bia says, laughing.
Bia has many fears: clowns, spiders, snakes, heights, drowning, piercings, small spaces and space itself.
“I'm scared of everything,” Bia says.
Bia won 12 fish at the Navajo Nation Fair when she was 8 years old. Only four of Bia’s fish survive — Francis, Marco, Madeline and Mabel.
A football fan, her favorite team is the Raiders because it was her dad’s favorite team. “We always watched them play. I still watch them every game,” Bia says.
Bia is a collector. She began collecting random silly pins when she was 12 after finding one on the floor. She began collecting water bottles at 13 years old.
“Collecting water bottles helps me remember to stay hydrated, and collecting pins just make me stand out, or at least feel like I stood out until everyone else at my school started wearing them, too,” Bia says. “ I guess you could say I was kind of a trendsetter.”
Bia believes in living in the moment.
“I don't think about the future or the past, I just keep moving,” Bia says. “I have regrets but I'm not going to let those weigh me down.”
Growing up in the Navajo Nation, Bia attended Many Farms Community School then transferred schools in 5th grade when her mom remarried.
“I didn’t make friends until after spring break,” Bia says. “I was that one weird kid who didn't talk to anyone.”
Bia says she’s always been “logical” and “straightforward,” with more of a realistic than an imaginative mindset.
“I wouldn't say my childhood was boring; I just knew what I had to do and to just get it done instead of just playing with the other kids,” she says.
Bia began journalism her freshman year; she wanted to try something new.
“We didn’t start writing until September, and that’s when it started to get interesting,” Bia says.
She enjoyed learning facts and writing them out in her own style, she says. An active student journalist, she enjoys writing hard news stories and entertainment articles.
When Bia was 7 years old her dad passed away. Her favorite memory with him was when they went on a trip to Colorado and she fell in a lake.
“I remember my dad the most in this moment,” Bia says. “It was a time when my family still felt whole.”
On the Navajo Reservation, Bia’s daily life has routine: waking up, eating, doing her afternoon chores and sleeping.
“It depends on the day and who you are” Bia says. “I mainly clean, cook and watch my siblings because my mom works late.”
Bia takes an hour-long bus ride to her school. One day when she was younger she was running late and cut her knee climbing over a fence, leaving a scar on her left knee.
“I didn't even notice the (cut) until later that day, and it was actually my P.E. teacher who noticed the (cut) first,” Bia says, laughing.
Bia has many fears: clowns, spiders, snakes, heights, drowning, piercings, small spaces and space itself.
“I'm scared of everything,” Bia says.
Bia won 12 fish at the Navajo Nation Fair when she was 8 years old. Only four of Bia’s fish survive — Francis, Marco, Madeline and Mabel.
A football fan, her favorite team is the Raiders because it was her dad’s favorite team. “We always watched them play. I still watch them every game,” Bia says.
Bia is a collector. She began collecting random silly pins when she was 12 after finding one on the floor. She began collecting water bottles at 13 years old.
“Collecting water bottles helps me remember to stay hydrated, and collecting pins just make me stand out, or at least feel like I stood out until everyone else at my school started wearing them, too,” Bia says. “ I guess you could say I was kind of a trendsetter.”
Bia believes in living in the moment.
“I don't think about the future or the past, I just keep moving,” Bia says. “I have regrets but I'm not going to let those weigh me down.”
By: Isari Martinez Photo by: Pascal Albright
Odalys Martinez
Design Chief
Each day, 17-year-old Odalys Martinez crosses the border from her home in Agua Prieta, Sonora to attend Douglas High School in Arizona — sometimes on foot, sometimes by car.
Sometimes the wait to cross takes an hour. She wakes up at 5 a.m. and leaves early, just so she’ll be on time to her first class.
Martinez, who was born in Bisbee, has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico. She attended school in Agua Prieta until her sophomore year. Her mother decided her daughter would be better served at the English-dominant Douglas High, where she now pays tuition, instead of the secondary school in Mexico that had both English and Spanish.
Her favorite subject in high school is English, and she is currently taking many different classes, including those related to writing and journalism. Next year, as a senior in high school, she wants to take computer and computer programming classes
Skateboarding and writing poetry are among Martinez’s hobbies. Martinez got into skateboarding from a friend of hers, which is also where she found her love of poetry. Her interest in writing began when she started keeping journals. She also loves drawing, painting, photography and anything creative.
