22 JANUARY 2025 By Mark Hays Two events bring students, families, and staff together during the holidays at Tavan Elementary: the Turkey Bowl and the Jingle Bell Jog. These traditions combine physical activity and community spirit, making them highlights of the school’s winter months. The Turkey Bowl, an event with a 30-plus-year history, invites fifth graders to play flag football on the Arcadia High School field. The teams – Ballard’s Brood and Figueroa Fighters –were named after Principal Julie Ballard and Assistant Principal Suzi Figueroa. This year’s game ended in a 20-20 tie. “I liked that the scores were even,” fifth-grader Bronson, a member of the Figueroa Fighters, said. “We scored a lot in the first half, and the other team scored more in the second half. It was a good game!” Community involvement played a key role in the event’s success. John Thomas and John Albright, announcers for Arcadia High’s varsity games, volunteered to call the plays and energized the crowd with music and dance competitions. David and Katrina Alfaro of Arcadia Sports Central contributed significantly to the day’s festivities. “They coach our students during the school day, helping them run plays and working with each team to make sure they know the proper way to play and the rules,” P.E. Teacher Ellen Young said. “They also donated brand-new football shorts to each player. They are the most generous community members I’ve ever worked with.” Arcadia High students joined in on the fun, with cheer coach Sophia Digati and several varsity cheerleaders helping out Tavan’s spiritline by providing a routine and showing them some moves. “It was very fun and exciting,” Tavan students Olivia, Andie, and Arielle said. “We loved cheering with the Arcadia cheerleaders!” “I had a lot of fun. There was great sportsmanship where we were helping each other up, and it was such a good game. The quarterbacks had some great throws,” fifth- grader Gustavo said. Katrina agreed that the Turkey Bowl was a special event for all who participated. “They practice for a couple of weeks before the big game played the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and the entire school walks over to fill the stands and cheer the kids on,” she said. The Jingle Bell Jog brought holiday energy to the school, with students running laps around a decorated course. Bells were attached to each student’s wrist, and they were encouraged to wear themed clothes, socks, and hats to really bring out the spirit. Families were also welcome to join the event, cheering on the sidelines or running alongside the students. “It is an enjoyable way to get all our students active and having fun at the same time,” Young noted. This year’s jog was a success, with attendees totaling 4,191 laps at the end of the day. The winning class was Ms. Waltuch’s first graders, who averaged 6.94 laps per person. Each grade level with the highest average will pick a prize from the treasure box when Tavan gets back to school on January 6. Team spirit and festive fun helped Tavan finish out 2024 Tavan and Arcadia High students participated in the 2024 Turkey Bowl. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLEN YOUNG After graduation, Phoenix hopes to be involved in sports at the collegiate level. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBYN BROYLES By Mallory Gleich As Principal Margaret Serna prepares for retirement in 2025, her 48-year career with Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) leaves countless memories, celebrations, and success stories behind. Among those is that of Phoenix Jose, a student whose journey has been defined by perseverance and the support of family, friends, and educators. Margaret first met Phoenix in 2012 when his mother, Robyn Broyles, reached out with a request. Robyn was searching for a school that would not only meet his academic needs but also accommodate his physical challenges due to cerebral palsy. Robyn wanted her son to be placed in a regular classroom environment where he could thrive alongside his peers, instead of isolated in a self-contained classroom. “My response was an eager ‘let’s do it!’ Phoenix is in a wheelchair with physical challenges, but his mother insisted that although his body may have difficulties, his mind and his will are healthy and strong,” Margaret said. With support from dedicated teachers, staff, and classmates, he flourished. He successfully passed every grade, became the student council president, led the fifth- grade Olympic Flame Parade, and even managed the Tavan Turkey Bowl team. His journey continued as he transitioned to Ingleside. While the staff initially considered placing him in a self-contained classroom, Robyn and Margaret worked to ensure Phoenix remained in a regular classroom. With the support of the SUSD team, Superintendent John Kriekard, and his teachers, Phoenix was placed be in a mainstream learning environment. Margaret and Robyn’s bond grew stronger, and they affectionately became “comadres” (Spanish for co-mothers), committed to supporting his educational journey and personal growth. The same collaboration continued when he reached Arcadia High. A unique opportunity highlighted his senior year: Phoenix was made the statistician for the varsity football team. Wearing the #50 jersey, he proudly contributed and even delivered a few pregame speeches to inspire his teammates. “I’ve loved sports for as long as I can remember. I wish I could play, but I love watching and being part of the team in any way possible,” he said. “I helped out the Titans by keeping MaxPreps up-to-date, and during the games, I was always there for inspiration and support.” Phoenix was later recognized for his contributions by lettering in varsity football to finish out his final year on a strong note. He said he’s proud and excited to wear an Arcadia letterman’s jacket. “The letter represents the love and support he’s received the entire time he’s been going to school in the neighborhood,” Robyn said. “We planned for his involvement with the football and basketball teams when he started at Tavan. It is like a dream that became a reality.” “I wasn’t surprised when Phoenix lettered in football,” Margaret said. “He’s always gone above and beyond, and his positive attitude is contagious. It’s hard to believe how far he’s come. From Tavan to Arcadia, he’s shown us all the true meaning of resilience. I can’t wait to stand beside him as he receives his diploma and celebrates that hard work.” Phoenix’s future is filled with promise. He has already begun DJing and hosting events, and his love for sports will continue after graduation. He plans to attend a community college or take his freshman year online. After that, he hopes to transfer to a state school and continue to be involved in sports at a collegiate or professional level. “I loved the brotherhood at Arcadia High. I made some great friends,” he said. “The coaches, players, boosters and the athletic director made me feel very included and important. I will never forget this time in my life!” “Watching Phoenix grow, overcome challenges, and achieve his dreams has been one of the greatest celebrations of my professional life,” Margaret said. “I have no doubt he will continue to surprise us with all the amazing things he will accomplish in the future.” Titan’s statistician ends senior season with a varsity letter

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