This month we conclude our series of profiles of the PUHS senior class of 2023.
Abelina Valeria Soto-Murrietta
Participation in school clubs and sports: I’ve played softball, basketball, and volleyball throughout my four years as well as been the STUGO Treasurer, I also participated in FFA doing Dairy and Meats.
Extra-curricular activities outside of school: I like driving and listening to music, riding my horses and throwing the rope around, and hanging out with friends and family.
Plans for next year: I plan to continue on finishing my associate’s degree at Pima and then continuing on to an in-state university such as ASU or UofA, as well as work part-time to be able to support myself.
Favorite teachers: Definitely Mrs. Hayes and Mr. Porter because they’ve definitely always been there for me when I really needed it and our laughs are the best. They truly are irreplaceable.
Favorite subjects: I really have loved Agricultural Science class and Weights class.
Which one memory will you remember forever about your time here? When we went to Cibecue for a basketball game and the school had just gotten a really nice new fancy white bus with bluetooth so we could connect to the speakers and I specifically remember the song “pushing p” by Gunna because were going on a really sketchy road while it was playing and all just dying of laughter.
What has been the highlight of your high school years? The way my class has grown closer together.
Where do you imagine yourself in ten years? Owning and running my own business and living comfortably.
What is one piece of advice you would give to underclassmen? DO YOUR WORK ON TIME. DON’T WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE TO TURN SOMETHING IN AND PAY ATTENTION TO DUE DATES, but, with that being said, you’re also only going to live once and certain events only happen once, but you are able to make up work…
Ayssa Barajas
Participation in school clubs and sports: I’ve played four years of volleyball, four years of basketball, one year of softball, and I managed tennis for one year. I was a class representative in Student Government for two years.
Extra-curricular activities outside of school: I have worked at the Gathering Grounds for the last two years.
What are your plans for next year? I will be attending Pima Community College and studying to become a medical assistant.
Favorite teachers: My favorite teacher since 8th grade has been Mr. Porter. He has been a great advisor for Student Government and history teacher. I will miss him very much.
Favorite subjects: Art was always my favorite class because I could be free to express my feelings in a way I enjoy.
Which memory will you remember forever about your time here? One of the memories that stands out to me is last year on April Fool’s Day when Mrs. Hayes had us start a prank with sharpening pencils, and then before we knew it the whole high school was in a prank war!
What has been the highlight of your high school years? Playing sports and all the laughs and team bonding.
Where do you imagine yourself in ten years? Living on a big piece of land, living a happy life, and going to a job I enjoy.
What is one piece of advice you would give to underclassmen? Don’t second guess things or overthink it, live in the moment and cherish every moment and do not take time for granted.
Liam Young
Participation in school clubs and sports: I participated in baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, and chess. I was the team captain of the soccer and basketball teams my senior year. I was in student government my sophomore through senior year and was also assistant editor-in-chief of the yearbook my junior year. I also gave a riveting performance of Detective Harris in this year’s production of “Cafe Murder!”
Extra-curricular activities outside of school: I work as a line cook at the Cafe in Sonoita and also do various yard work jobs around the county.
Plans for next year: I plan on moving to Tucson and going to Pima Community College to finish my Associates Degree and then transfer to the University of Arizona.
Favorite teachers: Jeff Gudenkauf, I’ve always gotten along with and enjoyed his knowledge and stories he has. Mrs. Hayes’s class has always been one of the most fun and working on school events with Mrs. Hayes is always enjoyable. Mr. Young is also one of my favorites. I’ll always remember having lunch detention for tardies and eating lunch with him and the lunch detention crew everyday.
Favorite subjects: Government and Economics with Mr. Porter my freshman year are still probably my favorite classes I’ve taken at PUHS, along with debate class and American History with Mr. Gudenkauf.
Which one memory will you remember forever about your time here? Going to the final four of basketball state my sophomore year is probably my favorite memory.
What has been the highlight of your high school years? Being student government vice president my senior year was my highlight. Being able to MC at all the school events like pep rallies and the powder puff game is something I’ll never forget and I always enjoyed trying to make Patagonia High School a more enjoyable high school experience.
Where do you imagine yourself in ten years? Hopefully making good money living somewhere in the mountains and still driving my 1996 Ford Escort.
What is one piece of advice you would give to underclassmen? Buy a 1996 Ford Escort.
Christian Tadeo Ibarra Valencia
Participation in school clubs and sports: I played basketball, soccer, and baseball.
Extra-curricular activities outside of school: I work for a ranch and for my dad’s company.
Plans for next year: To start working full time.
Favorite teachers: My favorite teachers are Mr. Porter and Mrs. Hayes.
Favorite subjects: English is my favorite subject.
Which one memory will you remember forever about your time here? I will remember basketball season, they were the most fun times in high school.
What has been the highlight of your high school years? Basketball season
Where do you imagine yourself in ten years? Having my own company of semi trucks and drivers.
What is one piece of advice you would give to underclassmen? Play sports because if you don’t you’re gonna be sad about it.
Joshua Michael Spurr
Plans for next year: I plan on becoming a mechanic and working here in Southern Arizona.
Favorite teachers: Mrs.Hayes and Mr.Gudenkauf.
Favorite subjects: English and Auto Shop.
Which one memory will you remember forever about your time here? How much of a family all of us seniors are to each other.
What has been the highlight of your high school years? All of the times I helped grill at the concession stand and was the Grill Master!
Where do you imagine yourself in ten years? As a mechanic or working with friends, working on quads and dirtbikes.
What is one piece of advice you would give to underclassmen? Do the best you can and don’t give up.