Glendale Star Class of 2020

May 28, 2020 • Class of 2020

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Ottawa University enhances student experience

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Glendale Star Executive Editor

With the COVID-19 pandemic still dominating the world, high school graduates and transfer students may choose to stay closer to home to continue their studies this fall.

Encouraging students to “Stay Connected, Stay Local,” Ottawa University-Arizona (OUAZ) wants these bright young minds to consider its Surprise campus at 15950 N. Civic Center Plaza.

“We are preparing all necessary precautions to host students at our brandnew residential campus in Surprise, which also has emergency services on-site,” said Dr. Brian Sandusky, OUAZ’s chief enrollment officer. “Students may want to stay close to home, and we want them to know about their opportunities here with us. We have new facilities on our campus, which opened in fall 2019. It’s an exciting time for us here in Surprise.”

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a nonprofit, private liberal arts university with its original residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas. The professional campus in Phoenix has been educating adult learners in the Valley for more than 40 years and boasts more than 8,000 alumni. Surprise is home to Ottawa University’s second residential campus.

Housing at OUAZ features a new residence hall with suite-style, fully furnished rooms. Amenities include cable television and a 55-inch, wall-mounted TV; laundry facilities; student lounges and a game room. Scholars Hall accommodates more than 300 students.

Ottawa University offers housing awards for students who hail from the West Valley—Avondale, Buckeye, Deer Valley, El Mirage, Goodyear, Glendale, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City West, Tolleson, Surprise, Waddell,

Ottawa University Arizona’s Surprise Campus offers classes in a four-, eight- or 16-week format.

(Photo courtesy Ottawa University)

Whitman and Youngtown. rooms and laboratories.

“We believe a fully rounded educaOUAZ offers a variety of majors. tional experience for students includes Top majors include biology, busiresidential living,” Sandusky said. ness, Christian studies and ministry, Students who stay in communication, early university housing for childhood education, six semesters, or three elementary education, years, are eligible for engineering, exercise 50% off their graduscience, human reate tuition rate while sources, leadership and studying at OUAZ Surmanagement, psycholprise. ogy, secondary educa“We want to bring tion and sport studies. value to our commuOttawa University nity and our alumni, is committed to develand this is one example oping students to be of that mission,” Sanwork ready and world dusky said. ready upon graduation.

BRIAN SANDUSKY Two other new buildPersonal Growth Days ings are part of the OUAZ campus. The (PGDs) consist of three important student union includes a state-of-the-art components: Spirit Life, a worship and dining center, an entertainment lounge speaker series; Network Lunch, a comwith an indoor/outdoor fireplace, a fan munity lunch on campus; and Student shop, a mailroom, classrooms and a Development Courses, a series of lifebanquet hall. It is also home to the new and work-skills workshops Adawe Center mentorship program, “Our chancellor, Dr. Kevin Eichwhich is designed to help students be ner, came up with the idea of limiting successful in their college experience. classes on Wednesdays to allow for our The new O’Dell Center houses the uni- PGDs,” Sandusky said. versity’s athletic facilities, fitness and “We have a variety of guest speakrecreational center, Faith Arena, facili- ers, such as community- or faith-based ty and athletic offices, additional class- leaders. The Wednesday workshops

provide students with work-readiness skills, like resume writing and interviewing. Students need those skills.

There’s a focus on world-readiness skills, too. That can be how to buy a house, how to budget, business dinner etiquette and even changing a tire.”

Ottawa University prides itself on being a “participatory campus.” Students participate in academic clubs, competitive club sports and varsity athletics. For example, students who participate in the business club gain real-world business experience outside the classroom, while receiving a significant scholarship to help them.

“We have ACT, SAT and GPA scholarships, as well as scholarships for the academic and club sports,” Sandusky said. “These are unique and lucrative scholarship opportunities for our students.”

Complementing OUAZ’s robust varsity athletic offerings are the university’s competitive club sports. Esports and badminton are starting in the fall.

