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CCYSA fights substance abuse

With a goal to lower the numbers of underage youths consuming alcohol in Chandler, the Chandler Coalition on

Youth Substance Abuse (CCYSA) works with the local community to implement prevention programs.

Targeting the results of the 2012 Arizona Youth Survey, which pinpointed the leading causes of local youth alcohol access in the Chandler redevelopment area, CCYSA’s prevention programs include the local “Party Patrol,” in which the Chandler Police Department and Chandler citizens collaborate to shut down parties where underage drinking may be occurring. Police are then able to cite underage offenders and those who have given alcohol to minors.

“Shoulder Tapping,” another CCYSA program, teams up teen members of local youth organization ICAN with Chandler police to ask local patrons to buy them alcohol outside of convenience stores. Adults who agree to purchase alcohol for the youth are then given educational flyers on the laws and consequences related to the offense. To promote a positive relationship with the local community, CCYSA also gives adults who refuse to buy alcohol for teens a “Thank You” card.

To help prevent alcohol access for underage drinkers, Chandler residents are encouraged to report suspicion of underage drinking to the nonemergency line of the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4130, to talk to children about underage drinking and to never supply alcohol to a minor.

For more information, call CCYSA at 480-821-4207.

PREVENTION: “Party Patrol,” a CCYSA prevention program, is a joint effort between the Chandler Police Department and Chandler citizens to shut down parties where underage drinking may be occurring. STSN photo

Free practice tests for high schoolers

A free SAT or ACT practice test for SanTan Sun area high school juniors and seniors is offered Sat., March 16 at Tutor House Tutoring Services, 100 W. Boston St., Suite 4, downtown Chandler.

A welcome and registration begin at 9 a.m., followed by testing from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students should bring a calculator to the session.

Participants receive a score analysis at a future date. Space is limited; reservations are required.

Contact Tutor House Tutoring Services at 480-857-1222 or tutoring@tutorhouseaz.com, or visit tutorhouseaz.com.

March 16 – April 5, 2013 29www.SanTanSun.com Youth

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LibCon festival conjures up teen fun

SanTan Sun area teens ages 12 to 18 can enjoy guest speakers, discussion panels, cosplay and more at LibCon 2013, held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., April 6 at Hamilton High School, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Hosted by Chandler’s Hamilton Library, LibCon is a free mini-convention for teens who are fans of comic books, Japanese manga and anime, role-playing, video games and other fantasy and science fiction entertainment. The 2013 event, which begins in Hamilton High’s cafeteria, includes keynote speeches by Janni Lee Simner, author of the “Faerie After” series, and Liz Danforth, columnist, author and blogger on games, gamers and gaming. Panel topics include sword fighting, Japanese candy making, Doctor Who, Star Trek, zombies and more. Teens are encouraged to participate in the lunchtime Cosplay Contest or shop in the Vendor Hall. The Buzznbeez Good Food Truck will be on site with treats available for purchase.

Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the day, offering the chance to win prizes such as tickets for Phoenix Comicon in May. All raffle proceeds benefit Kids Need to Read, a national nonprofit organization promoting childhood literacy.

Space is limited. For more information or to register, visit chandlerlibrary.org or facebook.com/libcon.

Preschool celebrates author’s birthday

The 4-year-olds class at Ray of Light Christian Preschool, 800 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a special visitor.

Parent Eve Woolford, a student at Arizona Culinary Institute, spent the morning reading Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham” to the children and sharing about becoming a chef.

Ray of Light offers programs for 3’s, 4’s and Pre-K students from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays. Enrollment for the upcoming school year is underway. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school for a private tour.

For information, call 480-963-6105, ext. 211 or visit rayoflightpreschool.com.

Chandler mayor goes back in time

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny revisited his alma mater when he recently read to a class at Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School. Tibshraeny attended Hartford growing up in his native Chandler.

He then visited Ryan Elementary in Southern Chandler to meet with student Kennedy Nolde and her classmates. Kennedy portrayed Mayor Tibshraeny during a class project that asked students to come to school as their favorite political or historic figure.

