Community Connect: Vol. 4 Issue 1

Vol. 4 Issue 1

BREAKING THE ICE Get an inside look at the only women’s hockey club in the state of Arizona and how it has allowed one local high school student take her love for the sport to new levels.

+

Student Wins at Track Junior Olympics

+

Student Earns Scholarship Abroad

+

Full Calendar of Events for the Fall

Presenting Arts & Entertainment in Surprise, AZ

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES PAZ by Jácome Flamenco A Holiday Experience with the AZ Philharmonic December 03, 2022

West Valley Symphony Featuring holiday favorites and special guest appearance by the West Valley Youth Orchestra December 18, 2022

The Nutcracker

A Dysart Community Education production featuring local students and artists.

December 22, 2022

COMING IN 2023: The Drifters • Lee Rocker • Amy Grant Rodney Marsalis • and more!

TheVistaAZ.com

Box Office Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm 15660 N Parkview Place Surprise, AZ 8537 Phone: 623-523-8888 Events subject to change.

Please check our website for the most current information.

Photo Credit: Blushing Cactus Photography

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Calendar of Events for the Local Community

communi communitty CONNECT MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2022 • Vol. 4 Issue 1

Photo Feature: Flipped Out

15802 N Parkview Place Surprise, AZ 85374

8

Student Voice: Cheer Up! Why I Volunteer

Editorial Staff Renee Ryon Ryan McGinley Carly McVay Ambria Brown

10

Cover Story: Breaking the Ice

16

Teacher Tips: Career and College Ready

18

Spotlight: Diving in With Both Feet

20

Feature Story: Starting Life in the Fast Lane

26

Spotlight: Craving the Win

28

Feature: Far From Home

34

Spotlight: In It For The Long Run

38

Student Spotlight: Academic Honors

40

Community Capture Artwork

6

Contributing Writers Serena Simms Michelle Bohon Lori Luzier Senna James Contributing Artists and Photographers Kate Fanning Advertising Interested in advertising with us?

The Community Connect Magazine offers full page, half page, and quarter page options for each issue.

Contact us at publicrelations at dysart.org for more information on pricing and deadlines or visit dysart.org/CommunityConnect.

Story Ideas?

The Community Connect is always looking for story ideas and contributing content. If you know of an idea or person that should be featured, please feel free to reach out to us at publicrelations@dysart.org.

About Us The Community Connect Magazine is a publication aimed at telling the stories of students, staff, and community members who make extraordinary contributions to our community. The magazine has one of the largest circulations in the Northwest Valley. The mission is to provide a publication for the community, about the community, through the support of community business advertisements.

+

ON THE COVER

Isabella Contreras poses for a photograph at AZ Ice Peoria in her Arizona Kachinas uniform.

+

On the Calendar:

Winter and Holiday Events!

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 3

NOV

CALENDAR

+

West Valley Symphony Welcome Back Vladimir!

Veterans Day Parade

Join the City of Surprise for a parade honoring the service and sacrifice of our Veterans, including appearances by a variety of student groups. A pancake breakfast will be available for purchase from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. before the event, which will begin at 10:00 a.m.

NOVEMBER 11 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Bullard Ave, between Bell and Greenway Roads FREE

FAMILY

Students from all four Dysart high schools will compete in the annual Band Jamboree, a friendly competition in which each group gets to perform for the community and guest judges.

NOVEMBER 1 @ 7 p.m.

Shadow Ridge High School Field FREE

FAMILY

“Thank You for the Music” is a celebration of the great musical hits of radio, stage and screen. Presented in a fast-paced and tenderhearted musical escapade, fit for the whole family, Thank You For The Music mixes a touch of the classics, and more.

NOVEMBER 5 @ 7 p.m.

Vista Center for the Arts Tickets: www.TheVistaAZ.com TICKETED

FAMILY

TICKETED

Come out to enjoy free outdoor live music by Blaine Long & Rosas del Rey, food trucks and entertainment for all ages at Mark Coronado Park.

NOVEMBER 6 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Mark Coronado Park FAMILY

All calendar events are subject to date, time, and location changes and/or cancellation. Please check with the hosting venue and/or organization for the most up-to-date information on the event.

4 NOVEMBER 2022

FAMILY

Sunday in the Park

FREE

Events Notice:

he uniquely combines those traditions with the individuality of a sensitive and passionate artist.

NOVEMBER 20 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Vista Center for the Arts Tickets: www.TheVistaAZ.com

BYU Young Ambassadors Band Jamboree

Pianist Vladimir Khomyakov from Kirovorgad, Ukraine will return to The Vista Center for the Arts stage joining the West Valley Symphony performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Perpetuating the heritage of Russian and American piano schools,

Career Fair

The Dysart Unified School District will be hosting a Career Fair at The Vista Center for the Arts. Available positions include teachers, paraprofessionals, office staff, bus drivers, bus aides, special education staff, and more.

DECEMBER 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

15660 N Parkview Place

DEC

CALENDAR

Future Freshman Night

Students entering high school in the 23-24 academic year, and their parents, are invited to attend an incoming freshman meeting to learn about high school expectations, program options, and the process for registration and class selection. These meetings are designed to provide an overview of the programs available at Dysart Unified School District’s four high schools.

DECEMBER 5, Times vary by school FREE

PARENTS

+

City of El Mirage Winterfest & Parade Join your neighbors and friends and plan to head out to the El Mirage Winterfest and Parade.

Activities include parade, ugly sweater contest, music, food trucks & food vendors, community vendors, arts & crafts, Santa, and much more!

Surprise Founder’s Day Party

This year’s Surprise Party will pay tribute to one of the city’s original festivals – Founder’s Day! The annual festival celebrated incorporation on December 12, 1960.

Join in to celebrate with a carnival, car show and more holiday lights than ever before!

DECEMBER 3 from 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 4 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N Bullard Ave FAMILY

DECEMBER 9 @ 6:00 p.m.

Gentry Park FAMILY

Winter Choir Concerts

Enjoy a night of singing with students as they perform their annual winter concerts for the community.

• Valley Vista High School November 17-18 @ 7:00 p.m.

• Shadow Ridge High School December 8 @ 7:00 p.m.

• Willow Canyon High School December 15 @ 7:00 p.m.

Contact school for ticket information TICKETED

FAMILY

Poetry Slam at WHAM

This event features open mic night for poetry, free verse, and storytelling! All are welcome to participate as performers and/or listeners.

Any established or original pieces may be read. This is a free event and open to the public!

DECEMBER 16 @ 6:00 p.m.

WHAM Art Center FREE

FAMILY

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 5

PHOTO

FLIPPING OUT

6 NOVEMBER 2022

Y

ou’ve probably seen a video clip of someone doing it online. Professional players will do it occasionally to show off. But have you ever seen an 8th grader do a Flip Throw in soccer? If you’ve been to a Canyon Ridge girls soccer game, chances are you’ve seen Kayla Stewart turn heads doing it.

