SanTan Sun News; 2-21-15: Youth

Mother, daughter share Super Bowl memories

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER

In 1996, Bianca Caryl, then a recent ASU graduate, performed in the Super Bowl XXX halftime show, which concluded with Diana Ross being whisked out of the stadium in a helicopter.

Nineteen years later, Caryl watched at Super Bowl XLIX as Caryl’s daughter, Bella Gutierrez, 15, and the rest of the Desert Vista High School dance team swirl around another pop icon - Katy Perry.

A Desert Vista dance teacher and Chandler resident, Caryl drew on her own Super Bowl performance and experience to prepare her dancers for the routine, which featured Perry riding a mechanical lion and flying on a comet inside the University of Phoenix stadium during this year’s halftime show.

“I tried to give them an idea of what that would be like and tried to make sure that they stayed focused and in the moment, and didn’t just look up, see all these people and blank out,” she says.

The dance team was selected after Caryl submitted an audition video of the team to the Super Bowl XLIX casting committee. After Desert Vista’s squad was selected, Caryl had one day to get the team members’ measurements and legal agreements together. In the final weeks before the big game, the Desert Vista dance team traveled to Goodyear and Glendale for nightly four-hour rehearsals. It was hard to keep the intense rehearsal schedule a secret—especially when Perry showed up for the last few practice sessions.

Friends would ask Gutierrez to do things, but “I couldn’t tell them,” says Gutierrez.

Gutierrez says she wasn’t able to meet Perry, but during breaks the star would talk to the dancers through their personal headsets.

“She’d ask where people were from and get people pumped up,” Gutierrez

says.

After halftime, word spread fast about the Desert Vista dancers’ involvement. Gutierrez sent an Instagram photo from inside the stadium.

“It’s been kind of crazy,” Gutierrez says. “I knew it was kind of a big deal, but I didn’t think that people would react in the way that they have. We’ve had nonstop media attention, and administrators and teachers congratulating the students. The kids have gotten a huge positive reaction.”

Gutierrez says she will never forget the moments before the show when everything was ready and the dancers were waiting for the signal to begin the performance.

“When we were waiting to run in and we had our radio sets in...it was the longest 20 minutes of my life,” she says.

Caryl says her daughter’s experience was much more high-tech than hers. The Desert Vista dancers each carried flashing orbs that were individually controlled by computers to enhance their effect in the show.

The sheer thrill of performing before millions, however, has not changed much since 1996, according to mother and daughter.

“It’s nothing like I’ve ever done before...I prefer doing more difficult choreography, but I didn’t care because it was the Super Bowl,” says Gutierrez.

Caryl seconds her daughter’s sentiments. “You know that it’s a big moment, that there’s millions of people watching on TV, but that’s what dancers and performers live for,” Caryl says.

Scott Shumaker is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Celebrating Dental Health Month

As part of Dental Health Month in February, the students at Ray of Light Christian Preschool received a lesson on how to take care of their teeth from hygienists Kylie Fast and Jenae Ortiz, who visited the school. The preschool offers programs for 3-year-old, 4-year-old and pre-kindergarten students from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday. Enrollment for the Fall 2015-2016 school year is underway and prospective families are encouraged to contact the school to schedule a private tour. For information, call Cristina Haney, director, at (480) 963-6105, ext. 211, or visit www. rayoflightpreschool.org

creates fun and challenging ways to engage her chemistry and physics students at Summit School of Ahwatukee where she teaches sixth through eighth graders. Submitted photo

Chandler resident wins ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Chandler resident Andrea Yocum has taught and inspired students at Summit School of Ahwatukee since 2002.

Recently, Yocum was acknowledged for those efforts when she won the “Gold Gator, Excellence in Teaching Award” from Xavier College Preparatory High School in Phoenix.

The prize recognizes junior high school teachers who have been inspirational to Xavier’s freshman students. A middle school science teacher, Yocum is a three-time recipient of the award, having received the accolade in 2012 and 2009.

“Every year, Xavier asks its incoming freshman to nominate a middle school teacher who encouraged them in some way,” says Yocum. Xavier freshman Edel Healy nominated Yocum for the recent award, but Edel was unavailable for comment for this story.

Yocum has taught eighth-grade student Ethan Shanker since Ethan was in the sixth grade at Summit School, a private school that teaches preschoolers through eighth graders.

“Mrs. Yocum manages to basically make science fun,” Ethan says. “She combines interactive teaching with intelligence exercises. It’s just really exciting to be in her class.

“We’ve done numerous activities this year. We’ve experimented with chemistry a lot. We’ve done projects with physics. Last year we dissected sheep hearts and cow eyeballs. It was all very fun.”

As a result of Yocum’s instruction and approach, Ethan is interested in chemistry.

“I’m not sure about physics as much,” Ethan explains. “I’d like to pursue chemistry if anything. It comes very easy for me.”

Ethan would like to attend Columbia University after he graduates from high school. Ethan says he doesn’t have any specific career plans. “If I pursue science, Mrs. Yocum would be a great asset in that,” Ethan says.

Yocum is in her eighth year teaching sixth through eighth grade science and physics, and sixth grade social studies at Summit School.

“That’s one of the great things about my position is that I get to see these kids grow up for three years and develop a relationship with them that way,” Yocum explains. “I get to know them on a different level than a lot of other teachers who just get to see them for one year.”

Each year there are science projects that stand out. Yocum says. Ethan just finished a physics project in which he and other students built roller coasters. “They pretty much filled my entire classroom with all these roller coasters,” says Yocum.

“They really liked it because it’s fun for them and they built it.”

As a teacher, she likes that she can walk around the classroom and hear her students discussing concepts like momentum and inertia in ways they can manipulate and understand.

Yocum wants her students to have fun while learning concepts in a hands-on way.

“It’s not just about the concepts, but it’s about the act of doing science,” Yocum says.

“I try to get them doing hands-on applications, experimentation or analysis as much as I can and fortunately they love it. It’s different than a lot of the rest of their day. They can get up and are doing a lab, and using a lot of different equipment that they would never use, so that gets them excited, too.”

Yocum has received other notable accolades. In 2009 she was selected as one of 272 teachers from 19 countries to participate in the Honeywell Space Academy for Educators at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. She is taking courses through the National Math and Science Initiative and was selected to be a member of the University of Arizona Water Education Cohort. She also helped as a science educational consultant for an exhibit recently at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at lynette@santansun.com.

Lacrosse teams seek players

The Hamilton High School Girls Lacrosse Team and the East Valley Girls Lacrosse Club are inviting girls to play for them.

The Hamilton team is open to any girl in the seventh through 12th grade living within the Chandler Unified School District boundaries. One of the fastestgrowing sports in the country, lacrosse isn’t common in Arizona. According to organizers, with some determination and practice, a new player can be playing high school lacrosse this season.

The team practices at Hamilton High School. The long-term goal is for other

high schools to add teams. Gilbert, Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista also have teams.

Visit www.hamiltongirlslax.com for more information.

The East Valley Girls Lacrosse Club is for girls in kindergarten through sixth grade. The community-based club is open to any girls in the East Valley. It serves as a recreational program for younger players and a competitive travel club for older players during the summer and fall. The team practices at Desert Breeze Park. To learn more, visit www. eastvalleygirlslax.com.

New Vistas holds first Wonders of Science Expo

New Vistas Center for Education, a private elementary school in Chandler, hosted its inaugural “Wonders of Science Expo” from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12.

The expo featured presentations, expositions and lectures in life sciences, robotics, neuroscience, chemistry and engineering, and included speakers from throughout Arizona.

“Our hope is to further ignite student interests in careers in math and science,” says Carol Elias, New Vistas director.

At the expo, Richard Ihle brought a dozen or more live reptiles found worldwide, including a 17-foot rhinoceros python. A geneticist, Ihle, who discovered a peculiar salmon color mutation in captive boa constrictors, focused on the animals’ unique dietary preferences, defense mechanisms, nesting habits, and whether they are live-bearing or egg-bearing creatures. Ihle highlighted reptilian naming conventions from Latin derivatives.

John D. Oliver, senior architect for Intel and former president of Oliver Technologies, discussed the role of robotics in business, industry and space exploration. Oliver, who has designed next-

generation technologies for the Department of Defense, demonstrated his bipedal, humanoid robot named “Darwin.”

Earnhardt Auto offered state-ofthe-art innovations in transportation technology. Bull Earnhardt, a New Vistas

graduate, sent a Ford Fusion to the school so students could learn about hybrid technology in lowering the carbon footprint. Kids could also see the computer-generated parallel parking capabilities of the Fusion.

Three ASU doctoral candidates from the university’s neuroscience department focused on the role of the human brain in thought, perception, behavior and motor function.

The Arizona Science Center, sponsored by Honeywell, hosted a two-hour program on the role that engineering plays in everyday life. The hands-on program challenged students to creatively problem solve and to use teamwork and communication skills. They introduced students to the variety of careers available in engineering.

A private elementary school, New Vistas provides advanced education to students in preschool through sixth grade. Most students function two to six years above grade level. Last year, New Vistas was named top science and engineering school in the elementary division in Arizona.

Free SAT, ACT practice tests at Tutor House CHANDLER STUDENT CHRONICLES

High school juniors and seniors are invited to take a free SAT or ACT practice test on Saturday, March 7, at Tutor House Tutoring Services, 1256 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite F, Chandler.

Testing is from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a welcome and registration from 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Students should bring a calculator to the session.

Taking the practice test is a way for students to find strengths and weaknesses in a low-pressure environment. Participants will learn about the test format, question types, timing and content tested on these college entrance exams. Test results and analysis are given by email. Separately scheduled conferences are available.

a family owned and operated learning center helping students reach their full potential by providing an individualized approach to education. The tutoring process begins with a skills assessment that will identify students’ academic strengths and weaknesses. Test results are reviewed with parents, and a program is designed to address the student’s individual needs.

A wide range of oneon-one and small group tutoring for students in kindergarten through 12th grade is available, including tutoring in reading, math, writing, study skills, algebra, geometry, calculus, science, SAT/ACT prep and other topics.

Sign up at www. TutorHouseAZ.com on the homepage to reserve a seat.

Andy Chen made the Dean’s List for fall semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This designation is awarded to undergraduate students who attained a 3.0 or higher academic average for the semester.

Politics major Rebecca Godbout has been named to the University of Dallas Dean’s List for the Fall 2014 semester after earning a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Kathryn Keenan, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, was named to the Creighton University Dean’s List for Fall 2014.

Savannah Nevel and Kara Danner were named to Pepperdine University’s Seaver College Dean’s List for the Fall 2014 semester.

Trevor Franklin was named to the dean’s list at Olivet Nazarene University during the recently completed fall 2014 semester.

This free practice test is offered in addition to Tutor House’s regular SAT and ACT prep programs. Tutor House is

For more information, call (480) 8571222 or email Tutoring@TutorHouseAZ. com.

Haley Barraza, sophomore business administration major, was named to the Culver-Stockton College dean’s list for work done during the fall 2014 semester.

Marina Gibbs has been named to the University of Iowa’s dean’s list for the 2014 fall semester.

Chandler Unified School District

March 9 through March 23: School Intersession

March 23: Teacher inservice/workday, no school

CTA-Independence Hawks

Raffle tickets: Winner’s Choice Raffle Tickets are on sale for $20 at the front office. The person with the winning ticket can choose between a Toyota vehicle and cash after the drawing on Sunday, March 8.

Spring pictures: Friday, Feb. 27, is a free dress day for spring pictures. All attire must adhere to CUSD dress code guidelines.

Congrats: Fourth-grade student ZiQing Kuang was the first-place winner in the kindergarten through fourthgrade level for the City of Chandler’s writing category of this year’s Creative Expression Competition. This year’s theme was Connecting Communities for Peace and Prosperity.

Nonuniform day: Friday, March 6, is Dollar Dress Down Day, in which students pay $1 to wear dress codeappropriate street clothes. All proceeds will be donated to the Chandler Care Center.

Calendar:

Feb. 24: Running Club Race

Feb. 26: Kindergarten Open House

Feb. 27: Spring Pictures, Free Dress Day, Variety Show

Feb. 28: HISEF at Hamilton High School

March 6: Last day of the quarter, Dollar Dress Down Day

March 9 through March 23: Spring intersession

—Wendi

Olson

Hancock Heat

Music Notes: Congratulations to sixth grader Noah Croft and fifth grader for being selected to participate in the Chandler District Honor Band.

Calendar

Feb. 24: Running Club Race at Snedigar Park

Feb. 24: Choir Concert at 6 p.m.

Feb. 26: Kindergarten Open House from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

March 9 through March 23: Spring intersession

—Amy Fricke

Student council is sponsoring a coin drive to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which help children with serious illnesses and their families. The grade that collects the most money will receive a special treat. Pictured left to right are, back row, Principal Connie Hull, Avery Kelly, Christian Pickerel, Bridgett Pitts, Taylor Schmidt and Payton Kain. In the front row are Miley Baldauf and Sage Olander. Submitted photo

ASU students from the American Medical Student Association host a Science Club with third- and fourthgrade students on Friday afternoons at Hancock. Recently, the students had fun learning about chemical bonds. Pictured from left are Megan Wastchak, Katie Weir, Payten O’Toole, Danielle Jones and Emma Nance. Submitted photo

Tarwater Toros

Party: The Mandarin Program/ Kindergarten Chinese New Year’s Celebration was Thursday, Feb. 19. Children tasted tong yen with chopsticks, received a traditional red envelope from grandparents, played ping pong, catch the dragon’s tail and Chinese Zodiac Bingo and created dragon crafts. The teachers would like to thank the administration and Mandarin parent group for making this day possible. Sock drive: The afterschool volunteer club, Toro Ambassadors, held a schoolwide sock drive. The kids

collected more than 450 pairs of socks, which were donated to The Clothes Cabin, a clothing bank in Chandler. The Toro Ambassadors also visited Brookdale Senior Living on Tuesday, Feb. 10, to read Valentine’s Day books with the clients. The children also helped the seniors make bookmarkers.

Honored musicians: Congratulations to the following students who were chosen for the 2015 CUSD Sixth Grade Honor Band: Ben Darnell, Joe Garner, Melissa Lin, Ellie Meyer, Max Poole, Brandon Walker and Amanda Wichman. The Honor Band Concert is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Hamilton High School’s auditorium.

Save the Date: Tarwater’s next restaurant night is an all-day event at the Ocotillo Pei Wei on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Plan to enjoy lunch and/or dinner and support Tarwater.

—JoAnne Cawley

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School district celebrates Career and Technical Education Month

The Chandler Unified School District will be recognizing classroom innovators during the month of February for Career and Technical Education Month.

With the introduction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) mandates in today’s required curriculums, CTE encompasses such programs. CTE classes also emulate the rigor and relevance of a sequentially outlined career and college readiness plan.

CTE month recognizes the achievements of CTE accomplishments nationwide. Leadership and success stories raise awareness about CTE classes and their preparation of students for college and career goals.

Students experience real-world careers while earning dual or embedded credits at the high school level by following this vocational path. Each CTE program at CUSD boasts state-of-the-art classroom equipment to simulate the industry workplace.

These CTE dual credit classes work in conjunction with the local Maricopa Community Colleges, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University.

Reports show that CTE serves 94 percent of all high school students

nationwide to include every gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic and education level. All students are encouraged to enroll in these vocational electives to facilitate with their education and career action plan.

Statistics show that CTE assists with students in pursuing STEM-based careers:

• 61 percent of CTE students interested in a science career report that their CTE courses provide them with skills for the workforce

• One half of the STEM jobs are in manufacturing, health care and construction, while another 12 percent of the STEM jobs are in installation, maintenance and repair

• 18 percent job growth is projected for environmental engineering by 2022. These jobs typically require an associate’s degree and pay more than $45,000 a year

• 45 percent of CTE students interested in a math career reported that their CTE courses help them attain higher math and/or science skills.

Students can receive more information on the CTE programs by e-mailing shea.joann@cusd80.com or visiting their secondary school counselor.

The search begins for the next Miss Teen Arizona

Applications are being accepted for the title of Miss Teen Arizona International 2015. The Miss Teen International Pageant will be held at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, July 27 through Aug. 2.

The women selected as Miss Teen Arizona International 2015 will serve as an ambassador for Arizona and will receive an official crown and sash.

There is no talent or swimsuit competition, and previous pageant experience is not required. Miss Teen contestants compete in interview, fitness wear, evening gown and “fun fashion”

to show off their own style in an ageappropriate outfit of their choice. Mary Richardson, the national executive director of International Pageants, states they are looking for women “who could grace the crown, the system and their communities.”

The winner of the Miss Teen International Pageant will receive a threeyear modeling contract along with cash and prizes.

Applicants must be unmarried and between the ages of 13 and 18. To apply, contact Richardson at (540) 989-5992 or email at director@miss-international.us.

