Cholla High School

Hello Students, Parents and Guardians,

We are down to our final month of school! Seniors do not take the foot off the pedal yet. Please work to keep the focus on graduation and marching May 22nd! Underclassman, continue to check your grades and communicate with teachers so that you do not miss out on any credits. We are still signing up students for summer school. Speak to a counselor for more details or visit our Cholla Website.

Cholla Campus Sweeps will continue, so make sure you are getting to every class on time. Parents, we need your help to get your child here on time in the morning. Please plan to arrive by 7:45am so that they have ample time for 1st period.

Go Chargers!

As we near the end of the school year, the seniors have lots of events coming up. Please remember graduation is clear bags only. This will be enforced by security at the gates as families enter. This is for everyone’s safety and no exceptions will be made. Please let your guests know of this policy as well. Also please remember that all schools are non-smoking this includes vaping not being allowed on campus at any time.

We are working with about a 1/3 of the senior class to bring up their grades in order to make it to graduation night. Please talk to your student and visit your parentvue to check on your child's grades. We appreciate your support.

Below are some upcoming dates for seniors:

• May 13, 2025– Top Scholars Dinner - (Top 30 students – by invite only)
• May 16, 2025 – last day to complete Apex credit recovery courses
• May 19, 2025– Senior Honors & Memories 8AM
• May 19, 2025 - Senior Walk at the Elementary/Middle Schools – Permission slips needed – Right after the Senior Honors & Memories event
• May 20, 2025 – Senior Check out day Mandatory to come on this day– You must pay all fines on this day and turn in your laptop (laptop needs to be charged).
• May 22, 2025 – Graduation practice (8:00AM) & Graduation (7:00 PM) – seniors must check in to the Auditorium no later than 5:30PM on Graduation night. Please note this is for the graduates only. Parents and guests are welcome to take their seats in the football field. All gates will open no later than 5:00 PM on graduation night. Water bottles are welcome with clear bags only.

If you have any questions, please send me an email at Cathy.adams@tusd1.org.

Greetings Cholla Chargers!

It’s May and the end of the school year is almost upon us. As the year draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on all that’s happened—both the challenges overcome, and the growth earned. It's time to step away, recharge, and welcome the rest that summer brings.

I also want to say, congratulations to all of our graduating Seniors! We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.

On a personal note, this is the last newsletter I will be contributing to as I am closing the door on one chapter of my professional journey. As this chapter ends, it's time to say goodbye. Leaving is never easy, especially when there are so many memories and people I'll miss. But I'm grateful for every moment and everyone who’s been part of this journey. Though I'm heading to a new school, a piece of my heart will always stay here.

Thank you for choosing Cholla and for allowing us to teach your child.

Enjoy your summer!

As the spring sports season comes to a close, we want to thank all of our athletes, coaches, and supporters for an incredible and successful program. Your dedication and Charger spirit made this season one to remember!

Baseball finished strong with an impressive 10–7 record and earned a spot in the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years! Congratulations to Coach Doyle and Coach Case, along with six outstanding players who have been selected to play in the All-Star games this May. Way to go, Chargers—we are so proud of you!

Softball showed tremendous heart and growth this season with a young and determined team. Congratulations to Coach Steve Vega, who was honored by regional coaches as Coach of the Year—well deserved!

Coach Jimenez led two student-athletes, Keyra Valenzuela and Paloma Campos all the way to the state championships—an outstanding achievement! Great job to all involved!

Boys and Girls Track had an amazing turnout this season, with 40–60 student-athletes attending practice each day. Your dedication and commitment are truly inspiring!

Boys Volleyball, coached by Coach Byrne, had a strong season, taking 2nd place in the region and competing in eight JV-level games. Excellent work, Chargers!

A special thank you to Mr. Parra, Mr. Byrne, and Mr. Jimenez for their incredible commitment—each of them coached three sports this school year. Your dedication to our students does not go unnoticed.

One more huge thank you goes out to Mr. Alegria, who made sure the clock was running smoothly for boys and girls basketball, soccer, and track and field. Your behind-the-scenes efforts make a big difference!

Congratulations and thank you to everyone for another fantastic year of Charger athletics. Let’s charge ahead!

Graduation is May 22nd, at 7PM on the Football Field

Congratulations to our outstanding students honored at the Top Scholars Dinner, where we celebrated their Academic Excellence Scholar Awards for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher and exemplifying dedication, resilience, and hard work.

Don't miss the spectacular final performance of the Cholla Charger Band for 2024-2025! Join us in the auditorium at 5 PM for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.

The business office will be collecting computers on Thursday May 16th.

Stay tuned for mor information from admin coming soon

• No backpacks will be allowed on campus.
• Lunch will not be served
• School will end at 12:00 noon.
• Everyone will be escorted off campus.
  

Have a great summer!

Summer School kicks off on May 28th, and Freshman Academy will also start on the same day. Make sure to visit ParentVue to register!

