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best of 2013–2014

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Summer of Service: Rethinking Summer Vacation

Protecting FamilieS: 5 Reasons to Have a Trust

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Protecting FamilieS

by Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq.

A Revocable Living Trust allows you to create

the legal framework for your assets to be handled if you become incapacitated or upon your death. Here are 5 of the top reasons to have a trust:

1Without a trust, a court conservatorship will be required if you want to leave

more than $10,000 to minor children or grandchildren. Conservatorships involve annual disclosure of assets, limitations on use and annual expenses, and the funds are dispersed at 18.

2You choose who will oversee the funds, how to invest, use and distribute the funds –

delaying distribution to 21, 25, 30 or more.

3A trust can include incentives for children to go to college, stay away

from drugs and become gainfully employed.

4A married couple can utilize provision which

will limit the amount of estate tax assessed on the death of the couple.

5A trust provides the easiest way to manage 401k’s, IRA’s, life insurance, real estate

and other investments. It also limits delay and ease access to operating the family’s business if one becomes incapacited. Z

Sharon Ravenscroft, Esq., The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, with offices in Sun City and Phoenix, can be reached at (623) 815-7451 or [email protected]. For more information regarding wills, trusts, healthcare powers of attorney, premarital agreements, domestic partnership agreements as well as business law, see: www.sharonravenscroft.com.

5 REASONS to Have a Trust

Submitted by Shonu V. McEchron

What was your inspiration for this project?The inspiration for this interdisciplinary thematic unit came from a book in our classroom called Almost Gone: The World’s Rarest Animals. Every time I share the book with students, they express grave concerns and deep curiosities about the factors that contribute to animal extinction. When I learned that our mandatory units of study for the year included geography, habitats, life cycles and weather patterns, I realized I had the perfect opportunity to design a unit that would integrate Common Core standards across content areas and, at the same time, help students to understand the many complex environmental and social factors that are putting a number of animal species in danger.

What were the greatest lessons learned by your students?The students developed a sense of pride, accomplishment, and global awareness that should stay with them for many years to come. Perhaps the best responses to this question came from the students themselves.

“The most important thing that I learned was that we have to cooperate. I am proud of our class because we saved ten endangered animals.” – Meghana Belthur

“Our project was so important because what would you feel like if you were endangered? You would feel hopeless and scared and you wouldn’t want to die. You would want to be saved. When we finished I felt proud and happy and I thought everyone did a great job.” – Evan Cooper

“The most important thing that I learned is that you can help now, and wherever you are! You can recycle and not throw trash on the ground or in the ocean. Sometimes people don’t know that what they do affects the animals and our environment.” - Isabelle Dibb

“Animals have the right to live just like we do. Saving animals might be hard work, but it’s worth it!” - Aanya Jain

“You should treat animals with respect. My favorite part was that we taught other people how special animals are.” - Eeshan Malladi

“All the animals are unique and there are many different reasons why we should save them. For example, mountain gorillas are 98.6% like us, so we can study about ourselves by studying them. I feel proud of my class for adopting so many endangered animals.” - Jaithan McEchron

“Our project helped people to understand why these animals are so important. They help keep a balance in our environment. This project made me feel more affectionate toward the animals.” - Lucas Notehelfer

“When we teach people the facts that we learn, they will pass it on and help people to understand that it is bad to kill animals. I learned how animals help our environment.” - Santiago Paul

“This project taught people how animals are just as important as we are.” - Kaia Thompson Z

First and Second Graders in North Ranch Elementary’s Self-Contained Gifted Program Adopt Ten Endangered Animals Through the World Wildlife Fund

north ranch elementary

Rhinos and Tigers and Pandas, Oh My!


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where good kids can be famous too!

Half of Americans say they take at least one vacation lasting a week or more each year because the opportunities for togetherness can’t be matched

at home, according to a 2012 HomeAway summer travel report. Incorporating opportunities to give back to others by turning a summer vacation into a service or mission trip can help to maximize family impact and provide life-changing experiences for the whole family. Here are some helpful benefits and tips:

1 PARTiCiPATiNG in a service trip allows families to take their passion for helping others and gain exposure to a

world beyond their neighborhoods and gain experience with other cultures. Mission trips allow families the opportunity to interact face-to-face with other walks of life and truly become global citizens.

