Story by Rebecca West
Images courtesy of THMS
What happens when an English teacher with a passion for animals plants the seeds of animal welfare into the minds of high schoolers? You get the THMS Animal Rescue Group! Established in 2002 by Tucson High Magnet School faculty member Miriam Rosa, the group raises money for sick and injured animals at Pima Animal Care Center (PACC).
Described as “a saint” by Cecelia Garcia, the group’s co-sponsor and gallery curator, Rosa is known for being a humble person who has spent her entire life giving back. Her good works include volunteering with women’s shelters, soup kitchens, and other worthy deeds. Among them is her previous work with PACC, where she helped facilitate adoptions for many years. She also sells books on eBay to raise money for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
Garcia joined her at the school three years ago and says that everything Miriam does, she does for someone else. Like all truly humble people, Rosa feels no need for recognition, but Cecelia believes otherwise. Working together as a team, they created a logo that includes her dog, Minnie, and Rosa’s dog, Baby Bear.
The program has helped Tucson teens recognize the overwhelming need for community involvement surrounding the homeless pet problem and the myriad challenges that arise from it.
The group, which regularly meets on Wednesdays during the school year, varies in size from 15 to 20 students, some with an interest in veterinary science. While THMS teaches kids ranging from the 9th through the 12th grade, the members, who are predominantly seniors, are often comprised of siblings, friends, or couples. “They always drag friends along for crafting projects,” Garcia laughingly noted.
As for crafts, they are part of their fundraising efforts, along with their parking program, where event goers in the downtown area park in the school’s lots. Charging $5, plus the sale of bottled water, this component is integral to their success because it’s their biggest money maker by far.
“While crafts account for a smaller percentage of our funding,” Garcia explained, “the rest is raised through our parking program. The lots are located on 8th St. and 6th St., and occasionally, we’ll use the Roskruge parking lot. It was Miriam’s idea.” The annual Made in Tucson event and the popular Pima Pet Parade provide their most significant returns for their efforts. The group would appreciate anyone willing to promote the Park Program during events.
The crafts are sold on the school grounds three times a year, including homecoming and Valentine’s Day. They consist of Croc charms and handmade bracelets, buttons, origami flowers made from craft paper, and flower and butterfly rings fashioned from super plush, brightly colored pipe cleaners. The bracelets, made of beads using bracelet-making kits, were inspired by Taylor Swift’s friendship bracelet trend. They also create woven or knotted bracelets.
The THMS Animal Rescue Group frequently has educational guest speakers accompanied by animal friends for students to pet, play with, or hold. Some examples include Sol Dog Lodge, Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue, Southern Arizona Cat Rescue, Hunter’s Kitten Lounge, Tucson Action Team (TAT), Southwest Oasis Lab Rescue, Friends of PACC, and AZ Heartfelt Hounds.
These visits are a huge hit with the students, who are known for enthusiastically asking, “When do we get to go out and rescue animals?” To date, the largest organization to visit has been the U of A Veterinary College. The kids would appreciate more folks in the rescue community coming in to speak with them about ways to get involved or to give demonstrations.
Here’s what past members have to say about their experience with the group.
Lilly, 17
“I joined Tucson High’s Animal Rescue Group because I’ve always had a passion for helping animals, and this club felt like the perfect way to make a difference locally. Out of all the clubs at THMS, this one stood out because of the heart and dedication I saw from both the members and the sponsors, especially Miriam and Cecelia, who made everyone feel welcomed and inspired.
“To me, animal rescue means making sure every animal gets the chance for care and love they deserve. What makes THMS Animal Rescue special is the way we combine action with compassion. Whether it’s organizing donations or educating others, we do it with real heart. The club feels more like a community than just an extracurricular, and that’s what makes it truly stand out.”
Carlos, 18
“Very unforgettable. As an ex-secretary of the THMS Animal Rescue Club officer, it was more than a school club. It was an engaging moment for us to explore what it was like to make handmade things to build money to save animals in shelters.”
To view their website, go to thms.tusd1.org/AnimalRescueGroup. If you’d like to support their endeavors, you can donate crafting materials via their Amazon Wishlist in lieu of cash donations. amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/25A0NUJPO66SD?ref_=wl_share
