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Olsen Hancock, a fourth-grade teacher at Sycamore Elementary School in the Vail Unified School District, has received ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Values Teachers’ December Teacher Excellence Award.

The honor from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Values Teachers and OfficeMax/Office Depot comes with a $100 gift card for school supplies.

Hancock is in his second year of teaching, works after school to tutor students and is an adviser for the Good Character Club.

Before becoming a teacher, Hancock was an operations manager at Sears Holding Corp., but decided to change careers to make a larger impact on the community.

Ana Briceno, whose son is in his Hancock’s class, nominated him for the award.

“Our son’s confidence in academics has increased and we know it has been driven by Mr. Hancock’s guidance.

“We are excited to see what the rest of the year holds for our son and are grateful to the wonderful job Mr. Hancock is doing with him,� Briceno said.

To nominate a teacher, visit

Nearly 100 graduate

in TUSD ceremony

Nearly 100 students received their high school diplomas at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Unified School District’s Winter Graduation Ceremony on Dec. 21.

Some of the graduates were part of the Steps to Success program, a partnership between the district and the Mayor’s Office, in which staff and community members go door to door to encourage students who have left school to complete their high school education. The next Steps to Success walk is scheduled for Jan. 19.

Hebrew Academy students give back

Students from the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Hebrew Academy spent the day before winter break giving back to the community.

The students, who sought out the opportunity, took a field trip Friday to World Care and Casa Maria’s Soup Kitchen to help pack and recycle goods and make meals for those in need.

Young entrepreneurs need old electronics

Your old phone, tablet, laptop or computer monitor could benefit future entrepreneurs.

The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Academy is holding an e-waste recycling, tax-deductible donation drive through the end of the year to benefit 30 young future business owners and local leaders.

For each electronic collected, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy will receive a monetary donation of it’s recycle value from Suburban Miners, a local e-waste recycling organization.

All makes and models, regardless of working condition will be accepted. Certified data destruction will be offered for no additional cost.

Electronics can be dropped off at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Office, 823 E. Speedway, or at Suburban Miners, 3820 E. Blacklidge Drive. Pickup can be arranged for large volumes.

For more information, visit or contact Stephanie Bermudez or Diana Charbonneau at yeatucson@tucsonhispanicchamber.org

Marana High teacher

is finalist for award

James Attebery, Marana High School’s band and music teacher, has been selected as one of nine finalists for the 24th annual Outstanding High School Faculty Awards Program.

The honor is given by the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Circle K Corp. to outstanding high school teachers in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

Finalists are selected based on teaching preparation and experience, leadership ability, innovation or unique teaching practices and other criteria.

Attebery, along with the eight other finalists, will be honored at an awards banquet on March 2, where the Teacher of the Year will be announced.

Marana Cares Mobile has food during break

The Marana Unified School District will provide Marana Cares Mobile service during winter break.

Created from a retired school bus, Marana Cares Mobile offers free, nutritious meals in an air conditioned/heated mobile facility with interior and exterior serving areas. The refurbished mobile unit offers a fun dining experience, with Wi-fi, Chromebooks, and literacy encouragement for children.

The bus will be at Sandario Road and Anthony Drive from 11 a.m. to noon, and at 16560 W. El Tiro Road from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 26 through 29, and Jan. 2 through 5.