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Couple forms 2 prize-winning robotics teams at Horizon

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

In an era of teacher shortages and tight funding across the Valley’s education sector, it sometimes takes parents to give up their time and energy to help students thrive.

So it is with Donna and Ethan Dunsford of Ahwatukee, who organized Horizon Honors Elementary and Secondary School’s first two robotics teams – then led each of them to win two trophies in a recent STEM competition.

Comprising students in grades 4-7, the two teams competed in the international F.I.R.S.T. Lego League Challenge, each winning awards for Innovation and Rising All Stars in competitions with teams from four other schools.

With the theme of understanding and imagining a better future, the competition had teams explore how society consumes and produces energy and transforms it from one form to another through 15 missions in a robot game.

It was no small order for the youngsters, as they had to collaborate on their ideas, consider an efficient design for their user and possible barriers to implementation, document the evaluation of their invention and validate their design with professionals working in STEM.

Like all F.I.R.S.T. programs, the competition aims to “provide the essential hands-on education, experiences, and inspiration young people need to be driven and build a better world.”

In the process F.I.R.S.T. notes, they also are “expanding their curiosity and confidence to create a better future for themselves and their communities through observing opportunities to real-world problem-solve for improvements, innovation and inclusion.”

But to achieve all this, students need adult guidance.

That’s where the Dunsfords came in.

Donna, a registered nurse, and Ethan, an ABC 15 producer, approached Horizon about reigniting its STEM program.

“The vice principal told us ‘Well, if we could find a teacher…’ So many schools have lost teachers because of COVID and I didn’t think they wanted to burn anybody out and say, ‘Hey, let’s put this on to your Monday through Friday assignments.”

So the Dunsfords decided to help.

With Horizon’s blessing, they formed the teams of interested students in August and, with the help of Arizona State University’s Fulton School of Engineering, were able to utilize and code two robots.

“Some team members learned about coding robots for the first time, others honed in on confidence and interpersonal skills,” said

see ROBOTS page 23

There were so many students at Horizon Honors Elementary School who wanted to participate in the robotics that Ethan and Donna Dunsford formed two teams. Horizon Eaglebots 2 comprised Grady Ehlert, Liam Stalker-Highsmith, Maddison Thinn, Rosalyn McArthur, Wyatt Walters, Matthew Greco, and Rachel Spresney (not pictured). (Courtesy of Donna Dunsford)

‘Arizona Nutcracker’ cast ready for this weekend’s performances

AFN NEWS STAFF

Tickets are still available for this weekend’s performance of an Ahwatukee tradition that has adopted a statewide brand.

“Arizona Nutcracker,” which Dance Studio owner Kimberly Lewis this year has branded from the “Ahwatukee Nutcracker” she presented for 22 consecutive years at Desert Vista High School, will be presented at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, in the 160,000 square-foot Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., downtown Phoenix.

Free parking is available in their 375 covered-stall parking structure located directly south of the facility by the Madison Promenade. Tickets can be purchased at thearizonanutcracker.com.

Some 65 performers ages 3 to 18 and a smattering of adults, will participate in the Christmas classic ballet, which Lewis re-dubbed “Arizona Nutcracker” because so many youngsters from out-

“Arizona Nutcracker” features a cast of 65 youngsters ages 3 to 18, as well as some adults.

(Zachary BonDurant/AFN Contributor) side Ahwatukee wanted a chance to be part of the cast.

Clara is played by Lauren Wiscombe and her best friends are portrayed by Serena Hargus and Sadie Straessler while Madi Nash plays her mother and Brian Wiscombe plays her father.

Other cast members are: Caden Jerger, Sam Valenzuela, Marti Kasovac and Ryan Sadowski.

Sara Allen plays the Sugar Plum Fairy and the queens include: Snow Queen, Niyana Harris; Butterfly Queen, Abby Peterson; Marzipan Queen, Laycie Michell; Spanish Queen, Mikaylee Bellino; Arabian Queen is alternately played by Lily Allen and Taylor Carey; Russian Queen, Kiara Reyes; Queen of Sweets, Jenna

Horizon Honors junior to attend famed national conference

AFN NEWS STAFF

An Ahwatukee teen has been accepted to the prestigious Civic Leadership Academy for a week-long study this spring in Washington, D.C.

Liam Porter, the son of Eric and Katherine Porter, is a junior at Horizon Honors High School in Ahwatukee.

The academy is an academically-focused activity that includes seminars, readings, and group projects aimed at fostering Civil Air Patrol cadets’ leadership skills, sense of civic responsibility and overall interest in the democratic process.

