Into the Eco-Spirit – Beer and Wine the Organic Way

By Chad Felix

There’s only so much we can do to offset our personal carbon footprints.  Already, we’ve changed out light bulbs, opted for more fuel-efficient cars, monitored our water usage and switched to organic produce. But just when you think you can’t get any “greener”, a new sector of business enters the fold. In this case, we’re talking about vintners and craft brewers who’ve turned wine and beer making into an eco-conscious art. When it comes to imbibing on these organic creations, showing mother Earth some love isn’t just simple; it can be a romping good time, too.    

Organic, Defined

Eco-buzzwords run rampant in market places.  Terms such as “sustainable”, “green”, “eco-friendly” and more adorn packaging, often with little to no explanation as to what they actually mean.  The most heated debate in the worlds of beer and wine is over the “O” word: organic. In general, here is what the title means:

• Products are developed without the aid of fertilizers, toxic agents, chemical seed treatments or “-cides” (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.).
• Products are monitored and certified by a formal institution (in the United States this is the USDA) that grants the product official integrity.
• 95% of the product’s total ingredients are up to organic standards.

As we are dealing with international industries, it is important to note that organic standards vary by country, so you’ll have to pay close attention to the label. Now, let’s see how these guidelines affect our favorite libations.

Earth Friendly Brews

There’s been a kind-of renaissance in the beer community; one led by the unconventional hop-practices of a new generation of organic craft brewers. While their recipes don’t veer far from a traditional blend of barley and hops, with wheat, fruit, cocoa, etc. often added for flavor, brewing with organic ingredients affects nearly everything. In fact, many believe organic is the way beer should always be. The taste, some attest, is fresher and bolder.  Because it’s made with better ingredients, the fermentation process is purer, leading to a notably clearer brew.  Not to mention the health and environmental pros–it’s all-natural, chemical-free and requires 50% less energy to produce.

In keeping with the long history of experimentation in the craft, organic incarnations are plentiful and diverse. Eco-offerings vary from classics like North Coast’s Belgian Style Ale, Samuel Smith’s Organic Ale and New Belgium’s Mothership Wit, to more off-kilter selections like Peak Organic’s Hop Noir black IPA or Espresso Amber Ale. These can usually be found in stores such as Whole Foods and Sunflower Market.

Eco-Concerns

There is but one noteworthy shortfall to organic beer. Because the USDA only requires certified products to be 95% organic by weight, it is most often produced with non-organic hops, as they are a challenge to grow organically. For purists, it is a controversial source of weakness in organic beer standards.  For more details, check out www.beeractivist.com and search “The Organic Hops Controversy”.

Green by the Glass

The jury is still out on whether or not organic wine is better than conventional overall. Advocates believe that the taste of a good organic wine, for its lack of chemicals, more wholly embodies the characteristics of the region in which it was cultivated.  Skeptics contest that this same lack of artificial ingredients results in bottles that are inconsistent in taste. It is worth mentioning, however, that one of the most expensive wines in the world, the lavish Romanee-Conti, is organic. Try organic and see for yourself! Pick up a bottle of Bonterra’s Red Table (about $10) or choose from one of De Tierra’s many offerings, available at Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits (www.khourysfinewine.com).     

Mind the Labels

Organic wines come tagged in many ways. The label “100% Organic Grapes” is the most common. While that claim may be accurate, most of these wines still contain sulfur dioxide (NSA), a preservative that helps the wine to age. This is of primary concern to the serious organic community, as NSA is not considered organic. Without such a preservative, wine only lasts between six to twelve months. For die-hard wine drinkers who believe that the aging process releases the true delicacies of the drink, this can be a deal breaker.

Other labels include “Natural” and “Sustainable”, indicating the producer has gone above and beyond organic requirements. In producing “Natural” wine, makers involve themselves in the process as little as possible, leaving the flavor solely up to the grapes by refuting additives and processes such as micro-oxygenation and reverse osmosis.  “Sustainable” wine producers increase their wine’s quality by invoking some of nature’s best qualities. Using compost, for example, they intentionally attract insects and plant-life that benefit grape flavor.  As early champions of the organic movement, The Organic Wine Company is a great resource for further information.  Check them out at www.theorganicwinecompany.com.

