Pictured above: Will Klein, Heidi Barker, Jose Gonzalez, Hannah Stock, Taylor Nixon, Emma Winters, Jonathan Emmerick, Sarah Ross
On June 7, representatives from the Marana Delegation provided Marana Town Council with an update on their progress in anticipation of next week's competition. Their ten minute entry to the All-America City judges will showcase programs from around the Marana community that support children to succeed in school and life. In addition to the competition, the Marana Delegation will also participate in the National Civic League's cultural and city showcase, which includes performing in a talent show and setting up a booth.
"We have singers, actors, painters, dancers, slam poets, writers, and construction workers [here tonight]," Marana High School Choir Director Sarah Ross said to the council. "We just love Marana with all of our hearts, and we're so happy to be involved."
The Marana Delegation has been working throughout the month leading up to the competition, spending hours constructing their presentation set pieces, rehearsing their lines, and practicing songs.
"Today we had a six hour rehearsal," said Ross, "the amount of civic engagement they're getting is incredible, and they get to talk about incredible programs."
The Marana Delegation opened up the council meeting with an a capella performance of the National Anthem, before introducing themselves to Town Council.
Town planner and Marana Delegate Shannon Shula also presented a special map that the delegation will use as they travel to Denver.
"This interactive mapping software tracks our progress from Marana up to Denver," said Shula, "It's a sixteen hour drive, so we will have a lot of fun on that bus! We plan to make this an academic educational trip, and you can see pictures of us on our route."
The Marana Delegation closed their presentation with a sample of "Haleluyen", a traditional Native-American song that acknowledges and celebrates Marana's Native-American history, and will be showcased at the All-America City competition.
"The students are incredible representatives of this community," said Town Manager Gilbert Davidson. "I think we have a very good shot of winning this All-America City award."
The Marana Delegation leaves for the All-America City Competition on Wednesday, June 15. The competition is on Saturday, June 18, and the winners are announced on Sunday, June 19.
