INNOVATION IN ACTION Inside Paradise Valley’s premier STEM Program–through the eyes of its students.
Create an edible acid-base reaction!
17-year-old Sajani Patel
Get In Touch:
9635 N. 7th St. #9039 Phoenix, AZ 85020
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Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the March issue is March 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by email at natasha@epickidsaz.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.
Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
Career Day
TUNING INTO TALENT
Teacher Janel Huyett nurtures confidence through music.
Janel Huyett
Profession: Music Teacher
Age: 58
What do you do for a living?
I teach music at an elementary school to students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. I also teach “Presto,” the elementary performing choir, with the Phoenix Children’s Chorus.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
For this job, you need a college degree in both music and in education. I have both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree along with hours and hours of training on subjects from classroom management to teaching students how to become musically literate. I go to several conferences each year in order to learn and grow in my craft. What’s your favorite part of your job?
I have so many favorite parts of my job! I love watching my students become more confident as they grow into more accomplished musicians. I love building relationships with my students and their
families. I love that I have been able to travel all over the world as a part of my job. I also love being on stage and dressing up!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I knew from a very young age that music would be a part of my career. Teaching is something that’s in my blood. Teaching music was a perfect fit for me. I’ve taught band, general music, choir, guitar, and music literacy at every age level. I love it all, but teaching elementary choir is my all-time favorite.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career? Practice, practice, practice. You must become an excellent musician to be qualified to teach others about music. Be patient because this cannot happen overnight. Time and practice are key to your success.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I love to travel and learn about people, culture, and music in other parts of the world. I have a collection of instruments I have brought back from several different countries.
McKenna Bein Rides Into the Spotlight at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Headliners
By Sondra Barr
Photos courtesy of the Bein family
ForMcKenna Bein, horses aren’t just a hobby—they’re a way of life. The 18-year-old senior at Cactus Shadows High School has been riding since she was big enough to sit in a saddle. Growing up with a horse trainer for a mom, McKenna started competing when she was just 4 years old. Now, after more than a decade of dedication, she’s gearing up for the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, which runs from Feb. 13 to 23. It is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse competitions in the world. McKenna has been showing at the event since she was 5, making this her 13th year competing in the show. Over the years, she’s tackled nearly every discipline—reining, horsemanship, trail, ranch riding, showmanship—you name it, she’s probably done it. This year, she’ll be riding multiple client horses in a variety of performance events. But her heart belongs to her own horse, Adessa, a decorated champion with 10 national titles!
Preparing for the big event takes serious commitment. McKenna rides four to five horses nearly every day, practicing multiple disciplines to keep her skills sharp. But all that hard work pays
off—especially when it leads to unforgettable moments. One of her favorite memories? The time she tripped and fell just before stepping into the arena for a showmanship class. With dirt on her clothes and determination in her heart, she entered the ring and won her first national championship!
McKenna’s passion and talent have earned her a Division I scholarship to Texas A&M University, where she’ll ride for their equestrian team. But no matter how far she goes, the lessons she’s learned from horses will stay with her.
Her advice for aspiring riders? “Start early, work hard, and enjoy every moment—even the tough ones.” And when it’s time to compete, she has a special ritual: listening to a calming podcast before heading into the ring.
As horse girls gain popularity on social media, McKenna hopes people recognize the real work behind the scenes—the early mornings, the endless grooming, and the deep bond between horse and rider.
With her dedication and love for the sport, there’s no doubt McKenna Bein is a rider to watch at this year’s Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show— and beyond!
To learn more about the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, visit scottsdaleshow.com.
GIVEAWAY
Win tickets to see “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
Happiness is… winning free tickets to the theater! Epic Kids is giving away a family four-pack of tickets to see “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix!
Follow Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang on a heartwarming, hilarious musical journey filled with wit, charm, and timeless life lessons!
When: Choose a performance between Feb. 28–March 16 Where: Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix
For more info about the show, visit vyt.com.