For more information about Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, visit chandleraz.gov.

Essay contest aims to end hunger

SanTan Sun area students in first through 12th grades have until Fri., March 22 to submit entries for Olive Garden’s 17th annual Pasta Tales essay writing contest, which asks students “How would you help end hunger in your community?”

Students may submit essays of 50 to 250 words with their ideas for ending hunger in their local communities. Submissions will be judged on creativity, adherence to theme, organization, grammar, punctuation and spelling by the Quill and Scroll Society of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Iowa, with winners selected by Olive Garden.

The grand prize winner of the contest receives a three-day family trip to New York City that includes dinner at the Olive Garden in Times Square and a $2,500 savings bond. In addition, Olive Garden will provide a $5,000 grant to bring the winner’s essay to life by supporting hunger initiatives in his or her local community. Winners in each of the 12 grade categories will be awarded a $500 savings bond and a family dinner at their local Olive Garden restaurant.

Pasta Tales entry forms and complete rules are available at olivegarden.com/About-Us/News-and-Media/Pasta-Tales. Entries must be postmarked by March 22, 2013 and sent to Pasta Tales, PMB 2000, 6278 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308-1916.

March 16 – April 5, 2013 31www.SanTanSun.com Youth

Artists in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit their original artwork in the Five Star Literacy Foundation, Inc., (FSLF) logo contest, with the prize being a new basic Kindle, and the winning logo appearing on all of the foundation’s media materials and website.

The newly formed Chandler-based organization is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to “improving children’s literacy skills, as well as their enthusiasm for reading and writing by providing guidance and funds to schools for in-school book writing and publishing, author visits, books, student and teacher workshops, curriculum and other activities.”

“Since Five Star Literacy Foundation is all about getting books into the hands of children and inspiring them to read and enjoy them – and maybe even write one of their own someday – we thought it would be appropriate if we had a young artist design the logo,” says Mrs. Linda Goth, president of FSLF.

The deadline for the contest is May 30 and entry forms can be downloaded at FiveStarLiteraryFoundation.org. A winner will be announced on June 15.

Judges for the contest are Mrs. Goth, who is also president of Ed Robson Branch, Maricopa County Library District, Sun Lakes Friends of the Library, and Maricopa County Library District Friends Umbrella Group; Linda F. Radke, executive

director of FSLF and president of Chandler’s Five Star Publications, Inc.; Jana Bommersbach, FSLF Advisory Committee member, Arizona “Journalist of the Year” and author of “A Squirrel’s Story: A True Tale” and “The Trunk Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd,” a national bestseller; Maureen Campbell, FSLF board member; and SanTan Sun News editor Lynda Exley, FSLF member at-large and co-author of award-winning books “Arizona Way Out West & Wacky” and “Arizona Way Out West & Witty.”

Contest RulesEntrants must be in Grades K-12. All logo

submissions must be original artwork by submitter, saved as 300 dpi in a JPEG (.jpg) or PDF (.pdf) format and emailed to Info@FiveStarLiteracyFoundation.org with “FSLF LOGO CONTEST” in the subject line on or before May 30. All entries must be submitted with an official entry form and include a parent or guardian’s signature. Only one contest winner will be chosen and one basic Kindle awarded to that winner. Submission is considered permission to utilize the submitted artwork on all Five Star Literacy Foundation, Inc., media, marketing materials, correspondence, promotional materials and website. By signing the entry form, the submitter and submitter’s parent or guardian agree that if the submitted logo wins, it becomes the property of Five Star Literacy Foundation. There will be no other award to submitter for the winning entry other than the basic Kindle.

For more information, or to make a donation to Five Star Literacy Foundation, contact Radke at 480-940-8182 or info@FiveStarLiteracyFoundation.org.

