School Glance
Gila Ridge senior named Arizona’s ACT Student Champion
Kailee Bunte of Gila Ridge High School was named Arizona’s ACT 2018 Student Champion.
She will receive the ACT Student Champion Award and a $500 scholarship.
“Everyone — at some point in their life — has been inspired by an individual who is tenacious, positive and dedicated to helping others achieve their life goals,” ACT Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Montgomery said. “The ACT College and Readiness initiative provides an opportunity to recognize those exemplary individuals whom we all know and love and want to ensure their stories are told to inspire others to action.”
The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are high school seniors, K-12 professionals, postsecondary professionals and workforce professionals who are making a positive impact on their communities through their efforts to advance college and career readiness for all. The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are individuals across the country who support ACT’s mission of education and workplace success.
There were more than 5,000 applicants in Southwest Region, which includes Arkansas, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Bunte was the only student selected from Arizona.
SLHS student headed to international HOSA competition
San Luis High School senior Dunncan Ginez took first place in prepared speaking at the Arizona HOSA State Leadership Conference last month.
Ginez will travel to Dallas, Texas, to compete in the 41st HOSA International Leadership Conference from June 27-30, 2018. He is a part of Jayson Nielsen’s sports medicine program at San Luis.
“Dunncan has always been one of my top students,” Nielsen said. “He works extremely hard at whatever he does. When I told him he was going to compete in prepared speaking he immediately went to work. He has a great work ethic and I couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishment. I am excited to see what he will do at the international leadership conference this June.”
Seven students from Yuma Union High School District schools competed in the state competition, which included students from across Arizona.
Kofa and YFD co-op student advances to nationals in firefighting
Kofa High School student Leonel Anaya will compete in the SkillsUSA Nationals in Louisville, Ky., in June after winning gold in firefighting at the SkillsUSA Arizona State competition last month.
Anaya, who was one of 30 competitors from across the state in the firefighting contest, was tested in both hands-on skills demonstrations and oral and written exams. He is one of 19 SkillsUSA participants from Yuma Union High School District who advanced to nationals. He is also part of the cooperative education program partnership between YUHSD’s Career & Technical Education program and the Yuma Fire Department.
“We have always been proud of the performance of those students who have come through this program over the years,” YFD Assistant Fire Chief Dustin Fields said. “Leo’s accomplishment this year is especially noteworthy and we know he will represent Yuma well in the national competition. Some current members of our department, including a member of our command staff, got their start in this program. We value the relationship with CTE/YUHSD and look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come.
“We also appreciate the contributions in time and effort made by YFD personnel Anthony Fernandez, Leo Gonzales, Robert Smith and others who worked so hard to make this program a success.”
Anaya was required to demonstrate knowledge and skill in areas including safety; breathing apparatus; fire streams; ladders, ropes, knots and hoses; fire control; ventilation; emergency medical care and rescue; and protecting fire cause evidence. He has been exposed to those areas and a litany of others through the co-op.
“The co-ops with YFD and YPD (Yuma Police Department) are a true partnership,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Lisa Anderson said. “Students gain invaluable experience and training from professionals, and both departments get access to some of the best and most qualified young people our county has to offer.”