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Colombian students to participate in Chandler’s Science Saturday

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Students from Marie Curie school in Colombia will participate in the Chandler Science Spectacular this month to showcase what they are studying and to deepen their curiosity of learning.

Nine students between the ages of 10 and 15, as well as two teachers, Diana Carolina Ravelo Salazar and Estefany Jaramillo, and Principal German Rodríguez Mogollon, will travel to Arizona. They will be in the States from Feb. 19 through March 23. Chandler Science Saturday is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat., Feb. 22, along Commonwealth Avenue.

The students will showcase five projects while at Chandler Science Saturday—extinct and endangered species in Colombia, hydroelectricity, Gorgona Island, La Candelaria and an art endeavor.

“In the school, we are very interested in the participation of our students in events of science and arts,” says Mogollon in an email statement.

“Everything that awakens their curiosity and interest for knowing and discovering new things is very important. Traveling, going to science fairs, universities, opens their possibilities and encourages them to make better projects.”

The school serves 1,300 students from kindergarten through 11th grade, which is the last grade for high schools in Colombia.

Marie Curie school opened nine years

ago with a main goal of encouraging students to become scientists and artists.

“This decision is justified because Colombia has very few scientists and artists, compared to first world countries,” the principal says. “To stimulate our students’ love for knowledge in school, we make a lot of activities.”

For example, time is set aside every week for scientific education, a day for students to participate in activities related to the scientific method.

The students focus on observation, experimentation, measurement, communication and analysis.

Students also participate in “expert’s project,” which changes every year. To become experts, the students spend the entire year researching their topic, as well as finding experts in the field and visiting places related to that topic.

Some of those topics have included cancer, space rockets, the Aztecs and hydroelectricity.

“For example, last year some students traveled to Mexico because they were experts in Aztecs,” he explains.

When the school year begins, Mogollon says, students scour books, the Internet, movies and experiences with their teacher’s leadership to decide a topic of interest.

“Next they decide on a research question and set their objectives, they carry out the theoretical framework,” he

says. “At the end they report the results and draw conclusions.”

In November the school hosts a Science Week, to provide each course an opportunity to showcase its project.

Conferences and other activities related to the general theme are held during that week. The principal says last year’s theme focused on water.

Marie Curie officials are constantly looking for ways to improve its students’ education. Last year, Academic Principal Fabiola Grisales sent an email to many universities and centers of education in the United States.

“The first in respond was Jeremy Babendure, executive director of the Arizona SciTech Festival,” Mogollon says.

“They invited us to visit Arizona.”

So he and Grisales traveled to Arizona last September and met with Babendure, as well as many others who work in the science festivals of Flagstaff and Phoenix.

“We asked them for opportunities for our teachers and students,” he says.

Those opportunities discussed included courses that improve the teachers’ abilities to teach science and arts, courses to improve English, resources to teach science and opportunities for students to participate in Arizona science festivals.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

www.SanTanSun.com

SWEET VICTORY

CHANDLER CHAMP: Arizona College Prep - Erie seventh grader Marcus Behling outlasted 35 competitors to win the Chandler Unified School District Spelling Bee, held recently at Perry High School. Marcus correctly spelled “patronymic” in the 14th round to edge out last year’s champion Christopher Smith of ACP-Oakland.

Marcus, Christopher and Isha Paode of Willis Junior High now advance to the Maricopa County Region 6 Spelling Bee Feb. 21 in Queen Creek. Also qualifying for the regional bee: Alexandra Wilhelm, Knox Elementary; Kiersten Rule, Fulton Elementary; Alec Mathew, CTA-Independence; Breezy Hill, Santan Elementary; Rachel Fullerton, Santan Junior High; and Christopher Perkins, Payne Junior High. Submitted photo

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CHANDLER’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST Once a month, we will profile standout students from SanTan Sun-area high schools. Whether they’re involved in academics, athletics or extracurricular activities, we want to hear their stories. To submit students for consideration, email the editor, Christina FuocoKarasinski at christina@santansun.com.

