GSN Class of 2022 by Times Media Group

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

Career success on your terms. nau.edu

Boundless

Gilb ert CLASS OF 2022

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIANS:

Saige Langer

Jack Miller

Julissa Brunk

Brooke Hesse

Parents: Angie Langer and Joel Langer On the way to: University of Arizona Career pursuing: Pediatrician Extracurriculars: Golden Scholar, AP Scholar award, 12 AP classes, 600+ hours of service, varsity tennis team captain and 2022 MVP, varsity badminton team captain, ADL president, Environmental Actions Club treasurer, National Honor Society treasurer, DECA president Tiger Crew commissioner of spirit, Sports Medicine Club.

Parents: Vic and Dana Miller On the way to: Arizona State University after serving a two year mission to Curitiba, Brazil, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Career pursuing: robotics Extracurriculars: Golden scholar, National Merit finalist, Chess Club and team, Tiger crew, IB Club, Math Club, church youth leader, Eagle Scout.

Parents: Natalie and Clint Brunk On the way to: ASU Career pursuing: Medical Extracurriculars: Student of the Month for the Math Department, National Merit Commended Scholar, Golden Scholars, FFA Award for Scholarship, Bring Change to Mind/Psychology Club, Giving Closet, Environmental Action Club, IB Club, National Honor Society, Tiger Crew, hiking, piano.

Parents: Joe and Amy Hesse On the way to: University Of Arizona Career pursuing: Undecided Extracurriculars: Golden Scholar, Dude Be Nice, varsity volleyball captain, soccer, basketball, beach volleyball, National Honor Society, club soccer, tutor.

SALUTATORIAN:

Veronica Scanlan Parents: Brian and Brandy Scanlan On the way to: Arizona State University Career pursuing: Financial advisor Extracurriculars: Golden Scholar, volunteering at Good Shepherd Healing Ministries Horse Rescue.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

ACADEMY l a c i s s a l Gilb ert C CLASS OF 2022 VALEDICTORIANS:

Kathryn Beistle

Henry Haslam

Parents: James and Leah Beistle On the way to: Yale University Career pursuing: Political science Extracurriculars: Speech and Debate, Mediatography, National Honor Society, varsity track and field, varsity dive, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, Beyond Resolved, When We All Vote.

Parents: Joshia and Kerolann Haslam On the way to: Bringham Young University Career pursuing: Undecided Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, varsity cross country, varsity soccer, choir, Student Senate, Latin Club.

Ellie Dobbs

Khushi Parikh

Parents: Jeff and Stacy Wimmer On the way to: Brigham Young University Career pursuing: Astrophysics Extracurriculars: Bring Change 2 Mind, chamber orchestra, Kids Loving Animals Within Shelters, Astronomy Club, ASU EPICS High Virtual Olympiad first place and Impact Award.

Parents: Hardik and Diksha Parikh On the way to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Career pursuing: Computer science with Neuroscience Extracurriculars: Model UN, Academic Decathlon, varsity tennis, robotics, National Honor Society, HOBY Youth Leadership, Civic Air Patrol, Odyssey of the Mind.

Mia Drake

Carol Paul

Parents: Morgan and Barbara Drake On the way to: University of Notre Dame Career pursuing: Neuroscience and Behavior, Medical Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, varsity volleyball, band, GCA Student Senate, Latin Club, National Latin Honors Society, Outdoor Club, Film Club, club volleyball, STEM team leader for Gilbert Historical Museum , EDGE Core member.

Parents: Shaji and Shiney Paul On the way to: University of Arizona Career pursuing: Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, choir, Latin Club, Student Senate, Bharatanatyam classical dance, church choir, science fair, Future Health Leaders Summer Camp. SEE CLASSICAL ON PAGE G16

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL e g d i R t r e Des CLASS OF 2022 VALEDICTORIAN:

SALUTATORIANS:

Pete Selles

Kyler Harden

Parents: Paul and Tina Selles GPA: 4.78 On the way to: Arizona State University WP Carey School of Business Career pursuing: Finance Extracurriculars: Tennis team, Homecoming King, Mr. Desert Ridge, Language Club, German Bee winner, church youth leader, cashier.

