AFN Class of 2020

Horizon Honors Secondary

Mountain Pointe High

Desert Vista High

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

a t s i V t Deser

HIGH SCHOOL

TOTAL GRADUATES: 734

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $23,429,147

Student Body Officers: • Morgann Kelly, president; Joey Deignan, vice president; Frida Gutierrez, secretary; Cris Navas, communications director; Karly Makay, spirit director.

Senior Class Officers: • Nicole Kennedy, president; Kylee Peck, vice president; Kayli Navas, secretary; Carolyn Hulse, communications director; Eliana Lenz, spirit director; Mika Watanabe and Londyn Smith, class representatives.

VALEDICTORIANS

Megan Chen

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Mei-Lin Chen & Ernest Chen Total scholarship offers: $158,750 College: Harvey Mudd College Major: Computer science and/or chemistry Achievements: HOSA International bronze medalist in transcultural healthcare, first place In American Protégé International Concerto Competition, Congressional Art Competition “Best In Show,” Scholastic Art & Writing Awards national silver medal, National Merit Scholar, Arizona All-State Orchestra Violist, P.E.O. Star Scholarship and HOSA Jane Shovlin Scholarship.

Activities: Desert Vista Peer Tutoring Organization president, Desert Vista Health Occupations Students Of America president, Desert Vista Chamber Orchestra principal violist, Music Club president, Science Olympiad secretary, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, intern for ASU Science And Engineering Experience Program, instructor for Kumon Math and Reading Center, Arizona Science Center intern and St. Joseph’s Hospital volunteer.

Anya Chaudhry

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Yash Chaudhry and Shefali Bhimani Total scholarship offers: $120,000 (Flinn Scholarship) College: University Of Arizona Major: physiology and medical sciences Achievements: Best Of Show and first place at Tempe Art Festival; Congressional Art Competition second and third place; Multiple Gold Keys in Scholastic Art Competition. Her paintings on display in Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s office.

Activities: HOSA Future Health Professionals, National Honor Society treasurer, Science National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Art Club, peer tutor, Math Honor Society, founder and owner of two businesses.

Mutian Jerry Xin

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Wei Xin & Hua Mo Total scholarship offers: $13,000 College: Duke University Major: Computer science and statistics Achievements: Co-authored conference paper in Dynamic Systems and Control Conference 2019; American Mathematics Competition 12A Top 5% in mation & American Invitatonal Mathematical Exam qualification; AMC 10A/B Top 5% in nation;Arizona State Math Contest Division Iii top winner and Div. V Top 50; Distributive Education Clubs of America Arizona State Career Conference first place Principles of Business Management; National Merit Finalist; National AP Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; ASU Science and Engineering Fair, third place in computational bioinformatics; Future Business Leaders Of America, first place in financial math, second place economics and business calculus.

Activities: Young Americans For Freedom Club founder and president, Math Club president and vice president various years; Distributive Education Clubs of America vice president.

Nathan Zhang

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Ming Yang And Xinyu Zhang Total scholarship offers: $32000 College: Vanderbilt University Major: Biomedical engineering Achievements: second place HOSA Medical Math, Regional Honors Band, All State Honors Orchestra, First Place IN Science Olympiad Chemistry Lab, National Chemistry Olympiad Semifinalist.

Activities: Band, HOSA, peer tutor, Quizbowl, Science Olympiad.

Sonia Dias

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Maryann Dias and Rajen Dias Total scholarship offers: $237,700 College: Washington University in St. Louis Major: Computer science Achievements: First place creative problem solving at HOSA Slc, Seal Of Biliteracy for Spanish, AMEA Regional Honors Band, Desert Vista Scudder Award.

Activities: Peer tutor, Spanish Club, HOSA, Asian Student Interactive Association, Science Olympiad, National Honors Society, Phoenix Sister Cities youth ambassador.

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MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

VALEDICTORIANS CONTD.

