Home Room with Mrs. Nohemi Ruelas
by Tajay Jones
Mrs. Nohemi Ruelas is an English teacher here at Fresno High. Born in Fresno, California and raised in Kerman. Ruelas discovered from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher or librarian. She attended Kerman High School where her favorite subject was English and History. After graduating, she attended Fresno City and she earned her associates degree and transferred to Fresno State. She then got her bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in classic literature and is now pursing her master's degree.
Mrs. Ruelas passion for teaching was inspired by her 11th grade English teacher, Mrs. Furtado who was so dedicated and very patient with her although she was a pain. Before working at FHS, she did her teaching residency at Hoover High School where she worked moderately to severe pre-k autism students. These experiences helped her with patience and understanding skills. She believes learning never stops, and she hopes to instill that in her students.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading and sewing. She also loves the people here at FHS because they have big hearts. She has been married for 10 years. In 10 years, Mrs. Ruelas still see herself at Fresno High because of the atmosphere FHS brings.
Hostory 101: The Big Fresno Fair
by Mia Munos
The Fresno Fairgrounds, which is located at 1121 S. Chance Avenue in Fresno, California, is known for its entertainment and agriculture since the Fresno Fair was founded in 1884. What they don’t know, though, is the history of the Fresno Fair.
In 1941, the United States was attacked by the Japanese. With this attack, anyone who was Japanese was considered a threat. Many Japanese were taken from their homes; many were told they had 24 hours, and if they were lucky, a couple of days to sell everything and only bring a suitcase. The U.S. Army occupied the fairgrounds in December 1941. From May to October 1942, this is where the Japanese would stay. This was known as The Fresno Assembly Center; it was a detention center where more than 5,000 Japanese were forcefully confined before they were taken to concentration camps.
The history of the Fresno Fairgrounds reflects both the fun traditions and the serious wartime history of California's Central Valley. Founded in 1884 for farming and community celebrations, the site changed completely during World War II when the military turned it into the Fresno Assembly Center after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, the 165-acre property balances these two different pasts. Now it is a yearly celebration for people to have fun, get on rides, and eat delicious food. It honors the history in a local museum and through memorials.
Los Guerreros de Fresno High
by Kasley Huitron Reynosa
Fresno High has various and inclusive clubs. Los Guerreros de Fresno High is a folklorico group that has been around for more than 28 years. For the past 17 years, the Fresno High Holklorico has been directed by Ms. Rosemarie Pantoja. The group shares its club with Design Science, Patiño, and Duncan. This year the Folklorico has Aracely Alvarado as the president, Denisse Barcenas as vice president, Sandra Rios as secretary and Jazlyn Hernandez as historian.
Every year The Big Fresno Fair invites Los Guerreros de Fresno High to perform. This year Folklorico performed on October 9 at 2:35 p.m. The regions performed were Veracruz, Simola, Jalisco, and Sonora.
The performance started with a couple dance from the Veracruz region called “Fandango Jarocho.” The song then transitioned to “Cascabel,” which was an all-girls dance. After the “Cascabel,” the last song from the region Veracruz was performed. “Bruja” was a dance performed by six girls. After the girls walked off, Aires started. Aires was a dance mixed with the boys that then transitioned to the Sinola partner dance. They soon went into the Jalisco region where they danced to “Polverte,” “Tranchete,” “Negra,” and ended it “Alazanas.” To end the performance, they entered the Sonora region. They started with “El Porron” and then “El Huarachazo.” where it transitioned into the last song called “El Taconazo.”
Overall, Los Guerreros de Fresno High performed for more than 40 minutes Infront of a crowd for the Big Fresno Fair. This year's group at the Big Fresno Fair was 25, with 9 of those students from Design Science. Los Guerreros de Fresno High worked hard after school with these performances. You can catch their next small performance at the Little Pig Rally and their big upcoming winter performance in December.
Sharing Music
by Israel Gastelum Castillo
The BSU Club, also known as the Black Student Union, has been around for well over 10 years and is a club that provides a safe and comfortable place for African American students while also educating the students and communities on campus to grow strong leaders and advocates from the community. One of their activities is the BSU music event, which happens once every two weeks and takes place in Warrior Park, where some members who are also part of leadership help set up by putting music in Warrior Park so students can come and enjoy the vibe with the music. "The music brings everyone together and brings vibes." The music is chosen by students, so the music is inclusive to all.
The advisors of the club are Mr. Bugg and Mr. Hopkinson, who are also described as "always showing care for the members and deep love for the club," said Khaley Neal. The club officers for this school year are Khaylee Neal (president), Trina Smith (vice president), Janiha Myles (vice president), Toajay Johns (secretary), and Joshua Wooley (historian). The club meets every Wednesday during lunch in room S-23.
BSU also gives back to Fresno High by building a strong community and being inclusive. The club organizes activities during Black History Month in February and works on connections with other schools such as Heaton, Hamilton, and others. They are also planning an important activity for Ruby Bridges on November 13. If you are also interested in joining, BSU will always welcome you to be a part of their community. "Even if it's not your culture, you can still come and join us to learn and be a part of a great culture," Jezrell Crawford said.