In the summer of 2024, I spent seven weeks in the BIO 5 Institutes KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth in Science) high school internship. The training program aims to foster a close-knit community of students while allowing them to explore their diverse interests in STEM research. Although the process of writing, submitting assignments, and approval was difficult, I knew every day of KEYS inspired me with new knowledge and tasks that would help me to grow for my college and future career.

On June 19, the inaugural commemoration of the Juneteenth federal holiday was held at the University of Arizona. Juneteenth commemorates the arrival of General Gordon Granger to Galveston, Texas, to deliver the message of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. To celebrate the 158th Juneteenth, an audience gathered at Centennial Hall to remember the history, resilience and culture of Black people and communities.

Young Reporters had the chance to interview wildland firefighter Andrea McKenna. She is in her sixth season as a wildland firefighter and engine boss, and has been an EMT since 2014. McKenna shared many of the tools and techniques that firefighters use.

 On Dec. 1, I spent my school day in my school gym, waiting on the bleachers with 27 people and once in a while being called up to the microphone to spell a word. It was my school level spelling bee, and after being given the word, ‘fonda,” which in simple terms is an inn, I became one of the two BASIS Oro Valley School Spelling Bee Champions. Ela Adhikari, an 8th grader, was the other champion.

 On Oct. 4, Mike Lindsey, or “Writingbear,” performed in the Dorothy Rubel Room at the UArizona Poetry Center. The event was called A Life in Stories: Visions and Journeys in the Land of Mystery, and it began with an introduction from Karen Francis- Begay, Assistant Vice Provost for Native American Initiatives, and a blessing from Miguel Flores Jr., CEO at Holistic Wellness Counseling and Consultant Services.

 During the summer, I had the opportunity to interview educator and storyteller Mike Lindsey, or “Writingbear,” his name used for storytelling, prayer and ceremony. He will be sharing a story at the Tucson Humanities Festival this year. He has lived in many places and shares stories to various audiences.

 You’ve probably read the famous books “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and probably know the author who wrote these books. His art is distinctive, recognizable at the first sight of the illustrations.

 On Jan. 21, Young Reporters had another virtual opportunity to interview a guest, Kelly Saunders. She is the program manager for the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Services through Arizona State University. Saunders plans and organizes the annual Sustainability Solutions Festival, events which promote sustainability for people, the environment, and communities.

The Sustainability Solutions Festival focuses its events and programs on four subjects: Food, Environment, Well-Being and Connect with Each Other.

 Currently during the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have been a suggestion by scientists and health officials to help prevent the spread of the virus, along with hand washing and socially distancing. Here is information regarding the science of how mask wearing helps prevent the spread and which materials are best. The information included is from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other relevant websites.

 Have you ever stayed in a wolf’s lodge with all the fun under one roof? Well, I have—it was called the Great Wolf Lodge. I went just before New Year’s for two days, Dec. 28 and 29, 2019. There are other locations for the lodge in states such as California, Texas and Washington. I went to the one in Scottsdale at Talking Stick.