10 JUNE 2021 By Melissa Hirschl Fourth-grader Dorothy Zhou has been expressing herself through art since kindergarten, and her artistic talents were rewarded last month when she won Best in Show in the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Art Contest sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This yearly contest gives students around the country the opportunity to win awards for renderings of one of five eligible waterfowl species. It also combines the best of talented artwork around the country with habitat conservation. It took Dorothy five months to create “Duck in the Lagoon,” a colorful and detailed painting of a green-winged teal duck that will be displayed in galleries across the U.S. for 14 months. “Dorothy has an artistic eye and has always identified as an artist,” Kristen Youn, art teacher at Veritas Academy, said. “Her parents facilitated opportunities for her to practice at school, outside of school and on her own. She is very precise and detailed and takes a lot of pride in her work.” Dorothy is eligible to win another prize in the National Duck Stamp Competition held in September. The winning artwork of that contest will grace the unique $5 duck stamp sold by the U.S. Postal Service beginning in 2023. Dorothy received her Best in Show award at a ceremony in May. In addition to a certificate and a ribbon, Dorothy received gifts perfectly tailored to her passion: art supplies such as pencils, paint, pastels and watercolors. “I was very surprised I won but elated at the same time,” Dorothy said. “I’ve always loved drawing and painting animals and using lots of details. I mainly paint animals, scenery and landscapes, and I am looking forward to creating even more drawings and paintings.” Dorothy also won art awards in 2019 and 2020 from the George Montgomery/NRA EXPLORE Youth Wildlife Art Contest for her pieces depicting an otter and a duck. “I enjoyed that contest a lot, and I wanted to try doing paintings of animals again. My art teacher is the one who told my mom about the Duck Stamp contest and entered me in it,” she said. Dorothy has received lessons from Zhiying Sue of the Xiao Su School of Art in Paradise Valley for the last four years. She has taught Dorothy a lot of technical skills, including the correct way to use a brush, how to mix colors, build composition and contrast, and how to observe. Ve r it a s A s si s t a nt Headmaster Megan Opitz reflected on the five years she has known Dorothy: “She is a very astute student who always works hard to better herself. She’s very focused and has been continually refining her skills and abilities as an artist. I’m sure she will continue being successful.” fws.gov A chance to put her stamp on the art world Dorothy with her art teacher Zhiying Sue. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIE (JANE) PU She’s very focused and has been continually refining her skills and abilities as an artist. Dorothy’s artwork that won Best in Show for the Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP Traditional Worship 8:00am/10:45am Contemporary Worship 8:30am/10:30am Blended Worship 9:30am ONLINE WORSHIP Sunday @ 8:am/9:30am FB Live or CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH

11 JUNE 2021 By Mallory Gleich Dave Rowe spent 35 years as a music educator and molder of young minds before retiring in June 2020. This decision didn’t sit right with his former students, so they reached out to him earlier this year to gauge his interest in starting a jazz band. “At the time, I felt this was very important because many people had become depressed and, in my opinion, music education brings purpose and happiness to people’s lives. So, I agreed to start jazz training for my students,” Rowe said. Rowe’s career as an educator started in 1985. He taught band at Miami High School in Miami, Arizona, before moving to Phoenix and teaching for 33 years at Phoenix Country Day School. The new jazz band started practicing in April. It consists of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, a rhythm section with drums, a piano, a guitar and a bass. The band performs jazz from artists such as Duke Ellington, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Harris, Miles Davis and many blues selections. Rowe said he initially expected about 10 kids to show up, but currently, there are more than 30 attending rehearsals. “Last year left so many people down in the dumps, so we created this band to spread a little joy to our community,” band member Eli Silverman said. Karsen Yue, another band member, said, “I’m excited to get back into playing a little jazz before I graduate. Last year, we had some crazy talented players, and I was sad we didn’t get to finish the year together. Now, I have this opportunity. Both the sounds and the feelings I get while playing jazz are so satisfying. I’m glad I get to blast my bari (baritone saxophone) again.” Rowe said that the goal of the band is to educate students about jazz music. “I want them to appreciate and learn to enjoy a sense of community,” he said. “Music brings people together and helps increase imagination, creativity and an amazing variety of culture. Music improves self-confidence and helps us conquer our fears.” The band’s first performance took place in May at the Phoenix Farmer’s Market. Their next performance will be at Biltmore Fashion Park on June 5 at 10 a.m. Eventually, they would like to play concerts at Cityscape Downtown and Steele Indian School Park. “If this program is as successful as I think it is going to be, we will continue it into the future,” Rowe said. “There are also rumors that our group may appear at the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans in October.” Bringing back the music with Phoenix jazz group PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE ROWE Dave Rowe with Turner Ashby on the drums. Aaryan Wadwekar playing piano. Eliza Meltzer playing bass guitar. Caden Nakaji, Zac Daitch and Siddarth Vadnerkar. PHOTO: DAVE ROWE NO W OPEN IN ARCADIA At STRAPT Armory, we offer great deals on guns, ammunition and personal protection. H We are also an excellent resource for firearms training and certification. H Count on our expert knowledge and our dedication to excellent customer service. Stop by our store and see our selection of popular firearms, ammunition and accessories. Open Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat Noon – 4 p.m. 3602 E Indian School Rd, Ste 105 • Phoenix AZ 85018 480-568-GUNS(4867) • straptarmory.com