"The most meaningful part of this project is seeing our high school students realize that their words and time can make a younger child feel seen, valued, and excited to read" - Jorge Zatarain - Nogales High School's Teacher of the Year and Nogales Literacy Project Lead

One teacher’s idea sparked a powerful community movement at Nogales High School. Tackling the topic of literacy, cross-campus bonds between Nogales High School and its feeder elementary schools have been built through stories. Guided by Nogales High School English teacher Jorge Zatarain, the Nogales Literacy Project pairs Nogales Nobles with Northam and Rorimer Elementary kindergarteners to create personalized books that reflect each child’s interests, identity and dreams. “When children can see themselves in a story, reading feels like it belongs to them,” shares Zatarain.

For the students creating books, the work is equal parts art, authorship and connection. Seniors begin by getting to know their “Literacy Buddies,” interviewing and playing games with the kindergartners to learn about their favorite activities, hobbies and interests. These conversations are then created into hand-illustrated stories shaped by the children themselves – and the “Literacy Buddy” becomes the main character.

The project’s emotional ending is the “Publishing Party,” when seniors return to read their finished books aloud to the kindergartners who inspired them and gift them their personalized book! Northam Elementary kindergartners and their parents were invited to Nogales High School for the book unveiling. Families who attended the high school’s publishing celebration were not only impressed by the books but energized by seeing where their children would be future Nobles. “This program has also grown into a larger relationship between our two schools — Our kids really look up to all of the students at the high school,” said Karen Magana, Northam Principal.

The Nogales Literacy Project is strengthening ties across the community with our youth at the forefront.

Families and staff filled the stands last week for the RUSD Elementary Soccer Championships, where the Yorbita Cheetahs faced the Oswalt Eagles in an exciting finale. Ten elementary schools competed in co-ed soccer this season, playing nine games over eight weeks. After a season packed with close matchups and shootouts, Killian, Oswalt, Villacorta, and Yorbita advanced to the top four. In the championship match, Oswalt edged out Yorbita 1-0 to capture the title.

For more than 20 years, Rowland Unified has championed team sports at the elementary level. This year, the Elementary Education Division boosted the program with new equipment and uniforms, while continuing to offer co-ed softball, basketball, and soccer. Sarah Smith, sixth grade teacher at Killian Elementary and this year’s elementary sports coordinator, said she is especially grateful for the partnership with Rowland High School, which hosted the program at their Thomas Aney Stadium. “I want to thank Co-Athletic Director John Molla for his support. I reached out to him because we go way back - I was his statistician back when I was a senior and he was coaching his first year of teaching at Rowland High School!”

Softball: Eleven schools joined the action, and Oswalt dominated from start to finish with a perfect 10-0 regular season and a 2-0 playoff run. The team beat Blandford in the semifinals and Telesis 14-4 in the championship game under coach Luis Rodriguez. Basketball: Oswalt kept the momentum going on the court, finishing 8-1 in the regular season and 2-0 in the playoffs. After defeating Killian in the semifinals, the team took down previously undefeated Blandford 35-30 in the championship game, led by coach Jennifer Byun.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Nogales High School Law Enforcement Academy held its 2026 ceremony celebrating 19 outstanding students. Teachers, administrators, family members, and friends gathered to honor the hard work, commitment, and dedication these students demonstrated throughout the school year. “This academy is unique for our region and offers students the opportunity to dive in and see exactly what a career in law enforcement is like,” shares Teacher Rodney Donahue. “These dedicated students meet every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. It is not only for students interested in law enforcement and criminal justice but helps students in any career to build important communication skills, command presence and confidence.”

“What drew me to this program is my passion for law enforcement. I want to be a police officer and one day a homicide detective,” said Fernanda Rodriguez, a junior in the program. “The academy gets you in shape with the heavy physical training every Saturday, but at the same time is very educational with the amount of scenarios we cover. You really develop a strong mindset.”

Junior Cindy Torres wanted to do something new and was surprised how much she enjoyed it. “I really like working closely with my peers and learning new skills that I can use in my everyday life like communication. I wasn’t one to speak up, but being in the academy has taught me to use my voice and be louder, stronger.”

Senior Abraham Landa was excited to join the program because he had dreams to be a police officer. “It’s really unique and I wish I had joined as a freshman. It teaches you how to be respectful and disciplined and improves the way you communicate with people. When I first started, I was so shy and would barely speak, but now, when Mr. Donahue puts me in scenarios I use my command presence. I want to thank Mr. Donahue for being an amazing teacher, for pushing me forward and motivating me. He believes in me and thinks I can accomplish my goals.”

The following six graduating seniors from the academy were honored as they prepare for their next chapter. Congratulations to these Class of 2026 Seniors:

Dondee Medina and Cesilia Valencia will continue their education at Cal State Fullerton; Abraham Landa will attend Rio Hondo College to further his education while pursuing a career as a police officer; Esli Figueroa will begin her career in industry; Emily Vicenteno and Camila Garcia will proudly serve our nation in the U.S. Navy.



The Rowland Unified School District is proud of the Nogales Law Enforcement Academy and all of its graduates and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.