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Chandler High (2020-2021)

Sra. Sara Wyffels, CHS Spanish Teacher, has been named an Arizona Education Foundation (AEF) Top 10 Arizona Teacher of the Year. Per Mr. Larry Rother, former CHS principal, "The students in her classes give 110% because they know that is what they get from her every day. Her love for her students and passion for teaching is palpable." Sra. Wyffels continues to be in the running for Arizona Teacher of the Year to be announced October 23rd.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Aryan Mathur, Chandler HIgh senior, was selected for the prestigious Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) summer internship hosted by The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space Research. This nationally competitive program sponsored by NASA's Texas Space Grant Consortium selects students to conduct authentic research using NASA data. New Release

Basha High (2020-2021)

On her second throw, Basha High 9th Grader Gabriella Garcia launched a 128' absolute bomb, which instantly made her the #1 ranked javelin thrower in the country at her age. In early June, Gabriella competed in her first ever track meet (The Desert Dreams). Gabriella accomplished this with no more that eight total practices in preparation. Tweet from Coach Ocampo

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Aryan Mathur, Chandler High senior, was selected as a finalist in the 2020 INSPO Research & Innovation Competition. Aryan's project is among the top 200 projects in the North American continent. As a finalist, he also received a $10,000 entrance scholarship to the Rochester Institute of Technology. INSPO Science: A Novel Approach to Predict the Band Gap of Newly Synthesized Compounds Using Machine Learning Algorithms

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Grant Trepanier, Chandler High 2020 graduate, is a 2020 National History Day winner. Grant won Best Affiliate Entry: Senior Individual Documentary Entry: "Seeing with a Wet Nose: Breaking Barriers to Freedom and Independence."

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Kenny Applegate, Aryan Mathur, and Katarina Fenner qualified for and competed in the MathLeague.org national competition in June. Congratulations to Kenny Applegate (seated), 2020 graduate, who earned ninth place among all seniors.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

Nelson Leany of the Chandler FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Chapter was elected as the State FFA Treasurer. Nelson, a 2020 CHS graduate, will represent Arizona and travel the state presenting to FFA members. Nelson has been successful in raising market sheep and pigs. He has found success in the FFA with Parliamentary Procedure, Livestock Evaluation, Horse Evaluation, Food Science & Technology Career Development Events.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

The 2020 Chandler High Volleyball Teams were recognized nationally by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for strong academics.

Chandler High (2020-2021)

The Lady Wolves Basketball Team's Unity group made a difference in the community by helping out at Operation Back to School. Lady Wolves Basketball United's mission is to make an impact and inspire others to take action in their communities. "Despite our race, religion, and any other differences, we are one team. We are one family. We are one community. This is more than basketball. This is unity." The LWBU is also sponsoring a food drive for the Chandler Care Center.

Perry High (2020-2021)

Congratulations to Makayla Long. Makayla was the NSAFxAthleticNET Virtual National Championships Discus National Champion, the Shot Put National Runner Up, and was named to the AthleticNET All-America Team. Makayla also had the top discus mark in the United States at 166'11' and the 2nd best shot put mark at 48'4' for the entire 2020-21 high school track and field season.

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

Jostens announced that Arizona College Preparatory Erie High School's yearbook program has been named a Jostens 2020 National Yearbook Program of Excellence. The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy. The award was presented to the Arizona College Preparatory Erie yearbook program for achieving the defined criteria in each of three categories.

