School Events

There is an event coming up at CCA if you know any students interested. I attached a flyer Ben Proctor made this morning to help promote the performance event.

"We are excited to invite your students to participate in the Youth Talent Showcase on March 1st, 2025, during the Youth Arts 2025: Primary Expressions exhibition opening at Coconino Center for the Arts.

This is a great opportunity for students (Grades K-12) in Coconino and Navajo counties to showcase their talents in music, dance, spoken word, theater, and more.

Submission Details:

• Deadline: February 21, 2025

• Submit to: Dani Commanda at dcommanda@creativeflagstaff.org

• Include: Performer name(s), brief description, and parent permission/video release.

• Event: March 1st, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM at CCA. "

Next week, we are hosting a Club Picture Day. On January 21st, students involved in clubs will be called down to the auditorium to take a club picture that will be used in the Yearbook. In order for this to be effective, we need your support. Below is a schedule of the day.  A little about the day... Ms. Gutierez will announce which clubs will be taking their picture during the beginning of each hour. The photos will not start until 10 minutes into class so attendance can be taken. Passes will be provided for your return to class.  Please see Mrs. Marquez with any questions. 

Coconino Chess Club put it all together for the 2025 State Grades competition and came in first place in the High School division.

Rhys Collins came in 5th place ( tied for 2nd place) Adrianna Long came in 11th place (tied for 7th) Myla Chee, Kaleo Pearson and Landon Egbert all came in tied for 15th place.

CHS Theatre Club is proud to present the powerful, life-affirming and uplifting “Every Brilliant Thing” — a live theatrical production starring Michael Doherty  Wednesday, 1/15 @3PM in the CHS Theater.

Come out and support the CHS Girls’ Soccer Team at Texas Roadhouse on Tuesday, January 14th, anytime from 2-10pm! 10% of the proceeds go to the team!

Come get warm and have some hot chocolate! There will be a GCY Outdoor Club meeting in room 503 on Thursday, January 9th.

Spirit in Motion: Celebrating Homecoming week!

By Isabella Canales

During this past week, the Coconino High School community has worked hard to create a memorable and exciting week for students and to “hype them up” for the Homecoming Dance.  Student council has announced this year’s dance theme Footloose and dedicated the spirit week to movie films: Minion Monday-twin day, Twister Tuesday-country vs country club, Teen Beach Wednesday-bikers vs surfers, Inside out Thursday-class colors, and High School Musical Friday-school colors!  The students showed great participation as they dressed up on each day, impressively matching the theme. 

On Thursday, we were joined by the traditional parade, in which students created their own floats to represent their clubs as they walked throughout the neighborhood. 

A special addition to the Homecoming week is the Film and TV well known Spirit Week Video, or previously known as the Lip Dub.  Many students put an exceedingly amount of effort in a video that shows off the school and its spirit!  In the years, film students would record the entire school throughout the week showcasing students, clubs, and faculty while lip syncing to the chosen songs. This year, members decided to make the video differently and make it more of a movie–with musical numbers.  The Film team asked each grade level to walk out to the field in order to begin the videos for the Spirit week Video.  Although the video has not been released yet, we are still very excited for the outcome!

On Friday, the school organized an assembly and provided plenty of fun games and entertainment for the students.  Different school clubs made a special appearance such as the dance team, sport teams, marching band, and student counsel.  Every student put an immense amount of effort for this memorable week, and it is surely not the last effort.  Congratulations Panthers!

School Spirit: A Vibrant Kickoff to the Football Season

This past Friday we had our first home game of the football season. Although we did not provide a pep rally, students were filled with enthusiasm in the hallways anticipating the evening’s kickoff. The theme for the night was "Neon Out/Construction Out," and attendees embraced it with enthusiasm, arriving in an array of vibrant colors that lit up the stands. Students joined in the festivities, cheering alongside the various spiritlines of the school and taking part in chants to support the football team throughout the game.