Young artist to win Kindle in logo contest Fresh, Fit kids

WHIZ KIDS: Stormy Light of Chandler and Erykah Verdugo of Gilbert are Subway Restaurants of Arizona’s 2013 “Freshest, Fittest Kids in the Valley.” The competition called for essays from 7- to 17-year-olds explaining how their school or extracurricular activities help them live healthier, happier lives. Stormy’s essay focused on Gold Medal Swim School in Chandler, where she participates on the competitive swim team; Erykah wrote about Girl Scout Troop 2613’s year-long efforts to obtain the Girl Scout Health Badge. Prizes included tickets to the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway in March. Submitted photos

32 March 16 – April 5, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

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Montessori school hosts open house

Learn about the benefits of Montessori and bilingual education at an informational open house from 10 a.m. to noon Sat., March 23 at Casa del Niño Bilingual Montessori School, 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 6, on the southwest corner of Dobson and Queen Creek roads in Chandler. Free food and activities for kids will be provided.

Information on the school’s summer sessions and upcoming school year will be available at the event. Casa del Niño is currently enrolling children ages 2 to 6 for both summer and fall.

For more information, call 480-963-2550, email bcasadelnino@yahoo.com or visit casadelninobilingualmontessori.com.

Scholarship available for ADHD students Gilbert golf tourney funds scholarships

SanTan Sun area residents diagnosed with ADHD and pursuing higher education at a college or vocational or technical school have until Wed., March 28 to apply for Shire 2013 ADHD Scholarship Program. Fifty one-time scholarships will be awarded in June 2013.

The scholarship includes a $2,000 monetary award and a prepaid year of ADHD coaching services provided by the Edge Foundation, intended to assist the scholarship recipient with the transition

to higher education.Shire is a global specialty

biopharmaceutical company. The Edge Foundation is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization offering support for students with ADHD.

For information on eligibility requirements, the scholarship application and more, visit ShireADHDscholarship.com. For more information about the Edge Foundation, visit edgefoundation.org.

The Fourth Annual Scholars Golf Tournament benefiting local high school seniors is hosted by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and San Tan Ford on Thu., May 9 at Seville Golf and Country Club, 6683 S. Clubhouse Dr., Gilbert.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. and a silent auction and awards ceremony following the tournament. A foursome entry is $600; individual golfer entry is $150. All golf entries include a tournament golf shirt and other takeaways.

Last year, the Chamber awarded $4,000 in scholarships to students participating in the Scholars Program in the Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School districts. Several sponsorships are available ranging from $50 to $2,000.

To register, visit the Chamber’s online calendar of events at gilbertaz.com or call 480-941-6323.

down the chute

PLAY TIME: Families enjoy a large parachute at the recent “Day of Play” hosted by Bright Beginnings Charter Elementary School in Chandler to raise funds for two of its families with terminally ill parents. The “Day of Play” raised more than $6,000 through a raffle, bake sale, teacher auction and donations. A local Chick-fil-A donated lunch items, and the school’s PTA supplied pizza and drinks. Bright Beginnings is at 400 N. Andersen Blvd. in Chandler. Submitted photo

March 16 – April 5, 2013 33www.SanTanSun.com Youth

Register for Spring Classes!The spring Break Time magazine outlining all-ages recreation classes, youth spring intersessioncamps and special events for March, April and May is available at libraries and recreation centers and at www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime. Registration is now open for residents and non-residents. For more information, call 480-782-2727.

Stay ConnectedFollow us on Twitter (@ChandlerRec)and Facebook (Chandler Recreation)for the latest news. Check out theJanuary/February episode of the“Come Out & Play, Chandler!” showfeaturing the Chandler Center forthe Arts events and programs. It isnow being aired on Channel 11 andon the Chandler Recreation YouTube Channel. You can sign upfor the monthly newsletter at www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.html. For more information, call 480-782-2727.

Sonoran Sunset Series is March 21 The Environmental Education Center presents theSonoran Sunset Series free lakeside entertainment bylocal musicians suitable for all ages on Thursday,March 21 at 6 p.m. For more information, visitwww.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis or call 480-782-2890.

