Laskin named a Golden Glover
Long time North Central resident Wayne Laskin has an interesting summer ahead … he was named a Golden Glover by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

He can be found guarding the sidelines during the season and bringing joy to fans by distributing valuable foul balls to those lucky few seated nearby.

When he is not on the field, Laskin can be found selling Real Estate with HomeSmart International. He can be reached at 602-370-5952 for fielding tips or just to say hello.

Local youth’s drawing selected for kids’ book
North Central youth Ileigh Ohmer had her illustration selected for Sasha and Rodney Glassman’s new book, “Jeremy Jackrabbit Recycles the Can.” More than 900 illustrations were submitted by Phoenix school children, with just a handful chosen to be printed in the book.

Ileigh, a second grader at Midtown Primary School, and the other selected youth were invited to the book launch celebration, held April 27 at Burton Barr Central Library, with Phoenix First Lady Nicole Stanton and the book’s authors. The artistic children were allowed to autograph copies of the book, which were available for purchase at the event.

“Jeremy Jackrabbit Recycles the Can” will be distributed for free to all kindergarten students in Maricopa County.

Biltmore Toastmasters celebrates successes
Biltmore Toastmaster’s Club President Josh Wagner recently achieved his Advanced Communicator Bronze Award. This is a phenomenal accomplishment that required giving 20-plus speeches and completing numerous leadership activities.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Biltmore Toastmasters Club, which is a District 3 Legacy club, meaning the members’ achievements are numerous, substantive, and consistent. It has held that status for the past nine years.

The club meets every Wednesday from 12 to 1 p.m. at Kitchell Corporation, 1707 E. Highland Ave. No RSVP’s are necessary, and there is no cost. If you decide to join, dues are $10 a month. For more information, visit: http://biltmore.toastmastersclubs.org.

Outstanding Young Men, Women honored
The city of Phoenix honored the 2013 Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman of the Year winners at the 27th annual awards event on April 18.

Sixteen students were selected as council district winners and were recognized at the event, along with the teacher who inspired them the most. Each of the district winners received a $250 cash award.

Among the winners were Alex Budde, District 3 Outstanding Young Man of the Year and a senior at Thunderbird High School. Alex is ranked No. 1 in his class and was named Outstanding Senior. Through Boys Team Charity, Alex helped on a project for Civitan House, a group home for developmentally disabled adults. As vice president of student government, Alex helped raise more than $15,000 to pay for a school trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the presidential inauguration. Alex looks forward to studying biomedical engineering and eventually become an orthopedic surgeon.

Also recognized from the North Central community was the District 4 Outstanding Young Woman of the Year, Erika Banuelos, a junior at North High School. Erika is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program and has a 4.0 GPA. She is vice president of the National Honor Society and participates in the French Club, Interact Club, Robotics, marching band and cross country team. She has volunteered nearly every Sunday for the past two years at the Growhouse Community Garden in Roosevelt Row, where she has learned how to raise vegetables and preserve the environment. She volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul, serving meals, conducting intake interviews and helping in the Dream Center, an area for children to play and complete their homework. Erika plans to study aeronautical/aerospace engineering in college.

The District 6 Outstanding Young Woman of the Year is Zoe Berk, a junior at Xavier College Preparatory. In addition to taking challenging courses in school, Zoe is actively involved in community service and sports. Every Monday for the past three years, Zoe has volunteered at Andre House. She also donates her time at St. Vincent de Paul Society. Four days a week, Zoe works at a tutoring facility and also tutors a child with special needs every Tuesday after school. In the future, Zoe sees herself working in a field that involves math and/or computer science and also running a nonprofit organization benefiting the homeless in her community.

Also honored was Elliot Beltran, the District 8 Outstanding Young Man of the Year and a senior at North High School. Elliot’s commitment to excellence in school is evident by his participation in the rigorous International Baccalaureate program. Outside of the classroom, Elliot is a member of the band and plays sports. He also participates in community clean ups through the Wake Up club, and volunteers with St. Mary’s Food Bank. Elliot’s future plans include becoming an engineer.

The Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman of the Year Awards program is sponsored by the city of Phoenix, know99 television, Phoenix Rotary 100 and Soroptimist International of Phoenix.

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