Introducing the Epic Kids Reporters Program, where aspiring young journalists can write for Epic Kids.
Throughout the school year, Epic Kids Reporters cover issues and topics that matter most to them and their peers, including breaking news, current events, sports, entertainment, school clubs, and kid profiles. Their stories will appear in both print and digital editions of Epic Kids.
The resulting news clips are invaluable in growing and developing a portfolio of published work that can help students get scholarships and future educational opportunities.
To be considered for this FREE program, students should be between the ages of 8-14 and have a parent’s approval.
Please email hello@epickidsaz.com to get started.
Get In Touch:
2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027
888-313-7916
Submissions and suggestions:
Press Releases: Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar: Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the December issue is December 1.
Advertising: Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Stay Connected: facebook.com/EpicKidsAZ @epickidsaz Staff: Natasha
Hi, I’m Nicholas, your monthly Epic Kids columnist. I’m a third-grade CEO. Our family friend happens to be a former pro soccer player. I got the chance to interview him about his career and the World Cup happening this year.
Mike Enfield started playing professional soccer when he was 22-years old. “All I wished to do as a kid was reach my goal of playing professional soccer,” says Mike.
Mike played for MLS on the LA Galaxy and the Sydney Football Club in the Australian A-League.
“My favorite memory was when I was drafted—a dream come true. It was also winning the MLS Cup with my team,” he says.
Mike’s pro career ended after he hurt his knee and
got seven surgeries. But soccer is still a big part of his life and a forever love. He coaches his kids’ soccer teams and gets pumped every four years when the World Cup rolls around.
The World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament. Mike says countries all over the globe go through a tough qualifying process and the top 32 countries gather in one place and play each other. However, Mike says this is the last year 32 teams will compete because the World Cup is expanding to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This year, however, it’s in Qatar, which is located in the Middle East.
Mike says the 32 teams competing in the 2022 World Cup are broken into eight groups of four. The top two teams in each group advance to the round of 16 and then it’s elimination time.
Mike says great players to watch are Messi (Argentina) and Benzema (France). But of course, Mike is rooting for team USA even though he doesn’t expect the young and talented team to win. His prediction: Brazil will take the Cup.
“I went to the World Cup final game in 1994, Brazil versus Italy. It's one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” says Mike.
Nicholas Bubeck is a monthly Epic Kids columnist and CEO of creationsbynicholas.com.
Enter to win tickets to Cinderella!
lucky winner will receive a family four-pack to The Phoenix The atre Company’s annual holiday show Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” running Nov. 16, 2022, through Jan. 1, 2023.
HOW TO WIN
Send hello@epickidsaz.com an email with the subject line: I WANT TO SEE CINDERELLA
Entries received by 5 p.m., Wed., Nov. 30, will be entered to win the tickets (An over $275 value)!
For complete contest rules, visit epickkidsaz.com/coolcontests.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM @EpicKidsAZ for more fun giveaways!
Just in time for the holiday season, in addition to their regularly delicious menu, Federal Pizza rolled out some new menu items, including a Flaming Lips wood-fired pizza made with hot chili honey. Guests also have the option to make any of the pizzas on the menu with a “dirty crust,” which is very similar to an everything bagel flavor, which gives the crust an extra kick. There’s also a new Citrus Grove salad, chicken parmesan dish, and some new sweet treats, including a salted caramel banana pudding and a Nutella tiramisu.
There are 23 Streets of New York locations around the Valley. This local pizza spot is a big hit for families and friends looking for a place to gather that won’t break the bank. There are Ital ian classics like lasagna, ravioli, and spaghetti, as well as baked chicken wings, meatballs, brus chetta, artichoke spinach dip, and a few salad and soup options. Of course, there are plenty of pizza options—everything from plain cheese to pepperoni, meat lovers, primavera, margarita, and more. There are also plenty of sandwich options, as well as a create your own pasta or pizza.
