Ramundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Class of 2020 members Madalyn Weight, Rene Ramirez, Katelyn Pope, Lazaro Palomarez III, and Emilio Cabrera ran through the halls during the first day of school July 24.
By Raymundo Frasquillo
MORENCI – The first day of classes (July 24), the first assembly (July 26), the first full week of classes (July 29 – Aug. 2), and the first half-day (Aug. 7) for Morenci High School are now in the rear-view mirror.
Seven weeks of the first nine-week grading period remain after Friday. The countdown of 180 instruction days ends months from now. Commencement exercises are on May 22.
Greeted by administrators, a total of 330 students came through the high school doors on the first day of school. Fairbanks had 453 students for grades 5-8, Metcalfe 618 for grades K-4, and Early Learning 108 for a district enrollment of 1,509 on day one. The official count will be made later in the year.
Members of the Class of 2020 followed a senior tradition by running through the halls, signifying the start of their fourth and final high school year, before entering their first-hour classrooms. Underclassmen, teachers, administrators, and parents were on hand to witness the time-honored tradition.
Classroom rules and expectations were reviewed by teachers, who number 29 with two of them not having classrooms in the building.
Teaching English courses are Julie Baker, Joseph Garcia, T.J. Gomez, Hannah Landers, Terry Montoya and Andrea Wilson; Math – Alexa Aguilera, Ilsa Castillo, Tara Helms, Elizabeth Speck, and Renee Still; Science – Ariana Aguilera, Marylou Cortez, and Don Goodman; History – Julie Baker, David Gonzales, and Ted Tiefel; Arizona Government and Economics – Kenneth Lester.
Culinary Arts is being taught by Sherry Carbajal; Health – Kristy Gonzalez and Ted Tiefel; Physical Education and Athletic Development – Kristy Gonzalez and Casey Woodall; Band and Guitars – Roger Munoz; Vocal Music – Gene Willey; Art – Terry Montoya; Spanish – Sabrina Gonzales and Joy Tiefel; and Microsoft Office and Film – Kristine Marino; Robotics – Ted Tiefel; Welding and Construction – Gilbert Hilpert; Industrial Electrician – Greg Verlander; Yearbook – T.J. Gomez; and Distance Learning – Krista Mahan.
The building administrators are principal Bryan Boling, assistant principal / athletic director Frank Ogas, academic coach Ilsa Castillo, and counselors Joseph Garcia and Andrea Wilson
Amy Ciriello is the office manager, Tasha Harguess the student activities and athletic secretary, Brenda Street the counselors’ secretary, and Juana Verlander the school nurse.
The student council officers are President Anthony Hudman, Vice-President Keanna Cortez, Secretary Desiree Babb, Treasurer Brigid Silvester, Marshall Domonik Vigil, and Historian Sammy Sauls. Alexa Aguilera is the sponsor.
A two-hour open house and ice cream social was held Aug. 6, with parents meeting their students’ instructors and enjoying a variety of ice cream flavors.
School districts for Safford, Thatcher, and Pima also have started classes as well.