Other programs include ultimate Frisbee, cycling, outdoor adventure, bowling and wrestling.

Gone are days of one-size-fits-all scheduling, and OUAZ offers an innovative alternative.

“Our exclusive FlexTerm scheduling is one of our biggest distinguishing features,” Sandusky said. “It has been well received by students.”

FlexTerm scheduling consists of classes offered in a four-, eight- or 16week term format. Students work with their faculty mentor to assist them with their course scheduling. This flexible format allows them time to study and participate in activities.

Visit ottawa.edu/ouaz to learn more about OUAZ’s programming and scholarships.

So next semester, remember to “Stay Connected, Stay Local.”

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Class of 2020 • May 28, 2020

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TOP 1% STUDENTS PRINCESS LUONG

LUIS VEGA

JONATHAN DAVIS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• NAU Lumberjack Scholarship • GCU President’s Scholarship • GCU State Award • The Shawver Scholarship • The Vernon Tuckey Memorial Scholarship • The Jeanine Phillips Scholarship

• Outstanding AP Physics Award • Presidential Educational Excellence Award, received for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher • Played soccer and ran cross country

• National Honor Society • ASU Provost Scholarship • NSU Lumberjack Scholarship • Presidential Education Excellence Award, received for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher

Stay Near.

Go Far.

Make your future happen at Glendale Congratulations Seniors. Your future awaits and Glendale Community College is a great place to get started on your next journey. Attend GCC to stay safe and close to home plus you get the following, and more.

• Chose from hundreds of course offerings • Small class sizes taught by world class faculty • Numerous class offerings; in-person, hybrid, and online, including live-online • Affordable tuition that is thousands of dollars less than colleges and universities Register Now at enroll-gcc.com Get more info here www.gccaz.edu/fall2020

The Maricopa Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit: www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination

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TOP 1% STUDENTS

JACOB CLEMENTE

FATIMA BOTELLO

NAYELI PEREZ

JENNIFER HERRERA

Class of 2020 • May 28, 2020

May 28, 2020 • Class of 2020

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CARTWRIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICT 5220 W. INDIAN SCHOOL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85031 PHONE 623-691-4000

Cartwright Promotes 8th graders in Drive-by Ceremonies A Bittersweet Send 0ff to High School

Last week more than 1,800 8th graders promoted to high school at the Cartwright School District but it didn’t happen like it normally does: in a gymnasium packed with dressed up teenagers in hats and tassels. Instead, 8th grade students decorated their cars and drove through their school to get their certificates and some words of inspiration from their administrators and teachers – all at a safe 6-feet distance.

District leadership decided on a drive-through option in the midst of a state-wide school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Today is a bittersweet day, we are all super proud and excited for our kids but it’s not the same as being able to give those hugs and congratulate them in person,” said Frank Borman Principal Sierra McCallister while she waited for her students to show up for the promotion ceremony at her school in Maryvale. “Our teachers are out here supporting our kids and our kids light up the second they see that their teachers are here handing them their certificates and letting them know that their yearbook is coming.”

Superintendent Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor

Borman student Daniela Campo admitted the experience was bittersweet. “Today is kind of a sad day because I’m not able to say goodbye in person to my friends and some of my teachers. I understand that our promotion from 8th grade had to be like this for our safety, but it makes me sad that I’m not able to hug my friends or take a picture with them like we would of if COVID-19 had not happened,” said Campo.

Cartwright middle schools and K-8 schools welcomed 8th graders with a cheering section, balloons and music playing as students drove-through. “Despite the challenges of this year and the pandemic, we really wanted them to feel special,” said Director of Communications and Community Engagement, Veronica Sanchez. “8th grade promotion is still a milestone for students and our motto is One team, Una Familia.

We wanted to celebrate with our family of students.”

In a video address to 8th graders Superintendent Dr. LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor said, “I am so excited for you.

