By Mallory Gleich N early everyone has an exceptional teacher who made a difference in one way or another, but not everyone has a chance to convey their gratitude. In 2010, Arcadia News developed a way to help people express their appreciation and give those special teachers the recognition they deserve, a way to give back to the community and reward their dedication to education. High school was a difficult time for Arcadia News publisher Greg Bruns. He had no intention of going to college after graduation. “In my mind, geography and math were instruments of torture, and I barely made it through those two subjects. I planned to forego college and work my way up the corporate ladder,” Greg said. His father suggested taking night classes at Scottsdale Community College to keep busy and stay fresh. After a couple stagnant years, that college degree looked like a good idea, so Greg took off to NAU, where his least favorite subjects awaited. “I decided to tackle geography my first semester. I convinced myself I would hate it, but I could at least get a passing grade and be done with it. I ended up with a geography professor who thought otherwise and took a specific interest in me, challenging me while motivating me in the realm of higher education,” he said. Three years later, Greg graduated from NAU with honors and a bachelor’s degree – in geography. His major involved computer cartography and this eventually led him to Arcadia News , designing ads and writing copy. Ten years later, after finding success in a field he loved, Greg tried to track down that geography professor to say thank you, to no avail. With that, the Teachers We Love program was created to encourage others not to wait too long to say thank you. It has been a great success, allowing more than 200 students and families to publicly praise a special teacher who has made a difference. After coordinating with the nominator and school administration, Arcadia News staff makes a surprise visit to the teacher’s classroom to present the award. The smiles, happy tears and genuine surprise we capture are some of the best parts of the presentation, especially when the nominator is there to help us present the award. We provide an official “Teacher We Love” certificate, gifts to local restaurants and spas, and invite the winners to a special teacher’s luncheon at the end of each school year. Entry forms are available on our website, and one winner is selected every month. Arcadia News is thankful for our sponsors, Postino Arcadia, The Joffe Group and The Phoenician Spa, who help make each teacher award extra special. It has been an honor to bring joy to these teachers since we started this program over 15 years ago. How Teachers We Love was born How does it feel to be a Teacher We Love? The best part was the letter that my daughter – who nominated me – had written on my behalf. I feel very privileged to be in the company of such extraordinary educators who help me learn from them and make me want to do a better job. I am honored to be one of the Teachers We Love recipients. Thank you for allowing me to think about excellence in education. What did you feel when you first saw your husband and former students? I saw my husband first, and I was thinking, ‘did I forget my phone at home again?’ And then I saw the Marinick family. They have always been very fun and supportive throughout the years, and I truly appreciated that they took the time out of their day to make it even more special. I was shocked, nervous and emotional. How long have you been teaching at Hopi Elementary? I have been teaching here for nine years. I started at Val Vista Lakes Elementary School in Gilbert and was there for 14 years. I have had a plethora of different teaching positions: second, third and sixth, and now fourth grade. What is your favorite part about being a teacher? The satisfaction I get from being able to educate my students and see them make something of themselves. That, and the fond memories I build alongside my colleagues. How do you connect your lessons to the real world? Encouraging my students to be mentally and physically active. I like to use current events to help students become aware of global issues and make connections between what is being taught in our classroom and what is happening in the real world. Just recently, my class was buzzing with excitement during the Winter Olympic Games. We used math concepts to total and graph the medals won in ten different countries. I also shared my favorite sport and had them discuss their favorites with me, and we also watched events and learned about Beijing and the history behind the mascot. What are some unique techniques you use for teaching? One technique is an Objective/Reflection sheet for lessons. The students write down the topic for that lesson, our objectives, and then a reflection piece at the end of the lesson for understanding. They turn this in like “a ticket out the door,” which allows me to see who might be struggling or feels great about what they have learned in that lesson. We also just finished a realistic fiction literature study called The Homework Machine . The students really love this book because they become the characters in the book. They read the chapters like a play. How do you motivate your students? I like to develop a meaningful and respectful relationship with my students. Knowing them on a personal level, know their interests and hobbies, who they hang out