---

• See ALL CUSD Brags • Choose a School or Brag Category • BRAG about your school!

---

Basha High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Basha High alum and US Marine Brisa Sayler. Sayler graduated from Basha High School May 2019, left for boot camp in November 2019, and is currently a corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. Thank you for your service.

Basha High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Basha High School students who earned the AP Capstone Diploma or AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. CAPSTONE SCHOLARS: Madison Carrington, Amelia Cunningham, Alexander DeGrave, Amelia Edwards, Madigan Fredette-Roman, Marina Hess, Zoe Huestis, Allyson Huynh, Jessica Li, Riley Mayes, Kennedy Melton, Jadyn Ocampo, Aiden Stubbs, Tyler Tannenbaum and Meghana Tripuranenit. AP SEMINAR AND RESEARCH CERTIFICATES: Morgan Esch, Haylee Montes and Taylani Tran.

Casteel High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Jayden Katz and Ashley Kalscheur who earned the AP Capstone Diploma during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams.

Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023)

Twenty-eight CUSD students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 7 have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Hamilton High students who earned the AP Capstone Diploma or AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. CAPSTONE SCHOLARS: Richa Chirravuri, Nour Hassan, Nikasha Kapadia, Ria Kulhari, Iris Lai, Joohyun Lee, Hillary Li, Marenda Li, Jubilee Lin, Annie Qin, and Zariya Sharns. AP SEMINAR AND RESEARCH CERTIFICATES: Camille Disalvo, Diana Gordon, Eden Krieger, and Orli Sanyal.

Chandler High (2022-2023)

Chandler High teacher Kelsey Brown was named an "Arizona International Baccalaureate (IB) Career Program Teacher of the Year." She teaches IB History as well as the IB Personal and Professional Skills course for all IB Career students. She has worked diligently at helping to foster learning and ethical decision making in her classes and prides herself on helping to make students engaged and intentional learners. The IB Career program helps to promote the CTE courses on our campus as well as provide rigorous academic resources for these students. In turn, it helps create opportunities, such as earning an IB College and Career certificate, college credits and career certifications. CUSD Newsroom: Chandler High Teacher Named ‘Arizona IB Career Program Teacher of the Year’

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jacobson Jets LOVE our new soccer nets! Thank you, PTO. All three playgrounds received brand new soccer nets and our students are playing hard. Look for the new, large-sized nets on the K-1 playground, the 2-3 playground and the 4-6 playground. Thank you, also, to our sixth grade Leadership Club for putting the nets together for our school community.

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

JETS WORK HARD... PLAY HARD! Hooray for new recess equipment! Our students work hard in the classroom and need time to run and play and socialize together. Beautiful updated playgrounds with new equipment get our kiddos excited.

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jets are making the earth a better place! Thank you to our Jets sixth grade leadership crew. Mrs. Banas and class collect paper to recycle each week. Our recycling crew has filled up an entire dumpster which totals over 400 pounds of paper recycling! The city of Chandler picks up our school's recycling every two weeks.

Santan Elementary (2022-2023)

Kindergartners in Mrs. Reuss' class took a visit to our health assistant, Mrs. Wingate! They learned where her office is, landmarks they see on the way, and asked her about helping our school and community. She even had time to answer some questions!

Weinberg Gifted Academy (2022-2023)

Congratulations to Kerri Zitar, winner of the 2022 Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics (AATM) Copper Apple Award for Teaching in Mathematics. The Copper Apple Award is the highest recognition awarded annually by the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics to recognize excellence in mathematics education in Arizona. The Copper Apple Award for Teaching is given to one K-12 teacher who has made outstanding contributions in fostering an interest in mathematics among students.

Basha Elementary (2022-2023)

A huge shout out to Hamilton High Air Force Junior ROTC for coming to Basha Elementary and training the new flag corps students. They did an excellent job explaining flag etiquette, and our Basha Bobcats are ready to begin their flag corps duty.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

Hamilton High's Air Force Junior ROTC program was recently recognized as a 2022 "Distinguished Unit, With Merit" by Headquarters AFJROTC. This is AFJROTC's highest-level unit award and the distinction places Hamilton's corps of cadets in the top 10% of the 870 AFJROTC units worldwide. According to the Director of Air Force Junior ROTC, Colonel Johnny McGonigal, "These awards recognize the personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, contributions of the instructors as mentors, and the support of the school and local community. " During his presentation of the award to the cadets, Lieutenant Colonel Greg Franklin, Hamilton's Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, recognized their leadership and organizational skills which resulted in the unit receiving an 'Exceeds Standards' on their SY2022 triennial formal HQ inspection. He also commended them for their dedication to the school and community in amassing over 2,000 service hours during the school year.

