Features Overview
Women of CTE Construction
by Jazzy Alvarado
Women in Construction is an event that takes place every year during the first week of March to highlight all the achievements of women within the industry. It is a time that opens a connection to the supply of opportunities available for women in construction.
The specific week dedicated to these women traces the history, some of the challenges in this community, and how they have been overcome. One main goal for women in construction is to appreciate the women who have taken the risk to be a part of the industry and to encourage the women wanting to make similar commitments.
On March 12, Fresno High and Duncan Polytechnical High School competed in a woman in construction event. Fresno High had 6 female participants and the event was organized by Ms. Shabazz the CTE (Career Technical Education) Coordinator and Ms. Gutierrez the Job Developer.
At this event, each team had to build a 3-tier plant stand. The event was sponsored and supported by the construction management department at Fresno State and the WIC Fresno Chapter. Although Fresno High’s construction program is only 4 years old, the school has won 2 out of 3 of these competitions.
The Fresno High team competitors were Destiny Edwards, Mariah Laney, Patricia Flores, Tyreana Fildes, Natalie Secundino, and Aileen Zamudio. Fresno High took home the awards for Craftsmanship, Safety, and Teamwork winning the competition overall.
Little Big Read
by Daisy Alvarado
In the month of March our Fresno High Library will have some fun and interesting events.
March 11 the Little BIG Read will because in the library. Anyone interested can go on March 11 and connect with a reading group.
On March 18, students can experience a taste of Oaxaca by cooking an authentic Oaxacan meal in the library during lunch.
March 25 all reading groups will create their own Mixtec codices in the library at lunch.
On April 1, all groups will take a trip to Boom Oaxaca at Arte Americans.
For any questions you can contact our librarian, Mrs. Sue Navarro, by going to the library or by email.
Blood Drive Offers a Chance to Give Back
by Jazzy Alvarado
Fresno High has hosted a Blood Drive for over 20 years, but with COVID-19 it has not happened in two years. Mrs. Melissa Bangerter or Mama B, as known by her students, oversees this event each year.
The Central California Blood Center has a truck come out to local high schools after coordinating with the supervisor in charge on campus. It does not take much planning, but Mrs. Bangerter believes the hardest part is finding a date that works best for everyone. One of the most important aspects about running a blood drive is making sure everyone is aware well in advance of when and where the truck will be on campus.
Usually, the Blood Drive is in the parking lot on campus but this year they requested more parking slots than normal and there was not enough room. The Blood Drive was instead moved to Warrior Park directly in front of Royce Hall. Students and Mrs. Bangerter favored this location because it made it easier to monitor and it was also better for students to remain on the main part of campus.
Hosting a Blood Drive on a high school campus is intended to encourage and make it easier for the teenage population to donate blood. Due to the virus, blood has become scarce and there are not enough people donating. Having a place to donate blood at easy access not only increases participation but also motivates people to try something new. “I have never donated before but seeing all the people in need and knowing I can help motivated me to donate. I especially like the fact that it is in easy access,” said Jewel Melchor.
Mrs. Bangerter said, “Since almost all high schoolers are eligible to donate, it’s often easier if they can do it on their campus as first-time donors.” The blood drive is usually hosted during the second semester of the school year because students are older than they were at the beginning of the year therefore increasing the number of kids able to donate.
The number of donors there are each year vary, but the event is always seen as successful because all the blood they get is usable and will benefit someone in need.