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THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON
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westvalleyview.com
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This Week
NEWS ............... 6 Goodyear celebrating 75 years with carnival
BUSINESS...... 15 Paddy O’ Furniture donates pieces to shelter
SPORTS ......... 17 Buckeye registering for winter leagues
OPINION ...............11 BUSINESS.............. 14 SPORTS ..................17 FEATURES ..............18 YOUTH ..................21 OBITUARIES ...........21 CLASSIFIEDS ..........22 NORTH
The Voice of the West Valley for 36 years
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November 17, 2021
CMA Foundation sings Tolleson teacher’s praise BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
T
olleson Elementary School District teacher Efrain Casillas knew nothing about mariachi when he headed to the Valley from Connecticut. Learning the demographic of his district, the Puerto Rican-born teacher schooled himself in the genre so the kids could connect with their family and each other. That’s one of the reasons the Country Music Association, along with its philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, named Casillas one of its 2020 Music Teachers of Excellence. The group of 30 educators from across the United States was honored Nov. 10 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville during “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” the CMA Awards, hosted by singer/“American Idol” judge Luke Bryan. Casillas received a $2,500 bonus for himself and $2,500 for his class from the CMA Foundation.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the CMA Foundation created the Music Teachers of Excellence honor to recognize educators across the country who have the greatest impact on their students, using music as a vehicle for change. Casillas’ class of teachers was announced March 9, 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt. The teachers received tickets to the CMA Awards, where they attended a preshow reception at the arena before attending the ceremony later that night. Efrain Casillas and Tolleson Elementary School District Superin-
CMA...continued on page 3
tendent Dr. Lupita Hightower were flown to the CMA Awards, where the teacher was honored. (Photo courtesy of Efrain Casillas)
Slain teen remembered as funny, caring BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
A
ngeline Carbajal recalls her cousin, Efrain Escobar, as thoughtful and funny. He was never problematic and yearned to continue the family tow truck business. But his dreams were cut short on Nov. 13 when the 16-year-old boy was shot in the back and chest outside of a QT in Buckeye. “He was really smart,” said Carbajal,
who lives in Buckeye. “He had a lot of potential. He was always here with friends and family. He never asked for anything. He was really funny with anyone.” According to Carissa Planalp, the Buckeye Police Department’s spokesperson, officers received a call about a shooting outside of QT near 900 S. Watson Road. Escobar was found lying on the ground deceased with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect
fled the scene before officers arrived. A second shooting occurred when a friend of the victim fired several shots at the suspect as he fled the scene. With assistance from DPS and Phoenix air units, detectives located the homicide suspect near 99th Avenue and Thomas around 3 p.m., according to Planalp. Because the 17-year-old suspect is a juvenile, Planalp is not releasing his name.
Slain...continued on page 4
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