Page 22 June 2012 Eagle Scout project aids vets’ group Taylor Young By Lita Patrick Led by Taylor Young, approximately 60 family, friends veterans and volunteers came together to help formerly homeless veterans at the Madison Street Veterans Association at The MANA House this spring. Volunteers and the Boy Scouts of Troop 6 of the Camelback District in the Grand Canyon Council based in Arcadia area did a number of projects at the transitional housing center at 755 E. Willett Road. “One of the rooms had no divider wall so we built one to add more privacy,” Taylor said. “We also re-painted the red curb along the outside of the MANA House, building shelving units in some of the closets and painted the walls upstairs.” As a part of his Eagle Scout project, Taylor, a 15-year-old sophomore at Saguaro High School, planned and organized the project. Fewer than 2 percent of all Boy Scouts become Eagle Scouts. “I decided on this project because I wanted to give back to the veterans in need,” Taylor said. “Troop 6 helped us do some of the projects we wanted to get done at the MANA House; we didn’t have the supplies and manpower to do it all,” said Terry Araman, Vietnam veteran and executive director for the Madison Street Veterans Association. Araman, who was homeless after returning from service, formed the Madison Street Veterans Association in 2006. The MANA House was created in 2009 as a shelter for the homeless and displaced veterans. It now houses 51 vets. The White House recognized Araman in 2011 as a community leader in President Obama’s Champions of Change program. The program honors members nationwide for their volunteer work to improve the lives of others. Continued on page 24 Whether you’re buying, selling, remodelling or researching your options, call Bellamak Realty. Traci Bellamak ~ Realtor ® Buyer Specialist 602-799-1186 Shawn Bellamak Designated Broker Listing Specialist 602-723-0400 Judge Bellamak ~ Realtor ® Buyer’s/Seller’s Agent 602-799-1103 Over $250M Sold Bellamak.com 602-723-0400 d m Sellers: Buyers: I can conduct a professional short sale discreetly. No sign, no lock box, no hassle. I have buyers waiting. Looking for hard-to-find deals? I have them! Arcadia’s Short Sale Looking for hard to find deals? a professional short sale ign, no lock box, no hassle. e buyers waiting. Specialist Shawn Bellamak 602-723-0400

Page 23 June 2012 Arcadia High School wins A+ excellence designation By Raquel Velasco Parental involvement and teamwork helped Arcadia High School earn an A+ award this year from the Arizona Educational Foundation. Arcadia High is among 21 schools in the state to be named an A+ School of Excellence. Of the 21 schools recognized this year, four are high schools. The school, which opened in 1958, has a recognized arts program, re technology program and music program, among other special programs. “We have a tight-knit community with businesses and leaders in the area,” Assistant Principal Katherine O’Boyle said. O’Boyle said her school stands out because it operates as a team – from teachers mentoring and tutoring on their own time to parental involvement, which in turn leads to having great students. “I would think the real strength is the teachers, the faculty, our PTO and the members of the community,” she said. “They are all really good at what they do.” The A+ School Program acknowledges public K-12 Arizona schools that excel in student focus and support, school culture, active teaching and learning, curriculum, leadership, community and parent involvement and assessment. Winning schools receive $500 and a banner, and each school’s staff and faculty are eligible for partial scholarships from Argosy University Phoenix. The award is valid for three years. After completing a 26-page application in January, nalist schools are evaluated by a team that visits in the spring, analyzing classroom instruction and interviewing teachers. O’Boyle said the school owes its recognition to a combination of excellent students, parents and faculty that work together to ensure student needs are met on an individual level. “The teachers and staff work so hard here,” she said. “We are so happy that we can label ourselves an A+ school.” l Garden • Arcadia High • Peo op p p p s o o • St. Theresa • Basketball • Ki id d ds i se e eu ums • Softball • Shemer Art • Ch hr r ri r Vo o o ol lleyball • Neighborhood News • Sp po o or N te e e er rtainment • Ingleside • Football • N N N a en n n nt ts • Squaw Peak • Recreation • Dram m m ma a d Da a an nce • Church News • Hopi • Arc ca a a n l lt t th & Fitness • Arts & Entertainme e en n a s s • Hopi • Football • Desert Botani ic c c ca S a ad d d dia High • People • Phoenix Zoo • S S a as s sketball • Kids • Tavan • Museums s h h er A l w w w Peak • Recreation • Drama • Baseb ba a a hu u ur rch News • H i Buy. Sell. Trade. Learn piano. Visit Classifieds at: l h h hem em emer er er er A A A A Art rt rt rt rt • • • • Ch Ch Ch Ch Chri ri ri ri rist t st st st L L L Lut ut uth he he her ra ran n • • V Vo V l ghborhood News • Sports • Arts & Ent ngleside • Football • Neighborhood w w Pe Peak ak • • R Re ecr t ti i w Peak • Recr ti hemer Art Ch i orts • A l • Nei V rts & En ghborh h he A l l hemer Art • Christ Lutheran • Vo e d d w w Pe Peak ak • • R Rec ecre reat atio ion • D D l d ARCADIADAILY COM i i i i i i i i ig g g i i i i i i i i i i i ig g g g CASITAS | COURTYARD RESIDENCES | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 7325 E. PRINCESS BLVD., SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 Reservations now being accepted. Please call 480-359-1980. MaravillaScottsdale.com New Assisted Living & Memory Care —Now Open We take your care personally. For over 20 years, SRG has been delivering personal, supportive care in engaging environments that truly feel like home. Maravilla is in the heart of all things Scottsdale, with Assisted Living in private, spacious residences featuring Arizona rooms, and Memory Care in a thoughtfully designed, secure residential setting. Come see how you or a family member will live.