Banner Academy

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🥚THE 2025 EGG-CELLENT EGGS-PERIMENT🥚

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the science classes competed in a friendly competition and learning activity called the Egg Drop Challenge, which incorporates the physics concept of Newton’s third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the egg contacts the ground, it exerts a force on the ground and the ground exerts a force on the egg causing it to break.  

Students were challenged to find ways to minimize the force with which the egg hit the ground to ensure its survival.  Students worked individually or in pairs to utilize the steps in the engineering and design process.  Each class defined the problem and established the constraints: available materials and time limitations. Students then generated ideas, sketching four prototypes.  They selected the solution they thought was the best design and then developed a prototype, building their egg drop contraption based on their design sketch. Then, each student’s contraption was tested from a 20-foot drop on the roof above the sports court.

Finally, the class discussed the next step in the design process, which is to evaluate and redesign.  We noted the fact that a design is rarely perfect on the first try and that an egg break wasn’t a failure but an opportunity to think about what didn’t work and to redesign the protype for improved results.   

Many students crafted eggs-tremely creative ways to ensure a safe landing for their prized eggs, including Ana, Emma Jo, Skyler, Ava, Lluvia, Luke, Patrick, Michael, Robert, Aiden, Malachi, Desaun, Peaire, Chance, Emerson, Dante, Mimi, Abby, Caroline, Cielo, Wyatt, and Tyler. While not all eggs made it to the ground intact, it was fun to see everyone’s reactions as they discovered if their cushioned contraptions could protect eggs from the impact of a 20-foot fall.

Thank you to Ms. Heather for giving students a fun way to conduct the experiment while enjoying the beautiful weather just before the long, holiday weekend.

Also, let’s give a special shoutout to Nancy for her fearlessness as she climbed into the attic and up to the roof to drop all of the eggs, as well as to Judy who joined Nancy and enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the egg-ceptional event.

Enjoy a sampling of videos from Banner Academy’s egg-drop eggs-travaganza.

🎃THE ANNUAL SPOOK-TACULAR HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE🎃

October 31st has come and gone, which means that the school celebrated the creativity of our students, staff, and support animals for their Halloween costume choices.

The staff was certainly feeling the Halloween spirit. Banner Academy had the pleasure to welcome Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, portrayed by Principal Judy; Morticia Addams and Thing, both from The Addams Family and Wednesday, played by Nancy and Theresa, respectively; an elf, conjured by Haley; a unicorn, personified by Heather; and Tigger, embodied by Trish. Dorothy and Tigger were accompanied by the Cowardly Lion (Cash) and Eeyore (Cassie).

After lunch, we held our Halloween Parade, which was a pleasure to behold. Students were very much in character: We especially chuckled as Peaire walked like a penguin, as David, who dressed like SpongeBob SquarePants, danced like no one was watching, and as Ava redefined the meaning of “Creepy Emo.”

Now, please feast your eyes on the following frames of the fantastic and fanciful photos of students and staff in full Halloween-mode.👻 In addition to SpongeBob, Creepy Emo, and a penguin, we welcomed visits from a U.S. President, Greek deity Hermes, a Marvel character, a sea slug, a Renaissance princess, a common salad ingredient, a Ratatouille character, a ninja, various military soldiers, a rapper, Death incarnate, Cinnamoroll from San Rio, Clifford, the Big Red Dog, a plague doctor, the Scream movie villain, and our uniquely clever student who decided to “dress like a teenager.”

To end the parade, each student received a special Halloween certificate celebrating his/her/their unique costume.

Activities — from carving pumpkins to playing video games to competing in dodge ball — marked how we spent the afternoon following the parade. It was a great day to socialize, relax, and eat candy. Thank you to students and staff for making this past Friday such a memorable Halloween.

TEMPE’S HEALING FIELD: A YEARLY REMINDER TO NEVER FORGET

On Friday, September 12, 2025, Banner Academy students visited Tempe Beach Park’s Healing Field, which memorializes the victims of September 11, 2001, and celebrates the heroism of those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

Tempe’s memorial looks like a “field of flags” thanks to a handful of volunteers who worked all day on September 10 to place flags carefully into the ground. They did this in anticipation of an influx of visitors arriving the next day to visit the second longest-running 9/11 event in the country.

The field contains nearly 3000 flags to honor victims. A bio-card, with a name of someone who died on that day, is attached to each flag. If the victim was a child, a stuffed bear is placed at the base. A yellow ribbon on the flag means that the flag represents a first responder who died trying to save lives.

Banner students and staff spent time walking around the field and reading the bio-cards; this was a powerful way to give students, in particular, the chance to see the tragedy as something personal rather than abstract as they had not been born when this turning point in history occurred.