Meiven Yang

Jess Condon

Sophie Holtom

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Haojin Shen and Victor Yang Total scholarship offers: $102,500 College: University of Arizona Honors College Major: Biochemistry Achievements: Speech and Debate State Competition fifth place; North Central Region Orchestra violist; Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Art State Competition 2017, third place; Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key; Celebrating Arts Contest high merit winner; District Congressional Art Competition finalist; George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest ; HOSA Slc creative problem solving fourth place.

Activities: Speech/Debate, Symphony Orchestra, Science Olympiad, National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society; Math Honors Society, HOSA, peer tutor.

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Joanna Hamilton and Kevin Condon Total scholarship offers: $42,000 College: Northern Arizona University Major: double major in Spanish and geology Achievements: Varsity cross country and track, first in state for HOSA in creative problem solving, National Merit finalist.

Activities: Cross country, track, secretary in Spanish Club, vice president of Book Club, member of Music Club, HOSA, peer tutor.

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Amanda And David Holtom Total scholarship offers: $60,120 College: University of Arizona Major: Pre-pharmaceutical Achievements: Four-year Regional Honor Orchestra, Thunder Marching Band Activities: United Sound, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra.

Jonathan Pak GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Jason And Michelle Pak Total scholarship offers: $45,000 College: Stanford University Major: Film studies, music or philosophy Achievements: AP National Scholar Activities: Orchestra

Kirsten Woldahl

Emilie Meehan

Kirsten we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments, despite all the hurdles thrown at you this year, you have remained resilient, focused and determined to achieve your goals.

We are so blessed and proud of the beautiful, kind and strong woman that you have become. You are about to set you foot of the world’s stage, be an achiever and do great things. Go and make your dreams come true!

We are so excited for what the future holds for you! Words can’t express how much we love and support you as you embark on the next chapter of your life.

Love, Mom & Dad

We are so proud as Emilie graduates from Desert Vista H.S. with the Class of 2020!

After almost losing her 2 years ago, she bounced back, still graduating on time and showing how determined and STRONG she is!

With her many interests including photography, journalism and the medical field, she will have an exciting future of new journeys and adventures ahead of her!

These years have gone by so fast!

Congratulations Emilie - We love you so much! XOXO

Class of 2020

Class of 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

s r o n o H n o z Hori HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 92 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $2.3 MILLION VALEDICTORIAN:

CO-SALUTATORIANS

Nicole Naya Johnson

Total scholarship offers: $40,000 College: Arizona State University, Barrett, The Honors College Major: Business law Achievements: Best Policy Statement at WMUN 2017, Honorable Delegate award at AZMUN 2017: AP Scholar with Distinction as of 2019.

Activities: Model UN president, vice president and treasurer at various times, senior class secretary-treasurer, National Honor Society chapter president, Chick-fil-a Leader Academy, Relay for Life leadership team, Kindness Krew/No Place for Hate, student orientation guide.

Xin Hwei Lim Total scholarship offers: $40,000 College: Arizona State University Major: Computer systems engineering Achievements: Lettered in band, participated in Regionals Band.

Activities: Key Club, National Honor Society vice president, Student Council all four years, Band Council.

Aden Samuel Molinar

Total scholarship offers: $60,000 College: University of Arizona Honors College Major: Physiology on pre-med track.

Achievements: Varsity soccer second team all-region as a freshman, College Board AP Scholar.

Activities: Key Club treasurer and vice president in different years, P.O.E. Club president, started Bags are Bad project distributing reusable grocery bags.

Congratulations, class of 2020!

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.

Apply today!

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

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It's a great day to be an Eagle.

Congratulations.

We are so proud.

