June 2019

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NHS Graduation-Class of 2019

CONNECTING SOUTHERN ARIZONA

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Rio Rico High School-Class of 2019

Congratulations Class 0f 2019

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People who “echo” Christie Monreal

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2019/20 Teacher of the Year Kickoff Breakfast

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Pima Community College Class of 2019

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CONTENT 4

NHS Graduation-Class of 2019

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RRHS Graduation-Class of 2019

7 PVHS Graduation-Class of 2019 10 People that “Echo”- Christie Monreal 13 2019/20 Teacher of the Year Kickoff Breakfast 14 Mayor’s Corner-June

15 PCC/Santa Cruz Center Class of 2019

Chief Editor: Adriana Romero Student Intern Reporter: Nadia Sandoval Student Intern Reporter: Chris Alcaraz Student Intern Reporter: Israel Bonilla Magazine Graphic Designer Consultant: Adriana Romero Sales Representative: Tony Montanez Information is correct at press time.

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Border Eco, LLC © 2019 copyright all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Border Eco Magazine is prohibited. Any material produced is the property of Border Eco. Any material published is not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco and will not be held responsible. Border Eco Magazine accepts material from advertisers, clients, readers and various sources which are not necessarily the opinion of Border Eco Magazine in print or on Border Eco websites and will not be held responsible. |

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On Friday, May 24th the Nogales High School graduating students were full of stories about their four years at NHS their teachers, friendships and future aspirations. A total of 392 graduating students walked to the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance, draped in burgundy and white jacket with their burgundy and gold tassels fluttering in the breeze, as jubilant cheers from family and friends filled the night.One by one students names were being called to step to the stage by school district staff to shake hands and accept their diplomas.Balloons, flowers, and a cheerful atmosphere filled the NHS field with a good vibe.

“My hope is our schools will never underestimate the power of the impact that each and every member of the school system has on a young person’s mind,” Alan said.

Alan Cristobal Elias advice to his peers is cherish each day in high school. “One minute, I was walking on campus for the first time my freshman year and the next minute I am graduating. You can only experience high school once, so make new friends, participate in spirit week, go to parties, join clubs and sports, and don’t forget to STUDY! You won’t regret it!”

The graduates have now stepped into the inherent challenges they will face leaving the comfy confines of public school life and into adulthood.

NHS graduates will enter a world full of modern opportunities and modern challenges. Many of the graduates will enter military service, the job market, or will attend college or university. College and university participation rates are at a record high, and the job market has plenty of open opportunities for NHS graduates waiting for them. Congratulations to the Nogales High School Class of 2019!

Alan Cristobal Elias, Diego Parra, German Fajardo Jr.

Alan Cristobal Elias Will be attending the University of Arizona with a major in pre-law

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Alan Cristobal Elias and Vanessa Rodriguez

Pictured from left to right; Jorge Armenta, Luis Alan Rodriguez, Jarrett Medina, Manuel Mireles, Diego Parra, Santiago Solano, Alan Elias, German Fajardo Jr, Aaron Gourdin, Fernando Rodriguez

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Rio Rico High School Class of 2019 held their graduation ceremony, on Thursday, May 23rd, from 5:00-9:30 p.m. The Rio Rico Marching Hawks Band played from the lower field, while the soon to be graduates came down the stairways in their customized graduation attire. From every angle of the field stadium, friends, school faculty, and family members were able to see the graduates walking down the stairs in their red & black caps and gowns.

Lots of mixed emotions were mutual among students, graduates and family members. Although it was the end of high school, many didn't see this as the end. They saw it as the key to unlock the future.

After valedictorian Esteban UreĂąa gave a propitious speech commemorating his grandfather who passed away this school year, he filled the listener's hearts and minds with hope for the future, resilience through tough times, and melancholy of the everlasting high school memories. As he very well stated "The only limitations you have are the ones you set yourself".

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Although accomplishment filled the air that night, different perspectives were shared by students.

"I honestly felt a lot of emotions at the same time...

But change is always good.

And I feel like that change was for the better. I'm ready to take on new challenges," says Nicole Hernandez with a positive and hopeful outlook for the future.