Parents: Wendi and Skip Harden GPA: 4.72 On the way to: Grand Canyon University Career pursuing: Engineering to develop methods to solve real-world problems. Extracurriculars: Robotics, bowling.

SALUTATORIANS:

Tyler Blunt Parents: Jamie and Randy Blunt On his way to: Gilbert Schools Transition Program to continue his learning, independence and life skills/vocational training with a long-term goal of operating a food truck with his family and traveling the country sightseeing and making great food. Extracurriculars: Best Buddies program and cheering at school athletic programs. Plays Challenger Baseball and a variety of Special Olympics sports, enjoys traveling, studying maps and cooking for his friends and family.

Garrett Weissert Parents: Cassie and Dennis Weissert GPA: 4.71 On the way to: Colorado School of Mines Career pursuing: Computer Science/ Quantum Computing Extracurriculars: Football, men’s volleyball, National Honors Society.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2022

VALEDICTORIAN:

Talmadge B. Garrett Parents: Mark and Brooke Garrett GPA: 4.95 (top 1%) On the way to: Brigham Young University At Provo, Utah. Career pursuing: Mechanical Engineering Extracurriculars on campus: Boys volleyball, National Honor Society, Academic Decathlon. Extracurriculars off campus: Works at Crumble Cookie, is involved in his church, plans to serve a mission, enjoys working on his car, Suns fan. Awards: ASU New American University Scholarship, U.S. President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Brigham Young Scholarship.

Ashton Cardona • Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence • ASU New American University Scholarship • NAU Merit Scholarship

Merhauti “Sunny” Xepera

• U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award

Maren J. Woffinden • GPA: 4.66 (top 5%) • U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

d l e i F s m a i l l CLASS OF 2022 Wi

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HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN:

DISTINGUISHED GRADS:

Aiden Dubel

Hailey Gates

Parents: William and Roshani Dubel GPA: 4.85 Heading to: Arizona State University Intended career: Computer hardware design Extracurriculars on campus: Robotics Club

Presidential Scholarship, Principal’s List (top 20), AP Capstone Diploma, Seal of Biliteracy, World Language Department Award, Principal’s Award Total scholarship offerings: $128,000

Tyler Llumiquinga President’s Scholarship, Principal’s List (top 20), Mathematics Department Award Total Scholarship Offerings: $74,600

Sydney Schubbe

Elle Ruffentine

Presidential Scholarship, Principal’s List (top 20), AP Capstone Diploma Total Scholarship Offerings: $710,000

Wildcat Excellence, Principal’s List, U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award Total Scholarship Offerings: $48,000

Marion Seth Lopez President’s Scholarship, Principal’s List (top 20), AP Capstone Diploma Total Scholarship Offerings: $198,000

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e t i u q s e M

VALEDICTORIAN:

Sophia Kim

Parents: Wendy and Young Kim GPA: 4.7674 On the way to: University of Rochester Career pursuing: Psychiatry Extracurriculars: Taekwondo, mural and oil/acrylic painting, commissions.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2022

SALUTATORIANS:

Abby McDermott Father: Jeff McDermott GPA: 4.625 On the way to: University of Arizona Extracurriculars: National Honor Society treasurer, cross country captain, soccer, long distance track. Awards: Golden Scholars, Wildcat Distinction Award from University of Arizona.

Mackynzee Acevedo Henry Parents: Kevin and Jilyane Acevedo Henry GPA: 3.9 unweighted, 4.5 weighted On the way to: ASU Career pursuing: High school math teacher Extracurriculars: Math tutor, NSHSS, Phi Theta Kappa. Awards: Golden Scholar, Arizona Teachers Academy Scholarship (full tuition).