The week culminates with Legislative Day, when cadets meet with their elected leaders on Capitol Hill.

Liam engaged in a competitive application process that included essays, letters of recommendation, and a resume that demonstrated his commitment to civic engagement.

Besides being a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, Liam also is student body secretary for Horizon’s Student Council and an athlete on its cross-country team. 

German Language Christmas Service is back live

BY DR. PETRA SCHMID-RIGGINS

AFN Guest Writer

Finally it’s that time again! Some of you surely missed the in person German Language Christmas service.

But this year at 4:10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 48th St., Ahwatukee, the 13th annual German Language Christmas service will take place in person, which many adorers have been longing for.

The German-language Christmas service has become a cherished tradition in Ahwatukee.

From all over Arizona adorers have been traveling to Ahwatukee to enjoy a Christmas service that is either reminiscent of their childhood, a time they spent in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland or a precious time they spent with a friend or friends from German-speaking countries.

As it has been a cherished tradition for many years, socializing and a cup of tea to follow.

The sermon will be by Chaplain Reves, a U.S. military officer who has an excellent command of the German language.

Fans who can’t travel or would like to enjoy the service from home can see the service live at bit.ly/weihnachtsgottesdienst2022inphoenix.

May you be mesmerized by the, once again, in person 13th German Language Christmas service and may your heart be filled with joy and love this season and throughout the year.

Questions pertaining to the service may be directed to: ingeborg07@hot-

mail.com. 

ROBOTS from page 22

Donna.

Noting that some kids turned to video games during the pandemic-driven lockdowns, Donna said, “We tapped into their most recent knowledge and understanding of the coding process.

“It was amazing to see them cheer one another on in the process, building confidence and interpersonal skills.”

The Dunsfords’ daughter Lily, a fifth grader at Horizon, “always had a passion for science.” And while the couple had a personal interest in reviving Horizon’s robotics teams, they also have a passion to see kids thrive.

“We love how well all of our families worked together for success,” Donna said.

With an assist from those parents, the Dunsfords’ weekly meetings with the teams doubled to two a week, as they gathered at different parents’ houses and in driveways to continue their work.

Even when the school was hit by the recent “tridemic” of flu, COVID and RSV, the team members “powered through flu season and many times had to Zoom in order to complete their research for the competition,” Donna said.

“They persevered!”

So did the Dunsfords, who cajoled ASU to help them pay for the robots, which cost about $700 each.

The teams comprised Grady Ehlert, Cavan Ehlert, Bryson Velimirovich, Liam Stalker-Highsmith, Maddison Thinn, Wyatt Walters, Rosalyn McArthur, Matthew Greco, Jack McArthur, Lily Dunsford, Chloe Teng, Caleb Chu, Rachel Spresney and a youngster whose parents requested they only be identified as Trinn.

The Dunsfords persuaded Horizon administrators to include their four trophies in the display case with those won by sports teams “so they can walk by and be proud for years to come,” Donna said.

Their work also persuaded Horizon to establish robotics teams next year as part of the school’s programs.

And the kids are also helping their school apply their knowledge to a reallife situation, she added.

After learning that the school’s plans to develop an outdoor learning space, Donna persuaded a principal to hear a presentation by the teams on solar power and how it could be applied to outdoor classrooms. 

The Horizon Honors robotics team gathers around their robot’s course and includes Grady Ehlert, Cavan Ehlert, Bryson Velimirovich, Liam Stalker-Highsmith, Maddison Thinn, Wyatt Walters, Rosalyn McArthur, Matthew Greco, Jack McArthur, Lily Dunsford, Chloe Teng, Trinn, Caleb Chu. Rachel Spresney is not pictured. (Courtesy of Donna Horizon Eaglebots 1 includes Lily Dunsford, Chloe Teng, Caleb Chu, Trinn, Cavan Ehlert, Bryson Velimirovich and Jack McArthur. (Courtesy of Donna Dunsford)

Hansen; China Queen, Kate Johnston.

The Mouse King is played by Ally Nash while the Fight Nutcracker is played by Avery Lewis.

Other cast members are: Presley Campos, Lucy Hansen, Kennedy Hansen, Kentlee Razcon, Kate Johnston and Andi Benavidez.

Playing Little Sister Angels are Vivian Ameen, Katherine Dillon, Lexi Valenzuela and Alexa Partridge while the maids are played by Laycie Michell, Mikaylee Bellino and Kiara Reyes.