Health Connect Expo April 6 Get ready to sweat with Mayor Jay Tibshraeny as heleads his first ever cycling class at TumbleweedRecreation Center during the Health Connect ExpoSaturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. This free, family-friendlyevent will run from 9 a.m. to noon and featuredozens of health conscious vendors, fitness and cook-ing demos, speakers, and giveaways. For those witha competitive spirit the Tumbleweed RecreationCenter will host both a racquetball and Ping-Pongtournaments. For more information please visitwww.chandleraz.gov/connect or call 480-782-2900.

Register for Spring Classes!The spring Break Time magazine outlining all-ages recreation classes,youth spring intersession camps and special events for March, April and May is available at libraries and recreation centers and atwww.chandleraz.gov/breaktime. Registration is now open for residentsand non-residents. For more information, call 480-782-2727.

Adult Sports Registration opens March 18Parents, are you looking for something fun and active to do this spring?The City of Chandler's Adult Sports program offers great opportunitiesto get exercise, have a great time with family and friends all while meet-ing new people. Spring leagues include men’s softball, co-rec softball,men’s basketball, men’s flag football and co-rec volleyball and for thefirst time sand volleyball. Don't miss your chance to get back on thecourt or field! Registration Starts Monday, March 18, for returningteams. For more information please call Teo Ruiz at 480-782-2704 or email at teofilo.ruiz@chandleraz.gov.

Parent & Toddler ActivitiesEvery Tuesday and Thursday from 9-11 a.m., the Tumbleweed RecreationCenter host “Tumble Tots” indoor activities designed for children fiveyears of age and under to play under parental or guardian supervision.This fun, safe and clean area provides a variety of toys, equipment andactivities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximumof four children per adult. Fee included in all TRC family passes. Tuesdaysand Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. There is a $2 fee ($3 non-resident) perchild. Call 480-782-2900 for more information.

Chandler RecreationOffers A Variety ofSpring Activities!

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Classroom grants available to teachers

Grants offering up to $180,000 in funding from SRP are available to SanTan Sun area teachers to enhance classroom learning in the areas of math, science, technology and social studies. Deadline to apply is March 31.

Teachers at public, private and nonprofit schools serving grades K through 12 are eligible for the two types of 2013-14 SRP Classroom Connections grants. Learning Grants by SRP provide funding up to $5,000 per school for projects and programs that incorporate innovative teaching strategies in math and science and meet performance standards as dictated by the Arizona Academic Standards. Social Studies Grants by SRP support the enrichment and enhancement of classroom instruction in the disciplines of history, geography, civics, government and economics, and meet performance standards as dictated by the Arizona Academic Standards. Up to $2,000 is available per educator.

Learn more by visiting srpnet.com/grants for more information.

Gilbert student ‘Youth of the Year’

To honor Nicholas Groth of the Gilbert branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley as 2013 BGCEV Youth of the Year, along with other outstanding youths, BGCEV hosted its 21st Annual Stepping into Greatness Youth of the Year Celebration at Silver Star Playhouse in Mesa.

Nicholas now goes on to compete at the state level on April 3 and receives a $20,000 scholarship from the Victoria Lund Foundation. All other candidates receive $2,500 from the Victoria Lund Foundation.

Youth of the Year is an annual program in which BGCEV Club members of at least two years who are sophomores, juniors or seniors are selected based on criteria including: home and family, moral character, community service, school, service to club, life goals and written essays on “What the Boys & Girls Club Means to Me” and “Why Post High School Education is Important.”

Proceeds from the Youth of the Year event provide scholarship and financial aid to qualifying members, as well as supporting programs and services offered at local branches. Since the inception of the scholarship program, more than 300 Club members have been awarded scholarships and thousands of families have received financial aid. For more information, visit clubzona.org/yoy.

Summer music camp hits high note Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to

sign up for the summer session of A World of Music, held from 9 a.m. to noon daily June 17 through 21 at Trinity Christian Fellowship, 50 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler.

A variety of classes in dance, musical theatre, ukulele, guitar, flag twirling, silly skits, rhythm and more are available. Campers perform a final concert for parents. Snacks and camp T-shirts are provided.