Want to win?
Email hello@epickidsaz.com with the subject line “I WANT TO SEE CHARLIE BROWN” by 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21.
For more exciting giveaways and kid-friendly fun, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to our Monster Jam ticket giveaway winners, the Sparman Family and the Wright Family! We couldn't pick just one winner, so we surprised TWO lucky families with family four-packs of tickets to see this epic event!
Wright family
Sparman family
Cover story Innovation in ACTION
Inside Paradise Valley’s premier STEM Program–through the eyes of its students.
By Sondra Barr
At Paradise Valley High School, a group of students is proving that the future of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is in good hands. The CREST program, a four-year Honors STEM initiative, challenges young minds to explore real-world problems through hands-on learning. But beyond the rigorous academics, it’s the students themselves who make CREST truly exceptional.
A Community of Thinkers and Innovators
For 17-year-old Pranav Raj Vippagunta, a junior studying computer science, CREST is a launchpad for the future. "I choose to join the CREST program because I wanted to immerse myself in an environment where I could push the boundaries of my knowledge and expertise," Pranav says. His passion for coding led him to develop BioExplorer, a Java-based application that analyzes bioinformatics data. "Through this experience, I learned the importance of debugging, optimizing code for efficiency, and integrating statistical methods into software. Beyond technical skills, this project reinforced the value of perseverance, problem-solving, and teamwork, skills that are very much needed in our modern world.”
For seniors like 18-year-old Jan Dwayne Cacnio, CREST offered the unique opportunity to merge disciplines. He collaborated with a bioscience student on a biomedical engineering solution for Valley Fever detection, combining digital electronics and biotechnology. "I think what I learned most from the experience was just how much intersection lies between various STEM disciplines and how significant it was to have multiple perspectives and insights in devising a solution," Jan says.
STEM Beyond the Classroom
The CREST experience goes far beyond traditional lectures and exams. Students engage in professional-level research, collaborate with industry experts, and even lead extracurricular initiatives. Ryan Hunt, a junior in computer science, turned his love for programming into a fully functional app. "The coolest project I have worked on so far was probably my high school fantasy football app I made for AP CSA. From the class and the project, I learned the coding language of Java. I also learned how to create a website just from code. My project also required a lot of problem-solving, while working through different databases and figuring out how to make my app look nice," Ryan says.
For Sajani Patel, a 17-year-old senior in the bioscience track, CREST has opened doors to new career possibilities. "At first, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but CREST has shown me there is so much more to bioscience beyond medicine," Sajani says. One of her most exciting projects involved researching the effects of natural extracts on biofilms to combat periodontitis. “It was fascinating because it was so different from my future goal in sports medicine. Despite starting with no background knowledge, the research process and seeing significant results after hard work and many trials made it incredibly rewarding.”
Learning Through Collaboration and Mentorship Collaboration is a cornerstone of CREST, and students credit their teachers and mentors for guiding them through challenges. "One of my biggest challenges in Honors Computer Science was designing a pathfinding algorithm
for our CodeBots," Pranav says. "Initially, my approach was inefficient, and the bot kept getting stuck in loops. After hours of trial and error, I turned to pseudocode and broke the problem down into smaller, testable functions. By incorporating Dijkstra’s Algorithm and refining my logic, I was finally able to get the bot to navigate optimally." This experience, he adds, reinforced the importance of patience, systematic debugging, and seeking out multiple solutions before settling on the best one.
For Sajani, mentorship extends far beyond the classroom. "Through CREST, I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Stacey Weiss from the University of Puget Sound, who has guided me in an internship studying antifungal properties in reptile microbiomes," she says. She explains that working with a university mentor has given her valuable insight into scientific research and allowed her to gain hands-on experience she never expected to have in high school.
