Congratulations to the winter guard teams from Corona del Sol High School and Desert Vista High School for taking first and second place in the Arizona State Winter Guard Championship on April 6. These two teams have been competing all season and have forged what can best be described as a “friendly rivalry.” On the floor, they gave their best and used the competition to push each other to higher performance levels. When each competition was over, they could often be seen hanging out together and forming friendships. The season is over with a terrific showing on behalf of Tempe Union High School District. This level of achievement is only possible with a strong commitment to excellence and willingness to put in many hours of hard work week after week.

An Andean bear cub recently had its first check-up with Phoenix Zoo vets. After patiently waiting for more than three months, they found out the cut is a boy. Rio, the mother bear, is doing an excellent job raising her young cub. Recently, for the first time in the presence of zookeepers, Rio let go of the cub, stepped away and allowed the cub to be briefly on its own. Keepers were able to capture video of the cub taking some of his first steps, which you can watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkwv-n9KspU.

It's a boy!! Our Andean bear cub recently had its first check-up with Phoenix Zoo vets. After patiently waiting for more than three months, we received the exciting news that we have a bouncing baby boy! Rio, our mother bear, is doing an excellent job raising her young cub. Recently, for the first time in the presence of our zookeepers Rio let go of the cub, stepped away and allowed the cub to be briefly on its own! Our keepers were able to capture video of the cub taking some of his first steps.Rio quickly returned to the cub after taking some food from her keepers but this marks a huge moment in the cub's development. At this time we still believe we are a few months away from the cub going out on exhibit as our keeper staff continues to take their cues from Rio allowing her to let us know when she feels comfortable and ready to leave her den.Be sure to subscribe to us for future bear updates!http://www.phoenixzoo.org -- Visit us!http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixZoo - Like us!http://www.twitter.com/PhoenixZoo - Follow us!http://www.instagram.com/PhoenixZoo - See fun Zoo photos!

Summer is right around the corner and soon parents will have to find ways to keep their children preoccupied until the leaves start falling off the trees again.

About five years ago when Children of Hope Preschool needed funds to install sprinklers, staff and volunteers were able to raise about half needed to pay for the expensive price tag through the help of the community.

A new Grevy’s zebra is on display to the public along the Africa Trail at the Phoenix Zoo. Born on Jan. 19 to Masika and Punda, the newest addition to the zoo’s herd of Grevy’s zebras weighed in at an even 100 pounds.

The Phoenix Zoo is celebrating the birth of an Andean bear cub born to 17–year-old Rio in early January. The cub and mother appear to be doing well and animal care staff and keepers are monitoring the mother and baby, but will leave Rio to bond with and care for her cub without interference.

A new addition to the animal family at Phoenix Zoo has been named.

Just under a year as one of Kyrene’s newest positions that aims to connect the school district with business sponsorships, Ted Gonzalez said the key is creating relationships.

If ever there was a time to spread a little love, it’s Valentine’s Day and, so, Phoenix Zoo will dote that day on some of its most unloveable residents — at least, as far as looks go.

In its third year at Kyrene School District, Project Zoo Lab is taking elementary school students through a study of how animals adapt to their surroundings.

Whether you race like a hare or mosey like a tortoise, there’s a spot for you in Phoenix Zoo’s fifth annual Walk in the Wild, slated for Saturday, Feb. 16.

The Phoenix Symphony is one of just 22 American orchestras to receive a first-year Getty Education and Community Investment Grant. The grant was awarded as a new and emerging work to expand the orchestra’s B-Sharp Music Wellness program, targeting the homeless population of urban Phoenix, and is recognition of the Phoenix Symphony’s innovation and dedication to increasing its relevance to the community.

Maracay Homes is collecting toys for its annual ‘Fill Our House With Love’ Toy Drive to bring joy to chronically and terminally ill children involved with Starlight Children’s Foundation Arizona.

Maracay Homes is collecting toys for its annual ‘Fill Our House With Love’ Toy Drive to bring joy to chronically and terminally ill children involved with Starlight Children’s Foundation Arizona.

A one-time Salt Lake City resident sought in the fatal shooting of an armored truck courier in Ahwatukee Foothills could be taking advantage of philanthropic Mormon church members, the FBI’s lead agent on the case said.

For 12 years Ahwatukee Foothills resident Cynthia Laymon and her friend, Mary Chavez, have been making the holidays a little brighter for charities across the Valley by donating beautifully decorated Christmas trees they can reuse year after year.