Getting into the spirit of organic living is a learning process for all of us, and sure, it can be a tad overwhelming.  Just keep in mind the most important thing: anytime you encourage an industry’s efforts to become more sustainable, you send a positive message not just to them, but to other industries as well. Support eco-conscious living, keep at it and enjoy it for what it is.  After all, it’s not often enough that we can say to each other in earnest, “For the good of our planet and our bodies, drink up!”

Cool in the Pool – Summer Exercising in Water

By Aly Wagonseller

Summer can put a big damper on your workout routine.  The kids are out of school, there are BBQs and vacations to be had, and unless you rise before the break of dawn, it’s just too scorching hot to take that daily jog.  So how can you keep your bathing suit body up to par in the heat of the summer months? A refreshing alternative most likely resides in your own backyard.  Yup, the swimming pool is where it’s at, for burning calories, staying cool and maintaining healthy habits that benefit the entire family.  

Taking the Plunge

Besides being close to home, the added resistance and buoyancy of water make it a safer, more effective way to workout than land based activity. Studies have shown that because water is 800 times denser than air, it provides up to 12 times the resistance you get on land. More resistance means you work harder and expend more energy, burning up to twice the calories pool-running than you would on pavement or the treadmill.  Exercising in the water also prevents injury and is a great way for senior citizens, pregnant women and those that are exercise challenged to get in on the action.  “Swimming pool exercises pose less risk to the body because they relieve tremendous pressure on the joints, especially the hips and knees,” said Dr. Michael Crovetti, founder and medical director of Crovetti Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. “When running underwater, the joints are now only supporting 1/6 of the person’s total body weight, as opposed to six times the person’s body weight when running on solid ground.” Long story short, exercising in the pool allows you to work out longer, burn more calories and reduce the risk of injury, all while barely breaking a sweat!

Diving into a Routine

Getting a good workout in the water doesn’t necessarily require special equipment; in fact, simply running at waist to shoulder high depths while pumping your arms against the resistance of the water can be a phenomenal aerobic and strength building workout in one.  If you do choose to amp it up a notch, Dr. Crovetti recommends kickboarding and working out your arms by performing chest flies and front raises with resistance paddles.  Kickboards and paddles are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most major sporting good stores. Dr. Crovetti also suggests a warm-up routine of walking up and down the length of the pool for a few minutes to get blood pumping to the muscles, then getting out of the pool and performing some basic stretching exercises before getting back into the water for more strenuous activity.

Don’t forfeit exercise just because it’s summer.  Slather on the sun screen, turn on the tunes and get splashin’ in the pool. It’s guaranteed to make that BBQ rib or frothy margarita taste that much better!

Getting Wet and Wild

Pool exercise has never been more popular.  Check out these websites for fun ways to feel the burn while staying cool in the pool.

Livestrong.com: This site offers an entire section on kickboard techniques that describe exercises for working upper body, core and legs while getting a serious aerobic workout. There are also sections on water aerobics and basic swimming.

Poolates.com: What could be better than Pilates?  Poolates! This site offers a DVD and equipment for doing Pilates in the pool, a surefire way to get long, lean muscles and a strong back and abs.

Swimoutlet.com: Besides offering the latest in fashionable bathing suits, this site has a wide variety of pool exercising gear that includes water shoes, aqua gloves, barbells, jog belts that allow for flotation while running, waterproof MP3 players, pool games, instructional DVDs and more.

A+ for Home Economics – Back to School Savings

By Jennifer Vandenberg         

Even though summer is in full swing, stores started planning for the return to school months ago. Now it’s time for families to start thinking about it too. But don’t let your back-to-school budget cut into end-of-summer fun. Every year parents waste tons of money on unnecessary school supplies. Over-zealous supply lists and a misunderstanding of what is really necessary in schools today contribute to all this overspending. Don’t get caught in the supply list “must-have” trap! Follow these trusty, teacher-approved tips on what to buy and where to save.