Martinez says she loves just hanging out with friends as well as helping others.
She says if she had a super power she would want something that helps people. But then invisibility might also be an intriguing power, too.
Martinez says she believes in ghosts and paranormal activities. Once she was at a friend’s house when they heard knocking at the door, she says. The knocking got louder until it was banging. Two doors led into the room, but when they got up to check the doors there wasn’t anyone at either one. And the banging continued.
Music is important to Martinez. She has attended two concerts, 5 Seconds of Summer and Ghostemane. She had always liked rock music and she first got into Ghostmane when a friend introduced her to a different artist. She started investigating other bands until the discovered Ghostemane. She also has liked music such as My Chemical Romance and Sleeping with Sirens.
Her dreams are to be somebody that people know for having helped a lot of people, or to have done something great for others. Her career goals are varies; she wants to be a dermatologist, interior designer or an architect.
Her idea of a perfect day is getting to see all of her friends. Martinez says she laughs the hardest when she’s with one of her friends.
Martinez’s most embarrassing moment was when her friend wrote her crush’s name on her palm and her crush walked by and waved at her and she waved back with the hand that his name was written on.
If she could have three wishes she would want to cure all the world’s diseases, clean the world of pollution, and then wish for more wishes.
Sometimes the wait to cross takes an hour. She wakes up at 5 a.m. and leaves early, just so she’ll be on time to her first class.
Martinez, who was born in Bisbee, has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico. She attended school in Agua Prieta until her sophomore year. Her mother decided her daughter would be better served at the English-dominant Douglas High, where she now pays tuition, instead of the secondary school in Mexico that had both English and Spanish.
Her favorite subject in high school is English, and she is currently taking many different classes, including those related to writing and journalism. Next year, as a senior in high school, she wants to take computer and computer programming classes
Skateboarding and writing poetry are among Martinez’s hobbies. Martinez got into skateboarding from a friend of hers, which is also where she found her love of poetry. Her interest in writing began when she started keeping journals. She also loves drawing, painting, photography and anything creative.
Martinez says she loves just hanging out with friends as well as helping others.
She says if she had a super power she would want something that helps people. But then invisibility might also be an intriguing power, too.
Martinez says she believes in ghosts and paranormal activities. Once she was at a friend’s house when they heard knocking at the door, she says. The knocking got louder until it was banging. Two doors led into the room, but when they got up to check the doors there wasn’t anyone at either one. And the banging continued.
Music is important to Martinez. She has attended two concerts, 5 Seconds of Summer and Ghostemane. She had always liked rock music and she first got into Ghostmane when a friend introduced her to a different artist. She started investigating other bands until the discovered Ghostemane. She also has liked music such as My Chemical Romance and Sleeping with Sirens.
Her dreams are to be somebody that people know for having helped a lot of people, or to have done something great for others. Her career goals are varies; she wants to be a dermatologist, interior designer or an architect.
Her idea of a perfect day is getting to see all of her friends. Martinez says she laughs the hardest when she’s with one of her friends.
Martinez’s most embarrassing moment was when her friend wrote her crush’s name on her palm and her crush walked by and waved at her and she waved back with the hand that his name was written on.
If she could have three wishes she would want to cure all the world’s diseases, clean the world of pollution, and then wish for more wishes.
By: Emma Schneider Photo by: Pascal Albright
Emma Schneider
Designer
Emma Schneider is a 13-year-old girl with a passion for anime, pop culture and music.
Schneider was born in Portland, Oregon, moved to Canada, lived in Chicago for eight years, and now lives in Tucson.
During her free time, she loves watching “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Spirited Away,” “One Piece,” and “My Hero Academia,” all anime shows.
A career goal of Schneider’s is to be an anime writer.
Her love for anime started when an advertisement came up on YouTube for an anime show called “Fairy Tail.” She watched it, thinking the audio was in English but it was in Japanese. Schneider ended up loving the series anyway and continued to watch more. And her passion began.
Going into her freshman year at The Gregory School, in Tucson, Schneider has a good imagination and loves creative writing.
“I like having the freedom of writing without showing anyone what it is,” Schneider says. She likes to write fantasy stories and creates all of the characters on her own, many are influenced by characters in anime.
“The idea of a character comes randomly kind of while I write,” says Schneider.
Recently, she’s been working on a creative writing piece about adventures of people who are half cat. She continues to work on it and soon hopes to finish a book revolving around those characters.
