Strange Science Meets Lively Literature at Festival of Books
The Thunderbirds basically have one sole purpose: to `demonstrate what the men and women in our armed forces do every day out of love for our country. Hubbard’s role in the Thunderbirds is narrator. She stands next to the crowd and explain the maneuvers as they happen above. A Thunderbird’s maximum speed is mach 2, which is roughly 1,522 mph! The fastest you’ve probably ever gone in your car is about 80 mph! 
The state championships—with one night and one day of competing—were very exciting. We had an awards ceremony at the end of the day, where individual event winners were given medals for first through third places and ribbons to 10th place. Gift cards were given to some winners to celebrate the 25th year of Science Olympiad. 
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César Chávez Fought for Mexican-American Civil Rights
by Reporter Cynthia SerranoG. Frank Davidson Elementary
César Chávez was a great man who fought for his beliefs. He was committed to social justice for Mexican-Americans, and his leadership in organizing migrant farm workers led to many improvements in the lives of laborers. Eight states, including Arizona, recognize his birthday—March 31—as César Chávez Day. 
Chávez was born in1927 in a room above a store in the Gila Valley near Yuma, Ariz. Chávez didn't like school because he had to dress up and fix his hair. When he was older, he joined the Navy, where he was treated badly because of his ethnicity. He later worked as a community organizer, encouraging Mexican-Americans to vote. He fought for worker’s rights, such as fair wages.
Chávez believed in nonviolent protest. In 1968, he stopped eating for 25 days to call attention to the plight of grape pickers.
Chávez helped many people for many years without asking anything in return but justice. I am glad he did because my mother is from Mexico.
Olde Days Come to Life at Renaissance Festival
by Reporter Linzey Leinart,Homeschool
As soon as I entered the Renaissance Festival, I felt as if I had gone back in time. People wearing the ornate, colorful costumes were everywhere. Bakeries and shops bordered every inch of the festival grounds. Entertainment filled the stands. There’s so much to see and experience when you head to the Renaissance Festival. 
I enjoyed walking through the dozens of booths filled with unique and homemade merchandise—everything from glass sculptures, bath products, lotions, swords, costumes and clay figures along with a variety of food. It looked like the smoked turkey legs were a big hit for many. The booth that attracted me the most was Wax Hands.
First, you think of the shape of your hands. Then you dip your hands in wax before finally dipping them in icy water a couple of times. That makes the wax hard enough that you can gradually pull your hands out while someone on the other end is helping. It looks like a candle in the shape of your hand. You get to choose a variety of colors to dip your wax hand into before carrying it off with you. Who would have thought wax could be so creative and fun! 
I always look forward to the Renaissance Festival, which takes you back to an interesting time in history. The festival, held Feb. 26 to March 28, made me want to study about the Renaissance. Actually, it’s a good idea to read up on it before you make the trip.
Curious? Ask Questions
by Reporter Will LeinartHomeschool
Tomato throwing, jousting, paint ball, bungee jumping, and fire whip shows are just some of the attractions at one of the largest festival events in Arizona, the Renaissance Festival in Apache Junction.
I had a chance to speak with an artisan who caught my eye. Steve Fisher lives in Tucson and has been a blacksmith for almost seven years. His great-grandfather was a blacksmith in Texas where he farmed. But Fisher says he’s a little different since he likes to make unusual objects, such as shoes and swords.
So the next time you head to the Renaissance Festival, don’t forget to ask the artisans questions about what they do and why they do it. I found that you can learn a lot just from spending a few minutes observing and asking. It’s both entertaining and educational.
Struggles, Triumphs of Blacks Honored
by Reporter Kaylee ClaytonBoys & Girls Club of the East Valley-Apache Junction
Adviser: Notiósha D’Addabbo
In 1926, the second week of February was chosen as Negro History Week to mark the birthdays of two important figures in American history who influenced the lives of African Americans, President Abraham Lincoln and former slave Frederick Douglass. Both men fought for freedom from slavery for black people. We now celebrate Black History Month instead of Negro History Week.
The idea began with Dr. Carter Woodson, the son of former slaves. Woodson was unhappy that the contributions of African-Americans were mostly ignored in history books. He launched Negro History Week to honor the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans.
Where the Wildlife Lives!
by Reporter Laurel Amundson,Imagine Prep at Surprise
Adviser: Lacee Collins
Have you ever thought what it would be like to get sneezed on by a giraffe? Well, why don’t you ask my little brother?
On March 28, we visited the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium in Surprise, Arizona.
When I went to the zoo, I got to see almost every animal there is, from fishies to white tigers to naked mole rats. It was impossible to see every animal because there are about 3,000 of ’em all together! That’s about 600 different species all in one place.