AN AUGUST CELLO-BRATION

On August 22, 2025, Banner Academy welcomed back a familiar face: Grammy winner and Mesa Arts Center Artistic Director, Zuill Bailey. School Principal, Judy Subaitis, presented Bailey with a card created by students with personal notes inside, which clearly touched Bailey. After graciously accepting the gift, he then performed parts of the six movements of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cello Suite.

Between movements, Bailey encouraged students to offer their opinions about what they heard in each movement. When asked how the cello and the music sounded, for example, students offered these comments: “a bold sound,” “loud vibrations,” “strong notes,” “deep and sad emotions,” “rich,” “sorrow,” “inspired tones,” “similar to the sound of a grand piano.” Bailey noted to the students that no answer was wrong as music is different to each listener.

Every yearly visit with Zuill Bailey has been unique. This time, his performance was not only about performing for the school and inviting the students to notice the sounds and the emotions emanating from the cello, but it was also about understanding how he plays and contemplating the role of music in the human experience.

For example, he taught students that the “best instruments are not necessarily the loudest.” He further clarified that when he plays the cello, his “left hand is the mouth and [his] right hand is the lungs.” The two work together to make the beautiful sounds that the audience hears exuding from the instrument.

He mentioned that he is unaware of his breathing or how his face looks when he plays, nor does he care. He stated that, “We are expressive beings and to be free is better” than to be concerned with looking a certain way.

In talking about his love of playing music, he asked the assembled students to name the opposite of the word, “love.” The students shouted back, “hate.” He replied instead that it was “indifference,” a concept which is “scary” to him. To paraphrase Bailey, indifference means that people lack hope, and for him, music “is a tuning fork to make us vibrate,” or to feel alive. In times of struggle, he wants us to remember that “this too shall pass.” To him, this is hope, and “music helps [Bailey] feel that things will eventually be okay.”

We always appreciate that a performer of Bailey’s quality and fame gives so freely of his time to Banner Academy, and we acknowledge the role he played in inspiring the school’s music therapy program. Zuill Bailey’s visits to Banner Academy have ultimately given our students feelings of joy and hope as they are personally experiencing the impact that music, making beats, or playing an instrument has in their own lives.

AN ASTRONOMICALLY COOL GUEST SPEAKER

During our Extended School Year (ESY) this summer, we had the pleasure to welcome Ashlee DiMartino, one of ABCNews15’s outstanding meteorologists, to Banner Academy.

Ms. DiMartino talked about the process of becoming a meteorologist, the current climate issues facing Arizona, along with topics that the students wanted to discuss. These included prepared questions ranging from monsoons to rain concerns to water issues to forest fires to the dying Saguaros. They even asked about Ms. DiMartino’s developing interest in the field of meteorology.

The visit lasted an hour, and the students were engaged the entire time. Students also received ABCNews15 pencils and lip balms as parting gifts; they also received an autographed picture if they wanted, and many did. It was a fun way to learn about our state and the many weather and environmental problems it faces.

“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON:” A TIME TO CELEBRATE BANNER ACADEMY’S CLASS OF 2025 and RISING 9TH GRADERS

Students, families, friends, former students, and Banner staff had many reasons to celebrate on Friday, May 23, 2025. The time had come for our seniors to graduate and move onto the next phases of their lives. This year’s graduating seniors were Angel Martinez, Kaylee Bacon, Zayne Peelle, Landyn Hardison, and Elizette Vasquez.

In Banner Desert’s Saguaro Room, people gathered to hear about these exceptional students who were leaving high school behind for new experiences, ranging from attending community college to working to joining Banner’s successful Project Search program.

Principal Judy Subaitis, our Master of Ceremonies who is pictured below, deftly moved the evening along. After bestowing orchid leis to the seniors as they entered the room, she introduced Banner faculty and staff, presented our soon-to-be 9th graders with their certificates welcoming them to high school, brought various speakers seamlessly to the podium, and officially graduated the seniors by directing them to move their tassels from right to left. In short, Principal Judy, pictured below, managed the entire graduation ceremony from start to finish.

Our commencement speaker was Dr. Clifton Smith, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Banner Behavior Health (pictured below). He offered the audience wisdom about the true meaning of being a good citizen and how it goes beyond being “an American.”

He stated that being a citizen is about understanding one’s role in a community. He asked that the seniors be inquisitive throughout their lives and to be a part of something that extends beyond themselves. We offer a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Clifton for taking the time to celebrate with us and to help guide our now former students as they move into the adult world.