Hamilton High (2022-2023)

Hamilton's AFJROTC instructors were recognized by the Director of Air Force Junior ROTC, Colonel Johnny McGonigal, as "Outstanding Instructors" for 2022. This award recognizes the top 10% of 1,800+ AFJROTC instructors worldwide. In a letter to the CUSD Superintendent and Hamilton High School Principal, Colonel McGonigal recognized the efforts of Lt Col Franklin and Hamilton's 20-year Aerospace Science Instructor, Master Sergeant Fred Driver: "These professional educators 'represent the 'Best of the Blue' we have in AFJROTC. Through this award, we honor their exemplary contributions and impact on their cadets, school, and community."

Riggs Elementary (2022-2023)

Riggs first graders Zander Wong and Ever Weems are new authors. The books they created were bar coded and added to the school library by the librarian, Kim Reininga. The librarian offers this opportunity to everyone at the school and these two worked hard to create books to share. Now their friends can check out their books to read!

Riggs Elementary (2022-2023)

Riggs fifth grade students participated in a science lab based on balanced and unbalanced forces. The challenge was for the students to successfully run all three cogs simultaneously down the track to get from point A to point B in under 30 seconds. The students were under the direction of a classmate to direct their decision making. Students had to consider size, track lengths, and angles amongst other things.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2022-2023)

The Basha Accelerated Middle School Academic Pentathlon was featured on Fox 10 News for placing 1st in nation, aiming for their third national title. Fox 10: Chandler students aim for third win at the National Academic Pentathlon

Basha Elementary (2022-2023)

What a turn out! Basha Elementary PTO held its first event of the year -- Family Bingo Night. Basha families and staff had a great time!

Riggs Elementary (2022-2023)

Riggs kindergarten had presentations to learn about different jobs in our community.

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jets Fly with pride! Thank you to our amazing Jacobson Elementary PTO! Each one of our students received a special Jacobson Jets sticker to kick off the school year. Our fantastic kiddos are proud of their community school!

Jacobson Elementary (2022-2023)

Jacobson fifth-grade students are lending their leadership skills to family drop off and pick up!

Chandler Traditional Academy - Freedom Campus (2022-2023)

Sixth grade students at CTA Freedom in Lori Woodman's class have been learning about ancient civilizations. They learned about cuneiform, the first known writing system. Then, they used cuneiform symbols to write messages on salt dough tablets.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2022-2023)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP:  Congratulations to the Basha AMS Academic Pentathlon Team for finishing in 1st place in the State for the second year in a row! STATE CHAMPIONS WINNING TEAM: Arnav Modem, Karan Vallamshetla, Grace Gaffney, Pranjal Singh, Abhinav Sirigineedi, Breanna Bearden, Dorian Hewett, Kayla Ong and Andrew Ritchay.

Basha Accelerated Middle School (2022-2023)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP:  Basha AMS Academic Pentathlon STATE INDIVIDUAL MEDALISTS:

• Honor Division
  Grace Gaffney: Literature - GOLD; Karan Vallamshetla: Science - BRONZE; Mathematics - SILVER; Arnav Modem: Fine Art and Mathematics - BRONZE; 3rd PLACE OVERALL; Daniel Gu: Mathematics - GOLD; Jocelyn Beall: Mathematics - SILVER
• Scholastic Division
  Pranjal Singh: Literature, Social Science, Science and Fine Art - GOLD; 1st PLACE OVERALL; Soham Joshi: Literature and Social Science - SILVER; Science - BRONZE; 2nd PLACE OVERALL; Hunter Brown: Literature - BRONZE; Sidharth Donepudi: Social Science - BRONZE
• Varsity Division
  Wyatt Mekhanik: Literature - SILVER; Zev Kochar: Social Science - GOLD; Karsen Roughsedge: Social Science and Mathematics - BRONZE; Dorian Hewett: Science - GOLD; Mathematics - BRONZE; 3rd PLACE OVERALL; Kayla Ong: Fine Art - SILVER; Syiran Nittala: Fine Art - BRONZE; Mathematics - SILVER; Yogendrasrinivaswaroop Tirumalasetti: Literature - BRONZE



Weinberg Gifted Academy (2022-2023)


Our students excel outside the classroom, as well! 6th grader Olivia Bracke recently competed in the state "Drive, Cip, and Putt" competition. She placed 2nd in putting and 5th overall! Way to go, Olvia! Keep up the hard work.


Weinberg Gifted Academy (2022-2023)


Noa Joffe, 5th Grade Weinberg Gifted Academy, has been growing her hair and wearing it long for many years. When she was thinking of cutting her hair, her mom mentioned she could take a little more off (10 inches in all) and donate it to Locks of Love. They are a non-profit that make wigs for children who don't have hair. Though Noa misses her long hair, she knows there are children who don't have any and would appreciate the donation. She hopes to inspire other kids to do the same.


