Some of the strongest people are the ones who are given the biggest challenges to face.

This applies to our very own, highly respected Spanish teacher and boys’ soccer coach, Mr. Rogelio Juarez.  The man of endless jokes and tremendous perseverance is battling cancer. Though it has not been made public as to what type, the fact is that he’s fighting every day against it.  Around the school there are many dealing with his absence and miss him dearly while he recovers. In particular, his soccer team wishes for nothing more than for a speedy recovery and his return to school.

Two of his players, Salvador Perez and Luis Mottu, both seniors here at CIHS, agree that Juarez is one of the funniest people anybody will encounter.

“He loves to make serious jokes, pretending he’s getting you in trouble when he’s really just trying to make you laugh,” said Perez.

When asked what the boys are doing as a team to get through this ordeal, Mottu said, “Mr. Salazar encourages us to pray every day, alone and together as a team, and for us to stand strong for Coach Juarez. The team and I are very thankful to Mr. Salazar for doing the best he can to be there for us.”

Mr. Salazar, Channel Islands history teacher and assistant soccer coach, is currently “keeping the seat warm” for Mr. Juarez.

“I’m not here to take over his place; I’m here to keep his seat warm. Mr. Juarez is one of my dearest friends and because of him, I am who I am today,” Salazar said.

Mr. Salazar is doing all he can to ensure the team is taken care of and that their routines are kept the same, which the team is very grateful for. It’s been a very difficult month for family and friends of Mr. Juarez, but as a school Raiders are coming together to offer our support to Juarez’s family. Hopefully, students and staff will soon see him walking the halls and making jokes about his “panchangas” (parties) very soon.