SanTanValley.com

On Saturday, February 2, 2013, six middle school students (grades 6-8) from Anthem K-8 in the Florence Unified School District competed in the Pinal County Science Competition at Central Arizona College, bringing home one first place and three second place medals. Max Mielke and Carlos Garcia earned top honors in the “Rocks and Minerals” competition (geology) and also took 2nd Place in “Reach for the Stars” (astronomy).

Thirty-one Central Arizona College students were celebrated and recognized for completing the nursing program, one of the most challenging curricula offered in higher education.

Each of the 31 members of the program’s graduating class received pins signifying the student’s completion of the program. Following a candle-lighting ceremony, the graduating students took the Florence Nightingale pledge.

Beginning with the 2013 fall semester, Central Arizona College’s Weekend College will join forces with Northern Arizona’s Extended Campuses to offer a 90/30 bachelor’s degree program.

This arrangement will allow students to complete one of three NAU baccalaureate programs without ever having to leave Pinal County, or take classes at a convenient time.

Phoenix-born and Eloy-raised Dick Myers is driven by a spirit of volunteerism. When one considers that his grandfather aided in the incorporation of Eloy, his mother was a member of the local auxiliary, and his father was a charter member of the Eloy volunteer firefighting force, one might rightfully say this spirit is firmly embedded into his DNA.

“It’s been part of a family tradition,” Myers said. “I started clear back with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and I’ve just about spent a lifetime volunteering in one organization or another.”

During last week’s Ribbon Cutting ceremony celebrating the new building and  remodeling project on the Superstition Mountain Campus of Central Arizona College (CAC), President Dr. Doris Helmich thanked the community and all involved for “helping students realize their dreams.”

Other speakers included Apache Junction City Manager George Hoffman who pointed out that the economic development of an area “depends on an educated workforce.” He thanked citizens of Apache Junction and Pinal County for passing the $99 million bond in 2008 from which the funding for these vast improvements of the Superstition Mountain campus was derived.

If you’re looking to get a jump on this year’s holiday shopping, be sure to check out Central Arizona College’s Art Fair, this Sat., Nov, 17.

The fair, which will feature artwork and high-end crafts for sale, will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the college’s Corporate Center, just off of Interstate 10 and Florence Blvd in Casa Grande.  

The Central Arizona College Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Rick Moore will present its swinging brand of music with Jazz Night at the Pence Center on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Don P. Pence Center for Visual & Performing Arts.

Tickets for the show at the Signal Peak Campus are $5 and may be purchased online at http://jazzband-eorg.eventbrite.com/#.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has been used by real estate offices, mining companies and municipalities for years. Students at Central Arizona College now will have an opportunity to learn how to use that technology through a course offered at its Signal Peak Campus in the upcoming spring semester.

With a lineup of classes that includes Cake Decorating, Baking and Pastry I & II and Everything Chocolate, one might wonder if Central Arizona College’s culinary arts program offers baking as a major.

Beginning in the fall of 2013, that will, in fact, be the case as CAC will add a baking and pastry certificate as well as an associate degree.

Central Arizona College’s highly-touted massage clinics at the Superstition Mountain and Signal Peak campuses now are open to the community.

Reservations are being accepted for anyone wishing to enjoy a therapeutic massage performed by students who are enrolled in either the massage therapy degree or certificate programs offered by the institution. Students gain experience by working in the clinics, while clients are charged a nominal fee to help cover costs associated with the program.