MIAMI HIGH SCHOOL MIAMI HIGH SCHOOL Miami High School recruits new principal from within, bids farewell to Lineberry

by David Abbott

Miami High School’s next principal came to the Copper Corridor on a “4-year plan,” but 15 years later has found a long-term home.

At the beginning of the next school year, current Athletic Director and Associate Principal Shawn Pietila will step into his new role as principal after Glen Lineberry’s 9-year term ends in May.

Originally from Pontiac, Michigan, Pietila brings an impressive array of educational accomplishments and more than a decade in local school systems to the Miami Unified School District (MUSD).

Pietila’s inspiration for success has been his children, Savannah (16) , Tamia (14) and Michael (7).

“Our kids have been my motivation,” says Pietila. “A lot of the sacrifices I’ve made or goals I’ve had educationwise were centered around them, so I was able to provide for them and be a good example.”

For the past four years, Pietila has been the AD of MHS, but prior to that he spent 11 years at San Carlos High School coaching football and track and field.

Before he moved to the Copper Corridor in 2008, Pietila chased his academic dreams throughout the Midwest, attending colleges in Michigan, South Dakota and Oklahoma.

Pietila holds two master’s degrees from Arizona State University in secondary sports administration and educational leadership. Prior to that, he attended Michigan Technological University, Eastern Michigan University, Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

It was in South Dakota in 2004 that he met his wife Crystal Pietila, who is from San Carlos and currently teaches physical education at Charles A. Bejarano and Lee Kornegay Intermediate to students grades K-5. At the time they met, he played football and she was on the nowdefunct Si Tanka University women’s basketball team.

“Oddly, our school closed the same year that we met, so I ended up finishing my bachelor’s degree in recreation management at Bacone,” Pietila says.

While Pietila enjoyed his work as a coach, he eventually wanted to use his degrees earned at ASU in 2013 and 2019 to work on the administrative side of education.

That opportunity came in when he was hired as associate principal and athletic director by Miami.

“I always wanted to be an administrator and athletic director,” Pietila says “I really enjoyed the coaching part, but after coaching so many years, I was really intrigued by the idea of being a ‘building administrator’.”

His opportunity to become principal came when Lineberry quietly announced his impending retirement last year and now the MUSD’s three schools all have principals that came from within the system. Charles A. Bejarano Elementary is led by 10-year MHS veteran English teacher Rhiannon Oldfield; Lee Kornegay Intermediate, by MHS graduate and long-time math teacher Kevin Hull; and now Pietila.

“I’m really excited that we have that homegrown feel, because they’re familiar with our students and they’re familiar with our community,” says MUSD Superintendent Sherry Dorathy. “They’re familiar with where we’ve been and where we need to go.”

Dorathy has been in local education for the past 32 years after moving to the region from Cody, Wyoming. She also has impressive bona fides, with three master’s degrees and a doctorate.

She began her career as a paraprofessional at MUSD and then spent three years in San Carlos before a stint as MHS principal prior to her 10-plus-year stint as superintendent.

“I feel like I’m not a newbie anymore,” Dorathy says. “All five of my children graduated from Miami High School and I’m seeing the grandkids of former students attending school here.”

Lineberry was an early hire for Dorathy and in the nine years they have worked together, they have overhauled the campus and survived a pandemic.

Among the improvements made with critical contributions from the District are restored science laboratories; rehabilitated wood and metal shops; new athletic fields from tennis courts to the track around the football field; renovation of the auditorium; increased internet access and improvement to the building facades from paint on the entire campus to new roofs on the buildings.

“We’ve made a lot of advancements, for sure,” Dorathy says. “It’s a bright, shining place in the community. We’ve made a lot of improvements and we will only continue to do so.”

The MUSD will not be resting on its laurels as the district continues to look to the future.

Dorathy says there is still work to be done making the campus more aesthetically pleasing and academic programs will continue to be evaluated and updated as needed.

Additionally, she has been around the district long enough to take a philosophical approach to changing circumstances.

“Change happens, doesn’t it?” Dorathy says. “Shawn has all the qualifications needed. He’ll be a great principal and I’m not worried about it at all.”

