14 minute read
Education
THE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT DVUSD SENIORS By Michelle Talsma Everson seniors and asked if anyone would like to do some-
This school year posed many unique challenges friend, suggested the idea of a group for DVUSD because of closures and social restrictions seniors and the initiative took off. due to COVID-19. Some of the hardships were felt by the high school senior class of 2020 “I had been feeling deeply for seniors and the loss who missed out on most of the senior year memory they were experiencing because of the pandemic making, including prom, traditional graduation and this was the perfect outlet to do something ceremonies, and other end-of-the year milestones. kind for our community,” Omelianowich says. “I But, thanks to the power of social media, more than created the group, added Amy as an admin, and 1,030 locals “adopted” 261 Deer Valley Unified that is how it all started. I started to scour other School District (DVUSD) seniors, providing them Facebook groups that were even slightly related to with recognition during their untraditional senior any of the local high schools and the surrounding year. communities. I posted in every group I could find, This impressive show of community togetherness marching band groups so I could promote the page. came about because of a Facebook group called I really wanted to get parents to post their seniors in “DVUSD Adopt a High School Senior” started and the group so we could start lifting them up and supmanaged by local residents Ashley Omelianowich, porting them as a community.” Dawn Caccavale, and Amy Margary. thing locally. Ashley Omelianowich, a Facebook even requesting to join the high school football and “I would also private message all of the admins The idea got started when Amy Margary posted on of the pages I was finding asking them to promote Facebook an article about “adopting” high school it,” she continues. “After doing all of that, inviting anyone I knew that lived in the community to the group, we finally had our first senior post. I immediately commented that I wanted to adopt, as did Amy. We were just so excited to have a senior to love on. One of the first seniors posted happened to be Dawn’s daughter, and when we connected over the details on how I could adopt her daughter, Dawn graciously offered to help me manage the KAITLYN CACCAVALE WAS THE FIRST OF MORE page. I added her as an admin and we have worked THAN 260 LOCAL SENIORS TO BE “ADOPTED” together to manage it ever since.” IN THE POPULAR FACEBOOK GROUP.
Adopting a senior essentially meant that the adopter connected with the senior’s parents or caregivers and sent the students surprises. Some received treats, gift cards, and more. It wasn’t about the monetary value, but about the seniors feeling recognized. Once seniors received their surprises, photos of the thankful students were often shared in the group.
“Quarantine is a lonely feeling, something these seniors have never experienced,” shares Dawn Caccavale. “Things were moving along and then COVID-19 hit and it all changed. But this generation, the class of 2020, is strong, brave, creative, and they will go on to do great things. But we wanted to celebrate them and let them know they have not been forgotten.”
“For my daughter, she’s struggled all her schools years and was finally coming out of her shell and meeting friends and really enjoying senior year, so for her being ‘adopted’ meant the world to her,” she continues. “That a stranger would go out of their way, spend their money and make her feel special, what a wonderful feeling.” As the group grew, not only did individuals adopt seniors, but local businesses donated their services as well.
“They [the seniors] deserve to be brought into adulthood with as much love and compassion as our community can show; they are our future,” she says. “What better way to show them what humanity can be than to find special ways to support them in this difficult time and to make them feel supported? What a unique experience we get as a community to help guide them through these difficult waters and lift them up with love?”
“The adopt a senior group has been, in a word, inspiring,” says Andrea Fisher, a mom of two DVUSD seniors. “Before our eyes the community has come together and literally wrapped their arms around the class of 2020. It has helped my seniors focus on celebrating their accomplishments and what lies ahead, not on what they are missing out on. I am truly thankful for the show of support to the kids to make this year special.”
ALEX WEBSTER Boulder Creek High School
MYA ODELLO Stepping Stones Academy
Congratulations to Alex Webster who is graduating from Boulder Creek High School. During his fi rst two years, Alex was a part of the baseball program but was unable to play the last two years due to medical issues. He is currently enrolled in the EMT program through West-MEC and plans on pursuing a career in the fi re service. He hopes one day soon to join his older brother as a member of the Daisy Mountain Fire Department. Alex has the most amazing sense of humor and always tries to make the best out of every situation. We are so very proud of you Alex! We know you will make the world a better place!