Kids can learn to cook many Persian pastries at Chabad of East Valley

Children in first through sixth grades can roll up their sleeves, cook, bake and decorate “Perfectly Persian Pastries” as part of Kids in the Kitchen from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler.

This company (Ages 5-12) meets every Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays OR Thursday 4:30pm-7:00pm Costs only $80/every 4-weeks.

Guaranteed placement in EVERY musical production. Extra weekly rehearsal time on-going throughout the year

Gain a huge repertoire of musicals, experience, scripts, character development, choreography, backing tracks, confidence, fun and more!!

Call (480) 313-6763 to register.

Limited enrollment.

Students will learn how to bake everything from Hamantaschen to Baklava. The children are asked to bring a sack lunch for the class that costs $12.

For more information, email youth@ chabadcenter.com or call (480) 855-4333.

Kauffmann performs in Augustana College choirs’ winter concert in Illinois

Four of Augustana College’s choirs performed their annual winter concert on Saturday, Feb. 7. More than 100 student musicians, including Kaitlyn Kauffmann of Chandler, shared their talents with the Augustana community of Rock Island, Ill. Participating choirs included Cantilena Augustana, Kammarkor, Wennerberg Men’s Chorus and Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble. The Webster Competition winners were also featured.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is

a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic AllAmericans, a Nobel laureate and 13 college presidents. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along the Mississippi River.

Desert Schools announces scholarship program

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union recently announced its 11th annual Community Service Scholarship Program to reward outstanding local high school seniors who have made noteworthy charitable contributions to their communities over the past year.

Six Desert Schools Community Service Scholarships will be granted totaling $25,000, including a grand prize $10,000 scholarship, followed by one $5,000 scholarship and four $2,500 scholarships for students to further their educations.

“In our 76 years as the largest notfor-profit membership-based financial institution in the state of Arizona, Desert Schools has never stopped looking for ways to give back to the community,” says Susan Frank, CEO of Desert Schools.

“A good college education comes with a substantial price tag that many of our youth simply cannot afford. We are elated to support fellow philanthropists who choose to further their educations and follow their dreams.”

Students interested in obtaining one of Desert Schools’ Community Service Scholarships have until March 6 to complete and mail the required application packet. Those who wish to be considered for an award must have performed 50 or more hours of official

volunteer service between the dates of Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2014. Additional conditions require that the applicant maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be an active account holder, or family member of an account holder at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.

To learn more about Desert Schools Federal Credit Union’s Community Service Scholarships, including a downloadable application, guidelines and requirements, visit www.desertschools. org/scholarship or contact Emma Garcia at Emma.Garcia@desertschools.org for additional information.

Driver education classes scheduled for teens

Tempe Community Education and Tempe Union High School District, in partnership with Chandler Community Education Program and the Chandler Unified School District, are hosting driver education classes for teens at Basha and Hamilton high schools in March.

The classes at Basha are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 13. The Hamilton courses are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20.

The program includes a guest appearance by a Chandler Police Department traffic officer, who will focus

safety and crash prevention. There will also be a fieldtrip to Tempe Union High School District to practice on driving simulators.

Coursework also includes textbook reading, workbook assignments, group discussions, problem-solving scenarios and at least three hours practice time on driving simulators.

Upon successful completion of the course, teens will receive a certificate of completion, which can be taken to the MVD and submitted for an Arizona learner’s permit.

Register online at www.cusdcommunity.com.

Tara Larsen, a junior at Concordia University in Nebraska, helped host two annual forensics tournaments for college and high school speakers.

The Chandler resident helped bring in dozens of speakers from 13 colleges representing five states for the Sleet and Snow Swing Invitational. The CUNE High School Speech Classic on Jan. 24 brought in high school speakers from 12 high schools.

“The ability to learn how college tournaments are run and then

immediately host and judge at a high school tournament was a beneficial experience for everyone,” says Joy Johnson, director of forensics. “I’ve already heard back from several of the high school coaches whose students attended our meet, and they are grateful for the knowledge and kindness of the college students who judged.”

At both meets, Concordia students ran the ballot table, judged events and worked in the tab room to tally the scores of the competitors.

Bring kids to ‘Monster Bash’ with Childsplay in Tempe

Families are invited to bring their little party monsters to a Childsplay Monster Bash Sunday, March 1, at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe.

