Administration at Alchesay High School

Principal: Dr. Monica Barajas

Welcome to Alchesay High School’s website page.  My name is Dr. Monica Barajas and I have served in public education for the past 23 years.  I was an elementary school teacher for 7 years and for the past 16 years I have served in administration.  My passion is watching students and staff grow.  I especially love it when students and staff build confidence and are willing to share their knowledge with others.

I enjoy spending time learning about how to better serve the students and staff that I work with.  I have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Counseling, a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership.  My passion is education and changing lives one day at a time.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my spouse and two children, riding the side by side, and trying different foods.

Ms. Laurel Endfield, Associate Principal/CTE Director

Associate Principal/CTE Director: Laurel Endfield

As a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, who grew up in Whiteriver,  and a proud alumni of Alchesay High School, I returned home to the reservation because I wanted to serve my people through working with children.  I have my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University and have completed all of my doctoral coursework, minus the dissertation (ABD) at Fielding Graduate University.  I have 35 years of experience in early childhood education beginning with Holbrook Head Start and now as Director of the Alchesay Beginnings Child Development Center.  I have taught college courses in Early Childhood Education since 2006 at NPC and have taught for Yavapai College and NAU as well.  I am beginning my 17th year with Alchesay High School.  I began as a teacher and became CTE Director 15 years ago.  Now I am proud to serve as one of the Associate Principals and Career and Technical Education Director for the last several years.  I have four children and 8 grandchildren, 2 of which live with me.  I am excited to work with our new administrative team and look forward to a year of growth and success for all of our students from our Littlest Falcons through our Mighty Seniors!  We are Falcon Strong!

Associate Principal/Athletic Director: Mr. Richard Swearengin

My name is Rick Swearengin. I am pleased to be back at Alchesay HS. Previously, I was the Assistant Principal and Principal during the 2012-2014 school years at Alchesay. I over saw the construction of the new beautiful High School. I was born in Phoenix, graduated from Camelback High School. I am the oldest of 4 children (2 brothers and 1 sister). My mother raised all 4 of us by herself. I am definitely, what you call “a mommas boy”. I am very proud of my mom. After High School, I attended Point Loma Nazarene University (in San Diego), the most BEAUTIFUL campus in the world. While in College, I organized the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I also, was elected Student Body President. This allowed me travel through the United States and speak at various Christian Universities. While in college, I met my wife. After a few years, our son and daughter were born (Zach and Kyndra). I majored in Social Sciences and earned my teaching degree. As an educator I filled many different roles. I was a Teacher, Coach, Department Chairperson, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal at the High School level. I earned my Masters of Education in Educational Leadership. I taught and coached in inner city Phoenix for over 20 years. I coached at all levels, including, basketball, football, volleyball, softball and golf. I look forward to my time , again, at Alchesay High School.

My philosophy is simple:

1. BE A GOOD PERSON

2. DEDICATED STUDENT

3. GET INVOLVED.

 

“Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon”