January January 2019
www.MoonValleyTattler.com
VOL 39 No.1
Highland Dancer: Kirsty Cook BY KIERA L. & ELLIE P. | MOUNTAIN SKY JOURNALISM Ever since she was eight years old, Kirsty Cook’s mom had been begging her to start Highland dancing. Their Scottish heritage always kept Mrs. Young eager for Kirsty to carry on a family tradition that she herself never got the chance to do. Highland Dancing is a style of individual competitive dancing that is designed to celebrate Scottish history and tradition. Kirsty stated that “seeing me dance makes her happy, and proud.” At age 9, Kirsty finally gave in to her mom’s wishes and after just one rehearsal, she fell in love. At first Kirsty started dancing at “Kari Maschino School of Highland Dance” three years ago. She now dances at the “School of Classical Ballet in Peoria.” On weekends, her rehearsals can last up to 2-3 hours. She constantly motivates herself to dance because she loves being able to say that she does this unique form of dance rather than other traditional ones. “I just think it’s fun, and I can’t see myself doing any other form of dance.” Recently, Kirsty went to Prescott to compete for a new title. She ranked highest out of seven other contestants in her category. Additional competitions have been in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and California. She strives to be the best she can, and has never ranked lower than 2nd place. Kirsty’s twin sister Eilidh, and close friend, Mackenzie B. agree that Kirsty is a dedicated student while juggling her social life, and dance. She sometimes feels left out when her friends invite her to hang out, and she can’t. She does eventually find time to do some of her favorite things including being able to go to the lake, mall, and having sleepovers with friends.
Thunderbird student council gives back at st. vincent de paul BY CIARA ESCALANTE The student council of Thunderbird High School, a proud member of the Glendale Union High School District, recently took the opportunity to give back to their community when they volunteered at nonprofit organization, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. The organization helps provide food, shelter and services to individuals and families in their community. The Thunderbird Student Council provided a lending hand at St. Vincent De Paul’s Urban Farm by harvesting and cleaning its vegetables. The produce that the students attended to will be sent to the organization’s central kitchen and added to food boxes to feed families in need. To learn more about Thunderbird’s volunteerism activities, visit their Facebook page @ThunderbirdHighSchoolAZ. Photo Above: Thunderbird Student Council poses at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul’s Urban Farm where they helped harvest and clean vegetables for food boxes
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