Congratulations to Mya Odello who graduated from 8th grade at Stepping Stones Academy on May 13, 2020. During her time at SSA Mya acted in a number of plays, earned a place in National Junior Honor Society and played volleyball and basketball. Mya’s extracurricular activities have centered around being a member of Glendale 4-H where she shows her chickens and guinea pigs and also volunteers as a cloverbud mentor.
Mya goes on to AZ Aspire in the fall where she’s looking forward to being a freshman.
We love you Mya! You’ve overcome so much and we can’t wait to watch you take this next exciting step in your life!
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES
ALICE FERRANTI Veritas Academy & K.E.Y.S. Homeschool Co-op
Alice Ferranti is a scientifi c artist. Or is that an artistic scientist? She simply excels in both science and art! Taking many more science courses than required to graduate, Alice has won several science awards and served as a teacher’s assistant for high school biology and forensics classes. Alice has also taken extensive art courses, including attending the Youth Academy at the Scottdale Artists School for the past fi ve summers. She especially enjoys cosplay, anime and manga. Alice’s artwork has won awards at the annual K.E.Y.S. Art and Talent Show every year for the past four years, including the “Knock It Out of the Dome” award in her freshman year at K.E.Y.S. This fall, Alice will attend Huntington University where she will study Art Design. And, of course, you will see her in cosplay at the “Phoenix Fan Fusion” Comicon in September!
“So go out there in boldness, knowing that you don’t have to be like anyone else. You don’t have to do what any other person has done. You are chosen for one life — YOURS.” — Holley Gerth, Author of Why the World Needs You to Be You
Congratulations to Christian Sarlitto who graduated cum laude from Notre Dame Preparatory High School. Christian was a Kairos Leader, St. Valentine House Leader, National Honor Society member, Spanish National Honor Society member and played baseball all four years. Some of his best experiences were volunteering at the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos homes in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Christian was honored to receive NDP’s Mater Dei Award, which recognizes academic, spiritual, athletic and social involvement. He will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he plans to study engineering. Christian, God’s given you many gifts. Use them to do good and to do well; use them to make the world a better place.
COVER STORY
LOOKOUT TAVERN CELEBRATES ITS GRAND RE-OPENING WITH A REFRESHED LOOK AND NEW MENU ITEMS, LOOKOUT TAVERN IS READY FOR YOU TO ENJOY ITS GRUB, GAMES AND COCKTAILS By Michelle Talsma Everson delivery immediately after shutdown,” When it comes to space upgrades, specials and events is to follow us on Stout adds. “Because of the community the most noticeable, Stout shares, is social media,” Stout says. “There’s
When Lookout Tavern had to support of ordering from us, we were the massive LED TV wall that “is an always something going on.” close its doors to in-house able to retain our entire kitchen staff absolute showstopper.” There have also dining due to COVID-19 working full time hours. We also kept been upgrades to furniture, including With the motto, “Grub, Games and precautions, owner Kevin Stout, his our entire management staff plus some new booth sections. Cocktails,” Lookout Tavern doesn’t diswife Erica, and their managing partner other staff members working. Bartend- appoint with its new revamped menu, Todd Ahlf, decided to turn lemons into ers turned into delivery drivers, people Addressing COVID-19 concerns, Stout and darts, oversized Jenga, Connect lemonade and use the time as an oppor- cleaning, fixing, and painting. Upon shares that the establishment is tak- Four, and other patio-friendly games tunity to update the tavern’s look and re-opening we are happy that we are ing all possible precautions. Staff stick for patrons of all ages. When it comes feel and add to the menu. able to re-hire our entire staff plus new to rigid cleaning protocol regularly to drinks, Stout says that the bar can do people.” throughout the day, including a placard anything “from basic to extravagant,” “It was obviously a hard and uncertain system that lets people know when with more than 16 beer taps and handtime with a lot up in the air,” Stout says. Stout says that Lookout Tavern has tables and booths have been cleaned. crafted cocktails. “We used the time though to complete been a part of the local community There is also reduced seating to help a wish list of items we had always since late 2017. He has an entrepreneur- with social distancing and they will Added to its food, drinks and games, wanted to do.” ial background and Ahlf brought years actively be screening employees. Lookout Tavern also features music, of