Never-Ending Supply Lists

Office supply stores create long lists of what students “need”. Don’t even look at these lists; they’re created to generate profit, not help out parents. It’s also wise to avoid the outdated district-wide list on the Clark County School District website (although www.ccsd.net is useful for other information). The only list you should adhere to is the one that comes directly from your child’s teacher. Still, if a teacher has a long list (seven or more items), proceed with caution. Some teachers list every possible supply they can conjure up on the off chance that students might need them. It’s best to double check with her at open house or by email to see if all those items are really necessary.

Back to Basics

Elementary teachers commonly request that students bring boxes of tissue, crayons, snacks, paper and other supplies to be shared with the whole class. It’s important to contribute to the classroom stockpile, but you shouldn’t feel like you need to buy it all. Get to know a few parents in your child’s class during orientation and make plans to divide and conquer. It’s cheaper and easier for each parent to buy one or two supplies in bulk rather than a little bit of everything.

When the sharing of supplies comes to an end in 6^th grade, parents are expected to provide their children with some basic supplies. The following are a few essentials that can be purchased at those early-bird sales that, unbelievably, started in June.

Binders

For whatever reason, carrying a 3-inch binder in middle school is social suicide. Save your pre-teen the embarrassment and buy a 1-inch. Find them on sale and buy three or four because they fall apart every few months. Some schools have binder-color restrictions, so play it safe and stick with white. Make sure it has inside pockets for storage and a clear plastic cover that allows your child to slip pictures or artwork over the cover to dress it up.

Dividers

A separate space for each subject is important, but dividers aren’t the only option. Many students prefer to keep several plastic sheet protectors (one for each class) in their binder for papers. This allows students to stay organized without having to hole-punch everything. Pre-hole-punched folders that can fit inside binders are another option.

Paper

Paper is an absolute necessity. Stores such as Target and Wal-Mart supply the cheapest year-round, but office supply stores also have great back-to-school deals. Buy several packets of lined, loose leaf paper. (College ruled for high schoolers and wide ruled for elementary. Anything goes in middle school.) Dole out paper in small quantities throughout the year; this will save your child from supplying classmates with paper or wasting it making paper airplanes.

Pens and Pencils

While pens and pencils are another necessity, it’s not always necessary to buy them, particularly expensive brands, as they will likely just get lost. Sift through your junk drawer or purse for extra pens and pencils. Collect free pens wherever you can–hotels, casinos, festivals–and hand them off to your kids. Even middle schoolers don’t make fun of someone who’s writing with a non-brand-name pen.

Hold Off on the Extras

As a general rule, after acquiring a binder, dividers, paper, pens and pencils, don’t buy anything else until you get a supply list from the teacher. “I hate when kids show up with weird pencil sharpeners and markers,” says 4^th grade teacher Allie Pokornik, “It’s such a distraction.” Many teachers keep classroom sets of highlighters, glue sticks, pencil sharpeners, staplers, scissors and the like, so check with the teacher before buying any of these extras. If you do choose to purchase them, save some cash by sticking to off-brand supplies. Crayola color pencils are twice the price of RoseArt with no quality difference. Have your child label their personal items, but even with this safeguard they will more than likely get lost before Christmas. It’s best to keep these supplies at home.

Check with the school before purchasing a backpack as well. Due to budget cuts, many schools don’t have enough textbooks to go around. Without books to carry, there really is no need for a backpack. Also, a higher density of students per school means there are not enough lockers for backpack storage, and they are often disallowed in the classroom due to safety and space concerns. If this is the case for your school, buy a pencil pouch that fits inside a binder to keep any loose items secure. Items to skip altogether include permanent markers (schools don’t allow them due to tagging concerns); white out, which is often used solely to paint fingernails; and Clorox wipes, as they are banned in the Clark County School District.

Back-to-school shopping boils down to two principles: shop savvy and save where you can. Better to pinch a few pennies for that last summer fling than buy a bunch of stuff that will be relegated to the back of the closet.

