SJHS Newsletter 4.5.26

Tomorrow:

• April 3 - No School (Snow Day)

Weekly Highlights:

• Now - April 20 - Soda Drive for Prom (see flyer)
• April 6-10 - Assistant Principal's Week
• April 7 - ASVAB Make-up Testing
• April 8 - State Testing Make-up Day (for any students who missed March 24 or April 1)
• April 8 - TEP Empowering Individuals Field Trip (by special invitation)
• April 10 - DEADLINE to buy Yearbook, Yearbook Senior Ads, Yearbook Business Ads (see flyers)

Future Events - Save the Dates:

• April 13 - Real Life Reads at the St. Johns Public Library
• April 14 - SJHS & Community Blood Drive (see flyer)
• April 25 - Prom (see flyer)

Click this link to read more regarding testing at SJHS! https://app.smore.com/n/4xjdc

Principal Mouritsen invited me to be a guest writer for the newsletter this week and suggested that I share the mantra or philosophy (TMITA) of the St. Johns Wrestling program with our school community.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share this, as it’s a huge part of what we try to implement on our team and in our lives.

Thirty years ago, when I was a second-year head wrestling coach at SJMS, we had six or seven returning 8th graders decide not to wrestle their final middle school season and sit on the sideline. I was very disappointed and searched for something that might “hook” our wrestlers and inspire them to not quit due to peer pressure and wrestle at a minimum through middle school and hopefully high school. I was also looking for something that would help them deal with struggles in their lives outside of wrestling. I found Theodore Roosevelt's “The Man in the Arena” quote and it resonated deeply with me. We have used the TMITA mantra or philosophy since that time and try to etch it on every one of our wrestlers’ souls.

(Along with this message is a copy of TMITA for those who wish to read it.) TMITA basically says that the person who counts is the one trying hard, failing repeatedly and trying again, never quitting. The person who has grit, determination, tenacity, and toughness matters, not the naysayer, the negative commentator, the one who criticizes and doesn’t ever try. By constantly working to improve, accepting setbacks as temporary and a time to reflect or make a renewed effort we can achieve our goals and aspirations. If not, then the character earned in the pursuit is a worthy reward of the effort and work put in. This is not easy in wrestling nor in any part of life where you are really striving to do something significant or become more. It will try your soul, as well it should, for to earn character, integrity or any other desired trait a price must be paid.

As Mrs Mouritsen pointed out so well in last week’s newsletter when discussing the Les Miserables production, “even during times of struggle, stress, or pain, these challenges won’t last forever. Through effort, perseverance, and grit, brighter outcomes are on the horizon.”

I hesitate to mention any specific individuals but will as I was asked to do so. Trace Nielsen just wrestled at Nationals at Virginia Beach, Virginia this past weekend, where he became an All-American. If you place among the top 8 in your weight class you become an All-American. Many might look at Trace, his strength, tenacity, will to win, and wrestling skills and think he was greatly blessed and those things came naturally. While some things did come naturally, the often two-a-day lifting sessions for years,and the after practice and weekend sessions in the wrestling room with his dad and others had a lot more to do with his success. There were many times over the years where his face was bloodied and marred with sweat, difficulties, self-doubt, setbacks, and his fair share of losses. Hats off to him for his TMITA attitude and work ethic that helped him to become a State Champion and an All-American. ‘Attakid, Trace!

This season, Reece Crosby became a two-time State Champion. He’s a tough, quick, and gritty wrestler. He’s almost always the hardest working wrestler in practice and sets a high standard for his partners and teammates. Many don’t know that he has already had two major surgeries and will have another one pretty soon. Also, for the past three or four years, Reece has practiced two or three times a week at 4:00 am before his 5:30 am weights class. These extra things help him to be the version of TMITA he aspires to be. Way to go, Reece!

Our men in the arena, the St. Johns High School Wrestlers, came up just a little short this past season when we won the State Runner-Up trophy. I was so proud of each and every wrestler on our team. In my mind, they are all champions as they emulated the qualities of “The Man in the Arena” each day, on and off the mat. If we miss the standard of achievement, effort or behavior set in the program (and we all do from time to time), we simply need to get back in the fight and never quit.

Likewise, we as a SJHS community can follow the mantra or philosophy of TMITA by doing our best in our chosen arena. Stay in the fight!

Brandon R. Crosby

St. Johns High School Wrestling Coach

by Bianca Diaz

As the weather warms up and the countdown to summer officially begins, we often see a familiar trend in high schools across the country: the "April Slide." Between the excitement of prom season and the looming shadow of final exams, maintaining a steady routine can feel like an uphill battle. However, this month is the most critical "bridge" to the finish line of the academic year.