BY SETH COX

Chandler Wolves Chandler High School 350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 85225

Sometimes in high school athletics the student athlete is much more than meets the eye.

In the case of Chandler High School boys basketball captain Kameron Casey, you may miss one of the most intelligent kids in the entire high school.

“Coming out of junior year I was ranked third,” Kameron says, “but there was a hold up with grades, so I am not sure where I am right now.”

No matter where he ends up in the class rankings, the reality is it’s impressive.

A three-year varsity member, Kameron has grown both in stature— he’s 6-feet 7-inches tall now—and as a leader.

“Moving on from the basketball stuff, Kameron is just as solid as a kid as you can want,” says Coach Mark Nold.

“Very, very coachable, comes to practice wanting to learn every day, he’s the best leader on our team for sure, and what he gets done in the classroom is amazing.

“On top of the basketball stuff, he’s got four to five hours of homework for the class load he’s taking, his dream

school is Stanford and where he wants to go for engineering.”

Kameron says he has yet to hear from Stanford.

“I applied to nine other colleges and have been accepted to Barrett Honors College at ASU,” he says. “I’m not going to hear from the other nine schools until the end of March, early April.”

What’s life like for a student athlete who’s carrying a heavy college prep workload and starting at center, averaging 8.1 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game?

“Well,” Kameron says with a pause, “You don’t get as much sleep or free time as you would want to. I don’t get to hang out with my friends as much as I want to, but I prioritize and make sure I get all my classwork done, and getting all my athletic work in. Then, if I have extra time after that, I can use it for my leisure, but I always make sure to prioritize.”

Priorities don’t just extend to off the court, as Nold says, “Kameron is not the most vocal guy. I think he’s got a lot of shy tendencies about him, but he knows when to say the right thing. He leads by

example with his work ethic and he’s great for our locker room.”

When asked about it, Kameron adds, “I always try to help the team in any way, even if it sacrifices my individual stats, and try to push the selfless mentality to make a better team overall.”

Kameron has prioritized the team, and their goals as his own, knowing that the legacy he leaves can be more than just about numbers on the court.

When your aspirations are to go to a school like Stanford and be an engineer, you always seem to be looking at the bigger picture and waiting for the next challenge.

Casey has no problem with that challenge, as he said, “My college prep calculus class is my favorite class this year because it’s the one that challenges my mind, but my favorite class was my junior year and college prep chemistry because the teacher was so good and it was an amazing subject to me.”

Stanford better keep an eye out, because Kameron Casey is on his way.

SEE CHANDLER’S BEST AND BRIGHEST PAGE 32

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CHANDLER’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST CHANDLER’S BEST AND BRIGHEST FROM PAGE 30

BY SETH COX

Hamilton Huskies Hamilton High School 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 85248

For some, things come naturally. For Hamilton Lady Huskies senior guard Shelby Hartman, that’s basketball.

Shelby is the Huskies’ leading scorer through 11 games (Jan. 21, 2014) at 12.2 points per game.

“She’s got that motor that doesn’t stop,” Coach Jeff Kain says. “Shelby’s the best outside shooter on the team. She works hard, rebounds whatever we need from her.”

As a rebounder she shows that nonstop motor, as she stands only 5-feet 8-inches tall. She is the second leading rebounder on the team averaging 5.9 rebounds per game so far on the season.

Shelby’s play was enough to get her a scholarship offer from Colorado Christian University, a Division II school in Lakewood, CO. “She had a few other schools looking at her,” Kain says. “She went to Colorado Christian’s camp this summer and just loved the team, the coach and the environment up there. It was a perfect fit for her. I think if she would have kept looking she would have gotten more (offers).

“But they just fit.”

Shelby spoke about the process, “He (Colorado Christian head coach) visited

me after games and continued to talk to me and tell me they wanted me on the team and that meant a lot to me that even after poor performances that they were still interested in me.”