Nicholas Mitich Parents: Debbie and Dusan Mitich GPA: 4.68 weighted On the way to: Arizona State University Career pursuing: Computer Science Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, soccer, track, soccer referee, club soccer.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

“All Our Dreams Can Come True... If We Have The Courage To Pursue Them.” -Walt Disney

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e d r e V o p Cam CLASS OF 2022

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL

CO-VALEDICTORIANS:

Brendan Calalang

COYOTE EXCELLENCE AWARDS Student of the Year campaign sponsored by Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Parents: Terri and Ignatius Calalang GPA: 4.7826 On the way to: Tufts University Career pursuing: Research Psychologist Extracurriculars: French Honors Society, Creative Writing Club, Political Science Club.

Abigail Wasserbeck Parents: Dave and Tina Wasserbeck GPA: 4.0 On the way to: Arizona State University. Career pursuing: Physician Extracurriculars: Sports medicine, Link Crew, National Honors society.

Connor Stewart Parents: Kristine and Michael Stewart GPA: 4.818 On the way to: The University of Texas at Austin Career pursuing: Electrical Engineer Extracurriculars: Link Crew, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, tennis, Eagle Scout.

SALUTATORIAN:

Brooke Rivera Parents: Stefanie and Nick Rivera GPA: 4.76 On the way to: University of Pennsylvania Career pursuing: Pediatric Oncologist Extracurriculars: Best Buddies, Biomed Club, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Key Club.

Kathy Choi Parents: James and Jee Choi GPA: 4.0 On the way to: Arizona State University Career pursuing: Environmental Lawyer Extracurriculars: Student Council, Key Club.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

l a c i s s a l C t r e b l Gi VALEDICTORIANS:

ACADEMY

CLASS OF 2022

CONTINUED FROM G4

Ayla Young

Yu Lan Zhong

Parents: Shane and Kandra Young On the way to: Union College Career pursuing: Biological Sciences Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Outdoors Club, Future Doctors Club, orchestra, varsity cross country, team leader for Arizona State University EPICS, Perry Initiative for Women in Medicine and Engineering, Virtual Olympiad.

Parents: Charles Mack and Xiao Min Zhong On the way to: University of California San Diego Career pursuing: Human Biology Extracurriculars: Speech and Debate, Model UN, National Honor Society, Activism for Our Lives, Student Senate, Academic Decathlon, Mediatography, Tutoring Center Tutor, AZFMOL State Senate, badminton.

SALUTATORIANS:

Megan Hoang

Cassandra Brueck Parents: Jeff and Rebecca Brueck On the way to: Arizona State University Career pursuing: Business communications Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, National Junior Classical League, Latin Honor Society, swim team, basketball team, Student Senate, Ambassadors Club, Youth Leadership and Advocacy RISE award, Girl Scouts, dance.

Parents: John and Diane Hoang Career pursuing: Microbiology/Immunology (undecided on school) Extracurriculars: Orchestra, Future Doctors, Academic Decathlon, Student Senate, Latin Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Club, National Honor Society, varsity track and field, Bring Change 2 Mind, Words Alive Page Turners, ASU EPICS High STEM Project.

Evan Landis

Neo Pyon

Parents: Michael and Kathryn Landis Career pursuing: Music (school undecided) Extracurriculars: Orchestra, National Honor Society, science fair, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Metropolitan Youth Honor Quartets, Soundscapes Virtual Music Festival.

Parents: Solo Hansoo Pyon and Ashley Choi On the way to: ASU Barrett, The Honors College Career pursuing: Computer Science, Business. Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, varsity chess, varsity baseball, band, Future Doctors of GCA Club, Latin Club, Student Senate, Activism Club, East Valley Yamaha School for Music, Regional AMEA Band.

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Principal’s Leadership Award: Jillian Urrea (Student Senate president) Spartan of the Year: Jared Kennedy Spartan Athlete Awards: Ayla Young, Luke Klinger

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

Co-Valedictorian Class of 2022

LA U R E N B AS Y E Co-Valedictorian Class of 2022

Dear Class of 2022, We are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished as Hawks! May you continue to rise and soar as you leave the nest of Highland High School.

