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St. Francis Xavier School
is pleased to announce the 2014
Christian Service Award Recipients
St. Francis Xavier School congratulates eighth grade students Alex Fessler, Allison Scardello, Maddie
Reinhart, Patrick Schramm and Tatiana Rosales for being awarded the Catholic Community Foundation
Christian Service Award. The CCF Christian Service Awards recognize practicing Catholic 8th Grade
Students who demonstrate Christ-centered behavior through volunteer service to parish, school, and
community. These prestigious awards are accompanied by an $8,000 grant to the Catholic High School the
student will be attending.
Photo left to right: Patrick Schramm, Maddie Reinhart, Allison Scardello, Tatiana Rosales, Alex Fessler
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Tanner Whorl
inthezona
Sophomore at
On-Track Academy
Q. What brought you to On-Track Academy
(OTA), Tanner?
A. In 7th grade, I was in the hospital and ended up missing half the
year. In 8th grade I was still healing and only attended the last month.
Then I went to high school. I thought I could catch up, but I needed
help. But none of the teachers really cared, or maybe they just didn’t
have time to deal with me. So now I’m at OTA.
Q. Wow! Why were you in the hospital?
A. I had necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease. I had to have
about 39 surgeries over one year.
Q. How has OTA been so far? Are you caught up?
A. It’s amazing. Like one big family. The teachers support me, work one
on one with me. I have to retake algebra and
then I’ll be caught up.
Q. Any advice for someone who
might go through a similar
experience?
A. Don’t give up!
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inthezona.com
Damian Gingerich
Freshman at International
Charter School of Arizona
Q. What is it like to be a foster brother to individuals
with special needs?
A. My family has provided care for people with special
needs ever since I can remember and they have
always been part of my everyday life. When I was
younger I never saw them as anything other than
“normal”, they are who they are just like everyone
else. I’ve become best buds with some of them.
We liked to watch movies, fist bump, and just enjoy
hanging out together. My life experience has been
so much richer because of them in it!
Q. How long have you been playing soccer? What is your
favorite thing about playing?
A. I have been playing for 10 years with Phoenix Christian Soccer Club. My team is
made up of refugee kids from all over the world. My favorite thing about playing is
running around out there trying to work together with my teammates to score a goal.
finish these stories @
inthezona.com
finish these stories @
inthezona.com
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February 2014 / 11