2 SERViCE trips open the door to making a life-long impact in both the world and local communities. By

partnering with nationals or long-term workers on mission

educator corner SuMMER OF SERViCE:

RETHiNkiNG THE SuMMER VACATiON

trips and serving alongside them, you have an opportunity to foster and support real change in global communities. These trips also ignite passion, which facilitates service work at a local level. Families return from these trips re-energized about making a difference and bring that attitude back to the many underserved areas of their local communities. Mission trips are truly the means to something greater — to a lifetime of servant leadership.

3 THOSE interested in getting involved can check with their local church or other credible charitable

organizations. Organizations such as Global Expeditions offer family trips, so you can experience service with other families from around the country.

4 PREPARiNG for a mission trip and gaining some cultural training is a fun, yet essential component.

Learn critical words in the service country’s language, learn about the culture and dress, try the country’s traditional foods or practice using public transportation — a staple in many countries. Z

Jacob Page is the manager of global and local outreach in the Office of Spiritual Life at Grand Canyon university. in 2014, more than 300 students and staff volunteers participated in nearly 20 mission trips, ranging from one to eight weeks of service, including missions to india, Africa, Thailand, China, Mexico and Haiti.

Left: Jacob’s Wife, Mimi, on a Mission Trip in Deli, india in 2012.

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best of 2013–2014

June 2014


Summer CAmpS for kids & Teens!Summer adventureS 2014

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Do you have an animal loving child or a teen who is interested in career as a veterinarian? Then we have the perfect camp for you. Our camps feature hands-on interactions with a variety of animals while teaching basic in animal care, conservation and career options. Offered spring and summer, Camp Vet and Camp Vet Advanced are for ages 12 – 17 , Camp Ruffin’ it for ages 6-12, Junior Animal keepers Camp for ages 12-14. We now offer camp locations in Paradise Valley, Phoenix and Mesa. Space is limited - Enroll NOW! 15 N. 40th Pl., Phoenix, 602-273-6852, Ext. 122, www.aawl.org/camps

iNTERNATiONAL SCHOOL OF ARizONA • SCOTTSDALEAre you looking for a well rounded summer program? Would you like your child to be exposed to the world? If yes, the International School of Arizona Summer Camp is the place for you. Our camp is for children AGES 2-10, with focus on exposure to the French and/or Spanish language along with international culture. Camp offers activities including: foreign language instruction, creative movement, technology, art and brain games. Children can sign up for HALF DAyS (8:00am-12:00pm M-F) or FuLL DAyS (8:00am-3:00pm M-F), with an option for after camp care (until 5:30pm). Campers will be divided based on age. www.isaz.org, 480-874-2326

ART AND ARCHiTECTuRE CAMP AT FRANk LLOyD WRiGHT’S TALiESiN WEST • SCOTTSDALESign up now for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Summer Art and Architecture Camps. We offer a wide range of classes for students in Grades 2-12 that encourage kids to tap into their creative energy and imagination. All full and half day camps are held at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s legendary home and architectural laboratory in Scottsdale, AZ. Campers can choose from a variety of classes that allow them to work with pottery, get captivated by model building, explore figurative sculpture, improve their drawing skills, or capture stunning photography at Taliesin West. All our hands-on architecture-based activities challenge

campers, encourage originality and innovation. Keep math, art and science skills sharp and most of all, “Have Fun!” REGiSTER ONLiNE: www.franklloydwright.org/about/CampsandClasses.html Contact Shawn for more information. [email protected] TyPE: Day, AGE: 7-18, START DATE: May 26, 480.627.5355


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Freedom academy’s Fencer, max raBin

Ben heWard, tall guy, Big heart

Q. tell us about your journey so as a fencer. a. My aunt is a Sport Psychologist who works with a lot

of college Fencers. She told me that with my personality and sport sense, that fencing would be a perfect fit for me.

Q. how old were you when you started? Where do you see your future as far as fencing goes? a. I started at the age of seven as a left-handed fencer, which is not as common in Fencing. I am working towards Nationals next year to compete in Y10 Epee.

