Sahuaro High School

Even though Alexis joined the Sahuaro staff in 2017, she continues to be mistaken for a student. But the Student Council advisor still manages to get students' respect. 

Aside from nurturing student involvement, Alexis has taught everything from anatomy to biology, to chemistry to AP Environmental Science. Something she has aspired to do since she was a little girl.  

“When I was in first grade, I always thought how fun it would be to have my own classroom and design my own lessons,” Alexis said. “My dad inspired my love for the natural world when we would hike and camp. My favorite thing to teach is biomes. I love teaching about the earth and nature – it’s something kids can relate most to.” 

In just three years at Sahuaro High School, head football coach and behavior intervention monitor, Coach Al, has completely changed many students’ lives. On and off the field, he pushes Cougars to become all that they have the potential to be.

Recently, Coach Al was recognized at the MLK Basketball Classic by Sahuaro for his dedication and service to the school. “It was a great honor...what he stood for...it was huge and to be honored in that regards dealing with this school in our community - that’s really huge,” he shared.

With Coach Al’s personal motto of “firm, fair, and consistent”, he has been able to provide direction to students - specifically incoming freshmen – as they navigate the challenges of transitioning into the high school workload. “Every kid is different. Once you figure each kid out – I mean you can have your band kids, they operate different, football kids operate different, the drama kids operate different...to build that relationship with everybody is what I strive to do.”

Phil’s journey at Sahuaro started before he became a staff member at the east-side school – he is a Class of ’86 Sahuaro grad! After high school, Phil graduated from the University of Arizona (1991) and Illinois State University (1995). Later, he studied abroad in Tel Aviv and, when he returned to the U.S., he taught guitar at the college level. He taught at UofA, Pima Community College, Northern Arizona University, Notre Dame Preparatory, and Central Arizona College.  

While teaching, Phil realized a lot of textbooks were outdated. So, he wrote his own. Now, it’s used in nearly 2,000 schools across the nation.  

This year, Phil has taken on the task of re-energizing the National Honor Society program. According to Phil, he plans to “gain new members to do some more community service, unite the school, and, hopefully, get these kids some scholarship money!”

Jackie Krieg's journey at Sahuaro began well before she became our beloved librarian. A graduate of the Sahuaro Class of 1980, Jackie went on to study at  the University of Arizona, earning her teaching degree and later her library certificate. She spent much of her career in the classroom, where she loved working with children and creating a supportive learning environment.

Over the years, Jackie transitioned from a classroom setting to mentoring new teachers and eventually became a middle school librarian. When a librarian position opened at Sahuaro in 2019, she seized the opportunity to return to a familiar environment. Jackie transformed the library into more than just a space to read books. Now, it's a place for creativity and connection. It features comfy chairs, a LEGO wall, a Cricut machine, a 3D printer, and other interactive activities such as puzzles and crocheting.

Jackie takes immense pride in the library being a safe place for students. "It's all about just interacting and getting to know the students here at Sahuaro," she shares. "I really just love being here and providing an environment for students that's not just a place to be quiet. It’s important to me to offer that support for those who may not have it somewhere else."