Unlike the last few years, individual staff members spoke on behalf of our seniors. Pictured above were this year’s speakers: Tricia Zimmerman spoke for Elizette, Harjeet Singh for Landyn, Tawna Peters for Kaylee, Diana Reed for Angel, and Heather Balzer for Zayne. It is not an understatement to say that the students’ wide smiles were accompanied by heartfelt tears as each speech was given with considerable thought, personal anecdotes, and genuine emotion. Kudos to the staff who worked so hard on their speeches that were memorable for the graduates and their families.

Let’s not forget our new high school students! The promoted 8th graders were Jace Wieger (pictured in the slide to the left of the bear), along with the students on the stage from left to right: Cynthia Khine, David Estrada, Dylan Desmond, and Dante Tocchini.

Dylan, one of our rising 8th graders who is pictured above, performed a unique and lovely version of the “Star Spangled Banner” on his ukulele. Thank you, Dylan, for spending so much time practicing for this night, and thank you to our gifted and invaluable music therapist, Emily Bruso, who helped him prepare for this momentous — and very public — performance. Many people, including adults, would have been intimidated playing in front of 110 people, but Dylan handled the crowd like a professional.

We also extend a sincere thank you to all the people who helped make May 23, 2025, a special night, including the Banner Employee Culture Team members Jessica Selinsky and Brandon Flores Diaz who helped document the event with photos and video. Additionally, we want to recognize the Abled and Disabled Allies Partnering Together (ADAPT) and Team Member Resource Group (TMRG) who handcrafted the beautiful ribbon leis that were gifted to each graduate and rising 9th grader as a symbol of celebration, pride, and community support. These wonderful Banner employees and teams are pictured below.

The night was a great success for everyone involved. Please take a moment to enjoy the celebratory photos below, which were taken throughout the evening.

A GRAMMY-WORTHY PERFORMANCE

Zuill Bailey, Grammy Award winning cellist, returned to Banner Academy on April 9, 2025.

His visit started in an unusual way. Rather than begin by introducing himself to his audience of students and staff, he began playing his priceless cello without saying a word. The audience remained still and attentive throughout the impromptu concert. Once he finished, Bailey smiled broadly and stated that the music that he just played was his first on the cello that morning, so he was “waking up” and “feeling happy.”

Bailey continued by highlighting the uniqueness of his instrument that was made in 1693, around the time of Bach’s birth, a rare “rosetto” cello, one of only two in the world.

Next, he played John Williams’s haunting music from the film Schindler’s List to a rapt audience on his beautiful cello. After the performance, students expressed to Bailey that the music was “sad,” “haunting,” and “gloomy,” but a few also heard something “hopeful” in the melody.

Bailey moved onto a more lighthearted performance. He played a piece by Niccolo Paganini, a 19th century violinist and composer from Italy. Bailey asked the audience to look and listen carefully for the “trick” or “gag” that helped Paganini sellout performance after performance and helped him earn the fame he greatly desired during his lifetime. No one at the school could identify the “trick,” but it was fun to guess, and many did.

Bailey’s rendition is below, though the secret will not be revealed until the end of the article. Follow Bailey’s advice and look and listen carefully as you watch the video.

Banner Academy’s students and staff felt honored to have Bailey back to showcase music and its importance in people’s lives. Thank you, Zuill Bailey, for helping to bring musical performances into the lives of our students. We hope to see you again next year!

Answer: The “trick” is that the entire song is performed on one string only. Paganini slyly cut strings on his instrument one at a time with hidden, dangling knives in the arm area of his cloak, leaving only one string left but allowing Paganini to complete an entire song. Viewers of his street performances in the 1800s were enthralled, and the mystery of his broken strings and thrilling street performances guaranteed sold out concert halls at night. Thus, Paganini cemented his fame.

VISITING THE CAPITAL’S CAPITOL

On April 8, 2025, staff and students had the privilege of visiting The Arizona State Capitol Museum. Elisa, the Social Studies teacher, arranged a guided tour with museum staff so students could gain an in-depth understanding of Arizona’s history, from highlighting its territorial timeline to visiting the Governor’s Office and the Historic House Chamber.

The tour guide showed students the Great Seal of the State of Arizona from the upper level of the rotunda. The guide explained that the Great Seal features elements that are economically significant to the state’s residents. These elements are called the Five C’s: copper, climate, cotton, cattle, and citrus. The tour also emphasized the on-going influence of the Arizona Constitution on state governance.

Additionally, Banner students and staff visited the fourth floor where they observed the original House Chamber from the Gallery, known formally as the Old House of Representatives Gallery. This public area gives visitors the chance to see first-hand how the State’s House functioned in the past, from 1901 to 1960.

Finally, the Banner Academy group was allowed to enter the current area of the state capitol where the desks of elected district representatives are located and where proposed issues and laws are drafted, introduced, and debated.

In sum, students had the chance to see the workings of our state government and to learn about Arizona history beyond the confines of the classroom, a great way to bring traditional instruction to life.

