Ria Cheruvu is advanced beyond her 11 years. So intelligent that she is preparing to graduate high school this year from Arizona Connections Academy in Gilbert after she wraps up her world history, calculus and Spanish courses.
“It’s always been normal for me since my childhood,” says Ria about the time she realized that she might learn at a different pace than her friends.
Her mother, Sunitha, says, for example, when Ria was 3 years old, nature piqued her curiosity.
“We used to go for walks and right outside our condo there were tiny plants and I’d explain to her that they were flowers,” says Sunitha.
Ria wasn’t content with hearing they were just flowers. She wanted to know everything about them, including the names of the individual parts.
Biology has always interested Ria, whose teacher, Dan Bergher, speaks highly of her.
“It’s been a beautiful experience teaching Ria,” he says. “This is the perfect situation where you have a student who is very bright in a family that really treasures education and encourages her to think and work.”
Bergher especially loves challenging Ria in deep, critical thinking.
PREPARING TO GRADUATE: Ria Cheruvu will graduate high school from Arizona Connections Academy this year and then embark on her college education studying neural cryptography. GSN photo by Lynette Carrington
“It’s a joyful experience. I call her up and see how far I can take her,” Bergher says. “When she gets into college, she’s going to be amazing. She’s been working her brain from the word go. Most people are not raised that way. When a lot of people get to college they hit the wall
names of presidents. By kindergarten, she mastered multiplication. Her father, Sunil, has since taught her binary code. She excels in every area of learning and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“I’m not taking any advanced placement courses or any college courses right now, but I may be trying to in the future,” Ria explains.
The Cheruvu family is working together to strategize a college plan for Ria. Tentatively a combination of ASU and Harvard is being considered.
“We’re thinking perhaps undergrad and maybe grad at ASU and I love Harvard,” Ria explains.
“We want her to be right next to us,” adds Sunitha, who gave up her career in software engineering to assist Ria in her studies. “We’ll try to stick together and unity is what is important in family. Once she’s a little older, we’ll take her to Harvard.”
The Ivy League college is one of only a few schools that offer courses in neural cryptography, an emerging field of study in which Ria is very interested.
because they’ve never learned how to think. Ria has never stopped thinking.”
Young learner
From the time she was very young, Ria has displayed an exceptional capacity for learning. As a baby, she could repeat the
“Neural cryptography combines biology, computer science and a bit of mathematics as well,” Ria explains. “I really want to help the people of this world—not just to prevent diseases, but to collaborate and contribute to the findings that have already been discovered.”
Parks and Rec hosts slew of events this winter
BY KELSEY SEDERSTROM
From laser tag to “Downton Abbey,” Gilbert’s Parks and Recreation Department serves up a variety of classes and activities. Outlined in the Winter 2015 Guide, the variety of events is meant to stretch the mind and body.
Some events are one-time happenings, while others last throughout the winter session, Jan. 12 through March 7. Participants who do not want to commit to an ongoing class can take advantage of the pay-as-you-go feature.
Register online at www. gilbertrecreation.com, through a mail-in registration form or by calling (480) 5036200.
Here are some of the highlights:
Bowling and Laser Tag
For a $25 fee, guests can enjoy an hour of bowling and a game of laser tag, as well as lunch and a $10 game card. Those who would like to play additional games should bring the appropriate amount of money. This event is intended for participants ages 12 and older.
Registration is required as transportation is provided and limited to 20 passengers. The event starts at Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St. and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23.
Little Ninjas
This is a great class for little ninjas to learn basic safety training and selfdefense. To kick off this class, kids will cover topics such as stranger danger, fire safety plans, bike safety, and how and when to call 9-1-1. The class will end with children learning basic self-defense moves such as blocking, punches, kicks and escape holds.
This is not a parent-tot class; participants must meet minimum age requirement by the first day of class. There are two classes divided by ages: 2 to 3 year olds participate in 11 a.m. Tuesday classes beginning Jan. 13 ($40); and 3 to 6 year olds attend 12 p.m. Monday classes beginning Jan. 12 ($31). Both age groups will take classes at McQueen Park Activity Center, 510 N. Horne St.