Visit worldofmusicaz.com or call 480-963-7698 for more information.

34 March 16 – April 5, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

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Win $15 gift card from Changing Hands Bookstore

Students who either live in Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek or surrounding areas or who attend area schools can win $15 gift cards from Changing Hands Bookstore, thanks to a partnership between the bookseller and the SanTan Sun News.

This ongoing, monthly promotion awards a $15 Changing Hands gift card to every youth whose article, story, poem, essay, editorial, book review, photo or illustration is chosen to be printed in the SanTan Sun Kids Opportunity section, while supplies last. The Kids Opportunity section is printed in the Youth Section of the first paper of the month, each month. The best news is that even though only one to three submissions are printed per month, all good submissions are held in a file to be printed in future issues. So if an entry doesn’t win this month, it could win next month -- or even the month after that.

To enter, visit SanTanSun.com,

click on Youth and then on Student Writer Permission Slip to download a submission-permission slip. Complete the form and have a parent sign it so the paper has permission to print the entry and the author or artist’s byline. Then, email the submission-permission slip and writing or artwork to Lynda@SanTanSun.com as a Word file, if writing, or JPEG, if art, or pasted into the email.

Those who don’t have access to email, or prefer to send submissions on disk, may send a hard copy of the form with the entry in a Word file or JPEG on a CD via postal mail to Lynda Exley, Kids Op Page, SanTan Sun News, P.O. Box 23, Chandler, AZ 85244-0023.

For more information on the Kids Op page, or to have SanTan Sun News Editor Lynda Exley speak at your school to rev students up about writing and publishing, email Lynda@SanTanSun.com.

International exchange students need hosts

Local host families are needed for international high school exchange students participating in Youth for Understanding USA programs in the upcoming school year.

Host families provide a place to live and three meals a day, plus the encouragement, advice and love to help their new family member through a semester or year in a new home. Students bring their own spending money and health insurance, as well as the willingness to be a good family member, follow family rules and help out with family responsibilities. YFU’s local representatives support the students and families

to ensure a good experience for all involved.

American students can also become YFU USA exchange students for a summer, semester or school year, with one of YFU’s 100 programs in 40 countries, including gap year/semester abroad programs for recently graduated high school students. YFU USA awards more than 300 scholarships each year. Adult volunteers are also needed to support students, families, programs and other volunteers.

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36 March 16 – April 5, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouthRawhide celebrates spring break

Chandler Symphony offers free concert

Spring break is celebrated with extended hours and a full schedule of activities for all ages at Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse.

The Wild West attraction opens from noon through 10 p.m. through March 17; hours are 5 to 10 p.m. March 19 and noon to 10 p.m. March 20 through 24. Visitors can enjoy staged gunfights, explosions, daring falls and the

antics of the Arizona Roughriders, as well as a petting zoo, live country music, gold panning, a real blacksmith and more.

Admission and parking at Rawhide are free; individual attraction tickets are $4.95 plus tax each. A Town Pass, a one-day unlimited usage wristband, is $14.95 plus tax.

Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse, Arizona’s largest 1880s western-themed family entertainment venue and steakhouse, is at 5700 W. North Loop Rd. in Chandler, on the Gila River Indian Community.

For more information, visit rawhide.com or call 480-502-5600.

The “Youth Celebration” hosted by the Chandler Symphony at 3 p.m. on Sun. March 24 at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, is admission-free.

The entertainment lineup begins with “Boléro” by Maurice Ravel with Jack Herriman as conductor and Alex Zheng as associate conductor.

Next, listen to “Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20” by Pablo de Sarasate, featuring the winner of the 2013 CSO Youth

Competition, Jasmine Xi, violin. Audiences will also hear

“Symphony No. 2, Op. 43” in D major by Jean Sibelius.

No tickets are required, and seating is first come, first served. The lobby opens one hour before the performance. Although the conference is free, a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is appreciated to support the symphony. Info: chandlersymphony.com.