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  ACP Erie senior Kazushi Iwamoto was named a National Merit Finalist. Kazushi is among 15,000 finalists nationwide out of more than 1.6 million students in some 22,000 high schools who enter the National Merit Scholarship competition annually when they take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Finalists are the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represent the top 0.5% of the state's senior students. Kazushi will be headed to UCLA in the fall. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Sharmila Nimbkar was an active member of Speech and Debate, National Honor Society, Tutor Club, and played on the volleyball team for three years, captain during her sophomore and junior years. As a captain of the Public Forum Debate team and she spent the last two years coaching the ACP Knights speech and debate team. Sharmila was the first debate champion in ACP history in 2018 and also won the 2020 Public Forum debate state championship. Sharmila also qualified for a national silver debate bid at Columbia University in 2019. During her senior year she developed a comprehensive open source debate curriculum, accessible to all students for free and regardless of school affiliation. She was awarded the James T. Anthony scholarship after a 12 year course of study in the Arizona Study Program for piano performance and music theory. Sharmila will graduate summa cum laude and as an AP scholar with distinction, National Merit Scholar, and a Flinn Foundation Finalist. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Perry High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Perry senior Layla Mushtaq participated in volunteering clubs for three years of high school, and was in orchestra for all four. She was recognized with an Academic Excellence award her senior and junior years, and was an active member of the Music Honors Society. Layla will be attending Arizona State University on a scholarship where she will pursue a Bachelors of Science in sustainability. Perry High Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Senior Elaina Ashton of Arizona College Prep was recognized by Junior Achievement (JA) as one of this year's JA 18 Under 18 -- students who are not waiting until they are adults to make a difference. Elaina is already making lasting change in her community, the state and even the world! (And she's under 18 years of age!) As the co-founder of Education Empowers Inc., Elaina helps to increase awareness of STEM-related activities and curriculum to kids who might otherwise not receive that instruction. Read more about Elaina’s recognition and accomplishments here: Junior Achievement's Arizona 18 under 18 Awards Program. Congratulations, Elaina! ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Orchee Syed was named a National Merit Finalist, one of 15,000 nationwide out of more than 1.6 million students who enter the National Merit Scholarship competition annually when they take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Finalists represent the top 0.5% of each state's senior students. Orchee participated actively in ACP's State-Champion Speech and Debate team, taking two trophies in the Arizona State tournament and amassing eleven individual trophies over the course of three years. She was also president of our inaugural chapter of International Thespian Society, the theatre troupe Knights On Stage Theatre Company, and performed in four of the company's shows. She is graduating summa cum laude and starting undergrad at Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University in the fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in psychology. Orchee hopes to attend grad school and earn her PhD to become a licensed clinical psychologist. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Basha High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Basha High senior Vennela Ambadipudi was named a National Merit Finalist. Vennela is among 15,000 finalists nationwide out of more than 1.6 million students in some 22,000 high schools who enter the National Merit Scholarship competition annually when they take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Finalists are the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represent the top 0.5% of the state's senior students. Basha High Seniors Highlights

Basha High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Basha High senior Maxwell Turner was named a National Merit Finalist. Maxwell is among 15,000 finalists nationwide out of more than 1.6 million students in some 22,000 high schools who enter the National Merit Scholarship competition annually when they take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Finalists are the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represent the top 0.5% of the state's senior students. Basha High Seniors Highlights

Casteel High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Sarah Horn has been an accomplished artist through her junior high and high school years. She has won awards and has been featured in the Tempe Art Festival for four years. Her art has been featured at school as well. She took AP Art her junior year and received the highest points for the course. She has maintained over a 4.0 GPA for all four years of high school, receiving an award for her GPA and art at the annual awards night. During her senior year, she continued to take AP courses and dual enrollment while working outside of school. She plans to attend a local community college for the first two years of her four year degree. She has always been a focused, hard-working student throughout her school years. Casteel High Seniors Highlights

Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Kaleb Heimburg came to Chandler Online Academy to pursue a higher level of competition in his sport of rodeo where he competes in roping. He has excelled as an online student and done very well on the rodeo circuit, even qualifying for the Junior World Finals in Team Roping. Next year, he will attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College where he will begin to earn a degree in accounting and finance. Congratulations Kaleb! We are excited to watch you continue to pursue those things in life that bring you such happiness. Your work ethic and desire to succeed will serve you very well! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights

Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Mark Self came to Chandler Online Academy to have more time to train in his chosen sport of gymnastics. Mark succeeded with his academics, his athletics and with his career training. He competed in Regionals for his gym as a level 10 gymnast and also earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification while attending the East Valley Institute of Technology. Next year, he will use his CCNA and other Cybersecurity certifications to begin his career in Information Technology. His favorite quote by Juan DeBiedma summarizes his thoughts about this next part of his life: "It's my personal belief that human beings are naturally meant to persevere. No matter what happens, as long as we simply make the decision not to give up, it simply does get better if you believe it will. " Mark has never given up on any dream he has set out to pursue and has found great success. Congratulations Mark! We are grateful to have watched you persevere and rise above all expectations! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights

Hamilton High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Sophia Crone is an excellent student and an exceptional individual. She is caring, patient and most importantly a team player. Sophia is very kind to all her classmates and doesn’t hesitate to tutor them if they need help. Her positive attitude, kind smile and daily deeds from her heart without expecting rewards is commendable. Hamilton High Seniors Highlights

Hamilton High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Stormy Light goes above and beyond her role as a student to help those around her. Besides her excellent attendance record and always being on time, Stormy helps fellow students and is always eager to share what she has learned. Even when it's at times difficult to do so, Stormy keeps a positive attitude and helps with class morale. She is an amazing young woman who deserves to be recognized. Hamilton High Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

Ms. Cristi Sims, was selected by the Arizona Junior Science and Humanities Symposium as the Arizona Junior Science and Humanities Teacher of the Year! The award is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and recognizes teachers who have dedicated themselves to helping students understand the value of academic research.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Chandler High Theatre had an outstanding showing at the 2020 ASU Gammage High School Musical Awards. All Shook Up! won the highly coveted Best Musical award. In addition, Nainoa Aguano won Best Vocalist, and the Chandler High Sound and Lighting Teams won Best Sound and Best Lighting awards. Congratulations to the winners, Theatre Director Ms. Stephanie Likes, and everyone who worked on this outstanding musical production!

