Youth

If you’ve only played volleyball during gym class, on the beach or in the backyard, you might be shocked by the intensity of high school boys’ volleyball matches. Witness a regular-season match in April, with Boulder Creek visiting north Glendale’s Mountain Ridge High. Both teams alternately blasted spikes and finesse shots, with long rallies before “kill” shots against desperate attempts to “dig” the white ball before it hits the gym floor.   The players on both teams were as athletic as basketball players and wily as coyotes, the individual battles turning into hard-fought, well-played duels. For the Jaguars, a blur in a No. 9 jersey kept flying in from the right wing for thunder-slams. This is junior Quentin Campbell, who proved to be multi-dimensional with strong defense and blistering serves. Teammate Alex Levine, a senior, also powered one deadly jump serve after another over the net.   Cody Williams, Alec Wilson and Alex Boyce have also been playing... More

Gilroy proudly calls itself the “Garlic Capital of the World.” For tulips, unless you’re headed to Holland, you want to go to Snohomish County, up past Seattle in Washington State. A town in North Carolina called Mount Olive is known for its pickles. It started when they had a huge crop of cucumbers, and decided to pickle them.   Here in Cave Creek, a bumper crop of musicians is sprouting.   One after another, a group of talented kids as young as seventh grade took the makeshift stage at the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner in March. All of the budding musicians seemed poised and polished, without a hint of nervousness.   The entertainment was sponsored by Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation, the garden that is simultaneously nourishing the young musicians, and raising a stunning amount of money. According to the CCUEF website, “The Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation was formed independent of the Cave Creek Unified School District to... More

Writer Tom Scanlon Photographer Pogue Photography   Asked about personal goals, some basketball stars might say “score 25 points a game” or “hit the winning shot as time expires in the state championship.”   Sam Young’s goal for her senior season?   “I want to be a good leader,” answers Young, the center of attention for the Boulder Creek High School girls’ basketball team. She is doing just that, and she also has a nice touch on her shots, plays intimidating defense and runs the floor well.   Oh, and she’s 6 feet, 3 inches tall. And she’s headed to California State University Northridge on a full scholarship.   Sam Young is literally the biggest thing to hit the Boulder Creek High girls’ basketball team. She is a major reason the team went 23-7 last year, setting a school record for wins, scoring the first post-season win in the program’s history and qualifying for the state playoffs.   This year, Young led the team to an 18-9 record in the regular... More

January 12, 13 Musical Theatre of Anthem Auditions: Winnie the Pooh Kids, Dear Edwina Jr., and Little Shop of Horrors Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces auditions for their upcoming musical productions of Winnie the Pooh Kids for ages 6 – 9, Dear Edwina Jr. for ages 10 – 12, and Little Shop of Horrors for ages 13 – 19. Auditions for all three will be held Jan. 12 – 13 at MTA in Anthem. The award-winning theatre will cast all who audition.   All vocal auditions will be held Saturday, Jan. 12 with Winnie the Pooh at 10 a.m., Dear Edwina at noon, and Little Shop of Horrors at 2 p.m. Dance call for Winnie the Pooh will be Sunday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m., with callbacks at 11 a.m. The dance call for Dear Edwina Jr. will be held Sunday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m., with callbacks at 2 p.m. Dance call for Little Shop of Horrors will be held Sunday, Jan. 13 at 5 p.m., with callbacks at 6 p.m. Auditions, callbacks, and rehearsals will be held at MTA’s theatre performance space at 42323 N.... More

  Foothills Academy College Preparatory is enrolling new students for an innovative program that represents the rapidly changing demands of 21st century learners. The program offers academically advanced eleventh and twelfth graders an alternative educational setting to practice independent learning and performing through self-motivation and self-direction. It blends the highest quality web-based courseware and a strong, tightly connected support system for each student, with personnel available online and face-to face.   In this unique program model, students can earn college credits through advanced placement and dual enrollment courses, and work at their own pace, potentially graduating early. Each student follows a custom curriculum, a personal learning plan formulated with his/her advisor at the start of the program, founded in the Common Core State Standards.   The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who are self-directed and motivated, and are independent and... More

Johnnie Panfil disposes of his opponent to take the inbound pass and pushes his way up the floor. He skillfully dribbles the ball, crossing over to his left hand when needed to keep prying hands at bay. At the top of the key, Panfil takes a glance to his left, rolls off of a high screen and bounce passes the ball to a cutting Marcus Jarrett in the lane. Jarrett collects the pass and heads toward the basket drawing the defense from all directions. Seeing Kennedy McGrath unmarked under the net, Jarrett finagles a pass past the oncoming opposition into the safe hands of his teammate who neatly lays the ball into the net.   The clean execution of this offensive possession demonstrates the Jags’ commitment to Coach Randy Walker’s system. Each player has a role to play, and when sound decisions and crisp passes are made, clear scoring opportunities arise in abundance. This efficiency, combined with relentless defense, intense conditioning and sound free-throw shooting gives you a... More

  The Upscale Singers are proud to announce the results from their sixth annual vocal scholarship auditions. Taylor Ellsworth, a sophomore at Boulder Creek High School, took first place in the Senior High Division, winning a $500 scholarship which is paid directly to the voice teacher of her choice.   Taylor to a featured soloist in the Upscale Singers annual holiday concert “Spirit of the Season” Dec. 16 in the sanctuary of the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church on the northeast corner of Carefree Hwy. and Tom Darlington Dr. in Carefree.   Margaret Watson, director of the Upscale Singers, was particularly pleased with the quality of the auditioning students. She recalls a grateful parent saying, “Your support has made a world of difference to my son, inspiring him to sing.”   Upscale Scholars Awards 1st: Taylor Ellsworth - $500 (Boulder Creek sophomore) 2nd: Jazney Moss - $400 (Boulder Creek sophomore) 3rd: Zachary Fitzgerald - $300 (Boulder Creek senior) 4th: McKenna... More