Kayla grew up watching her sister play. Kayla participated in a city soccer league when she was younger, but also dabbled in gymnastics for a few years. One day her mom showed her a video of a girl online doing a Flip Throw. At first sight, she wanted to try it. Kayla started practicing it little by little until she got it down with ease. The gymnastics background helped quite a bit. Then she started doing

it in practices, and eventually games. Kayla says she can get the ball farther with her throws, which has resulted in more goals. Her club coach gives her the freedom to do it during the game whenever she thinks it might be beneficial. “The other players just stare at me, amazed,” she says with a smile. You can tell there is a coolness factor to it based on how Kayla talks about it. She says of soccer and the Flip Throw, “It’s just something that I’ve done better than any other sport. I feel comfortable with it, and it’s just so much fun.” Kayla plans to play soccer in high school and eventually in college. Until then, you can check out one of Canyon Ridge’s girls soccer games and see the Flip Throw in person!

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 7

STUDENT VOICE

How one student found happiness not in the participation of the sport but in the volunteer coaching of it.

By Serena Simms, Senior at Shadow Ridge High School

W

hen I first decided to volunteer at my old school, I took all of the time off to focus on myself and get the Sonoran Heights, I didn’t even really think of it skills I needed to try out for my high school’s team again as volunteering. I just really wanted to be there and be a sophomore year. I tried out and I made the team, and part of something again. I had tried out for Shadow Ridge as much as I loved being there, there was something I High School’s freshman cheerleading team just a few realized I had loved even more…coaching! By the time months prior to starting at Sonoran Heights. I had worked I had realized this though, I went to check Sonoran all summer to get my skills to a high school level, but it Heights’s website and realized they already had two was difficult to get coaches. So I myself up there. waited until junior Needless to say, year to ask again. even with all of When my junior my hard work, I year rolled around, didn’t make the I was already in squad. But instead contact with the of letting that principal and the rejection overcome new coach. I had me, I decided to spent time creating bring the love, new cheers and drive, and passion workout routines for the sport back and figuring to my old school. out the best I emailed the techniques to coach from the use for stunting.

Serena Simms, a senior at Shadow Ridge High School, poses with students from previous year to When tryouts Sonoran Heights Middle School Cheer Squad. see if she would rolled around we still be coaching had 40 girls come cheer and be willing to let me help out that season. She out, it was so overwhelming but in a really good way! I told me she would love for me to come back and help taught them a tryout dance that we would later use in our out. Unfortunately just a few months after the season had halftime routine and an additional cheer. On the final day begun, COVID struck, leaving us with no idea if we would of tryouts we tried them out in groups of six and spent an be able to continue with the season. hour afterwards making our final decision. We did have 8 NOVEMBER 2022

Serena Simms works with a group of students from Sonoran Heights Middle School on a cheer for the upcoming season.

some disappointed girls after the roster was posted, and I felt really bad that more girls couldn’t be on the team. But my hope was that those girls would come back better and stronger the following year and try out for us again.

The whole season seemed to go by so fast, and we really had to find our flow in the beginning, but the head coach and I did a pretty great job, I thought. The girls got to compete in competition with a routine I created myself and go head to head with other middle school teams.

Although we didn’t win, I learned a lot from the scoresheet on the things we needed to work on for next year.

Getting to be there with the girls every day and see them put in the work and continue to do so even in the off season has been one of the most invaluable experiences of my entire life. I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity now to share my story and inspire other teens to make an impact. It was important for me to volunteer because I want to make sure those kids have every opportunity to continue with cheer or whatever it is they want to do in high school. I also think that volunteering in this area is going to provide me with the experience I need in leading

kids when I become a teacher. I think other teens should volunteer because you learn so much about who you are and the things you can do when you help others to achieve their goals. The smiles on their faces whenever they hit a new stunt or perfected a routine made every failure before that seem like just a stepping stone to reaching success. I think it would help a lot of teens to get out of their own heads, look at the bigger picture, and broaden their horizons. It’s exactly the kind of experience any teen needs before heading off to college or into the workforce, and it helps the community as well. So many schools in our district are in need of volunteers. Having kids that were raised in this district come to help out would make our community that much stronger. As I head into this next season and my final chapter of my K-12 adventure, I can proudly say that I finally accomplished something a little bigger than myself.

Editor’s Note: Serena Simms was recently accepted into Ottawa University and will be pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education next fall.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 9

Isabella (Bella) Contreras skates around a practice rink at AZ Ice Peoria before a practice with the Arizona Kachinas

10 NOVEMBER 2022

FEATURE

When Isabella (Bella) Contreras was five years old, her mom brought her to an event where little kids got to try out the sport of hockey for free. This was up in Flagstaff where they were living at the time. Her mom, Lynette, had a good friend who grew up playing hockey, and he thought Bella would really like it. “So I took her out there, and I could not get her off the ice,” Lynette Contreras said while smiling widely. “And it was like done from then on. Honestly, hockey is all she has ever talked about from day one. She’s never grown tired of it, she’s always wanted more and more.”

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 11

FEATURE

Isabella Contreras fights for a puck during a game against the Ramapo Saints.

12 NOVEMBER 2022

“I just fell in love with it,” Bella recalled.

Within a year of starting to play competitively, Bella was on a traveling team up in Flagstaff.

Unlike most sports though, Bella had to play on a boys team. There wasn’t a girl’s hockey team available to her. This was the case for many years in Arizona, as the sport didn’t have established roots like other parts of the country.

“There have been a few start-up women’s programs [over the years], but they have kind of filtered out,” Bella’s current coach Jeremy Goltz said. So Bella played on a boys hockey team for about five years. There were a few girls on the team over the years, but it was mostly boys.

At an early age, it’s not too difficult for girls to play on those teams. But as they grow up, it can create some unfair advantages. “Girls can be as good as boys, but the physicality, the size, it [eventually] just doesn’t match up,” said Lynette.

When Bella reached that age, they moved down to Phoenix to join a newly established program called the Arizona Lady Coyotes. This newly formed team was one of the first to try and gather all those girls playing on boys teams and create a competitive, all female hockey squad. The problem was, there were no other girls teams in the state of Arizona to play. So the team had to travel quite a bit to find competition.

“It does require so much travel, because there are no other all-girls programs,” said Lynette. “So in order for these girls to play at a competitive level, they have to go all over.” Bella started traveling in her early teenage years to Colorado, California, Minnesota, Boston, Pennsylvania, and wherever they could find opponents.

After a few years though, the girl’s programs in Arizona were struggling to stay afloat.

That’s when Matt Shott, Arizona Coyotes Director of Hockey Development, and Lyndsey Fry stepped in. If you don’t know who Lyndsey Fry is, you should. She’s a retired American ice hockey player who was a member of the United States women’s national ice hockey team. Fry was born in Mesa, Arizona, and played

college hockey for Harvard University. Fry competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where the USA team won the silver medal. Fry and Shott started the Arizona Kachinas, a program that could build on the success of the Arizona Lady Coyotes and mend fragmented programs across the Valley to unify women’s hockey into one successful program.

Bella instantly joined, and credits the Kachinas with providing an atmosphere for her to be successful while providing opportunities for her to realize her potential.

