Charter and Private Schools: August 2024 Highlights and Updates

Over the summer, incoming freshmen immersed themselves in the rich culture of Arizona, including at the Desert View Watchtower at the edge of the Grand Canyon (photo courtesy of Brophy College Preparatory).

**Program Helps Students Explore Arizona**

The Summer Honors Enrichment Program (SHEP) is a highlight for select incoming freshmen at Brophy College Prep. It explores Arizona’s wonders through two primary sections: Humanities & Innovation and Biology. The program kicks off with a week-long retreat at Manresa, Brophy’s creekside venue outside Sedona.

SHEP Humanities students benefited from the knowledge of indigenous curators and artists including Duane Koyawena and Ed Kabotie. They delved into the culture and history of Arizona, visiting sites like the Phoenix Indian School and the Museum of Northern Arizona. At the Desert View Watchtower, students listened to Kabotie play the flute near a mural painted by his grandfather in the 1930s.

Brophy College Prep asserts that SHEP provides unique hands-on adventures in Arizona’s humanities and biological ecosystems, enriching the students’ educational experience.

**Student Attends ASU Summer Program**

Niyah McAllister

Niyah McAllister, a student from GLAAZ, received a full scholarship to attend Barrett Summer Scholars at ASU. An incoming senior, McAllister is one of two students from Chicanos Por La Causa community schools to receive this honor. The scholarship covers all program costs including housing, dining, and materials, offering a complete academic immersion.

GLAAZ principal Dr. Connie Jordan, with over 20 years of educational experience, emphasized personalized connections for student success. Jordan encouraged McAllister and her peer, Natllely Pelayo, to apply due to their dedication and academic achievements. Both were accepted into the program with GPA requirements met; McAllister has a 3.98 GPA while Pelayo has a 3.6.

Pelayo attended the program at ASU’s Tempe campus in June, while McAllister participated in July at the West Valley campus.

**Summer Enrichment a Success**

Brophy College Preparatory’s Summer Enrichment Program wrapped up on June 28. The program offered diverse activities such as cooking classes, theater performances, and band practices. The program leaders expressed enthusiasm for the next summer session, affirming the program’s success in providing a dynamic and engaging environment for students.

**Students Excel on AP Exams**

Madison Highland Prep announced that 33 students have been recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board. The students achieved scores of 3 or higher on at least three exams, qualifying them for various AP Scholar awards. The school honored 21 AP Scholars, 11 AP Scholars with Honor, and one AP Scholar with Distinction.

The 33 recognized students include Mirna Arredondo, Kai Boltz-Garcia, Jadon Buckwalter, and many others. Madison Highland Prep, a STEM-focused high school, commended the students for their exceptional academic performance. The first day of the 2024-25 school year is August 5.

**Xavier Names Softball Coaches**

Xavier College Preparatory has appointed Sydnie Sahhar and Tom Sahhar as the new co-head coaches for its softball program. They replace Brad Downes and Deryk Sexton, who led the team to impressive victories, including three state championships in four years. Sydnie Sahhar also works in Xavier’s Guidance and Counseling Department, while new assistant coach Brian McNerney brings experience from Xavier’s Chemistry department and JV softball coaching.

The new coaching team aims to uphold and build upon the program’s high standards, focusing on developing student-athletes both on and off the field.