At the party, hosted by the nonprofit theater company Childsplay, kids will make monster puppets and masks, participate in a special monster story time and enjoy monster-themed games and snacks. Families will finish the fun-

filled day with a VIP performance of “The Boy Who Loved Monsters and the Girl Who Loved Peas.” This play is recommended for ages 3 and older.

The party begins at 2 p.m.; the play starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35, which includes the party and performance. All attendees must purchase a ticket.

Learn more and buy tickets at www. childsplayaz.org or through Jodie Weiss at jweiss@childsplayaz.org or (480) 921-5761.

Random acts of kindness at Tarwater

Second-grade students at Tarwater Elementary School were busy recently spreading random acts of kindness throughout their campus. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, they took it one step further by having Capt. Kindness, otherwise known as Principal Jeff Hensley, surprise all the first graders as he delivered the important message to “Be kind and pass it on!” The second graders covered the campus with smiley faces on every door, hidden bookmarks in library books, left sweet treats for random students, wrote kind words with colorful chalk on the

Tarwater’s random acts of kindness will continue throughout February. Submitted photos

playground and sent handwritten thankyou notes to their staff.

Winnie-the-Pooh Brunch

Kids ages 3 through 8 came together with their families for a Winnie-the-Pooh Brunch at Hamilton Library. The kids went on a bear hunt, made Pooh-related crafts, read their favorite Pooh stories and pinned the tail of Eeyore. STSN photos by Tim Sealy

Valley chapter honors athletes for academics, excellence

The Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation will honor 40 high school and college scholar athletes on March 14 at the Hilton-Scottsdale Resort and Villas, in Scottsdale.

Headlining the 34th annual Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet are NFF National College Scholar Athlete honorees quarterback Taylor Kelly, of Arizona State University, and Austin Hasquett, a Northern Arizona University senior linebacker.

Kelly and Hasquett were finalists for the college academic Heisman—the William V. Campbell Trophy, and Kelly was also named the PAC-12 Scholar Athlete of the Year.

This year’s high school class features five All Arizona and/or “AzFCA BIG-25” (football coaches association) players, lists 19 players receiving All Division/All State accolades, and boasts 33 players receiving All Section or above player recognition. The First Team—top 11 scholar athletes—posted a combined 4.38 GPA average.

John Ryan Parenteau of Anthem Boulder Creek High School was named Chapter High School Scholar Athlete of the Year. With a cumulative 4.40 GPA, and ranking in the top 4 percent of his class of 601, Ryan was named to a number of All Arizona teams at defensive back, and

was honored as Defensive Player of the Year in Division I, and in DI Section V. Chandler Unified School District players to be honored in a myriad of categories are B.K. Krcilek and Bradley Pawley of Hamilton High School; Bryce Perkins of Chandler High School; and Austin Nightingale and Brock Heffron of Perry High School.

Recent past Chapter honorees have gone on to receive NFF National High School Scholar Athlete recognition, and include, Tevin Hood (Hamilton High School, Duke, Arizona), Josh Weeks (Show Low High School, LDS Mission, BYU), and Zach Werlinger (Basha High School, Arizona). Chapter Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2011, Brett Hundley (Chandler High School), has had a successful career at quarterback for UCLA, and 2013 winner Ryan Finley (Paradise Valley) is the projected starter at QB for the Boise State University Broncos, in 2015.

The winning recipients of the Talking Stick Award for Excellence, a cultural award and scholarships presented to Native American students playing football are Joey Smith, an All Section running back from Sunnyslope High School, and Peter Salcido of Salt River High School.

Smith, of Apache-Zuni heritage, can trace his family lineage back to his sixth great-grandfather, Geronimo. Salcido’s

grandfather, Delbert Ray, is the recently elected president of the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community.

The Valley of the Sun Chapter region includes 184 high schools in northern and central Arizona, including Yuma County, representing a student population of approximately 243,000. Chartered as a nonprofit chapter of the National Football Foundation Inc., in 1971—with an operating hiatus from 1974-1984, the chapter has

awarded almost $500,000 in scholarships. This year’s class will receive a scholarship commitment of $39,500. Additionally, nominated and deserving candidates are presented Honorable Mention and Coach’s NFF Scholar Athlete recognition by certificate. The chapter has honored 1,016 Arizona high school and college football scholar athletes since inception.