Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 29www.SanTanSun.com Youth

by Jourdan rodrigue It’s winter in Arizona, which means the

only tangible seasonal change is from football to soccer.

At Snedigar Sports Complex in Chandler, soccer team Bafana Bafana is making their playoff run in the Arizona Sports League men’s tournament.

In the semifinals, the team faces the Sand Dragon Football Club (SDFC), a team that ages each Bafana player by at least 15 years.

“Well, we dated their mothers,” says SDFC defender Ed Ribeneira, 40.

The game is over early as energetic Bafana Bafana players repeatedly drive through the SDFC defense, scoring four in the first half alone.

But the show has just begun. With eight minutes left in the first

half, 20-year-old left outside midfielder Enrique Collazo gets the ball with room to run.

It’s easy to miss him on the field at first. He’s not the loudest player, nor is he the biggest. He’s been quietly doling out passes to other players the entire half, making his runs and filling in spots as other offensive players rush the box.

He begins to dance up the side of the field, weight shifting from foot to foot as he flicks the ball in and out, back and forth, a fake here, a juke there. Two defenders look like they’re standing still as he easily slides by, the ball a simple extension of his foot.

A defender gets too close, legs spread

wide for balance. Collazo taps the ball through them and darts around him, the ball never leaving his foot for more than a second. He accelerates.

“Oooohooo,” exclaims his father, Rudy. “Oh, excellent move, beautiful QuiQue.” He claps and moves his lawn chair to catch a few tendrils of shade.

“That is ‘el tunnel,’ the tunnel, when the ball goes through the legs like that,” he says.

Collazo has open field. There is nobody but the keeper in front of him, backed by the fluttering white net.

“Have one,” his teammates yell. “Have a shot, Enrique!”

Collazo taps the ball twice with the outside of his left foot as the keeper prepares for a shot from the right. But it sinks into the net from that left foot, toes pointed down, leg taut.

Soccer PedigreeIt was clear Collazo had a gift at a

young age. “I put the ball in front of him before

he could even walk well and he started poking it with his left foot—he was trying to kick it,” Rudy says. “I could see he had the blood, you know.”

Collazo likes to think soccer is indeed in his blood. Rudy played for the University of Monterrey in Mexico and Enrique’s older brother, Rodolfo “Fito,” was Grand Canyon University’s top defender and currently plays professionally for indoor football club Real Phoenix.

Collazo started playing recreationally within the city of Phoenix when he was 5. It seemed his blood was not merely coursing with a soccer pedigree, but with humility too.

“I remember this one team when I was about 5 … they played in all yellow and I thought they were Brazil,” Collazo says. “I thought they were so good because of that even though we beat them.”

By the time he was 8, he was skilled enough to make Arizona’s top competitive team, Sereno, and thus began a strict training regimen.

“I actually tried out a year early, when I was seven,” he says. “They told me to come back the next year because I was just too small.”

He began travelling the Southwest for tournaments in shin guards that reached the very tops of his knees and

disappeared under too-large shorts. Sereno won the Nomads tournament

in California the year he made the team. Collazo scored the game-tying goal that allowed the team to win in penalty kicks.

He hoisted a trophy almost as tall as he was and grinned the 8-year-old grin he never outgrew.

“I didn’t know the level I was competing at then,” Collazo says. “To me it was just another team.”

rematchTwelve years later, Collazo is back

to playing recreationally and another trophy is a glittering enticement on the sideline as Bafana Bafana warms up for its championship match against Celtic.

Collazo is an elongated version of his 5-year-old self. He’s made up of

Tale of El Tunnél, Part I

see El Tunnél page 31

We offer classes ages 6 months and up:• Gymnastics• Tumbling• Trampoline• Martial Arts• Dance• Cheer• Ballet, Hip Hop,

and Musical Theater

• Adult Bootcamp• Swimming

Great after schoolactivities for kids

of all ages!

Independent gymnastics classes

for 2 year oldsoffered!