Aside from watching anime, Schneider likes to play soccer, volleyball and basketball. She’s also been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten.
Going into her freshman year, she hopes to focus on writing and art.
Next year, Schneider is also going to continue playing sports for her school and hopes to play varsity. She has been in the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) and hopes to continue being in that program next school year also.
A lifelong dreams of Schneider’s is to travel to Japan. She hopes to one day visit the One Piece Tower in Tokyo, which is a theme park for the manga series she enjoys watching.
Schneider has been trying to convince her parents to take her to Japan, but they said that costs a lot of money. Schneider’s parents said they need to do a lot of planning for a trip to Japan and they said maybe next summer if she gets good grades.
“My tastes are expensive, not food but anime things are really expensive and it kills me,” Schneider said.
Schneider was born in Portland, Oregon, moved to Canada, lived in Chicago for eight years, and now lives in Tucson.
During her free time, she loves watching “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Spirited Away,” “One Piece,” and “My Hero Academia,” all anime shows.
A career goal of Schneider’s is to be an anime writer.
Her love for anime started when an advertisement came up on YouTube for an anime show called “Fairy Tail.” She watched it, thinking the audio was in English but it was in Japanese. Schneider ended up loving the series anyway and continued to watch more. And her passion began.
Going into her freshman year at The Gregory School, in Tucson, Schneider has a good imagination and loves creative writing.
“I like having the freedom of writing without showing anyone what it is,” Schneider says. She likes to write fantasy stories and creates all of the characters on her own, many are influenced by characters in anime.
“The idea of a character comes randomly kind of while I write,” says Schneider.
Recently, she’s been working on a creative writing piece about adventures of people who are half cat. She continues to work on it and soon hopes to finish a book revolving around those characters.
Aside from watching anime, Schneider likes to play soccer, volleyball and basketball. She’s also been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten.
Going into her freshman year, she hopes to focus on writing and art.
Next year, Schneider is also going to continue playing sports for her school and hopes to play varsity. She has been in the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) and hopes to continue being in that program next school year also.
A lifelong dreams of Schneider’s is to travel to Japan. She hopes to one day visit the One Piece Tower in Tokyo, which is a theme park for the manga series she enjoys watching.
Schneider has been trying to convince her parents to take her to Japan, but they said that costs a lot of money. Schneider’s parents said they need to do a lot of planning for a trip to Japan and they said maybe next summer if she gets good grades.
“My tastes are expensive, not food but anime things are really expensive and it kills me,” Schneider said.
By: Isabela Gamez Photo by: Pascal Albright
Kenya Sykes
Photo Editor
Named after an African country as tribute to her roots and to show pride in her culture, Kenya Sykes is intelligent and hopes to one day work as a professional journalist.
The 14-year-old grew up in Kansas with her brother and her twin sister Nubia, who is captivated by math rather than writing.
“An interesting fact about me is that I’m a Gemini, which means two, and that describes me and my sister, even though we can be very different,” Sykes said.
Sykes likes to think of her and her twin as two halves; they can be very similar, but their interests are polar opposites and complement each other. Sykes says that she and Nubia have always been extremely close and are inseparable despite their varied interests.
Now a sophomore at Vail Academy High School in northeast Tucson, Sykes joined the Journalism Diversity Workshop at the University of Arizona because of her passion for writing and journalism.
Sykes has had many hobbies, including cross country, basketball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, writing, hip-hop, ballet and music.
Sykes’ father, Kenneth, is a bass player so she grew up to the sound of music, creating a special connection to the creative process.
“I usually just take out a pen and paper, jot down what I'm thinking and come up with a story and it turns out to go somewhere and be a good idea,” Sykes says.
Her love for journalism started in middle school when she took yearbook and wrote for her school newspaper. Her mother forced her to join in hopes of exposing her daughter to new interests.
Sykes and her family moved from Overland Park, Kansas a year ago, and her love for writing moved with her.
Sykes’ mother has always pushed her to try new things and get out of her comfort zone, as well as not to not take things for granted while her father taught her to work hard and put in maximum effort.
“Taking that journalism class in 8th grade made me really want to get the most out of journalism,” Sykes says.
She believes journalism is an important outlet for information, as well as a way of expanding one’s horizons.
“Meeting new people is always interesting because you get to see other points of view and learn things you didn’t know before,” Sykes says.