Shelby continues, “They push the ball up the court and run. They all work really hard and that’s something I want to do. As a Christian, I love the idea of going to college where I am on that court playing for Christ.”

That’s not a surprise, as one of only a couple of returning seniors.

“She’s been around the program for four years,” Kain says. “Shelby has her own role as a leader, and it’s nice to have, especially one that does so well on the court, but also in the classroom.”

Shelby’s all-around game is quite impressive as well, though, as she is first in points, second in rebounds, third in assists and third in steals on the team.

She does so while keeping up a rigorous academic schedule.

When it comes to off the court, Hartman is just as rock solid, Kain says.

“She’s a high academic kid, taking several AP classes throughout her time at Hamilton. She’s never a grade issue.

She’s always getting A’s. She’s such a highly motivated kid that a ‘B’ would

probably disappoint her.”

Shelby says she’s earned a 4.3 weighted GPA, a 3.8 unweighted.

“For me, I just really have to stay focused in school,” she says. “There’s no time for procrastination. If you have a week to do something, you just get it done because you never know what may come up in terms of basketball.”

When all is said and done at Hamilton, Shelby already knows what the next step in life is.

“I am going to study nursing,” she says.

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DSNetwork offers help, support and encouragement

BY ALISON STANTON

Michele Fiorenza and her daughter, Leia, became acquainted with the Down Syndrome Network (DSNetwork)—a nonprofit, support group for people with Down syndrome and their families—when Leia was 3 years old.

A friend of Michele’s asked her to bring Leia, who has Down syndrome, to a photo shoot that was being held in Mesa. When they arrived, they learned it was for the annual calendar for the DSNetwork.

“We had so much fun, and I was overwhelmed by the warmth and support we received for those two hours,” says Michele, who lives with her family in Chandler.

Michele says she and Leia both enjoyed the caring and loving way they were welcomed to the group.

“We knew this was the support group for us.”

Alex Duggan, executive director of the DSNetwork, says the grassroots support group, which formed around 12 years ago, offers a wide variety of programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The organization, which is based in Mesa, helps people from birth through adulthood and serves families from Tucson to Payson.

“Our mission is to educate, support and advocate for those impacted by Down syndrome,” Duggan says, adding that “from zero to gray,” the DSNetwork

is there to help.

“We offer pre- and post-natal classes for parents, diversity training in schools, and we offer a young adult program.

In addition, we have a parent-toparent support network which is very helpful. We do all we can to provide families with an open and supportive environment, and access to unbiased information that will help them with their journey.”

Knowing that there will be programs available for Leia, now 10, as she gets older is one of the many things Michele says she likes about the DSNetwork.

“The DSNetwork also has a board made up of members who are either parents or loved ones of individuals with Down syndrome. This will ensure that all aspects of our kiddos’ lives will be taken care of.”

One of the many things she especially enjoys about the DSNetwork, Michele says, is the organization’s Yahoo and Facebook groups.

“Any question we have is answered, whether it be about doctors, events or potty training. We always get an answer from what we call ‘the smartest parents’ in the world on their social media sites.”

Michele says she and her family have also enjoyed taking part in the many events the DSNetwork hosts, including an annual pool party held in the summer, a holiday party in December, and the yearly “Step Up for Down Syndrome” (SUDS) Walk in October, which is also

STEPPING UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME: Taylor Schroeder, one of Leia’s oldest friends and part of the Best Buddies program at Hamilton High School, Leia and her brother, Chandler, enjoy taking part in the annual Step Up For Down Syndrome walk. Photo courtesy of the Fiorenza family; photo by Michele Fiorenza

Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

“The SUDS walk takes place at ASU during the homecoming parade. Down Syndrome Network is invited every year to this event and they have a float that drives in the parade route in front of 30,000 spectators,” Michele says.

“This is the ultimate in educating the public about Down syndrome.”

Duggan says providing children of all ages with the chance to have social opportunities is a large part of the DSNetwork, as is the opportunity for parents to connect with other parents

who “have been there.”