WHOA! IT’S WESTERN DAY! 🐴

On March 21, 2025, staff and students enjoyed the glorious March weather by doing what we love most, spending time with and learning about animals.

^{Pictured above: Dan, Aiden, Justice, Judy, Sienna, Rose the horse, and Cash the dog.}

Thanks to Judy’s husband, Dan, along with his assistants, Aiden, Justice, and Sienna, pictured above, students and staff had the opportunity to interact with two very relaxed and sleepy equines named Rose and Appa. At the same time, students learned about the work of a farrier and had the opportunity to learn about Dan’s forge.

Also, Caroline, whose family enjoys a backyard farm with chickens and goats, was also kind enough to bring two of her family’s chicks to school as part of Western Day. The chicks are Smoky and Gravy.

TALENT SHOW SPOTLIGHT🎸

On March 17, eleven acts performed at our annual Banner Academy Talent Show.

Performances ranged from stand-up comedy to animal tricks to beat-making to other musical entertainment. It takes significant courage to stand in front of an audience and share a talent or passion with a large group of classmates, staff, and even some parents, but our students rose to the challenge and did a great job showcasing what they love and what they have learned either on their own time or through our school’s music program.

A number of students wanted to present what they had created in their beat-making class with Emily Bruso, who runs our weekly music therapy program. This is a testament to the importance of the music program here at Banner Academy. These students included Robert, Skyler, and Peaire who are all new to beat-making. Robert created his beats in a unique way using Code.org, while Skyler and Peaire used Soundation.

Make sure to turn up the volume before you press <play> so you can hear the kids and their impressive musical creations.

Ava, one of our yearly show participants, chose to perform something quite unique this year: rhythmic gymnastics using a hula hoop.

Rock Band A and the Ukulele groups also performed. The Rock Band played The Beatles’ “Let It Be” and “Wait for It” from the musical hit, Hamilton. Because Jack, the band’s keyboardist, was absent, we were lucky to have Michael fill in last minute.

The Ukulele students played Tom Petty’s “Walls” and “Don’t Worry. Be Happy,” by Bobby McFerrin. Judy, an excellent ukulele player, couldn’t help but join in on the fun.

As in previous years, Abby performed a comedy routine. This year, she chose a sketch called, “A Short, Humorous Monologue” by Ali Haque. The topic centered on an alien’s terrified perceptions of harmless and cuddly animals found on Earth.

Abby performed again, this time, displaying her dancing skills and box drum, or Cojon, mastery in our school’s very own Irish musical trio called The Lucky Charms. Judy rocked out on the tin whistle and Emily slayed on the mandolin, and together, the three ladies performed an Irish jig. It was hard for the audience not to join in by clapping along with the music.

One of our final acts was a dynamic performance of Shakira’s “Waka Waka: This Time for Africa” performed by Mimi and Eli, who both sang and danced. Eli, by the way, also played a guitar solo of The Deftones’ song, “Change.”

What a great way to celebrate and showcase our talented students. We can’t wait to see what they will bring to the Thunder Dome next year!

A FIELD TRIP TO REMEMBER

Pictured above: (Left) Students, along with their tour guide, Elena Selestewa, stand in front of the school’s memorial. (Right) Students listen to the tragic stories of what happened to Indigenous children in the school and schools like it across the country.

On Friday, January 10, 2025, students and staff from Banner Academy had the privilege of visiting the Steele Indian School Park. They received a tour led by Elena Selestewa where they learned about historically accurate accounts of what life was like for Indigenous children in America’s grim past.

Selestewa explained that Indigenous children were removed from their homes at three-years of age and taken to the Indian School where they were neither allowed to speak their native tongue nor practice their religion. Instead, they were raised in a strict, military-like environment whereby they would lose their traditional culture.

In sum, the information learned during the Steele Indian School trip helped all of the participants — students and staff — feel a renewed sense of appreciation for the freedoms and privileges we enjoy today, while honoring the wrongful suffering endured by tribal children a century ago.

A PASSION FOR MAKING BEATS

Written and Published by Banner Buzz, November 15, 2024

Discover how Banner Academy is helping heal this young Native American student.

^{Angel Lee, 17-year-old Banner Academy student, has a passion for making beats. His DJ name is Tafoya.}

“Music is in Angel’s blood,” explains his mom, Jackie Lee. “When Angel started making beats, it was very raw, but he persevered and learned as much as he could on his own, collaborating with others, and through his music therapy class at Banner Academy, slowly, he has been able to make the music sound the way he feels it should.”

National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health data points to increasing evidence that music-based interventions may be helpful for conditions including anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, among others that occur during childhood, adulthood or with aging.

The music classes haven’t just helped fuel Angel’s passion, they’ve also served to heal some of Angel’s deepest struggles.

