Students at Madison Highland Prep celebrated their recent ranking as 25th among the best high schools in Arizona (submitted photo).
MHP ranked 25th in the country
Madison Highland Prep (MHP) has been ranked 25th among the best high schools in Arizona, according to U.S. News & World Report.
“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the school’s commitment to academic excellence and its focus on preparing students for success in college and beyond,” the school said. “The rankings are based on rigorous criteria, including test scores, graduation rates and college readiness. This honor not only reflects the hard work and dedication of Madison Highland Prep’s students and faculty, but also underscores the school’s reputation as a leader in high school education.”
As a STEM Cognia certified charter school and a continuous PLTW Distinguished School, Madison Highland Prep says that it is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school has an impressive 100 percent college acceptance rate, says it is proud of its students’ achievements and looks forward to continuing to provide opportunities for growth and development.
“This recognition by U.S. News & World Report solidifies Madison Highland Prep’s position as a top-tier educational institution in Arizona, and the school remains committed to empowering students to become successful members of an increasingly innovation-driven society and global marketplace,” leadership added.
Madison Highland Prep is a STEM-focused college-preparatory high school located at 1431 E. Campbell Ave. in Phoenix. For more information, contact the school office at 602-745-3800 or visit www.madisonhighlandprep.com.
Xavier’s Computer Science students Maddie Kaiser (left) and Blair Calihan will participate in the 2023 Makers of Change Assistive Technology Challenge this fall (photo by Lisa Zuba).
Students compete in ‘Makers’ challenge
Ten student teams from Xavier College Preparatory will participate in the 8th Annual Makers of Change Assistive Technology Challenge, a competition where students develop real-world solutions to improve accessibility for children with disabilities.
This is the second year Xavier has entered the challenge, with participants drawn from the school’s AP Computer Science Principles and AP Cyber 1 classes. The event challenges students to apply their technical skills in innovative ways that directly address the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Senior Blair Calihan, vice president of Xavier’s chapter of the National Computer Science Honor Society, is leading a team designing a grocery store–specific wheelchair attachment to help shoppers reach top shelves.
“Competing in the Challenge is a great way to apply our skills,” Calihan said. “It takes learning to the next level.”
Junior Maddie Kaiser is exploring whether adding a Lidar-type camera to a wheelchair could help users navigate more easily. Her team is also testing the potential to adapt the same technology for white canes used by visually impaired or blind individuals.
“Our team wants to find solutions so that people with disabilities can take part in all aspects of society and make life better,” Kaiser explained.
Xavier’s Computer Science Department Chair Leon Tynes, Jr. noted that students will conduct most of their research through professional and academic journals rather than popular online sources, and will consult outside professionals, including people with disabilities, to review their projects.
“Project-based learning is essential for students to work and compete in today’s society,” Tynes said.
Judges will score all submissions to determine the top-scoring teams, who will present their projects at the challenge’s final event on October 17.
Xavier College Preparatory is an all-girls Catholic high school in Phoenix. Learn more by visiting www.xcp.org.
Anne Enos, DAR, principal Randy Smith, school nurse Beverly Kane, and Terri Clarke and Mary Brink, both DAR members, recently celebrated the delivery of new American flags to Most Holy Trinity Catholic School (submitted photo).
DAR gifts flags to Most Holy Trinity
Students at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic School, 535 E. Alice Ave. in Phoenix, obtained new American flags from members of the Paradise Valley Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Every morning, while school is in session, the entire student body participates in an assembly and takes turns in leading the Pledge of Alliance, along with morning prayers and daily announcements. School principal Randy Smith said the new flags will be used in assemblies and classrooms.
“Central to our mission is education and community service,” said Terri Clarke, who led the project team.
DAR is an organization devoted to preserving American history and offers programs to promote patriotism and completes community service projects. Members can trace their lineage to ancestors who served in the American Revolution. The Paradise Valley Chapter meets in Phoenix and currently has 110 members who focus on community service projects with an emphasis on veterans.
Learn more about Most Holy Trinity at www.mhtcatholicschool.org. For more information about the Paradise Valley Chapter, visit www.paradisevalley.arizonadar.org.
School year begins with special mass
Brophy College Preparatory students were joined on Aug. 15 by Bishop John Dolan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit.
The school said in a social media post, “As always, it is a gift to come together as one Brophy community to celebrate Mass, and the perfect way to end the second week of the new school year.”
Brophy, a private Jesuit, Catholic school, is located at 4701 N. Central Ave. for additional information, visit www.brophyprep.org.
Experience murder mystery with a comedic twist
Residents are invited to join Xavier Prep Theater and Brophy Prep Theater students for a night of mystery, murder and mayhem, as the students present their hilarious stage adaptation of “Clue.”
Based on the cult classic film and board game, this fast-paced comedy will keep theater goers guessing – and laughing – until the final twist.
Performances will be held Sept. 24-27 at Xavier College Preparatory Performing Arts Center, 4710 N. 5th St. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. most nights; a 2 p.m. matinee performance is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27.
Tickets for “Clue” are $10 and can be purchased online at www.xcp.org/student-life/performing-arts.
Erin Weber and Ginger Armstrong will serve as co-chairs of Brophy College Preparatory’s 2025 auction fundraiser, Brophy Kicks on Route 66 (submitted photo).
Save the date for 2025 auction
Brophy College Preparatory presents Brophy Kicks on Route 66, its 2025 Auction on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Brophy’s Harper Great Hall. This year’s theme celebrates the incredible journey that the Brophy family has taken together and looks ahead with excitement to the school’s future.
On the event webpage, the school said, “As we approach our centennial, we are committed to preserving our iconic campus facilities and investing in new innovations. All Auction proceeds benefit the Brophy Fund, supporting programs, people and places that allow every student to flourish. Whether you’re interested in donating a unique item or experience, or learning more about sponsorship opportunities, we invite you to play a part in our journey.”
The first major social event of the 2025-26 school year, Brophy Kicks on Route 66 is an opportunity to gather together, welcome new families from the Class of 2029, rekindle friendships with current families and deepen relationships with those in the school community.
Erin Weber and Ginger Armstrong will serve as the 2025 event co-chairs. Find more information at www.brophyprep.org/giving/auction.
Event will help parents navigate tuition
Phoenix Christian Preparatory School, 1751 W. Indian School Road, invites area families to “A Night of Hope,” Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The event will offer a practical guide to parents who might be falling short on tuition. Dinner will be provided. Parents can RSVP by contacting the school, 602-265-4707 or at hello@phoenixchristian.org.
Phoenix Christian Preparatory School serves middle and high school age students. The school also has an Elementary Campus at 4002 N. 18th Ave. Learn more at www.phoenixchristian.org.
Ethical Cadet scholarship offered
The BBB Ethical Cadet Scholarship, sponsored by Salt River Project (SRP) awards scholarships to Arizona JROTC cadets who demonstrate exceptional character and commitment to service. These scholarships recognize cadets who go above and beyond in their leadership and community involvement.
The program recently awarded 12 cadets with $1,000 scholarships. In addition to the individual BBB Ethical Cadet scholarship, each high school JROTC program also received $1,000, doubling the community impact, for a total of $24,000. JROTC programs will use the money to help with equipment, uniforms and program expenses.
Cadets serve as role models by leading in times of need, doing the right thing even in the most difficult situations and empowering others through community service. Now in its seventh year, the scholarship has awarded $144K to local AZ high school students and their JROTC programs.
Applications for the 2025-26 school year opened on Aug. 1. For more information, visit https://cadet.bbbcommunity.org.