“We often hear from grandparents, aunts and uncles and other relatives who want to know how to support parents whose children have Down syndrome.

We just want parents to know that they are not alone.”

For more information about the DSNetwork, visit dsnetworkaz.org.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

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CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Feb. 4 and 6: Junior high parent/ teacher conferences Feb. 12-13: Elementary parent/teacher conferences Feb. 17: Presidents Day holiday; no school

Carlson Champions Feb. 7: Jamba Juice Fun Friday, smoothies $3 each Feb. 8: Father-Daughter Dance, 6-8:30 p.m., Multipurpose Room —Lora Robinson

CTA-Independence Hawks Skateland Night – Student Council will sponsor Skateland Night from 5 to 8 p.m. Fri., Feb. 7. Admission is $2, skates extra. The night includes skating, a live deejay, a laser light show, games, trivia and more; the whole family is welcome.

Save the date – Two early-release days are coming up on Wed., Feb. 12, and Thu., Feb. 13. Students will be dismissed at 11:40 a.m. both days.

Thanks due – Thanks to all the Hawk families who came to Math and Science Night; it was a great time for parents and students alike. Thanks also to the Arizona Science Center for bringing fun math and science centers and to the CTA staff for presenting great math activities.

—Wendi Olson

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Haley Tigers

Hancock Heat

Hull Heroes

Stage craft – Drama Club is in full rehearsal mode for its production of “Willy Wonka” that will debut in March.

Student scientists – Fifth- and sixthgrade students have been working hard on science experiments in the disciplines of Earth and space science, physical science and life science. Six fifth graders and six sixth graders will be chosen to represent Haley at the district-level science fair.

Shooting hoops – Fourteen fifthand sixth-grade students just kicked off practices for the first coed basketball team at Haley. The focus of the team is not on wins and losses but improving individual skill levels to better prepare for future competitions. There will be five games in the season, plus playoffs.

Cheer squad – Kindergarten through sixth-grade students have joined the first ever cheerleading squad run through Chandler Sports League.

These students will learn the basics of cheer and show off their newly learned skills at Haley’s Running Club races, assemblies and basketball games.

Tiny Tigers – Preschool students have been learning about community helpers and what they do in our neighborhoods. Real-life police officers, firemen and doctors came to talk to the children about how they keep everyone safe and healthy.

—Stephanie Vatistas

Kindergarten registration – Kindergarten registration for the 2014-15 school year begins Feb. 3. To be eligible, students must turn 5 years old by Aug. 31. Parents can stop by the school office between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to register their children, bringing a certified copy of the children’s birth certificate, immunization record and proof of address, such as a city of Chandler utility bill, SRP bill, lease or rental agreement or home contract.

The last DPT and polio vaccination must have been received on or after the child’s 4th birthday.

Raffle drawing – Tickets for the Chandler Education Foundation Raffle are available in the front office. This year’s grand prize is the choice of a 2014 Toyota RAV4 or $20,000 cash. Tickets are $20. For every ticket sold, Hancock will receive $4 to be used for the school. The grand prize raffle drawing will be held on March 9.

Save the date – The Valentine Dance will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Fri., Feb. 7.

Book Fair – Hancock hosts a Scholastic Book Fair fundraiser Mon., Feb. 10, through Fri., Feb. 14, in the library.

Families are welcome to come and volunteer as well as shop for books.

For more information, call Miss Gray at 480-883-5921.

Spelling bee – Crystal from Ms. Mazza’s fifth-grade class did a great job representing Hancock at the District Spelling Bee. —Andrea Dickson

Box Tops – All Box Tops are due Wed., Feb. 12. This is the last contest of the year. Students from each grade level have the chance to win prizes, and the class that rings in the most Box Tops wins lunch.

Class baskets – Information is coming home soon regarding Hull’s annual basket silent auction. Families are encouraged to consider donating to their child’s class basket. All money earned from these baskets stay in Hull classrooms. The basket auction kicks off at the Celebration of Learning Thu., Feb. 20, with a live silent auction and will end with an online auction.