Q. Where do you fence? a. I train at Phoenix Falcon Fencing Club with Rolly and Robin Arroyo. They are great because they know exactly what I need to get better and make me a top fencer. Rolly is

truly the best at what he does!

Q. What would you say to someone that would be interested in learning how to fence? a. Fencing is fun, fast paced and with each bout brings on a new challenge to figure how to win.

max is in the 4th grade at Freedom academy

Q. how long have you been attending nWa? What do you like most about your school? a. Three years, I started in the middle of my 8th grade year. I like that New Way has a transition program that gives me the opportunity to attend College in my senior year of High School.

Q. how tall are you? What are some of the benefits and disadvantages of being so tall? a. I’m 6’9”. Some benefits are, I have a long reach, I can get things on high shelves that others can’t reach. The disadvantages are: I hit my head in doorways, can’t make a clean quiet get away, and I don’t blend in with the crowd. Something that is both a benefit and a disadvantage- I find that people want to take a picture standing next to me. I find that flattering and sometimes annoying.

Q. What do you aspire to be when you grow up?a. A pro basketball ball player and also a public speaker, so that I can share my story and encourage kids to follow their dreams also.

Ben is a Junior at new Way academy

Slick Willie Shaw recently visited Imagine West Gilbert in a presentation about positive Character and the A, B, C’s of bullying - Action, Bravery, and Compassion.

Students completed a two-question paper to be chosen to meet with Slick Willie. Students Hannah A., Cally M., Connor W., Buddy W., Jana A. , and Adelyn P. were chosen to interview Slick Willie about Character:

Q. Jana - How do you feel about Character?A. Slick Willie - Character is VERY important because people know you for your character. It’s your impression you make on others and positive character is important.

Max Ben

Q. Adelyn - What does it take to be a Harlem Globetrotter?A. Slick Willie - Character. Good character and a great smile.

Q. Hannah - What is your advice for someone being bullied?A. Slick Willie - If you are being bullied it is important to tell an adult or a parent. Bullying is NOT cool!

left to right: Buddy W., connor W., hannah a., cally m., Slick Willie Shaw, Jana a., adelyn P., and two guest students from imagine tempe.

harlem globetrotter, Slick Willie Shaw, visits imagine School WeSt gilBert


WeSt- mec

KriStiana Faddoul talks about West-mec

and Familytell uS aBout yourSelF and your involvement in the WeSt-mec media ProductionS claSS at raymond S. KelliS high School.I began taking Media Productions at Raymond S. Kellis as a first semester senior and had taken the starter course, Media Technology, the second semester of my junior year. Since day one in Media Productions, I became the head anchor of our daily news program. During the first semester course of Productions, anchoring became my main contribution to the class, yet I still worked on videos with other classmates on a regular basis. However, as time went on and I continued to take Media Productions my second semester of senior year, I became more of a leader in the class. I continued to anchor everyday, but was also teaching newer students the ropes, constantly making videos, directing, storyboarding, script writing, and filming. I just currently finished my last project of the year where I helped write, direct, and edit a short “Film Noir” themed movie.

What are the BeneFitS oF enrolling in the media ProductionS claSS For you and hoW doeS it relate to your career aSPirationS?Enrolling in the Media Productions class at my high school had many benefits for me and for the career I plan to pursue. What I see for myself in the future is working for Animal Planet and having my very own show about nature conservation and the rehabilitation of endangered species into the wild.

Who haS inSPired you in your liFe and Why? In all honesty, my mother has been the main person to inspire me in my life. Although she is not a person who is known around the globe for an outstanding achievement or quality, she has been the greatest hero, mentor, and supporter I have ever had. My mother grew up with nothing. She lost both her her parents at a young age, and grew up quite poor. Yet, among all the tragedy throughout her life, she stayed strong and never stopped working hard. She worked her way through school, and became one of Arizona’s top female nutritionists. My mother spent many years working as the head nutritionist for an organization called Naturally Women. Then once she had me, despite all the hard work she put in to gain the career she had, she gave it all up to become a mother. My mother, Kimberly Faddoul, wanted her children to live the life she never got to experience as a child and to grow up forever feeling loved. My brother and I became my mother’s life, and still are her main focus today. Her love, dedication, and sacrifices inspire me to be the best person I can be and to never give up on my dreams, no matter the obstacles and challenges life throws my way. Z


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dancer and gymnast, zoWie BuStoSHow long have you been dancing/gymnastics

at Arizona Sunrays? I have been there for four years, on the dance team for three

years, and this is my first year on the gymnastics team.