A Museum-Goers Guide to Las Vegas

By Chad Felix

It’s a scenario not all that uncommon: someone, be it a local or a visitor, critic or a layman, denounces the cultural scene of this, our neon town.  And sure, big name museums have never been (and likely will never be) our forte, but that is hardly evidence enough to conclude that we lack so-called “culture”.  In truth, living for Las Vegans isn’t defined by conventional means; it’s of a style uniquely our own, and it comes to life in museums equally as distinct. So, here is an introductory guide.  Use it to bring the vast histories and exciting oddities of Vegas to life. All you’ll need is some company and maybe a pocketful of quarters.

The Atomic Testing Museum

With exhibitions highlighting some of our stranger provincial histories, a couple hours at The Atomic Testing Museum (755 E. Flamingo Rd.) delivers unbelievable facts and promotes imaginative speculation year round.  Visit today for the Building Atomic Vegas exhibition, and stay tuned for 2012’s examination of the elusive Area 51. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.atomictestingmuseum.org.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Nostalgic for the era of jingling pockets, pinball jockeys and soda jerks?  Get your fix at Tim Arnold’s fabled Pinball Hall of Fame Museum (1610 E. Tropicana Ave.), where coin-operated gaming is still in full swing!  Over 200 classic arcade and pinball machines make up this playable museum, and all excess revenue is donated to non-denominational charities. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-Midnight.  For a game list and more information, visit www.pinballmuseum.org.

The Burlesque Hall of Fame

Not just a museum but a living society, The Burlesque Hall of Fame (Emergency Arts, 520 Fremont St., #120) is devoted to “keeping the girls together” through informative exhibitions, community outreach and a sustaining passion for this unique form of entertainment. Witness the stories, art and artifacts today, and you’ll be supporting the burlesque of tomorrow.  Hours: Friday and Saturday 12 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12 a.m.-3 p.m. Weekdays by appointment. For more info, visit www.burlesquehall.com.

Marjorie Barrick Museum

For over forty years now, the Marjorie Barrick Museum (At UNLV, between Lied Library and Wright Hall; 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.) has been home to a wide variety of exhibitions, film festivals and discussions.  Recent shows have included Ansel Adams: Distance and Details and The Ice Next Time, artist Stephen Hendee’s multi-media examination of post-apocalyptic artifacts.  Additionally, a collection of American Southwest and Mesoamerican artifacts call this museum their home.  Together, such endeavors present culture, history and art alive and well.  Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.barrickmuseum.unlv.edu.

Lost City Museum of Archaeology

Just over an hour away in the Moapa Valley, a lost city sleeps, largely beneath Lake Mead.  As a result of the construction of Hoover Dam, many old sites of civilization became new basins of water.  Thanks to Overton’s Lost City Museum of Archaeology (721 Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton, NV), however, we can still revel in the discoveries of a world passed on. Established in 1935, this museum features changing exhibits, an archival library, a research collection and pays tribute to the Native Americans of the Pueblo Grande de Nevada by way of preservation. Hours: Thursday-Sunday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, call (702) 397-2193.

Searchlight Historic Museum

Quiet Searchlight, NV is home to U.S. Senator Harry Reid and an early Nevada boomtown.  Located just an hour outside of Las Vegas, this rustic small town that once boasted a population greater than our own offers an authentic glimpse into an idyllic West long since gone. Patrons can witness it all at the Searchlight Historic Museum (200 Michael Wendell Way, Searchlight, NV) through remarkable period photography and other legitimate artifacts.  Overall, it’s a living tale of hope, perseverance and pride born in 1898.  Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more info, visit www.searchlighthistoricmuseum.org.

And this is only scratching the surface.  Many more museums, from conventional to absurd, are out there, celebrating the spirit that runs deeper than the neon. (A listing can be found at www.lasvegastourism.com/museums.htm.) Find them and share them, for without our support, they could disappear forever, like humble desert creeks in the hot summer sun.

Rick McGough

By Callie Thomas

Resident Rick McGough is at the epicenter of Las Vegas communication.  As the Vice President of Contact Center Operations for MGM Resorts International, the native Las Vegan knows a thing or two about people, addressing their needs and, most of all, being a great listener.  “A wise man I worked for long ago said that you never learn anything when your mouth is the one moving,” McGough recalled.  His ability to listen to the needs of those around him as well as those of the community, coupled with his passion for making the city the best it can be, has led to his volunteering his time, talent and compassion to a long list of charitable organizations. 