Fly Fishing for Beginners
Special Olympics Pom and Cheer
Join the gold medal team and instructor Jennifer Myers and have fun learning cheers, chants and dances. This activity gives participants a chance to belong to a team, make new friends, increase coordination and enhance self-esteem.
The Tuesday classes begin Jan. 13 and run through March 3. Class time is 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St. Spots are guaranteed through an RSVP. This is a payas-you-go event for $5 a week or a flat fee of $40.
Messy Monsters, a Parent-Tot Activity
Toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years are invited to have messy fun with art projects using shaving cream, paint and Play-Doh from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fridays Jan. 16 through March 6 at the McQueen Park Activity Center, 510 N. Horne St. Explore the amazing world of art and leave the cleaning to the activity center. Mom and her tot will get messy, so remember to dress down. The class fee is $48. Toward the end of the class, there will be a winding-down circle to enjoy songs, play or participate in storytime.
Led by Arizona Game and Fish-certified instructors, this introductory class will teach fledgling anglers everything they need to know about the beautiful sport of fly fishing. Learn about equipment, flies, knots, tactics, etymology, fish behavior, fishing locations in Arizona and receive hands-on casting instruction. The class is appropriate for men, women and young adults. The classes cost $5.
The 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday classes run Jan. 10 through Jan. 31. Students will fish for trout and sunfish at the pond at town hall during the last class. Participants are required to wear eye protection while casting and fishing. All materials and supplies are provided, but a $20 materials fee will be collected during the first class. Meet in room 300 at the Gilbert Municipal Center Administration Building, 50 E. Civic Center Dr.
The Changing Fashions of ‘Downton Abbey’
The Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Design Department and docents highlight the glamorous fashions worn by the aristocratic Crawleys and functional clothes worn by the staff in the TV show “Downton Abbey.” Get an appreciation for the impact that enormous social change had on fashion before, during and after World War I.
The free event will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. Meet at the Perry Branch of the Maricopa County Library District, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. This program is intended for participants older than age 18.
THE MARKET GUIDE
FISH ON: Young fishermen get ready to cast their lines. TOG Photos
Teacher honored as Childhood Educator of the Year
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
Preschool teacher Janell Cox has devoted her life to education. Recently, Cox’s efforts and commitment to quality early childhood education were recognized when she was named the 2014 Pacific Southwest District Early Childhood Educator of the Year.
“Everyone at the school was so excited for her,” states Olga Garcia, admissions director at Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran School of Gilbert, which offers preschool through eighth grade.
“We had a big poster in the lobby for her. Mrs. Cox has been here for 19 years and she’s one of the teachers who has been here the longest. She’s amazing.”
Cox says her teaching success comes from her work with her assistant Carol Schooley.
Cox was nominated for the award by former preschool director Rhonda Dilzer, who is teaching kindergarten.
“In my opinion, Janell epitomizes what it means to be a great teacher,” Dilzer says.
“In her room she creates an environment where the love of Christ and the wonder of learning are experienced and nurtured. Christ’s Greenfield also benefits from her years of experience and her team spirit as she willingly mentors new teachers. Janell understands the value of quality early learning and wants all children to enter kindergarten with a love of learning and a feeling of success.”
to better herself and for new things to do with her kids.”
Cox attended Wisconsin’s Concordia University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree with a minor in early childhood education.
“That is one of the 12 Concordias in the country and they are all Lutheran colleges,” Cox explains.
After graduating, she began teaching preschool in Chicago, where her husband was teaching at a Lutheran high school.
“We decided we would never be able to afford a house or a family there and we didn’t like the weather,” Cox notes. They soon moved to southern Illinois, where they found teaching positions.
“Carol Schooley and I have been a team teaching together for 12 or 13 years,” Cox says. “We call each other ‘work wives.’ This can’t be done with just one person successfully. It’s a team effort. I say whatever I’m lacking, Carol makes up for.”
Cox, who received her award during a conference in Palm Springs, was among 100 nominees for the award, which recognizes teachers in the Pacific Southwest Lutheran District, including Arizona, California and Nevada.
“You can see that she genuinely loves what she does and loves the children,” Garcia says. “She looks at the children and helps them right where they are. She has amazing ideas and is always looking
Cox’s sister and her family lived in Mesa and the Coxes came to visit. Shortly thereafter, the husband and wife teachers made the move to Mesa.