“Their goal is for us to get to that level as an organization where girls get into college playing hockey and get to that next level,” Bella stated.

Jeremy Goltz, Bella’s current coach on the 19U team, emphasized the importance of having an Olympian running the program. “These kids, especially at this age group as they get older, they get goals, and they need to have role models in front of them. It’s huge for them.” In addition to having Lyndsey Fry, an Olympian, as director of the program, many of the coaches are college athletes who have already achieved success in the sport.

When the young girls see successful role models in the sport right in front of them, their aspirations and dreams run wild.

The Kachinas are starting their fourth year as a program, and the last three years have been incredibly successful. They now have triple the amount of girls playing ranging from ages 8-19.

Last year, three separate age group teams made it to the national championship, all coming home with silver medals. Additionally, 13 girls

Isabella Contreras, a forward for the Arizona Kachinas, works the puck during a game against the Philadelphia Junior Flyers.

went off to play at the collegiate level all over the country.

Bella has her goals set at being one of those college players next year.

“Bella is one of those kids that is really reaping the benefits of the program,” said Coach Goltz. “If this hadn’t come together, she would have had to leave the state or quit hockey altogether. The game would have eliminated her at a certain point on the boys side. Now, not only is she excelling and playing on a national championship team, she’s going to play college hockey because of this program.”

Bella plays forward, and whether she realizes it now or not, she is one of those players that younger girls now look up to. “Pound for pound, she’s as tough as it gets,” said Coach Gotlz. “She’s got a great skill set and is a tremendous asset. But more important is her compete

level and her second efforts, her willingness to engage in the game. She scored a ton of big goals last year for us, and is a great teammate. I could speak the world about her. She really represents what the Kachina’s are all about.”

Her mom echoes the growth that Bella has achieved because of this program and how it has helped her daughter develop into not only a great athlete, but a great woman as well. “I get asked a lot, isn’t hockey expensive, isn’t it time consuming, isn’t there a lot to go into it? There is,” Lynette said. “Even if she didn’t go to play for college, she has played for a lot of the years with the same girls, these girls are good students, they’re responsible, they’re dedicated, there is just a different level of maturity.

This work ethic that has developed because of this organization is priceless.”

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 13

FEATURE For Bella, the best thing about being part of a girl’s hockey team is the bonds that she develops with other players. “It was just an awesome experience to just get to know other girls. There are so many girls that are like sisters to me. I think that is the game changer. When you play with so many girls for so many years, you just become like best friends. Hockey just changes me. It’s like a different me when I hit the ice. It doesn’t feel like a game to me, it feels like I am playing with my family.”

“I think the biggest thing I want to take away from all this is the friendships that they develop,” Coach Goltz echoed.

“They have all been through the boys program, and now they are all so tight. To me that is the best thing, they have lifelong friends and allies now.”

It’s safe to say girl’s hockey in Arizona has officially been established. After three successful years and national championship runs, the club is positioned to be a staple

for girl’s hockey for years to come. The Kachina’s are also fostered by the Arizona Coyotes and receive quite a lot of support from the NHL players associations. “There are a lot of great [girls] hockey players in the state,” said Lynette. “Why can’t we develop them here?”

For Bella, it’s the recognition they get when traveling that means the most. “When I went out to the East Coast a couple weeks ago, the girls out there were faster and had more experience, because the sport is more popular there,” she said. “But we got so many compliments from the East Coast teams. They were like, you girls are from Arizona? You girls are amazing. I can’t believe how well you’ve kept up with us.”

“The women’s side of hockey in Arizona is very new,” said Coach Goltz. “Now the women’s side of it is actually gaining more respect than the boys side of it. It’s pretty cool to be a part of.”

Isabella Contreras (center) poses with her 19U Arizona Kachinas squad at the national championship game last year. The Kachinas earned a silver medal, and honored their late director, Matt Shott, by holding up his jersey in remembrance of all he did for the sport and the Kachinas organization.

14 NOVEMBER 2022

e e e s at…

W ou y At Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ), we put YOU in the center of everything on campus.

“Getting involved” means something entirely different for you at OUAZ. We’re the university that helps you to pursue your passion – in business, on the field, and on the stage. That’s why we award scholarships for varsity sports and participatory activities like band, campus ministries, e-sports, theatre, and more.

Plus we apply the credits you’ve already earned to your degree program here, offer flexible terms for most classes (so you can work at the pace best for you), and give you the one-of-a-kind experience of Personal Growth Days where you hear from world-class speakers and learn important life skills.

Everything we do is centered around helping you prepare for a life of significance.

The best way to see what we mean is with a campus visit.

Schedule your visit and bring a friend!

Call or click today! 855-546-1342

Ottawa.edu/OUAZ • 15950 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, Arizona Ottawa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary education institutions in the North Central region, which includes 19 states including Kansas. The federal government has a distinct interest in the role of accreditation in assuring quality in higher education for the students who benefit from federal financial aid program. By being recognized by the US Department of Education as a gatekeeper agency, the Commission agrees to fulfill specific federally defined responsibilities within the accreditation processes, as described by HLC.

TEACHER TIPS

Is your student

CAREER AND COLLEGE READY A Guide for Parents: The What, the How, and the Why

By Michelle Bohon and Lori Luzier, High School Counselors

P

reparing students for life after high school is one reflects a student’s current plan of coursework, career of the key components of a successful educational aspirations, and extended learning opportunities in order experience. It is the job of our schools and teachers to to develop the student’s individual academic, career goals ensure that students leave high school with the tools and postsecondary plans. It is ideally started during middle necessary to be successful in the workplace or in postschool and updated every year throughout high school. secondary education. It is our job as counselors and We as educators believe we should integrate an ECAP your job as parents to help students investigate their process into all facets of the school experience. Students, passion, personality traits, and the connection to various who have opportunities to identify interests, skills, and careers and opportunities strengths and then apply that available to them. Career knowledge to create their and college readiness is own ECAP, transition more the ability for our students seamlessly into postsecondary to find an appropriate and workplace requirements. pathway, understand As students progress the responsibilities of through their educational that choice, successfully journey, it is never too early communicate with those to grow their professional around them, and grow skills, become involved in professionally within their their school and community, chosen field. and research their passion So how does a student while setting attainable goals. become career and college Today’s workplace expects Michelle Bohon (left) and Lori Luzier (right), high school ready? First they need to employees to be lifelong counselors in Surprise, Arizona. engage in opportunities learners in order to find to understand what type of learner they are, determine advancement opportunities within their career path. what type of personality characteristics they have, and For those students looking to learn hands-on in what peaks their interest. There are many tools that help a particular career and earn industry certifications, students with this process. Parents and students within West-MEC is a great place to have students explore Dysart Schools have access to a career and college opportunities. They offer a variety of career and technical platform called Major Clarity. Major Clarity connects a education programs designed to help students either student with meaningful research in an effort to define go directly into the workforce, or provide a foundation their Education Career Action Plan (ECAP). An ECAP for future schooling. Programs can include mechanics, 16 NOVEMBER 2022

chefs, EMTs, fire fighters, police officers, construction, veterinarians and much more.

