36 JANUARY 2026 By Sherry Sklar Tavan Elementary brings its community spirit to the playing field through two signature events in the fall and winter: the long-running Turkey Bowl and festive Jingle Bell Jog, held each November and December. These events have become meaningful for students, staff, and parents alike, blending physical activity with school pride. PE teachers Ellen Young and Jordan Goshie work hard to introduce these events to students with fresh creativity each year. Their goal is to keep cherished traditions alive while expanding participation opportunities for students, staff, the community, and parents. THE BIG GAME Tavan’s Turkey Bowl, played the day before Thanksgiving break, dates back more than three decades and is held on Arcadia High’s football field. Participating fifth graders are trained in flag football by volunteer coach David Alfaro, who practices with the teams for two to three weeks before the big game to get into top form. David and his wife Katrina own Arcadia Sports Central and are sponsors and ardent supporters of the Turkey Bowl. Ellen began teaching physical education at Tavan four years ago. However, as a mom of four boys who’ve attended and played sports, she has been involved for 16 years. Drawing on her experience as a parent and an educator has been helpful in her job, but she admits it takes a team to make it all happen. “I could not do it without partners like the Alfaros,” Ellen said. “As a teacher, I really depend on others with long-term involvement who know how to run something like this. They’ve helped me immensely.” Two coed rival teams, named after the school’s top administrators, battled for supremacy on the gridiron. Principal Julie Ballard (Ballard’s Brood, the “blue team”) and Assistant Principal Suzi Figueroa (Figueroa Fighters, the “green team”) went head-to-head at the line of scrimmage. Arcadia’s football announcers – John Thomas and John Albright, or “the Johns” – called the game like a varsity matchup, giving the kids a true on-field experience. This year, the Figueroa Fighters won 14-7 against Ballard’s Brood in a tightly matched competition. For the first time, the Arcadia Titans attended the game and were recognized as Desert Sky 4A Champions. Halftime featured dance competitions and other games, like the hand clap and the cupid shuffle. Arcadia High School’s cheerleaders led spirited routines. The game bridged the elementary and high school communities for an afternoon of friendly competition and excitement. Fifth-grader Kennedy Stephenson shared that her game day experience was 10 out of 10. “I liked the Arcadia cheerleaders coming to talk to us and cheering with us,” she said. “I enjoyed cheering for the team when they ran out of the big tunnel.” Camila Silva Dominguez agreed that the cheering routines were a favorite. “I liked the rowdy cheer and the practices,” she said. “I also enjoyed watching the game and cheering for the players. It was such a fun experience!” Running through the big tunnel onto the field left many students charged as the crowd’s energy swept over them. Flag football player Ivan Jenson enjoyed Coach David and Coach Smith’s plays and described the excitement of running the ball down the field. “It was exciting when I got the ball. I was able to gain at least five yards,” he said. His classmate Noah Benton added that the whole experience was his favorite part of the year. “I liked playing football with my friends, and we had a great time!” A JOLLY JOGATHON The Jingle Bell Jog, a schoolwide fun run for all ages, was held on December 19 on Tavan’s field. Designed to bring parents onto campus for a shared physical activity experience, families were invited to join students in running or walking a quarter- mile zigzag course. Music kept energy levels high as kids ran laps for the 28 participating classes. Each received a class-level, color-coded hash mark upon completion to keep pace. “Last year, the kids completed nearly 480 miles, which is crazy!” Ellen said. Two years ago, the school’s pre-K class joined, sparking a little class rivalry and zaniness on the field. “It was hilarious,” Ellen said. “Our 4-year- olds were trucking down, and they actually beat the kindergarten kids!” At the finale, Ellen and Jordan asked the children to count their laps, which were averaged, and the class winner received a medal of achievement. Bringing parents and kids together matters deeply to Ellen. “One of my main goals is to have parents be involved in their kids’ education. That’s important to me. We play good music, which makes it fun. Add a dash of competition, and get the kids moving to create an exhilarating experience for everybody.” Tavan’s Turkey Bowl, Jingle Bell Jog, and other school sporting events get everyone involved in creating memories while enjoying some fresh air and exercise. Tavan’s traditions take place on the field The 2025 Tavan Turkey Bowl saw the Figueroa Fighters winning 14-7 against Ballard’s Brood. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLEN YOUNG 4015 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 602.381.9906  info@ccsaz.org ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ENRICHED BY FAITH CLASSES FOR TODDLERS THROUGH 4TH GRADE COME LEARN WITH US! P R E S C H O O L - E L E M E N T A R Y ccsaz.org