Before his recent appointment at MGM Resorts, McGough had honed his talents for over fifteen years with Credit One Bank, a local entity which distributes credit cards nationally.  Rick was involved in the initial startup of Credit One by helping to form and grow the inbound call center division that would become customer service for the company.  During his tenure, he was also the Community Reinvestment Officer for the bank.  This position helped put McGough at the center of the needs of the community and initiated his involvement with nonprofit organizations. “Once I was introduced to the nonprofit world, it felt only natural to get involved and give back in some way,” he said.  “I have to believe my commitment stems from my mother having instilled in me a compassion for humans, especially in their time of need.”

When McGough decided to get involved, he did it in a big way.  Not just a few helpful initiatives here and there but more like over 50 affiliations.  From board and committee memberships with HELP of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, to his involvement with the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nevada Fair Housing, Police and Fire Emerald Society, the Downtown Community Development Corporation, the LVMPD Search and Rescue Team and a dozen or so other organizations, Rick has been an undeniable influence throughout the community. Still, there is one organization that continues to capture a piece of his heart year after year.  “Each year I am blessed with the opportunity to participate as a counselor at Camp Firefly, a summer event put on by Candelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation,” Rick said. 

The nonprofit group, of which Rick is the Chairman of the Board, provides critical support to families of children with cancer.  It helps educate, assist and provide direct support through programs and services dedicated to children and adolescents with cancer, their families and the professionals who care for them.

Each summer the four day Camp Firefly takes place in the mountains with approximately 100 kids ranging from cancer survivors to those still in treatment and their siblings. “While the intent of the camp is to provide a getaway for the kids, I feel that I and my fellow volunteers are the ones who truly benefit from the experience,” says McGough.  “The resilience, life and enthusiasm exhibited by these amazing kids are nothing short of inspirational and reaffirming of our belief in the human spirit.”

Rick McGough continues to be inspired by his interactions with the people of our community, and thanks his mother, Betty, for igniting a lifelong desire to “leave it better than you found it,” whether it be the sharing of ideas, financial donations or giving of one’s time.  “We as a society are only as strong, enriched and complete as our weakest members.  It only serves to reason that each of us would give of ourselves.”

John D. Bentham

By Callie Thomas

“There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Ethel Merman once sang, “There’s no business like show business.”  That has never been truer than for resident John Bentham.  At the age of four he would watch as his mother acted at the military base where his father was currently stationed. “I would go along and observe and be a part of the crew, as much as you could do anything at age four,” says Bentham.  “From that point on, I was involved in some sort of theater, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.”  In 1999 he got a job with the Magic of David Copperfield, which brought him to Las Vegas.  He spent the next four years touring the world and learning about Vegas entertainment. “The city has gone through several paradigm shifts since I first arrived, and the transition has really been quite fascinating.”   

Bentham continues to share the magic of the entertainment world in Las Vegas as the producer of several shows in the city, including Defending the Caveman at Harrah’s, Marriage Can Be Murder at Fitzgerald’s, Kevin Burke: Fitz of Laughter also at Fitzgerald’s, and Country Superstars Tribute at the Golden Nugget. Bentham also consults with several shows, including The Lion King at Mandalay Bay in a variety of areas.  Being in the entertainment field has enriched his life in more ways than one.  Entertainment has opened the door to numerous charitable organizations in which the shows have helped to raise funds either through performances or directly donating to assist causes.  “I love to be in the position to help out whenever possible,” he said. 

In addition to volunteering at several children’s theaters around the country, John has lent his time to the Boy Scouts of America, Make a Wish Foundation and Junior Achievement of Las Vegas.  As a father of three boys that he takes pride in raising with wife Shannon, one organization that has particularly won his heart is the Children’s Heart Foundation of Nevada, where Bentham serves on the foundation’s Community Advisory Board.

