30 JUNE 2024 By Jennifer Marshall Arcadia Little League (ALL) received a record number of registrations this year, with over 1,000 kids playing on 87 teams across baseball and softball divisions. ALL was established in 1957 and has since become the largest collection of leagues in the state. It operates as a nonprofit under the umbrella of Little League International. Games are played at several venues around Arcadia. All lower- age division softball a n d b a s e b a l l games are played at Ca melback Christian Church and Echo Canyon School. Ingleside Middle School hosts the major and minor baseball games. “We had a great opening night celebration,” President Mike Ord said. “Diamondback outfielder Alek Thomas threw the first pitch and signed autographs. We also presented our annual community service award to Chuck and Diane Kelhoffer, who started the first softball league of ALL in 1998. We’re still going strong more than 20 years later.” On opening night, teams played three games. Fly Bye Pizza, Scooptacular, and Kona Ice served cool treats. “During the first pitch, we asked all players to join us on the field to participate in the ceremony. It is such a wonderful night seeing alumni come back and support the younger generations,” ALL’s Cheri Pierce said. “My favorite memory from Opening Night was meeting Alek Thomas. It is so amazing that we both play baseball, but it’s his job,” participant Charlie P. said. AAA baseball and softball – both minor and major divisions – kicked off championship games in early May, with the Home Run Derby taking place on May 5. This year’s winner was Clemmer Wells. “This year’s event was called ‘Dingers De Mayo’ and over 300 people attended,” Ord said. “Along with opening night festivities and the coaches’ softball game, the derby is one of our main community events held each season.” The league is in its 67th year. “Record-high numbers have been gratifying, but it’s been challenging in many respects. We are fortunate to have extremely smart and capable board members who volunteer their time, brains and talents to ensure each kid has a great experience,” Ord said. “They focus on ensuring all of the ‘back of house’ functions operate seamlessly so that the magic can happen on the field.” After the championships, ALL announced their all-star teams and coaches as they started the league’s postseason play. With multiple district championships and top- five state finishes over the last five years, these baseball and softball all-stars hoped to make strong showings again this year at the district and state tourneys. Arcadia Little League reflects on record season By Jennifer Marshall Veritas Prep’s Great Hearts, Great Hands Group had a busy year, but one project left a lasting impression on them and their community. Sixty students volunteered at the Arcadia Cares: Food for Kidz Packathon, helping pack meals for families in need. “The group is comprised of dedicated students who are making an impact in the community,” Jason Moore, Great Hearts Marketing Specialist, said. “Last year, these students volunteered over 1,400 hours, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a culture of compassion and community engagement.” The club is dedicated to “bringing the Veritas ideals of truth, goodness, and beauty to the Phoenix community through volunteering.” Members participate in projects on and off campus throughout the year. The eighth annual Packathon was successful as Arcadians headed to Prince of Peace Church to help pack meals for disadvantaged families. This year, two types of meals were packed: one with oatmeal and the other with rice, beans, veggies and vitamins. Thanks to more than 550 total volunteers, 136,000 meals were put together. “I’ve done a lot of service projects, but I really like this one. I felt like I was directly affecting someone’s life that needs it, while also having a good time with my friends, which is what all the best service projects are,” member Avangeline Bailey said. After the event, the food was distributed throughout the Valley to food banks and other charities, where it reaches families facing food insecurity. “The Veritas community is amazing. The impressive amount of time and energy that goes into projects like this underscores the dedication to making a positive impact,” Media Coordinator Ginny Cardenas said. “It’s a testament to the collective efforts of the students. Whether organizing events, participating in celebrations, or contributing to art and culture, they demonstrate the power of unity in service.” “This isn’t a charity as that term is usually defined and used,” Event Chair Stephen Crofton said. “Packathon is merely the name given to a charitable event organized and conducted by volunteers. It was a wonderful feeling to exceed our goal this year. The event continues to be very successful because of financial support and hundreds of volunteers.” The next Packathon will happen February 28 and March 1, 2025. popphoenix.org Student volunteer group helps Packathon reach 136K meals Clemmer Wells won this year’s Home Run Derby. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCADIA LITTLE LEAGUE                     WANTED: SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS Deadline: friday, August 9 Send your photos to editor@arcadianews.com Be sure to let us know the names of the family or people in the photo, where you went and what you did! VOL. 31 NO. 06 Check out this year’s summer vacation photo spread to see where Arcadia spent the summer! PAGE 32 Kevin Riley’s adventures are always assisted by his Ping 2-iron golf club named Deuce. PAGE 22 Tavan’s students started the year off with new classrooms, playground equipment, and more. PAGE 26 SUMMER VACATION THE HIKING GOLFER TAVAN’S NEW LOOK Send to: editor@arcadianews.com or instagram: @arcadianews Your photo may be featured on the cover! SUMMER VACATION PHOTOS THAT MADE OUR COVER: 2023: Garrett, Katie, Riley, Parker and Frances Otondo at Glacier National Park. 2022: Henry McCarty (with Zane Gulick behind) at the Arizona Country Club. 2021: Avianna and Antonella Klein at Mount Rushmore. 2020: Cole Krawczyk and Loki take in the views at Yellowstone National Park.

4501 N 32nd St.