KA D E N A R N O L D Co-Salutatorian Class of 2022

C LA I R E C H E A H Co-Salutatorian Class of 2022

E R N E ST LU

TOP 1% Lauren Bayse Kaden Arnold Nicole Lalime Earnest Lu Ana Tuba Miles McLeskey Claire Cheah

Graduates

6 9 7

Grades

27%

of H.H.S. seniors graduated with a 4.0 G.P.A. or higher

scholarships

community service

Spirit of the Hawk Award Gilbert Education Foundation Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Homa & Irene Wood Foundation Otto & Edna Neely Foundation National Merit Finalists Flinn Scholarship Finalist STEM Diploma Dorrance Scholar

15,000 HOURS

$13,000,000

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

ASU PROFILES

Gilbert woman gets prestigious ASU grad award BY EMILY BEACH GSN Contributor

dison McIntosh realized her love and appreciation for animal agriculture early during visits to a dairy goat farm in Strawberry with her grandparents. “We would sample products, like ice cream, and I was just amazed by this process that creates the food we eat,” the Gilbert Arizona State University grad recalled. More than 15 years later, McIntosh this month was the W. P. Carey School of Business Turken Family Outstanding Graduating Senior and graduated from the Morrison School of Agribusiness with a 4.0 GPA. She is pursuing a career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency as a county program technician, connecting Arizona farmers and ranchers to the different programs offered by the USDA. When considering why she chose ASU to pursue this dream, McIntosh – who received numerous scholarships, including the ASU New American

Adison McIntosh of Gilbert is the Turken Family Outstanding Graduating Student from the Morrison School of Agribusiness in the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU. (Courtesy of ASU)

University Scholarship, the Williams Family Scholarship, the Robert Lytle Scholarship, the Otto and Edna Neely Foundation Scholarship, the McGab/ Bean Agribusiness Scholarship and the Marvin and June Morrison Scholarship) – explained: “At ASU, the focus is on being inclusive rather than exclusive. As a woman in farming and someone who has a passion for young people continuing to pursue jobs in agriculture, that focus on access and support is meaningful to me.” She recalled, “Something that surprised me while at ASU and at the W. P. Carey School of Business was the power of connections and the possibilities that come from making a connection. For example, I was part of the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Conference during the fall of 2021. “During this conference, I was able to meet industry leaders in the field of fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, etc.). The industry leaders talked about how they got their start in the fresh produce industry and how they worked their way up to the career

they have now. Almost all of the industry leaders stated they got their careers from the connections they made inside and outside of their previous careers. W. P. Carey’s motto ‘Where business is personal’ is the truth on all accounts. Business is about making personal connections with everyone you meet and then deploying those connections to facilitate success for yourself and others. She chose ASU because of “the ample opportunities that were available to help me succeed.” “I was in the free ASU tutoring services almost every week to help go over complicated homework problems and to study for exams. I took a free yoga class put on by ASU’s Programming and Activities Board, where I learned different breathing techniques and stretches to improve my physical health. I also used career services resources to review my resume before applying to different opportunities. ASU’s mission of making sure their students succeed was the largest factor in my decision to attend

ronmental Health Engineering. Her project explored the use of wastewater to determine diabetes prevalence in a community. After working on her thesis for over a year, she considers it her proudest accomplishment of her college career. It allowed her to apply everything she learned in her coursework and time spent in the Biodesign lab and see concrete results of her hard work. She plans to take a gap year after graduation to travel, gain new experiences and visit her family and friends. Eventually, she would like to continue her

education through graduate school and pursue a career in health care as a physician assistant. “I could not see myself in any other field of study than where I was. I was excited for the coming years of study and especially the different disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry that I would get to learn. There was truly nothing else that I wanted to study as much as biochemistry and I have stuck with it since. “Something I learned while being in a

