Tempe Union High School District celebrates student achievements and art educators awards

The Tempe Union High School District Governing Board meeting on November 6, 2024, highlighted significant achievements in student and staff recognition, alongside a formal acknowledgment of the district's location on indigenous lands.

The meeting began with a land acknowledgment, recognizing the Ockmouth O'odham and Pee Posh peoples as the original inhabitants of the area. This statement emphasized the district's commitment to honoring the history and culture of the indigenous communities.

Superintendent Dr. Wilson presented a notable student recognition, honoring Leika Srivastava, a senior at Desert Vista High School. Leika recently won the Division 1 singles title at the AIA state badminton championships. During her speech, she expressed gratitude to her coaches and family, while also advocating for greater recognition of badminton as a sport in the U.S. She highlighted its status as the fastest sport in the world, with shuttlecocks reaching speeds of up to 350 miles per hour.

The meeting also celebrated the achievements of two art educators from the district. Cameron Kale from Mountain Point High School was named the 2024 Arizona Art Educator of the Year, while Tina Wilson from McClintock High School received the award for Outstanding Secondary Level K-12 Art Educator. Their recognition underscores the district's commitment to arts education, with Dr. Wilson noting the importance of arts in achieving broader educational goals.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent agenda, passing unanimously without public comment. The recognition of both student and staff achievements reflects the district's dedication to fostering excellence in education and community engagement.