One of the few big cases that is still around to this day…The Menendez Brothers. Even to this day still find new evidence for the public from their case back in the day. We talked about Lyle and Erik Menendez’s upcoming event and what they went through.
Episode 2: Are They Monsters?
October 23, 2024
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About the Contributors
Zoe Perez, Editor-In-Chief
“Now who is THAT girl?” you might ask when you catch a glimpse of the gorgeous, glamorous, and glowing Zoe; I know I did! Zoe is one of the most inspiring people at Agua Fria High School. Being the junior class STUCO president and an academic achiever as well as a social butterfly, there’s no doubt you’ll stumble upon this icon when attending Agua Fria.
In her free time, Zoe volunteers at school events and attends clubs. School Clubs and activities she participates in include NHS, Journalism Club, and Owl Closet, and she hopes to soon join Key Club. When she's home she studies, talks to her boyfriend (Orlando Gomez), or crafts: crocheting, making jewelry, and sewing. She likes painting her nails and doing her makeup, as well as planning outfits for funsies.
Although people assume she's mean when they first look at her, personality-wise Zoe is very social and she can be bubbly. She has a lot to say and her teachers say she is very academic and organized—truly a star student. But Zoe believes she's not organized, but that she still keeps up with her education. And for appearance; Zoe gives off a serene aura with her elegant yet chic style.
Zoe has a PLETHORA of unique interests. Our girly LOVES Ayesha Erotica (our favorite internet princess) which—even she says—could be considered controversial. Besides Ayesha Erotica’s songs, her playlists include alternative, punk, scene, and goth music. Zoe is intrigued by researching investigations, true crime, and paranormal content. She watches Bailey Sarian, a YouTuber who does her makeup and talks about crime, murder, and investigations. This is not an obsession, but she finds interest in The Night Stalker Richard Ramirez, a serial killer of whom she studied his complex case and the psychology of it.
Zoe confidently says she has her whole future planned out: she wants to attend NAU, the University of Arizona, or Stanford to study and become a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. She wants to live in Oregon and loves it for its weather and because it has all four seasons, unlike the area of Arizona she resides in. She doesn't envision a family-oriented life, she would like to prioritize her career for her future. She plans to travel and someday experience her dream vacations: Greece and Italy.
Zoe says moving from Trevor Browne High School to Agua Fria High School is a significant moment that shaped her into a whole different person; she says she's opened up and became more social, putting herself out there, and getting more involved. Agua Fria led her to meet her boyfriend (Orlando Gomez) and join journalism which has been significant for her to pursue her love for journaling.
In her freshman year Zoe joined journalism because she previously took digital journalism which is nothing like this she says. Ms. Fowler's Journalism Class allows her to write to inform and put herself out there for her to be well-known which she says is a great thing. Zoe is an opinion reporter and editor— also media editor, and hopes to become president of the journalism class as she already holds the role for the Journalism Club.
Elena Casillas, News reporter
Elena Casillas is a 16-year-old junior news reporter at Agua Fria. Elena enjoys informing people in all different ways such as journalism and ‘broadcasting’. Elena enjoys hanging out with friends, writing, and reading. She loves her two cats, Maurice and Nugget. She despises the Arizona summer heat. This is just a short introduction to Elena Casillas.
Not many people know what they’re going to do after High School but Elena has a plan she hopes to succeed in. Elena dreams of going into any variation of filming, or broadcasting. To achieve this dream she hopes to attend ASU Cronkite. She plans to leave her comfort zone and maybe become a news broadcaster for CNN, Fox News, and any similar news channel.
Getting to know Elena, I decided to ask how her high school experience has been for her so far. She explains high school for her has been ‘like a wave’ or in other words like a roller coaster. She says she’s been ‘going with the wave’ of things throughout high school. Between Freshman and Junior year, she says how there has been a big change in her mindset; way of thinking, and maturity. She has learned how to procrastinate less and become more social. Talk to people more and become more comfortable talking to them. In becoming more social she decided to join film which she said made her feel like she truly wanted to make some change. Throughout high school, her feelings have changed in seeing how different people can consider their feelings rather than yours.
On a more serious note, though 16 years may seem like a short amount of time it can still change your perspectives on many things. I asked Elena, ‘How has your perspective changed in life/ what has changed your perspective?”. Elena said growing up she realized how fast something can change in life. We aren’t promised the same every day. She said her having family issues showed her this, how things can change so fast without you even seeing it. Her perspective also changed in paying more attention to how you view things and how certain things can affect you and your personal or school life. In school, she's seen and got a deeper understanding of how ignorant and selfish people can be when it comes to your feelings, if it doesn’t have much to do with them they may not care as much.