Beth, 6, says, “This zoo is the best place ever!”
The zoo has educated people about all the different animals and endangered species. The staff and administration at the zoo have been very helpful toward animals and customers since 1984, when the zoo first opened its doors.
Amy, who works in the small mammal building says, “I have only been here a few weeks, but I can already tell how loyal this zoo is to everyone.”
The best part of the whole day, after seeing all the animals and getting to do interviews, was probably getting to know I was able to write this story for all of you, of all ages and educating you about the Arizona Wild life Zoo and Aquarium in Litchfield Park. The zoo is located at 165th Avenue and Northern Avenue
(State Route 303).
Skunks Make a Stink Around House
by Reporter Meghna Pancholi,New Vistas Academy
Adviser: Stacey Trepanier
“Don’t forget to check if it’s there.” Clap! Clap! Clap! This is what I hear whenever I leave the house. Want to know why? Because I have skunks in my neighborhood in Chandler!
Skunks are small, black-and-white animals about the size of a cat. If you frighten them, they spray you with a nasty odor from behind their tail. We have a family of about a dozen skunks living in our neighborhood. Our neighbors have spotted two skunks so far—one drinking water from the fountain outside their house and one on the driveway.
Skunks have completely changed our routine when we go outside. We definitely go outside less than we used to. We also have to be very cautious. For example, when we go into the garage from the carport, we have to check the bushes to make sure a skunk won’t follow us! One resident says, “I just don’t go into the backyard because I’m so scared to find one.”
Another says, “I have to be vigilant and cautious of going into smaller corners of the house as I’m afraid they (could) potentially be hiding there.”
We think of skunks as little pests, but there are people who keep skunks as pets! In Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, Michigan, New Mexico and New York, it is legal to have a pet skunk with a permit. In Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota and Wyoming, it’s also legal to have a pet skunk. Imagine that!
Wide Receiver Coach Fills Tall Order
by Reporter Matthew Yates,Rancho Solano Gilbert
The Arizona Cardinals hired a new wide receivers coach in February 2009. John McNulty is one of the newest members of the Cardinals coaching staff led by Ken Whisenhunt, who has been head coach for a little over three years. 
The job of the wide receivers coach is to teach the receivers on the football team, who are some of the fastest and most coordinated players in the game. The receivers coach usually works with the head coach and assistant head coach. During games, the receivers coach usually works up in the coach’s box.
McNulty has been a football coach for 19 years. He has coached for the University of Michigan, the University of Connecticut, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dallas Cowboys and Rutgers University.
McNulty stays very busy coaching the Cardinals. “During the season, it’s seven days a week for about six months,” he says.
McNulty loves coaching and the game of football. “I really like the players and the competition,” McNulty explains. He gets along well with the team members and enjoys working with everyone. “They are really good guys,” McNulty adds.
McNulty started playing football in third grade and played the sport up through his college years. His advice for kids who love the sport and hope to become a coach in the future: “Be willing to work very hard and find someone to teach you how to coach.”
You can read more about the Cardinals at the kid zone on www.azcardinals.com.
Director Teaches to the Choir
by Reporter Rosella Bird,New Vistas Academy
Her hands flash up and down, side to side, faster and faster as she conducts the Phoenix Girls Chorus. Sue Kenly Marshall has been a PGC director for 27 years. The choir is now on its 28th “Season of Song.” Even though the girls perform locally, they also tour the state as well as distant places such as England, Italy and even the Czech Republic! The chorus has even had the privilege of accompanying the Phoenix Symphony at Christmastime.
Marshall has sung in many choirs. “I almost started singing as soon as I could talk,” she says. She gave concerts to the neighbors when she was just 2, and she sang throughout middle school and high school.
“My grandmother was very musical, but she died when I was 3 months old,” Marshall says. “My parents were not musical at all, so I think it came from my grandmother. I think I inherited her genes.”
Marshall adds that signing is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work. How does she keep the chorus going? “You have to love it,” she says. “You have to be tireless. It’s very rewarding work.”
‘Tooth Fairy’ Will Make You Smile
by Reporter Kelsey Kurz,All Saints Episcopal Day School
Adviser: Stacey Lane
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to ride on a hockey puck? Have you ever met a walking toothpick with the eyes of a big tuna? If not, you need to see the movie “Tooth Fairy.”
Dwayne Johnson starts as a professional hockey player in Lansing, Mich. He gets the nickname “Tooth Fairy” by tackling other hockey players so roughly that they lose their teeth. He tells his girlfriend’s daughter that there is no such thing as the tooth fairy.