Local Girl Scouts develop naturalist program

NATURALISTS: Cadette Girl Scout Troop 2658 of Chandler recently earned the Silver Award for developing a Junior Naturalist program for the City of Chandler’s Veterans Oasis Park. From left, Clair Mushet, Hannah Faulkner, Kendall Messerole, Alana Moeckly and Emily Lenz. Submitted photo

Six members of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 2658, all seventh-grade students in the Chandler Unified School District, earned their Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can earn, with a project they completed at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler.

The girls worked together over a 14-month period to develop a Junior Naturalist program that park officials will use to educate children about the many accessible attractions and educational opportunities the park provides to visitors.

“We used our cookie proceeds to take a trip to the Grand Canyon in the fall of 2010, and while we were there, the girls completed the Junior Ranger program,” says Laurie Moeckly, leader of Troop 2658. “Most national parks have Junior Ranger programs and our girls came up with the idea to develop a localized version of that program for one of our treasured city parks in Chandler.”

The 16-page activity book contains information about the park and a trail guide, and teaches lessons like the “leave no trace” principle or how to use your senses at the park. It also includes activities like writing a nature-inspired poem, becoming a wildlife detective, completing a wildlife word search and playing nature bingo. At the end, the kids are encouraged to reflect on their experience at the park and to turn the booklet into a staff member at the Environmental Education Center to take the Junior Naturalist Pledge and receive a signed certificate of completion.

“We were thrilled to have Troop 2658 approach us with this idea and work with them to make the Junior Naturalist program a reality,” says Ariane Francis, recreation coordinator II for the City of Chandler. “Our staff had been saving activity booklets from other park sites hoping that one day we’d be able to develop our own, so the girls’ idea aligned perfectly with our goal of educating our visitors.”

In addition to developing the activity booklet and working closely with the City of Chandler to implement the program, the troop used some of its cookie proceeds to fund this project. Costs included printing 2,500 booklets and 2,500 pencils.

The activity books, which are appropriate for ages 3 to 15, are available year-round at the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park. The program requires a different number of activities to be completed for four different age ranges.

Troop 2658 is part of the Ocotillo Neighborhood in the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. For more information visit www.girlscoutsaz.org.

March 16 – April 5, 2013 37www.SanTanSun.com YouthChandleR Unified SChool diStRiCtMarch 11-22: Spring intersessionMarch 25: teacher inservice/workday; no schoolMarch 29: Spring holiday; no school

Carlson Championshigh notes – Congrats to sixth-graders

Jasmine Joo and Karlee Peterson for participating in All-State Elementary Orchestra. Jasmine also represented Carlson in Honor Orchestra.

Running stars – Kudos to the Running Club members who placed in the final meet last month against CTA-Freedom and Hancock elementary schools: Luke Meyers, eighth place, kindergarten boys; Natalie Ridge, fifth place and Haley Fichiera, seventh place, kindergarten girls; Vaughn Campbell, second place, Oliver Vaughn, third place and Rex Pinter, sixth place, first-grade boys; Madison Schotz, first place, Ava Jensen, fourth place and Rachel Kan, eighth place, first-grade girls; Cole Felker, first place, second-grade boys; Lauren Downs, first place, Grace Stevenson, second place, Lexi Bonelli, fifth place and Dusti Ellsworth, eighth place, second-grade girls; Austin Jascourt, fourth place, third-grade boys; Rylee Watrous, second place, Paige Nelson, fourth place and Brooklyn Braaten, fifth place, third-grade girls; Preston Felker, first place and Zachary Frederick, seventh place, fourth-grade boys; Madison Jack, fourth place, Alyssa McNutt, fifth place and Lily Jensen, sixth place, fourth-grade girls; Kayden Burnes, first place, Jonathan Downs, second place, Cameron Schotz, third place and Carter Simbles, fourth place, fifth-grade

boys; Kate Robinson, fourth place and Kaitlyn Trantina, fifth place, fifth-grade girls; and Alex Linford, sixth place, sixth-grade boys.

