COMMUNITY
THE MESA TRIBUNE | JUNE 6, 2021
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Community College lauds ‘Artists of Promise” BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor
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ommunity colleges often are known best for training students in trades: automotive, information technology, nursing, welding, and the like. But the Maricopa County Community College District also has many arts programs. And Mesa Community College, part of that district, is home to several “Artists of Promise.” Several MCC students living in Mesa were recently recognized for their talent in a district-wide contest. Valerie Neal is a creative writer with far-ranging vision. Jacqueline Gentry is a provocative poet. Ashley Tenney tells stories via the �lute. Helena Balderrama Sauceda has an eye for fashion. Tenney won �irst place in the instrumental category for “Chaminade Con-
Jacqueline Gentry is a provocative poet. (Courtesy of MCC)
certino in D major.” A Desert Ridge High School graduate, Tenny studied Music Education at MCC and is transferring to ASU.
“I have loved preparing this piece, and I’m so grateful for what music does for me in my life,” she said. “I hope I can share the joy it has brought me with others. “I think music is an important part of humanity, connecting us across generations, countries, and time and letting us experience eras and places we cannot physically go. As one of my favorite artists said, ‘life is short, art is forever.’ “I want to take every opportunity to leave even just a tiny �ingerprint on our world’s mural.” In the �iction category, Neal scored �irst place for her short story “Jivan Yatra.” She quali�ies for the national League of Innovation community college competition. Neal graduated from Mesa High in 1976 and attended MCC during her senior year. “At that time I was focused in a medi-
Valerie Neal is a creative writer with farranging vision. (Courtesy of MCC) cal line and didn’t have time for the arts. I returned to MCC later in life to study
Optimist Club salutes Mesa policewoman TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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n its 75 years of existence, the Optimist Club of Mesa has done a lot more than maintain a sunny view of life. It builds its calendar year around a number of activities all aimed at giving back – activities like essay and oratorical contests, bike rodeo, a back-to-school supply drive, craft fair and a special Christmas party for kids at Mesa Arts Academy. Last month was the Optimists’ time to observe one of the club’s basic tents – respect for the law. And members did just that by naming Mesa Police Of�icer Amanda Cook the club’s 2021 Law Enforcement Of�icer of the Year. A member of the Mesa police force for just over �ive of the eight years she has been in law enforcement, Cook is currently a �ield training of�icer – meaning she teaches street savvy to new police
Sandy Pickens, president of the Optimist Club of Mesa, gives Mesa Police Officer Amanda Cook the group’s Officer of The Year Award. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff Photographer) academy grads. She’s a general instructor, driving instructor and lead instructor over traf-
�ic stop training at the Mesa Police Basic Training Academy and also is a member of the department’s innovations commit-
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tee, which looks to improve department ef�iciency and identify best practices. Along with all that, Cook is a member of the Mesa Police Honor Guard and helps with special events such as Neighborhood Watch and other community meetings. “She was highly recommended by one of our members who has worked closely with her in the Mesa Police Department,” said Optimist Club spokesman Terry Morrison. Besides, he said, “In these times, it is often good to share the positives now about law enforcement with the community.” Morrison explained that “one of the �ive purposes of all Optimist clubs is to inspire respect for law.” Among the other four is maintaining “a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed, which unsurprisingly embraces an enthusiastic and cheerful outlook on the world and life in general.
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