6 JUNE 2019 By Cody Kennedy From Pre-K to junior year, Scott Ledyard’s educators watched him grow into the talented, hardworking person he is today. And every one of them came together to congratulate him for his latest accomplishment: a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. The ACT assessment, which is a curriculum-based test used for college admissions, consists of English, mathematics, reading and science tests, each scored on a scale of 1 to 36. In 2018, the ACT national average score earned by high schoolers was 20.9. The average score in Arizona was 19.2. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. Only around two-tenths of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. That equates to only 3,741 out of more than 1.9 million students who took the ACT in 2018 earning the perfect score. “I was excited and relieved that I had done so well,” Scott said. Scott has lived in Arcadia since he was little. Growing up, he attended Hopi, Ingleside and now Arcadia High, where he will graduate next year. In the future, Scott plans on going to a four-year college to possibly study engineering. Scott keeps a pretty busy schedule. When he isn’t attending AP classes, practicing Spanish, or studying Trig/Pre- Calc Honors and Biotechnology, you can find him outside playing baseball for AHS or attending meetings for International Club, Boys Team Charity and National Honors Society. Scott also runs his own dog-sitting business, which started a few years back when his neighbors asked him to dog-sit while they were out of town. “I don’t have a name for my business yet, but now I’m thinking I should probably have one,” Scott said. When he finds time to relax, he likes to fly fish, play baseball or travel – he’s been to all 50 states. Scott’s mom, Janey, is also understandably excited for her son and heaps praise on Arcadia schools and teachers. “I was thrilled for him to see his hard work pay off,” Janey said. “Taking the ACT is important to show colleges what knowledge you have gained from your education and we are so lucky to have such excellent public schools in Arcadia. I credit his teachers at Hopi, Ingleside and Arcadia for helping him build a foundation for his academic success.” Arcadia High student earns perfect score on ACT Arcadia High junior Scott Ledyard earned a perfect score of 36 on his ACT test, a feat achieved by only 0.195% of those that took the assessment in 2018. Many of his teachers from throughout his academic career joined to celebrate his accomplishment. PHOTO: JANEY LEDYARD BRIEFS SOME LIKE IT HOT Located on the east side of 32nd St. just south of Indian School Road, Mrs. Chicken is the area’s first Nashville hot chicken spot. The restaurant opened in late April and is owned by George Frasher of Frasher’s Steakhouse. If you’re craving spicy, this is where you need to be: chicken can be ordered in five spice levels. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more, check out the Mrs. Chicken Facebook page. BRIDGE THE GAP The 68th St. bridge that has been closed since late 2017 is finally up and running again. An inspection revealed deterioration which resulted in an emergency closure – additional inspection revealed that the entire bridge needed to be torn down and replaced. The majority of construction took place in January and February with the demolition and replacement of the main bridge structure, which happened in just 28 days. For more: scottsdaleaz.gov. SUMMER STEM PROGRAM Students who are interested in STEM are welcome to join the Semi High Tech U career exploration program happening June 4 – 6. This program is open to students 14 – 17 years old. Attendees will participate in math and science themed projects such as hacky sack launching and learn how to prepare for a career in a STEM field by attending a mock- interview with a real professional. For more or to sign up: semifoundation.org. PUEBLO GRANDE READS The month of June is all about authors and their books at Pueblo Grande Museum. Every Saturday a new author will be on-site to read their story at the Arizona Authors Summertime Storytelling and Craft Saturday program. After story times, attendees are welcome to participate in arts and crafts and enjoy a snack. This program is for kindergarten to 4th grade, with a $5 charge for participation. For more: phoenix.gov. DRESSED TO IMPRESS If you’re a little late on the latest fashion trends, have no fear, for Q.Contrary is here. New York Stylist Mary Zarob opened custom clothing shop Q.Contrary in late 2018. The shop is located at the Kachina Village Shopping Center on the northwest corner of 32nd St. and Indian School and offers image and wardrobe consulting, men’s and women’s custom clothing, wedding attire and custom-fitted suits. For more: qcontrary. 5410 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite E300 | Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 | (480) 947-6788 Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery FATHER’S DAY IS JUNE 16TH REMEMBER THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE... ...with a SkinMedica RegiMEN Men's Kit with full size products for $225. 30% savings! Visit our website to see our monthly specials BEALSMD .COM $300 Great for Men! The SaltFacial Skin Renewal Therapy is a relaxing 3-step treatment designed to Restore, Replenish and Rejuvenate all types of skin.

