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It was ‘All In’ for the Superior Panther football team who went undefeated in division play, bringing home the coveted Copper Helmet.
Beto Cervantes works at the Superior Historical Society.
A bench made by Beto Cervantes and donated to the Town of Superior.
The Superior Optimist Club’s first ever casino night was a huge success.
Superior High School varsity softball team is crowned state champs.
Writing the year end story for the Superior Sun, is one of my favorites to write each year. It is a chance to go back and reflect on some of the notable accomplishments in the community, the changes both good and bad. It is a time to look back and realize all the work that goes into making Superior a truly superior place to live, work and play.
Panther athletics dominated many news cycles with the Girls and Boys baseball teams making the state tournaments and the girls softball team amazing state championship victory in May. The spring sports season ended and before we knew it the focus was on those Friday Night Lights, and the Superior Panthers gave the community something to cheer about. They were the first team to have an undefeated regular season and took the section championship for the first time since becoming an 8-man football team.
The school district as a whole saw many changes; in 2015 the district hired Steve Estatico as the new district Superintendent. Estatico began his career in Superior as a teacher and returned to lead the district after the previous Superintendent was not re-hired. The district also lost a tireless leader, when Cindy Benson a long time educator, counselor and board member resigned from the governing board. Cindy left a long lasting impact on the district and those who learned from her have felt the loss of her physical presence but her impact and leadership on education in Superior will continue to positively affect students for many generations to come. As the administration changed a new motto was added for the district. “Once a Panther, Always A Panther” is becoming a growing sentiment on campus and in the community as the district plans for the future.
The Superior Chamber of Commerce and other local non-profits continued to make their mark on Superior. With the help of Resolution Copper, the Chamber was able to begin a business attraction program aimed at retaining and attracting more local businesses all while continuing to support and develop their ongoing events and activities. The Superior Little League received a grant to build new dug-outs at the field and continue to make major improvements to the field. The Superior Optimist Club held the first ever Casino Night in Superior which helped them to continue all the project they do in the community.
Robert “Veto” Cervantes was recognized by the Superior Optimist Club and the town of Superior as the community champion. During 2015 Veto was busy building benches for the community and working on other beautification projects in town.
The Magma Hotel construction moved along quickly and it stands proud with its lights shining onto Main St. awaiting its furniture and guests. Other businesses grew into Superior including a coffee shop, two new art galleries, a few more boutiques and even a gym which opened on the highway. A new church Calvary Superior opened and there are several plans for more new businesses on the horizon.
The Town of Superior accepted the resignation of Chief Mark Nipp and then appointed Sgt. David Neuss as the Chief of Police. The council accepted two audits in their path to get the financial books back in order. Progress was made despite the current headlines.
Our local post office celebrated it’s golden anniversary, and while there wasn’t a huge celebration, it served as a reminder of how far our community has come, how the struggles we have faced has helped to become more resilient and prepared for the future. While the theme for the 2015 Panther Football Season was “All In”, that theme and intention could be transferred into all aspects of the community, can we all be “All In for Superior”.
There is no doubt that I have probably forgotten some of the notable moments of 2015. It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone, but cheers to the New Year and all that 2016 will have in store for our community.
From the Copper Area Publishers to you, we wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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