“We looked through the Lutheran annual that lists all the Lutheran churches with and without schools and my husband found Christ’s Greenfield,” Cox says. “My husband called and asked if they were hiring.”
She began teaching at the preschool shortly thereafter and it now feels like home for her.
“We have a curriculum that rotates on a two-year basis,” Cox says. “We don’t have textbooks and, coming from teaching
Gilbert Youth Soccer Association turns 30
BY TIM J. RANDALL
The Gilbert Youth Soccer Association thanked players, families, volunteers and the community for 30 years of hard work with a celebration at the Gilbert Sports Complex.
They were treated to live entertainment, soccer activities, a food vendor village and a parade of teams.
“It was a recognition of the growth of the organization and a tribute to our founding message of inclusivity,” says GYSA president Thom Intieri.
The organization was founded in 1984 when families recognized the need for a standalone soccer club because “Gilbert residents were restricted from participation with the San Tan Youth Soccer Association in Chandler,” says Cindy Barnes Pharr, GYSA field director.
players and 292 teams competing over eight weeks on Saturdays in the spring and fall.
While the Gilbert Sports Complex has been GYSA’s home since 2004, the teams played their first game at Williams Air Force Base, as it was known, and at Barney Park.
Since the beginning, the GYSA and the Town of Gilbert have worked as a team.
“The Town of Gilbert is a dedicated partner to GYSA,”
Barnes Pharr says.
“We have together put over $500,000 into the current complex, and we handle maintenance, which reduces the financial burden for the Town.”
To play in the GYSA, kids ages 4 through 19 are charged $95.
and giving back to the community.”
The 30th anniversary jubilee came at a time when soccer was riding a new wave of popularity after the recent World Cup and surging interest in Major League Soccer (MLS).
“I think soccer is going to be one of the two dominant American sports in the next 25 to 30 years,” Intieri says.
GYSA is now Arizona’s biggest youth soccer group with more than 4,300
“This is a well-run league that is affordable for families,” Barnes Pharr explains. “It’s about soccer, but also about players and families, being good citizens
sixth grade, that was a real shock to me.” Curriculum at the preschool revolves around monthly themes. Reading, writing, math and art then are geared toward themes ranging from Mother Goose to the desert. Biblical instruction in preschool is called “Jesus Time” and children also attend chapel twice a month.
“We try to incorporate Jesus across the board,” Cox adds. Cox and Schooley utilize the Zoo Phonics method of pre-reading in their pre-K classroom and Spanish instruction is also taught twice weekly. Cox says she believes whole heartedly in an engaging educational experience before kindergarten.
“This is the foundation,” she says. “There has been research and it shows that this is the age where everything is making a difference in how they think and how they behave. It will be what carries them through the rest of their life.”
Barnes Pharr concurs and can see that growth and favorability of the sport in the association’s ranks.
“We are seeing our second generation now,” Barnes Pharr says. “Players that I coached years ago are now moms and dads and they are coaching their 5 and 6 year olds.”
The GYSA’s five-year president, Intieri is excited at how kids learn to be better soccer players. He also enjoys watching players develop life skills like confidence, teamwork and commitment. For Barnes Pharr, a 26-year veteran of
the organization, the growth of GYSA has been especially memorable.
“I got involved because I wanted to share my experiences with kids,” she says. “I had to stop playing soccer at age 16 because girls were not allowed on the high school team. Now we field entire age groups of girls’ teams. It is very rewarding.”
TOP: GETTING READY: The Wildcats get excited for the parade.
RIGHT: KILLING TIME: Participants played games laid out on the field while waiting for the parade to start. GSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo
RHINOS ON PARADE: The Rhinos show off their colors and team spirit during the parade.
GSN photo by Kimberly Carrillo
HONORED: Teacher’s assistant Carol Schooley, left, and lead teacher Janell Cox have taught preschool together for 12 of the 19 years that Cox has been at Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Preschool. GSN photo by Lynette Carrington
RECOGNIZED: Preschool teacher Janell Cox was chosen as the 2014 Pacific Southwest District Early Childhood Educator of the Year by the Lutheran Church. GSN photo by Lynette Carrington
Deadline approaching for YES scholarships
The application deadline for the 20152016 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad scholarship program is Jan. 7.