There are no journalism classes at Sykes’ current high school, but she intends to study journalism in college and make a career out of her passion by taking more workshops and practicing her writing skills as well as interviewing people.
She hopes to one day become a professional journalist for a newspaper.
The 14-year-old grew up in Kansas with her brother and her twin sister Nubia, who is captivated by math rather than writing.
“An interesting fact about me is that I’m a Gemini, which means two, and that describes me and my sister, even though we can be very different,” Sykes said.
Sykes likes to think of her and her twin as two halves; they can be very similar, but their interests are polar opposites and complement each other. Sykes says that she and Nubia have always been extremely close and are inseparable despite their varied interests.
Now a sophomore at Vail Academy High School in northeast Tucson, Sykes joined the Journalism Diversity Workshop at the University of Arizona because of her passion for writing and journalism.
Sykes has had many hobbies, including cross country, basketball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, writing, hip-hop, ballet and music.
Sykes’ father, Kenneth, is a bass player so she grew up to the sound of music, creating a special connection to the creative process.
“I usually just take out a pen and paper, jot down what I'm thinking and come up with a story and it turns out to go somewhere and be a good idea,” Sykes says.
Her love for journalism started in middle school when she took yearbook and wrote for her school newspaper. Her mother forced her to join in hopes of exposing her daughter to new interests.
Sykes and her family moved from Overland Park, Kansas a year ago, and her love for writing moved with her.
Sykes’ mother has always pushed her to try new things and get out of her comfort zone, as well as not to not take things for granted while her father taught her to work hard and put in maximum effort.
“Taking that journalism class in 8th grade made me really want to get the most out of journalism,” Sykes says.
She believes journalism is an important outlet for information, as well as a way of expanding one’s horizons.
“Meeting new people is always interesting because you get to see other points of view and learn things you didn’t know before,” Sykes says.
There are no journalism classes at Sykes’ current high school, but she intends to study journalism in college and make a career out of her passion by taking more workshops and practicing her writing skills as well as interviewing people.
She hopes to one day become a professional journalist for a newspaper.
By: Savannah Peña Photo by: Christiana Lincowski
Elijah Perez
Senior Photographer
Elijah Dominick Isaiah Perez is a well ordered individual who was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive order in his late elementary years.
Perez notices miniscule imperfections, such as a crooked television, an upside-down phone in a movie, or an untidy stack of papers. That being said, he has an excellent sense of organization.
For Perez, having OCD makes his life both easier and harder.
A 14-year-old sophomore at Tucson’s Pueblo High School, Perez considers himself an introverted, curious and considerate person. His friends describe him as nerdy, geeky and outgoing, he says.
A saying he lives by: “Keep moving forward,” from the movie, “Meet the Robinsons.”
Perez’’s favorite movie is “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which he saw 16 times in the theatres. And, you might have guessed it, his favorite band is Queen.
Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, is an empowering figure in his life because his energy, courage and the impact he made on the music industry inspire Perez. He also relates to Freddie Mercury because he is hot-tempered at times, loving, compassionate and an overthinker, much like himself, he says.
Perez has attended a Queen and Adam Lambert concert and two Panic! At the Disco shows, but his music taste revolves around bands from the ‘60s through the ‘90s.
His ex-stepdad piqued his interest in “Star Wars,” which sparked a love for sci-fi novels and a soft spot for pop-culture novels. He compares himself to Han Solo, because of his independence, and Luke Skywalker, because of his selflessness.
Family is one of the most important things in his life, Perez says. He has two siblings: a 2-year-old brother named Miguel and a 7-year-old sister named Ihilani.
“Family sticks together,” he says.
Throughout Perez’s life, his grandma was more of the mother/parent figure and strongly influenced his life. They mesh well together and can talk for hours on end, he says.
Like many boys, Perez has had a fondness for video games and Legos.
”I’m a Nintendo guy all the way,” he says. He used to have all of the original Nintendo systems.
Because Perez enjoys taking on side quests in games, some of his favorite Nintendo games are Super Mario 64, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and New Super Mario Bros 2.
He has played more than 155 hours on Super Smash Bros Ultimate and over 100 hours on Super Mario Odyssey.
A Lego collector, Perez has Lego pieces dating back to when he was age 2 or 3.