Amazing Mexican food is what Los Sombreros serves up for the entire brood. With three locations around town, Los Sombreros is a family-friendly restaurant to hit up this holiday season. Starting with the kids' menu, there are many choices, think cheese quesadillas, bean tacos, or nachos. They come with a choice of seasonal fruit or rice and beans, and a drink option. Adults can enjoy carnitas served with pico de gallo and guacamole, smoked chicken enchiladas, vegan enchiladas, tamales, tacos, and more.
Another great spot to pick up a family-friendly meal is the Eat Up Drive In! The restaurant offers affordable, family style meals. The bonus: homestyle meals are packed and ready to serve a crew from four to 40 and everything in between. Located in central Phoenix near 40th Street and Indian School Road, Eat Up Drive In offers a variety of popular menu items on their catering menu including crispy chicken nuggets, wood grilled flat iron steak, and wood grilled citrus chicken. There are also several salad and side options.
Photos provided by Cave Creek Unified School District
Cave Creek Unified School District student Aveeva Mirchandani placed fifth in the 2022 US Kids Golf European Championship in the Girls 15 to 18 division. Held at Royal Musselburgh Golf Course in Scotland, Mirchandani played in the three-day tournament series held earlier this year, where she earned the Top Five trophy.
Over 500 junior golfers from 46 countries, ages five to 18, competed in the prestigious tournament.
“It truly was a fantastic experience to play in Scotland under such different conditions, grass cuts, greens, and with some great players. It was raining for most of the days, so the ball stuck
wherever it landed. It was the first time I had played in the rain,” explains the 15-year-old Aveeva, who’d previously never played golf beyond Arizona.
“The courses were beautiful, and it wasn’t easy, but I had an awesome time playing and got some international experience under my belt.”
Aveeva learned how to handle the steep hills on course and how to dodge five sand pits at a time. She also worked on modifying her technique to get the distance with or against the wind and rain.
“I worked on being resilient and staying focused on my game.
And I didn’t let the challenging weather conditions get in my head. This was the hardest part of the tournament,” she says.
Additionally, Aveeva qualified to
play the European Van Horn Cup at The Glen Golf Course in North Berwick, Scotland, which is a links golf course. To experience playing two courses in Scotland was an accomplishment, especially considering the windy conditions.
“This was a fantastic experience, as the day started at 40 degrees with 40 mile-per-hour winds. When the bagpipes played at 7 a.m., it felt like a dream come true to play on a links course in Scotland,” says Aveeva, who credits her coaches at Dan Campbell Golf Academy and Cactus Shadows High School for helping her reach this goal.
“My coach Darren Hince at times gave me a lesson on how to play on the links course over the phone while I was in Scotland. I
also couldn’t have done it without my dad, my caddie. Also, thank you to my mom and brother for standing by my side throughout the trip. I walked away learning so much golf this summer and I got to play with some of the best players in the world.”
Chef and Culinary Instructor Ryan Mattheis is familiar with Deer Valley Unified School Dis trict’s Barry Goldwater High School. He’s also
familiar with restaurant work as a former sous chef, eatery assistant manager, catering com pany chef/partner, and resort catering cook.
He was a student at Barry Goldwater High School who returned with years of resort and restaurant experience to take charge of
the high school’s culinary program. The chef thought he’d stay a year. Ten years later he’s guided the transformation of the kitchen and classroom space into a successful restaurant and supports several award-winning students and notable graduates.
“One of my goals for this was to bring in the public to create an authentic experience for the students but also to make this a hub to bring the community together,” says Ryan. “It’s confirmation that I’m doing the right thing and doing something meaningful for the future.”
Founded in 2019, Avenue 27, which is located inside Barry Goldwater High School, at 2820 W. Rose Garden Lane in Phoenix, allows students to cook, serve, and dine, and is also open to the public. The restaurant was remodeled by McCarthy Building Companies to create a welcoming storefront with windows, a canopy, accessibility from the exterior for the public, and an open concept, where diners can see into the kitchen and watch students prepare meals. The $1.5 million project was funded through CTED (Career and Technical Education) funds as part of the district’s membership in the West-MEC (Western Maricopa Education Center).
