A team of 12 science and math students from Apache Junction High School recently competed at the 27th Annual Math/Science Field Day at Scottsdale Community College.

It was the first time the Prospectors competed in the event and they made an admirable showing.

The Prospectors traveled the farthest of any school for the competition. The drawback was they had to forgo the awards ceremony so the students could return to their Apache Junction campus in time to take their bus home from school.

Good news followed. In a letter sent to the school they learned that freshman Scott Imus won the top math exam student for AJHS and was mailed a $10 Amazon gift card. Imus, who is enrolled in Honors Algebra II at AJHS, is a renown scholar at Apache Junction Unified School District who graduated from Cactus Canyon Junior High and Desert Vista Elementary School. In January he was named one of two Students of the Month at the high school.

Participating in the event was a unique experience for all of the students who attended. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to win scholarships to Scottsdale Community College, and many other prizes by participating in a variety of competitions.

Students representing Apache Junction High School included:

• Jordyn Powers - Physics Subject for the Science Team
• Gavin Toro - Biology
• Mason Roets - Chemistry
• Raymond Denogean - Engineering
• James Hutchenson - Engineering
• Aiden Wright – Engineering
• Scott Imus, Dillon Carter for Algebra 2
• Ben Martinez, Rowan Canale from Calculus
• Brodie Maupin, Sophia Smith for Pre-Calculus

“While teachers, parents and administrators may stress the importance of math, science and engineering, having the opportunity for our students to compete and meet other students who excel in these areas was a great experience,” said Richard Barner, district math specialist. “We are proud of all of our students and look forward to attending this event next year.”

AJHS emphasizes a well-rounded education where academics, sports and extracurricular activities allow students to grow scholastically, physically and emotionally. AJHS graduates have access to more scholarships per student than in most communities in the Valley and qualifying students have access to Promise for the Future to earn a tuition-free education at Central Arizona College.

Registration for all new students who wish to enroll in Apache Junction Unified School District schools are being accepted at all school locations. For more information about AJUSD or its schools or departments, go to www.ajusd.org.