Pictured from left to right are Xavier Swim & Dive team members Audrey McEwen, Sophia Villanueva, Ellie Desmond, Adriana Lauterborn, Sophie Dumanski and Stella Vinokur, all of whom were named Academic All-Americans (photo by Smitty Smithers).
Team earns All-America honors
Xavier College Preparatory’s Swim & Dive team is once again making waves nationally – this time for academic excellence.
The team earned Gold-Level Team Scholar recognition from the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA), achieving an exceptional 3.928 team GPA, placing them among the top academic programs in the country.
In addition, six Xavier student-athletes were named Academic All-Americans, an elite distinction awarded to just 10 to 15 percent of high school aquatic athletes nationwide. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA while competing at a high level and contributing positively to their team.
Xavier’s 2025-26 Academic All-Americans are Ellie Desmond (diving) and Adriana Lauterborn, Audrey McEwen, Sophia Villanueva, Sophie Dumanski and Stella Vinokur (swimming).
“We are incredibly proud of these young women,” said Assistant Coach David “Smitty” Smithers. “What they’ve accomplished goes far beyond the pool. It takes discipline, resilience and real commitment to excel at this level academically while competing in a demanding sport. These honors reflect who they are: driven, focused, and committed to being their best in every part of their lives.”
Beginning this fall, 11th and 12th grade students at Madison Highland Prep will have the opportunity to jumpstart a professional pilot career while still in high school – one of two new career-technical programs offered at the school (submitted photo).
School will offer aviation, welding
Madison Highland Prep announced the launch of two premier career-technical programs beginning in the fall of 2026: a professional Aviation/Flight program and a comprehensive Welding and Fabrication course.
In a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 11th and 12th grade students can now jumpstart a professional pilot career while still in high school. This dual-enrollment program allows students to earn five college credits, prepare for the FAA written exam and gain hands-on simulator experience to accumulate Private Pilot License (PPL) hours.
Central to the aviation curriculum is the addition of the Redbird FMX, a full-motion flight simulator used by professional flight schools nationwide. This advanced technology provides students with an authentic cockpit experience that directly translates to real-world flying skills. By training on the Redbird FMX, students will be able to earn loggable flight hours, significantly accelerating their progress toward certification in a safe and controlled environment.
Expanding its commitment to high-demand vocational skills, Madison Highland Prep will also introduce a Welding and Fabrication program as a specialized fifth-hour course for 11th and 12th grade students. Utilizing the industry-leading U-link curriculum from Lincoln Electric, the program offers a rigorous technical foundation in modern manufacturing. These additions reflect the school’s mission to provide high-level career pathways, offering students a competitive edge and tangible progress toward professional success.
For more information, contact the school office at 602-745-3800 or visit https://madisonhighlandprep.com.
School names ‘Distinguished Students’
During an April 16 ceremony, Brophy recognized 16 seniors chosen by their counselors and teachers this spring for their exceptional contributions.
Earning the title of “Distinguished Student” is a significant achievement, reserved for those who serve as model representatives of the school through their academic dedication, active participation in co-curriculars, and commitment to serving both our school and the wider community.
Students recognized were Tanner Bice, Andrew Bopp, TC Collum, Brody Jennings, Jude Keane, Andrew Kindle, Alex King, Leo Ma, Kevin Millar, Charlie Nelles, Cristian Porras, Cristian Salinas, Yiyi Sun, Gabe Tiano, Josue Valdez and Brandon Wirtz.
Brophy seniors celebrated their high school journey while walking the runway during the 42nd Annual Brophy Fashion Show (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).
Annual fashion show celebrates brotherhood
Brophy College Preparatory held its 42nd Annual Brophy Fashion Show, celebrating the theme of Bound in Brotherhood, on March 27 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn. The theme, the school said, was fitting: the event offered an opportunity for Brophy seniors to come together and celebrate the bonds they built during their school journey with friends and family.
The 2027 Fashion Show is scheduled for Friday, April 16. Learn more at www.brophyprep.org/giving/fashion-show.
Flourish enrolling in North Central
Flourish Schools announced in April the opening of four in-person campuses across the greater Phoenix area for Fall 2026, including their Central Phoenix campus near 7th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
Serving students in third through eighth grade, leadership says that Flourish is built on a simple premise: “Academic fundamentals are vital, but so are the human skills that determine whether a child truly thrives. Attributes such as resourcefulness, student agency, collaboration, and self-advocacy aren’t extras – they’re essential for success. Flourish was built to make sure students don’t have to choose.”
Each campus is intentionally small, capping enrollment at approximately 50 students per location. The goal is to create a safe, supportive community where every student has a genuine voice in their own education and families benefit from the kind of tight-knit environment that is increasingly rare in an era of overcrowded schools.
Flourish was founded by John Danner and Adam Nadeau, who met in graduate school and collaborated on Rocketship Public Schools, a national network of public charter schools.
Enrollment for fall 2026 is now open. Schedule a campus visit at www.flourishschools.com.
Valley Lutheran offers summer sports programs
Valley Lutheran High School invites students entering grades one to nine to get active, build skills and grow in confidence through its Summer 2026 Youth Sports Camps.
A week’s camp session is $75 and includes a camp T-shirt, making it an accessible and high-value option for families seeking both quality instruction and a positive environment.
All camps are led by the same coaches who serve Valley Lutheran’s high school athletic programs. The school emphasized that every coach and faculty member is a faithful Christian, “creating a setting where encouragement, character and faith are woven into the experience.”
Week One Camps, held the first week of June, include football (grades 5-9), girls basketball (grades 1-4, 5-9), boys basketball (grades 1-4, 5-9) and cheer (grades 1-5). Week Two Camps, held the second week of June, include softball (grades 1-4, 5-9), volleyball (grades 1-4, 5-9) and boys basketball (grades 5-9). Grades reflect the student’s incoming grade level for the 2026-27 school year.
All camps will be held on Valley Lutheran’s campus. Families are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. Visit www.vlhs.org/camps.
Montessori school ready for summer
Testing season has been happily left behind at Montessori Day School-Mountainside, the school said, with the community hoping for another “A” grade from the Arizona Department of Education.
Creative energy is now flowing into April’s Spring Fling and May’s Musical Instrument Sale, May 1, plus community appreciation events, Middle School’s mock trial and graduation ceremonies. Looking ahead to summer: each two-week themed session will include cooking and gardening, besides learning adventures with Montessori materials and games. Session 1, “Flora and Fauna,” runs June 1 to June 12.
Montessori Day School-Mountainside is located at 9215 N. 14th St. For additional information, call 602-943-7672 or visit www.mdpsc.org.