CalendarApril 2: General PTO meeting and

elections, 6:30 p.m., Library—Lora Robinson

Cta-independence hawkshockey fun – The Phoenix Coyotes

and their mascot, Howler, visit the school Wed., March 27 as part of their school outreach program. Students in P.E. will learn about fitness through hockey skills and mini-games.

Spring fling – Presale order forms and payments for CTA’s Spring Fling are due back to the front office by Thu., March 28. The event is 5 to 9 p.m. Fri., April 12.

Making memories – Full-color, hard-cover yearbooks are on sale for $21. Order forms are on the website or in the school office. Cash is not accepted; checks should be made payable to CTA-Independence PTO.

high honors – Congrats to sixth-graders Kallen Ruddle, Justin Ngo and Tyler Bonillo for placing first among all sixth-grade projects at the recent Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair. Their project, “Harvesting the Wind,” investigated the effect the shape of fan blades have on electricity output. The students fashioned a windmill out of PVC pipes, balsa wood and other household items. With simulated wind, they measured the voltage generated by the blades and studied the difference in output.

Write stuff – Aspiring author Stormy Light, a fifth-grader in Mrs. Addington’s

class, is a recent Honorable Mention winner for an essay she submitted to Subway’s “Fittest Kid in the Valley” contest. Stormy has published two books, “The B Line” and “Half Past Noon,” and has had her writing featured in the “SanTan Sun News.”

health notes – All students entering sixth grade in the 2013-14 school year are required to have meningococcal and Tdap immunizations. Updated immunization records should be brought to the health office. Contact Mrs. Liles at 480-224-2702 with questions.

—Wendi Olson

Jacobson Jetson board – PTO elections are in April.

The PTO Board may be expanded to include one or two Vice Presidents. Email jacobsonpto@gmail.com if interested.

—Blanca Dozal

tarwater torosSchool Cents – The School Cents

program ends April 15. Families are

encouraged to keep collecting receipts and turn them in to the school office or Guest Services at the mall. PTO thanks all participants for their support.

—Robyn Kelly

Knox KnightsSave the date – Volunteer positions

are available for Knox’s Art Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Fri., April 5. Contact Sandy at sashbaugh1600@gmail.com to get involved.

Kudos – Congratulations to Mrs. Gruenewald’s third-grade class and Mrs. Moulton’s fourth-grade class for winning the latest Box Tops / Campbell’s Labels contest. Each class won gift certificates for classroom supplies. Thanks to Knights families for participating.

fundraising fun – Knox recycles old clothing, linens, sheets, towels and shoes in the blue Textile Recycling bin in the school parking lot. Box Tops, juice pouches and Labels for Education are collected by classroom teachers. Target red cards and Fry’s cards can be linked to Knox to help Knox receive funds.

—Ximena Rodriguez

Sanborn SunsSave the date – Sanborn hosts its

7th Annual Dinner / Auction and Golf Tournament Sat., April 27 at Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix. Cost for golf and dinner is $85 per person or $110 for one golfer and two dinners. Dinner and auction only is $35 per person. Event details, pricing / registration and sponsorship information are available at sanborndc.golfreg.com.

—Pamela Moya

BUGGING OUT: Tarwater first-graders Ayanle Salah, Josh Robbins, Jayden Lynd and Olivia Mejia observe mealworms metamorphosize into beetles as part of a month-long experiment and study of life cycles. Submitted photo

38 March 16 – April 5, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

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WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW AND BIGGER LOCATION!

Jaron Williams of Boy Scout Troop 283 in Chandler will complete his Eagle Scout Project at Veterans Oasis Park in Southern Chandler. His project involves adding a 75-foot long, 5-foot wide trail leading up to a seating area on the stream that flows from the Hilltop Viewing Area down to Recharge Basin #5 in the southeast area of the park. Materials donations were provided by Home Depot at Gilbert and Germann roads in Chandler and Granite Express in Mesa.

Zachary Egan and Benjamin Pitt of Chandler are on the fall 2012 Dean’s List at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a fulltime must achieve a 3.4 or better GPA.

Kyle Swartz of Chandler is on the honor roll with high distinction at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. To qualify, students must be in the top 5% of their school of record.