Testing is also an important step for students in helping them be career and college ready. The PSAT, SAT, and ACT are offered on high school school campuses and provide an opportunity for students to show colleges and universities how far they have come academically. It is also sometimes required for a college application, and can provide enhanced opportunities for scholarships.

For those students interested in the military, taking the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test is an important step. The ASVAB helps the Department of Defense not just determine whether you are a good fit to join the service, but also which service branch you might be best for and even what military jobs you can hold after you finish basic training or boot camp. The better your ASVAB score, the broader your options.

For those students wishing to pursue a post-secondary degree, paying for college or a trade school is something you and your student must discuss as a family. First families should complete the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can open doors of opportunity for students to pursue their post secondary passion. By completing their FAFSA in their senior year, many students find they are eligible for scholarships, grants, loans, and Federal Work Study Programs. The FAFSA can assist in closing the financial gaps that exist as students pursue their post secondary pathway.

Oftentimes, families believe that they do not qualify, however, most scholarship committees require the FAFSA to be completed.

Also research with your student about scholarship opportunities. There are so many scholarships that are not awarded to qualified students because they do not apply!

There are many resources on the web to help with this.

Here are a just a few examples: • www.jlvcollegecounseling.com • www.fastweb.com • www.majorclarity.com • https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/collegedepot The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is another great way to help mitigate college costs. WUE is an agreement through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students. Through WUE, eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state, and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate.

Since full nonresident college-tuition rates may exceed 300 percent of resident rates, WUE increases affordable higher-education choices for students, and minimizes the adverse impacts of student loan debt.

All of this may sound like a lot for families, but your school and counselors are here to help. It’s important for parents to start early (yes even our youngest students in kindergarten) and foster opportunities for students to explore different careers and options that may interest them. As students engage in their personal growth and development, they will find that they are confident, comfortable within their own self, and ready for whatever lies ahead in their life.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 17

SPOTLIGHT

DIVING IN with both feet

I

n many ways, gymnastics and diving are very similar.

Both require body control, good flexibility, and great balance. One just happens to be over water. So when Tanner Lange, a 7th grader at Sonoran Heights Middle School, asked his parents to try out diving after four years of gymnastics, they obliged. Tanner started gymnastics at the early age of 4, but after trying out diving at age 9, he was hooked. “It’s a very natural transition,” said Tanner’s Mom, Genny. “A lot of gymnasts will transition to dive because they already know about body alignment and flexibility and positions.” For Tanner though, it’s the combination of water and the tumbling that sparks his interest. “I just like being in the water and doing flips,” he said. “My whole life I’ve been doing flips. It’s just an adrenaline rush.”

Tanner started off slow with diving, because COVID had put a damper on sports for a while. His first year he hardly competed at all and just focused on learning the sport. His second year of diving, Tanner took off, making it all the way to nationals. “It was a great trip,” he recalled.

“Everything was green (the meet was in West Virginia) and everybody was really nice. I did pretty good.”

Tanner placed 2nd on the three meter springboard, 2nd on the platform, and 3rd on the one meter springboard for his age group. That’s quite the accomplishment for a second year diver. This past year, his third in diving, he took it up a notch. “I went to nationals in San Antonio and got first on the one meter and three meter springboard, and 4th on platform,” he stated with pride. At 12 years old, Tanner had taken to the sport quite well and began making a name for himself. Back in late August, Tanner and his family got an email that would take him even further.

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), one of the organizations that Tanner competes in, had selected him to join the 18 NOVEMBER 2022

prestigious national team to compete in Sweden and Denmark.

“We are very, very proud of him,” said Genny of her son.

“We have high expectations of our kids, and we know that they can achieve them. This is one of the payoffs. You get to experience something so amazing, and it’s an honor to be invited on the team, which shows that his hard work is paying off.”

Tanner is taking the news in stride. “It’s pretty cool,” he said nonchalantly. “It’s a little scary competing against Europeans.” That sort of thinking is nothing new for Tanner. To hear him talk about his process and diving, it’s easy to tell that a certain mental demeanor is necessary to be successful in the sport. “You have to be calm and collected,” he said. “It’s not scary, but you have to do a lot of things right to not hurt yourself. You have to know where you are in the flip, you have to jump out a bit, but not too far, so you don’t hit the board. You have to enter the water straight up and down, and then you have to pike it so you don’t make a splash. It’s a lot!”

Sometimes up on the board when doing a hard dive, Tanner will close his eyes and envision the dive and the entry. He said the biggest thing he needs to work on for Sweden and Denmark are his entries and ensuring there is no splash. “I just need to stay calm, thinking that it is not a meet, it’s just a practice.” Tanner said his hardest dive to do is a forward three and half somersaults off the three meter springboard. “I’ve only done it like 10 times.”

The dive he considers his best is the back one and a half somersaults with a half twist.

Tanner’s family will be going with him to compete from October 26 through November 11 in both Stockholm, Sweden and Lund, Denmark. Tanner will compete in the one and three meter springboards, as well as the five

and 7 meter platforms. All in all, the national team will have 39 divers from across the nation and 11 coaches attending the competition.

“We push him very hard and expect a lot out of him, and sometimes we forget that he’s only 12,” said Genny.

But hearing her talk about Tanner and share some of his stories, it’s clear that Tanner is still grounded and humble, which is one of the family’s mottos.

“He’s very good with other kids when they are just learning dives and stuff,” Genny said. “He likes to help and encourage and support. Even his coach will text me and share that Tanner was helping this younger one who was scared, and Tanner was up there with him walking him through it, encouraging him and easing his mind.

Tanner is really good with the other kids.”

Tanner wants to dive in college and clearly has that goal in mind. “One of my first meets at Mission Viejo, there were two kids who were juniors, and they are getting looked at by a couple colleges,” Tanner shared. “I was diving, and my coach came up to me and said, one of the college coaches is looking at you!”

Genny chimed in though after the story by sharing that both her and the coach reiterated that everyone needs to slow down. He’s only in 7th grade, after all. It goes back to that family motto of staying humble, and letting your actions speak for themselves.

For now, the Lange’s will focus on this upcoming trip and ensuring Tanner has a good experience. “This is an honor, this is exciting, and everyone is just very proud of him,” Genny said with a smile.

Tanner Lange poses with his AAU National Championship medals.

Tanner was selected to the National Team and will compete in Sweden and Denmark this fall.

CJ Flowers holds his gold and two silver medals at Freedom Traditional Academy from the Junior Olympics in July.

20 NOVEMBER 2022

FEATURE

FAST LANE Starting life in the

Meet the All-American 3rd grader who’s ranked number one in the country in the 200m dash!

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 21

FEATURE

I

n July 2022, on the rubber track at Sacramento the country, culminating at Junior Nationals in State University, Freedom Traditional Academy July. For an athlete to compete at nationals 3rd grader CJ Flowers finally achieved what he had they have to qualify. CJ qualified that first year been working so hard for. At the USA Track & Field in the sport. He was a 7-year-old competing at (USATF) National Junior Olympic Track & Field Junior Nationals for the first time, and ended Championships, CJ placed first in the 8 & Under up finishing an impressive 9th place. That Division boys 200 meter dash with a time of 28.64, wasn’t enough for CJ or his dad though. They nearly two tenths of a second faster than second worked even harder this past year for the Junior place. He could now claim that he was the number Nationals in July. one runner in the entire nation in the 200 meter.

