Gilbert Sun News; 1-3-15: Youth

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Youth

January 2015

Pre-teen preparing to graduate high school

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

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

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

www.GilbertSunNews.com 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.

“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.”

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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:

Youth

January 2015

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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.

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 Fly Fishing for Beginners card. Those who would like Led by Arizona Game and to play additional games Fish-certified instructors, should bring the appropriate this introductory class will amount of money. This event teach fledgling anglers is intended for participants everything they need to ages 12 and older. know about the beautiful Registration is required as sport of fly fishing. Learn transportation is provided about equipment, flies, and limited to 20 passengers. knots, tactics, etymology, FISH ON: Young fishermen The event starts at Gilbert fish behavior, fishing get ready to cast their lines. locations in Arizona and Community Center, 130 N. TOG Photos Oak St. and runs from 11:30 receive hands-on casting a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23. instruction. The class is appropriate for men, women and young adults. The Special Olympics Pom and Cheer classes cost $5.

Join the gold medal team and instructor The 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday classes Jennifer Myers and have fun learning run Jan. 10 through Jan. 31. Students cheers, chants and dances. This activity will fish for trout and sunfish at the gives participants a chance to belong pond at town hall during the last class. to a team, make new friends, increase Participants are required to wear eye coordination and enhance self-esteem. protection while casting and fishing. All The Tuesday classes begin Jan. 13 and materials and supplies are provided, but a run through March 3. Class time is 4:30 $20 materials fee will be collected during p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gilbert Community the first class. Meet in room 300 at the Center, 130 N. Oak St. Spots are Gilbert Municipal Center Administration guaranteed through an RSVP. This is a pay- Building, 50 E. Civic Center Dr. as-you-go event for $5 a week or a flat fee of $40.

The Changing Fashions of ‘Downton Abbey’ The Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Messy Monsters, a Parent-Tot Activity Design Department and docents highlight Toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years the glamorous fashions worn by the are invited to have messy fun with art aristocratic Crawleys and functional projects using shaving cream, paint and clothes worn by the staff in the TV show Play-Doh from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fridays “Downton Abbey.” Get an appreciation Jan. 16 through March 6 at the McQueen for the impact that enormous social Park Activity Center, 510 N. Horne St. change had on fashion before, during and Explore the amazing world of art and after World War I. leave the cleaning to the activity center.

The free event will be held from 1:30 Mom and her tot will get messy, so p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. remember to dress down. The class fee Meet at the Perry Branch of the Maricopa is $48. Toward the end of the class, there County Library District, 1965 E. Queen will be a winding-down circle to enjoy Creek Rd. This program is intended for songs, play or participate in storytime. participants older than age 18.

THE MARKET GUIDE The Market Report is published to provide community and real estate information. It is not intended as a solicitation of other broker’s listings.

MLS Data—Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Information provided

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Homes Sold In Your Area as of December 2014

Address

526 N Bridlegate 3282 E Cotton 214 N Honeysuckle 1842 E Anchor 1702 E Campbell 945 N Balboa 577 E Guadalupe 1250 E Sandcastle 1425 E Encinas 637 E Stonebridge 1810 E Campbell 3484 E Page 1700 E Lakeside 3565 E Page 3095 E Harvard 1402 N Mission Cove 250 N Corrine 1700 E Lakeside 1345 N Greenfield 1838 E Lakecrest 2645 E Encinas 2659 E Libra 1808 E Cascade 1326 N Crystal 2720 E Orion 1909 E Willow Tree

SQ. FT. 2136 2317 2985 2118 2274 2470 2131 2325 2420 2985 3060 2537 1777 2850 3086 2866 2985 2886 3046 2870 3392 4032 2674 3015 4227 2970

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$285,000.00 $285,000.00 $290,000.00 $291,000.00 $297,000.00 $298,500.00 $299,900.00 $305,000.00 $315,000.00 $320,000.00 $325,000.00 $325,000.00 $345,000.00 $407,000.00 $412,000.00 $422,000.00 $422,000.00 $425,000.00 $425,000.00 $427,000.00 $439,950.00 $445,000.00 $525,000.00 $527,450.00 $535,000.00 $570,000.00

GSN

24

January 2015

Youth

Teacher honored as Childhood Educator of the Year Cox was nominated for the award by Preschool teacher Janell Cox has former preschool director Rhonda Dilzer, devoted her life to education. Recently, who is teaching kindergarten.

Cox’s efforts and commitment to “In my opinion, Janell epitomizes what quality early childhood education were it means to be a great teacher,” Dilzer says. recognized when she was named the “In her room she creates an 2014 Pacific Southwest District Early environment where the love of Childhood Educator of the Year.

Christ and the wonder of learning are “Everyone at the experienced and nurtured. school was so excited for Christ’s Greenfield also her,” states Olga Garcia, benefits from her years admissions director at of experience and her Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran team spirit as she willingly School of Gilbert, which mentors new teachers. Janell offers preschool through understands the value of eighth grade. quality early learning and “We had a big poster in the wants all children to enter lobby for her. Mrs. Cox has kindergarten with a love been here for 19 years and of learning and a feeling of RECOGNIZED: Preschool she’s one of the teachers who teacher Janell Cox was success.” has been here the longest. chosen as the 2014 Pacific Cox, who received her She’s amazing.”

