4 AUGUST 2021 EDITOR’S NOTE This month, we’re focused on the students and teachers of our area schools. The ladies on the cover photo might look familiar. Perhaps Sarah Sponcil (left) sat next to you in class. Maybe she was your student, or on your child’s volleyball team. If not – she’s definitely been on your television screen, especially if you’ve been keeping up with the Olympics. The former Veritas Prep student and her teammate, Kelly Claes, took their volleyball careers to the sand at the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo – the opportunity of a lifetime for the 24 and 25-year-old athletes. We were able to learn more about Sarah’s journey through the eyes of her parents, as she’s been out of the country since she qualified for the Olympics in May. We’re also introducing a few new staff members at Arcadia High this month – the spiritline mat, football field and swimming pool will have new coaches running things this year. While each of them brings their own experiences and coaching styles, they do have one thing in common: They are all ready to become part of the AHS community. There are still a few days left to send in summer vacation photos – email or share them through social media@arcadianews for a chance to be featured in the summer vacation section in September. Your photo might even be featured on the cover. The deadline to send in photos is August 8. Happy back-to-school days, Arcadia! — Mallory Gleich Happy back-to-school days, Arcadia! — Mallory Gleich 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 . SEPTEMBER Sports OCTOBER Fall Preview NOVEMBER Veterans/Heroes “You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss By Jennifer Marshall As a first-generation college student in his family, Benjamin Aguilar is continuing his education on the right foot after winning the 2021 Flinn Foundation Scholarship. Aguilar is the 14th Brophy alum to receive this award. The Flinn Foundation is a philanthropic grantmaking organization that was established in 1965. The scholarship, established in 1986, is awarded yearly to around 20 high-achieving Arizona high school seniors. It’s worth $120,000 and covers tuition, housing, meals and more at any of Arizona’s three public universities. The acceptance rate for the class of 2021 was 2.1 percent. “Students like Benny have many university choices,” Brophy Director of Communications Kathy Mabry said. “The Flinn Foundation plays a huge role in keeping bright minds and potential leaders here in Arizona.” During his time at Brophy, Aguilar was a member of the National Honor Society and on the robotics team. He was also active in the Boy Scouts, reaching the level of Eagle Scout. He began the initial application process for the Flinn scholarship in the fall of 2020. He explained that he didn’t quite know what he was in for and how much the award could change his life. “I didn’t know much about Flinn when I started,” Aguilar said. “It was something I did in the background during the college application process. At the time, I didn’t realize how big of a thing I was signing up for and what could come from it.” Aguilar said the entire college evaluation and application process was new to him and his parents. “When the foundation notified me that I was a Flinn semifinalist, I’d almost forgotten that I’d signed up for it. That’s when I started to get excited about what a big opportunity this was. From there, I was locked in all the way,” Aguilar said. When he received notification that he’d won the scholarship, Aguilar said that he knew an Arizona public university was the route he would take. “I’m extremely grateful to the Flinn Foundation,” Aguilar said. “This is a blessing, and a financial burden has been removed from my family. This is an awesome award and presents a tremendous opportunity with a wonderful group of people who will help guide me and my future.” This fall, Aguilar will begin his college career at ASU’s Barrett Honors College, where he plans to major in English literature and pursue a pre-law curriculum. He counts English as one of his favorite subjects. Because of its emphasis on writing and critical thinking, Aguilar said that English is an excellent fit for law school preparation. “My brothers and I have always benefited from the generosity of scholarships to attend school,” Aguilar said. “Thanks to the generosity of the Catholic Community Foundation, I was able to attend Brophy. Now, Flinn is connecting me with other winners and alumni. I’m overwhelmed with their generosity and desire to see me grow.” Brophy graduate wins Flinn Foundation scholarship Benjamin Aguilar ESTATE? PROBATE? TRUST? WE OFFER: • Marshaling & management of real & personal property • Personal property inventory services • Vital document & asset searches • Beneficiary distribution services • Hoarding/clutter remediation • Valuation & liquidation services • Specializing in high-conflict matters • Services provided locally, statewide & nationally Fredrick A. Schertenlieb Business Development 602-679-3383 • fred@ems-az.com • www.ems-az.com AZ License #20550 & #20660 • Insured • Bonded Discover how Estate Management Services can assist you. Call us today for a free consultation. Estate Management Services (EMS) is an Arizona licensed fiduciary company providing full-service estate property administration and settlement services. 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2021 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2021-6/30/2021) Active Homes - 35 Homes Homes Sold - 114 Homes Average Sale Price - $954,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $384 Average Days On Market - 34 days There is currently 2 months of home inventory. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home sales have decreased 10% this year. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 home prices have increased 17%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 15%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 Homes are taking 42% less time to sell. (based on 2020 sales results) Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2021 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2021-6/30/2021) Active Homes - 74 homes Homes Sold - 193 homes Average Sale Price - $2,004,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $505 Average Days On Market - 63 days There is currently 2 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 14%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 14%. (based on 2020 sales results) 2021 homes are taking 39% less time to sell. (based on 2020 sales results) Free MLS Access: visit TommyAtkinson.com TOMMY ATKINSON Walt Danley Realty 602.625.6020 LISTINGS NEEDED FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS Ask me about my comprehensive online and print marketing program that exposes your home to the largest pool of qualified buyers. 4730 E Charles Dr | Paradise Valley | $ 1,500,000 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1,804 Square Feet