“The thing I enjoy most about the program is getting to collaborate with people and building relationships and getting to travel,” says culinary student Gracie KeauliiKatayama, who won second place in Arizona and sixth place nationally in Culinary Arts at FCCLA (Family, Community, and Career Leaders of America). She is also the top 10 junior for C-Cap Arizona (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program of Arizona).
Bond dollars directly support student learning by purchasing the necessary equipment and materials needed in culinary arts, as well as supporting students like Gracie in FCCLA, C-Cap, and ProStart competitions.
An award-winning graduate from the Barry Goldwater High School culinary arts program is Ember Crecelius Phelps. He won a $20,000 US Foods scholarship through C-Cap and more than $80,000 in other cash and academic scholarships in October. Ember is now attending Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island majoring in Baking and Pastry.
“It’s hard to find good workers and help in the culinary field,” Ryan says. “To see these students not only go out in the industry and flourish but also grow socially and profession ally is huge.”
Former student Alxs Galit won first place in Arizona and 12th place nationally in Culinary Arts at FCCLA. He also earned his Certified Fundamentals Cook Certification through American Culinary Federation. Alxs is currently completing his chef apprenticeship
at Casino Arizona and attending Scottsdale Community College majoring in culinary arts.
“Without the culinary arts program at Barry Goldwater High School, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” says Alxs. “It’s given me a high school experience that I will cherish forever and culinary fundamentals that I will always keep.”
Alxs also manages social media for the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation. "That’s huge because it’s been a part of the industry for over 50 years and certifies master chefs,” explains Ryan. “They see his potential. It makes me feel good that I set him on the path that started his culinary journey.”
Along with Gracie, Ember, and Alxs, Jacob Peterson won first place in the Arizona ProStart Competition and placed 19th overall at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C., as a team. This earned these students over $20,000 in scholarships each.
“When you work with a group, it's an even bigger accomplishment,” says Gracie “You're proud of other people sharing that accomplishment.”
Ryan also proudly mentions notable graduates from his culinary arts program who are working in the Valley, including Leo Kuang, a sous chef at Renata's Hearth in the Arizona Biltmore Resort; Jenna Kraus, assistant pastry chef at The Country Club at DC Ranch; Zane Gaffney, a traveling corporate trainer and team lead for Fox Restaurant Concepts; and Vicktor Velez, a sous chef at Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa.
Before the Barry Goldwater High School culi nary arts program students move on to work in the Valley and beyond, you can taste the flavors of the 2023 Arizona winter season on the menu at Avenue 27. Dining for the public will be on Fri., Feb. 3 and 24, March 3 and 24, and April 14 and 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Everything on the menu is crafted in-house from scratch. The cost is $25 per person.
“I want people to know how amazing it is to come into this place, how special of a dining experience it is,” says Ryan. “It’s one thing to go to a culinary school, but it's something else to walk into a high school and see students being professionals running a kitchen and a dining room and a full-blown business.”
To make a reservation, email avenue27@ dvusd.org with the date, time, and size of your party.
Profession: Director of New Works, Director of Summer Camp, Actress, Musician, and Director at The Phoenix Theatre Company
Age: 32
What do you do for a living?
I am an artist who wears many different hats. This means I do many jobs, but they are all related to performing arts! For The Phoenix Theatre Company my official title is the director of New Works and director of Summer Camp. As the di rector of New Works, I help select what material we will showcase each year, organize rehearsals and performances, and run our annual Festival of New American Theatre. The festival allows artists to devel op new plays and musicals. It also allows audiences to give
feedback on the work and get an inside look at how new theatre is created. As director of Summer Camp, I select the themes for our different kids’ camps, assemble our team of teaching artists, and make sure everything runs smooth ly all summer long. I am also a director and have had the opportunity to direct plays and musicals at The Phoenix Thea tre Company, which is different than my other director roles. A theatrical director works with the actors and all the artists (designers, technicians, ar tisans, etc.) to put the show together and collaborate to make sure everyone is telling the same story in the same way. As a performer, I also frequently get to use my skills as an actress, singer, dancer, and musician on The Phoenix Theatre Company stages. My next role will be as Gabrielle in "Cinderella" this holiday sea son.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
Each of the roles that I do for The Phoenix Theatre Compa ny require different skills and training. As director of New Works and director of Summer Camp I use arts administration skills, which means that I am organizing, collaborating, and communicating to make sure all the pieces needed to run these programs are in place.