HORIZON HONORS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 Sean Albert Joseph Aljets Solaya Allen Paige Anawalt Kaitlin Anderson-Sharp Kieran Andrew Kaylee Arenz Hannah Babington Macayla Barbaglia Bethany Bond Hannah Browning Caileigh Burdette Jorge Cesin Tarek Chanouha Gavin Chaston Sydni Cloutier-Standiford Edward Colbrunn Alexander Collins Jordan Cook Roman Corey Zane Cortes Sarai Crawford Sophie Davidson

Tylor Davis Daniel Deputy Harrison Dreyer Camryn Dunn Abbey Duvall Ruth Ehuwa Trey Faulkner Ethan Fear Selina Fluty Amber Fretwell Samantha Garcia Hanna Goff Abbigail Grove Allison Hale Olivia Hamer Justin Hill Khawhy Holloway Ethan Hurlburt Kaitlyn Isom Quincy Jacobs Nicole Johnson Avery Jones Jacob Jones

Justin Kelliher Allisen Kim Dustin Komar Savina La Batt Losey Olivia Lewis Michael LiKong-Gorman Xin Hwei Lim Dominic Lombardi Ethan Mandadero Giovanni Marquez Camryn Marshall Alexandrea Miller Lauren Nicole Milne Aden Molinar Tara Murphy Breanne O’Meara Keefe Oakes Cole Ondersma William Osborn Juan Otalora Bautista Holly Owens Nathan Patterson Makenzy Payan

Eli Querfeld Paulo Quintana Jericho Rich Marisela Rivera Christian Rivers Madison Rowlee Madeline Rowley Michaela Scher Danielle Schroeder Ayden Shields Zoe Slagel-Carty Jeffrey Smith Mya Smith Griffin Sonnemann Creed Katherine Sundeen Ethan Tanner Michael Toomb Nicholas Vela Anders Vidarsson Frederick Viscomi Maxim Weixler Caymon Winnick Kailey Zicafoose

16233 SOUTH 48TH STREET PHOENIX AZ 85048

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

e t n i o P n i Mounta HIGH SCHOOL NUMBER OF GRADS: 550 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $20.3 MILLION Student body officers: Jayda BeBee and Rachel Leyva, presidents; Andie McDonald, vice president; Desiray Armstrong, treasurer; Saphira Brooks, secretary; Kate Bucci, events director; Grace Greve, spirit director.

Senior Class Treasurer: Yaritza Contreras Pacheco Student Council VIPs: Natalie Figueroa, Mikaela Romo, Trinity Rodgers

VALEDICTORIAN:

Alan Dupre

GPA: 4.891 Parents: Florence and Yann Dupre Total scholarship offers: $44200 College: Arizona State University Major: Mechanical engineering Achievements: National Honor Society national semifinalist, National Merit Commended Scholar, Tempe Diablos Changemaker Award, National AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, academic letter, Varsity Tennis Joe Selleh Award.

Activities: Rho Kappa Honor Society president, Language Honor Society secretary, AP Club, DECA, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, Key Club, Pride’s Peak vice president, Environmental Club president, Totem Tutoring, over 300 hours of community service.

Kristiana Guerrero Congratulations to Kristiana who is graduating from Desert Vista High School with honors. Kristiana was a member of Varsity Dance Line, the State Championship DVDC Dance Team, Community Counts, and the Rho Kappa Honor’s Society. We are so proud of all you have accomplished. You have such a bright future ahead of you and we know you will have great success at Arizona State University and beyond!

All our love, Mom, Dad, and Gabi

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SALUTATORIAN

Luke Beyer

GPA: 4.884 Parents: Jonathan and Shannon Beyer Total scholarship offers: $40,000 College: Arizona State University Major: Mechanical engineering Achievements: - Academic letter, varsity cross country letter, Scholar Athlete Award, National Merit Commended Scholar, Phoenix Classic Race Medalist.

Activities: arious leadership positions at church school, Environmental Club vice president, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honors Society secretary, Prides Peak Community Service chairman, Language Honors Society vice president, school wrestling squad, Totem Tutor, AP Club, Running Club, varsity track and field team, English Honors Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, and Science National Honors Society.

HONORED STUDENT

Michaelyn Moses

Parents: Ian and Heather Moses College: University of Arizona Major: Industrial engineering Achievements: Multiple awards and scholarships, according to school officials. Gold Scouts Gold Award for partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Guadalupe to create a cost-effective cheer and dance program for children.