Training, as Chris and CJ learned, is where And if that wasn’t enough, CJ also placed second in the magic happens. While each was new to the both the 100 meter and 400 meter races, losing the sport, Chris knew about the importance of hard 100 by a mere five hundredths of a second. CJ was work and wanted to instill in his son that lesson, officially an All-American, finally which could translate into all basking in the accomplishments facets of CJ’s life. “Getting up of two years of grueling hard work. running 500 (meters) and 300 “I handled my business, I did my (meters) and doing it daily, thing,” the 8-year-old said with a that’s not easy. Our sport is grin. everyone else’s punishment.

CJ started running at age 6 when But our motto is, we win our his Dad, Chris Flowers, noticed medals at practice, we just his potential. This was during pick them up in the meets,” the COVID pandemic though, so said Chris. “Because of the participating with a club or team hard training, if you work wasn’t an option. So Chris took hard at anything in life, that it upon himself to learn the sport translates over.” and start training CJ. “They both Heading into this year’s learned the sport together,” said Junior Nationals event, CJ CJ’s mom, Rashanda Jones, a had the fastest time in the Health Services Assistant at Dysart nation in the 100m and was - Chris Flowers Middle School. Training consisted on top of his game. “I was so of practicing four days a week with nervous, I was trying to hold a variety of activities. CJ would train after school myself together, for him,” said Chris Flowers. during the year, but wake up early in the morning “I didn’t want [CJ] to get nervous because I’m during the summer to beat the heat. They would do nervous.” If you ask CJ what goes through his laps to start, high knees, resistance training with mind at the line though, he says nothing. That’s exercise bands, and a variety of other activities. all part of his business mentality.

“When I first started it kind of wasn’t fun, because I After a successful nationals run, CJ has been didn’t have any meets,” said CJ. “But when I started taking a break this fall from running and training doing meets, then it started getting fun.” to participate in flag football. His dad didn’t want When COVID subsided, CJ joined the Arizona him to get burnt out at such a young age, and Rising Suns Track & Field Club, but still continued he’ll still start training again in late December, to be trained by his Dad on the side. That’s also early January for another run at nationals when the track and field meets started up again. next year. This time around Chris says CJ will “When I turned 7, that is when I started getting the only participate in two races. Athletes have to hang of it and winning,” said CJ. Meets start toward compete in preliminaries, semi-finals, and then the end of February here in Arizona up at Northern finals races for each event. That can take a Arizona University, and continue all Spring around lot out of an athlete when they’re competing

“

We win our medals in practice, we just pick them up at the meets.

“

22 NOVEMBER 2022

CJ Flowers races in the USATF Region 10 Junior Olympic Championships at the University of Texas at El Paso.

FEATURE against the best of the best in the country. “CJ told me, daddy my legs are hurting, and he never says that,” Chris said of this past year’s event. “Now I know, in championships we are only going to do two races.”

As for CJ’s future, Chris and Rashanda just want to see where athletics takes him and what he’s passionate about. CJ is interested in running, basketball, and football, and he’s got some pretty good genetics going for him as well. CJ’s cousin is Marquis Flowers, a former NFL linebacker, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals and played for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Washington Redskins. Marquis Flowers went to Millennium High School and is a graduate of the University of Arizona.

So following in his family’s footsteps is definitely on the table. “Whatever his little heart desires, I just want a big house out of it,” Rashanda said with a laugh.

“We are very proud of him, and I feel really happy, proud, and blessed, wrapped up all in one.” CJ’s dad echoed those sentiments. “What he brings to the table, his demeanor, his mentality, he is just an all around phenomenal kid.” For now though, it’s back to training, where the real medals are won.

24 NOVEMBER 2022

CJ poses for a picture during warmups of a meet

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 25

SPOTLIGHT

Craving the Win Story by Senna James, Shadow Ridge High School Journalism student

W

ith a deep breath, everything is gone. Only a strip leading up to an angled, wooden board with a hole towards the top. All the chattering is replaced with concentration. The gnawing, nerve-wracking feeling disappears as the weighted, small, colorful bean bag begins to become more noticeable in hand. After gaining exactly 21 points, adrenaline pumps through Junior Caden Mason as the craving to win hooks him in.

Growing up, Mason observed his father and father’s friend constantly participating in cornhole tournaments.

After a while, Mason decided to finally have a taste of what it was like to actually play the game. “I wanted to try it out. So I went to a tournament with my dad and we ended up getting second place. I had a lot of fun and I got super competitive. I was hooked and wanting to keep getting better,” said Mason. At age 14, Mason’s career in cornhole began and the future was looking bright.

It wasn’t until a year of practicing in his backyard with his dad and competing in tournaments here and there that he would take his career to a more competitive level. “I started to win and grow the ranks through the different divisions. I did really well in my first ever singles tournament in a division above what I usually played.

That’s when I really started making a name for myself,” said Mason.

Quickly, Mason progressed to higher divisions and even traveled. Recently, Mason won the AZ State Championship in the high school division, helping him gain more of a name and experiencing new opponents.

“Winning tournaments like that is why a lot of the cornhole community usually calls me my nickname, ‘Money Mason.’ ” Outside of traveling for tournaments Mason also competes in professional and advanced divisions, meaning at national cornhole tournaments.

In order to find himself on such a high playing field, Mason had to win a vast amount of singles tournaments as well as East v.s. West, a very important singles 26 NOVEMBER 2022

tournament that would help him advance. “When they tracked my stats in that tournament I placed top three in the advance/professional division,” said Mason. Not only does progressing up through the ranks change the playing field but also the atmosphere and mental game. Unlike most sports, cornhole is not a physically draining game but rather a mental battle. “It’s very mentally straining because you have to remain calm in order to perform best,” said Mason. Even during a game, Mason has had to compete against both his opponent and thoughts. “If you miss and give up a large amount of points you will be mad, but you have to have a short memory and just keep going. It’s a long game and staying calm and mentally in check is a necessity to win.” So the shift of playing to nationals was considerably large.

Mason would find himself inside casino ballrooms and sports complexes with hundreds of people and boards filling the rest of the space. “Knowing that everyone there was a good player and seeing the different club jerseys was intimidating at first but then made me want to go up against the challenge more,” said Mason.

Nothing could make Mason back down, his passion for cornhole burned too brightly. In fact, there were many reasons for Mason to love the game. One being the lack of injuries presented in tossing the beanbag. “I’ve been playing football for as long as I can remember and something I’ve always dreaded is getting injured. With cornhole I don’t have to worry about that,” said Mason.

Even the community surrounding cornhole has a huge impact on Mason’s passion.

“The cornhole community is filled with lots of amazing people that I’ve grown close to over the past few years,” said Mason. However, the best part of the game comes from the sensation of winning tournaments. From that first game of cornhole Mason was hooked. Nothing could stop him. With a deep breath and a toss, Mason gains 21 points and once more the desire to win takes hold.

