Arizona School for the Arts strings students presented an outdoor amphitheater concert for their peers in March (submitted photo).
In March, Arizona School for the Arts students took advantage of the beautiful weather and hosted a pop concert in its outdoor amphitheater. From the haunting melodies of “Phantom of the Opera” to the adventurous themes of “Pirates of the Caribbean,” students filled the air with familiar tunes throughout the day.
The school said, “The weather was perfect, the performances were fantastic, and the energy was unforgettable! Hats off to all our talented student musicians and our amazing strings department faculty for putting on such a wonderful show.”
Grand Canyon University Girls Golf team members read Dr. Seuss books with kindergartners at SS. Simon & Jude in March (submitted photo).
Golf team celebrates Seuss with students
On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Grand Canyon University Girls Golf team visited SS. Simon & Jude Cathedral School, located at 6351 N. 27th Ave., to begin the celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2, and National Read Across America Day.
The team of golfers read Dr. Seuss books to small groups of kindergartners and answered students’ questions and comments about the books and being golfers at Grand Canyon University.
Student in the Service Club at Madison Highland Prep are learning about the need for medical supplies in developing countries through their volunteer efforts (submitted photo).
Service Club makes global impact
The Madison Highland Prep Service Club recently volunteered at Project C.U.R.E., a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes medical supplies to less-developed countries. During their visit, students organized medical gear, sorting donations and supplies by expiration date to prioritize urgent needs.
As the students worked, they learned about the significant impact of Project C.U.R.E.’s efforts. As the world’s largest distributor of donated medical supplies, the organization relies on volunteers to prepare, load and deliver essential medical equipment to communities in need. Every week, Project C.U.R.E. delivers approximately four to five semi-truck-sized ocean cargo containers to countries around the world. In addition to providing critical medical supplies, Project C.U.R.E. also sends hundreds of healthcare professionals to communities in need, providing medical treatment and training to those dedicated to serving others.
Freshman Kiera reflected on the experience, “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of Service Club. I am able to learn about the countries less fortunate than us and help in servicing them.”
Junior McKenna added, “It’s a great way to connect with the community and serve others. It’s both fulfilling and enjoyable.”
The Madison Highland Prep Service Club’s volunteer work at Project C.U.R.E. demonstrates their commitment to making a positive impact on a global scale and is just one example of their dedication to service, having also volunteered at numerous other organizations and events throughout the community.
Support Brophy’s Fashion Show
Brophy College Prep’s 41st Annual Fashion Show is scheduled for Friday, April 11, at the Camelback Inn. The school says that the event sold out in record time, but those who still wish to support financial aid can purchase raffle tickets and more on the Fashion Show website: https://e.givesmart.com/events/DpQ.
Xavier students worked together to support women in need in the Phoenix metropolitan area (photo courtesy of Xavier College Preparatory).
Club collects, distributes essentials
In March, the Xavier College Preparatory Key Club, hosted a Women4Women drive collecting feminine hygiene products for women in need.
Women4Women helps homeless and low-income women in Tempe maintain their dignity and health by distributing feminine hygiene products to those in need. According to the organization’s website, the products are not covered by SNAP and are often cost-prohibitive for low-income women and those experiencing homelessness. Low-income households make up approximately 17 percent of the population in the Phoenix Metro area.
Learn more about the nonprofit at www.women4womentempe.org.
Tennis team wins California tournament
In March, Brophy won the California Tennis Classic in Fresno. The Broncos defeated Bishop O’Dowd in the final 4-1 and Clovis North 4-2 in the semifinals on Saturday, March 8. Brophy went 4-0 on the weekend, including a 4-2 win over host Buchanan and a 5-1 win over Davis in pool play on Friday. Brophy (7-0) played at Liberty on Wednesday, March 12, before traveling to the National HS Tennis All-American in Newport Beach.
The Brophy basketball team took home their first state championship title after defeating Mesa in the AIA 6A State Championship (submitted photo).
Bronco basketball team captures 6A title
The Brophy College Prep basketball team defeated Mesa 62-49 to win the AIA 6A Conference State Championship on Saturday, March 8, at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. It is the first state championship in Brophy’s basketball history.
Junior Daylen Sharper scored a game-high 18 points with five rebounds and four assists. Senior Luke Wieskamp added 15 points, while senior Ryan Burbach added 11 and eight rebounds. Senior Ayden Madi scored 12 points, and senior Xander Koehler tied for a team-high eight rounds and contributed five points.
Brophy (19-11) trailed 34-32 at the half but took control of the game in the third quarter and outscored Mesa 30-15 in the second half.
Cardinals recognize Xavier’s Olympian
Jennifer Gillom
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Arizona Cardinals recognized Jennifer Gillom, head Varsity Basketball coach and Physical Education teacher at Xavier College Preparatory. Gillom was one of five women honored by the Cardinals as an influential voice making an impact across the Valley.
Gillom is a former Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks. She was one of the first eight players to join the Women’s Professional League. Gillom also is a former WNBA Sparks head coach, coached the Minnesota Lynx, and was assistant coach of the Connecticut Sun.
She also is an Olympian, helping the U.S. Basketball Team win a gold medal in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea. Later, Gillom helped coach the 2012 gold medal team in London. She also played overseas for 17 years.
In 2024, Gillom coached her Xavier Gators varsity basketball team to its first-ever state championship.
Considering basketball her platform, not her purpose, Gillom said, “My success on the court has provided me with a platform and an audience to reach people I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to impact. I have tried to use that platform to lead by example and to speak encouragement and support into the lives of the young people I encounter, especially my students and players. My greatest joy comes from hearing from former students and players who have grown into strong, capable young adults with the ability to make a positive impact on the world around them.”
Brophy announces passing of John Chambers
John Chambers
On March 7, the Brophy community lost one of its giants, John Chambers. Chambers, who retired in 2014, taught at Brophy for 45 years, including 10 years as Brophy’s varsity basketball head coach, and 24 years as the school’s Athletic Director. The day after his passing, Brophy won its first ever basketball state championship.
The school said, “In nearly five decades at Brophy, Mr. Chambers touched the lives of thousands of students, and he leaves behind a legacy that continues to this day. Please keep the Chambers family in your prayers.”
Details on the memorial event were not available at press time.