While students were making plans to attend the game, there were various organizations around the school diligently preparing their performances for the event. The cheerleaders spent weeks perfecting routines for both the halftime show and sideline entertainment. Their efforts ensured a lively and engaging atmosphere for the audience throughout the game. Meanwhile, the Danceline worked tirelessly after school to master the intricate choreography selected by their coach, Jessica Barker, for their halftime performance. In addition to this, the team also coordinated routines to complement the music performed by the marching band in the stands, adding another layer of excitement to the evening's festivities.

The Coconino High School marching band made its debut performance of their show entitled: Dia de los Muertos.  After working extensively everyday in class and in after school rehearsals the marching band presented the first movement of the show, Estancia. Dressed in full uniform, they moved seamlessly across the field, accompanied by the Coconino auxiliary which consists of 3 baton twirlers and 7 color guard members. Not only did they practice their show but they contributed to the fight song performance at the end of their performance. 

Although the game ended in a narrow 2-point loss to the Arcadia Titans, the overwhelming school spirit and support for the football team were undeniable. From the vibrant student section to the coordinated performances by the cheerleaders, Danceline, and marching band, the event showcased the dedication and pride the school community has for its athletes. Win or lose, the night was a testament to the unity and enthusiasm that defines our school spirit, and we’ll continue to rally behind our team in the games to come.

The second annual Hispanic/Latine Youth Media Workshop (H/LYMW) at NAU, will be a transformative 5-day experience for 25 high school students across Arizona. From June 7-11, 2025, these students will immerse themselves in film and visual communication, living on the NAU campus, learning from the School of Communication faculty, and working with Hispanic and Latine NAU college student mentors. Full scholarships, valued at $1,500 each, will be awarded to all 25 participants. 

Thanks to a generous offer from NAU's President's Office, every dollar donated will be matched up to $20,000.

Please consider making a gift on Giving Tuesday to support this workshop.

Every donation counts and will be matched, no matter the size! You can contribute directly at our giving page:

https://crowdfund.foundationnau.org/project/44850.

Looking for a last minute holiday gift? The CocoNuts will be selling Hot Cocoa Grams in the south and north commons during lunch December 9 - 13! Cocoa Grams are $3, adorable, and come in your choice of caramel or peppermint. For $4, you can send a Gram with a custom, hand written note to a friend or teacher during finals week, and for only $2 more, we'll include a holiday mug! Thanks for your support, and go COCOA-NUTS!

Want to help your community? JROTC is hosting a blood drive at Coconino High School. Come and donate blood on Friday, December 6th, from 1:00 to 5:30 PM in the Coconino High School North Commons.

• If you’re 16 to 17 years old, all you need is a “Minor Donor Permit” form signed by a parent or guardian. These may be picked up in the Coconino High School Front Office or the JROTC Room, #400. 18 and older may sign up independently.

• Turn in paperwork and schedule an appointment now with Mr. Howard in the JROTC Room, or call 928 773-8225. Donors will receive a $10 gift card with a chance to win one of five $5,000 gift cards as a thank you.

• Donate and save a life!

Come support Flag Football in their first play-off game at HOME! We will be playing Westview High School today (11/13) at 3:30. 

Sees Candy Fundraiser! Active now until December 6th | Supports Band, Orchestra, Choir to DISNEYLAND!

Please share this link out far and wide! Extended family & friends near and far can all order Sees Candy to help us get to Disneyland in April! 

The last day to order is December 6th. 

Below is the link with allergy information as well for those that need it.

https://fundraising.sees.com/help/allergen

Thank you!  

Gap Year opportunity- American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for young professionals looking to get into conservation. With partnerships that include federal land management agencies and dozens of federal, state, municipal, and nonprofit partnerships, ACE members get first-hand conservation experience learning from industry leaders.We would love the chance to briefly present to the seniors and/or juniors about using an AmeriCorps term with ACE as a gap year opportunity. It looks amazing on college applications, and gets folks a foot in the door to federal conservation-related jobs If interested please come to the counseling office to sign up.

