At the most recent Winslow School Board meeting, Winslow High School Spanish teacher Reese Chatwin spoke about the Spanish Club’s upcoming volunteer trip to Mexico. The group will consist of 10 students, Chatwin, and two other chaperones, with plans to leave next week. The group will travel in a 14-person van for most of the journey, while Vice Principal Kourtney Hendricks will drive a truck carrying everyone’s luggage and a large collection of donated items.
Local resident Ruby Carson contributed clothes and toys, which the students plan to distribute during their volunteer work across the border. The school board approved travel from Winslow to Douglas, where the group will meet with Rancho Feliz, a nonprofit organization that will help them safely cross into Mexico and later return them to Douglas. Parents have already signed waivers allowing their children to participate in various service projects.
The itinerary includes daily volunteer activities in the region, lodging at La Hacienda Feliz, and meals prepared on site. The students will visit Colegio Anais and CAM (Centro de Atención Múltiple), engage in construction and craft projects, spend time at a migrant shelter and deliver food bags to local families in need.
Each day will begin with breakfast at La Hacienda Feliz, followed by volunteer work or site visits, then lunch and additional service projects in the afternoon. Evenings will feature dinner, presentations and occasional visits to a small souvenir shop where participants can purchase local crafts. The final day includes distributing food to families and returning to the United States through a scheduled border crossing.
Board President Debbie Martinez expressed some reservations about approving the trip because she doesn’t know how safe it is. However, Chatwin explained that he has been there multiple times and they will never be more than a few miles from the border. “The place we stay is literally five minutes into [Mexico]. The kids won’t be allowed to just walk around, they take us everywhere.” The board ultimately voted to allow the out of state travel to commence.
Board members expressed their appreciation for all involved and emphasized the valuable learning and service opportunities awaiting the students on this international trip.
During the same board meeting, representatives shared news of a $3,000 donation from the Clear Creek Cowboys organization which raised the money through its pony express-style ride from Holbrook to Winslow. This contribution will be split evenly among the local elementary schools.
In other business, the board:
* Approved the donation of a professional photo of the cheer by Josue Barrios valued at $250.
* Approved the following new hires: Kristopher Herder, second grade teacher; Kayla Reader, second grade teacher; Adam Wagner, special education teacher; and Devin Bard, custodian.
* Approved the resignations of Ryan Johnson, WHS math teacher; Tonette Nez-Benally, Washington Elementary health technician; Joshua Fussell, trip driver and the terminations of Marguerita Gally, bus driver; and Benny Yazzie Jr., custodian.
* Approved retire and return to work request from Verlynn Goldtooth.
* Approved extra duty pay for Karsyn Ellis for yearbook.
*Approved out of state travel for Larissa Richards, Kourtney Hendricks and Sal Hernandez to travel to Las Vegas, Nev., June 23-26 for a conference, and Penny Brimhall, Sal Hernandez, Natalie Barrios, Lachel Chatwin and Marlalita Rhoads to travel to Las Vegas, Nev., April 30- May 3 for a career and technical education conference.