Preparing for the Future
CREST provides students with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom, equipping them for college and careers. Jan, who plans to study climate system science and engineering, credits the program with fueling his interest in sustainability. "Through CREST, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how STEM can address environmental challenges, and that’s exactly the direction I want to pursue," he says.
Ryan, who intends to major in computer science, appreciates how CREST introduces students to industry professionals and real-world applications. "Connecting with
professionals and learning about different technology fields has helped me determine which areas of computer science truly interest me," he says.
Sajani credits CREST with fostering her leadership skills and encouraging her to take on new challenges. "Through CREST, I joined HOSA and took on a state leadership role," she says. "The unwavering support from my teachers and peers gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and embrace leadership opportunities."
Advice for Future CREST Students
When asked what advice they’d give to younger students considering CREST, the response is clear––embrace the opportunity. "CREST is not just a school program; it’s a transformative journey," Pranav says. Jan, who worked with a bioscience student on a biomedical engineering solution for Valley Fever detection, encourages students to explore different STEM fields. "Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might start in one track and discover a passion for something completely different," he says.
Sajani highlights the strong support system within CREST. "At CREST, everyone is in your corner, rooting for your success," she says. "The friendships, mentorship, and skills you gain will help you succeed in college and beyond."
For students looking to challenge themselves, build a strong foundation for the future, and be part of an inspiring community, CREST is the place to be.
For more information, visit pvhs.pvschools.net/ academics/crest.
Jan Dwayne Cacnio
Sajani Patel
Ryan Hunt
Pranav Raj Vippagunta
Brain Play
BOOK CLUB
FUNNY, FEISTY, AND FABULOUS: Stories Like “Junie B. Jones”
By Lindsey of Maricopa County Library District
Kids love to read the antics of “Junie B. Jones,” but I would argue that Junie’s staying power likely stems from her enduring sassiness and questionable decision-making. If you’re tempted to mimic that sass after story time, try these read-alikes that feature strong, silly, memorable characters with a different kind of feistiness!
“DORY FANTASMAGORY”
BY
ABBY HANLON
Move over Ramona Quimby, there’s a new feisty little sister on the pages! “Dory Fantasmagory” by Abby Hanlon introduces readers to Dory, who swirls the lines of real life and imagination “like a chocolate and vanilla ice cream cone.” We enter a home filled with typical siblings, typical parents, and anything-but-typical imaginary friends, including a space sheep, a laundry monster, and a fairy “godmother” who looks an awful lot like a garden gnome.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This series will keep you giggling at Dory’s wild adventures–and the best part? There are six books in the series to enjoy!
“JASMINE TOGUCHI, MOCHI QUEEN”
BY DEBBI MICHIKO
What 8-year-old doesn’t love to climb trees, eat dessert, and make messes, but also does not like to clean? That is how we meet our heroine in “Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen” by Debbi Michiko. Jasmine is tired of her big sister always getting to do things first, and this year, Jasmine is determined to do something her sister has never done. As her family prepares for the New Year celebration, it’s Jasmine’s turn to show off her muscles!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Jasmine is a spunky, brave, and determined character who faces relatable struggles, like wanting to prove herself and feeling left out.
Lindsey Powers loves to read children’s books! She used to read them to kids, when she was a children’s librarian in both Indiana and Arizona, but now she reads them to herself in her current role as the customer experience administrator at Maricopa County Library District. Her favorite day of the year is when the Caldecott and Newbery Awards are announced!
KID BOOK REVIEWER - MANU
“THE OVERLOOK BOOK” BY: MEGAN FULLMER PERRY
GENRE: Fiction
AGES: 5 - 7
SYNOPSIS: This book invites readers to open their minds to new perspectives and explores concepts of friendship, family, support, love, inclusion, peace, and kindness. “The Overlook Book: Change Your Perspective, Change the World” encourages readers to see things from a different perspective in a very literal way.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK: I love the beautiful message of looking at things from a different perspective. My mom and I paused multiple times while reading this book as it sparked so many discussions! The illustrations are so creative. I will recommend this book to everyone that I know! My family gives this gem a hearty five stars!