What styles of dance do you typically perform? Which is your favorite? My competition routines this year are Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical but I

also do Hip Hop, Musical Theater, and Ballet. My favorite used to be Tap but I think I am starting to like Lyrical more now.

Tell us about one of your coaches. What makes him/her a great coach? I think my dance teacher, Michaela, makes musical theater really fun and my gymnastics coach, Lizzie, has made me a much better

gymnast since I have been on the team.

What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself dancing for a long time? I would like to become one of the top dancers in the State and

then become a dance teacher after I go to the Olympics for gymnastics.

Any zona shout-outs that you want to make? I want to thank my mom and dad for making this all possible.

What is your favorite gymnastics event? Floor is my favorite event because I also get to dance.

How do you manage being on both competition teams and going to school? It is really fun most of the time, but sometimes I am too tired to do all of my homework, and I have to get up early the next morning to finish it. Z

zowie will be going into 2nd grade

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FitNIXON:What iS your Favorite croSSFit exerciSe? Kettle bell swings.

What made you Want to Start croSSFit? My mom signed me up for a summer program a few years ago.

hoW do you liKe your coach?She motivates me and pushes me to do better.

Why iS Being healthy and active good For you?It helps you mentally and physically. In sports it makes you stronger and prevents injuries.

What Would you Say to Someone that Wanted to Join croSSFit? It’s a lot of work and fun at the same time. It’s cool to see how far you come from the begin-ning and what you are able to do when you push yourself.

When you are not at croSSFit, What do you liKe to do?

Play baseball and tackle foot-ball. Hang out with my friends and family.

nixon is a 5th grader at hopi elementary

JAX:What iS your Favorite croSSFit exerciSe? Pull-ups.

What made you Want to Start croSSFit? I would watch my brother do it and Gayle said I should try it.

hoW do you liKe your coach?I like Gayle a lot and I can’t wait to be taller than her. She’s funny and motivates me.

Why iS Being healthy and active good For you? So I can live longer.

What Would you Say to Someone that

Wanted to Join croSSFit? It’s fun and a good way to stay in shape.

When you are not at croSSFit, What do you liKe to do?Hang out with my dad, mom and brother. Ride my bike, play lacrosse and be with my friends. Z

Jax is a 2nd grader at hopi elementary

Kids of the month: Brothers, nixon & Jax

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Best of 2013-2014 / ArcAdiA

Khalia

Khalia lanier, Senior at xavier college Preparatory

Xavier student, Khalia Lanier, sophomore, has been honored with top accolades by The Arizona Republic.

Khalia was also named Big Schools Volleyball Player of the Year.

“I’d rather lose playing my best than lose playing timid.” Khalia stated.

“My dad always says, ‘Put the extra in ordinary. Be extraordinary.’ I live by those words.”

Also, in addition to being named the Big School Girls Volleyball Player of the Year by The Arizona Republic, Khalia was the only Arizona player named to the 2013 American Family Insurance All-USA Volleyball Team! She received “second team” honors.

Khalia is a Senior at xavier college Preparatory

Brenden hoogeSteger Founder of “good Sports rock”

Hi! I am in the seventh grade at St. Thomas the Apostle. Two years ago, after my hockey team lost a game, my team and the other team lined up to shake hands, which is customary in hockey. Some of the other team’s players wouldn’t shake hands with our team. This was worse to me than losing the game, and when I told my Grandma this, she told me to figure out a way to promote good sportsmanship. After many tries, I designed a bracelet that says “Good Sports Rock” with two hands about to shake. I then asked my Dad to help me design a website, www.goodsportsrock.com. I then partnered with Special Olympics Arizona to donate a portion of the proceeds of each bracelet that I sell. I am very happy with my bracelets, and am now beginning to do fundraisers for teams and schools, so they can raise money. With all the poor sportsmanship we see in the media today, my goal is to remind everyone that character matters, both in sports and in school.

