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Local high school coaches shared plans and team insights ahead of the upcoming girls flag football season, which will begin Sept.

14 in Surprise. West Valley Preps previewed the teams, highlighting key players and strategies for the season (courtesy Ryan McGinley/Dysart Schools).

Surprise is expanding its partnership with West Valley Community Center to offer affordable before- and after-school programs at Surprise Elementary School, West Point Elementary School, and Thompson Ranch Elementary School.

Transportation is provided and families can apply for full or partial scholarships (with care from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on school days).

Local students Emily Low of Highland Prep and Mary E.

Donick of Paradise Honors High School are named among 16,000 semifinalists nationwide for the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program after taking the 2025 qualifying test. Scholarship winners will be announced from April to July.

The Surprise Parks and Recreation Department has launched Fun Friday Jam for students ages 5 to 12 on Fridays without school, offering sports, arts and crafts, board games, and arcade games at the newly renovated recreation center.

Dove hunting season began on Sept.

1, and police advised residents to follow safe practices by keeping 440 yards from homes (the recommended distance) and reporting any unsafe activity.

Surprise Public Library System is celebrating library card signup month by offering free cards throughout September.

Residents can access free programs, job resources, streaming media and cultural events (including toy checkouts and nature kits) at local branches.

At its Sept. 1 meeting, the Surprise City Council approved rezoning 422 acres at the northwest corner of 227th Ave and Pinnacle Peak Road.

The new zone covers mixed residential, conservation, and industrial uses — paving the way for hundreds of new homes at Buena Vista Ranch north of Sun Valley Parkway in coming years.

Amya Elizabeth Burley, a Surprise resident, graduated from Lee University on Aug.

1 with a bachelor of science in pastoral ministry during the 197th commencement, joining over 120 graduates from the Christ-centered school set in the Appalachian foothills.