I know these are unprecedented times but you’ve always been on our minds and as you move forward to high school, college, career and beyond, don’t ever forget about us here at Cartwright. Good luck to you!” She also visited several schools during promotions and got to see the students first hand, some of whom wept as they were going through the drive-throughs.” Governing Board President Marissa Hernandez also addressed students on behalf of the board. “All of you are extremely resilient and capable learners. You are putting your education first even through something as challenging as the current situation.

We are so proud of you!” said Hernandez.

“What made me most proud was how many of them mentioned college and how excited they were for that,” said Dr. Aguilar-Lawlor. Since Dr. Aguilar-Lawlor first came to the district in early 2012, she has made it her mission to implement STEM and college and career programs throughout all grades – even beginning in kindergarten. Every year, the Cartwright School District hosts an 8th grade Kickoff in which students are inspired to go on to college and careers through the help of motivational speakers like ASU wrestling champion Anthony Robles, who won his bouts with one leg. The district’s STEM programs have also been strengthened by the implementation of 3-D printers in which students can actually solve real world problems with engineering and creativity. More extracurricular activities, clubs, field trips and drones that are used for mapping and math were also introduced to students earlier this year before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

The Cartwright School District is currently enrolling students for the 2020-2021 school year. They are accepting 4-year olds for kindergarten as long as they turn 5 by December 31, 2020. The district has the only three “A” rated schools in Maryvale and two dual-language programs. To enroll visit www.csd83.org or call 623-691-4000.

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TOP 1% STUDENTS KATHERINE BLESSINGTON

STANDOUTS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • ASU Barrett, the Honors College President’s Scholarship, $10,000 annually • President of Sunnyslope’s Honors Society • Phoenix Swim Club volunteer

ALEXIS HATCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Attending University of Chicago on a National Merit Scholarship • Maintained a 4.0 unweighted and 5.15 unweighted GPA

HIGH SCHOOL

• Katherine Blessington swam from Alcatraz to the Golden Gate Bridge in 2016.

Two years later, she completed a 10K, or 6.2 miles, open water swim in San Francisco.

• Alexis Hatch was acknowledged in the scientific manuscript “Intracerebral hemorrhage in the mouse altered sleepwake patterns and activated microglia” for technical assistance in the Lifshitz Translational Neurotrauma Laboratory.

JACQUELINE HOGAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Received the ASU, New American University Provost’s Award, $8,000 annually • Congressional Award Winner

SOLOMON LERNER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • UA (Honors College), UA President’s Scholarship, $13,000 annually • UA Dean’s Exemplary Award, $10,000 • President of the Mensch Club • Varsity basketball statistician

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TOP 1% STUDENTS

JORDAN LUDWIG

DEVONTE RUSHDAN

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Attending UCLA in the fall, where she will study physiology.

She plans to earn her master’s degree and work in the medical field.

• Extracurricular activities include athletic leadership, gardening, National Honors Society, sports medicine, coding, Explorer and photography • Player of the Year her freshman year and captain the past three years

• Attending University of Colorado Springs on a track and field scholarship, and the Marine Scholarship for Distinguished Students for $180,000 • Extracurricular activities include wrestling team, track and field, NHS, Leadership for Athletes and Unitown • Awarded Student of the Month and Student of the Year for language arts

PABLO GARCIA ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Attending ASU in the fall to study aerospace engineering • Extracurricular activities include National Hispanic Honors Scholars, NHS and the Interact Club • Participated in Link Crew, baseball and cross country

PRISCILLA VILLALOBOS ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Attending ASU in the fall as a Flinn Scholar. She plans to major in biology and minor in music performance. She hopes to become a pediatrician and work with low socioeconomic children and their parents.

• Extracurricular activities include NHS, NHHS, Link Crew and leader of the violin group in orchestra. She was a member of the track and field and volleyball teams.

