David D. Ortega (left), Mayor of the City of Scottsdale and Barry Graham, Vice Mayor of the City of Scottsdale | https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council
David D. Ortega (left), Mayor of the City of Scottsdale and Barry Graham, Vice Mayor of the City of Scottsdale | https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council
Mayor David D. Ortega recently honored over two dozen students for their achievements in the annual "We the People" contest during an in-person reception attended by more than 110 participants, including parents, students, teachers, and administrators. The contest marks the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1797.
"The We the People Constitution Contest promotes civic engagement, community reflection and understanding of the principles that guide our participation in our representative form of government," said Mayor Ortega. "We were especially impressed with this year’s creative entries from Scottsdale area students."
Participants submitted entries across three categories: art pieces in any medium, essays, and original songs, videos, or educational podcasts. Contributions came from several schools including Cheyenne Traditional School, Cherokee and Kiva elementary schools, Desert Canyon and Mountainside middle schools, Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain, and Saguaro high schools as well as home-schooled students. A panel led by the Scottsdale branch of the American Association of University Women evaluated submissions using a scoring rubric alongside Mayor Ortega.
The winners were announced as follows:
In the Art Category:
- First and second grades: Caleb Mauer (1st), Maddy Parra (2nd), Aya Alieha (3rd)
- Third to fifth grades: Éva Malizia (1st)
- Sixth to eighth grades: Aislyn Sheard (1st), Nick Schroeder (2nd), Saarah Chegri (3rd)
- High school: Brian Stevenson (1st), Sylvia Strelish (2nd)
In the Essay Category:
- First and second grades: Skanda Madappa (1st)
- Sixth to eighth grades: Bryn Smith (1st), Brady Smith (2nd), Jude Larsen (3rd)
- High school: Jesmina deGuzman (1st), Noah Bassett (2nd), Ira Parsons (3rd)
In the Podcast, Song, and Video Category:
- Sixth to eighth grades: Audrey Figura (1st), Christian Bliss (2nd), Addison Ward and Addison Corsi tied for 3rd
- High school: Betzy Oxlaj Castaneda, Kimberly Lopez and Linda Lopez shared 1st place; Sienna Warner took 2nd; Jaythan Reyna with Joel Garcia Orozco and Jonathan Guevara placed 3rd
Photos from the celebration event showcasing winning entries are credited to Scottsdale Unified School District.
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