480-820-3774www.aspirekidsports.com

50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler 85226 — 1 Block W of Chandler Fashion Center

$30 value. New enrollment only. Not valid with any other offer.Please enter promo code SANTANSUN at time of registration. Expires 3/31/2013.

32,000 Square Foot, Air-Conditioned Facility with an Indoor Heated Pool

Join us! WINTERBREAK CAMPS:Dec. 26-28

Jan. 2-4MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

ONLINE

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 31www.SanTanSun.com Youthlong legs, eyelashes, liquid brown eyes and a shock of black hair that ends in a ducktail at the nape of his neck.

“I wish he would cut it,” laments his mother, Rosalinda, as she watches him lope out to the fi eld. His parents attended every game when he was playing competitively and still tote their lawn chairs out to the fi eld to watch their youngest son.

But his hair is the least of Collazo’s worries. Celtic is a large, physical team that beat Bafana in the championship game in 2011. Bafana soundly defeated them in regular play this season, but it’s the opinion of many players and spectators that Celtic has brought in reinforcements.

The Celtic players know Collazo well. When he has the ball they often set two men on him, yelling “Watch the dance, boys,” in their Irish twang.

“He is a key player on Bafana,” Celtic captain and Arizona Sports League founder Adam Thelwell says. “I’m impressed with his touch and ability to control the ball.”

The teams take their positions: Celtic in green and white and chomping at the bit, and Bafana in their signature assembly of hodgepodge yellow jerseys, laughing and joking until the fi rst whistle.

regimenThat’s the main difference in soccer

between Collazo’s life now and his life before college: the seriousness.

He grew into a teenager on the soccer fi eld. He trained three times a week, played every day and had weekend tournaments more often than not. He saw perfectly manicured pitches all over the nation and collected trophy after

trophy. He perfected his left-footed shot and worked hard on his right. He became graceful and fl uid when maneuvering through defenders.

When he was 13, his parents caught wind of a high school outside their district, Horizon, which had previously won the state championship.

“It was far from our area,” Rosalinda says. “But we knew he should go there because of soccer.”

He made varsity as a sophomore and took a brief hiatus from Cisco, his club team at the time. He slowly began to gain recognition as a player, from all-region honorable mention as a sophomore to second-team all-region as a junior, then fi nally fi rst-team all-region and a “player to watch” by his senior year.

And yet the senior named most valuable player and team captain by his coach, the 17-year-old who cemented his spot in Horizon history by scoring the third-most goals in one game, did not know how good he was.

“I guess I was good,” Collazo says. “I don’t think of myself as way above people.”

His future had always been determined for him by coaches and his club schedule in the past, but once the recruiters came calling his senior year, it was Collazo’s turn to make a decision.

To be continued in the Jan. 5, 2013 issue of the SanTan Sun News.

Jourdan Rodrigue, formerly of Chandler, is a student at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, writing for class credit.

El Tunnél from page 29

Free seminar offers tax scholarship tips

“How to Apply for Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Scholarships,” a free public seminar for parents, is held at 9 a.m. Sat., Jan. 12, 2013, in Seton Catholic Preparatory High School’s Fine and Performing Arts Building, 1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler.

The seminar provides an overview of state tuition tax credit scholarships and types of school tuition organizations that aim to help parents fund their child’s high school education at a private / preparatory school.

Discussion focuses on how to navigate the maze of options and help parents understand how they can qualify for tuition tax credit assistance and other scholarship programs. A question and answer session follows the presentation. Student ambassadors are available at the event to provide campus tours for interested parents and students.

Families are encouraged to arrive at 8:15 a.m. for a parent reception in the foyer of the Fine Arts Building. A high school placement test for prospective students begins at 8:30 a.m.

Seton Catholic Prep is a coeducational, college preparatory school open to students of all faiths. Visit setoncatholic.org or call Seton Catholic Prep’s Admission offi ce at 480-963-1900, ext. 2355.