Brendan is going into 8th grade at St. thomas the apostle Brendan

The 7th grade at St. Theresa Catholic School made its annual trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) for a weekend of marine studies. Included in the program were two snorkeling sessions, squid dissection, and a night hike with an astronomy lecture. Hand-on science labs included plankton, algae, fish, shark, and invertebrate with touch tanks of leopard and horn sharks, bat rays, sea hares and star fish. This is the fifteenth trip that St. Theresa 7th graders have made to CIMI, and it was one of the best with warm weather and calm seas.

Saint thereSa 7th grade trip to cimi


Best of 2013-2014 / scottsdAle

Charlotte

Tim

charlotte moenich, award Winning horse rider

Brightmont academy allows tim to excel in academics and Sports

Q. how long have you been riding horses? a. I’ve been riding regularly for two years. I met my first

horse with my friend, Addie, she let me ride her horse, Rusty. I got riding lessons at Desert Palms for a Christmas present; I loved it so much I keep going back!

Q. tell us about the award that you have just won?a. Every time I compete throughout the year, I earn points for each ribbon I win. At the end of the year, the Arizona American Saddlebred Association totals up the points. Riders must compete in at least three shows a year to qualify. This year I am the Reserve Champion for my age group. I scored the second highest points throughout the year. I won a plaque that will be presented to me at the awards banquet on February 1st.

Q. What made riding a horse your extra-curricular?a. I’ve tried other things like ballet, but I just keep asking about horses. My mom decided that I might as well make it my “thing” since it’s all I ever talk about!

charlotte is a 3rd grader at Benchmark elementary

Tim felt like he was not challenged enough with the traditional school instruction model.

Tim and his parents wanted to find an option that challenged him, but also allowed him to play hockey without interfering with his academics. His younger sister was attending Brightmont Academy, so his parents thought that Tim could also benefit from the school’s tutoring support. It turns out that Tim absolutely loved the one-to-one instruction.

Tim has been enrolled at Brightmont Academy as a full-time student since last fall and he is excelling. His grades have dramatically improved, and his new schedule allows him the flexibility to travel with his hockey teams and stay ahead at school.

“Tim loves the fact that he can work at his own pace, and he can work independently during study labs to complete projects quicker than at his previous school,” said Tim’s mother Kristy. “He enjoys the fact it’s okay to be smart at Brightmont Academy, and his teachers really cater the learning to his interests, which has been inspiring for Tim.”

tim is a 10th grader at Brightmont academy

Tesseract’s third grade class has embraced a project-based learning initiative by forming their own Class Newspaper. The students are inviting guest speakers from the industry to learn more, they have auditioned for specific jobs and are learning various writing styles with the ultimate goal of publishing their very own “Tiger Times”.

Their first assignment was an opinion piece on why they thought Tesseract School was great. Here is what the third grade students wrote:

“Tesseract is the coolest school in the world. In science you let your mind go crazy.”

“I think Mr. O is the best science teacher in the world! He makes learning fun, while teaching fun things.”

“Miss Terri is the best music teacher ever. Every grade does amazing plays.”

“Tesseract is the school of your dreams. In science you do creative things. We have awesome pets for science.

Tesseract School is so proud of their third grade class for the amazing effort they put into these writing assignments. The Tiger Times will be available online at http://www.tesseractschool.org/lower-school/grade-3/ soon.

teSSeract School’S class newspaper


Best of 2013-2014 / eAst VAlleynadia SalinaS, Winner of az

chandler for the arts talent competitionchriStian Seeley, Spanish Kiddos Student of the month

Q. how did you feel when you heard your name as the winner for the az chandler for the arts talent competition? a. I was really surprised because there were a lot of talented singers and I was the youngest.

Q. What is your favorite song to sing? a. Right now I Love to sing ‘Counting Stars’ by One Republic, but any other time I like to sing Adele songs and songs from my church. I just love to sing.

Q. tell our readers what this win means for you now? a. It means so much to me to see people believe in me and encourage song writing and me to keep playing my music I love.