In Nevada, it is estimated that more than 350 children are born each year with heart disease that requires either intensive medications or surgery.  The Children’s Heart Foundation is committed to empowering heart families through emotional, educational and financial support and to creating a better quality of life for children with heart conditions.  The nonprofit organization hosts an annual camp experience called Camp Mend-a-Heart.  The four day event is where children that have been born with heart conditions or have developed heart problems have the opportunity to build relationships, gain hope and create important memories.  The camp is medically supervised, and those invited to participate enjoy fun activities like crafts, water fun, hiking, obstacle courses and more with other children with similar conditions. “Each year I volunteer at the camp and other events,” Bentham said. “Giving back to the community is really what makes me feel complete.”

John also works directly with Catholic Charities of Nevada to raise funds for meal programs through some of the shows he produces. “I am always giving show tickets to many local charities to support their cause.  I love this community and will always do what I can to support it.”

John Bentham continues to help make miracles happen by giving back to the community that means so much to him and his family.  “I was always taught that you make a living by what you earn and a life by what you give. All I have ever wanted to do is leave the world better than I found it.”

Kirstin Von Sydow-Mincin

By Callie Thomas

According to Nike company lore, one of the most famous and easily recognized slogans in advertising history was coined at a 1988 meeting of Nike’s ad agency and a group of Nike employees.  While speaking of Nike’s can-do attitude, the agency’s principal reportedly said, “You Nike guys, you just do it.”  The rest, as they say, is (advertising) history.  But this phrase has come to mean much more, not just to the famous brand, but for mainstream society to push beyond what they think they can accomplish in order to achieve their dreams.  Resident Kirstin Von Sydow-Mincin is one of those that “just do it” every day.  Not only for herself and her family but for all those families with members that suffer from food allergy anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and can be fatal.

The six-year Las Vegas resident originally hailed from San Diego and is a teacher at heart.  “I hold a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in Cross Cultural Language Acquisition,” Kirstin said.  “I love teaching children.  I taught elementary in Clark County, Nevada and in Chula Vista, California.”  Von Sydow-Mincin uses those skills in her personal life as a stay at home mom raising her two sons, David, age four, and Nicholas, age two, with husband David, as well as in her quest to build awareness about food allergies to residents throughout the community.

Von Sydow-Mincin is currently a Logistics Chair for the 2011 FAAN (Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network) Walk in Las Vegas. The nationwide event raised more than 2.5 million dollars last year to benefit FAAN.  This year’s event takes place at the District at Green Valley on October 1st.

Educating others about the illness has become a personal passion for Von Sydow-Mincin.  On one fateful day Kirstin inadvertently touched her son Nicholas’ face with a trace of peanut butter on her hand. “His little faced swelled up within a minute.  We were terrified.  A pediatric allergist diagnosed our son with anaphylaxis to peanuts, tree nuts and sesame.”  After the episode, she read everything she could about food allergies, which led her to FAAN.

The nonprofit organization provides education, research and advocacy for people with food allergies.  It is the most trusted source for information, programs and resources related to food allergies and anaphylaxis.  The organization is made up of families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school staff and representatives from government agencies and the food and pharmaceutical industries. “I only knew one person with a food allergy before my son,” Kirstin said.  “He was a student at my school in Chula Vista. I remember the day he picked up a Snickers wrapper and went into shock.  His teacher saved his life by giving him epinephrine.” FAAN reports that 1 in 25 people have a food allergy, with children under the age of 3 having a slightly higher chance of susceptibility. There is currently no cure, so strict avoidance of the allergen is imperative, and education is essential to keep people safe.

“I am committed to doing everything I can to help find a cure for food allergies.  To keep my son and others safe means I have to do the work to educate anyone who will listen about food allergies.”

Through FAAN Von Sydow-Mincin also found FAPE (Food Allergy Parent Education), which helps parents connect with others who share the burden of dealing with food allergies. She is currently on the FAPE’s School Advocacy and Education Task Force and was one of the presenters in a food allergy education session at a Family-to-Family Connection event. “The task force is working with Clark County Schools to create a policy that will allow students with food allergies to be safe at school.”

