Education

SCHOOL NOTES: News from Paradise Valley Unified School District

HORIZON HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TAKES THE 2021 AIA 5A CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Horizon High School defeated Millennium High School to win the 2021 Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) 5A State Volleyball Championship. The state championship was held on November 13 at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

“This team was very special in many ways. They were coachable, had amazing chemistry, great work ethic, and played with determination and resiliency. This team’s talent was only surpassed by their passion and love of the game and their teammates. Hands down, this is the best team I coached in my 42 years,” says Coach Valorie McKenzie.

The Horizon Huskies beat the Millennium Tigers in three games, 25-15, 25-14, and 25-15. The Horizon Huskies ended the season with a record of 38-5.

“Winning this state championship was even more special as I had coached many of them for three to four years. I thank the assistant coaches, parents, staff, administration, my family, and all the players for being a part of this achievement,” adds Coach McKenzie.

PARADISE VALLEY HIGH CREST TEACHER NAMED 2021 ASTA HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Amanda Cherry, a science teacher in the Center for Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology (CREST) program at Paradise Valley High School, received the 2021 High School Science Teacher of the Year award presented by the Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA).

“My science educator peers were the judges and being recognized by our professional organization is a truly special honor,” Cherry says. “I was first introduced to ASTA and the importance of continuing to improve my practice while I was a student teacher, and my continuing education has helped to keep me motivated and excited to share the process of science with my students.”

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL PVSCHOOLS COMMUNITY 5K RUN

Registration for the 12th Annual PVSchools Community 5K Run is now open. The last day to register for the event is February 1, 2022.

Participants must register by January 7, 2022, to receive a T-shirt. All participants will register under their team name (school, department, or other). To register, visit raceentry.com/races/ paradise-valley-5k-community-funrun/2022/register.

The race will be virtual again this year. Participants can complete the 3.1mile run/walk with family and friends anytime between February 1-8, 2022. Proceeds benefit PVSchools.

Shadow Mountain High School Freshman Wins Honoring America’s Veterans Essay Contest

Avah Montgomery’s winning submission was inspired by the military service of her grandfather

Honoring America’s Veterans, the nonprofit sponsor organizer for the annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, recently recognized Shadow Mountain High School freshman Avah Montgomery for her essay inspired by her grandfather’s military service in the U.S. Navy.

Montgomery joins three other high school winners representing each grade level in the annual Honor Our Heroes Essay Contest. This year’s theme, “Waving the Flag of Freedom,” corresponds with the parade theme. Submissions were judged on theme, grammar, and spelling.

Her winning essay focused on an interview Montgomery did with her grandfather. She first told his story while participating in the Veteran’s Heritage Program, which records stories of veterans for publication in the Library of Congress.

“Veterans are so important to me because my Grandpa Loren is a veteran,” Montgomery says. “He has been so supportive of me for my entire life, and through this essay contest and the Veteran’s Heritage Project, he told his story for the first time. The interview and writing process brought us closer together. I am grateful to him every day. I think that by honoring our veterans, we teach the next generations about our history, and about the brave men and women who have not only put their lives on the line but sacrificed time with their own families so that we can be safe.”

Montgomery says her inspiration came from author Bryan Stevenson, speaker Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and poet Rupi Kaur for their activism, bravery, and voices in speaking out for their beliefs.

“These authors have helped to teach me what I believe in and have shown me that embracing my beliefs is not only accepted but encouraged,” she said.

She considers her parents her biggest supporters. “It might sound cliche, but my mom and dad are my heroes.” “We are a very tight-knit family. Whether it be on trips to the botanical gardens, going to an interesting art exhibit, or camping, we are always together,” she continues. “My parents have told me all my life that I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to try my best. This has become a mantra in our house. I am forever grateful to them for their love and support, but also for the courage that they have instilled in me by teaching me that I can do anything I set my mind to.”

Montgomery is currently participating in Shadow Mountain’s North Valley Arts Academy production of The Little Mermaid.

She is also part of the Digital Academy of Advanced Placement Scholars (DAAPS) and was selected as one of the three winners in the Elk’s Lodge Essay Competition “How can Patriotism be Demonstrated,” and serves on the Youth Philanthropy Board, a program run by the Jewish Community Foundation.

After high school, she aspires to become a professor of women’s and gender studies as these are topics loves to write about. Montgomery received $250 from Honoring America’s Veterans for her winning essay and her teacher, English teacher Kevin Storey, received a $100 cash prize for his classroom.