4 JUNE 2018 much about it,” said R ea . “I think I assumed it would just be a lot of computer work, but I didn’t realize what a big art aspect there was to it. Now I can’t get enough of it.” This fall, R ea will be heading to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth to study graphic design. Her dad attended the school, so she was familiar with the college. But it was a trip to visit the TCU graphic design program that helped her truly decide what her next chapter in life would be. “What really sold me was visiting the classroom,” said R ea . “I sat in with the senior class and the students were really helpful to each other, and I felt really welcomed there. I guess that tight-knit community thing is just what I really fall for.” Gretchen R ea didn’t hesitate when asked what she enjoyed most about growing up in Arcadia. “I always loved the tight-knit aspect to the neighborhood,” said R ea . “I grew up a block from Hopi, and people were always out exercising, walking their dogs, or just hanging out in yards. It made it easy to get to know people.” R ea , who just graduated from Arcadia High School last month, has spent her years in the neighborhood involved in a wide variety of activities. She has held nearly every executive position in the local chapter of the National Charity League, a local non-profit organization that fosters mother-daughter relationships t h roug h ph ila nt h ropic endeavors. She has volunteered her time at the Shemer Art Center and has spent time mentoring young students at Echo Canyon School. This devotion to helping others was a big part of why R ea was selected as the Arcadia News Scholarship winner for 2018. The scholarship has been awarded to a graduating student from Arcadia High School in each of the past 13 years. “I love seeing the reactions of people when they are helped,” said R ea . “Any volunteering I’ve done has been an eye-opening experience for me, I feel like it has taught me to appreciate things in my own life.” Another activity R ea has been involved in is graphic design. She was awarded “Most Impressive First Year Portfolio” in her advertising design class as a sophomore, and was elected President of the Skills USA Advertising Art and Design Club. “I joined graphic design during my sophomore year, and I really didn’t know Summer has officially arrived and school is out! This means the main focus of parent and child alike over the next few months will be trying to find a way to deal with the heat. One of the most popular options is taking advantage of all the world-class resorts that sit in our own backyard, and we’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly activities that are taking place at some of these local hideouts over the next few months (page 28). If you just need to fill a couple hours instead of a whole weekend, a local splash pad might do the trick (page 22). As the Grayman brothers showed our photographer (cover, page 3, page 22), few things are as much fun as jumping through fountains at full speed! Harkins Theatres is bringing back their Summer Movie Fun program (page 36), where ten weeks of kid-friendly movies are offered for just $7. If relaxing with a book is how you’d rather spend your day, a local librarian has selected summer reading options for both parents and kids (page 44). One of my favorite stories from this issue is our piece on local chefs who have taken their culinary skills into the Chopped kitchen (page 26). Five contestants, who each made their name at some of the most well-known restaurants in our area, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour on what it was like to avoid the chopping block on America’s favorite cooking show. We’re also starting a new series for the summer entitled “Postcards from the Past.” Our Publisher will be unveiling his collection of historic postcards over the next few months, giving us an in-depth look at what life was like at some of Phoenix’s most recognizable locations. As always, I encourage you to reach out to me with any story ideas, suggestions or feedback. Many of our best neighborhood stories are made possible by loyal readers who contact us. We hope you enjoy this June 2018 edition – and thank you for reading the Arcadia News ! — Nick Smith EDITOR’S NOTE Arcadia News scholarship winner 2018 Arcadia High graduate Gretchen R ea at Texas Christian University’s famous Frog Fountain. BEALSMD.COM Long-time Arcadia resident & supporter. 5410 N. Scottsdale Rd. 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2018 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2018-4/30/2018) Active Homes - 79 Homes Homes Sold - 75 Homes Average Sale Price - $659,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $273 Average Days On Market - 86 days There is currently 4 months of home inventory. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have decreased 5% this year. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have increased 7%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 6%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 Homes are taking 9% more time to sell. (based on 2017 sales results) 2017 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 241 Homes Average Sale Price - $612,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $257 Average Days On Market - 78 days 2016 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT YEAR END SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 219 Homes Average Sale Price - $527,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $235 Average Days On Market - 93 days Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2018 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2018-4/30/2018) Active Homes - 209 homes Homes Sold - 95 homes Average Sale Price - $1,238,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $344 Average Days On Market - 144 days There is currently 9 months of home inventory. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have increased 4% this year. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have increased 8%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 3%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 homes are taking 19% more time to sell. (based on 2017 sales results) 2017 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 276 homes Average Sale Price - $1,140,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $332 Average Days On Market - 116 days 2016 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT YEAR END SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 278 homes Average Sale Price - $1,210,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $328 Average Days On Market - 128 days If you are buying or selling a home in Arcadia, call Tommy! visit Tommy Atkinson .com Free MLS Access • Complete list of ALL Hopi properties for sale Complete List of ALL Tavan properties for sale West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 I have several buyers looking for houses in Arcadia. If you don’t want to list your house but would consider selling, please call me. 3114 N Marigold • $ 665,000 4 bedroom/ 3.5 Bath • 3,050 square feet Arizona Country Club