Kirstin Von Sydow-Mincin has always been involved with charitable organizations locally. Giving back is just her way of connecting with others.  “It gives me a sense that we are all in this together.  Everyone counts.  We can make a difference for the better if we choose to help.”

Anna Boyle

Bishop Gorman High School

Class of 2011

From the pool to the pavement, Bishop Gorman High School graduate Anna Boyle is sending out positive waves.  They’re rolling out far and wide, breaking at islands of opportunity and sending adversity out to sea. Reaching out to peers, family members and neighbors, she prides herself on delivering inspirational messages to others while maintaining a steady flow of achievement through no shortage of hard work and determination.  Perhaps most admirable of all, she’s proving to those around her that focus, perseverance and a positive attitude really do make all the difference, and for that, Anna Boyle is – A Step Above.         

G.P.A.:  3.97

Sports/Clubs:  

• Synchronized Swimming, 2002-Present
• Varsity Swimming, 2008-10
• Academic Society, 2007-09
• National Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Science Club, 2009-Present
• Spanish Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Mu Alpha Theta, 2010-Present
• Chess Club, 2010-Present

Awards/Community Service:

• AP Scholar, 2008-Present
• National Merit Commended Student, 2009-11
• National Merit Quarterfinalist, 2009-11
• Scholar Athlete Award, 2008-10
• Outstanding Achievement Award–AP World History, Spanish, Cultural Geography Honors, 2009
• Synchronized Swimming National Team Member, 2008
• Pan-American Championships–Silver Medalist, 2008
• Synchronized Swimming Junior Nationals Finalist, 2008-Present
• Synchronized Swimming Senior Nationals Finalist, 2009-Present
• Synchronized Swimming US Open Finalist, 2010-Present  
• National Honor Society Tutor, 2009-Present
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Youth Group Volunteer, 2007-10

Goals & Aspirations: “My lifelong goal is to always live life to the fullest. Life is too short to not take full advantage of the situations offered to you!”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being accepted to Stanford University. I’ve wanted to attend Stanford since I was a little girl, and throughout high school I worked very hard, taking challenging classes, maintaining good grades and excelling in synchronized swimming, in order to get there.”

Anna is Stronger and Wiser Because: “An obstacle that has made me a stronger person is that I have scoliosis. I had to wear a back brace 20 hours a day, seven days a week for almost two years. It was very uncomfortable and embarrassing. Having scoliosis has helped me appreciate and care for all people with disabilities and diseases.”

Part of the Solution: “I believe a key issue facing young adults is being ignorant of the issues facing the world today. It is very easy to become wrapped in one’s own problems and forget about everyone else’s suffering. I can be a part of the solution by always offering help wherever it is needed.”

Jason Corpuz

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2011 

Discipline, innovation, perseverance and timeless style. Like classic songbooks of the past, these are qualities that leave an enduring mark on those affected by them. They’re also the characteristics that are tipping Palo Verde High School graduate Jason Corpuz’ scales in the way of maximum personal achievement. Through mastery of all that he’s passionate about, he’s creating a rhythm to live by; one that’s building into a crescendo of long-lasting success. An award-winning musician and hard working student, he’s reaping the rewards that come with focus and tireless effort, and for that, Jason Corpuz is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.4

Sports/Activities:  

• Swimming, 2010-Present
• Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Pep Bands, 2007-Present
• Marching Band Drum Major & Field Conductor, 2010
• Band Leadership Section Leader, 2009-Present
• Band Treasurer, 2008-09
• Band and Choir Solo and Ensemble Accompanist, 2007-Present
• Jazz Combo and Jazz Band Participant, 2007-Present
• CCSD Honor Band Acceptance, 2007-Present
• CCSD Honor Jazz Ensemble Participant, 2009-Present
• Nevada Music Educators Association (NMEA) All-State Jazz Band Participant–Trumpet, 2009-10; Piano, 2010-11