SAT practice test offers free prep

SanTan Sun area high school juniors and seniors can take advantage of a free SAT Diagnostic Practice Test Day at 11 a.m. Sat., Jan. 5, 2013, offered by Sylvan Learning Center, 4121 E. Valley Auto Dr., Suite 106, Mesa.

The session follows exact SAT testing rules, allowing students to gain valuable insight into what to expect on the day of the test. It also helps parents gauge their student’s readiness for the exam. Students and parents receive a complete scoring analysis within a week of completion.

Students must bring a graphing calculator. Space is limited. To sign up, call Sylvan at 480-361-3500.

Chandler High hosts info night

An informational meeting about Chandler High School’s nationally ranked, award-winning International Baccalaureate program and Advanced Placement curriculum begins at 5:30 p.m. Thu., Jan. 24, 2013 at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

According to the school, more than $28,000,000 in scholarships and grants were offered to Chandler High’s 2012 graduating seniors.

Chandler High is at 350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. For information, call 480-812-7700.

32 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

Fulton Ranch Towne Center4040 S. Arizona Ave., Suite #13Chandler, AZ 85248

WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW AND BIGGER LOCATION!

Vote for grant money

Votes are needed to help a Gilbert charter school win up to $50,000 in funding toward a new playground.

American Leadership Academy, 3155 SanTan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, is in the running for a Power A Bright Future grant from the Clorox Company. The program receiving the highest number of votes by Dec. 19 is awarded the $50,000 grand-prize grant, and the next top vote-getters in the categories Play, Create and Explore will each be awarded a $25,000 grant. A panel of Clorox judges also select three additional schools, one in each category, to win a $25,000 judges’ choice grant.

Adults and children 13 and older can vote online at powerabrightfuture.clorox.com/nominees/detail/?nid=2262 or by texting 2262pbf to 95248. For details, visit alaschools.org.

New Vistas’ World Expo celebrates culturesThe SanTan Sun community is

invited to a “World of Learning Expo” held by New Vistas Center for Education from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 19 at its Chandler campus, 670 N. Arizona Ave., Suite 35.

The event celebrates the unique geography, history, culture and traditions found around the world and among the school’s students. Fully 70% of New Vistas’ student population is from nations other than the United States. Represented among the multilingual students are 38 distinct nations and four continents.

During the event, children and their guests visit classrooms decorated to represent the countries and academic themes studied throughout the year, traveling via family “passports.” To cap off the evening, students and their families visit the “map room” to write and post greetings in their native tongue, then visibly link them to their own city and country of origin with brightly colored ribbons.

“With such a balanced mixture of cultures, our children receive an education that reaches far beyond gifted curriculum,” says Carol Elias, New Vistas’ co-director. “Our international student population adds a dimension to the structured curriculum that is rich indeed.”

New Vistas Center for Education, named a Top Ten School by Johns Hopkins

University CTY, is a private preschool through sixth grade August through May and preschool through high school June

through August. For more information, call New Vistas at

480-963-2313.

GLOBAL PALS: The bond of friendship unites the three continents represented by New Vistas students Arushi Raiazana, Anya Chatha and Timi Aderibighe at the school’s World of Learning Expo . Submitted photo

Expires 12/31/2012Expires 12/31/2012Expires 12/31/2012

— Buy 3 — GET 1 FREE

1 Hour Massage$53 each

480-883-86484980 S. Alma School Road

Chandler, AZ 85248N.W. Corner of Alma School & Chandler Heights

in the Safeway Shopping Plaza

—BOOTH RENTAL AVAILABLE—

Must present coupon. Not valid with anyother offer. Expires 12/31/2012 STSN

Must present coupon. Not valid with anyother offer. Expires 12/31/2012 STSN

Must present coupon. Not valid with anyother offer. Expires 12/31/2012 STSN

Must present coupon. Not valid with anyother offer. Expires 12/31/2012 STSN

$3 OFFGel Manicure

$19.99 Haircut Only

Only with Dayne.New clients only.