SEE MCINTOSH ON PAGE G24

7 scholarships helped Gilbert woman through ASU BY ANNA HAGUE GSN Contributor

f someone gave Jasmine Nguyen $40 million to solve one problem, she would invest the money to create a scholarship fund that supports learning for generations to come. “I would strive to make sure every student in Arizona gets the opportunity to pursue higher education or education in general by providing funding for supplies and necessities at school,” said Nguyen, a first-generation college student who is receiving her bachelor’s

degree in biochemistry from Arizona State University. “As someone who relied on scholarships to go to school, I would like to give back to the community in this manner,” said the Gilbert woman, who was awarded seven scholarships during her time at ASU, including The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Council Emerging Leaders Scholarship, which recognizes the college’s top juniors and seniors. As part of Barrett, The Honors College, Nguyen conducted her thesis work though the Biodesign Center for Envi-

SEE NGUYEN ON PAGE G24

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

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Desert Hills

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2022

Desert Hills seniors celebrate productive year BY DAVE MILLER Desert Hills Principal

s we prepare for Graduation 2022, we at Desert Hills High School in Gilbert are looking back on a very busy and productive school year, involving many community service projects, creative art events and ongoing collaborations with colleges and universities. Desert Hills graduating seniors and other students recently visited community service locations such as Feed My Starving Children, United Food Bank and AZCEND, to pack food boxes and assist Desert Hills works with many great community service organizations, Desert Hills and Leona Group had a blast at The Rambunctious with food collection efforts. Press art and music event held at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen including the 480 Gilbert Niner Empire. (Desert Hills) They also conducted an environmental Center. (Desert Hills) clean up project at the Pebble Beach our high schoolers, as they ident Kamala Harris, actor Chadwick opportunity this provides to our sturegion along the Salt River in Phoenix. learn about the impor- Boseman, Supreme Court Justice Thur- dents. We are very proud of our students and tance of urban farming and good Marshall and author Toni Mortheir commitment to helping others. Also, congratulations to Desert Hills sustainability. rison, among many other distinguished graduate and artist Ryan Beardslee, DHHS students also met this year Also, DHHS students are individuals. We are thrilled about our whose original painting was recently with students from the ASU School of wrapping up their collaboration with Howard U, and the auctioned off at Coopstock 2, rock star Sustainability, to work on the ever-exfirst collaboration panding Desert Hills Farm. We are Alice Cooper’s charity musical celebrawith Howard Univery excited about our continuing tion held in Mesa. versity, a prespartnership with Arizona State The event raises money each year tigious college University, and are proud to for Alice’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in in Washington, announce that our keynote Phoenix and Mesa, where young people D.C. Working speaker for Graduation 2022 are able to receive free musical and with DHHS will be ASU School of Susartistic instruction. Instructor Philip tainability Professor Scott And a round of applause for the Gillette, students Cloutier. Desert Hills students who recently took a Criminal JusUnder the direction of DHHS performed music and presented arttice course taught Instructor Jason Brewer, the work at the Leona Group Art Show and by Howard profescampus agricultural program Rambunctious Press event, held at the sors. continues to enhance offerAlice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Center in Howard Uniings at the DHHS Farm, giving Phoenix. versity is one of students the opportunity to We were thrilled to see our talented the nation’s most collaborate with university students celebrated at the event, and instructors as part of their Desert Hills graduate Ryan Beard- renowned instilook forward to seeing their work pubslee shows his painting of Rock Star tutions of higher studies. lished in the next edition of Rambuncwith Professor Cloutier and his Alice Cooper that was recently learning, tious Press, a student art journal pubauctioned for charity at Alice’s alumni including The Desert Hills Farm has been a big hit lished by The Leona Group, coming this Sun Devils are providing Coopstock 2. (Desert Hills) U.S. Vice Pres- with the local community. (Desert Hills) invaluable instruction to spring on Amazon.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

CLASS OF

2022

Congratulations to the 2022 Graduates of Desert Hills High School!