One of the most treasured sets he has is a fire truck he got when he was 6. The biggest Lego piece he’s ever built was his cousin’s Millenium Falcon, worth $800, which took him 16 hours to put together. His 1999 Star Wars set is the oldest he owns, and it’s still in the box. He has over 1,000 figures and has stands to display all of them.
He does not collect Legos, though, with any intention of selling them once they’ve grown in value. He plans to keep and cherish them — and keep them in order.
Perez notices miniscule imperfections, such as a crooked television, an upside-down phone in a movie, or an untidy stack of papers. That being said, he has an excellent sense of organization.
For Perez, having OCD makes his life both easier and harder.
A 14-year-old sophomore at Tucson’s Pueblo High School, Perez considers himself an introverted, curious and considerate person. His friends describe him as nerdy, geeky and outgoing, he says.
A saying he lives by: “Keep moving forward,” from the movie, “Meet the Robinsons.”
Perez’’s favorite movie is “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which he saw 16 times in the theatres. And, you might have guessed it, his favorite band is Queen.
Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, is an empowering figure in his life because his energy, courage and the impact he made on the music industry inspire Perez. He also relates to Freddie Mercury because he is hot-tempered at times, loving, compassionate and an overthinker, much like himself, he says.
Perez has attended a Queen and Adam Lambert concert and two Panic! At the Disco shows, but his music taste revolves around bands from the ‘60s through the ‘90s.
His ex-stepdad piqued his interest in “Star Wars,” which sparked a love for sci-fi novels and a soft spot for pop-culture novels. He compares himself to Han Solo, because of his independence, and Luke Skywalker, because of his selflessness.
Family is one of the most important things in his life, Perez says. He has two siblings: a 2-year-old brother named Miguel and a 7-year-old sister named Ihilani.
“Family sticks together,” he says.
Throughout Perez’s life, his grandma was more of the mother/parent figure and strongly influenced his life. They mesh well together and can talk for hours on end, he says.
Like many boys, Perez has had a fondness for video games and Legos.
”I’m a Nintendo guy all the way,” he says. He used to have all of the original Nintendo systems.
Because Perez enjoys taking on side quests in games, some of his favorite Nintendo games are Super Mario 64, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and New Super Mario Bros 2.
He has played more than 155 hours on Super Smash Bros Ultimate and over 100 hours on Super Mario Odyssey.
A Lego collector, Perez has Lego pieces dating back to when he was age 2 or 3.
One of the most treasured sets he has is a fire truck he got when he was 6. The biggest Lego piece he’s ever built was his cousin’s Millenium Falcon, worth $800, which took him 16 hours to put together. His 1999 Star Wars set is the oldest he owns, and it’s still in the box. He has over 1,000 figures and has stands to display all of them.
He does not collect Legos, though, with any intention of selling them once they’ve grown in value. He plans to keep and cherish them — and keep them in order.
By: Amanda Mourelatos Photo by: Pascal Albright
Christiana Lincowski
Photographer
Her eyes flit furtively back and forth behind the viewfinder, carefully observing her subject. A sharp click — then an elusive grin at the surprised reaction from the oblivious model.
“That was a good one,” she says, laughing as she tucks a strand of dirty blonde hair behind her ear. “I love it.”
Her disposition is gentle and unobtrusive, yet rife with arresting flashes of inventiveness and sheer imagination.
A soft-spoken 14-year-old from Southern Arizona, Lincowski is an incoming freshman at Catalina Foothills High School.
An introvert at heart, she says, she enjoys creating sketches, portraits and painting realistic illustrations. These images live in her poetry, which is inspired by real life circumstances.
Her artistic spirit also manifests itself in her avid photography. Lincowski aims to capture Arizona’s natural mountains and gardens in their unfiltered beauty, often spending hours with her sister exploring tranquil forests and streams.
She adores the animal world as well, welcoming three guinea pigs, a dog, and a cat into her home.
Yet don't be fooled by her delicate exterior — Lincowski binged all 67 episodes of Lucifer, an urban fantasy centering on the devil-incarnate-turned-detective, in a single week without hesitation, she says.
She enjoys listening to alternative and hard rock, with her music tastes ranging from Twenty-One Pilots to My Chemical Romance. Her favorite songs include “Migraine” and “Teenagers.”
Lincowski is a driven go-getter, striving to achieve every single badge in her Girl Scouts organization.
In her free time, Lincowski loves to vacation in Kino Bay in Mexico with her three siblings and parents. She especially enjoys jet skiing and visiting friends.