Southwest District Early award during a conference Childhood Educator of Cox says her teaching in Palm Springs, was among the Year by the Lutheran success comes from her 100 nominees for the award, work with her assistant Carol Church. GSN photo by which recognizes teachers Lynette Carrington Schooley. in the Pacific Southwest “Carol Schooley and I have been a Lutheran District, including Arizona, team teaching together for 12 or 13 California and Nevada. years,” Cox says. “We call each other “You can see that she genuinely loves ‘work wives.’ This can’t be done with what she does and loves the children,” just one person successfully. It’s a team Garcia says. “She looks at the children effort. I say whatever I’m lacking, Carol and helps them right where they are. She makes up for.” has amazing ideas and is always looking

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

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.

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

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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

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.”

Gilbert Youth Soccer Association turns 30 players and 292 teams competing over The Gilbert Youth Soccer Association eight weeks on Saturdays in the spring thanked players, families, volunteers and and fall. the community for 30 years of hard work While the Gilbert Sports Complex has with a celebration at the Gilbert Sports been GYSA’s home since 2004, the teams Complex. played their first game at Williams Air They were treated to live Force Base, as it was known, and at Barney entertainment, soccer activities, a food Park. vendor village and a Since the parade of teams. beginning, the GYSA “It was a and the Town of recognition of Gilbert have worked the growth of the as a team. organization and “The Town of a tribute to our Gilbert is a dedicated founding message partner to GYSA,” of inclusivity,” says Barnes Pharr says.

GYSA president “We have together Thom Intieri. put over $500,000 The organization into the current was founded in complex, and we 1984 when families handle maintenance, recognized the which reduces the need for a standfinancial burden for alone soccer club the Town.”

RHINOS ON PARADE: The Rhinos show off their because “Gilbert To play in the colors and team spirit during the parade. residents were GYSA, kids ages GSN photo by Kimberly Carrillo restricted from 4 through 19 are participation with the San Tan Youth charged $95.

Soccer Association in Chandler,” says “This is a well-run league that is Cindy Barnes Pharr, GYSA field director. affordable for families,” Barnes Pharr GYSA is now Arizona’s biggest youth explains. “It’s about soccer, but also about soccer group with more than 4,300 players and families, being good citizens

BY TIM J. RANDALL

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 TOP: GETTING READY: The Wildcats get excited for the parade. the next 25 to 30 RIGHT: KILLING TIME: Participants played games years,” Intieri says. laid out on the field while waiting for the Barnes Pharr parade to start. GSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo concurs and can see the organization, that growth and favorability of the sport the growth in the association’s ranks. of GYSA has “We are seeing our second generation been especially now,” Barnes Pharr says. “Players that I memorable. coached years ago are now moms and “I got involved dads and they are coaching their 5 and 6 because I wanted year olds.” to share my The GYSA’s five-year president, experiences with kids,” she says. “I had Intieri is excited at how kids learn to be to stop playing soccer at age 16 because better soccer players. He also enjoys girls were not allowed on the high school watching players develop life skills like team. Now we field entire age groups of confidence, teamwork and commitment. girls’ teams. It is very rewarding.”

For Barnes Pharr, a 26-year veteran of

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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

Youth

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 Song Festival; Georg Stangelberger, of Chandler and Samuel Thomas Loose of Artistic Director, Phoenix Boys Choir; and Gilbert, will be competing in a statewide Barbara Honn, Professor of Voice (Ret.), vocal contest.

University of Cincinnati CollegeThe first round will be held Conservatory of Music. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Ten singers will advance to Jan. 17, at the Mayo Clinic in the finals concert and perform Phoenix. Twenty contestants will with Phoenix Opera Orchestra advance to the second round, under the baton of Maestro which will be held from 1 p.m. to John Massaro, on stage at the SOPRANO: Jessica 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix on Tisdale same location.

Sunday, Feb. 8.

The competition is sponsored by the The finalists will compete for a $5,000 Mayo Clinic. grand prize and all contestants will “The Mayo Clinic Voice Program is receive special instruction in healthy proud to sponsor the Southwest Vocal vocal techniques conducted by health Competition. It is beautifully aligned with professionals from the Mayo Clinic Voice our mission to bring the art and science Program in Arizona. of medicine to the performing arts Winners will be announced community and our passion to care for immediately following the concert from professional vocalists by focusing on the the stage. vocal arts, healthy vocal technique and The judges for the Finals Concert will advancements in medicine,” says Dr. David be Katherine Olsen, Founder and Artistic G. Lott, laryngeal surgeon and director Manager, Encompass Arts, LLC; William of the Mayo Clinic Voice Program in the Florescu, General Director, Florentine Department of Otolaryngology and Head Opera Company; and Karan Armstrong, and Neck Surgery in Arizona.

Celebrated International Operatic The judges for the preliminary rounds Soprano. and Master Class will be Jacqueline Tickets for the finals concert can be Zander-Wall renowned mezzo-soprano purchased through the Orpheum Box and founder of the Vocal Artistry Art Office at www.orpheum-theater.com.

January 2015

25

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

GAME NIGHT: Southeast Regional Library is hosting a Retro Family Game Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 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.

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Youth

January 2015

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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 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

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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.