Annie Walterscheid of Chandler is on the fall 2012 Honor Roll at University of Dallas in Irving, TX, for earning a semester GPA of 3.0-3.49.

Max Fathauer of Chandler Preparatory Academy, Braydon Hunt of Campo Verde High in Gilbert and Katherin Wu of Mesquite High in Gilbert are among 19 Arizona students chosen to receive a special scholarship from

Honeywell to attend the 2013 Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. They are among 227 students from 30 countries and 26 U.S. states and territories chosen to attend the program, which is designed to build leadership skills and inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Scott Gosselin of Chandler is on the fall 2012 Dean’s List at Villanova University in Villanova, PA. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a fulltime student must earn a semester GPA of at least 3.5. Scott is pursuing an undergraduate degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Samuel Riordan of Chandler is recognized by the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs for outstanding first semester grades. Samuel was one of nearly 500 first-year freshmen recognized for earning a 3.25 or higher GPA during their first semester at the First-Years Achieving Marks of Excellence reception held recently. Samuel studies in the UCCS College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Gilbert Early College’s Girls Varsity Basketball team is the Athletic Association Class 2A State Champions. With a 27-0 season, the Varsity Girls team secured the title for the

second year. Earlier this year, both the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams earned the title of 2013 CAA Class 2A Eastern Conference Champions. Gilbert Early College, 415 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, is a Leading Edge Academy serving grades 6 through 12.

Lauren M. Topolski of Chandler and Andrew Barber of Gilbert are on the fall 2012 Dean’s List at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale during the semester. Lauren is a senior majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise. Andrew is a freshman majoring in political science.

Daquise Gaines of Chandler High, Michael Garcia and James Sosinski of Hamilton High, Maurice Kirby of Basha High and Jake Mortensen of Perry are members of the 2012-13 All CUSD Basketball 1st Team. Player of the year is Jordan Howard of Perry High; Nathan Walker of Hamilton High is the winner of the Mike

Desper Pursuing Victory with Honor Award.Brad Trella and Blake Evans of Chandler

High; Dan Wichman, Dayne Johnson, Gabe Parra-Munoz and Tyler Patel of Hamilton High; Mike Rozinski, Dan Moe and Kevin Beck of Basha High; and Mike Aguirre and Niyi Soetan of Perry High are members of the 2012-13 All CUSD Boys Soccer 1st Team. Captain Luis Manta of Hamilton High is the Offensive Player of the Year; Captains Nolan Barth of Hamilton High and Christian Vargas of Chandler High are Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Coach of the Year is Nick Markette of Hamilton High. Honorable Mentions include Kieran Wood, Alex Pena and Jairo Castro of Chandler High, Luis Garcia and Dallin Hazelgren of Basha High, Jordan Fletcher and Andrew Holland of Hamilton High and Turner Kallen and Mitchell Albrecht of Perry High.

Members of the 2012-13 All CUSD Wrestling 1st Team include Michael Reyes, Tristan Moran, Joey Rico, Dalton Brady, Estevan Ulibarri, Dalton Moran, Joseph Miranda and Drew Lattner of Chandler High; Kamden Krum, Christian Stadler and Trey Ronayne of Basha High; Arch Ratlliff, D.J. Serrano and Deano Motes of Perry High. Co-Wrestlers of the Year are Dalton Brady of Chandler High and Trey Ronayne of Basha High; Coaches of the Year are Vidal Mejia and Curtis Owen of Chandler High. Honorable Mentions include Jonathan Latin, Ryan Kuhn, Daniel McCurdy, Jacob Lara, Robert Latin and Dante Proto of Basha High; Matt Panepinto and Esteban Manuel of Chandler High; Alex Vasquez, Frankie Bueno, Jaimesan Naeole, Garrett Rand and David DeSilva of Hamilton High; and Justin Parada, Aaron Ratliff, Christian White and Logan Arredondo of Perry High.

Youth ChroniCles

Jaron WilliamsGilbert Early College’s Girls Varsity Basketball team. Submitted photo