Sahuaro High School’s Class of 2025 has spoken, and the results are in: Tatum Dianne Debell-Crawford and Paul Valenzuela have been crowned the “Funniest” senior superlative winners. Both students, with their unique journeys and senses of humor, have left a lasting impression on their peers at Sahuaro.
Tatum’s path to Sahuaro was anything but normal. After moving from Yuma, Tatum started her freshman year at Sabino before finding her place at Sahuaro. “Sabino was way too snobby for me,” she said, reflecting on her experience at her old high school. Now, as she prepares to graduate, Tatum is grateful for the recognition from her fellow seniors. “I’m happy people can see me as funny,” she says, admitting that she sometimes even laughs at her own jokes. While she may not always participate in spirit weeks, Tatum’s school spirit shines through in her enthusiasm and engagement with her friends and classmates.
Beyond her humor, Tatum is known for her love of stickers, reading, and games. She actively participates in the book club, cherishing the time spent with friends and the fun activities they share. With an impressive 4.0 GPA, Tatum stands out as one of Sahuaro’s top academic achievers. This fall, she will embark on a new chapter at Northern Arizona University, planning to study Nursing, with a second option of forensic chemistry. Her bedside manner will surely come in handy, joking around with her future patients. Inspired by her mom’s career in helping others, Tatum is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. As she prepares to leave Sahuaro, Tatum hopes to be remembered for her humor and the connections she made with her junior friends.
Paul Venezuela, who was born in Nogales, Arizona, spent his freshman year at Rincon High School before transferring to Sahuaro. Paul brings a different flavor of humor to the table. Winning the “Funniest” superlative came as a surprise to Paul, who humbly admits that he doesn’t consider himself particularly funny. “I think the only reason I can make a person laugh is just of how awkward I can be,” he said. Despite his self-deprecating humor, Paul was grateful for the recognition, especially the promise of free snacks at the senior superlative party. While he may not believe he has left a significant impact on Sahuaro, Paul acknowledges the profound influence the school has had on him.
Alongside Sahuaro, Paul’s family has had a huge influence on him. He describes a typical sibling relationship with his younger sister, filled with both arguments and love. Paul admires his sister’s creative talents, particularly her ability to express her imagination through art. Family is clearly important to Paul, as he mentioned his close bond with his mother.
Paul doesn’t know exactly what he wants to do in life after high school, but he will figure it out after his time at the University of Arizona. Through his experiences and the people he has met, Paul has gained a deeper understanding of the world around him.
Both Tatum and Paul, in their own unique ways, have brought laughter and joy to the halls of Sahuaro High School. As they prepare to start on their post-graduation journeys, their classmates will definitely remember them for their humor, their spirit, and the positive impact they have had on the Sahuaro community.