The March Girls are played by Millie Rash, Katherine Dillon, Jillian Vanderzyl, Alex Dixon, Lexi Valenzuela, Claire Parnell, Emma Heinrich, Madison Bailly, Elliot Maalouf, Paige Edwards, Vivian Ameen, Alexa Partridge, Alayna O’Brien and Henley Wolfard.

The Baby March Girls include Eva Jeanty, Camilla Witson, Rocio Tamayo, Skylar Straessler and Aubrey Reichard while the March Boys are Easton

Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee needs help for foster kids in group homes

The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee is again conducting a drive for Christmas gifts for children and teens in group foster homes. The children, mostly teens, often have no one except each other and the club tries to add a bit of cheer with gifts.

Items they are seeing include stocking stuffers, such as $25 gift cards to Walmart, Amazon or AMC Theaters or $10 to $15 gift cards for fast food restaurants; clothing in men’s sizes such as jogging and pajama pants, gym shorts and graphic and colored T-shirts; and monetary donations.

There are multiple ways to help. First, go online to ahwatukeekiwanis.org; second, send a check payable to the Ahwatukee Kiwanis in care of the club at PO Box 50596, PHX., AZ 85076.

There are also donation boxes at” Ahwatukee YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane; Ahwatukee Swim Tennis and Activity Center, 4700 E. Warner Road; Dr. E Dentistry, 4206 E. Chandler Blvd., Music Makers Workshop, 3233 E. Chandler Blvd., West USA Realty, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Clearwater Senior Living, 15815 S. 50th St.; and Mountain View Lutheran Church, 1002 S. 48th St.

Kyrene students win big at Tempe Festival of the Arts

Kyrene School District saw 14 students from seven of its schools win in the Fall 2022 Tempe Festival of the Arts Young Artist Exhibition

Straessler, Vance Ameen and Liam Blass.

The Cousins include Zinnia Johnson, Lydia Jeanty, Olivia Nielson, Lily Buller and Lily Ward.

Parents are played by Ashley Jerger, Stephanie Ameen, Tomas Benavidez, Aimee Johnson, Hannah Parnell, Philip Hansen, and Nick Straessler.

The Lead Toy Soldier is Jenna Hansen, accompanied by Toy Soldiers Lydia Jeanty, Olivia Nielson, Lily Buller, Zinnia Johnson, Avika Thejaswi and Kennedy Hansen.

The Hershey Kiss Mice are Eva Jeanty, Camilla Wison, Rocio Tamayo, Skylar Straessler and Isabella Pensyl while the Chubby Tummy Mice are Paige Edwards, Millie Rash, Madison Bailly, Jillian Vanderzyl, Alex Dixon, Kelsey Campbell, Emma Heinrich, Claire Parnell, Alayna O’brien, Aubrey Reichard, Henley Wolfard and Elliot Maalouf.

Portraying the Big Mice are Kate Johnston, Sadie Straessler, Presley Campos, Serena Hargus, Lily Ward and Lucy Hansen.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 14, 2022

Snowflakes are Laycie Michell, Mikaylee Bellino, Abby Peterson, Sara Allen, Lily Allen, Kiara Reyes, Jenna Hansen, Serena Hargus and Kate Johnston.

Little Sister Angels are Vivian Ameen, Katherine Dillon, Lexi Valenzuela and Alexa Partridge while the Angels are Kelsey Campbell, Emma Heinrich, Alayna O’brien, Aubrey Reichard, Elliot Maalouf, Henley Wolfard, Madison Bailly, Alex Dixon, Paige Edwards, Claire Parnell, Millie Rash, Kentlee Razcon and Andi Benavidez.

The Spanish Dancers are Kiara Reyes, Abby Peterson, Laycie Michell and Niyana Harris while the Arabian Dancers are Sadie Straessler, Serena Hargus, Presley Campos and Jenna Hansen.