As to Peitila, his goals are to play a role in the further evolution of the schools and focus on improving students’ reading skills and parent engagement.

“We have some strong parent support around athletics, but we’d like to bring that to other areas of the building,” he says. “We’re excited to try out some new curricular programs and really give the students an incentive to increase their reading.”

Pietila says he knows the names of most of the students and this is a natural progression for him at MHS.

“It’s really neat, because it’s been a four-year cycle,” he says. “The seventh graders who came in with me are now juniors, so I’ll get to see them graduate and I’m familiar with the teachers and what’s going on in each classroom.”

Lineberry plans to leave the area to be closer to family but intends to continue working in education. He’ll be teaching in graduate-level principal preparation programs and “hopefully working far fewer hours.”

He is proud of the work he has accomplished with Dorathy and confident the school will be in good hands with Pietila.

“Dr Dorathy leads the District quietly and effectively, setting and monitoring goals but leaving her principals the running room to get things done,” Lineberry says. “Her sole concern is delivering to students the curriculum, instruction, and supports they need to succeed in school and after graduation. Mr Pietila will fit admirably into that system. He wears lightly his academic qualifications, leads by example as well as direction, and is absolutely committed to real student success.” u

Since 2001, Ken has led the boys’ varsity basketball team, continuing the family legacy. According to his longtime assistant coach Don Wilson, Ken is a lot like his father but more soft-spoken.

“Kenny could chew your butt off without raising his voice,” he says.

Ken doesn’t keep track of his overall record. It’s not how he measures success. Endurance. Dedication. Respect. Determination. Don’t give up. Those are things that are important,” he says.

“How to face the fail, that’s what I learned from Dad,” says Ken. “There’s more. You have to get up.”

His father died on October 31, 2022. There have been other tough losses, too. Lost championships. Missed shots in the last two seconds. The kids he couldn’t reach.

“Education was always the number one priority for Kenny,” says Assistant Coach Don Wilson, “Basketball was a privilege and came second.”

Coaching is not just about Xs and Os. It takes a village to do it. Don Wilson has coached ‘side by side’ with Coach Vargas for 38 years. The two are supported by three volunteer coaches – Chris Goss, Chris Guthrie and Bobby Powel. All of them, Ken says, are vital to the program. Powel, a longtime Vandals supporter and sports team veteran, contributes an old school mentality and stories that connect presentday kids to their past.

“Where we came from, where we’re going,” says Coach Vargas, “I rely on him to be that guy for those kids.”

Their personalities blend into one coaching staff, according to Coach Wilson. Ken took charge of the things that he needed to, and let his assistant coaches take charge of what they needed to do at that level.

“Kenny was extremely good at putting the puzzle together,” he says. “Because of Kenny’s leadership, he could calm the storm and once in a while, let the storm rage.”

Cheerleading Wife

Ken grew up in Miami, AZ, is a 1977 graduate of Miami High School and its Homecoming King. In high school, Ken played football and basketball and was all-conference in both sports. As a player, he worked hard. He’d put on a harness and drag his ‘64 Ford truck on the dirt road behind George Washington school. He dribbled his ball on the way home on the wood railroad tracks.

“He was above and beyond any athlete,” says Evelyn. “He went the extra distance to be better.”

In basketball, he played point guard; his specialty was defense. He began playing football his junior year. As a receiver, he gained over 100 yds in each of the four games he played. In his senior year he broke his hand but recovered enough to play basketball.

“Basketball was more than a sport,” says Ken’s wife, Evelyn Vargas. “He’s always had a passion and love for the game.”

Evelyn cheered for Ken’s team in junior high; a fact they discovered only 50 years later.

The couple first dated as students at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Before long they got married, had a baby daughter, and worked as janitors for five years while they earned their degrees.

“We took the baby and worked together,” says Ken. “It was the only job that fit our schedule.

Ken was convinced he needed an Accounting degree to financially support his family. He fell asleep during the final exam, and when he woke to an empty room he went home and told Evelyn he didn’t want to be an Accountant. She had a degree in Computer Information Systems and went to work on geological surveys the following Monday.