Help us help communities around the world! FCCLA is hosting a shoe drive that will help people by creating business opportunities in developing countries. Please donate any gently used and new shoes. The shoes can be any style and any size as long as there's no holes and still wearable! They will be redistributed by Funds20rgs to micro-enterprises around the world! Our goal is to collect 2,250 pairs of shoes and they can be dropped off to room 507 or any collection boxes located around the school! The last day to bring in any shoes will be December 20th.

Calling all lady panther hoopers! The 2024-2025 Basketball season is upon us. Tryouts begin Monday, November 4th from 5 PM - 7 PM in the Main Gym. All participants must complete your register my athlete and a 2025-2025 physical before attending. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Freas or Mr. Estrada (room 607). No matter what skill level you are coaches and players are ready to build your skill base and confidence in you.

Interested in the attending the Air Force after high school. Come on down to the library during lunch in the college and career center on Tuesday November 12th  to learn more about them.

¡Hello Panthers!

It is time to VOTE VOTE VOTE!

We are thrilled to announce that our Day of the Dead Mini Altar Exhibition is open! Spanish and English Language Learner classes have created beautiful altars honoring loved ones, pets, and famous figures, with dedications in both Spanish and English. Don’t miss the ceramic skulls created by Art students and the opportunity to vote for your favorite altar and skull!

The MEChA club has also set up the school altar in the South Commons. Special Event: Join us on Thursday, November 7th, at 5:30 p.m. for a closing celebration open to all families featuring a performance by Ballet Folklorico De Colores, as well as delicious pan de muerto and hot chocolate from culinary students. Stop by and celebrate this beautiful tradition with us! Don’t miss it! Día de los Muertos A Celebration of Life!

Next Friday 11/8 is our Football City Championship Rival Game but it is also our first David "Bulldog" Turner Military Appreciation Game. We invite all Veterans and Active Duty to join us and get free entry to the game with identification. Let's go Panthers!

Looking to go to School in state and looking for scholarship opportunities come join us in the Library to talk about our Dorrance Scholarship opportunity. Scholarship award $12,000 per academic year for up to 4 years Application open online: October 1, 2024 Deadline: February 5, 2025 Eligibility guidelines: -First generation college student -Arizona Resident -Current Senior -Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA weighted or unweighted -Minimum test score of 1110 SAT, 22 ACT, or 72 CLT -Demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA -Plane to attend ASU-tempe, NAU- Flagstaff, or UA- Tucson -Agree to live on-campus housing during Freshman and Sophomore year

Please join us for the Costa Rica 2025 summer trip! We are so excited for this amazing journey and we are hoping you could join us! There is a discount voucher for $200. Please take advantage of this voucher and register today! The last day for this discount voucher is Thursday, October 31st!

Eat chicken, go Coco - Nuts! Raising Cane's having a fundraiser for the CocoNuts Robotics team on October 30 from 4-9 pm. Come support your Hall of Fame robotics team - mention the CocoNuts and 15% of your ticket will go to our team, and help us get back to World Championship! Thanks for your support, and GO NUTS!

Celebrate the Seniors on the Flagstaff Avalanche High School Hockey team this Sunday 10/27. Coconino High School has 3 seniors who play on the Avs D2 hockey team.

• D2 takes on Mountain Ridge High School at 10:30AM Sunday 10/27 and senior celebration will be after this game. Come make some noise for your Panther Seniors.