Only $40 Partial Highlights

Only with Dayne.New clients only.

Only $60 FREE Cut with Color

Mon. and Sat. only with Dayne.New clients only.

—New Owner—HAIR BRAIDING

NOW AVAILABLE!

WED. - SAT.

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 33www.SanTanSun.com Youth

Beaming with pride

HIGH HONORS: Chandler gymnasts Marlee York and Cienna Samiley, with coaches Jay Soltis and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Amanda Borden-Cochran, are named to the 2012 National Team for USA Gymnastics’ Talent Opportunity Program . The gymnasts will have the opportunity to train with National Coaching Staff in December at the Olympic Training Center at Karolyi Ranch in Houston, TX . Cienna and Marlee are members of the competitive team program at Gold Medal Gymnastics, 255 W . Warner Rd ., Chandler . Submitted photo

Vote for grant money

Student tech competition invites entries

Votes are needed to help a Gilbert charter school win up to $50,000 in funding toward a new playground.

American Leadership Academy, 3155 SanTan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, is in the running for a Power A Bright Future grant from the Clorox Company. The program receiving the highest number of votes by Dec. 19 is awarded the $50,000 grand-prize grant, and the next top vote-getters in the

categories Play, Create and Explore will each be awarded a $25,000 grant. A panel of Clorox judges also select three additional schools, one in each category, to win a $25,000 judges’ choice grant.

Adults and children 13 and older can vote online at powerabrightfuture.clorox.com/nominees/detail/?nid=2262 or by texting 2262pbf to 95248. For details, visit alaschools.org.

The world’s largest K-12 science and technology competition, Toshiba / NSTA ExploraVision, invites area students to submit entries for a chance to win cash and prizes.

Underwritten by Toshiba and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NTSA), ExploraVision challenges students to work in teams of two to four to research scientific principles and current technologies for the design innovative technologies that could exist in 20 years. Deadline for entry is Jan. 31, 2013.

Students on the four first-place winning teams each receive a $10,000 U.S. Series EE savings bond, at maturity, and an expenses-paid trip with

their families, mentor and coach to Washington, D.C. for a gala awards weekend in June 2013. Each of the 24 regional winning teams receives a Toshiba laptop for their school, and each member of the regional winning teams receives a Toshiba HD camcorder.

The teacher who submits the most eligible team projects in each grade category receives a Toshiba tablet. The school submitting the most eligible projects receives $1,000 worth of Toshiba technology.

Applications for this year’s competition are available online at ExploraVision.org. For more details, email exploravision@nsta.org or visit Facebook.com/ToshibaInnovation.

34 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

Hilarry A. Douglas, D.D.S., P.C.

FAMILY DENTISTRY

575 W. CHANDLER BLVD., STE. 223 (Chandler Blvd. between Alma School Rd. and Arizona Ave.)

We want to see you smile!

480-855-7888

Whitening • • Veneers • Digital X-rays and More

Providing personalized general dentistry services, including aesthetic and restorative procedures

in a modern, caring and professional environment overlooking relaxing views of Historic San Marcos Golf Course.

Many insurance plans accepted and financing available

KIDS: WIN $15 GIFT CARD FROM CHANGING HANDS BOOKSTORE

Students who either live in Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek or surrounding areas or who attend area schools can win $15 gift cards from Changing Hands Bookstore, thanks to a partnership between the bookseller and the SanTan Sun News.

This ongoing, monthly promotion awards a $15 Changing Hands gift card to every youth whose article, story, poem, essay, editorial, book review, photo or illustration is chosen to be printed in the SanTan Sun Kids Opportunity section, while supplies last. The Kids Opportunity section is printed in the Youth Section of the first paper of the month, each month. The best news is that even though only one to three submissions are printed per month, all good submissions are held in a file to be printed in future issues. So if an entry doesn’t win this month, it could win next month -- or even the month after that.

