APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - Jan. 22, 2020 - What happens when you put 12 eighth grade junior high students in a crowded arena to listen to an aging, skinny guy dressed in a bow tie, talk about science? When the speaker is Bill Nye the Science Guy, the students are from Cactus Canyon Junior High and the event is part of the Arizona Lecture Series, the results are dazzling.
The students were selected from Diana Kidde's advanced science class. Wendy McQuilkin who teaches 7th grade science and Jason Davis, the CCJH yearbook advisor also attended.
"This was such an awesome opportunity!" said Mrs. McQuilkin who was one of three educators who was selected as AJUSD Teacher of the Year in 2019. "I was so excited to shake the hand of the man who has helped so many kids learn about science! I was great to see that he is still involved in science, research, and space exploration! My students had great time learning about climate change and space, and were star struck to see Bill Nye, bowtie and all!"
The students were equally excited.
"It was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience and I am very happy that I was chosen to go backstage to meet the one and only Bill Nye the Science Guy!"said Aralyn Brennan.
"I enjoyed listening to Bill Nye speak about global warming and the Australian fires. It was really exciting to meet Bill Nye! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, "said Benjamin Kidde.
"It was surreal being able to meet the man who helped teach me my Elementary School science education and he has helped me not only become aware about climate change, but what climate change actually means and how we can help fight against it," said Tiffany Hutcheson.
The tickets, which start at $149 each (not including service fees) were donated to the school. The shows are currently sold out and there is a waitlist for those who want to attend future lectures. The Bill Nye event was Jan.8.
Students from the AJHS and CCJH will be attending additional lectures.
Registration is currently underway for the 2020 school year. All students who will be enrolling at an AJUSD school for the first time will receive a free school t-shirt. For more information about AJUSD schools call 480-982-1110, or visit www.ajusd.org.
Contact
Sally Marks
