Charter and Private School Highlights: Key Updates for March 2025

Justin Kang will be a featured soloist at a March 13 concert presented by the Phoenix Youth Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Orchestra (photo courtesy of ASA).

ASA Student Featured in Upcoming Concert

The Phoenix Youth Symphony and Phoenix Symphony Orchestra will host their Side by Side concert on March 13, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Phoenix Symphony Hall. Highlighting the event is Justin Kang, a talented student from the Arizona School for the Arts.

This concert will unite over 150 musicians, featuring special performances from Jean and Robert Frankeburger Grand Prize winner Jane Henricksen and Clotilde Otranto Second Prize winner Kang as they present their concertos with The Phoenix Symphony. Following intermission, both orchestras will come together for a grand performance.

The evening’s program includes notable pieces: Verdi’s Overture to La Forza Del Destino, Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 (sections III and IV) featuring Kang, Elgar’s Cello Concerto (IV) with Henricksen, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, known as “From the New World.”

Tickets for the concert are available through www.pysorchestras.org/events.

Seniors Selected for European Soccer Program

Corey Osborn and Voss Sellers, seniors at Madison Highland Prep, have been selected for the prestigious Exact 11 program. This opportunity is limited to the nation’s top high school soccer players, chosen exclusively by NCAA and NAIA college coaches.

Osborn and Sellers will travel to Europe for a week-long training and competition experience. This program allows them to train under elite European coaches, face off against esteemed academy teams, and immerse themselves in rich soccer traditions. Their selection is especially notable as they are the only representatives from Arizona.

Madison Highland Prep is proud of their accomplishments and wishes them success as they take their talents internationally.

Students Engage with Black History

In February, the Arizona School for the Arts’ Black Student Union marked Black History Month through a series of enriching activities. During the first week alone, they hosted notable guests such as Wyndal Chapital, Erica Landreaux, and Mike Morrison.

These discussions focused on the significance of Black Greek life, providing students with insights into the history and cultural impact of these organizations. The initiative aimed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for their contributions to community and leadership.

Xavier College Preparatory’s Magazine Receives Honors

Xavier College Preparatory’s art and literary magazine, Pierian Spring, has been awarded a First Class distinction by the National Council of Teachers of English’s REALM program. This prestigious recognition comes amid stiff competition from 422 student magazines across 46 states and five countries.

Out of the submissions, only 125 magazines achieved this esteemed recognition. Pierian Spring’s selectivity highlights the quality of student contributions and creative expression found within its pages.

Brophy’s freshman class hosted Special Olympics Arizona participants during their annual Game Day event in February (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).

Game Day Promotes Inclusion at Brophy

The freshman class at Brophy College Preparatory hosted an inspiring Game Day event for Special Olympics Arizona participants on February 7. The day was packed with sports, dancing, and fun activities aimed at promoting inclusivity.

Through their participation, students and guests alike celebrated the spirit of community, embodying the school’s message that inclusion enriches everyone’s experience.

Retired teacher Dorothy Dunnion stands in the school’s Black Box Theater lobby that now bears her name (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).

Lobby Renamed in Honor of Retired Teacher

Brophy College Preparatory celebrated Dorothy Dunnion’s legacy in December by renaming the Black Box Theater lobby in her honor. Dunnion, who oversaw the theater program for two decades, has remained an active supporter since her retirement.

Starting as an English teacher in 1991, she later took on the theater program director role, significantly expanding the program and drawing in students from across the campus. The recognition event commemorated her contributions and the lasting impact she has had on the school community.

Fifth Graders Create Puppet Shows

Fifth graders in the Arizona School for the Arts Theatre 1: Foundations course recently embarked on a creative project that involved researching global stories. They transformed these narratives into original scripts and engaging puppet shows, showcasing their creativity and teamwork.