To enter, visit SanTanSun.com, click on Youth and then on Student Writer Permission Slip to download a submission-permission slip. Complete the

form and have a parent sign it so the paper has permission to print the entry and the author or artist’s byline. Then, email the submission-permission slip and writing or artwork to Lynda@SanTanSun.com as a Word file, if writing, or JPEG, if art, or pasted into the email.

Those who don’t have access to email, or prefer to send submissions on disk, may send a hard copy of the form with the entry in a Word file or JPEG on a CD via postal mail to Lynda Exley, Kids Op Page, SanTan Sun News, P.O. Box 23, Chandler, AZ 85244-0023.

For more information on the Kids Op page, or to have SanTan Sun News Editor Lynda Exley speak at your school to rev students up about writing and publishing, email Lynda@SanTanSun.com.

Youth camp keeps kids active Kids ages 5 to 12 can spend

winter break enjoying sports, games, arts and crafts, and more at Winter Youth Camp Dec. 24 through Jan. 4 at Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.

Morning, afternoon or full-day sessions are available for the camp. Full-day campers are required to bring their own snack and lunch each day. Camp is not held Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

Fees range from $70 to $140 depending on the camp selected. To register, visit TRC’s Guest Services Counter or chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

Wrestle at holiday campA holiday wrestling camp for

beginning and experienced youth wrestlers is offered by the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department Wed., Jan. 2 through Fri., Jan. 4, 2013 at Highland High School’s Mini Gym, 4301 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert.

The camp accepts kids ages 5 years to eighth grade, as of the 2012-13 school year. Participants who are 14 years old must still be in junior high school.

Conducted by Highland High’s Varsity Wrestling Coach Abel Figueroa,

the camp is two days of instruction followed by a match day for the camp finale. Participants receive ribbons for each match wrestled and are eligible for the Braiden Rainey Sportsmanship Award. The cost is $36 and includes a camp T-shirt.

For a registration form, visit gilbertaz.gov/parks/sports-youth.cfm or contact the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department at 480-503-6200. Online registration is available at GilbertRecreation.com.

$25New IMAGES

FacialsSignature Facial

Vitamin C Facial -or-Dermaplaning

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

15%OFF

HAIR

SERVICES*

*Not to becombinedwith anyother offer.

affordablealways

CLASSESFORMING NOW!

Enroll Today!

CLASSESFORMING NOW!

Enroll Today!

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Ste. 5 | 480-722-0644

(During the month of December)

PURCHASE A $20GIFT CARD ANDRECEIVE A $5 GIFT CARD FREE!

SANDWICHESSOUPS • SALADS • SIDES

CARRY OUT • DELIVERYCATERING

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 35www.SanTanSun.com Youth

Chompie’s3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-398-3008chompies.comHere’s the deal: All day Tuesday, children 10 and younger receive one free item from the Kids Meal menu with adult meal purchase of $8 or more. Dine in only.

dilly’s deli2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler480-722-0644dillysdeli.comHere’s the deal: On weekends, get one free kids meal for each adult meal purchased for $4.79 or more.

el Palacio restaurant & Cantina2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler480-802-5770epchandler.comHere’s the deal: Wednesday kids 12 and younger eat free with paid adult.

Fat Willy’s4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler480-883-1356fatwillysaz.com/ChandlerHere’s the deal: From 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, dine in and get a free kids meal with every adult entrée purchased. Little Leaguers menu only, 12 and younger.

Frio Mio Frozen yogurt4991 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler480-609-0007Here’s the deal: Every day, kids wearing a sports or scouts uniform receive 50% off frozen yogurt and 50 cent all beef hot dogs.

Pittsburgh Willy’s1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler480-857-2860pittsburghwillys.comHere’s the deal: Every day except Sunday breakfast, kids younger than 10 eat free with each paying adult. Additional kids eat for 50% off; Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler480-245-6503planetsub.comHere’s the deal: Monday kids eat free with paid adult.