restaurant industry experience to the premium sound quality, and when it To keep connected with their loyal (literal) table. For those ready to get out and about, at comes to sports—with the new TV customer base, like many area res- Lookout Tavern, there is always some- wall—there’s not a bad seat in the taurants, Lookout Tavern still offered “We chose this location [7th Street and thing happening. The popular locale is house. delivery and take out options during the Greenway Parkway] because there’s great for everyone from families enjoystay-at-home orders. To make sure that not a lot of similar establishments in ing dinner out to weekend nightlife, a For customers who want to enjoy they re-opened as safely as possible, the the area,” Stout shares. “Since opening, date night, and everything in between. Lookout Tavern’s grub, but aren’t ready tavern did not re-open until June 1, a we’ve enjoyed an amazing customer Stout notes that patrons can enjoy fam- to dive back in to a social environment, few weeks behind the governor’s green base, and we hope they love the im- ily trivia nights on Mondays with free the establishment will continue to offer light to open in-house dining options. provements we’ve made.” kids’ meals all day, regular trivia on take out, curbside pick up, and delivery. Wednesdays, Bingo, UFC nights for the Stout notes that ordering from the tav“Our customers’ support during this Lookout Tavern’s grand re-opening is sports crowds, and more. ern’s website is cheaper than ordering insane time has invigorated us and we this month. Stout is excited to share the directly from delivery apps, although think that they will be blown away location’s brand new menu items that “We have high-energy, Scottsdale-level that is an option, too. by what we have been working on to offer more options than traditional bar nightlife on the weekends,” he adds. make Lookout even better than it was fare. Lookout Tavern is located at 830 E. before,” Stout says. “As we remained Some specials and perks for locals Greenway Parkway, #100, in Phoenix. committed to the safety of our staff “We’ve added more entrée items, such to keep an eye out for are $8 lunch To find out more, or to order food, visit and customers, we felt our priority for as salmon, steak, and our chipotle lime specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lookoutaz.com or call 602-926-9786. customer safety and our desire to finish chicken platter,” he notes. “There are happy hour drinks. One local favorite is Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 renovations aligned perfectly and al- still our signature burgers and casual the Prickly Pear Margarita. There’s also a.m. daily, with the kitchen open until lowed us to open with a bang.” fare, too, of course, but for those who often reserve happy hour specials. 1 a.m. You can find Lookout Tavern on want a bit more, there are now more Facebook @LookoutAZ and Instagram “We were able to switch to take-out and options available.” “The best way to keep updated on our @lookouttavernaz.
NEWMENU • LIGHTING • SOUND • SEATING • VIEWING
GRAND RE-OPENING JUNE 1ST UPGRADED during shutdown! Thank you for your support! New Food and Beverage menu! Over 20 NEW food items! NEW! 22 FOOT LED TV WALL
Visit LookoutAZ.com for information about our special nights: Trivia, Family Night, Country Night, Bingo, Nightlife and Sports.
830 E Greenway Parkway #100 Phoenix, AZ 85022 HOURS:11am-2am Daily LUNCH: 11am-3pm Monday – Friday TAKEOUT AND FREE DELIVERY order online at LOOKOUTAZ.COM 602-926-9786 LOOKOUTAZ.COM Facebook.com/lookoutaz HAPPY HOUR:3-6pm Monday – Friday BRUNCH:11am-3pm Saturday and Sunday KITCHEN OPEN DAILY ‘TIL 1 AM Use coupon code “DV15” for 15% OFF your entire order
FREE APPETIZER with purchase of any adult entree Any item from our starters and munchies section. Dine-in only.
Valid thru August 31 2020 – Must present coupon – Limit one coupon per table – Valid only on regular priced items. Not valid with other discounts. No cash value. Promo code: DVapp
DINNER BOGO Buy One Get One FREE Valid during dinner hours Sunday-Thursday 6-10PM. Dine-in only. Buy any food item, get another item free, of equal or lesser value
Valid thru August 31 2020 – Must present coupon – Limit one coupon per table – Valid only on regular priced items. Not valid with other discounts. No cash value. Promo code: DVdinner
LUNCH BOGO Buy One Get One FREE Valid on Lunch Combos 11am-3pm Monday-Friday. Dine-in only.
Valid thru August 31 2020 – Must present coupon – Limit one coupon per table – Valid only on regular priced items. Not valid with other discounts. No cash value. Promo code: DVlunch
FREE KIDS MEAL
with the purchase of any regular priced menu food item Valid any time. Dine-in only. Valid thru August 31 2020 – Must present coupon – Limit one coupon per table – Valid only on regular priced items. Not valid with other discounts. No cash value. Promo code: DVkids
