Maricopa High School students showcase talents, energy, creativity

Band and dance performances, math games, art displays, social studies models and posters were all on display Thursday at Maricopa High School’s Night of Excellence.

The evening was a tribute to the multi-faceted talents of the student body, as well as the dedication and work done by the staff in preparing for the annual event. Every department on campus was involved, and students, parents, governing board members and district staff were all on hand to see the creative efforts of Maricopa High’s students.

Social studies students offered presentations, student-created books and displays on various social and historical movements. One display on Egyptian mummification featured a description of the process, as well as a ‘living’ wrapped mummy.

Modern Language students showed off their piñatas and presentations on various Spanish-speaking countries.

The CAVIT medical assistant classroom and lab were available for tours, even when instructor Yvette Gash took time out to bandage the injured foot of a student.

Special education students were showcased in a slide show of their recent prom; they also provided homemade treats for visitors.

Experiments, DNA models and rocketry were part of the science department’s offerings. The Culinary Arts Department displayed table settings and food preparation techniques under the guidance of instructor Rex Sherry. An ice sculpture created by students depicted two rams (the school mascot) on a craggy hill.

Lori VanScyoc’s drama students performed humorous vignettes from Grimm’s fairy tales for an appreciative audience. The halls and showcases around campus were filled with student art projects, and, in the graphic arts classroom, student designed t-shirts and commercial products were on display.

MHS Principal June Celaya called the event “fabulous,” praising the teachers at the school for their planning of the event and their ability to involve students toward the end of the school year. “This showcases what we do on this campus each and every day,” said Celaya.

See images from the MHS Night of Excellence in the following slideshow:

Photos by Joyce Hollis