WHO: Haven Walker Music Scholarship Fund

WHAT: $1,500 Scholarships available for local high school musicians to fund music studies WHERE: Apply online at https://havenwalker.org/apply.html

WHEN: Applications accepted now and until January 21,2025. Award announcement will be made in March, 2025. CONTACT: Please find contact information at https://havenwalker.org/apply.html

We are proud to announce the fourth year of the Haven Walker Music Scholarship that will assist Flagstaff area students presently enrolled in grades 8 through 11, including prior Haven Walker Music Scholarship recipients, with the opportunity to further their musical journeys. This year five $1500 awards will be given to help dedicated musicians with their lessons and perhaps the rental or purchase of instruments. This generous scholarship is available for Flagstaff students who are experiencing financial hardships. Applicants will be judged on musical talent and a proven commitment to their musical journey. The scholarship fund is run by the Flagstaff Music Festival, a nonprofit 501c3 organization. We are excited to accept applications now and until Jan. 31, 2025, with scholarship awards being announced in March,2025 and awarded at a public ceremony in April, 2025. Applications and more information can be found at https://havenwalker.org/apply.html.

The Haven Walker Music Scholarship was founded by Bob and Pina Miller to honor their son Haven Walker. Haven was an amazing musician, son, father, and friend to all. He was a staple for 20 years in the Flagstaff music scene, playing Guitar, Sarod and crossing many music genres. His untimely passing has us mourning still, but his legacy will continue through this scholarship fund. We encourage musicians of all ethnicities, beliefs, and genders to apply, as Haven loved you all. To learn more about Haven, the scholarship, to apply or to donate, please visit Click Here: Haven Walker Scholarship Information

On Wednesdays, We Wear Red

October 2nd, 2024

By: Elle Ness

Wednesdays for the CocoNuts are team meetings. That’s one of the fixed events throughout their off-season. Once a week they gather as a whole team to share updates, make decisions, and connect. They have three other areas of the team that meet at different times throughout the week. Their build and programming sectors meet every week, and their Impact team meets on Thursdays. The build and program teams are working on their robot before the State Championship this upcoming Saturday. They'll be competing against other teams from across the state at an ASU arena. The Impact team discussed fundraising and some requirements to attend the World Championships this next year since the team is pre-qualified following their stunning Impact Award win, cementing them in the FIRST Robotics Competition Hall of Fame. 

During Wednesday’s meeting, they had several things on the docket. Ms. Sapio, a co-coach, always writes the agenda and points she wants to talk about on the whiteboard to keep CocoNuts on track, as they are a squirrely and talkative bunch. Today was no different. The team was just about as energetic as always even for a Wednesday.

The CocoNuts spent some time connecting with one another. There was a passionate discussion about their favorite books and then sharing about the previous week. Some of the team went to the Arizona Robotics League (ARL) offseason qualifier and others went to run a booth at Science In the Park. They had two teams competing at ARL, a robot built by the sophomores over the summer and with the robot built last season. Others talked about the experience with Science In the Park and how they had to shield the robots from the rain because water and robots do not mix.

Then, in preparation for the State Championships that weekend, Alex Swain, a senior member of the team, started going over their new scouting system. Alex explained to new members that scouting is how teams will choose alliance partners during the finals of the competition. They take data for multiple areas, like what a team’s autonomous period looks like, how many rings can they score, can they climb onto a chain at the end of their match, do they play defense or offense, etc.. The CocoNuts have been working on a database for scouting for the whole of Arizona, and so they walked both new and old members through their new system. It was certainly more complex than the old system of doing scouting on paper and then sorting through it late at night in hotel rooms, but it was easier when they could have their data all in one place in time for alliance selection. 

That wound up eating up most of their time that day, but they did manage to go over a few cheers for when they’re in the stands cheering on their robot during matches. They also have a dance they like to do during the song, “We Like To Party.” It’s a CocoNuts staple at any competition. You hear those opening notes, you can probably find the Nuts in the stands dancing along. It’s complex, so it might take a few more meetings to get it down completely. 

Then, they finished off the meeting by signing up for some upcoming events and then they were released to go on with their days. They’ll see each other soon, and they’re looking forward to seeing one another later that week at their individual meetings along with seeing the entirety of the team this next week. 