“The struggles I have had come from years of being an angry person. My anger management skills were low to non-existent when I first arrived at Banner Academy,” recalls Angel, “Beat making has given me an outlet to focus my energy in a good way. If I wasn’t beat making, I would be outside causing real damage and trouble.”

Angel’s mom echoes those thoughts.

Now on a path toward self-acceptance and healing, he’s learning how to give back to the students at his school.

“Teachers and students alike all recognized Angel’s talents in this area,” says Banner Academy music therapist Emily Bruso. “In fact, his passion for beat making inspired his peers to want to try it for themselves which helped make the beat making music therapy class a popular choice in the program. Once the class started, Angel rose as a student leader.”

As Angel looks toward graduation and the future, he hopes to own his very own record label by 35, maybe even on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, where he’s originally from.

“I am not going to let a rough start to my life stand in the way of me doing great things with my future,” Angel says. “Banner Academy has always been there for me, and the music program has given the added push to do great things in life.”

BANNER ACADEMY’S FIRST MOCK PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

^{Pictured above: Our ballot box and “I Voted” Stickers}

On Election Day, November 5, 2024, the school held its first mock election. The Thunderdome, a place where kids usually play sports for P.E. and enjoy recreational time, became a polling place for our students and staff to cast their votes for president and Prop. 490. The mock election gave students an opportunity to experience the process of standing in line, having their name checked against a voter roll, filling in a ballot, and casting a vote after having studied the candidates from the two main parties: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Prior to election day, students also learned about a proposition (Prop. 490) asking if residents should pay a .15% tax over 30 years to protect and maintain the McDowell Mountains.

_{^{Pictured above: Malachi (left) and Moses (right) get ready to check staff and students against our voter rolls.}}

Students participated in every facet of the process, from designing and creating “I Voted” stickers to drawing an electoral map of the United States to counting our anonymous ballots to announcing the results. Overwhelmingly, staff and students voted “YES” to Prop. 490 (72%) and chose Harris (80%) over Trump for president.

^{Pictured above: Students wait in line to check in while our election workers ensure that the voting stations are vacated.}

We extend a special thanks to Malachi and Moses, who helped check “voters” in and distributed ballots, and Jack and Caroline, for conducting the multi-step process of ballot counting. Teachers Leslie (English) and Elisa (Social Studies) organized and monitored the process from beginning to end, so kudos to them, as well.

^{Pictured above: Jack and Caroline, the ballot counters}

It was an engaging learning activity to build a sense of civic responsibility in our student population. And, it was fun.

^{Pictured above: The ballot box awaits voters (left) and Elisa and Leslie, the organizers, relish in their weeks-long efforts to prepare students for voting and for organizing the entire Election Day process (right).}

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION 2024

^{Pictured above: Cash doing his best impression of a lion (left) and Cassie channeling Wednesday Addams.}

On Thursday, October 31, Banner Academy got into the Halloween spirit by holding its annual costume parade. Staff, students, and our school dogs put significant effort into their creative and clever costumes. Students won various awards for their unique, humorous, and scary ensembles. The winners were as follows:

Cutest Costume	Ava and Emma Jo
Scariest Costume	Koda and Reid
Most Original Costume	Austin and Malachi
Funniest Costume	Peaire
Most Authentic	Abby and Robert
Best Makeup	Moses

DONATIONS, DONATIONS, EVERYWHERE!

On October 3, 2024, Banner Academy was thrilled to receive an unexpected visit to the school from Cheryl Mattix, Billing Director for Central Supply Services and Jodi Gonzalez, Banner Corporate. 

^{Pictured Above: Cheryl and Jodi, along with Principal Judy, Counselor Trish, English Teacher Leslie, and a student, show off some of the goodies donated to the school.}

Cheryl and Jodi visited the school to surprise staff and students with boxes of school supplies. Packed within each box were materials for academics, crafts, and pure entertainment. Specifically, we received everything from pencils, pens, and construction paper to markers, glue sticks, and coloring books — all of which are invaluable to a school like Banner Academy, which focuses on individualizing academics while building social-emotional skills through creative projects.

Thank you to Cheryl and Jodi for taking time out of their busy schedules to help our school.

BANNER ACADEMY’S CREATURE COMFORTS

^{Pictured above: Jack enjoying time with Cassie, our 4-year-old therapy dog.}

One of the unique features of Banner Academy is that it cares for various animals who provide emotional support for students and even staff, if needed. The animals are available for our students to hold and pet when they feel anxious or need a break..

_{Pictured above: Guinea pigs Oreo and Pumpkin Spice Latte, both under a year old.}

Our support critters have primarily been donated by teachers and students, though a few of our regular four-legged staff, primarily the dogs, belong to our two-legged counselor, teachers, or administrator. 