“A DOG’S PURPOSE: A NOVEL FOR HUMANS”
BY:
W. BRUCE CAMERON
AGES: 10 +
GENRE: Fiction
SYNOPSIS: “A Dog’s Purpose,” the number one New York Times bestseller and major motion picture is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series. It chronicles a dog's journey through four lives via reincarnation and how he looks for his purpose through each.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: It is a well-written novel in which the story is narrated from a dog's perspective detailed with heart. It will change your view of your furry friends forever. “A Dog's Purpose” one of the best books I have ever read is a heartwarming story that can make you laugh and sometimes cry. I give it five stars!
“EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ACE SCIENCE IN ONE BIG FAT NOTEBOOK”
AGES: 10+
GENRE: Non-fiction
SYNOPSIS: There are five books in this series, and each is the only book you need for each main subject taught in middle school: math, science, American history, English language arts, and world history. Inside the reader will find every subject’s key concepts, easily digested and summarized. It’s the revolutionary science study guide just for middle school students.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: I love the way this book is written. It works great for middle school and high school students. I work on this book with my dad and it’s fun to see complex science subjects broken down into simple things.
Eight-year-old Manu is the proud owner of her very own book club, where stories come alive. Curious by nature, she explores both the world of books and the wonders of nature with equal zeal. Manu's empathy and kindness shine brightly, lighting up the lives of everyone she meets. Check more of her book recommendations on Instagram at @alwaysastorybook and book club at @md.book.club.
Brain Play
FIZZ-TASTIC FUN CREATE AN EDIBLE ACID-BASE REACTION!
Have you ever tasted a science experiment? Now’s your chance!
This fizzy food experiment lets you explore chemistry with an orange and a little baking soda. Get ready for a fun, tasty surprise as you discover
what happens when an acid meets a base—right on your tongue!
WHAT YOU NEED
• An orange or clementine
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda MAKE IT FIZZ
1. Peel the Orange
Take the peel off your orange or clementine and separate it into sections. The juicier, the better!
2. Dip in Baking Soda
Lightly coat the juicy side of an orange slice with baking soda.
3. Take a Bite
Pop the orange slice in your mouth and get ready for some fizzy fun!
EXPERIMENT LIKE A SCIENTIST!
Try using different citrus fruits like lemons or grapefruits. Do they fizz more or less than the orange? What happens if you use more or less baking soda? Write down your guesses and see if they’re right!
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Oranges contain citric acid, which reacts with baking soda, a base. When they mix, they create carbon dioxide gas—those tiny bubbles you feel fizzing on your tongue! This is the same type of reaction that makes volcano science projects bubble and fizz.
Chemistry isn’t just in the lab—it’s in your kitchen and even in your food! Keep experimenting and discovering the science all around you.
What’s orange and sounds like a parrot?
Why don’t eggs tell jokes? 2
Hagfish defend themselves by producing massive amounts of slime, enough to fill a bucket in seconds. About 100 glands along their body release a dense gel that expands in seawater, creating a suffocating barrier against predators.
Why don’t dinosaurs talk?
Ketchup originally came from fermented fish sauce rather than tomatoes. The word "ketchup" is believed to have originated from the Chinese (Cantonese or Hokkien) word kê-tsiap, which referred to a fermented fish brine used as a seasoning. It wasn't until the early 19th century in America that tomatoes became the main ingredient in ketchup. The plural of "ox" is "oxen," but the plural of "box" is "boxes." Earth is the densest planet in the solar system, which means it has more mass in a given volume than any other planet.
It takes about 400 cocoa beans to make one pound of chocolate.
Brain Play
PAGEpuzzle
Valentine’s
Day Maze! Help the key find the way through to reach the locket.