Congratulations to all students who have taken or are currently taking IB and AP exams! Your hard work and dedication are truly commendable.

Congratulations to our student artist, Eric Andres Alvarez, whose artwork Without Them was selected as one of five winners of the Outstanding Emerging High School Artist Award in the Our Stories: High School Artists exhibition at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. Chosen by a jury of UA School of Art faculty and museum staff, Eric's work was recognized for its originality, craftsmanship, and excellence. As part of this honor, Eric is eligible for a $1,000 tuition award if he enrolls as a BA or BFA major in the UA School of Art within the next two years.

We also proudly celebrate four graduating Cholla High School students—Arely Moyza, Gabriel Sadai Dabdoub, Ivan Gonzalez Fernandez, and Jessa Little—who have earned the prestigious Arizona State Seal of Arts for their dedication and achievement in the arts.

A very special congratulations goes once again to Eric Andres Alvarez, whose artwork " Who Am I" has also been selected to represent our congressional district in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. His piece will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where it will be viewed by millions of visitors throughout the year. Eric and a guest will be flown to Washington, D.C., to attend a special reception in his honor.

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the creativity, talent, and hard work of our Cholla artists!

Cholla High School’s JROTC held a memorable ceremony honoring the accomplishments of its cadets over the past year. The event recognized the hard work, leadership, and commitment demonstrated by students across all grade levels. Special tribute was paid to the program’s seniors, whose years of dedication and growth were evident as they were celebrated for their contributions and achievements. Congratulations to all our cadets for a remarkable year!

Cholla High School’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program continues to shine, preparing students for careers in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and allied health. Through a curriculum that includes anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, and medical documentation, students gain real-world experience and build leadership skills, especially through participation in HOSA – Future Health Professionals.

We are proud to announce that the program achieved a 96% pass rate on the CTE certification exam—an incredible achievement! Congratulations to Dr. Maritza Diaz-Collazo and all the newly certified students who are now prepared to take their first steps into healthcare careers.

This milestone was celebrated at Cholla’s 5th Annual Sports Medicine Celebration, where students were honored for their academic excellence, professionalism, and dedication. Principal Miranda presented awards to students showing exceptional growth and commitment. CTE Director Chuck McCollum praised the program’s rapid expansion, announcing that eleven sections will be offered in Fall 2025.

Dr. Diaz-Collazo delivered an inspiring message, challenging students to pursue greatness both academically and professionally. She emphasized the importance of humility, discipline, and a strong work ethic in achieving success in healthcare.

Our Construction Technology students recently had the exciting opportunity to tour the new Arizona Public Media facility—an active construction site—thanks to the team at DPR Construction. This hands-on experience provided valuable real-world exposure to the construction industry.

During the visit, students:

• Observed various construction phases, including framing, electrical systems, plumbing, and masonry.

• Learned how DPR coordinates multiple trades and manages workflow across a complex jobsite.

• Gained a deeper understanding of jobsite safety and the importance of situational awareness.

This educational tour was not only informative but also an important step in preparing our students for successful careers in construction. Thank you to DPR Construction for hosting us and supporting our students’ career readiness.

Mariachi Los Potrillos delivered a heartfelt and unforgettable performance in honor of Senior Ayleen Cruz. The evening was filled with rich tradition and musical excellence, featuring special guest performances by Las Aguilitas of Davis Elementary, Mariachi Rayos del Sol and Los Tucsonenses from Tucson High, and Mariachi Sonido de Mexico Tucson.

The highlight of the evening, of course, was the breathtaking performance by our very own Mariachi Los Potrillos, whose beautiful sounds captivated the entire audience and made the tribute truly special.

We are proud to share the strong performance of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) students on the recent Technical Skills Assessments. Cholla High School had the second-largest number of students tested in the district, following Tucson High School.

Cholla High School Results:

• Total Students Tested: 230

• Total Students Passed: 164

• Average Score: 66.1

• Passing Rate: 71%

• Grade Level Participation:

  • 10th Grade: 74 students

  • 11th Grade: 46 students

  • 12th Grade: 44 students

These results reflect the hard work and commitment of our students and teachers. We applaud our CTE testers for their dedication and achievements!

District-Wide (TUSD) Comparison:

• Total Students Tested: 1,219

• Total Students Passed: 912

• Average Score: 68.3

• Passing Rate: 75%

• Grade Level Participation:

  • 10th Grade: 263 students

  • 11th Grade: 335 students

  • 12th Grade: 314 students

Cholla High School continues to be a strong contributor to the district’s CTE success, and we look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future!

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Cholla AVID students for generously volunteering your time at the Spring festivals and celebrations at Oyama Elementary, Morgan Maxwell K–8, Ochoa Community School, Robison Elementary, and Valencia Middle School. Your enthusiasm, leadership, and support made these events smoother for staff and more memorable and joyful for the students. We are proud of the positive impact you continue to make in our community!