Sidelines grill2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler480-792-6965SidelinesAZ.comHere’s the deal: Kids eat free from kids menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with adult entree. Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with any other offers or specials.

The Cove grill5070 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 400, Chandler480-802-9070thecovegrill.comHere’s the deal: Tuesday kids younger than 12 receive one free meal per adult entrée purchased.

The Sushi room2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler480-821-9000sushiroomaz.comHere’s the deal: Sunday Funday means kids 12 and younger eat free, two kids per paying adult.

uncle bear’s grill & bar1980 W. Germann Rd., Chandler480-722-1555unclebearsgrillandbar.comHere’s the deal: Wednesday kids eat free with each full price entrée purchased.

Where kids eat freeThe SanTan Sun News now has

a regular “Where kids eat free” section.

Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc., Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification.

Readers, if you know of a location that has a kids-eat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details.

Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com.

CHandLer uniFied SCHooL diSTriCTdec: 20: Second quarter endsdec. 21: Teacher inservice/Workday; no schooldec. 24-Jan. 4: Winter intersession; no schoolJan. 7: Teacher inservice/Workday; no school

Carlson Champions

36 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouthCTa-independence Hawks

grand tour – Tours and open registration for families new to the school start soon. If interested in attending CTA-Independence, visit the school website for information.

good sports – Fifth- and sixth-graders enjoy intramural sports, competing in different sports during lunch recess. The students completed their football “season” and will compete in basketball in January and volleyball in February.

Picnic treat – Students enjoyed a picnic lunch outside on the school’s 20 new picnic tables, recently purchased by PTO and installed on school grounds. The tables will also be used for classroom snack time or as an outdoor classroom.

Meeting goals – New soccer goals, purchased by the PTO, are now on school grounds and being enjoyed by students.

box Tops – CTA-Independence families are encouraged to continue to send in Box Tops 4 Education. The school earns 10 cents for every Box Top turned in, with a chance at winning an extra 250,000 Box Tops. The four classes that bring in the most Box Tops win prizes. Check the expiration date on all Box Tops before submitting.

Lost and found – Check the Lost and Found bin for jackets, water bottles and lunchboxes. All items unclaimed at the end of December are donated. Parents or caregivers should mark their student’s names inside all clothing and

OFFERING PERSONALIZED MEDICAL CAREFOR THE WHOLE family.

with Chandler’s Premier Board Certified

Family Medicine Physician

No doctor? New patients welcome! No insurance? No problem. Call us for an appointment today.

Comprehensive health care for infants and children

Immunizations and vaccines—On-site blood draws

Sports and athletics physicals

Women’s health

Aesthetic services: Botox®

Adult wellness

Acute and chronic care

Gil M. Holland, MDLaura Leal, FPN-BC

480-814-11003200 S. Alma School Road, #204, Chandler, AZ 85248 | www.ocotillofamilymedicine.com

QUEEN BEE: Principal Leo Schlueter congratulates spelling-bee winner Kate Robinson, a fifth-grader, who will move on to the district competition in January . Sixth-grader Austin Wibbing, also pictured, got second place and will be Carlson’s alternate . Submitted photo

SPELLING WHIZZES: Proud principal Leo Schlueter stands behind his school spelling-bee contestants, including, from left: Cameron Schotz, Vincent Drake, Austin Wibbing, Brian Lindell, Kate Robinson and Taj Lyons . Submitted photo

Fun run- Prepare students for the all-school Boosterthon fundraiser, the largest of the year, beginning Wed., Jan. 9 and culminating in a fun run Fri., Jan. 18. More details follow winter intersession.

Calendar:Dec. 20: Champion assembly at 2 p.m.-Lora Robinson

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 37www.SanTanSun.com Youthother items to help prevent loss.