The program provides full scholarships to American high school students to experience overseas communities and cultures, preparing students to collaborate on global challenges such as human rights, community development, workforce development, climate change and global health.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the YES Abroad program enables students to study for one academic year in countries that may include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Macedonia, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Philippines, Thailand and Turkey. The merit-based scholarship covers domestic and international travel; applicable visa fees; medical benefits; room and board; tuition at the local high school; orientations; and fees for educational and cultural activities.
Participants in the program fully immerse themselves into the culture of their host family while attending local
high school. Erica, a current scholarship recipient from Wisconsin, who was named the October 2014 American Abroad of the Month by the State Department, says, “My time in South Africa has given me a chance to learn from daily life in my host school, while focusing my attention outward to my host family and community. Every day I am both a student and teacher to my peers, and I have learned so much not just about what it means to be Zulu, Xhosa or Afrikaans, but also what it means to be an American. I have found that it is in the informal conversations between classes and sport where I have learned and shared the most.”
A 2012 participant, Hannah, who studied in Malaysia for one year, states that “the YES Abroad program opened my eyes. I learned about a new culture and shared my own. I now have two homes, two families and countless friends from around the world.”
Interested students should visit www.yes-abroad.org to learn more the program and to apply. Contact the YES Abroad program at yesabroad@afsusa. org or (800) 237-4636 x2151 for more information.
Two East Valley singers to compete in Phoenix
Two East Valley singers, Jessica Tisdale of Chandler and Samuel Thomas Loose of Gilbert, will be competing in a statewide vocal contest.
The first round will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Twenty contestants will advance to the second round, which will be held from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the same location.
Song Festival; Georg Stangelberger, Artistic Director, Phoenix Boys Choir; and Barbara Honn, Professor of Voice (Ret.), University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music.
Retro Family Game Night offered at library
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Board games and Atari, Nintendo and Super Nintendo systems have given way to the Wii, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. But families can walk down memory lane with Retro Family Game Night at the Southeast Regional Library 775 N. Greenfield Rd.
“It’s a fun, free way to connect with your family and get out of the house and do something different in a nice environment at the library,” says Southeast Regional Library Librarian Tara Carpenter. “I hope it’s a nice fun night out for people.”
The event, set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, was created after the administrative office purchased an Atari Flashback system, as well as a Nintendo and Super Nintendo combo system.
“It’s a nostalgia factor for parents who grew up playing these kinds of games,” she says.
Gaming, she says will help strengthen the bonds of the community as well as families who participate.
Carpenter says such games as “Super Mario 3” and “The Legend of Zelda” will be offered during the two-hour family event. With two televisions and two
Wednesday, Jan. 14. Submitted photo
controllers for each gaming system, up to four people can play at once. Depending on the number of participants, there may be a time limit on each game. But while the video games are occupied, board games like “Life,” “Scrabble” and “Munchkin” will be offered.
“We have a whole variety and people can choose what they like depending on age,” she explains.
Individuals can also bring their own cards, such as “Pokemon,” “Magic the Gathering” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!” to the game night.
“That might be a neat way to connect with others,” Carpenter says.
The library is using the event to gauge community interest. Carpenter says they are kicking off the program with retro video games as the focus. If people attend the event and enjoy themselves, the library will host it regularly.
SOPRANO: Jessica Tisdale
The competition is sponsored by the Mayo Clinic.
“The Mayo Clinic Voice Program is proud to sponsor the Southwest Vocal Competition. It is beautifully aligned with our mission to bring the art and science of medicine to the performing arts community and our passion to care for professional vocalists by focusing on the vocal arts, healthy vocal technique and advancements in medicine,” says Dr. David G. Lott, laryngeal surgeon and director of the Mayo Clinic Voice Program in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Arizona.
The judges for the preliminary rounds and Master Class will be Jacqueline Zander-Wall renowned mezzo-soprano and founder of the Vocal Artistry Art
Ten singers will advance to the finals concert and perform with Phoenix Opera Orchestra under the baton of Maestro John Massaro, on stage at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix on Sunday, Feb. 8.
