Bernthal Switches to US History
Usbaldo Fernandez, reporter
January 17, 2020
Well known teacher, Mr. Bernthal has taught Chemistry for seven years. “ I was hired here at PMA originally to teach Latino and African American History to freshmen. I did that for 3 years (2009-2012),” said Mr. Bernthal. He is now teaching US History to replace Mr. Claahsen. “Mr. Wipachit...
Paris Steps Down as Athletic Director
David Orozco, Editor
December 10, 2019
After 19 years of being the Athletic Director, Roland Paris is finally retiring. Paris has been with Phoenix since its opening at Orr in 2004. He has a long history at Phoenix as a security guard, which he will continue to do. Paris has coached the girls volleyball team, girls and boys softball teams,...
Changes to CPS Policies Affect the Heritage Fiesta
Usbaldo Fernandez, reporter
December 5, 2019
Heritage Day celebrates cultures and their shared beliefs and traditions. Phoenix has hosted an assembly that allowed students to bring in homemade food. Students often brought their favorite dishes from their own culture. This year was one of many annual fiestas organized by Mrs. Raygoza and Ms. Urquhart....
New Addition to the Firebirds
Kevin Vargas
November 26, 2019
The year began with a few new faces to the Firebird staff. One new Firebird is Ms. Karns a chemistry teacher. She is from a small town called Little York, Illinois, and has been teaching for seven years. She continues her teaching career here at PMA and hopes to gain experience from the school. ...
Meet Mr. Vivians
Damien Ponce
November 25, 2019
With the start of the new school year Phoenix hired a new military property coordinator, Melvin Vivans. He replaced Mrs.Melesio. .Vivians came to Phoenix with a lot of experience. “My previous job; I was a material control and accounting specialist for the Army. I served over nine and...
Meeting Ms. Assil
Andres Vargas
November 25, 2019
One of the easy parts of teaching, is showing how much you love your job. However, finding the right school is often difficult. For Mrs. Assil she was excited to find Phoenix and start working. She loves the energy of the students and teachers and feeds off of it. . “During my int...
And Still! Billy Stritzel Wins the Chicago Golden Gloves for the Fourth Time
Kevin Vargas
May 21, 2019
PMA’s very own Billy Stritzel, a security guard and football coach fought in the Chicago Golden Gloves finals on the 13th of April at the Cicero Stadium. Stritzel fought in the heavyweight masters division from the Gregory Boxing Club. Stritzel started boxing 20 years ago and hasn’t stopped since....
Welcome to Chicago Scholars class of 2024!
Yadira Medina
May 20, 2019
For many low income students, opportunities seem hard to grasp, or sometimes even impossible. There exist many programs that aim to help these students succeed far past college, but their lives after that too. Chicago Scholars promises to, “Uniquely select, train, and mentor academically ambiti...
Herron’s Golden Ticket to Morton College
Kenny Wilkerson
May 20, 2019
Successful people are not gifted, they just work and succeed on purpose. PMA Boys Varsity Basketball 4 year starter, senior Khalid Herron made the decision to sign and play basketball for Morton College on a full ride athletic scholarship. It is evident that Herron has worked very hard to receive thi...
Full Ride To Elmhurst
D'ajahnae Croft
May 17, 2019
Having an out of pocket cost of only five thousand dollars is a blessing to most seniors. Imagine not having to pay for anything. Meaning, a full ride scholarship is received. For senior Auri Martinez, this is his amazing reality. On March 27th, 2019, Martinez was awarded The Chicago Scholars Platinum P...