One night, he gets a summons to go to Tooth Fairy Land for dream killing. By becoming a real tooth fairy, he learns two lessons: Dreams are good for everyone; and you can’t score if you don’t take a shot.
The movie is hilarious, but it was very clever, too. For example, tooth fairies use Shrinking Paste, Cat Away and Amnesia Dust to collect teeth. One Harkins Theater manager says that even though this movie came out in January, “the shows are still selling out.” I encourage you to take a shot at your dreams and to always tell the “tooth.”
Let’s Go to Arriba Mexican Grill
by Reporter Chloe McAllaster,Christ Lutheran School
I went to an authentic Mexican restaurant called Arriba Mexican Grill. The service was nice, and the waiters were friendly. The menu was nice, and the food was pretty good. The restaurant was clean, too.
It’s a pretty big restaurant, so it’s hard not to get in. If you are going with a lot of people or for a special occasion, however, it’s better to make a reservation. Arriba is not very expensive, and it is very welcoming to children. I would definitely go back!
There are two Arriba Mexican Grills in the Phoenix area.
$4 Cookies Help Thousands of Girls
by Reporter Kaylynn Sanders,Imagine Prep at Surprise
Adviser: Lacee Collins
“Would you care to buy a box of delicious Girl Scout Cookies?” 
Ooh! I’ve been waiting all year for this! Girls across the nation are delivering pre-packaged bundles of sugary joy—for “only $4!” Older people probably remember the price being lower—much lower. Even the leader of a “Cadette” Girl Scout troop, Cynthia Sanders, admits prices are going up. “Why, when I was 8, they were about $1.50,” she recalls.
Sanders has been a part of the Girl Scout organization for 10 years and has worked with 10 different troops during that time. Each of those troops participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Of course, no Girl Scout is forced to sell cookies. According to the organization’s official Web site, this program is one that girls look forward to every year. It builds their leadership and business skills while they have fun.
Speaking of business, it would be naive to think that all of that money goes to troops. Almost 25 percent goes toward the cost of making the cookies (since cookies don’t just grow on trees). Ten percent goes to the Board of Directors of each council to designate for needs such as Girl Scout camp improvements and scholarships. However, most of the money—almost 65 percent—goes back to the girls and their leaders in order to fund troop activities. “My girls love to go on trips,” Sanders says, “So, they plan out the trips. I feel they have to learn how to do this kind of thing and earn that sort of experience.”
Sanders’ troops have done a variety of things. “Sometimes it is as simple as a camping trip, but I’ve also had one troop go on a weeklong trip to Washington D.C., and my current troop of girls is recreating a ‘Camp Surf,’” she says. “They are going to go to San Diego to camp out on the beach.” And all of that is mainly funded by Girl Scout Cookie sales. Imagine, you sitting in front of your TV set eating a box of delicious Girl Scout Cookies. That simple act can actually make a trip like that possible for these hard-working girls. More than 2,000 troops sell Girl Scout Cookies in the Arizona Cactus Pine Council, and that’s only one of the two councils in Arizona. So times that first number by two. Then think about how many girls across the country will be able to go somewhere or do something extraordinary because of your help. It’s something to think about the next time you see them sitting outside the grocery store pedaling cookies.
Soccer Styles Differ Around the World
by Reporters Javier Bernaldo, Danny Teran and Fergus Shanks,Rancho Solano Greenway
Adviser: Stacey Lane
Soccer is a very well known sport that is played all over the world. Almost every country plays this sport, though it’s called football pretty much everywhere else.
In Mexico and Europe, the sport is played much faster than in the United States, as we have experienced it. There are also many more fouls called than there are in the United States. We’re trying to say that the playing style is completely different.
Liberty Girls Do Crafts, Good Deeds
by Reporter Justine Cyplik,Brandon-Pickett Elementary
I recently founded a new club in Queen Creek called Liberty Girls. The club members came to their first meeting on Dec. 6. One member, Hayley, says she loves the club, adding it was started because the counselor “wanted (to be in) a club and to do good deeds.” Another member, Chloe, says the Liberty Girls do crafts and sometimes do good deeds. You can start your own club!
I met hall of famer Jerry “The King” Lawler. I asked him, “How does it feel to be in the hall of fame?”
Appenzellar says before taking on a horse to train, he makes sure the horse’s teeth are in good shape. He adds that the most important thing to teach a horse is the leg cues of the rider.
It takes him about 60 to 90 days, working the horse every other day, to train it. He adds that 15 to 30 of those days are spent working to put the horse on cows. In fact, cattle are Appenzellar’s main training tool.