ASA celebrates student achievement
In October, Arizona School for the Arts (ASA) announced that four of its students – Parker Johnson, Daniel Kang, Miah Mostaghimi and Bryce Vu – have been selected as semifinalists for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Johnson serves as the class of 2025 president and also is a talented vocalist and violinist, having participated in the Honors Performance Series Orchestra Festivals this past February. Kang has performed as a featured pianist at the Arizona Music Educator Association Tier 3 Honors Recital and is a first violin section member. Mostaghimi has been named a 2025 National Hispanic Scholar through the National Hispanic Recognition Program and has participated in the All-State Guitar Ensemble. Vu has been selected as a vocalist for the Western Region American Choral Directors Association conference honor choirs and is also an accomplished pianist.
The school says that all four are part of the nationwide pool of semifinalists representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, including the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Finalists will be announced early next year.
The school said, “In its 30 years, ASA has built a strong tradition of students being recognized in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These four students continue that legacy, joining a distinguished group of past semifinalists and finalists. We applaud their academic and extracurricular successes!”
Learn more at www.goasa.org or by calling 602-257-1444.
School announces board executive committee
Arizona School for the Arts announced the appointment of a new executive committee of their board of directors for the 2024-26 school years.
President Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, ATC, is the co-founder and chief clinical officer of WebPT. Vice president Allison Otu is the executive director of Marketing and Communications at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Secretary/treasurer Betty Hum is an attorney consultant with AxiomLaw and a part-time photographer.
The staff at Brophy’s student-produced newspaper, The Roundup, celebrated their achievements after being recognized by the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association in October (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).
Brophy’s student newspaper takes AIPA top prize
The Arizona Interscholastic Press Association (AIPA) has named Brophy College Preparatory’s student-produced newspaper, The Roundup, as the best online school newspaper in the state.
The Roundup’s print version took second place in the print category. The 2024 awards recognize student work from the 2023-24 school year. The newspaper is moderated by faculty member Jake Kelly, Class of 2009.
The Roundup staff members also garnered individual awards in nearly a dozen categories, including “News Story” (Honorable Mention – Ian O’Riley and Jack Willmore; Excellent – Ian O’Riley and Gabe Tiano; and Superior – Alex Gross); “Feature Story” (Excellent – Alex Gross, David Robaina, and Jack Kyle, two awards); “Sports Story” (Honorable Mention – Santiago Sanchez and Jack Willmore); “Opinion” (Excellent – The Roundup Staff); “In-Depth Reporting” (Excellent – Charlie Richards; Superior – Charlie Richards); “Review Writing” (Honorable Mention – Alex Gross); “Photography” (Honorable Mention – Jackson Stack); “Information Graphic” (Superior – Jack Kyle); “Newspaper Front Page” (Superior – Henry Walters); “Sports Page Design” (Excellent – Jack Kyle and Jack Willmore); and “Social Justice Reporting” (Superior – Alex Gross).
Learn more at www.brophyprep.org or www.azaipa.org.
Madison Highland Prep goes ‘platinum’
Madison Highland Prep has earned the prestigious Platinum level recognition on the AP School Honor Roll for the 2023-24 school year. This highest level of distinction, awarded by the College Board, acknowledges the school’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and college readiness. In addition, the school was recognized with the AP Access Award for providing all students the chance to participate in AP courses, including students of underrepresented populations. By achieving all criteria set forth by the College Board, the school says that it continues to demonstrate its dedication to providing students with rigorous academic opportunities.
Notably, 84 percent of the school’s graduating class took an AP exam, 60 percent scored a “3” or more on any AP exam, and 19 percent took five or more AP exams, with at least one being taken in ninth or tenth grade. These impressive statistics showcase the students’ hard work, determination, and preparedness for success. As a Platinum level school, Madison Highland Prep joins an elite group of institutions recognized for exceptional academic achievement, solidifying its reputation as a leader in education.
For more information, contact the school office at 602-745-3800 or visit www.madisonhighlandprep.com.
Valley Lutheran High School students, along with the Hearts to Serve volunteer group leader, Dave Meyer, spent a recent Saturday building beds for families in need at Sleep in Heavenly Peace (submitted photo).
Students spend Saturday volunteering
Valley Lutheran High School says that “Learning, Serving, and Sharing Christ” is at the core of the school’s mission, and since 1981, students have graduated and entered the real world having been a part of service projects in the city of Phoenix and beyond. Whether it be cleaning up beaches in Southern California or spending an early morning handing out food to families in need, students graduate Valley Lutheran having served their community in multiple capacities.
While each school year is filled with numerous opportunities for staff and students to serve, the school decided to take its mission to serve the community even further. Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, administration sought to find a way for students, parents, and members of the school community to serve on the weekends. It wasn’t long after that the Hearts to Serve volunteer team was born.
Led by theology teacher Dave Meyer, the Hearts to Serve volunteer team has proven to be a much-needed outlet for students and parents to begin their Saturday morning with action and purpose. Their most recent meetup was a Saturday morning spent building beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that provides beds for children in need. The Hearts to Serve team built beds alongside 100 other volunteers from the community.
Interest from the student body in the school’s volunteer group has only grown since the start of the current school year. Students have even taken the initiative to start a student volunteer club on campus, and will meet once a week during the school day.
For additional information, call 602-230-1600 or visit www.vlhs.org.
Xavier earns fourth ‘Blue Ribbon’ recognition
Xavier College Preparatory announced in late September that it has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Blue Ribbon School for the fourth time by the U.S. Department of Education.
This achievement places Xavier in a select group of schools nationwide that have earned this honor multiple times. The school says that this further solidifies its reputation as a leader in academic excellence, character development, and community service. Xavier is the only school in Arizona to have received the award four times.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said, “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Cited as an Exemplary High Performing School, Xavier is among the top performers in Arizona as measured by nationally normed tests. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools based on their overall academic performance.
Xavier President Sister Joan Fitzgerald, BVM, said the school was deeply honored to once again receive this award.
Learn more at www.xcp.org.