Growing up in a household with the constant aroma of different spices and herbs, Lincowski loves to cook food from different geographical locations, especially molé, curry, seafood, and stir fry.
Drawing from experience in her own life and from close friends, Lincowski understands the harmful and often unnoticed signs of mental health issues that have become commonplace in high school due to cliques and social media.
She says she believes that loving yourself is a priority that needs to be more emphasized in young adults to prevent life-threatening conditions before they arise.
Additionally, the freshman says she advocates against negativity and stresses the need for human connection.
"People are always on their phones," she says. "It makes them unapproachable. I don't like that."
“That was a good one,” she says, laughing as she tucks a strand of dirty blonde hair behind her ear. “I love it.”
Her disposition is gentle and unobtrusive, yet rife with arresting flashes of inventiveness and sheer imagination.
A soft-spoken 14-year-old from Southern Arizona, Lincowski is an incoming freshman at Catalina Foothills High School.
An introvert at heart, she says, she enjoys creating sketches, portraits and painting realistic illustrations. These images live in her poetry, which is inspired by real life circumstances.
Her artistic spirit also manifests itself in her avid photography. Lincowski aims to capture Arizona’s natural mountains and gardens in their unfiltered beauty, often spending hours with her sister exploring tranquil forests and streams.
She adores the animal world as well, welcoming three guinea pigs, a dog, and a cat into her home.
Yet don't be fooled by her delicate exterior — Lincowski binged all 67 episodes of Lucifer, an urban fantasy centering on the devil-incarnate-turned-detective, in a single week without hesitation, she says.
She enjoys listening to alternative and hard rock, with her music tastes ranging from Twenty-One Pilots to My Chemical Romance. Her favorite songs include “Migraine” and “Teenagers.”
Lincowski is a driven go-getter, striving to achieve every single badge in her Girl Scouts organization.
In her free time, Lincowski loves to vacation in Kino Bay in Mexico with her three siblings and parents. She especially enjoys jet skiing and visiting friends.
Growing up in a household with the constant aroma of different spices and herbs, Lincowski loves to cook food from different geographical locations, especially molé, curry, seafood, and stir fry.
Drawing from experience in her own life and from close friends, Lincowski understands the harmful and often unnoticed signs of mental health issues that have become commonplace in high school due to cliques and social media.
She says she believes that loving yourself is a priority that needs to be more emphasized in young adults to prevent life-threatening conditions before they arise.
Additionally, the freshman says she advocates against negativity and stresses the need for human connection.
"People are always on their phones," she says. "It makes them unapproachable. I don't like that."
By: Faith Chadwick Photo by: Pascal Albright
Victoria Grijalva
Photographer
A brown-eyed girl with bright eyes behind her glasses carefully analyzes every question she’s asked by an interviewer, giving slight details while a world of memories and thoughts always seem to flash behind her eyes.
Victoria Grijalva, 18, carefully considers the questions and thinks deeply about her answers. The Douglas High School student describes herself as awkward, but her new colleagues find her fun and amusing.
Memes make everyone who understands them laugh, she says, and they are what make her laugh the most.
She enjoys reading, a favorite activity since she was a child. She loved going to libraries, and Dr. Seuss books were among her favorite storybooks.
“I’ve always liked to read,” Grijalva says.
Grijalva’s educational goals are to become better in grammar and to graduate from high school and attend college. She wants to attend the University of Arizona or Belmont College.
Someday she would like to live in New York and work as a kindergarten teacher. She has some experience already working with young children, as she once had a job at a pre-school.
Grijalva says she advises people to not judge others until you actually know them.
Victoria Grijalva, 18, carefully considers the questions and thinks deeply about her answers. The Douglas High School student describes herself as awkward, but her new colleagues find her fun and amusing.
Memes make everyone who understands them laugh, she says, and they are what make her laugh the most.
She enjoys reading, a favorite activity since she was a child. She loved going to libraries, and Dr. Seuss books were among her favorite storybooks.
“I’ve always liked to read,” Grijalva says.
Grijalva’s educational goals are to become better in grammar and to graduate from high school and attend college. She wants to attend the University of Arizona or Belmont College.
Someday she would like to live in New York and work as a kindergarten teacher. She has some experience already working with young children, as she once had a job at a pre-school.
Grijalva says she advises people to not judge others until you actually know them.