Brett Justus Desert Vista Senior

Brett Justus has a bright future ahead of him. Brett is headed to Barrett, the honors college at ASU to study Data Analytics/Sports Marketing.

A recipient of the Next Gen ASU scholarship, he is excited to be part of top leaders and entrepreneur students. Brett, is a sports fanatic and excited to be part of the Sun Devil family. Congratulations Brett! We are so very proud of you!

0 2 0 2 f o Class

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Luke Beyer

Cayla Cunningham

When you started as a freshman in 2016 you wrote down some pretty lofty goals for yourself. Four years later as you graduate, you have not only met, but far exceeded those goals. You’re graduating as Salutatorian of your class and have been active in numerous MPHS clubs while lettering as a 3-year varsity competitor in both cross country and track (3200 meter). You’ve earned ASU’s President Award “for high academic performance” and will be a Barrett Honors student this fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering. It’s been a joy watching you grow into a fine young man.

It’s hard to believe that just four years ago you entered Desert Vista as a freshman and suddenly it’s time to watch you take a new path in life upon graduation. Your years at DV saw your steady focus on academics but also showed your competitive spirit in indoor volleyball and playing for DV’s very first ever sand volleyball. You even played DV badminton for the first time even though a senior. Transferring to Wickenburg in January to take advantage of a radiology preliminary internship at a local hospital points the way to a bright future.

Congratulations and best wishes for the next exciting chapter in your life!

Congratulations and best wishes for the next chapter in your life!

Your Grandy said it best – “we love you to the moon and back.”

Love – Papa Cunningham

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Your Grandy said it best – “we love you to the moon and back.”

Love – Papa Cunningham

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Once a Kyrene Kid, Always a Kyrene Kid. Congratulations Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista Graduates.

You are already making history.

L E A R N I N G. L E A D I N G. A C H I E V I N G.

www.kyrene.org • 480-541-1000 • Now Enrolling for 2020-21

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

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

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Paige Matson

Jade Lynn Buzinski

Congratulations Paige & Class of 2020! Listen to your heart sweet girl, follow your dreams, and you will do something AMAZING! Wishing you the very best experience at University of Arizona in the fall!

With Love ~ Uncle Jose, Aunt Randi & Olive

We are so proud of the hard work and dedication you’ve put into your high school career. Congratulations on your graduation! The next stage in your continued education will lead you to new horizons to be explored. It will be exciting, challenging and maybe even frightening. Be strong and courageous.

Don’t be afraid or discouraged to try new things. Relish your successes AND failures. Remember life is a journey and it’s OK to occasionally take a wrong turn.

Continue moving forward and you will have a bright future.

Most importantly, remember: WE ARE FAMILY. We will always here for you and pray for your happiness and success. We wish you the best as a Sun Devil and hope your college experiences create many happy memories. Forks Up!!!

So now raise your head, flip your tassel, tip your cap and go chase your dreams!

We Love You, Mom, Dad and Tara

Class of 2020

Class of 2020

Sonia Dias You’re all grown up! How we miss the years that you would answer to our silly nicknames and sit by our side for hours at a time. We are endlessly amazed by you: Valedictorian of your class and a full ride to an amazing university! Your drive and dedication has helped you better the world around you. We’re most proud of the kind, compassionate woman that you’ve become. We can’t express how much we love and support you as you look to this next chapter of life.

