Neighbors (5/21)

Thai named Doodle 4 Google state finalist

Ethan Thai, Chandler resident and third-grader at Horizon Community Learning Center, was chosen by Google from a pool of thousands of submissions as one of the Arizona state finalists in its nationwide Doodle 4 Google competition.

Students entered by submitting a "What if?" statement and handmade artwork to accompany the statement using the Google logo. Thai's submission best demonstrated artistic merit and creativity and most clearly expressed the "What if?" theme.

Thai's entry was "What if there was life in outer space? If there was life out there, I think we would befriend them. Maybe we could share our ideas and technology, or we could explore and visit other planets together. I really wish I could meet aliens someday."

Thai will receive a Google art kit and a certificate of recognition. He will also be recognized as one of the Arizona state finalists on the Doodle 4 Google Web site.

Good luck to Luckey in pageant

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Victoria Luckey, 8, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Arizona Pageant to be held July 18 and 19 in Scottsdale. The pageant is for girls ages 7 through 9.

The winner will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in California.

The National American Miss pageants are for "Today's Girl" and "Tomorrow's Leaders." The program is based on inner beauty, poise and presentation, and offers an "All-American spirit of fun for family and friends." Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition and setting and achieving personal goals.

The National American Miss pageants are dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young women nationwide. All activities are age appropriate and family oriented.

For more information, visit www.namiss.com.