Caden Mason tosses a beanbag during a cornhole tournament.

(Image courtesy kbkornhole.com)

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 27

FEATURE

FAR FROM

A

ndrea Cabrera Olivas stared at her phone and at the upcoming stop. The subway located in the city of Seoul, South Korea was jam-packed with business men and women on their early commute to work.

Andrea weaved through the shoulder to shoulder sea of strangers as she began her way to the open doors to get off at her stop. Andrea made a mental note to learn the Korean translation for “excuse me” and “my stop” for the next time she was on the subway. She sighed in frustration as she saw the subway doors close and calculated the miles she would now have to walk to Daewon Foreign Language High School.

Andrea was far from home, more than 6,000 miles from her hometown in El Mirage, Arizona on the journey of a lifetime provided by the National Security Language Initiative of Youth scholarship (NSLI-Y). NSLI-Y is a unique educational experience and scholarship program abroad for more than 600 U.S. teens annually that includes an immersive environment allowing participants to experience the local daily life of their host community.

Andrea was one of 11 students in her cohort selected to spend five months in South Korea with a host family.

The U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with American Councils for International Education, awards and administers merit-based scholarships to high school students for participation in summer and academic year immersion programs in locations where the eight NSLI-Y languages are spoken. NSLI-Y immerses participants in the cultural life of the host community, giving them formal and informal language practice and sparking a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures.

Participants receive intensive language instruction, live with a host family for all or part of the program, and participate in a variety of cultural activities.

Andrea became interested in Asian culture and 28 NOVEMBER 2022

learning Korean as a middle school student.

“Ever since the 7th grade I’ve wanted to learn more about global issues. I’ve enjoyed watching documentaries and reading about cultural studies on YouTube as well as things around the world and specifically Korea,” said Andrea.

She fell upon the Korean YouTube channel ‘Asian Boss’ where information was shared about East Asian history, the impact of Word War I on Korea, the Korean War, United States politics, and on-the-street interviews with the people of Korea. She wanted to learn more about the culture and language of South Korea.

“Hearing the language, wow it is beautiful,” said Andrea. “It piqued my interest. The way it is pronounced reminds me of Spanish.” Andrea is bilingual and her first language was Spanish.

“We like to emphasize a lot of feelings we want to get across. They do the same things in Korean. Both languages put emphasis on syllables. I love how soft the pronunciation is and how expressive someone can be in the Korean language. I noticed that if someone really wants to emphasize a word they elongate the ending which is super endearing to me!”

Andrea had set her sights on learning Korean. “I thought, what if I study abroad? I know it is an option, but I did not know how to pay for it,” Andrea shared.

Worried about the financial cost of a year abroad, Andrea began researching scholarship opportunities to further explore her interest in studying abroad and learning a language. A simple Google search brought up the NSLI-Y option.

“I really want to do this in high school and will do everything in my power to get this scholarship,” she shared.

Andrea Cabrera Olivas sits in a cafe in South Korea.

FEATURE

Andrea and her classmates learn about Korean percussion music called Samul nori.

30 NOVEMBER 2022

Andrea submitted her application her sophomore year in 2019 while attending Dysart High School. The application process was extensive. Andrea had to provide transcripts, current hobbies and extracurricular information, a recommendation letter, a self-introduction for the potential host family, and three essay submissions.

“I didn’t get in. But it was still a dream of mine.”

Andrea focused on school with the hopes of applying again her junior year. She took language classes on her own to learn Korean. At Dysart High School, she participated in Student Council, Varsity Pom, Advanced Placement classes, and National Honor Society. Outside of school, she served as an English language tutor for a Spanish speaker and volunteered at the Dysart Community Center.

“I always try to do my best in school. I think that NSLI-Y was a huge part of my motivation to get good grades and become more involved in clubs and activities and serve my community,” said Andrea.

Andrea submitted her NSLI-Y application a second time in 2020 and included why she wanted to study Korean in her essay submission as well as how the opportunity would help with her future career goals. She made it through the first round of the application process and participated in a digital interview through Zoom.

In November of 2021 she learned she was accepted into the program. Andrea competed

with thousands of applicants across the United States and was one of 616 who won the scholarship for the program nationwide.

“It is so exciting that I get the opportunity of a lifetime for absolutely free. Personally, coming from El Mirage, I can’t afford it. I am very grateful. I’m excited for it and hope to gain long life friendships and opportunities to connect with people like-minded to me.”

The future of her travel was in question due to COVID. South Korea was currently at a level four for social distancing and the country needed to be at a level three before travel could occur. She began her program virtually in August of 2021 with the hope to travel some time in the new year.

“It was disheartening waiting all that time. I thought I might never go. We were at a pause to learn what the future was for the program.”

Andrea kept busy during her senior year as the travel status of the program was in limbo. She transferred to iSchool to learn online as she was taking Korean five days a week through Seoul National University and it would be difficult to juggle in person classes. On top of a full course load and additional Korean language classes, Andrea got a job working part time at a sandwich shop to save up for her upcoming travel.

“I was a bit overwhelmed and never had free time with school and work life, but if I wanted to learn a language, I needed to practice it.”

Then in December 2021 she learned that travel would take place in February. It was a whirlwind to prepare for her trip to South Korea as she needed to apply for her student Visa with the consulate. She received information about her host family, the Jungs, only two days prior to her departure to orientation in San Francisco.

Navigating a new country, public transit all while learning a new language and customs might be daunting to an eighteen year old, but the program prepared Andrea by going through scenarios at the three-day orientation hosted in San Francisco in February prior to her departure to South Korea.

“We worked in small groups with her fellow cohort members and went through scenarios

Andrea and members from the NLSY-I cohort visit Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing traditional Korean dresses called Hanbok.

that we might face in South Korea as well as rules and regulations for the program.”

The scenarios included an issue or problem that the students might face living in a foreign country. The group also met with one of the program assistants who joined the students in their activities and answered questions about the travel ahead and what to expect so the students did not feel nervous. The NSLI-Y program has dedicated staff who are available to participants and their families 24/7.

“I bonded really well with the cohort because really we were all in this together and wanted to lean on each other in Korea if we needed support or advice.”

Andrea got to the airport early on the day they left. She did her best to try and sleep through the long flight from California to South Korea but the excitement prevented her from resting. She went through immigration and then was sent to a hotel to quarantine for seven days in Seoul.

“I was honestly happy to have that time to reboot. I was pretty jet lagged from the 13-hour flight from San Francisco to South Korea.”

As Andrea adjusted to the 16 hour time difference and prepared to meet her host family, she still kept busy

with virtual meetings, peer projects and exercise Zoom activities during quarantine with her NSLY-I cohort. After the seven-day quarantine and an additional two-day quarantine at a youth hostel, she was finally on her way to meet her host family.

She was a bit nervous that first meeting but she brought host family gifts in order to share a bit about her life in Arizona and her Mexican culture. The gifts included an Arizona t-shirt, mug from Starbucks, a Mexican doll and Mexican snacks and candies called chucherias.