- Love Mom & Dad

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Dr. Ryan Frantz Patrick and Chevelle Frantz of Ahwatukee are proud to announce the graduation of their son, Dr. Ryan Thomas Frantz, M.D. from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Class of 2020, in Tucson, Arizona. Ryan has grown up in Ahwatukee and attended Esperanza and Colina Elementary schools, Centennial Middle School and Mountain Pointe High School. He completed his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at Arizona State University. Our family is very grateful for the support of Ryan’s teachers, neighbors and friends in this community. Ryan has been accepted into a Psychiatry Residency in Lubbock, Texas. He will be moving to Texas in June to continue his medical training.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

In this most unusual of endings for a school year, Desert Vista High School teachers and administrators were on hand May 21 for a “drive-in comencement� as seniors rolled up in vehicles to pick up their diplomas. In the photo on the left of the middle row below, Xavier Lugo, was chauffeured in a well-appointed car for the occasion while Connor Farrel (same row, far right) even brought his dog along. In the lower right corner, Kaitlyn Victoria grabbed a selfie while to the left of that picture, Riley Frederic took the wheel. The others were not identified.

PHOTOS BY PABLO ROBLES/AFN Staff Photographer

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

Congratulations!

Class of 2020

Desert Vista High School Mountain Pointe High School

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Congratulations to the Seniors in our Ohana!

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Class of 2020

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MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Congratulations Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe Class of 2020!

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Congratulations 2020 Grads G14

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

Parades and drive-in graduations were the orders of the day last week as Mountain Pointe High School’s Class of 2020 joined the school’s illustrious alumni. Among them was Julia Corbin (second row from top, far right), who had to hang on to her cap during a parade parents and friends organized in the neighborhood May 20. The next day, the seniors drove to the school to get their diplomas. Among them in the middle row were, left, Myracle Armani Nicole Earby and her family and Abbi Cox. In the middle of this page, proud grads Jackie Lawi, left, and Kambria Carrethers were all smiles. The bottom row has scenes from the May 20 parade.

PHOTOS BY PABLO ROBLES/AFN Staff Photographer

a w a t Ot

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MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University enhances student experience

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Staff Writer

W

ith 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 brand-new residential campus in Surprise, which also has emergency services on site,” said Dr. Brian Sandusky, OUAZ’s chief enrollment of�icer. “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 nonpro�it, 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, Litch�ield Park, Peoria, Sun City West, Tolleson, Surprise, Waddell, Whitman and Youngtown.

“We believe a fully rounded educational experience for students includes residential living,” Sandusky said.

Ottawa University Arizona—Surprise Campus offers classes in four-, eight- or 16-week format. (Courtesy Ottawa

University)

Students who stay in university housing na, facility and athletic of�ices, additional for six semesters, or three years, are eligi- classrooms and laboratories.

OUAZ offers a variety of majors. Top ble for 50% off their graduate tuition rate majors include biology, business, Chriswhile studying at OUAZ Surprise.

“We want to bring value to our commu- tian studies and ministry, communication, nity and our alumni, and this is one exam- early childhood education, elementary education, engineering, exercise science, ple of that mission,” Sandusky said. human resources, Two other new leadership and manbuildings are part of agement, psychology, the OUAZ campus. secondary education The student union and sport studies. includes a state-ofOttawa University the-art dining cenis committed to deter, an entertainveloping students to ment lounge with be work-ready and indoor/outdoor world-ready upon �ireplace, fan shop, graduation. Personal mailroom, classGrowth Days (PGDs) rooms and banquet consist of three imhall. It is also home portant components: to the new Adawe Spirit Life, a worship Center mentorship and speaker series; program, which is Network Lunch, a designed to help community lunch on students be succampus; and Student cessful in their colDevelopment Courses, lege experience. a series of life- and The new O’Dell work-skills workshops Center houses the “Our chancellor, Dr. university’s athletic Kevin Eichner, came facilities, �itness up with the idea of and recreational BRIAN SANDUSKY limiting classes on center, Faith Are-

Wednesdays to allow for our PGDs,” Sandusky said.

“We have a variety of guest speakers, such as community- or faith-based leaders. The Wednesday workshops provide students with work-readiness skills, like resume writing and interviewing. Students need those skills. There’s a focus on worldreadiness 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 signi�icant 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-�its-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 16-week term format. Students work with their faculty mentor to assist them with their course scheduling. This �lexible 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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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020