30 JUNE 2023 By Jennifer Marshall Junior Achievement is a national nonprofit dedicated to teaching students about the world of business and all the topics therein. It also celebrates students, especially those who have made a difference in their communities. This is known as the Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 award. Each year, 18 high school juniors around the Valley are chosen based on their passion for helping others, a creative idea, or entrepreneurial spirit to make a difference. “The award aims to recognize the potential of Arizona youth and inspire our community by showcasing a group of students that represent the future leadership, community impact and entrepreneurial spirit in our state,” Vice President of Strategic Impact Anne Landers said. The winners received a medal, gift cards and a cash award to use for scholarships or future career plans. Meet the Arcadia area winners below: Sanya Somani, Phoenix Country Day School Sanya co-founded a nonprofit called HealthforHer in December 2020. The organization provides health and educational resources for underserved women and their families worldwide. “It’s eye-opening being able to immerse yourself in an issue that you don’t experience every day,” she said. Sanya has engrossed herself in the nonprofit’s work in various ways. During a trip to India, she met with girls from a rural community to better understand their lifestyles and provide resources and education surrounding “culturally taboo” topics. “It’s not normal to talk about this stuff in other parts of the world,” she said. “To learn how to help care for yourself and others, you need to talk about it.” Harper Hipps, Xavier Prep Harper has always loved science. While volunteering at Goldensun Peace Ministries, a group home for adults with developmental disabilities, she realized she could bring science to the residents. She raised $600 to create the Immerse Science Pop- Up Club, using the money to buy supplies and materials. Each month, Harper brings the club to the residents at Goldensun and teaches a science lesson. “I started volunteering at Goldensun in middle school and, my freshman year, realized I could share my love for science with others,” Harper said. “We hold monthly meetings and do science experiments. The residents love it and look forward to learning.” The club gained such popularity that Harper now teaches lessons to those at the Southwest Autism Research Center. Abby Pearson, Xavier Prep Abby is passionate about the environment, so she convinced her family to start composting a few years ago. She learned about balancing the amount of green and brown materials and maintaining a garden where the compost is used. She then asked neighbors for their organic waste, and as the project grew, she looked for a composting project to partner with. She found the Pierson Street Garden. Today, Abby has 25 neighbors participating. Each week, she delivers a bucket to them for their organic waste. She then takes the full buckets to Pierson. Her efforts have resulted in redirecting over 1,000 gallons of organic material from a landfill to the garden compost pile. “It feels good to be doing something to help my neighbors, community and planet,” Harper said. Nathaniel George, Brophy Prep Nathaniel founded the Young Entrepreneurs Club at Brophy. He also participated in JA Inspire and visited StartUpPhx at the Burton Barr Library to learn more about resources for small business owners. “I remember feeling a little disheartened that everything at the library was for adults,” Nathaniel said. “There were no resources for young entrepreneurs. That’s when I realized I could create something to help other teens.” Nathaniel created The Cactus Flower Initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship. He approached the ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, Junior Achievement of Arizona and the City of Phoenix about creating more student resources. He pitched his idea and now partners with StartUpPhx to offer additional resources and perspectives. “Entrepreneurship has been reserved for adults for a long time,” Nathaniel said. “Entering this field as a young person was challenging. But I have realized the power of my voice as a young person in motivating and empowering others to create change.” Making a difference, one entrepreneurial step at a time Sanya Somani Abby Pearson Harper Hipps Nathaniel George SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR PRIVATE TOUR. OPEN HOUSES NOT YOUR THING? If you are currently working with an agent, please disregard. NATHAN ANDERSON + PAUL NICOLETTI 480.888.5800 | NATEANDPAUL.COM LATEST CUSTOM HOME BUILD YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! SCAN HERE or Call 602.730.0668 Today ROC #314154 MOUNTAIN SHADOWS 4244 E CATALINA DRIVE | ARCADIA | 30 DAYS FROM COMPLETION 5151 E EARLL DRIVE ARCADIA | UNDER CONTRACT 5141 E EARLL DRIVE | ARCADIA PRICE IMPROVEMENT $2,700,000

On the list of most popular months to visit Old Town Scottsdale, June makes a compelling argument to be number one. What began as a fun concept to kick off summer before the heat set in, June Days has become a celebration of all things that make this area so unique. With daily activities and events – wine tastings, art exhibits, crafting workshops, live performances and family-oriented outings – June Days leaves visitors with suntans and sunshiny demeanors, and a yearning to return again for more signature Old Town fun. OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com