San Marcos Elementary (2022-2023)


Paige Godrich's 5th Grade class created "scratch art" to create excitement around the new school year and to encourage relationship building in her classroom.


San Marcos Elementary (2022-2023)


San Marcos 2nd graders in Kristie Moreno, Amanda Russo, and Liz Lucky's classrooms read First Day Jitters to ease their first week nerves. The second grade team has been hard at work building positive classroom culture and relationships.


San Marcos Elementary (2022-2023)


San Marcos kindergarten teachers (Courtney Geil, Tonee Lopez, and Emilee Taylor) welcomed our new students to campus. We can't wait to watch this bright group or students learn and grow this year!


Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence Campus (2022-2023)


Intel surprised CTA Independence student Lavin Bhat with a laptop and a schoolwide ice cream party! Lavin was the winner of Intel's "Name the Crane" contest. The largest crane in the world came to Intel and was given the name "Skyreacher." Thank you, Arizona's Family, for sharing Lavin's story. Watch on YouTube!


Arizona College Prep High School (2022-2023)


Nicolas Acedo, ACP High School freshmen, won a silver in Kumite and a bronze in Kata in the 2022 National Karate Championships in Spokane, WA in July. Nicholas represented Chandler Martial Arts Center, Chandler, AZ.


Arizona College Prep Middle School (2022-2023)


Emilio Acedo, ACP Middle School eighth grader, won a bronze in Kumite and a bronze in Kata in the 2022 National Karate Championships in Spokane, WA in July. Emilio represented Chandler Martial Arts Center, Chandler, AZ.


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


Rachna Nath, ACP High School science teacher, was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Nation's Innovative Teachers of the Year for 2022.


