By Ahva Ghazanfari Perhaps the most well-traveled member of Arcadia High School’s administration is Jon Martens. An educator for 25 years – 19 of them at Arcadia – this explorer slash science teacher has been all over the globe and has visited places many people never get the chance to see. This includes over 65 countries, all 50 states (twice), and all seven continents. His traveling journey began modestly, with summer road trips across the United States with family. It wasn’t until he was on spring break in college that he went on his first major solo trip: across the globe to Egypt. But he didn’t stop there. “I extended my plane ticket to Europe. Then I spent three days traveling from Germany to Paris to Amsterdam,” Martens said. Though Mr. Martens isn’t afraid to travel alone, he usually travels with his wife. The two have been all over the world together and recently reached a milestone of having been to all seven continents with their visit to Antarctica over winter break. However, pursuing adventure often comes with sacrifices, and the duo has had to make many to support their lifestyle. “We don’t eat out much or buy each other expensive gifts – we use the money for travel,” Martens said. It’s all worth it for them, though, as their wanderlust remains strong and their bucket list long. After having been to so many places, Mr. Martens said his favorite country to visit was Italy, due to its rich, captivating history. Since reaching his previous goal – visiting Antarctica – his next one is to visit 100 countries. There’s nowhere the science teacher won’t go! !"#!$%&'"()"&'*+!',-&', Arcadia Dance will present Garden of Enchantment for its 2024 spring show, happening May 2 and 3. The Arcadia Dance Department, led by Tracy Puddy, puts out two shows yearly to showcase what each dance class has worked on that semester. Puddy describes Garden of Enchantment as “trying to create a mystical and magical world for our audience.” The goal of the show is to transport the audience to an entirely new time and place. Puddy is celebrating ten years as Arcadia’s dance teacher – but she’s been in the industry for over two decades. She choreographed 20- 24 pieces for the show, three for each class at AHS, and the show’s opener and closer. On top of this, she designs and programs the lights and oversees any props or scenery pieces if needed. Puddy is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and designer. Her inspiration for each show comes from “themes, music, movies and books that give me visions, or inspire me to create certain visions, and then movement comes.” Puddy caters each piece to certain classes based on dancer’s personalities and strengths, making them inclusive to everyone on stage. All the dancers work incredibly hard to make the show successful and even create their own pieces that could potentially end up on stage. The showcase is an ode to how hard both the teacher and the dancers work, a beautiful platform of art in its best form. – Maya Campbell From classrooms to continents: Arcadia High’s Jon Martens VOL. 1 NO. 05 APRIL 2024 From the students of Arcadia High School Mr. Martens and his wife in Antarctica. CREDIT: JON MARTENS Arcadia Dance Company. CREDIT: ARCADIA DANCE For the past 19 years, Arcadia News has offered a scholarship to a graduating Arcadia High senior who is continuing their education in journalism, broadcasting, communications, or other media-related fields. Over $18,000 has been awarded since the program was created by publisher Greg Bruns in 2005. There are three requirements for the $500 scholarship: • A desire to continue education in the realm of journalism, broadcasting, communications, or other media-related fields. • Obtain 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. • Write a letter (one or two pages - no word minimum or maximum), telling us about your educational and career aspirations and what you’ve done so far (any related awards you’ve earned, media classes, etc.) and what you look forward to most. The chosen winner will be presented with the award at the annual Honors and Awards Ceremony on campus in May, and will have their own story published in the next edition of the paper. “The Arcadia News Scholarship has certainly supported my career aspirations in marketing and copywriting at Arizona State,” 2023 recipient Solomon Riccio said. “I am truly grateful for the award and wish the next recipient nothing but the best. Thanks again, Arcadia News!” The deadline to apply is Friday, April 5 @ 3 p.m. Arcadia High seniors should contact Mrs. Treon or Dr. Steen in the Arcadia College and Career Center: arcadiacollegeandcareer@susd.org. Arcadia News Scholarship application deadline is April 5