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TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $8,868,010 STANDOUTS • Brighton Solheim led all scholarship winners by earning $800,000 over four years • Jessica Zylstra is a National Merit Finalist • Joshua Moore was recognized as the school’s Achievement Above All, or Triple AAA, winner.

He plans to attend NAU in the fall to study music and has earned the NAU Lumberjack and NAU Jazz scholarships.

MOMENTS IN TIME • Thunderbird was listed as one of the top schools in the state and in the country, according to US News and World Report • Thunderbird has a high percentage of its students pass the AP exam, thus earning college credit. In the 2018-19 school year, 74% of students earned college credit through AP. • Since 2010, Thunderbird athletic teams have brought home eight state championships in three sports: wrestling, golf and football • For the 2019-20 school year, Thunderbird accumulated 7,230 hours of community service through all clubs and sports on campus

TOP 1% STUDENTS

JESSICA ZYLSTRA ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Achieved a 4.0 (unweighted) GPA, 5.2195 (weighted) • Attending MIT in the fall, where she plans to major in bioengineering • Extracurricular activities include track and field, Key Club, Go Green Club and National Honor Society president

KENNETH CUERVO DIAZ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Achieved a 3.8974 (unweighted) GPA, 5.1282 (weighted) • Attending ASU in the fall, where he plans to study biomedical engineering • Extracurricular activities include Neuroscience Club, Gamers Club, and Spanish and Japanese clubs

TREVOR CERANSKI ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Achieved a 3.9750 (unweighted) GPA, 5.1750 (weighted) • Attending ASU Barrett, the Honors College in the fall, where he plans to study electrical engineering • Extracurricular activities include Outdoors Club, orchestra and National Honor Society secretary

SOLOMON LERNER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • UA (Honors College), UA President’s Scholarship, $13,000 annually • UA Dean’s Exemplary Award, $10,000 • President of the Mensch Club • Varsity basketball statistician

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COPPER CANYON SCHOLARSHIPS: $5.5 MILLION ADRIENNE MCCLOSKEY Adrienne McCloskey is graduating in the top 1% of Copper Canyon’s Class of 2020.

McCloskey was at school, ready to learn, every single day of her four years at CCHS. She believes her best accomplishment was directing CCHS’ production of “21 Chump Street.” After graduation, she plans to attend NAU to pursue a degree in business management. This summer, she will attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College to study mortuary science. Her career goal is to own a funeral home that can provide support and happiness to people during a hard time.

Congratulations, class of 2020!

STANDOUTS • Senior Amy Ramsey and junior Micah

Mason are the students of the year.

MOMENTS IN TIME • Copper Canyon High School’s weight training students participated in the 9/11 Tower Challenge. It is in honor of the fallen firefighters who climbed 110 stories, 2,071 steps, on 9/11.

ALEXANDER MARTINEZ RAMIREZ Alexander Martinez Ramirez is Copper Canyon’s 2019-20 student body president and is graduating in the top 3% at CCHS. Through his involvement in student government and as an Aztec Ambassador, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. His favorite thing about CCHS has been the culture of inclusivity created by students and teachers. After graduation, he plans to attend NAU to pursue a degree in forestry. He is passionate about a career protecting the environment.

Congratulations, class of 2020! At Arizona State University, we want to help you along the path toward realizing your goals.

Thousands of incoming first-year and transfer students will soon call ASU home, and we want you to be one of them. Let ASU be part of your academic journey. Map your path to ASU today with ASU’s pathway program.

Ready to start this fall?

The fall 2020 application for admission is open.

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admission.asu.edu/transfer/maricopa | asu.edu/apply 5/20/20 11:46 AM

Class of 2020 • May 28, 2020

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CONGRATULATIONS

GRADUATES from Grand Canyon University!

It’s not too late to get started on your college journey.

We have virtual, interactive campus tours available and plenty of scholarship opportunities!

Visit gcu.edu to apply for free today!

855-428-7884 For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX. The information printed in this material is accurate as of MAY 2020. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. ©2020 Grand Canyon University 20GTR0463