A 4-year theater arts student with 220 hours of theater experience, with over 11 theater productions, Ivan Solis said "a weight was lifted off my shoulders and have gained some freedom." A 3- year honor roll student Katja Vaatz felt "Infinite- like in Perks Of Being A Wallflower.

Not scared because I had an idea of what would come. But also kind of like a mother who had to let her chicks fly away, leaving my school and my underclassmen friends".

Interchangeable with the shining stars with their diplomas on hand, the ceremony ended with fireworks. It is difficult to explain fully what was pervaded that night in the souls of everyone present.

However, it was certainly the way to end this chapter and begin the rest of the graduates’ lives.

-Reporter/photographer Israel Bonillas

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Mijal Renee Montanez will be attending the University of Arizona

Pierson Vocational High School held their graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 21st, at 5:30 p.m. on the PVHS field. During the commencement ceremony, students had an opportunity to reflect on their school experiences and future goals. Graduating students realize their hard work has finally paid off. They are celebrated with friends and family on this special day. The graduating class wore white and blue gowns displaying their school colors. The stage where staff and students sat was beautifully decorated in their school colors. A large 2019 blue and silver display decorated the center court stage along with light blue and white balloons. From every angle of the field, friends, school faculty, and family members were able to see the graduates walking towards the center stage to receive their diplomas.

It was a joyful ceremony for the graduates, staff and family members as they all shared a sense of excitement.

The graduates received their diplomas and words of encouragement from staff and peers, with a fitting end to a beautiful commencement celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2019.

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Christie Monreal is a recent graduate from the University of Arizona. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice with a minor in Organizational Leadership.

“Staying local saved me thousands of dollars, and I knew that taking advantage of some of the resources offered to students here locally such as scholarships and workstudy opportunity would get me through school without incurring any debt. I love living in such peaceful community and being close to my family and friends,” said Ms. Monreal.

“I want to thank my parents, my friends, the Santa Cruz Center and my Academic Advisor Alan Aguirre for always pushing me to believe in myself. I appreciate his patience and for always telling me everything was going to work out,” said Christie.

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Ms. Monreal was born in Phoenix AZ but, grew up in Nogales, Sonora. At the age of 10, she moved to Nogales, AZ. She is the youngest in her family.

Her mother is originally from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora. Her father is from Nogales Sonora.

“I love going to Ciudad Obregon every break I have. I love spending time with my family, it is like my second home. I love traveling, exercising, listening to music, and going to the movies with my nephew,” said Christie.

Ms. Monreal has worked for the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District for 3-years in various departments.

She started as a work-study students later working full-time as an office assistant. For the past year, she has been working as a social media coordinator.

“Throughout the years, I have learned a lot about financial aid, marketing, web designing, the importance of customer Christmas service and along with several Celebration administrative functions,” said Monreal.

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“The person who has inspired me the most is my mother.

She led by example, she was a hard-working mother, regardless of her workload I was always her priority. She taught me at an early the value of an education. She always encouraged me to work hard and be independent,” said Christie Monreal.

Some of the most important factors to being successful in anything you do is to always believe in yourself.

It is important to have that motivation and mindset that you can do it, and YES, you will finish it, completing a degree is possible not unless you make it. There is NO excuse not to complete your educational goals. It is very important to remember to pursue a career that makes you happy, and always be thankful for the positive support you receive from your family and friends.

Trust me, is not easy but it will be worth it at the end. I plan to continue working for the SCCPPCCD, while I work on a Master’s Degree, I have not decided where or what, but I hope to start in Spring 2020,” said Monreal.

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2019/20 Teacher of the Year Kickoff Breakfast On Thursday April 25, 2019 Santa Cruz County School Superintendent's Office and Mr. Alfredo I. Velรกsquez hosted their Annual Teacher of the Year Kickoff Breakfast. It took place at Kasa Mia Restaurant and was well attended by School Administrators, Sponsors and Donors, who every year kindly support us, to make the Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony such a memorable event. The Awards Dinner will be held on Friday August 9, 2019 at the Americana Quality Inn Hotel at 6:00 p.m. All nominated Santa Cruz County Educators will be honored that evening with prizes and trophies. At the end of the evening, one deserving Teacher will be named Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year. This recipient of this award, will then represent Santa Cruz County for the state competition.

