JULY 4, 2012

Nicole Mingie

Nicole Mingie, daughter of Chris and Bob Mingie, was recently graduated from Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center, Inc. (AAEC High School). Remarkably, she was simultaneously graduated from Paradise Valley Community College having earned three Associate degrees: AA at 16 (Junior Year) and ABUS and AGEN at 17 (Senior Year).

There’s more. Nicole is an Honors grad. She received a Presidents Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence for a GPA of 3.79 at AAEC and High Distinction for a 3.8 G.P.A. and 98 credits at PVCC.

When asked, Nicole said the biggest challenge was scheduling classes between two schools. Her mom helped her maximize the required courses for both high school and college degrees.
Highly motivated, she volunteered at the Desert Foothills Library during her sophomore and junior years. For her Senior Project, she and Grace Nasr volunteered together to coach young people to prepare for and compete during the Special Olympics Golf Tournament Regionals.

Nicole works 20 plus hours a week in the restaurant field and she earned her Black Belt during this time as well.

In the fall Nicole will start her junior year at NAU. She could graduate with a Bachelor in Business degree at the age of 19.

How did she turn 6 years of school into 4 years? Her advice is to “Stay with it – trusting it will work out and benefit you!”

Way to go, Nicole!

JULY 4, 2012

Help America’s forests: Join the Arbor Day Foundation in July and 10 much-needed trees will be planted in national forests

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. – America’s forestland is a prized natural resource, and anyone can help plant much-needed trees in these vital areas by joining the Arbor Day Foundation.

Through the Replanting Our National Forests campaign, the Arbor Day Foundation will honor each new member who joins the Foundation in July by planting 10 trees in forests that have been devastated by wildfires, insects and disease.

The cost for joining the Arbor Day Foundation is a $10 donation.

America’s national forests face enormous challenges, including unprecedented wildfires that have left a backlog of nearly one million acres in need of replanting. The Arbor Day Foundation has worked with the United States Forest Service for more than 20 years to plant trees in forests in need.
Our national forests need protection because they provide habitat for wildlife, keep the air clean and help ensure safe drinking water for more than 180 million Americans.

“Keeping our forests healthy is vital to the health of people and the entire planet,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “By planting trees in our national forests, we will preserve precious natural resources and the benefits they provide for generations to come.”

To join the Arbor Day Foundation and help plant trees in our national forests, send a $10 membership contribution to Replanting Our National Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, or visit arborday.org/july.