Charter and Private School Highlights: September 2024 Edition

Madison Highland Prep students (left to right) Omar Arriaga, Julitza Arriaga, Isaac Hernandez, Leonard Webster III spent their summer getting hands-on experience in the healthcare field (submitted photo).

**Students Pursue Future in Healthcare**

Four students from Madison Highland Prep have completed an impactful internship at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. Omar Arriaga, Julitza Arriaga, Isaac Hernandez, and Leonard Webster III gained practical experience in the healthcare field this summer, immersing themselves in various medical environments.

This internship enabled them to shadow healthcare professionals, assist in patient care, and perform essential administrative duties. From sterilizing medical equipment to building connections with mentors, each student acquired invaluable insights into the healthcare sector.

Omar Arriaga, a junior aspiring to be a neurosurgeon, remarked on the significance of the experience: “Talking with surgeons and gastroenterologists was a remarkable opportunity.” The real-world exposure has motivated all four to reapply next summer for continued growth in their chosen field.

New faculty members were made welcome at Arizona School for the Arts in preparation for the 2024-25 school year (submitted photo).

**School Welcomes New Teachers**

In August, Arizona School for the Arts extended a warm welcome to new faculty members, facilitated by Instructional Coaches Erin Jonas, Andrew Doumakes, and Connie Padian. The coaching staff ensured newcomers were prepared for the 2024-25 school year as faculty training commenced on August 2.

Located at 1410 N. 3rd St., the Arizona School for the Arts integrates rigorous academics with performing arts, acknowledging the cognitive improvements linked to music education. This unique approach fosters not only intellectual growth but also long-term social and emotional benefits for students.

Brophy’s Chill Patrol spent the summer months engaging with Valley residents who are experiencing homelessness (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).

**Chill Patrol Does Outreach**

This summer, students from Brophy College Preparatory formed the Chill Patrol, a pilot outreach program focused on assisting those experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. Participants delivered cold water and crucial information to individuals at heat relief centers.

The initiative included four patrols each week over two weeks, where students engaged with community members and distributed around 120 bottles of water during each session. The success of the outreach has led to plans for expanding the program next summer, reflecting a commitment to community service.

**Volleyball Team Excels Academically**

Xavier College Preparatory’s volleyball programs have been recognized with the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the past year. The teams achieved a remarkable year-long grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, placing them among over 1,400 high school and collegiate programs.

Additionally, Xavier’s volleyball teams earned a spot on the AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, acknowledging their superior academic performance. Head Varsity Volleyball Coach Lamar-Renee Bryant expressed pride in the athletes’ balance of academics and athletics.

As part of the Ignite program Brophy students learned about community organizing by immersing themselves in the reality of farmworkers (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).

**Broncos Tackle Community Organizing**

A group of Brophy students participated in the Ignite program in Bellingham, WA, where they focused on community organizing over the summer break. Joined by Drew Rau, ‘02, and Heather Chapman, the students engaged in workshops and hands-on activities that included setting up a food bank for 600 farmworker families.

As part of their experience, the students harvested over 200 pounds of kale at a local farm, underscoring their commitment to community service and social justice.