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Rania Shaltot was an ACP Knight since 7th grade. In addition to ACP, Rania has attended EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) as part of the veterinary assistance program for the past two years and graduated as an approved veterinary assistant. Rania is a very kind and caring friend, always checking in with her friends. She is graduating to attend University of Arizona and pursue her passion for taking care of animals as a veterinarian. She worked hard the past four years and earned the Wildcat Tuition Recognition Scholarship. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Arun Barath Vijay Sankar was part of National Honor Society, Key Club, Best Buddies (Treasurer) and Sports Medicine (President). He expressed his commitment and compassion to his community through various volunteer activities and accumulated over 1000 hours of volunteer work. He enjoyed volunteering as an athletic trainer student aide working alongside ACP's athletic training staff this past year and volunteering weekly with the Banner Desert Medical Center. Arun will be graduating summa cum laude as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a Chandler IMPACT Scholar at 16 years old. He will study physiology and the medical sciences with the W.A. Franke Honors College at the The University of Arizona, where he accepted the Wildcat Excellence and Dean's Exemplary awards, in hopes of attending Medical School in the future. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Mariela Galindo joined ACP in 7th grade and was involved in several clubs and activities since. She was a Link Crew and StuGo member, and her spirited personality helped her become co-mascot through her junior and high school years. She was the President of ACP's Environmental Club (first ever), the National Honor Society and the Senior Class. Mariela also represented ACP at the City of Chandler Mayor's Youth Commission Teen Town Hall, AASC (Arizona Association of Student Councils) State Convention, the Hermanas Conferences and the CUSD's Youth Equity Stewardship. Mariela will graduate magna cum laude with a Seal of Biliteracy in ASL (American Sign Language) and as a National Hispanic Scholar. She'll attend the Honors College at Northern Arizona University with a Lumberjack Scholarship and National Hispanic Scholarship. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Hunter Bickes was involved in Student Government (student body president), Best Buddies, National Honor Society, and golf. He worked with administration to help prepare for the opening of the new Arizona College Prep campus, coordinating tours of the new facility and providing information about the school to interested families. As a four-year member of ACP's golf team, Hunter qualified to play in the state tournament each year, helping them earn the State Runner-Up trophy his third year. He served as team captain and mentored younger athletes. Hunter graduated summa cum laude and will attend University of Arizona to major in biochemistry while working to become an orthodontist. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Ibrahim Altiti is a well rounded individual. He earned his martial arts first degree Black Belt at 12 years old. Ibrahim has been a student at ACP since 7th grade. During his high school years, he joined many clubs like UNICEF, Key Club, Future Medical Professionals and National Honor Society. To be exposed to various majors and fields, Ibrahim participated at ASU National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI). During NSTI he became OSHA and Flagpole certified. As Ibrahim graduates high school at age 17, he will have earned 35 hours of Dual Enrollment credits. Ibrahim is graduating magna cum laude with great distinction in academic achievement. He has been awarded the New American University Scholarship at ASU and will major in Applied Biological Sciences in preparation for medical/dental school. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Jake Spector is an Eagle Scout. He created and led the Game Club at ACP for four years. He is a member of the Quill & Scroll International Honor Society for high school journalists and is a two-time winner of the districtwide film festival. He was awarded the Arizona State Art Seal in media proficiency. Jake started his own 3D printing business, servicing customers in school and online. He also enjoys costume design in his spare time. He will study film and media with an emphasis on production at Grand Canyon University. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Nathaniel Huffman was on the wrestling team, National Honor Society, National Hispanic Honor Society, and ACP Athletic Leadership Council. As a wrestler, he qualified for the state tournament all four years, placing 6th his junior year and 4th his senior year. He earned All-State Academic recognition, the National Wrestling Coaches Association Academic All-American status all four years, and the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award. Nathaniel is an AP Scholar who will graduate summa cum laude. He will attend Barrett, The Honors College at ASU and pursue a degree in actuarial science. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Gabby DeMoss has been an ACP Knight for six years. In that time, Gabby has been an active member of the International Club, Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), and Art Attack club. Gabby has been President of the GSA since 2020 and Vice President of International Club since 2021. Gabby has since been named a National Hispanic Scholar and an AP Scholar and has received a full-tuition scholarship to attend the W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona. Gabby graduated summa cum laude and will pursue a major in molecular and cellular biology at UofA in the fall. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Blake Enwiller will be graduating summa cum laude with a 4.8 GPA. He is the Math Club president and the Speech & Debate team captain. This past year, he qualified to compete on the national level in both clubs. He is an Academic All-American, AP Scholar with Distinction, and National Merit Scholar. Blake will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall, where he will major in Economics. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Tarryn Jo Weigand actively mentored fellow students in the Connections Program and LINK. She held leadership roles in Student Government and National Honor Society. Her volunteer commitments and dedication to community outreach earned her the Chandler Education Foundation Impact Scholarship. Tarryn earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and will be graduating magna cum laude with a 4.4 GPA. Tarryn also successfully completed 40+ dual enrollment credits through Maricopa Community College and was selected to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with her academic excellence, therefore qualifying her as an eligible recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. She will study strategic communication with an emphasis on advertising and public relations at Northern Arizona University with the Lumberjack Scholars Award. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Keaton Messerole has been at ACP since 7th grade. He will graduate cum laude. He was a four-year starter on the football team and selected to be a captain his senior year. He received many football honors throughout his four years, including All-State, All-CUSD, AZ All-Academic Team, and Offensive Lineman of the Year multiple times. He also volunteered for four years with the football team and participated in DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) for one year. Although Keaton received many offers to play football at the college level, he decided not to pursue football in college. He received the President's Scholarship and will attend NAU where he will major in exercise science. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Robert Turner has been a student at ACP since 7th grade. He is a member of the National Honor Society, DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America), and Key Club. He played varsity football for four years, winning the Most Improved Player Award his junior year and making the state All-Academic football team twice. After graduating magna cum laude, he will attend the University of Alabama and plans on majoring in aerospace engineering. He was awarded the UA Scholar, Alumni Scholar, and UA Engineering scholarships. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Sophia Genevieve Vasquez has been a proud "Knight" since 7th grade. Her strong work ethic has enabled her to maintain a 4.2 GPA and earn AP Scholar with Honors. She received the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. She was manager for the varsity soccer her senior year, and she participated in several school clubs including UNICEF and Best Buddies. She will graduate cum laude as an AP Scholar with honors. After graduation, Sophia will attend ASU to study business with the New American University Dean's Award Scholarship. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Ryen Aguinaga played football and baseball while maintaining a strong GPA. He also worked alongside the sports medicine team attending various athletic events and supporting the team with injuries, rehabs, treatments, and game coverage. Ryen plans to attend Arizona State University in the fall and pursue a career in cybersecurity. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Arizona College Prep High School's Josh Ebe will be attending Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University, majoring in computer science engineering. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Zoö Soderquist is an AP Scholar with Distinction who attended ACP schools since 6th grade. Zoö has been in Speech & Debate for four years and Lincoln Douglas (LD) Debate Captain for three years. She is the State LD Debate Champion, and she qualified three times to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament. She earned the elusive NSDA degree of Premier Distinction (1,500 points, representing over 250+ debate rounds) and the Academic All-American Scholar (top 1% of students). She is the #1 ranked LD debater in AZ, and #32 in the country! Zoö maintains a 4.4 GPA while working part-time and tutoring kids in public speaking. After graduating magna cum laude, Zoö will pursue writing and communications at Arizona State University with the New American University Scholarship. ACP High School Spotlights


Arizona College Prep High School (2021-2022)


SENIOR SPOTLIGHT:  Zoe Turnbow was an active member of the cross country and track teams for four years. She also played the flute in the band for three years. She maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing extracurricular activities and working. She plans to attend ASU in the fall and study fine arts and business. ACP High School Spotlights


---

Click to: Jump to Top | BRAG about our school!