The Impact of the Clock: Tackling Tardiness

We’ve noticed an uptick in two specific areas: morning arrivals and the post-lunch transition. While an extra five minutes of sleep or a slow walk/drive back from lunch might seem harmless, those minutes add up quickly.

Missing the first ten minutes of a class often means missing the essential "hook" of the lesson or the instructions for the day’s work. In a block-schedule environment, being late to class once can feel like missing half a week's worth of context. We encourage parents and students to work together to prioritize on-time arrival. Remember, attendance isn't just about grades; it’s about habits. Employers rank reliability as the #1 trait they look for in new hires. Showing up to school on time today is practice for the career you want tomorrow.

Combatting "Senioritis"

To our Seniors: the finish line is in sight, but the race isn't over. "Senioritis" is a common feeling, but skipping class to enjoy the spring sun can have real-world consequences on college admissions and graduation eligibility.

Don't let "Spring Fever" rain on your parade. We want every student to celebrate at the end of the term, and that starts with being "planted" in your seat today. To help with motivation, we are continuing the incentives this month:

• Weekly Gift Card Drawings: Every week a student has 100% attendance (no absences or tardies in any class period excused or unexcused, excluding medical and institutional absences), they will receive an entry into a drawing for a Gift Card from one of our local businesses. (Ditty's, El Cupidos, Betty's Bakery, American Arrow/Snow Shack, The Market, and more.) These entries also count toward the end of the year drawing where a student will have the chance to win a Kindle or Chromebook. (Kindly provided by Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren with the Apache County Attorney's Office)

With finals just around the corner, April is the time to solidify what you’ve learned all year. We see the hard work you’ve put in since August—don't let the "April Showers" of burnout wash away your progress.

Parents/Guardians/Community Members: If you would like to help or donate rewards to our students for good or improved attendance, please fill out the form below.

with Mr. Johnson

The College and High School internship programs at SRP serve the purpose of developing critical talent, enabling SRP to fill key roles while providing real world experience and development to students. The internship programs are also designed to reinforce our commitment to workforce development by cultivating a workforce that will serve our community for years to come.

Our goal is to provide best-in-class internship experiences that align with course work, provide exposure to the utilities industry, and enable real- world application of learning to prepare students to enter the workforce. Interns also bring a fresh perspective to our workplace, strengthening the diversity of our workforce and contributing to innovation. Our focus on mentorship by experienced workers gives new entrants to the workforce the support they need for career growth and success.

Below is a link to the external bids now open. There are three positions for the next school year; onboarding is expected in July 2026. Apply here: Field & Shop Student Employee/Intern Job Details | SRP

Summary

High school senior student internship for those enrolled in a formal ICE program. The student intern will work daily scheduled hours based on the department’s needs, with a minimum requirement of 15 hours and up to 40 hours per week maximum.

What You'll Do

• Assist journeyman classifications in cleaning, tool room duties, repairing power generating equipment
• Perform various maintenance laborer duties

• The job can include maintenance and repair of a Generating Station, cleaning parts, running tools, cleaning up work areas and minor repairs under the direction of a Mechanic. 50% of the work is spent outdoors.

• Monday, April 6 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Johnson's Classroom

• Monday, April 6 - Leave for competition
• Tuesday, April 7 - Wednesday, April 8 - State Competition

• Tuesday, April 7 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the Library

• Wednesday, April 8 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Kelley's Classroom

• Thursday, April 9 - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in Mrs. Hitchcock's Culinary Classroom

• April 3: Baseball @ Pinon
• April 3: Softball @ Pinon

• April 4: Softball @ Joseph City (playing Horizon Honors)
• April 6: Baseball vs. Joseph City
• April 7: Baseball & Softball vs. Many Farms
• April 7: Spring Volleyball 4pm
• April 8: Boys Basketball Open Gym 5:30am
• April 9: Softball vs. Snowflake
• April 9-11: Baseball @ Epic Tourney, Gilbert
• April 9: Spring Volleyball 4pm, Boys Basketball Open Gym 6:30pm
• April 11: Track @ Bradshaw Mountain Invitational

We are excited to welcome Jake Udall as our new Head Varsity Football Coach! Born and raised in St. Johns, Jake is a 2007 graduate and former player of St. Johns High School. Jake is driven to help the boys he coaches grow into strong men. His family and the success of St. Johns fuel his passion, and he is committed to making a lasting impact on and off the field. He is married to his wife, Elizabeth, and together they are raising their three beautiful children.

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We Are One. We Fear No One. Eyes Up.