You too can join the CocoNuts! Stop by Ms. Sapio’s room, on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Programming and building meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Impact meets Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Hope to go nuts with you!

Lip Dub Information for October 2024!

This year we are changing it up and making a Spirit Video rather than a traditional lip dub. All faculty, students, and staff with an fusd1.org ID can self-enroll in a Canvas class to participate or see what’s going on.

BIGGEST DIFFERENCES from the LIP DUBS:

1. We are NOT filming in the halls during school hours, and not filming teams, clubs, or small groups during homecoming.

1. Another difference is that we are allowing students and staff to vote on music selections using a self-enrollable Canvas Classroom.

1. Most exciting is that we are inviting video and photographic submissions from everyone at the school, groups, and individuals. That means everyone, from freshmen, to FCA, to custodians, to admin – every team, group and person who is a panther. Some ideas of what you could turn in, but this isn’t all:

1. 1. You’re at a game and some fans do something cool you catch on your phone camera

   2. You can dance like no one is watching on camera

   3. You ignite thermite or launch air rockets in your science class and take pics

   4. Your crazy algebra teachers has you doing two-variable twister

   5. You and your friends sing a barbershop quartet

   6. Nobody knows how awesome you are when you rock the bass

   7. Magic tricks, juggling… we might even consider mimes

In short anything that happens at school, school events, or field trips, or anything you want to make happen in those places – we want the submission. Be kind – short is good. Depending on how much we get, we may not be able to include everything, and we might edit for time or content.

You can be in the lip-dub THREE ways:

1. Enroll in the Canvas class below and click the “Please click here to submit…” link to turn in a picture or video that YOU make.

2. A link will be coming soon in this Canvas to schedule a time with the lipdub team if you want to make something with us

3. Come and audition for a lead part on October 1st and October 2nd.

This short film will be driven by music, like a lip dub. Also, since it is replacing the lip-dub, we are recreating selected moments from past year’s lip dubs as homage. However, this film will have a story line, and there’s new ways we’re including everyone.

Self-enroll code: H7MDE3

https://fusd1.instructure.com/enroll/H7MDE3

Chess Team took 2nd on tie breaks, even though we beat Basis, who was first. 

Region results:

Basis 29 points

Coco 26 points

Followed by Tuba, NPA, Alchesay and Grey Hills Academy

Attention current members and new members of National Honor Society: Our first mandatory meeting is this Wednesday, October 2nd in room 507 during lunch. Please be sure to attend to get important information regarding the Canvas Classroom, service hour requirements and more.  The 2024-25 officer team and new adviser, Mrs. Locke, look forward to meeting all of you!"

All Juniors and Seniors are you interested in attending UofA please join them for a visit on October 2nd from 10:15- 10:55. Please come by the coun counseling office and sign up.

Students if you misplaced your hoodie or jacket swing by the lost and found.

All items will be donated to the Free Store next Wednesday 10/2.

Chick-fil-A is here this year on Mondays and Fridays.

This upcoming Monday, September 30th, the CHS sustainability project will be holding a meeting (room 607/during lunch/free pizza) to talk more about preserving our Mother Earth. During our meeting, we will begin selecting sustainability officers to run the project. This is a great addition to your resume, paid opportunity, and meet like minded humans.

Pink Shirt Project 2024 Shirts are $10 each with proceeds benefitting the North Country Well Woman Clinic! You may purchase your shirt by October 4 from a CHS Student Council member or online at 🩷Click 🩷

Pink Outs are scheduled for the following home games:

• Football 10/11 @ 7pm

• Flag Football 10/16 @ 3:30pm

• Volleyball 10/16 @ 4pm/5pm/6pm

• and every Wednesday beyond!

Congratulations to our Flag Football! They beat River Valley 41-7 on September 24, 2024!  Sophomore QB Blanca Fanetura Gomez threw SIX touchdown passes!