In celebration of Law Day, Cholla students had the incredible opportunity to attend the Pathways to the Bench event in Phoenix, where they met two distinguished members of Arizona’s judiciary: the Honorable David Gass, Chief Justice of the Appellate Court, and the Honorable Maria Elena Cruz, the newest Arizona Supreme Court Justice and the first Afro-Latina appointed to the state's highest court. Both justices generously spent time engaging directly with our students in meaningful conversation before taking the stage for an inspiring fireside chat.

This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to the Arizona Black Bar Association, in connection with Cholla’s participation in this year’s regional Mock Trial competition. A special thanks goes to Sam Brown, whose invitation and coordination made the trip a reality. It was a truly memorable day for our future legal minds!

Saturday April 26th's campus beautification project was a huge success! Sponsored by Breakaway and GSA clubs, a dozen or so chargers showed up for a major campus glow up. We added ombre "pops" of our school colors to the g-pod tunnel, a favorite spot for students to chill. Students who showed up that day jumped right into the work, and their love, community service, and a whole lot of Cholla pride are in these walls. A shoutout to our awesome administration who approved the project. We hope to continue adding more color to our campus moving forward.

We are incredibly grateful to our community partners for helping us celebrate and recognize the incredible Cholla staff and faculty! Your generosity and support made us feel truly seen and appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you to:

• Estrella’s Bakery for the delicious mini doughnuts and conchitas that added a sweet touch to our day.

• Tucson Subaru for treating us to refreshing ice cream from Mrs.Emily’s Sweet Treats Ice Cream Truck.

• Empire Beauty School, for pampering us with gift certificates so every staff member can enjoy a free facial.

• Walmart, for bringing a beautiful cake and fresh fruit baskets to brighten our celebration.

• Pantano Church, for assembling 140 thoughtfully filled gift bags that brought smiles to all of us!

Your kindness and care made a meaningful difference. Thank you for being part of the Cholla community and for showing how much you value our educators!

— Cholla Chargers 🧡💙

A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, students, and families who made this year’s Extravaganza truly unforgettable! Cholla teachers from every department, our amazing school counselors, and staff showcased their dedication through engaging exhibits, IB presentations, AVID games, and powerful student performances.

We were also proud to feature contributions from our community partners, a senior parent meeting, an exciting volleyball game, and a meaningful JROTC award ceremony—just a few of the many highlights that made the event so special.

Chargers, you are the reason why we’re so extravagant. Another fantastic Extravaganza is in the books!

Congratulations to the lucky winner of our $300 Main Event prize!

A big thank you to Main Event for generously providing the grand prize!

This month, thirty deserving Cholla Chargers experienced a transformative wellness retreat, thoughtfully curated by Breakaway Club Sponsors Ms. Florio and Ms. Fragozo. This exclusive opportunity was extended to students who have actively engaged in school initiatives championing mental health services, connection, and support, recognizing their commitment to well-being and offering a valuable experience focused on rejuvenation and personal growth. The retreat set an uplifting tone for a successful end to the academic year.

The retreat was further enhanced by the generous contribution of the Santa Rita Exchange Club, who thoughtfully provided lunch for all the participating students. The retreat featured engaging activities such as a talking circle around substance abuse, a calming yoga session, an insightful game of telephone to illustrate the dangers of gossip, and mindfulness exercises to promote inner peace.

Congratulations to Mayte Gonzalez Vazquez, Cholla High School's remarkable Kiwanis Student of the Year! Mayte's achievements were celebrated at a special ceremony at the Hungry Fox Restaurant, attended by her proud family, her supportive English Teacher Ms. Garcia, caring Social Worker Ms. Fragozo and Assistant Principal Tariq Rasool who also gave a motivational speech at the ceremony. Mayte's selection for this honor highlights her exceptional leadership within the classroom, where she selflessly assists other students in their English language journey while simultaneously excelling in her own learning. Her active participation in sports, coupled with her top academic ranking, showcases her dedication and well-rounded excellence. Mayte was assigned to write a personal narrative during the nomination process. Here are a few highlights from her essay.

"My dream is to become an exceptional nurse; more than a dream, it is my goal and the reason I work so hard every day. I decided to study this career because I have always been interested in that field. I would like to work in a hospital or clinic, where I can care for patients and make a difference in their lives, being someone to admire and a role model for others.

Although I am excited to pursue my dream, I also know that there are challenges and obstacles along the way. As a young woman born in the United States, although I was in Mexico but have now returned, I face some unique challenges. For example, language was one of them, as I only knew the basics, but now I notice a significant difference. Another challenge could be that sometimes I feel like I am between two worlds, and I don’t always know how to navigate. However, I feel that I have a great opportunity in my life, and I do not want to waste it."

Mayte received a $1000 scholarship to help cover the financial costs of attending the Nursing Program at Cochise College. Congratulations Mayte!