EDUCATION
SMILE WITH CONFIDENCE
Desert Sunrise High School students and faculty roam the hallways.
WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITORS WRITTEN PRICE! One Dental Office for the Entire Family
• Basic Procedures • Implants • Sedation • Orthodontics WE DO IT ALL!
NEW PATIENT WITH INSURANCE? Come on in! We will THANK YOU at your first visit with a FREE $25 GIFT CARD. First visit defined as comprehensive exam, x-rays, basic or periodontal cleaning. *New Patients Only. Cannot be used with AHCCCS, DHMO, medicaid or other non PPO discount insurance plans. Limited to two gift cards per household and not valid with any offer. Coupon must be presented at time of use. Limited time offer.
ESERT SUNRISE HIGH SCHOOL seniors walked into their final year of classes July 24, making history as the first class at the school district’s Hawk and circumstance First ever senior class rises at Desert Sunrise High BY JEFF CHEW D
Amid the turmoil, Desert Sunrise continues to expand with a $400,000 facility including animal pens and a state-of-the-art greenhouse slated to open this school year as part of the campus’s agricultural career prep program. “We are very excited to have our first senior class this year,” said new DSHS Principal Phil Verdugo. “ This will be a historical year and one I know the students, families and staff will remember.” Verdugo said the first graduating class, comprising 255 students, “will forever be part of the school’s history.” “We have many exceptional seniors who continue to make us proud. For example, Daisy Arroyo has received state and national recognition in her education professions class,” Verdugo said. “She is enrolled in multiple dual- enrollment and AP classes and is on her way to becoming a speech pathologist after graduation.” Arroyo said being part of the first graduating class at DSHS comes with a lot of responsibility, but it is truly an honor. “As the first graduating class, we set the tone and the traditions that will continue to grow as the years go on,” she said. “We are given the opportunity to build our school into the exciting and inclusive community we want it to be.” Verdugo said another standout DSHS senior,
newest campus. “I can hardly believe we are approaching our first graduating class at Desert Sunrise High School,” said MUSD Superintendent Tracey Lopeman. “It feels like just yesterday we were in the midst of construction. This upcoming graduation is a proud milestone for our community and a testament to the dedication of our students and staff. This is what education is all about — celebrating our students and looking forward to their bright futures.” Students, faculty and administrators have entered the school’s third academic year, which comes after some early growing pains, including the loss of the school’s first principal Marlene Armstrong. She resigned after the school district investigated her for accusations of sexual harassment against a male teacher. In September last year, two students were arrested at the Golden Hawks homecoming foot- ball game when one waved a gun and threatened to shoot up the school. Police charged both. Weapons-sensing metal detectors were installed at the entrance to DSHS two months later.
Gary the Golden Hawk
Nathan Alarcon, is now interning in the MUSD technology department and plans to enroll in a state college to pursue advanced computer science degrees after graduation. “Being [in] the first graduation class of Desert Sunrise is a great feeling to have,” Alarcon said. “Not only is the expectation set from our accomplishments, but you live on forever in the school’s future, never to be forgotten.” Connor Exline, a 12th-grade history teacher, said every senior that crosses the stage at the end of the school year started his or her high school journey somewhere else. These students have shown how adaptable and motivated they are by becoming Golden Hawks. “Our seniors that have taken advantage of the opportunities given to them continue to rise to the top, and I know that they will do great things,” Exline said. “I am so proud to have been on this journey with them.”
$ 19 NEW PATIENT
CLEANING, EXAM & X-RAYS * *In the absence of periodontal disease. Insurance will be billed if available. Limited time offer.
Dr. Jared Pope
Dr. Matthew Ross
Dr. Kari Zins
Call for appointment (520) 251-9490
44480 W. Honeycutt Rd., Ste. 110 MaricopaDental.com Open Saturdays for your convenience
InMaricopa.com | August 2024
34
Powered by FlippingBook