The old saying goes, that the third time is charmed; the Advanced Placement [A.P.] biology class can only hope that it holds true. With testing only a few months away, AP biology students begin their final push under a new teacher.

?I want to make this class hard,? Jennifer Holguin, AP biology teacher, said. ?I want this class to prepare the students for college biology.?

Holguin taught biology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas for over three years. Holguin is a replacement for previous teachers Marvin Harms, who was forced to leave for back surgery, and Annette Sarkissian, a new mother who filled the position only until the semester?s end.

Without a teacher, the class had not been able to cover the proper amount of material necessary for the exam. Yet Holguin feels that all of her students will be able to pass the test, so long as they apply themselves to the material.

?The class has a lot of homework,? Brittany Motte, ?07, said, ?but in the end it will be worth it. I will get college credits, and not have to take the class in college.?

Coming into the semester it was unsure as to whether the class would have a teacher, due to both Harms and Sarkissian both leaving the position.

?Not having a regular teacher concerned me,? Matthew Karahadian, ?06, said, ?I was worried that without a proper education would have been unprepared for this critical examination of critical thinking and biological sciences.?

Holguin?s experience in teaching biology at a high level has helped reassure the class, in addition to the encouragement from a previous adviser.

?It is comforting to know that Mrs. Holguin has received counsel from Mr. Harms,? Jeremy Ramos, ?07, said. ?I feel that this class is going well.?

AP testing will be in early May. With only three months left, the class has begun their preparations in great earnest.

Harms successful surgery in early December allowed him to return home on Christmas day. A note he sent to the class confirmed his continual recovery, but most likely will not return during this semester.

For more information on AP biology, contact the high school office at 299-1695, ex. 128.