Welcome gifts are a common practice in foreign exchange programs.

Her host family welcomed Andrea into their home and shared the proper names or honorifics that she should address them by including: Oma-Mom, Appa-Dad, OppaBrother, Eoni-Sister. They were so surprised by the gifts and how many there were. The family also shared a gift with Andrea.

“They made dumpling soup to welcome me on that first night for dinner. Honestly, it was the best I’ve ever had,” said Andrea.

As Andrea adapted to her new home and the family she was to live with for the next four months, she quickly COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 31

SPOTLIGHT learned a few things she had to adjust to in her new country, new high school, and when in public in South Korea.

Shoes are never to be worn in the house. There was a special area at the entrance of the home where the family kept their shoes. This is a sign of respect in order to keep the floor of the house clean and not track in outside dirt. When handing items or accepting items from another person, it is polite to use both hands. During meals, the eldest person at the table eats first and the others follow. Bowing is a respectful gesture to greet another person.

Andrea settled into her new home with the Jung family and hit the ground running.

- Andrea Olivas She would be attending two different schools in South Korea. The program included a partial school day at Daeweon Foreign Language High School. Daewon is a private preparatory school located in Seoul, South Korea. She also would be taking level two intensive Korean language classes for twelve hours per week at Hanyang University. After attending classes, Andrea participated in cultural activities in the evenings once a week.

Classes began at 7:50 a.m. and went to 1:00 p.m. at Daewon. Among her core classes at Daewon, she chose a Spanish class. The high school is quite different from Andrea’s classes at Dysart High School back in Arizona.

Students in South Korea only attend high school for three years. The condensed high school experience is rigorous with classes all day and an extended day option called Yaja where students can complete their homework, receive additional help from teachers and complete selfstudy. Each floor of the high school was a different grade level with teachers switching classrooms versus students.

The classes were rigorous and Andrea drew similarities between her Advanced Placement classes back at Dysart High School but with added pressure due to the competitive grading structure.

“Students would fight tooth and nail for grades. If one

“

student got a 90%, no one else could get that score,” she shared.

Andrea bonded with her fellow classmates sharing her culture, her experience back in Arizona and sharing her interest in the Korean culture and language. She was shocked at how well the Korean students spoke both English and Spanish.

“It was cool to practice Korean with my classmates and then in turn help them with their Spanish.”

In addition to the academic portion of the program, NSLY-I included projects involving learning about the culture on a deeper level. Andrea went on weekly excursions to learn more about South Korea. She explored Jogyesa Temple and had a traditional tea ceremony.

She learned Tae Kwon Do during the month of May. “One of the final classes, we were taught how to break blocks, and I was able to succeed.” Andrea donned a traditional Korean dress called a Hanbok and visited Gyeongbokgung Palace with her fellow cohort members. One of her most memorable moments was learning how to play traditional Korean percussion music called Samul nori. “It was amazing to take the class. The music is so interesting and beautiful.

The main instrument we learned is the long hourglass-like drum called the Janggu.”

She did not have much free time but she spent the weekends with her host family hiking and visiting temples, eating at restaurants, and playing Lotteria, a game similar to Bingo, with her host brother.

Andrea threw herself into the program and integrated with the community in South Korea during those four months. It was one of the most difficult things she had ever done but she attributes her success and preparedness by being involved at Dysart High School. “I think putting myself out there by joining clubs and meeting new people through them helped me be ready for when I met people who were completely different from me. Being surrounded by diversity made me more open-minded and

NSLI-Y has definitely opened many opportunities for me. I have been able to meet amazing people who are also interested in foreign service like me...

“

32 NOVEMBER 2022

Andrea was awarded a $30,000 scholarship to attend college at George Mason University in South Korea.

Andrea breaks a block during a Tae Kwon Do lesson.

gained communication and teamwork skills.

“NSLI-Y has definitely opened many opportunities for me. I have been able to meet amazing people who are also interested in foreign service like me, so now I have done networking even before I entered college. I also have access to the alumni association where I have resources related to foreign service.”

After a brief break at home in Arizona this summer, Andrea is back in South Korea attending George Mason University to pursue her degree in Global Studies and International Relations. She received a $30,000 scholarship towards tuition and will spend the next three years in Korea.

“NSLI-Y has enabled me to contribute to the global economy. Already fluent in English and Spanish, learning Korean will prepare me more for a career in International Relations. I hope to work in a global organization but ideally become a diplomat for the United States Foreign Relations.

Through my career, I hope to strengthen the understanding of other countries and cultures so that peace (slowly but surely) can be made in the globalizing World.”

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 33

FEATURE

In it for the

LONG RUN

R

unning the Boston Marathon is something many athletes aspire to accomplish. For Sarah “Iz” Davis, a school counselor and coach at Shadow Ridge High School, that goal became a reality last Spring. Davis grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, which is where she began her running journey. She had never ran before, and knew nothing about the sport, but was inspired by some family members who ran, and decided to join her high school’s Track and Field and Cross Country teams in the 9th grade.

While running for her high school, Iz formed a strong bond with her coach at the time, who easily became a great inspiration for her. “She was a role model for me. She was very knowledgeable and confident and compassionate, and I just wanted to be like her,” said Davis. “She instilled many positive values in me and just a love for running,’’ she added.

Since the beginning, her running journey has taken her a long way and has changed a lot over the years. After high school, Davis was recruited to run Division I for the University of Florida, where she focused more on shorter distances. While in college, she started thinking about what she wanted to do career wise, and came to realize how much of an impact her high school coach had on her.

Many of the lessons she learned from her high school coach, she carried with her into college and beyond.

The way her coach was able to be personable and compassionate with her athletes, while also motivating them to continue improving, is what was most impactful and what made her a great coach. This ultimately inspired Davis to want to do the same thing for others. “I want to do what she did for me,” says Davis. “I want to be able to do that for other high school girls.” Uncertain about what her running career would look like after college, she knew for certain that she would find passion in being a coach.

Fast forward several years, after finishing college and

34 NOVEMBER 2022

gaining her masters degree, Davis decided to move to Arizona, where she saw her vision of coaching become a reality. When she had the opportunity to join Shadow Ridge High School, she couldn’t pass it up. “It was a blessing,” said Davis. “To be a part of a school with some big names in cross country and track already, it was great to see everything fall into place.” At the high school, Davis is a School Counselor, as well as the Head Girls Track and Field Coach and Assistant Girls Cross Country Coach. “I love counseling. That is something I’ll always enjoy doing, and I love my students. But coaching is really where I feel most passionate,” said Davis.

Well into her career as a school counselor and coach, Davis still makes it a priority to continue meeting her personal running goals. Over the course of the last several years, she has transitioned from shorter distance runs, to triathlons, to recently transitioning to longer distance runs.

“I never in a million years thought I would be a marathon runner… I was too injured,” said Davis with a laugh. “My coach in college told me I would never be a long distance runner, just because of my genetic makeup and body type.

I was built more for shorter distances in running,” she said.

However, she decided to defy the odds and try running her first marathon.