Our Summer Camp is inclusive which means any young per son of any ability is welcome to participate and we receive training from our partner, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, to make
sure our classroom spaces are inclusive and accessible. As a performer, I earned a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre Performance from ASU where I studied voice, music theory, music history, dance, acting, and puppetry. As a multi-in strumentalist I have also taken private and group lessons to study technique for all the in struments I play.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Even though I have many different jobs, my favorite part of all of them is sharing the final product with audiences. We have many performances featured in our Festival of New American Theatre and each week of Summer Camp ends with performances by all the campers. As an actress and musician, I work on shows, playing different roles and instruments, and sharing the show with audiences is always my favorite part of the process as a performer too.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I fell in love with theatre when I was 7, and I think I wanted a career in the arts ever
since. I also had an interest in forensics, science, medicine, and culinary arts as a child, but as an actress I realized I could play a character who is a doctor, scientist, or baker.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
For anyone wanting to pursue a career in the arts, the main piece of advice I would give is “practice makes perfect.” I am constantly learning new things, working on different shows with different people, and practicing ways to make the programs stronger. As an actress, singer, dancer, and musician, rehearsal is also incredibly important to learn new skills and hone different talents. Keep practicing!
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I have always enjoyed watching cooking shows and when I had time at home in 2020, I taught myself how to bake specialty cakes. I love to make cakes for birthdays and holidays, and I have now made a tradition of baking a cake themed for any show that I work on.
As the sun starts to set earlier this fall, here’s an activity to do on a cool evening with the whole family.
Have you ever wondered why bugs follow the light? Or are you curious about just how many different bugs live right in your backyard? Many insects navigate using natural light sources, such as the sun or the moon. Bug out in your own backyard and witness just how much biodiversity you have right at home! In this activity, you will use a sheet that simulates the moon to guide bugs right where you want them so that you can see them all up close and personal!
Here’s What You Need:
• 1 large white bed sheet or piece of butcher paper
•
2 flashlights
• 1 roll of duct tape
• Optional: 1 magnifying glass
Directions:
• Find a large, open spot on a wall or tree.
• Tape the sheet or butcher paper to a wall or tree so that it is hanging down vertically.
• Set up flashlights so that they are pointing towards the sheet of paper.
• Turn on flashlights and leave them on for a couple of hours. This step is best done right before or when the sun goes down.
• Come back and look at the different bugs on your sheet of paper using the magnifying glass or just your eyes.
Ask Yourself: How many bugs did you find? How many different types of bugs did you find? How many bugs did you see after 30 minutes? How many after 60 minutes? Were the bugs you found large or big? What if you did this project at another time, perhaps
early in the morning versus in the evening? Would there be different bugs? Do you think the time of year makes a difference? Would there be different bugs in a different season? Do you notice a difference if you change the location in the backyard? How do you think the location that you picked impacted the variety and number of bugs that you found? How might you change this experiment in the future to answer some of these questions?
Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter
Carson (7). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.
November’s name has remained unchanged since the ancient Roman calendar, which was in use until 45 BC. This first Roman calendar was only made up of 10 months, with November being the ninth month. November translates to “ninth month” in Latin.
GENRE:
Middle-Grade Fiction
AGES: 8+
RATING: AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: From the day Stargirl arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer.