The finalists will compete for a $5,000 grand prize and all contestants will receive special instruction in healthy vocal techniques conducted by health professionals from the Mayo Clinic Voice Program in Arizona.
Winners will be announced immediately following the concert from the stage.
The judges for the Finals Concert will be Katherine Olsen, Founder and Artistic Manager, Encompass Arts, LLC; William Florescu, General Director, Florentine Opera Company; and Karan Armstrong, Celebrated International Operatic Soprano.
Tickets for the finals concert can be purchased through the Orpheum Box Office at www.orpheum-theater.com.
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GAME NIGHT: Southeast Regional Library is hosting a Retro Family Game Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Experience the Difference
Water Features Barbecues, Fireplaces, Decking
Pool Remodeling
Around the district
Have school news? Send items to christina@gilbertsunnews.com.
Boulder Creek Elementary School
Boulder Creek Elementary School is hosting a night out with the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 16, followed by craft night on Jan. 23. For more information, see the parents’ newsletter at www.gilbertschools.net.
Carol Rae Ranch Elementary School
This year’s PTSO officers are: President Dana Fredericks; Co-Vice Presidents Pam Scandrett and Dawn Beeson; Secretary Cori Tinney; and Treasurer Molly Skaar. The PTSO holds meetings at 7 p.m. every other month. The upcoming meetings are Jan. 8, March 5 or 19 (TBD), May 7 or May 13 (TBD). For more information, email crreptso@gmail.com or visit www. facebook.com/crreptso.
Gilbert Elementary School
The school’s PTSO is hosting the APEX Fun Run, Jan. 5 through Jan. 16. For more information, email tigerptso@gmail.com.
Mesquite Elementary School
Local Businesses Add to the Culture and Flavor of Our Community
Congratulations to Mesquite Elementary teacher Morgan Pardy-Hyatt who won the Fuel Up To Play 60 Super Bowl contest. Pardy-Hyatt beat out teachers across the state for this honor. Her teachers and students flooded the committee with letters and a video to state all of the great programs and events she has put together to help Mesquite Elementary students keep healthy. Arizona Cardinals’ mascot Big Red was on hand to help celebrate her win. PardyHyatt received two tickets to the Super Bowl and a huge basket full of goodies. Check out her reaction to the news at http://youtu.be/pTIvpeCQ4EI.
Campo Verde High School
Campo Verde High School has released its calendar for January. It is as follows: Jan. 5: School resumes
Jan. 6: Parent Site Council meeting in library, 5 p.m.
Jan. 7: PLC Early Release Day, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 8 through Jan. 9: Senior Credit
Checks, counselors
Jan. 12: AP registration begins in the bookstore
Jan. 14: PLC Early Release Day, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Holiday, no school
Jan. 21: PLC Early Release Day, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24: Saturday School in library from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., NHS peer tutoring available
Jan. 28: PLC Early Release Day, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 29 through Jan. 31: Performance Troupe production “Singing in the Rain” in the auditorium, 7 p.m.
Jan. 29: Link Crew Nominees Meeting in auditorium, 2:40 p.m.
Desert Ridge High School
The first day of school is scheduled for Jan. 5, before which schedules will not be printed. Students are asked to go to the school’s portal on Infinite Campus and print their schedule. For more information, visit https:// ic.gilbertschools.net/campus/portal/ gilbert.jsp
Gilbert High School
Baseball camp starts on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Anyone who is planning on trying out for baseball is encouraged to attend this camp. See Coach Gutierrez in room 1603 for more information.
Seniors are asked to bring their college acceptance letters to the counseling office so staff can make copies.
Students in grades nine through 12 are invited to visit www.gilbertschools. net/Page/1975 to find out about college scholarships.
Highland High School
Many students will be looking for scholarship opportunities during their junior and senior years. However, as some scholarships are available to freshmen and sophomores, it is never too early to begin planning for postsecondary education. To become an eligible candidate, it is important that students do as well as they are capable of academically.
Mesquite
High School
Congratulations to the MHS freshmen cheerleaders on their first place win at the Fiesta Bowl Cheer Competition. They beat Gilbert and Fairfax high schools and marched in the Fiesta Bowl parade on Dec. 27.
