50 JUNE 2018 By Rachael Bouley A group of local creative thinkers and hardworking problem solvers recently won an award at a regional robotics competition. Strong spirit and out-of-the-box solutions fueled the Arcadia Titans FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) Robotics Team when they took home top honors at the Arizona North Regional competition in March. The Titans won the Imagery Award, which celebrates attractive engineering and outstanding visual integration, from the machine to the team appearance. “We train Arcadia High School robotics students to run the 3D printers to develop the next generation of designers that understand additive manufacturing,” said team president Austin Suder. “We started using 3D printed parts on our robots in 2014, and the quantity of parts printed has increased every year.” “Our robot design pushes the boundaries of innovation by using materials not expected—like 3D printed parts,” added team programmer Lance Davis. Although the team is confident in its robots, it is always looking for ways to improve, and regional competitions give the squad the perfect chance to do so. The Titans were not only happy with their performance at Arizona North, but they were also encouraged by the results of the enhancements they made to make their robots stronger for the next competition. The Titans’ teamwork and collaborative spirit has them on the road to success. While they have adult advisors and coaches, at the end of the day it’s the students who make the big decisions. Team members brainstorm ideas, discuss potential challenges and ultimately vote on the final design of the robot before building commences. Assistant coach Dianna Davis says FIRST aims to inspire students in the areas of science and technology. “FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21 st century work-life skills,” Davis said. The team hopes to soon start a new club at Ingleside Middle School, and the students already mentor Tavan Elementary School’s FIRST Lego League team. “We want to share our passion and excitement for STEM and inspire younger students to get involved and explore this amazing program,” Davis added. Mentor Nicole Avila has spent six years helping the students achieve their goals and develop new skills. Many of the mentors are alumni of the program, giving current students an unique perspective on what it takes to turn a high school hobby into a thriving career. “Watching our students find their passion through robotics has been fulfilling,” Avila said. “Some students pursue STEM careers and others have pursued a career in education. As a mentor, my goal is not focused on helping them build a robot. My goal is to help them become strong future leaders.” AHS Robotics team uses 3D printing to win regional award The Arcadia Titans FIRST team celebrates during the Arizona North Regional Robotics competition. 3641 N. 56th Street, Phoenix • 480-945-9537 • www.popphoenix.org Northeast corner of 56th St. and Indian School Road Lots of fun for your preschooler this summer! • Ages 2-5 • Flexible Scheduling • Indoor Gymnasium Preschool Summer Camp Preschool Fall Registration Registration may still be available on a limited basis. Call the office today at 480-947-5645 to schedule a tour! Vacation Bible School is On The Way! Shipwrecked, Rescued by Jesus June 4-8, from 9 a.m. – Noon • Kids K-5th grade! $50/person Activity Camp - Water park fun  more! June 11-14, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Kids 2nd-7th grade Petting Zoo • Arizona Puppet Theater • Water Day • Vacation Bible School • Ice Castles Patriotic Parade • Snow Cones • Music and Art Experiences • Science Experiments • Sports Join us for 8 weeks of Preschool Fun from June 4–July 27 Registration Forms for Camp available in the office or at www.poppreschool.com To register, call the church office or go online. Does your child love Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math? At SySTEM Phoenix your child can get a free college-prep STEM education! Apply today! Call Now or Apply Online! Key Information School Day: 8:15 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. 6th-8th Grade 25 students per class Does your child like to make things? Build things? Play with robots or drones? Apply to SySTEM Phoenix – the only exclusively STEM middle school in Phoenix that’s committed to academic excellence. We prepare our students for admission to top STEM High Schools and Colleges! • Small Classes • Advanced Curriculum • Diverse Student Body • Expert Teachers • Free After-school Programs • Free Laptops • Robotics, Coding, and Engineering Call for a tour 602.710.1873 Conveniently located near downtown at 13th St. and McDowell Road with 3 bus routes! www.systemschools.org SySTEM Phoenix School 1301 E. Almeria Road Phoenix, AZ 85006 Does your child like to make things? Build things? Play with robots or drones? Apply to SySTEM Phoenix-­‐the only exclusively STEM middle school in Phoenix that’s committed to academic excellence. We prepare our students for admission to top STEM High Schools and Colleges! * Small classes * Advanced Curriculum * Diverse Student Body * Expert Teachers * Free a=er-­‐school programs * Free Laptops * RoboCcs, Coding, and Engineering Call for a tour 602.710.1873 Conveniently located near downtown at 13th St and McDowell Road with 3 bus routes! www.systemschools.org Does your child love Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math? Call Now or Apply Online! Key Informa5on * School Day: 8:15 am -­‐ 2:55 PM * 6th-­‐8th Grade * 25 students per class * STEM immersion school At SySTEM Phoenix your child can get a free college-prep STEM education! Apply today! SySTEM Phoenix School 1301 E. Almeria Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85006

51 JUNE 2018 By Max Bechtoldt The Arcadia Titans softball team’s historic season came to an end on May 10, against Ironwood Ridge, but this season can’t be called anything other than a success. “I couldn’t be prouder of these girls this season,” said head coach Jason Foster. “To finish the season ranked number one was a tremendous accomplishment.” The team accomplished its three main goals it set for itself going into the season. They won the Apollo Tournament, won the region, and made it to the elite eight. The team also finished the season with a staggering 30 – 5 record. The main keys to the success of the team were the combined efforts of the fantastic defense the Titans displayed, and their incredible hitting. Senior Haley Denning led the way hitting .591 and scoring 71 runs on the season. Senior catcher Mae Forshey and senior Regan Kerr captured the top two spots in the league for RBIs with 63 and 57 respectively. Other huge contributors at the plate were senior Kelly Flynn and Jordyn Pender who each averaged better than one RBI per game. Junior pitcher Ellie Richardson led the Titans with 16 wins. Senior Abby Holloran pitched 55 innings across seven games, resulting in 25 strikeouts and only 12 batters walked. Foster credits the pitching with helping to keep the team grounded, despite having a huge target on their backs for most of the season. The Titans consistently destroyed teams in their path, at one point putting together a five-game stretch where they beat opponents by a combined score of 89 – 5. Of the 30 wins, 14 were by double digits and the team eclipsed 20 runs four times. When the Titans were finally stopped by Ironwood Ridge, it was the first game all season that they had failed to score a run. The Nighthawks were propelled by freshman Emma Almodoba, who went 4-4 from the plate, driving in three runs, and junior Frankie Lucio on the mound, who pitched seven innings and only allowed three hits. The Titans will have to find a way to replace eight seniors, but Foster is confident the team can reload for next season. “I feel pretty good about the future. Junior pitchers Ellie Richardson and Jade Ng both return next year as well as junior Jordyn Pender and sophomore Keeley Yeager who were a huge part of our success” Foster said. Yaeger and Pender appeared in a combined 69 games and both found success at the plate. Yaeger hit .415 and Pender hit .500. The Titans have a lot to replace, but the experience of being on the number one team in the state should be very valuable for the returners. Titans softball team posts dominant season The 2018 Titans squad won 14 of their 30 wins by double digits. Junior pitcher Ellie Richardson. 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