with, their family situations, and what gets them excited. I also like them to know that I am not the sole holder of knowledge, and they need to be active participants in creating their own knowledge in the classroom. Did you grow up in Phoenix? I’m from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I came here to attend Arizona State University (go Devils!), graduated and stayed here to pursue my career. What is your favorite part of the Arcadia area? Oh my gosh! I had loved this place long before I lived in this area because of all the activities my family and friends love to do here. Biking, hiking, local restaurants, shops, and “the vibe” are so fun. Winning teachers receive an award certificate and special prizes. Thank you to our sponsors: Postino Arcadia, The Joffe Group and The Phoenician Spa. All winners are invited to an end-of-school year celebratory luncheon. Nominate a teacher you love at arcadianews.com . THIS MONTH’S WINNER: Laura Yarkosky, fourth-grade teacher at Hopi Elementary Nominated by Megan Pearson I have first-hand professional experience with Mrs. Y and have gathered testimonials from those I would bump into in the community telling me how she was a mentor to them and greatly impacted their lives. The view from the other lens is the more personal side of things, where I have witnessed the unwavering commitment to her profession and devotion to children. From staying positive during the uncharted waters of online learning to rarely taking a day off, she is truly the definition of a selfless woman, tirelessly devoting her life to the service of others. Laura Yarkosky Arcadia News 30 th Anniversary Feature For the past 17 years, Arcadia News has offered a scholarship to students at Arcadia High School who are interested in studying journalism, broadcasting, communications or other media-related fields. Since 1993, over $17,000 has been distributed to AHS students as they continue their scholastic careers. To apply for the scholarship, students must submit at least one written recommendation from a current or former teacher, counselor or community leader who is familiar with the student and his or her drive and determination in the pursuit of knowledge. “My Arcadia News scholarship helped support my pursuit of a future writing career,” 2019 winner Isabella Fratesi said. “I am currently studying fiction and nonfiction creative writing at Columbia University and I hope to one day turn writing from a passion into a profession. Thank you, Arcadia News!” Applicants must also write a one to two- page essay about their educational and career aspirations and what they’ve done so far to prepare for their educational pursuits. Include any related awards, recognitions, media classes, etc. The winner of the scholarship will have their own story published in the next edition of the paper. Arcadia High seniors interested in the scholarship should contact Pam Mynars, Arcadia High’s college and career coordinator. All submissions should be given to the College and Career Center no later than 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022. editor@arcadianews.com pmynars@susd.org Our Scholarship Program

Overture is an equal housing opportunity. Amenities and services vary by location. Pricing and availability subject to change. *Please ask your Overture Arcadia team member for full details. We warmly welcome you to join us Paint & Sip at The Brush Bar Date: Thursday, April 14th Time: 4:00pm — 6:00pm Where: The Brush Bar – 7010 E Main St Scottsdale, AZ 852511 Enjoy an evening of painting and sipping while meeting new friends and discovering our brand new active adult community in Scottsdale. RSVP’s Appreciated by April 12th 602-562-5555 OvertureArcadia.com PEACE OF MIND LIVING AT OVERTURE ARCADIA 55+ Active Adult Community Overture Arcadia’s celebrated reputation in Scottsdale is owed to more than just its first rate, premium apartment homes and resort-style amenities. The active adult community’s lifestyle innovation and wellbeing emphasis are perhaps its most significant differentiators. They encompass detailed measures to keep every resident feeling energetic, engaged, fulfilled, and connected with their neighbors. It’s a community whose idea of creating a satisfactory experience does not end with the home finishes and technological conveniences (though those are essential, as well), but continues to include individual wellness in a wide sense of the concept. Through detailed planning and professional oversight, led by a full- time Lifestyle Coordinator, residents can depend on routine exercise classes and activities to maintain or further develop their fitness/health. The community’s extraordinary fitness center is comprehensively outfitted for both individual training and enjoyable group sessions in the adjoining yoga studio. Organized gatherings might also include chess and billiards contests to keep the strategic wheels spinning. Overture Arcadia exists to help residents develop strong community ties with one another. The idea is that your family lives nearby for regular visits, while your neighbors are right next door and ready to join you on the next fitness outing, game night, language course, spa day, or evening trip to a local restaurant. Choose how to spend each day, organize new activities of your own, have the family over for a meal, and treat every day as a chance to reach every wellness goal on your terms. Overture Arcadia Pool & Courtyard YOU’RE INVITED!