The tools of top poetry reciter are rhythm, sound and words

The words tumbled out of her mouth with rhythm. She knew every word. She savored them as if enjoying a rich, delicious cheesecake, her favorite dessert.

The tools of top poetry reciter are rhythm, sound and words

Sunnyside High senior Cassandra Valadez, left, shares a breathing exercise with one of her coaches, Hilary Gan of the University of Arizona Poetry Center. Valadez was in training recently for the national Poetry Out Loud competition.

The tools of top poetry reciter are rhythm, sound and words

Sunnyside High School senior Cassandra Valadez

Education Notes

Tucson students named Flinn Scholars

Softball: Reyes hoping to make sweet music in playoffs

Alexandria Reyes, 14-1 this season for Sunnyside, is headed for Lyons College in Batesville, Ark., after this year.

Softball: Reyes hoping to make sweet music in playoffs

When Alexandria Reyes walks to the circle, her mind is clear.

8 Pima County teens take culinary honors

Eight Pima County JTED students won scholarships at the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program final competition.

Arizona softball: Cats split with win over Penn St, loss to Michigan

Sunnyside High School grad Estela Piñon scattered five hits and struck out five to lead the Arizona Wildcats to a 10-2 five-innning victory over Penn State on Friday at the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif.

Sunnyside: Budget woes mean fewer teachers, bigger classes

The Sunnyside Unified School District governing board voted Tuesday night to cut 18 teachers and shut down its Family Resource and Wellness Center.

Law & Order Briefs

Eduardo Dominguez

Law & Order Briefs

Changing-room photo leads to man's arrest

Tucson police: 2 Sunnyside students arrested for Twitter threats

Two Sunnyside High School students were arrested in connection with threats made toward their school on Twitter, Tucson police said.

Berk's Beat: Sunnyside's Martinez gets bowl stature

High school sports

Berk's Beat: Sunnyside's Martinez gets bowl stature

Dominic Martinez is feeling big-time this week, and it's easy to see why. Sunnyside's senior running back/linebacker arrived in San Antonio on Tuesday for the Football University International Bowl, which will be held Saturday night at the Alamodome.

Pick of the Preps: Plenty at stake as Badgers face Devils on Friday

Tucson quarterback Cam Volk will lead the Badgers into a key home game against Sunnyside on Friday night.

Pick of the Preps: Plenty at stake as Badgers face Devils on Friday

If Sunnyside and Tucson High plan to be playing football in November, both need a win this Friday.

Tucson city workers improperly spent thousands on side jobs

Former Tucson Streets Administrator Kurt Hough and four other Transportation Department employees were fired or resigned today after an 11-month investigation city officials say shows they used thousands of dollars of city materials and equipment for their own outside projects.

Arson damages building at Sunnyside High School

An arson damaged a modular building at Sunnyside High School Tuesday morning.

Cienega’s Vega to work as corner, slot, running back

Our countdown to the beginning of the high school football season continues with David Vega from Cienega. Over the next eight days, we will feature our picks of Southern Arizona’s top preseason players.