The students of Mica High are enchanted—at first. Then, they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different. And, Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her—normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newberry Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “She laughed when there was no joke. She danced when there was no music. She had no friends, yet she was the friendliest person in school.”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: The journey of the characters around Stargirl! They learn some of the most valuable lessons about being true to themselves from her. Over the course
of the book, we get to see them change and grow up with Stargirl as a huge influence in their lives.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: Stargirl! She embraced being “different” from others in pursuit of what made her happy. We should all be a little like Stargirl.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper, “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio, “Rules” by Cynthia Lord
Avery, 16, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
Arizona, comes to Bell Bank Park featuring a captivating display of over six million lights and unique attractions to illuminate festivity and ignite the spirit of Christmas, INFO: bellbankpark.com
pumpkin decorating, live entertainment, bounce houses and slides, face painting, coloring contests, games, prizes, and giveaways. This free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. INFO: azboardwalk.com
Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years!
WHEN: Nov. 17
WHERE: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
WHAT: DCappella is Disney Music Group’s premier a cappella singing sensation. Known for their reimagined classics from the Disney songbook, the group originally came together because of a nationwide search for the best vocal performing talent in a capplla and stage. Presented in partnership with Emporium Presents.
INFO: mesaartscenter.com
EVENT: WE ARE THE FUTURE: EXPLORING SUSTAINABILITY
WHEN: Nov. 25 – Jan. 1
WHERE: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
WHAT: Start your adventure in a spectacular, story-themed Christmas light maze. Stroll through lighted tunnels, discover larger-than-life displays, find your way to an epic 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, and look for special surprises along the way. INFO: enchantchristmas.com
Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting.
INFO: mesaartscenter.com
WHEN: Nov. 18 – Jan. 1
WHERE: Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Dr., Mesa
WHAT: Pratt Brother’s Christmas & Holiday Spectacular, the biggest Christmas celebration in
WHEN: Nov. 19
WHERE: Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
WHAT: Reduce, reuse, recycle is just the beginning! Learn how to better Earth's future through sustainable practices. This event is from 9 a.m. to noon and is for girls in grades fourth through eighth. INFO: azscience.org
HARVEST FESTIVAL
WHEN: Nov. 19
WHERE: Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale WHAT: Celebrate the changing of seasons with hayrides,
WHEN: Nov. 27
WHERE: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa WHAT: Mannheim Steamroller
WHEN: Nov. 25 - 27
WHERE: The Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
WHAT: Sing along with The Little Red Hen and Yellow Button during this cute, classic story about the Hen who worked hard to make a delicious loaf of bread. Recommended for ages 2 and up.
INFO: azpuppets.org
WHEN: Nov. 25
WHERE: Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix
WHAT: Take a trip ‘Under the Sea’ and through the ‘Circle of Life’ on a ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ journey to Arendelle and beyond! Selections from Disney movie classics will be featured in this popular family-fun performance for all ages with live musical accompaniment by The Phoenix Symphony under the baton of Anthony Parnther.
INFO: phoenixsymphony.org
WHEN: Dec. 2 - 4
WHERE: Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
WHAT: Scottsdale Sparkle hosts a lovely Christmas event at Arizona Boardwalk where attendees can shop from very talented vendors for holiday gift items while the kids enjoy face painting, glitter tattoos, and more. This free outdoor event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
INFO: azboardwalk.com
WHEN: Dec. 2 -23
WHERE: Valley Youth Theatre, 526 N. First St., Phoenix
WHAT: A friend tells Christopher Robin a story of a Christmas Eve very long ago (about last year) when Eeyore, the old gray donkey who lives by himself in the thistle corner of Hundred-Acre Wood, was miserable. It seems that he lost his tail and Winnie the Pooh and Piglet got all their friends and a search was organized. There is a great deal of fun and excitement, plus delightful songs, in the adventure that follows.
INFO: vyt.com
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
WHEN: Dec. 2 -24
WHERE: Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Dr., Peoria
WHAT: Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in this tale of greed, growth, and love, and see Ebenezer Scrooge face a life-changing choice that could be his greatest savior or his gruesome demise. Delight in extraordinary visuals, gorgeous costumes and eye-popping effects bringing to life the story of generosity’s triumph over greed in the best Christmas tale ever told.
INFO: theaterworks.org
