Morenci High School - Copper Cat Yearbook (Morenci, AZ)

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Love it or leave it The desert isn’t for everyone as Morenci’s AFS student from Brazil, Evandro Moreira, soon decided. Due to an apparent communica- tion mixup, Evandro expected a landscape similar to that of his na- tive country of Brazil. The desert hills of Morenci were, therefore, quite a shock. As Leivon Kerr, a member of his host family ex- plained, “Evandro said it wasn’t the people here that made him un- happy, he just couldn’t adjust to the lack of trees and flowers in the desert.” So, after only one week in Morenci, Evandro was moved to Berkeley, California where the sce- nery more simulated that of his homeland. Through the summer AFS ex- change program, two local stu- dents spent the three months prior to their senior year traveling abroad. Robbie Burgher visited Finland while Chris Ramirez spent the summer in Italy. Robbie first flew from Phoenix to Los Angeles to catch a non-stop flight to New York City. “I was scared I was going to get on the wrong plane,” recalled Robbie when asked about the trip. Upon arriving in Finland, Robbie spent three days at orientation where he learned Finnish customs. From there he went to Helsinki to meet his host family. “I didn’t know whether to shake hands or say ‘Hi, mom and dad,’ when first meeting my new family.” Seafood makes up the Finn’s main diet and Robbie especially en- joyed pike from the Straits of Bar- osund. Activities he participated in during his visit included water ski- ing, fishing, and lots of sight-seeing. Chris Ramirez was on the go constantly and did not stay in any one town for very long. He visited such historic sites as the Coliseum and St. Peter’s Square in Rome, and San Marco in Venice. Having enjoyed the Italian food, Chris commented, “They eat bet- ter in Europe. There aren’t any McDonalds to run to and lunch is a big meal just like dinner. I especial- ly liked the spaghetti. It was noth- ing like what we get in the cafeteria here.” Chris was rather surprised to find there was no law limiting the drinking age. “I took full advan- tage of that,” he laughed. “The kids grow up drinking wine at meals although it is diluted with water when they’re very young.” Attending a rock concert in Bo- logna, Italy, Chris was shocked to find an absence of drugs! “There were a few isolated groups, but nothing like it was at the American concerts I’ve been to.” The AFS Club hosted a “Mor- enci Weekend” during November for four visiting students. “They were some of the most vibrant young people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet,” commented club sponsor, Mr. Virgil Cork. The guests seemed pleased with their brief visit to Morenci, also. Summing up his experience here, Michael Olsson remarked” one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been.” Mitte Moltzar from Norway agreed. “This has been the high- light of my American visit.” Attending a Morenci football game was one of the activities en- joyed by the visitors. “I don’t real- ly understand football, but I want- ed the black team to win,” re- marked Bruno Rubt from France. Assisting AFS weekend visitor, Michael Olsson from Sweden, is Robbie Burgher. AFS-29

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World-famous Coliseum in Rome as viewed by Chris Ramirez on his trip to Italy. AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE: FRONT ROW: Audrey Windsor. Nita Stone. Bernice Truji- llo, Tonya Price, Cecilia Owens, Elsa Valenzuela 2ND: Leo Aguilar, Sarah McFadden, Andrea Jones, Rebecca Provencio, Kathy Clayton, Kelly Baker, president; John Lee, secretary-treasur- er; Joe Peru, Michelle Romero, Nancy Balderrama, Janet Bahschnitt, Cindy Berry. 3RD: Rodrick Hogg, Gene Zale, Veronica Tapia, Jenny Johnson, Shelly Johnson, Lisa Stacey, Donna Lizarraga, Ronda Campbell, Frances Peru, Hulon Hayes, Eric Hayes. 4TH: Dennis Giacoletti, Chris Ramirez, vice-president; Charlie Boling, Pat Scheier, Brenda Carabeo, Sharon Clark, Robbie Burgher, program chairman; Paula Jones, Kim Gullion, Benjie Aguilar, and Leivon Kerr. Getting acquainted are Mr. Virgil Cork, sponsor of AFS; Mrs. Jan Perry, Chairman of “Morenci Weekend”; Bruno Rebt, France; Robin Beizmeyer, Tucson; Mitte Moltzan, Norway; Michael Olsson, Sweden; Mrs. Cozart, Arizona Regional Director of AFS; Mr. John Glodis Principal; Armando Alchant, Brazil; and Mrs. Sheila Farquhar, Chairman of Morenci AFS. 28-AFS

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Behind the scenes Gearing up for the new year. Student Council sponsored two re- presentatives to summer work- shops. President Corinne Fras- quillo attended the national con- vention at Sunnyside High School in Tucson, and Secretary Benjie Aguilar went to the state student council workshop at ASU. Both students felt the workshops were beneficial. As Benjie emphasized, “People were very outgoing about contributing their ideas, and they could do so without fear of being criticized or having people make fun of them.” Planning the last Homecoming on the “Hill” kept Council mem- bers busy for several months. The Council organized the building of a float to carry the Queen and her court around the field. A Mexican dinner, open to the community, was held prior to the game. On Halloween the council mem- bers sponsored their second annu- al party in the student lounge. Dressed in costumes, they passed out “goodies” and gave students a chance to bob for apples. Eight Student Council members traveled to Tucson in September to attend the Spirit Leadership Convention. The Convention stressed the importance of school spirit not being based solely on ath- letics. “We learned some good games and competitions to reach all students,” explained Mona Ro- driguez. “It was also a good oppor- tunity to meet people from other schools.” Remembering their trip to the State Student Council Convention at Palo Verde High School in Tuc- son, Donna Chavez and Corrine Frasquillo recalled their pillow and pizza fight with Benjie Aguilar. “It was gross when Benjie made me wear tomato sauce blush,” com- mented Donna. “I had a lot of fun, but I was worried about Mr. Edens finding out,” admitted Corrine. According to Mark Owen, Boys’ State, held at NAU in Flagstaff, was “ an experience I’ll re- member the rest of my life.” Mark was appointed chairman of the gas and water companies for his city. He ran for city lawyer but lost in the primary election. Eric Hayes served as city clerk and kept records of all meetings. Paul Esparza won a seat in the House of Representatives and was appointed city councilman. “Everything was modeled after a real state government,” said Cin- dy Berry, Morenci’s Girls’ State re- presentative at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Cindy ran for County School Superintendent but lost in the primary election. Anytown representatives met in discussion groups and workshops where they offered their ideas and listened to the feelings of others. Speakers at Anytown included leaders of Arizona’s cultural, pro- fessional, and religious communi- ties. Topics covered were self-im- age development, parent-youth re- lations, communication, and lead- ership. When asked about her week on Mingus Mountain in Pres- cott, Lisa Stacey replied, “It was like a fairytale; you just have to experience it for yourself.” ANYTOWN REPRESENTATIVES: FRONT ROW: John Stoner 2ND: Kristy Boling, Lisa Stacey. 3RD: James Barquin. 30-STUDENT COUNCIL, BOYS’ GIRLS’ STATE, ANYTOWN