7 JUNE 2019 By Jennifer Marshall After witnessing how impassioned her students were about global issues such as climate change, deforestation and endangered species, Hopi Elementary teacher Whitney Keeler decided to take a more proactive approach to educating kids about the many environmental problems facing the world. From that decision, Keeler formed the Environmental Leaders club at Hopi, with the assistance of fellow third grade teachers Jacqueline Comerford and Kelsey Wolf. “I decided to start an after-school club to make it a learning opportunity where the kids could be part of the solution,” Keeler said. Environmental Leaders is open to students in the fourth and fifth grades. Interested students must compose an essay expressing why they care about the environment. A highly anticipated project among students is a school-wide fundraiser called Penny Wars. For a week during the month of April, each Hopi classroom in kindergarten through fifth grade gathered pennies with the objective of collecting as many as possible to earn the most points. One of Keeler’s students suggested the club use Penny Wars as a way to raise money and awareness for the rainforest, which Keeler said was a particularly popular cause for her students. “The club started three years ago,” Keeler said, “and last year was our first Penny Wars. We made $3,400, which is an insane amount of money to make only in change, and we donated it all to The Rainforest Trust. Some parents really got into it and gave their kids rolls of pennies. The money was going to such a good cause that people really supported it.” On the last day of the competition, each classroom placed their jug of pennies outside their door, and students from any grade could drop silver coins into whatever jugs they liked. Silver coins subtracted from the total points earned. “The students and teachers got really pumped,” Keeler said. “Penny Wars is an exciting way to raise money. It’s a fun competition, and kids get behind competitions. Students in every grade wanted to participate.” When it came to selecting their Penny Wars beneficiary, the adults and students researched a number of organizations, and they learned about The Rainforest Trust that focuses on protecting the rainforest. After the initial Penny Wars, The Rainforest Trust sent personal emails saying how proud the organization was of the kids. The Trust kept in touch with Hopi, and for this year’s Penny Wars, it sent the students stickers and t-shirts. “Given there were a bunch of different activities going on at school this year,” Keeler said, “our second Penny Wars only netted us $2,404. That’s still a mind-blowing amount of money, and it’s more than many adults could raise for a fundraiser like this.” The Environmental Leaders mission is to educate the Hopi family about environmental concerns. Recently, the entire school participated in Earth Hour, an international event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, which focuses on climate change and how each person can make a valuable difference. “The kids are so passionate,” Keeler said. “They know this world is their future, and they care about the animals and the planet.” Hopi students raise money for the rainforest with Penny Wars The Hopi Elementary Environmental Leaders club, along with their fellow students, was able to collect $2,404 in coins for the Penny Wars competition, which was held in April in honor of Earth month. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHITNEY KEELER It’s a fun competition… and kids in every grade wanted to participate.” FEATURED HOME Providing Arcadia with professional & personalized service for 25 years. Anna McDowell-Isaacson Owner/Agent 602-526-1213 AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com ABR, CRS, GRI Providing Arcadia with professional & personalized service for 25 years. Anna McDowell-Isaacson AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com Providing Arcadia with professional & personalized service for 25 years. Anna McDowell-Isaacson AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com Warm, beautifully remodeled like-new home on lush cul-de-sac lot w/ wonderful Camelback Mountain views. Huge open great room w/cook’s kitchen surrounded by French doors opening to charming patios, yard & pool. Romantic new master suite & split bedroom floor plan, terrific 2nd floor family room w/wraparound views. This is a fun one-of-a-kind home for living & entertaining. Move-in ready, this may be the one you’ve been waiting for! JUST LISTED 4521 E. CALLE DEL MEDIO $2,195,000 • 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, 4750 s.f., .4 acre