By: Odalys Martinez Photo by: Pascal Albright
Mendrel Fayuant
Reporter
A member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, 16-year-old Mendrel Fayuant is a junior at Baboquivari High School, a school in Sells named for his tribe’s sacred mountain.
Fayuant has developed a philosophy that guides him in his life:
“Don’t ever stop. Always keep going no matter what happens or what is taken from you. Even when life is unfair don’t give up. Keep pushing forward and you’ll make it through the hardships. One day you’ll go above and beyond.”
Fayuant uses this quote to motivate himself and others.
Though he may appear reserved, Mendrel says he is accessible and caring to people who need advice or someone to talk to, especially when he sees someone in need of help.
Anxiety plays a huge part in his life, Fayuant says. He gets his anxiety from stress in school and at home. When Fayuant is at school he can become affected by individuals socially at his school, especially when students spread rumors and manipulate others to think wrongly of him, he says.
Fayuant says he is able to cut them out. He is confident that those who matter are the ones who who already know the difference between the rumors and truth.
School can be tough with AP classes and pressures in modern society, but a lot of his stress comes from home, he says.
While growing up Fayuant did not have his parents around. He lives with his grandparents and says he sometimes misses his biological parents. He says he matured faster than others because he was pushed mentally to become independent.
Fayuant has many interests. He likes to ride a dirt bike off road. While it is a dangerous sport, he says the “adrenaline is exciting.” Fayuant became interested in off roading when he got an ATV quad and began easing into using “trails” found near his village.
Fayuant enjoys music, especially heavy metal, punk rock, and classic rock. A favorite band is Anti-Nowhere League, and his favorite song is “American Jesus” by Bad Religion.
His automotive class has been his favorite for three years — and the class where he gets his best grades.
“It’s such a good class, and it will help you in the long run,”he says. He loved learning about how to use the hydraulic two-post lift.
Learning to change oil in a car contributes to his independence and his accomplishments.
Bilingual in English and Tohono O’odham, the language of his tribe, Fayuant joined the UA journalism workshop journalism class because he likes writing.
In addition to enjoying writing essays and other papers for school, Fayuant often enjoys writing horror short stories and has written three short stories in the horror genre.
He also likes to write poetry, and he feels comfortable with various formats, including ABAB pattern, haiku, and descriptive poetry.
Fayuant has developed a philosophy that guides him in his life:
“Don’t ever stop. Always keep going no matter what happens or what is taken from you. Even when life is unfair don’t give up. Keep pushing forward and you’ll make it through the hardships. One day you’ll go above and beyond.”
Fayuant uses this quote to motivate himself and others.
Though he may appear reserved, Mendrel says he is accessible and caring to people who need advice or someone to talk to, especially when he sees someone in need of help.
Anxiety plays a huge part in his life, Fayuant says. He gets his anxiety from stress in school and at home. When Fayuant is at school he can become affected by individuals socially at his school, especially when students spread rumors and manipulate others to think wrongly of him, he says.
Fayuant says he is able to cut them out. He is confident that those who matter are the ones who who already know the difference between the rumors and truth.
School can be tough with AP classes and pressures in modern society, but a lot of his stress comes from home, he says.
While growing up Fayuant did not have his parents around. He lives with his grandparents and says he sometimes misses his biological parents. He says he matured faster than others because he was pushed mentally to become independent.
Fayuant has many interests. He likes to ride a dirt bike off road. While it is a dangerous sport, he says the “adrenaline is exciting.” Fayuant became interested in off roading when he got an ATV quad and began easing into using “trails” found near his village.
Fayuant enjoys music, especially heavy metal, punk rock, and classic rock. A favorite band is Anti-Nowhere League, and his favorite song is “American Jesus” by Bad Religion.
His automotive class has been his favorite for three years — and the class where he gets his best grades.
“It’s such a good class, and it will help you in the long run,”he says. He loved learning about how to use the hydraulic two-post lift.
Learning to change oil in a car contributes to his independence and his accomplishments.
Bilingual in English and Tohono O’odham, the language of his tribe, Fayuant joined the UA journalism workshop journalism class because he likes writing.
In addition to enjoying writing essays and other papers for school, Fayuant often enjoys writing horror short stories and has written three short stories in the horror genre.
He also likes to write poetry, and he feels comfortable with various formats, including ABAB pattern, haiku, and descriptive poetry.
By: Christiana Lincowski Photo by: Pascal Albright