As a superintendent, I'm proud to celebrate the incredible opportunities offered to our students at J.O. Combs Unified School District. One of the most exciting aspects of public education is the ability to foster students’ unique interests and talents. At our district, we're dedicated to providing a variety of extracurricular activities, fine arts programs, and clubs that cater to every student's passions.
One example of meeting these different needs has been the development of a Trap and Skeet club. Five years ago, Combs High School, under the leadership of Mr. Carl Hill, was the first high school in Arizona to join a national network of hundreds of schools participating in this sport. Students practice throughout the year and participate in a fall and spring season. Our students compete in events at local gun ranges on weekends, and the sport has gained widespread popularity across the state. The team currently has 47 members composed of both boys and girls, and it's a great way for students to pursue their love of shooting while also building teamwork and sportsmanship.
In just five years Combs High School has seen great success at the state level, for the team and individual team members. But more importantly, it provides a space for students to pursue their passion for shooting sports. Seeing other local schools inspired to create their own teams shows how our district can ignite interest and enthusiasm in the community.
Another exciting addition to our extracurricular offerings is Esports. This competitive gaming sport is sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), and students from across the state compete in online tournaments. We're proud to offer both varsity and JV teams for Esports, and our students have had great success in recent competitions.
Under the leadership of Mr. Robert Testa, we've expanded our Esports program to include teams for students in grades 4 through 6 from our elementary schools and a team for our middle school students. This ensures that all of our students have the opportunity to participate in this exciting and growing sport.
These new programs highlight the innovative spirit of the J.O. Combs Unified School District. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education while also having the chance to pursue their interests. We believe that these passions, combined with a strong academic foundation, help pave the way for career success.
Public education is all about meeting the needs of our students, and we are thrilled to see how our extracurricular offerings are making a difference in their lives. Let’s continue to celebrate the diverse interests of our students and support them on their journey to success.
Dr. Gregory A. Wyman is the superintendent of the J.O. Combs Unified School District.