Ken went back to school for another year to get his teaching credential. He was offered a job at Miami Unified School District. Though hired to teach Business Administration at the high school, within weeks that position was eliminated and he was reassigned to teach math at the junior high. Ken went back to school and got his math endorsements.

He’s been a math teacher ever since (and will continue to teach in the fall). He also taught physical education and coached the junior high teams, leading them to 15 Central Junior High Championships. In 2001 he began teaching and coaching high school students. He’s led teams to conference championships and been recognized as an outstanding coach by peers and players.

For his countless hours of commitment, Coach has received all sorts of gifts over the years: a blanket and basketballs with signatures, mugs of affection, an American flag made of wood with his name carved into it. There is not enough room in the house for all the plaques and trophies.

A family man, Ken was born into a family of champion athletes and he married one. Evelyn was a three-sport athlete, state tennis champion and a coach. All three of their kids were top athletes.

“Both of us being athletes and knowing the commitment it took and knowing my love for a sport, I know what he had to go through to make his team successful,” Evelyn explains.

She understood the time it took. Clinic, training, films, scouting, summer devotions.

“I was happy to push him along with what he loved to do,” says Evelyn.

One Big Basketball Family

Joy Perry is the mother of four sons –Tyler, Spencer, Logan and Tanner. For 16 consecutive years (2005 - 2021) one of her sons was playing Vandals basketball with Coach Ken Vargas.

“They all love him as much as I do,” she says. “What’s most impressive for me is that he was more concerned about the men they grew into.”

Spencer Perry, 30, credits Coach Vargas with instilling in his players responsibility, accountability and hard work.

“He helped me to deal with disappointment and learn how to use it to our advantage to grow,” he says.

Don’t settle for being mediocre. That’s one of the many lessons Logan Perry, 25, learned from Ken as his coach, teacher and mentor.

“I wanted these boys to help the ones who were coming,” says Coach Vargas. “It’s an inside approach as opposed to an outside approach. They set the tone. The other kids jump in and get onboard.”

Lots of coaches modeled bad behavior, Joy recalls; others tolerated it. Coach Vargas did not.

“If someone was on the court not showing sportsmanship, he pulled them off,” recalls Joy. “He didn’t care if they were the best player.”

Expectations are set at home, acknowledges Coach Vargas. Respect, hard work, intelligence. He hasn’t experienced many difficulties with parental intervention over the years.

“If you can explain what’s happening and what’s going to happen, parents understand,” he says.

For him, the hardest part has been the kids he cannot reach. He bought kids shoes, Christmas gifts, a Fry’s gift card. He knew what their family situation was, how they learn, what challenges they face.

“If a kid hasn’t had breakfast, you treat them differently,” says Ken. “They are all so unique.”

Tyler Perry, now 32, saw firsthand how Coach Vargas took players under his wing and gave them the attention they weren’t getting at home.

“Your influence is more than just basketball,” he says in a letter to Coach Vargas. “It taught me how to treat people.”

The Perry family is not alone in recognizing Ken’s contribution beyond the game of basketball. In 2015, Ken received the Spirit of Cotton award. Named after Cotton Fitzsimmons, longtime coach for the Phoenix Suns, it is given to an Arizona high school coach that exemplifies the qualities of a coach, educator, mentor and community leader.

Greatest Comeback Ever

“Kenny had the ability to watch all 5 players on the court; he was a technician of the game,” says Coach Wilson. “His ability to do that, plus his handling of kids, coaching staff and parents made him a great coach.”

Ken briefly considered a resignation prior to the 2003-2004 season. His oldest daughter was diagnosed with cancer and he wanted to be available to support her. She pleaded with him to keep coaching because she was so looking forward to the season. Ken conceded and it was the season of the “greatest comeback ever” according to Evelyn.

It was the first round in the state playoffs at the America West theater. The Vandals were down 20 points with 3 minutes left.

“You’re only going to get one chance,” Ken told his team. “This is it.”