Save the date – Hull’s Celebration of Learning will be held at 6 p.m. Thu., Feb. 20. Hull families will have the opportunity to visit student classrooms, view Art Masterpiece projects and science fair displays and shop at the book fair. Families will also have the opportunity to start bidding on silent auction baskets.

Thanks due – Thanks to Maria at Water and Ice on Gilbert and Riggs roads for generously donating 250 pounds of ice for Hull’s Winter Carnival; thanks also to SRP for donating trash bins and liners.

Finally, the event would not have been possible without the help of students from Perry High, Basha High, San Tan Junior High and the many Hull parents, staff and teachers who volunteered.

—Kristen Boyd SEE CUSD PAGE 36

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February 1 – 14, 2014

CUSD FROM PAGE 35

Basha High Bears

Jacobson Jets Math counts – Jacobson recently celebrated its first Jacobson Math Day. District office officials, math specialists, past administrators and teachers visited and taught every Jacobson Jet on campus. Jacobson teachers and administrators enjoyed teaching math lessons to different grade levels and classes. The entire community contributed to helping this Excelling School continue to find unique, creative ways to help children gain a love of learning and reach their fullest potential.

—Linda Monaghan

Payne Panthers It’s a trip – Payne Junior High librarian Stephanie Merrill is the winner of an all-expenses paid trip to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, HI. Merrill is a program adviser for the Fuel Up to Play 60, a program sponsored by National Dairy Council and National Football League to promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools. Because Payne completed all six steps of the program, including physical activity and nutrition goals, Merrill was eligible to enter the Pro Bowl contest drawing.

—Roxanne Helman

Color Run – A 5K Color Run/Walk will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Sat., Feb. 8, at Basha High School, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Cost to participate is $25; sign up at brindleefullmer.wix.com/ kennethscolorrun. The event is a senior project for Basha High student Brindlee Fullmer; all proceeds from the race will be donated to the Forever Young Foundation for children’s cancer.

—Brindlee Fullmer

CTA-Goodman Gators Gator Grams – PTO is selling Valentine’s Day Gator Grams. For 50 cents per message, the PTO will attach a sucker and deliver it on Valentine’s Day. Order forms are available in the school office or on the school website at cusd80.com/goodman.

Reaping rewards – Congrats to the CTA-Goodman teachers who were recipients of the Walmart Teacher Rewards Program. Each of the 10 teachers selected were awarded $100 and a goody bag from Walmart for their classrooms by Patricia Rodriguez from Horace Mann and a representative from Walmart. The staff thanks Horace Mann and Walmart for this exciting opportunity.

Calendar Feb. 3: Kindergarten registration begins Feb. 3: PTO Valentine Gator Gram sale begins Feb. 10: Flag ceremony presented by

www.SanTanSun.com

second grade, 8 a.m., Amphitheater Feb. 12: Early dismissal at 11:10 a.m., conferences 1-4 p.m.

Feb. 13: Early dismissal at 11:10 a.m., conferences 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Feb. 14: PTO Valentine Gator Gram deliveries —Kathie Butters

Knox Knights Box Tops – Students are encouraged to bring Box Tops to school by Feb. 14 to win $50 worth of playground equipment for their class. One prize is available for primary and intermediate classes as well. Note the teacher’s name on the contribution.

High honors – President Obama recently named Knox Gifted Academy CATS kindergarten teacher Allison Davis as Arizona’s recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Math Teaching. Awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country, the winners are chosen by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators.

Winners receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and are invited to Washington, D.C., for an awards ceremony and events.

Rock and roll – Classic rock radio station KSLX 100.7 FM is joining with Landing’s Credit Union to give away one iPad a month now through May to teachers who go above and beyond.

At the end of May, one prize winner

will be chosen as KSLX Teacher of the Year, winning a $25,000 Master’s in Education scholarship to Grand Canyon University. Families can nominate their favorite Knox teacher by visiting kslx. com.