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• USAA National Fine Arts Award, 2010-11
• 1^st Place at Rotary Club West Scholarship Competition
• Student of the Month–April, 2011
• Band Letter, 2008-Present
• NMEA Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival Superior Rating–Trumpet Duet and Quartet, 2009-11; Piano and Percussion Duet, 2010/11; Piano Solo, 2011
• Outstanding Soloist (Improviser) Jazz Band Pianist, 2008-Present
• Our Lady of the Skies Volunteer Accompanist, 2008-Present
• Macys Community Service Shopping Day, 2009
• Red Cross Blood Drive Volunteer, 2010-Present
• Make-a-Wish Foundation “Trick or Treat to Donate” Volunteer, 2011
• Catholic Shelter Feed the Homeless Volunteer, 2009

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “This past year, my friend and I wrote and arranged a piano and percussion duet that received many acclamations at the annual Clark County Solo and Ensemble Festival.  In addition, I performed a trumpet duet which made it to the state round where only the best of the best student musicians are evaluated.”

Jason is Successful Because: “I’m definitely not a quitter at anything, especially not music. My passion towards the art that I create drives me to be the best I can be, even when it takes weeks or sometimes several months to learn classical literature on the piano. I always put forth as much effort as I can to be the best musician I can be.”

Part of the Solution: “Young adults have become severely obsessed with material items such as iPads, the newest Droids and Call of Duty games.  I hope to be a part of the solution by showing other people that there’s more to life than texting and Facebook.  Being an advocate for music would be a perfect remedy for this issue.”

Alexandra Griego

Faith Lutheran High School

Class of 2011

Not content to let life’s experiences pass her by, Faith Lutheran High School graduate Alexandra Griego is at the forefront of her school’s extra-curricular community.  From swim, dance and cheer to theatre and journalism, this stellar student is making the rounds and excelling at it all. Why?  Because she knows that it takes a lot more than grades to climb to the top.  With this wisdom in mind, she’s always going that extra mile, working with perseverance and diligence no matter the setting.  She’s diversifying her life’s portfolio, and it’s looking better each day.  For all these reasons and more, Alexandra Griego is – A Step Above.         
 

G.P.A.: 3.72

Sports/Activities/Community Service:

• Varsity Dance, 2008-Present; Co-Captain, 2010-Present 
• Division 4A State Competitors–1^st Place in Hip-Hop and 2^nd Place in Jazz, 2010 
• Swim Team, 2007-08 
• Junior Varsity Cheer, 2007-08
• FLHS Production of Hairspray–Cast Member & Dancer, 2011
• FLHS Production of Beauty and the Beast–Cast Member & Dancer, 2010
• FLHS Production of Seussical the Musical–Cast Member & Dancer, 2009
• FLHS Crusader Chronicle Newspaper–News & Sports Editor, 2010-11
• Key Club, 2008-11
• Summerlin Library Volunteer, 2008-Present
• All Saints Episcopal Church Volunteer

Scholarships/Awards:

• National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, 2011
• National Scholars Presidential Scholarship–Auburn University
• Presidential Academic Scholarship–George Washington University
• New American University Scholar Award–Arizona State University
• National Merit Hispanic Scholar Award–University of Arizona
• National Scholars Scholarship–University of New Mexico
• TCU Scholarship–Texas Christian University

Accomplishments Most Proud Of:  “I am most proud of earning a full ride college scholarship. I worked very hard to earn my SAT scores and it ended up being worth every minute of extra study and effort!  I am also very proud of having helped my high school dance team win a state championship the very first year Faith Lutheran moved up to Division 4A.”

Alexandra is Successful Because: “I am successful because my parents have always encouraged me and taught me the value of perseverance. No matter what my goal was, my parents always supported me and did all they could to help me.  They didn’t put up with any negative attitudes and insisted that I put myself out there and keep trying even if I didn’t succeed at first.”

Alexandra is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Perhaps the biggest adversity in my life was my parents’ divorce, which has caused me to divide my time between two households, but my parents have always made sure they acted together to bring me up in a loving and supportive way.  From their example, however, I’ve learned that dealing with difficult situations with grace and humor really helps.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults right now is the economy.  Although I can’t personally solve any economic problems, I can make young adults aware of important national issues by writing for my college newspaper, learning more about national issues, speaking openly about my opinions, and then taking personal action based on what I think is the right thing to do.”