Congratulations to the Chess Team! They took second at the Grey Hills  Academy Chess Tournament! 

(September 2024)

Lights! Camera! Action!

By Makaila Cardon

Presenting Coconino’s New Auditorium

Sep 17, 2024

The red carpet has been rolled out, its newly-laid velvet still fragrant with the earthy scent of upholstery. As it descends down the steps, it parts down the aisle ways like a bridal dress train. Participants leave fresh footsteps like sand on the beach on the new unperturbed carpet. The new sound booth and light equipment, glossy like gemstones twinkling in the night under a blue casted light. The stage still smells fresh of cedar wood, every fiber waits in anticipation to hold a performer that will dance, sing, recite, educate, and captivate their audience with every word echoed throughout the arena like a grand cathedral. 

Have you suddenly been transported to a state of the art Hollywood Scene several hundred miles west? Not exactly, but you can go to Coconino High School's new auditorium in the South Commons that began its remodeling journey late last year with the governing board’s approval for contract and funding worth over 3 million dollars. However, this was an ongoing project dating back two years ago, plans were originally set in 2022, according to the Navajo-Hopi Observer. Now we are glad to say it is finished and ready for use once again! This will be a place for students participating in a variety of extracurriculars, such as theater club, poetry out loud, Miss Native American pageant, capstone, and so much more for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. 

Interested in going to Japan? Check out this meeting with Mr. Woodruff! https://rsvp.eftours.com/s7an57u 

Cadence and Color: The Introduction to Coconino High School Marching Band and Their 2024 Halftime Show

By Shay Perez Solarte

Friday, September 13, 2024 

As you stroll past the music hall on Tuesdays, the buzz of the marching band’s practice sessions fills the air, heralding the start of a thrilling new season. Over the coming months, the field will transform into a dynamic arena of rhythm and precision, where each step and note is crucial. Both students and staff are dedicating their efforts to crafting a spectacular show, designed to captivate not just the student body but also friends and family alike.

The atmosphere is charged with a blend of excitement and nervous energy as students dive into learning their measures and counts for this year’s halftime show. In this column, we will explore the complex choreography that animates each performance, highlight the standout individuals both on and off the field, and provide an inside look at the rigorous rehearsals leading up to the much-anticipated performances. As we look forward to another thrilling season, we’ll explore what sets this year’s marching band apart and what exciting developments lie ahead in the coming months.

At the heart of the marching band’s success is a dedicated team of staff members, led by Coconino High School’s main band and music director, Mrs. Vanora. In addition to overseeing the marching band, Mrs. Vanora also directs the Colorguard, whose intricate movements will enhance the visual spectacle of upcoming home games. Assisting her is Mr. Abeytia, the band’s Co-Director, who plays a crucial role during Tuesday night rehearsals, focusing on the visual elements of their performances. Supporting these efforts are additional staff members who devote their time to various sections of the band, ensuring a cohesive and impressive show.

Each year, the marching band selects a distinct theme that sets the stage for their entire performance. This theme guides the choice of music and the overall design of the show, shaping every aspect of their presentation from the first note to the final formation. This season, our marching band takes a bold and colorful turn with a theme inspired by the rich traditions of Mexico, ‘Day of the Dead.’ As the leaves fall and the weather cools, our performances will warm hearts and illuminate the field with a celebration of life and remembrance.

Many may not realize the depth of dedication that Coconino High School’s marching band invests, not only in their school’s halftime shows and assemblies but also in their competitive season. Each Tuesday, the band rehearses from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., meticulously running the routines and music learned in class and previous rehearsals to perfect their performances. The marching band becomes a community that contributes to making something bigger than themselves for others to enjoy. Reflecting on my own high school marching band experience, I recall the excitement of the first rehearsal and the sense of camaraderie that develops over the season. This collective passion is what makes each performance truly memorable.