Thanks due – Knox collected 2,390 pounds of food over the holidays for Matthew’s Crossing, which had to be picked up in three separate installments. Thanks to Knox students and teachers for their continued support of Matthew’s Crossing.

Running Club – Congrats to Knox Running Club race participants: Kindergarten: girls, Brynn Wilson, fourth place; boys, Edward Oh, second place and Lucas Zhou, fourth place; first grade: girls, Emma Weiss, second place; boys, Simon Aleksov, third place and Xander Holdren, fourth place; second grade: girls, Lucy Daniels, first place, Savanna Creal, eighth place; boys, Maddox Moses, fourth place, Stevie Ortiz, fifth place and Taylor Relvas, seventh place; third grade: girls, Whitney Wilson, first place and Laurel Anderson, third place; fourth grade: girls, Ella Anderson, third place; boys, Andrew Oh, seventh place; fifth grade: girls, Nicole Smith, fourth place; boys, Cole Nusbaum, third place; sixth grade: girls, Kennedy Jones, fourth place; boys, Alex Wilhelm, eighth place.

Calendar Feb 4: PTO meeting, 3:45 p.m.

Feb 22: Celebration of Science & Engineering Night & Science Fair —Jacqueline Bartrim

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www.SanTanSun.com Seton Catholic Prep Sentinels Music notes – Popular rock musical “Godspell” opens Feb. 7 at Seton Prep, and is the first Seton production directed by English Department Chairwoman Bridget O’Neill, who has years of experience directing shows in New York. The show is unusual because it has a very large cast for a high school production—nearly 40 actors and crew—and 18 actors are all on stage for almost the entire production, providing the actors with a tremendous amount of experience.

Austin Weigel, who plays Jesus, is following a 40-day modified Jewish fast to emulate Jesus’ 40 days in the desert.

—Amy Wolff

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Sister Cities seeks young artists, authors from Chandler The city of Chandler’s Sister City affiliate, Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities (CTSC) representing the “twinning” between Chandler and Tullamore, Ireland, invites Chandler youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age to participate in the fifth annual Young Artists and Authors Showcase.

The 2013 Art and Author Showcase yielded a National Grand Prize Winner for Poetry, Rachel Beglin, a student at Hamilton High School, and a National Art Finalist, Elizabeth Hopwood, a student at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School.

The showcase theme for 2014 is “Connect globally. Thrive locally.” Sister City relationships foster partnerships within the community and between international cities, counties and states.

Young Artist entries must be no larger than 24 by 36 inches, including matting, and

only 2-dimensional art is accepted. Water color, oils, pastels, pen and ink, charcoal, photography, 2-dimensional mixed media, as well as computer-generated art are all acceptable media. Entries must be submitted by Mon., March 3.

Young Authors—essayists and poets— are encouraged to creatively express the theme. Essays are not to exceed 500 words, and poetry is not to exceed 25 lines. All entries must be typed in English.

Winners will be required to submit a digital copy. Judges will evaluate on theme interpretation, composition and grammar.

A reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., March 21, at Vision Gallery in downtown Chandler to celebrate Chandler’s young authors and artists.

One piece of artwork, one poem and one essay from the Chandler entries will be submitted to Sister Cities International

where the National Finalists are chosen.

Grand Prize Winners at the National Level will receive $1,000 from Sister Cities International.

Underwriting for the 2014 Art and Author Showcase is made possible through a grant received from the Chandler Special Events Committee and the Chandler Cultural Foundation.

For further information and entry submittal for Young Artists and Authors, please contact Barb Olivieri, CTSC Education Committee chairwoman, at chandler_tullamore_education@yahoo. com or at 480-347-8293.

Entry guidelines and forms may be found at chandlerirish.org.

For information on Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ activities, information and membership and information about Tullamore, Ireland, visit chandlerirish.org.

Kids: 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 submissionpermission slip and writing or artwork to news@SanTanSun. com as a Word file, if writing, or JPEG, if art, or pasted into the email.