—Wendi Olson

Hancock HeatKudos – Congrats to sixth-

grader Jalen Davis for winning the Superintendent’s Citizenship Award, Elicia Bivins for her recognition as Outstanding Volunteer and Sherry Bollard for winning the Apple Achievement Award. Congrats also to sixth-grader Alejandro Mendez for winning the Sun Lakes Lion Club’s annual Peace Poster Contest. He was honored by the Lions Club at an award ceremony.

Tax credits – Hancock families are encouraged to consider donating to the school through the tax credit program, up to $400 for married couples or $200 for singles. Donations can be broken down into budget-friendly increments and can be charged to a credit card. The full donation is received back as a tax credit. Hancock uses tax credit money to fund fieldtrips, after-school clubs and assemblies throughout the school year. Thanks to those who already donated.

—Suzanne Incorvaia

Hull HeroesShop time – Gift cards are available

for purchase in the school office. Hull families and friends are invited to purchase them for holiday shopping and gift giving. Many stores are available and orders can be placed every Friday. Hull now offers $50 Visa cards with no activation fee. A percentage of each card earns Hull PTO money.

—Kristen Boyd

Jacobson JetsbMX – As thanks to students for

doing a great job with their studies and working hard on fundraising activities, Jacobson PTO sponsored a BMX stunt show, energizing the campus.

Thanks due – Thanks to all the families who showed up and supported Family Night at Blu Burger Grille. The night was a huge success.

bee fun – Jacobson hosted its annual Spelling Bee.

box Tops – Families are asked to keep sending in Box Tops. Classes compete every month to earn prizes for most Box Tops collected.

School Cents – Save Chandler Fashion Center receipts from this holiday season and turn them in at Jacobson, or take them straight to the Customer Service desk at the mall. The Jets earn points for every dollar spent.

CalendarDec. 20: Jingle Jog, parents welcome—Jason Harris & Blanca Dozal

ryan royalsFresh & easy – Ryan families and

friends are encouraged to save and turn in receipts dated through Dec. 31 and valued at $20 or more for the Fresh & Easy fundraiser.

School Cents – Original receipts from SanTan Village can continue to be turned in. Receipts from stores south of Williams Field Road, including Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart, do not count this year.

—Traci Lepacik

Tarwater TorosFor a spell – Congrats to the

fifth- and sixth-grade students who participated in Tarwater’s annual Spelling Bee. Riley Tracy of Mr. Morris’ class won the competition and will go on to the district competition. Huge thanks to Mrs. Moxley, Ms. Swanson and Mrs. Chappell for organizing and coordinating the event for the school.

Holiday fun – Tarwater enjoyed participating in many holiday activities including helping less fortunate children with a Christmas Giving Tree, presenting gifts at the school’s annual Holiday Sing-A-Long and performing in a Chorus Concert. Kindergartners performed a Holiday Program, and students exercised at the Jingle Jog.

School Cents – School Cents offers double points in January. Holiday receipts can be kept until then and logged at Guest Services at Chandler Fashion Center or turned into the school and logged by the PTO and returned. Salvation Army angels and Santa photos are worth 1,000 points.

—Robyn Kelly

Patterson PrideThanks due – Special thanks to

those who came out and supported Patterson’s Fall Festival. Thanks also to the volunteers for their hard work and dedication and to the PTO, who did a great job with planning and provided a fun-filled event for everyone. A huge thanks also for the green beans cans and the support for the cause.

Happy holiday – Patterson wishes everyone a safe, happy holiday and looks forward to the New Year and the students’ return on Tue., Jan. 8, 2013.

CalendarDec. 20: December DashJan. 17: Science Fair Night; PTO Star

Gazing, 7-9 p.m.—Anne Keefer

basha bearsHelping hands – The Accelerated

Middle School at Basha High encourages student participation within the community and the school. Students volunteered recently at the Chandler Care Center, passing out turkeys and canned goods to less fortunate families. Basha High donated 74 turkeys to Chandler Care Center for the annual holiday food drive.