In the Fall of 2021, Davis ran in the Los Angeles Marathon. She ended up finishing with a time of 3 hours and 25 minutes. Just 5 minutes under the Boston Marathon qualifying time for her age group of 3 hours and 30 minutes. When speaking of her time Davis says, “I was shocked, to be honest. Los Angeles was my first marathon I’ve ever run.” During this time, Davis was also struggling with some stressful situations in her personal life that affected her training. Add this to the fact that Los Angeles was a fairly difficult and hilly course, she did not expect to finish with this time. “I approached L.A. with the mentality of just wanting to finish it and say that I did it. I ended up

Iz Davis, a high school counselor, assistant cross country coach, and track coach at Shadow Ridge High School, runs in the Boston Marathon sporting a fresh wound from a fall.

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 35

FEATURE having a really good race. I can’t believe I ran under 3:30,” said Davis.

Just a week after the L.A. Marathon was the last week to submit qualifications to run the Boston Marathon. In order to qualify for the Boston Marathon, athletes have to run a certain qualifying time that is determined by their age group. These times also have to be met on an official course that is certified

by USA Track & Field or applicable governing bodies for distance running. Since the L.A. Marathon counted as a qualifier, Davis decided not to pass up the opportunity.

“When I realized that I qualified for Boston, I was like, well, I have to do it. I can’t not do it,” said Davis.

So she submitted her application and a couple - Sarah Davis short months later found out she was accepted. “It was such a whirlwind, all the pieces fell into place at the right time,” said Davis.

Navigating a race season however, is rarely an easy feat. There is a lot that goes into preparations for a big race, and it typically takes a lot of time and dedication. “Being able to balance coaching two sports, my counseling job, getting my training in… it’s a little bit tough,” Davis reflects. With the Boston Marathon taking place in April, falling right in the middle of the high school

“

track season, there was even less time to get her weekly training sessions in. “Track season is crazy with two meets a week and practice everyday right after school. It was a lot at that time,” said Davis. On top of it all, just a few weeks before the big race, she found out she would be needing bunion surgery on her right foot.

Thankfully, an immediate surgery was not necessary and she was able to schedule it for after the race. Davis admitted the news was a bit of a setback, however was thankful it wouldn’t impede her ability to run the race.

“I just needed to push through and get through this race and worry about the surgery later.”

When it came time for Boston, Davis was ready and determined to have a great race. She was in much better shape than she was in Los Angeles, and had a better mindset going into the race. “Boston is like nothing I’ve ever done before,” Davis exclaimed. “It’s insanely energetic. People everywhere. From the start line to the finish line, the entire course is lined with spectators.”

The race is run on a two lane road, so when there are thousands of runners and spectators lining the sides, the race starts out fairly hectic and it’s easy to get caught up in all the energy. In the early stages of the race, as Davis was trying to find her rhythm, she saw some kids cheering on the sides asking for high-fives. Naturally, caught up in the spirit and energy of the moment, she had to go over.

After giving the kids high-fives, as she was trying to get back into the course, her foot hit a pothole and her ankle slipped under her as she fell to the ground. She feared that she had injured herself and wouldn’t be able to finish the race, however she immediately got back up and brushed it off. She was surprised by the fact she didn’t feel any pain in her ankle so she just kept going. It wasn’t until after the race that she noticed blood running down her leg, laughing at the fact that she ran the entire course without even noticing. “Thankfully it didn’t cost me my race,” said Davis. “It reminded me to stay focused especially at the chaos at the beginning of the race.”

Aside from this, Davis had a near perfect race. She

So much of what I’ve learned and the person I’ve become has been because of running.

36 NOVEMBER 2022

“

Iz Davis poses with her high school coach, Mary Terry in her senior year of high school in Jacksonville, Florida.

Iz Davis poses with her student runners at a cross country meet for Shadow Ridge High School in 2021.

ended up finishing the race with a time of 3 hours and 3 minutes; 22 minutes faster than the time she ran in Los Angeles. “I rarely have a perfect race where everything lines up,” she said. “I felt great, the race was executed how it should be. I can maybe count on one hand all the races I’ve run that have just been perfect, and that was one of those races where everything just worked out.”

She credits a lot of her success to the support she received from family, friends, and her Shadow Ridge community back home. “They’re all so supportive and encouraging and understanding of what I do,” she said.

“It’s really awesome to be able to be a part of a community at Dysart and Shadow Ridge that are very supportive. I’m so appreciative of that because I know you can’t find that everywhere,” she added.

While in Boston, she received tons of emails from coworkers, teachers, and students at the school cheering her on and wishing her good luck. During the race, teachers were also displaying her race tracker in their classrooms, showing where she was at in the race. “That was so cool.

It made me feel so supported and it also helps educate our kids on what a marathon is,” said Davis.

After running in Boston, Davis went through with the

surgery on her foot, which set her training back a bit. After rehabbing, she hopes to build back up and looks forward to more races down the road, adding, “The goal is to hopefully be able to run the New York City Marathon next November.”

“Running has taught me so much,” said Davis. “I look back on my experience in high school and then transitioning to a Division I college. So much of what I’ve learned and the person I’ve become has been because of running.” At the end of the day, she hopes her athletes can learn and grow from these same lessons. The medals, state championships, and personal records are all great, but at the end of the day, these aren’t the things you are going to remember most.

“You’re going to remember the people you were with, what you learned, what you were taught, and how you can apply that to your life non athletically,” said Davis. “I want them to be confident, I want them to be able to overcome challenges, I want them to be able to work through injuries and realize it’s going to make them a better person and a better athlete. Those are the things I want them to experience and learn and grow from because I think that’s the most important part about being an athlete.”

COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 37

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Valley Vista Student Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board V

alley Vista High School student, Sabrina Lara, has earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs for excelling in College Board assessments and school work. Sabrina, who is a senior this year, was awarded the National Hispanic Recognition Award, which honors Hispanic American students who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more Advanced Placement Exams.

Sabrina Lara is a senior in the top one percent of her class. She is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), and is the president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) campus club.

After graduation, she aspires to attend a university in California and major in business management, attend culinary school, and become a pastry chef. Sabrina enjoys giving back to the community through volunteering when she has time. Her love for baking has even inspired her to create a social media account to share her creations.

The College Board National Recognition Program grants underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.

“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs.

This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”

38 NOVEMBER 2022

Choose College Choose Smart Choose Glendale Glendale Community College is the smart and affordable way to continue your academic journey.

We offer flexible class schedules and hundreds of course options taught by world-class faculty in a supportive, diverse and inclusive community setting.

Choose to make it happen at Glendale Enroll - enroll-gcc.com Learn more - gccaz.edu

The Maricopa Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Dysart_ad_7.5x5.indd 1

8/17/21 11:42 AM COMMUNITY CONNECT MAGAZINE 39

Dysart Unified School District 15802 North Parkview Place Surprise, Arizona 85374

Nonprofit U.S. Postage Paid Phoenix, Arizona Permit No. 1664

***** ECRWSS ** Postal Customer

+

[community capture] Artwork by Kate Fanning, Willow Canyon High School