_{Pictured above, from left to right: Students with 15-year-old Elvis, the school’s King snake, Slinky, the 6-year-old gecko, a student with Pumpkin, one of the guinea pigs, and students enjoying time with 8-year-old Cash, one of our comfort dogs.}

Diana, the school’s Life Skills teacher, is responsible for the animals’ daily care and upkeep, though students help with their care, which fosters pride and a sense of responsibility.

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Banner Academy’s students and staff visited the Tempe Healing Field adjacent to Tempe Town Lake as a way to commemorate the victims who lost their lives 23 years ago and to teach students about a significant event that occurred before their lifetimes.

Pictured above: Abby walking through the flags on the Memorial Healing Field.

The morning started in the school’s auditorium to discuss what happened on that fateful day in 2001. Moreover, staff shared their personal stories to highlight how deeply affecting and vivid the events from two decades ago were and still are to this day. Afterwards, the school traveled to the memorial.

Pictured above: Students experience the memorial in different ways and even spoke with other visitors to the site.

Nearly 3000 American flags, with tags identifying each victim by name, were placed by volunteers in the Tempe Healing Field. Additionally, special markers indicated whether the victim was a child (stuffed bears), first responder (yellow ribbons), aircrew (sky blue ribbons), or military member/veteran (boots). It was an incredibly moving experience for students and staff, and the Tempe Healing Field serves as an important reminder to never forget September 11, 2001, even if you were born after the event itself.

Pictured above: Students are on their way to the memorial and enjoy the beautiful, but hot, morning in Tempe.

BANNER’S NEW CHESS CLUB

Pictured above: Chance and Cynthia concentrate on the chess board as they ponder their next moves.

This year, Banner Academy started a new club for chess enthusiasts in the school. Students come together and share their passion for the game while also learning chess strategy. The club meets on Wednesdays and Fridays during lunch and recreational times with sponsors, Harjeet and Pete, in the Life Skills classroom. A total of 7 students are part of the club, but the teachers also play against students in round robin fashion.

Pictured above: Aiden, Cynthia, Aidan B., Robert, and Michael engage in friendly, yet competitive, chess games.

Who can join? Anyone with a passion for the game or an interest in learning more about chess. Skill level is not a deterrent to joining the club.

The club lets students participate in friendly competitions and mini-tournaments, teaches them to deal with winning and losing in healthy ways, and promotes critical thinking skills, patience and sportsmanship. The club is a popular and enriching part of our school community.

MAY 23, 2024: A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE OUR GRADUATES AND RISING 9TH GRADERS

May 23, 2024, was a special night for Banner Academy’s graduating Class of 2024, as well as for their families, friends, and school staff who gathered to celebrate and to watch them symbolically move from students to adults.

Held in the beautifully adorned Rosati Education Center in Mesa, we cheered on our six seniors, Javon, Lena, Abbie, Dagny, Sean, and Noah, as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, formally marking the end of their high school careers. To them, we extend our most heartfelt well wishes as they move forward in life and work to achieve their dreams.

We also want to extend a special congratulations to Dagny, our Valedictorian, and Sean, our Salutatorian.

^{From left to right: Javon, Lena, Abbie, Dagny, Sean, and Noah}

The night was also special because Banner Academy simultaneously celebrated its 8th grade promotion with six students who are now officially 9th graders, all pictured below.

Welcome to high school Daivyan, Chance, Tyler, JohnPaul, Ava, and Lluvia!

The night’s celebration, hosted by Principal Judy Subaitis, started with a welcome to the audience and an introduction of the school’s new head of administration, Paul Vachek, CFO of Banner Thunderbird.

^{Principal Judy Subaitis and CFO Paul Vachek}

The introduction was followed by a rousing guitar performance by Alex, a rising 11th grader, who played Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Alex, who has played guitar for only two years, received thunderous applause for his impassioned playing. Kudos, Alex!

The graduation ceremony was then followed by our commencement speaker, the Honorable Joseph Mikitish, a Superior Court Judge whose son is a current student who was promoted to 9th grade. Judge Mikitish shared his wisdom about dedication, hard work, belief in oneself, and perseverance — inspiring and personally relevant words to both our graduates and new high schoolers.

^{The Honorable Joseph Mikitish giving the Commencement Address}

We were excited to see former graduates and teachers attend the celebration, and we were thrilled to have the chance to laugh and cry with our group of graduates and 9th graders, all recorded in our various photos and selfies, which are shared below.

2024 Annual Talent Show

^{Staff and students took a group photo at the end of the show.}

On April 18, 2024, Banner Academy held its second annual talent show to give students the opportunity to showcase their talents and passions across different fields: playing ukulele, making beats, singing (in English or Japanese), dancing, playing the guitar as a soloist or in a duet, and performing as part of a rock band.

