30 DECEMBER 2020 By Melissa Hirschl Students in theater groups at Xavier and Brophy Preparatory High School have nothing to do but “hit the heights.” Six weeks of dedication and rehearsals has paid off in spades when students in both schools recently won awards or were nominated for the prestigious 15th annual National Youth Arts Awards. Under the direction of Xavier’s theater teacher Jessica Vining and Brophy’s Carolyn Wright, students put on productions of four classics: Little Women, The Music Man, My Father Odysseus and King Lear . According to Vining, the award winners were selected from nominations by a panel of more than 50 judges and reviewers. The ceremony took place via Zoom. “It feels very humbling to be recognized for our accomplishments,” Vining said. “I am beyond proud of our Xavier and Brophy theater students.” There were also nominations for adult staff that included lighting, set, costuming, musical direction and general direction. “I believe that the arts are a keystone to our development in life. Once we leave the stage, our performance only strengthens into greater things,” Bobby Kuehler, nominated for Lead Performance in a Musical as Harold Hill in The Music Man , said. Theater students hit the ground running after auditions were held the week after school started, followed by an intense six- week rehearsal. “I love the whole creative process of directing these kids,” Vining said. “There is nothing quite like it. You get to create worlds and stories based on clues, hidden meanings and symbolism. I encourage the kids to find rich and interesting information on their characters and the world they live in. It’s great seeing them make an ‘aha’ moment when they connect with a character.” Vining designs and creates the entire production, with input from set directors, costume designers and choreographers who supply her with a panorama of ideas. The student body is an essential part of the process, as well. “I consider what stories need to be told,” she said. “I also look for stories that speak to women to help empower our young female students.” Thanks to the theater teachers’ dedication, Brophy and Xavier students may one day join the ranks of other award winners who have gone on to Broadway, film and television. nationalyouththeatre.com Xavier and Brophy recognized by National Youth Arts Awards • Kate Brink for Outstanding Feature Performance – Kalypso in Odysseus • Jordan Baker for Outstanding Supporting Performance – Muse and Anticlea in Odysseus • Grace Dimond for Lead Performance in a Musical – Jo March in Little Women • Kyra Klonosky for Supporting Performance in a Musical – Marmee March in Little Women • Alisha Waheed for Outstanding Supporting Performance – Athena in Odysseus • Sara Watson for Lead Performance in a Musical – Marian Paroo in Music Man • Andy Wissink for Supporting Performance in a Musical – Laurie Laurence in Little Women THE WINNERS PHOTO COURTESY OF XAVIER PREP The Music Man performed at Xavier Prep. By Jennifer Marshall Popcorn is probably one of America’s favorite snacks, and brothers Rudi and Aaron Sinykin have harnessed the popularity of this treat as a way to give back to their community. For years, the Sinykin brothers worked in corporate America; Aaron was with Intel, and Rudi was with Rubbermaid. Their first foray into entrepreneurship came when they joined forces to operate some Subway franchises for several years. Still not feeling fulfilled, they left the franchise business to do something more meaningful. “We couldn’t do this working in a franchise situation, where the bulk of our proceeds went back to corporate Subway,” Rudi said. “We knew if we were the owners and operators of our concept, then we could use the funds in our local community.” In 2013, Kettle Heroes was born, and the name itself is synonymous with its mission. “Kettle represents any popcorn that’s made in a kettle,” Rudi said, “and heroes remind us to act selflessly while holding ourselves to a higher standard.” The brothers first started their popcorn enterprise as a food truck company. They were operating their truck at the Gilbert Farmers Market when Basha family members tasted their popcorn – and loved it. They were immediately interested in purchasing it to sell in their grocery stores. “This was one of those fairytale moments where you get discovered by someone who can take your business to the next level,” Rudi said. This opportunity propelled them into transforming their food truck venture, which they’d been doing for about two years, into a wholesale packaging operation. Today, Kettle Heroes can be bought in Sprouts, Whole Foods, AJ’s, and as of this year, Fry’s. While the brothers live off their business, they give back to the community with every bag they sell. In October, they raised funds for breast cancer awareness, and during November, they focused on Veterans Day. While they endeavor to help every organization that reaches out to them, they primarily support the Pat Tillman Foundation. All their bags of popcorn display the foundation’s logo. As for the food truck, one of their employees, who’s been with the brothers from the beginning, runs the truck as a separate entity. The truck still frequents the Gilbert Farmers Market, Cardinals games and other events like school fundraisers. “You get to a point in your life where you ask those big questions about why you’re here and what does it all mean,” Rudi said. “My brother and I feel it’s important to our core identity to give back with everything we’re doing. That’s why we’re excited to be here for people during these tough times. If you want to give a gift to tell someone they’re the hero in your life, we offer customized special labels on all our products.” kettleheroes.com Two brothers aim to change the world with popcorn Rudi and Aaron Sinykin started Kettle Heroes as a way to stay connected and give back to Valley nonprofits. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSIE TIMM