China Babies are Eva Jeanty, Camilla Witson, Rocio Tamayo, Skylar Straessler and Isabella Pensyl and the China Dolls include Millie Rash, Katherine Dillon, Jillian Vanderzyl, Alex Dixon, Lexi Valenzuela, Claire Parnell, Emma Heinrich, Madison Bailly, Elliot Maalouf, Paige Edwards, Vivian Ameen, Alexa Partridge, Alayna O’brien, Henley Wolfard, Kentlee Razcon, Andi Benavidez, Kelsey Campbell and Aubrey Reichard. The China Dancers are Zinnia Johnson, Lydia Jeanty, Olivia Nielson, Lily Buller, Lily Ward, Lucy Hansen, Kennedy Hansen, and Avika Thejaswi. Russian Dancers are Kate Johnston, Jenna Hansen, Mikaylee Bellino, Presley Campos, Serena Hargus and Sadie Straessler and the Marzipan Dancers are Abby Peterson, Niyana Harris. The Little Sweets are Kentlee Razcon, Vivian Ameen, Millie Rash, Katherine Dillon, Alex Dixon, Claire Parnell, Alexa Partridge, Lexi Valenzuela, Andi Benavidez, Jillian Vanderzyl and Paige Edwards. The Bon Bons are Zinnia Johnson, Lydia Jeanty, Olivia Nielson, Lily Buller, Lily Ward, Sadie Straessler, Lucy Hansen and Kennedy Hansen. The Waltz Of The Flowers are Laycie Michell, Mikaylee Bellino, Niyana Harris, Lily Allen, Kiara Reyes, Jenna Hansen, Serena Hargus and Kate Johnson. 

AROUND AHWATUKEE

competition.

Winners had their art on display at the Young Artist Exhibition (YAE) and Competition during the festival, in which organizers receive hundreds of pieces of artwork created by talented valley youth who are interested in having their work displayed for a chance to win a cash prize, and for the opportunity to sell their work.

Five additional awards went to students in Kyrene’s Tempe and Chandler schools.

Winners include: First grade student William Mantyla from Kyrene de los Lagos, who won first place in the kindergarten and first grade division for a piece titled “Dancing Cow”; kindergarten student Aliah Rivera Morales from Kyrene de los Cerritos won second place in the kindergarten and first grade division for “Pattern Owl”; first grade student Carter Barrett from Kyrene de la Colina won third place in the kindergarten and first grade division for “ Warm Monster, Cool Sky.”

Third grade student Anna Frolova from Kyrene de los Cerritos won first place in the second and third grade division for a piece, “Mask Design,” that was inspired by Kimmie Cantrell.

Third grade student Faith Maytorena from Kyrene de la Colina won third place in the second and third grade division for a piece called “Flowers” while fourth grader Blyth Beneski from Kyrene de la Estrella won third place in the fourth and fifth grade division for “Folk Art Cityscape.”

Honorable mentions were awarded to: First grade Lagos student Micah Wieging, Colina third grader Tiffany Nguyen and Estrella third grader Max Kaye.

Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club announces a full roster of guest speakers

The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee has announced a full roster of speakers for its weekly breakfasts at 7 a.m. Thursdays at Biscuits Restaurant in the Safeway Plaza on the southwest corner of Elliot Road and 48th Street.

There are no meetings the rest of this year after Dec. 15, when the speaker is Shirley Coomer, representing the Kyrene Foundation.

Other speakers and their appearance dates are: Jan. 19, Paul Maryniak, executive editor of the Ahwatukee Foothills News; Jan 26, a speaker from Helping Hearts; Feb. 9, Jeff Parent, Ahwatukee Little League; Feb. 6, Kevin Robinson, Phoenix City Council candidate; March 9, Mary Adams, of Mountain View Lutheran Church; and March 16, Juan Te Dailey, of D Squared Homes for the Homeless.

Holiday dance party on tap at Cactus Jacks

Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill in Ahwatukee is hosting its annual Holiday Dance Party starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 with line dancing lessons and open dancing.

The partying also includes treats and raffles and patrons are urged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater or holiday attire.

There is a $5 cover at the door. Cactus Jacks is at the southwest corner of 48th Street and Elliot Road. Information: cmcneish@cox.net or dancemeetsfitness.net.

Ironwood Library offers free activities for all ages this month

Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, presents a variety of programs for children, teens and adults. Unless otherwise noted, free tickets are required and available 30 minutes before programs’ start times at the library’s information desk.

For more info.: phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

Polar Express Storytime

Children can wear their pajamas to a special reading of this holiday classic by Chris Van Allsburg and enjoy seasonal activities 9:30-10 a.m. Dec. 17.

Next Chapter Book Club

This inclusive community-based book club is designed for people ages 12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a desire to make friends, explore their community, and read (regardless of current reading ability).

The free event is 3-4 p.m. today, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21.

Book club

Adult readers 18+ can meet up with fellow adventuresome bibliophiles to share their thoughts about each month’s selection the first Wednesday of each month, 5-5:45 p.m. to discuss The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers Dec. and on Jan. see AROUND page 26