Clyne named Merit Scholar
Thomas Clyne
Madison Highland Prep senior Thomas Clyne was named a National Merit Scholar, representing the first time a student earned this official title in the school’s history. Out of 1.3 million students who entered the nationwide competition, Clyne rose to the top to secure a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, building upon a strong tradition of past semifinalists within the Madison Highland Prep community.
The selection process began with the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), where only the top 1% of scorers in each state advanced, requiring finalists to maintain an exceptional academic record, earn a confirming SAT or ACT score, and receive a formal principal recommendation.
A committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors evaluated the finalists to select the student for this highly competitive national honor.
In a released statement, the school said, “Madison Highland Prep extends its warmest congratulations to Thomas for achieving this historic milestone and commend his outstanding contributions to the school’s academic environment. His success sets a new benchmark for future Madison Highland Prep students and highlights the institution’s commitment to cultivating top-tier scholastic excellence.”
Construction continues at St. Thomas
When completed, the 76,652 SF, three-story St. Thomas the Apostle school building with a basement will include ground-level classrooms, a welcoming lobby, student gathering areas and upgraded administrative space (submitted photo).
In mid-May, Wespac Construction announced that it has completed the Phase I shell and first floor of the new St. Thomas the Apostle School K-8 classroom facility at 4510 N. 24th St., and has begun Phase II of the facility’s buildout, continuing interior work on a long-established Biltmore-area school and parish campus while helping modernize its learning environment for future generations.
When completed, the 76,652 SF, three-story school building with a basement will include ground-level classrooms, a welcoming lobby, student gathering areas and upgraded administrative space. The ground floor will welcome students in grades kindergarten, first, and second at the start of the 2026-27 school year in August. Phase II interior improvements will add 57,393 SF of classrooms, a cafeteria and kitchen, library, music studio with stage, fine arts studio, STEM lab, science lab and additional student commons.
The project was delivered in partnership with St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, replacing aging campus infrastructure with a modern educational environment built to serve students, faculty, parishioners, and the surrounding community for decades to support long-term growth and academic excellence.
Learn more about the school by visiting www.staphxschool.org.
Montessori transitions to summer
“May at Montessori Day School was celebratory,” enthused school leadership. “Testing was over and staff appreciation was in full bloom – literally – with flowers, food and love notes from parents overloading the office and classrooms.”
The first week ended with a tablecloth luncheon for staff in the airy art room, sponsored by appreciative parents. The following week resounded with hands-on student “instrument invitationals” in the commodious music room.
The third week brought furrowed brows with the Middle School students’ on-stage “Mock Trial” presentation. (The student jury determined in the Plaintiff’s favor), and week four culminated with eighth grade graduation – after pajama day, petting zoo day, water day, bad-hair day and other crazy-making fun themes. Staff looked forward to the Memorial Day weekend followed by the “transition to summer sessions” week of peaceful planning for the months ahead.
The A-rated Montessori Day School is located at 9215 N. 14th St. For additional information, call 602-943-7672 or visit www.mdpsc.org.
Xavier College Preparatory’s Class of 2026 celebrated at a May commencement ceremony held at St. Francis Xavier Church (photo by Zachary Carlson).
Xavier celebrates Class of 2026
Xavier College Preparatory celebrated the graduation of 262 seniors during commencement ceremonies held at St. Francis Xavier Church. Students were recognized for their academic accomplishments, along with leadership, service, scholarship and future aspirations that span the globe.
The Class of 2026 distinguished itself in several remarkable ways. Five graduates received appointments to prestigious United States military academies, including Makenna King, West Point; Amelia Busch, Naval Academy; Catherine George, Naval Academy; Eva Wilson, Air Force Academy; and Lucia Hansen, Coast Guard Academy. This is the highest number of military academy appointments in Xavier history in a single graduating class.
In addition, three Xavier seniors, Breezy Gonzales Cifuentes, Alison Pereo Magana and Jessica Solorio, were awarded the highly competitive Dorrance Scholarship, which provides four years of tuition and support at an Arizona public university, as well as international travel opportunities and enrichment experiences.
Senior Riya Mehta was named a Flinn Foundation Scholar, one of Arizona’s most prestigious merit-based awards. Mehta will attend Arizona State University on the pre-med track.
Senior Elise Posever was named a Candidate to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors.
The graduating class also demonstrated Xavier’s continued commitment to academic rigor and college readiness, the school said. Through Xavier’s partnership with Rio Salado College, more than one-third of the graduating class earned Associate’s Degrees through the school’s Dual Enrollment Program before receiving their Xavier diplomas.
Members of the Class of 2026 also were awarded more than $25 million in college scholarships, reflecting the extraordinary academic achievement and leadership of Xavier students. The Class of 2026 will attend colleges and universities across the country, pursuing studies in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to business, public service, education and the arts.
Learn more about the school by visiting www.xcp.org.
School excels in FAFSA Challenge
The Arizona Board of Regents recognized Madison Highland Prep for earning second place in the Arizona FAFSA Challenge, securing one of the top spots for the highest completion rate within its enrollment category.
This state award celebrated the school’s success in driving Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion among its graduating seniors. To commemorate this achievement, Principal Rosana Rodriguez and school counselor Dr. Malinda Sherer attended the 2026 Arizona FAFSA Challenge Awards Celebration to accept a special framed certificate on behalf of the school, marking an outstanding institutional commitment to expanding vital postsecondary pathways for its students.
The school said, “This notable accomplishment directly reflected the dedication, persistence, and intentional efforts of Madison Highland Prep’s counselors, educators, and staff. Through targeted outreach and support, the school’s team successfully empowered families to access critical financial aid opportunities, making a meaningful difference in the community.”
The Arizona Board of Regents applauded the school for its leadership in college readiness and for ensuring its graduates were strongly positioned for future academic and career success.
Elijah Knox
Knox named head basketball coach
Xavier College Preparatory has named Elijah Knox as the next head coach of its basketball program, ushering in a new era for the high school basketball programs following the retirement of legendary coach and Olympian Jennifer Gillom.
Knox brings a professional and player development background shaped at the highest levels of the game, the school said. Most recently, he served on staff with the Seattle Storm. Prior to his time in Seattle, he spent four years with the Phoenix Mercury, where he focused on skill development, film and game preparation, and practice planning.
In addition to his WNBA experience, Knox has spent more than a decade working across grassroots, high school, collegiate and professional basketball with both boys and girls. He is the founder of Arizona Athletics Basketball, which serves youth from first grade through high school. His work has consistently centered on developing players for the next level, both athletically and academically.
At Xavier, Knox aims to build upon the strong foundation established under Gillom by continuing to develop high-level student-athletes and preparing them for success beyond high school.