—Renee Clancy

andersen astronautsHelp wanted – Parent volunteers are

needed for Fine Dining on Tue., Dec. 18. Three different lunch schedules start at 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

—Kathryn Perry

CTa-goodman gatorsHigh honors – CTA-Goodman is one

of 11 Chandler schools to receive the designation of 2012 National Center for Educational Achievement Arizona Higher Performing School. NCEA identifies higher-performing schools as elementary, middle and high schools that have consistently outperformed their peers with similar student

see School News page 38

38 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comYouthpopulations over a three-year period. Info: nc4ea.org.

CalendarDec. 15: Flag ceremony presented by kindergarten

classes, 8 a.m., AmphitheaterDec. 18-19: Hearing and vision screeningsDec. 19: Good News Gators Assembly, 1:30 p.m.,

Multipurpose Room; Second-Year Band Concert, 6:30 p.m., Hamilton High School

Dec. 20: “Snowman Sprint” Fun Run: grades K-2, 12:35 p.m.; grades 3-6, 1:30 p.m.

—Kathie Butters

Knox KnightsFun run – Join the Knox Knights as they run for fun

Thu., Dec. 20.Fundraising fun – Fresh & Easy receipts are

collected through Dec. 31.Kudos – Congrats to Sue Bowers, Devin Berube and

Sandy Ashbaugh for earning AAA awards for their commitment to Knox. They were recently celebrated at Chandler Center for the Arts.

Tax credit – Donate to the school through the Arizona Tax Credit program. Up to $400 per married couple or $200 per single can be donated. Full donations are returned via tax credit.

—Ximena Rodriguez

Seton Catholic Preparatory High Sentinelsgood sports – Seton’s football team celebrated its

Division IV championship win over undefeated Blue Ridge High School at Northern Arizona University.

—Jody LaBenz

darrell garretson of Chandler High School is the 2012 U.S. Marine Corps Elite Warrior Arizona Player of the Year.

The 2012-13 all CuSd Swim/dive Teams are announced. The All CUSD Girls Team MVP is Kathryn Palomino, Chandler High; Team members are Scout Wilkins, Julia Boese, Allyson Padilla, Jocelyn Wang, Kelsey Thomas and Adriana Palomino, Chandler High; Maren Rincon, Kaitlin Wright and Taylor Kane, Basha High; Samantha Arellano, Lauren Halle, Madison Mullins, Cheyenne McLaws and Erica Kaplan, Hamilton High; Demi Lauderback and Raevin Teran-Richardson, Perry High; Searra Sandlin, Arizona College Prep. Honorable Mentions: Angela Tulk and Phi Nguyen, Chandler High; Halley Nisleit, Perry High; and Michelle Parron-Saletri, Arizona College Prep. Diving: Abigail Whitlock, Perry High.

The all CuSd boys Team MVP is Isaac Montano, Hamilton High; Team members are Chase Damis, Mark Jurek and Justin Tran, Chandler High; Adriel Huerta, Basha High; Hunter Hojnacki, Jake Myers, Brandon Dang, Zach Posniack, Ty Dang, Austin Halle and Lawrence Quintana, Hamilton High; Cody Stalcup, Sam Morton, Jon Underwood, Justin Dawson and Jake Perrine, Perry High; Honorable Mentions Jordan Abril, Basha High; Levi Siwek and Tristan Diaz, Perry High; Leonard Hass, Arizona College Prep; Diving: Steven Harris, Hamilton High.

The 2012-13 all CuSd badminton Team is announced. The team includes Amanjit Bhatti, Chandler High; Francesca Kent, Basha High; Tiffany Pariva and Drishti Panse, Hamilton High; and Christina Celaya and Jenna Reynolds, Perry High. BUILDING WORLDS: The KGA LEGO teams Zombie Legos and Disco Dancing Donuts competed in the LEGO Robotics Tournament . Thanks to

Coaches Liz Moynihan and Gregory Leff for their hard work . Submitted photo

YouTh ChronICleSSchool News from page 37

GOT

SERVICE?CORONA DEL MAR POOL SERVICE

480-329-5882