Good morning, Surprise.

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.

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).