Casteel High (2019-2020)

Congratulations to Sarah Woodhurst on her induction into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). NTHS website

Hamilton High (2019-2020)

Mike Lisi's Business Management class was recognized by the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) and the SIFMA Foundation (Securities Industry Financial Markets Association) for winning first place in the "State Spring Stock Market Game Competition!" Four students won first place in the Arizona High School Division: Max Bregman, Colter Brown, Alyssa Thielsen and Cris Valle. This is an amazing accomplishment with the overall U.S. Markets down about 20%. The Stock Market Game ran from February 4 - April 17, 2020. Students started with $100,000 in their virtual portfolios, and this group was able to make a 41.2% rate of return. Amazing! These students will be honored by ACEE in a Zoom celebration on May 20, 2020. For their accomplishments, they receive $150, a Certificate of Recognition for First Place and they will be featured on ACEE's website. Arizona Council on Economic Education website

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Gabriel Waters made the National Premier Soccer League semi-pro team in the state of Arizona.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Chandler High's spring musical has done it again! Chandler had top ten finalists in almost every category in the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards for its production of All Shook Up!

• Best Lead Male - Nainoa Aguano
• Best Supporting Male - Avery Chisenski
• Best Supporting Female - Charlize Cornejo
• Best Vocalist - Nainoa Aguano
• Best Set/Props - Chandler High Team (and Beth Sobotka)
• Best Lighting - Chandler High Team (and Bill Lorentz)
• Best Sound - Chandler High Team (and Jason Krull)
• Best Costumes - Chandler High Team (and Diana Likes)
• Best Hair and Makeup - Chandler High Team

Chandler High (2019-2020)

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame announced the state winners of the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award, and CHS is proud to announce that Stefana Jelacic is Arizona's state winner. Winners were evaluated and selected based on three criteria: success, standout performances and sportsmanship in wrestling; review of GPA and class rank, academic honors and distinctions; and participation in activities that demonstrate commitment to character and community.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

The AVID Class of 2020 earned over $400,000 in scholarships and will be attending four-year universities across the state to study Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Psychology, Business Administration, Physical Therapy, Secondary Education in Math, and more. This terrific class of AVID seniors, many of whom have been part of AVID for at least four years, made a positive impact in their classes modeling AVID strategies, and across campus and the community by being members of numerous clubs, sports, and honor societies, as well as completing hundreds of hours of community service.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Cienna Samiley, Chandler High student-athlete, has signed a letter of intent to compete in gymnastics for ASU.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Sam Garcia, Rudy Garcia, Josue Saenz, Kylie Mulhern-Guillier, and Jonathan Ayala signed letters of intent to play soccer at the collegiate level.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Tyler Sprungman and Trevor Medigovich have signed letters of intent to play volleyball at Benedictine University-Mesa.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Sefana Jelacic has signed a letter of intent to compete in wrestling at Lourdes University.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Maya Peat has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Jasmyn Williams has signed a letter of intent to compete in acrobatics and tumbling at Converse College.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Terry Byrd has signed a letter of intent to play football for Central State University.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Javier Gutierrez has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Cochise College.

Chandler High (2019-2020)

Armani Harris and Cierra Jackson have signed letters of intent to compete in track and field at the collegiate level.

