12 JANUARY 2020 By Rachael Bouley The Arcadia High School Cheer and Pom squads that make up the school’s spiritline program have both qualified for the USA Nationals competition, a testament to the Titans’ energy and enthusiasm for their sport. The cheer team placed first and the pom team placed second out of 22 teams at the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) State Qualifiers in November. Cheer head coach Moriah Johnson said the girls’ success was the result of their commitment and hard work. “This win was so exciting since this is their second year competing as a team,” Johnson said. “From the beginning the girls showed up with the right attitude, ready to get work done. Our warm-up was as perfect as warm- ups could go.” A solid start and weeks of preparation gave the Titans the confidence they needed when they hit the mat to perform in front of the AIA judges. Johnson said the cheer and pom squads both impressed the judges, standing out from the rest of the competitors from around the Valley. “They looked really clean and their energy topped it off, which is what really helped us stand apart,” Johnson said. Johnson said the squads are very dedicated to early morning practices. They are constantly honing their routines and work to make every section of their performance run smoothly. Cheer and pom coaches prioritize preparation and practice, with the cheer team focused on tumbling and stunting, while pom is more dance-based. “It felt amazing to get first, like all of our hard work had paid off,” said Cheer Co-Captain and senior Anna Gibb. “We are so excited to compete at all of the other competitions and can’t wait to improve in our difficulty level, such as new stunts and tumbling. I also hope that we do just as well at state and other competitions this year, especially since it is my last year competing with this team.” There are 15 athletes on cheer and 14 athletes on pom. One of the keys to success is taking the choreography and making it their own. Keeping time together is also important, as the teams practice consistency while they run the routines. “They only have one chance to compete with their routine, so they have to be able to do it with their eyes closed. And in their sleep,” Johnson said. “That way they feel confident they can complete it.” Johnson took over as head cheer coach in July. A former cheerleader at Greenway High School, Johnson said she’s strict with making sure the team looks clean and synchronized in every aspect when they perform. While her guidance has undoubtedly helped, Johnson said the teams deserve the credit. “I’m just the one who tries to prepare them as much as I can,” Johnson said. “Once they are out on the mat, there’s nothing I can do to help them.” Johnson said that there’s always an element of suspense at the cheer and pom competitions as the squads don’t watch the other schools perform. Finding out how they placed, especially at a big event like state qualifiers, is one of the most exciting elements. “Coaching them has been a blast,” Johnson said. “I always tell my girls and their parents that I couldn’t ask for a better team or a better program. My first season has been everything I could have dreamed of.” The state championship takes place on February 1. Nationals will take place on February 14-16 in Anaheim, California. AHS Cheer and Pom shows off spirit at state qualifiers AHS Pom Squad from left to right: Madisyn Hostler, London Earl, Sydney Guest-Nelson, Jules Johns, Mella Strand, Rheana Stangler, Isabella Olvera, Coach Ashley Parcell, Ava Farias, Julia Gryp, Stella Morganstern, Alyssa Blanks, Elana Naftolin, Libby Collins, Sophia Alba. PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY PARCELL From the beginning the girls showed up with the right attitude, ready to get work done.” SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE ARE YOU READY FOR THE R-22 CHANGE? Home Owners: R-22 refrigerant is being phased out January 1, 2020. If you have an older unit, call us to get your refrigerant charge checked out! Heating & Cooling Service Since 1947 Arcadia Office: 4713 N. 44th St, Phoenix AZ 85018 Main Office: 1121 N Sickles Dr ,Tempe AZ 85281 MAINTAIN YOUR SYSTEM Scottsdale Air Family Executive Maintenance Plan Professionally Maintained by Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling

13 JANUARY 2020 By Mallory Gleich The Civic Center Library in downtown Scottsdale has unveiled its newest permanent exhibit: The Scottsdale Heritage Connection. Visitors are now able to search through a multitude of materials related to the City of Scottsdale and its history, dating back as far as the 1950s. The area in which the exhibit is located was once called the Southwest Room. Back in the 1970s, the library was looking for a way to collect all of the history of Scottsdale. “They built a space in the Eureka Lofts as a way to capture all of the historical documents that are in the room,” said Trey Granger, president of the Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library organization. In 2012-2013, the materials were moved to the basement of the library. Patrons had to be guided by library staff members in order to find specific materials. “A group of Scottsdale citizens reached out and said, ‘Hey, we want this to be more accessible,’ because some people don’t have access to the internet and wanted to be able to conduct research, so the Scottsdale Heritage Connection was born,” Granger said. The fundraising effort was started in 2017. In just over two years, the organization raised over $400,000 in donations and trades. “It’s a place where people can come and do research. Everything in the room is also digitized and there are also computers available for people,” Granger said. The exhibit includes a variety of books about Scottsdale history. There are also records from City Council and other public meetings, newspapers from Scottsdale-based publications (dating back to the 1960s), business directories and yearbooks from area schools. Materials were provided through public and city donations. Outside of the exhibit, there is a timeline of Scottsdale’s history starting from the 1860s with Winfield Scott. Patrons can walk around the exhibit and get a glimpse into the past, with snapshots of places like Brown’s General Store, a popular meeting spot until the 1930s, and Los Olivos – which is still open today. “The exhibit is open for everyone and free of charge – and it’s a way for people to experience the history of Scottsdale,” Granger said. “Now that the materials are out of the basement and have their own space, we are comfortable with the fact that this history will be preserved.” In the future, the exhibit will include monthly history lessons. Visitors can meet with one of Scottsdale’s historians and learn about specific topics. For more: scottsdalelibrary.org/historical. Scottsdale’s history now on permanent display Clockwise from top: Scottsdale Police Department, 1959; Parada del Sol program cover, 1962. Scottsdale resort map, circa 1950s; photo of Winfield and Helen Scott; early Scottsdale sign. NEW BUILD MODERN FARM HOUSE Amazing collaboration with Travis Custom Homes and Rafterhouse. 4,248 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms - all en-suite, 6 baths, extended 2 car garage. Courtyard, outdoor fire place, 2 living rooms, 2 powder rooms + incredible design. Offered at $1,750,000 DOUBLE LOT & CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN VIEWS Last splittable lot in area 2 story possible - gated 5 home cul-de-sac. Move in ready - or split and build 2 homes lot is 19,283 approx. 14,000 sq. ft. splittable. Updated 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage with great room, granite counters. Offered at $675,000 Striving to help homebuyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. 4820 N 35TH ST • PHOENIX 85018 5619 E MONTEROSA ST • PHOENIX 85018 Suzanne Gammage Broker, MRED, cRMS | 480-612-2444