ASU Prep’s swim team dives into victory

« Back  |  December 2, 2024 - ASU Prep Academy

ASU Prep high school boys swim team crowned state champions

In a splash-tacular showcase of talent and teamwork, the ASU Preparatory Academy Polytechnic STEM high school boys swim team has made waves by securing the state championship title! These extraordinary athletes poured their hearts into every lap, outshining fierce competition to emerge victorious.

ASU Prep high school girls team celebrates third place finish

Not to be outdone, the ASU Prep Poly high school girls swim team made their mark by clinching a remarkable third place at the State Championship Meet! Each swimmer gave a stellar performance, demonstrating resilience and hard work that left the crowd and their competitors in awe.

Team highlights: Record-breaking races and star swimmers

Standout performances were everywhere, with Daniel Schwendinger stealing the show in the boys’ events. He dominated the 200 Freestyle, 200 Individual Medley and 500 Freestyle, taking home the “Swimmer of the Meet” accolade.

Hailey Schwendinger shone in the girls’ races, excelling in the 200 Freestyle, 50 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke, also earning “Swimmer of the Meet.”

Podium appearances were plentiful, with Leanne See, Noah Blair and Mark Mullenaux making their mark. 

Relay teams delivered thrilling finishes, with the medley relay team of Noah Blair, Mark Mullenaux, Mason Carter and Corbin Hires snagging second place, and the free relay team of Corbin Hires, Mark Mullenaux, Gabe Smit and Elijah Linman securing third.

Coach Lora Colvin was deservedly honored as “Coach of the Year,” a testament to her leadership and dedication. 

For seniors like Daniel, Elijah and Corbin, this victory is a crowning achievement in their high school careers, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Meanwhile, talented underclassmen have shown that the future of ASU Prep swimming is bright and promising.

ASU Prep Swim Team State Champions

Celebrating dedication and team spirit

Angie Obert, ASU Prep Athletic Director for grades 6-12, praised the collective efforts, saying, “This season is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, dedication, character and team spirit our swimmers have put into every practice and competition under the direction of their dedicated coaches. Their commitment truly paid off, making this an unforgettable moment for everyone involved. This incredible team has made us all so proud!”

Congratulations to the ASU Prep Poly high school swim teams for an unforgettable season and for making a splash as state champions!

Summer Tips: Get Kids Out of the House

« Back  |  July 17, 2023 - ASU Preparatory Academy

Learning should be – and can be – fun. Summer is the perfect time to engage young learners in meaningful opportunities to be curious, to explore, and to discover new interests. Check out this list of fun yet educational (and often free) activities to get your kids out of the house and learning this summer.

Try Geocaching: A combination of technology and active outdoor time, “The world’s largest treasure hunt” involves searching for hidden items in a specific geographical area using GPS coordinates on your smart device. Create a free account on www.geocaching.com and download the app. Choose a cache to find based on area and level of difficulty and head out for adventure.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Apps like Monkey Spot or Goosechase include scavenger hunts kids can do outdoors or in everyday places like the grocery store, finding assigned objects. You can also search online for free printable scavenger hunts by topic — seasonal, outdoor or color/alphabet-themed. 

Explore Outdoors: Discover history and culture and connect with nature at a state or national park. The National Park Service offers a Junior Ranger program with interactive activities that give kids a chance to earn a badge and certificate. Bonus: Fourth graders can visit America’s National Parks for free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass. 

Roam a Local Garden: Let kids explore exhibits, feed fish, and identify types of flowers. The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix offers free admission 5:00-7:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, and The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix hosts Community Day with free admission on the second Tuesday of the month. Search online to find more beautiful gardens and special deals to explore. 

Tour a Museum or Science Center: Check online for nearby museums of art or history as well as science centers for hours, special activities, and free admission opportunities. Some options near our ASU Prep campuses include Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Through Museums for All, families presenting their SNAP EBT card can gain free or reduced admission to participating venues, and some banks offer their cardholders free or discounted museum passes. Check out an Act One Culture Pass from a public library to gain free access to Arizona’s arts and cultural treasures. 

Visit a Zoo or Aquarium. Check out animal encounters, tour habitats, learn about endangered species, get involved in conservation efforts, and take advantage of play areas.

Try Something New: Research local kid-oriented classes and workshops like pottery, painting, cooking, bird-watching, coding, or photography. Consider looking into Lowe’s or Home Depot’s building workshops or events held at nearby craft stores. Perhaps a new physical activity like gymnastics, martial arts, indoor rock climbing, dance, or ninja warrior training would be a good fit.

Stop in the Local Library: Local public libraries don’t only offer books for free check-out, but also host story time and hands-on activities like crafts, as well as interactive demonstrations like a magic show or science experiment.

Can’t Get Out of the House? Take your kids on a virtual field trip from the comfort of home to places like the Louvre in France or the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tune in to one of the many educational programs offered on YouTube or keep kids busy with an at-home scavenger hunt. 

No matter where this summer takes you and your family, try to include fun learning opportunities for the kids. When planning outdoor activities, be sure to consider the weather. Wear sun protection, hydrate, and have fun!