Q. What singing events has this opened up for you?

a. Since the talent competition, one of the judges invited me to sing a few songs on a television show called “Su Vida”, on COX Channel 7, which airs in a couple of weeks. I was also invited to sing at a benefit concert for a 12-year-old fighting brain cancer on February 22nd.

nadia is a 5th grader at center for educational excellence

Q. What do you like best about your school?a. My friends and coloring pictures.

Q. What is your favorite word in Spanish?a. Leon (lion).

Q. What is your favorite thing to do outside of school? a. Ride my razor scooter, play with my cars, color pictures and mail them to my best friend, Halle.

Q. Who is your teacher? Why do you like him/her?a. Señora Claudia because she’s pretty.

Q. if you had one superpower what would it be? What things would you do with this superpower?a. Be invisible so I could eat lots of candy and my mom won’t see me.

christian is a Preschooler at Spanish Kiddos

Liberty Arts Academy’s 6th grade class has been working diligently on their community service project this year, in support of our troops overseas. They are putting together individual care packages that include small hygiene products and non-perishable food items. They have also coordinated small school-wide fundraisers to collect funding for flat-rate postage, and will be sending the packages off to our troops in Afghanistan an Iraq. Our school prides itself on displaying kind, caring and respectful attitudes. What better way to demonstrate these character traits!

Nadia Christian

This project is very close to our 6th grade teacher’s heart, Ms. Dangel. Her son-in-law, Nathan Martens, was killed in Afghanistan just 8 days after he arrived. He was a Corpsman assigned to a marine group as well as a husband, father, and son. The 6th graders have also been working on their writing skills by creating and sending letters to these great men and women. We are hoping that our care packages will boost their spirit overseas, as well as set a positive example of human kindness for our students.

liBerty academy’S troop Packages


Best of 2013-2014 / West VAlley

ericK y. taPia, accepted to university of notre dame

Q. What is your favorite thing about attending discover u? a. I get to work independently and read a lot and there are no cubicles like my old school, and there is recess here.

Q. What is your all time favorite book to read? a. Superfudge by Judy Bloom

Q. you’re a Star Wars fan, who is your favorite character and why? Which movie is your favorite? a. I have a couple favorites like Princess Leia, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, but none of the dark side, only the rebel alliance. My most favorite is Star Wars Return of the Jedi.

Q. tell us about one of your teachers. a. Ms. Matie, well she is very kind and she lets me go on Starwars.

com. She always has a ton of books for me to read, and also she lets me do crafts. Like applesauce cinnamon ornaments.

Q. What is your favorite subject in school? a. This one’s a tough one, I would say math, Ms. Matie always has some easy first and second math for me to do, even some easy stuff that I didn’t do before.

anna is a 2nd grader at discover u

Q. What college were you just accepted to?a. University of Notre Dame

Q. What did you have to do to prepare to get an academic scholarship?a. It was a very long process dating back to my late junior year. A non-profit organization that connects low-income students with high-level universities called Questbridge, opens a strict application for prospective students in early August. The organization will choose a selective pool of applicants who they believe to find ready to apply to prestigious universities across the nation. In order to be a strong applicant, I had to take the most rigorous classes at my school and stay involved. After completing the Questbridge application and being selected as a finalist, I moved on to applying to Universities directly during the month of October. If any of those universities were to accept me, I would be given a full-ride scholarship for four years. On December 2nd, Questbridge notified me that Notre Dame had accepted my application and had been given a full scholarship by them.

erick is a Senior at youngker high School

Erick

zONA SHOuT OuT!Congrats to Erick on his full ride to the university of

Notre Dame!

Anna

anna KilBride Why She loves discover u

Valeria Ponce is a senior at Agua Fria High School and has been a Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix member at Tri-City West for five years. She is nominated for the BGCMP’s highest honor.

Q. What was it like joining the Boys & girls club?a. I started about five years ago, and I felt so welcomed right away. The volunteers and other members showed me the ropes, and after a while I started to find some great leadership opportunities.

Q. tell me about when you heard you were nominated for youth of the year. a. I found out three weeks ago, and I was really surprised! Some of my friends from the Club have been nominated before, but I never really thought about it happening to me!

Q. What would you say to inspire others?a. Strive to find something that you love to do and don’t stop working for it. It’s hard to do it alone, so try to get others involved. Get involved and explore more than you ever thought you would! Valeria

valeria Ponce named youth of the yearFor Boys & girls clubs tri-city Branch


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