We are so proud of you, and extremely excited to celebrate your amazing accomplishments! You are all talented in so many ways, and it has been our pleasure and honor at Desert Hills to work with you, and to help you define your career goals. Believe in yourselves and in your endless potential! Graduates, you are going to reframe the future, and we can’t wait to see what you do next! With great admiration, Dave Miller, Principal Desert Hills High School The Leona Group

Desert Hills High School 2022 Graduating Class

1515 S. Val Vista Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85296

DesertHillsHS.com

Christian Allen Michael Alva Clarisa Alvarez Adam Antone Michael Arbogast Jayde Barnes Michael Bauer Jaiden Beltran Sierra Boetto-Moreno Andreas Burnette Belen Burnette Alejandro Carrillo Alicia Clay Elaine Colvin Arela Erhart Michael Flores Fernando Gonzalez

Folara Hagen Charisma Hetherington Kylie Hulett Shelley Jarman Dayna Joe Samantha Johnson Irie Jones Honor Leach Alicia Leija Galvan Britani Linaldi Castaneda Jesse Lopez Alexander Martinez Ariana Martinez Dylan Maxwell Spencer Mckenzie Alexa Mikkelson Ayanna Moore-Battle

Alexis Olivares Marisol Olivares Kaylee Rakestraw Jaylen Ramon Jay Rawlings Braden Redsicker Blake Rogers Raven Sampson Denver Schwarzenbach Akasha Tiller Toriq Turner Tyler Velez Ashley Villalobos Addison Wallace Dante Wallace Caitlyn Wallin Brenna Williams Evan Wood

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

ASU PROFILES

With a new dance degree, Gilbert woman forges ahead BY LACY CHAFFEE GSN Contributor

udi Miller, who just graduated with a degree in dance from the School of Music, Dance and Theatre at the Arizona State University, came back to her native Arizona after completing her freshman year of college in California because she wanted to be closer to home. “I chose ASU because it has a strong dance program that’s very established,” the Gilbert woman said. Coming into college, she had her heart set on being a performer. But she said a dance history class with faculty member Naomi Jackson completely changed her perspective. “I totally fell in love with dance scholarship, which is something that I didn’t even know was an option – to be able to study the origins of dance and really getting an understanding of why we do what we do and how that relates to the people that came before us,” Audi said. Audi started dancing at the age of 11 and said “immediately I was hooked.” From that moment on, she took every class she could. But it wasn’t until she was a freshman in high school that she decided to pursue dance in college. Her dance studio, Artistic Motion Dance in Gilbert, Arizona, invited Alex Blitstein to

Salutes the Class of 2022 and Graduates!!

! s n o i t a l u t Con gra

Audi Miller of Gilbert just graduated from ASU with a degree in dance. (Ashley Baker/ASU) come in as a guest choreographer. “That was the moment I realized, ‘I really love dance, and this is something that I actually want to pursue,’” Audi recalled. “I would definitely credit that inspiration to him for showing me why it’s worth it to put in all of this work.” What was it like to study dance during a pandemic? Dancing during the pandemic was interesting as much as it was challenging. We were able to almost expand on the art form. We had to think about how we could work with others through video and how we could collaborate. I don’t think that would have ever happened

without COVID. Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU? I totally fell in love with dance scholarship after my class with Naomi Jackson. After that course I took multiple others with Naomi, and I’ve worked with her personally on different projects. It was a nice surprise that’s been one of my more fruitful experiences during my time at ASU, for sure. I’ve never had a professor or a teacher who goes so above and beyond to cater to students’ interests. It’s just something so special that I’ll always be appreciative of. What advice would you give to students who are in the dance program? As you’re making your way through the program, be very careful of how you define yourself as a dancer. Don’t put yourself in a little box labeling yourself as just one thing, but rather let yourself be malleable, and just try out different movement and different parts of the dance world, such as dance scholarship and dance production. With dance scholarship, that’s not really something I saw myself doing, but I just dove into it and found I really, really loved it. That wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t had

