4 MAY 2021 EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there! This month’s cover story focuses on the USRowing Olympic Trials that happened earlier this year. Two Valley residents, Jasper Liu and Sophie Heywood, were able to compete in these trials, and I spoke with them about the experience. Sophie, whose team finished fourth in the competition, said: “I was grateful just to be there competing after so many months of training in isolation without the guarantee of a race.” Jasper’s team was able to secure a spot in the next trial this month in Lucerne, Switzerland. He’s currently training there with his rowing partner and hopes that a win will secure them a place at the Tokyo Olympics in July. This month’s edition also showcases our local students as they wrap up their last month of school. One St. Thomas student revived a school tradition by holding a t-shirt design contest. Hopi and Tavan held spirit days where kids dressed up as their favorite characters or decade. Even though the 2021 school year is almost complete, there is no shortage of school pride. Arcadia News is currently looking for freelance writers for our award-winning newspaper. If you or someone you know loves to write, contact me: editor@arcadianews.com. To the moms, we say “we love you;” to the students, we say “happy almost-summer break;” and to our readers and advertisers, we say “thank you!” — Mallory UPCOMING THEMES: No one has better coverage in the areas of Arcadia, Biltmore and the Camelback Corridor. Promote your business to 48,000 loyal Arcadia News readers. For more: 602-840-6379 or email roni@arcadianews.com . JUNE Summer I JULY Summer II AUGUST Back to School SEPTEMBER Fall Sports “All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother.” – Abraham Lincoln By Lily Ashworth In the beginning, we all secretly enjoyed rolling out of bed in our PJs and clicking the Zoom link from the comfort of our homes. However, after time it became challenging, often sad and lonely. I missed the interaction with my teachers and peers. Socializing is a significant part of high school, and we as students suffered a great deal from the lack of interaction. Not having homecoming and our last assembly in the gym as a senior was heartbreaking. As a student, you look forward to the year you get to sit in the front row of chaos corner, and seniors missed out on that. Our chaos corner is so strong at Arcadia and not being able to come together as a community and celebrate with the student body was devastating. The biggest challenge for me as the student body president was not being present as a leader and a role model to my fellow seniors and underclassmen. Thanks to a member of Junior STUGO and help from the community, these feelings changed – if only for a night. Arcadia High was able to enjoy an authentic, outdoor prom this April. Kate Heglie, who posted the event on GoFundMe, said that within the first 30 minutes of uploading their campaign, STUGO raised their original goal of $1,000. The next day, they surpassed the goal by $500. “We were shocked,” Kate said. “The aura of COVID-19 made us skeptical about who would be on our support system. Operating through these polarized conditions has been complicated, but the community’s generosity toward our event reassured us.” Prom this year was located at Arcadia High, and the theme was Clue. Masks were worn and social distancing was in place. As far as dancing went, there were a maximum amount of students on the dance floor and, as others came and went, more students were able to dance. “All in all, we were so grateful to even be allowed an event like prom to take place,” Kate said. “I think I can speak on behalf of most of the student body when I say we just wanted some event, no matter the limitations.” I am so delighted and thankful that we had a prom this year. Getting together with my classmates in one place to socialize and unify was wonderful for us all. Being allowed to have a school dance was a great “last hurrah” for seniors, especially. Having prom is just what we all needed to end the year on a high note. During these tough times, I’ve relied on the support and love from my family and friends. Knowing and realizing we are all in the same boat has helped me cope and deal with the changes we all had to face. Although my senior year didn’t turn out like I’d dreamed it would, I am still thankful for the opportunities I’ve had. Arcadia holds a special place in my heart, and I will forever and always be proud of being a Titan. Arcadia High senior’s perspective on prom AHS 2021 prom queen and king Lexi Flader and Jimmy Furcini. PHOTOS: RADIANT PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE CHANSONS I think I can speak on behalf of most of the student body when I say we just wanted some event, no matter the limitations. Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP Visit our website for times and to reserve your seat. ONLINE WORSHIP Sunday @ 9:30am FB Live or CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH

2021 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2021-3/31/2021) Active Homes - 44 Homes Homes Sold - 48 Homes Average Sale Price - $907,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $361 Average Days On Market - 40 days There is currently 2 months of home inventory. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home sales have decreased 20% this year. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home prices have increased 13%. (based on 2020sales results) 2021 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 10%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 Homes are taking 32% less time to sell. (based on 2020 sales results) Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2021 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2021-3/31/2021) Active Homes - 100 homes Homes Sold - 97 homes Average Sale Price - $1,846,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $466 Average Days On Market - 88 days There is currently 3 months of home inventory. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home sales have increased 6% this year. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home prices have increased 7%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 7%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 homes are taking 15% less time to sell. (based on 2020 sales results) Free MLS Access: visit TommyAtkinson.com TOMMY ATKINSON Walt Danley Realty 602.625.6020 THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? Ask me about my comprehensive online and print marketing program that exposes your home to the largest pool of qualified buyers. LOWEST PRICED HOME IN ARCADIA PROPER 6680 E Calle Redondo | $ 1,150,000 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1,991 square feet