Standing up in front of an audience can be a terrifying experience for many, but our students showed their grit, determination, and confidence by giving their all to entertain students, staff, and visiting parents.

We are all so proud of our student performers and for our supportive and engaged audience. It was a great morning all-around!

Enjoy the video highlights from our our show:

Up Close: Meet One of Our Graduating Seniors

Dagny has been a student at the Banner Academy since 6th grade, and next month, she will walk across the stage to thunderous applause from her family and her teachers as she receives her high school diploma. Dagny is a top scholar and teaching assistant at our school, and she is currently weighing her options to study veterinary medicine or special education as she moves forward in her education, career, and life. We look forward to celebrating her and our other 5 seniors as they graduate on May 23, 2024.

Click HERE to read about Dagny, who is featured on the Banner Health website. The link will take you to the article posted on the Newsroom and Media Resource page of the corporate site.

^{Dagny, Class of 2024 (Image borrowed from https://www.bannerhealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/banner-academy-recognizes-autism-awareness-month}

Banner Academy Students and Staff Experience the Solar Eclipse 🌒

Banner Academy students were very excited to witness a rare solar eclipse that occurred on April 8, 2024. To prepare for this momentous event, science teachers worked with students to give them a safe way to view the eclipse.

Students created pinhole projectors in science class. Traditionally, a pinhole projector consists of a single pinhole created through a piece of paper and a second solid paper or surface on which an image of the sun is created when light passes through the pinhole.

Specifically, pinhole projectors are a series of pinholes resulting in a creative image. As the eclipse occurred, the projected image showed the progression of the moon across the sun. Projected images were a series of crescent shapes rather than a series of circles due to the moon blocking the sun’s rays.

In addition to viewing the eclipse using a pinhole projector, every student had the opportunity to view the eclipse through specialized eclipse glasses.

It was a great experience for students and staff to be part of this rare solar eclipse. Thank you to the Science teachers for giving everyone at the school the opportunity to safely witness this event, which won’t occur again until 2044.

Grammy Award Winner Zuill Bailey Visits Banner Academy

On March 14, 2024, Zuill Bailey, three-time Grammy winning cellist and Mesa Arts Center Curator of Classical Music, spoke to and played for a captive audience of students and staff at Banner Academy. He talked nostalgically about his early start in music, as well as his cello’s and bow’s incredible histories. Then, he honored the audience by playing Dvorak’s “Silent Woods.”

According to Bailey, he received his first cello at the age of four, and from there, his passion blossomed. Eventually, he gained recognition not only for his obvious talent, but also by playing renowned instruments for affluent buyers of historical instruments. One potential buyer was so moved by Bailey’s playing that he purchased a priceless 1693 “rosette” Matteo Goffriller cello for Bailey to keep and play. According to Bailey, the cello “is worthy of being in the MIM” or Musical Instruments Museum, in Phoenix. The Banner Academy audience audibly gasped when he unveiled the cello from its protective case, along with his bow that existed during the time of Johann Sebastian Bach.

During his hour-long visit with staff and students, he answered a number of student questions, which ranged from how he tunes his cello, to the science of breathing while playing the instrument, to difficulties faced during the Covid era, to his Grammy Awards experience.

Bailey explained to the Banner Academy audience that he won his Grammy Awards in the following three categories in 2016: Classical Instrumental Solo, Contemporary Classical Composition, and Best Classical Compendium.

Born in Woodbridge, VA, Bailey eventually moved to and currently resides in El Paso, TX, where he is a Professor of Cello. He balances his time as a professor with worldwide performances and directorships across the United States, according to his management company’s webpage, https://colbertartists.com/artists/zuill-bailey/.

Thank you, Zuill Bailey, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit Banner Academy. No one will forget this special experience with you.

^{Bailey at the 66th Grammy Awards}

^{(Photo Credit: https://www.grammy.com/artists/zuill-bailey/19556)}

Congratulations to Our Early Graduating Seniors!

Lena and Javon completed their senior year coursework at the end of the first semester of this school year. We are so proud of you both, and we will see you on May 23, 2024, to celebrate you as you walk across the graduation stage at the EVIT auditorium in your caps and gowns! 🎓

Western Day 2024 🤠

Local farriers came to Banner Academy for our annual Western Day. Students learned how to put shoes on a live horse and to try their hand at blacksmithing. 🐴

Our visiting farriers, pictured above from left to right, are Dan, Mike, Aiden, and Justice. The beautiful 20-year-old horse named Char, who belongs to Aiden, is playing coy behind our guests during the photo op.

It was an exceptional day for students to engage in this hands-on activity while having fun learning the process of shoeing a horse.