Finally, I decided to ask her a fun question. “What is one thing people would be shocked to know about you?”. Elena said she is a big Marvel person. Every time she tells people they’re just a little bit shocked. Her favorite Marvel hero would have to be in between Iron Man and black widow. Elena has such a beautiful personality. If you want to get to know her, it is so worth it.
Emmy Alvarado, Lifestyle Reporter
As the Class of 2028 rolls in at Agua Fria High School, one partially freshman stands out—a freshman with fresh opinions: Emmy Alvardo! Anyone who has been around Emmy can say she is a beacon of light in a dark room, from her bright personality to her intuitive thinking.
This is Emmy's first year of Journalism. She says journalism stood out from the rest of the other electives in this year's new freshman experience. Emmy believes that Journalism informs people about stories that can change or create more interest in pieces. Emmy's writing gives a sense of expression because it allows an impression of her interest to be shared with everyone. Hence one of the many reasons she is an opinion reporter.
Let's track back to Emmy's character. Emmy describes herself as friendly but reserved. At first glance, she is timid but sparks a conversation about music, especially Frank Ocean. You'll see how interesting she is. Another one of Emmy's characteristics is empathy for others. As a child her taking care of family made her who she is. It taught her many life lessons about how people can be. She understands that it's important to consider people's feelings when expressing themselves because everyone has their own stories, backgrounds, and reasoning towards things.
Some extra information about Emmy, she wants to have an amazing wonderful high school experience by joining extracurricular activities like journalism club to express herself even more. Also, Emmy wants to join soccer too because she has been playing soccer since she was little, and has become something she's been passionate about.
For future career opportunities, Emmy sees herself as a neuropsychologist or criminal psychologist. To see how people react, behave, and think patterns after injuries like concussions. Have a job in some type of criminal science to study different crimes and create more order in say day life. Anything in psychology interests Emmy as the way the brain works in so many different ways intrigues her.
Speaking of the future, in ten years Emmy will be twenty-four years old and hopes to see herself being in some type of school getting a degree, and being truly independent on her own. If she is ‘lucky enough’ while in her studies hopefully settling down with someone.
Even though Emmy has three years left at Agua Fria, she is setting up a path of success towards the future.
Patricia Ramirez, News Editor
Gorgeous, outgoing, and kind-hearted are three words you can use to describe how amazing Patricia Ramirez is. Patricia Ramirez is a 16-year-old Agua Fria student who loves to write. “I’ve always liked writing and enjoyed it before I even knew what career I wanted after high school. I always wanted to be an author because I enjoyed writing.” Patricia explains why she has joined to be part of the journalism class. As she starts her junior year, Patricia will be an opinion reporter and a news editor.
Writing is not just her favorite subject, hanging out with family and friends is also one of her big passions since they play a big role in her life. Music has always been very therapeutic to her although she does say her music can be really “bipolar” sometimes. She likes listening to Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Pierce The Veil, and many other artists. Reading is also delightful to Patrcia, her favorite book to read is Harry Potter. Prisoner Of Azkaban. “ The new characters make the story more interesting as it includes more suspense and a lot of plot twists,” said Patricia.
Agua Fria has been very good to Patrcia this past year since she enrolled here for her sophomore year. “ I like the environment here and how well I get along with others” as she had commented about her experience here. I have known Patricia since she first joined journalism last year. She has always been a very groovy, and amazing person. Whenever you have a problem or need to vent about something, Patricia will make sure to comfort you and support you regardless of the situation.
Patricia has always had good people around her, she did say she would like to thank a few teachers here at Agua Fria. “ I would like to thank Ms. Fowler for being such a sweet and understanding teacher. Another teacher I would also like to thank is Ms. Grady for being sweet and understanding as well, and for always making my day,” Patricia said. As she comes close to the end of being in high school, colleges and universities are constantly being brought up. She does plan to go to college. “ I do want to go to college to be a social worker or to be a journalist since it has always been my passion,” Patricia stated.
Many challenges and obstacles in our lives can make us feel a little sad about it, but Patricia has always made sure not to give up. “I think about the outcome of what I’m going through and think about how it’s not going to be bad forever just for now, and I’d rather push through it to get to the good part than stay stuck,” she said. She has grown so much as a person and also said that she started being herself and she stopped trying to “change me for other people”. Patricia said. As I continue this amazing journey in the journalism club, I am beyond excited to spend another and work with Patricia in the journalism club!