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38

Youth

February 1 – 14, 2014

YOUTH CHRONICLES Michael Anthony Castellano of Chandler is on the fall 2013 academic honors list at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, KY. The academic honors list recognizes students who achieve a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the semester with a course load of at least 12 hours.

Samuel Curl of Chandler is on the fall 2013 Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering Dean’s List at Arizona State University. To qualify, students must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Casey Filler of Chandler is the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship for Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA, where Casey has also been accepted. Cornell College is a private liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course at a Time curriculum.

Brooke Huppenthal, Bethany Seifert and David Villa of Chandler are on the fall 2013 Dean’s List at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C. Hannah Laflin of Chandler is on the fall 2013 Dean’s List at Central College in Pella, IA. The honor is awarded to fulltime students who earn a 3.5 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester. Hannah, the

daughter of Don and Arla Laflin, is majoring in sociology.

Nicolle Martin of Chandler is on the fall 2013 Dean’s List at Luther College in Decorah, IA. To qualify, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades.

Nicolle, a junior at the college, is the daughter of Camille and John Martin.

Madyson Wellcome of Chandler was recognized as Student Athlete of the Week at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Madyson is majoring in public health and is a member of the 2013-14 Skyhawks women’s soccer team.

Phillip Giandiletti of Chandler is on the fall 2013 Dean’s Honor Roll at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, OK. To be eligible for the Dean’s Honor Roll, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours with a minimum 3.5 grade point average during a semester.

Klohe S. Harrion of Chandler is on the fall 2013 Dean’s List at Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must be enrolled fulltime and maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Patric Pray of Chandler is on the fall 2013 Dean’s List at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. Patric is a junior majoring in finance.

www.SanTanSun.com

New Vistas students earn honors in Chandler’s multicultural competitions New Vistas Center for Education had a strong showing in the performance and essay categories at Chandler’s annual Multicultural Festival, securing first place in both.

Tied for top honors in the performance category were Alessandra and Liliana Isaacson and the New Vistas’ second grade choir. The first-place winners performed songs dedicated to children worldwide. New Vistas’ students also swept first through third places in the essay competition for the kindergarten through fourth grade category. Niki Tapia, community resources coordinator, announced the winners at the citywide event on Saturday. There were more than 1,000 entries.

Third grader Alessandra Isaason is no stranger to the annual Chandler MultiCultural Festival and has won first place for three consecutive years. This year, however, she teamed up with her younger sister, 7-year-old Liliana, to perform an original song written by their mother, Noemy Isaacson, entitled “Together.” The song written in Korean, French, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and English expressed the importance of breaking down barriers and working together for the benefit of all children.

Also tying for first place is New Vistas’ second grade choir under the direction of Patricia Neff. The students, dressed in costumes from their country of origin, performed the song, “My Town, My World.”

Whitening •

New Vistas also had a strong showing in the essay writing category by winning first through third places. Earning first place was 6-year-old first grader, Riya Nannapaneni, who wrote a compelling essay about the value of knowing children from different cultures. She says, “It makes the world seem like a small place even though I learned Earth is very big. My grandparents live in India and they are just one Skype call or Facetime away! They might live far away but when I talk to them it feels like they are very close.”

Vanessa Koo, 7, came in second. Being from Hong Kong, Vanessa wrote her essay about her love of sharing her own culture with all of her classmates. Kate Ekiel secured third place with her essay on learning about others’ cultures and customs through her friends she knows at school.

“Because of the tapestry of nations represented at New Vistas, our students and their families bring a balanced mixture of cultures, experiences, traditions and interests that can only be described as enriching,” says Dr. Eleanor Jordan, codirector of New Vistas.

“Every day is a celebration of diversity at New Vistas. With approximately 500 students, we have children representative of over 38 different nations.”

All first place winners have been invited to attend the Chandler City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Mon., Feb. 7, when the group will be congratulated by the council and mayor and presented with cash prizes.

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