22 FEBRUARY 2022 By Melissa Hirschl Founded in 2009, the Arcadia High Robotics Club adheres to a curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). While students put their brains to the test, they also gain another essential thing: friendship. “The club is a creative and technological outlet for me,” senior Cole Haney said. “It lets me turn my hobby of tinkering and designing into a possible career path while having fun. It’s also a makeshift family during the year.” Senior Andrew Nally echoes Haney’s sentiments: “Best friends that I’ve met in high school have come from the club, and it’s been an excellent experience socially. I have much more of an interest in engineer and design than I would have otherwise,” he said. The most important event for club members is a robust yearly challenge put on by the International FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Organization that requires critical thinking, collaborative problem solving and holistic skill-building. The goal is to construct a customized and semi-autonomous industrial-sized robot using coding and software. Examples are robots that can balance beams, score sports balls, and carry objects while moving them up, down, or sideways. “The school has an engineering class,” explained Coach Matthew Hankins, “but the Robotics Club is what gives the students the tools to create a robot that competes.” After months of challenging themselves, the teen’s skills are put to the test in March, as they compete for the top tier (Einstein Level) of the contest, also referred to as “the games.” FIRST announces the yearly theme and provides kits with supplies to the clubs. It’s up to the members to brainstorm and create the most stellar robot possible. What makes the games so exhilarating and unique is the fusion of sports with science and technology. Held in large gymnasiums, spectators get swept up in the excitement of watching the robots as an announcer fuels the audience’s adrenaline with a play-by play. This year’s theme, “Rapid React,” is based on reimagining the future of safe, high-speed travel and lightning-fast deliveries. In their race to the top, Arcadia club members first compete in the two regionals held every year: The Arizona North Regional at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and the Arizona West Regional at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale. “If students win those rounds, they go on to the semifinals. World Competitions will be held in Houston this year. Those winners go on to the Einstein rounds. We’ve been close a few times, almost making it to the semifinals but haven’t moved past it…yet,” Hankins said. While creating winning teams is important to Hankins, something more profound inspires him. “The camaraderie of the team is what brings me back to coach every year,” he said. “Robots are very impressive, but I think professionalism and networking and long-lasting friendships are what it’s really about.” firstinspires.org AHS Robotics Club continues pursuit of Einstein Level Back: Dianna Davis, Joe Burgwell, Sarah Burgwell, Raymond Churchwell, Lance Davis, Matthew Hankins, William Petruzzi, Dan Cohen, Alex Oihus, Austin Suder, Cole Haney, Justin Davis, Miguel Gomez. Front: Connor Sonnier, Daena De Guzman, Jesse Lochridge, Nicole Lochridge, Catalina Rodriguez, Spencer Flatley, Nai’la Zadlo, Ally Boustila, Joya Rowan, Andrew Nally. 2012: Finalist Gracious Professionalism 2013: Judges’ Award 2015: Dean’s List Finalists 2016: Gracious Professionalism 2018: Imagery and Industrial Design 2019: Excellence in Engineering PREVIOUS AWARDS PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW HANKINS By Jennifer Marshall Valentine’s Day and Arizona. At first thought, these two unrelated entities appear to have nothing in common or anything to connect them. But if you travel back in time, specifically to February 14, 1912, the date that Arizona became the 48th state of the Union, you will see why Arizona is affectionately known as the Valentine State. This year marks 110 years of statehood. Once home to cowboys and ranchers, the Grand Canyon State has grown from its agricultural infancy into a thriving state home to Fortune 500 companies and high- tech industry. The Territory of Arizona was established when it was carved out of the western half of what was the New Mexico Territory in 1863. The first official capital was established in Prescott in 1864. It was moved a few years later to Tucson, then back to Prescott in 1877. The final stop for the capital would be in 1889, when it was brought to Phoenix. The land attracted and was established by several key groups of people. Prospectors hoping for quick riches traveled here to mine previous resources like copper, gold, and mercury. Copper was discovered in 1854 and it would go on to be Arizona’s number one industry until the 1950s. The Homestead Act of 1862 was a huge enticement for settlers, offering 160 acres for a small filing fee, providing the land was improved and maintained for five years. A more reliable source of water was brought through the Salt River Valley when the Arizona Canal finished construction in 1885. This made life a lot easier for the influx of ranchers and farmers who took the chance of a lifetime and moved here as part of the great western migration. Today, many of those swaths of farm and ranch land have given way to high-end resorts, luxury residential neighborhoods and countless businesses. A fun Valentine’s Day fact: Located off historic Route 66 in Northern Arizona, we have our very own town called Valentine. These days, it’s considered a ghost town, but it once received thousands of cards to be processed through their mail system sent for the expressed purpose of receiving the heart postmark. While the stamp has now been relocated to the Kingman Post Office, big hearts and love still exist in Valentine. At the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, neglected and abused tigers, cougars, bears and monkeys now thrive at the 175-acre sanctuary. [Insider tip: A neat idea for Valentine’s Day!] For those seeking adventures closer to home, couples can celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Valley by hiking a historic trail, going to dinner at a posh resort, or shopping and exploring quintessential Arizona at the shops in Old Town Scottsdale or Cave Creek. Happy birthday, Arizona! ARIZONA STATE Nickname: Grand Canyon State Motto: Ditat Deus (God Enriches) Tree: Palo Verde Flower: Saguaro Cactus Bloom Size: 113,998 square miles Population: 7,151,502 (2020 Census) Oldest incorporated city: Tucson (1877) Oldest town: Tubac (Spanish presidio, 1752)

m FEATURED LISTING 4216 North 42nd Street 5 Bedrooms - 3 Bathrooms 3-car garage Perfect Family Home LOOKING TO BUY, SELL OR INVEST IN ARCADIA? GIVE ME A CALL FOR A FREE STRATEGIC PLAN. 602-505-0257 It’s never too early or too late to think about selling your property! LOWEST SALE $245,000 HIGHEST SALE $6,250,000 2021 85018 ARC ADIA 85018 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES MARKET UPDATE Arcaa Not sure what do? I can certainly help you! I’ve been trained my whole life to help you and your family make the right real estate decisions. Please contact me anytime for advice that’s free of charge and full of experience! PAM RANKED IN THE TOP 4%, BOTH IN UNITS SOLD & TRANSACTIONS VOLUME AMONG 63,000 AGENTS IN ARIZONA. 2021 4 DECADES H H H H H SERVICE MEDIAN SALE PRICE $1,150,000 2021 85018 677 HOMES SOLD 2021 85018 COMING SOON 5313 East Earll Drive 4 Bedrooms - 4 Bathrooms Awesome Arcadia Home Pam Peacock Realtor® 602.505-0257 4040 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 165 Phoenix, AZ 85018 It’s Simple… “She Keeps Selling & Selling!” Call PAM PEACOCK And Start PACK’N You’re The Of My Business Superior Service Since 1980 Accredited Buyer’s Rep. Certified Residential Specialist My cherished grandsons, Court & Carl Fischer. SOURCE: ARMLS