One player stepped up and said he could hit the 3 pointer. He hit it. With 6 seconds left and down by 1 point, a Vandal player steals the ball and makes the layup. The other team inbounds, throws the long ball down the court and it’s caught by a Vandal. There’s a huge roar and the whole crowd empties onto the court.

“Nothing compares to that,” says Evelyn, “the exhilaration, the roar of the crowd, the excitement…”

Ken doesn’t hear the roar of the crowd during the game. His focus is on the court.

“I could not have done a thing without this lady,” Ken says, admiring his wife.

“Yes you could,” she says, forever his cheerleader.

“You made it possible,” Ken says.

“It’s been a great ride,” Evelyn responds.

For the first time in 38 years, Ken Vargus doesn’t know what he’ll be doing in June. There’s a good chance the ride will continue. On his road bike, alone with his thoughts, or on electric bikes, together with Evelyn. u

Washington, DC - Globe City Council members Gameros, Gonzales, Shipley, Leetham, and Rios spent five days in Washington DC attending the National League of Cities Conference for the first time in our city’s history. Also attending were City Manager Paul Jepson and Economic Director Linda Oddonetto. The conference provided vital information and access to the millions of dollars of infrastructure funding available.

With the coordination of the city’s Washington Lobbyist, personal meetings were arranged with Senator Sinema, Senator Kelly, Congressman Crane, Congressman Stanton, Congressman Gallegos, Army Corps of Engineers, and USDA. We were able to make personal presentations in their offices on seven city projects in the amount of sixteen million dollars. We have already been guaranteed three million. We want to thank our amazing staff, who prepared all the documents used in our presentations.

Desert Fox Company deeds stair property to Town of Miami

Miami, Az - A recent donation by the Desert Fox Van Dyke Company to the Town of Miami paves the way for the Town to move forward in restoring the historic Keystone Stairs.

After receiving a CDBG grant of $196,590 for repair and restoration work on the stairs, the town discovered the stairs sat on property owned by Desert Fox. Elmer Stewart, the President/ CEO Copper Fox Metals stepped up to work with the town in securing the rights to the property so this bit of Miami history could be preserved.

The Keystone Stairs have been an iconic fixture in Miami since 1915 when they were first built to enable miners and residents to go down to the town’s central business district.

The Stairs have been the site of friendly competition as locals and visitors have tested their endurance in climbing the 155 stairs and made famous by countless photographers who include them in their images from this area.

Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center would like to welcome its newest provider, Caycie Madison!

Caycie Madison is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Caycie was born and raised in the Globe/Miami area and has practiced nursing for nine years in various specialties. Caycie’s well-rounded nursing practice gave her the inspiration to focus on the health integration of the mind and body. Caycie’s primary focus will be on assessing, diagnosing, treating, and supporting those with mental health concerns and conditions such as but not limited to, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. She has received specialized training in the holistic treatment of mental health, dual diagnosis, and treating the severely mentally ill (SMI) population. Her passion is supporting those with effective, holistic, evidence-based, gender-sensitive, culturally competent, goal-directed, and recovery-oriented psychiatric treatment. Her goal is to advocate for and destigmatize mental health and mental illness.

Caycie was born and raised in the Globe/Miami area and enjoys attending local events and supporting the community. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé Larry along with being a boy mom. In her spare time, she studies French and world history.

For information or to schedule an appointment with Caycie, please call 928-425-8151.

Copper City Players presents Spring Play

The Copper Cities Community Players present their spring production, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Performances on May 12, 13, 19, and 20th at 7 pm, with a Matinee performance on May 13 at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 ea and may be purchased in advance (recommended) or at the door.

“An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vies for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life-un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.” Music Theater International

“A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.” Music Theater International

Bullion Plaza is proud to announce...

... the return of their lecture series, kicking off this month with a presentation by Amanda Moors, wildlife biologist, on her work with the Mexican Spotted Owl. Moors has spent nearly three decades covering southcentral Arizona from the Apache-Sitgreaves forest to the Sky Island ranges in the borderlands. She will share photos and videos and explain what it takes to survey these rare birds, their life cycle, and their adaptation to the forest fires that have plagued Arizona.