Banner Academy’s New Music Therapy Program

Banner Academy received new musical instruments from a grant funded by the Banner Foundation. Thanks to this generous grant, we have welcomed Emily Bruso, MM, MT-BC, NMT, who is experienced in leading people of all ages and backgrounds into high-quality therapeutic musical experiences. As a board certified music therapist and music educator, she provides a person-centered approach utilizing neurologic and improvisatory techniques. She is driven by the belief that interactions with music have boundless therapeutic potential to make lasting improvements in people’s lives. 🎶

^{_{Above: Emily teaches a student to play drums.}}

The music therapy program at Banner Academy blends the models of instrumental music education with group-oriented instrumental music therapy.

Students have the option to join one of the many groups that take place during the Thursday music sessions. Currently, the school’s music therapy program offers group ukulele, guitar, and beat making classes, as well as two rock bands. These weekly groups are a mixed group of ages and musical abilities with specific group goals and individual goals which direct the musical and social interactions that take place in class. 

Emily visits the school every Thursday, and it has become a day that the students look forward to every week. They have a blast as they work collaboratively on jam session with Emily using the app Launchpad.

Celebrating Veteran’s Day and Our Very Own Social Studies Teacher

Students created bunting flags for Veterans Day. The students, along with Mrs. Judy and Mrs. Theresa, dedicated the flags to Mr. Pete who served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Pete discussed his experiences in the Army as well as in Germany. 

Staff and students extend a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Pete and all veterans for their patriotism and dedication. 🇺🇸

Transitions Class: Learning Real-World Skills

In Fall 2023, Banner Academy offered seniors an elective to help them as they transition from high school to the real world. The skills taught, practiced, and mastered in the Transitions Elective class will undoubtedly help them in the adult world. 🧰

^{Students in the Transitions class learned about electricity and sockets.} 

^{The students learned to saw, measure, and stain the wood plaques for the classrooms pencil sharpeners.}

The Art Elective: Imagine. Draw. Paint. Create!

Students used their artistic skills and fall colors to make leaf art, just one of the many creative arts projects that they completed during the semester-long elective. 🖼️

Art students also visited the ASU Art Museum and participated in hands-on art activities, like painting. 

Recreation and Enrichment Elective: Building Critical Skills for Inside and Outside of the Classroom

Recreation and Enrichment is another semester-long elective course offered this year at Banner Academy. Students in Recreation and Enrichment spent time building their academic and social skills, especially designed towards group activities to build confidence. For example, they learned how to use the more advanced features in the MS Office Suite of products, as well as to incorporate linked hotspots into Canva. They also practiced presenting their work to their teachers and peers and engaged in collaborative projects that are oftentimes difficult for them.

Students participated in teacher-led activities, but also had the opportunity to enjoy a quiet activity of their choosing every week. 🤗

^{Above: Students collaboratively use building blocks and work individually on tape painting activities.}

Halloween Parade of Costumes!

Thank you, Trish, for organizing our students’ very imaginative and fun Halloween Parade. All students who participated in the costume parade are pictured below. 🎃

We also give Trish special kudos for her awesome Lego creations to celebrate Halloween.

Guest Speaker – Local YA Author David Gordon

David Gordon, an independent writer living in Tempe, AZ, wrote his first series called The Jigsaw Series: Beginnings, Warheads, and Full Circle for young adult (YA) readers. Mr. Gordon is a former public high school history teacher and founder and chancellor of the Global Renaissance Academy and DBA Grand Canyon College Preparatory Academy. He is currently a freelance journalist for “Blog for Arizona” and writes historical fiction and science fiction for young adult readers. He visited Banner Academy to donate signed copies of his series to our students, and also donated generously to our English classroom library collection. Thank you, Mr. Gordon! 📚

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

On the evening of May 25, 2023, Banner Academy celebrated its graduating class.

Principal Judy Subaitis and Banner Behavior Health Hospital (BBHH) CEO Bill Southwick hosted the evening and provided the commencement address, respectively. Graduating students, staff, friends, and family members shed tears and shared laughs throughout intimate and moving celebration of our seven seniors, Devin, Dustin, Gwen, Jaden, Marie, Nakota, and Tyler.

The graduation was held at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), which served as the perfect backdrop to our joyous evening. We congratulate our seniors and wish them the best of luck as they move into the next phase of their lives.

Bill Southwick giving the commencement speech

Principal Judy and Tyler

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Welcome to High School!

Banner Academy’s current 8th graders received special acknowledgment on May 24, 2023 as they were promoted to high school during a lunch time ceremony. The new 9th graders for the upcoming school year are Aiden, Cari, Jackson, Johnny, Malachi, and Mischa. Welcome to high school!