26 MAY 2024 The morning of April 8 buzzed with excitement as Ingleside Middle School students eagerly awaited peak viewing of the partial solar eclipse at 11:20 a.m. Students were able to safely observe the eclipse using special glasses donated by the Parent Teacher Organization. Some students explored alternate viewing methods, such as using pinhole projectors crafted by the IMS Craft Club, while others tried the “waffle technique” using their hands. Biltmore Prep also participated in a solar eclipse viewing party. Each kindergarten-eighth grade student was outfitted with ISO approved solar eclipse viewing glasses to use (and take home). Participants were provided a safety lesson about the importance of properly using the glasses to avoid injury. Before heading outside, teachers educated students about what a solar eclipse is and what it means in various cultures around the world. In Ms. Heusch and Senora Santiago’s kindergarten classes, the excitement was tangible. Kids even made a sign to celebrate the celestial event. “When I picked my daughter Alessandra up from school, the first question she asked me was ‘when is the next solar eclipse?’ She proceeded to tell me what she learned that day and how cool it was to use her glasses,” Biltmore mom Taylor Rojas said. “It was a very proud moment to see her fascination with the eclipse. We even added reminders to our family calendar for the next one, because in her words, “There is no way I am going to miss that, even if I’m asleep!” Both schools were delighted to witness this event, knowing that the next solar eclipse in the U.S. won’t occur until 2044. Arcadia area students witness this year’s solar eclipse Earlier this spring, the Phoenix Children’s 50 (The PCH 50) hosted the fourth annual PCH 50 Pickleball Championships. This year’s event raised over $180,000 solely for the hospital, which PCH will put toward a new ambulance. Since inception, the tournament has raised over a half million dollars exclusively benefitting PCH. “The tremendous effort from community leaders going into the championships creates such a unique experience. From top level pros competing for serious prize money to beginners just picking up the game, our tournament has everything!” Director Andrew Cheney said. In addition to four divisions consisting of 128 players, the tournament hosts an electric celebrity match. Arcadia resident and former NFL quarterback Drew Stanton took on Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez in a tight doubles match. Colt McCoy, another NFL great, provided courtside commentary. Smead Capital Management made a generous donation. The PCH 50 consists of 50 men under 50 years old who raise funds and awareness for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. This group also puts on the exclusive Off the Record private concert, Concourse on the Hills auto show and Team Taylor Fun Run. thepch50.com Pickleball tourney raises $180,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital Biltmore Prep students paused studies to catch a glimpse of the solar ecplise that happened in April. PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYLOR ROJAS PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW CHENEY Colt McCoy, Drew Stanton, Elyse Johnson, Andrew Cheney, Ashlee Candelaria, Luis Gonzalez and John Orsak. Flexible Lending? Conventional VA/Government Jumbo Private Money We Check the boxes h i g h p l a c e m o r t g a g e . c o m N M L S # 2 4 0 8 3 4 7 | B K # 1 0 4 1 2 9 4 Bridge Construction Lot Loans Commercial/Business