During this event, SCCSS Alfredo I. Velรกsquez also recognized three outstanding Principals who will be retiring after this school year. Ending their careers as Principals were Mr. Cesar Miranda from Nogales High School, Dr. Joan Molera from Desert Shadows Middle School and Ms. Shelly Vroegh from Rio Rico High School. Thank you, to each of these amazing and dedicated Educators, for making a difference in our schools.

If you are interested in sponsoring or making a merchandise donation to this wonderful event, please contact Patricia BarrazaPreciado Accounting Specialist/Special Events Coordinator at the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent's Office.

You may reach her by calling 520-375-7945 or emailing her at pdbarraza@ santacruzcountyaz.gov.

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Mayor Message: Hello and greetings to you and yours!

I personally want to congratulate all the graduates! Graduation is one of the biggest achievements in anyone’s life.

It is certainly the culmination of one sweet chapter in a person’s life and the beginning of another chapter where one can start to write a new story.

On behalf of Mayor and Council, good luck to each graduate and their respective families!

With summer comes changes and at city hall we are making some new things happen. As Mayor, I am thrilled with the momentum we are developing in moving forward. It’s important that the positive impacts our existing projects have on our economy and quality of life will be felt for years to come.

I want to thank our constituents for the numerous calls voicing their concerns and suggestions regarding improving our community. My goal continues to bring clarity and focus to city hall and to process the concerns of our citizens.

Happenings: 1. Cinco de Mayo celebration was a success! Congratulations to all the participants and to all the organizers and sponsors.

2. Jesus M. Cordova Park *Officer Cordova’s memory will live on at City Park! City of Nogales proclaim the park in front of city hall to be Jesus M. Cordova Park.

3. Challenger Elementary Chorus visit city hall. On behalf of the city hall employees, a big thank you to the students and Mr. Milner for their visit.

4.NPD Citizens Policy Academy held its own graduation on April 25 at city hall. The academy is meant to teach participants about the different tasks the police department performs and creates partnerships between the police and community. Congratulations to all the new graduates!

1. Cinco de Mayo Celebration

4.NPD Citizens Policy Academy

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UA Santa Cruz Class of 2019 had a total of 13 graduates this year. Graduating students had the option of attending their commencement ceremonies in Sierra Vista or Tucson.

The University of Arizona South held their commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9th @ 3:00 p.m. at Buena Center for the Performing Arts, in Sierra Vista Arizona.

The Main Campus Commencement Ceremony was held on Friday, May 10th @ 7:30 p.m. at the Arizona Stadium in Tucson.

Emphasis in Human Services Bachelor of Arts Psychology Mariana Estrada Kirena Lopez Emphasis in Administration of Bachelor of Science Commerce Justice Louis Cabrera Genesis Nieto Elementary Education Jessica Salazar Patricia Munozcano Christie Monreal Bachelor of Applied Science Emphasis in Organizational Leadership Emphasis in Network Ricardo Torres Administration Marco Espinoza Alexis Velarde

Pima Community College and the Santa Cruz Center hosted their commencement for the Class of 2019 on Friday, May 24th @ 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Center.

Congratulations to all the graduates Class of 2019!

List of graduates: Jessica Gonzalez, Early Childhood Studies Xiomara Benitez, Administration of Justice Celine Alvarez, Liberal Arts Elizabeth Haros, Liberal Arts Alejandro Hidalgo, Electrical Utility Tech. Cert Oliver Danielson, AGEC-A Cert.

Emphasis in Early Childhood Education Rosa PiĂąa Yemille Quihuiz Carmen Lorena Villa

Karina Luzette Elias, 2015 NHS Graduate Graduated from UofA, May 10, 2019 Major in Sociology, Minor in Family Studies & Human Development.

She will be pursuing a Masters Degree in Social Work at ASU.

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