FEBRUARY WORD SEARCH
Can you find the words hidden in the puzzle?
are technically berries, and they have more potassium
ARABIAN NESTLE SPRINKLE BUMBLE CHIRP DANDELION GIGGLE
HOPSCOTCH
MATH POLLENATE PUDDLE RAINDROP SPROUT TADPOLE WHISTLE WIGGLE
Solution on page 15.
February 2025 What's Happening
BUBBLE PLANET
When: Through February
Where: Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe
What: Bubble Planet is an immersive experience where attendees are surrounded by bubbles like never before! Step into a world beyond imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, and fantastical landscapes. Jump from one immersive space to the next and engage all five senses. Info: bubble-planet.com/phoenix
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
When: Weekends through March 30
Where: 12601 E. US Highway 60, Gold Canyon
What: Time travel to the greatest party since Camelot! Stroll through the colorful Village of Fairhaven, where history comes alive with non-stop, day-long immersive and interactive entertainment. Explore an open-air artisan market filled with unique arts and crafts. Info: arizona.renfestinfo.com
“THE MONKEY & THE PIRATE”
When: Feb. 13–March 9
Where: Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
What: The pirate wants bananas. The monkey wants the bananas. Who will win? Find out in this engaging and fun puppet show!
Info: azpuppets.org
“THE UNDERGROUND ADVENTURES OF A CARROT AND POTATO”
When: Feb. 13–23
Where: Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa
What: Vegetables are only supposed to do two things: grow where they’re planted and stick to their own kind. But when a dancing carrot meets a groove-loving potato, their unlikely friendship inspires a quest to change the rules of their strict soil society. Together, they’ll navigate hungry bugs, a rough-playing dog, and a band of angry carrots determined to stop them from shaking up their garden world. Info: mesaartscenter.com
SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW
When: Feb. 13–23
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
What: The 70th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show returns to WestWorld. Presented by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, the world’s largest Arabian horse show features over 2,100 horses competing for more than $1 million in prizes, plus shopping, fine art, and interactive experiences for all ages. Info: scottsdaleshow.com
“CREEPY, CRAWLY, WILD AND WOOLY”
When: Feb. 17
Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
What: Enjoy Creepy, Crawly, Wild and Wooly, an award-winning puppet show featuring Arizona’s endangered species, including the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake, California condor, Sanborn’s long-nosed bat, and a desert tortoise. This rod puppet performance is recommended for ages 5 and older.
Info: dbg.org
MOVIES AT THE BOARDWALK: “ELEMENTAL”
When: Feb. 22
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Enjoy a free family movie night featuring "Elemental!" Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with music, games, and prizes, followed by the movie at dusk. Bring your own folding chairs and blankets for a cozy outdoor experience.
Info: azboardwalk.com
CHANDLER INNOVATION FAIR
When: Feb. 22
Where: Downtown Chandler, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler
What: This free event introduces youth to various STEAM fields with interactive exhibits and demonstrations from Chandler’s technology companies and schools. Families can explore how science impacts daily life in engaging and hands-on ways.
Info: visitchandler.com
“GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE” MEOWSEUM DISCOVERY DAYS
When: Feb. 23
Where: Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix
What: The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, in partnership with DreamWorks Animation, presents Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days! Kids can participate in hands-on activities inspired by the hit show and meet Gabby herself. Info: childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
On Deck: March
“YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN”
When: Feb. 28–March 16
Where: Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix
What: Happiness is great musical theater! With charm, wit, and heart, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" follows Charlie Brown and his Peanuts gang through a series of musical vignettes inspired by Charles M. Schulz’s beloved comic strip. Perfect for young and young-at-heart theatergoers! Info: vyt.com
EXCLUSIVELY LITTLE EXPO
When: March 15
Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
What: Discover summer camps, sports, educational programs, and more at the Exclusively Little Expo! This family event connects parents with a variety of opportunities and city services designed for young children, making summer planning easy and exciting. Info: therailroadpark.com