an open mind. What are your plans after graduation? Currently I teach at Artistic Motion Dance in Gilbert, where I trained. I plan to continue doing that. I love teaching. It’s fun to get to see the next generation of kids have those moments when something clicks, because I remember it happening myself. It’s so exciting when it’s sinking into their brain and then showing up on their body. I really love the kids. In the long run, I would love to become an entrepreneur and start my own business. I have lots of ideas. I feel like I’ve always been a problem-solver who looks at things and thinks, “How can we do this more efficiently?” I love the idea of creating something from the ground up. I get a lot of satisfaction from taking on a big project and dedicating my whole being to it. In the meantime, I’m looking to work with as many small businesses as I can, so I can really get a feel for what I like. In the meantime, grad school could happen! I would love to go to grad school, but I don’t think going right after graduation is the path I want to take. If someone gave you $40 million to solve a world problem, what would you tackle? My family, including myself, suffers from multiple autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune is just such a giant puzzle. There’s so much that they don’t know about these diseases, and how they’re linked to other things, especially how they’re linked to things in the brain. I see my own issues as well as my family’s, and I would love to see $40 million go to more research, because I think it would greatly improve the quality of so many people’s lives. A lot of people don’t know how much it affects. It’s not just the gut — it’s the brain, the muscles, the joints. I would love to see $40 million go in that direction.

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2022

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

Congrats

to the Class of 2022 GILBERT EARLY COLLEGE

717 West Ray Rd Gilbert, AZ 85233 (480) 545-8011 LeadingEdgeAcademy.com In accordance with Federal Law, Leading Edge Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

ASU PROFILES CONTINUED NGUYEN FROM G18

CULTURAL • WALKING & HIKING • RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE • CYCLING 600+ Tours starting from $1,200 pp 47+ Years’ Experience Creating Small Group and Self-Guided Adventures to 100+ Countries

lab at Biodesign was that things might not work out the way we thought they would,” she added. “It’s important to recognize the things that don’t work out, but it is more important to move past them and learn from the experience. During my project’s method development, I was met with many hindrances, but was able to move past them and use what I learned to improve my project overall.” She said she enjoyed her time in biodesign , explaining that at ASU, “It’s great to be in an environment where people are passionate about what they do and are excited to teach others their field.” “One of my chemistry professors in freshman year drilled into our minds to do the hard work the first time to cruise the second time. The idea was to take good notes the first time, so that when it came time to review, it was easier and faster to learn. However, I think this lesson can be applied to all parts of life,” she recalled. “Do things right the first time, so you don’t have to worry about mistakes or extra work the second time.” As for students who are still working toward a degree, she offered some advice:

Jasmine Nguyen of Gilbert recently graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. (Courtesy of ASU)

“Have the dedication to work towards your goals. It’s hard to see the end goal and it’s easy to give up, but achieving what you strived to accomplish is going to be well worth the effort. Also, go out of your comfort zone to try things. “When you’re in college, especially at ASU, there are so many opportunities to explore new interests, but it’s up to you to commit to learning new things. With new experiences, you learn your likes and dislikes and can better yourself.”

MCINTOSH FROM G18

Speak to an expert at:

855-954-5197

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here,” she explained. As for those still in school, she advises: “When you do make a mistake, do not stay down. Instead, get back up and hold your head even higher than before. Take the time to learn from your mistakes and choose to become a better person because of them. This is the definition of success, and this is what makes the difference between just living your life and thriving in your life.” She said her favorite campus spot is the third-floor seating area of the Santan building at the Polytechnic campus in East Mesa because “you can see the beautiful landscape of the Polytechnic and the surrounding areas. You can also see the planes take off from the Mesa Gateway Airport, which is always

very relaxing.” Asked if someone gave her $40 million to solve one problem on the planet, what she would tackle. McIntosh said she would use it “to begin a nonprofit that creates an agriculture research facility to research potential demand creation areas for developing countries, expanding what the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service is currently doing. “The agriculture industry is a global industry that relies heavily on the efficiency of international agriculture markets,” she explained. “Helping developing countries find international markets to sell and trade their agriculture products is vital in helping their communities thrive.”

GILBERT SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022

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