  Boulder Creek High School senior Samantha Young will be attending California State University Northridge on a full athletic scholarship to play basketball. She is the first Lady Jags Basketball player to receive a Division 1 basketball scholarship.   Young is a 6’ 3” center. Led by head coach Josiah McDaniel, the Jaguars finished 23-7 in Young’s junior year. During last year’s season, she averaged 11.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. ESPN ranks the phenom as the 43rd best post player in the nation, while Next Level Sports placed her 96th among all prospects in the class of 2013. In addition to her Boulder Creek accomplishments, Young played her AAU basketball for the Arizona Thunder and head coach Dick Donahue.   ImagesAZ congratulates Samantha Young on her accomplishments. We look forward to watching your rising star!... More

  Boulder Creek High School’s 2013 Hoopcoming week will kick off Jan. 28 with a fun-filled spirit week, a great assembly and an enchanting tailgating event with Disney-themed entertainment.   The entire community is invited to join in on the tailgating event before the basketball game Feb. 1 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. on Boulder Creek’s practice field along Gavilan Peak Pkwy. Student organizations will host booths to entertain people of all ages.   Admission is free, and for just $5, tailgaters can purchase a wristband for unlimited access to exciting games and carnival rides. Also, you can purchase dinner and a drink for $5 more. Bring the whole family for a night of enchanting fun!   The Hoopcoming basketball game against Salpointe Catholic will be held in the Boulder Creek gymnasium Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Freshmen and junior varsity teams will play at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. There will also be lunchtime activities each day, and a Hoopcoming assembly at the school on game day. Celebrate... More

  Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) proudly presents the U.S. Premiere of “Thumbelina: A Swallow’s Tale,” the new musical version of the classic Hans Christian Anderson story, which will charm audiences of all ages. The award-winning cast of 13-18 -year olds presents the coming-of-age story from Nov. 8 – 11 in Anthem.   “Bringing a U.S. Premiere to MTA for our performers and patrons is so very special. I have always loved the story of Thumbelina and its message of love and hope and to persevere regardless of the odds,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA Producing Artistic Director and “Thumbelina” Vocal Director.   Performances take place on Nov. 8, 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 10 and 11 at 3 p.m. at MTA’s theatre performance space at 42323 N. Vision Way, Bldg. 2, Anthem, AZ 85086. Tickets may be purchased online. Adult tickets are $18 and Students, Seniors and Children 12 and under are $15.   www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org... More

  Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) was honored with six ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence (ZONI) at the awards ceremony held at Tempe Center for the Arts.   “We are honored to have received awards for all aspects of our productions including acting, directing, music directing, and choreography,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director.   And the winners are: Supporting Actress in a Youth Musical Ali Whitwell as Lucy - “13”   Supporting Actor in a Youth Musical Maxximillian Carlisle - King as Archie - “13”   Guest Actor in a Youth Musical Matt Newhard as Rooster - “Annie”   Musical Direction in a Youth Musical Jackie Hammond and Mark 4Man - “13”   Choreography in a Youth Musical Sherry Henderson - “13”   Director in a Youth Musical Laura O’Meara - “Willy Wonka Jr.”   www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org  ... More

  ProMusica Arizona (PMAZ) is launching a new String Education Program (StEP) for kids in grades 5-8 in the greater Phoenix area who want to learn to play string instruments. This program has been developed in response to interest expressed by parents in the community and a lack of such training in most schools. The new program is similar to a beginning band program, but with string instruments.   The 2012 StEP program offers lessons for beginners, playing time, a final concert with a professional string quartet at the end of two 12-week sessions, and an instrument to play. Violins, violas, and cellos will be provided by PMAZ the first year, substantially reducing the cost for beginning students.   The first 12-week session for beginners will start in Nov., followed by an additional 12-week session beginning in Feb. 2013. Instruction will be held every Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. in the band room at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem. To help cover the cost of the instructor,... More

  Musical Theatre of Anthem is holding auditions for ages 9-19 for their upcoming Holiday Show, a joint production with Dynamic Motion Dance Academy (DMDA), to be held Dec. 13-5 in Anthem.   Auditions for ages 9-19 will be held on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at MTA’s theatre performance space located at 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem. Those auditioning should prepare a one-minute, a cappella holiday song of their choice. Registration materials (available on the website) need to be completed prior to coming to the audition. If you are unable to make the scheduled audition time, please make an alternate appointment time.   www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org... More

  Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces performances for A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS, the heartwarming musical that brings Arnold Lobel’s well-loved characters from page to stage. A talented cast of 46 area youths, ages 6-9, presents the show Oct. 25-28 in Anthem. The show is directed by Terri Scullin, vocal directed by Ginette Rossi, and choreographed by Danielle Angieri.   Performances take place Oct. 25 and 26 at 7 p.m., Oct. 27 at 3 and 7 p.m., and Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. at MTA’s performance space, 42323 N. Vision Way, Bldg. 2, Anthem, AZ 85086. Tickets may be purchased online. Adult tickets are $18 and students, seniors and children 12 and under are $15.   www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org... More

  Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces their upcoming musical production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. The award-winning cast of 24 area youths, ages 10-12, presents the show Oct. 11 – 21.   “Flat Stanley Jr. is an upbeat, fun-loving show that will keep you entertained from beginning to end,” said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director and Flat Stanley co-director and vocal director.   Performances take place Oct. 11-13 and 18-20 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 3 p.m. at MTA’s performance space, 42323 N. Vision Way, Bldg. 2, Anthem. Tickets may be purchased online. Adult tickets are $18 and students, seniors, and children 12 and under are $15.   www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org... More