Sixth grader advances to state geography bee

CCUSD - Jordan Costello, a sixth grader at Sonoran Trails Middle School participated in the State Geography Bee at ASU March 31. He advanced to the state competition by scoring in the top 100 among 1,000 students. Costello represented Desert Sun Elementary School last year and was one of the younger competitors.

Anthem School holds benefit garage sale

ANTHEM - The Anthem School PTSA, with assistance from the Gavilan Peak School and Diamond Canyon PTAs, will hold a community garage sale with proceeds benefitting two families recently forced to deal with the tragedy of losing one of its members.

The sale will be April 8. Community members can drop off items to sell by 6:45 a.m. and shop for bargains and treasures from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Simpkins family whose six year old daughter was killed March 26 in an accident at home, as well as the children in the Probart family whose mother recently passed away forcing the children to move out of the area.

Anthem School is located at 41020 N. Freedom Way. For more information, call (623) 376 3700.

PTO hosts ice cream social

DESERT HILLS - Ice cream treats, rock wall climbing, train rides, games and prizes are just some of what's planned at the Ice Cream Social, April 7 from 6 9 p.m. at Desert Mountain School.

The community is invited to this final fund raising event of the year hosted by Blackhawk Buddies PTO at the school, 35359 N. 7th Ave. Admission is free. Tickets for games, rides and food are nominal, and help fund student awards.

Kids can assault a 24 foot rock climbing wall, giant inflatable slide and bouncy, and play carnival games with fun prizes. Besides ice cream sundaes and root beer floats, pizza, cotton candy, popcorn and more will be available for sale.

Athletes play broomball at Glendale Arena

ANTHEM - More than 30 students involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club at Boulder Creek High School are teaming up for a day with the Coyotes at the Glendale Arena. The field trip includes a broomball tournament with other Valley FCA clubs and a ticket to see the Coyotes take on the Dallas Stars.

Coyotes player Shane Doan and Chaplain Jeff Farrar will rally with the students during broomball. Athletes will depart from the school for the April 8 tournament and game at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and includes the rally, snacks and a Coyotes bobblehead. For more information, call (623) 445 8600.

Online computer courses set

VALLEY - College credits for 14 open entry online computer courses, designed to increase skills in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Windows and Outlook, are available through Paradise Valley Community College,18401 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix.

Enrollment deadline is April 7, and classes must be completed by May 5. For information or to register, call (602) 787 6746 or e mail beth.newman@pvmail.mar icopa.edu. v

Gifted students present Great Brain Expo

ANTHEM - Leah Parker's gifted reading students at Diamond Canyon School presented their research projects to parents, staff, and other special guests during The Great Brain Expo March 29. They also distributed a copy of their handmade book "Your Amazing Brain."

Research projects included the parts of the brain and what they do, the differences between male and female brains, growth, and how the brain grows. Students researched foods that are good and bad for the brain and advised guests on brain friendly foods.