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Mariam Khan will be going to Arizona State University studying biological sciences. From a young age, she always had an immense amount of compassion for helping others and plans to pursue this passion in the medical field. Mariam's pride and joy is the school's Red Cross Club, which she founded and presided over. Outside of school, Mariam is known in our community as an avid volunteer, earning Volunteer of the Year at Helping Hands and collecting over 300 hours of service there. We cannot wait to see what she accomplishes in the future. Congratulations, Mariam! ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Ashleigh Griffin, a member of the Arizona College Prep - Erie Class of 2020, has thrived at ACP where she was challenged both academically and personally. We are so proud of her dedication and achievements. Ashleigh has maintained a 4.5 GPA and received AP Scholar with Distinction honors. She has been a member of several clubs at ACP including National Honor Society, UNICEF, and Red Cross. In addition to academics, Ashleigh has pursued her passion for dance during the past 12 years, training at several elite ballet schools and competing both regionally and nationally with her dance team. At ACP, she was a member of the ACP Spiritline team where she served as JV and varsity captain of both the cheer and pom teams. She also competed both regionally and nationally with the cheer and pom teams. Ashleigh would like to pursue a career in medicine and hopes to become a cardio-thoracic surgeon. She plans to attend the University of Washington as a pre-public health major in the fall. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Ayaan Omair has been a part of the Arizona College Prep - Erie family since 7th grade. He was in the high school basketball team as an underclassman and a part of the track and field team as a senior. He has actively volunteered in our community center helping the youth. Ayaan is a kind and friendly person who loves to help people in need. He will be attending Arizona State University to study aerospace engineering. We wish him all the best for his future. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Curtis Wilkerson is a pursuer of excellence. He is a scholar, entrepreneur, and a natural born leader. His hard work in academics has earned him several scholarships. He is a proud winner of the four year National Army ROTC scholarship. He also earned the Dean's Award and the ASU Medallion Scholarship. He plans to attend ASU's College of Nursing and serve in the Army Nurse Corps after graduation. Curtis was a varsity wrestler at ACP Erie and qualified for the state wrestling tournament his junior and senior years. Watching Curtis grow into a confident, successful young man has been a joyous journey. Be fearless, Curtis! We are proud of you! ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Ahmad Shaltot is an ACP Knight, having been part of the ACP family since 9th grade. He is graduating this year to attend ASU and pursue his passion for cars as a mechanical engineer. Ahmad worked hard the past four years and earned the New American University Scholarship. Ahmad is a very kind and caring friend, always being the one to make people smile the second he walks into the room. We're so proud of how far he's come today. Ahmad managed the boys volleyball team throughout the season and created his own club, "Super Smash Bros," as a fun activity to have with his friends. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Zoe Felbein is a senior at Arizona College Prep. She has throughly enjoyed being a Knight. Zoe has supported her school by participating in the varsity spiritline for four years and serving as a team captain her senior year. Cheering on her team at the inaugural ACP Erie football game is a high school memory she will cherish forever. Zoe also served her school by participating in student government for three years. In Zoe's senior year, she joined DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and took 2nd in State for Hospitality and Lodging Management role play. Zoe also has a passion for ice skating and has been a competitive figure skater for 12 years, achieving Junior Ladies status nationally. Zoe will always remember her school with the fondest of memories and will embody the motto of "Strive for the Impossible and Be Extraordinary" as she attends the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to study hospitality management and marketing. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Aamina Ahmed is graduating not only with her high school diploma, but with an Associates in Science degree as well. She will attend ASU Barrett with a major in medical microbiology on a pre-med track, and plans to attend medical school. Aamina spent six wonderful years at ACP in which she spent her high school years achieving academic excellence, graduating summa cum laude and as an AP Scholar. She participated in Key Club, National Honor Society, She's the First, Chinese Club, and Red Cross, held numerous officer positions. She devoted time to volunteering as well as playing varsity tennis for all four years, the team captain her senior year. Aamina truly enjoyed her time learning and growing at ACP and establishing cherished connections with those on campus. She is grateful for all that ACP has taught her and hopes to continue her academic future utilizing her academic, creative, and leadership skills developed at ACP. Aamina is excited for all that the future has to offer! ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Alex James Gilchrist is an outstanding student-athlete who consistently strives for athletic and academic excellence and was the recipient of the Big4 Award for Track last year. A true competitor, Alex has proudly defended ACP's Knight honor on the football field, basketball court and track. Despite being diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic the first day of his freshman year and having knee surgery and shoulder injuries, Alex persevered and was one of the starters for ACP's varsity football team every year since its inception in 2017. In addition, Alex was also a true Knight on ACP's varsity track team for four years and on the JV Basketball team for two years. He was a member of the Honor Society and Key Club. Alex's hard work and dedication has resulted in graduating with academic summa cum laude honors and as an AP Scholar with Distinction. Alex will study biology at ASU in the fall and has plans to attend medical school in the future. ACP Erie Seniors Highlights

Basha High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Lewis Alexander has been a part of the Basha community for seven years, as he is also a former Basha AMS (Accelerated Middle School student). Lewis has taken multiple AP courses and maintained a 4.6 GPA, but is best known as "Mr. Lewis" in his role in our early childhood education program, where he was hired this year as an after school care worker. He is a National AP Scholar, and is receiving a national certification, the Child Development Associate credential. He was a member of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and won gold medals at state and national competitions for his contribution to our community service project, Petite Picassos. Lewis plays the guitar and drums and is a member of the National Honor Society, Chinese National Honor Society and Science is Fun. He is attending University of Arizona Honors College in the fall on a full tuition scholarship, studying to be a pharmacist. Basha High Seniors Highlights

Basha High (2019-2020)

SENIOR HIGHLIGHT:  Morgan Allen has been a member of the Kismet Dance Company and an active participant of the Basha dance program for four years. Morgan has been an excellent student and has lent her time and talents to various community service projects. She will be attending Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University where she will study business and dance. Basha High Seniors Highlights

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