AIA Annual State Award

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Recipient of AIA Annual State Award for Scholastic and Artistic Excellence on Senior Recognition Night School tops 40 high schools statewide to receive 2A Conference Award!

 
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy’s Senior Recognition night, during the school’s season final home game on October 21st, featured a game opening presentation of the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s annual award to the school for overall excellence. Dr. Harold Slemmer, AIA Executive Director, presented the award, and a commemorative banner to Athletic Director Lonnie Tvrdy. Pusch Ridge was awarded the Don F. Stone Award for the 2A Conference, winning top honor among 40 high schools statewide. High schools are selected to receive these awards based on the total points they accumulate through excellence in fine arts and athletics. 
 
Lonny Tvrdy, PRCA athletic director since 2007, recounted the 2010-11 sports accomplishments that culminated in the award, including a state championship for the boys’ tennis team, final four placement for the boys’ soccer and baseball teams, state runner-up in softball, girls’ soccer and girls’ tennis as well as regional championships in football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ cross country, and boys’ golf. 
 
The game was also occasion for the school’s perennial celebration of senior class football players, cheerleaders, band members and support staff.  Flanked by their parents, nineteen students stood on the football field at halftime and were recognized in their own words, reflecting upon their school experiences, thanking parents, friends, coaches and teachers, sharing their personal inspirational Bible verse and describing their plans for the future. 
 
While each student spoke of their intent to pursue a college education, some were more specific with their future career plans. Lions WR/RB and Student Body President Caleb Tvrdy, who plans to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and train as a helicopter pilot, expressed a desire to save many lives.  Another football player intending to take flight, wide receiver Alex Hook, looks forward to becoming a commercial pilot. Drum major Sarina Scandaliato seeks a degree in Kinesiology and to work as a physician’s assistant, and playfully added that she would “maybe win a LPGA golf tournament.” Saxaphonist Erika Johnson intends to join the Arizona Air National Guard, and shares the same aspiration as bandmate and clarinetist Caleb Spegman, in pursuing a degree in criminal justice and a future career in law enforcement.
 
It was a joyful occasion for thanking family and friends and foreign exchange student Viki Malcherek had two families to thank, her host family, the Barghols, and her family back in Germany. Malcherek exuded her thanks, “to the whole marching band, “ explaining, “we don’t have marching bands at our school  back in German.”
 

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